A/N: Apologies if this story is a bit slow starting; I assure you it picks up soon. I'd like to say thank you to MightyMerlin, my sole reviewer so far (though hopefully that'll change).

The M rating applies strongly to this chapter as it contains the first of many explicit and graphic scenes in this story. Just a little word of warning.

Anyways, enjoy the chapter, it's a long one. And as always comments are appreciated :)

"That's not for sale kid. I imagine it would be quite out of your price range anyways," the owner of the store said as he saw me staring. I'm pretty sure I half ignored him as I was still completely mesmerized.

Hanging on the wall above me was a beautiful golden bow made from Elven material. It had silver engravings along its frame which I assume were from some ancient language. The bow shimmered a certain radiance as I continued to stare at it; I swear I could even see my own reflection.

"Where did you get this?" I eventually asked the aged owner.

"I found that in an old Dwemer ruin over in Skyrim. It was lyin in a strange chest in some ancient burial chamber. I remember as soon as I took the damn thing out a group of spikes emerged from the floor, missing me by barely an inch. Those Dwemer sure do give a damn about protectin their artifacts. It's amazing how functional those traps still are, even after thousands of years," the owner rambled. I was tuning him out mostly.

"Why isn't it for sale?" I asked him.

"Oh this bow is much too dear to me to sell my boy. I was barely in my twenties when I found it. That bow has been with me through countless adventures and perils and has saved my hide on more than one occasion. I could never even think of partin with it," the old man explained.

"You can have anything else in the store though if you've got the coin."

I was very disappointed with the bow not being for sale. I didn't want anything else, I wanted the bow. I was starting to grow out of my old wooden one. I mean, I was ecstatic when my mother first showed it to me on my birthday, but it was starting to get worn out from all my practice and I felt it was time for an upgrade.

I continued to stare at the magnificent weapon for a few more minutes; the owner was becoming increasingly irritated, as he soon mentioned the store was closing and I should head home.

Eventually I was able to break my stare and I walked out of the store, completely crestfallen as I knew I would never be able to have that gorgeous bow. I walked along the dark and empty streets of Bravil until I came to my house.

When I came home I set my mother's groceries on the dinner table and I went upstairs and laid down on my bed. My mother was sitting across the room, running a brush through her long hair.

"Hey sweetie," my mother said as she turned in her chair towards me.

"Hey ma, I put your groceries downstairs on the table," I said to her.

"Thank you son, I really appreciate it. Did you get anything for yourself?"

"Nah, I went over to the weapons shop but nothing there caught my interest," I told ma, completely neglecting to mention the bow.

"Aw that's too bad," ma said, "You must be pretty tired from Sengar's lesson."

"Yeah I am pretty wiped; Sengar's lessons sure do take a lot out of you. You have no idea how much energy and concentration it takes to be able to cast something as simple as a flame spell," I explained to my mother.

"Well he says you're doing a great job," ma said, smiling, "You're a smart kid Sargoth. I just want you to know that I'm very proud of you. I know we don't exactly have the ideal life right now, but I think you have a very bright future ahead of you. You have the potential to do many good things for this world, and you have the smarts to be anything you want. Don't be afraid to live whatever dreams you may have son," ma said to me encouragingly.

How wrong she was. It almost pains me right now to think how wrong she was; my deeds have been anything but good. If my mother knew that her only son was going to become a cold-blooded murderer and bloodthirsty vampire, I doubt she would've been so proud of me. One of my biggest regrets is that I always feel I've let my mother down through the path I've chosen in my life. I know for certain this is not the life she would have wanted for me. My mother put herself through hell from the day I was born to ensure that I had an adequate life, to ensure that I did have a successful future. And all I managed to do was fuck that up by becoming one of the most dangerous criminals in Tamriel. If ma could see me now, I doubt she would be able to even call me her son.

My mother came over to me and kissed my cheek as she did every night.

"You look more and more like your father every day," my mother said with a smile, "Good night son, I love you. Sleep well," ma said and then she walked over to her bed.

"Can I ask you something ma?"

"Of course you can, what is it son?" ma asked as she turned back around toward me.

