As we need to wrap up part of the story, this chapter is rather fast-paced and Lisette-centric. Expect a Lucien-centric chapter soon!

o.O.o

Paper

o.O.o

As returning to Frostcrag Spire was impossible if its secrecy was to be maintained, the only way to return to the Imperial City was to ride.

The Academy appeared somewhat more fortified against enemy attack, though that might just have been her imagination. The battlemage that blocked their path was doing so in an automated motion, though with the hint of uncertainty. The combination of her noble-looking clothing and J'Skar's rather worn robe must have appeared thoroughly bizarre.

"Halt! By order of the Council of Mages, identify yourself!"

Lisette bit back a sigh. Here she was, with the greatest urgency – and only now would security measures start blocking her path. Nevertheless, she didn't show these feelings to the man and dutifully (if more coolly than she initially intended) recited her purpose. "Escorting Journeyman J'Skar of the Bruma guildhall, Warlock Lisette Lemieux."

Some of the nearby mages that were familiar with the name appeared rather dumbstruck by this turn of events. One, however, had his enthusiasm overcome his surprise and pranced forward. In full armor, Lisette barely recognized him, but the voice she remembered from so many tavern evenings she had been unwillingly dragged to was that of Ivar, Merete's cousin, who she hadn't seen for months.

"Lisette!" He recognized her immediately, though, rushing towards her and this time pulling her into a bone-crushing embrace that reminded her somewhat of Gogron. Lisette barely returned the gesture; she had no will for it, the memory of her orc friend seemed too near. It was too brief and sudden. "Let her through, let her through! What happened to you? you were gone for so long! The Council proclaimed you missing in action; everyone thought you dead!"

Somehow, this didn't surprise her.

"For a while there, I was." she said with a tight smile. But this time, she had all her letters with her, including the one that Caranya had signed; the order for her termination. This time, she couldn't be ignored.

"Who's this?"

"From the Bruma guildhall." Lisette answered curtly as Ivar's broad shoulders managed to make them a path through the gathering crowd. "The Necromancers have struck it; he's the only one who survived."

Ivar stopped briefly, glancing at her in a rather dumbstruck fashion. "Bruma? You were in Bruma."

"I can't say much. But I need to see Arch-Mage Traven or someone in authority as soon as possible."

"Only Master-Wizard Polus has access to the upper levels of the tower now." At least some security measures had apparently been introduced. It was a start, but Lisette rather doubted that some meager fortifications would be sufficient against the King of Worms.

"Good." There was no point wasting time. In fact, that could make things worse. "Let's go find him."

"Now?" This time, Ivar actually looked stupefied, though for a different reason. "Merete will kill me when she finds out that you didn't go to see her…"

"And others might die if I don't get to see Traven right now." With that said, Lisette headed straight towards the main lobby, the others following her rather timidly.

The Master-Wizard wasn't in the lobby or the library, though and after some fifteen minutes of searching through the various more open locations, Ivar suggested they go directly to his quarters. It was a rather bold move, as they were all still students, to a point, and Raminus Polus, being so integral to the running of the University, very rarely retreated to his quarters during the day. If he did, it usually meant that he didn't wish for the company of others at the present moment.

Ivar was still somewhat wary of this move, but Lisette would not be denied. Apparently, the Master-Wizard was researching something from a large tome on his desk and didn't even raise his rather weary eyes when the heavy doors to his quarters opened after a short knock.

"I believe I asked not to be disturbed."

"Apologies, Master-Wizard, but this can't wait even a moment more." Lisette stepped forward without any hesitation; Ivar stared. Compared to her usual rather meek behavior – the one he remembered – this was downright audacious coming from her. This new fervor was strange in her.

Upon recognizing the voice, if not the attire of his guest, something close to surprise blinked its way into the Imperial's now-raised eyes. He observed Lisette for a good ten seconds before his voice returned to him and stood up immediately upon confirming that it wasn't some kind of vision but really his former student.

"Miss Lemieux…? By Akatosh, where have you been? We thought you were dead!"

