From the Series Nerevar Blue: A novel based off Morrowind, Ashlander Julan by Kateri. .
Day 284
Julan and I were pleasantly surprised on our return. When we arrived back to the Ahemmusa camp, the tribe was ready. Sinnammu reported that there had been little tension between the tribe and retainers.
"It would seem that your plan has worked well, sera," Sinnammu flashed a wicked smile, "but I think you knew it would."
"It had to—there was really no other choice," I said.
"Has there been anymore incursions or visits from the Zaniab?" Julan asked.
Sinnammu waved her hand nonchalantly. "None that I have seen, Julan, but you should really ask the n'wah—I mean… ah Outlanders about that. I have been busy preparing the tribe. War is the art of men." She seemed to forget their elected war chief had a cunt. I didn't bother correcting her, but excused myself quickly to find Huleeya. I saw him gathering wood with the other tribesmen and two of the male retainers.
Huleeya requested to stay, better to the command the troops, "Best to make sure everyone follows the program, sera." We decided that two of the women battle mages and an Orc went with the remainder of the tribe.
After saying our goodbyes to all, we walked along coast. "So what's left?" Julan asked. "Do we just go and pound on Dagoth's door?"
"I think we head back to what's-her-name- with the Urshailaku."
"You mean Nibani?"
"Yeah," I muttered. Gods, it seems like forever since we've darkened her door.
"I wonder if she likes you any better since then, sera." Julan winked, though I didn't think it funny. That woman hated me.
Changing the subject, I added, "Then we have to see the Archcannon."
"So you thought of terms?"
"Yeah, actually. First of all they'll stop all this outlaw nonsense."
"They should decease in calling you a spy too, Anni. Oh yeah, and don't forget about the dissident priests."
"Yeah, yeah that's a good one," I nodded. "Also, they can't push any more tribes off their lands. In turn, I'll beat the boogie man."
"Wonder if they don't agree?"
"They will Jules. Remember, they called for me, not the other way around."
Day 289
I greeted Nibani Maesa who was sitting with Ashkhan Sul-Matuul together in his yurt. I had hoped I hadn't interrupted something as it seemed they were focusing intently on something—tea leaves, I believe. It was convenient that they were both in his yurt together, as I had no desire to be punted back and forth between them, as was often the case before.
Sul-Matuul spoke first. "It's been some time since I've seen you sera, though word travels of your deeds." He then turned to Julan, "Ashkhan Kaushibael, it is comforting to know the Ahemmusa now has a leader. It is my hope you will lead the tribe to greatness again, in the spirit of your father."
"When Dagoth beaten, I look forward to our tribes forging a new path together in peace, Sul-Matuul," Julan responded joyfully. I know he loved it when people called him by his new title Ashkhan.
Turning to me Nibani spoke, "So Annika Blue, Nerevarine of all the camps and Hortator of the Great Houses. You have but one thing left to do," she said nodding toward Sul-Matuul.
"What is that, Nibani?" I asked curiously, knowing that I did all she tasked me with.
"You have yet to be named Nerevarine of the Urshailaku, sera. Had you forgotten about us?" Sul asked playfully.
"No, sera." I said. Dolt! How could I be so stupid?
Sul-Matuul stood and took my hand. "We have been waiting anxiously for your return. You wish to be called Nerevarine. I know you, and am disposed to do so. But first we must speak of need and duty. I want you to hear from me and understand why a war leader is needed."
"Yes, sera," I said intently.
"You have fought bravely against the Sixth House and know the evil that is plaguing the land and our people. You must tell others of this evil so they are not tempted into corruption and lies of Dagoth Ur. He offers our people a vision of life without the Outlander. Sera, you and I know that time has passed. The only thing that Dagoth can offer our tribes is more sickness and death. Let people here that message." Sul-Matuul said gravely.
"I will," I nodded and he went on.
"Your next task will not come so easy. I see that you are a natural leader, though I know you do not believe in the prophesies." I began to speak but he raised his hand. "Stop Annika, do not deny it. I see it in your eyes. If you cannot believe in the words of the ancients, then at least understand them. You will have to convince the Temple and its worshipers that the Tribunal of False Gods cannot protect the people. Vivec knows this. Go to him with an open mind. It is your duty to all peoples of Vvardenfell."
