Central Airlock, Derelict Prison of Elders
The Guardian approaches Variks
Variks: Fikrul is here, if anywhere. Scouts have found no den, no hollow he calls home. He seeks a weapon or a corpse — perhaps both. Variks will search alongside you. Fikrul knows Guardians have faced hardship, trials, in prison. He will not disappoint you by offering less, yes?
The Guardian descends into the Prison.
Variks: The Dread have come in great numbers…
Mithrax: Carrion-feeders hungry for Fikrul’s power. Do not let them stop you!
The Guardian defeats the Dread.
Mithrax: The Warden has locked us out of the administrative systems. I cannot assist from here.
Variks: The local controls are old, prone to errors. There may yet be a way forward.
A faint hymn echoes within the tomb.
Mithrax: Wait. Do you hear that?
Variks: Yes… Very strange. Variks is… unsure of the source.
Mithrax: Follow it, Guardian. Fikrul is waiting for us.
Lockup
The Guardian proceeds through the Prison.
Mithrax: They shield their commander. Tear their essence from their flesh! Let their essence fuel your wrath.
The Guardian defeats the High Revenants.
Mithrax: Fikrul could storm Europa and convert Eliksni in their hundreds… why is he here? What is he looking for?
Variks: Variks hears music once again… Answers must be close.
The hymn is near.
Variks: We have found him, Misraakskel.
Mithrax: More shields! You cannot escape us, Fikrul! You have him cornered, Guardian! Break him!
Variks: Caution, Guardian… Variks does not like this.
The Guardian receives a memory from the Echo, and witnesses a vision of Riis
Variks: Hmm. Skolas… he lives! [chitters] Do you see it, Guardian? Memory of Reef Wars, long ago. [chitters] Years of hubris and bloodshed. [chitters] The Fallen House of Wolves, led by Skolas the Rabid. The song… hmm. [chitters] A Whirlwind dirge. A seeking-song for the lost. But… hmm. Variks does not recognize the singer. The Echo… It is the Echo that sings to us, Guardian. [chitters] Sings of Riis, through our memories. It seeks an old strength. Strength to guide the scattered through a time of doubt and wrath. But it sees now how Fikrul wields its power… false life for an army of the slain, with those like Skolas for his pawns. The Echo seeks another wielder. [chitters] It demands one who is worthy.
Skolas emerges from his cell.
Fikrul: The old Warden returns. Did you miss us? We have no need of your loyalty, Variks. Look here. You face Skolas, the traitor Kell!
The Guardian defeats Skolas, Scorned Wolf. Fikrul revives him again.
Mithrax: No! The Echo revives him!
Variks: We cannot win this battle, Guardian.
Fikrul, Skolas and the Scorn disappear.
Mithrax: [growls in frustration] Fikrul escapes — with Skolas at his side. You will answer for this failure.
Variks: Not failure, Misraakskel. We have learned much of the Echo. Fikrul’s power rests uneasily in his grasp. There is hope here, Guardian. Let us report to Eido. We must consider our next steps carefully.