A/N: Yay new characters!

The Inquisitor

Alfred was surprised when summer started to fade. The wind off the mountains gained a bite, and the lower trees started to turn orange around the edges. In the mornings, when Alfred wandered about Albion, he could see his breath puff. Antonio and Feliciano had helped him procure some warmer clothes, but even so, he didn't like the cold. There were other things about the coming autumn that he did like, however. The foods Antonio and Lovino prepared changed, and became hardier. Alfred ate an apple and drank apple cider for the first time.

It felt like he had been in Albion for his whole life sometimes, but at others he felt as if Francis had just dropped him off. He wondered how the god was doing. What was going on in Caelei? Albion was rather secluded, and news from the world didn't travel quickly. Was the Daemon War still waging?

He wanted to ask Arthur, but Alfred hadn't seen him since he had stormed off when he mentioned She Who Sleeps Below. It had been many fortnights, and though Alfred dutifully went looking for the daemon, Arthur remained elusive.

It bothered Alfred in a way that was hard to put his finger on. He missed playing for Arthur, he wanted Arthur to keep him updated on the war, and he also wanted to learn more constellations. But there was something more that he missed. He missed the idle talk and the companionable silences as they shared food.

When Arthur hadn't appeared at the usual time the first time, Alfred had looked for him all night, only giving up when the sun peaked over the horizon. The next fortnight, he took Feliciano with him, and once again they wandered about the moors looking for the missing daemon. Even after Alfred realized there was no point in looking, he would venture out at the usual time.

It was the afternoon before yet another excursion into the moors when the stranger arrived. He was tall, with short, cleanly cut blond hair. His eyes were a cold blue and he didn't seem to know how to smile. Alfred noticed him as he wandered around Albion in the morning. To his surprise, Feliciano walked behind him, struggling slightly to keep up, but he was chattering happily.

When Feliciano noticed Alfred, he grabbed the man by the arm. The man protested, but Feliciano dragged him over to Alfred.

"Alfred!" Feliciano called. "I have someone you should meet!"

Alfred held out his hand in greeting. The man didn't seem enthused to take it, but he shook hands stiffly.

"Uh," Alfred said, "Who is this, Feliciano?"

"This is Ludwig!" Feliciano said happily and hugged Ludwig's arm. Ludwig looked very uncomfortable with the affection. "He saved me from a big scary monster! I think it might have been a low daemon."

Ludwig ears started to redden. "I already told you," he said awkwardly. "It wasn't a daemon. Just a goat."

Feliciano didn't appear to be listening though. Without letting go of Ludwig, he took a hold of Alfred and started pulling them back towards the inn. Along the way, he retold what had happened. Or at least what he thought had happened.

"Antonio had sent me to the market for some flour and cheese, but along the way I was attacked!" he said, still trying to gesture even though he held onto both Ludwig and Alfred.

"I was almost there when I heard a horrible sound and a giant shadowy figure approached me!" He continued on, describing how what he said was a low daemon had chased him up the tree where he cowered until Ludwig came along and saved him. Ludwig muttered that it wasn't a daemon, just a grumpy goat, but Feliciano didn't seem to notice.

When they reached the inn, Feliciano finally let go of them. Ludwig stood awkwardly in the door, and the few patrons in the common room glared at him. Alfred wasn't sure why.

A few moments later, Feliciano returned with Antonio, who frowned at Ludwig. He nodded in welcome, but narrowed his eyes.

"Welcome, Inquisitor," he said stiffly. Ludwig shuffled awkwardly. The frowns around the tavern deepened to glares.

"Thank you," Ludwig said. "I am Ludwig. I am from Aenea, and I am to prepare the town for the rest of the Inquisition."

Feliciano's eyes widened and he looked nervously between Ludwig and Alfred.

"I suppose it is that time or year again," Antonio said. "Have you chosen where you will stay?"

A quiet but harsh grumbling broke out in the common room. Apparently this was a source of irritation to the towns people. Ludwig glanced around nervously and then placed several coins on the counter between him and Antonio.

"I have always been fond of inns," he said. "They have the best beer. How much is a room?"

Antonio's frown deepened, but this time in confusion. He gave the price, took Ludwig's money, and had Feliciano lead him up to a spare room.

As he left, Alfred came up to Antonio.

"How strange," Antonio said.

"What?" said Alfred.

"Inquisitors can invoke the right to shelter anywhere. He could stay with anyone in the town, and they would be obligated to board him."

"Well he did say inns have the best beer."

Antonio shrugged. "That doesn't really have to do with anything. But it is a kind gesture to the town, to not impose and to pay, upfront no less, for accommodation."

"Feliciano likes him," Alfred said.

Antonio shook his head and laughed. "Feliciano likes everyone," he said.

"Sure, but have you seen him? It's like he's imprinted."

Antonio frowned. "That man is not someone Feliciano should be spending a lot of time with. He's dangerous to Feliciano, if he figures out who Feliciano and how widely he's spread what he knows…"

At that moment, Feliciano returned. He rushed over to Alfred and Antonio and began talking excitedly.

