Evening Star
Greg J Miller
~O~
Chapter 21
Sundas the 29th of Frostfall 4E48
It was not unusual for Alex to be the first one out of bed. It would have been just a short while before dawn as he quietly padded across the room to find the chamber pot. Monika tossed aside the covers almost immediately and then started to get up. That was only a little unusual. She might have preferred a slower start to the morning, but there was work to be done.
Since Monika was up right away, Alex set about retrieving their leather armour from where he had hung them out by the small hearth the previous evening. With immediate matters attended, they were soon dressed and prepared to head out for the day. They didn't plan to waste any time in the tavern downstairs. They just took something to eat from their supplies.
After the previous afternoon of casually wandering through the streets of Skingrad, Monika had led Alex to the third inn that she had pointed out. She had outright rejected the Northside Tavern near the upper part of Hightown. She had described it as a terrible place run by dishonest operators. Monika had also passed over the more opulent looking West Weald Inn with some ambivalence. Alex suspected it might have been more that it was rather close to the Guildhall. The Great Chapel Lodge was located in the Chapel District. It was the only tavern over that side of town.
Inside the Great Chapel Lodge, they made their way down to the service bar of the busy tavern. After securing a room and taking a meal, they made use of the upstairs bathroom facilities. Then they retired to their room on the uppermost level. It was almost of the quality of the rooms they hired back at Chorrol, if just a little smaller.
Monika and Alex had talked for a while about their plans for the next day. Alex really needed to hear what he should expect when fighting vampires.
Monika had advised him that there were lots of different kinds of vampires. A number of things were common to most of the kinds that she knew of. All of them suffered from a common weakness to sunlight. Some types more than others. It was much the same with fire and silver. The effects of fire were obvious. Silver was almost like a poison to them. It was something to do with the mildly corrosive nature of their blood and how it reacted with the silver. Still, killing a vampire was more or less just like killing any kind of foe. They were just a bit harder to kill. If they were wounded severely enough before they could heal, or if their head came off, then they'd go down just the same.
Monika had also warned Alex of the inherent strengths and attributes of most types of vampires. Almost all kinds were much stronger and faster than they might appear. They could see better in the dark and some possessed the power to become invisible, or very nearly so. It also seemed that most vampires had an inherent increased ability with various kinds of magic.
Overall, it was best to expect the unexpected. By Monika's reckoning, it was best to attack them from a distance or by surprise. It was also best to go for the most effective killing strikes and end it as quickly as possible.
Monika also warned Alex of the danger of contracting disease from close combat with vampires. It didn't necessarily require a bite or scratch to become infected. In some cases, close contact was enough. She had held up the two vials of a potion that she acquired from the alchemist. She assured him that it would cure vampiric infection, if caught early enough.
Alex was left thinking that it might have been much better if it wasn't just the two of them going after the vampires, but he tried to take it in stride.
After they had finished discussing their plans, their armour and clothes were laid out to air and they went straight to bed for a good night's rest. Alex had suspected that Monika was feeling a little less confident than she had tried to sound. He might have been imagining it, but she seemed to be holding him a little firmer than usual as she slept pressed hard up against his back.
At one point during the night, Alex had actually woken from a disturbing dream. It was some mixed up version of that time that they fought those reanimated undead corpses in Wellspring Cave. He had tried not to disturb Monika's sleep and said nothing of it later.
The rising sun had seemed rather subdued that morning. Alex had thought that it was just because of the tall walls about the city. Outside on the street, he learned that a heavy cloud cover had set in overnight. The skies were gray and overcast. There had been no indication of it the previous afternoon, just a few clouds about the west and south.
Alex and Monika headed down to The Low Street. Even though it was still quite early that Sundas morning, just a few of the street vendors were already setting up. They made their way past them and up the slope to the Lower Eastern Gates leading out of the city. The southbound road to Silorn was just a short distance along the Old Gold Road at the back of Skingrad. From there, it would still take some time to reach their destination.
Malcolm Forester had risen just a little later than he had intended. That was not so surprising. It had been a long journey from Kvatch the previous day. With that diversion to Fort Istirus, it had taken a little longer than he had intended. It was quite late in the evening by that time that he finally made it home. He planned to be up well before seven, but his tired body had other ideas. Still, at least he had managed to wake well before eight.
