As they left the nameless town in the morning Abigail spoke saying “There is only one town left before we make it to the frontier. After that we will be camping most nights, it will be a few days between towns. It’s a decent sized town, well actually it’s a fortress honestly. Make sure you get anything you need; I can store everything in my ring if you want.”

Curious Thomas asked, “What do you mean by fortress? I didn’t think there was another one out here other than the one called Elaina.”

“As you know the Hill family are the guardians of the southern border. When enough towns get set up far enough away from established fortifications they build new ones. Like the one we are heading to next, the fort is called Jackie. It makes it easier to defend the previously established border of Balmar from anything such as rampaging mana beasts. Elaina is the second one, Jackie was the first one made.” She explained to him.

He chuckled and asked, “What’s with the names of these forts.”

She laughed along with him and said, “I think the lord names it after their wives or something. We can ask when we get there.”

Nodding at that the continued to have light banter before he focused back on his mana control. As the day dragged on, he continued to work on his control and then recover his mana using the Hammel cycling technique. Neither were getting easier, but Abigail would encourage him saying that he would steadily improve until he reached her level of skill.

Eventually Fort Jackie came into view he understood why it was called a fort. Large walls, easily thirty feet tall surrounded the town, standing over the walls he could see a massive castle. The other thing that stood out was the number of soldiers that were patrolling the walls. They were everywhere, as they approached, he saw a squad of at least twenty leave the gates and start head back up the road they came from. It wasn’t surprising, they passed patrols like that every few days, that’s why they didn’t expect there would be any issues until they made it further into the frontier.

Abigail saw him looking and said, “Last stop before we make it to the real frontier. Oh, and after we make it to an inn and get cleaned up, we are going check in with the guild director. Tomorrow we will meet the lord in charge of this fort.”

Thomas looked at her with a shocked look and said, “We? I don’t know how to talk to nobles.”

“You are going to have to learn eventually. As long as you don’t do anything to idiotic it will be fine.” She said laughing at the look on his face.

Making it through the gates Thomas stared wide eyed at the town around them. Getting himself under control, so he didn’t look like a country bumpkin, he passively observed everything. It wasn’t nearly as large as Balwyn, but it seemed more like a city than a town. Only real difference was the amount of adventures and soldiers around. Most of the people they passed looked like warriors or where sporting weapons and armor. They traveled through the streets until they made it to the adventure’s guild, it was almost as grand as the one in Balwyn but still fell short. After making a quick stop to ask about a good inn they set off again.

Once they arrived at the inn they only stayed long enough to get cleaned up and making sure Mila and Angel were content before returning back to the guild. For once Thomas wasn’t in his armor or carrying around his pack. The inn was warded against thievery and had a chest that was keyed to his mana. He thought it was secure enough to leave his equipment behind for once. He still did have his sword with him since it seemed like everyone was armed. The rooms were more expensive than he would have liked but Abigail paid for the rooms. She finally explained that they did actually get a stipend every month for her team expenses. Which made him relieved that he didn’t feel like he owed her even more.

Making it to the guild they didn’t waste time, Abigail showed the poor receptionist her guild card and then her High Inquisitor badge. Abigail requested a meeting with the branch director which the petrified looking receptionist was glad to go ask. Even if it was to just get away from the scary looking Abigail. It didn’t help that Abigail was back to her cold professional demeanor. Anyone would hesitate after seeing how she carries herself. Thomas was still uncomfortable with how people reacted after seeing that they were Inquisitors, but she had told him a few times to get used to it.

Just as quickly they were ushered to the top floor of the guild and into a richly adorned room. The massive desk was covered in piles of paperwork. The man behind the counter was moving fast enough he almost moved like a blur, he would grab a paper either sign it and put it on one pile or not and put it on another pile.

Inspecting the man, he looked like he shouldn’t be behind a desk. His guild uniform looked like it was straining to not burst off his muscled form. The scarred hands and the scar that ran down his cheek clearly showed his size wasn’t for show. When he finally looked up at the two, he gave an appraising look before he stood and introduced himself. Saying, “Good evening, my name is Travis Lock. I am the branch director here in Jackie. How can I help you High Inquisitor Thorn and...” He tapered off as he looked at Thomas.

Taking the hint Thomas pulled out his Junior Inquisitor insignia and introduced himself. “Thomas”

“And Inquisitor Thomas?” Travis finished. It surprised him a little seeing how he didn’t seem fazed at all having two inquisitors in front of him. It was the first time he hadn’t seen fear on someone’s face when they realized who or more accurately what they were and represented.

Abigail sat down in one of the chairs across from the man, Thomas got the feeling she wasn’t amused by him already. She instantly got down to business saying, “Good evening to you. I am slightly surprised you know of me. We are seeking any information regarding odd movements of monsters or adventures in the region.”

