Call to arms

Location: Calmia / Central Square

Time: Y1503 / 25th day of the Wither Moon / Midday

The mining town of Calmia was a lawless place where the labour force was made up of desperate and criminals. The air smelled of coal, and thin black powder covered every building in town in a black veil, making the place look even more depressing.

While each of the powers in the Kingdom had a presence there, it was the Silence which really pulled the strings in the town.

*dong* (Bell)

It was just midday, but the bell used to call the time for those working inside the mines was sounding. Something was going on.

*dong* (Bell)

Standing on a decrepit wooden platform painted black by coal in the middle of the central plaza was an old and battered cylinder of iron. The bell.

The square wasn't actually square in shape at all. It was like someone had cleared buildings from the irregular layout of the city and called that a square. It was about two hundred meters wide. It was unpaved and uneven, with all sort of trash littering the floor.

Usually market stalls selling food of dubious origin or shady merchants trading in all sort of goods would be there. Not today, the stalls had been cleared for the occasion.

*dong* (Bell)

*knock* *knock* "Get to the plaza! We have a show for you all!" (Goon)

*stare* (Miner)

“watcha yo locking at?” (Goon)

“Hey! I don't want any trouble!” (Miner)

“I thought so. Now get moving!” (Goon)

Bouncers in the payroll of the Silence were working alongside the city guards to get everyone out of their home.

Thousands of puzzled inhabitants gathered over the next half an hour. Mostly peasants dressed in rags or mercenaries looking for a fight. Upon reaching their destinations, citizens were greeted by prisoners lined up on the platform.

**murmur** (Crowd)

“Another execution?” (Miner A)

“No. They are giving them gold... Of course it's an execution! You idiot!” *slap* (Miner B)

**laugh** (Miners)

“YOU! Come back here! I'm giving you a new face!” (Miner A)

The inhabitants of Calmia were not the most patient bunch to begin with. Left to their own advices, they would surely start to fight.

[I'd better get started.] (Silence Boss Travian)

“CALMIA! SHUT UP AND LISTEN!” (Travian)

The greatest power in Calmia was neither the governor, nor a the priestess of Gloria. It was local boss, Travian.

The boss was a scrawny Fair Skin men with sharp eyes dressed in an equally sharp looking brown attire. His aspect was such that one would instinctively protect their belongings with him around.

*grin* *pat mace* (Bouncer)

**gulp** (Miners)

The menacing bouncers that were guarding the platform took a step forward, intimidating nearby people into silence. They looked like they were just waiting for an excuse to beat someone up.

“Take their caps off.” (Travian)

Five executioners standing behind the prisoners lined up on the platform lifted the caps covering the head of their charges. The five figures were gagged and had a rope tied around their neck.

*gasp* *cry* (Sister of Gloria)

*mmmph* *mmmph* (Soldier of Gloria)

*pant* *pant* ~Have you any idea who I am?!? Release me! At once!” (Priestess Maria)

Only one prisoner was able to speak. An older Fair Skin woman with long white hair and a wrinkly skin that started to show her age. Maria, the Priestess of the local Church of Gloria.

**murmur** (Citizens)

“Do it.” (Travian)

*kick pedestal* (Executioner)

“STOP! I'm~ *fall* *rope tense* *gasp* *choke* (Maria)

Silence fell over the place, broken only by the gasping breaths of the dying Priestess of Gloria. Complex feelings could be seen in the face of the poor inhabitants of the city. They were torn between the fear of a beating and the fear of incurring in the wrath of Gloria.

“Stop... STOP!!!” (Old Woman)

“No! Gloria will punish us all!!!” (Prostitute)

“The mines will collapse on us!” (Miner)

“Let her go!!!” (Old Man)

**angry shouts** (Crowd)

For many, the fear of divine wrath was stronger. Faith was the only thing giving them strength and hope in all that misery. They would not stand idly by as the Priestess was being executed.

*advance* (Mob)

*beat mob* (Bouncers)

The crowd turning into a mob started closing in to the platform where maria was dying. The bouncers, apparently waiting for nothing else, fanned out. They started beating everyone in sight, caring little for age or gender.

The front rows of citizens took a few steps back, seeing their fellow citizens being brutalized. The ones in the back kept pushing, forcing everyone close together.

*choke* *gasp* (Maria)

*mmppph!* (Sister of Gloria)

**angry shouts** (Crowd)

“STOP THEM!!!” (Miner)

As the priestess turned purple in face, the crowd pushed again against the bouncer. This time harder. Despite their best efforts, the bouncers were on the verge of being overrun by the sheer number of the angry peasants.

In fact, some of them were already being ganged on by the miners.

(Codename Woodpecker)

**screams** (Crowd)

As the angry mob was about to swarm the platform, a thin white hot flame engulfed the dying Priestess of Gloria, making everyone present freeze in disbelief.

The flames disappeared just moments later, leaving the weakened and burnt rope to snap.

*fall* *thump* (Maria's corpse)

The charred body of the Priestess fell to the blackened floor of the platform as her brethren kept suffocating slowly in pain. The citizens were still frozen, still trying to make sense of what they saw.

“Calmia! Did the fire consume me? Or did the fire consume HER???” (Travian)

The people of Calmia were stunned.

Some looked at the ground in shame.

Some had their gaze fixed on the charred remains of the Priestess.

Others looked around aimlessly, unsure on what to do.

“Gloria has spoken! The Church has betrayed you! Why else would the fire engulf her and not me?!?” (Travian)

The boss took a moment to probe the reaction of the mob. Their emotions were being swayed in his favour.

“The Church takes your gold! The Church takes your children! And for what?!? The inquisitors are coming for you! They want to take your life even when you are faithful and did nothing wrong!” (Travian)

Many in the crowd where now nodding at his remark. Travian gave word to concerns they were not allowed to voice. One last push was all that he needed.

“Fear not, Calmia! The Silence looks after their own! This city is under MY protection! Gloria is with US!” *raise hands* (Travian)

For several long seconds there was an heavy silence.

“The Church would never betray the faith!” (Miner A)

“They already have! They took my brat!!” (Miner B)

“I really hate your guts! Always badmouthing Gloria!” *punch* (Miner A)

**shouts** (Mob)

The crowd was divided. Faith was too deeply ingrained in them to be overcome by words alone, but for many others it was just the opposite. Their dissent against the church had been repressed for too long, and was now allowed to surface. The two groups could only clash.

**infighting** (Mob)

The local boss basked in the pent up violence that he managed to release.

“This ought to do it. Dispose of the bodies, then disperse the rubble.” *leave* (Travian)

“Yes, Boss.” (Executioner)

Travian left the stage, followed closely by his lieutenants as the plaza descended into violence. Fortunately for him, the inhabitants were fighting each others and not him.

Location: Calmia / Silence Safehouse

Travelling through the small alleys of the city, Travian and his goons reached one of the safe-houses of the Silence. A small unimpressive room, dirty and devoid of furniture apart from a lone chair in the centre.

*sit* (Travian)

The boss sat there in deep thought while his subordinates patiently waited around him. In front of him was a second chair. Empty. This room was probably used for interrogation.

[This should do. Some fools will even join my army as cannon fodder. The rest will squabble amongst themselves and won't fight me. I'll have my hands full with the inquisitors after all...] (Travian)

**distant shouts** (Mob)

“Won't the church retaliate now that we killed Maria?” (Codename Woodpecker)

“Oh my! They'll send the inquisitors! ... Oh, right. The inquisitors are already on their way here.” (Codename Hound)

*glare* (Codename Woodpecker)

For years, the Silence and the Church had a mutually beneficial agreement.

Even the High Priestess understood that they had to compromise if they wished to get donations from such a Gloria's forsaken place.

The High Priestess kept her end of the bargain for the longest time and managed to keep the inquisitors away. Until now.

With all events that transpired the deal was now null. The inquisitors were coming. Travian thought hard on how to deal with them.

Buying the higher ups of the Church was out of the question. They couldn't possibly let this go. Not after the core of their faith, the Beast, had been targeted.

[I wonder if taking that job was a mistake... But how could Moria knows? The church was heading for collapse, and to think that Darkness of all units would fail...] (Travian)

Travian's options were limited.

The inquisitors could not be reasoned with, for they only see the world black or white. Cold or warm. Sinner or paragon. Compromise was not a word in their vocabulary.

The inquisitors could be bought either. They cares not for coins or riches. Their only desire is to further Gloria's design.