"My friend already told me." Lisette motioned in the general direction of her companions. The question of how much she could and should say had haunted her on the journey here but now, it seemed much easier than she had thought. She would tell the truth, leaving out only the Dark Brotherhood and its involvement. "The Necromancer has been dealt with, which is all I can say about things."

"But where-"

"I apologize, Master-Wizard, but I can say no more." Not only because she couldn't say where she had recuperated, but also because she still felt the weight of all those weeks spent as a slave and then as a fighter on her shoulders.

Something about her expression must have betrayed this scar, because Raminus nodded rather sternly, though he kept studying her for answers.

"Very well." Momentarily, he turned his attention to her companions. "And who is this you've brought with you?"

"J'Skar, Master-Wizard." The Khajiit, now feeling safe behind all these walls and battlemages, managed to shakily introduce himself. "Of the Bruma guildhall."

"You bring news of Jeanne, then?" The question was directed towards Lisette again. She didn't know this, but Jeanne Frasoric had had the habit of sending letters to important members of the Arcane University at least once every two days. At least. "I was about to send someone to see what was wrong with her; her lack of correspondence, while relieving, is somewhat disturbing."

There was no pretext she could give to soften the blow, so Lisette decided to go with the pure truth. "Jeanne is dead, Master-Wizard. The Necromancers have begun their battle in the open."

Perhaps it made sense that Jeanne would stop trying to make connection only due to death, but it didn't seem so completely shocking to the Imperial. "Dead… they killed them?"

"Except my friend here."

"Master-Wizard, if I may…" The Khajiit continued only after Raminus nodded, feeling much more respect for the Imperial than Lisette was now showing. "Lisette isn't a Necromancer. She has saved my life. She would have saved the others as well, but unfortunately came too late."

But Raminus, realizing something else, turned his attention back to Lisette. "How in Tamriel did you get to Bruma from Cheydinhal?" His tone made it seem like a demand, though it was more of a bewildered question. When he received no answer, he turned his attention to the more problematic matter. "And your escorts?"

"Dead." To her credit, Lisette turned her eyes downwards for a moment. She hadn't forgotten the fate of those poor wretches, harsh as they had been to her. That she said nothing at all said everything.

Upon painstakingly gathering the facts, Raminus sank back into his chair. The lines on his face became much more pronounced when his worry increased. "By the Nine! At this point, I'm simply glad to see you alive, Miss Lemieux. But Arch-Mage Traven will want answers."

"I will give what answers I can." It was the greatest promise she could make. Considering what he thought the situation was – and such things were easy to assume, given her change in behavior and the fate of her companions – it wasn't too surprising that Raminus accepted this vow.

"Very well. Ivar, please accommodate our guest in the living quarters. Miss Lemieux, you and I will go straight to the Arch-Mage's tower."

o.O.o

Judging by the state of the Arch-Mage's private quarters, Raminus wasn't the only one who was researching something. But there was a greater degree of desperation about the almost-mess they saw in the tower; obviously, this was a matter of much urgency. Traven raised his eyes only to acknowledge Raminus, but then he spotted Lisette as well, which caused his rather fervent scribbling to come to a halt.

"Raminus, what brings you-…? Warlock Lemieux. I did not believe I would see you again. I don't believe I've ever been gladder to have been wrong."

"The mission Councilor Caranya sent me on has been accomplished, though I'm afraid my comrades fell victim to Celedaen." Lisette reported in a hollow voice when it became apparent that Raminus was going to allow her to speak first.

"I see." There was nothing surprising about this, as this was what they had assumed anyway. "I am grieved by the loss, but pleased at your return."

"We bring more news, Arch-Mage." Raminus took over, if only for now. "There is now a witness to Warlock Lemieux's innocence… the only surviving mage from the Bruma guildhall."

This was news that shattered even Traven's calm. "Only surviving? You mean to tell me-?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Lisette nodded. "The hall was attacked by Necromancers. J'Skar can testify to that. Before I left the city, I notified Countess Caro and the court wizard of the happenings there, so hopefully, they will clear things up before we have to. Nevertheless, everyone else is unfortunately dead. According to J'Skar, Mannimarco himself was there and said something about Echo Cave."

