After Arnold left with his new shield, they left the cart with the weapons by the treeline and proceeded to trim the forest. Cless would point out which trees were to be cut and also took the opportunity to harvest some herbs. These were common herbs but the time required to harvest it was minimal. They spent the whole morning cutting and removing the limbs of the trees. Cless created axes made of granite for them to use. They broke and chipped and when it happened she just made more.

When the sun was at its apex, they had four bundles of logs ready to ship. Cless made the granite golem carry two, she and werewolf Silverfang carried one each. It was impressive the change when a Stat reached one hundred. Cless felt as strong as eight or ten men. The problem was the bulk. The logs were as tightly packed as possible, courtesy of her [Pack Rat] Skill, but it was now a matter of balancing the bundle with her small frame rather than carrying the load.

Nevertheless, they made it to the gate. The guards recognized them promptly and Cless made a mental note to thank Arnold for letting them know they would be coming. From the gate to the sawmill there were less than fifty meters and soon the four bundles were in Mr. Anders' front yard.

"Guild master, How pleasant to see you," Anders came to greet her. She was unsure if there was any sarcasm in his voice.

"Mr. Anders, please accept my apologies," She decided to be diplomatic. "But we had to take the time to exterminate the remnants of the orc horde, which we did."

Cless had decided to leave the news of the gnome dungeon for later. In fact, she even told Arnold to just tell that they found the shield in the former gnome village, as she was sure the dungeon was part of it. She knew there was an obligation to report the dungeon to the association. She would do that only after the items were appraised.

"No, no need for that, guild master. I am grateful for your assistance."

"Is something wrong?" Cless asked. Now that she noticed, she was not hearing the usual sounds of the sawmill working.

"No, you actually saved us. Ever since news of the two guilds in the valley fighting orcs, the lumberjacks decided to take a vacation. They won't go cut trees because it is too dangerous."

"Well, even late we delivered on our promise," Cless opened a smirk. She could milk Anders for more coin, but she wanted something else. "Mr. Anders, regarding that, I am willing to sell the wood for the going rate if you do an effort to put in a good word for my guild with the townspeople."

"Of course, guild master. It will be my pleasure."

They left the cart with the bundle of weapons in the sawmill to pick it up later. Ten-odd crowns richer, Cless left the sawmill and weaved through the back alleys with her guild toward the Beaten Hare. She saw Church people around in town and remembered the special visitors currently plaguing the otherwise peaceful town. She was brewing a plan to deal with them but she had to make sure the guild was safe before she made his move.

They turned a corner from an alley into an open street and met two soldier-like fellows, with a tabard that had a slightly modified One God symbol. They were crossing into the next alley when one of them shouted.

"Halt!"

Cless ushered the guild into the alley and stopped at its entrance, blocking the passage.

"May I help you, sir?" Cless asked in her most innocent tone. She was glad her cloak's hood was up.

"What are these monsters and a demi doing here?" The man snarled. He was clearly looking for trouble.

"They are part of my guild, sir. All tame. We are going home now."

"That's suspicious. Come out!" He ordered. The other man was already with his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it.

"I'm sorry, sir. I don't recognize you. Are you with the town guard?"

"Town guard? We are the inquisition, peasant wench!" The man tried to grab Cless' arm, but he was leagues too slow to do that. She just dodged with minimal movements.

"Is the town under intervention, kind inquisitor?" Cless knew it was not. Or they would be posted at the gates.

"Not yet, but you don't dare deny the Church's authority!"

From the movement of these mooks, they were in the second tier at best. Mere fodder. Cless nodded.

"Regarding the Church's authority, I outrank you if the town is not under intervention, inquisitor sir." It was true. The intervention meant putting everything under the Inquisition's command but there were political issues even in a backwater town like this one. "Fare thee well, under the One God's grace."

Cless flashed her holy symbol and chanted the level 10 Vicar spell.

"By the One God's Might – Shield of Faith."

She turned around and walked down the alley as a golden shield emblazoned with the One God symbol sprung into existence, blocking the way entirely. As she marked the two soldiers as hostile, they would have to break the shield. Her shield.

They moved calmly until they were out of sight and then broke into a jog. After ducking and weaving through the back alleys and some backyards, they reached the back gate of the Beaten Hare and slipped inside. Cless had almost certainty that Karen already knew they were inside due to her absurd Skill. If B-rank was already this world-shattering, what would an A-rank do? Even then, she decided to exercise caution. She turned to the four non-humans of her guild and pointed at the stables.

"Go and hide in the stables. I'll see if the coast is clear."

