A few days later we left for Unitera. Part of the army stayed behind to secure the area. More reinforcements were on the way but we did not want to risk the city and any further evidence it contained. Staying longer was not an option either, we needed to reach Unitera before the Inquisition took the palace. Assuming they would win, which seemed likely.

Lilith was still working on her paladin. She also took a liking to Martha, the woman who tried to poison us. I was slightly concerned about that at first but I could not detect any mental influence. If a former agent of the Inquisition wanted to be friends with a demon lord it was none of my business.

As we got closer to the capital we received reports of fighting. The Inquisition had already begun their assault. I decided it might be a good idea to take a look myself. Lucy accompanied me and we used a fly spell to scout ahead.

What we found was disturbing. The city had fallen, sort of. A glowing shield surrounded the palace and we could see spells fly from the distance. The inquisition was sieging the palace, while holding the other parts of the city. At least the walls were damaged at places, which meant we would have an easier time attacking them.

Some civilian areas were destroyed but most buildings looked intact. Would they survive the battle still raging in the city though? If the mages around the palace went all out it would be a massacre. And I had no idea how to prevent that. We returned to the army to report and plan.

We assembled a war council and told them what we had found.

“This is bad.” General Bodil said.

Dalroc sighed. “Indeed. We are too late to save the city.”

“Are we?” Ingrid asked. “A city is about the people. We can evacuate them, or at least some of them.”

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“We would have to breach the city first and deal with the Inquisition, without their mages blowing everything up.” Loriel pointed out.

“The walls are damaged, at least our troops will have a way to get in.” I said.

“Aren't their mages busy with the palace anyway?” Lucy wondered.

“Yes. But they will likely engage our forces if we attack. I doubt that the Emperor would use the opportunity to hit their back. He will just sit behind his shield and wait, the coward.” Bodil said.

“What if we attack the mages at the shield directly? We would pull their strongest forces to the centre and allow the army to breach the walls, take care of the normal soldiers and get the civilians out.” I suggested.

“You are assuming you can engage their elites without blowing up the city.” Loriel said.

“There will be destruction in the noble quarters but I think we can limit the damage and allow ordinary people to flee.” At least I hoped so. I had no idea who or what we would be facing.

“We still do not know what we face. Are you willing to go in blind?” Bodil asked.

“I trust in our power.” I replied. Between me, Lucy, Lily, Shani and Iris we had a lot of strength. Actually, maybe Iris would be better suited elsewhere. “Iris, you know the city and the people. If there are still imperial troops left, maybe you can rally them.”

“I will do my best.” She replied and looked slightly more hopeful. The news of the city’s fall had hit her hard.

“Amaya, Lucy, I would like to accompany you.” Lilith said.

So far she had supported our efforts with her succubi but she had not really taken the field yet.

“Excellent.” I replied. “You don’t have any news from your paladin that could help us, by chance?”

“Sadly no, but I am getting close. We shall have to find out for ourselves what we face. And then remind them that they have picked the wrong enemies.” A dangerous gleam was visible in her eyes.

“So, what sort of powers do you use?” Lucy wondered.

“Ah, do not worry. I won’t incinerate the city. And I have fought with others before. I know how to use any large scale magic without hindering your own efforts.”

“Do we have any information from the Emperor? Any contact at all?” I asked.

Dalroc shook his head. “He declined any aid before we started marching into his territory. He has not responded since. The Inquisition might be blocking his communication as well.”

“Do we know what weapons he has? What artefacts he might use? Once we deal with the Inquisition, I doubt he will welcome us.” I said.

“The Empire is old and they claim to have divine blood. I would expect at least some powerful divine artefacts. They certainly have a powerful magical sword. I suspect Maximilian will have matching armour. While his personal power is unclear, do not underestimate his equipment.” Loriel warned.

“Ohhh, those items would go nicely with my paladin, wouldn’t they?” Lilith said with a sinister smile.