Chương 298: Chapter 549: "I RULE HERE!"

The printers had been delighted to have the Emperor visit, as well as to take on the his latest request. They had worked day and night on the project. Diego had to admit that the advances in woodcut and four-color printing were amazing, producing posters and documents that were works of art. For this project, a dozen artists had been pulled from the collegiums, happy to add the Emperor to their list of clients. Of the twelve, eleven were kept on. The twelfth, Robert Fieldly, was found lacking.

Most of his work was traced off of the work of other artists, he couldn't draw feet, and too often his portraits portrayed deformed monsters with pointed knees instead of human beings. He left in a huff when his art was rejected and laughed at, but quickly found work at a new printing house named Nile Books, doing covers for their lurid magazines. The Emperor approved each of the new posters personally, and was happy with the work. More rolls of paper were added to Captain Darman's load.

As they departed the print shop, the Emperor was in a good mood.

"I think this even has a chance of working. Your work with the Old Wolf points to a winning strategy." Diego had his doubts, but was certainly willing to try his hardest.

"You've found a chink in his armor, I'll do my best to drive the blow home. Probably best if I have a small cart to pull with this load. While I would dearly love to have your bodyguard accompany me home, it might spook our quarry. He's suspicious enough as it is."

"A cart you shall have. But we have one more stop to make. I'm sure the Mages Guild won't mind me stopping by and making a small request about some paperwork that Master Caldrius brought to my attention." Diego smiled, "I'm sure they will be thrilled by a surprise visit. For sure, more than when I jump into a room and say, Ha, No one expects the Imperial Inquisition."

"Exciting, do you get to do that a lot?"

"Sadly, more than I'm happy with, sire." Gustavus stroked his beard, "I'd love to see that. Next time you find a den of traitors or assassins, perhaps I could invite them to court and you could jump out from behind my throne?" Before Diego could answer, Darman said, "No!" Gus was disappointed, "But...."

"No! Assassins and traitors would delight in the invite and the chance to kill you. As much fun as it would be to see Inquisitor Diego surprise them, there is a very good chance he'd immediately take the poisoned darts and spells meant to kill you. I have too high a regard for his work to allow that to happen. Double no. Triple no." Gus sighed.

"Everyone else gets all the fun." Diego was struck by inspiration, "Well, we are heading to the Mages Guild... and I know of an Inquisition secret headquarters along the way. Only two houses down from the Mages Guild, two doors down from Merchants Guild and next to the Teamsters Guild."

"Hmm, an oddly specific location."

"Abuse of power is the first step toward treason and other nasty habits. We like to keep track of certain groups. Stopping in every once in a while reminds them of that." The Emperor eyed Captain Darman, "Do you have robes in his size?"

"Certainly, Sire, and we like to work in threes." Darman sighed, but didn't object. Small things like this let Gustavus blow off a little steam, and kept him from sneaking off to join the Legion. He'd been very upset to have missed the battle at black rock and mentioned riding on a flying horse several times. A small thing like this would make him happy. Finding robes and hoods for Darman and the Emperor was simple. The Inquisition had standing orders with several different tailors.

Their work was messy and no one had time for proper laundering to get out interesting stains or sew up slashes, to say nothing of robes destroyed by acid or fire. Disguised as Junior Inquisitors, Darman and the Emperor followed Diego out hidden side door to a shadowy alley and out onto the main street. Diego whispered softly, "Just follow behind me, looking like you are interested in nothing at all. Normally, I just wander in. Everyone ignores an old man limping along with his cane.

But with you two strapping, young assistants with me, I'll help things along with an Aura of Boredom. They'll see us, but they won't care unless we do something. The Emperor was very good at humming and casually strolling along. Captain Darman, less so. Diego felt the strain of keeping the man's aura from shining through his own. It didn't help that Darman had to duck to enter most doorways.

Past the front desk where a line of citizens had formed to complain about a lack of teleportation slots they went, and past four classrooms where overworked instructors were trying to test applicants to the Collegium and teach the beginners a rudimentary Fire cantrip. The Emperor was happy to see so many new mages being trained, and saddened deep inside that some of them would surely die in the coming wars. He had to remind himself that the actions he was taking today would help.

He pushed down the feeling, seeing Diego sweat and tremble as his Imperial Aura manifested.

"If someone could think about something calming and boring, I'd appreciate it."

"Ah, sorry, I'll be boring." All it took was to think about tomorrows court where he was entertaining a group of southern landowners with a list of grievances about the cost of transportation vs. the price of of wheat and pork. And, of course, demands to lower their taxes. Mostly they'd argue with each other, despite the very real threats of the orcs and lizardmen. His aura dampened immediately and the group became completely boring, and barely noticed by anyone looking at them.

"Thank you, I have never had to conceal two people with such strong auras before. It's interesting to watch my mana tick down so quickly. I know where my next enhancement will be going. Now, when we get to the sixth floor, we'll be entering a large meeting room that will certainly have a few dozen of the Mages Guild in attendance. Mondays are their day for going over financial reports, followed by refreshments and an exhibition of new and experimental spells. The people we need to talk to will certainly be there."