That last part of the journey back to Skingrad along The Gold Road had passed relatively quietly. They hadn't even seen anyone along the road until they passed a Legion rider near the vineyards just outside of the city.
Forester had spoken with Fadren a few times along the road. He was somewhat intrigued by the earnest nature of the Dunmer. Most of the Dunmer that Forester had met seemed to carry themselves with a measure of arrogance, some more than others. Of course, there were those that at least tried to reign in their sense of racial superiority, but it was not uncommon to encounter those that wore it like a badge of honour. Even Alaron Suvaris seemed to carry a little of the Morrowind of old at times; and he was from the more rural regions of the south.
Although Forester held no first hand experience, it seemed that Solstheim and Skyrim might have shaped the Dunmer a little differently. He also supposed that it probably had a great deal to do with the destruction of their homeland. That was something that he wouldn't usually be the one to raise in discussion with a Dunmer.
He thought that Fadren seemed likeable enough and rather open, for a Dunmer. He had told Forester that he had been no more than a general labourer for the shipping companies and some other outfits before he had met his master. It had been shortly after he had witnessed the skills of Aras Fals as a healer that his path had changed.
Forester was interested to learn that there was no College of Whispers or Synod in northern Skyrim. As Fadren understood it, the organisation of mages in Skyrim had become rather disordered since the breakdown of the Imperial Mages Guild several decades ago. The only remaining establishment was the college of mages at the city of Winterhold, on the northern coast. Fadren believed that place had been only loosely affiliated with the Empire's old Mages Guild and remained relatively unaffected by its absence.
According to Fadren, Aras Fals had not had much to do with that place at Winterhold. He had originally gained his training in Morrowind in the old days. From time to time, he took on students to pass on his knowledge to those that showed some potential.
Forester had found all of that quite interesting. He was vaguely envious of the way that the Dunmer had the opportunity to pursue his mage training in that fashion. He had told Fadren that he had previously trained with both the College Of Whispers and the Synod for a time before joining the Fighter's Guild.
After having spoken with Fadren for a while and taking his measure, Forester was even more inclined to help him find his missing associate.
Upon reaching Skingrad, Forester had guided Fadren to that tavern not far from his home, the Great Chapel Lodge. Even though it was rather late, they managed to acquire hot meals from the service bar. Being Loredas evening, it was quite busy in the tavern area.
Forester had reasonably suspected that the Dunmer might not have much gold, but he didn't ask. Instead, he had offered accommodation in the spare room of his house. Fadren had graciously accepted.
Since Forester had already slept about an hour longer than he expected that morning, he readied himself quickly. He emerged from his room fully dressed in his mithril armour with his helmet under his arm. It seemed that Fadren had already departed the spare room. There was no sign of him upstairs. Heading downstairs, Forester had briefly hoped that he not misjudged the Dunmer. He found Fadren sitting quietly by the table outside the kitchen.
Fadren turned to see his host arrive. "Good morning to you, sera." He started to rise from his seat, but Forester waved him back down.
"And to you, Fadren. Please, most of my friends just call me Forester."
"Your friends call you by your family name?"
Forester scratched his nose. "To be honest, I'm not all that fond of Malcolm. It sounds a little too… Colovian."
Fadren seemed a bit confused. "Colovian is Imperial, is it not?"
"Quite right." Forester returned a mild grin. He avoided getting into a discussion over the differences between Colovian and Nibenese heritage. It truth, he was actually a little of both.
Fadren maintained his humility. "I must again offer my gratitude for your kindness."
Forester waved it off. "Think nothing of it. I would offer you something this morning, but my larder is rather spare." Forester had indicated his kitchen area. "There's not much point in keeping it stocked when I'm away."
Fadren bowed his head slightly. "You have already offered more than enough."
Forester resumed. "Well, I need to visit the Fighter's Guild this morning. There is an excellent bakery just around the corner. It's more or less on the way."
"As you say." Fadren again bowed his head.
"Afterward, I might be able to help you in your search for your fellow Dunmer."
Rising from his chair, Fadren again expressed his gratitude with a silent gesture.
