~Enter the Inquisition~

Part 2 of The Owl Chronicles

Chapter One: The Inquisitorius Magicus

The Conformatorium. Dark, cold, and foreboding. It was within this towering prison that Mattias Archoman had spent the last two weeks. If one were to listen carefully in the silence of the cells, one could hear a faint scraping sound from within one of them. Mattias dragged a clawed nail up and down the wall, adding a twelfth tally mark to his count. He let out a low growl, his eyes scanning the room beyond his bars. He didn't belong here. Not because he hadn't committed any crimes-that he had, he wasn't ashamed to admit. But he was far too important to be stuck in here with common thugs and vandals. He was an Archoman. He wouldn't put up with this treatment.

Where was that guard? Every day, at exactly seven o'clock in the evening, a guard doing his rounds passed by Mattias' cell. That cone-faced punk must be shirking his duties. If Mattias ran this place, he wouldn't put up with such incompetence, that was for sure. A Dominum Signum or two would work wonders around here. And why stop at the guards? Surely some of these prisoners could do with a little...rehabilitation.

Five minutes or so late, the guard eventually made an appearance. Mattias pretended to be deep in thought, staring at the floor as the guard rounded the room. Just as he passed his cell, he spoke. "Any word from his majesty?" he said. The guard stopped in his tracks, and Mattias knew he had hooked him.

The guard doubled back. "Emperor Belos has better things to do than have an audience with lowly criminals like you," he said.

"Are you sure?" Mattias said. "After all, I am no mere criminal. I am the heir to the Archoman fortune."

"Last I checked, that was your brother," the guard said.

Mattias waved his hand. "Details, details. The important thing is, criminal or not, Archoman or not, I have important messages for him. It would be a shame if they were unable to reach him in time…"

"We'll see about that," said the guard. Without another word, he strolled onwards, continuing his patrol.

Mattias glared at him as he left. "Yes," he muttered under his breath. "We will see."

Mattias scraped another tally mark onto the wall. Sixteen days. He was beginning to run out of patience, and he hadn't had much of that to begin with. There was only one way he was getting out of here, and it relied entirely on these incompetent guards. Speaking of, where was that one guard? It was nearly seven-thirty. Mattias growled-what use was being of such high status if he was simply left to rot in a place like this?

Soon enough, the guard showed up, moving no more hastily than usual despite being so tardy. Mattias did notice that his eyes shot from place to place much more frequently than usual, as though he was looking for something. "About time you got here," Mattias said, his voice dripping with venom. "I was worried some of the other inmates were about to escape!"

"What? Really?" said the guard, freezing in place. He looked around, before his gaze settled on Mattias. "I-wait...you aren't serious, are you?"

Mattias rolled his eyes. "Nevermind! Has my request to speak with the emperor been granted yet?"

The guard looked around again. "Oh, I, um...this is my first day, I don't really...know about stuff like that."

Mattias sighed. This wasn't the same guard. They all looked exactly the same! Still...he could use this to his advantage. "Then I take it you don't know who I am?"

"N-not really," the new guard stammered. "They don't tell me who's who in here, I'm just supposed to keep 'em in the cages. ...Why? Who're you?"

"Does the name 'Archoman' sound familiar?"

"A bit, yeah." This was good. "They're, like, this really big crime family around here, right? Do you know them?"

"Idiot, I am them," Mattias muttered. "Mattias Archoman, heir to the Archoman estate." He held out his hand for the guard to shake. He almost took it, but stepped back at the last moment. Mattias continued on. "I have been trying for quite some time to receive an official pardon from the emperor, but nobody in here will so much as give me the time of day. Surely you, as a loyal servant of his will, would be willing to accomodate my request?"

"Now, hang on…" said the guard. "Why would Emperor Belos want to pardon a criminal like you?"

Mattias wanted to accost the guard for his idiocy, but held his tongue. "You know the rules. Anyone arrested for defying the emperor's will shall be forgiven, provided he pledges his eternal loyalty to Belos. Correct?"

"Yeah…" the guard said hesitantly. After all, that was an official law.

"And that even applies to lowly scum. And connections to the underground my family may have had, we were nevertheless powerful and influential-surely not scum. So why should I not be granted a second chance?"

