Isn’t it more likely that the Inquest want to find out how to harness dragon magic in the way that the Zephyrites have done? Considering they’ve failed to do so on multiple occasions?
This is just my theory; the Inquest want to capture the Master of Peace (because who else will have major information on the crystals other than him) and the crystals themselves to make a better functioning reactor that doesn’t malfunction and explode.
Or
It could just be Thieves in Fort Vandal shooting down what they see as an easy target.