Chapter 29 – End of the line

Saliyah

15th Hearthfire, caverns of Treva valley, the Rift

"VULPIN!"

My long-time enemy was startled out of his mind when he heard his name. The way I roared, completely filled with rage, made me sound like a frenzied animal and the echo in the underground chamber only served to give it even more sinister sound. Like if there was some kind of monster lurking down here...

If I had any doubts about the identity of the mysterious intruder, his reaction erased them completely. This fool thought no one could possible wait for him here, that he was completely safe... well, he was wrong. I didn't know why he was after the Bloodspring, whether it was another quest for his Vampyrum order or simply a personal endeavour, but at the moment I couldn't care less.

Venarus Vulpin would never leave these caverns alive if I could help it.

Caught completely off guard, Vulpin only noticed us approaching moments later. It has been centuries since our last meeting... but he recognized us anyway.

Good...Let him die by the hand of those whom he betrayed.

"O-oh, Lady Saliyah! I never expected to run into you in this barbaric land, of all places! It's been- And is it Lord Ysciand with you? What a coincidence!"

He was doing it again... Using his personal charm to mess with other people's heads, gain their trust, lull them into a false sense of security; all in order to leave them vulnerable when he struck. This tactic worked on us during his stay with Anthotis clan and no doubt it worked on countless people unlucky enough to have run into him, before or after his betrayal. But it wouldn't help him here and now. We knew what he did... and I could feel it he knew that his pathetic ruse wasn't working. That nothing would save his miserable hide now.

I would have loved to watch him squirm a little bit more. However, Theo just wanted to get this over with.

He backhanded Vulpin so hard he flew into a wall. Given his pained moan upon impact, I knew that the blow did more than just rattle a couple of his bones. Aressius and Laelette watched the scene in silence, the latter looking absolutely horrified.

Shaken by the unexpected attack, Vulpin was left completely defenseless when in few long strides Theo approached him and pressed him against the wall, closing his hand around his throat in a vice-like grip.

"Shut up, bastard!" Theo half-whispered, half-shouted. "We're not falling for your tricks again!"

"What in Oblivion are you talking about? You're not making any sense!" Vulpin gasped, struggling to break Theo's hold on his throat. I had to wonder why Vulpin kept stalling. He should've realized he was only delaying the inevitable so why was he so intent on sticking to his little 'harmless confidant' spiel?

It seemed it was time to fully remind Vulpin of what he'd done.

"Just stop, Vulpin. You're making a fool out of yourself by keeping up this inane charade." I said firmly as I approached him. "Have you already forgotten what you did at Castle Anthotis? Your little pact with clans Thrafey and Vraseth? Or your silver dagger in Lord Vraseth's chest?" I couldn't help it but smirk as his eyes widened. "'Your clan would become too strong after this victory and the Vampyrum order of Cyrodiil can't have that.' Does it sound familiar to you?"

This small reminder sufficed to change Vulpin's attitude. His gaze hardened and his startled expression vanished, replaced by an emotionless mask. He was no longer the innocent unwitting bystander he tried passing himself off as. "I was just doing my duty," His tone was icy cold. "Your clan was a threat to Our order and needed to be dealt with."

That was the wrong thing to say. Theo was already furious and Vulpin's unapologetic remark was like poking a moldy stick into a bear's eye. Theo moved so quickly that a mortal's eye would barely perceive it... and Vulpin suddenly had four bloody gashes across his face.

"Your damned order was hundreds of leagues away, in Cyrodiil! We were never a threat to you! You just wanted us gone because we might stand in the way of your future expansion!"

Even as Theo screamed in rage at the Imperial vampire who didn't show a shred of remorse over his actions, I heard footsteps. Distant at first but they were growing louder in volume, coming from beyond the entrance to the Bloodspring chamber. Whoever was down here with us was getting closer.

Aressius caught it, too. "Listen; did you hear that?"

Theo calmed down at the words, or at least enough to stop his rant and listen to the muffled sounds. Vulpin made a sound that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle... and Theo cast him a dangerous look. "Who's this, Vulpin? Did you bring some friends with you down here?"