The guard was quiet for a moment, as though considering. "I...should go. I'm late enough as is." He wandered off down the corridor, casting one last glance back at Mattias.

"Put in a good word for me to your superiors, would you?" Mattias called after him. He leaned back against the wall once the guard had left, wearing a self-satisfied grin. It was only a matter of time now…

Let me begin by saying how much of an honor it is to be in your presence...no, that was no good. He didn't want to sound like a sycophant. Very wise of you to have accepted my offer...too far in the other direction! Greetings, my emperor! ...too casual.

Mattias wracked his brain, trying to decide exactly what he should say when he was granted an audience with Emperor Belos. Most people would spend most of their effort trying to determine how to be granted that audience in the first place, but Mattias was assured that it would come. All he had to do was wait. Today was day nineteen, it couldn't be long now...

"If it isn't 'the heir to the Archoman estate' himself." Mattias' ears perked up at the unexpected voice. There weren't supposed to be any guard patrols until later. He turned around, but saw nobody.

"Indeed it is," he said. "And for someone so smug, why do you feel the need to hide in the shadows, when I am already caged?"

A low growl informed Mattias that he had struck a nerve. A masked figure much taller than the usual guards emerged from the shadows. "Watch yourself, Archoman," said Warden Wrath. "I'm the one who controls your fate now."

"Wrath."

"Mattias."

"So," Mattias said, "I take it someone finally approached you regarding my offer?"

"Hardly," Wrath said. "I've gotten several complaints regarding you. Which is hardly surprising, considering you harass any guard that passes this way with your ludicrous requests."

"And yet, despite how 'ludicrous' they seem, you still found it necessary to see me yourself?" Another growl from the warden. "Did you come here to accept?"

"I came here to threaten you," said Wrath. "Emperor Belos wants nothing to do with the likes of you. Your grandfather and father already went behind his back with your 'business.' Why should he hear you out?"

"Because, I'm a changed demon!" said Mattias. "I've seen the error of my ways, and I wish to offer my sincerest apologies!" Neither of them believed it. "In any case, I want to give him my loyalty. It's the only way out of this cesspool."

"Oh, is that all?" said Wrath. "Very well. I'll see to the necessary paperwork." He began walking away. "Should everything check out, in a matter of months, you should be-"

"Not good enough," Mattias said. "I want to speak to the emperor myself. In person."

Warden Wrath turned around. Although he wore a mask, Mattias could tell his expression was one of mildly-amused disbelief. Not that his expressions were readable, anyway… "In-person pardons are only granted to those accused of high treason, or who have connections to the Emperor's Coven," he said. "Neither of which apply to you."

Mattias thought about bringing up his family's high status again, but decided against it. "True, true. But what I do have is important information for the emperor. And as I have explained ad nauseum to your guards, it is imperative that I deliver it to him as soon as possible!"

"If it is as important as you say, then you have certainly been wasting your time," said Wrath. "Tell me now, and I will deliver it to him myself."

"Unfortunately, I can't do that." Mattias pretended to look around nervously. "I cannot risk it being leaked."

Wrath angrily approached Mattias' cell. "And what is so important that you can't tell me now? The Conformatorium is the most secure location on the Isles!"

"I'm not so sure," Mattias chuckled. "Remember that little prison break some time ago? A wanted fugitive broke in and set several prisoners loose. That doesn't sound so secure to me."

"A one-time incident, I assure you!" growled Wrath, clenching his fists. "If this information you have for the emperor is truly so important, then tell me now!"

Mattias shook his head. "I can't take that risk. After all, it involves the ringleader herself. Eda Clawthorne."

For a split second, Wrath froze. "You have information about Eda?"

"That I do," said Mattias, nodding. "The most notorious criminal on the Boiling Isles, and the Emperor's most wanted. I would love to relay it to you here, but I'm afraid the risk is too high. One of her associates could be listening as we speak…"

"You're bluffing," said Wrath. "Nothing you have could be that important."

"Perhaps," Mattias said with a shrug. "But are you willing to take that chance?"

Wordlessly, the warden returned to the shadows, leaving the room. He sent one last glare at Mattias, who shot back a grin. Once Wrath was gone, Mattias reclined on his bunk.

