[center][h2][b]Outside the Jotunheim[/b][/h2][/center]

[hr]

The Inquisitors set down a short distance away from the Jotunheim, not far outside where the Castigator’s force had set up camp. They set down the thin wooden box they were carrying and, while still in the form of birds, worked together to open it up. One of the birds grabbed a solid white head scarf and laid it out on the grass nearby, placing its head inside before making the transformation back into their natural Iriad form. The whole time, they took care to ensure they kept the scarf over their head to obscure their face from any observers. 

The Iriad did the same for each of the other Inquisitors in turn, keeping their faces covered as they were returned to their natural forms. The last to be transformed was Gar’Tan, though as he was no Inquisitor Guard, there was no need for him to obscure his face. From the box they were carrying, the Inquisitors armed themselves and donned their armor, though with the restrictions on the weight they could carry, their equipment was notably less intimidating than their usual uniforms. They put on simple cloth gambesons with the insignia of their guild stitched on the front. In lieu of halberds or long spears, they carried only quarterstaves. Gar’Tan, on his part, wore just a plain tan robe. 

Nevertheless, the Inquisitors escorted Gar’Tan to the Castigator’s camp  with all the same military precision as they had exhibited back in the city. The Iriad and the Tekeri marched in front of him, while the two Glen marched behind. When they reached the Castigator, they stepped aside and said not a word. 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Castigator Nellara. I am glad to finally have the opportunity to work with you, since your appointment to Lenkik.” Gar’Tan said, bowing his head politely to her. He was physically unremarkable by S’tor standards, but for any Humans observing was still the most massive of the locals they had seen so far.