Note - this is a story meant for the people of UESP, and has two prequels. That is all.
Doctor Kain Abbott looked around at what had been his home, his business, with great sadness. In the small town of Narbon, Valenwood, with a population of no more than 100, the Imperial had one of the best small universities in the country. He started it himself – well, he actually re-opened a closed university.
Kain remembered how it all came to happen. He was still young, no more than 16, but this was over ten years ago. The mysterious and enigmatic Viscount had just taken over Valenwood and promised to take control of educational systems as well. Back then, Kain lived with his parents in the greatest univeristy in Valenwood – Byzantine Academy. Kain's parents, Henry and Melissa Abbott, were professors there and Kain himself had earned his doctorate, being a child prodigy. Sadly, as part of the Viscount's rules, his parents were removed from their posts.
Kain was clueless as to what he would do with his life – but eventually realized that independence was calling. He needed to head out on his own, so he travelled around the jungle bordering Elden Root. Kain was always familiar with the jungle, as his mother Melissa used to take him into it as a child and teach him how nature worked.
It was on this journey that Kain met his lifelong companion – not a lover, but a hippogriff. Only native to the jungles of Valenwood, Kain found the hippogriff with a broken wing on the border of the jungle and nursed it back to health, stalling his journey for independence. He quickly discovered that the hippogriff grew an attachment to him and refused to leave his side. Kain had chosen to accept the will of the majestic beast, and it had been with Kain ever since. It was a beautiful silver male specimen that Kain named Kestrel. Ten years later, in the present, Kestrel still could barely fly due to his past wing injury.
After travelling a few dozen more miles with Kestrel, Kain encountered Narbon. It was a small town that bordered the huge jungle. It was peaceful, yet prosperous. Kain thought it was perfect.
Kain even started up a small university. In Narbon, Kain met an older Altmer man, Professor Ivon Kidroni, who had also wound up in Narbon after fleeing the Viscount. Together, the two started up Saint Jiub's University – one that quickly gained popularity as time passed.
But recently, Viscount presence has increased in idyllic Narbon. The Viscount's ghost army started to build up in the town for apparently no reason. Townspeople started to leave for an even quieter town, and Kain had to face the truth – Narbon was dying, fast. St. Jiub's University lost two professors and over twenty students. Kain and Professor Kidroni were considering shutting it down. In fact, the only reason the Univeristy stayed open was because both Kidroni and Kain were Loyalists. That's right, no matter how much Kain loathed to admit it, he had to be a loyalist to keep the university. On the inside, however… Kain just didn't know who to choose. The Viscount was responsible for laying off his parents, but he did reunite Tamriel, which was on the verge of utter collapse.
Kain flashed back to the present. Prfessor Kidroni was talking to one of their last students – a large Nordic woman.
"Sheila, ignore the Specters." Kidroni said, using the local nickname for the ghost army. "You're one of our last students. Stay for me and Dr. Abbott. Stay for yourself!"
Sheila, a teenaged yet buxom blonde, shook her head, shooting down Kidroni's requests. "I can't, Professor. The Specters will raze the town… I just know it. Goodbye." Sheila gave Kain a pained look. Kain just nodded and made a small wave. Sheila turned and left the university.
Professor Kidroni turned to Kain. "Well, my friend, things are not looking good for us," The Altmer said sadly. Kidroni had a classic 'mad scientist' look to him, with wild and crazy white hair sticking out all over the place. The Professor even wore a white labcoat and black trousers. Kidroni was an Altmer in his early sixties, and Kain was fairly certain that he was a Thalmor scientist before the Viscount took power.
"We have Thadon and Wynne…" Kain said halfheartedly. Thadon and Wynne, two young Wood Elves, were the last students in the university.
Kain himself could look no different than Kidroni. He was a younger Imperial, almost 30, and he wore a tan buttoned shirt and brown pants. He had light brown hair that was incredibly thick and curly – it was longer, but just went past his ears. His blue eyes were often described as cunning and sharp, similar to his face.
"Two students? I'll take Thadon, you take Wynne, hmm?" Kidroni rolled his eyes. "We're going to have to break the news to them, Kain."