Up several flights of stairs they went, Captain Darman being careful not to step on the hem of his bright red robe. He wondered again about mages and their habits of dress. As they approached the room, they heard loud voices arguing.

"Once again, I am not accusing anyone of graft or pilfering fees. But it is common knowledge that not all the coin paid by travelers makes it to the guild coffers. The lucky few with working teleporters may consider this extra gold in their pockets to be tips, but you should damned well be sharing with everyone!

""Poppycock! No one does this. It's a myth some of you throw about to besmirch the good name of your fellows!" That statement brought applause, only because it was such a bald faced lie and yet delivered in a such a way that people immediately agreed with the speaker.

"I demand to see the general account books and see for myself how much you weasels are taking!" A slight, balding man who was taking the official notes of the meeting twitched and looked at another man who had a huge tome before him. He shook his head emphatically, sending a message to the accountant who nodded back to him. Neither man wanted anyone looking at their records and asking questions. Mostly because doing so would lead to days of hearings that would accomplish nothing and waste everyone's time.

Accounting practices weren't something the Mages Guild taught classes in.

"I'm sorry, but the final reports for the quarter aren't finished, and the raw data isn't accessible right now."

"You're two years behind on quarterly reports, Quindus!"

"Heavens, no! When I took over this position twelve years ago they were were six years behind. By my accounting I'm four years ahead of schedule. An amazing bit of work none of you ever give me credit for!" A mage in a bright blue robe pointed to the mage next to the accountant.

"Such drivel. I know you are supporting the work of Mage Deletrius and his unsanctioned experiments!"

"Unsanctioned? You're unsanctioned. My work is ground breaking on a breathtaking and earthshattering scale that will astound magical historians for the next millennia!"

"Damn you all, I want Quindus to explain some the reason our general fund is too low to pay for my research!"

"And mine!"

"Show us the numbers." The accountant hugged the huge book to his chest, "Never! You cretins would never understand the numbers. I'm done here! I agreed to sit her and answer questions, not be subjected an interrogation by the Imperial Inquisition." The doors to the room slammed open and three brightly robed men entered, auras blazing.

"No one expects the Imperial Inquisition!" The Emperor's voice boomed out, startling everyone, and triggered several events. Three mages feinted dead away. Six more cowered, white-faced and eyeing a possible exit through the fifth story windows. A few paused for a few seconds, then recognized the Emperor and assumed, almost correctly, that Gustavus had run away again from court and was playing Inquisitor for the day. The bulk of the mages were stunned and confused, a sure sign they'd never been in battle before.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. And Mage Deletrius scowled and began gathering vast amounts of mana to himself from an unknown source. Tendrils of dark force surrounded him and his eyes glowed brightly with Hellfire.

"I don't know how you fools found out about my infernal dealings, but you are too late! Even now the Dark Lords awaken and soon I and my allies will control this city and the world! Arise, brothers in darkness!" Darman leaped in front of the Emperor. Diego put up his strongest shields and looked for who else might be a threat, scanning the room, but seeing no one. Most of the mages had no idea what to do.

Deletrius cast his first spell, a bolt of pure Hellfire that struck Darman in the chest, catching his robes on fire. He was fine with that, the stupid things were keeping him from easily drawing his sword to deflect the spells. As the second bolt of Hellfire came at him, he parried, sending it towards a window that shattered and the spell exploded harmlessly outside. A glowing circle of flame appeared on the floor and something large and fiery began to come through the portal.

Two people decided that things were getting out of hand. The first was the Emperor who stepped around Darman, cracked his knuckles once, and then punched the emerging demon in the face.

"I RULE HERE! BEGONE!" The surprised demon dissolved into red sparks from the excruciatingly painful exorcism. The portal faded away, leaving a blackened circle on the otherwise perfect oak floor. The second person was the accountant, Quindus, who was standing far too close to the demonic summoner and had only survived by crouching low with his accounting tome in front of him. He rose up now, and swung a double-handed blow with the heavy book, catching Deletrius in the side of his head and knocking him down.

Before a second passed, Darman sliced off his head. The room would have exploded into chaos, but again, the Emperor spoke.

"Please sit, this nasty piece of business is done... for now. I'm sure Inquisitor Diego may be pursuing things further, but I have a question of my own for you gentlemen of magic." The highest ranking mage present, Frederick Cloudcaller, stood, "Of course, sire. How can we aid you?" Diego handed him a sheaf of paperwork, and the Emperor explained.

"This application for a promotion for the Sedgewick Mage Guild was sent to me by Master Caldrius. He is confused as to the reasons for your repeated denial each month. Can you explain, so I can get back to him?"

