Withering under the force of Jason’s aura, Clementson reluctantly nodded, falling in behind Jason as he resumed his path through the property. They quickly came on a building detached from the main residence, made from stone and an indulgent amount of wood. On a porch swing, a man was sitting up, rubbing his eyes as if just having woken up. He gave the approaching pair a bleary-eyed look, focusing on Clementson.

“Eustace,” he said, “what was that aura I just…”

The man trailed off as he realised the source of the aura was standing next to Clementson. Then his gaze locked onto Jason’s face and his eyes went wide.

94. Consequences

94

Consequences

The Temple of the Healer in Greenstone was one of the central temples on the Divine Square. Inside, a man named Neil Davone was making a stand.

“I won't be a part of this,” he declared to the Chief Priest. “This isn't about serving the Healer. I spend my days following around the most petty noble in Greenstone, so I know what power and ambition look like.”

The Chief Priest had all the temple clergy arrayed behind him, ready to move out. He looked at Neil with a dismissive sneer.

“Be thankful that your powers come not from our god, for he would take them from you. If you would stand against us, then you are no longer welcome in this church. Begone from this place, and never return.”

Neil steeled himself, his expression hard. He turned around and strode out of the temple.

* * *

On the Clementson property, Jason was confronting the man the tracking stone had led him to.

“Asano!” the man uttered.

Jason frowned. He recognised the face from somewhere, but couldn’t place it, at first. Then revelation struck.

“You’re one of the people that attacked me in Old City.”

“I didn't attack you,” the man said quickly, his voice rising in pitch. “That was Dink! We all left, just like you said.”

“And now you’re here summoning monsters,” Jason said. “Stay where you are, Mr Clementson.”

Clementson had been slinking away while Jason’s focus was on the other adventurer, but stopped short at Jason’s command. He looked back and saw that Jason hadn’t turned to look.

“Yes, Mr Clementson,” Jason said, without taking his eyes off the man in the other direction. “I am watching you.”

Jason had Clementson under the strict watch of his aura sense, the normal-rank mill owner having no way to hide it. He kept his eyes locked on the iron-ranker.

“I don’t know anything about summoning any monsters,” the man said.

“If you don’t want to tell me things, then don’t tell me,” Jason said. “Lying is just going to make things worse.”

The man looked up at the crystal floating over Jason’s head.

“Is that a recording crystal?”

“It is,” Jason said. “Why don’t you tell me your name?”

“Why?”