[Coercion is out of the question as well... I'm robbed of all my usual tools with those mindless dolls. Simpletons are easy to sway. True believers really are hard to deal with.] (Travian)

Escape would buy some time, but the inquisitors would give chase to Travian the end of the world. Maybe even beyond that. And he would lose the power he came to enjoy.

Now that it had come to this, it was either the Silence or the Church. Both could not share Calmia anymore.

~no... Not just Calmia. We can't share Arcania. It's us or them. And I'm not the one that is about to die... Calmia is mine, and if I can't have her, than nobody will!] *clench fist* (Travian)

Travian looked at his lieutenants. With him in the small room were his accountant and his executor, alongside team Darkness and team Seekers.

“How many bodies can we field?” (Travian)

“Seven hundreds mercenaries and six magi. Thieves from the~ (Accountant Yena)

Travian listened carefully to the report of his trusted accountant, a Dark Skin woman wearing practical looking trousers and carrying a bag filled with scrolls. She was reading aloud the content of one such parchment.

~the city guards in our payroll will also kill them on sight. Weapons~ (Yena)

*nod* (Travian)

Travian had been gathering every cut-throat and every thief. Every murderer and rapist. He had been calling in favours and debts, as well as promising rewards. He pulled every string and used every connection he had to gather the strongest force he could possibly muster.

~and a shipment of arrows arrived from Red Harbour Town this morning. That's it.” (Yena)

"Uhm... Seven hundreds... Well, as long as the Gifted One isn't there~ (Travian)

Moria's shared precious intel that gave Travian a fighting chance.

The inquisitors were fond of infiltrating and striking hard where it hurts. But with the effect of surprise gone, that was not possible. And neither the church's own Magi nor the Beast will be present. The ones responsible for the fall of Leonora and her warband will not take part in this crusade.

“Boss. I know the inquisitors are strong, but it's really necessary to go so far? There isn't even ten of the bastards.” (Gangster Berfun)

Berfun was Travian's executor. His right hand. He was a tall dark skin man whose shirt was much to small for his size, showing the lineaments of his bulging muscles underneath.

“Fool. You never faced them, haven't you?” (Codename Eye)

“If he had, he wouldn't be here. Nobody escapes from them alive.” (Codename Claw)

Team Darkness had faced the inquisitors before. They knew that the force that seemed so big as to be a waste to Berfun, may be barely enough to suppress their foes.

*smug* “But you two did live, didn't you? I know your story, Team Darkness.” *grin* (Codename Hound)

“You are wrong. We died there.” *look down* (Codename Claw)

“The best part of us did, at least.” *look down* *hold hands* (Eye)

[Useless trash... Well, even if they aren't capable of stopping the inquisitors, I might as well throw them at the enemy anyway. No point in dying with my cards in the deck. Worst case I'll make the inquisitors pay dearly for Calmia. Fodder is replaced. Inquisitors are not.] (Travian)

The boss was dissatisfied at the remains of Team Darkness. He had hoped to obtain anti-inquisitor tactics, or at least a powerful mage motivated by revenge. Apparently he got neither.

*raise* “The inquisitors will be highly trained, but few in numbers. They will be trying to sneak in. Use of the effect of surprise to seed chaos and whittle our forces from within. But there is no surprise, thanks to Moria. With our superior numbers, we hold the advantage!” (Travian)

The Silence boss stole a quick glance at the members of the other elite units of the Silence beside him. Team Seekers and his lieutenants were nodding at his words. Only Eye and Claw harboured doubts in their heart.

[No. Quantity and quality! While not as strong, my magi ought to be enough for the job. They may not be able to even touch the Beast, with all her blessings... But the Beast is not here!] (Travian)

With adept magi at his behest, things looked grim for the inquisitors.

"Uhm? Who goes there?" (Berfun)

*enter* *whisper* *leave* (Child)

“Boss. The Rat Guild went into hiding...” (Yena)

As Travian was thinking about the coming battle, a kid entered the room and whispered to his accountant. The young informant just gave unwanted news. Travian sat back on his chair as the men around him held their breath, fearful of his reaction.

[Not all have come... Those cowards fear the inquisition more than they fear me. It's about time they are reminded of who own them!] (Boss Travian)

*stand up* “Berfun. Round up and execute some more Gloria's sympathizers this evening. Make sure they suffer this time. This ought to motivate the rubble.” (Travian)

“Yes, boss.” *gulp* *leave* (Berfun)

“What about us?” (Hound)

“Do your job! Do I have to tell you everything?!?” (Travian)

*leave* (Everyone)

A Red Sunset

Location: Plains near Calmia / Sea of Grass

Time: Y1503 / 26th day of the Wither Moon / Sundown

A lone cloaked figure was walking amidst the tall blade of grass, not far from Calmia. His back was bent, his footing seemed somewhat unsteady and he walked slowly. He travelled in a straight line, showing he had no trouble navigating the sea of grass.

[Here we go again. Hold on, old body of mine.] (Inquisitor Horan)

(Inquisitor Horan)

Sure enough, the old man reached an heavy flat rock, about one meter in size. The dirt around was marked by deep tracks, betraying the function of the rock.

*nnngggg* (Horan)

*slide* (rock)

Horan held his left foot against a pole that barely surfaced, and pushed against the slab of rock using his right leg, praying the lid open. The slab of rock was hiding a vertical tunnel with a steep stair.

The old man started to descend, closing the entrance behind him with an handle on the back of the rock.

*groan* [One night. I just need to hold on to life one more night. For Gloria.] *climb down* (Horan)

Location: Plains near Calmia / Inquisition Hideout

Time: Y1503 / 26th day of the Wither Moon / Sundown

*climb down* (Inquisitor Horan)

The hideout was little more than a man-made cave held together by planks and wooden beams. There were several small chambers, each no more than a few meters in size. The roof was low, forcing the occupants to either crouch or sit.

After descending the stairs, Horan found himself alone in pitch black.

(Inquisitor Fara)

Suddenly, the darkness around Horan started bleeding away like fresh paint dripping down a canvas. In seconds, the scenery changed entirely. Small magic globes were lighting the walls. Surrounding Horan were now several clocked figures dressed the same way as him.

“Inquisitor Horan. What news do you bring from the cradle of sins?” (Fara)

“Enemy... Formation... Confirmed...” (Horan)

Horan was now an ageing inquisitor, the oldest of the group. His speech was broken and hard to understand. He wouldn't live much longer, but he desired to see the greatest act of the Inquisition of Gloria through.

His fellow inquisitor knew better than to question either his conviction or his abilities.

“Very well, then. Sebra, do we proceed as planned?” (Fara)

*nod* “This One is ready to be of use.” (Inquisitor Sebra)

Sebra was the strongest inquisitor in terms of raw destructive capabilities. Inquisitor Kaven had tasked her with the cleansing of Calmia, but for all her strength Sebra just wasn't suited to lead.

Another inquisitor took the mantle of command and acted as the de-facto leader of their extermination unit. Fara was a young Fair Skin mage in her mid twenties. She had been an inquisitors ever since she was an initiate. Despite her youth, her level head earned her the trust of her seniors. The inquisitors had no qualm in following her lead.

“Gabri, make sure you support Sebra, like you always do. Her strength will be spent after the opening spell.” (Fara)

“...” *nod* (Inquisitor Gabri)

The ever so silent Gabri never even thought of doing anything but what Fara suggested, he still acknowledged his orders.

“Festa, Tempo. We face several Magi, this time. They may not possess the Gifted One's Technique, but do not underestimate them. Keep us safe. Please.” (Fara)

“As you will, young Fara. I wont let hubris get the best of me.” (Inquisitor Tempo)

“No harm will come to you. I swear upon my faith in Gloria.” *bow* (Inquisitor Festa)

Tempo was an older inquisitor in his sixties while Festa was a Fair Skin woman in his thirties. Inquisitors specialize in infiltration, investigation and extermination. Defense wasn't the forte of members of the order. They left those task to the Sisters of Gloria, but overspecialisation breed weakness. A lesson the inquisition learnt the hard way.

Festa and Tempo were the most adept in defensive spells, Festa even managed to acquire the Gifted One's technique, so the two would probably be fine.

“Thank you. I rest easy, then.” *smile* (Fara)

“Hundreds... Soldiers...” (Horan)

As the old inquisitor spoke and everyone fell silent not to miss his garbled words. Horan spoke rarely, and his words were all the more meaningful for that.

