Chapter Four: Shrike
Mattias stood atop his carriage, his hands clasped behind his back as he waited for news regarding the human. All-or most-of his Inquisitors had given chase, so surely at least one would be able to find it, right? Eda may have given it her magic, but at the end of the day, a human was still a human.
"This is bad business," said a voice. Mattias glanced over as a very old woman climbed through the door to the carriage's roof. Her skin was light purple in color, and her wispy white hair fell to her shoulders. She wore the Inquisitor's uniform, and her mask, which lacked eyeholes, bore the symbol of the oracle coven.
"Of course it is," said Mattias. "Eda and her pet human just wander the streets here, and nobody seems to mind. Mark my words, things are going to go badly for the entire Isles if we can't catch them. Now, can you see where either of them are hiding?"
"I remember the last time a human came to the Boiling Isles," chuckled the woman, seemingly ignoring Mattias. "That was bad business."
"You can't even remember your own name, you old bat!" said Mattias, before pondering the nature of that insult. "...In any case…what does your inner eye see?"
"Everything, and nothing," the woman said. Mattias rolled his eyes.
"Inquisitor Mattias! Inquisitor Gracious!" The enormous ogre that had pulled the carriage approached them. His mask bore the symbol of the construction coven.
"What is it, Briares?" asked Mattias. "Some good news, I hope."
"I bring news, but it is not of a good nature," said Briares. "Inquisitor Caelano has informed me that the human girl has been lost. Not guard nor Inquisitor nor covensman has seen her for some time. It would seem her trail has been lost."
Mattias scowled, shaking his head. "She walked right into our grasp, and none of you could catch her. This doesn't bode well for our future." He turned back to Briares. "Give the order for all Inquisitors to return. We're heading back to the Emperor's palace."
"Already done, Inquisitor Mattias," Briares said. "The others will return after one last sweep of the area."
One by one, the Inquisitors began to return. Caelano came first, flying in from above. Mandrake appeared not long after her, and Stygma showed up next. Mattias turned to Briares: "Is Sanguinus still travelling separately?"
"I believe that is the case," said Briares. "Him and Ophelia will meet us at our destination."
Lastly, an Inquisitor walking with a self-confident swagger approached the carriage. He was a creature with red skin, and instead of hair had a crest folded back on his head, giving the appearance of a ponytail. On his mask was the symbol of the bard coven. "Well, that's it, then?" he said. "Just pack it up and leave? We just got 'ere!"
"We need to regroup," said Mattias. "Unless you'd rather stay here?"
The bard looked around at the town. "You know what? I think I will. I 'aven't 'ad a venue like this in years! And while I'm playing, I could be your man on the inside, yeah? Keep you posted on any strange 'appenings 'round 'ere?"
"Fine, whatever you want," Mattias said dismissively. "But you're still on the clock, understand? This isn't just to bolster your ego!"
"I got it, I got it!" he said. "I'll put on a concert or two, and see if either of them show up." He looked around again, before glancing through the windows of the carriage. "Is...is everyone back?"
"Everyone who will be," said Mattias. "Why?"
He continued looking around as though he was afraid of something. "What about...what's-'is-name? I don't see 'im, has 'e gone with ya?"
Briares stepped forward. "Inquisitor Shrike has other business to attend to in Bonesborough. He will return once he has finished."
The red man sighed. "That's a relief, that is. I dunno what it is about 'im, but that Shrike character just skeeves me out, ya know?"
"Whatever you say," said Mattias, stepping back into the carriage. "And don't waste your time here with your music, you're an Inquisitor now!"
"Wouldn't dream of it, boss!" he said, saluting as Briares took his place at the front of the carriage. With a grunt of exertion, he began pulling the vehicle on its way back to the Emperor's palace, leaving the bard alone. He turned around, scanning the town square. "Now then...this looks like a perfect spot for a venue!"
Odalia Blight frowned. Not that she didn't already do this quite a bit, but this time, something had prompted her expression. She had not been expecting any visitors, especially not at a time like this. So who was that knocking at the door? Whoever it was, she had better things to deal with right now. "Emira dear? Can you see who's at the door?" No answer. The mystery visitor knocked again, ever-so-slightly more forceful this time. Odalia huffed in irritation, making her way to the door herself.
