Author's Notes: Another Ao3 export, and one that I'm pretty proud of. I may have started with Osvald, but Temenos quickly became my favorite character. I was upset at That Part of his story and wanted to do a little fix-it.
Hope you enjoy this one!
A Short Leash
Chapter 1: Flamechurch
"So, the deed is done?"
"Yes. The pontiff is dead, just as planned."
"I see. Excellent work."
"Thank you...but there is one thing you should know. Temenos Mistral was found at the scene. He was accompanied by a Sanctum Knight, and they slayed the Felvarg before we could."
"Of all the-! Well, we certainly cannot stick to the original plan now."
"He certainly lives up to his reputation as the pontiff's bloodhound. The question now is, what do we do about him?"
"What do you mean? He may be a thorn on our side, but Temenos is ultimately of no threat to us."
"I wouldn't be so sure. A hound that's suddenly lost its master can become an unpredictable creature. Perhaps you're right, but leaving him unattended poses a large risk that I would rather not ignore."
"Shall we dispose of him as well, then?"
"Now, of all times? That would be the worst idea. The death of an Inquisitor immediately following the pontiff's could put everyone on even higher alert than they are now. People are already whispering about the Sacred Guard failing to protect the pontiff."
"What do you propose, then?"
"Let me think...You said that a Sanctum Knight was with him. Tell me about this knight."
"I believe his name was Crick. An excellent swordsman, and a noble heart...too noble. He would ultimately be a liability if he were to discover our plans."
"Crick Wellsley...? Hmm. I know who you refer to, which gives me an idea. If this works, we can throw the hound off our scent and keep our plan from getting exposed."
"If this works? And what if it doesn't? Surely you recognize the risks-"
"Whatever the risks, I believe it would be riskier to keep them both unattended. What if they decide to gather information on both sides?"
"..."
"This plan does not have to work forever. It only needs to work for long enough. Ideally, they'll be unable to do anything to stop us by the time we reach the final stage of our plan."
"But-"
"Do I make myself clear?"
"...Very well. Your will be done."
When Temenos and Crick exited the library, they immediately found Deputy Cubayri and her guard waiting for them. Crick straightened himself almost immediately at the sight of her. He had to give her his due respect as his superior, after all. Temenos may not give a single thought to things like propriety, but that didn't mean she wouldn't care.
"Ah, if it isn't the Sacred Guard," Temenos greeted. The smile on his face was polite - and as thin as paper. "Do you still have need of us?"
Deputy Cubayri clicked her tongue and glanced in Crick's direction. "Crick, you've been reassigned."
Crick tried to ignore his own disappointment as he stepped forward. While he had not been in Flamechurch for very long, there was a charm to it that wormed its way into his heart almost instantly. The same could be said for Inquisitor Temenos as well...as unorthodox as he had proven himself to be, Crick could see why he was chosen for the position. What His Holiness saw in him in the first place.
Why, they would have never found His Holiness nor the beast without Temenos' quick thinking. If they hadn't been there to slay the beast, who was to say that Deputy Cubayri or her guard wouldn't have met the same dire fate?
Perhaps it was for that reason that the thought of being reassigned stung. It may be strange that he should worry for Temenos' safety like this (considering he only met the man a few days prior), but Crick was a Sanctum Knight. Protecting people - clergymen included - was part of the job, was it not?
"...Understood." A moment passed, then two. The silence was unsettling, and Crick couldn't make sense of the Deputy's hesitation. If he didn't know any better, he would have assumed that she didn't want to say what she was about to. What could be so-?
"In light of the pontiff's death, we're assigning bodyguards to members of the clergy for their safety," she said, before Crick or Temenos could question her. "Thus, you are to stay by the Inquisitor's side. Wherever he goes, you go. Is that understood?"
...What?
On one hand, it made sense. Of course the Sacred Guard would be on high alert at a time like this. Assigning bodyguards was a logical move to make.
But for him to be Temenos' bodyguard? Crick couldn't pinpoint how he felt about such an idea, which was unnerving in and of itself.
If this turn of events had surprised Temenos in the slightest, he did an excellent job of hiding it. His eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms.
"A bodyguard?" the cleric questioned. "I'm flattered. Your concern for my well-being is most appreciated."
The polite smile on Temenos' face remained, and Crick found it difficult to properly read what he could be thinking. Or if the words he spoke were even genuine. The thought that Temenos might be annoyed at this arrangement stung for some reason.
The Deputy pursed her lips. Rather than give a straight answer, she turned around. "I'll give you more information on your new duties before my troops head out of the city, Crick. Keep an eye out."
"Of course," Crick answered, lowering his head as the Deputy and her guard walked in the direction of the nearby church. He found Temenos with his eyes closed and arms crossed. It did not take long for Crick to recognize his actions; Temenos did say that he was a deep thinker. That anyone could be so absorbed in their thoughts was a little unsettling for Crick...but if he was to serve as Temenos' bodyguard, he supposed he may as well get used to it. While Temenos could definitely take care of himself, it would be easy to catch him off-guard while he was like this.
It was only when Temenos opened his eyes and lifted his head that Crick spoke; "Welcome back, Temenos."
Temenos hummed in response. The lack of a proper response unnerved Crick, so he continued, "...Is something amiss?"
"No," Temenos answered, a small smile on his face. Something about this smile seemed different from the one that he gave to the Deputy...whether that was just his imagination or not, Crick found it to be a strange relief. "In fact, I was just thinking of setting off on a journey. The Sacred Guard did me a favor by assigning me a bodyguard. The more, the merrier!"
"A journey?"
"Indeed. To find the one who murdered the pontiff," Temenos responded, turning to walk past him. As Crick followed, Temenos continued, "You see, I have a hunch. And doubt is what I do."
"…Of course." Crick should have known that Temenos would wish to investigate further. Such was to be expected from a member of the Inquisition, especially since it was the pontiff that had been murdered. The one that chose him for such a position in the first place...
"While I'm thinking about it, how are your injuries from that battle?" Temenos questioned. The way he seemed genuinely concerned about Crick's well-being was oddly touching. "We must make haste if we are to divine the truth, but it wouldn't do for my bodyguard to push himself too hard. How fast do you think you can pack your things for our journey?"
"Um, no...I mean yes! Yes, I-!" Smooth, Crick. He could feel his face burning at the slip, and so he continued, "It's been a few days, Temenos. I'm fine. I saw an apothecary yesterday, he gave me some medicine for any lingering pain. I-I did not bring much with me when I came here anyway, so packing my things should be no issue."
Temenos chuckled, and Crick thought he could sense what was coming. He had always been told that his emotions always showed on his face; how he was far too honest for his own good. They hadn't been in each other's company very long, but Temenos seemed to delight in teasing him for some reason. Did Crick mind that? Well...
"Hop to it then, little lamb," Temenos chuckled. "Best not to keep me waiting for too long."
Temenos winked, and such a tiny gesture really shouldn't have felt like someone had thrown a fireball at Crick's face.
"Temenos!"
By the Sacred Flame...just what had Crick gotten himself into?