The Price of Knowledge

Sirius took a deep breath seeing that the Inquisitor was waiting for an elaboration. "The Codex states that only a true believer is allowed to be initiated. While I am humbled by your invitation and grateful for giving me a chance, I missed my baptism and, like you said yourself, esteemed Inquisitor, can not become a mage. So, therefore I can not be a part of the Silver Order. I assure you that my research of the rituals provided in these books was not something only I could do, since these books and materials are available for everyone. I believe that there is no wrongdoing in my attempts to be useful for the fellow members of the church. If you are not convinced, I shall be banned from the library and not allowed any study from now on, but I beg you to spare my life."

Cold metal hanged over Sirius' head, his words echoing in the room. Everyone waited in fear and prepared for the worst.

The world was spinning in Sirius' eyes. He felt as if hours passed without anything happening, and every second could be his last. He was only fifteen, but it was the third time in the last months that he had to come face-to-face with death. And now, he could not do a thing and had to wait, while his life was hanging on a thread with this person holding a blade dangerously close, ready to cut it any moment.

"You are a brave one, Pupil Sirius." A tint of admiration coloured his praise. "Not every person dares to say a word against my order. For that you have my praise. You also never said a lie in my presence, meaning you believe in what you stated with your very soul. You are such a unique case, Pupil, that you made me falter. And you found a mistake in my judgement, earning yourself a favour. So, I, Silver Inquisitor, hereby declare the verdict. Priest Gregor and Pupil Mark shall bear the witness."

Inquisitor lowered his sword, allowing its end to enter Sirius' view.

"I have found your explanation acceptable. As a punishment for your misconduct you shall be denied the entry into the library starting tomorrow morning. Additionally you shall not be granted the materials for the rituals, lest you will try to study them on your own. You shall be attending the church every day and pray for forgiveness until it shall be granted by the Order. On these terms your life shall be spared. In several weeks the Observer will arrive in Rivervale to monitor your behaviour. In case of another misconduct you will be executed immediately. You are now dismissed."

Without another word the sword was sheathed and the Inquisitor left the library, ignoring the stunned villagers.

"You... Why would you do that?..." Gregor asked weakly.

"What exactly?.." Asked Sirius, falling to the ground and breathing heavily.

"Like... Everything... Why did you study rituals? Why did you defy the Inquisitor? Is following the rules that hard?"

"They killed uncle Verden. They nearly killed you last time. And you are fine with that?"

"They are peacekeepers, and they are making sure everyone follows the rules."

"And whenever I met them I was not killed due to a miracle. Three times in the last months." Sirius sat up, leaning on the table leg. "Three times out of three the Order held a blade to my neck. And look who I am. Just a kid who can not cast."

"You know that it is not true."

"Then should I have pretended to be happy to join the cult?"

Gregor was silent. He did not know the answer. Every path he thought of ended up in Sirius being executed as a heretic. A loud thud resounded in library, shattering the silence. Mark lost consciousness from holding the breath for so long. Everyone forgot that he was still here, bowed like he was when Inquisitor appeared in the library.

"Listen Sirius, I am not happy with your behaviour, and be it my will, I would punish you. But I am not your father, so I will leave it to your conscience. I will say only one thing: if you play with fire, you will eventually burn yourself. Understood?"

Sirius nodded.

"Now, help me carry Mark to the hospital, I am afraid he hit the floor too hard."