Disclaimer: I took liberties with the whole Martin origin, so don't take that for fact. I wasn't really sure if there was an actual story anywhere and am too lazy to look. :p Once again, just the soldiers and Kat are mine. (Sigh) Some things just aren't meant to be.
The burning of the fire didn't have time to register in Katryn's mind as the ground under their feet began to tremble violently. Levin grabbed her by her arms and pulled her roughly back to the others as the walls themselves seemed to scream in protest. They huddled together, unable to keep their balance enough on the rolling ground to run for escape and each of them felt a tingling in the back of their necks. Katryn's vision grew blurry, much like the teleportation. Closing her eyelids as she started to get dizzy, she tightened her fist on the Sigil stone and heard a roaring in her ears as if she was caught in a fierce windstorm.
Suddenly everything became peaceful and she heard a cry of delight. Opening her eyes, she saw that they were standing amidst the rubble of the destroyed gate and around them Matius' men were cutting down the unfortunate creatures that had been caught outside of it.
Levin immediately straightened, drawing Katryn up with him. He embraced her quickly, to her surprise and then released her and turned to help Ket. His arm was bleeding again and he was pulling the bandage free so that he could ball it against the wound. Levin and Marcus hollered for the healer that was passing through the press of the soldiers.
Katryn, seeing that everything was under control, remembered her orders and hurried to the temple in front of her. She tried the doors and then banged her fists on them when she discovered it was locked tight.
"Hello!" She shouted, "The gate is gone, it has been destroyed!"
She picked up on something being shoved from the doors and then heard the draw of the beam being pulled back. She stepped away as the temple was opened slowly. The faces of three guards peeked through the sliver of an opening and when they saw that she was speaking the truth, they flung the doors open with shouts of relief. Katryn bypassed them and caught one of the townspeople by the arm.
"Martin Freh?" She asked.
"He's praying, lady," The elderly woman answered and motioned to the back of the temple, "There."
Katryn thanked her and let her go. Making her way to the priest, she realized that she was still clutching the stone. She paused long enough to look it over. It was gleaming a pale gold and it was then that she realized that the fire had not burned her. Indeed her skin was hardly even reddened by the flames. Tucking the stone away to show it to Jauffre, she continued.
The priest was on his knees before one of the shrines and Katryn waited patiently, studying his profile. She could see that he had Uriel's straight nose and strong, fine jaw. The dark hair was cut short and his shoulders were as broad as his father's. Standing he would have been several inches taller than the emperor. He finished his prayer and got to his feet, gazing once more at the altar in front of him before turning to her. His blue eyes flickered between surprise and then wariness when he spotted her. He was about her own age and she knew that this is what Uriel Septim must have looked like when he was young. Martin was very handsome and Katryn was surprised that she saw this. She was not one to be attracted by those outside her race, but she could not deny his appeal.
"Martin Freh?" She asked, taking a step forward.
"Yes," His voice was deep and gravelly, laced with the Cyrodiil accent, "Who are you?"
"Katryn Gwynyth. Jauffre Mel sent me to find you," She said, "He must speak with you as soon as possible."
"The grandmaster of the Blades?" Martin asked, confused. He frowned, "Did he say why?"
Katryn thought quickly before shaking her head, hoping that she was making the right decision. She would much rather have Jauffre explain this to the priest than herself. She was a stranger to him after all and she knew that Martin would be more likely to believe the grandmaster.
"He did not. The matters were pressing and it wasn't my place to ask. We must leave as soon as possible. Is there-"
"I haven't agreed to anything," Martin interrupted. He eyed her for a moment, trying to read the expression on her face, "Jauffre has never wanted me before unless it's been something as simple as temple matters. He didn't say anything at all?"
Katryn forced her frustration away and decided to drop a small hint.
"I believe it has to do with emperor's death but apart from that, no, he didn't say."
Martin looked at her for a moment longer and then started to walk to the door. Katryn scowled at the man's dismissal and followed him.
"I can't leave these people yet," He said firmly, "With all of the chaos the soldiers will need all the help Kvatch can offer them."
Katryn sighed as they went out into the ravaged city and was about to argue when she saw the look on Martin's face. He was gazing about him in horror and she wondered how much of the destruction he had seen before he closeted himself and the survivors in the temple. Now that he was standing in brighter light she got a better look at him. His build belonged to a soldier rather than a priest and the dark blue shirt that he was wearing made his eyes shine a brighter blue.
"I am sorry your city was destroyed," She murmured softly, "But there is nothing more you can do. I came up through the camp down below and they have done everything they can. Jauffre must speak with you, Martin. Will you please come and hear him out at least?"
Martin looked at her again and wondered why she was so adamant that he go with her. She wasn't what he had expected; especially knowing that Jauffre had sent her. She was slender and small, but she wore the shield and sword with ease and he knew that he couldn't go on first impressions.
"How long does he wish me to stay?" He asked finally, knowing that the Elf was right. There wasn't anything that he could do now that wasn't already being done.
