The sheer speed at which the caravan was moving was far greater than before. Mostly because it was Spirits that were pulling the carts and wagon, as opposed to mundane animals. But, nonetheless, it was less than a day before they returned to Trimble. Which was, technically, faster than when they had left, since they had taken a path created by a Legendary Spirit.

This didn’t change the fact that it was going to take much longer to get back to Tollren. Just that it was a pleasant surprise to find that everyone would be able to sleep in an actual bed tonight.

Approaching the walls of the border city, Ezekiel and his wagon were pulling up the rear. When they finally got close enough to enter the gates, however, they were stopped by the city’s guards.

Apparently, they were required to allow their transport to be inspected. Not simply checked over, but fully inspected by professionals working for the city. Ones that were specially trained to look for illegal infiltrators, as well as foreign criminals.

Jumping down from their wagon, Ezekiel and Riley walked over to the side of the road, where Evelyn and Warren stood with the twins.

“Any idea what’s going on?” Ezekiel asked his father. “Last I checked, the Empire wasn’t at war. Though, given the events of the last month, I wouldn’t be surprised if our information was out of date.”

Ezekiel tried to sound interested, or curious, but his tone was deadpan and monotone. While he hadn’t been exerting himself too badly, spending so many hours meditating was still tiring.

He had made progress though, so he was happy about that. Even if it didn’t show.

For his part, Warren just sighed in frustration as Lance and his guard captain spoke to the Trimble guards. It seemed like the guard was going over a stack of papers that Lance had pulled from his Void Pouch.

While he couldn’t read them from the distance and angle he was at, Ezekiel could still recognize the glittery shine of a noble family’s coat of arms stamped on the different sheets of paper.

“Apparently, things have gotten worse in Tarquessa since we first arrived. Apparently, rebel forces have been found fleeing from Tarquessa. But with the major ports seized by the cult, there’s really only one place for them to go.” Warren specifically didn’t mention Ezekiel’s prior actions relating to the rebels.

Something that Ezekiel instantly caught onto. Though, Riley’s face twisted into confusion for a brief moment. Luckily, she didn’t give anything away, and Ezekiel figured that her expression could be considered to be bafflement at the situation, rather than recognition of the rebels.

“When we arrived at and left Trimble, there weren’t any issues, since we were coming from the Empire, and heading out. But since we’re coming in, these checks are more necessary.” Warren further explained. We’d have been checked regardless, but since word of the conflict between the cult and the rebels has increased, so too has the need to more deeply investigate incoming traffic.”

At the head of the group, several inspectors and their Spirits returned. Each one gave a report to the city guard captain. Who finally returned the papers that Lance had given him.

It seemed that there were no issues to make note of, and Ezekiel was happy to see that the caravan was able to enter the city once more.

The less than frown on Lance’s face did dampen his spirits somewhat.

“Is there anything wrong, young master Morse?” Warren asked as they approached to enter the gates. “Given the identities of all the guards, and the fact that we have literally nothing to hide, I would think that entering Trimble and staying for the night wouldn’t include any reasons for you to be upset.”

Lance sighed, and turned to Warren, his Spirit butted its head against him in comfort. The worried look on Lance’s face as his eyes darted between Ezekiel and Warren was enough for Ezekiel to confidently make an assumption regarding the situation.

“Let me guess. Someone wants to talk with us. Me, in particular.” A hint of frustration entered into Ezekiel’s voice as his thoughts on the situation were made clear.

Warren glared at Lance, but it wasn’t really heated. More similar to the frustration that Ezekiel felt. The fact that it wasn’t really directed at the Morse family’s young master was the only reason that Warren wasn’t releasing his Legendary presence.

Behind him, Evelyn also narrowed her eyes, but more in thought and worry than the annoyance that Ezekiel and Warren felt.

As for the twins, they glared at Ezekiel. Correctly assuming that something had happened because of him once again.

Along with still being upset at the situation from before, though much less so than they had been. It seemed like they had spoken to their parents about a few things. Likely reminders of Ezekiel’s situation, and the fact that the Kindled family treated the twins the same way that the cult treated him.