The Arch-Mage, having absorbed the news, some distressing, some even worse, leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply. "Bad news seems to have a way of piling up at our door. So it has come to this… the tidings you bring are graver than you might believe."

"I have brought evidence that overrules even Caranya's vote on the Council." Lisette didn't want to bring up her evidence just yet, because that would cause awkward questions about her escape, if there was still a chance the case might be solved without it. "Call up a meeting and bring up these points. We can strike back while they believe we are helpless."

"It isn't that simple." Traven countered. "The threat has been recognized, yes, but there are other… complications. Before you arrived, the Council met. We had in our possession a pair of artifacts that might be… tempting… for the Necromancers. These relics had to be protected, but the Council disagreed about the method."

"Arch-Mage… where is Caranya?"

"Gone." Traven didn't look pleased about this decision in the least, considering the latest news. "Both she and Irlav. By now, they will have carried their artifacts to the opposite ends of the province."

"The Arcane University is the safest place in all of Cyrodiil!" In this, J'Skar was right, Lisette believed. "Why allow this?"

"Miss Lemieux!" Even Raminus was somewhat surprised by this sudden change of attitude on her part. "What's done is done."

"No… she is right." Admittedly, it had been a bad move, the decision swayed by the enthusiasm of the moment. "It was a mistake to listen to their plan and I fear that it will cost them both dearly. But we can still rectify the situation. The Bloodworm Helm and the Necromancer's Amulet must be retrieved."

"Both Irlav and Caranya had a contingent of mages with them. If they cannot hold off the Necromancers-"

"We should simply retrieve the amulet and the helmet, but leave the Councilors where they are, as a diversion." Both men glanced at Lisette upon hearing the surprisingly reasonable suggestion from her. Not that she couldn't offer good advice on many things, but battle tactics weren't something she was renowned for being apt at.

"Of course; the Necromancers would still think that the items were with them… but… after what happened, I'm having doubts about Caranya's judgment." Raminus had never believed that Lisette was a Necromancer; and now with a witness on their side, the other Councilor's arguments seemed more extreme than necessary. "To send you on such a task under the guise of demanding proof…"

"I remember the accusations and the argument Warlock Lemieux made against her, Raminus. This will be a chance to test her loyalties as well." How, Traven didn't specify, but it likely wouldn't contain any life-threatening mission. "All in good time, though; we must hurry. Fort Teleman and Fort Ontus are far away from each other. If we are to reach both of them in time, we must hurry."

"But-"

The door burst open before Lisette could even begin her objection. A messenger burst through, carefully evading both her and Raminus and bowing to Traven before handing him a letter and disappearing thereafter.

"Arch-Mage! Forgive my intrusion, but this message has just arrived for you! It's urgent!"

"Thank you."

Raminus and Lisette waited in silence while the Arch-Mage quickly read through the message. When he emerged from behind the paper, his face appeared a little more lined than before. There was no need to guess the reason for the slight change.

"I was right about bad news having the habit of coming in groups." Traven said, as one would normally sigh dejectedly. "Now we are all but ruined."

"What is it?"

"A confirmed Necromancer from the Cheydinhal guildhall, Falcar, has aided the cult more than we would have believed. They have apparently succeeded in artificially creating a colossal black gem to trap souls…"

"Then they are preparing for the final assault." Lisette concluded. She felt a slight chill pass through her, despite her hardened state. It wouldn't be long now. they intended to trap the souls of the Council in those gems.

"Yes. That gem is most likely intended for me." Traven added, following her train of thought easily. "They have gotten much bolder."

"If there's only one, we still have the chance to retrieve it and apprehend the one who created it." It wasn't an immense relief, but Raminus still hoped there was some ease to be found in the suggestion.

"Indeed. Falcar has to be eliminated and the gem brought here. And it should be done now, while the forces of the enemy are likely focused on retrieving the artifacts… it's our best bet." Traven stood up to pace around the room, coming close to his rather well-stocked bookcase. "I don't think we should tell too many people about this, however. If there are indeed traitors in the guild itself, it's likely that there are ears even within the university."

