The Ansei hadn't been riding for five minutes before Jiles and Khochi were caught up in one of their usual arguments. Today's verbal dispute - Why the existence of the Daedra Prince Hermaeus Mora didn't confirm the concept of predestination. While the argument raged on, Zid caught a glimpse of one of the oldest cities in Cyrodiil, sat high atop a large plateau.

"Have you ever been to Kvatch, Roe?" Zid asked.

"I have."

"What's it like?"

"Pleasant."

"Come on Roe! Is it anything like Chorrol?"

"The prison's not bad." Roe smiled.

"How'd you end up there?"

"Arrested for trespassing. Escaped my cell and never went back. The Wolfpack is very thorough with their pursuit of criminals."

Zair overheard Roe's comment and abruptly stopped his horse.

"Roe what did you say? What did you just say?"

"I was arrested. You knowI used to be a thief, right?"

"Yes, yes! But who arrested you? A wolf you said?"

"The Wolfpack? It's what the city guard call themselves on a count that the seal of the city is a –"

"A Black Wolf?" Zair finished.

Zid quickly caught on to his Master's suspicions, recalling the description of Priestess Denilwen's vision.

"Master, you don't think? The black wolf is Kvatch?"

Zair nodded.

"Maybe it means who we are looking for is in Kvatch."

"I'm not sure yet if there is a who or what to look for, but I think you are correct in believing that the black wolf has some sort of connection to Kvatch. As this is very likely the case, we will have to divide up. I want you to take Khochi into the city and try to find out what you can." Master Zair ordered. "Ayisha, Jiles, Roe and I will continue on to the Imperial City to make contact with the Imperial family."

"The Emperor is guarded by The Blades. They are fierce warriors, do not underestimate them." Jiles, a former Imperial Legionnaire, contributed. "He travels with a public bodyguard detail easily recognizable by their blue and gold armour, but count on their being Blades nearby in disguise. If they perceive you a threat, they will not hesitate to kill you. Be cautious."

The mood grew extremely tense. Master Zair shook the hands of each Ansei. Ayisha, Khochi, Jiles, Roe and Zid, were ready to prove themselves. Zair sensed their uneasiness.

"I would not have chosen you to accompany me if I did not have complete confidence in your abilities." Zair began. "Remember your training, rely on your teammates and we will all meet at the Brina Cross Inn in three days time. Good luck. Don't screw up."

Sean was conducting his discussion with Zidvyda as if he were interviewing a source for one of his books. They had left the festivities of the Temple Plaza behind and adjourned to a private room in the Temple's east wing. Sean could still hear the laughter and music from outside penetrating through the thick stone walls. The Festival of Blades had eased the tension between the author and the priest still lingering from their initial meeting. Father Zidvyda was being cooperative about his knowledge of Roe and The Reachman.

"You mentioned your team split up and Roe went to the Imperial City?"

"Yes."

"And you went to Kvatch?"

"I did, with Khochi."

"Were you there for the attack?"

"I was." Zidvyda answered without hesitation.

"I am sorry you had to go through that."

"Don't feel sorry for me Mister Finn, I could at least protect myself. I feel sadness for the hundreds of souls that could not, that didn't even have a chance."

Sean remained quiet for several moments until it appeared Zidvyda was ready to speak again.

"What happened after your team left?" Sean continued.

"You would know that better than most Mister Finn. I arrived in Kvatch on the evening of the 25th and three days later the city was destroyed. The rest is history."

"History with a lot of unanswered questions."

"Look I can only tell you what I saw and experienced. Throughout the Crisis we were often separated. I am willing to share with you what I know but everything else you'll have to either find out through another source or leave to speculation."

"Father, would I be where I am today if I left things to speculation?" Sean boasted.

"No. I guess you wouldn't."