This was just a guess, however, so Ezekiel wasn’t going to let his assumption lead him into a new argument with his family.

For now, Ezekiel would focus on the fact that some unknown figure, with power over the guards, wanted to speak with him. Lance’s flinch when he heard Ezekiel’s guess was enough for the Luminance family to know that Ezekiel was right.

“The ruler of the city and head of the Trimble Cathedral want to speak to all of you, actually. Me included, since I’m the one who’s funding this trip. Riley has also been invited, since she is a Legendary Hunter.” Lance sighed and ran a hand down his face. “Fortunately, it is likely that we will be given accommodations for all our people. But we are expected to report to the cathedral within the hour. I’m assuming that it’s because the Church is a, relatively, neutral party for whatever this is about.”

“It might be the other way.” Ezekiel said. Everyone turned to look at him. “If this involves the cult, which is a declared enemy of the Church of Ten, then it is fully possible that the ruler of Trimble is going to be acting as the mediator of this meeting. Since the Church may very well have demands, or concessions, for us, in exchange for information.”

No one looked happy at Ezekiel’s postulation. As it meant that the Church was taking a side. One that might not be in their favor. Especially since there would certainly be lie detection trained Mages in the meeting. In order to make sure that nothing unsavory happened, or that there were no connections to the cult, or the rebel forces.

“I truly hope that that is not the case. If correct, your suggestion would mean that we will have no allies going into this.” Lance stated. “The Empire wouldn’t be willing to support us unless they got something out of this as well. It would be three different parties all looking for something. Two of which are looking for something from us, specifically.”

“Then we’ll just have to make sure that they don’t have anything against us when this is over. For now, we should aim to break even with whatever it is they want from us,” Warren interjected. “We’ve done nothing illegal regarding the laws of the Empire. Nor have we made any additional enemies that didn’t exist before we entered the Fjorya mountains. Worst comes to worse, we make a concession to leave the Empire once our contract is up.”

Ezekiel sharply turned to his father, as did his sisters. Shock and disbelief plastered on their faces. This was not something that they had discussed at any point prior to today.

Yet, this was obviously not a sudden declaration, because Evelyn made no changes in her expression at her husband’s words.

Ezekiel stayed silent, knowing that his parents had made up their minds. But it seemed like Wendy and Ellen were about to speak up, but their mother pulled them close to her to keep them quiet for now.

“Let’s get our people settled first. We can’t keep the ruler and Grand Scholar waiting too long. That’ll just put us in a bad position.” Lance turned and walked back to the caravan that had passed through the generic checks as they entered the city.

With grim looks on all their faces, the Luminance family, plus Riley, followed after.

It was time to see what additional consequences, for their excursion into the mountains, awaited them.

----------

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

Thankfully for Ezekiel and his group, it didn’t take too long to get the guards settled. So, the group was able to make their way to the cathedral of Trimble with relative haste.

Initially, Wendy and Ellen weren’t going to accompany the group, but it was decided that they would join their parents at the cathedral for safety purposes. Similarly, Invera had also descended, too fast to be seen as she shrank down as settled into the hood of Ezekiel’s cloak.

As suppressed as her power was, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to tell that she was a Mythic Tier Spirit. At best, they would assume that she was a simple Wild Spirit that had decided to tag along in the hopes of finding a Mage to bond with.

If either the city ruler or the Grand Scholar were Lightning Mages, then it would’ve been a different situation, since there might be attempts to see her forced into service by threatening the group.

Which would lead to Invera taking offense and killing her way out of the city, since there was no way that a Mythical being would ever allow themself to be subjugated in such a way.

Not that anyone stupid enough to try and force a Mythic’s hand would be smart enough to understand this.

Regardless, as Ezekiel and his ground passed through the gates to the cathedral, he noticed that this one was much smaller than both the Harkem one, and the Sanafalls one.

