CHAPTER 9

Vilkas scowled as he climbed down a set of stairs leading to the passages underneath the College. He had already passed by a dubious-looking ritual site, two dead draugrs surrounded by skeletons, and now, an ominous gauntlet at the center of the circular room.

Of course they'd have a hidden dungeon; where else would they practice their forbidden magical crap, he thought as he pinched his nose after inhaling the scent of dried blood, stagnant water and something he would rather not find out.

"Here I thought you'd be used to this stench, going into caves and dungeons for, what, a decade?"

He snorted then his head turned towards the Dragonborn who was walking beside him. "More than a decade, and I doubt anyone can get used to this."

She chuckled. "Point taken."

They descended another set of icy stairs, both taking careful steps lest they slip "So where does this exit lead?" Vilkas said.

"Dunno." Valere shrugged and pointed at the elderly mage walking ahead of them. "I'm just following Tolfdir."

He arched a brow. "You're the Arch-Mage. Shouldn't you know?"

"I've only been here once and that time… well, there were more pressing issues to deal with than exploring the Midden."

"That's surprising. Figured you were the adventurous type."

She chortled. "So I've been told, though not in that context."

Despite the jovial response, Vilkas noted the slight strain in her voice. Before he could press further inquiry, Tolfdir called them while his hand pushed open a door framed by sliced spider webs, "it's just this way."

Both approached the elderly Nord and peered past the doorway. As he and Valere entered the frost-covered cavern, Vilkas eyed the slippery bridge above; they had crossed that earlier and the Dragonborn nearly fell hadn't he grabbed her by the arm just in time. It felt like he was dragging an empty sack when he pulled her away from the edge. She puts a child's weight to shame, he thought only to snap out of it when she strode past him and towards a shimmering arcane energy blocking another path.

"This will only take a moment." With a few twirls of the Bosmer's hand, the barrier dissipated, allowing the biting cold wind to enter and brush against the Companion's cheeks. Looking over her shoulders, she asked the elderly mage who joined them in the cavern. "Where does this lead?"

"Beneath the College," Tolfdir replied. "If you lend me your map—ah, thank you my dear." He unfolded the parchment and beckoned the two to come closer. "The exit is over here and there's a path leading towards a strait. Of course, it would still require a mage to access the path. There are quite a number of ridges and screes that are too dangerous to jump down from."

"I see." Valere bowed lightly. "Thank you for the assistance Magister Tolfdir."

"It was my pleasure." Tolfdir smiled slightly though raised a hand. "But, there no need for—"

Rushing footsteps echoed above the three men and mer whom had glanced up at the sound. "Arch Mage! I have urgent new—ah!" From the slippery bridge slipped a man, his arms flailing as he futilely attempted to grab any protruding rocks on the walls.

Both mages below waved their hands above their head as white mist swirled around the falling body, gently rocking the man until he landed on ground with a barely audible thump.

The man, who had his eyes shut, slowly opened them. "I..." He sat up, no doubt surprised that he still could as he glanced up. "Thank you..."

He was a Nord, Vilkas noted, probably as tall as him though thinner. Judging from the robes worn, his guess was that the said mage was an apprentice.

"Onmund, do be careful next time," Valere said as she held a hand which the apprentice accepted.

The apprentice nodded. "Y-yes, of course…"

"So what's bring you down here?"

With this, Onmund straightened himself. "Ah, guards—Captain I think…" His fingers fidgeted. "He's demanding to speak to you at once."

"Demanding?" She snorted. "If that's how he requests for my presence, then he can wait outside the gates till midnight."

"Yes, but the magisters fear he and his men would force their way in if ignored any long."

That gave the Dragonborn a reason to pause. "How many?"

"Seven? Eight? I wasn't able to see."

"Have they mentioned anything about my brother? Is he with them?" Vilkas stepped closer to the apprentice but the latter shook his head. His lips curled into a deep scowl. What if they've captured Farkas and use him as a bargaining tool for the Dragonborn to comply with their demands? But that'd be mad; there's no way anyone of those milk drinkers could take down his brother, even if he's not using his sword arm for battle.

However, at the brief flash of memory where he nearly lost his twin, his stomach tightened into a series of knots. His inner turmoil must have been evident in his features as the Bosmer's hand gently reached for his shoulders, causing him to pull away from his troubled thoughts.

"Perhaps he's still at the inn," Valere said. "You can take this passage. It's possible the soldiers haven't figured out your connection to the College."

"And if they have?"

"Then you have a better chance catching them off guard with this than forcing your way from the front gates. Magister Tolfdir can guide you out and direct you which path to take." Glancing over to the younger mage, she called, "Onmund…"

The apprentice straightened himself. "Y-yes?"

"Accompany Vilkas to town and back."

He blinked and so did the Companion. "Him?"

Valere nodded. "Just in case you run into trouble."

