Chapter 21:
Dila woke up and stretched. Her hand bumped on Siris. She wasn`t too preoccupied. He was probably awake. She stepped over him and went to the ground. She stretched her legs, getting ready for the climbing she was supposed to do that day. She yawned and turned, expecting to find Siris looking at her.
But he continued in the same postion, with his arms now over the spot were she had been, trying to hold something that wasn`t there.
She turned him around, and saw that his eyes were still closed. He was drawing breath in a slow and steady rythym. Siris was sleeping. She had finaly woken up before him.
" He is letting his guard down near me." She thought. "He is opening up."
She put her fingers on top of her amulet, smilling. Her smile got bigger when she thought that he wasn`t going to wake up soon. She went to his knapsack and took out a charcoal. She giggled as she approached him.
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Siris slowly opened his eyes. He sat up, scratching his back. He looked around, but he coudln`t see Dila anywhere. He got up, straightened his coat and went to eat something.
The inn`s eating place had few people. When he walked across them, they sometimes stifled a laugh or almost chocked at the ale they were drinking. Siris shot them a suspiscious look, and spotted Dila. She was sitting at a table, absent mindedly nibbling a salmon fillet. He went to her table and sat down.
- Good morning. – he said.
She looked up and put her hand in front of her mouth, alost spitting her salmon. He looked at her, puzzled.
- What happened to you people? Did I turn into a jester and didn`t notice?
Her laughter only increased, and she released her hand from her face. She managed to swallow her fish, and began to laugh harder.
"Has she gone insane?"
- Dila, what happened? – he was getting worried.
She didn`t respond. She just took out a charcoal. An idea formed in Siris`s mind.
- Oh, you didn`t… - he began. Than, he hailed the innkeeper. – A bowl of water!
The innkeeper rapidly brought him one, and he looked at his reflection. Two large and thick circles were drawn around his eyes, a big beard like design on his chin, and a swirling circle on the top of his head. He closed his eyes, as Dila laughed even harder.
- I`m going to let this one slide, Dila. – he said, throwing some water in his face. – Just this once.
- Well, it wasn`t my fault that I woke up early, Siris. Next time, don`t let your guard down.
- I won`t, oh-wise-one. But don`t let your guard down either. – he said, adding his best chuckle to the phrase.
She stopped laughing at his phrase and looked at him. He laughed this time, his face now bare of any marks.
- No need to be constantly on guard. I`m not cruel.
He picked one of the salmon steaks and put it into his mouth. The fish was slightly charred, but he was famished. He eagerly ate another strip, before wiping his mouth on the back of his hand.
- Charming. – Dila said.
- Hey, it works, so why bother. Have you paid for that already?
She nodded.
- Then let`s go.
They got up and left the inn. The sun wasn`t shining like he hoped it would be. Instead, it was covered by grey clouds. He snapped his tongue, cursing the fact that he didn`t have a cloak with him anymore. Dila would have to walk close to him again. Not that she`d have much of a choice anyway. The ways up the mountain were too narrow for two people to walk side by side, unless they were touching. And he was sure that Dila didn`t mind it, also
They crossed the bridge. Siris noticed that the old stone etched tablet was still where it should be.
Siris crouched near it and blew the dust from the readings.
"Before the birth of men, the Dragons ruled all Mundus;
Their word was the Voice, and they spoke only for True Needs;
For the Voice could blot out the sky and flood the land"
Siris laughed. He remembered the first time he came across the tablet. He was journeying with his friend, and they had been called by the Greybeards . It had been right after they had slain that first dragon. Siris remembered he had never felt that afraid in his entire life. A dragon, swooping down, trying to catch him with it`s claws? He`d prefer go against Razara and the Shadowscales again. But after that, feeling the pride that came after their victory, getting drunk telling stories at the inn with his friend. That had been a night to remember.
He felt Dila touch his shoulder, signaling that it was time to head up. He rose and walked up the path.
- Come on. – he said, turning toward her. – We have a long day ahead of us.
They began their ascent toward High Hrothgar. A few goats occasionally passed alon them. Dila shot one. They would need dinner, and Siris`s gold was beginning to get thinner. He would have to go to Riften to get more money from Black-Briar. They would probably wait there until the Legion gave them more orders. Since The Rift was now officially Empire controlled territory, they could clear the bounties on their heads. Another thing quickly passed through Siris`s mind when he remembered Riften, but he quickly dismissed it.
" No, no, no. That would never work."
He looked at her.