"Agreed." Raminus nodded, turning to Lisette momentarily. "Warlock Lemieux, on account of your defeat of an enemy of the Mages Guild, your bravery in Bruma and your unyielding loyalty to us, I promote you to Master-Wizard." Lisette, distracted, needed a minute or so to comprehend the magnitude of this and was about to object when the Breton continued. "The amount of good you've done for the Guild allows for the breach of procedure by allowing you to skip one rank, I believe." Briefly, he glanced at the Arch-Mage to confirm his statement, to which he received a nod.

"In any case, as half of my Council is missing in action, you and Raminus will have to take the place of my aides." The Arch-Mage added in support of that statement. "We must now decide how to deal with the situation. I don't much approve of risking the lives of loyal guild members simply for the sake of a diversion, but I realize it might be necessary. We should out the team to capture the soul gem first, to give them a head start and then send out the others."

"A reasonable suggestion, but we agreed not to let too many know about the retrieval. Miss Lemieux and I should go, one to each of the forts. It will be easier that way."

But Traven was against that for practical reasons. "I can't afford to lose either of you right now. besides, I believe… I believe both of you will be better used elsewhere."

"If I may, I suggest we send Dremora on this task." Lisette, who had finally found her voice, spoke up. She was still recovering from the fact that she was now apparently an equal of most her teachers in terms of rank. "They are more efficient than us if killing is necessary, will be a surprise if invaders have come to the forts and we can summon as many as we like. That way there will also be no casualties to the retrieval."

"Yes, that is… that is a sound plan." Traven nodded. "For now. The Dremora have to be summoned before you leave."

"Leave?" That part of the plan had not yet been discussed.

"Yes. I can think of no better candidate than one who single-handedly retrieved the Bruma guildhall." Someone needed to retrieve the soul gem, after all. Which was not to say that Traven regarded her with a completely trusting eye. There were holes in her story still. "A contingent of battlemages will go with you, of course. I can hardly expect you to go alone."

o.O.o

If going from Warlock to Master-Wizard within the span of minutes had been confusing, it was nothing compared to being faced with an actual battalion of battle mages that were apparently being employed as her guard. What was weirder still that they all saluted her as their superior, which, while true, was also peculiar.

All stood with military precision, except one, who was familiar enough with Lisette to be astonished with her being the one they were supposed to be accompanying.

"Lisette! By Talos, is that you?" the Nord almost didn't recognize her in the regal dress and with the severe expression, but Ivar had told her that their friend was back. she simply couldn't believe it. "Why didn't you come to see me?"

"Merete, hush." Thalfin, Lisette's former roommate and leader of the battalion, stepped forward and gave another brief salute. "Master-Wizard, we are ready and await your orders."

Merete could only stare. "Master-Wizard? Just what in Oblivion has happened?"

"We have a mission to complete." Thalfin didn' t tolerate such nonsense like friendly reunions after months apart, especially given the fact that Merete had played such a significant part in Lisette' s arrest.

"Mephala take the mission!" the Nord barked, stepping beyond her station without reservation. "You were hauled off to be tried and then they said you were on a task-"

"It' s a long story, for another time."

"-and now you' re promoted twice after being gone for a month to who knows where! Lisette, talk to me!" Merete used her given name - the actual one - only when things were truly serious. "What' s happening to you?"

"Merete, calm yourself or I will recommend that you be taken off the mission." Thalfin interjected when Lisette said nothing.

The Nord fell silent, though her question still hung in the air. Her bombardment of questions continued throughout the journey, whenever the wood elf was out of sight. There were some answers Lisette evencouldn't give. With her mind absorbed in her current task, though, she was less talkative than usual. Merete got very little even out of Ivar, who had been present for somewhat longer; it was certainly not enough to quench her interest in the matter. She, too, had been worried for Lisette. But apparently, this mission was of such supreme importance that everyone else chose to ignore the matter of her disappearance and return.

There would be hell to pay for that stunt later, Merete decided.

Silorn was a distant Ayleid ruin on an open plane, difficult to approach unnoticed even when alone and almost impossible to sneak into in such a group. The battlemages, though, seemed to be familiar with stealth and managed to approach the ruin relatively quietly despite their armor and heavy walk.