"Antonio," he said, "Do you know anything about Ludwig? He seems so brave and so nice. He was nice to me! I wonder where he's from."

Antonio glanced at Alfred, a look of near panic crossing his face. "Feliciano," he said, trying to sound calming, "Have you told him anything?"

"Of course!" Feliciano said with confusion. "It would have been rude not to. I told him my name and I told him about the tavern."

Sighing with relief, Antonio turned away. Then Feliciano spoke up again.

"He asked where I was from, and so I told him all about Drachma. He said he'd never been there before. And he was very interested in Alfred. Seemed like he wanted to be friends with all of us!"

Antonio slapped his forehead. Slowly, as if explaining to a child, Antonio said, "Feliciano, Ludwig is from Aenea. I'm not sure which god he serves, but he is a dedicate."

Feliciano clapped his hands together. "Oh! How exciting. I must ask him more about them!"

"No, Feliciano," Antonio said. "he's the sort of person who is going to report you for spreading tales. He's someone who might take Alfred back to Aenea. Feli, he is not your friend."

"He saved me," Feliciano insisted. "He is definitely my friend. And he is nice to me and listens to me. He's not bad."

As they were arguing, Ludwig came down the stairs. Antonio saw him and went silent, eyeing the newcomer suspiciously. Alfred was inclined to agree with Antonio. Aenean dedicates seemed to be trouble. Feliciano, whether in rebellion or just excitement, ran up to Ludwig and began babbling at him, asking how the room was, and if he would like some lunch.

Ludwig noticed the hostile glares even if Feliciano ignored him. He frowned and let Feliciano lead him to the bar. Alfred stiffened when Ludwig's eyes fell on him.

"Alfred," Ludwig said. "Though Feliciano has told me about you."

"I'm not going to Aenea," Alfred said flatly. "There's nothing you can do, short of drugging me and dragging me there."

"I don't know why you are so hostile," Ludwig said. "You would be treated well in Aenea. An honored guest. The Arlyan dedicates would take your happiness very seriously."

"I'm happy here."

Ludwig frowned, then shrugged. "I suppose there is no use arguing about it now. You may be taken there regardless when the rest of the inquisition comes."

"Are you threatening me?" Alfred said through clenched teeth.

"No," Ludwig said. "I am just informing you of a likely outcome."

The two men stared at each other for a moment, tense. Finally Ludwig broke eye contact and sat down at the counter next to Feliciano, who looked worriedly between them.

With a huff, Alfred left the inn and wandered through Albion. As he reached the edge where the refugee encampment was he stopped, startled. There was more activity than he had ever seen. People were hastily packing up, and bands of them were headed out into the moors.

Alfred stopped and asked a woman what was going on.

"That Aenean arrived this morning," she said, not looking at Alfred directly. "The rest of the Inquisition will be here shortly, and they will punish Albion for sheltering us. The town does what it can for us, and in return, we will hide until they leave."

She waved Alfred away impatiently and hurried on her way. Within an hour, the whole encampment had vanished, leaving hardly a trace behind.

Alfred lingered, until his stomach demanded lunch. He made his way back to the tavern, and was irritated to find that Ludwig was still there. The common room had emptied since Ludwig's arrival, and so only Ludwig, Feliciano, Antonio, and Lovino were present. As Alfred entered, Antonio disappeared for a moment before returning with some water and lunch meat.

It would have been an awkward silence if Feliciano hadn't been babbling away at Ludwig the whole time. As it was, it was just awkward.

Eventually Antonio asked Ludwig a few stiff questions.

"If you are a part of the inquisition, that must mean you are dedicated to one of the gods," he said. Ludwig nodded.

"Yes, I have served Gilbert since I came of age."

Alfred laughed a little. Ludwig glared. "Does something amuse you?"

"Why do you serve Gilbert?" Alfred asked. "He's a ass."

Ludwig stared at Alfred. He looked as though he wasn't sure whether to be stunned or offended. When he spoke again, it was unsure and halting.

"My family has always served him. My ancestors hunted in mountains long before Aenea was built. So that's the way it has always been."

"I don't get it. Why would you work with someone that self-satisfied?"

Ludwig twisted, as if to slap Alfred. At the last second he stopped himself. He dropped his hands, clenching them into fists.

"I have never personally met him, but Gilbert has protected and given my family patronage for generations. I find it a great honor to serve him in return."

"You've never met him?" Alfred asked, surprised.

Ludwig shook his head slightly and sighed. "I have seen him at festivals and ceremonies, but no, I have never met him. That's not unusual for someone of my standing."

Alfred started to ask another question when Ludwig cut him off irritably.

"You seem to lack the comprehension that the Gilbert is a god. He does not commune with common folk as do daemons or his more…vulgar…counterparts."

Alfred bristled at that less comment, but Feliciano stepped between them.

