They had to continue on as normal. That much had been clear as they talked on that previous night.
Despite the potential danger they still had things to buy and get. Things that just required them to keep going as normal. Ignoring the threat of the possible inquisitor for the moment, but keeping Shani in front of them all. Just for her to keep a lookout.
Luckily the rain had calmed down at least. That made things just a little more pleasant.
So, first up on the agenda was the bank.
Situated in the mainland part of town, they’d had to doge nearly two dozen street vendors, rampaging carts, and desperate beggars to get there. A sort of hassle that had left Dyo spinning once again as he and the rest pushed through the crowds.
As they wormed their way across the busy south bridge, however, they finally got there, the “financial quarter”.
A place built with heavy stones, glass and brick. Every building a work of art stating its owner’s wealth and tastes. Works that often were gothic in style but were never the exact same, embellished and carved with unique features which distinguished it from the ones around it.
“-And that, everyone is what I believe to be the Calvio’s branch bank!”
Ercole pointed down the street towards a plaza headed by one unique building.
A tall, Emoran-style building sat there. Well, it was kind of Emoran style. It would be more accurate to say that the heart of the building was Emoran. More specifically it seemed to be a small Emoran fort, with small windows, stout square towers on each side with slanted roofs.
But then, built in the space between the towers was a small gothic tower that reached up to a sharp point. Attached to the side of the fort was even more Gothic architecture. This time in the form of an extension almost the size of the fort itself, extending its vaulted ceiling from the top of the fort, all the way along its window-covered length. A grand atrium that, if Dyo could guess, would probably be the part they were going inside of to get the money. Something he could barely imagine the interior of.
It did seem sensible to base a place filled to the brim with gold on an old fort, but still! Did they have to clash the styles?
He sniffed, trying not to show his true thoughts as they continued to the bank. Getting closer he could spy a large, carved, stone seal hung on the fort portion depicting a coat of arms. Flanked by a pair of unicorns, on it was a simple golden fleur-de-lis sat upon a grey and red cross. Under it all sat the motto of “Life, wealth, honour,” surprisingly in some dialect of Emoran. He didn’t know what dialect it was, but it was oddly comforting to see…
“Will they let us in?” Shani sniffed, “It seems too rich for me.”
“You’re all my retainers, remember!? You’ll all be allowed in if the doormen are able to recognise a noble signate ring.”
They’d be bad doormen if they didn’t…
But in and out. That’s all they needed to do now and then they could get onto buy supplies, armour and maybe even some horses for the rest of them. That’d be nice to have.
Bells.
Dyo’s ears perked up.
The gentle chime of bells echoed into the square, accompanied by some sort of chant. One that droned with an ominous tone, the words too distant to hear, but with clear holy purpose.
All coming from the street from the north.
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From which came a white and gold-clothed procession wielding banners, censers and bells. Guarded by several well-armoured men with halberds, the priests glided towards the centre of the square, never stopping their chant, keeping the incense smoke flowing. Creating an ephemeral effect that only elevated them and especially their leader.
A tall, pale man with fading black hair, clad in vestments that seemed to be even brighter than the rest’s. His green eyes surveyed the busy plaza, watching the crowds make way for him and his group. His hands carried the most unique staff Dyo had ever seen. A staff of dark wood coated with strips of parchment covered in decorated text, sealed to the staff by wax seals and intertwined with what he could only guess to be bones…
The holy man walked to the fountain by the centre of the plaza, snapping his fingers for his guards to bring him a small podium. Upon which he stood, his followers and guard forming a perimeter around him.
Everything fell silent as the staff pounded on the ground. The guards and priests stood stock still.
All with the five of them now trapped in the crowd circled around the holy man. Watching a set of guards quietly move in behind the crowd towards all the entrances to the plaza.
The staff pounded again as the Holy Man cleared his throat once.
“Greetings, children of the lord! I am Brother Marcus Haspel, you may have already seen me at prayer, but to others, this will be the first time you are seeing me. I, upon the will of the lord, have been granted once again with the title of Arch Inquisitor.”
The crowd erupted into chatter as Dyo’s heart dropped like a stone in his chest. His blood running ice cold as he naturally reached for Hreysti’s hand, the vampire taking his as they touched. Both looking straight at the Arch Inquisitor.
“Now, some of you may be distressed by this announcement,” He continued, “I know what many Inquisitors were famed for but rest assured, I do not use those methods. I have never liked them, and the Patriarch has forbidden those methods from being used to create terror. You will be safe under my watch, safe from the purview of heretics and heathens. That is why I am here, to protect you against them.”
Dyo’s heartbeat only skyrocketed with that.
“As part of all of our spiritual salvation, I decided I should make a statement, here, in front of what may be a den of sin.”
Arch Inquisitor Marcus raised his arms, between them framed the bank.
“Interest is banned within our holy church, but not that of the Janwa sect. Tolerated by our Patriarch they have been allowed to set up establishments that do not conform to this ban. A neat way for followers of our church to benefit from that indulgence in greed. But this should not stand! So, I implore you, all good children of God to reject this evil as your first steps! Because now for you, I have something that may be more difficult for you but is a far more important duty.”
What will it be-
“To report anyone, friend or not, to whatever member of the clergy you can speak to, if they are harbouring heathens or heretics! I know for some, this may be a painful idea, but if we are to achieve the purity required to ascend into God’s Garden, we cannot let any taint seep in. Not by this bank, not by heretics, and not by pagans! Believe in the three saints and do not be led astray! Glory to God!”
With that the man’s brothers struck the bell, letting its crisp ring echo around the plaza.
“You may continue your day children. But for all those who want to help in this holy work and be supported, come to my next sermon at that Cathedral of Saint Augustine.”
It was finally over. The chanting picked up again as the Arch Inquisitor stepped off his platform. Then leading his group away, proceeding back up the street they came.
Even as they went, and life returned, Dyo couldn’t calm his heart. Hreysti’s grip suggested he wasn’t dealing with it well either. The realisation dawning on all of them that they were now firmly in the wolf’s lair. Deep, deep inside without even realising it until now.
“We’re fucked.” Shani muttered.
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Marcus Haspel slowly walked away from the den of sin with his brothers.
It was remarkable how many more he had gained, and how many soldiers he had gathered. An effective force gathered in a little over a week. The street beggars had been especially keen to join in whatever capacity they could. Taking up arms and doing whatever menial work they were strong enough to do. All only in return for bed, food and spiritual improvement.
It was truly inspiring how faith could motivate people.
But there was one other thought on his mind…
The three strong magical auras that he had sensed in the crowd.
That would need to be investigated with those people brought in for questioning. Before they could get away or deal any damage to the people. The risk was too high to leave them alone.
He waved his hand, beckoning a guard over to him.
“Guardsman.”
“Yes, Arch Inquisitor?”
“I want you to dispatch a few men to the square. Tell them to bring the two men in brown hooded cloaks. That and the blond-haired man in peasant’s garb, along with any accomplices they may have. I need them alive and with minimal harm done to them. Can you get some men for that?”
“Yes, my lord. It will be done.”