The Source of Corruption (Part 2)

Mountbatten was no stranger to these religious enforcers. He was even quite familiar with them, since a distant relative in his family currently worked at the Kaimon Inquisition.

But that did not mean he liked them or their way of doing things. Though necessary, it was far too extreme.

Once anything went to an extreme, it meant something would go wrong.

"Yes."

Mountbatten gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"You came out of Sunflower Ridge alive?"

"Yes."

The man pressed his lips tight.

"I don't know whether you're that capable, or whether your luck is just that fucking good."

"Maybe both."

Senai rose to his feet and sheathed his dagger. He dusted the dirt from his trench coat.

"I need to ask him some questions."

He turned and told Bronz.

"If he answers correctly, this will remain civilized. If he answers wrong, don't even think about walking out of here, Wizard. It won't matter whether you're capable or just fucking lucky."

Bronz smiled.

"Have they changed the rules? I don't recall any inquisitor ever daring to threaten an active-duty major of the New California Republic like this."

"Yes, they changed the rules."

Senai bared his teeth provocatively.

"Believe me."

"We have no reason to believe you."

Mountbatten answered in place of his friend.

The air instantly froze. The inquisitor's silver revolver, holstered at his waist, glimmered in the firelight.

Then the campfire suddenly crackled.

"I'm waiting."

Mountbatten finally broke the silence.

"About those temples..."

Senai asked in a low voice.

"Who did you tell?"

Mountbatten frowned, his guard rising.

He knew what the other man meant. He had rarely spoken of this matter to anyone.

Over the past few months, Mountbatten had discovered a series of bizarre civilian disappearances within his jurisdiction. Local security was not his responsibility, but caution had