She entered the inn through the kitchen access and tiptoed to the door leading to the common room. She stopped with her back to the wall next to the door waiting to hear anything. She heard nothing. It seemed that there was nobody in the common room. That was beyond strange. Cless would really like to have a way to talk to Karen or to see beyond doors. She wasn't hearing the blurb from the street. Something was really wrong.

Instead of entering the common room, Cless took the employee corridor to the bathing room. She opened the hatch to look inside. It didn't give an angle to see the tubs or anything below the level of the hatch, but she also heard nobody inside. She heard the stoves burning though. Relaxed, she opened the door and crossed into the bathing room. It was clear. From there she snuck up and through the back for the stairs going up to the second and third floor. She moved to her room and entered. From there she could look out at the street through the gaps in the window shutters.

There they were. Some twenty of those Inquisition soldiers crowding the front gate. Karen was arguing with someone from the Inquisition but not a soldier, he was wearing robes too expensive. By the looks of it, they have just arrived. She switched windows and took a look at the rest of the group. The two that she left behind were there. It seems that avoiding the main streets delayed them too much but not as much since they didn't send men to block the back door.

Cless kept looking. Josefine and Balthus came and joined the argument. The guy in fancy robes got distracted and Karen looked straight at Cless and winked. She returned to the conversation but with a big smile. Relieved, Cless unloaded her deeppockets, setting the bundles of pelts on the middle of her room. They were smelling. She sighed and used Dry and Clean spells on all of them. She also removed the ores and the items.

She thought about what she should do. The guild was safe in the stables but that was a terrible place. she should bring them here. Cless took the baby mole and placed him in a drawer with some cloth scraps. She took some quartz fragments and placed them there so it could eat something. Cless went down and looked at the door to the common room. It was open. She backtracked and crossed through the bathing room and brought everyone up to her room.

"I will have to go and meet them. You guys stay here and don't open the windows." Cless told the four of them.

"Won't they harm you?" Venaris asked.

"I doubt so. They will try to cause some trouble, but I have a trump card. They hurried because they don't know my abilities. Their spies failed. I will just go there and win them over."

They didn't press any further. Cless took some white robes and restructured them to match the clothes of traveling priests of the One God Church. She changed into them, keeping her armor underneath. She took some lace and also created a veil to cover her head. After donning her Holy Symbol and throwing a beige cloak over everything, she was ready to face the Inquisition.

She used all her priestly buffs. Cless kissed each one of them. "Don't worry, I will be back for dinner."

"Take care," Vic said without turning around. He was watching them from behind the closed windows. "These fanatics are vicious. They won't let you go so easily."

"I know. But they are expecting a scared fifteen-years and two months old girl. I'm going to give them something they can't touch."

Cless smiled underneath the veil and walked away. She focused on the social skills the gnomes gave her. They were going to shine today. She didn't walk, she glided out of her room and down the stairs. Before she could be spotted, Cless moved along the walls and placed her back to the outer wall of the inn. There was no sound coming in, so the barrier was in place. She closed her eyes and chanted loud the full version of Hallow, just as the Church prayer book she received told to. She wanted the [Stage Magician] bonus.

As usual, the spell created a cylinder of holy energy that washed away from her. This time the golden power was thick, almost opaque. It went through the walls of the inn, spreading far, very far away. She kept the spell for about one minute and then dropped it. With a confident smile even though she was trembling inside, Cless moved out the door and into the street.

"Greetings." She spoke with a crystal clear voice, like a harp. No more words would come out of her.

Cless walked like a lady and stopped between Karen and Balthus. She picked up her robe and curtsied at the lead Inquisitor. There was a long silence as her sudden magic and appearance confused everyone, even her friends.

"Cless?" Karen whispered. "What are you doing out here!"

She didn't answer. Cless lifted her head to meet Karen's eyes and smirked.

After recovering from his shock, the lead Inquisitor spoke, "I didn't think you had a priestess, one of our own flock, hosted in your inn, Hearthfire."

"I wouldn't be in the business for too long if I didn't respect the privacy of my guests, Inquisitor," Karen replied.

"May I have the sister's name?" The man asked Cless.

She looked at the man and sighed. It was a faux pas to not introduce oneself first before asking another person's name. So she didn't answer. Cless kept looking at the man with a calm and relaxed expression, like someone sitting on a bench watching the sunset, or birds fly.

He got irritated. A good sign. "Can't you talk? Did you take a vow of silence?"

Two questions in one. Even better because any answer fit. She decided to address only the last one. Cless shook her head, lowering it just a little and frowning. Although the veil hid the fine details, her eyes and mouth were still visible underneath.

"Speak, woman! I am High Inquisitor Trevor! You will answer me."

Cless smiled. It wasn't that difficult, was it? "Please to meet you, High Inquisitor Trevor. I'm Vicar Cless." She curtsied again, this time going lower.