"I will do as you say," though I wondered how. How do I convince a god that he's not right for the job?
"Now, before my hearth and kin, and before the People of the Wastes, I name you Urshailaku Nerevarine, War Leader of the Urshailaku, and the Protector of the People. Here, take this," Sul-Matuul then handed me a bone necklace. "It is the Teeth of the Urshailaku, and shall say to all Dunmer that you are the Nerevarine and that the Urshailaku follow you in all things, even in death, until the Enemy Dagoth Ur is defeated."
Nibani must have sensed my unease. "Outlander, you must meet with the Archcanon. Go to him and demand to speak with the false god Vivec. He has the tools to stop Dagoth."
"Julan and I also plan on speaking with him regarding the treatment of the dissident priests and native peoples."
Nibani's face clouded over with rage. "Do not cloud the issue with secular matters! Nothing is more important than Dagoth Ur's defeat."
I blanched at her tone, but this was not a time to argue. Sul-Matuul had offered the greatest gift his tribe could bestow. I would placate Nibani and do what I planned anyway. I looked to Wise Woman with down cast eyes and spoke, "Of course, sera. I will get Kagrenac's tools and return to you."
Nibani left the yurt quickly; then Sul-Matuul spoke kindly to me. "Annika, you must believe she wants the best for our peoples. Her thinking is very focused."
"Sera, with all due respect, once I am able to defeat Dagoth, you're people will still be crippled. It is best to bargain with the Duke and Tribunal now." I turned to Julan.
"Now that we have something they want," Julan continued. "Sul, you and I both know that striking a deal with n'wah is the only way our people stand a chance."
"Do what you can, but make sure you get those tools. Annika and Julan, may the gods and our ancestors protect you. Go, and bring us peace."
Day 286
"The Aheummsa are safe," I said, shaking a rock out of my shoe as we walked south along Bani-dad Foyada.
"For now, at least," Julan said cautiously.
"Well, in any case," I said steadily, "I am not in a mad rush to get to Vivec. I want a meeting set up with the Archcannon and Dren."
"Then we shall have to find a courier. And one with some skill. Dren is the Duke of Vvardenfell, will not to be ordered or summoned by your beck and call."
"I know," I said with a little irritation. "We'll think of something on the way there," I paused. "Julan, I don't want to meet with them separately or they'll punt us off on each other."
"Anne," he said turning to me.
"What's on your mind?"
"I think Nibani wants you dead," he said simply.
"What? Well, Jules that would kind of defeat the purpose, would it not?" I asked laughing.
"Anne, this is serious, you can't go before Vivec. He murdered Nerevar before, I have no doubt he'll kill you too! He's on a mission to destroy the Nerevarine. You're a threat to his entire existence!
"Julan, we have no choice! This is the only way to defeat Dagoth Ur. This is the only way to protect your people. And this is the only way I will ever be unburdened by prophecy. You knew this time was coming."
"I just don't know what would stop him from doing it again."
I shrugged, "He needs me, Julan."
"For a time," he said shortly. "But the Tribunal are Mad Gods. They don't care for anything but themselves—"
"Do you not think I've thought of this? Give me some credit, Jules. I might not know your people's entire history, but I know enough…to give me pause." I stopped for a moment, Julan walked ahead mournfully. I ran up beside him and locked arms.
He stopped and turned around, then looked at me, holding my face. "Can you not take me seriously?"
"Let's talk this over a good meal. I think I see the lights of a town ahead of us."
"Anni, this is not the place for a romantic dinner."
"What?" I asked curiously. "I thought we were Ald'rhun."
"Of course it would be Mar Gaan that reached first," he muttered. "Anni, we'll have to be more careful. This is a Redoran stronghold, and according to these people you are an outlaw and traitor."
"And Nerevarine and Hortator," I smiled slyly. "Both a sinner and a saint."
