Lunch with the Inquisitors

Location: Alba / Common Hall

Time: Y1503 - 50th day of the Harvest Moon

*chatter* *eat* (Everyone)

The common hall here in Alba is much smaller than the one in Victoria. It's underground, there are no windows with glorious stained glass. No altar, nor red carpet. Just a simple dining hall with wooden tables and benches.

There is barely enough room for everyone, every table is full, Brothers and Sisters cramming to fit the benches.

Uhm. Not every table. One is depressingly empty, with just a few people sitting. Three figures clad in black robes. Inquisitors. One must be Kaven, the other Sebra. I have no idea who the third one is. My guess is he is not adept in magic, since I didn't see him during training.

Well, first I should grab my bowl.

"You finally came down from the tower! You need to rest more, Liara." (head Cook Hera)

*smile* (Liara)

A bowl of soup. Boring but tasty enough. Sisters rarely prepare elaborate meals.

[Religious orders often lived humbly in our world as well. At least the more humble ones.] (Explorer Me)

Still, living humbly is no guarantee of being good natured. Let's get to know them better!

[Are you sure you want to sit with them? Others will make room for you.] (Bookworm Me)

I don't like imposing over the Sisters or abusing my standing. And I can see memories of you being shunned off by your classmates during lunch. Let's keep them company, shall we?

*reach* *sit* "I hope this spot is free!" *smile* (Liara)

"Gifted one!" *raise* *tumble down* (Inquisitor Sebra)

Oops. This was so mind blowing to them that Sebra fell trying to pay me respect. There is something funny about seeing a menacing hooded figure comically falling down, but I try hard not to laugh.

Everyone else stop eating for a moment looking over here. They quickly look away after I glance at them.

"... This one ask forgiveness for her failure!" *sweat* *bow* (Sebra)

"I, Kaven, take full~ (Inquisitor Kaven)

"Why ask forgiveness? Did something happen?" *slurp* (Liara)

They are so dramatic... In those cases is better to just leave the bygones be bygones. They are dumbfounded for a moment, then, awkwardly sit down and resume eating.

"You may want to sit with others, Gifted One." (Kaven)

"Why? I mean, there is a lot of space here? It's more comfortable, don't you think?" (Liara)

"It is as you say, Gifted one. We gracefully accept your presence." (Kaven)

*whisper* "This one is unworthy..." (Sebra)

Acting clueless makes things easier. I hope I can use my physical age to my advantage for a long time!

"Inquisitor Kaven, there is something you said yesterday about taking down the assassins." (Liara)

"Of course. It was an honor to receive such order. To be able to deliver Justice in your name, Gifted One. I can think of no greater calling." (Kaven)

The two hooded figures nod strongly at Kaven's remark. It's unsettling how highly they think of me. Who knows with kind of lies were they fed.

[Lies like you weaving magic images as tall as the Royal Palace, or shrugging off assassins and landslides alike? Or coming up with a superior collimating technique?] (Science Me)

If you put it like that...

"Do you mind telling me how you did it?" *slurp* (Liara)

"I hear and obey, Gifted One. Sharing with you this tale fills my heart with pride." (Kaven)

"Liara. Call me Liara, please." *smile* (Liara)

He is acting like a fan who just met a star. So strict laced. I hope that by telling this story he can become more easy going.

Hunt for Darkness

Location: Red Harbor Town / Local Lord mansion

Time: Y1503 - 45th day of the Fire Moon

"The lord shall see us immediately!" (Inquisitor Kaven)

"I was given orders! Just as you were! You must wait!" (Guard)

"This town shelters evil. Opposing us is the same as siding with it. We shall burn~ (Kaven)

*open door* "Your leader is now allowed to see the Lord. Please, follow me." (Advisor Kyee)

[I thought I was a goner.] *sweat* (Guard)

--------------------------------

A large sprawling mansion. Too big. This town is poor. How does this town's lord own such wealth? No matter. It's not my place to ask. I already have a target to hunt. One that must absolutely not be allowed to live in this world, lest we might incur Gloria's wrath!

"The lord will be here soon. Please wait here." (Kyee)

"Tread carefully. We are on an holy mission. If you impede our progress any further, Gloria's wrath will fall upon you." (Kaven)

"Please. We know how zealous Inquisitors can be. You are an honoured guest, and the lord is on his way." *bow* (Kyee)

I can smell blood from her. It's faint, but it's there. Even if this is a trap, I shall prevail over evil. Gloria would never allow me to die, at least not before I smite this evil!