Forester and Fadren had soon left the house, emerging onto the streets of The Chapel District. Forester led the Dunmer along the street toward the bakery. By that time, there were several people upon the streets. A number of them were coming from the direction of the temple. The Great Chapel of Julianos generally hosted a greater number of visitors on Sundas mornings, as was the case with any of the temples for the Divines.
They stopped at the bakery, just near the Great Chapel Lodge. The offerings were always freshest at that time of the morning. They made their purchases and continued, eating along the way. Forester led the Dunmer out of The Chapel District and across The Low Street, into Hightown. They passed the West Weald Inn and came to a stop outside the Fighter's Guild.
Forester turned to Fadren. "It's probably best that you wait outside. The Guild Porter can be somewhat… unfriendly to outsiders, at times. Better to avoid any difficulty."
"As you say." Fadren accepted the advice without any offence.
"I shouldn't be too long." Forester assured.
Fadren returned silent acknowledgment and settled against the stone wall as Forester disappeared inside the Guildhall.
Despite his assurances, Forester was gone for quite a while. Almost a half-hour had passed before he finally emerged from the front door.
Forester wore a serious expression. "I'm afraid I must offer my apologies." He shook his head. "It seems that urgent matters have arisen in my absence. I need to go assist some fellow Guild members over at Silorn." He waved his hand in a vaguely southern direction.
Fadren remained silent a moment.
With a sigh, Forester continued. "I was hoping to help you find your fellow Dunmer. I suppose the best I can do now is point you in the right direction." He turned to look up the street. "The College of Whispers is right there." He indicated the large stone building next door. "Someone there might be able to help. Feel free to mention my name. They all know me well enough." He paused to point further up the hill. "There's an alchemist store up the street on the right that might also be worth trying. Oh, there's another person you could speak to." He turned to indicate the inn. "If you go to the West Weald Inn, you should ask to see an old Altmer called Sinderion. He might know something."
Fadren responded. "That is most kind. You have been quite helpful. Perhaps, I could offer some help with your task?"
Forester looked down, shaking his head. "No, no. Some vampires attacked some mage scholars. Anyway, it's Fighter's Guild business." Forester paused; realising his mouth was running ahead of good sense. "I expect I'll be back in Skingrad by tomorrow morning. I'll try to find you and see if you've had any luck. If not, then I might be able to help some more."
Fadren appeared to accept Forester's words.
After a brief farewell, Forester headed off for The Low Street at a brisk pace. Fadren had waited near the College of Whispers for just a few moments. Once he was certain that Forester was out of sight and well on his way, he started to follow discreetly. It seemed that he was back to where he was before. Only now, Forester was making things even more difficult.
As Forester disappeared through the gates at the far end of that broad street that ran through the middle of the city, Fadren considered some of the things that he'd just heard. It seemed that Forester was headed for a place for Silorn. Mage scholars were mentioned and a vampire threat. Some ideas began to form in his mind. He thought it best to allow Forester to reach his destination well ahead of him without any notion that he was being closely followed.
Ras'Dar had kept Belwen moving through the forest well past nightfall during the previous evening. Both moons had been high in the sky for some time before he finally relented and sought a suitable place to rest for the night. Of course, a suitable resting-place was relative to their circumstances. Another night was passed up in the branches of a tree.
At some point during the earlier hours of that evening, their path through the forest had again started to head downhill. However, that time their downhill progress was taking them north into the south of Cyrodiil. Ras'Dar wasn't really certain exactly where the border was situated. Still, it was reasonable to expect that if they weren't already in Cyrodiil, they soon would be.
The dawn seemed to have arrived slowly that morning. A heavy cloud cover had rolled in as they slept in the tree. There was no indication of it as darkness came the previous day. There was just some patchy cloud cover obscuring the moonlight during the evening. As much as they could see through the canopy of the forest, it seemed like the kind of dark and heavy cloud that threatened rain. Belwen was not looking forward to another soaking.
The possibility of rain was the least of Ras'Dar's concerns. He was hoping that the armoured High Elves that seemed to be roaming the western forest of Elsweyr did not roam as far as the south of Cyrodiil.