"Let's just… wait as long as we can, all right?" Kain asked tiredly. "Besides, we can always turn the University into full time doctor's office." The University already was part doctor's office, with Kain as the doctor.
"I'd be out of a job, but I suppose it would work." Kidroni joked. "Oh, Kain! Speaking of that, I have a message for you. Seryna Preed wants to see you in her diner. Something about back problems,"
Kain blinked in surprise. "Mama?" He asked. Seryna Preed was rarely called such in Narbon. Because she was seen as the town mother, most people just called her Mama. She loved it. Kain, however, didn't like to just describe Seryna Preed as the town mother. That gave the idea that she was a boring caretaker or someone strict. Mama was completely different from that. She was as cheerful as anyone could be, and the nicest person Kain had ever met. On top of her kindness, Mama was one of the wisest people Kain knew. She had been an adventurer in her day, travelling the world. Now, fifty years old, Mama settled down in Narbon and started a diner. Her two employees were also her apprentices, learning from her every day.
Kain nodded to Kidroni and left the University. He looked out at Narbon in the evening. Specters were wandering the town aimlessly, for whatever reason. Nobody was outside. Narbon only had a few dozen residents anyway. Kain was about to walk over to the diner when he heard a hawkish cry from the side of the University. It was his hippogriff, Kestrel, in the small barn Kain built. Kain decided to take a detour and walk over to the hippogriff, admiring the majestic beauty.
"What's the matter, Kes?" Kain asked sympathetically. Kestrel just whined in response. "I promise I'll take you out on a walk in the jungle soon enough, Kes." Kestrel just whined again. "Don't worry, Kes, tomorrow morning we'll go for a walk." Kain promised and pet the creature. His pelt was feathery and smooth, like silk. "Well, Kes, I should get to Mama," Kain mumbled and turned away from the hippogriff.
Across from the University was a large building with a sign out front. Mama Preed's Diner was displayed in colorful letters.
Kain walked up to the door of the diner and opened it. There was almost no one inside. A red and brown scaled Argonian sat in the corner, eating alone. Kain recognized him as Izara, the town's biologist and jungle expert. He knew even more about the Jungle than Kain.
There was a wiry man behind the counter. "Drake," Kain called out in greeting, smiling. Drake Ranning was one of Mama's apprentices. Drake was a dark skinned Redguard with a short black ponytail and a goatee. He wore a simple smock and raggedy pants. Kain knew that Mama was training Drake as a warrior.
"Hey, Kain," Drake smiled. "Mama called you, didn't she? She's in the back." He jerked his thumb to a door at the back of the diner.
Kain nodded. "Thanks, Drake." He said and walked through the doorway, but not before passing Mama's second and last apprentice. She was a young Redguard woman named Elle Siror. Ella was a thin yet tall woman, with long frizzy hair than expanded to her shoulders. Ella was a shy woman who kept to herself. Kain believed that Mama was training her to be a rogue.
Kain threw open the door to see Mama Preed in the backroom. The woman looked as good as ever, despite her reported back problems. Mama Preed was a Redguard like her apprentices, with light brown skin and a happy face. She was fairly overweight but not horribly so. Mama Preed wore a leopard pattern dress that was just more stylish than a muumuu. Perhaps what was most unique about Mama's appearance was her styled up bleached blonde hairstyle.
Mama's face lit up when she saw Kain. "Kain! Come in, come in, honey." The large woman walked over to two chairs, her dress flowing around her. Kain has always respected Mama; most of it was because she walked with such authority. Her voice, her posture, everything indicated she was not one to challenge.
"So, I hear you're having back problems?" Kain asked.
Mama nodded. "Yeah, Drake and Ella insisted I contact you. It's not really so bad," She went on to discuss her pain, and Kain gave advice on the ordeal.
Once Kain had finished, Mama nodded. "Got it, Dr. Abbott," She teased Kain with his formal name. "I'll come once a week for checkups. I'm sure Drake or Ella would love to give me a massage in the meantime." The woman's round face lit up with laughter at her own joke. "Anyway, I should let you go. Until next time, my friend."
Kain nodded and stood up. "It was a pleasure to help you, Mama." He smiled and left the Diner, back to his university. Before he could enter, however, he saw some shadowy figures outside the house next to Mama's Diner.