*enter* "Greetings. I'm Lord Lesto Hartae, what can the humble me do for an inquisitor of Gloria." (Lord Lesto Hartae)

*raise* *bow* "I'm Kaven, an inquisitor of Gloria. Let us skip formalities for there is little time. Evil has slipped into this town. I was sent to smite them. I request cooperation from your forces." (Kaven)

This Fair Skin middle aged man wears a form fitting dress with rich golden details. He has a pair of small round glasses and a long nose. He seems crafty. I should be on my guard.

*raise eyebrow* "Request? The church of Gloria left Red Harbour Town quite a few moons back. And can you please elaborate on the nature of this evil?" (Lesto)

"Takers of Lives from who are dirtied by sins beyond measure! My orders are to chase them to the end of the world. Deliver Justice. Punish everyone that shelters them accordingly!" (Kaven)

*whisper* "End of the world..." (Lesto)

The man pauses. He surely realize what a monumental mistake would be to oppose us!

"Advisor. Escort Inquisitor Kaven to the captain of the guards. Help him however you can." (Lesto)

"At once, my lord." (Kyee)

"It seems you are no evil, after all. Gloria will reward you for your cooperation." *leave* (Kaven)

--------------------------------

Location: Red Harbor Town / Docks

The largest dock in the region. Which is not saying much. At it's busiest there are no more than a couple dozen small fishing boat and one or two merchant ships.

All ships travel close to the coastline. It's suicidal to sail in open waters, but a ship is just doing that. One that has stowaways. The evil I'm hunting for.

"That's the ship? How can you be sure they are there?" (Leader Horehin)

"The evil bears Meridia's mark. They will never be able to escape our sight, for as long as they breathe." (Kaven)

The leader understands. Meridia might have lost her powers, but her name still carries weight. Fear is not quickly forgotten.

*whisper* "This one can see shadows ahead. Death await us." (Inquisitor Sebra)

I expected as much. This evil is capable. I admire their skills in eluding me for so long, but the chase ends today. The ship that just raised anchors is harbouring them. The sea will become their coffin.

"Have your men take the second merchant ship and give chase." (Kaven)

"And you?" (Horehin)

"It is not your place to know." (Kaven)

The leader has no choice. He lead his men to the ship in the docks. He will seize it and sail, after the evil. Their fate is sealed, but their death will serve a greater purpose.

"Follow me." (Kaven)

It's time for me and my inquisitor to end this hunt.

--------------------------------

Location: Waters near Red Harbor Town / Merchant Ship Garazor

The Garazor was a forty meters long merchant ship with two masts and a crew of twelve. The ship was not hardened since it mostly sailed in calm waters near the coast.

The crew and captain were startled when ten city guards boarded the ship and gave command to set sail. To give chase to a ship. The sun was setting, and the captain was in her cabin. She came out when a sailor called for him.

"Horehin! What is going on here?!? I pay you to close an eye on our cargo!" (Captain Jeska)

"It's not about the cargo, Jeska. Fools hijacked the Feragot. Fools chased by Inquisitors of Gloria. Unless you want our town to be cleansed, I suggest you cooperate." (Horehin)

"The inquisitors are involved?!? Are they on board???" (Jeska)

The captain of the ship was a very tall dark skin woman, with a muscular body and a rugged look. She was getting restless, and grabbed the leader of the city guards by his collar.

"Calm down. They are chasing after them some other ways. We are just to serve as a distraction. Just follow from a distance." (Horehin)

The leader of the guards wasn't sure either, but it would not have been wise to say that to the captain.

*let go* (Jeska)

"The captain of the Feragot is a friend of mine. He would never set sail in the Red Sea willingly. Do you think the inquisitors will let him go?" (Jeska)

"One can dream, Jeska. One can dream." (Horehin)

"Captain! We are ready to sail! What are your orders?" (First Mate)

Jeska and Horehin looked each others in the eyes. The crew would not listen to the guards, that much was certain. And the guards don't have the competence to manoeuvrer the ship. If Jeska refused to give the order, things would get ugly.

"So be it. Follow the Feragot from a distance. At very least we have to try and rescue her sailors. They helped us before. We owe them." (Jeska)

""Aye!"" (Crew)

With great expertise, the crew prepared the Garazor to sail.

Unknown to the crew, there was a thin rope tied to the anchor wheel. A rope connected to a barrel in the cargo hold. While the anchor was being lifted, the rope snapped.

