LOST AND FOUND
It had been well over six years since the dragonborn left his family in Dawnstar to be on his own. The leadership now transferring over to Nazir as his time as listener had run it's course. Never will he ever lose the voice of the night mother, but his desire to kill on behalf of others-even if it meant being paid large sums of coin-had lost it's appeal. Mikel tried to find his way back to the path of nobility and honor, travelling back home to Kynesgrove to stay with his family. His mother and father were still alive and well living on the family farm. He thought he would be able to come back to the place which his life began. Sadly the dragonborn was not welcome. Word had travelled to his parents ears of his dishonor to the Bjorn name.
For his mother and father to hear what their son had become was an embarrassment! Needless to say, he wasn't even able to cross the gate before being rejected. That was then. Now he lives in Windhelm. Over the last six years since he left the dark brotherhood Mikel stayed in the city of the Kings under the permission of Ulfric Stormcloak. His friend and brother in arms. Thankfully Ulfric did not turn his back on the only other man who stood by him in his time of need.
Days would come and go in the cold city of the kings and Mikel would spend his days drinking in Candlehearth Hall until nightfall. Many of the patrons looking on with pity at the once great dragonborn-the savior of Skyrim. Some saddened at what he had become.
On such a cold night, Torbjorn Shatter-Shield arrived with his wife for supper. "What'll it be Torbjorn?" Elda asked. Elda owned candlehearth. "Bring us two salmon steaks Elda. Thank you." He said casually throwing a ten septums onto the counter. Elda hissed as Torbjorn ascended the stairs leading to the dining hall. His wife following behind. The commotion in the hall heard all throughout the place, from the bard playing songs, tales of Ragnar the red and age of oppression. Many of the men joining in song, slurring their words from over embellishing on wine and mead.
"Why have we come here Torbjorn? You know I hate coming here." Complained Tova Shatter-Shield.
"Just relax love, we'll just enjoy the music and have a nice meal. It's good to get out every once and a while. Wouldn't you agree?"
"A waste of time if you ask me. The stench of drink fills the air in this place!"
"Why don't you find us a seat love. Hmm?"
"Fine." She brooded walking away.
Torbjorn was about to greet one of his friends at the other end of the room until he saw Mikel sitting near the fire place alone. He asked to join him, asking if the seat beside him had been taken.
"If there isn't an ass already in it, it's all yours." Mikel replied.
"Alright then." Torbjorn replied. "How are you Mikel? Anything new going on these days?"
"What do you want Torbjorn?" Mikel asked, never breaking his gaze from the fire as he drank his wine.
"I'm just making conversation with you. Something the matter."
Mikel didn't answer. He just kept on drinking his wine, looking into the fire flicking in the fire place. The bright glow alluring him more than having conversation with Torbjorn.
"I wanted to thank you for all that you did for me and my family. It was a hard year last year, but you managed to pull us through. I can;t thank you enough."
(Mikel nods slowly)
"I'd like to buy you a drink as a way of thanks if it's alright."
"No need." Mikel replied. "Got coin."
"Ah yes, so I hear. One of the richest nords in Skyrim I hear. A man with means like that should really be investing his coin rather than throwing it away on drink and women."
"Is that so Torbjorn? Tell me, does your wife know how much coin you give to the harlots in the grey quarter? The countless hours you spend fucking them as a way to get over the loss of your daughter?"
Torbjorn fell silent, Amazed and angered that Mikel would speak of such a thing knowing his wife could possibly hear them.
"No, she doesn't know does she? I suppose that was just another thing I helped you get through."
"What's wrong with you boy? Have you lost your mind? Do you know who I am?!"
Mikel cut his eyes over at Torbjorn, scowling at him as a reminder of who he was! Torbjorn might have been able to get away with talking down to everyone else in the city, but he quickly realized that he would get nowhere doing that with the dragonborn. Mikel was in no mood to be messed with, and Torbjorn knew it. Despite his intoxicated state, Mikel was very much aware of the situation.