Kain scowled. He should have known who it would be. Marshall and Devon, the strongest separatists he knew. Marshall was little more than a danger to the entire town: a drunk and a deadbeat. Marshall was a stocky man with a thin brown beard and short, scraggly hair. Marshall wore a tattered attire of a brown shirt, grey pants, and a grey bandanna, finished with large black boots. Nobody would insult him that to his face, though, as Marshall would most likely beat them up or worse. Kain didn't know much about Marshall's past – only his present, and that was enough for him. Just last month, Kain had beaten up a young man who openly supported the Viscount, causing him to flee the town.
Marshall's most loyal companion and follower was Devon – a tall Altmer, Devon had light yellow skin, almost the color of humans. He had long, white blonde hair swept behind his shoulders and piercing blue eyes. Devon wore green and brown leather armor and never travelled without his bow and arrows.
Kain saw the house they were outside – Mirza's. Kain truly cared for Mirza. She was such a strong woman – a great warrior when she was younger. Now, she is 35, and retired. It had all started with Davis – Mirza's husband ten years ago during the height of her career. She agreed to settle down with him and start a normal life, but what nobody expected… Davis was just a horrible man. Kain later found out he would abuse Mirza, and go so far as to beat her. This went on for years, until one day Kain found Mirza, beaten and left for dead in the alley of Narbon. Davis had left the town and Kain nursed her back to health – but after it was over, the damage had been done; Mirza's fire was taken out of her, the old warrior in her gone. Kain had shared a friendship with Mirza ever since.
Mirza was standing outside her door, looking angry at Marshall and Devon. The warrior Imperial woman looked like her normal self- long auburn hair that fell straight past her shoulders, and a conservative white dress. Her fiery gray eyes, strong face and sharp features were the only remnants of her warrior past.
As Kain grew closer, he heard the end of a conversation. "I said no, Marshall! I won't risk my life for your fantasies!"
"What's going on here?" Kain asked, facing Marshall. The stocky Breton turned and scowled at Kain.
"Damn loyalist," Marshall cursed. "And it is none of your concern."
"Marshall," Devon interrupted. He was pointing at Marshall's house, where Specters were starting to crowd around it.
"Dammit, Marshall, what did you do?" Kain asked.
Marshall looked at Kain with renewed interest. The hostility in his dark brown eyes had faded. "Abbott," He said slowly. "I need you to do me a favor."
Kain hesitated. What was Marshall talking about?
"It's simple, really," Marshall went on. "I just need you to hide someone in your university for a small period of time. You're a loyalist, nobody will suspect a thing."
"Hide someone?" Kain asked. "What are you talking about? This doesn't sound good, Marshall…"
"She's a mute." Marshall said flatly. Kain knew mutes all too well; they were citizens who were minor criminals or separatist advocates. Their tongues would be cut off, severing their ability to speak, and they would be forced into slavery. "She's the sweetest Khajiit I ever did meet. I knew her before she was a mute. Please, Abbott, help me."
Kain was shocked. He had never heard Marshall compliment anyone, or say please. "I…" Kain hesitated. "Fine, Marshall. I'll shelter your fugitive for the night… but this won't turn out well for any of us."
…
Devon snuck through the night with a stranger in tow. The mute had been at his house, but the Specters knew the villagers and their alliances. They would be at his house very soon… but Kain Abbott was an outspoken loyalist. He had to be, to keep his university running, even if there were only two students at the time.
Devon arrived back in the front of Mirza's house. The Imperial warrior had long since locked herself inside her home, more out of fear of detection than refusing to help the mute.
Marshall eyed their guest. "There she is, Abbott. We were raised almost as brother and sister in the Imperial City. This is Zahra," Kain eyed the mute. She was a Khajiit woman with a small frame and dark gray fur, almost black. Her eyes shone a bright yellow and she had a single large hoop earring in her ear. Kain didn't know how she wore her clothes – Zahra wore what looked like a tunic made of burlap and tattered pants, plus some flimsy brown leather shoes. Kain could truly see the Khajiit working as a slave in the Imperial City.
"The Specters are coming, Abbott." Marshall hissed. "Get Zahra to your university and hide her! I'll be there in the morning." Without another word, Marshall sprinted off, vanishing in the shadows. Devon quickly followed.