He didn’t like the implications this made regarding the possibility of conflict with the cult. But he hoped that there were other defenses that he was unaware of that were not related to the size of the cathedral and its surrounding grounds.

“Greetings.” A Scholar dressed in blue accented robes welcomed the group and directed them toward one of the official meeting chambers used by the Church when making deals with different parties.

Closing the door behind them after they entered, the Scholar left, and Ezekiel was able to directly examine the ruler of Trimble, and the head Grand Scholar of the cathedral.

Both men had graying hair, but the different colors woven within determined their respective elements. The ruler of Trimble also had a bright green mouse sitting in front of him.

Life for Trimble’s ruler, and Cavern for the Grand Scholar. Both of which were elements that were capable of telling the truth from lies. Which explained why they were alone in this meeting.

That, and the exceptionally complex runic enchantments that were engraved into the walls and covered in plaster. Something that only an expert in enchantments would notice. Meaning, from his group, only Ezekiel and his mother.

“Welcome, young master Morse, and party. It is good to see you’ve safely returned from your excursion into the mountains. I am Grand Scholar Trask, and this is the ruler of Trimble, Duke Nolan.” Trask introduced himself and his fellow Legendary to Ezekiel and his party.

To the side, Lance glanced back and forth between the Duke and the Grand Scholar, before looking back at Warren and Evelyn.

As an Adept, he technically had less seniority than Evelyn, Warren, and Riley, even though Lance was from a noble family. If a more mercantile one than the standard land-owning nobles.

Had he not been recovering from his crippled Spirit Paths, Ezekiel would also be considered to be a senior Hunter, but that was obviously not the case.

Thus, their direct address towards Lance, and the use of his family name in their greeting implied an emphasis on his nobility. This showed that they didn’t care as much about the other Legendaries in the room. Something that some would consider to be an insult.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Though there was a confused glance at Ellen and Wendy, who held their Spirits tightly in their arms. At which point Ezekiel stepped in front of them beside his mother.

‘I guess we know where these guys’ loyalties lie.’ Shine muttered to Ezekiel.

‘I hate to say it, but I understand where they’re coming from.’ Ezekiel internally sighed. ‘Since they’re further from the Desolate Lands than Harkem, that means that they don’t have as many Guilds to rely on. So, most of their forces are tied to the nobility. Even though that isn’t supposed to be the case.’

Guilds were supposed to be neutral entities that were dedicated to serving the interests of exploration and support regarding the various conflicts with the Desolate Lands or investigating Ruins for the sake of the Church of Ten.

In many cases within the Empire, however, it was the nobility that had the most power. Thus, if there wasn’t enough reliance on Guilds to outnumber the amount of influence from the nobles, the Guilds would turn into tools for the nobility to nurture their own forces.

That didn’t usually apply to Scholars, however, since the Church was much more strictly a neutral entity. With the different Cathedrals enforcing such neutrality when dealing with each other.

“I thank you for your kind words and am happy to be meeting with you so promptly upon our arrival.” Lance’s voice pulled Ezekiel out from his thoughts. “May I introduce the Legendary Hunters currently employed by myself, Warren and Evelyn Luminance, and Riley Newland. The latter of whom broke through in the midst of our excursion several weeks ago.”

“Ah, yes. We have heard tell of your aids for this excursion. I must say that I am quite impressed to see someone so young reaching the Legendary Tier. One of the youngest in the world, I believe.” The Grand Scholar said with a smile, and an intense focus on the Duke next to him.

Duke Nolan was more focused on Riley and Ezekiel’s parents. As if he was waiting for something. But seemed content to leave the talking to Trask. Allowing him and Lance to continue passing pleasantries back and forth.

This threw Ezekiel off for a second, as he was under the impression that they would either be working together to get what they wanted or would both be vying for their separate goals.

‘Oh, so that’s how they’re playing it.’ Ezekiel raised an eyebrow in thought.

‘What do you mean?’ Shine asked.

‘They’re trying to rile us up by focusing on Lance. As well as make him the center of attention, to hopefully trip him up, since he’s got much less experience than the Legendaries in the room. All while Duke Nolan watches us for any tells that they can grab onto.’