" But I really wish it did…"
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It was midday when they heard a strange hissing sound. Siris forced Dila to go back-to-back with him, drawing his sword on the process. She got her new bow from her back and notched an arrow. They were surrounded by no cover at all. To their left, a sheer pit, and to their right, a massive rock wall. Whatever was hissing at them had to be on the trail.
Suddenly, a snake like…thing…appeared in front of Dila. It was floating, and below it , a small icecycle stuck up from the ground. Dila released the arrow she had been preparing. It went right through the head of the creature, making it dissentegrate onto a small pile of ash on the snowy hill, which was quickly blown away by the wind. Siris swung his balde downwards, and sliced two of the creatures in half. The wind once again scattered the remains of the monsters. Sirirs sheathed his blade.
- What were those, Siris? –Dila asked, putting her bow back in her back. She was really enjoying using that bow. It felt so light, and yet so powerfull.
- Ice Wraiths. They are formed out of ice and air, blended together by a soul that hasn`t left Nirn. – he stated. Then, he put his hand under his chin. – Last time I was here, it were wolves, not Ice Wraiths, on this mountain. Perhaps they came here after Alduin died.
Without looking back, he began walking uphill again. Dila looked at the remaining ashes. Nothing was left. She jogged up to Siris. She might not show it, but she was actually afraid of the height. She quickly caught up with him. He smiled when she appeared by his side. The mountain was still treachourous, but soon, they came across a small flat place in the mountain.
- Let`s rest here before we go on. I am afraid that I will drop on the ground if I continue onward without stoping.
- I think we can both agree on that.
Dila slumped against one of the trees. The way up had been brutal. They had crossed over to the snowy session of the mountain long ago, and Dila hadn`t had time to properly appreciate the view.
She had to admit it, though. The sight was marvelous. The raw beauty of Skyrim was stunning. She could see far off in the distance. The plains of Whirterun, the forests surrounding the mountain, all of it was just an intoxicating painting of color. She sat on the fresh snow, admiring the landscape. Siris joined her.
- Beautiful, isn`t it?
- Yup.
- I wasn`t talking about the view, you know?
- I supposed as much, Siris. – she said, smiling.
- Caught your breath already? – when she nodded affirmatively, he continued. – Then come on. We`re almost there.
They began walking again. It wasn`t long before they were both approaching their destination.
The building was impressive. The walls of what looked like a monastery, battered by ages of furious winds and snow, were standing proudly atop the passage. A chest was located by the stairs, which curved upward to lead to the heavy stone door of the monastery.
- This is it, I suppose? – Dila said.
- Yes. It`s been quite a long time since I have last been here, but nothing`s changed.
- How long?
- A year. But the important part of this trip isn`t me.
He walked up the stairs. He placed both hands on the door.
- It`s what is behind this door.
He pushed them open, and almost immediately, he was flung on the air by a blue shockwave, landing again near Dila, sliding with the momentum for another couple of meters. Dila drew her bow, taking a step back. She was surprised enough to see Siris fly in the air all of a sudden, but she was sure she had heard something. Like someone had… shouted something.
Then, almost as quickly as Siris had been knocked out of the ground, a grey clad figure literally sprinted as quickly as the wind out of the door, landing near Siris. Dila again heard that weird scream. It sounded like it had a meaning, one she couldn`t decipher.
As Siris was rising out of the ground, the figure put a knee on his chest, approaching a dagger to his throat. Siris rapidly raised his leg, kicking him in the head and sending the enemy cartwheeling back. They engaged in a grapple.
- Give me back my weapons! – the grey spectre screamt, with his hands around Siris`s neck. Siris had his hands around his too.
- St…stop! – Siris pleaded. – Stop. Vigfus, it`s me! Siris!
The robed man loosened his grip around Siris`s neck. Then he released him. Dila unnotched her arrow. She had been nervous about firing it while they were still struggling, afraid to hit Siris. She was on the verge of releasing it when they stopped.
- It`s been long, Vigfus. – Siris said, now with a smile on his lizard face. – Or better yet, Dragonborn…
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Razara sat up. Indifferent to the whimpering form on his bed, he stood up, grabbed his pants and his vest from the ground. He quickly and efficiently dressed himself. Kandella assumed a fetal position underneath the covers. He rubbed her shoulder, not gently like a lover, but like her master and superior.
- Out of here. Now. – he said to her. She curled herself further. He chuckled emptily at her vain attempts to keep him away from her. – If you insist on stayin, then maybe we could have some more fun.
Her back visibly hardened as he said that. She brought the covers near her face. She hadn`t been so childish in bed. Razara had never seen a woman thrash and claw at him so much. He liked that.