Trevor's eyes went wide. He reined his emotions back now that he got a piece of the puzzle. "Was that Hallow spell just now yours?"

Cless gently nodded. All of her moves were soft, delicate, gracious. She pointed at the inn and then at the flower bed resting by her windowsill. "I like to consecrate the ground every day. It helps my flowers grow and also removes any evil influence lingering around." She rested her hands over her lap after speaking and smiled, her gaze on Trevor but without staring.

He huffed. "Can you show me that spell again?"

Cless bobbed her head but made an expression like she was listening and waiting for the rest of his sentence.

"Did you hear me, girl?" He asked with a stern voice.

"Yes, I did answer you, High Inquisitor Trevor. And I did answer. I can show you the spell again if you want."

"Then do it already! We are wasting time here!"

Cless sighed and slightly shook her head in disapproval. "Father, why so angry?" She raised her eyes only to meet his and asked.

"I gave you an order, girl. Obey me."

She smiled and opened her arms, palms facing up in front of her hips. "I am sorry, father. As a non-militant member of our clergy and out of a crisis, I am forced to decline such a rude request."

Cless could see the reaction of some of the Inquisition soldiers that were out of Trevor's field of view. Some of them almost snorted. But Trevor seemed to catch up on Cless' game, even though he was a few moves behind.

"I'm sorry, Priestess... Cless, is it? Could you please show me your Hallow Spell?" He ground his teeth after he asked.

"Of course, father. Why wouldn't this Vicar not hear a polite request for more light upon the world?"

She recited, slowly, clutching the One God Holy Symbol laying by her neck. Her voice was a firm, penetrating soprano.

"Hallow!"

The same effect washed over the street, and now Cless could see how far it went. The radius from her was of almost a hundred meters. She met his eyes and kept reciting the chant. She could see the guards moved by the feeling of the spell. She registered all of them but Trevor as allies.

"Enough," Trevor once again ordered but this time she complied. The bitterness on his face and voice was palpable. "How is it possible? Show your face, girl!"

"That I cannot do in public, Father. I hope the One God may grant you comprehension and serenity." She could fight back. And right now Trevor was losing.

"Guards!" Trevor pointed at Cless. "Seize that woman and remove her veil!"

Karen was about to move but she put a hand before her aunt and moved a step forward. Praying with a soft voice, she used another spell.

"Bulwark!"

Cless stood her ground and surrounded herself with a wall of golden light. The guards now would have to chip away her defense before they could touch her. They hesitantly came and as she expected, they knew about the spell. The soldiers withdrew their weapons and were almost striking when Cless recited.

"Woe to you that swing a sword at your brother and sister. For you ignore the vast horde of monsters that assail the children of the One God."

She put all her presence and upgraded charisma under that. The soldiers stopped in their tracks, doubt spread across their faces.

"What are you waiting for? I'll remove that barrier!" Trevor did a chant and used a spell against Cless. "Dispel Magic!"

Cless almost winced but she held her eyes open. She felt his spell connect to her but it did nothing. Some guards even turned to look at Trevor. He repeated the spell and once again, nothing. Josefine covered her mouth to suppress a chuckle but her shoulders betrayed her. Thankfully, Trevor was out of his mind already. She could see veins popping in his neck.

"I gave you an order! Break that shield and remove her veil!" He yelled.

One of the guards had the guts to talk back. "But sir, she is of the clergy!"

"I did not—"

Cless interrupted George. She spoke loud and clear, her eyes locked on the soldier that talked back. "O doubtful heart, why toil in vain when your eyes can't see Truth? For the truth is in the wisdom of the One God which you may receive in prayer. Doubt not and kneel wherever you waver O heart. Pray and let the One God's wisdom wash over you."

Her last statement had the weight of an order. Her Leadership and Charisma placed the guards right on her hand. The guard knelt, laid his sword by his side and prayed. The others, seeing the situation aggravate, also knelt. Trevor hissed but said nothing. Soon all the other guards were also praying.

After evaluating the situation, the Inquisitor shouted. "What are you doing! Stand up and obey me!"

"Why so much anger, High Inquisitor? Can't you see that your men are desperately in need of guidance? They did no wrong, for in prayer they opened their hearts to the One God's teachings. Their conflict eased."

Cless thought Trevor would lash out against her at any time. He was boiling at this point. She knew that if he attacked her Balthus might intervene so she turned around to whisper to him, "Don't intervene, I got this." Balthus nodded at her.

"Wretched abomination, don't you dare either ignore or lecture me! I am a High Inquisitor! Only I know the true intents of the One God!"

