Inside Fort Farragut:
One target remained in her path. She had been successful as the Dark Guardian had not detected her presence as it lumbered aimlessly through the hall. She prepared the spell and cast her hand outward as a burst of flame exploded from her fingertips and struck the Dark Guardian with force causing undead skeletal remains to separate from each other, scattering in all directions. A mild grin danced upon her lips, amused at the site and pleased with herself.
She skulked down the corridor and approached the worn, iron gate as the sound of low voice danced on the air. "… make haste and return to me when you have completed your task." She peered down the way, watching the dark armor clad individual turn quickly from their cloaked counterpart and darted up an escape ladder. She pulled back the switch and the gate creaked and whined as it rose. Slipping quickly under the gap, she softly walked into the room. Despite making no footfalls, the cloaked form's eyes darted directly at her with a firm tone.
"Good evening, Father." She quietly announced.
"Syndel…" he curtly replied as he turned and headed towards the table behind him. Leaning on the edge, he skimmed over an aged text that was opened before him as a grim look was readily etched on his face.
She approached within a respectful distance of him as she pulled back her hood. The light accented her Imperial heritage as she shook her head slightly allowing her long black hair to fall past her shoulders while silence fell between them. "You look concerned, Father. What troubles you?"
"This night…" he replied without looking up from the text, "Is a hallowed night, my daughter. Several of our brothers and sisters will be joining our dread father by dawn's light. The Rite of Purification is being enacted."
Syndel hung her head slightly, "Night Mother… be merciful." She mumbled under her breath.
Lucien looked up and walked up to her as he placed his hands on her shoulders in encouragement. "The taint MUST be purged from that place. It is by the will of Sithis that this deed must be done. The Night Mother shall grant peaceful paradise to those who she deems faithful and innocent of the crimes that have befallen us and Sithis will swiftly punish those who have betrayed our 'family'. Your faith in the Night Mother must be strong."
"I know , Father. The Night Mother is wise and cares for her faithful children."
"Good. These are dark times for all of Cyrodiil and the darkness has even befallen the Dark Brotherhood. By Sithis, we shall prevail!" Lucien kissed her on the forehead and looked deeply into her blue eyes. He smiled as she mirrored his expression. "Think no more on this. The Dark Brotherhood will need your skills and talents in the times ahead. "
"Yes, Father."
Lucien took a half step back as his expression shifted into a more stoic demeanor. "Enough practice for today. I have a new contract for you."
Syndel took in a calming breath and regained her cold composure, "How may I serve, Sithis?"
"There is a rogue mercenary known as Mogens Wind-Shifter. He is camped with several members of his band northeast of Leyawiin. Rid Cyrodill of his existence in any manner you see fit and return here when the task is complete."
"By Sithis, it shall be done."
"Good... Go now… rest yourself."
"Yes, Father."
XxXxXxX
Weeba-Na's house: Leyawiin
It had taken six picks, but the tumblers on the lock finally gave as he caught a glimpse of torchlight coming around the nearby corner telling him the roving guards was nearing his locaton. The High Elf casually turned the knob and methodically opened the door as not to create too much noise. He crept effortlessly into the small home keeping the door cracked in case a hasty exit was needed.
His heart began to beat more heavily as footsteps sounded off just ahead of him. He looked to his left and saw no one immediately there as he switched back to his right and saw the guard's torch passing by the house. Taking a quick breath, he pressed his back to the wall and slinked, bit by bit, he could tell by the footsteps that one of them was pacing nervously. Suddenly, they stopped moving and froze in place.
"So, what if the Trolls eat it?" the female Argonian questioned concerned.
"You need not worry. Trolls don't like water. That is why it is secure in Tidewater Cave." The male Argonian replied assuredly. The High Elf snorted in amusement of the ease at which this was going. The two Argonians perked up. "Shh… someone's there." The female called out. With that the High Elf darted out the door.