It was fortunate that the ancient fortress was in such a state of disrepair and ruin, as it wasn't too difficult for them all to hide behind some of the fallen walls and pillars. There weren't too many Necromancers visible patrolling the ruins from where they were standing, but that didn't mean there were many more hidden within the structure.

Some of the battlemages, despite knowing Lisette, were still somewhat peeved about having to take orders from someone who apparently knew nothing of combat. Even Thalfin was somewhat surprised that a scholar was supposed to be leading such a directly combat-focused mission.

Thus everyone watched her with expectation even while she was still surveying the surroundings.

"Does anyone see Falcar?" she asked, as she knew very little about the Altmer's appearance.

"By the entrance of the ruins, Master-Wizard, look!" A Redguard battlemage said, pointing in that general direction.

Lisette could make out the expensive gleam of fine clothing, but not the features of the obviously male figure. "Are you absolutely certain it's him?"

The Redguard grimaced rather as if she had eaten something that was highly spicy but she had to keep her composure. "I was the one he sent to retrieve a Ring of Burden from a well, milady; I'd know the bastard anywhere."

"All right, I'll take your word for it."

"Plan of action?" Thalfin asked curtly, returning to the forefront of the crowd of her companions.

"You know the skills of your comrades better than I, so I'll leave the organization to you." Lisette said after a moment's hesitation. After all, she already had a different plan of action prepared than the one they were likely thinking of. "No one make a move before Falcar is taken down."

"But how will we-?"

Thalfin didn't get to finish her thought. Her superior had vanished into thin air with a quiet invisibility spell before any objections to her idea could be raised. That the battlemages were bewildered was quite natural; they hadn't even agreed on the basic methods yet and one of them – their supposed leader, no less – was rushing off to action without any hesitation.

Still, Thalfin attempted to overcome her concern for the outcome of the operation and do the sensible thing; organize her comrades the best she could. It wasn't too difficult, as those with specific talents were already grouped together in case action was thrust upon them unexpectedly.

Nevertheless, the Bosmer had to admit that the invisibility spell had been executed rather well and, apparently, Lisette knew how to sneak around. It made sense, really, since she was more focused on defensive spells and needed to strike from a hidden location to have her offensive spells take the full effect.

What the battlemage didn't quite understand how Lisette intended to "take down" Falcar. To incapacitate him would require a much more powerful spell than usual and to actually dispose of him with a single spell – because nothing more would be available – would require quite a lot of firepower and possibly a spoken incantation.

What she didn't realize that it took so long only because Lisette was taking extra long because she wasn't quite certain her stealth would hold. Another invisibility spell might alert the more experienced Necromancers to her presence, which was the last thing she needed. Falcar was standing too close to the entrance of the ruins and she had absolutely no doubt that he would retreat into them rather than fight in the open, given the chance.

After all, if these ruins had been their base for such a long time, the Necromancers had surely explored them thoroughly and made precautions against the ancient Ayleid traps within. After seeing one of her former companions crushed inside, she had no desire to subject anyone else to such a fate.

Getting up the stone stairs and above the Altmer was the most difficult part of things. After all, she needed a clean strike and the man was taller than her by at least a head. There was a moment when she had to stop just a few inches away when he appeared to notice movement around him; fortunately, the instant didn't last long.

She felt the tension in her body lessen slightly when the feeling of almost being caught evaporated. If this was the first time she was doing something of the sort, no doubt Lisette would have found herself unable to. But after taking down the contestants of the Tournament of Ten Bloods, who had been hell-bent on hilling her and Celedaen, who had given her more reason for hatred than any other creature in the world, somehow, disposing of a single person whom she had no attachment to besides knowing he was an enemy wasn't as difficult as it should have been.

Only she heard the slow sliding of the sword out of its sheath. But many others saw the streak of flame that flared to life when she swung Goldbrand after moments of careful preparation; even, perhaps, the one for whose neck she was aiming. It was partly the fault of the swish, as she used her full force, just as before, just as she always did when she used the sword. What it lacked in finesse, the movement made up for in effectiveness.