“I see... Worry not! In close combat, the two of us can handle them! I won't let you down, master!” *grip spear tight* (Inquisitor Rafael)

“Alright. Horan and Rafael will be tasked with keeping the enemies at bay should our defenses falter.” (Fara)

*nod* (Horan)

In his prime Horan was a powerful warrior relying on strengthening magic and weapons to cull his enemies. Rafael had inherited his techniques and was eager to prove himself on the field.

“... I'd like to go ahead alone.” (Inquisitor Tenebra)

“Please, inquisitor Tenebra. We need your help for our opening strike.” (Fara)

“I work better alone.” (Tenebra)

“I have no doubt that you can throw the enemy in disarray from the rear, but inquisitor Kaven entrusted us with this plan. Please, let us borrow your strength.” (Fara)

“I~” (Tenebra)

“Let it go, Tenebra. I too like to act alone, but this is for the greater good.” (Inquisitor Quanta)

Inquisitors often acted alone. Team-ups like this were the exception not the norm. Most complied as it was an order, but Tenebra was still uncomfortable. She was just too used to things happening on her terms.

“... So be it.” (Tenebra)

“I'm so glad you agreed! *smile* Quanta, after Sebra is spent I'd like you to deal with their hideout. Is that okay with you?” (Fara)

“Done.” (Quanta)

Quanta too had a reputation of being a lone wolf. Of all inquisitors, he was the closest thing to a friend Tenebra had.

“What will it be of me, inquisitor Fara?” (Inquisitor Shaquiel)

“Can you take care of fugitives?” *smile* (Fara)

“That, I can do.” *bow* (Shaquiel)

The last inquisitor to be addressed was slightly older than Fara. Shaquiel was a short and frail looking Fair Skin that wore a large and heavy looking gourd on her back. The weight of her luggage still didn't seem to bother her at all.

“We have been kept from Calmia too long. It never sat well by me how sin was allowed to festers in that town. It has spread so far that now the only cure is to remove the corruption altogether.” (Tempo)

“I could have made things right long ago if only Madre had allowed me to. I wonder why~ (Quanta)

*glare* “Blasphemy...” (Horan)

*gulp* (Quanta)

Horan couldn't forgive such thought. The echelons of the Church act according to Gloria's will. Always have been. It is not the place of inquisitors to doubt the will of Gloria, still, sometimes, young inquisitors do act foolishly.

“Please! All is right! It really is! The path we have taken, as tumultuous and roundabout as it might have been, our every action resulted in leading the Gifted One to us! Could it really have been all wrong? I say all transpired as Gloria willed it!” *raise arms* (Fara)

**nod** (Inquisitors)

Fara's words stroke a cord with many inquisitors who were nodding in acknowledgement.

*sweat* “Of course. It's as you say, inquisitor Fara. I am glad for everything that led us here.” (Quanta)

*glare* (Horan)

*thump* “Enough. We all have our duties. Let's head out, already.” (Rafael)

I too think it is time. Let Gloria's will be done!” (Fara)

Rafael hit the floor with the butt end of his spear, dissipating the uncomfortable atmosphere. Fara let a sigh of relief through. They had an important mission ahead and did not have time for such distractions.

““May Gloria welcome them in her warm embrace.”” (Inquisitors)

One by one ten inquisitors climbed the ladder, leaving the hideout. Their destination: Calmia.

A Crusade for Greed

Location: Outskirts of Calmia / Silence Ambush Site

Time: Y1503 / 26th day of the Wither Moon / Night

Laying in a shallow pit in the ground, in the sea of grass near Calmia were two elite units of the Silence. Seekers, and Darkness.

"Any news?" (Codename Hound)

The leader of Seekers was a fair skin man in his fifties. His physique was well past his prime, but his mind only got sharper with age. His unit was responsible for subtle operations, like blackmail or hunting down deserters.

"They were seen crossing the Silent Forest yesterday, so they should be here by now. It's dark, if that's what they were waiting for, they could attack at any moment..." (Codename Sparrow)

Sparrow was a short fair skin woman with a child like face. Like Eye, she specialized in detection magic.

"This is it, than. Is the army ready?" (Hound)

"Five hundreds thugs came from Calmia and from surrounding Dark Skin villages. Two hundreds miners also joined. The boss promised to waive their debts, apparently. They should be done excavating trenches by now~ (Codename Jackal)

“Wait! I feel aether being weaved! They are trying to hide themselves, but I'd never forget this feeling. They are one... No. Two kilometres away. South I think." (Eye)

Eye had been focusing on her detection spell for a while. Collimating left ripples in the aether, like pebbles being thrown into water. Eye was feeling those ripples.

Feeling the faint signs of collimation was a difficult task. The aether was not still, but flowed and ebbed naturally, like a body of water caressed by the wind. It's thanks to her previous encounter with the inquisitors that she knows what to look for.

"Well done, Eye. I'm impressed. I had my doubts, but it seems your reputation was not for nothing. Magi! Get ready for a big one!" (Hound)

Other than the two elite units, several Magi with varying degree of aptitude gathered there. The full might of the Silence was gathered. At least every able bodied north of the Silent Forest.

“They are slowly closing in while gathering aether...” (Eye)

“Shouldn't we inform the army?” (Sparrow)

“Nonsense. If the cannon fodder knows, the inquisitors will realize they have been found out and change their tactics accordingly.” (Hound)

Almost ten minutes passed with nothing out of the ordinary happening.

"... They are now just about one hundred meters from the farthest trench." (Eye)

Seven magi had spent the last ten minutes as still as stones, gathering as many magic thread as their aptitude allowed. Thin but long magic threads were floating around their still bodies.

“Do it.” (Hound)

Hoping for the Magi present there to act as one would be foolish, instead, the decision was made to create a strong light in the skies above the wretched Inquisitors. The magi just had to hit the ground below with their strongest magic. A foolproof plan.

(Eye)

An orb of light flickered into existence, high enough that it could be seen above the tall blades of grass all around.

The magi poured their everything in the spells that followed.

> (Silence Magi)

<> (Silence Magi)

> (Silence Magi)

The magi closed their eyes.

Seven pillar of flames with colors varying from hot white to dirty red with tints of green erupted from the ground, one after the other, in little over a second. Some of them overlapped just below the orb of light serving as target, other smaller fires were wildly off the mark.

The strong light shredding away darkness was painful to look at.

Magic threads floating around the magi quickly shrunk as the aether flowed in the magic channels inside the bodies of the casters, to be transformed into the spell being weaved.

**screams** (Silence Conscripts)

The veil of calm of the night was torn apart by the roaring flames. Screams coming from the general direction of the fires could be heard. Friendly fire had hit some of the trenches.

Not that it mattered. Those poor souls were there just to overwhelm the enemies with numbers. Their individual lives mattered little.

[It's better this way. Travian would sulk if too many survives. He would rather most of them die like dogs than to hand out the promised reward...] (Hound)

Only moments had passed.

*collapse* “I'm... Spent.” *heavy breath* (Sparrow)

One by one, the magi fell on their knees after the last iota of aether they had collimated as magic threads were used up. Their bodies in pain for overexerting themselves.

*puff* *fade away* (Flame pillar)

The flames they were fuelling flickered and faded as their caster fell.

Little more than a second after the beginning, the last pillar of flames lost strength, ejecting a dying flare that raised in the sky as it faded out. Darkness consumed the surrounding once more, and now that the eyes of the people there had adapted to the light of the flame, total darkness was all that was left.

*pant* “That was my hottest flame yet.” *pant* ”Nobody could have survived that!” *smirk* (Woodpecker)

For many long seconds only the faint sound of smouldering fire and blades of grass grazed by the hot wind could be heard.

*far voice* “The heads will be mine!” *rush* (Conscript)

**war cry** (Army)

As the prospect of the gain overcame caution, the army of criminals leapt out of their trenches, rushing toward the smoke.

Location: Outskirts of Calmia / Crater

*pant* *pant* [It should be around here. *groan* Dammit, it hurts! ... Focus! The money is worth all the pain in the world!] *pant* (Grunt Ipenon)

The first low life to get there had scorching marks on his right arm. He almost got hit by a friendly spell. And he was the lucky one. Other conscripts in his trench died to the flames. He only survived because he was taking a leak, but that's not a detail that will make it in the tale he will be telling once he is rich.

Ipenon pushed away the last blade of grass, arriving to his destination. The place was so hot as to give a burning sensation to his face.

*pant* [Damn. That must have been one hell of a fire! Their skulls better be in one piece! They pay for each head, and that bitch loves using loopholes not to pay up.] *cough* (Ipenon)

The place where the grass once stood tall was now a blackened open area. Thick smoke was raising in the skies and an hot breeze was fanning outward agitating the blades of grass.