‘But he’s a noble. Wouldn’t he have more experience when dealing with political things like faction meetings like this?’

‘Yes, but he’s not a Legendary. So, it’ll be much easier to make him fall to pressure.’

‘Wouldn’t your sisters be even better targets?’

‘One; they are too inexperienced and wouldn’t have been allowed to see the important bits of the excursion. Which they know. Two; my sisters are much more heavily protected.’

Ezekiel bounced his eyes back and forth between his parents and Riley. Shine let out a noise of understanding as they realized what Ezekiel was talking about.

They couldn’t make any more observations, however, as Ezekiel caught Duke Nolan’s eye.

A second passed between them, before Ezekiel decided to move things along.

Glancing back to Trask, then to Lance, Ezekiel grinned and raised an eyebrow, before closing his eyes and shaking his head. Something that Trask noticed, as did Riley, who was standing next to him.

Trask cleared his throat, while Riley just looked confused.

While he didn’t know what they were thinking, Ezekiel assumed that his actions were enough to make the Grand Scholar and city ruler more cautious.

“Ahem, well, I am glad to hear that you’ve been so successful. You might as well have a low Tier Guild with that many Hunters in your employ.” Trask cleared his throat before moving on. “Perhaps, however, we should get on with what we were hoping to discuss.”

It was obvious that Lance didn’t catch the by-play between Ezekiel and the rest. But it seemed like he could tell that something had happened. As he didn’t let Trask back out that easily.

“Are you certain? I have yet to speak with Trimble’s illustrious ruler. I would be happy to continue our talks. No need to rush.” Lance’s smile was like a shark as he bared his teeth at the Legendaries of Trimble.

Beside him, sitting like a large dog, rather than a large bull, Lance’s Spirit let out a rumbling groan of contentment. As if to agree with his partner.

“Perhaps later.” Duke Nolan said, speaking for the first time. “Unfortunately, rumors from the south have increased in frequency, and they do not paint things in a good light.”

“So, what are you asking from us? We’ve been in the wilderness for the past month. News from Tarquessa is not something we’ve been looking for.” Lance explained.

Warren began gripping his fists more tightly. Seemingly in frustration and wariness, but Ezekiel couldn’t tell if it was just a bluff.

He knew that, if push came to shove, he wouldn’t have been able to bluff a Legendary Cavern and Life Mage. But his father might. If Warren had some tricks that Ezekiel was unaware of.

“Be that as it may, we know that the cult had been making movements into the Fjorya. Poaching Spirits and fighting the rebels from the desert that escaped into the mountains.” Nolan continued speaking as Trask sighed and clasped his fingers in front of him. “Given the situation, we would like to know, in yes or no answers, whether or not you encountered either of these groups, and what the situation is if you did.”

Ezekiel closed his eyes. The fact that they asked for yes or no answers meant that they weren’t even trying to hide the fact that they were fishing for answers and using their lie detection magic in full.

“How about we go knowledge for knowledge.” Warren interrupted Lance, just as he was opening his mouth to speak. They all knew that Lance wouldn’t be able to say anything without dropping the ball. “You tell us the rumors and consequences of our excursion into the Fjorya, and we’ll come clear regarding every single detail regarding our actions in the mountains.”

For a moment, both of the Trimble city Legendaries looked surprised at Warren’s words. But before they could speak, what came next shocked them back into silence.

“After all, I can swear by the Spirits, that the cult has created weapons on par with the Church’s mana cannons.” Warren’s blunt words reminded Ezekiel of himself, and he quickly realized where he got his bluntness from. At least when pushed too far.

As for the Grand Scholar and Duke, they immediately tensed up, and the hackles on Duke Nolan’s Spirit raised as it felt its partner’s fury and caution.

“Since we now know that something happened, why shouldn’t we just keep you locked up as traitors of the Empire, who are withholding vital information pertaining to outside threats?” Duke Nolan asked, while Trask just looked on. Their positions reversed from before.

