Chapter 12
I could feel an odd warmth coming from the distance, but I could see nothing, not even my hands in front of me. I looked behind me and felt a feeling of dread set in, I could not see anything around me. I faced the odd warmth in front of me and cautiously made my way towards it. I could feel my nerves tingle with each step, the warmth caused me to be hyper aware of my own temperature, causing chills to go up my back.
I took a deep breath to calm myself as I slowed my pace. Once I felt less paranoid I quickened my pace to a power walk. I was soon able to make out a small blue light in the distance, curious, I continued, my fear lessening with each step. Soon I was able to make out the things in my path, a few blank pages scattered about a black cobblestone path. I didn't think much on it, my focus on the blue aura in the distance. I saw a figure next to this blue light, I squinted my eyes to try and make out the figure but the blue aura turned into a poisonous green and tentacles wrapped around the figure. I stopped and stared in startled amazement at the sight as the figure's arms turned into bat like wings with claws at the ends and a tail, sprouted. The green light reflecting off their black scales. The dragon cried in pain as it was consumed by the writhing inky tentacles.
I felt something pull on my leg, I fell onto the ground below me and I felt a stinging all over my face. More restraints wrapped around my arms and I realized too late what was happening. I was being pulled down into a dark fog, my heart was racing as I felt panic consume me. I was thrown onto a shallow puddle of dark water, I caught notice of a pair of armored boots. I looked up and froze as I took in the almost unfamiliar features. Their uncaring icy dragon eyes looked down on me with distaste, I balled my hands into fists and stood up with determination. This was an illusion, I reminded myself. The other seemed to chuckle in amusement, as if my thoughts were said aloud.
"Why settle for what you are, when you could be exactly what you see before you?" Hermaeus Mora's voice filled my head.
I looked up at my false reflection defiantly, her eyes were no longer human, they were instead those of a dragon and the scales on her armor were a familiar crimson color. When my gaze met her headdress, I was horrified at the sight, she wore Odahviing's head as the foresworn wore the elk heads. I felt a sick feeling consume my core as the more I looked at her, I recognized more things she wore were Odahviing. On her back was one black dragon wing. I turned my gaze to the floor in disgust, feeling my throat close up and my mouth watering with nausea. This was me? Impossible!
"You are weak, Dovahkiin." I heard my voice come out of her. I instantly felt rage consume me at the sound.
"Why? Why did you kill Odahviing?" I demanded. I heard her laughter once more, as if she were innocent. The same laughter I had shown Miraak before I had departed. She simply walked away towards a wall I had not noticed before, on it were the masks of all the Dragon Priests, she took on down and threw it to my feet. I instantly recognized it as Miraak's. Alarmed I looked up and she shouted something. I couldn't hear it, but the effect was unfamiliar. I could feel my whole body pulse with pain, it was as if my insides were being ripped apart. I was losing myself.
I jolted awake and sat up quickly, the movement was disorientating and I could feel my chest heaving with erratic painful breaths. What had just happened? I still felt pain and my body shook with terror. Was... Was that what I would become if I gave into Hermaeus Mora? The image of Odahviing's head was burned into my mind. I ran my hands through my blonde locks nervously, my attempt to calm myself failing. I looked around me, Cyrodiil seemed so loud tonight, but the insects and small animals weren't exactly more active than usual. I took in a shaky breath and tried to calm myself once more. It was only a dream, I am the ruler of my own fate. No one could force me to choose anything.
I didn't trust myself enough to let myself fall back asleep, I looked over at the horse Miraak had lent me, the animal was still sleeping.
'I suppose it wouldn't hurt to enter Miscarcand now?' I though as I looked up at the dark sky. I turned my attention to the ruins, how hard could it be? I stood up, my body protested, I was still tired and aching from the numbing pain I had just felt. I sighed as I rubbed the tiredness from my eyes, how much more of these could I bare? Perhaps when the crisis is over I will no longer hear Hermaeus anymore... By the nine, I hope that's the case.