The ground near the center was still smouldering. A dreading pulsing red glow could be seen filtering from the freshly burned dirt and smoke.

Ground zero was still too hot to allow anyone to come close.

The partially burned vegetation was releasing large amount of smoke, hiding the remains of the inquisitors from sight.

Slowly, faces emerged from the blades of grass still standing around the crater, some carrying torches.

“Like hell I'm going to let you steal my price! I was here first!” *rush* (Ipenon)

“Idiot! That's too hot, you'll die!” (Thief)

“Right. You stay here. I'm taking your part too.” *grin* *rush* (Cut-throat)

Blinded by greed, the wounded and desperate thug and several of his brother in crime charged inside the black smoke, not caring for the scorching heat.

The perimeter of the fifty meters wide scorch of burned grass was now crawling with thieves, murderers and worse, but they had better judgement than to march inside that oven.

“What happened?” (Forger)

“I don't know. Shouldn't they be screaming in that heat?” (Thief)

“Maybe they can't breathe because of the smoke?” (Rapist)

The place was eerily silent barring from the sound of fire eating at the dying plants.

“Go inside and check!” (Forger)

“Why don't you go? I'm staying right here until I know what's in there.” (Thief)

Had the idiots that rushed inside just screamed in pain, everything would be fine, but nothing could be heard at all. The fear of the unknown was stopping the rest in their tracks. Everyone was now waiting for the smoke to clear a bit.

"You call that a flame? Let us show you what the flames of Gloria really feel like." (Inquisitor Fara)

A lone voice could be heard from inside the column of smoke, where no living should be.

(Inquisitor Festa)

Before the conscripts could consciously grasp what was happening, an unnatural breeze gathered strength sweeping away the smoke.

The sea of grass waved at the moderate wind gust.

The smouldering coal beneath the dying vegetation lighted up in a fiery red as more oxygen became available.

The column of black smoke quickly dissipated and all new smoke being formed was dragged away by the wind fanning outward from the crater.

The light weaved earlier by Eye was still there, and combined with the pale moon high in the skies there was more than enough light to reveal what lay in the center of the crater.

Ten dreading figures clad in black robes under the twilight. The flickering red light coming from beneath their feet made them look even more manacling.

""May Gloria's warmth cleanse your sins. May Gloria's welcome you in her warm embrace."" (Inquisitors)

Ten voice merged as one, carrying an ominous declaration, filling the hearts of the conscript of the fodder army with pure unabated terror.

There were three reactions to this. Two dozens, lost their mind and charged forward in blind rage wildly swinging their weapon of choice, quickly covering the twenty meters that separated them from the personification of death in front of them.

Another group, the most numerous, had the opposite reaction. Feeling. Death was closing in to them. They could feel it. They run with all their strength, letting their weapon fall to the ground and trampling the ones unfortunate enough to fall. Even people that did not see the inquisitors as they were further away begun to run. An instinctive response to seeing others run for their lives.

A third group just froze in place, unable to even move as unfettered terror took full grasp of their hearts and minds.

(Sebra)

An inquisitor in the centre of the formation raised her hands in the air.

Flames erupted from the ground all around the crater. A gigantic wall of flames engulfed the sea of grass, turning the night into day.

For a few long seconds, the magic flames sustained themselves, raising an hot wind sweeping away at the blade of grass, carrying a thunderous roar with them.

The light of the flames carries heat that could be felt by the skin hundreds of meters away.

Then, only a few seconds later, the flames unceremoniously disappeared, letting the darkness engulf what was left of the sea of grass once more.

Location: Outskirts of Calmia / Silence Ambush Site

"..." (Sparrow)

"What in the world was that?!? That's not the work of humans!!! Is the Beast amongst them?!? How did that little girl slip past your sight?" (Hound)

Eye was still dumbfounded, with her eyes wide open looking at the place their criminal army once stood. Lost souls were running past them, fleeing. It was clear that their army had been wiped out.

"Eye!!!" *slap* (Hound)

The leader of Seekers struck the mage, trying to get her back to her senses. Eye fell backward, and found herself sitting on the soft ground, while holding her reddened cheek.

"The... The Beast is not there. I... think That's. That's just the inquisitors' doing." (Eye)

A few long seconds of silence ensued as the unbelievable truth of the situation sunk in.

"... No!!! This cannot be!!! No mage in this world should be able to wield such power!!! Only the Beast, and maybe the Queen donning the Kingdom's Treasures should be capable of this much! It has to be one of them!" (Hound)

Eye embraced herself remembering the dread of those flames. She knew in her heart who weaved those flames.

*trembling voice* "I know the feeling of that weaving. It's her. She used that spell against me. She wasn't nearly as strong back then. How did she do it? Devils! All of them!" *tears up* (Eye)

Seeing her companion in this state prompted Claw to rush in to help. As the two hugged each others, Hound gave up on getting coherent answers from Eye. He looked at his own mage, but she shook her head.

"... I don't know what to say. Moria said they had magi of average skills. Moria was wrong. At least one of them has powers on par with the Beast. Even with the advantage of the first blow, we cannot win against them." (Sparrow)

*pant* "Maybe they died?" *pant* "Nobody could possibly survive in the heart of that inferno. They sacrificed themselves to wipe out the fodder. Inquisitors wouldn't hesitate to do just that." (Woodpecker)

As the eyesight of the present adjusted to the darkness once again, an enormous cloud of black smoke could be seen raising high in the sky, making the scale of the destruction evident.

An area maybe three hundreds of meters wide has been carved from the sea of grass and turned to cinders. The blades of grass all around were mowed down by the gusts of wind generated by the blazing inferno.

Average magi couldn't possibly have survived, but...

"My instinct tells me that the inquisitors still live. Fleeing them is foolish if Eye's report is to be believed. We will entrench ourselves in Calmia. I doubt they would go as far as burning down the whole city. There must be a weakness we can exploit!" (Hound)

The leader of the Seekers took the best decision he could take in the moment.

The spent and humbled magi of the Silence hurried toward Calmia.

Location: Outskirts of Calmia / Crater

(Festa)

(Festa)

*pant* "Sebra really outdid herself!" (Festa)

*pant* "Indeed. Well done with your barrier, inquisitor Festa. It was magnificent. Mine almost buckled. It seems I have nothing left to teach you." (Tempo)

*bow* "You honour me, master. Still, most of it was the Gifted One's technique." (Festa)

*thump* "It seems our spears weren't needed, after all." (Rafael)

Following the plan, the inquisitors grouped to lure in the bulk of their forces. Sebra exterminated them all while Festa and Tempo protected their fellows. Wind magic was used to allow the inquisitors to breathe.

"Please, stay focused. This is far from over. How is Sebra?" (Inquisitor Fara)

"Unconscious, but healthy." (Festa)

"..." (Gabri)

Having spent her strength, Sebra was now resting in the arms of Gabri.

"We confirmed the presence of at least six magi. Let's proceed according to our plans." (Fara)

"I'll stay here and guard Gabri and Sebra." (Tempo)

"... I'm free, now?" (Tenebra)

"You are, inquisitor Tenebra. Good luck with your hunt!" *smile* (Fara)

Having been freed from her obligations to her fellow inquisitors, Tenebra disappeared from sight.

"I'll guard the north." (Rafael)

"Leave the south to me." (Shaquiel)

Two more would stay behind and make sure the corruption does not leave the rotten city and spread any further.

"Horan, are you sure about your part? There are other ways~ (Fara)

"I walked the path of Gloria all my life. This is where it leads, young Fara." (Horan)

"... Alright, then. Everyone else, with me. We have a city to cleanse." (Fara)

Having come to an agreement, the inquisitors walked toward Calmia as the glass under their feet cracked under the weight of their steps.

Frontal Assault

Location: Outskirts of Calmia / Silence Ambush Site

The ragtag group of Silence Magi left the sea of grass and reached the outskirts of the city. Other thugs who were farther from the flames survived and were fleeing toward Calmia as well. Some maybe were even trying to leave for somewhere else.

The local Silence boss was laying in wait there, alongside two hundreds men. A reserve force meant to take out surviving inquisitors had the worse come to worst. They build barricades with wood taken from nearby homes and raised walls of dirt using the waste from the mines.

Doubt and fear could be seen in the faces of the reserve army. The awesome display of magic left a huge impression in their small minds.

