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Tranquil Waters: The Lead Crown Ch 9.2, Shock and Awe

Friar Arlowe was far too astute to mistake Inquisitor Ignus' welcoming demeanor as a genuine interest in discussion and far too experienced to think that the Dragon had the capacity to see a point of view other than his own. Regardless, the Raccoon Dog remained toward the rear of the party keeping himself between the Inquisitor and his son. Cruff, however, had a different view of the proceedings entirely, and the next question posed to Sir Umberto by their 'host' was the last straw. "Tell me, Sir Umberto... ARE you a turncoat?"

Cruff pushed himself past Friar Arlowe, raising his voice to a near-shout "Does the rest of the Church know what you're up to down here, Inquisitor Ignus? Do you think they'd sit by idly while you try and cover up all of this blasphemy?!?"

Ignus' glowing eyes scanned across the group until they settled on the young Raccoon Dog. His slitted pupils widened then narrowed. "My expectation is that they will do as they're told... unlike certain undesirable elements."

Cruff took another step forward but his next words were silenced as a metal cord tightened around his throat; a second Dragon had come up from behind the party and had him restrained with a cattle lead. Friar Arlowe turned around to confront the man but froze in place when he recognized him. "Inquisitor Efran..."

Ignus was a monster, but after what the monk had experienced at the talons of Efran the former almost came across as a pacifist. Inquisitor Efran's sharp-toothed grin split his muzzle in two. "Ah... Friar Arlowe. I'm so glad you've returned to us... and with a little-you-in-training as a bonus. Tell me... do you think he will scream as loudly when I--"

The impact of Friar Arlowe's fist against the scaled jaw created a loud enough sound but the Monk was left with the impression that he had probably hurt his paw more than the Dragon's face. Stunned by his own action, Friar Arlowe realized he was committed to it despite what the Inquisitor would do in response to the attack. Mustering as much will as he could, the Raccoon Dog stated with all the conviction he could manage when facing down the monster. "Release him."

Inquisitor Ignus chuckled, his grin matching Efran's. "Sir Umberto... it seems one of your guests has struck an Inquisitor."

Before the Wolverine had a chance to reply Friar Arlowe saw stars as his entire vision went white. He didn't realize he'd been struck until he was impacted from the opposite side by the wall... and then again by the ground. With his head reeling it was impossible for him to comprehend everything that was going on, but he knew the tunnel had dissolved into a bedlam of a scripture-worthy epic.

Aurelie and Aodhan were immediately armed and pushed back against the Church forces that moved in to subdue the group. From his vantage on the ground, Friar Arlowe was barely able to move; his body didn't seem inclined to respond to his dazed brain... he couldn't even manage to locate Cruffington. Sir Umberto lashed forward to interpose himself between Inquisitor Ignus and the rest of the party while the tempest of combat surged all around the stunned Monk.

He was picked up at some point, dragged forward slowly along the ground but the movement didn't help his discombobulation, making it even more difficult for him to focus. Friar Arlowe thought for a moment that the pounding pain in his head was going to make him violently ill but just when he had reached his limit he was lowered once more. Cruff's voice was an echo amidst the throbbing pain in his head. "Stay here."

The Monk went to reach out and plead for his son to stay out of the melee but he could barely even lift his arm. A moment later he watched Sir Umberto fall beside him, a rain of blood following him down in an arc to splatter across the cold stone floor. It was not a comforting image, but it was the last one he had before the blankess of unconsciousness engulfed him.

* * * * * *

The first thought on Friar Arlowe's mind when he awoke was that he hadn't died; the second thought was even more optimistic when he realized that he wasn't in a cell. The upbeat outlook continued as was assisted to a sitting position by Cruff and offered a water bottle. The Monk accepted the water and drank his fill, looking around and surveying the scene. It was about that point when his optimism began to wane.

The group had apparently fought well enough to escape the tunnels but there were obvious injuries. Friar Arlowe recognized their room as one of the cathedral's small meal halls with four wooden tables, each accompanied by two benches. Aodhan was seated on one of the benches, joined by Sister Aurelie who was wrapping a bandage around the side of the Wolf's head; the Cat had also been injured, wearing similar bandages on an arm and one on a thigh.