"Tell me something Torbjorn, why did you come here this evening? Was it to check on me, or was it to see what else you could get from me?"
"You're drunk off your ass Bjorn!"
"Maybe, but what I do know is that if you ever talk to me like that again...you'll be wearing this entire place on your head. Is that understood?"
Torbjorn remained silent, reluctant to answer. Mikel repeated himself again forcing Torbjorn to answer him.
"I understand." Torbjorn replied.
"Good. Now get the fuck out of my face!"
The rest of the night Mikel stayed to himself until last call at the bar. When the inn closed he left and started walking home. The sky dark. Hardly able to see even his hands in front of him were it not for the beast blood flowing through his veins. His powers allowing him to see through the darkness where others cannot.
As he walked through the paths leading to Hjerim Hall, he could sense a presence following behind him. A menacing presence at that, which told the dragonborn that someone meant him harm. He thought at first that it was Torbjorn coming after him for telling him off in the pub earlier. Or perhaps he had hired some thugs to do his bidding for him. But as he stuck his nose to the wind he caught a scent. Something else drifting in the air, a fowl stench dripping with evil and the essence of the innocent on it's tongue.
Mikel began to slightly quicken his pace to move ahead of his enemy, cutting every corner he could find to try and confuse them. Eventually they lost him in the graveyard. Surrounded by those who had fallen, with nothing but the elements of winter whipping through the air. Searching, looking for their prey.
"HHRRRRYYYAAAAAA!" Mikel leapt out from behind the shadows with his battle axe raised in attack against his enemy! Their bodies colliding as Mikel knocked his predator to the ground! "Who are you?!" He demanded.
His enemy now lay on their back overpowered by the force of the dragonborn. A menacing blood orange glow in their eyes, pale skin, viciously sharp protruding fangs. They hissed at him in anger confirming to the dragonborn what they were.
"Your stench gives you away...vampire."
"Foolish mortal! I shall drain your body like a stuck hoarker!"
A wry smile washed over Mikel's face as he knew that the vampire could not win. His weapon drawn, the weight of his body holding her down. She struggled against the dragonborn to break free but failed as she met her end. The sharp and swift swipe of his blade beheading the lecherous creature! Their blood splattered across the crystal white snow.
Just then another person approached Mikel. The sound of them applauding distracting him, prompting him to raise his weapon again in defense, prepared for what he thought would be another attack.
"Hold it there nord!" The stranger revealing himself to the dragonborn. It was an orc, tall and as big as day.
"What are you doing here orismer?"
"I come in peace. Allow me to explain myself a moment."
He was wearing a dark heavy armor with metal clasps at the sides and tails. A symbol on his chest resembling the sun.
"Dawngard." Mikel said.
"So you know who I am then?"
"I've heard of you. All of Skyrim have heard of you fanatics. So called vampire hunters and protectors of the realm."
"Then you know why I am here."
"Yes. And I'm not interested."
"Wait!" The orc said stopping Mikel as he began to walk away from him. "Hear me out."
"What for?"
"Please, you must listen. You are the dragonborn right? Mikel Bjorn of Kynesgrove?"
"I was. What's it to you?"
"The leader of our order-Isran-has been looking to recruit good men and women to join our cause against the vampire menace. So far we haven't been very successful. Perhaps you might be of some good use to us."
"What menace do you speak of Orismer? One vampire gaining entry into the city does nothing."
"Is that what you think? Do you really think that there isn't a threat? One vampire getting into the city is all it takes to start an army! There's more of them than you realize."
It was not Mikel's first time dealing with vampires before. During his travels in Markarth he dealt with a vampire lair just a mile away from the city. That was over three years ago. Since then there hadn't really been many reports of vampires being more and more prevalent in Skyrim. So why should he believe the orc now that there was one in Windhelm?
