The view of the night's sky at the pinnacle is quite impressive. While the valley below is full of fog, the stars above are clear and bright. Thurl has his hands clasped behind his back, not making eye contact. "Great evil lurks among these hills," he says. "Depraved cultists led by wretched monsters."
He pauses and turns. "Thaliss of house Eviastarim, you have accomplished much in your days. You have done more in such a short time than I have in all my days. You have nobly battled against these very cults, and you have proven yourself to me this night. You may not realize it, but you have already struck blows against a great darkness that seeks to envelop us all."
He examines your expression, but then turns to face the valley again.
"How long have you truly known your 'retainers?' Do you trust them? Have you not traded in one set of allies for another only recently? I suspect that there is a game in play, and you are one of pieces. Many would try to use you to their own nefarious ends."
He begins to circle the pinnacle talking mostly to himself. "There is a group of these cultists that is gathering strength. They call themselves the Circle of the Scarlet Moon, but this is a farce. They are cultists of elemental fire. They are gathering as we speak, claiming that by enacting the 'Rite of the Wicker Giant' they will restore peace and prosperity to the entire Dessarin Valley. This is a lie. They wish to see this world burn. Further, I believe that your follower... this Maighan... is one of them. She is undoubtedly here to misdirect you. To keep you away from the cults activities. To keep watch of you."
He stops in front of the spyglass that is pointed down at the valley. He looks at Thaliss sternly, as if to gauge whether these words were believed.