Not long after they had set off that morning, Ras'Dar had spotted the mound of one of those ground pheasants near some underbrush. Unlike the one they saw being ransacked by forest rats, that nest appeared undisturbed. The Khajiit took the opportunity to test their fortunes. It seemed that luck was with them. He found three eggs inside the nest and they couldn't have been more than a few days old.
Despite her hunger, Belwen still required a little persuasion to eat the raw eggs. She was more accustomed to properly prepared foods. Nevertheless, she needed to eat and she couldn't afford to be choosy.
Aside from the odd berry bush that they found, the only other things they'd come across were a few mushrooms that were safe to eat. There were plenty of mushrooms in the forest, but most of them were not so safe. Luckily for Belwen, Ras'Dar knew which kinds were which. Of course, she had no idea.
For the most part, Belwen had remained quiet as she followed her Khajiit companion through the forest. It seemed that he rarely spoke unless he thought there was something important to say. Accordingly, she tried to do the same.
About half way through the morning, Ras'Dar had paused to look ahead through the trees. Satisfied with what he could see, he leaned against the trunk of a tree. "Time for a short rest, yes?"
Belwen nodded. "Yes." She sat upon a fallen log to rest her legs.
Ras'Dar took a sip from his water flask and passed it to Belwen.
Belwen was thirsty, but the flask was not heavy. She took just a sip. "The water is running low." She handed it back.
Ras'Dar had looked back at her as though she said something funny. "This one thinks that water cannot be far." He waved his paw northward. "Water must flow downhill. Ras'Dar expects to find it soon enough." He looked to the sky through the canopy above. "Also likely that water might soon fall from the sky. Better than no water, yes?"
"I suppose so." Belwen had to agree that it would be better to be soaking wet, than to die from thirst.
After the short rest, Ras'Dar and Belwen continued to travel further northward. For the most part, they were still going downhill. Throughout the morning, it appeared that the forest was beginning to thin as they progressed further in that direction. Upon occasion, there was some sign of more open land off in the distance. Ras'Dar was becoming more confident that they had to be in Cyrodiil by then.
Monika and Alex had left Skingrad shortly after the dawn. There was nothing but a lesser stabling facility located outside the gates of the eastern wall. It was rather different from the area outside the main gates on the other side of the city. Aside from the bored guard at the gates, there wasn't anybody out there at that time of the morning.
A narrow trail skirted along the city wall to the left. It was reasonable to assume that it led to the eastern crop fields they had seen the previous day. It was also reasonable to assume that nobody passed that way, as the fields lay fallow for the coming winter.
Just up ahead, a tall stone bridge crossed overhead, leading from one hilltop to Castle Skingrad. Only the stone walls and spires were visible from down below. It provided no indication of what lay behind the castle walls. That bridge was the only way into the castle. It was well protected by the steep hillsides and those tall stone walls.
Old Gold Road wound about the hills south of the city. It eventually connected with the main road a little further east. Well before that, Alex and Monika had turned off to the south along the West Weald Track. That lesser road led them up over another hill and then descended steeply toward the upper reaches of the Strid River.
Across the far side of the narrow valley ahead, the land rose steeply. It appeared fairly heavily forested about those slopes and even more so upon the low mountains. Monika had pointed out that Valenwood was up there to the right and Elsweyr to the left. The border between those two lands was somewhere along those forested mountains.
Coming down that track, the pale stones of broken arches came into view. Alex had thought that it must be Silorn. Monika had told him that it was only the remains of an old Ayleid tower. She expected that it probably had something to do with Silorn, but that place was located a bit further eastward.
Much more came into view as they descended. About the stones ruins of that tower, there were a series of small lakes. Waterfalls cascaded down from each one to the next, feeding into the Strid River below. Monika had pointed out a wooden bridge that crossed the water just near the broken frame of the tower. She told him that the road on the other side of the bridge led to Valenwood, not that anyone travelled that way since the Aldmeri Dominion had closed off the borders to outsiders.
By that time, the Silorn ruins had come into view over the far side of the uppermost lake. Even from that distance, Alex had thought that Silorn appeared much more substantial than any of the other Ayleid ruins that he had seen, not that he'd that many. There seemed to be a series of stone arches of that typical Ayleid style. Some looked to be fairly intact frameworks. Others were just broken columns. One feature stood out. It appeared to be a huge statue of some sort. It looked like a bird with outstretched wings perched atop something. It was hard to tell from that distance.