He got his answer in the next moment. "Where have you run off, Vulpin?" A woman's voice with a growly undertone rang out, too close to our liking. "You were supposed to wait for the rest of us!"

Then another voice joined in, male with a thick Nordic accent. "I hope you're not trying to trick us, for your own sake. Orthjolf doesn't like being played, you know."

I didn't know who this 'Orthjolf' character was but this didn't bode well for us.

"Aressius," I whispered to the ex-priest. "Take Laelette back to the caves; I have a feeling things are about to get ugly."

"Are you sure? We can provide some assistance-"

"Stop arguing and get out of here!" Theo snapped in a low voice. Unfortunately, he made the mistake of turning away from Vulpin. The agent of the Order instantly took advantage and delivered a punch into Theo's stomach; not powerful enough to really hurt him but it made him release his grip.

"STALF! I'M BEING ATTACKED!" Vulpin screamed, confirming our suspicion. Theo recovered quickly and threw him back against the wall before he could run away. Alas, the intruders were already alert to our presence.

I reached for my sabers. We weren't getting out of this without a fight.

"Get out of here, you two!" I snapped at Aressius and Laelette. The ex-priest obeyed immediately though he had some trouble getting Laelette to move. The young vampire was paralyzed with fear and Aressius had to drag her away. Thankfully he managed to get both of them out of sight, just in time for a trio of intruders to barge into the Bloodspring chamber, two men and a woman.

I wasn't surprised to see they were all vampires. What did strike me as odd was their distorted, inhuman looking facial features with squashed, bat-like nose, pronounced ridges above their eyes, dark line running from the nose down to the chin, sunken cheeks. With such severe deformities, those vampires couldn't hope to blend in with the unsuspecting mortals. Another thing that piqued my curiosity was they were all wearing the same garb; a combination of cloth and leather with crude looking designs. It was possible they were all from the same clan though I didn't count on getting an opportunity to find out for sure.

They stood between us and the exit and they were Vulpin's 'friends' so they would die.

On the other hand, the other vampires paused momentarily when they saw another couple of their kind. Alas, their hesitant attitude changed drastically when they noticed Theo roughing up Vulpin. That sight erased all their doubts about attacking their brethren.

"You've picked the wrong fight, clanless worm!" Their leader, presumably Stalf, boomed. "Get them!"

His taunt about being 'clanless' infuriated me to no end. I decided that one would die first.

Stalf's underlings, a Breton and a female High elf leapt into action, their already deformed faces twisted in animalistic snarls. Their leader, a stereotypical Nord with the looks of a lowly bandit, went after Theo.

Seeing a trio of hostile invaders attacking, Theo launched an ice spear right through Vulpin's stomach, pinning him to the wall. Ignoring the traitor's pained groans and curses, he tossed another ice spear at advancing Stalf who dodged the spell with unexpected ease. He then drew his sword and locked it with the Nordic vampire.

The usually silent underground chamber became filled with the clatter of blades, shouts and hum of magicka fueling the spells.

With Theo busy trading blows with Stalf, I was completely on my own against the remaining two vampires. At first we were just cirling one another; the Breton wielding a mace and the High elf with a spell in her both hands against me and my two sabers. I didn't know how old those two were but if they thought I'd go down easily then they were both wrong.

The Breton attacked first, swinging his mace at my head. I swiftly caught the weapon in between my blades; he tried to free his weapon but it remained firmly stuck. I kicked him in the ribs and sent him stumbling away, then leapt to the side as a lightning bolt shot right past. The High elf wanted to take me out while her companion was distracting me... and she wouldn't be deterred by the failed first attempt.

The woman cursed profusely, lobbing lightning spells with reckless abandon as I advanced on her. I managed to evade all of them as my foe was either green or had simply that terrible aim. However, when I got within ten paces of her a bolt of lightning hit me straight in the gut. My body suddenly locked up; only temporarily but enough to make me stumble and give the High elf the chance to scramble to a safe distance. And her Breton friend was already back on his feet, ready to charge again.

