Chapter 113: The Grental County (1)
As they crossed the mountain range, the seasons changed. Fine white flakes began to fall from the sky.
"Wow! It’s snowing, Sister Serati!”
"We’d better hurry over the mountains," Serati said.
"If it piles up too much, we’ll have a problem," Varos added.
The child reveled in the snow with pure joy, while the adults frowned. Thankfully, they were nearly through the mountain range. Holding onto their chilled cheeks, they pushed on for another half-day. Sunlight fractured across the white snow, and a light breeze scattered fine snowflakes into the air. The crunch of dry snow accompanied every step.
Finally, the vast plains unfolded before them. A river carved its way down from the mountains, slicing the land like a blade before merging with a greater waterway.
On a hill to the right of the river stood a stately, old-fashioned fortress. On the opposite bank lay an expansive town, the two connected by a grand stone bridge. This was their destination, the Grental County.
***
Currently, Karnak’s group operated under the official guise of Alius, a first-class inquisitor from Hatoba, and his associates. They were hiding their true identities as members of the King’s Order from the Kingdom of Eustil, instead presenting themselves solely as shadow hunters.
After all, hunting heretical cultists in the empire was the jurisdiction of the Brigade of Purification. Moreover, their target, Hudel, was a noble of the empire. For the King’s Order to interfere in this matter would create a severe international incident. Seeking prior permission or cooperation wasn’t an option either. Considering how the Lacania Empire treated the Seven Kingdoms with disdain, it was obvious that any request would be ignored. Thus, they were using a different cover story to cross the border.
—A necromancer we’ve been pursuing has surfaced in the western empire, near Kallat City. We’re working with the Hatoba Order’s Kallat Diocese to apprehend him.
Varos, recalling a similar operation during the vampire hunt in the Brellant County, looked concerned.