Kain looked into Zahra's bright yellow eyes. The Khajiit's eyes were fierce, and she gave a sharp nod. Kain could see why Marshall liked her. He could see Zahra being similar to the Breton drunk if she could speak.
"Follow me," Kain gestured for his university. The pair ran into the night, keeping to the sides of buildings as to not draw the attention of Specters. Kain was getting so close; he could hear Kestrel's bored squawking.
It was fated that their plan would fail.
As Kain was nearing the university, he heard a shout from their right. A group of three Specters were pointing at them. The Specters shone a bright white and were transparent, yet despite race and gender, they all wore steel armor and bore silver swords, bows and arrows. Kain believed that the Specters did not serve the Viscount by choice, but were rather bound to her service by some sort of witchcraft.
"Damn," Kain whispered as the Specters started to walk their way.
"Stop there, Mute!" One shouted venomously.
Zahra pushed Kain forward, the message clear. Run!
Kain and Zahra were suddenly sprinting down the town, winding in between houses and away from the University. Kain could hear shouts coming from behind them.
Kain and Zahra ran until they were on the outskirts of the town, near the border of the jungle. More and more Specters grew closer to them. Zahra pushed Kain again, towards the jungle.
"You're right," Kain muttered. The only way to escape is to go into the jungle.
"I know a pathway down the jungle," Kain explained as he and Zahra dove into the jungle. The sounds of the Specters were drowned out by the sounds of monkeys, birds and insects. It was nighttime now, and the pair quickly vanished into the jungle.
As Kain led them deeper into the jungle, Zahra tapped his shoulder. Where are we going? She seemed to ask.
"To see a friend of mine," Kain answered. He had seen his friend earlier today. Zahra growled in response, the sound was intimidating but lighter: clearly a female's. "Just hold on, will you." Kain mumbled and lead Zahra deeper in. After a few minutes of walking, Kain found what he was looking for.
They walked into a small clearing. In the clearing were a hammock, a campfire, and a pond nearby. Kain was glad he had remembered the route here.
"Izara!" Kain called out. The Argonian biologist actually didn't live in the town; he just visited during the day. Izara really lived in the jungle in an attempt to be closer to the nature. "Izara!" Kain called again.
There was an upsetting in the lake as ripples turned into a figure rising out of the water. It was Izara, naked except for a brown loincloth. "For the love of Mara, Kain," Izara mumbled angrily as he wrapped a towel around his waist. Like so many others in the town, Kain knew little about Izara's history. He knew the Argonian was older, and he fled to Valenwood from Black Marsh. Rumors said that Izara was not only a scientist in Black Marsh – but he worked for the Royal Court. If that was so, Kain could understand why Izara fled. In this new world, one really didn't want the extra attention from the Viscount by being an important person in a kingdom.
"Izara, I'm sorry, but we're in trouble." Kain introduced Zahra and explained what had happened. Izara just shook his head.
"Kain, why would you do a favor for Marshall, of all people?" He asked.
"I didn't do it for Marshall," Kain gestured to Zahra. "I did it for her." Izara just waved off his response.
"By now, the Specters should be fully lost." Izara chuckled. "Probably being chased by some jaguars." He motioned back to the path. "Come on, I'll bring you back to Narbon. It's almost pitch black out." As Izara moved through the forest, Kain found it hard to keep up with him. Izara moved naturally and silently through the trees and bushes as if he was just an extension of the plants. Zahra was farther behind, struggling even harder to keep up. It was clear the Khajiit had never been in a jungle before.
Kain watched Izara move so smoothly, so it came as a surprise when he stopped abruptly. Kain quickly caught up to him, and Zahra followed a few seconds after. Kain followed Izara's gaze and felt a cold shiver rush through him.
There was a huge clearing in the jungle, an unnatural square of at least a hundred meters long and wide. Kain examined the ground and knew the clearing had been burned down to make room for a large camp – of Specters. Specters wandered around the clearing, surprisingly with a large number of mortals.
"What is this?" Kain whispered. Izara, his face stoic, just hushed him and ran off back into the jungle. Kain and Zahra followed him, and they made their way back to Narbon. In fact, Kain found himself behind his university.
