The soldier scurried off to get his superior. I glanced at Josef, who seemed shocked by the situation. Maybe it finally dawned on him that this was not an elaborate prank. And now that he was seen in our company he would have no easy way out.
Soon an officer approached us. He was a tall and muscular man. I would have been intimidated in my old world. But here? His size was meaningless, I was sure I was a lot stronger, despite my smaller frame. He wore the uniform of the inquisition. Rather unsurprising that they were in charge. But was this man controlled, or working of his own free will?
“So you are the infamous Amaya.” He said as a greeting. What a splendid start. His eyes scanned our group, briefly lingering on Josef. “We are here because the temple is holding one of our members hostage. It is closed until the situation is resolved.”
“Ah. And what proof do you have of this accusation?” I asked.
“That is none of your business.” He replied.
“Oh but it is. We brought a patient to the temple earlier and we are here to meet her again. We were just out to get some help from alchemist Josef.” I said while smiling sweetly.
“A patient? We can escort the esteemed alchemist into the temple. You will have to remain here though. I will ensure that your injured friend receives excellent care.”
Lucy interrupted him: “How are you escorting him inside the temple, when you claim they have a hostage? How can you accuse them of holding someone against their will and then promise us to keep Josef safe? This makes no sense. At least put some effort into your lies.”
I nodded in agreement. That lie was at best a two out of ten. Very sloppy.
The man looked angry. “I cannot let you enter and I will have to ask Josef to stay with us.”
I did not want to use violence. Some people might have been controlled and the regular soldiers were probably innocent. So how about some good old intimidation?
I closed my eyes and summoned my power. Using this aura thing was getting easier. I tried to put some intent behind it, not just my emotions. I wanted them to feel some fear but mostly I wanted to demonstrate power. I wanted them to look upon a force of nature. To see a raging storm. Not a person, not an enemy coming for them, simply an unstoppable force. Who would be foolish enough to step into the path of a tsunami? To walk into a hurricane?
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My eyes glowed when opened, the skies darkened and rain began to fall. Part of me wondered, what the general population thought about all the storms I had been conjuring recently. But I had no time for idle contemplation. I focused hard on my intent. And my power complied.
What I did not expect was the effect I had on my companions. The power moved through our bond. Lucy’s eyes started glowing as well. Her tail rose and small lightning bolts surrounded it. Lily was covered in an armour of wind and sparks. She raised her voice:
“STAND ASIDE FOR THE LADIES DELPHINIUM!”
Her words were accompanied by the butt of her naginata smashing into the ground. Somehow it sounded a lot louder than should be possible.
Suddenly I felt a tug on my mind. A familiar presence was reaching out to me through the power I channelled. My actions had opened a link to the plane of wind. And through it came a message.
“What are you doing? Is it slaughter? I bet it involves slaughter! Why didn’t you invite me? Please invite me!” Shani pleaded.
Actually summoning her might not be the best idea. But her pleading was very effective and I gave in. I used the spell summon elemental lord.
Shani formed right in front of me. The storm made her look rather sinister. Especially since her appearance was accompanied by thunder and lightning.
“MUAHAHAHAHAHAH!”
Oh, and the evil laugh. That certainly helped to sell the sinister part. As did the giant scythe forming in her hand.
“TREMBLE MORTALS, FOR I HAVE ARRIVED!”
While it certainly increased the intimidation factor of my display I was doubting the wisdom of my actions.
“Hi Shani.” Lucy said while waving.
“We are not here to kill anyone. We are just here to visit Sylphania’s temple.” The power I was channelling infused my voice. It travelled far and wide.
The soldiers were mostly frozen by now. Not with ice, just paralysed by fear. A few managed to take some steps, opening a path towards the temple.
Shani peered at the temple. “Uhh that looks nice. I bet they have an elemental I can bully… I mean educate. Being their senior and all.”
“I don’t know any elemental but the high priestess is a dryad.” This time I managed to keep my voice normal.
“Dryads are fun! Let’s go!”
“It is nice to meet you again Shani.” Lily said with a small bow, while carrying Josef, who had fainted at some point.
“Ah, my proudest creation!” Shani said with a huge smile. “We should go kill something together!”
“It would be an honour to fight at your side. But it will have to wait until my ladies have a target for us.” Lily replied.
While Lily and Shani chatted Lucy was busy examining her tail. She seemed fascinated with the lightning it produced. It certainly was an interesting effect. But it was time to get moving.
“I am sure there will be some killing in the future, for now let’s just enter the temple.”
I took the lead and walked towards the entrance. Since it was no longer needed I retracted my aura. The clouds dispersed and the sun was shining again, as we entered the temple.