"Alfred," he said. "Ludwig is a from a line of hunters, who are recognized by Gilbert himself. I thought he could help us look for Arthur tonight!"

Both Ludwig and Alfred stared at Feliciano in silence.

"I can't take him!" Alfred said, voice rising. "He might turn on us or kill us or capture us!"

Ludwig studied Feliciano for a moment. "I think our friend has a point," he said. "If you need to find someone, there is no one in town better suited to find them than I."

Alfred laughed harshly. "There's no way we're taking you."

Ludwig's sighed, and Alfred couldn't tell if it was genuine or not. "A shame then," he said, glancing over to where Antonio and Lovino watched them. "I suppose I will have to inform the inquisition of this inn's unwillingness to comply with Aenea's requests. And that would be so unfortunate for an otherwise pleasant inn."

Alfred was about to argue when Antonio, an unusual note of distress in his voice shouted, "Take him, Alfred."

Looking over, Alfred wanted to protest, but the force with which Antonio glared at him made him falter.

"Fine," Alfred said in defeat. Feliciano yelped in happiness, oblivious to the tension in the room.

When the sun began to set, the three men set out. As they passed the edges of town, Alfred noticed Ludwig studying the area the refugees had abandoned earlier that day. It was impossible to leave no trace of the encampment, but it was hard to tell for anyone who wasn't looking. Unfortunately, Ludwig was looking. Alfred waited, ready to protect the refugees, but Ludwig remained quiet.

Albion soon vanished into the hills behind them. Alfred stared at the pink tinged sky with longing, missing his boots. It didn't seem to matter how long he went without, he couldn't shake the impulse to hop into the air. With a sigh, he turned in the still evening to see what Ludwig and Feliciano were doing. Ludwig seemed to be studying their surroundings while Feliciano seemed only interested in studying Ludwig.

Once he noticed Alfred watching him, he said, "This will be difficult, even as daemon tracking goes. It doesn't seem like your friend has been around lately."

"How can you tell?" Alfred asked.

"It's hard to explain," Ludwig said. "Wherever they go in their territory, they leave sort of a liveliness behind. The grass is greener, the heather bouncier, the brambles more prickly."

"I didn't know that," Alfred said.

"Not many do, except those from the old hunting families."

Alfred didn't know what to say, so he stayed quiet. The evening darkened, and the wind from the mountains turned biting. Alfred pulled his cloak close, shivering.

"Where are the daemon's usual haunts?" Ludwig asked. He if he was bothered by the cold, he didn't show it, though he kept glancing at Feliciano, who shivered like a leaf.

"Why do you want to find him?" Alfred asked.

"I am just offering my services as a hunter," Ludwig said with a dark chuckle.

"I find that hard to believe."

"It is not my job to convince you. But it would be a shame for the inquisition to hear of you being uncooperative," he said.

"How long are you going to hold that over us?" Alfred asked.

"As long as it works."

Feliciano tripped behind them. Ludwig turned and helped him up, and Feliciano beamed at him. Ludwig smiled awkwardly back at him.

"Be careful," he said.

Feliciano rubbed at his nose and gave another shiver. "I will try to be. I always forget how cold it gets here. Nothing like Drachma."

Alfred motioned towards a dip in the shadowy landscape ahead. "We could stop for a bit," he suggested. "I've got some bread, and we'll be out of the wind."

Feliciano cheered and ran down to their resting place. When Ludwig made to follow, Alfred caught him by the arm. "I'm not an idiot. I want you to stop manipulating Feliciano. He might not see what you are, but I do."

Ludwig watched Alfred for a moment. "I do not know what your mind has cooked up, but I do not mean you nor him or anyone else harm."

"Then leave Feliciano alone."

"You are mistaken. It is he who won't leave me alone. You seem determined to think my every action as a threat."

"You blackmailed Antonio to come with us tonight," said Alfred

"It seemed like an interesting outing. I also pay for my room at his inn, rather than imposing upon the town. I did not act lightly," Ludwig said.

"Then why do you want to find Arthur?"

"Any information about the daemon is useful to my order."

"Fine," Alfred said in frustration, throwing up his arms. "Just don't hurt anyone."

When they caught up to Feliciano, they found him holding some bread and frowning into the distance.

"Does the moon look red to you?" he asked.

Alfred looked up. To his surprise, it did. He had never seen anything that before. Though the moon offered little enough light on a good night, what moonlight there was noticeably dimmed and reddened. Alfred watched the sight for awhile. Even as the moon rose, a dull glow remained on the edge of the horizon.

Ludwig must have noticed it too, because he swore under his breath.

"There's a fire," he, worried. "A big one."

Feliciano looked up at Ludwig. "But there are no towns out there."

Alfred caught Feliciano's eyes and both pairs widened.

"The southerners," they both said.

Ludwig put his hand Feliciano's shoulder. "So there are people out there?"

Feliciano nodded.

"Then we better hurry," Ludwig said. The three of them made their way as quickly as they could towards the ever brightening glow.