"Do you still…." I stuttered a little bit; I guess I was a bit afraid to ask what was on my mind, "Do you still love pa? I mean, you know, even after everything he did to you? Do you miss him?"

A look of sorrow quickly crossed my mother's face. She let out a deep, mournful sigh and she sat down next to me on my bed. I don't think she was expecting a question like that.

"Yes. I do miss him, and I do still love him," ma said in an almost whispering tone of voice.

"Why? I mean, how could you still love him when he was so mean to you?" I asked my mother, rather confusingly.

"I'm not quite so sure myself Sargoth. A person's emotions and feelings are a very complicated thing," ma said, trying to keep her composure.

"Your father was a beautiful man once; back when I first met him, before his love of skooma took over his life," ma began to explain, "I still remember the day your father asked me to marry him. We had spent hours swimming from Vvardenfell all the way to the island of Solstheim. We spent most of that day in the small village of Raven Rock in nothing but our bathing suits. He took me to a cute little pub where we had a romantic meal; the food was absolutely delicious and we spent most of the time just telling jokes and laughing. After we left the pub it was already evening, and we went to the beach and laid down on the soft ground, letting the waves of the sea crash against us. It was a clear and beautiful night; your father and I just held each other as we stared at the shining gaze of Masser and Secunda. Eventually your father told me to close my eyes, and after I opened them, your father was holding the most beautiful ring I had ever seen," my mother said as she lifted her hand to show me the ring she still wore. It was a very shiny silver color with small engravings imprinted along it. The ring was also dotted with dark blue sapphires which must have been worth a fortune.

"Your father held the ring before my face, and he asked me to be his wife. I was shocked but also overwhelmed with joy. My heart burned with an insatiable passion and love for your father, and I quickly accepted. He slid the ring onto my finger where it hasn't come off ever since," mother said as she stared at the ring.

"What was your wedding like?" I asked her curiously.

"Oh, it was perfect son. It was the kind of wedding every little girl dreams of when she's five years old. It was a beautiful morning on the thirteenth of Frostfall. I woke up, and the sun shone a bright and warm light through my window. The leaves were changing to colors of gold and crimson as autumn swept through the land. I spent all morning making sure I looked absolutely perfect for my special day. Every strand of my hair was in its place, I had put on just the right amount of makeup, and my dress was just the perfect size for me. The actual wedding was late in the afternoon. It was atop a large cliff that overlooked the sea. It really was the perfect day for such a joyous occasion; not a single cloud was in the sky and the sun was still shining bright," ma said to me, her smile returning to her face. I listened to her every word with fascination.

"There weren't too many people at the wedding, just both of our families and a few close friends. Finally the ceremony started, and your grandfather held me by my arm and led me to your father. After a few moments the priest finished speaking, and he officially announced that we were married; we were Andoril and Norvela Drelas. Your father kissed me, and that remains the most beautiful memory I have of him. Next to you being born, that was the happiest moment of my life," ma said as she finished her amazing story.

"When did pa change?" I asked my mother.

"It was just around two or three months after we were married. I found a small stash of skooma in your father's closet as I was cleaning the house. I confronted him about it and he was angry that I was going through his stuff. He eventually confessed that he was using the drug, and even worse, he was selling it," ma said, the gloomy look returning to her face.

"It all went downhill from there. The skooma turned your father into a raging monster; over time I didn't even know who he was anymore. He became a completely different person. I still can't believe how much a drug can just change a person like that. One minute they're your soul mate, and the next they're a violent maniac actually trying to kill you," my mother's voice began to tremble and she could no longer hold back the tears now streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry ma. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories and make you cry. I just wanted to know," I said, trying to comfort her.

"I know son, I know. It's not your fault," she said as she kissed me again and went to bed.

I could still hear my mother crying as she lay in her bed; I could hear her stifling her sobs. I felt awful asking her about pa, but I guess I was just simply too curious about him. Eventually my mother's sobs were replaced by snoring and I realized she was asleep.