Day 290
We weren't killed in Maar Gan, most likely because we didn't stick around. We moved on quickly to Ald-ruhn and contacted Hassour, who agreed to personally serve as our courier to Duke Dren. We took our time traveling to Vivec stopping in Balmora and Pelagiad, but disappointingly found out the Ence was not there; he was on a buying trip to Dagon Fel. Not much to do but go Vivec and face Saryoni, the Archcannon.
We walked to through the temple, but were advised by one of Saryoni's acolytes to use one of the Archcanon's side doors. Seems our presence would not sit well with the Ordinators. I walked into a large office, lined with books and furnished in damask.
"So at last we meet, Annika Blue," spoke the older gentleman before me dressed in lavish robes.
"Been a long time in coming, Saryoni. It has not been an easy journey."
"And I know the cause of that weighs heavily on my shoulders, Annika. But nevertheless, thank you for coming. You know the Temple's doctrine on the Nerevarine. Perhaps its time to change that doctrine."
"Saryoni, the time has come to change many things. Will the Duke be joining us?" I asked. Just then I heard a soft foot fall from behind a crimson curtain; I looked up in the direction of a secret door. Entering the room was Duke Dren himself, decked out in full ebony armor. I nodded respectfully to him as did Julan.
"Yes, Annika Blue, I did receive your dispatch, but what words to I have to the woman who murdered my brother and half his retainers?"
Julan spoke quickly, "The word you are looking for sera, I believe, would be thank you."
Dren swiveled quickly in Julan's direction. "Who are you and what do you have to do with any of this?".
"My name is Julan Kaushibael, Ashkhan of the Ahemmusa. And we have come, Annika and I, to strike a deal. Dren it gives me no pleasure in handing you this note written by your brother," Julan said. We all stood in silence for a moment while all in the room watched the Duke read the letter.
A heavy gasp then sign escaped Dren's lips and a darkness washed over his face, though I could tell he was holding back in expressing any hint of sorrow, or even joy. After several unending moments, Dren spoke, "I am saddened by the nature of this note, but do not doubt its veracity; though I am not sure what it has to do with you, Ashkhan or you Annika Blue, Nerevarine."
"Then let me explain," I said coolly. "I know you need me to beat Dagoth Ur and I am ready and willing to do so. But, my services will come at price."
"State your terms, Outlander," Dren said smugly.
I nodded. "First, the Empire will no longer push any Ashlander tribes off their land. Second," I said turning to the Archcanon, "you will cease and desist in slandering me—calling me a spy, whore, traitor or heretic. Lastly, you will relax your rules against heresy, particularly those that pose a danger to the dissident priest. There will be no more persecutions in the Tribunal's name! Before I go off to defeat your monster, I want a treaty drawn up agreeing to those terms."
"And if we don't agree to this?" the Archmagister asked with amusement and a wry smile.
"Then you and all of yours in the Great Houses can choke on the blight and ash storms plaguing this land; and you, Dren, can rule a mad and deformed people. It matters not to me," I said levelly.
The smile on Sayroni's face dropped. "If we agree?" he asked cautiously.
"Then I will live up to my bargain or die trying. I will rid the island of all Sixth House bases with their blight and send their leader back to Oblivion."
"How can we be sure you'll do this?" Dren asked skeptically. "Every day I the cultist—Dreamers, they're called, wandering aimlessly around my cities, mumbling gibberish and prophecies of doom. What have you done about any of this?"
Julan answered, "Both Annika and I together have cleared out at least a dozen Sixth House bases. We empty bases as we encounter them."
"And profit greatly from them, I'm sure," Sayroni added bitterly.
"Yes," I answered flatly. "We do; however, if your Ordinators or soldiers are willing to risk corprus and death, by all means send them in." Neither one said anything. I continued, "Gentlemen, I know Julan and I have presented you with much to discuss. We will take our leave of you now and return in three days time. I expect your answer—and the treaty drawn up—by then. Good day." Julan nodded as we walked out of the Archcannon's office.
I could smell their fear as strong as any incense.
Same Day, Evening
"I think that went well, Anni." Julan beamed confidently with his mouth half stuffed with crab meat. Manners were something he'd learn over time, I guess.