She opened the front door, and was surprised to see the shape of an Emperor's Covensman standing there. No, rather...this wasn't a covensman, but they did look similar. They wore a similar black outfit, and a white mask that covered their face completely. A long, grey beak extended from said mask, and a glowing symbol of the potions coven sat between their gaping black eyeholes. They were slightly hunched over, and wore a cape draped around their shoulders that seemed to be made out of autumn leaves. They held a long staff in both hands, with which they supported their weight.
The figure bowed respectfully. "Good afternoon, Madame Blight," he said, in an oddly deep voice for such a frail-looking person. "I apologize for arriving at your home unannounced, but I was sent here in regards to your daughter, Amity Blight." He held out his hand. "Forgive me-my name is Inquisitor Shrike, of the Inquisitorious Magicus. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Odalia raised an eyebrow. She held out her hand, but rather than take his, she drew a spell circle between them. A slight violet glow covered Shrike's form, before fading. Content that he was not hiding anything, Odalia took his hand, albeit reluctantly. "A pleasure. You said you were here about Amity-did Miss Clawthorne send you?"
"As a matter of fact, I was sent by Belos himself," said Shrike. "It is, however, in regards to her magical aptitude. I...May I come in?"
"Of course," said Odalia, stepping aside to allow Shrike to enter. He shambled through the door, following his host into the living room. "Alador?" she called into the house. "Alador!? We have a guest!"
From upstairs, a trio of figures leaned over the banister, listening to what was being said. "I don't like this…" said Amity.
"Why not?" said her brother. "He said he's here about your 'aptitude.' He's probably just here to praise you for being such a good student, like all the others."
"Yeah. Let's face it: if he was here to talk about 'behavioural issues,' he'd be here about us," her sister added.
"That's not what I meant," said Amity. "I just...Look, if he asks to see me, just say I'm not here. Or say I'm busy, or something, just cover for me." She retreated to her room.
"Amity, what's this about?" asked Edric. "I've never seen you this nervous about someone from school before. Well, aside from...you know. What's wrong?"
"Do you know something we don't?" asked Emira.
"I'll tell you later," Amity said. "Just do me a favor. I owe you after this!" She closed the door, ready to pretend that she was busy, or not at home. The twins shrugged, and headed downstairs.
Shrike sat down on a plush couch that Odalia ushered him towards. Although she couldn't see his eyes, she could tell he was examining the room, making note of everything. He still held tightly to his staff-it was nearly twice as long as any other staff she had seen, and rather than have a palisman placed on top, there was a knot that twisted off into two tines pointing upwards.
A stern-looking man descended the staircase, regarding the strange figure. "And who might this be?" asked Alador, regarding him.
Before Odalia could answer, their guest got to his feet. "Master Blight, it is an honor to formally meet you," said Shrike, bowing. "You are very highly-regarded among my peers. The both of you are."
"Good to know," said Alador, joining his wife. "But that does not answer the question of who you are or why you're here."
"Apologies." Shrike sat back down. "As I explained to Miss Odalia, my name is Shrike, an Inquisitor acting under the orders of Emperor Belos. My companions and I arrived in town today, and I was given special orders to meet with you regarding your daughter."
"Emira?" said Alador, concerned. "What has she done this time?"
"No, no, young Miss Amity," Shrike said. "Word of her...aptitude...has reached the Emperor's highest, and he has sent me to inform you personally."
"Inform us of what, exactly?" questioned Odalia.
"Perhaps it would be best if she could hear this herself," said Shrike. "Would you mind sending her in?" Something in an adjacent room caught his eye, and he turned just as a flash of movement took something from view. "Oh?"
Odalia stood up, suspecting she knew what that was. "Just a moment," she said, making her way into the other room. She looked around for a brief moment, and though the room appeared to be empty, a quick spell revealed the forms of Edric and Emira positioned near the door. Odalia crossed her arms, looking down at them.
"Hi Mom," said Ed, with the sort of cheerful nervousness he saved for when he knew he'd been caught. "What's up?"
"I hope you two weren't eavesdropping," Odalia said, sounding none too amused.
"No, of course not!" said Em. "...Okay, maybe a little," she added quietly.