But Ezekiel’s group wasn’t going to settle for this. They had done nothing illegal, per the laws of the Empire, and had taken no actions against any official worldly factions during their excursion into the Fjorya.

They also had a very large stick that they could start waving around, since it was clear that the polite veneer had been ripped away.

Instead of saying anything, Warren turned to Ezekiel, who simply shook his shoulders.

Invera’s head poked over his shoulder, and her glare caused Trask and Nolan to break out into cold sweats. Nolan’s mouse Spirit actually fainted. Falling backwards onto Nolan’s lap.

All the while, the walls cracked, breaking the defensive enchantments, but not touching the privacy ones. Swiftly moving the control of the situation into Ezekiel and the rest’s side.

“Oh... I see.” Nolan settled down. “That’s why we shouldn’t do that.”

Warren just nodded, while everyone else on their side smiled. It seemed like the actual talks could now begin. Without all the pointless posturing.

----------

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

Ezekiel collapsed onto his bed at the inn where the caravan had booked the night. It was now incredibly late, and he just wanted to sleep.

They would be leaving in the morning, but the warm food and minor downtime were appreciated by all. Even though all of the guards just wanted to get home as soon as possible.

The time away from the road was nice. But the supposed relaxation that they were all meant to have during time was absent, however, as Ezekiel went over the news that their party had obtained during their meeting with the Grand Scholar and city ruler.

Apparently, the cult forces had released the information regarding Ezekiel’s recovery and had increased the bounty on his head. Which, on its own, wasn’t that big of a deal.

Many Legendary Had bounties on them, most of whom were outlaws, but it was something that Ezekiel could deal with. Since he wasn’t a criminal, that meant that he was in a much better situation than others, since he was still able to freely, and openly, travel to different towns without fear of the official authorities.

The truly bad news was the fact that the Empire was, apparently, in talks with the Morathi Alliance. Specifically, the Kindled family, and talks about the Luminance family were brought up.

This change was recent, and only started a month ago. So, it was obvious that the news regarding Ezekiel’s family and their allies in the Fjorya had spread since their battle prior to going to the Spirit Haven.

If the talks turned out to be in the Kindled family’s favor, that would spell disaster for Ezekiel’s family. Their status as, basically, refugees would disappear, as they were traded to the Kindled family for whatever agreements the Empire asked for in exchange.

The only thing now holding them back was the fact that the Shroud family was threatening actions, alongside their allies, and the third member of the big three families in the Alliance.

In the past, the various families had banded together in an alliance to avoid being subjugated by the Empire, after all. Thus, the Kindled family was making enemies left and right with this move.

At this point in time, there was nothing that Ezekiel could do to protect anyone. Even leaving, like he had originally planned, wouldn’t do anything. As it was unlikely that his parents would be able to withstand any opposing forces on their own.

At this point, it seemed like the only option for them was to leave, or to officially join a faction. One that operated on a grander scale than just a Guild or noble family.

‘So, what are we going to do?’ Shine was quiet as they spoke with Ezekiel.

‘I’m not sure. All the plans I’ve been pondering have basically gone up in smoke. I’m not even sure if it’ll be safe for us to continue on to Tollren at this point.’

Lance had also realized this before, and if it wasn’t for the fact that he needed to prioritize his own interests, he might’ve allowed the Luminance family to leave without returning.

But the presence of three Legendaries was too much to give up in these dangerous times. Something that Ezekiel and his parents could understand. Though that didn’t mean they were happy about it.

‘It’s not all bad though, right’ Shine tried to lighten the mood. ‘The Church of Ten has officially contacted the Prime Guild to ensure that sanctions and restrictions are placed on the Cult of Light. To ensure that they can’t just use those new cannon weapons as they wish.’

That had been the one silver lining regarding the situation. The sheer danger that the cult had displayed had been all the proof the Church of Ten needed to call for an official meeting regarding the situation.

Trask had promised that the cult would not get away with this. The fact that they had already broken countless laws regarding the official use of information and secrets kept by the Church was already enough to declare war.