"So," Kain said. "Who were those people?" Zahra looked curious, too.
"I have no idea," Izara answered. "I've never seen them before. But a camp in the jungle…" Izara had a thoughtful look on his face. "It may explain why the Specters are in Narbon."
"You think they're looking for something in the jungle, something they'd even hire humans to search for?" Kain asked quizzically. Zahra looked confused, too, her head cocked sideways.
"What other explanation is there?" Izara shrugged. "I'm willing to bet there's something the Specters, hell, there's something the Viscount himself wants in the jungle… the heart of Valenwood." It was true; the center of the jungle was indeed in the center of Valenwood as well.
Kain frowned, his eyes shone with curiosity. "But… what could it be?"
…
Izara promised to keep watch on the camp as he vanished in the jungle. Kain and Zahra, their journey finally over, crept back into the university.
As soon as Kain walked in, he was met with Kidroni, talking to their two last students, Thadon and Wynne.
They were both Bosmer; Thadon was eighteen, short, with a round, trusting face and curly white-blonde hair. He had large brown eyes and wore dull brown robes. Thadon was a student of sociology, mainly. This made him easily able to read others' emotions, sometimes it was unsettling how easy he did so. He has varied opinions on the Viscount, liking the fact that Tamriel was united but unhappy that the Specters are the guards and soldiers.
Wynne was younger; she was sixteen. Wynne was tall and thin, with short copper hair tied behind her head in a tight ponytail. Wynne wore a simple purple and brown robe. Her green eyes sparkled with amazement and curiosity whenever she spoke, reflecting her curious and naïve personality. Wynne studied languages and cultures in the university. Wynne was a separatist.
"We heard someone chased two people out of town with your description, Dr. Abbott," Wynne said, wide eyed.
"And it's true," Thadon accused. "You helped smuggle a criminal away from the Specters! You'll kill us all!"
"Kain, my friend…" Kidroni said quickly. The last part of his sentence did not need to be spoken when a loud knocking was heard on the door.
"Viscount Guard! Open up or we break down the door." A voice shouted.
Kain looked to Zahra and then around the room. It would be too obvious to hide Zahra is his room or Kidroni's. Thadon would refuse to shelter her. That left…
"Wynne," Kain whispered urgently. "Take Zahra here and hide her the best you can, now go. Go!" He urged Zahra to Wynne, who stared at all of them, her mouth hung open. Without a word, she ran into her quarters, Zahra following.
Once they were out of sight, Kain opened the doors with a large smile on his face. A tall Altmer ghost stared down at Kain. Kain actually recognized the Nord. It was Aradusk, the Altmer captain of the Specters in Narbon. He rarely interacted with citizens.
"Doctor Abbott," He said forcefully. "I have a reason to suspect you are harboring a fugitive in the University of St. Jiub."
"Me?" Kain asked quizzically. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Kain quickly glanced back. Kidroni lead Thadon out of the room so the Bosmer student couldn't interrupt.
"I will have to search your quarters," Aradusk continued. Kain stepped out of the way, unblocking the door.
"Be my guest, m'lord." Kain said formally. Aradusk barged past the doctor and straight into his quarters. After a full ten minutes of searching, Aradusk came back out, looking defeated. By now, Kidroni had rejoined Kain.
"I will have to search the entire premises." Aradusk muttered and went into Kidroni's room. When that turned up empty, he went to the main classroom, checked some closets, moved on to the kitchen, and finally reached the student's quarters. Kain held his breath as Aradusk searched the quarters with Wynne and Thadon inside.
Eventually, Aradusk came out, a sour look on his face. "It appears I was mistaken," He said slowly, unable to muster the words. "There was no fugitive here. I apologize for the inconvenience." Aradusk stomped out before Kain could respond.
The four inside the university waited a full twenty minutes before even speaking again. "Where is Zahra?" Kain asked Wynne.
"She hid in the attic above the student's quarters." Kain knew the attic, but he was surprised Wynne did. It was tiny; only meant to store winter clothes during the summer.
The four habitants of the university sat in the entrance room. "Please, go fetch her." Kain asked and Wynne went running off. "That was close," He said when she was gone.