Acting on impulse I ditched one saber and threw a firebolt at the High elf with my empty left hand. My aim was a little off but it was enough. She was caught off guard and failed to put up a ward in time. No one ever expects a vampire to use fire spells, for obvious reasons; only Dark elves with their natural resistance to fire could do that and I obviously wasn't one. The firebolt grazed my opponent's side; the High elf started screaming in terror as her robes caught fire. While she was busy dousing the flames I could focus my attention on the Breton who came at me, swinging away with his mace.

Theo was still fighting Stalf.

Though managing to keep him at bay he didn't seem to have any advantage over him; the Nord seemed to just shrug off all spells Theo threw at him. I wished I could help out but I was having my own problems... like a particularly angry Breton vampire that kept swinging at me without pause, swearing each time I dodged his attack.

"Die, damn you!"

A telling bright blue glow began emanating from his free hand. Of course, Bretons were competent wizards, too.

Might as well end this now...

The vampire wound up for another strike. This time instead of dodging, I parried.

The Breton's eyes widened as his arm was suddenly knocked to his left. He was left completely exposed, unable to counter-attack; only for a moment but it sufficed for me. I side-stepped to the left and spun around bringing my saber right down on his wrist. The blade cut through flesh and bone with ease. The mace clattered onto the floor, along with the severed hand.

All the Breton could do was stare in disbelief as he was disarmed, both figuratively and literally.

I came at him slashing away, intent on finishing him off. The vampire groaned in pain with every blow I landed; on his chest, arms, legs, across his face...

I almost forgot about the High elf who finally managed to extinguish her burning robes and attacked while I was too busy cutting her friend up. Unfortunately for her, she gave herself away with the loud cry of "You bitch!"

In that moment, an insidious, cruel thought occurred to me.

Just as the High elf prepared to blast off lightning bolts in my way, I grabbed the half-dead Breton and spun him around, putting him right in between myself and the attacking vampire.

Her spells struck true, right in her comrade's chest. Judging by the way he went limp in my grip, the hit killed him instantly.

So much for killing Stalf first... Oh well...

The High elf stopped dead in her tracks. She stared wide eyed at her dead comrade, horrified by her own mistake. So much in fact that she did absolutely nothing to stop or dodge the fireball I lobbed at her. The spell engulfed her in flames, blasting her backwards into the chamber's depths.

Now that the lowly peons were dealt with, it was Stalf's turn.

The Nord vampire was still dueling Theo and it wasn't going well for him.

My friend had finally came to realize his foe's complete immunity to frost and switched to lightning spells... and Stalf couldn't effectively counter that. He was still a dangerous opponent though as his brute strength kept Theo from landing any serious hits. On the other hand, Stalf couldn't get close to Theo when he was lobbing lightning bolts.

Their duel was a stalemate, despite their best efforts. But that's where I came in.

Stalf only took notice of my presence and the conspicuous absence of his own underlings when a flaming orb flew just past his side. He managed to dodge it but it only gave Theo an opportunity to score a glancing hit on his left shoulder. The Nord retaliated with a brutal swing of his axe that missed Theo's chest by mere inches.

Still, he wasn't as arrogant as not to recognize he was in trouble.

"Vulpin!" He roared just as he parried one of my strikes. "Stop being a milk-drinker and help me!"

The man must've been really desperate when he needed help from someone who was currently nailed to a wall.

However, the moment I glanced towards the place where Vulpin was trapped, my heart sank.

Except for a melting ice spike embedded in the wall, there was nothing.

"Vulpin's gone!"

In hindsight, I should've seen it coming. Vulpin was many things; intelligent, cunning, charming, manipulative, two-faced... but 'courageous' wasn't one of them. In fact, the very few times I managed to corner him he escaped not by overpowering me but using one of his many underhanded tricks to slink away. I never saw him display any sort of combat prowess but I suspected that was simply his way; Vulpin never played fair, never picked a fight he wasn't completely sure he would win. Most of the time he relied on subterfuge and element of surprise to get rid of his enemies and any time things weren't going in his favor, he would run. But somehow it made him even more dangerous to everyone he'd meet.