"You ever been so close to something...so close that it's hard to see it? Well that's the people in Skyrim right about now. They don't believe that there are things that go bump in the night. They don't notice their loved ones even have the virus! Many of them too close to accept it either. Once one vampire breaches the hold, anyone could be infected or killed! Your friend, partner, the merchant at the corner. You can never be too careful!"
"So if you know all of this, why do you need me? Why not handle it yourself?"
"Haven't you been listening? There's more of them than there are of us. Their increasing day by day! We don't have enough people in our army to fight them. And there isn't enough people willing to fight along side either."
"Why not?"
"Don't know. Maybe they're scared. Maybe they don't have what it takes. But you do! You've saved this country once, twice, a thousand times! Your name brings honor to Tamriel."
"I'm afraid you're too late friend. That time has passed. My name no longer is honorable." He said walking away.
"So you won't help us?" The orc asked.
"I'm afraid not."
"Fine! Go home, you coward!"
His insulting words halted the dragonborn in his steps, immediately angering him. He turned around and asked the orismer to repeat himself, and he did. "I call you coward because you are one. What are you going to do about it?"
He stood there a moment not saying a word in response to the orc until suddenly the only words spoken were the words of power for whirlwind sprint which launched the dragonborn towards the orc so they were face to face just a nose distance away from each other.
"I have fought your kind before orismer. Do not underestimate me!"
"So you are willing to kill me, but not the enemy. A true coward indeed."
"YOU TRY MY PATIENCE!"
"GOOD!" The orc yelled back!
Mikel's reaction strained as he wanted to act on his anger. To strike the orc, but something was holding him back. A voice of reason emerged in his mind asking him what good would it do to strike the orc, when he had done nothing wrong. All he had done is call Mikel out on his behavior, which was nothing short of courageous.
"What is your name orismer?"
"Durak." He replied.
"Very well. I will join you."
"Good, you can find us in Dayspring Canyon, west of Riften."
"Very well. I shall meet you there in a fortnight." Mikel replied.
They then parted ways, Mikel returned home to Hjerim until the following morning.
In the morning Mikel emerged from his home to begin his decent to Dayspring Canyon. In his absence, Calder-his housecarl-would remain at Hjerim to protect his estate while Mikel was gone.
"Is my horse ready?" Mikel asked Calder.
"Yes my thane!" Calder replied. "Will there be anything else sir?"
"No, thank you." Mikel replied.
Ulfric joined Mikel at the stables before he left. He wanted to bid his friend farewell on his journey.
"It's been a minute since you've left us. Sure you can handle it?"
"I suppose so. You're not going to do anything stupid while I'm gone are you?"
"Me, do something stupid? No! I was thinking it would be you to accidentally kill yourself trying to prove a point." Ulfric said teasing Mikel.
The two of them shared a laugh. As it ended Mikel felt the familiar emotion of sadness approach him when he realized he might not see Ulfric for quite some time. The uncertainty of his survival washing over him similar to the night before a great battle. A feeling not uncommon to any warrior in Skyrim.
"Do me a favor Ulfric." Mikel began saying. He reached into his pocket and retrieved an amulet of Talos to give to Ulfric for safe keeping. "If anything happens to me, will you give this to my father?"
Ulfric knew the amulet was special to Mikel. It was the very thing his father had given to him the day he left home. The same Amulet that his grandfather received from Tiber Septum himself before her ascended to godhood. Of course Ulfric felt duty bound to honor his friend's wishes. But when he realized what it would mean additionally, he was unsure he could follow through with something like that.
"Come on Bjorn, you're going to be fine." Ulfric said.
"I know I feel that way now. But you know as good as anyone the way these things tend to pan out. Please Ulfric, promise me you'll do this."
"I promise I will deliver it to them myself." He said.
"Thank you, brother." He replied.
A brief friendly embrace shared between two old friends of war as Mikel bid his final farewell to Windhelm, and ascended down the road towards Riften. His image disappearing beneath the thickness of the snow and wind.