"We shall see. I haven't given them enough time to come up with a plan of coercion—or at least that my hope. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out."
"They don't know where the Ahemmusa are, and that's a feather in our pelts." added Julan.
"Yes, but I'm not going to get over confident. Jules they do know where to find us."
"Well, should we head out for a few days, Anne? Maybe look for more Sixth House base?"
"Yes, that's probably best, though I plan on sleeping in my own bed tonight. I've almost forgotten what a soft mattress feels like." I looked up smiling at Julan. "I plan on finishing my book."
"What is it?"
"It's called Axe Man. About a boy who becomes an assassin for the Morag Tong." The story struck many chords for me, as the protagonist, Minas Torik's life was much as mine, at least in my latter years at the abbey. The book followed the transformation of an abused boy who in turn becomes a hired killer—it could have easily been me.
"Hmmph. You're not thinking of taking up the role of assassin next, are you?" Julan asked with a hint of concern in his voice. "I don't doubt your ability to do so—but Anni, that's not a road I could follow you down."
I stared down at my plate, for a moment. "Jules, I've spilled enough blood in the last months to last a life time. I'm tired of destruction—the death. And I know that one day, I will answer for all my crimes—for all the blood on my hands." I paused then looked up at the man who was to be my husband. "Jules, I want to create a life—not destroy one."
Julan then put his glass down and looked directly at me. "Come. Let's go to bed Anni." I smiled and extended my hand.
Day 293
Julan and I arrived in the late afternoon on the third day. I did not want to the give them the impression I was over eager and desperate for them to accept the treaty. I watched from a distance as the Archcannon paced in his room, waiting for our arrival. Dren looked looked up at us angrily.
"Annika Blue, we have been awaiting you," Saryoni said impatiently. "The temple must protect the people from false doctrines. And your association with Imperial intelligence makes your motivations and integrity suspect. But you have been chosen Hortator and Nerevarine by the Dunmer people and frankly we have reached a crisis point with Dagoth Ur. We can no longer defend the people against an awakened Sixth House. You and your prophecies may represent our last hope."
"So you are agreeing to the treaty."
"Yes, you leave us little choice," he conceded. "The temple will relax its stance on dissident priests. And the slander will stop."
"What of my people, Dren?" Julan asked turning to the Duke.
"We will agree to make no more incursions at this time."
"The agreement Dren, was for all time!" I answered angrily. "I do not remember including any loopholes! I think I was clear that the land claimed by the Ashlanders is as it stands now. Either all parts of the Treaty are agreed to or there shall be nothing from me at all!"
"You would just walk away?" Dren asked, bemused. "Frankly Annika, I find that hard to believe."
"Believe it, Dren. I'm sure your people have looked into my history and know what I'm capable of. Keep that in mind."
"You ask too much. Annika," he glared, "I can stop the incursions for a time, but I have no control of King Helseth or the bloody Empire! You know this—I am but a Duke."
I was surprised at this admitted weakness, but perhaps he was stalling for time. No, he had to agree. "The treaty as I have written it must be signed. Dren, help me avoid another war between your people and the Empire. There can be no other way."
"You leave us little choice but to sign it. But know this Annika, King Helseth has but to blink an eye then your treaty will turn to dust. It will be as worthless as the guar skin it's written on."
"We will cross that bridge when we come to it, Dren." I turned to Archcanon, "What comes next?"
"I would ask you to speak directly to Lord Vivec himself; he is expecting you." I nodded, turning towards the door. "And Anni," he said with a wry smile, "His Lordship is remarkably patient, but perhaps it would be better not to keep him waiting."
"Ai. As soon as the ink dries on that parchment, I will meet with him." I turned to Julan, who looked severely uncomfortable. "Excuse us, gentlemen," I said as Julan and I stepped outside the Archcanon's office.
"Anni, am I dressed well enough to meet a god?" Julan smiled. My shoulders drooped slightly as I knew I could not take him with me.
"No, love. Not this time," I said softly kissing his lips. "I have to face him alone." Julan closed his eyes in a deep sigh, kissed my forehead and squeezed my hand before I went out the door.
"You'll be fine, Anne. I know it."