He turned quickly and headed for the east gate. The sentry guard smiled as the high Elf approached. "Good Evening, sir."
"Ah, good evening, my good man. Perhaps you might help me with some directions." the High Elf grinned.
"We're here to help." the grizzled Breton replied.
"Yes, well. Could you perhaps tell me where I might find a place called 'Tidewater Cave'?"
The guard stroked his chin in deep reflection. "Tidewater Cave, huh… If I'm not mistaken, it's just southeast of here. Not too far off the coastline."
"Thank you, my good man." The High Elf tossed a coin toward him as the guard nodded in appreciation opened the heavy oak doors.
"By the way, what is your name , sir?"
He took out a bottle and took a quick swig of the Fortify Speed Potion, "Mycroft" he smiled as he bolted past the gate.
"Mycroft… Mycroft… Hey, wait! Halt!..."
XxXxXxX
Outside Fort Blueblood
The cool, moist night air kissed away the sweat upon the Dark Elf as she exited the ruined fort, clinching the stinging wound at her side. Kalthar had managed to land a solid strike from his blade before she finished him off with her Bloody Icicle spell she had acquired. She suspected his knife was laced with some sort of poison as her magicka was not returning to her as quickly as she had come accustomed to.
She examined the Amulet in her hand curiously. The silver chain and blue tinted gem embedded within, sparkled brilliantly despite the absence of light outside. There was no doubt that this was a powerful artifact. She pondered on it power, but knew all too well that it was specifically crafted for members of Dagail's family.
As she rested against the inner wall, she heard the distant sound of snarls and yelps cry out from the woods beyond. Using her staff as a improvised walking stick, she walked out to the opening and saw a trio of Trolls hurriedly stampeding their way through the trees agitated and without direction.
What has them so riled up? She thought to herself.
She watched the near rabid trolls raced about the area as if trying to find a lost scent as she felt the magicka slowly return to her body. She stepped back into the confines of the fort, as not to draw attention and felt recharged enough to cast a healing spell on her wound.
She was in no mood or shape to fight such powerful creatures. This mystery could wait till tomorrow. For now, she had to return to the Chapter House and deliver the stolen item. She waited a short while longer till she at full strength with her magic. She cast a Night Eye Spell, followed by a Chamelon Spell leaving enough in reserve for an offensive spell, if needed. She took in a deep breath and ran out the opening as fast as she could. The three troll perked up, attentively but could not make out the source of the noise as she escaped the threat area.
XxXxXxX
West of Water's Edge
The aged Nord adjusted the shovel resting on his shoulder as he walked up the hill through the tree line. It had been a long walk from the Imperial City, but given the severity of the burden placed upon him and late Emperor's insight as to what lay before him and the fate of all of Cyrodiil. He, and many others like him fought to make the Empire what it had become, he was not about to let all that they had fought and died for go unchallenged. He had sought for so long to put those dark days of war and fighting behind him, but he knew that he had no choice but to take up the fight for the good of the Empire once more.
He came to a soft patch of earth, nestled between a crop of trees and boulders. It was well off the beaten path, quiet, and undisturbed. He dug deep, as if exhuming the grave of a long rested soul. After a short while he stuck the aged wood of a chest. He cleared away the dirt, pulled the key from around his neck, and opened the large strongbox. The Nord reached inside unwrapped the cloth swaddled around an Ebony War Hammer which laid a top a matching set of Ebony Full Plate.
He raised the Hammer to the light as a mystical white and golden aura shimmered off the surface. "It is good to see you again as well, my old friend." He mumbled under his breath in mock conversation. He stepped back slightly and gave the weapon a few workout swings to get reacquainted with its weight. His attacks were bit slower and bit more strained than he remembered knowing full well he was out of practice, hoping that age had not robbed him too much of his prowess. However, he knew, in the days ahead there would be more than enough opportunities for him to get back on par.
Donning his armor, he readied himself and headed for Leyawiin, hoping the gods would have mercy upon him and would restore what had been lost.