I myself didn't sleep at all that night. My thoughts returned to the beautiful golden bow I saw in the store. It still bugged me to no end that the bow wasn't for sale; and even if it was it would have probably been far out of my price range. I just imagined myself outside, holding the bow in my hands. I imagined myself shooting down a deer or bear with it, or maybe even Ghorzag.

Over the next few days all I could think about was that bow. Whether I was practicing my swordplay or archery, or learning more magic with Sengar or even just walking through the streets, my mind never ceased to think about that magnificent weapon. I realized I was developing an obsession, and I decided I was going to have to resort to drastic measures to acquire the bow. If I couldn't buy it, I would have to obtain it "by other means".

But I've never stolen anything before! What if I get caught? What if I get thrown in the dungeon? What will ma do to me? By the Nine, ma would kill me if she found out I was committing burglary, I nervously thought to myself.

No, you have to do this. There is simply no other way to get it. Besides, it's not like that old coot has anymore use for it! You would be doing him a favor taking it off his hands! He probably wouldn't even notice it was gone. How hard could it be? Just break in, swipe the bow and get out, the other part of my mind thought.

I went home at supper time as the war within my own mind continued to rage. My mother was already home; and she was in a rather foul mood. She just finished a long shift at the Count's castle and she had a particularly bad day.

"I'm not making any supper tonight. You can have some leftovers from last night or you can cook something for yourself. I'm going to sleep," was all she said.

I decided to have some leftovers and I sat down at the table with my plate. As I was eating my dinner I decided I was going to go through with my plan. I was going to steal the bow.

As I finished the remaining bites of my cold dinner I started getting butterflies in my stomach. I was filled with great excitement as I was actually going to do something dangerous in my boring, monotonous life, but I was also very nervous. I couldn't help thinking of the consequences if I were to be caught. It didn't matter; my obsession with the bow clouded any logical and rational part of my mind. I was doing this. The bow was going to be mine.

I spent the next few hours preparing myself for the crime I was about to commit. My very first crime, out of many more. I managed to get a few hours of sleep until I woke up at midnight. I silently slipped out of my blankets and onto the floor. I crept over to my mother's bed to make sure she was still asleep. Then I stealthily moved down the stairs, and after slipping on my jacket, I opened the door ever so quietly and snuck outside.

The streets of Bravil were pitch black save for the odd torch; not a single soul stirred in the lonely city. I didn't even see any guards around. They were probably all passed out drunk anyways. That would surely make stealing the bow easier.

I began to make my way towards the shop; my mind was still conflicted. I kept telling myself to turn around and go home, forget the whole thing, to get back in my bed before mother realized I was gone. I ignored my common sense and continued toward the shop. After what seemed like an era of slinking through the dark streets, I saw the weapons shop. I walked around the perimeter a few times and looked through the windows to see if the owner might still have been awake. When I didn't see him, I decided it was time to try and find a way inside.

I tried the most obvious way first and turned the knob on the front door. Obviously it was locked. I decided that the only way I would be getting inside would be through one of the windows. I made my way to the back of the store and noticed one of the windows had a hole in the glass; a hole just barely big enough to fit my hand through. I scanned my surroundings again in case any guards actually decided to do their job and patrol the city. I slowly poked my hand through the hole, making sure to not cut myself on the glass. After a few moments I felt a latch on the window's other side. I flipped the latch and the window unlocked, and I easily lifted it up.

After climbing through the window, I was finally inside the store.

So far so good, I thought.

I was in one of the store's back rooms. I figured the bow had to be on the other side of the building. I slowly crept through the main room of the store where most of the merchandise was sold and made my way to the other back room, and there it was. The owner didn't even bother to lock it up or anything. It was still in the exact same spot I had seen it just a few days prior. I stared at the bow for a brief moment; I could hear it whispering my name. I saw a wooden chair in the corner and I used it to help me reach the bow. After a few moments I managed to successfully lift the bow off of its rack. I couldn't believe it; I actually had the bow in my hands. I was overwhelmed with joy as my plan actually succeeded. I looked at the weapon with pride as I again pictured myself shooting it.