Vilkas eyed the younger Nord from head to toe. The latter on turn fidgeted at the scrutiny. Divines preserve me… He sighed heavily. "Fine, so long as he doesn't get in my way."

Onmund huffed but held back his retort, settling instead with a curt, "I won't."

"I'll see you all later. Good luck." With that, the Dragonborn turned and marched back up to the Hall of Countenance.

~oOo~

Emerging from the trap door, Marcurio greeted the Dragonborn with an outstretched hand. "Good, you're finally here."

"What's the situation?" Valere gripped his offered hand that pulled her out of hole.

"Going downhill. The captain's getting impatient and so is Lydia." He handed the Bosmer her fur cloak. "If glares could kill, she might have murdered them all by now."

Valere secured the fur cloak over her shoulders and strode towards the door. Biting cold wind brushed against her cheeks as she stepped out of the Hall of Countenance. She scanned the courtyard illuminated mostly by the pillar of light from the large well at the center. Aside from the people gathered by the front gate, the area is mostly empty — an odd scene considering that apprentices loved to eavesdrop. "Where are the students?" she asked her Imperial comrade as he joined her outside.

"Back in the Hall of Attaiment," Marcurio replied. "Urag, Colette and Faralda are keeping them from leaving their rooms. They're anxious enough after catching a glimpse of the Stormcloaks at our doorsteps. It'll just send them into a mass hysteria if we let them eavesdrop."

Fair point. Valere took a deep breath and approached the gathered mages. As she neared the gates, the heated argument gradually became audible. "As I said, Arch Mage Valere is dealing with more important matters and cannot see anyone tonight. So, I suggest you return to your Hold and visit some. Other. Time," her housecarl spoke calmly, though the Bosmer detected the hint of tension in her tone. Any longer and she might end up strangling the man. It was fortunate, she supposed, that the gates were shut tight with magic, though if the Stormcloaks had their way, they could and definitely would use their sheer stubbornness to force those sealed gates open.

"Tell your Arch Mage that Jarl Ulfric will not stand for this!" The captain shouted, his fists banging against the bars of the gate.

"Then perhaps he should find a chair to sit on." Valere approached the gates just as Phinis, Drevis and Sergius stepped aside, giving her a wide berth. "What's all this ruckus? I swear to the Divines, I could hear your whining from the highest floor." She eyed each men behind the supposed captain; most appeared to be new recruits judging by their youthful faces. Briefly she caught a movement beside her and saw Lydia reaching for the hilt of her sword. When their gazes met, she nodded slightly to the female Nord as an assurance and the latter hesitantly stayed her hand.

"Arch Mage—or should I say Dragonborn." The captain sneered "By order of the Jarl, you are to come with us to Windhelm." The man was a large Nord with a long dark brown beard and wearing a standard set of Stormcloak armor.

"Oh?" Her arms crossed over her chest. "Last I checked, his authority extends only up to the borders of Eastmarch."

"Jarl Ulfric is the High King. He has authority anywhere in Skyrim."

"The 'High King' had died months ago and the position remains vacant until settled by the Moot. As of now, your Jarl merely claims to be qualified."

A soldier stepped forward with his hand on the hilt of his blade. "How dare you insult Jarl Ulfric! He is the true High King!"

Valere arched a brow. "I'm not insulting your Jarl, ser; I'm educating your captain." She tilted her head to the side. "Lydia, head to Windhelm and tell Ulfric he can shove his authority up his wit's end." A small grin formed on her lips at the soldiers who looked as though someone had just urinated on a statue of Talos. "That, gentlemen, is an insult. See the difference?"

The captain gritted his teeth as his fists clenched tightly. "Watch your tongue wench, lest you wish your kind to starve to death."

"Considering they can actually starve us to death, how about a more... tempered approach?" A voice whispered in the Dragonborn's ear and the latter side-glanced only to see no one beside her. It was then she realized that Drevis, perhaps in the midst of her antagonizing the soldiers, had used an Invisibility spell on himself.

His words hold true, Valere admitted; however, she couldn't back down just yet — not when these men believe they hold the advantage. But how? Her gaze flickered towards the bridge and recalled Faralda mentioning the runes she and her apprentices had prepared earlier. Gods, I hope this works…

Her silence seemed to have embolden the captain who sneered as he added, "that's a good lass. Now come along quietly and we won't harm the rest of your friends here." The rest of his men mirrored his expression.

"It seems I have little choice." She stepped closer to the gates, her hand resting against the stone frame. Her fingers tingled as magic flowed out from them and into the stone. "Sate my curiosity first captain; what does Ulfric want from me?"

"None of your damn business," the captain replied.