"Too close," Thadon said bitterly. "If I died, I would have never forgiven you."
"Indeed," Kidroni said. "That was very close, Kain. Don't do anything like that again."
Kain scowled as Wynne and Zahra entered the room. "I should tell you what we saw in the jungle," Kain said. Zahra nodded vigorously.
"Why were you in the jungle?" Kidroni asked. "And what did you see?"
Kain retold the story of their journey. Everyone had different reactions. Kidroni remained stoic, Thadon seemed to grow nauseous, and Wynne gasped in shock several times.
"We need to tell the others. Have a town meeting." Kidroni stated. A town meeting usually consisted of the more important members of the town. Usually, it was Kain, Kidroni, Mama Preed, Izara, and anyone else that wanted to come.
"We'll do that first thing in the morning," Kain said. "Raise the flag." There was a white flag stationed at every citizen's house in Narbon. It could be raised to signal a need for an emergency town meeting, a situation where the entire town was at risk. It was installed after the Specters took over Narbon.
"I'll raise the flag; it will be seen in the morning." Kidroni assured. "Now, I suggest everyone get some sleep."
Kain awoke, a bright light shining in his window. Thadon had gently shaken him awake.
"Doctor," Thadon whispered. "Everyone saw the flag. They're at Mama's Diner now." Kain got up and ushered Thadon out of the room. He got dressed in his standard clothing, similar to what he wore yesterday. Thadon informed him that Kidroni and Wynne were at the diner already. He also said that Marshall came to collect Zahra early in the morning.
Together, Kain and his student left the university. He could hear Kestrel calling out to him, but he ignored the hippogriff. There were more important matters.
Kain threw open the doors of the diner to a crowded scene. Mama Preed and Professor Kidroni sat next to each other in the center of the room, across from Izara. Around the room were Wynne, Mirza, and Mama's apprentices, Drake and Ella.
Mama looked up to Kain and Thadon. "The doctor shows up after all." She said jokingly. "Izara here was telling us about your journey through the jungle." Mama explained as Thadon and Kain sat down.
"What could they want in the jungle?" Mirza asked. "And why are they in Narbon?"
"They're most likely using Narbon as a base of operations," Kidroni said. "For whatever they want in the jungle."
"Do they pose a danger to the town?" Ella asked, looking around nervously, as if the Specters were watching them.
The doors to the diner flew open as Marshall burst in, Devon and Zahra in tow. "Everyone, gather your things," He said quickly, staring out at the group. "The Specters are setting fire to houses on the outskirts of Narbon. They're destroying the town."
Everyone stood up in a panic and started running around the diner. Ella and Drake vanished, going to gather their things.
"Everyone, calm down!" Mama shouted. Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing, even Marshall. Mama silently walked to the doors of the diner and peered out on Narbon. Her face paled. "It's true," She whispered. "I see the smoke."
"We need to escape the town." Marshall announced. People around the group nodded.
"And we should do so together," Mama stated. "But we'll be an open target if we flee north, towards Falinesti."
"Then we won't flee north," Izara said silently. Everyone turned towards him. "Kain, Zahra and I escaped Specters by fleeing into the jungle once. We can do it again."
Mama looked around the group. "Fine, Izara. We'll follow you into the jungle, but only to escape the Specters. We'll meet behind the University in five minutes. Move!" Everyone quickly left the diner in a hurry to grab essentials from their houses. It looked like five houses were fully engulfed in flames.
Kain was first to reach the university. He ran in the doors and to his quarters. Kidroni ran in after him, followed by Thadon and Wynne, hands locked together in fear.
Kain ran into his room and looked around. He stuffed some healing potions, antivenom, and various other medicines into his bag. He then grabbed two long, thin daggers and attached them to his belt. Finally, he grabbed a large bullwhip. Deciding that he had everything he could bring, Kain ran out of his room. Kidroni was standing in the main room. Today, he was wearing an outfit much more practical than a labcoat. He wore a dark brown tunic, matching pants, black boots, and an orange belt. The Professor had a small silver crossbow slung over his back.