- If you hadn`t fought so much, I`m sure you would have enjoyed it as much as I did.
Her self-consciousness was lost that very moment. A string of Argonian curses flew from her mouth. Some of which Razara didn`t even recognize. His patience had been tested enough. When she finished, he threw the blankets away and threw her clothes over her. Or what was left of her.
- I told you to go away. Now. Don`t make me repeat myself.
She silently stood up and covered herself up the best she could. She then left the room, slamming the door as she went out. She was sill crying.
"Was that really necessary?"he heard it in his head. He turned to the dagger now lying on the table.
- No. But I needed some stress relief to take my head of the world. If I ever need some more, at least I know who to call.
He sat by his desk again, still trying to figure out a way to get Siris. He needed to think about something. Siris and that Khajiit of him were becoming quite a nuisance rather quickly.
- Wait. – he said to himself. Then he grinned, a smile that split his face in two. – The Khajiit…
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- How have you been, Siris? – the Dragonborn asked.
- I`ve been good. Been better, but still.
Siris drank another mouthful of ale. The warming sensation brought him some relief from the bitter cold of High Hrothgar.
- And what about you, Khajiit? – he asked Dila, who had passed on the ale to drink some water instead. She was silently observing the shelves filled with books. – What`s your story?
- Oh, let`s just say we met under difficult situations. One thing led to another and … - she trailed of when she noticed what the conversation was leading to.
Siris laughed at her attempt to hide their relationships.
- Dila, it`s okay. I trust my Nord friend here more than anyone in this land. Well, except you, of course. – he said, to her, before turning and facing Vigfus. – We have been.. how can I say it... more than simple comrades.
Vigfus laughed at that. His long blonde hair had been cut shorter, and had darkened. His beard, on the other hand, had grown longer. He had changed his normal ebony armor to the Greybeards robe. Siris hadn`t seen the armor, so he assumed he had put it in a display somewhere. Same with his weapons. Except the one that still mattered.
Voldrendung was still in the corner of the room. The hammer`s green glow had dimmed, but Siris knew that if the Dragonborn touched it again, it would reclaim it`s killing power.
- Good for you, Siris! I knew you would settle down sometime soon, just like I did.
- About that, Vigfus, I think I may still have some fight in me before I settle down. And, in fact, I would like to know why in Oblivion you attacked me.
Vigfus`s face grew a little darker at that.
- A few months ago, an Argonian was spotted sneaking out of the monastery. When I checked my stash, I realized he had taken a few of my most valuable items. Including the Star and…
- The Mace. I know, I fought against it already.
- When I was training my Aura Whisper, I noticed a life patern similar to that of the Argonian caught sneaking out of here. We didn`t catch him, obviously, but I managed to catch his aura. When I thought it was you, I immediately lashed out and attacked.
- It`s okay, really. I didn`t break anything.
- What about that sword on your back?
- This? – he said, signaling the Ebony Blade. – Balgruuf gave it to me when my old sword broke.
- Balgruuf? That old man still up and kicking? – Vigfus chuckled.
- Yes, and he managed to pick sides in the war, finnaly. We could actually use your help, Vigfus. We need good soldiers.
Vigfus smile dropped after that. Siris knew he shouldn`t have said that.
- You know I can`t do that now, Siris. I swore upon not taking sides in the dispute for the land. Especially now, that I am a Greybeard.
- I know but…
- Siris, a no is a no. –Dila rapidly cut in, feeling that discussing wouldn`t help the much. – But anyway, Dragonborn, would you care on enlighten me, how did you throw Siris in the air like that?
The Dragonborn looked at her with a puzzled face, cocking his head to the side. Then he looked back at Siris.
- Is she…
- New to the land? Quite. – he said, backing against his chair. – She hadn`t even heard of you. She doesn`t know what the Voice is.
Well, I can`t really explain to you what the voice is, Dila. Even I don`t really know what it is. I just know it is the way that Dragons communicate. – he said. Dila leaned in closer, interested in the subject. – All I know, a few individuals in every generations is born with the capabilities of speaking like a Dragon. Those are the Dragonborn.
Siris listened, quite disinterested, as his friend explained to Dila what the Words of Power worked. He had already heard the explanation a thousand times, and he was sure a thousand more would still follow. He leaned back further, equilibrating his chair on one of it`s feet. He rocked forward and back, looking at the ceiling*.
He felt someone push his chest just a little.
He came crashing down on the stone floor.
- Ouch! – he yelled. Dila was whole heartedly laughing, with her hands on her sides. Vigfus was following her. Siris laughed to. – It`s good to see that your sense of humor is still intact, friend. Those Greybeards couldn`t sap everything from you, I see.