If Stalf really thought this snake would save him, then he was a fool. His expression of pure betrayal once I voiced my realization said it all. Just how many people did Vulpin screw over throughout all the years of his miserable existence?

It was pretty clear that Theo refused to be tricked by the bastard again.

"Damn it! I'm going after him!" Not waiting to hear my opinion on this decision, he bolted for the entrance and vanished in the darkness.

Apparently he wanted to catch the bastard no matter what the cost... even if it meant leaving me to fight Stalf alone. I was fully capable of defeating the Nord vampire; still, this was a rather ruthless and irresponsible move on a general principle.

Once this mess was dealt with I was going to have a few words with Theo... but that could wait.

Stalf and I circled around one another, waiting for the opponent to make the first move. The Nord vampire was quite battered from his duel with Theo but still had enough strength left in him. He would be more of a challenge than his underlings; taking him out would require careful planning.

As a pureblood vampire I had blood magics at my command and extraordinary strength, greater than most of our kind, but only in beast form. Transformation itself would take time and leave me vulnerable for several moments which the enemy could use to put me down. Doing it in the middle of the fight against Movarth was a huge risk and I wasn't tempted to try my luck again now. Worse, Stalf was too close for me to use my strongest fire spells; at this short distance there was a good chance I'd be caught in the blast, too. Not even pureblood vampires are immune to fire.

So I had to do it the hard way.

Stalf grew tired of waiting and charged, axe raised high above his head.

I blocked the strike, the sheer force of it sending a sharp jolt throughout my arm. Twisting my saber I forced the offending blade away from my body and to the side, then spun leftwards and slashed at the Nord's chest. He managed to narrowly evade the strike and lashed out with his axe. It was a poorly aimed strike but it succeeded at forcing me to break off my own assault. His free hand suddenly shot forward and closed around my throat. Against vampires, strangling was completely useless but I couldn't effectively fight back while trapped like this and Stalf was well aware; in this position I couldn't do much to stop him from dealing a killing blow.

Stabbing my saber in his gut did nothing, apart from a grunt of pain. And the Nord was already raising his axe...

I leapt up, planted both feet into his chest and kicked out with all my might.

The grip on my throat vanished, much to my relief, and Stalf found himself thrown backwards fighting to regain his balance.

Not one to waste a perfect opportunity I rushed him, ready to start hacking. Alas, Stalf was quicker than I expected; I managed to score a couple hits at his chest before he regained his bearings and blocked my next attack with the flat of his axe. Two weapons met each other in an explosion of sparks.

For a brief time, the two of us pushed against one another, trying to force the other away to gain an advantage. Neither of us would budge, however; something that frustrated my opponent greatly, judging by his heavy scowl. He hadn't expected to have such trouble against a seemingly inferior opponent; I didn't have in any way an impressive stature or intimidating looks but I learned to use that to my advantage. If Stalf knew just who he was facing, his attitude would be different.

"Why won't you die already?" Stalf grunted as he tried pushing against me, with no result.

"What's the matter, Stalf?" I taunted. "Mad because your servants are too dead to save you?"

"They were expendable... I never needed them... just like I don't need their help to kill you!" I almost wanted to laugh at him right there... then again, we all have our delusions.

"Then you might want to try harder, Nord!" I mocked him. "I knew girls that could hit harder than you!"

That seemed to set him off. With an enraged roar he began straining against my blade with all strength he could muster... and when he saw I was being slowly pushed backwards, inch by inch, it seemed to encourage him to double his effort. I could see it in his eyes; no thoughts beyond destroying his only enemy.

Alas, he didn't realize he was only making progress because I let him, taking advantage of his ego; a part of the plan I was about to enact.

I made a quick step backwards.