"Only a matter of time…"

"Out of my way, you! Move!" declared the diminutive demon. Despite each one being nearly three times her size, the members of the Emperor's Coven hurriedly jumped to the side as she walked past. They both opened the doors to the emperor's throne room, which Kikimora entered.

Emperor Belos sat atop his throne, the sprawling room dimly lit by firelight. A tremendous heart hung behind him, still beating. He glanced up when the doors had opened, his hollow eyes focused on his assistant. "What news do you bring, Kiki?" he asked, his voice soft yet powerful, although carrying a hint of tiredness.

"News of the most excellent kind, my emperor!" she said. "Reports have just come in that our forces have quelled the insurrection in the lower Wastelands! Their leaders are being transported to the Conformatorium as we speak."

"Excellent." Belos briefly glanced at two figures beside him. On his left was a figure cloaked in a brown cape, their face hidden behind a mask. On his right was a witch with dark hair-Lilith Clawthorne. "Their defeat will serve as an example to all who would doubt me-none will dare defy the will of Belos."

"Quite so, my emperor," said Kikimora. "...Oh! There is one other thing."

"Continue."

"On the subject of the Conformatorium, one of the prisoners wishes for a pardon. He claims to pledge his loyalty to you."

Belos cocked his head slightly to the side. "Why am I being informed of this? Have Wrath fill out the paperwork, and grant him his pardon. Surely I do not need to be informed of every criminal who wishes for a pardon, yes?"

"Very true, my emperor, but that's just it-he requested an audience with you, to be granted his pardon in person." Belos leaned forward, but did not speak. "His name is Mattias Archoman."

Lilith was taken aback. "Mattias…" she said softly.

"Archoman." Belos pondered this name. "Now, where have I heard...Ah. Yes. Archoman, of course. Was this not the same family who claimed to be at my service, but cultured crime and disorder behind my back?"

"The very same, my emperor," said Kikimora. "However, Mattias claims to have nothing but loyalty left for you."

"All of them claim something similar," said Belos, waving his hand dismissively. "He may have his pardon, but an audience with me is out of the question."

"Although, there is one minor detail, my emperor," Kikimora continued, wringing her hands. "He claims to have information regarding the whereabouts of one...Edalyn Clawthorne."

A long silence filled the room. After a moment, Belos moved to stand. "Has he-" He attempted to pull himself up from his throne, only to fall back. He let out a sharp breath, a hand clutching next to his heart. He held out his arm. "Lilith."

Wordlessly, his top enforcer approached, taking his arm and helping him to his feet. He walked away once he was standing, and she let go.

"Has he given any indication as to what sort of information it is?" Belos asked.

"He has not," Kikimora replied. "Only that he refuses to divulge it unless he can deliver it to you personally."

Belos brought his hand to his chin, considering the possibilities. His gaze traveled to Lilith, to the masked operative, and back to Kikimora. Soon enough, he spoke.

"Have him brought here."

"My emperor!" Lilith exclaimed, stepping forwards. Belos simply held up a hand, silencing her.

"At once, my emperor," said Kikimora. She hurried out of the room, leaving the three alone.

Once she had left, Belos turned to face Lilith. "You may continue."

Lilith did so. "My emperor, I can't abide this! You're willing to grant Mattias Archoman not only a pardon, but an audience with you!? You know what he has done! What he is capable of."

"I do," said Belos. "Which is precisely why I am granting him an audience. We can use him to our advantage, you just wait and see."

"But my em-"

Belos brought a hand up to his head, breathing heavily. "I must retire for now," he said. "Wait for my return." He stepped out of the throne room through a side door, leaving the two alone.

Lilith turned around to see that the operative was looking at her. "Shut up," she said.

Day twenty-one. Mattias was surprised to see that two guards were approaching his cell. Not only that, but one of them approached the lever, opening the bars. He sat still for a moment, before realizing what this meant.

Warden Wrath approached. "Today's your lucky day, Archoman," he said. "Looks like Belos has taken an interest in your plight."

Mattias grinned, standing up. "I guess my patience paid off!" he said.

"Don't celebrate just yet," said Wrath. "You'd better hope that little information you have is worth his time."