Now this is where the plan completely screwed up. I could have just left with the bow through the front door or one of the windows and I probably would have gotten away with it. But I decided to be an idiot and keep looking around the store to see if perhaps there was anything else valuable to steal. I spotted a quite large coin purse sitting atop the highest shelf in the store. I took the same wooden chair and placed it against the wall and tried to reach for the shelf. When I realized I still couldn't reach the coin purse I decided to be an even bigger idiot and actually climbed the lower shelves. I was almost to the top when I lost my footing and fell right on a table with armor all over it. The armor crashed and banged as it fell to the floor, and my head was throbbing as I hit it on a shield.

"Who's there?!" I heard the owner's angry voice shout.

Fuck.

I got off the table and back on my feet and made a break for the door. I got the door open and made it outside. After running only a few feet I could see the owner chasing after me; he was quick for an old fella. It was then that to my horror, I spotted a lone guard in the distance.

"STOP! THIEF! Guard! Catch that little thief!" the old man screamed.

The guard saw me and began to take chase. "Hey, kid! Stop! By order of the Count, I command you to stop!"

I panicked and began just mindlessly running in any direction to try and lose the guard. Despite his armor the guard was very fast and it didn't take him long to catch up to me. The guard tackled me to the ground and my face planted right in the dirt, again.

"Got ya you little urchin!" shouted the guard as he grabbed my shirt and forced me back on my feet. "Thought you could get away with burglary did ya? Thought you could just steal that old man's most prized weapon and no one would ever find out?" the guard asked as he snatched the bow from my hands.

"Please sir, don't lock me in the dungeon. I just wanted to look at it!" I begged the guard as he stared down at me menacingly. His helmet completely covered his face and the dark of the night made him look like some spooky monster. I actually started to sob.

"You have broken the law kid, and now you are going to face the Count's justice. Where do you live?" the guard asked.

"No! Please don't tell my mother! I won't do it again! I promise! Please don't tell her!" I pleaded to the guard; sobbing even harder.

"Don't waste my time boy! Where do you live?!" he asked again, "If you want to avoid the dungeon, you will tell me where you live!

I pointed in the direction of my house and the guard pulled me by the arm as we walked there.

If I had broken in that shop today, I would have been in and out in less than ten seconds. I am a Nightingale you see; an elite order of the world's greatest thieves. Nocturnal herself influences our luck and blesses us with unmatched abilities and skill in the art of larceny. We can bend the shadows to our will and make ourselves completely invisible to the naked eye if we so please. We move under the shadow of Nocturnal's cloak, and this allows a Nightingale to complete any theft with ease. Alas, I was just a foolish twelve year old boy at that time, and let's just say…. I wasn't quite the Grey Fox in terms of my skill in theft. That was not my proudest moment.

We finally arrived at my house and the guard loudly banged on the door, he was still gripping my arm tightly. After a few seconds my mother answered the door.

"Are you Norvela Drelas?" the guard asked my mother.

"By Talos! What's he done?!" my mother shrieked as she saw me next to the guard.

"Mrs. Drelas, I caught your son trying to steal a valuable bow from the weapons store. He broke in but the owner caught him, and it was then I was alerted to the situation," the guard explained.

My mother gasped in disbelief; her face soon took on a look of disgust. My stomach filled with absolute terror, unsure of what she was going to do.

"Sargoth Drelas! You get in this house this instant!" my mother screamed as she yanked me right out of the guard's hand.

"This is your son's first offence, and I would hate to throw such a young child into the dungeon. So instead of jail time, your son is going to pay off his debt by working in the store. For an entire month," the guard offered.

"He'll be there!" my mother firmly told the guard before I even had a chance to speak.

"Splendid, I'll go speak to Marcellus right now and work out all the details," the guard said.

I couldn't believe this was happening. I knew I shouldn't have gone through with my plan; it was a terrible idea from the start.

"I expect you to be there first thing in the morning boy. First thing, or it's the Bravil Dungeon for you. Good night Mrs. Drelas, and sorry to wake you," said the guard as he started to leave.

"Thank you, sir. Good night to you as well," my mother said as she shut the door. She then threw me in a chair and I awaited whatever she had in store for me.