When I opened the door to the ruins a foul stench filled my nostrils. I grimaced as I made my way into the dark glimmering halls. I had to admit, these Alyeid ruins were impressive. The halls seemed to have slaughtered goblins, the stench indicated that they had been dead for a few days now. I scowled as I passed by the dried blood splashed around the corpse. I soon made it to a more open room. The air itself felt almost toxic as the smell from the undead made me feel ill. I tried not to focus on the smell and pulled out the silver dagger I had taken from Cloud Ruler Temple. I decided to climb down to the room below, I quickly killed the zombies as they approached unknowingly. The last two had noticed my presence and came running at me. One of them clawed at me while I was dealing with the other. I barely avoided one as it lunged it's head towards me in an attempt to bite me.
"Fus Roh Dah!" They both went flying into the far wall, the ruins shook and I looked up alerted at the dust falling from the ceiling. Perhaps these ruins weren't the most stable place to use my thu'um. I made my way cautiously towards the next door. More hallways, I vaguely wondered just how deep these ruins ran as I got to another room with a lower level. Skeleton archers roamed the grounds below. I decided to follow the path towards the other side of the upper level of the roam as discreetly as possible. I had left my back vulnerable as I tried to avoid the sight of another archer and I felt an arrow lodge itself into my shoulder. I lost my balance out of surprise and fell to the lower level of the room. Alerting the nearby enemies of my presence. I made quick work of the skeletal warrior closest to me and took the bow and arrows as I dashed for cover from the flying arrows around me. I aimed as best I could to get the rest of them. I hit the first one easily, braking the arm off that held the bow. I knocked another arrow to aim for the one running towards me, I missed 3 times before It was in front of me. I jumped aside to dodge it's sword, leaving me out in the open for the archers. I held on tight to the bow as I sent him a punch to the ribs, the bones cracked and splintered, cutting into my knuckles. As it fell to the ground I felt an arrow wisp by my face, barely missing me. I quickly ran off and found a few collapsed pieces leading to the upper level. Without thinking I forced my way back up, trying my best to ignore the pain in my shoulder. Once I was on the top I sprinted to the next door and left them behind. I leaned against the stone wall beside the door as I prepared myself to pull out the arrow.
I quickly pulled out the arrow, a hiss escaping from me involuntarily. I dropped the arrow and began to heal my wound as best I could. I was able to close the wound but there was still pain and a bit of swelling. I waited there a bit, my body was tired but I knew I couldn't stay in here long. Something would find me. I should have came more prepared. What was I even thinking? I pushed my thoughts aside, no use in complaining over my decisions.
As I explored the halls I heard a skittering sound. I looked towards a far corner expecting a rat or something but noticed a mask on the floor instead. I bit my lower lip nervously as I tried to ignore Miraak's mask on the floor. Hermaeus must be taunting me. I had no time for this right now. I made my way deeper into the ruins, cutting down undead and sacking through the old chest I found. I ran into a decent weapon. An enchanted claymore, I could feel the enchantment vibrating through the blade. I smiled relieved that luck was on my side today. I took everything useful and everything I that caught my eye.
Hours of searching through these ruins I felt a bit lost. I wondered if I was going the right way? I came across various odd stones on pedestals. I had decided to take them, perhaps I could sell them? Or if they were useful, keep them. It wasn't long after I came across the Great Welkynd stone Martin needed for the ritual. I stuffed it into my pack along with the various gems and other magical stones I had come across. I heard something odd, I ignored it thinking it was only the usual auditory hallucinations, but then I felt a stabbing pain go through me. For a moment I thought I saw a tentacle instead of the sword from the lich behind me. The pain made me stumble and I scrambled away from the next swing. The Lich summoned 2 zombies to help him and took another swing at me. I dodged as I clutched the wound in my abdomen. The lich sent a blast of shock my way. I noticed he had cast the blade aside in favor of a staff. I winced at the pain and stood up after the next blast and shouted.