The reserve army was being led by Travian's executor. Seeing the magi come close, Berfun walked past the barricades to meet them half way. It's clear that he didn't want the conversation to be heard by his men.

"Hound! What in the world is going on?!? What was that huge flame?!?" (Berfun)

"... Our spells had no effect. Out men were wiped out." (Hound)

Berfun found the six magi accompanying Hound worn down and broken in spirit. The ones with more strength were helping the others stand. It was a pitiful display.

"You mean to tell me seven hundreds soldier died like this??? Even the worst attack during the war killed only about five hundreds!!!" (Berfun)

"This is reality." (Hound)

"How many inquisitors did you kill?" (Berfun)

"I don't know. Possibly none. Maybe all." (Hound)

"Don't you have magic for this kind of stuff?!? You are not worth your price, charlatan!" (Berfun)

*bite lips* *look down* (Hound)

Berfun retorts hurt Hound, who took great pride in his skills and prowess. There was no denying that he had failed spectacularly.

"What now? How do we proceed?" (Berfun)

"We~ We should disperse and hole up inside Calmia. Fight home by home. Street by street." (Hound)

"I can't have my reserves make an orderly retreat! Who do you think those scumbag are? Kingdom's soldiers??? We'll fall back and regroup with the guards. My reserves should buy us some time." (Berfun)

Berfun climbed a dirt barricade, towering above his charges.

"You lot! You are lucky it seems! Those flames took out most of the inquisitors! The rest are wounded and helpless! Now go, finish them!!!" *raise arms* (Berfun)

**cheers** **warcry** (Army)

The huge lie uttered by the executor railed up the man, who charged forward, past the barricades, heading toward riches. They just had to collect the head of the inquisitors. The biggest problem they face is preventing others from stealing the heads and collecting the bounty themselves.

Four inquisitors lead by Fara were heading directly toward Calmia, they were almost out of the sea of grass.

(Fara)

Lifeforms naturally produce aether. With the right spell, it was possible to sense their presence quite accurately by sensing the rhythmic ripples left in the aether by the heartbeat.

"Uhm... Many soldiers are closing in to our location. Too many to count." (Fara)

"I'm up. Give me the signal when they are close enough." (Quanta)

*nod* (Fara)

Quanta took his time weaving magic threads before the assault. The Gifted One's technique allows him to hold on to them easily. He had all the aether he needed for his spell. He only needed a signal.

(Tempo)

*ready spear* (Horan)

In the meantime, Tempo and Horan prepared themselves for the follow-up.

*warcry* *scream* (Soldiers)

The enemies were now close enough that their war-cry could be heard.

"Not yet." (Fara)

*rumble* (Soldiers)

The rumble of running soldiers could now be felt in the air.

"Not yet." (Fara)

*shuffle* *rumble* *warcry* (Soldier)

The soldiers finally entered the sea of grass, a mere one hundred meters from their current position.

"One hundred meters. Now." (Fara)

(Quanta)

Stausen had been in the clutches of the Silence ever since an unlucky streak left him covered in debts one unlucky night.

Back than he considered freedom a given, like breathing air. It was only when he lost that freedom that he realized how valuable it was. Tonight it was his chance to clear his debt altogether and be his own master once again.

"Look, it's Berfun!" (Stausen)

A towering hulk of muscles wearing a form fitting white shirt climbed the makeshift barricade made of dirt they were made to raise in preparation for tonight.

"You lot! You are lucky it seems! Those flames took out most of the inquisitors! The rest are wounded and helpless! Now go, finish them!!!" *raise arms* (Berfun)

"So that's what those flames were." (Thief)

"Those magi truly are terrifying." (Forger)

"Why don't they take the heads themselves?" (Thief)

"Who cares? I need those heads, so better for me." (Stausen)

**cheers** **warcry** (Army)

Following his fellow conscript, Stausen charged ahead. They left the black town and the barricades behind and advanced on the naked earth around, heading for that column of smoke in the night.

A few fools tried to sprint, but run out of steam quickly, and were overtaken. Stausen knew the limits of his body better, and was striding at a quick pace.

[Look at those eyes! I'm more afraid of those killers than I am of the enemy...] (Stausen)

Stausen looked around, some of his fellow conscript were screaming loudly and had bloodshot eyes of killers.

After a few minutes the two hundred strong army of criminals reached the boundaries of the sea of grass. Some slowed down, but most just charged right in, prompting the others to just follow suit.

[Damn it! I really need the bounty! Let me have one head, please!!!] (Stausen)

(Inquisitor Quanta)

"Wha~" (Stausen)

Stausen was puzzled when on his next step his feet didn't touch the ground.

His body suddenly became light. He didn't understand what was going on.

“Oh? Ahhh!” (Stausen)

Than, the unbelievable happened. His body started floating! First a few centimetres, then a few tens of centimetres, raising and raising.

His forward momentum was left unchanged, so he was still advancing forward while floating in mid-air, until he hit the blades of grass. Instinctively he grabbed one.

Having had a moment to regain his wits, Stausen looked around him.

The scene blew his mind.

There were criminals that like him were holding onto a blade of grass, they were like they were hanging by their feet, but their hairs were flowing up, not down. It was like an unseen force was dragging them upward.

Others were not so lucky. They couldn't grab grass quickly enough, so they were flying in the skies, higher and higher, while screaming in horror and disbelief. Rock and dirt weren't spared, dust raised upward in the skies like a reverse snowfall. The terrain was becoming undone leaving gaping patches of naked dirt behind.

Looking farther, away, there were man with their feet firmly on the ground, that looked up, then run away like their life depended on it.

*bleed* *groan* (Stausen)

The force that was trying to eradicate him from the ground was growing stronger and stronger. He was now holding onto the blade of grass with both hands and all his might. The edges of the leaf cutting deeply into his flesh.

*rip* (Blade of grass)

"Oh..." (Stausen)

The blade of grass wasn't built to sustain a man of his weight. The roots gave up, and he started flaying upward in a straight line.

For a few endless seconds he fell upward, gathering speed. Stausen looked around, mesmerized by the events. He could see the ground getting farther away. He could see the sea of grass from above, a sight he could only have dreamt a few seconds earlier.

About a kilometre from there he could see that the column of smoke originated from a crater, a large patch of grass was missing.

(Inquisitor Quanta)

Something changed. Stausen could feel it. The force that was dragging him up disappeared. He started slowing down, and soon enough he found himself perfectly still, even if for just a moment.

"ARGHHHHH!!!!" (Stausen)

Terror gripped Stausen's heart as he began falling down. His heart was beating so fast that he thought it might leap out of his chest.

The ground closed faster and faster, Stausen closed his eyes just before the impact.

*crash* *scream* (Stausen)

He was still conscious, but his body was in more pain than he felt in his entire life.

*scream* *crash*

*scream* *crash* *splat*

It was raining men. Stausen forgot his pain for a second as he could see men fall down to their death, their bodies utterly destroyed by the fall.

Apparently he was amongst the lucky ones that fell from a shorter height and was lucky to not die on the impact.

*scream* *crash* *splat*

Stausen was able to clear his head enough to think, the first thing to do was to examine his wound.

*clench teeth* "No. good." (Stausen)

Bot of his leg were broken, with bones protruding out from his trousers. He couldn't feel any pain below his waist. He hit his head, and he was bleeding profusely from his forehead. Compared to that, the bruises, grazes and wound all over his body were comparatively light.

"Help me! Somebody help me! Please!!!" (Stausen)

*scream* *crash* *splat*

*scream* *crash* *splat*

*hit* *crash* (rock)

"Ahhhhhh!!!" (Stausen)

The rain was subsiding, but men, dirt and rocks were still falling. A rock hit him on his side, causing another large wound.

*scream* *crash* *splat*

*step* *step*

Stausen's eyesight was getting blurry, but he could clearly hear steps.

*whisper* "Help. Me." (Stausen)

The steps were coming closer and closer, giving him some hope.

"You are still alive in this state? Poor bastard. Let me put you out of your misery." (Horan)

*stab* (Spear)

“Travian lied! Gloria is on their side!!!” *run* (Conscript)

**flee** (Conscripts)

The rear of the formation wasn't caught by the spell. About fifty men were able to stop in their tracks, only to watch in horror as their fellow conscript were dragged in the skies only to be let fall to their doom, like an eagle would pry open a turtle.

Many threw up, seeing their peers crashing in the ground. About half retreated to Calmia, Berfun punishment couldn't possibly be worse than what they witnessed.

The remaining men and women decided to flee both from Calmia and whatever force the inquisitors were wielding, their path leading east.