"What in the name of Oblivion possessed you to break into a store and steal a bow?!" my mother furiously asked me, "What the hell is wrong with you boy?! I didn't raise you to be a thief! I taught you better than this!" I never heard ma this angry before. Her booming voice shook me and I completely broke down and started bawling.

"I'm sorry ma! I'm sorry! I just wanted it so badly. It won't happen again!" I sobbed to her.

"I am so disappointed in you Sargoth. How could you do this to me?! After everything I've done for you, after all the sacrifices I've made to give you a roof over your head and food in your stomach, this is how you thank me?! How could you fucking do this to me?!" my mother continued to shout and she also started crying.

I couldn't even think of anything to say to her. I just wanted the bow, I didn't want to hurt ma like this.

"I am far too tired to continue screaming at you. Go to bed right now. Tomorrow you'll start your work at Marcellus' shop," ma said.

"Oh please ma, don't make me go! I swear I'll never do it again! Please!"

"You're damn right I'm gonna make you go. You need to be taught a lesson! Now go to bed!" she commanded me again.

I slowly trudged up the stairs and flopped onto my bed. I knew this was going to be the longest and most grueling month of my life. I was already imagining all the jobs I was gonna have to do. As I laid in my bed, again unable to sleep, I wished I was dead. More than anything that moment, I just wanted to die.


Present Day

"My lord, the new cattle have arrived," said Garan Marethi as he walked into my throne room; almost startling me. "I thought you would like to inspect them yourself before we lock them up with the rest of the thralls,"

"Ah yes, very good Garan," I said as I took a sip from my goblet; full of fresh blood. I set my quill in the bottle of ink and put aside my memoir on my desk. "How many are there?" I asked Garan.

"Five, my lord, there are three males: an Imperial, an Argonian and a Nord, and two females: a Nord and a Bosmer," Garan answered. "Orthjolf has taken the pleasure of entertaining them while we await you."

"Tell the court I will be there in a few moments," I commanded Garan.

In the main hall of Castle Volkihar, most of my court of vampires were feasting upon the mangled, but still living bodies of their victims. Their cries and screams constantly echoed throughout the halls; the floors were soaked red in blood and piles of rotten and decayed bones littered most of the building.

Orthjolf and Vingalmo were bickering at each other as usual.

"Oh Orthjolf my brutish friend, you simply have no taste in women do you? The Bosmer is clearly the more attractive one!" Vingalmo proclaimed, referring to one of the female cattle. The five thralls were standing in a line in the middle of the hall; their hands bound behind their backs.

"Ah Vingalmo, always the milk drinker aren't you? The Nord is most clearly the more attractive one. I bet she puts up a real fight in the bedroom, don't you Nord? All Nord women like it rough in bed," Orthjolf argued back to the Altmer.

"Don't make me laugh Orthjolf! When was the last time a woman got in bed with you? Willingly I should say," Vingalmo shot back.

"Blasted Elf! I'm going to make you pay for that!" Orthjolf shouted in anger.

"Oh would both of you just shut up?" Fura Bloodmouth angrily demanded, "You better keep your hatred of Elves to yourself Orthjolf; you serve one now. Harkon may have let your blatant racism be excused, but I assure you if Lord Sargoth hears you talking like that, you will be no better off than these thralls," Fura explained to Orthjolf.

"Aye, you're right Fura. I meant no disrespect to our lord. I just want this milk drinker to admit that I am the superior vampire," Orthjolf said.

"Hmph!" was all Vingalmo said back.

I finally made my way down the stairs of the castle and into the great hall, where the whole court bowed before me. I slowly walked toward the thralls and looked at each of them one at a time.

"This is what you bring me Garan?!" I said angrily and unimpressed, "By Sithis, I could have found better thralls just by digging in a graveyard!" I said to him.

"Ronthil is the one who found these my lord. I had nothing to do with their capture," Garan defended himself.

"Please don't be angry with me my lord, I was simply following orders. You know I live to serve," the little Bosmer said. This only served to irritate me further.

"I suppose they'll have to do. Competition with our thin-blooded brethren is quite high, and while I am trying to make peace with them and undo years of Harkon's mistreatment of them, I'm afraid many still continue to steal our cattle," I said as I calmed down.

