1st of Morning Star, 3E 428
Cleaning up the mess after being attacked by assassins was not how I envisioned my first morning of the year to go.
Nope. I didn't expect it to be a Cyrodiilic New Life by any means. In the Imperial City during this time of year, there was usually snow on the ground, decorations hanging up, someone went outside the city limits and occasionally lit fireworks. My sister would complain about the cold, but somehow my entire family would still manage to have fun regardless.
It was as if someone had cursed all my future New Life celebrations to be doomed since last year's. Last year was a disaster. And so was this. Julan and I cleaned up the mess alongside Shani, who had found out. I mean, her bedroom was right next door. She must have heard. And when she heard, she was outraged.
And when she heard we had kept the details of the attack under wraps, she was even more outraged.
"This happened before?" Shani demanded, while scrubbing the bloodstains out of the floor.
Julan and I exchanged looks.
"While we were staying in Vivec, back in Sun's Height when we were trying to convince the Hlaalu to make me their Hortator," I explained. "An assassin attacked me…I had no idea it would happen again, Shani. I thought maybe it was a mistake -"
"- or it was the Temple, who more than likely wanted her dead," Julan added through gritted teeth, before taking my hand tightly and squeezing it in attempt to reassure me. It worked, up until Shani responded by throwing us both huge glares.
"Well, clearly it's neither!" She snarled. "The Temple isn't after you anymore, and these guys - whoever they are - attacked you twice! Obviously it's not a mistake!"
"Yeah, I know that now," I replied. "Once could have been a mere coincidence, but twice…not so much. Someone obviously wants me dead."
"And what are you going to do, Ulina?" Shani asked angrily. "Sit by and do nothing, like the last time?"
"Shani, we were busy dealing with the tribes and the Great Houses!" Julan retorted. "We didn't have time for it then!"
"And to answer your question, Shani, I'm going to find out whoever's responsible," I responded.
I had no choice in the matter. If something wasn't done about this, the assassins would likely attack me again. And again. And as many times as it took until I was dead, and perhaps the ones I had come to care about were dead as well.
I needed help. But I had no idea where to start.
"Seriously, Ulina…what are we going to do about this?" Julan asked. "I have enough trouble sleeping normally, I don't need my fears confirmed by actual assassins sneaking up on us! There's nothing else for it - I'm just going to have to stay awake forever, aren't I?"
"Don't be ridiculous," was all I managed to say. "I think this is going to require a bit of detective work."
I recalled the last time I saw Huleeya, and when he stated that there was another assassin's guild out there somewhere, and despite the fact that he said he doubted it was them who attacked me, I couldn't rule them out completely.
"I need to see one of the guards," I said.
And the only guards in this area were Ordinators. Oh well. It wouldn't matter. Julan didn't seem impressed by the suggestion.
"The Ordinators? Those fetchers? Just how helpful could they possibly be?"
"Barely, most likely, but I have to try," I said, before getting up, turning around, and leaving the Cornerclub before either Julan or Shani could catch up with me, turning the corners and keeping an eye out for any Ordinators. There were none that I could see. Gods, it seemed that whenever I came to Vivec, the Ordinators were everywhere.
"What are you doing out of bed, scum?"
I nearly jumped out of my skin, but didn't, and instead turned around and tried to remain as calm as possible while speaking to the Ordinator. I had to find one of them while I was least expecting it. Typical.
"I need some help," I began.
I couldn't tell by the helmet, but I think he raised his eyebrows.
"I was attacked in my sleep tonight. By an assassin."
There was a slight pause. I felt him study me slightly for a moment, before speaking.
"Did they have a writ?"
"See, that's the thing; they didn't."
"Are you hurt, sera?"
Gods, was that concern I heard in his voice? I wasn't entirely sure. But if it was, that was just damn unsettling.
"Not much," was all I said. "They were dressed in black armor, and –"
"Stop there," the Ordinator stated. "All black armor, you say?"
I nodded, not wanting to bite out a sarcastic response and anger the Ordinator. He sighed.
"From your description, it sounds like the work of the Dark Brotherhood," he said darkly.
Hah, he said it darkly. Oh, gods. I should not have written it as such. Too late. Anyways, the Dark Brotherhood? Sounded like the name of an amateur religious cult or something. And a cliché one at that. I could have thought of a better name.
"...I'm not sure who you angered, but stay away from me," he finished. "I suppose this should be officially reported, though. But there's no one in Vivec who would be able to help you. Speak to Apelles Matius in Ebonheart. I heard he just came in from Kvatch...and is curious about Dark Brotherhood activity on this island."
"Okay then," was all I could say. "Thank you anyway, Sera."
"We're still watching you, scum," was his way of saying goodbye. I rolled my eyes as the Ordinator walked away. How typical of them.
Ebonheart. It wasn't far, but it was late. Still, it was now or never. I ran back to the Black Shalk Cornerclub, seeing Shani and Julan where they were when I had left, and let out a sigh of relief, before shutting the door and turning to them both with a dark expression.
"Did you find one?" Shani asked. I nodded slowly.
"Apparently I've been targeted by an assassin's guild known as the Dark Brotherhood," I responded. "And wait for it…the Ordinators won't help me."
"S'wits," Julan muttered.
"But apparently there might be someone who could in Ebonheart," I replied, before grabbing my bag. Shani's eyes lit up in alarm, and she began to protest, but I held up a hand.
"What are you -?"
"Going," I stated firmly. Julan narrowed his eyes.