The track led downhill to where that broken tower was located that Alex had firstly thought was Silorn. An old signpost along the trail indicated directions. One sign pointed back toward Skingrad. Another sign indicated the cities of Bravil and Riverhold to the east. It made no mention of Silorn. The sign that pointed southward had been defaced. Alex couldn't read what it was meant to say. The words burned into the wood now read, NO MANS LAND.
Monika had commented that those lakes were a nice place to take a swim during the summer months. Alex had accepted that they probably were, although it required some imagination under those gray autumn skies. Although the weather had held so far, it certainly looked like it was going to rain.
The West Weald Track led along the northern side of the uppermost lake. Another wooden bridge crossed over the water to the other side. The bridge seemed old and rickety. It appeared safe enough for foot traffic. However, nothing but the smallest of wagons would be likely to use it, if any actually came that way.
Alex had been quite distracted by the sight of the ruins just across the small lake. It seemed far larger than those few that he had seen before. He'd really only seen four other Ayleid ruins from a close distance. Even then, that was only from the outside and not really all that close up. None of those others were much to look at. Nothing more than a few broken columns and arches and the remaining entrance to the underground areas. Really, Silorn was also mostly made up of broken columns and arches, but there was a lot more of it. Aside from that statue with the stone bird perched atop, he couldn't yet see what was on the other side of the nearest walls.
"Are we still going to Silorn first?" Alex sounded a bit too enthusiastic.
Monika responded in a more ordinary tone. "Yeah. I still want to talk to those scholars before heading for those caves."
"Okay." Alex remained somewhat distracted; he was a little more interested in seeing the Ayleid ruins up close. Though he didn't really expect there would be much opportunity for a proper look about.
They followed the track along until they reached the trail that led back into the ruins. It was not exactly what Alex had been expecting. The old ruins were large and spread out over a fair area, but there wasn't really all that much to see. Most of it was just empty space. Alex was disappointed to learn that the towering stone statue in the middle was probably the most interesting feature. He could actually see the statue more clearly as they approached. A large multi-tiered and ornate pedestal was decorated with carvings of hideous faces. That lower section supported the figure of an ancient elven soldier in full armour. The huge bird seemed to be springing forth from the soldier's shoulders. Alex thought that it looked like it represented something of special significance, but he didn't know much about the ancient Ayleids. He considered asking Monika about it, but she continued marching purposefully toward the mage's encampment over the far side.
There were more than a dozen large tents set up in a long line over near the framework of the largest stone tower. A couple of robed mages were in view as well as two others dressed plainly. Alex spotted another person up on the platform of the tower behind the tents. The figure seemed to disappear out of view as though walking down steps into the structure. That reminded him of something that Monika had previously mentioned; that most of what remained of those Ayleid ruins was generally located below ground.
Alex watched on quietly as Monika spoke with the mage scholars. An Imperial man in plain clothes seemed to behave like he was in charge. He had mentioned that most of the others were currently down inside the ruins. Monika had tried to learn as much as possible about the vampires that attacked them, but they hadn't been all that helpful. They just didn't know much more than had already been reported. Three vampires attacked the encampment at night. Two of the scholars had been fed upon. Two other scholars were injured fighting off the attackers. The vampires had fled eastward into the dark. The only fresh detail was that nobody had been infected. Or at the least, the disease was not at all resistant to conventional cure.
Monika seemed a little annoyed that the scholars couldn't tell them more, but thanked them for their time. Alex had remained somewhat distracted by the ruins site. Still, he had been listening closely enough. He quickly matched Monika's pace as she turned and started off back the way they had come.
"So, what now?" Alex checked if there was any change in plan.
Monika glanced at Alex with a grimace. "Nothing's different. We get back onto the West Weald Track, then cut across up to where Howling Cave is supposed to be."
Alex just nodded. "Okay, then."
Monika glanced to Alex again, taking his arm. "Listen, I want you to be careful on this one. Vampires aren't like those raised undead we fought before. These things can be fast and they can almost disappear right in front of you."
