We continue our tale as Geralt follows the Emperor and his protectors….

III. Welcome to Cyrodill

Geralt walked in toe behind Julia as the Emperor was in front of her and the captain in front of him.

The walked through the catacombs, past old brick walls with moss growing on them. The place obviously used to be a ruin.

"We'll keep heading this way and soon be at the sewers, once out, the boat will meet us and transport the Emperor to safety." The Captain explained as they walked.

Geralt spoke up, "You spoke of assassins. What if we encounter them? I am not armed."

"We'll deal with them." Julia took her turn to speak, "Just stay out of our way, prisoner."

Geralt folded his arms, "I have a name, you know."

"Enough, you two. Keep quiet, in case the-" The Captain started as he drew his sword, "Assassins! Close up on the left! Protect the emperor!" he ordered as he ran forward.

Julia followed The Captain, "Stay here, prisoner!" she yelled back.

Geralt stood in front of the Emperor, looking around for something to fight with.

"Protect yourself." Said the elderly man from behind.

"With all due respect, Sire, I'm not the one who needs protecting." The witcher said back.

Uriel smiled, "I know you're confused now and have many questions. The answers will come, but not from me."

"Enough riddles." The witcher warned as he heard a sharp cry of pain and a sword hitting the ground.

"CAPTAIN!" cried Julia as she finished off the last assassin, running to her captain's side.

"J-Julia…take him to safety…" breathed the captain before his eyes closed.

Julia folded her now deceased captain's arm over the other saying a silent prayer. She stood up while picking up her captain's sword tossing it to Geralt. "Now you are armed."

Julia then turned to Uriel, "Sire, we have to press onward."

"Agreed." Uriel said following Julia forward with Geralt at the rear.

They opened a metal gate passing through a small corridor into the next room. A flight of steps ahead of them, Geralt went down first checking the area out. He signaled for the Emperor and Julia to follow him. Once they did assassins jumped down from the upper balconies surrounding them. Geralt drew the captain's sword and went to work. He attacked the first assassin in front of him, who blocked his attack. Geralt retaliated with a swift kick to the assassins underbelly. Before the assassin could recover, The White Wolf grabbed his arm pulling the assassin toward him, impaling him through the chest, finishing him off.

Julia watched in astonishment. She had never seen anyone that fast in battle before.

"DIIIIIIEEEEEE!" Cried the other assassin, leaping for Julia.

She jumped, bringing up her sword to block his attack. But their blades never met.

Geralt threw his sword with such strength that it impaled the assassin in the chest, taking him to the ground. Geralt walked over to the assassin, removing the sword out of his corpse and placing it back in his sheath. When he did the armor the assassin was wearing disintegrated and he was reduced to a red robe. Geralt made note of this but now was not the time to ask for an explanation.

"Let's Go." The witcher said to her and Uriel as he walked forward.

Julia followed as she heard the Emperor chuckle.

The arrived at the final room where the next door would lead them to the sewers.

That's when they heard, "Kill Him, Their almost at the sewer!"

A group consisting of about seven assassins came out of the shadows, all drawing their blades.

"They were waiting for us." Geralt said to Julia.

"Take the emperor in the next room, I'll take care of them." She ordered.

"You'll need backup-" Geralt persisted.

"Go! NOW!" She yelled before she chared into the group of assassins.

Geralt and the Emperor ran into the next room, but the Emperor caught his arm.

"I can't go any further. You must protect my people from the Prince of Destruction and shut close the Jaws of Oblivion." Uriel told him as he reached into his robe pulling out the letter, amulet, and badge, handing them to Geralt.

Before Geralt could respond, an opening in the wall broke apart as assassin rushed out stabbing and killing the Emperor.

"NOOOOOO!" Julia rushed in, cutting the assassin's throat with her sword.

She knelt by her Emperors side as all life faded from him. "I've failed…we've failed…"

Geralt walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder in comfort.

"Don't touch me! You could've done something! Anything! You-" she was at a lost for words as she breathed heavily. She inhaled and exhaled, recollecting herself.

"Here." She said handing him two keys. "One is for the sewer entrance and the other is for a chest that has your armor in it, located at the end of the sewer."

"Why are you helping me?" Geralt asked her.

"The Emperor told me to do this. The letter will explain everything else. Now go." She ordered.

"What about you?" he asked.

"I'll be fine…I just need time to mourn…we'll meet again." Julia said as she started to walk off. But she stopped, asking, "What is you name anyway?"

"Geralt…Geralt of Rivia." The witcher answered.

A slight smile crept on Julia's lips, "Safe Travels, Geralt of Rivia and Welcome to Cyrodill."