His eyes widened in surprise, Stalf stumbled forward as our blades were no longer locked. As he staggered past trying to regain his footing I slashed at his back. Curiously enough, he carried a satchel, something I didn't notice until now; there was an outline of something large, round and heavy inside the bag. My scimitar not only dug a long deep gash in Stalf's back but also cut the satchel open. Its contents spilled out of the tear and clattered onto the floor. The satchel contained only one object; a large heavy chalice, adorned by sharp ornaments reminiscent of thorns. For some reason it radiated power though it seemed dormant. I didn't have a clue why those vampires lugged it all the way here but I had a feeling it was important somehow.

And Stalf's reaction only seemed to confirm it.

With an alarmed cry he lunged, almost tackling me to the ground. I managed to stay on my feet but my guard was down; Stalf had the perfect opportunity for the killing blow... but he appeared more concerned with keeping me away from the chalice.

He wouldn't live long enough to regret wasting that opportunity.

The next time he attacked I was ready for him.

His axe passed harmlessly above my head as I ducked; I retaliated with an upward slash that tore into his gut. Stalf staggered backwards, clenching his wounded stomach; even in the near dark I could see blood seeping in between his fingers. Despite his wounds he was determined to keep on fighting. He raised his axe to attack but before he could take a swing I kicked him in the chest and followed with a multitude of quick slashes. To his credit, Stalf managed to dodge or block many of them but I broke through his guard several times, landing hits all over his body.

Stalf probably hated admitting it but this fight was going badly for him so he made the last-ditch effort to turn the tables. Casting away his axe he thrust both his arms forward and ill-boding red glow appeared between his palms. A wave of nausea came over me and suddenly I felt weary.

Vampiric drain spell... As far as I knew its effects on mortals were far worse. Vampires could shrug this off with little trouble. Stalf's aim was quite different, however; stealing my life energy, so to speak, to restore his own, just so he could keep fighting. Stalf was bleeding all over the place... but his wounds had already started mending.

It was high time to end this.

Doing my best to ignore the adverse effects of the draining spell, I darted forward and quickly closed the distance between myself and the retreating Nord. Dismayed by how quickly I caught up with him Stalf attempted to switch to Destruction spells but a saber to the stomach thwarted the action. Sabers were meant for slashing, not stabbing... yet my blade ended up hilt-deep in Stalf's gut.

Acting quickly, I grabbed his right arm; he didn't do anything apart from staring at the blade protruding out of his abdomen. He didn't even scream when I slammed my fist into his upper arm, breaking the bone; all that came out was a weak gasp of pain. I tore my blade out of his body and circled around him, slashing at his lower legs.

Stalf sunk on his knees as his tendons were severed. Moments later, my saber cleaved through his neck, decapitating him.

I could've attempted an interrogation before putting the Nord down; try and find out anything about this 'Orthjolf' character, about the strange chalice, about his ill-fated partnership with Vulpin or his intentions with the Bloodspring. Alas, Stalf displayed arrogance and bravado typical of most vampires; getting him to talk would be a waste of time. I'd have to get my answers by other means... and I also had a traitor to catch.

Speaking of the chalice, though... It must've been of some significance given how fiercely Stalf protected it. I was yet to learn what exactly it was or what could be gained from carrying it to this forsaken place. A small mystery, indeed. Though if it really was important in some way, it wouldn't be wise to just leave it here for anyone else to pick up.

I made my decision. I picked up the chalice, taking note of how heavy it was; as if made of iron.

"Aressius! Laelette! Come here, quickly!"

Fortunately, the two of them hadn't gone too far and heard my call. Within few moments the former priest of Arkay emerged from the darkness with Laelette in tow. For some reason the woman was even paler than her usual vampiric self.

"I see you made short work of the intruders..." Aressius remarked as he took in the carnage around him. "I trust Vulpin has been dealt with?"

"No, he made a break for it during the fight. Theo chased after him but there's a great chance Vulpin might've slipped away. Again..."