"I wouldn't worry," Mattias said, as the guards escorted him. "I'm sure he will be most pleased…"

The emperor's throne room looked much like it did before, with the added detail of numerous covensmen standing guard, each one gripping a magically-charged pike. Belos rapped his fingers against his throne, waiting for the prisoner to be brought in. Lilith stood by his side, gripping her staff so that her knuckles were almost white. Kikimora glanced up at her occasionally, averting her gaze whenever she looked back.

At long last, the doors slid open. Warden Wrath entered, kneeling in front of the throne. "My emperor," he said.

"Rise," said Belos. Wrath did so. "Present the accused."

Wrath retreated to the front of the room. "Bring him in," he called. A pair of guards entered, a thin figure with batlike features standing between them. His arms were bound with magically conjured chains.

Once Mattias was in the center of the room, the guards left him there. Though they didn't move, the covensmen all focused on him. All eyes were trained on him now.

"Speak."

Mattias looked up, directly at the emperor. "Emperor Belos. Thank you for accepting my request for a pardon."

"I've accepted your request for an audience," said Belos. "Whether or not you are worthy of a pardon remains to be seen."

"Of course, I understand completely," said Mattias. "Now...is there anything I can do to prove to you that you have my utmost loyalty?"

"Start with the 'urgent information' I've heard so much about," Belos said. "What have you found out about Eda?"

"Ah, it is both most interesting and most disturbing, what I have learned," said Mattias. "Eda the Owl Lady continues to defy your orders, only now, she is not alone. She has taken a young apprentice under her wing, no doubt to bolster her efforts to topple your rule!"

A brief, sharp breath came from Belos that could have been laughter, had it come from anyone else. "I have heard of Eda's apprentice," he said. "The young witch does not concern me. If that is all you have for me, I suggest-"

"Oh, but that is only the interesting part!" Mattias said. "The disturbing part is what comes next. You see, having an apprentice is not alone cause for alarm. However, I have seen this young girl myself. Both she and Eda have confirmed that this apprentice...is a human."

Belos looked as surprised as one hidden behind a mask could look. "A...human?" he whispered.

"Indeed, a human," said Mattias. "A child of Earth. And I cannot tell you exactly how, but it seems Eda has indeed found a way to teach it magic!"

Belos looked down at Kikimora. "Why was I not informed of this?" he growled.

"I was unaware of it myself!" Kikimora replied. "There were rumors of human sightings in Bonesborough, but...I believed them to be merely rumors!"

"Oh, they are no mere rumors, miss!" said Mattias. "Not only is a human running around loose on the Isles, but it is under the tutelage of the Owl Lady herself!" He looked Belos directly in the eyes. "I'm sure you know personally how dangerous this is, my emperor."

After a brief hesitation, Belos nodded. "Indeed. I take it if you were granted a pardon, you would do something about this?"

"That I would," Mattias said. "On your terms, of course." His hands went to his back, and before anyone knew what was happening, the chains binding him vanished.

He spread his arms, one of his hands gripping his staff. The covensmen present all leveled their pikes at him, but he remained nonchalant. He began addressing the entire room, not just Belos.

"We all know just what danger Eda poses, but this is something else entirely! If she was somehow able to acquire a human, who's to say she couldn't find more? If she could teach it magic, who's to say that she couldn't teach the others as well? If this is allowed to continue…" He looked back up at Belos. "We could have an army of humans on our hands."

"I've heard enough," said Belos. "Take him away."

"Yes, my emperor," said Wrath, ordering the guards to apprehend Mattias. "Back to the Conformatorium with-"

"On the contrary, Warden, have him taken to the dungeon. I'll need him close by if we are to move against Eda's army."

Lilith did a double-take. "What?"

"Of course." Wrath, his guards, and the covensmen all escorted Mattias to the dungeons. Despite this, he radiated an aura of satisfaction, knowing that the emperor had taken his bait.

Eventually, only four remained in the throne room. "I can't believe you fell for that," Lilith muttered.

"And who's saying I did?" said Belos. "Kiki? Go and contact our agents at once. Tell them that I need our 'side-project' ready by tomorrow evening."

"Of course, my emperor." After giving a little bow, Kikimora scurried out of the room. Belos gave a nod to the operative, who left as well, leaving him and Lilith alone.