He sat again on the chair, laughing. Then he took a swig of ale.
- Back to business then. – Vigfus said. – Why did you come all the way up here.
- We came to ask the thing you already told us. Your weapons have been stolen by a member of the Shadowscales. I need to find their base of operations before I do anything else. Are you sure you can`t help me?
- Yes. I am sorry, Siris, but I can`t leave High Hrothgar. I swore the oath to stay here, in exile of the land, to meditate upon the Way of the Voice. Please don`t insist, Siris.
Siris noticed his friend`s voice was riddled with sourness. Heknew there was no point on pressing him to do something he didn`t want to do. At times, Vigfus seemed like a mountain like the one they were in: unyielding and, quite frankly, stubborn to a fault. Siris got up and tapped at his friend`s shoulder. He, however, continued to be sitted.
- We are leaving, then. No point in overstating our welcome.
He began to walk to the door, and Dila hopped right after him.
- Siris. – Vigfus said. – I am sorry.
- I know, friend. – he said, sadly.
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Tar-Ma awoke. He was thirsty.
He got up opened the door. He heard something, coming from another room. It was Kandella`s. He got closer and put his ear to the door. It seemed like she was crying. The door was open, so he slowly opened it.
Kandella was in bed, her back turned to him. Her breathing was being cut by sobbing, and he could see that her clothes were almost reduced to nothing.
- Kandella? - he said, taking another step into her room.
She curled further.
- G…get out of here. – she said, sobbing.
- What happened?
- I SAID GET OUT!
She flung an empty potion vial at him. He dodged it and it shattred in the wall behind him. He barely had time to turn around when another vial came again. He grabbed it in midair. He closed the door with his other hand. The last thing he wanted was waking up the entire base.
She seemed to calm down after that. She slumped back to the bed. He cautiously made his way to her. He sat on the bed.
- What happened? – he asked again.
- Razara… he… - she said, turning around to face the wall. Unconsciously, she put her hands between her legs. – He raped me.
She broke out into a full fit of crying. He didn`t know what to do. HE just sat there, mulling over the thoughts. Razara knew that an assassin needed to be in his or her top mental condition to kill efficiently. Distractions or interferences usually led to disaster.
"Then why, by the Twin Moons, did he do this to her."
Kandella slowly cried herself to sleep. Seeing that the clothes she had on her were not going to protect her from the cold, he got up and covered her with the blankets. He quietly made it out of the room. Thinking a little, he turned and headed up to Razara`s room.
"What is he thinking?"
When he arrived, Razara was writing soething on a piece of paper. He could see the bed was ruffled.
- Ah, Tar-Ma, you arrived. – he said, without turning to him – I was going to wait until morning to brief you, but since you seem to be awake, I can do so now. You and Kandella…
- Kandella? You mean the girl you just abused? – he snarled.
Razara dropped the quill with which he had been writing. He put his hands on the table and got up. Tar-Ma felt something odd. Razara irradiated a feeling that left him… afraid? Anxious? He turned, and his gaze met Tar-Ma`s.
- Yes. That girl. – he said. Tar-ma was surprised. He had thought Razara would try to cover this up. – Do you have a problem with that?
Tar-Ma shuddered. Was his boss getting crazy? Being cold was part of the profession, but damn, that man was turning into an iceberg.
- N..No, boss.
- Good. As I was saying, you and Kandella would make for a team, now that Dead-Aim is… well… dead. I will be sending a raven to my source in Whiterun. When the time comes, I want you both, along the rest of the Shadowscales ready to deploy. Understood?
- Yes sir. – Tar-Ma said. Even though Razara was smaller then him, he was a much better assassin. If Tar-MA tried to fight or even argue with him, Razara would kill him with his bare hands. He chose his next words carefully. – If I may, why did you do that to Kandella.
Razara paused for a brief second. Then, he simply shot:
- Because I wanted to. – seeing that Tar-Ma`s eyes widened, he continued. – Why? Do you need a better explanation? You don`t doubt my decisions, be they combat tactics or which women I choose to sleep with. Am I clear?
Tar-Ma nodded. He found the word for the sensation he was feeling. He was terrified.
- Now go. I need to finish this letter.
Tar-Ma bowed and left the room. He stopped for a bit in the staircase and rubbed his temples.
"In what have I gotten myself into. Now i`ll need to sleep with an eye open." he went down the stair, silently. He wanted to forget about that night.
Thirsty or not, he was going to bed.
*That actually happened to me once. Let`s just say my friend could never eat without a straw after that...