Not surprised

Grand Inquisitor Valerine kept a neutral expression as she took another sip of her wine. Letting it down gently, she simply said:

“Ever the astute one. As much as I would love to hear more details about this troubling job you underwent, there is indeed more pressing issues I am concerned about.”

She leaned over her desk as she stared at Marius for a moment, studying him.

“Have you heard the confirmation of the new Blessed One that showed up two years ago?”

This confirmed his suspicions of what this would be about and who it was the gods were talking about before.

Marius nodded, “Yes, Madame Inquisitor. The girl blessed by Jaris, and sponsored by a Grand Cardinal to operate as a new paladin, enacting a new set of doctrines of divine law.”

Valerine tilted her glass in circles, watching the wine wish around for a moment in thought, “That is the story...”

She took another sip before speaking again, “That Cardinal specifically is Grand Cardinal Velius of St. Marmelise. I know not what got into that greying geezer’s failing mind, or why his ruling Theogonist is entertaining his meddling in the affairs of the Inquisition with this “paladin” experiment of his. It is our jurisdiction to determine the way justice is dispensed in the Empire, he should keep himself to his matters of statecraft.”

Marius fought to not wince at the venom in his mistress’s tone. She did not like the idea of outsiders stepping in toes...especially when it could be something that may result in her toes being stepped on.

“What is it that you wish of me to do about this, Madame Inquisitor? I don’t have much say in the courts, so I don’t think I’ll be of use in preventing the...experiment, of the Cardinals.”

Valerine seems to have grinned slightly before sighing, “No, no...nothing like that. There’s not much I, or my colleagues, can do about that old man’s intents. But, if he is so adamant about these “paladins” of his, then it is our duty to assure ourselves, the divinely ordained judicators of the gods’ creeds, and to ensure validity of these “paladins” capabilities.”

She reached to a parchment on her desk and handed it to Marius, “This is the address of the lord this paladin will be sheltered under for her first assignment. You will find this “Claudia”, and observe her. You will evaluate her effectiveness and capabilities. Once her task is done or you feel you have sufficient knowledge, you will report back to me immediately and give me your evaluation.”

A simple observation mission? To what extent did this go?

“Am I to be discreet in my presence?”

The Inquisitor shook her head, “You will be working under her officially, as an agent of the Inquisition. You need not be entirely secretive around her...just wary and astute. The lord she is working for is also aware of the origin of you and yours, so no need to be discreet around him and his house, either.”

Well, at least he didn’t have to worry about it being a stealth mission. That made things simpler.

“When am I expected to leave?”

“Immediately.”

There was a pause if dead air about as it the revelation settled in. For the moment, Marius composure broke until he recollected himself, “Why immediately, if you mind me asking, Madame Inquisitor?”

Valerine took a sip from her glass before speaking, “You do deserve the recovery period you and yours always get after a job. However time is of the essence and we must strike with surprise while the iron is hot. Upon your arrival, we already sent a message to the estate’s lord about your arrival and purpose. We need you to arrive as soon as possible after the letter is received, to minimize any time they have of preparation to catch them off guard.”

Leave it to one of the most professional and dedicated Inquisitors to come up with such a scheme. She didn’t want to make it easy.

“I have some things I wanted and needed done before I went on my next mission. Will I have time for that before I leave?”

“Submit an inquiry of what and who it is you need. We’ll send it all your way once you are at St. Marmelise. Time is of the essence, as I have said.”