If it weren't for Stalf and his damn peons, Vulpin could've been but a stain on the floor and clan Anthotis could finally rest in peace. All the years spent following signs of his whereabouts, collecting bits and pieces about his plans, all of that might have been rendered useless thanks to his new 'friends.' One was tempted to wonder about the nature of his relationship with Stalf, Orthjolf and whoever those two were affiliated with. But given how quick he was to turn his back on them, it was more than likely that Vulpin would dupe them at some point.

Provided he managed to escape Theo, of course.

"That is unfortunate," Aressius winced. "I reckon it wouldn't hurt to check with Theo; who knows, maybe he did put him down, after all."

"I suppose there's no harm in that." I shrugged, pointing towards the entryway to the chamber we stood in. "This might lead us to back to the surface; I'm tired of blundering through caves."

"Human hands built this chamber; it's more than likely these corridors are connected with some structure above ground." Aressius then abruptly broke off, his gaze drawn to the chalice in my hand. "Though I can't help it but wonder... where did you get this?"

"I found it on him, over there," I gestured towards Stalf's headless body. "I have a feeling it might be connected to the Bloodspring though I'm not really certain. Why else would he bring it here?" I turned to Laelette. "Mind carrying it?" The younger vampire shook her head wordlessly and took the chalice. Her eyes widened slightly once she felt its weight in her hands.

"I suppose there's no harm in taking this with us," The ex-priest acquiesced. "Now, let us see where this hallway takes us." I hurried to pick up my other saber that I tossed away during the battle and then I rejoined them.

The way from the Bloodspring chamber was rather straightforward, with only few deviations and crossings. Some passageways were blocked by rubble, indicating their state of disrepair, which didn't leave much room for getting lost. One of the corridors must've led to the surface; how else would Vulpin get down here?

Eventually we happened upon a large hole in the wall, baring a narrow tunnel lit with few lanterns. Someone must've dug their way to the old ruins; whether intentionally or by accident, no one could say. But since the hallway was obstructed by fallen stonework further down, our only choice was to head into the tunnel.

Unfortunately, because the tunnel was so narrow that only one person could pass through and not without difficulties. We had to walk in a column, like a mother hen and her chicks, and the already unpleasant walk became even worse the longer we spent in the tight passage, twisting through the rock. I had a feeling like if the tunnel before me shrank with my every step, even when in reality it didn't change at all.

I was so relieved when we finally reached the end of the infernal passage. It opened into what appeared to be another man-made hallway though it was nothing like the ancient ruins where we discovered the Bloodspring. This looked more like corridors in a run-of-the-mill cellar. The radical change of surroundings made me wonder where exactly we ended up.

I found my answer soon, a little too soon for my liking.

Acting purely on impulse we turned left after exiting the tunnel. It took only several pace for us to arrive to a large room... and were welcomed by a sight of utter carnage.

Furniture smashed to pieces, shards of glass all over the stone floor, shreds of fabric and other clutter littered around the place... and several corpses. Men, Elves, Beastfolk, males, females; some of the bodies were mutilated beyond recognition. A heavy smell of blood hit me as soon as we entered and my inner beast was sent into frenzy.

I and, to some extent, Aressius knew how to rein in our urges. The same couldn't be said for Laelette who started shaking like a leaf at the sight of blood splattered all around the room.

Just what in Oblivion happened here?

"Let's just keep moving," I said briskly, disgusted by a certain part of myself that found the gory scene appealing.

I walked maybe three, four paces when Aressius suddenly paused. "Hold on," I saw the ex-priest pick up a bottle from the floor. There was little dark liquid left at the bottom. He sniffed at its content and his face shriveled in repulsion.

"Are you done with your little tasting session?" I said with a hint of annoyance. Aressius huffed and quickly caught up to me. Laelette followed in a hesitant manner, as if torn between running from the room and pouncing at one of the corpses.

I was a little puzzled when the former priest put the bottle to my face. "Don't you find the smell familiar, somehow?"

"Whatever you're getting at, it will have to wait until later." I said, pushing the bottle away. Aressius gave me a rather cross look but I couldn't have cared less at the moment. We had more important things to worry about, such as finding Vulpin before he could disappear again.