"He just wanted to speak with you on a rather sensitive manner," Katryn replied carefully, "I don't believe that he was expecting you to stay for more than tonight."
Martin nodded and began walking again.
"Very well, I'll come with you. I have some business to attend to before I leave."
Katryn inclined her head. She was relieved that he had agreed and she had to add the last warning.
"Jauffre used the teleportation from Weynon and it sent me to the bottom of the mountain," She told him, "Are we able to go back through your temple here?"
Martin shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't see why not. The teleportation usually doesn't work when a city is under siege. I'll get someone to assist us in that as well."
Katryn walked with him to the group of soldiers and townsfolk that had come from the temple. Levin was beside her instantly and Matius wasn't far behind him. Both men were grinning broadly and once more Katryn was surprised to see how attractive the Imperials, and Bretons, could be.
"Levin told us that you're our champion," Matius crowed, clapping her on the shoulder, "We're in your debt."
Katryn could feel her face flushing at their praise and she shifted uncomfortably under the arm that Matius had tossed around her slender shoulders. Martin smiled at her unease and moved away to talk to another priest.
"It was all of us," Katryn protested quietly and tried to extract herself.
"Now, now, no false modesty! Levin is not one to exaggerate," Matius tightened his hold and drew her apart from the crowd. Removing his arm, he handed her a folded piece of grubby paper, "Give this to Jauffre when you get back. It's just a report on what happened here today and I want the grandmaster to know."
Katryn took the paper and thanked him. The general was called away and she was able to escape down the road to the horses. Immel saw her coming and whinnied with pleasure. Katryn was happy that he was able to recognize her so quickly. It meant that he knew who his lady was. She stroked Immel's blaze and let him nuzzle her neck in delight. Smiling, she took his reins firmly in one hand and headed back to the city.
Martin was waiting for her at the destroyed gate, the reins of a black stallion grasped loosely in his fist. He was speaking with a tall Imperial man dressed in the green robe of a Mage.
"Katryn Gwynyth, this is Cal Nempa, one of our handful of Mages here," Martin made the introductions politely and then gestured to his horse, "He wasn't sure if he'd be able to get us right to Weynon, so he suggested I bring Bek."
Cal was civil but cool. He motioned to the back of the temple with an imperious hand and Katryn brought up rear of their group as they walked.
"Thanks to Darma's spell at the beginning of the siege, the platform and courtyard here remained untouched," Cal observed dryly and Katryn got the impression that he was wishing he could have held that spot in glory.
"I don't know what we would've done without her," Martin murmured in reply and Cal's face hardened a little.
Katryn paused at the bottom of the platform to pull out the bandage and covered Immel's eyes with it. Tugging his head closer to her shoulder, she went to stand next to the priest and his stallion. Without a word of farewell, Cal cast, sending them back to Weynon. They were greeted by the clash of steel against steel and shouted curses coming from the courtyard.
Tearing the cloth from Immel's eyes, Katryn threw herself into the saddle and raced after Martin, who had already disappeared around the corner of the building. In the wide open area before them Jauffre's troop of guards were fiercely outnumbered by the red robed assassins and being beat back. Katryn didn't hesitate for a moment. She spurred Immel into the middle of the fray, her katana gleaming dangerously in the bright sunlight. Martin was beside her instantly and the guards gained a second wind with the arrival of this unexpected help.
The intense skirmish did not last long and soon the guards were chasing down the remaining assassins as they tried to flee. Seeing they were no longer needed, Katryn called to a woman standing nearby.
"Jauffre?"
"The temple," The woman answered as she nursed a wounded leg, "He went to speak with Stal'mer just before they attacked. I haven't seen him since."
Katryn motioned for Martin to follow. She slipped down from Immel and tossed his reins over a post outside the temple. Hearing the sounds of fighting inside, she threw the doors open. Jauffre and a sinewy Argonian were struggling with two more assassins. Katryn and Martin ran forward and helped to dispatch them quickly. Jauffre thanked them but didn't pause for conversation. He headed for the open doors immediately and Katryn and Martin followed. A cry of pain made them wheel around again, blades raised, ready for the attack.
Stal'mer was pulling his sword from the back of another assassin. The man had fallen close to Katryn's heels and she thanked him with relief and sincerity. The Argonian's gold eyes were gleaming brightly and he nodded grimly to her.
"Imperial scum," He muttered softly and then grinned at Martin, "Sorry, Martin."
"Not everyone is perfect, my friend," The priest said, returning the grin.
Katryn and Jauffre had taken the opportunity to slip outside. The Elf went to Immel and eased the shield from her sore arm. Immel's white blaze knocked into her elbow as she placed the shield on the ground.
"How much did you tell him?" Jauffre asked her quietly, moving closer to speak in confidence.
Straightening, she caught the horse's reins and stroked his head. Her red-orange eyes slid past Jauffre to Martin and Stal'mer who had come out of the building, still talking.
"Enough to get him here," She answered finally and pulled Matius' note from her pocket. She handed it over, raising her voice to its regular volume, "The general wanted me to give this to you. It's a report on Kvatch."