‘How do you think everyone else is dealing with this?’

Ezekiel remained silent in response to Shine’s question. He took the time to think about his answer but couldn’t help but let his mind wander back to his sisters, who were devastated to learn about what would happen to them if the Empire made a deal with the Kindled family.

Betrothals and breeding stock were terms that Ezekiel had hoped would never be used in conjunction with his sisters.

Just the thought of it made Ezekiel’s soul burn as his emotions practically caused the mana inside him to boil over.

He allowed himself to Void his thoughts, suppressing his bad mood for the moment. He would slowly let up on it when he wasn’t at risk of releasing his mana pressure on unsuspecting innocents.

‘For now, we need to fulfill my parents’ contract. The moment they are released, we need to leave.’ Ezekiel started planning out new scenarios that might be able to help them. ‘With Invera, we don’t need to worry, so long as the Empire’s Exalts don’t come for us. Which, according to the laws of the Empire, won’t happen, since they exist purely for the defense of the Empire from outside threats. The Prime Guild and Church of Ten won’t stand for it if they use an Exalt for anything else.’

At the moment, Invera was the only thing keeping them relatively safe. So, it was possible they could finish their contract without too many issues popping up.

‘There’s the issue of what the Alkena family will do, same with the Morse family. But they shouldn’t be too harshly punished for working with us.’ This had been one of the worries that Ezekiel had, but the two families hadn’t done anything to lose their noble status, so additional taxes, and perhaps the loss of some business would probably be the worst they would suffer. ‘In the meantime, we can probably hide out in the Fjorya until we can escape to the Archipelago. If I do some work for Invera, she might be willing to just fly us to Sanafalls directly.’

At least for the first few years. Hopefully, by that time, Ezekiel would be strong enough to be able to take care of things on his own.

He felt bad about his friends in the cathedral in Gates, but they were official Scholars of the Church, so it wasn’t like they would be given up for associating with him. The Church didn’t truly answer to the Empire, after all.

‘... What about Riley?’ Shine sounded somewhat apprehensive to Ezekiel, but he understood the Spirit's feelings on the matter. Particularly regarding Ezekiel.

His situation with Riley was mixed. On the one hand, Ezekiel didn’t want to give up on his relationship with her. But on the other hand, he knew that she would turn into a target to get to him.

The cult might even try to brainwash her again. Something that he didn’t think she would survive, again. Unless her soul got even stronger than it already was.

His train of thoughts was interrupted, however, as a knock on the door grabbed his attention.

Judging from what he was sensing, the topic of his thoughts was standing just outside.

Getting up and opening the door, Riley stood in front of him.

No words were said. Riley just walked forward and wrapped Ezekiel in a hug.

“I’m not going to leave.” She said out of nowhere.

Ezekiel’s mind blanked. It seemed like Riley knew exactly what he was thinking about just now.

“I know you’re worried about me, and your family. But you are forgetting about how much we worry about you, in return.” Riley looked up at Ezekiel. “If you leave, or force me to leave you, no one will be happy. Nor will it change the cult’s thoughts about me and my position.”

He hadn’t thought of that. The cult would likely be targeting Riley no matter what. Regardless of whether or not she was with him.

There was nothing that he could say. It seemed like Riley had gotten to know him much better over the past month than he had expected. All the different times that they had spent together since they’d started dating began flashing through his mind, and Ezekiel realized that he didn’t want to leave Riley behind either.

“Okay...” Ezekiel muttered, still not certain of how things would turn out. But for now, he would throw away all thoughts of giving this up. Riley was now just as important to him as the rest of his family. Even more so, in some ways.

Pushing forward into the room, Ezekiel and Riley flopped onto the bed. Too mentally exhausted to do anything physical, and just enjoying the feeling and comfort of being in each other’s presence.

Celia climbed on top of both of them, and Shine used their telekinesis to close the door.

It wasn’t long after that they all fell asleep. The problems presented to them today could be addressed again tomorrow.