The three of us continued through the cellar and as we pressed on we saw more signs of the fierce and one-sided battle that took place here. More smashed furniture, mangled corpses and blood splashed all over the walls. What a brutal way to dispose of someone that happened to dwell in here, especially considering many of those poor bastards didn't even have weapons. There wasn't enough left to tell us what kind of place this was... until we happened upon the remain of what used to be a bar counter with dozens of bottles lying around, some of them even having survived the fight intact.

Is this an inn? Then why would the owner go through so much trouble to keep it hidden away like that?

A noise from a corridor ahead of us startled us; a dull clang accompanied by what sounded like a low dull voice. Only moments later I recognized a drawn out moan.

Aressius instantly prepared an ice spell. "Someone might've sent a thrall down here."

"Like who?" I questioned.

"I have no clue... but it pays off to be cautious."

Laelette appeared as if she wanted to be leagues away from here, dismayed by the prospect of another fight.

With slow steps I approached the place where the voice was coming from, keeping one hand near the hilt of my blade. After the surprise by Stalf and whoever his two underlings were, I refused to be caught off guard the second time.

However, completely absorbed by the thought of yet another ambush, I never expected Theo to stumble into view from behind the corner. Startled by his unexpected appearance, I only barely stopped myself from acting on instinct and slicing his head off.

Horror engulfed me once I realized I damn near killed him... yet the feeling grew hundreds times worse when I saw the state he was in.

I almost failed to recognize him, at first. Most of his body was covered in soot, his clothes were mostly burnt to ash and there were heavy burns where his skin was exposed.

At first I thought it was a nightmare. Only when he stumbled into my arms, as if completely blind, letting out choked gurgles and groans, I finally broke out of my petrified state.

As if he knew he was needed, Aressius materialized at my side. "This is... worse than I thought," The ex-priest whispered, dread clear in his voice. "Set him down, gently... Get some blood potions, quickly; my magics can only do so much!"

I was already rifling through my satchel before he even finished the sentence. I didn't know what happened out there but with the sheer extent of his injuries, Theo was extremely lucky to be still alive; doubly so given vampire's vulnerability to fire. Alas, that could change any moment. Seeing his burned, battered body reminded me of his battle against the remnants of clan Thrafey which nearly cost him his life.

What he was going through now was much, much worse, however. Maybe if we never met in that damn shack back in Hjaalmarch it would've never came to this...

Theo trembled as Aressius used his healing spells on him, letting out unintelligible, agonized moans. Whatever the ex-priest was doing seemed to work as a new healthy skin began covering the large areas of burnt flesh... but it was too damn slow. I was starting to have doubts whether we could actually keep him alive, at least long enough to get some real help. The thought was killing me on the inside. As far as I knew, he was about the only true friend I had left in this world... and I wasn't about to give up on him. Not after everything we went through.

My hands were shaking from the tremendous pressure of knowing his life was hanging by a thread, one that could snap anytime. Somehow I managed to pull out a couple vials of blood potions from the satchel without breaking them.

Aressius interrupted the healing to take one of the vials out of my hand. "Be ready to hand me another one... I don't think a single flask will suffice." Not losing a single moment, he poured the vial's contents down Theo's throat.

Almost instinctively, he began gulping down the potion, the agony from his heavy burns completely forgotten.

"Another, quickly!"

I handed him another vial. The priest switched the vials and tossed the empty one away.

Much to my relief, the blood potions accelerated the healing process. Scorched flesh and large blisters were vanishing much faster now... Nevertheless, it would take more than just a couple vials to heal him completely.

At the third vial, Theo seemed to finally awaken from the state of shock.

"Wha... Where am I?"

I could've kissed him right there... But reason prevailed over desires. This kind of relationship between us was long in the past.

Theo tried to sit up but Aressius held him down. "You're safe; nothing's more important." The ex-priest said gently.

I expected him to protest but it was clear he was still in pain.

"Now, what did you do to put yourself in this sorry state?" Aressius asked with a hint of humor.