"And who might these two be?" asked Shrike, leaning through the door. "I was unaware you had more than one child."
"Of course," said Alador, silently motioning for Ed and Em to enter. They did so, silently relieved that they weren't about to be scolded again. "Mr. Shrike, these are our twins, Emira and the boy."
"Hey," said Em.
"How's it going?" said Ed.
"A pleasure to meet you both," Shrike said. "Your younger sister wouldn't happen to be present, would she? I have some very important news that I'm sure she would be very pleased to hear."
"Oh, um...see, that's gonna be a bit...she's, uh..." said Ed, unsure of what their story should be.
"Edric? Emira?" Odalia said sternly. "Where is Amity?"
"Working on homework," said Em.
Who's Amity?" Ed said at the same time.
Odalia grimaced, before turning around and making her way upstairs. Emira turned to Edric, both incredulous and angry. "'Who's Amity?'!" she said in hushed disbelief.
"Sorry, I panicked!" Ed whispered.
Paying the pair no mind, Alador instead tried to strike up a conversation with his guest. "You know, Mr. Shrike, any loyal servant of Belos is welcome in the Blight household. Feel free to take off your mask."
"Oh?" said Shrike, tilting his head. "But I wear no mask."
"Wear no…" Alador faltered. He looked closer. The texture of Shrike's 'mask' didn't seem to be porcelain, or wood, or any other material a mask would be made of, but bone. Bleached white bone, with a curved beak extending outwards. If he focused, he realized that he could see the back of Shrike's head through his eye sockets, which weren't completely black.
This man's head was a bird skull. Alador sat in silence, unsure of what to make of this development.
Meanwhile, Odalia approached the door to Amity's room. "Amity, dear?" she said gently, lightly knocking. "There's a man from the Emperor's Coven here to see you." She got no answer. Frowning, she tried again, a bit more forcefully. "Amity, Mr. Shrike came all this way to see you. The least you can do is show yourself." When she again received no answer, Odalia drew a spell circle. The lock clicked, and she opened the door and stepped inside.
Amity sat at her desk, several papers haphazardly strewn around in front of her. "Oh, Mom, I didn't hear you!" she said, sounding almost startled to see her. "I was busy working on my schoolwork, want to get that done before we go back, y'know?" She smiled unconvincingly.
Thinking this was strange, but ultimately not caring, Odalia stood aside. "In that case, I'll repeat myself. A man from the Emperor's Coven is here to see you. I should think that's far more important than a few papers, yes?"
"I-I guess…" said Amity. "Who is he?"
"Introduce yourself, and perhaps he will do the same," said Odalia, gesturing towards the door. Her tone made it clear that this was not a suggestion. Not wanting to argue further lest her mother become irate, Amity reluctantly left her room and headed downstairs.
Amity's father and siblings sat silently with their guest as she entered the living room. Shrike looked up, getting to his feet. "Ah, and there she is!" he said. "The young prodigy herself!" He sounded genuinely pleased to see her.
"Hello," Amity said stoically. "My name is-"
"No need for introductions, Miss Amity Blight, I know all about you!" said Shrike. He walked over to shake her hand. "Miss Clawthorne sings your praises whenever she gets the opportunity!"
"Y-you know Miss Lilith?" Amity asked.
"Only professionally," Shrike said. "You could say we're...coworkers. But she is not the reason I've come. No, I have been sent by none other than Belos himself!"
"Belos? Th-the emperor?" Amity stammered in disbelief. "He sent you...about me?"
Shrike chuckled. "Perhaps it would be best if you sat down." She did so, as did Shrike and Odalia. "Now then...I understand it has been your dream for some time to become a member of the Emperor's Coven, has it not?"
As Amity was too stunned to answer, Odalia did it for her. "Indeed it has, for years now!" she said. "You don't...are you here to…?"
"No, not quite yet," Shrike said with another chuckle. "However, given young Miss Blight's aptitude for magic, as well as her many academic achievements, she has been in consideration for an apprenticeship for some time. But it is really the event that occurred some weeks ago that is the true reason I've come."
"A few weeks ago," Amity wondered aloud. "You mean that...that night with Mattias?"
Shrike nodded. "Indeed I do. Miss Amity, you were responsible for single-handedly apprehending one of the most notorious criminals in the Bonesborough area. If that doesn't qualify you for a position on the Emperor's Coven, I don't know what does!"
