Demon-hunters arrive at the castle.

The next day, you're breaking your fast in the main hall when a small party of travellers, Beathans from the capital arrive at the castle, entering the hall.

You recognise the emblem on their armours and robes, marking them out as demon-hunters of the Order of the White Torch, Beatha's premier **** for the eradication of people like you and your family.

Just as you're feeling cautious, the group's leader, a tall, well-muscled man, strikingly handsome, with a neatly trimmed beard, seeks you out.

“King Edward.” he bows, taking to his knees before you. “It's an honour tae finally meet you.”

“Y-You can stand up, friend.” you say, trying to hide your uneasiness. “Who are you?”

“Robert of Teyne, Your Majesty. First Flame of the Order of the White Torch.” the Beathan says, finding his feet. “With all due respect, Majesty, I've long held tremendous sympathies towards you. We've both lost family to the treachery of demonkind.”

“Yes, well, it's not something I like to discuss publically.” you cough.

“Of course, Majesty.”

“What's a... First Flame?” you ask.

“Ah. You might think of me as a sort of inquisitor, or agent in the order's service. I travel the land, identifying incidences of demonic evil, and... remedying them.”

Given the silvery glint of his armour, and the expertly crafted sword at his hip, you could well imagine the sort of remedies Robert dealt out.

“Funny.” you say offhandedly. “Here I thought all inquisitors were corrupt sluggards, preaching to fearful masses... in between blowjobs, of course.”

“That may be the way on the rest of the continent, Majesty. But here in Beatha, we try to pursue our work in a more... active manner.” Robert smiles.

“Hence your presence here?”

“Aye. We were in the capital when we received reports of a regiment of our men, assigned to guard a retaken temple of the Spirits, struck down in a night raid.” Robert reveals.

“Men dying in war? Regrettable, surely but far from unheard of.” you say quickly.

“That was my reaction too, Majesty. But... the more I heard, the more I turned the details over in my head, the worse it sat with me. To tell the truth, something of the attack reminds me of another incident. About six months ago, a half dozen of our order vanished in the woods in Sinnabarrow. According to the last folk to see them alive, they were investigating a local landmark for traces of demonic activity.”

“H-How could those two incidents possibly be linked?” you ask, offering up your very best imitation of confusion. “Deanian raiders in the middle of Sinnabarrow?”

Robert chuckles.

“Perhaps there is no link. But something rankles my instincts. With a bit of luck, taking in the temple should be enough to put my mind at ease.”