"I followed Vulpin outside... there's a ladder leading up to a ruined old shack." Theo wheezed. "I had him cornered... but then it appeared, out of nowhere..."

"'What' appeared?" I intoned.

"Dragon..."

Aressius was no longer smiling.

"Black as night, razor sharp scales... it swooped down and rained hellfire on both of us..." Theo gulped. "The pain was unbearable... I barely made it back inside..."

So the rumors of dragons were true, after all. Nothing else could possible injure Theo so horribly; for all their supposed bravery, most wizards actually avoided fighting a vampire. Powerful spells did not necessarily counter superhuman strength and speed.

Dragons were leagues above wizards, though, and given their fondness for fire, vampires would avoid them like a plague.

"And Vulpin? Is he still out there?" Aressius asked.

"Don't know... too busy saving my own life..." Theo chuckled, only to be interrupted by a coughing fit. "But without a good hiding spot nearby he'd be as good as dead..."

Unless he had an insane amount of luck; the very same thing that kept him alive through the centuries.

The though that occurred to me was crazy and I was sure I'd come to regret it... but I had to go up there. I needed to know.

"Hold onto this for a moment; I'll be right back." As soon as my satchel was in the priest's hands I took off, without any explanation.

Down the corridor, to an old wobbly ladder and up, through a hatch...

I found myself among the remains of an old wooden shack. Walls were collapsed, half the roof was gone and whatever remained was full of holes and the floor boards were falling apart as rot and mold had set in. It was dark, in the dead of night, yet there was no deafening roar, no beating of wings, nothing.

The only sign of dragon's presence was fire consuming a cluster of trees some distance away from the hut.

With the most imminent danger gone, I dared venture from the cover provided by the shack's ruins and explore a bit. Eventually I came upon a place where ground was rooted and I noticed large, deep imprints in the soil. Whatever made this mess must've been really large.

A flying fire spewing reptile instantly came to mind...

Then I noticed something glistening in the soil. It was a golden amulet; two-sided, one depicting a human face with a pair of curved horns growing out of its forehead and the other had a visage of a monstrous bat-like creature engraved in it.

I instantly recognized that trinked once I took it in my hands.

It belonged to Vulpin... or used to.

Back in castle Anthotis, I once asked him what was so important about the amulet since he never seemed to part with it. He didn't explain back then... but after years of searching, I knew the answer; it depicted two patrons of the Vampyrum order: daedric princes Molag Bal and Clavicus Vile.

Did this mean it was finally over? Was Vulpin truly dead?

I was about to look around more carefully for any remains of Vulpin's body when a thunderous sound reached my ears. I looked towards the source of the noise... and what I saw that moment I would never forget.

Behind the hills... a bright ray of light rising towards the heavens, tearing through the thick black clouds, and a dark winged shadow circling around, like a moth attracted to a flame.


Author's note: So, that's the end of the confrontation... I'm sorry if it wasn't up to your expectations; then again, fighting scenes aren't exactly my forte. I think I'm better at writing dialogue but that's just my opinion. Anyway, our vampiric "protagonists" might've gotten rid of one problem but more will follow. Expect more of Volkihar vampires involved, not gonna say any more, though.

To JD98: Well, things aren't gonna get better for Farlas anytime soon, I can tell you that. When a (somewhat) normal guy learns he's supposed to save the whole goddamn world it's bound to fuck around with his mind a little.

To Naruto Loves FemKyuubi: Ask and you shall receive! :-D Too bad a dragon got to him first... Better than nothing, I guess. At least Theo didn't die, right?

Guest review from June 24 2018: I'm well aware of Thalmor's goals. That doesn't rule out Ancano's selfish reasons for taking the Eye, in my opinion. When you have the 'power to un-make the world' in your hands, wouldn't you be tempted to abandon your mission and use it solely for your own benefit? The Eye doesn't necessarily have to be used for destroying shit. Dominating the world instead of destroying it? I can see how that would be appealing for an ambitious egomaniac like Ancano. Just my thoughts on the matter.

As always, thanks for reading, review, favorite or follow; compliments and/or critique always welcome :-)