For many minutes they run for their life, entering the sea of grass once they were far enough.

*pant* *gasp* [I can't~ take another step.] (Thief)

*swish* *cut* (Grass)

The thief caught a glimpse of blades of grass being cut.

*swish* *cut* “What?” *gurgle* *head falls* (Thief)

For the shortest of time the thief was able to see something fast moving in the dark. It was hard to tell, but it seemed a stream of water.

For a moment the thief was puzzled. She thought the stream missed her, but than her neck started to bleed, she lost all sensations in her body. Her head tumbled down, followed by her body soon after.

Regroup

Location: Calmia / Central Square

Berfun and his magi were walking down the streets, under the fearful watch of miners and citizens looking timidly from their barred doors and windows.

Soon enough, the group reached the city square where the city guards had gathered and were waiting alongside the local governor.

*sweat* “Did you do it? TELL ME!” (Governor Carta)

*shove aside* (Berfun)

*fall* (Carta)

Upon seeing Berfun, the governor, a Dark Skin woman in her forties wearing a nice set of clothes rushed forward and grabbed the shirt of the man towering above her. The executor didn't have time to waste with the figurehead and just shoved her aside, letting her fall down, covering her expensive clothes in dirt.

“Rene. The inquisitors made it through. Disperse your men. Prepare to ambush them at every corner.” (Berfun)

The captain of the guard was a much more important figure than the puppet that was the governor, so the Silence made sure to appoint one of their own. Rene was a Dark Skin woman donning a set of leather armor bearing the insignia of the Kingdom. While not as developed as Berfun, she had an intimidating appearance.

“You told me the inquisitor wouldn't make it this far.” (Rene, Captain of the guards)

“Well, they did. So go and do your job.” (Berfun)

“Of course, I'll pick the slack after your failure, but I need to know the current situation, first.” (Rene)

*step closer* (Berfun)

Berfun didn't have a mellow personality, and didn't take well to the insult from the captain of the guards. He stepped closer, to the point the two almost touched. Berfun was a full head taller than Rene, but she was looking up, directly in his eyes, unflinching.

*umpfh* “We hit the inquisitors with a big spell. They ought to be wounded and drained of magic after dealing with the fodder. Just finish them. You should be capable of this much.” *leave* (Berfun)

“Captain, what do we do?” (Guard)

Berfun turned and walked away taking his magi with him and leaving Rene to ponder about his words.

“Go in groups of three. Find a good spot and lay in wait. When you see the inquisitors sneaking by, ambush them. Magi are vulnerable in close quarters." (Rene)

”"Yes, captain!”" (Guards)

Meanwhile Berfun group had questions of their own.

“Inquisitors are not so shallow as to expend all their power in their opening strike.” (Hound)

“I call their bluff. The existence of the Beast made them overconfident.” (Berfun)

“Yes! It must be it! That power could possibly be unleashed at no cost.” (Woodpecker)

Woodpecker prided herself with her prowess in fire magic. The earlier display of power from the inquisitors shook her to the core. She was experiencing denial.

“Fools.” (Eye)

“You have something to say? Than say it!” (Woodpecker)

“The inquisitors we face today are not the same as they were last year. Or a moon ago, even. They are unharmed, and are coming~ *argh* (Eye)

“Eye! Stop it, Berfun!” *tackle* (Claw)

Berfun had been on a short fuse because of all the pressure. He couldn't allow Eye's remark to pass unpunished, so he grabbed her by the neck and flattened her against a nearby wall.

*ngggg* “Let Eye go you bastard!” (Claw)

*gasp* *choke* (Eye)

Claw was trying to free her, with little success. Berfun size was not just for show.

“Enough! We need her alive! You can kill each others tomorrow, but I won't allow you to sign my death sentence!” *unsheathe knife* (Hound)

Eye proved an excellent sensing mage, Hound valued her life above Berfun's own. If one of the two had to die, it would be Berfun.

*ready* (Sparrow)

*umph* *ready* (Woodpecker)

The two members of Seekers first loyalty was to their leader. Sparrow acted immediately, Woodpecker begrudgingly readied herself too.

*glare* *let go* *grunt* (Berfun)

*inhale* *gasp* (Eye)

Claw quickly rushed to aid his teammate as everyone stood down and pressure was released.

“Let's head for the mines. We need to recuperate if we wish to survive the fight to come.” (Hound)

“Where do you think I was heading, genius?” (Berfun)

Hiding in an home near the outskirts of the city, several guards took post inside the homes around the main road. Despite being that, the street was unpaved and the road was a mere two meters wide.

About fifteen guards were hiding on both the ground and the first floor, on both side of the road, armed with short spears. A perfect place for an ambush.

*whisper* “I see them.” (Guard Namon)

Sure enough, four cloaked figures were walking down the main road like they were taking a stroll.

*whisper* “They are suicidal! They can never react in time in this situation.” (Guard B)

*whisper* “Good for us, than. We'll get the bounty.” *grin* (Namon)

*sign* (Guard B)

*nod* (Guard C)

Seeing an opportunity for glory, the guards signalled their peers, poking their head just above the window on the other side. They were in agreement.

[That spear bearer is walking unevenly. They got hurt after all. He is mine!] (Namon)

“Now!” *leap* (Namon)

**leap** **warcry** (Guards)

Once the four enemies were deep enough, the guards sprung their trap.

From the wooden balcony of the blackened and decrepit wooden building two guards run forward, leapt over the rail, breaking it, with their short spears looking down, trying to skewer the inquisitors on their way down.

On the front of the street there was no balcony, instead three guards threw their javelins. There was no way they would miss enemies just three meters away from them.

*slam* (doors)

From ground level, two guards from each of two flimsy wooden doors, forced their way through slamming the door open, charging at the enemies directly in front of them with their short spears looking forward for inquisitor blood.

Finally, on the left side, three guards did the same from the larger door of the empty barn they were in.

[We got them!] (Namon)

The slim Namon could already taste victory as his spear was about to punch an hole on his target.

(Quanta)

Something felt off. In a split second, he should have reached his wounded target, but, somehow, he felt that he was slowing down instead of accelerating.

[!?!] (Namon)

Another moment, and his gut feeling proved true. He felt his body being forced to fall the wrong way. It was such an unexpected turn of event that he didn't realize magic was used until he felt his back hitting the wooden wall behind him that he realized the ambush had failed.

*crash* *groan* fall* “Argh!” (Namon)

After hitting the walls behind him, Namon took a second to make sense of his situation. Around him, all guards were now either thrown back inside the room they came from, or were pushed against the wall.

Trash, rocks and random debris suffered the same fate. The unpaved road under the feet of the inquisitors was left unperturbed, but an area around them had radial marks of things being dragged away.

*thump* (Javelin)

Lighter javelins were thrown away further, and just now fell harmlessly on the ground. Finally, Namon looked at his targets once more.

[Are you kidding me! They are still walking!!!] (Namon)

The four cloaked figures were still leisurely walking forward without a care in the world!

*tch* *grab spear* *charge* (Namon)

This affront was too much. Inquisitors or not, the enemies had no right to look down at their skills and effort like this. Namon jumped on his feet with his aching body, grabbed his spear laying beside him and charged forward at the closest enemy.

*stab* (Namon)

This time, there was no resistance. Namon covered the short distance that separated the two, the range of his spear did the rest. The spear was now firmly lodged in the side of his target.

*grin* “... Wait... this is not right...” *stab* *gurgle* [But... how~ (Namon)

Or was it? Namon felt a gaping hole opening in his neck. His helpless body started falling down. Namon realized his spear didn't actually meet any resistance, like he stabbed air. His target was still walking forward. Incomprehensible.

His world faded black without realizing the reason.

Location: Calmia / Governor's Mansion

Near the mountains, the largest mansion in the city stood tall. It was the only house built out of stones, it had a garden and a stone wall protecting it. Despite the best efforts of the governor's servants, the mansion too was covered in black sooth.

The garden was pitiful to look at as suffering plants couldn't grow much because of the toxicity of the terrain and the ash preventing them from absorbing sunlight.

Inside the mansion, the governor holed himself in his underground safe-room. Twelve city guards were hiding behind the door of the large main hall. Once the enemies came to plunder the place, they would swarm them.

“How long do you think we have to wait?” (Guard Kevlan)

“I guess until morning. It will take time for the enemies to make their way here.” (Guard Estas)

The main hall was the most luxurious place in Calmia, which wasn't saying much. While clean, the place lacked furnitures and luxuries one would expect from a rich manor.