“How can I not know who you are High Inquisitor Thorn. Could you be more specific? I haven’t received any reports that I would count as odd.” Travis answered smoothly.

“Any activity that is out of normal. Monsters moving out of their normal areas, a sudden increase or decrease in the amount of monsters, or new monsters that normally aren’t found in this area. Adventures suddenly disappearing or changing how they operate?” Abigail answered.

“I haven’t received any reports regarding anything of the like. Can I ask what this is all about?” He responded a bit dismissively.

“Nothing out of the ordinary at all?” Her words came out even colder.

He shook his head and asked again, “Can I ask what this is all about?”

“No, you cannot. Can you send a runner to the local Lord and request a meeting first thing in the morning and send his answer to the inn we are staying at.” She filled him in on where they were saying.

He said “That can be done easily enough. Lord Rupert Lockland is a decent man and will agree.”

“Thank you for your time.” After saying her piece Abigail got up and left with Thomas following her. He did give the branch director a quick glance at the almost smug looking man.

Once they made it out of guild and could talk more freely Thomas said, “You seemed a bit… cold in there, well more than usual when you go into professional demeanor. Why couldn’t we tell him about our mission? The more people who know the more people can look out for signs of cultists. And how did he know who you are ran into him before?”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Abigail chuckled and said, “Professional demeanor.” before shaking her head and continuing with a bright smile said, “We have to keep the rumors about Inquisitors alive. Being cold and calculating helps keep people from taking us lightly. Travis Lock is a top A-ranked adventurer who is also a branch director of the guild. Someone like that isn’t going to be that intimidated by our jobs, he will respect it because of his position. But his personal power will also make him be more relaxed when dealing with us than he should be. Now about that question of why we didn’t tell him, that’s simple he doesn’t need to know. The Council of Kings and the Guild Master both don’t what the possibility of cultists being spread. I didn’t think there would be anything here because of the massive military presence so he doesn’t need to know yet. If there were signs, I would have informed him, but it wasn’t necessary. About how he knew me, well I can only assume he heard about my investigations in Helsara. Or the rumors he likes to keep taps of the stronger up and coming people in the guild is true. He likes to fight and doubly so if the person is strong.”

Thomas thought about it and that actually makes sense. If the general population learned there is a credible threat of demon cultists panic would run rampant. That could cause untold issues, maybe even make it easier for them to get work done. He would just ignore the part about her bragging about being considered an up-and-coming star in the guild. He nodded to her explanation and said, “That does make sense, oh well how about a spar before dinner?”

That got him a large smile and they headed off to the sparing area their inn had. It wasn’t anything grand, but it was a closed off courtyard for them to spar without onlookers. While they relaxed in the inns small bar area after they were done, a young teen came in and looked around. When she spotted them relaxing and talking the teen came up and said, “Are you Miss Thorn?”

Getting a nod in response they girl continued, “Lord Rupert agreed to your meeting tomorrow and said come for breakfast.”

With that the young girl quickly left, leaving Thomas to lean back and stare at the ceiling while worrying about his upcoming meeting with a noble. That was something he didn’t want to even think about let alone actually deal with.

The next morning, they met up for breakfast again. This time Thomas was in one of his nicest sets of clothing, he knew what they had to do that morning. Meeting a noble was terrifying to him, Count Hill didn’t really count as meeting one because they were on a quest and Abigail handled everything.

Checking himself over one more time Thomas thought he looked the part of someone who can meet a noble. He even properly cleaned his boots; they matched his dark pants and shirt combo. He still had his sword on him, but he wasn’t going anywhere without it. Luckily the inn allowed him to leave his equipment as long as he was back before noon.

Metting up with Abigail, who was also wearing an ankle length green skirt with a white with golden trimmed shirt. He tried to hide his looking, but she caught him and just smirked at him. They set off towards the Lord’s manor. In this case the Lord’s castle, he was responsible for this part of the claimed frontier. Meaning he had to be prepared to defend the people in the surrounding areas.

It didn’t take long for them to weave through the few people on the streets and arrive at the castle gates. The guards only verified who they were before escorting them to the keep. There a primly dressed butler escorted them through the halls to a dining room.

“Please wait here for Lord Lockland, he will be here shortly.” The old butler said before promptly leaving again.

They chatted as they waited for the Lord to enter. It wasn’t a long wait before the door opened and a grizzled looking man entered. He was tall, muscular and his fine cloths didn’t offset the fact that he was a warrior. The sword strapped to his side only reinforced that impression. He went to stand like Abigail coached him to, but the man waved them off and said, “Sit sit, I’m not large on formalities. Is it alright if my wife and children join us? This would be a good learning opportunity for my heir or is this a private matter?”