"Fura, take these new thralls down to the dungeons with the rest of them. I want them ready to serve us by tomorrow morning," I commanded her.

"Yes my lord, as you wish," Fura complied as she began to lead the thralls downstairs.

"Except for you," I said, pointing to the Nord female.

"M..m..m..me?" she asked with terror in her voice.

"Yes, you," I said as I walked and stood in front of her. I began to examine her closely.

She was completely naked; her body shook violently in my presence. She had dark blonde hair that reached just past her shoulders and light blue eyes that were streaming tears like a waterfall. She was desperately trying to free her bound hands but to no avail.

"You have a name, girl?" I asked her.

A few seconds passed and she remained silent.

"Answer me, dog!" I shouted as I struck her across the face.

"S…S..Sorah. My name is Sorah," she whimpered.

"How old are you Sorah? Do you have a family?" I asked her curiously.

"I..I…I'm twenty-one. I have a husband and two children. Oh please let me go home to them! I miss them so much! I won't tell anyone, I promise!" Sorah begged me.

I laughed quietly.

"I have no intention of letting you go, girl. Your family are going to be nothing but a lost memory. For the rest of your life you will serve as my personal thrall; your blood will nourish my insatiable thirst," I said to the sobbing girl as I placed my hand on her rear.

"Please, no! Let me go," she pleaded again as she trembled at my touch.

I brought my hand around to the front of her body and down to her thigh. The smoothness of my new thrall's flesh was most pleasing to me. Her body was now convulsing as I brought my hand up her leg and began rubbing her labium. Sorah's whimpers grew louder and fluid leaked from her as I inserted a finger into her vagina. As I fingered her clitoris with one hand, I took the other and caressed her buttocks. Sorah's cries were a mixture of fear and pleasure.

"You're mine, girl." I said silently into her ear as I now brought my hands up her stomach and made my way up to her chest. I took her bare and ample breasts in my hands and began squeezing them aggressively. I then pinched her nipples which stood firm and erect as I circled my fingers around them.

Finally I slowly moved behind her. I moved her long flowing hair; exposing the nape of Sorah's neck. As she continued to cry, I extended my fangs from my mouth and sank them into her neck. Sorah let out a sharp cry of pain as her warm blood flowed down my throat. Feeding off her gave me an intense euphoria I hadn't felt in years. I tore off a piece of her flesh as I removed my fangs from her neck.

"Nothing like the taste of fresh meat," I said snickering at Sorah.

"You monster! Please stop this! I'll give you whatever you want, just please let me go! Stop hurting me!" Sorah cried.

"Oh but we're just getting started my dear," I said to Sorah as I licked the remaining blood from my lips. "Garan, take her to the throne room. We will complete her initiation in there," I commanded.

"Yes Lord Sargoth," Garan obeyed.

Garan led Sorah up to the throne room as I walked in front of them. After opening the door and all three of us were inside, I simply pointed to the torture rack that stood against the blood-stained wall. Garan proceeded to tie Sorah's hands and feet to the rack and he rotated it so she was now upside down.

"Stretch her," I said as I shut the door again.

"With pleasure, my lord," said Garan in a sly tone of voice.

Garan turned the wheel on the torture device and Sorah's bonds pulled her arms away from her towards the ground. I could hear her muscles tear as the rack stretched her arms beyond what anybody would find comfortable. Sorah let out short grunts of pain, and I had a sadistic grin on my face, as did Garan.

I stood at the other end of the rack by Sorah's feet; I turned the other wheel on the rack and the ropes holding her feet began to stretch her legs. Sorah's pain only added to my pleasure; her painful grunts growing ever louder. Garan and I stood for a moment and looked at Sorah who was now being stretched both ways. Garan walked up to her and leaned in close to her ear.

"You should be grateful you pathetic wench. To serve the most powerful vampire in Skyrim is truly a tremendous honor. None of the master's last potential candidates even made it this far. Most of them died before even making it to the rack. You're stronger than they were," Garan said. Sorah was obviously not comforted by this, and her crying continued.