Alex tried to appear confident as they returned to the road. "I understand. I remember what you told me last night."
"Remember to go for quick kills and try to keep your distance."
"I remember." Alex assured.
A male voice called out from behind. "Northwind. Pinewatch."
They stopped and turned to see the Imperial man in mithril armour heading quickly along the track toward them. His neatly cropped beard was easily visible below his helmet.
"Forester." Alex sounded off enthusiastically.
"Wait up." Forester called back, rushing along the track toward them.
Monika spoke as he drew near. "We heard you were away."
Forester held up his hand as he caught his breath. "Well, I… I just got back. Canne sent me to help go after these vampires."
Monika sounded a little more formal than usual. "That's good. Are you properly briefed and prepared?"
Forester offered a grin. "Of course." He paused. "It's good to see you both again."
"I am glad to see you, also." Alex chimed in. "I am glad that you are all right… after that day at the grove."
"Almost as good as new." Forester patted his thigh. "You're looking much better than the last time I saw you." Alex was still unconscious in the Imperial Tower the last time Forester had actually seen him.
"Yes. Much better." Alex agreed.
Monika interjected. "We heard you were asking about us around Chorrol."
"Oh, yes." Forester responded. "Since I was over there, I thought I'd try to catch up, but you were away. Karl gro-Baroth said you'd gone up north."
Monika glanced briefly at Alex. "Uh, yeah. We, uh… we went up to Skyrim for a bit."
"Truly?" Forester seemed interested.
"Yeah, but right now, we need to worry about these vampires." Monika returned the subject to the task at hand.
"Of course." Forester agreed. "Have you spoken with the scholars at Silorn?"
"Yeah, thought of that. They weren't much help." Monika's expression clearly indicated her frustration.
"Very well." Forester accepted. "Canne advised checking out Howling Cave as the most likely place."
"Yeah. That's where we're headed." Monika waved her hand in the general direction of their destination. "We should get moving. The sky doesn't look good."
"You're right, of course." Forester accepted. "You are properly prepared for this, I should hope?" His tone sounded serious, almost like an accusation.
Monika glared harshly at Forester, seemingly challenging him. He maintained a serious expression, but said no more.
Alex was wondering what he was missing in that silent exchange. Looking past Forester, he had noticed something that the both of them were missing. "There is someone coming this way."
Monika and Forester shifted their attention to see the robed Dunmer with the dark beard running along the track toward them. Monika's posture had tensed. Forester's shoulders sagged.
Forester spoke up. "It's alright. I know this man…Dunmer."
The Dunmer didn't slow until he almost reached their position.
Forester spoke first. "Fadren, what are doing here?"
The Dunmer bowed his head in a subtle manner. "Please accept my apology, sera."
Forester shook his head slightly. "It's Forester."
"Yes, Forester." Fadren maintained a tone of humility.
"Why are you here?" Forester pressed.
Fadren composed himself just briefly. "I had given some consideration to some things that you said." He paused. "You mentioned mage scholars and vampires. Someone was kind enough to direct me toward Silorn. I considered the possibility that Daras Garil could be among the scholars or possibly be known to them. More than that, I thought I might be able to help."
Forester sighed. "I did tell you it was Fighter's Guild business."
"As you say." Fadren gestured humbly. "I have fought vampires before. I admit that my master was more skilled. However, my skills with the proper spells are quite sufficient."
Monika interrupted. "Who is this Dunmer?"
Forester sighed again. "Fadren is a mage from Skyrim."
"His accent sounds like Solstheim." Monika's comment indicated some suspicion.
"Yes, that's right." Forester confirmed. "Fadren mentioned Solstheim, as well. We met along the road from Kvatch. He tried to help… with a little incident along the way."
Monika's patience sounded strained. "What's he doing here?"
Forester glanced to Monika briefly, then back toward the Dunmer. "Fadren is looking for another former student of his old master. He uh… he was sort of with me… when I learned of this mission." That was a vaguely accurate version of events.
"Well, he shouldn't be here." Monika protested.
"She's right." Forester agreed. "You really shouldn't have followed me."
Fadren again bowed his head. "My apologies… Forester."