Abigail answered for the both of them saying, “That is fine Lord Lockland what we want to discuss is fine to be overheard.”

The butler that was trailing behind the Lord left, Lockland quickly sat at the head of the table. They didn’t have to wait long before three people entered. Lockland’s wife and two children sat down but respectfully stayed quiet. The heir looked close to Thomas’s age while the younger girl looked to be around ten. The Wife matched her husband’s appearance, only appearing to be mid-thirties. Thomas didn’t know how old they actually where. Based off of the conversation with Abigail it can be hard to judge people’s ages especially people in power, since their level on mana concentration can affect how long they live.

Lockland introduced his wife and kids saying, “This is my wife Lisa, my oldest Sam, and my youngest Elisabeth.”

Abigail did a slight bow of respect to them as she introduced them, saying, “I am Abigail Thorn High Inquisitor of the adventure’s guild. This is Thomas my Junior Inquisitor.”

Thomas was surprised that they didn’t react to the fact he didn’t have a family name. He thought that if anyone had an issue sharing a table with commoner orphan it would be nobles. They exchanged pleasantries while they waited for breakfast to come out. Thomas was mainly silent Abigail took the lead in the meaningless conversation. They asked how fort Jackie got its name, which the Lord explained with a laugh that it was his grandfather’s wife’s name. The Lord of Elaine ended up doing the same. That solved that mystery.

The food was a full breakfast spread, halfway through the meal Lord Lockland finally brought up the main question, “So how can I assist two Inquisitors?”

Abigail got a gleam in her eye and a half smirk appeared on her face as she just stared at Thomas. Clearly waiting for him to answer. He glared at her before he mustered up enough courage to speak, “Lord Lockland...”

Getting cut off, the lord said, “Please just call me Rupert.”

Almost stuttering Thomas continued, “Rupert. We came here to ask if you have received any reports about any abnormal movements or actions of the monsters or soldiers in the region.”

The Lord leaned back in his chair as in thought before saying, “Nothing that truly obvious comes to mind. Sam, you have been working closely with the knights and soldiers, have you heard of anything.”

Sam paused as in thought and said, “I went out with three separate groups over the last few months going south, west and east. We didn’t encounter anything abnormal during the patrols. I never heard anything when I was working with the men either.”

Thomas looked at Abigail again, but she just gave him a raised eyebrow. Holding back a sigh he said, “That is with what we thought as well. We just wanted to confirm.”

Rupert sat forward and looked over the two before asking, “Is there something I should know about?”

Abigail took control of the conversation again speaking up, “There isn’t any need to be concerned. If there is an issue you will be informed.”

Rupert had a flash of annoyance crossed his face before he said, “Does the Count know about whatever is going on?”

Abigail's mood shifted, back to her professional side. Almost as if she was the most import or powerful person in the room. Her voice came out colder as she spoke, “No. He will be told if or when there is an issue.”

Rupert Lockland looked angry, and so did his wife and son. Thomas was past his comfort zone, he didn’t know what was actually happening. To him it sounded like Abigail simply answered the man’s question. Then it hit him, Lord Lockland respected their positions as Inquisitors, but he still thought he was the personal actually in charge here. Not realizing they were backed by the top; the kings of every nation and the guild master himself. Abigail explained to him that only the top nobles knew and as long as they didn’t make any blunders they would have their protection.

The pure irritation on the Lords face slowly faded as he sat back saying, “If that is the case then so be it.”

With breakfast wrapped up they left quickly. Thomas was on edge the entire time, making it back to the inn and getting his equipment on. The tension finally left his body when they made it out of the gates of the fort. Abigail seemed annoyed the entire time, he finally asked, “What was that all about?”

Abigail huffed and pouted, it reminded him of his childhood friend Lily, and he couldn’t hold back a laugh. It was the first time he thought about her, and it wasn’t pain he felt. Abigail grumbled even more before asking, “What’s so funny.”

Thomas got ahold of himself before saying, “I had a childhood friend who would act just like that when she was annoyed. It brought back some happy memories. Thank you for that. But again, what was that all about?”

Abigail gave him a look; one she had given him a few times before. Like she was evaluating him, he wasn’t that surprised it was the first time he had talked about his childhood. She just sighed at him not opening up and said, “Rupert Lockland wasn’t mad with being shut out about the investigation. He was mad with how easily I dismissed Count Hill. Seems like he is truly loyal to the Hill family, he didn’t like how easily I dismissed him. He couldn’t really say anything directly because High Inquisitors like me actually have quite a lot of political power. That’s because we work directly with the Guild Master and have connections with a lot of top ranked noble families.”

Thomas nodded and said, “So he thought you were looking down on the Hill family and it pissed him off. That makes sense if he was a truly loyalist.” They continued on in silence as Thomas tried to settle himself from the intense morning they had.