[center][h2][b]Jerome Pearson[/b][/h2][/center]

Lancer went on his own. He knew what he was doing and didn't need any supervision from Jerome, quite the contrary. A man with this much knowledge of fighting and war would only be bothered by having to babysit a lowly thief in a fight. Well, at least that's what Jerome thought, and he had his own kind of work to perform anyway.

He took a good detour from the supernatural clash, keeping enough distance to not be noticed, and searched for a safe spot to take a look at the defenses while keeping the basilica to his back, so that it would only be a straight shot to run away if needs be. That was riskier than what he initially planned, but the opportunity was pretty good. There, he started searching for what most wouldn't be able to see.
It was invisible of course, but a skilled mage could sense the presence of bounded fields. And while he wasn't a skilled mage by usual standards, he had near twenty years of experience at this. it was no trouble identifyig the bounded field and making an estimate of its power and traits.

Recent work, obviously. But pretty high quality. That mage was [i]undeniably[/i] good. Even so, it was too short a time to set up something of this quality. So something had to be prepared in advance.
As he sent his sense of touch towards the wall, while making sure to not let his od interfere with the bonded field, he felt it. A keystone. No, multiple of them, but part of a set. Embedded into the wall, changing its nature. A conceptual trait was added. 

Until he could grasp the nature of this mystic code, he wouldn't be able to pass by safely.
A fortress? This already was a fortress, but it was now of a different kind. Much stronger, an old and powerful mystery. Probably western, as it felt somewhat familiar.

Well, the concept of a fortress wouldn't the biggest obstacle to Jerome. He wasn't going to [i]attack[/i] it after all. Still, he needed more time, and this spot wasn't going to stay safe with the fights between Servants and Masters happening not so far away. If only he could grab one of those keystone, but it was making the wall as part of itself. Or was it making itself as part of the wall? In any case, it was full of that mage's od, which was interfering with [i]Undisturbing Retrieval[/i]. It'd be easier to take apart a chunk of the wall by brute force.

[color=a0410d]{Hey Lancer. If they blow up the wall or something, I could use a chunk of that. Don't take unnecessary risks, though. I'm not sure how useful it'd even be, anyway.}[/color]

Of course, this is only the first step of his modus operandi. He needs a more in depth analyzis to find a path to traverse and enter the bounded field without being noticed. And that wouldn't even be useful immediately, as the timing was poor to enter the castle.

This was all just preparation for a later date, when he would actually try to enter and see what opportunities lied in ennemy territory. For now, it was time to retreat to the basilica and wait for the conclusion of current events.

So, while staying on his guard and keeping a low profile, Jerome took the path to the neutral ground of the war.

[hr]
[center][h2][b]The unknown Soldier[/b][/h2][/center]

[quote][color=90EE90]"Ah, perhaps I can give Jules some of my backup clothing to wear into town, then, during the day tomorrow. I've had no trouble navigating Switzerland and its lovely lands so far, but it would pay to be prepared and have a second set of hands for grocery shopping, perhaps, if he's good with that an' bein' a potential translator too. Would be more discreet as well.[/color][/quote]

[color=9F00FF]"He would like this task. We do have some civilian clothing of our own however. It's a bit dated, but a shirt is a shirt. And don't hesitate to ask for more on this front, we can cover the area better than any other servant."[/color]

[quote][color=90EE90]"But I'd like to speak to ya' as we travel, if you'd be so inclined. A few thoughts on a couple o' matters or so to share in the meantime, though out of a desire for some secrecy and safety on our part I do have a few things to ask for. Might sound a bit harsh, but ah' want to ask that anyone else followin' us into town to get in spirit form and keep in it unless our hand is forced if possible. No pot shots at stuff, eyes and ears bein' open for trouble, the works.[/color][/quote]

The redhead officer simply nodded. They were never alone, as they could always deploy more of theirs from any present soldier. But to ease out the Master's worries, two more soldiers appeared in spirit form and positionned themselves on the motorcycle.

[quote][color=90EE90]As for where we're going....well, we're first headed to the Basilica in town. The neutral ground of this war, the Church. Going ta' pay the priest there my respects and stuff for a short bit. Also see there if some of the bodyguard comin' along can get a view of things and observe from that hill a bit, mindin' that its neutral ground and all of course still."[/color][/quote]

Ah yes, the Basilica. It was something difficult to understand for the soldiers. Even the few of them who had some knowledge of the occult world before meeting their end weren't familiar with the opposition between the Church and the Clock Tower. To them, witches hunt were just a barbaric tradition which had already been left behind in their own times. But as Servants, they realised that there were hidden truths which put a lot of things into question.

And most of all, the involvement of the church felt wrong to them. It may have been a neutral party, but they were still participating in the ritual as overseer. The church secretly fighting heresy made some sort of sense, but not this.

[color=9F00FF]"As you wish. We might also have some question for the church overseer, if you do not mind. Some of us are... curious about the position of the Church on this ritual."[/color]

On those words, he materialized a large trench-coat over his uniform and sat on the drivers seat.

[center][i][b]~~~~~[/b][/i][/center]

The ride through town was rather uneventful, even as a battle took place in the distance. 
In the middle of the day. 
The man frowned his mustache. He wasn't sure if there was such a thing as good or bad form for such a ritual, but he definitely thought that this was a poor showing of behavior. That castle may have been somewhat isolated on its hill, but there was still the town nearby.

But this was another matter, as they had arrived to the Basilica. An impressive construction, more castle than church. Large and solid, it wasn't hard to believe that someone could be hidden safely here. Or rather, it wouldn't be if the ennemy hadn't been Servants.

The two soldiers in spirit form got up from the motorcycle and split to scout the surroundings along with a few more of them, deployed for the task. The redhaired officer stayed by Rhodri' side for his protection. He had noticed how their Master wasn't comfortable with the more rowdy of his comrades and wanted to accommodate him. He handed a pair of binoculars to Rhodri.

[color=9F00FF]"The situation on the other hill seems worth observing. But we can take care of it if you'd rather go to the church right away."[/color]

The soldiers had not noticed yet, however, the other Master just a hundred meters away, advancing through the thicket on the side of the road. 

[hr]
[@Double D] [@Crusader Lord] [@ManyThings]