"Ah, well, it's not something that I personally handle, but I would think it's because Sedgewick is such a small village, and we have limited resources. The level two guild that they currently is have is more than they need for the few mages they have sent to the Collegium. Do they have any young mages with potential? I suppose we could test them." Gus grinned, "A few. Firstly, they have Master Caldrius's new apprentice, a Tier Four Smoke and Heat master who also has the aspects of Fire, Wood, and Radiance.

And he cooks a very mean sausage and knocks down buildings. You may have heard a few things about him. The town has multiple Tier Four mages, all self taught along with a Fae Enchantress that has taken up residence in the Mages Guild and bequeathed a library of unique books from the fae realm. Who else? Oh, Inquisitor Diego's protege, one of my Couriers blessed with healing and Phoenix Fire. He's a Franklin, of course, and we should probably get him registered properly.

Master Caldrius is training three talented Tier Three mages, and informs me that there are dozens more untrained."

"That does... yes, I can see... well, to be blunt, sire, there have been reports of Hedge Magic, demonic infestation, and the town being home to many questionable beings. Do we really want to sanction such a place with an official Tier Three Mages Guild?" Gus looked around at the muttering mages, "You're right, we don't." Several people relaxed, but he continued.

"They deserve to be recognized as worthy of a Tier Four Guild and received the support owed to them. I'm crushing the stupidity and politics that have seen Guild Mistress Beriliand's applications denied for too long. We need those people trained properly, and we need the mana that pours from Gadobhra, along with the support of the Mayor of Sedgewick and Baron William. Do we have an understanding?" Heads nodded.

There were rules and protocols, many dating back hundreds of years, that prevented the Emperor from doing what he had just done. But Gustavus was a different man from his Grandfather and Father. He liked to get his hands dirty and his reputation was growing stronger. It didn't hurt that he had just personally exorcised a demon in front of them with one punch.

"And while you are at it, how about a review of any other denied petitions. I'd love to see all of them on my desk tomorrow. And certainly when the Baron of Gadobhra requests a sponsored Mage Guild, he'll find you as every so helpful." Again, head's nodded.

"Excellent, I'll look for that paperwork tomorrow. I believe I've taken up enough of your time for the day. Captain Darman and I will take our leave and Inquisitor Diego will take over." He left in a swirl of red robes, quite happy with the day's events. Diego waited patiently for the Emperor to leave, then strode forward into the center of the blackened circle.

"Gentlemen, I'm a busy man. I have too many greater evils to deal with and no time to deal with what we saw today. You will request an Inquisition task force to aid you in seeing who else might have been involved in this odious affair. I'll be checking back on you. But for now..."" ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?" Several mages began babbling about unpaid guild dues, overdue library books, affairs with apprentices, and the usual politics of the Guild. There were two surprises.

The first was Mage Cloudcaller, who came close to Diego, struggling against his guilt, but unable to resist the spell. Diego loved the spell. A true blackguard would resist it, but a guilty man found it very hard not to confess.

"Umm, I was contacted by the Winter Council, and offered a position on their council. They offered several new Ice and Storm spells, a thousand gold, and an Amulet of Protection from Fire and Heat. They want me to spy on the Guild and keep them informed of what's going on."

"And what have you told them?"

"Nothing, yet. I've delayed and debated with myself. The spells are nice, but the amulet is crap, and I really prefer summer breezes to ice squalls." Diego smiled, "I accept your confession, be at peace." Cloudcaller immediately slumped to the floor, exhausted. The Inquisitor patted him on the head, "But you will be accepting that job. You and I will work on your reports to winter, together. Consider yourself a double-agent at this point. As for the gifts? It would blow your cover not to accept them.

Please ask for more in trade for your reports. I'd like to know the abilities of an Ice Mage of the Council." Cloudcaller nodded his thanks, relieved for the moment. Diego then turned to the accountant, who was struggling mightily with himself.

"As for you, what do you have to tell me?"

"I've been embezzling from the general fund each month. It's something of a tradition, I inherited a huge debt from my predecessor of over forty three thousand gold and it's up to seventy thousand with what I've taken. There. I've said it. Do what you want."

"Over how many years?"

"Nineteen, but mostly since my seventh and eighth children were born. It's expensive living in the capitol and I've been putting the money into their college funds." Diego shook his head, sadly.

"Well, we certainly can't keep a man with your sins in this position, can we? What size robe do you wear?"

"I don't understand." Diego took him by the arm, "A man who can keep his wits and strike down a Demonic Summoner with just a book, and who can keep his embezzled secrets hidden from an entire Guild of Mages? They don't deserve you. Welcome to the Inquisition. You work for me now, and the Inquisition has a very good program to pay for the schooling of the next generation. I think you and your family will be pleased.

I have ever so many people I need to investigate and a skilled accountant is an asset I desperately need. We'll take a small walk after the other Inquisitors get here, and outfit you with some new robes. And please, bring along that big book of yours. It's evidence in my current investigation into the infiltration of a Demonic Summoner into the Guild. I'm sure you can show me many interesting things from past years."