Her magicka weaved along the cracks, locating each dormant rune marked on the bridge. Oh my…They've certainly outdone themselves…The Altmer's lingering magic, as well as the students', mingled with hers; some with ease, others required more time. For the time being, she smiled to the captain. "It's actually my business considering I ought to know what is expected of me,"

"You are expected to show yourself and do what he commands."

"Oh? Is that all?"Valere tested the waters and increased the amount of magicka she was transferring. For a moment, the runes behind the soldiers glowed faintly, and she couldn't help but smile at that. Perfect.

The captain's eyes narrowed. "What are you grinning about elf?"

Now comes the tricky part…"Considering my other options…" As much as she wanted to burn them, it would only antagonize the Stormcloaks and seal the College's fate.

The captain gave her a dumbfounded look. "What? Gonna let your mages starve to death?"

Bit by bit, she transmitted more of her magicka to the runes. Almost there…"Perhaps…" She smiled."The thought of you informing your Jarl of your failure to retrieve me would be an amusing scene. I wonder… would he flog you alive? Or execute you on the spot?"

The captain's head leaned until his eyes were on the same level as the Dragonborn's. "We're not going anywhere wench. We'll watch you all suffer, and when you're too weak to even cast a simple fire, we'll storm your gates and gut you all like a fish."

Valere's grin only broadened. "Not if we burn you all first."

"Wha—"

Orange light glowed underneath the Stormcloaks' feet, the lines and daedric symbols making themselves known. The light spread down further until it covered half of the bridge. A series of gasps erupted both behind and in front of the Bosmer.

"Men! Fall back!" The captain shouted as the soldiers began scrambling back.

"Take one more step and you'll all be roasted flesh for the fish below." Valere remained smiling despite her threat.

The Stormcloaks stilled but the captain whirled and charged towards the gates, banging his fists so hard, it startled the mages behind the Dragonborn and set their hands to cast any spell; even Lydia had unsheathed her sword. Yet, Valere kept her composure as she raised her free hand to halt her housecarl and fellow mages.

The captain spoke through gritted teeth. "I swear to the Nine—"

"Swear all you like, they certainly won't help you at this point."

In response, the captain spat at her face, prompting Lydia to charge forward. "You dare—"

"Lydia."

Hesitantly, the housecarl halted at that single word from her Thane's lips. She breathed deeply but didn't sheathed her sword. Valere understood this was difficult for the other woman, especially since the latter was trained to defend her Thane's honor; but killing these men would cause more problems in the long run. The soldier will demand retribution and this arrogant prick along with his foolish men would be hailed as martyrs. The College would be branded as enemies; worse, they would be enemies living in their territory.

Time to take Drevis' advice... partially. "Truth be told," Valere began, casually wiping the spit with the back of her hand and blatantly ignoring the seething captain as she addressed instead the men behind him. "this invitation of Ulfric has piqued my interest . Indeed, I've been meaning to meet with him given I have the opportunity."

The soldiers seemed to relax a little judging from their shoulders lowering slightly, however, tension returned as the Bosmer added, "I, however, dislike the way you have invited me. Threaten my College again and I will hunt you all down and feed you to a Dremora Lord. Are we clear?"When no one responded, she sent a surge of magicka towards the runes which glowed brighter, though not so much that it would activate them completely. "I said, are we clear?"

The Stormcloaks quickly nodded. Valere grinned slightly and moved her hand away from the stone wall. "Glad we have an understanding. Now, I shall let this matter slide considering you were only following orders. On the morrow, I will meet you by the foot of the bridge and we can all head to Windhelm."

"Thane—" Lydia began but bit held any protest as the Dragonborn raised a hand.

The soldiers' gazes now focused on their captain, awaiting his decision. The latter's eyes narrowed as he sneered. "And how can we be sure you'll keep your end of the bargain?"

"As I've said, I'm interested in meeting your Jarl. And even if I wasn't, well…" Valere opened her arms wide. "Our only path is through that bridge, as you can see, unless of course I roast all of you at this very moment…" With the last statement, she caught their shoulders tensing slightly and she had to suppress her grin. "It is settled then. I'll meet you by the bridge tomorrow morning."

When none of them made further protests, she turned and strode back to the Hall of Elements with Lydia, Marcurio and the remaining magisters in tow.

Once out of earshot, Phinis said with an arched brow and an amused smile. "Feed them to Dremora Lords? As I recall, you detest summoning one."

"You know that and I know that, but I doubt the rest of Skyrim does," The corners of her lips slightly twitched up. "And I always have you to do it for me."

"Can't say I agree with your approach though," Drevis joined in their conversation. "Threatening them was still a risky move."

"Agreed," Marcurio added. "Can't be sure whether that move was stupidly brave or bravely stupid."

Sergius shushed the two. "And so we just what? Roll over while they take whatever they want? I think not!" He turned his head towards the Arch Mage. "Why, if had been in your place, I would've shove a flaming shiv up their coal mines."