"Not without us," he insisted. "It's late. If you get attacked, I want to be there."
"Me too," Shani also insisted.
I sighed. I wish I could have seen the consequences that followed from them coming with me, but I was so stupid that I didn't. I suppose it isn't fair to condemn myself for the events that would unfold, but even today I cannot really help myself. I should have insisted they stay behind, and find a life without me.
But I didn't know we would be gone for as long as we were.
The next day, after renting rooms at the Six Fishes we met Apelles Matius in the Council Chambers. He was an older Imperial man who seemed very good at making everyone around him feel small and inferior at best. I told him my story, which, until I namedropped the Dark Brotherhood, seemed uninterested. He sat down and paid attention when I told the story, however, shaking his head in disgust as I finished. Then, he spoke.
"So," he began. "The Dark Brotherhood? You say you've been attacked by them? The fact that you're standing here seems to suggest otherwise."
I shrugged.
"Are you saying that no one's managed to stop them?"
"It's rare to hear of such a thing," Matius replied. "My father was murdered by them years ago, and even then, he still managed to put up a fight. I've wanted to take them all out ever since. My cousin, Savlian, thinks I'm crazy. But enough about me. Why are they after you?"
"I have no idea," I admitted.
Honestly, if I had the slightest idea as to why, why would I be approaching Matius about this? I wouldn't. I'd be rushing off to take care of them myself.
Matius eyed me cautiously.
"That's bad business," Matius began pacing the floor. "I don't know who it is that wants you dead, and I honestly don't want to know. Dark Brotherhood activity here on Vvardenfell has been almost unheard of, so the fact that you came to me with this is…unexpected. But I know they have a large contingent back on the mainland, and they've supposedly grown even more powerful in the last few months."
I stopped listening once I heard the word "mainland" used.
"Mainland?"
Despite the fact that the blight was now over, boats to and from Vvardenfell were still not allowed through. You must have special permission – complete with official paperwork - to leave Vvardenfell or something. Yet, somehow, that assassin was able to get through unsuspectingly. Either the paperwork to get through from the mainland to Vvardenfell was false, or someone powerful had a hold over the Dark Brotherhood.
If so, someone powerful who wanted me dead.
The former seemed more likely.
"Yes, in Mournhold itself, actually," Matius answered. "If you're feeling particularly suicidal, you can check it out for yourself. Of course, it's not easy to get there these days. Even though the Blight seems to be gone, Mournhold is wary of visitors from Vvardenfell. There is one way you might get there, though."
He turned around.
"Asciene!" He yelled, and then a short, middle-aged Breton entered the room. She was wearing large, red Mages robes and a frown.
"What is it, Apelles?" She asked, seemingly annoyed. "I'm rather busy…as you should be too…"
"This woman…"
"...and me," Julan suddenly interjected.
"...make me three," Shani added.
I turned to them, trying not to grin like an idiot. I couldn't help but feel great that they were coming with me then, ready to help me through this…bizarre ordeal. Matius rolled his eyes.
"This is going to make things much harder," he began, "They may not even let one person into Mournhold. Three? More cause to be problematic. But fine."
Matius let out a sigh of resignation.
"Miss, once you arrive, you're on your own with this. Asciene, this woman and her companions need transport to Mournhold. Immediately."
Asciene scowled
"How do I know Effe-Tei will even be around to receive them? If he doesn't, it'll be a bloody waste of my time and magicka." She laughed. "Also, considering how highly…irregular travel to Mournhold is these days, I could get into trouble -"
"I was attacked by the Dark Brotherhood," I blurted, "and I need to find out why."
These words seemed to have an effect on Asciene. She was no longer annoyed, but shocked. In fact, she looked as if she was about to gasp.
"Oh, my!"
"Can you understand why I said immediately now, Asciene?" Matius snapped.
"I can see why you'd want to get that cleared up, dear," Asciene looked as if she feared me now. I couldn't say I was actually happy about it. "That's…dangerous business, though. I can't say I'd be happy to send you off on that sort of fool's errand…"
Oh, you have got to be kidding me. I could apparently handle Dagoth Ur and his entire Sixth House, but not an assassin's guild? Please.
"I don't think you know who you're talking to," Julan said, before he placed a hand on my shoulder. Asciene shrugged awkwardly, probably not wanting to anger any of us.
"Well, if you're sure, though, I suppose I can oblige you," she nodded. "Take care, Ulina. Those people are not to be taken lightly. Mournhold is not to be taken lightly. Do you have everything you need?"
Well, I should think so. I had all my supplies in my rucksack, as did Julan and Shani. I nodded, and then Asciene cast some sort of spell. It didn't take me long to figure out it was some sort of intervention spell, but as to what sort, I cannot place my finger on. The world was suddenly spinning in several different directions. After a while, I couldn't even see anything, and all I could hear was the sound of Shani screaming "I think I'm about to get sick!" at the top of her lungs.
Moments later, all three of us landed in a pile on the ground. In some of the most awkward positions possible.
"Argh, Sha, get your foot out of my –"
"I'm sorry, Julan, that wasn't my fault –"
I kept silent, observing the surroundings. The ground was the color of jade. Oh, hell, maybe it is jade. In fact, the whole area around looked regal and well done.
This was Indoril architecture. The kind I had only heard about, but never seen, as it had little to no presence in Vvardenfell. It was wonderful. In front of us, there was a large flower pot with strange pink flowers in it. Beside a small table, there was an older Argonian wearing a set of regal, purple robes. He peered at us.
"Welcome…to the city of Mournhold."