Chapter 5 Part 4: Paladins and Inquisitors

“My friend, I have learned that these generations may have weakened magic, but have developed ships like the one flying above our fleet which may pass to the depths of the sea. Many before the unifying of the kingdoms with fearsome weapons of war. I fear your guardian will be but an obstacle that will delay and not end an incursion into the aquatic hideaway.” The High Kierter turned with a start at the news.

“I suppose, considering the circumstances this isn’t shocking, but the development complicates matters,” Ulen stroked his beard in thought as he stared out over the fleet. A pair of splashes marked two long boats being dropped into the water. Xavos had left orders to fish any large predators who came in range as supplies, though not low, were dwindling. Antain must have spotted a proper beast if he was bringing two boats for the aquatic hunt.

They would eat well tonight; none could match the peoples of the ice continent in their harpoon work, and Antain still had his prized enchanted harpoon over his chamber bed. A gold and obsidian masterpiece that would always return to her master’s call no matter the depths she fell. All this talk of changes made Xavos wonder how the giant man’s people had fared. They had not been mentioned in the sparse histories on the ship. Three thousand years was an age in and of itself. So much had passed away the Paladin knew he couldn’t let what was left be consumed.

“I must take my isle to the heart of this madness at once,” Xavos said while strangling his sword hilt.

“Now hold on, Paladin boy. Only one of us is allowed to die on this venture, and that is this aging Kierter with a clear line of succession and capable heir.”

“Something must be done, and the Ark of Xarmon will never make the bay without being waylaid by our enemy.”

“Oh? Did you allow any prisoners to escape?”

“No.” The Paladin answered wondering where the High Kierter was hinting at.

“Did any of the wizards of that traitorous dog obsessed with my daughter release a magical burst of energy that could have been a message?” Continued Ulen as he crossed his arms, and looked down on his more junior compatriot despite being multiple feet shorter in stature. The Arch Paladin wondered if he would ever be old enough to not receive this look from his now ancient friend.

Before Xavos could answer a burst of sound made both old warriors reach for their blades then relaxed when they saw the “engines” on the hunter boats scream to life. These strange contraptions were far louder than the engines aboard the Lina’s Flight, and they seemed to push the long boats to extreme speeds. Little wonder these smaller craft had no sails. Antain and his henchmen must be in heaven being able to chase down even the speediest of prey with those beasts.

“No, my mages and my Chief, and now only, Page are sure no messages were made from magical means.”

“Are there any tools for long range capabilities designed by this new generation of wondrous industry yet void of logic?” The Arch Paladin thought about that for a moment as he watched the massive wake left behind the disappearing hulls of the motorized long boats.

“There was a large machine with limited range that could send a relay message via the closest fishing village, but my acolytes took the chamber where it resided within their flag ship by luck while the device still lay dormant. The Mule woman confirmed no messages were sent. It appeared the goblins feared reprisal for their raids, and these messages can be traced.”

“So, for all our enemies know, we are dead, and their representative is awaiting an appropriate time to signal his victory. Let us not rush headlong into catastrophe no matter the danger.” The High Kierter said with a humph at the end. Xavos bit his lip at the statement. He may have been in haste, but haste was warranted.

“Don’t you dare go and get yourself killed paladin! You can martyr yourself after my clans’ are reestablished, and the undead firmly held at bay. You told me yourself you lacked enough magical energy for more than one jump which means you will be helpless above their capitol waiting to be blown from the sky or overrun.” Ulen slammed his scepter into the watery floor for emphasis. The staff of his office made a unique slap sound on the hardened water they stood on like one hears after dropping large stones into a calm lake from a cliff.

“If the people see a myth come to life they may just change their ways.”

“Oh! Well blow me down, and call me a hag’s whore slave. Surely, the whole world will come begging at the Throne of the Almighty if they just see the Arch Paladin of Man in the flesh! Go take your delusion to the grave a thousand years from now paladin boy. A people you describe will not come screaming back to the Father pitchforks in hand for their heresy ridden abomination government. Especially why they lie against you.” Xavos sighed as the litany of reality slammed into his mind. Was it pride? Impatience? Or even a death wish that clouded his mind to want a frontal assault on his enemies? Whatever the case, action must be made.

“What do you wish from me, dwarf? Am I to watch the world be caste asunder? Our only chance is to bring the faithful out of hiding and shame the unfaithful.” The Paladin said with equal truth. The longer they waited the more likely their enemy would find a way to gain the stasis field, or even destroy her.

“What I wish is that some of you bloviated golden boys had listened to my agents. Had listened more to the inquisitors before all of you were destroyed in your wonderful but foolhardy last stand!”

“I’m no Inquisitor Ulen. Did any of yours survive?”

“Not one, my Grand Inquisitor gave his life protecting the flank of the Crown Prince against the cowardly vampire. His underlings that were still with me fell defending him to the last. So Paladin you will have to play the Inquisitor."

Xavos grimaced and turned back to the ocean where he almost jumped out of his skin as a monstrous shape shot past their fleet. A shadow that dwarfed the smaller craft, and whose wake even pushed the ark herself. The great whale had three hornes, row upon row of dagger like teeth, and massive red eyes that glared out over the world. Antain was being pulled along under the sea at great speed with his iron grip on the rope attached to his harpoon.

“If I didn’t know how durable you lot are, I’d say you would need a new acolyte. Little wonder you bull headed warriors rarely survive to Arch Paladin status. You need to promise me something young, now, old friend.” The High Kierter put his hand on Xavos’ shoulder bringing from the bloody struggle between man and beast.

“For the sake of your own boys and my people, take on the role of inquisitor for once in your life. Now is the time for secret deeds to be brought to light, but not yet. So hear me. I may just have a plan that might suit your honor and desire for direct charges and crusades of light,” Xavos turned to the High Kierter with a frown on his face.

Ulen had a knowing look full of desperation and pleading. The Arch Paladin sighed. Why not? He could always charge the gates after the cloak and dagger method failed. Or Antain finally managed to harpoon a whale too powerful for his aging teacher to save him from.

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