Three days had passed since Mikel left Windhelm. Finally he reached the city of Riften-a place known to many to be one of the most corrupt cities in the province! It was no surprise to Mikel that the moment he stepped foot in the hold, the guards tried to roll him for more coin, demanding payment for entry into the city. It was not the first time Mikel would encounter such behavior like this. Unfortunately for the guard, they had no idea of who he was and the power he had.
"Ten septums if you want to get inside the city." The guard said.
"I don't think so." Mikel replied smiling confidently.
"Ten septums, and that gold ring on your finger since you've got mouth."
"How about no septums, or my ring, and you all get to keep your knees."
"Keep our knees? HAHAHAHAHA!" The guard laughed hysterically at the dragonborn, not believing him to be a threat of any kind. Oh, were they horribly mistaken.
"I shall only warn you but once more. After that, you're going to be sorry."
"Is that so?"
"Aye, that it is. And it's a shame, I'd hate to put you out of work like this. You need your knees to well, stand guard as it were."
The guard unsheathed his weapon and held it in defense, threatening the dragonborn to hand over all of his possessions at once, or face their wrath. But Mikel was unfazed. He smiled as he knew this was the very reaction he was looking for from men like them. He accepted their challenge, and fought all of them one by one cutting them down to size! And just as he promised, the one guard with the most lip lost his knees. How you might ask? A simple arrow, plunged deep into the center of the guards kneecap, driven there by hand at the force of the dragonborn.
The pain was immeasurable! The guard screamed as loud as his lungs could carry the sound as it echoed throughout the valley. "OH GOD, PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME!" He screamed. Mikel ignored his plea for help and stepped over him, letting himself into the city. "That oughta teach ya." He said chuckling huskily.
The busyness of the city, as always was a buzz with visitors and merchants running around selling their good's and getting started with work. The sound of the blacksmith hammering weapons at the forge. Barters haggling prices with customers. Children running around playing tag in the streets. No different from any other city or village in Skyrim. One thing stood out from all of the other cities in the province. One thing that will never change. And that was the stench of stagnant filling the air, and...
"Gather 'round folks, step right up to get one of the biggest medical marvels in all of Skyrim! Come over to buy yourself a bottle, of Falmer Elixir!"
There was Brynjolf at his cart selling potions to the villagers nearby. No doubt it was a scam to get coin from people. Mikel knew Brynjolf many years ago. He was thief then and it appeared he had not stopped. He stood there watching him give his pitch to the people, trying to entice them, trick them into buying the potions. Some of them uninterested in buying it as it was not the first time he'd tricked them.
"This is different from anything like you've ever seen!" He announced.
"What is this Brynjolf? Who is to say this falmer elixir is any good? The last time I bought something from you I grew a tail!"
"Allow me to correct that my grey skinned friend. This elixir will remove that tail, and heal any ailment of the body! It increases stamina and health at an incredible height! Having trouble in the bedroom with the missus? Take a swig of this, and you'll be as virile as a teenager!"
Mikel laughed to himself finding the thief to be interesting. He stood watching him talk for a while until finally he won the people over. It was not long before every bottle of falmer elixir was off the shelves! Brynjolf was happy to walk away with a purse full of coin, and celebrate his earnings with a drink at the Bee and Barb. On his way there, he stopped when he saw Mikel standing at the door.
"Still swindling patrons I see." Mikel said.
Brynjolf's eyes widened with excitement to see his old friend. It had been such a long time since he'd seen his former Guild master.
"Mikel Bjorn...is that you? Is that really you?!" He said.
"The one and only, so they tell me." Mikel said smiling.
Brynjolf embraced his friend happily, gladdened to see he was still alive. Amazed to find that his appearance had slightly changed.
"Wow, you got bigger! The last time I had seen you, you were as skinny as a panhandler. Now you're as large as Maul! With the beard to outmatch him no less!"
"It's good to see you again friend." Mikel said.