Thadon and Wynne quickly ran out of the student quarters. They both had small packs slung over their shoulders, and Thadon had a knife on his belt. They both wore their same robes from yesterday. "Are we all ready? Then let us go," Kidroni stated. The four ran out of the University. In the few minutes they were inside, a dozen more houses were burning. Kidroni led the others around the university, where they found several others gathered there already. In fact, everyone who was at the diner was behind the University, except for Mirza. Mama was there with her apprentices, Drake and Ella. Drake was dressed In black leather armor, and Ella was dressed in opposing white and gold leather. They were both armed to the teeth.
Also there was Izara, in a green, skintight waterproof shirt, black pants, and black boots. Devon was dressed in the same green and brown armor, and Marshall was still wearing commoner clothing, but he had a longsword at his side. Zahra was wearing what she wore yesterday.
"Where's Mirza?" Mama asked. She was wearing a white tunic and gray pants. Mama had a crossbow, like Kidroni. Hers was much nicer, though. It looked to be ebony.
"I'm here, I just needed to collect a few things," Came a voice from the side of the university. Mirza stood, armed in heavy yet elegant mithral armor with two longswords at her side. Her red hair was tied behind her back.
The old warrior in her had finally remerged. "Mirza…" Kain said, stunned. "You look like your old self again."
"We don't have time to swoon over me," The warrior said, heading towards the jungle.
"Mirza's right," Izara announced. "Follow me." He headed into the jungle. The twelve citizens of Narbon entered the jungle of Valenwood as Specters closed in on the university. Almost the entire town was on fire.
Kain looked back to the University with sadness. It was barely visable, but Specters were seen around it, setting it alight.
That was when a sharp, hawkish wail cut through the air.
"I forgot Kestrel!" Kain exclaimed. "I'm going back for him!
…
Despite protests from the group, Kain ran back through the heavy trees to the university. He emerged from the jungle to see the university on fire. Shouting Specters were heard in front. Kain crept into the small farm building at the side of the university. The hippogriff was standing up, pacing back and forth. He was restrained by a rope collar tied to his neck.
"Just hold on, Kes." Kain mumbled as he fumbled with the robe. "I'm not leaving you with the Specters, buddy." The rope fell off of Kestrel's body as the hippogriff bucked up with excitement. "Follow me!" Kain commanded. He walked outside to see a Specter, just outside the doorway. It was a short Bosmer holding a large, thing sword.
"Looks like we have a straggler," The apparition said, smiling. Kain was wordless. He wouldn't be able to draw his sword in time.
It was over in a flash. The Bosmer lunged at Kain, but before he could reach the doctor, he exploded into fine ectoplasm. Kain looked to the jungle. Professor Kidroni stood, his crossbow in hand. "Kain! Follow me!"
Kain ran to the professor, Kestrel following closely. Kidroni fired off another crossbow bolt at a Specter who had noticed them, causing it to explode in a white blast of the ectoplasm.
Kidroni, Kain ran back into the jungle, Kestrel following his master closely. "What were you thinking?" Kidroni asked as he ran.
"I wasn't going to let them kill Kestrel!" Kain shouted back as they approached the others, who were waiting for them.
"There is no safe route out of the Jungle right now," Izara explained hastily. "The only way to go is deeper in."
"That's insane," Thadon said. "I'd rather risk the Specters than go into the jungle; Dr. Abbot's told me enough horror stories."
"The Specters will surely be hunting us," Izara glanced at Kain. "They know we're here. We have to run."
"I agree with Izara," Said Mama. "We go into the jungle to evade the Specters." Izara sighed in relief that Mama agreed with him, as now Drake, Ella and others were nodding in agreement.
Voices were heard from the jungle border. "We have no time!" Kain shouted. "Izara, take us somewhere safe!"
Izara nodded and turned. He ran into the jungle, the eleven citizens and the hippogriff following.
The run eventually turned into a steady walk as the refugees went farther into the jungle. Kain found himself walking alongside Mirza. The warrior looked as beautiful as ever, but her eyes sparkled with worry. "Kain…" She whispered. "How many people were still in Narbon?"
"Only a few, and I'm sure they escaped." Kain said assuredly. In truth, he knew there were at least a dozen that weren't with the group, and they may not have made it out. He just needed to comfort Mirza.