**Ka-Boom** (Ship)

The ship shook as an explosion tore a hole in the hull below the sea line. The ship visibly bent with the the bow and the rear raising and the mid section sinking as the ship had her back broken by the deflagration. Water poured in inside the cargo bay, followed a few seconds later by a gush of water sprinkling from the loading hatch and flooding the deck.

Splinters from the explosions grazed and wounded several crew members and tore the sails. The ship shook to the point where many sailors and guards where thrown off the ship. The watcher on top of the mast fell to his doom, crushing on the deck.

"Abandon Ship!" (Jeska)

The ship was doomed. The captain, the first to recover her wits, uttered her last order as captain of this vessel, amidst screams of sailors, sounds of water flowing and gurgling and wood bending and snapping. Death throes of a dying ship.

*dive* (Jeska)

The more experienced sailors knew from experience what to do and in a few seconds started jumping off the ship. The less experienced guards were more indecisive. Some followed the example of the sailors, others were panicking.

As the ship sunk lower and lower, the sailors kept swimming, trying to put as much distance from them and the ship as possible. The guards that jumped, either just fought to stay afloat, or desperately tried to grab wooden debris. Some of them didn't know how to swim.

Less then a minute after the explosion the sea claimed the ship, and the deadly current that followed dragged many survivors that were too close to the wreckage, underwater.

Few survivors that swam far enough were spared. Their only saving grace was that they were close to the docks, and help from the town would arrive soon.

--------------------------------

Location: Waters near Red Harbor Town / Merchant Ship Feragot

**Ka-Boom** (Ship)

"Captain! That was our sister ship! She is going down!" (Sailor)

"We need to turn back! Help them! Please!!!" (Captain Turlov)

"Who do you think planted that explosive? Keep going." (Codename Claw)

The two survivors from had been on the run from the inquisition ever since the assassination attempt, more than fifteen days ago. They had little sleep or food, and were irritable, asking unreasonable things from their hostages.

Claw was holding a knife to the throat of the Captain. They killed many sailors who tried to oppose them. Now there are only four left, barely enough to staff the ship.

"Sailing the Red Sea is suicidal! No ship ever made it!" (Turlov)

"We are going to be the first. And believe me, if you knew what the inquisition is capable of, you would choose the sea monsters as well." (Claw)

*gulp* "The inquisition?" (Turlov)

"We took care of one party, but more will follow. Those guys are relentless. They will never stop giving chase. But the Red Sea ought to thin the herd a little." (Claw)

For the next few minutes, the ship kept sailing forward, putting more distance to Red Harbor Town. For the first time in days, Claw could ease up a little. It's not like he could keep a blade pointed at the captain's throat all journey.

On the other side of the ship, Eye was looking over the crew to see that they would not do anything stupid.

[I can't take much more than this. I'm barely standing, that's how tired I am. Still, I have to make sure. I just hope my body can take one more weaving.] (Codename Eye)

(Codename Eye)

[A faint presence. I feel aether flowing... A mage? A spell?!?] (Codename Eye)

"Claw! JUMP! NOW!!!" *jump* (Codename Eye)

--------------------------------

Location: Red Harbor Town / Coast

**Ka-Boom** (Ship)

The evil truly has great skills. Too bad they are so misguided.

As soon as Leader Horehin set sail, a large explosion tore the ship's belly. The evil had set a trap. I saw through it, but using those men as decoys is going to ensure my success.

Their sacrifice serves a greater propose. They should take comfort in that.

We are on a small black raft, probably used by smugglers. The sun just set, and with our black robes, we are almost invisible to the eye.

One of them must be able to weave detection magic, so I had one of my inquisitor weave a mirage spell. It won't be able to hide large scale weaving, but by the time they feel us, it will be too late.

Just in case Inquisitors in the front of the raft are equipped with shields, and I have countermeasures ready for magical attack too.

I learned much about the evil during this hunt. About their sinful and shameful ways.

A few minutes passes. We are now close enough to the evil.

*whisper* "Do it." (Kaven)

Sebra, my most trusted subordinate starts weaving. She painted her body black with octopus ink in order not to break the camouflage.

(Inquisitor Sebra)

The night becomes day as tall flames engulf the evil ship. I closed my eyes to avoid being blinded by the light. A piece of wisdom I shared with my inquisitors to ensure the success of this hunt.

