Yah, so have I mentioned that I'm terrible at updating? At any given time, I have about a dozen writing projects going on, and it's only a matter of time before my attention is focused somewhere else. I'm a bit of a mess.
Anyway. Enjoy this chapter, not sure when I'll update again.
Here's to a (hopeful) return!
Harkon finished draining the thrall and tossed her body aside like it was a ragdoll. The Imperial was about as valuable.
He was sitting in his quarters with the recovered Elder Scroll, staring at its beauty with a fascinated eye. Soon, he would have another to add to his collection, and after that, a third. Once that was completed, he could properly begin the quest to rid the world of the oppressive sun for all his kind.
There were but a few wrinkles in the plan to sort out first.
"Garan!" Harkon barked, sitting down in front of the throne by his fireplace.
He smiled in enjoyment as he heard shuffling outside his room as the Dunmer rushed toward the room. There was a moment of hesitation as Garan straightened his robes outside the chamber, and then came striding in.
"How goes the hunt?" Harkon asked, folding his hands in front of him. Patiently. Benevolently. He was both.
"Not much progress has been made, my lord," Garan replied, looking calm despite the bad news he was delivering. Good. Weakness was death.
But too much strength was a threat. "And what of the young half-elf who has beguiled my daughter?" Harkon crossed his arms as he stared into the fire.
Somehow, Harkon had known that making the boy a vampire would end up being a short-term solution. But it was paying off so far—Nathan had found the Elder Scroll, and was keeping Serana docile for now. Sooner or later, the half-breed vampire would grow too ambitious. It was time to begin playing the chess game.
"I…am not sure where he and Serana went, Lord Harkon," Garan replied, looking troubled. "It has been two days, but none in the court are sure where they disappeared to."
Ah. So they found my traitorous wife, then. Harkon smiled grimly. The pieces were falling into place.
"His name is Nathan Scarlett," he said. He turned in his seat to look directly at Garan Marethi. "Send out the spies. Find me everything you can about this half-elf. Any weaknesses, anything that can be used against him."
Garan hesitated. "Should I keep this quiet, my lord?"
Harkon nodded. "Of course. One word of this and the court will scurry around like a den of skeevers. No, I need this to be discreet. Can you do this for me?"
Garan bowed low. "Yes, Lord Harkon. It shall be done."
Harkon's grim smile returned as he turned back to the fire.
He had a feeling that a certain Daedric Prince was going to be pleased.