"Zun haal viik." The staff flew out of its hand, the lich seemed surprised at the shout and I took the opportunity to lunge at it. Slashing at the creature as I waited for my body to recover from my shout. The lich took me by surprise when it grabbed the claymore when I stabbed it through the chest, with its free hand the lich grabbed me by the throat. My lungs began to burn at the lack of air. I heard the zombies coming closer. I let go of the claymore and pulled out the silver dagger. Cutting the hand off, I fell to the floor as the creature writhed. I used another shout.
"Iiz Slen Nus!" The shout turned the lich into brittle ice and the force behind it made the ice form shatter into small pieces, I felt weak, I hadn't yet recovered from my previous shout, the other zombies that had been summoned quickly turned to ash. I sat there on the floor panting, each breath sent a burning pain through my core. I hoisted myself up and made my way to the remains of the lich king. I saw something shimmering in the remains, I picked it up, a key. I made my way to the door on the far side and continued, using the key to leave this area of the ruins. I began to heal myself as best I could until I had no more magicka left. I was still in pain and the wound was still open. A few more undead were in the path but I soon made it to the beginning again. I felt relief as I opened the stone door, the smell of petricore and grass was a welcoming change from the smell of death and iron. I quickened my pace to get to the horse, I mounted the thing, pain shooting through me. I gritted my teeth, perhaps I should make a stop in Skingrad and find a healer. It wouldn't be a great idea to ride all the way back in this condition. I pulled out the map and headed towards the city, the light rain and breeze made me feel numb.
The uneven ground was a pain to go through, I clutched at my side in pain, only one hand on the reins. It didn't take long to reach Skingrad. I left the horse at the front and made my way in but as soon as I entered I attracted the attention of a rather peculiar bosmer who had been skulking around the entrance of the city. He called me over ever so discreetly. I looked at him oddly and looked around but no one seemed to be around. He came to me and spoke urgently.
"We can't talk here. Too public." He said hurriedly, I was about to speak but he cut me off. "Meet me behind the chapel at midnight. Don't let anyone follow you!" He looked around, fidgeting at the movement of a distant guard before whispering, "I'll make it worth your while." He scurried off quickly. I was confused, did I imagine that? I made my way to the middle of the city looking for the chapel, I still needed a healer after all. I wondered if I should actually stay and meet this bosmer. I frowned, what if he was another sent by Hermaeus Mora? I should ask around about him first...
I found the Chapel of Julianos fairly easily, I walked in and headed to the priestess at the alter. I seemed to have startled her when she saw my injuries. She ushered me to sit on a bench and began to heal me, I tried to focus on anything but the painful sting of flesh knitting back together. This somewhat reminded me of Kvatch, when Martin had been healing me. I wondered if there was a way to stop his death? Or if it would even be a good idea, and how would this affect everything in the long run? Then my thoughts strayed to the dream I had this morning... The more I thought about it the more uncomfortable I became, the draconian eyes reminded me of Miraak's eye. I wondered if there was any significance to this?
"Do you feel any pain here?" The priestess asked as she applied light pressure over the area my injury used to be. I was surprised how fast she worked, I sat up and moved my arm to check my shoulder as well and smiled. Everything seemed to be just fine now. I thanked her and left, I saw the odd bosmer again, he seemed to be watching me. I felt uneasy and wondered what his intentions were, should I wait and find out?
I soon found myself at an inn, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask about this odd bosmer. There was an elderly woman at the desk and I approached her, she greeted me and I began with a question.
"Do you happen to know about this odd bosmer? I didn't get his name but he... seems a bit weird."
"You must be talking about Glarthir." Her words got the attention of a dark haired woman, she walked over as the old woman spoke. "He's sort of the town eccentric, he's lived here for years so were actually quite used to hims strange ways... Although, I will admit, lately he's been a bit weirder than usual. Always looking over his shoulder, writing in his little notebook. I wonder what he's up to now?" She trailed off. The other woman scoffed.