"I'm still unsure of how she pulled that off all by herself," said Alador, beaming towards his youngest daughter. "Nevertheless, are you here to offer her a position?"
"A future position," Shrike said. "One Miss Amity turns sixteen years of age, she will officially be ready to begin her training. She will still be studying under Miss Clawthorne, of course, but her usual schoolwork will be replaced with much more hands-on studies, including accompanying covensmen on their daily patrols, and the like."
"Well, isn't this excellent news!" said Odalia. "Amity, your dream is this much closer to becoming a reality!"
"Huh? Oh, yeah," Amity said distractedly. "I'll...Sorry, this is all a bit sudden. I'll have to talk about it with Lilith before I make any decisions."
"Of course, take all the time you need," said Shrike, hoisting himself up. "Just let her know when you're ready. As for me, I must be going, I have important work for the Inquisition." He headed for the door.
Her parents said something, but Amity didn't hear what. Was it really possible? After all these years, was she really getting a chance to join the Emperor's Coven? It felt a bit odd hearing about this from someone she had never seen before instead of Lilith, but her mother wouldn't have let him in if she wasn't sure he was who he said he was. Maybe she had gotten all worked up over nothing…"
"Hang on...there is one more thing I'd like to mention…"
Although his words weren't any louder than before, they shot through the air like a cannon going off to Amity. She froze as Shrike turned around, gaining everyone's attention once more.
"I'm sure you are all aware that Miss Clawthorne's sister has made her home around these parts," he said. "The notorious Edalyn Clawthorne, epithet 'the Owl Lady,' known dissident and criminal."
"We know all too well," Odalia said, scorn in her voice. "What has she done this time?"
"It would seem she has taken on an apprentice of her own," Shrike explained. "The Inquisitorius Magicus was founded in an effort to combat this, in fact. Edalyn is training a young woman to act as her successor-and not just any witch. A human."
"A human!" Odalia exclaimed in disbelief. "Performing magic? How is such a thing even possible?"
"Nevermind that, how did a human even arrive on the Boiling Isles?" said Alador. "I was under the belief they had gone extinct here."
As the Blight children exchanged worried glances, Shrike continued. "We do not know the answers to those questions yet, but we do know that this human is not to be underestimated. According to our High Inquisitor, she has access to powerful magic, no doubt from the Owl Lady." He turned towards Amity. "In fact, he says that she's about your age."
"O-oh...um…" Amity was unsure of how to respond. Did Shrike know? She hadn't told anyone that Luz was with her when she took down Mattias. Did he know that she was in l-er, that she knew Luz?
"A child?" said Alador. "And you're certain she's as dangerous as they say?"
"Perhaps even moreso," Shrike said gravely. He leaned forward slightly, staring at Amity with his hollow eyes. "Which is why it is very important that you let us know if you come across anything that could help us. Any sort of information at all. As a potential member of the Emperor's Coven, I am sure you'll want to help us in any way you can, yes?"
Amity was breathless. He knew. He knew about Luz, about how she knew her. And instead of telling her outright, in front of her parents, he was just sort of implying it. She wasn't sure what to make of that, but this was definitely bad. Would he try and use her to get to Luz? Would he tell her parents about their friendship? This was bad…
"Of course, it's for her safety as well as yours, Miss Amity. Do you understand?"
"Mm-hmm," Amity nodded. The least she could do at this point was try and obfuscate. "I'll tell Miss Lilith if I see anything."
For a split second, Shrike seemed disappointed, as though he had expected her to come clean. This demeanor was quickly replaced. "Good girl," he said, making his way to the door. "I'm only a short distance away if anything comes up, or you can reach us through Miss Clawthorne. Farewell!"
Amity had to do something. She didn't know if Luz knew about the Inquisition, but she definitely didn't know that Shrike knew about...wow, all this knowing was getting confusing. Still, she had to reach Luz.
"Well, Amity?"
Amity looked around, snapped out of her trance. "Huh?" She realized her mother had asked her a question. "Y-yeah, of course."
"I should think so," Odalia continued. "The Emperor's Coven! I always knew our little Amity was destined for greatness!" She placed a hand on Amity's head, stroking her dyed hair. Amity smiled, but was far from happy.