Forester responded. "Well, look. Silorn is just over there. You might try to speak with the mage scholars. Someone there might be able help you."
Fadren's humility appeared to falter a little. "Daras has been in Cyrodiil for more than ten years. Another day could hardly matter. Also, I do feel indebted to you and I do know some old and rare spells from my master that cause harm to vampires. I do not possess the power to sustain the great wall-of-flames, but I am skilled enough with a sunlight spell…"
Forester cut him off. "A sunlight spell?"
Fadren nodded. "A small source of sunlight. Close enough, a vampire will suffer weakness. Actual contact will bring greater harm."
Forester stared a moment. He glanced to Monika. "I can't do that. That could be really useful."
Monika didn't seem so open. "I don't like it."
Alex weighed in. "Another skilled mage…"
Monika's sharp glance encouraged him to be quiet. "This… Fadren, he's not with the Guild. He shouldn't be here."
Forester agreed. "You're right, of course."
"I really would like to help." Fadren's expression seemed quite earnest. "I also hope to accept your help afterward in my search for Daras."
Forester huffed as he considered Fadren's appeal. He again turned to Monika. "We really could use his help. I have found Fadren to be of good character. Under my proper instruction…"
Monika stared back at Forester, considering his suggestion. She shook her head slowly. "I hope you know what you're doing." After a short pause. "Come on, then. We really need to get moving."
Forester gestured to Fadren to come along.
Fadren's teeth flashed though his dark beard. An indication that he was pleased with the decision to allow him to offer assistance.
The four of them continued along the track for a short distance. Monika soon paused at a bend in the road, where she believed they should turn off to cut across the hills to the north.
Monika led, with Alex by her side. Forester and Fadren trailed just behind. As they walked, Forester had offered some instruction to Fadren. He also probed to learn just what kinds of magic that the Dunmer brought to the situation.
Almost a couple of hours had passed since they had left the vicinity of the ruins of Silorn. Approaching their destination, a rocky outcrop had come into view amongst a copse of trees. Just in front of that outcrop, there were the remains of a low stone wall and a number of gravestones. All of it appeared quite old.
Alex spoke up. "Is this the right place? I thought it used to be a mine." There was nothing obvious to identify the location as Howling Cave.
Forester offered an explanation. "I think there used to be a small settlement around here. Of course, that was back in the first or second era, I believe. I might expect that the gravestones could be directly related to the mine. When it was still used as a mine, of course."
Monika voiced her own thoughts. "This has to be the place. I'm sure of it."
In the shadow of a large tree near the rocky outcrop, there was an old wooden door barring the entrance to the cave system. There were obvious signs of recent entry. The ground was marked where the door swung outward. From the look of it, the scoring could easily have been from the previous evening. Monika had examined the door, testing it carefully. It didn't seem locked or barred.
Monika stepped back from the old wooden door and looked to each of the others. "Are we all good to go?"
Forester spoke up. "Just a moment. I really do need to go behind the bushes."
Monika said nothing, looking away. Forester sought a suitable place.
Alex spoke up as well. "I need to take a leak too."
"Hurry up, then." Monika shook her head.
Fadren remained composed and silent.
Monika retrieved the special poisons that she acquired the previous day. She proceeded to dip the points of several of the silver tipped arrows in the poison. Once Alex had returned, she instructed him to do the same. They also got some of the poison onto their silver blades. Fortunately, the mixture was viscous and sticky enough that it tended to remain upon the metal. Evidently, Forester had failed to outfit himself with a silver blade before leaving the Guildhall. He only had his usual sword of fine steel and his ebony dagger. Fadren only had a dagger. She realised that the pair of them intended to lean toward the use of magic. Still, she advised them both to make use of some of the poison on their blades.
It was difficult to tell under the dark clouds, but it had to be midday by that time.
Since Forester had offered no objection, Monika was still taking the lead. "Okay, then. If everyone is ready, we should probably get this started."
Each of the others had indicated their readiness. Both Monika and Alex held their bows. Forester and Fadren each carried a single blade at the ready, keeping one hand free for casting magic. Alex suppressed any thoughts of trepidation and stepped forward to the old wooden door.
~O~