"The will of the One God is mysterious and inscrutable as the scriptures say. Only through prayer, meditation one might one day receive illumination. High Inquisitor Trevor, one who claims to know the heart of the One God commits blasphemy." Cless said in horror. She next softened her voice and spoke to the guards. "Calm your hearts, sons of men. Elevate your spirits and drink upon His wisdom."

One of the guards started to cry. "It is the second coming of the Holy Maiden!"

'What a conspicuous title,' Cless thought. She saw Karen put a fist in front of her mouth and take a step back. She turned around and looked at Balthus and Josefine. They were also scared. 'There's a story right there, isn't it?' She mused.

Trevor was going to burst but then he restrained himself. Cless saw his knuckles become white for a minute before he recomposed himself. "I'll come tomorrow to visit you, Vicar Cless. Men! Rank up and move back to base!"

The soldiers stood up and left. After they turned around the corner, Cless sighed.

"My legs are jelly. Please take me inside before I ruin my image."

Stats:

Name: Cless (no surname)

Race: Human.

Level: 62 ( 1,921,000 / 1,953,000 Exp )

Class: — Dabbler 25 ( 300,000 Exp / ** ) — Priestess 25 ( 975,000 Exp / ** ) — Vicar 12 ( 646,000 / 678,000 Exp )

Profession — Veteran Warmaster 25 (300,000 Exp / **) — Crafter 20 (Skill) — Farmer 20 (Skill) — Herbalist 20 (Skill)

Base Stats — Strength: 64 [108] — Agility: 90 [162] — Health: 103 — Intellect: 105 — Wisdom: 100 — Charisma: 100 — Magic: 250

Available Status Points: 0

Skills:

S-rank: [ Absolute Contract ]

B-rank: [ Succubus’ Kiss ]

C-rank: [ Crafter ], [ Dangersense ], [ Elven Longevity ], [ Eat Anything ], [ Earth Magic ], [ Master Miner ]

D-Rank: [ Trick Shot ], [ Nimble Step ], [ Tinker ], [ Grounding ], [ Dancer’s Grace ], [ Great Leap ], [ Druidwalk ]

— [ Tremorsense ], [ Gemsense ], [ Ore sense ], [ Brownie Magic ], [ Courtier’s Charm ], [ Curmudgeon crafter ], [ Farmer ]

— [ Singers’ Talent ], [ Poison Resistance ], [ Merchant sense ], [Steelshine], [ Heavy Handed ], [ Twin Strike ], [Spell Resistance]

— [Runner's Dash ], [Steel Muscles ], [Evade Projectiles ], [Snakes' Flexibilty ], [Herbalism ], [Stage Magician ]

E-Rank: [ Gravebreath ], [ Architectural Ingenuity ], [ Coin Sense ], [ Weavertouch ], [ Silk Hair ], [ Wanderlust ],

— [ Giant's Stamina ], [ Hearth’s warmth ], [ Seamstress Talent ], [ Lady’s Countenance ], [Enhanced Touch],

— [ Howl], [ Air Sailing], [ Splinters ], [Pack Rat], [Virility]

F-rank: [ Gardener’s touch ], [ Florist’s Wonder ]. [ Cheat ], [ Inner Compass ]

Spells (spells under 20 hidden):

Cleric: — Mending: 50 — Detoxify: 50 — Light: 55 — Turn Undead: 34 — Blessing: 50 — Holy Bolt: 59 — Purify: 50 — Protection: 53

— — — Hallow: 60 — Flametongue: 43 — Cure: 50 — Uncurse: 40 — Banish: 40 — Heal: 57 — Warding: 50 — Revivify*: 40

Mage: — Detect Magic: 38 — Armor: 53 — Fireball: 37 — Shield: 48 — Resistance: 34 — Deeppockets*: 38 — Blink*: 41

Priestess: Censure: 42 — Bulwark: 55 — Mass Mending: 51 — Sacred Dance: 46 — Judgement: 56 — Song of the Accord*: 55

House: — Detect Dust: 32 — Doorwatch: 26 — Prestidigitation: 32 — Never Overdone!: 35 — Touch Up: 27

— — — Dry: 34 — Repair: 46 — Clean: 50 — Bloom: 45 — Hearth Recall*: 24

Earth: — Soften: 40 — Earth Armor: 55 — Stone Shape: 53 — Terrakinesis: 49 — Golem*: 60

Vicar: — Water Breathing: 23 — Shield of Faith: 30

Proficiencies (values under 10 hidden):

Appraise: Status: 50 — Resistance: 50

General: Prayer: 60 — Reading: 16 — Skinning: 11

Social: Negotiation: 39 — Persuasion: 34 — Bluff: 37

Martial (+18 profession): Leadership: 61 — Intimidation: 59 — Tactics: 55

Weapon (+18 profession): Long Blades: 49 — Unarmed: 47 — Archery: 57 — Maces: 38