The governor preferring to store gold in his vault. Even had he decorated the place, nobody worth showing off one's wealth would ever come to Calmia anyway.

The guards had been waiting there for almost an hour, with nothing happening. Initial tension left place to an uneasy boredom. Two guards were in the first room from the entrance, one was mounting guard by the door, staying on the lookout, while the other was sitting on the guest's bed.

*yawn* (Kevlan)

“Hey! Stay on your toes! They might show up at any moment.” (Estas)

“I think we'll notice them by the ruckus outside. They haven't exactly been subtle.” (Kevlan)

Unknown to the two, a figure blending in the shadows approached the guard on the bed from behind. She extended her hand and touched the back of the neck of her target.

(Inquisitor Tenebra)

Kevlan's pupils dilated to their maximum extensions, then contracted. His body trembled for a moment.

*whisper* “Kill everyone.” *leave* (Tenebra)

The shadow disappeared like a breeze under the window.

“Did you say something?” (Estas)

While Estas was still looking at the main entrance from the narrow opening in the door of the room, his comrade stood up without saying a word and approached him with a blank stare.

*turn* “It was about time we swapped. Don't fall asl~ *slash* (Estas)

Many thoughts and feelings flooded Estas's mind as his gushing blood was painting his comrade's face red. Traitor. Confusion. Fear. Astonishment. Fear. Rage. Fear.

*grab* *gurgle* (Estas)

The dying guard tried to grab the killer's collar. He tried to ask a simple question. Why. He deserved to know at least that much.

Despite blood covering his eyes, Kevlan didn't even blink, seemingly unfazed.

*close eyes* *collapse* (Estas)

Red tears were now flowing from Kevlan eyes. Whatever it was the body's natural response to the foreign substance in his eyes, or whatever he was screaming as a passenger in his own body, nobody will ever know.

*swish* *open door* (Kevlan)

Kevlan readied his weapon and walked out of the room. There was work to be done.

Mines

Location: Calmia / Mines / Ground Level / Dorm

Time: Y1503 / 26th day of the Wither Moon / Night

The mines of Calmia were a dangerous place. Death was almost an everyday occurrence. The reputation was such that sometimes criminals fight to the death if they believed their sentence would be forced work in the mines.

Calmia was built at the roots of a steep coal rich cliff. Wooden platforms allowed miners to climb and dig holes in the mountain. After centuries of excavation, the place looked like Swiss cheese. Lifters allowed loads to be carried up and down.

“How are you feeling?” (Hound)

“Better. I somewhat recuperated, but don't expect a spell on the same scale as before from me.” (Woodpecker)

One of the lower mines had been repurposed as dorm once the minerals there were exhausted. On a corner the six magi were laying down, trying to recuperate as much strength as possible. purpose

“Do you feel anything?” (Hound)

“... No.” (Eye)

“If she finds something, she'll tell. Stop distracting her.” (Claw)

Having the best detection magic, Eye was trying to sense the presence of the inquisitors.

**cheers** (Goons)

While the magi were making their preparation, Berfun had been busy gathering hands. Mostly miners and refugees.

~Now go! Give the finishing blow to the wretched daemons that took your dear and rampaged through your city! And remember, if you get me an head, you'll never have to work another day in your life!” (Berfun)

**warcry** (Goons)

Two dozens ill equipped volunteers raced out of the mine, looking for glory.

“I have to say, Berfun really has a way with words...” (Sparrow)

“I don't know what's more depressing. That they believed him or that we are fighting for him as well...” (Woodpecker)

*glare* (Berfun)

*rumble*

With the small cave being silent once again, Berfun couldn't help but to hear the remark. Fortunately, a deep unsettling rumbling sound took the stage, defusing Berfun's bomb.

“Another collapse? This place is a death trap! Are you sure we safe, here?” (Hound)

*umph* “This place has been here ever since my father was a toddler. Man up.” (Berfun)

The experienced elite warriors of the silence didn't get this far by taking chances. Their instincts were screaming that something was wrong.

“We should~ (Claw)

“!!! They are here!!! The inquisitors are weaving a big one!!! ” (Eye)

Claw was looking at his former comrade in crimes with a patronizing look. He didn't believe for a second that the inquisitors were drained of their powers, Eye all but confirmed his worst fears.

~leave. Is there another way out?” (Claw)

“Of course. A secret tunnel leads to a crevice on the side of the mountain. I'll take you there, but you'll owe me.” (Berfun)

*rumble*

The fellowship headed for the back of the cave. Berfun grinned as his bulging muscles flexed pushing aside the heavy looking shelf. Even in this situation he liked to show his dominance.

*push* *pant* *enter* (Berfun)

Without saying a word, Berfun crawled inside the circular opening in the wall. It was barely big enough for Berfun, but the others didn't have much problem.

“They will be drained after this spell. We only need to buy time for our counter attack,” (Hound)

“You said that before...” (Woodpecker)

“Always a fatalist. Their magic can't be infinite. They are trying to intimidate us in thinking it is, but they'll definitely show an opening after this.” (Sparrow)

*sigh* [Those who live of hope, die in despair...] (Claw)

Needless to say neither Claw nor Eye bought the vain plan, but what what they were going to do? They were stuck between a rock and an hard place, literally.

**rumble**

*dust falls*

The rumbles got deeper and longer, dust was now falling from the ceiling of the tunnel over the crime lords.

“How long until the exit?” (Hound)

Berfun faked not listening to the question and just picked up the pace of his crawling.

**rumble**

Location: Calmia / Mines

At the shadows of the tall cliff, there was a large open areas with piles of dirt and unprocessed raw resources. Mining and construction equipment was laying around. The piles of stuff were not nearly as tall as the days before as most was used to fortify the town and put a pitiful resistance.

*stab* “Ahhhhhh!” *fall* (Miner)

“That's the last of them.” (Horan)

The old master spearman just finished dealing with the rubble that charged out of the mines, screaming and waving around dull mining equipment. After seeing one of their own dealt with effortlessly by Horan, they quickly realized they were outmatched and tried to escape. To no avail.

“They are in there?” (Quanta)

“Yes! About half a dozen of people with aptitude. They feel the same as the one that threw those spells at us, earlier.” *smile* (Fara)

“Leave them to me.” *crack* (Quanta)

Quanta joined his fingers, making them click. Kaven wished for them to plunge the sinners to the deep end of despair, and that's what he was going to do.

*dance* (Quanta)

Three inquisitors kept on the lookout as the big gun was gathering large amount of aether. For several minutes, it was quiet. People gifted with magic sight would see two long and thick magic threads getting longer and dancing in the air around the dancing man.

“This should do.” (Quanta)

“Try not to bury us, ok?” *smile* (Fara)

The inquisitors were around two hundred meters from the tall cliff in front of them. It was safe, probably. Just in case, Tempo weaved a barrier.

(Festa)

“Just to be safe...” (Festa)

For a short interval of time there was silence. Quanta was clearing his mind, and his friends knew better than to disturb.

*open eyes* *extend hands* (Quanta)

Finally ready, Quanta opened his eyes and extended his hands. In his mind he was forming the image of the results he wished for, the long magic threads around him got ever so shorter as the magic channels in his body were absorbing the refined aether, changing it, shaping it. To make his image a reality.

(Quanta)

*nggg* (Quanta)

Magic threads around him started shortening at a much grater pace, his magic channels processing it at an extreme pace. It was painful, like having his muscles overexerted.

*squint eyes* [That's a lot of rocks! Just give up, mountain!] (Quanta)

Quanta was increasing the weight of the rocks in the cliff. It's the first time he tried to affect this much mass. On his way to the mines, he tried to collapse buildings as a test run, and didn't have any problems with it, but mountains clearly are different.

It turns out a solid slab of rock is just a tad bit more stable than an unsteady shack made of wood.

[Two folds... Three folds... Just give up, mountain!!! I mastered the Gifted One's technique!!! You cannot overcome me!!!] *glare* (Quanta)

**rumble**

The ground below the inquisitors feet started trembling. Under the moonlight, the inquisitors could see the ground visibly becoming depressed like one was putting a weight on a bedsheet. The cliff was sinking.

*crumble* (Wooden platforms)

**screams** (Miners)

*puff*

Quanta's spell was clearly having an effect. The ropes that were holding the wooden platforms on the face of the cliff snapped, letting the logs fall to the ground. Lifters and movers collapsed as well. Already existing cracks could be seen spreading on the surface of the cliff, forming hairline fractures that got wider and wider.