I stretched her just a little bit further as Garan began fondling her breasts. I grinned as I heard her muscles tear and strain even harder. I wanted to see how much pain this girl could take.

"Would you like a taste of her Garan?" I asked my fellow Dunmer vampire.

"I would be honored, my lord," he said graciously.

I drew the Blade of Woe I kept hidden in my cloak. I walked up to Sorah's stretched body, her eyes grew wide with fear, and I made a long incision across the width of her stomach. Sorah screamed louder than she ever did before, and Garan began to suck her blood which poured from her wound.

"A fine thrall you have chosen, master. I hope she brings you years of pleasure. Shall we proceed to mark her now, Lord Sargoth?" Garan asked me.

"Yes my friend. She has proven worthy to bear the mark," I answered him.

I walked over to the fireplace that sat across from my throne, and from it I drew a branding iron that bore the face of our patron, Molag Bal at the end of it that glowed orange as it was searing hot from the flames. The metal began to sing as I brandished it, and I slowly moved toward Sorah who looked in terror as she realized what was coming.

"No! Please no! Why are you doing this to me?! Stop! I'm begging you!" Sorah pleaded.

"You belong to me Sorah; you are my property. And you shall bear the mark of our clan to signify your never-ending servitude to me," I said to her.

Sorah's whimpers grew more and more frantic as I drew closer to her. I nodded to Garan as I finally stood over Sorah, and I then proceeded to slowly press the flaming hot iron against her bare flesh just above her vagina.

Sorah let out a blood-curdling scream that echoed throughout the entire castle and possibly even beyond; it was truly music to my ears. I pressed the iron harder and harder against Sorah's charred flesh as she writhed in excruciating agony; the face of our patron becoming more embedded into her skin.

She actually passed out from the pain as smoke began to emit from her body. Garan quickly brought her back with a spell and put a hand over her mouth to muffle her screams. The iron continued to sizzle against her burning flesh.

After about a minute and a half I finally removed the branding iron from Sorah's skin; the demonic face of Molag Bal now fully and permanently imprinted onto her.

"Well Sorah, you passed the test and are now officially my thrall. Now begins your life of serving my eternal bloodlust," I said to her, "Garan, take her off the rack and throw her in my cage. Put a gag on her though; I wish to continue my memoir and her crying is going to be most irritating," I ordered.

Garan loosened Sorah's bonds and dragged her tortured body to the cage that sat beside my fireplace across from my throne. She didn't move a single muscle as Garan gagged her and locked the cage. All we could hear now were the muffled sounds she made through the gag.

"I must say my lord, as cruel as Harkon may have been, he never did that to his thralls," Garan said to me.

"Yes, and he's dead now isn't he?" I gloated to Garan.

"Yes my lord. You proved that you are indeed the most powerful vampire among us. Molag Bal himself even rewarded your victory by granting you the gift of pure-blood vampirism," Garan said.

"And I didn't even have to experience the degrading ritual the Daughters of Coldharbour have to go through; just a bite on my neck and that was it," I said to Garan and he laughed.

"Well my lord, if you require nothing further of me I shall leave you with your new pet," Garan said as he opened my door and left my throne room before shutting it again.

I returned to my desk and sat down; grabbing the quill from the ink bottle. I looked at Sorah once more who was lying down on the cold steel of her cage. She cried for a few more minutes before falling asleep; what she just endured would make anyone tired I suppose. I opened my memoir and set the quill down on the page.


The sun rose early in Bravil the next morning. I opened my eyes after a dreadful sleep and sighed as I instantly remembered the month that was ahead of me. After quickly eating a red apple for breakfast I slipped on my jacket; ma was sitting in a chair in the corner reading a book.

"I'm going ma," I told her.

She didn't even acknowledge me or take her eyes off the page. You know you fucked up when your own mother gives you the cold shoulder and refuses to speak to you. After realizing she was ignoring me I slowly opened the door and stepped outside and began to make my way to Marcellus's shop.

The walk to Marcellus's place had to be the most dreadful moment of my life so far. Even Ghorzag's poundings didn't hold a candle to the terror that dwelled in the pits of my stomach. I opened the door to the shop and behind the counter stood Marcellus, the elderly Imperial shop owner I just tried to rob a few hours prior.