"Um, I...I need to finish up some homework," Amity said, standing up. "I'll be in my room." She walked over to the stairs, only to find her father blocking her path.
"Amity, is everything alright?" he asked. "You've seemed jumpy ever since Shrike arrived. Is something wrong?"
"N-no, nothing's wrong," she said, sidestepping Alador to reach the stairs. "Just...excited, about the Emperor's Coven. I'll be out in a bit!" She ran up to her room, shutting the door behind her.
The rest of her family stared in her direction with concerned expressions, some with different reasons than others. "Now, what has gotten into that girl?" Alador wondered aloud.
"I know. Amity, obsessed with homework?" said Ed. "So unlike her!"
Alador nodded in agreement, only to shoot Edric a look when he picked up on his sarcasm. "Shut up, boy."
Leaning on his long staff, Shrike made his way down the walkway towards the town. Deciding that he had gotten far enough away from the mansion, he drew a spell circle in midair. The circle rose in front of him, the view through it rippling and distorting until it became a window to a completely different locale. A figure could be seen within, to whom Shrike respectfully bowed.
"My emperor, I have contacted the girl, as per your request," he said. "I offered her a position in your coven, but she seemed to be more concerned about this human."
Through the magical window, Belos growled thoughtfully. "I was worried about this. If Mattias is to be believed, then Amity Blight is good friends with the human. Keep a close eye on her, old friend. She may lead you to her yet."
"And with the human...Edalyn," said Shrike. "Your will is law, my emperor. I will not fail you."
"You never have, Shrike." With that, the window vanished. Shrike continued on his way, but not before glancing one last time at Blight Manor. Young Amity might be more of a help than he realized...
Eda anxiously paced back and forth at the edge of the forest, just beyond the treeline. When the town had been flooded with guards and covensman, she had done the only thing she could have-run. Still, she had stayed in town as long as she could, looking for Luz, but to no avail. And they were looking for her, too.
When the heat became too much, Eda had fled to where she currently waited, as much as it pained her to leave Luz behind. She sent Owlbert back into town, but she wasn't sure it would be enough. What if Luz had been captured? Eda had just left her to fend for herself. No, no, she couldn't think like that! Luz was a resourceful girl, she would be fine. Still…
Alerted by the sound of footsteps, Eda turned to see her apprentice running towards her, her palisman flying overhead. "Luz!" she shouted, running over to her.
"Eda!" Luz called, throwing her arms around her mentor. Eda hugged her as well, which she quickly tried to pass off as keeping her balance, patting the girl on the head. "Boy, am I glad to see you!"
"Same here!" said Eda. "So, you gave those chumps the slip, huh?"
"Sure did!" Luz said. "It wasn't easy, though. I had some help from Willow and Gus. And Owlbert led me home, of course." The palisman perched on Eda's shoulder, hooting cheerfully."
"Now, whaddya say we head home?" said Eda. Luz silently agreed, and the two of them made their way back to the Owl House. "Look, kid...about leaving you behind…"
"Hey, I'm just glad you're safe," said Luz. She seemed to remember something, which interrupted her cheerful demeanor. "Hey, Eda? How much did you hear? About the Inquisition?"
"Enough," Eda said gravely. "Sounds like our old friend's back for more."
"Mattias," Luz said quietly. "I talked about this a little with Gus and Willow, but what's he doing working for the emperor?"
"Ya got me there," Eda said. "Last I checked, he was just as much of a rebel as I am. Just not as charming, or scrupulous, or handsome."
"Maybe that is why," said Luz. "Lilith wants you to join the Emperor's Coven, right? Maybe that's just what the emperor does with rebels like that."
"I doubt it," said Eda. "Lily wants me to join because she's family, and she thinks it's what's best for me. I doubt she'd care what happens to that creep, especially given their history."
"Belos might, though," said Luz. "Say...did you know Belos had kids?"
"I might've heard that somewhere or other," Eda said distractedly. "This whole thing's got me worried."
"Yeah, me too," said Luz. "I hope none of this causes any trouble at Hexside…"
AN: And now, we have officially met every Inquisitor! Looks like Luz and Eda have their work cut our for them, eh?