"Mmh. I hope," Mirza mumbled as Izara suddenly stopped.
"We go down, now," Izara announced. He had led the group to a large cave entrance. "We'll evade anyone by travelling through the cave and out on the other side."
"I don't like caves," Mama stated as the group walked into the cave, leading underground.
"We'll be fine," Izara announced. "I've been down here several times." The group entered a large cavern with two exits. "Or, maybe not. I don't recognize this."
"Really, 'Zar?" Ella asked. The girl's frizzy hair bobbed up and down when she walked. "You're supposed to be leading us!"
"It's no matter; we'll still escape through this cave, but we should be careful." Izara said smoothly and pointed at the two exits out of the cavern. "We'll send scouts into the tunnels. Kain and Kidroni, can you go down either one?"
The Altmer nodded, his dark suit making him blend in with the background. "Certainly. I should have companions…" He looked around. "Drake, Ella, please come with me."
"Of course, Professor," Drake said and the two Redguards followed Kidroni into the tunnel to the right.
"Thadon, can you come with me?" Kain asked. Thadon studied cave systems in the University and should be able to navigate these caves easily.
"Good choice," The little Bosmer muttered as the pair walked towards the tunnel.
"Wait up, you two." Mama said as the larger woman hurried to catch up. "I want the fastest way out of this cave. I'm coming with you."
"Be back as soon as possible." Izara said. "Watch out for spiders." As Kain and his small group vanished into the tunnel, Kestrel cried softly.
…
The tunnel would have been dark, but the walls were lined with a white crystal that gave off a dull glow. "Incredible…" Thadon mumbled. "Never seen anything like it… certainly worth at least two papers on the subject…" The Wood Elf student quickly took the lead, Mama and Kain were trailing behind him.
"Narbon," Mama said sadly as they walked. "It's gone. I just… damn the Viscount. Damn them all! Why aren't more people fighting him?"
"The Viscount has a spirit army." Kain answered, placing a hand on Mama Preed's shoulder. "We can't fight that, but we can rebuild."
Mama adopted a steely look in her eyes. "This jungle – why do you think the Specters are interested in it? Interested in it so much as to silence an entire town?" Before Kain could reply, Mama went on. "Maybe, maybe, there's something in this jungle that the Viscount wants; something that he needs. Possibly even something that he fears. And nobody knows about it."
"Mama, you aren't suggesting…" Kain asked slowly. "We try to find out whatever it is that the Specters want here?"
"If we don't, who else will?" Mama asked. "This is our chance, Kain! Our chance to at least do something to prove we don't need to live under the Viscount's orders!"
Before Kain could respond, the tunnel they were in seemed to shake. A sound was heard in the distance, like two dry objects rubbing together. "What was that?" Kain asked.
"Probably a cave spider, like Izara warned," Thadon explained. "I can't think of anything else that it could be, don't worry."
"But why did the cave shake?" Mama asked. "That means something big, or an earthquake."
"I assure you, I've been studying natural caverns like this for three years, Mama Preed. It's probably just a big spider, but Kain has his swords, and you have your crossbow."
Kain frowned as the tunnel shook again. Dirt tumbled down from the ceiling. "Thadon, I don't have a good feeling –"
Thadon turned swiftly, his blonde curls bouncing and shining slightly in the crystal's light. "Dr. Abbott, I assure you it isn't anything to worry about." The Bosmer continued to walk.
"Honestly, I've been a student at the University for five years," Thadon mumbled. "They can't respect my opinion even now. What could there be down h… here…" He stopped suddenly, staring into the shadows ahead. The Crystals seemed to die down farther in.
"Why are we stopping?" Mama asked.
"There is a slim possibility that I was mistaken in my previous assessment," Thadon said slowly and calmly, not moving a muscle. "There is in fact a creature that lives in underground Valenwood caves, but they are extremely rare and rumored to be extinct. I didn't think of them earlier."
"What?" Kain asked. The Doctor found himself as still as Thadon.
"Large, solitary creatures, they are mainly carnivores, feeding off spiders and rodents. Their albinism makes them easy to recognize, and their size is unprecedented among their species."
"You're scaring me, Thadon," Mama's voice shook.
Thadon took a deep breath. "Basilisks."