"So you're the filthy wretch that tried to make off with my bow are ya?!" Marcellus asked me angrily. "I shoulda figured you'd pull a stunt like that; the way your eyes were glued to the bow."

His scolding of me only added to my shame.

"Typical grey-skin," Marcellus muttered, making no attempt to hide his racism.

Marcellus was a retired Captain in the Imperial Legion, and he therefore possessed a loud booming voice that must have sent shivers down the spines of any platoons that had to serve under him. I became all too familiar with that voice over the next month.

"All right listen up boy! Now frankly, I'd rather your ass just be tossed in the dungeons and be done with it! But since that guard man insists on showing you mercy, I guess you'll be helpin me around here," Marcellus began to explain.

"So here's how things work round here! Ya come in the mornin and ya don't leave till eight every night. You're gonna be tendin the counter and helpin any customers that need somethin. You get half an hour fer lunch every afternoon and a break in the evenin! Anything else I might need, I expect you to do it promptly without question!" Marcellus continued to explain.

"Ya hear me boy? You do whatever I tell you! You eat when I tell ya to eat, ya speak when I tell ya to speak, and ya shit when I tell ya to shit! Now, ya got any questions before gettin started?" I felt like I was about to soil my pants as Marcellus boomed at me.

"No sir," was all I could say.

Most of my time in Marcellus' shop was spent looking after the counter, helping the few customers that came, counting inventory and also keeping track of profits. He also made me clean the basement fairly often and sometimes I would find nests of rats burrowed behind the decaying wood of the walls. I would lay poison along the floor and I also had to clean up any droppings the rats left. Marcellus would make me sweep the floor several times a day and polish all the swords and armor he kept. It was definitely menial and degrading work, and I was counting the days until my servitude was over.

Marcellus actually turned out to be a nice old coot, once I got past his rough exterior. As I worked he would sit and tell me all sorts of fascinating tales of his time in the Legion. He spoke of his travels all across Tamriel and all the battles he had fought in. I was actually beginning to admire the old man; he lived the life I so desperately wanted.

Finally it was my last day working in the shop; Marcellus actually started paying me a couple weeks into my servitude. As I finished lining up all the merchandise and making sure all the floors were clean, Marcellus stood there with a large grin on his face.

"Ya did a damn good job Sargoth. It's a shame yer all done now, but you did your duties to the letter and I can't thank ya enough," Marcellus kindly said.

"I'm sorry again for trying to steal from you. I don't know what I was thinking," I apologized for the millionth time.

"The past is where it should be boy. We all make mistakes in our lives; I know I've made my fair share of em. Yer a good kid Sargoth, and I want ya to know yer welcome in here anytime," said Marcellus.

"Wow, thanks Marcellus. I appreciate it," I said as I turned to leave.

"Wait," the old man said.

I turned back around and Marcellus went to the back room. He came back out holding the golden bow in his hand, and he walked up to me and motioned for me to take it.

"It's yours," he said softly.

"What? You…you're…giving it to me? The bow I tried to steal?" I asked flabbergasted.

"I got no more use for her. I'm not as young as I used to be and my adventuring days are long past me. I'd rather it be with someone I know will use it and take good care of it," Marcellus said with a tear forming at his eye.

"I don't know what to say."

"Don't say nothin Sargoth. Just promise to look after it," was all he said.

"I will Marcellus, and thank you," I said graciously.

I ran home with pure joy in my heart as I couldn't wait to show ma. I opened the door and I was greeted by a smiling mother who just finished making a large supper.

"Well look who's finally home!" she said as she opened her arms.

I ran to her and we embraced; it was nice not having her mad at me anymore.

"Marcellus gave me the bow ma! He said I could have it!" I excitedly told her as I slung it off my back to show her.

"Wow that is beautiful son! Now I wanna steal it!" she joked as she sat at the table.

My mouth watered as I eyed the enormous feast ma had prepared for us.

"Dig in, you earned it!" was all she said.

I sat down with her and ate the most delicious supper I'd had that whole month.