Into the Lions den

Stepping into the Silver Light Inn, Vaelen and Sable immediately walk up to the counter to pay for their rooms, greeting the familiar owner. 

“Good afternoon Mariah. We’d like to book four rooms please.” Sable grinned as she slid over 8 gold coins.

Receiving them, the owner Mariah, a large boisterous female Human smiles from ear to ear. “Why if it isn’t the famous Gryphon party. It’s nice of you to visit, here on business I presume?”

“Yes Mariah. We’re here on an escort quest.” Vaelen replies, signaling to her with his scaly fingers.

“You’re just in luck, I happen to only have 4 rooms.” She smiles as she walks out from behind the counter, placing a fully booked sign at the door.

“Huh?” Reiji couldn’t help but look around at the empty tavern they were in. Multiple circular tables surrounded by empty chairs. Not a single soul could be seen in the inn. “But-“

Moving faster than Reiji could speak, Souma quickly ribs him to stay quiet.

“Would you like to eat in your rooms?” She ask as she returns inside.

“That would be appreciated. We’ll take the full course please.” Vaelen nods before leading the others upstairs, entering a large room, wide enough for all of them to sit around the room.

“So what was that about?” Reiji asks confused by the transaction. “Even if the rooms are huge, I’m sure there’s no way the rooms would cost that many gold pieces.”

“Mariah’s an old friend. We helped her out of a real jam a a few years ago. As for why we paid her more than usual. You’re about to find out.” Sable smiled cryptically.

Half an hour later, Mariah entered with her husband carrying trays of food for the entire group, tucked between the bowls of food was a hidden piece of paper. 

Taking the paper, Kaldin reads over it quickly before passing it to Vaelen.

“What’s that?” Reiji asks impatiently.

“It’s a note detailing whats been happening in Celestoria. That’s what the extra gold coins were for.”Vaelen passes the note to Reiji. 

Sable grins mischievously. “It’s also a request for Mariah to cover our tracks while we’re here.” 

Leaning against the ledge of the window, Souma looks out at the city before him, sneaking glances over his shoulders. “We’re being watched.” He remarks noting the figures of shadows hiding around corners.

“Yep, since we got through the gate.” Sable answers.

“If they know we’re here, what are they waiting for?” Nraltia asks.

The rest of them shake their heads, falling into silence as they contemplate the Order’s plans. 

“Does it matter?” Reiji finally breaks the silence, tossing the piece of paper between the group. “There’s a saying where I come from. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” 

“Meaning?” Nraltia tilts her head.

“We should just walk into their trap.” He grins as he wolfs down the stew in front of him.

“… He doesn’t think much does he?” Vaelen sighs looking at Reiji.

“No he doesn’t.” Souma shakes his head.

—

Waiting until nightfall, they spend the rest of the time, resting and checking their equipment, unsure of what lies ahead of them. Not one of them doubting that it would be a gargantuan task ahead of them.

“Are you prepared, Reiji?” Alicia’s translucent form appears before him staring into his eyes.

Jumping off the bed, he grabs his jacket and puts it on, forcefully exhaling before answering. “… Yeah I am.”

Exiting his room, Reiji the nearby doors swing open as all eight of them gather in the hallway, silently nodding at each other before leaving the inn, walking out the front door.

Making their way to the grand plaza, the eight of them move slow but deliberate, making sure that the shadowy figures following them from alleyways and rooftops didn’t lose sight of them. Sensing the oncoming chaos, the citizens of the Capital hide indoors, not a single soul could be seen apart from the Knights and the eight of them.

“Tch. They aren’t even trying to hide.” Reiji scowls, fist clenching.

Waiting for them at the grand plaza, was the same Knight Lieutenant standing motionlessly in the plaza. His hand resting lightly on the hilt of the weapon at his waist, his eyes staring at Reiji and the others.

From the surrounding rooftops, armored figured appeared stepping into formation, the front line wielding crossbows and bows, while the back line wielded glowing staffs and wands. Groups of hooded figured dropped from the rooftop shields and halberds glinting in the moons light. 

From the alleys, more knights appeared, weapons drawn, as they pour in to the plaza, forming rings of armed knights surrounding the eight of them and the Lieutenant.

The air grew heavy, hardening, as if the city itself was holding its breath.

Finally, the Lieutenant opened his mouth addressing the eight people in front of him. “By decree of Lord Alexander the Reagent of Light, you are all under arrest. Lay down your arms, and come with us quietly.”

“Wow, how often have you guys practice this act?” Reiji smirks as he looks around. “Must have taken lots of tries to get all 200 of you in perfect sync.” He whistles mockingly.

The brows on the Lieutenant twitches slightly at his provocation, but his voice remains the same. “Hmph. Was that it? A futile resistance done by words and not action?”

Reiji grits his teeth slightly, but looking at those around him, he signals for all of them to raise their hands in surrender.

The lieutenant nods, signaling some of the knights to step forward, metallic shackles bitting into their wrists, as their weapons are removed from them, apart from Reiji who didn’t use any. 

The trap of the Holy Order was now complete, capturing all eight of the infiltrators who dared to stand against them. 

Flicking his wrist, the Lieutenant swiftly marches ahead, leading the captives towards the Grand Cathedral where the Reagent of Light was waiting for them.

A translucent Alicia watches them, floating silently overhead, unseen and unheard by anyone but Reiji.