Everyone saw the streak of blood and the moment her spell was no longer necessary and Lisette materialized in the world once again. She didn't manage to sever the head with a single swipe - her physical strength had clear limits no magic could enhance - but the arteries were cut badly enough to drive any person into shock, giving her the time to raise the weapon again.

The Necromancers all around the ruins snapped to attention upon hearing the gurgled gushes both the leaking blood and Falcar himself made while still conscious and afterwards and quickly proceeded to charge up towards Lisette.

By then, though, the battlemages had recovered from the momentary shock of seeing their gentle-voiced bookworm attempt to decapitate an enemy without much thought put to the gesture.

Apparently, there weren't too many enemies outside, no matter what they had thought, as the battle was over rather quickly. A stupefied Thalfin found Lisette rummaging through the still-warm corpse until she finally found the gem they came out to seek. She then announced that she would head back to the University and that the others should attempt to clear out at least part of the ruins, but by waiting for the Necromancers to come to them, as the traps laid within might be much too dangerous.

Merete' s concern was growing. This coldness, this instant action in the face of a moral dilemma, without hesitation... this wasn' t the Lisette she knew and remembered. There was something cold and alien in her now, something almost frightening and efficient in all the wrong ways.

It was deepening with every day on the road and not all of it could be blamed on the black gem in her possession.

Even so, the battlemages let Lisette through without any hassle this time and due to her status, the barriers didn't stop her from teleporting up to the very top of the tower. Apparently, the plan to use Daedra to bring back the artifacts had been a success, as she found the Arch-Mage studying one of them with a rather pensive expression. He looked up with a weary smile when she entered, though and seemed a bit more at peace when she handed him the black soul gem.

"I was right to have chosen you, Master-Wizard." Traven acknowledged, but didn't mention how the artifacts had come back into his possession. There was no sign of Irlav or Caranya and Lisette knew better than to ask. She assumed things quite easily nowadays.

"We have only stalled them." Given enough time, the Necromancers would replicate the gem and proceed with their plans; or do so without it.

"I understand that quite well. But the battle cannot go on like this. I refuse to sacrifice guild mages for this foolishness."

"But Mannimarco won't stop simply because his followers die." Lisette pointed out. Actually, dying might make them somewhat more useful for his purposes, but that was a highly gruesome way of thinking she didn't really want to get into.

"Of course not. Which is why the battle must be taken to him." Lisette didn't understand. "The core of the rot must be destroyed… and then, things will take care of themselves."

"Eliminate Mannimarco himself…? But Arch-Mage-!"

Traven raised a hand to halt her objections. "I know all too well the magnitude of the threat. But he will only grow in power if he's allowed to continue his campaign against us. He needs to be stopped before none of us will be able to reach his power level. And it will require the ultimate sacrifice." With the black gem in his hands, he looked most determined, but the glance he shot Lisette was warmer than one might expect. She had obviously realized what he intended to do and feared the worst. "No, not from you, Master-Wizard. The guild requires a leader… and this gem was intended for me."

Lisette blinked once, twice, her eyes widening with each moment. The words took quite a long time to sink in, but afterwards, her emotions actually exploded.

"You can't be serious! You can't do this! I can't do this!" she added, which was possibly the more serious of the three.

"You have to and you will, Arch-Mage Lemieux." Traven's eyes glimmered when he spoke the title. It was a formal passing on of rank, something only the Arch-Mage could do, something that wasn't usually done unless the current Arch-Mage was out of commission rather permanently. "With the soul gem in your possession, no one will be able to transform you into an undead." Traven went on to explain. "And without the power to do that, even Mannimarco should find you a formidable opponent, with the Nine and even the Daedra on your side."

"Dying in battle is one thing, killing yourself deliberately quite another!"

"You will not be implicated in having killed me, Arch-Mage." In that moment, Lisette was forced to wonder if Traven knew more about her rather exotic allegiances than he let on. It was that instant of hesitation which caused her to miss the opportunity to intervene. "I chose you with the deepest confidence in your abilities. Lead your fellow mages well."

And then, as she had sealed the fate of others with a flash of fire, it was only fitting that hers would be decided with the same.