Jauffre took it as Martin joined them. Stal'mer had disappeared to help with the bodies strewn across the courtyard. The priest gave his complete attention to Jauffre.
"Who were these attackers?" He asked, "After what happened to Kvatch, I cannot believe that they are mere coincidence."
The grandmaster was reading Matius' report and his features hardened, his mouth becoming a thin line. With his greying brown hair and creased face, he seemed to gain ten years. His brown eyes met Martin's blue as he folded the letter again.
"We must go somewhere more secure before I explain any of this."
Katryn took hold of Immel more firmly.
"Martin, I will take your horse to-"
"No, Gwynyth," Jauffre interrupted, "I want you to be a part of this meeting. Marni!"
The same woman that had given Katryn her pack and moments ago directed them to Jauffre limped up to them. She brushed a lock of chestnut colored hair out of her face with one slim hand.
"Yes, sir?"
"Take the horses to the stables, please, and see that they're brushed-" He stopped as Marni held out a rolled parchment.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you," She said, "Tori discovered this on one of the bodies and asked if I'd give it to you."
She took the horses and disappeared. Jauffre's frown deepened and he walked briskly across the courtyard, unrolling the parchment as he went. The others followed him. Halfway to the building that served as his home and office, he broke into a run, crumpling the note in his hand. He threw the door open and didn't wait for the Elf or Martin as he raced up the stairs. They were not far behind.
The interior had been ransacked. Papers were strewn about the floor, trunks and chests overturned, the drawers of his desk were pulled out and dumped and they could see that even the mattress of his bed had been thrown to the floor. Ignoring the mess about him in his office, Jauffre went immediately in his bedroom and to the hidden recess in the wall that had been torn apart. The space was about the size of his head and completely bare. Muscles hardened in Jauffre's cheeks and his hands clenched then unclenched in suppressed rage.
"It's gone," He said softly, almost calmly, "Those bastards have it."
"What's gone?" Martin demanded, "What the hell is going on here?"
"The Amulet of Kings," Katryn answered in a steady voice, ignoring the quick look Jauffre sent her.
The priest frowned. His blue eyes flickered between the two of them and he stepped forward, righting an overturned chair. Sitting down and relaxing against it, he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You might as well explain what this is about," He said evenly.
Katryn leaned on the wall and didn't bother to hide an amused smile. She rubbed at her sore shoulder and glanced at the grandmaster. He didn't find Martin's command as entertaining as she did and his frustration was apparent.
"Gwynyth, go find Marni and tell her that each of those bodies has to be thoroughly searched before they are dumped. If the amulet is still here than maybe we have a little more time."
The Elf nodded once to the pacing, irritated Breton and disappeared. Jauffre listened for the door as he could not hear her light step and then glanced at Martin.
"Come out here and we'll set up a table and more chairs. This may take a while."
Martin got to his feet and together they put the table upright and drew the chairs around it. Jauffre began turning his trunks back over and throwing random articles of clothing and other items into them. He gathered up some of the papers and placed them on the bared surface of the desk, his brown eyes roving over everything. Taking up three cups that were not chipped or broken and placing them on the table, he let out an aggravated sigh.
"I'm not going to wait for her," He said more to himself than Martin, "I'll go down and see if they've left us anything to drink."
He was gone and back in a matter of moments, holding a jug. He poured two glasses and set one down in front of Martin. The priest reached out and took the cup finding it was Fina juice, a Breton fruit drink that was popular in Cyrodiil. He took a sip and placed the cup back.
"Your Dunmer told me that you wanted to discuss the emperor's death," He said, "What does that have to do with me?"
Jauffre sat up straight and rubbed his chin, wondering where to start. Martin's blue eyes were steady and inquisitive and his frustration was thick but restrained.
"I was introduced to Gwynyth rather abruptly," He began, "She was imprisoned in the Imperial City for unknown reasons, even to her. Her story is better told by her if you are interested in it. I will tell you that the night the emperor died, he was trying to escape the city. In the cell where Gwynyth was placed there is a secret underground passage that leads outside the city gates. It was down there that they were attacked. The emperor gave Gwynyth the amulet and told her to find me and assist in whatever I might need. Baurus Coll, one of the guards that night, gave her directions here.'
'Here is where my own story takes over. I have... had known the emperor for many years. It was he that appointed me grandmaster and he took me into his confidence several times. I was one of few that knew about his illegitimate child. He had an affair with one of the maids of his wife and the babe was brought to me after the mother died in childbirth. I took care of the matter for Uriel and his wife was none the wiser. The child grew up unaware of his royal birth and now that the emperor and his legitimate heirs are dead, the young man must be found. He alone can light the Dragon Fires and rule the province of Cyrodiil."
Martin was watching him with wary curiousity. He sat forward and placed his elbows on the table before him.
"What does that have to do with me?" He asked cautiously, afraid that he already knew the answer.
Jauffre smiled a little, a grim smile.
"If the amulet had not been stolen, it would belong to you. Your true name is Martin Septim."
