Return home

It took a little under a week of straight travel and minor resting before Marius and Tempest were back home. Much like their Rune Blade riders, the horses they employ were also augmented with various runes. Mostly all to increase their speed and stamina so they can run faster and for longer periods without needing rest. Some even opted to have runes that made the horses silent when running.

Runic magic was very versatile and practical in its applications, being extremely useful for those who needs the edge.

The place that Marius and his brethren called home was a castle known as Shadow’s Reach. It is among one of many castles owned by High Inquisitors used for their many duties. This, among a few, are marked specifically for housing, training, and suppling Rune Blades, since the Rune Blades are an Inquisitorial specific experiment and branch.

Only Inquisitors know of the existence and locations of these castles, while those in high positions in the Theocratic courts know of only their existence. The common people don’t even know that these places exist.

Certainly, a great deal of dark forces and those of the Sultanate would love to get their hands on these locations. And possibly the odd angry mob or two led by witch hunters. Not that they could even do anything major, but with enough fanatical bodies anything can be possible.

Marius rode up the trail and was allowed through the gate to enter the castle proper. There were many traps that only Rune Blades and their Inquisitor matron, and her representatives, were aware of. It was easy to dodge them.

Once inside and putting Tempest in his proper stable, the Rune Blade was met with a very familiar voice.

“And so, Shadow’s Reach’s most favored son returns home from yet another day of work.”

Turning around, Marius was met with the slightly pudgy form of Edwin Anaris, one of the few existing retired Rune Blades. Though, “retired” is a bit misleading. He’s simply too old to be combat effective. The fact he survived this long is a miracle. Now he works as sort of the improper leader of the Rune Blades here and helps instruct recruits. He was also Marius’s personal master and teacher.

Marius Bowes his head in respect, “Master, it is good to see you again.”

This caused the old man to chuckle as he claps Marius on his shoulder, “No need to be so formal, son. It is good to see you back home in one piece, relatively speaking anyways! Ha!”

Edwin started to walk away as he said, “Be sure to come to my office after you put in your report! I managed to get my hands on some choice Shi’qae wine and I think it will be perfect to celebrate your return.”

Marius just sighed as he waved his master off. Sometimes he thinks that old man just enjoys retirement too much. The younger man personally wishes he be amongst the many that die on the job...retirement sounds boring.

Never minding that, Marius made his way into the castle to begin the process of cataloging the events that had transpired on his job. The High Inquisitor loved her bureaucracy.