"Good to see you as well."
"How are things in the guild? All still well I hope?"
"Aye. Karliah has done well with the guild since you left. She's really taken to her role as guild master."
"I wonder how Vex and Delvin are doing. I know Vex wasn't all that happy about me leaving."
Brynjolf suddenly fell silent the moment Mikel brought Vex and Delvin up. Mikel had not even noticed it as he went on about old times. But Brynjolf knew he had to correct it. he had to tell Mikel of what happened since he left.
"Bjorn, Vex is dead." He said.
Mikel was in shock, in disbelief that she was gone. "No, that can't be true. Vex, dead?" It didn't even sound right saying it!
"Aye lad." Brynjolf confirmed.
"What happened?"
"She went off to handle a job and got caught up in the crossfires of some battle going on in the hills near Markarth. It seems the Forsworn are back and more fierce than ever. She fought them of course, took Tanilia with her for back up. They got out of there but Tanilia wasn't able to heal her. She died by the time they got back to the cistern."
Mikel could not believe it. Vex was one of the strongest the guild ever had! His heart dropped into his stomach at the news, and his face turned pale with sickness. Brynjolf offered to buy Mikel a drink.
"No." He said. "I think I should leave."
"Are you sure? We could catch up a bit. Maybe handle a few jobs for old times sake?"
"No." Mikel replied. "But I would like to see where she is buried."
Unlike most people in Skyrim, those who follow the path to thievery don't get the same burial treatments as everyone else. It's a way to protect thieves from having their graves defiled or robbed. As a way to protect them, to prevent any of that from happening, thieves who's lives have ended are laid to rest in a secret cave known as the crypt of Varg. There Mikel paid his respects to Vex before he continued his journey to Dayspring Canyon.
Her coffin was laid out, open for anyone to see within the first month of her death, such was a custom in the thieves guild order. At the behest of Karliah, members of the nightingales stood guard to protect Vex from anyone trespassing.
There she was, dressed in her favorite white gown. Shimmering in silver and white like tiny diamonds. Her hair even more pale than it was the last time Mikel had seen her. And a great sword resting in her hands, draped across the length of her body.
"She looks peaceful." Mikel said observantly.
"She dies peacefully believe it or not. Tanilia said that her last request was to have her brother-Eddard Greymane-bury her with their father's sword."
Mikel grazed his fingers along the engraving of the sword. The letters written in the ancient Nordic language spelled the name of her father.
"Brynjar Greymane. That was her father?"
"Aye laddie. Her father died in service to the Companions. It was always his wish for is daughter to be a companion like him, but as you know Vex she had other plans. When she left her home and joined the guild, her family disowned her."
"At least they came through in her death."
"her brother did. Eddard is a good lad. He may not agree with what we do, but he loved his sister."
"Damn! I can't believe this! Damn Forsworn!"
"It gets worse lad. The forsworn have returned, and vampire attacks have increased in the Rift. With winter settling in, the nights becoming longer, their presence worsens."
"I wonder, do you think the Forsworn are allied with the vampires."
"Wouldn't be surprised. They've allied themselves with far worse before. By the way, why have you come back here? We haven't seen you for six years!"
"I'm on my way to join the Dawngard. Got recruited directly by one of their own."
"Pfft, vampire hunter? That doesn't sound like you."
"Thought I'd get out of Windhelm for a while."
"I guess you picked a good time then. Hope it goes well."
"You should come with me! We would make a great team."
"No thanks lad. Thanks for the offer, but no. There's no place for a thief like me. Besides, it's not my thing. But you go on and save the world like you used to do. I'll stay here and-"
"Count out other people's coin?"
Brynjolf chuckled softly, and then embraced his friend with a good bye hug. "Take care." He said.
"Be well friend." Mikel replied.
Having to say good-bye to Vex was one of the hardest things Mikel thought he'd ever do. At one time or another he believed her to be one of the toughest bitches in all of Skyrim! She talked tough, lived tough, and took no shit from anyone! No man could intimidate her. No man earned her respect. But it meant the world to Mikel that he had earned hers prior to him leaving.
