Kassandra:This is it. Somehow, this stone formation will bring us closer to the artifact. I think it's a riddle of some kind.
Eivor:Well, of course it is.
Kassandra:Since you're clearly an expert at playing with rocks, get to solving it then.
Eivor looked around and found an inscription near the rock formation, with a crude drawing of the Isle of Skye at top of the note and unknown scripture at the bottom of the note.
The contours of this island pulse with a commanding spirit. Weak with fasting and self-flagellation, I cannot find its source. But I am certain it is the spirit of the Nephilim. A certainty glows within my breast—it was they that authored the strange markings I came upon years ago. It is they that speak to me now! These are their words, let them burn in my soul!
Born in mud and excrement Cleansed in cold waters Wrapped in the shroud Of coming death Remember the pain And despair that lie within
Eivor looked around the rock formation and found a note near a couple of crates.
Page of a Diary
It's as if I can feel energy radiating from these stones. Amazing. Could uncovering their secrets be a matter of perspective?
I should search the area carefully.
Eivor searched further and found a makeshift camp nearby, with another note near some scrolls.
Page of a Diary
I made a fascinating discovery today while resting on the makeshift shelf I assembled! I felt a strange resonance. A kind of power.
But still, it feels as though something is being hidden from me. Almost as if my eyes betray me.
This exploration is taking longer than I anticipated. I should have brought more water.
Eivor found another note.
Page of a Diary
This doesn't feel quite right.
But I sense I am getting closer to uncovering whatever secrets these stones are hiding.
Eivor saw a dead body nearby, with a note beside the corpse.
Page of a Diary
I feel a connection with the stones when my feet are above the ground.
I need to find a way to climb up higher.
Eivor deduced that she had to position a blocked movable structure in order to solve the riddle. Doing so, Eivor encountered the spot where energy was concentrated.
Eivor:I feel something... light and heat.
Eivor:The great, artifact hunter is stumped by a pile of rocks.
Kassandra:I—it's not that simple. There's a trick of some kind. Maybe it's a riddle...
Eivor:It is. And I already solved it.
Eivor went to see Kassandra afterwards.
Kassandra:That's it? There's nothing.
Eivor:Ah, of course you don't see it. You don't have my... gifted sight.
Kassandra:That gift wouldn't run in thefamily, would it? Who might yourparents be?
Eivor:Mind yourself and focus.
EIvor drew out a map of the Isle with a marked X
Eivor conferred with Kassandra about her findings. Eivor went to the ground and drew out the picture the riddle provided.
Eivor:It looks like the Isle of Skye, but there are several markings on it.
The picture showed five triangle markings scattered around the isle and an "X" at top of the isle. Kassandra gasped sarcastically.
Kassandra:Could it? No, it couldn't be... a map?
Kassandra smirked as Eivor stood up and faced her.
Eivor:I didn't feel the need to state the obvious.
Kassandra questioning Eivor on the markings
Kassandra looked at Eivor, amused, and then focused back on the drawing.
Kassandra:So? What are the markings?
Eivor:There are several triangles. And one "X" not too far from here.
Kassandra:What are we waiting for? "X" marks the spot.
Kassandra walked away as Eivor scuffled the ground drawing. Both warriors started to travel together.
Kassandra:So do you just spend your days attacking strange women in graveyards or do you have other duties?
Eivor and Kassandra continued their journey, venturing down a cliff.
Kassandra:You're quiet. Not thinking of throwing another axe at my head, are you?
Eivor:No. I'm just not compelled to fill silence like you are.
Kassandra:Good! That fight took a lot of me. Not sure I'm ready for a second.
Eivor:You kept me on my toes as well.
Kassandra:Was that a compliment?
EIvor and Kassandra discovering a hidden sanctum
Both warriors arrived at the Cave of Gold as Eivor followed Kassandra through the cave's paths. Soon, both arrived to a certain sanctum surrounded by rocks.
Eivor:There's nothing here.
Kassandra:Stand right here.
Eivor:Why?
Kassandra:Can't you trust me? Or at least pretend to so this goes faster?
Eivor:Fine.
Eivor stood in the middle of a white circle platform, and the mirage of rocks instantly disappeared.
Eivor:How did you know—?
Kassandra:Lots of practice.
Suddenly, Eivor and Kassandra were ambushed.
Eivor and Kassandra defending against the frenzied villagers
Kassandra:Another ambush! They must be drawn to the temple!
Eivor:They're very persistent.
One of the cursed civilian spoke directly to Kassandra in Greek.
Cursed Skye Civilian 1:(The blood of the god in your veins is not meant to walk these lands, mercenary!)
Eivor:Are they... speaking your language?
Kassandra:Little less talking, more fighting!
Cursed Skye Civilian 2:(This Apple of Eden belongs to another god, mercenary!)
Both warriors killed their ambushers. Kassandra looked at the cave's pedestal.
Kassandra:I've seen this before. We'll need shards—keys—to place on this pedestal. That should open—
Eivor confronted Kassandra.
Eivor:No. We need to talk. Those people that attacked us—were they speaking your language?
Kassandra:I already told you, the artifact has made them go mad.
Kassandra walked towards the pedestal.
Eivor:Kassandra.
Kassandra clenched her fists and turned towards Eivor.
Kassandra:Eivor, when are you going to see that I'm here to help?
Eivor:Fine. We've come this far together. I trust you have good intentions.
Kassandra:Thank you.
Eivor:And if you say you're not hiding anything, I believe you.
Eivor:You might not be hiding anything...
Kassandra:I'm not!
Eivor:But people here speaking your language is not a coincidence.
Eivor:No, you're lying. I'm sure of it.
Kassandra:Have I been anything but helpful to you since I got here?
Eivor:In the first ambush, those men seemed to know you. Now, they're speaking your language. You can't take me for such a fool.
Kassandra trying to explain and plead her case
Kassandra held firm as she traded looks with Eivor. Kassandra soon sighed in response.
Kassandra:There's a chance that my arrival on the Isle of Skye might... be what activated the artifact's powers. But it's not certain. And even if it's true, that's all the more reason for me to remove it.
Eivor:No, that's all the more reason for you to leave so I can remove it myself. You've done enough. I can't trust you, Kassandra.
Eivor turned away from Kassandra, who tried to stop her.
Kassandra:You have no idea what you'd be dealing with. You need my help.
Eivor turned towards Kassandra, angrily.
Eivor:I know what I must do from here. And if those men are after you, it'll be even easier for me to continue by myself.
Kassandra:Eivor, please! The powers of the artifact are unlike anything you've seen!
Eivor chuckled harshly.
Eivor:Nothing is too powerful for me! Besides, I'm sure I'll make better use of this "weapon" than you.
Kassandra leaving the cave in anger
Kassandra grunted.
Kassandra:Fine! I've had enough of you anyway. You're impossible!
Kassandra began to leave.
Kassandra:You're too brash, Eivor. And it will undo you.
Kassandra left.
Eivor:I still need to find all the shards before I can open the door. Better get going.