**rumble**

Screams from the helpless miners and their families that took refuge there were being drowned in the groaning of the earth.

“Don't force yourself. You are of no use to Gloria dead.” *sad look* (Fara)

*fall to knees* “I can do it!” (Quanta)

Weaving a spell on this scale was clearly taking its toll on Quanta's body. He fell to his knees while sustaining the spell. He was sweating profusely and having spasm. His heart was beating like crazy and his blood vessels were bulging on his arm and forehead.

**rumble** **cracks** **rumble**

(Quanta)

*gasp* “Damn it!!!” *pant* *pant* (Quanta)

It was too much. Before his magic threads could be exhausted, Quanta had to cut his spell short.

*pat shoulder* “That was remarkable, young inquisitor.” (Horan)

*ping* *ping* (debris)

A plume of dust was raising from the bottom of the cliff. Rocks were detaching from the face of the cliff, crashing down dozens of meters below. Debris were flying at high speed in all direction, but Tempo's barrier were protecting the group from the aftermath.

Everyone looking at the scene would feel dread, but Quanta was not satisfied. He had wished to collapse the cliff to show how meaningless resistance was now. The praise of his colleagues were nothing more than lip service.

**rumble**

“Look! You might get your wish after all!” (Festa)

Now that the unreasonable weight of a dozen mountains was released, the depression in terrain started to heal back. No, the terrain seemed even to be bulging a little bit, now.

***rumble***

The dust raising from the cliff was starting to cover it all, but before it was covered completely, cracks on the surface could be seen joining together. A bad omen. For the cliff.

The cloud of dust was getting denser and larger, expanding in all direction, until a terrible thundering roar like a thousand lightning could be heard.

***collapse***

**quake**

*ping* *ping*

The ground was shaking in a small quake. The cloud of dust submerged Tempo's barrier, and the sound of heavier, faster rocks impacting it could be heard.

For many long seconds the roar grew in intensity. The force of nature was being unleashed. For many minutes, the inquisitors just stood there, basking in the results of their powers. Gloria's power.

Location: Calmia / Ruin of the Mines

The inquisitors had been sitting down for half an hour, now, waiting for the cloud of debris to settle down.

“I think it's safe to go.” (Festa)

(Eye)

“Uhm... Yes, I think it's okay to leave now.” (Eye)

“How are you faring, inquisitor Quanta?” (Horan)

*weak voice* “Better. But you'll have to carry me. Sorry.” (Quanta)

Like the aftermath of an heavy workout, Quanta's body was rigid and aching, leaving him unable to move on his own. At least for a while.

“Just climb on my back. I'll carry you. I have to do something, after all.” (Festa)

(Festa)

*grab hand* “Horan. You can still back down. We can leave and still claim we achieved our goal.” *sad look* (Fara)

“My pride wouldn't allow just walking home after seeing you youngsters in action. I told you before, Fara. This is how my journey ends.” (Horan)

“... Take it, than. Use it well.” *hands over artifact* (Fara)

“Oh. Oh. I will! See to it that Gloria prevails, youngsters.” (Horan)

Three inquisitors turned around and left their old comrade behind.

“Uhm... We won't have to worry about bumping into things!” *smile* (Fara)

“I guess not.” (Festa)

*low voice* “Was it really necessary to go so far?” (Quanta)

Many flickering red lights could be seen filtering through the settling cloud of dust all round. Fire was devouring Calmia.

Martyr Novae

Location: Calmia / Central Square

Time: Y1503 / 27th day of the Wither Moon / Morning

“Come on, push!” (Boss Travian)

**groan** (Underlings)

*screech* *fall* (Debris)

“Good job. Get out and start clearing this mess.” (Travian)

""Yes, Boss!"" (Underlings)

Hiding in one of his underground safe house, Travian survived, alongside his accountant and some goons. It took a while, but now the obstructions from the collapsed building were moved out of the way.

*leave* *cough* "What a mess." *cough* (Travian)

Travian expected to find nothing standing outside, and he was not disappointed.

Calmia was in tatters. Ruins were burning and a foul stench of burning flesh and coal was filling the air. Smoke and dust were clouding the sky and giving the sun a dark yellow tint.

Corpses in poses of agony were littering the streets. Some were burnt to cinders, other were maimed and broken. Few citizens dirty with blood and ashes were crouching near bodies on the ground, mourning lost family, friends or lovers.

Despite committing atrocities of their own, the gangsters and even Travian himself felt their guts garbling up. Needless to say, they lost loved ones as well. It was not trust or loyalty that kept them with Travian, but the hope of standing alongside the winner to take the spoils.

The inquisitors were seemingly gone, now.

*walk* “Make a census. I want to know what I'm working with by the end of the day.” (Travian)

“... I'll get to it.” *leave* (Accountant Yena)

[I'm alive. I'll be able to rebuild my business, eventually.. Moria... Average magi my ass!!! Damn it!!! He will hear from me, his intel was dead wrong!] *clench teeth* (Travian)

In the distance, he could see one of his man hurrying toward him. More bad news, surely.

"Boss! An inquisitors is standing in the central square!" (Goon)

"They are still here?!? What is he is doing?" (Travian)

"Nothing. He is just sitting down. Waiting. He seems wounded." (Goon)

"A trap. Gather the survivors. We are leaving Calmia." (Travian)

"I advise against that, Boss. There are mountains of bodies just out of town. I think they are killing the fugitives. This might just be a moment respite as they hunt escapees." (Lieutenant Morgen)

"When it rains, it pours... Go to him, use diplomacy or take him hostage. I'll return to the bunker and organize our remaining forces." (Travian)

The lean and tall Dark Skin lieutenant nodded as his boss left to go into hiding again.

[They will stop killing and make a deal over the governance of the city. I'm sure of it. If I play my cards well, I might be able to replace Travian as the Boss!] *grin* (Morgen)

Location: Calmia / Central Square

It took longer than it should have to reach the central square because of all the obstacles along the way. Since this was once an open space, and was now filled with death. Who knows how many thousands of people died, today.

"What a disaster. It's going to take years to rebuild our operations..." (Morgen)

In his mind, Morgen was already the new Boss. And he was thinking on how to turn Calmia into his money making machine.

[I need to gather men. Round up the villages... It'll be hard work.] (Morgen)

*throw up* (Goon)

His gangsters did many horrible things under the banners of the Silence, but nothing on the scale of what the inquisitors unleashed today on Calmia. Between collapsed buildings, corpses, holes in the ground and all around destruction the place was painful to look at.

"There he is!" (Underling)

“Let's kill him! Slowly. It will send a message.” (Thief)

“Nobody touches him until I give an order, understand?” (Morgen)

On a clear spot near the centre of the place an inquisitor was sitting quietly, a spotless and glorious spear planted on the ground near him. The man was missing an arm and was surrounded by a heap of corpses.

Surrounding the lone inquisitor were about a dozen men from the Silence. By now the people there might represent a significant chunk of the remaining force of the crime syndicate in the region.

The lean man walked in front of the security details, about ten meters from the man.

[Judging from the signs on the ground, this should be outside his reach.] (Morgen)

“I'm Morgen. I speak for the Silence. Who are you?” (Morgen)

Paying no heed to the word, the inquisitor was sitting still on the ground, with his legs crossed and his surviving hand holding something in front of him.

“Are you dead already? Or can you speak? I'll guarantee safe passage for you out of town if you put me in charge of Calmia and ensure me the inquisitors will leave us alone from now on.” (Morgen)

**murmur**

Trying to struck a bargain with one of the perpetrators didn't sit well with the underlings.

“You can't! He needs to pay!” (Goon)

“What do you say, inquisitor? Deal?” (Morgen)

*leap forward* (Goon)

*unsheathe knife* *slash* (Morgen)

*cut* *fall* (Goon)

“I said. no one touches him until I give the order. Anyone else want to die, step forward.” *glare* (Morgen)

Morgen stared in the eyes of his men, ensuring the message got across. The lone inquisitor was his ticket to glory, and he wouldn't let fools ruin everything.

*raise* (Inquisitor Horan)

Unsteadily, the inquisitor stood on his feet, still holding his right arm in front of him.

“The clock is ticking, inquisitor. My offer is time limited, and my patience is running thin. I want an answer. Now.” (Morgen)

Had Morgen had people with aptitude near him, they would have warned him that the reason the inquisitor was standing still, was because he was refining aether and charging an artifact.

“... May Gloria welcome you in her warm embrace~ (Horan)

(Horan)

***flash***