Valere bit her lower lip, suppressing the smile threatening to worm its way out."I thank you for your support Enchanter Sergius." She shifted her attention to the Dunmer and younger Imperial. "Risky, that's true but they would have taken our outright acquiesce as a weakness and exploit it had I given to their demands so easily."

"Fair point." Drevis sighed. "I just hope this doesn't backfire."

"My Thane…" Lydia approached, her brows furrowed. "About your tomorrow, I advise you against going with them alone."

"I understand, but let's discuss this with the rest of the magisters," Valare replied just before she pushed open the large double doors of the Hall of Elements. "Inform them to head over to the Arcaneum as soon as they can."

"I…" Lydia breathed a deep sigh. "As you command."

The Dragonborn watched as her housecarl headed towards the Hall of Attainment then shifted her gaze towards the gates. The Stormcloaks were nowhere to found by now, and her thoughts wandered to Vilkas. I hope I bought him enough time…

~oOo~

The trek back up the town had been awkwardly silent save for the crushing snow beneath the two Nords' feet. Vilkas could feel the apprentice's eyes on his back, yet he opted to ignore it and hastened his pace instead. A part of him had hoped the elderly mage had joined them after they had guided them to the strait; he was certainly a better company. Then again, it would rouse more suspicion if he had two mages tagging along so this was the safer option.

"So…" Onmund started at one point, perhaps to remedy the deafening silence. "Do you ever get that weird taste in your mouth before battle?"

If you mean that sickening taste of human flesh and bones werewolves enjoyed, Vilkas thought, then yeah, every damn time. Still, aside from a grunt, he made no response to the inquiry, and that ended whatever conversation the mage was trying build up.

As soon as he spotted the ruined buildings of Winterhold, he halted and sniffed the air while his eyes flickered as they followed the sounds of footsteps crushing the snow on the ground.

"What—" Onmund inquired but the Companion raised a hand which silenced the apprentice.

Four… five… six…Vilkas took another deep breath to check the scents that passed through his nose. All had been from the guards who normally patrolled the streets at night; no one unfamiliar, and especially no trace of Farkas'. He's not sure if that's a good sign or not.

"Look!" Onmund gasped and as the Companion followed the young mage's pointing finger, he spotted half of the bridge gradually engulfed by an orange light.

What in Oblivion is going on up there!?Vilkas brows furrowed. He sniffed again and the smell of fear and anxiety was palpable in the air. Their footsteps had halted as well, and if he had to guess, their focus would be entirely on the bridge."Let's go," he mumbled and, without waiting for the apprentice's response, marched towards the inn, his pace faster than earlier that Onmund needed to jog to catch up.

Reaching the back of the inn, Vilkas leaned against the wooden wall, his hand gesturing at the younger Nord to do the same.

Onmund scrunched his brows but followed suit. "So, what now?"

"Quiet." Vilkas shushed the other Nord then he shut his eyes and listened in. Several pairs of feet fidgeted but no one moved far from where they stood. Peeking from behind the inn, he cursed at the ruined house blocking his view.

"I… I can get closer," Onmund whispered.

Vilkas turned his head to him. "How?"

"I've been practicing this spell—not Invisibility—but it'll help me blend in with the surroundings… so long as I don't get too close."

Vilkas considered his options. It would be easier to sneak his brother out of the inn without any inquiries from the guards, but he needed to know how long they would be distracted. "All right," he finally said. "Keep an eye on them and if they look like they're about to leave that spot, find me."

Onmund nodded before stepping away from the wall. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, his hands pressing against his chest. Shimmering light enveloped his body and with each exhale, his skin and clothes turned translucent until everything disappeared — almost.

Vilkas could still make out the outline of his body when he squinted slightly. Then again, his senses were heightened so this assured him that the guards would have difficulty in detecting the apprentice. As soon as the apprentice crouched and skulked towards the ruined ruined house, the Companion, while still leaning against the wall, side-stepped to the other side then turned around the corner and dashed towards the inn's door. Fortunately, the howling winds masked the sound his clanking armor.

As Vilkas stormed in The Frozen Hearth, he only found passed-out soldiers on the tables with empty mugs in hand; yet, there was no sign of Farkas. He scanned the common hall, his gaze flickering side to side while sniffing the air. Still here... He sighed in relief and was about to follow familiar scent when someone stepped out from one of the inn's larger rooms.

"Looking for your brother?"

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: Hello everyone! I'm still alive! Apologies for the delayed update. I know I said I would update more often during our summer break but campaign period got me busy and contributed in my writer's block. Also, I had to review Winterhold's landscape, particularly, the Midden; but my computer ran into some problems that ended up deleting my save files so I had to replay the game from the start. I can't promise that my updates will come frequently since our semester has started almost two months ago and midterms will be two weeks from now; but rest assured that I have no plans of abandoning this story.