"Erina don't sugar coat things, he's a raving lunatic!" She looked over at me and continued, "I'm assuming you're asking because he's done something strange."
"What strange things has he done?" I asked confused.
"Shouting obscenities at you, or wearing only fur for an entire year, or waiting outside your house every morning. That man is utterly insane."
"Oh Else, don't be so harsh, I'm sure he's completely harmless." Erina intercepted, Else rolled her eyes, her opinion unchanged.
"Not that you'll get anyone else in town to admit it." She said to me as she ignored Erina. "Just wait, one day he'll snap. I'd watch your back if I were you." She went back to cleaning the lobby and I stood there awkward for a moment, letting the information sink in. I decided to leave and ask around a bit more. Perhaps a guard would be more insightful in this, I walked around the city until I found a guard walking to a tavern. I quickened my pace to catch up to them.
"Excuse me." I said as I stopped him, he seemed a bit tired.
"Yes?" He looked tired.
"I was wondering if you could tell a bit about Glarthir?"
"Glarthir?" He seemed surprised about my question but he continued on about him. "Total nutcase, if you ask me. But he's never done anything, yet, that we could arrest him for. You should avoid him. If that's all I will be going now." He continued into the tavern and I stood there contemplating. It seems this bosmer was no more than some town eccentric. I couldn't help but think about the odd brenton I had run into in Solitude, I wondered if this Glarthir was simply one of Sheogorath's lackeys? I felt much better knowing that Glarthir was simply the town eccentric and not a servant to Hermaeus Mora. I wondered what he wanted? I suppose I should find out another day, Martin need the Great Welkynd Stone for the ritual. I quickly made my way to the city gates, I noticed Glarthir on my way out, he seemed to be watching someone and writing in a notebook, just as Erina had said he usually did. I caught his attention as I left, he seemed indifferent until he realized I was leaving. He seemed panicked, I wondered why?
I wasn't looking forward to this journey, as I was leaving the farmlands of Skingrad the eccentric little bosmer called out to me.
"Wait!" Glarthir called. I sighed and stopped the horse a bit outside of the farmlands, I wondered why this eccentric even followed me. Was he that desperate for help?
"You're the bosmer from earlier." I started, He nervously looked over his shoulder as he spoke.
"Normally I would advise against speaking during broad daylight... But I need you're help. You're the only one that can." He insisted.
"I'm not sure I can at the moment-"
"There are people watching me, the whole town's in on it!" He seemed genuinely terrified, I sighed, I didn't have the time for this.
"If someone is after you why not leave the city?"
"Leave?" He seemed confused. "No, I can't do that. They'll know-"
"I'm sure we can figure something out. I'm in the middle of an important errand, I can't help you right now, but perhaps after I can."
"After? It'll be too late by then." He panicked. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. I can't believe I'm about to offer this...
"Then come with me, I can drop you off somewhere safe while I go run my errand and I can pick you up right after? Or if you don't trust me I suppose I can consider taking you with me to my errand..." I watched him as his face contorted from confusion to concern. He simply shook his head.
"No, no, no, I can't ask that of you. I'm sorry, this is my own problem. I will need to do this on my own then." He began to walk away, I should have let him go and continue on my way as well but I felt an odd guilt tug at me. He felt as if the whole town was against him, perhaps because he was ignored by everyone and labeled as eccentric. No one would help this crazed bosmer so he must have felt helpless. I conceded and spoke again to him as he walked away.
"I will meet you at midnight I suppose. But I cannot stay very long. I will help you as much as I can for the next couple days but after that I really must leave." my words caught his attention and he looked back and simply nodded before running off back to Skingrad. What had I just agreed to?
A/N: What's this? I actually updated early? Haha yeah, I found sometime to actually write and decided to write away! The next chapter should be posted soon, Probably not today but maybe in the next couple days, I have more time today for writing but I'm not entirely sure it's enough time to write and edit but I guess we'll see?