"I'm not sure I understand," said Lilith. "Clearly, all Mattias wants is power. You intend to give it to him?"

"I intend to give him the illusion of power," Belos replied. You yourself asked me if I knew what he had done, and what he is capable of. I know indeed." He looked up at Lilith. "By giving him this power, we will be able to keep him on a short leash, while also solving the issue of your sister."

"But my em-"

"You want Eda to join the Emperor's Coven, do you not?" said Belos. "To see her healed from her curse?"

"I do, more than anything, but I-"

"And despite this, after all this time, you have consistently failed to bring her in yourself. Is that correct?"

Lilith said nothing, looking down at the floor.

"Indeed. It's time we put this in the hands of someone with less...compunctions regarding this issue. Someone who won't let her get away out of pity."

"Are you sure this 'Inquisition' or yours will be worth it?" she asked.

Belos stared off into the distance, his hands clasped behind his back. "We shall see, Lily. We shall see."

Two figures walked through the darkened hallway: Mattias and Belos. "You've made a wise decision, accepting my help," said the former. His outfit had been traded for the uniform of the Emperor's Coven. A white cape trailed behind him as he walked.

"That remains to be seen," said Belos. "As it stands, your knowledge, background, and experience have made you the best choice de facto to lead this team."

Mattias nodded, smirking. "The obvious choice. Although…you have yet to explain exactly what sort of team it is I will be leading."

Belos stopped, Mattias doing the same. "I have ruled over these lands for nearly fifty years. And in that time, none have evaded my capture quite like Edalyn Clawthorne. After all this time, she refuses to join her sister at my side. My coven has searched for her for years, but Lilith does not have the strong arm necessary to bring her in. And if what you say is true, and she is indeed amassing an army of humans...we must do something before it is too late. And that is where you come in."

"All of this in just a few days' notice?" said Mattias. Impressive."

"No," said Belos, "I've had plans for this for quite some time. A branch of the Emperor's Coven, formed for the sole purpose of locating Eda Clawthorne and bringing her to me. It is only now that it has become necessary. Nine elite operatives, with you as their leader."

"Quite an honor," said Mattias. The two resumed walking.

"I have decided to take a hands-off approach to this operation," Belos continued. "You are to send reports to Kikimora regarding your progress, but aside from that, you are free to approach as you see fit." He turned to face Mattias. "The only condition: Eda and her apprentice are not to be seriously injured. Both of them are to be brought in alive."

Mattias felt that this was an odd thing to ask, especially from someone like Belos, but waved it off. "Consider it done, my emperor."

The two reached a door at the end of the hallway, guarded by two members of the Emperor's Coven. The twin covensmen opened the door, revealing a dark room on the other side. Mattias stepped in, and was greeted by the site of eight figures, all of them different shapes and sizes.

"These will be your Inquisitors," Belos announced. "The finest warriors and spellcasters from across the Boiling Isles. With them at your command, you will bring Eda to me, and restore order to the land."

Belos drew a spell circle. From a burst of crimson flames came a mask, pure white, and with a curved nose. On its forehead, it bore the symbol of the abomination coven.

"I hereby appoint you High Inquisitor Mattias, leader of the Inquisitorius Magicus," said Belos, handing him the mask. "Uphold my rule throughout the darkest corners of the Isles. With my power, weed out the dark forces who would undermine my will."

Mattias took the mask, placing it over his eyes. As soon as it touched his face, he could feel a surge of power, not dissimilar to when he had covered himself in power glyphs. "I will, my emperor!"

Belos gestured into the room. "Your team awaits." Mattias noticed that they each wore a mask like his. "Introduce yourself."

Mattias walked into the room, facing the other Inquisitors. Finest warriors and spellcasters, eh? Lot of freaks and misfits, more like, he thought. Still...I couldn't ask for a better way to get my revenge on Eda and her pet!

A strange group they were, indeed. A crime boss. A gladiator. A rebel. A rogue doctor. An oddity. A madwoman. A celebrity. A bounty hunter. And a mercenary. None could say exactly where Belos had found them all, but one thing was certain:

The Inquisition had begun.

AN: Hey, I'm back! Sorry I've been away for so long, school's been rough... But I'm done now, so hopefully I should be back to a consistent schedule now. For now, enjoy!