As the monk continued to survey the scene Cruff helped him up to sit on a bench at the nearest table. "You were out cold for maybe ten minutes."

Friar Arlowe glanced to the two doors leading to and from the room; he saw that both were barricaded. His question was vague in its meaning. "What happened?"

Cruff's response was bitter-sweet. "We made enough noise that people took notice. Once other members of the clergy came down into the catacombs the fighting came to a stop."

The Monk was uncertain as to just how 'successful' they had been. "And that was enough to stop Ignus and Efran?"

A familiar-but-out-of-place voice spoke up from the other side of the table. "No... but it was a start."

Friar Arlowe looked in that direction, not even realizing that they had company. It had been years since the Raccoon Dog had been at the Monastery in Graddin, and that was when he last encountered his tablemate. It took a few moments before the Raccoon Dog recognized the simian monk seated across from him. "Friar Juun?"

The Monkey nodded. "It is good to see you again, Friar Arlowe. I would LIKE to say you are looking well... but... as you can imagine..."

The Raccoon Dog offered a smile; it hurt the side of his head. "Let's not make a liar out of you, hmm?"

Off to the side Sir Umberto grunted. The Wolverine was out of his chest armor, one broad paw pressing tightly against a bloody bandage wrapped around his waist. "Brody brought him... along with a Bishop from Wyra."

Friar Arlowe looked up immediately, focus going to the Wolverine. "A Bishop? Here?"

Friar Juun stood up and walked around the table to sit beside the Raccoon Dog. "Bishop Fulgaré. He is here because he had reason to believe that there were acts against the Church being committed in Newport. Apparently his sense in these matters was accurate... as usual. The Inquisitors were attempting a coup."

Cruff nodded. "He and Friar Juun helped us get away from the chaos. The Cathedral is in an uproar and everything's in shambles."

Friar Arlowe shook his head sadly. "This is not right."

The primate monk reached out and patted him on the shoulder. "You are correct; it is not. But we are working to fix it."

Sister Aurelie, finished with Aodhan's bandage turned toward the rest of the party. The Cat was smiling for the first time in awhile. "The Bishop found the Sisters... they're alive and he's having some of his men escort them to safety."

Sir Umberto's rounded ears rose, leading Friar Arlowe to believe that the Wolverine was just as much out-of-the-loop as he. "His men? The Bishop and his travel guard are standing up against the Inquisitors?"

Aodhan shook his head slowly, moving a paw up to press against the wound. "No... he has a small army with him... from Wyra."

Sir Umberto was taken aback. "From WYRA?!?"

Friar Juun smiled. "Many men who are seeking contrition in the eyes of God for recent transgressions. I need not get into specifics, but it should be sufficient as a show of force and it will keep the Inquisitors occupied until we can get your group to safety."

Cruff nodded. "Sounds good... come on, Dad."

Friar Arlowe could not escape the feeling that flowed through him when his son spoke to him on such a personal level but he hated that he could not comply. "No, Cruff... we can't leave yet."

The young Raccoon Dog was taken aback. "Why not? We did what we came to do. The Sisters are safe and the corruption among the Inquisitors is known."

Sister Aurelie stood. "I agree with Friar Arlowe... we can't leave yet... not until we know that Inquisitor Ignus is brought to justice. We can't let him get away with any of this."

Aodhan was much more down to earth. "We also need to make sure Tobias and Sada are safe."

Friar Juun held up a hand. "Peace. All of you. Bishop Fulgaré will see to the settling of these matters. For now, the most important thing is that I get you to safety."

Friar Arlowe got slowly to his feet, standing still for a moment to make certain he wouldn't fall over. Once he realized he was able to maintain his balance he looked around at the party. Many wanted to stay... some wanted to leave. It was strange to think that their adventures had started predominantly because of their wish to save him and he was toying with the idea of putting himself back in danger. He wasn't sure he could stand that thought but the alternative of running away was just as undesirable. Clearing his throat, he spoke; he didn't have the luxury to take time to decide so he resolved that his mind was already made up.