Having had the closure needed to move forward, he trekked onward for Dayspring Canyon. The entrance was cold and vacant like a cave. Not initially ideal at first sight. But when he walked through the cave like entry, he stepped into a world that was far more beautiful than he could have ever possibly imagined!
The valley before him was spacious. A landscape made up of hills, plush green grass, and a pond with a flowing waterfall atop of it. Mountains surrounded the entire area, and ahead of him along the pathway stood one of the tallest fortresses he had ever seen!
though it was old and needed some repair, Mikel could see the potential of the place. Instilling in him some confidence that he could thrive with the Dawngard. Behind him was a young man-a new recruit to the Dawngard. A young fella, had to be nineteen years old. Short blond hair and the look of hope shining on his face. Mikel knew that look. It was the same look he had on his face when he first embarked on his adult journey forth into Skyrim.
"Hello friend! Come to join the Dawngard?"
"Aye. I'm assuming you are too."
"That I am! I'm a bit nervous though. I've never seen a vampire before. Never fought one either."
"You're in for a treat kid." Mikel teased. Obviously the comment went over the boy's head.
"Can I follow you up the hill?" He asked.
"Be my guest. Just as long as you're quiet I don't mind." But of course that would never happen. The moment the boy recognized who Mikel was the questions came flowing like wine! Mikel ignored the young man for as long as he could up until he reached the entrance to the castle. Durak met them at the door.
"Ah! You made it!" Durak exclaimed.
Mikel talked closely to the orc so the boy could not hear, and bartered with him to get him away from him. "I promise to shine all your weapons for a month if you get him to STOP, TALKING!"
"Deal!" Durak said.
Mikel went on into the castle to look for Isran. What he found when he came in was not what expected at all. All around the place seemed to be abandoned despite having people living inside. Cobwebs and dust caked all over the place. Not a lick of cleaning had been done in years! In the center of the room stood Isran, who was already conversing with someone who appeared to be a member of the Vigil of Stendarr-men and women dedicated to cleansing Skyrim from the impurities of the world. They primarily specialized in exorcisms, vanquishing demons, and vampires. It made sense to see one here at this very time.
"So, after all of this time, you come here crawling back to me to help you after you exiled me. Now do you believe me?!"
"What do you want from me Isran? Do you want me to beg? Our friends are dead. You were right, we were wrong! I see that now, is that what you wanted to hear?"
"Well...I never wanted anything to happen to any of you. I just wanted you all to see. To know I wasn't entirely crazy."
"Ahem! Excuse me, are you Isran?" Mikel asked interrupting Isran.
"Who's askin'?"
"I was sent here by one of your men to speak with you. I wish to join your organization."
"And what makes you think you have what it takes to become a member of the Dawngard?"
"Well, if you're not convinced, perhaps you can test my skills."
"Very well. Tolan, why don't you get this young man up to speed on your investigation. Where did you say?...Dimhollow was it?"
"Yes, that's right." Tolan said.
He briefed Mikel on his investigation. Apparently there was an increase in vampire activity in the central areas of Skyrim. Tolan and a few senior members of the Vigil believed that they were guarding something at a place called Dimhollow Crypt.
"One of our own went down there to find out what they were guarding. Hasn't made it back since. We found out he'd gone there when the vampires came and attacked us. They destroyed our home, defiled our temple, and killed our friends! That's when I came to Isran for help. If there's anyone who might know what to do in times likes this, Isran would know what to do."
"Do you know for sure your man inside is dead?"
"He's as good as dead if he's in there. If he isn't already."
"Go to the crypt, find out what you can, and come back as soon as possible."
"Aye." Mikel agreed.
He left right away for Dimhollow. The cave would be east of Morthal. With any luck, he would be able to successfully get in and out to report back to Isran.