Sebra collapses from exhaustion. The flames are short lived. We are at least two hundreds meters away, and we could still feel the heat. Well done, my Inquisitor.

The ship is now lit with much weaker flames, fuelled by the wood of the ship itself. I can see human torches throwing themselves in the water. Futile.

I shall make sure by contacting the headuarter. Meridia's mark do not lie.

(Kaven)

[Kaven here. I need to know the location of the evil.] (Kaven)

...

[The mark of Meridia has disappeared.] (Inquisitor Nostra)

[As expected. The sea will serve as tomb for them. The deed is done.] (Kaven)

[Let me be the first to congratulate you on your success, Inquisitor Kaven. I'll relay the information.] (Nostra)

I delivered Justice. I was of use to Gloria. I feel elated. I feel complete. There can be no greater pleasure in life, truly. I'm sure my fellow inquisitors feel the same.

*whisper* "Keep your eyes open. They may yet surface to breathe if they are still alive. We are going to stay a few minutes to make sure." (Kaven)

Yes. This evil was capable. Only one of them carried Meridia's mark. The other may have survived. I should make sure.

End of the Tale

Location: Alba / Common Hall

Time: Y1503 - 50th day of the Harvest Moon

"Then I reported back to the headquarters, and I had the honor of being sent here to learn from you, with two of my most trusted Inquisitors, Sebra and Gabri" (Kaven)

*loud cheers* (Everyone)

"The inquisitors avenged our dead brother and sisters!" (Sister A)

"They delivered Gloria's justice!!" (Sister B)

"What unwavering faith!" (Guard)

As soon as Kaven finished his story, the hall erupted in loud chorus and cheers. More and more people started listening throughout of the tale. By the end, people moved closer to our table and everyone was silent.

The three inquisitors are puzzled, and obviously have no idea how to react to being cheered on. I guess the normal reaction is them being left alone brooding? That's sad.

The tale itself was... Brutal.

[In his world view everything is white or black. That's dangerous.] (Explorer Me)

Well, I did learn more about them in the end. And they did get rid of assassins that killed people I knew. Maybe the end justify the means in this case.

Breathe

Location: Beach south of Red Harbor Town

Time: Y1503 - 45th day of the Fire Moon

*gasp* *drag* (Claw)

A muscular man, bloodied and covered in scratches, with the last of his strength, finally reached the shore, along with the motionless body of his female companion.

In the distance, a few embers of two sunken ships could be seen, alongside the lights of small fishing boats that went out, searching for survivors. Many families were broken today. But Claw had his own worries.

"Eye! You are not breathing!" (Claw)

Claw checked on his companion, but she wasn't breathing. She had been near her limits before the ordeal. And she had never been good with water in the first place.

"I can't lose you!" (Claw)

*mouth to mouth respiration* (Claw)

"Breathe, Eye!" (Claw)

*mouth to mouth respiration* (Claw)

"Breathe! Please!!!" *cry* (Claw)

Claw was past his limit already. He had been going through seer will. Losing Eye was not a weight he could bear. He tried breathing air inside her. Hoping against hope that she would come back.

*mouth to mouth respiration* (Claw)

*gasp* *heavy breaths* *cough* (Eye)

*hug tightly* "You are alive! Thank you! Thank you!" *cry* (Claw)

Overcome with joy, Claw hugged Eye, unaware that he was hurting her.

*weak voice* "A. ir." (Eye)

"I'm sorry!" *let go* (Claw)

*weak voice* "Leave. They. Will. Come." (Eye)

"We are leaving together, or not at all." (Claw)

With a determined look, Claw explored his surroundings. With a new mission in mind, he was focused once more. There was a cave nearby, Claw gathered strength he shouldn't have had anymore, and carried Eye inside.

Daybreak

Location: Cave south of Red Harbor Town

Time: Y1503 - 46th day of the Fire Moon

*sun glimmer*

"Ah! It's day, already! I fell asleep!" (Claw)

Claw tried to mount guard, the night before, sure that the inquisition would find them, like every time before. He fell asleep since he was exhausted, but something was not right.

"Eye Wake up!" *shake* (Claw)

*weak voice* "What. is. it?" (Eye)

"They aren't here! We couldn't escape, they should have found us, already!" (Claw)

*weak voice* "Maybe. link. broke. when my. heart." *cough* (Eye)

"So, we are free? They won't chase us anymore?" (Claw)

*weak voice* "Let's. hope." (Eye)

*hug* "Yes. Let's hope." (Claw)