8
Mead and Intrigue
Within the great hall of the grand palace, scores of Eostia's nobility had gathered. According to rumors, Celestine had welcomed a foreign knight into her ranks. Many wondered about the man, as merely months prior he was completely unknown, and now his name was known to all. To many, he was a figure of envy for his rapid ascension to the queen's court and personal retainers, a position many coveted. For others, they hoped to gain his favor and many minor knights and men-at-arms often looked to him as inspiration.
Surrounded by the large gathering of nobility, Henry felt incredibly uncomfortable. Despite his noble background, he absolutely loathed parties. As a teenager, he would've enjoyed the aspects of fine food and drink, the attention of beautiful young ladies, and the fellowship of his fellow knights. But with age and experiences, it made one prioritize their health and wellbeing over such frivolous, self-serving pursuits.
Despite his cynicism towards such gatherings, Henry could see some advantages in the meeting with such influential and wealthy individuals.
/
"Currently, I have twelve horses trained and ready to be shipped off." A middle-aged nobleman said with a proud smile.
"How much for the lot?" Henry asked.
"For the whole lot, I'll give them to you for… five thousand, and… a favor if you will." The merchant answered with an opportunistic grin.
"What sort of favor?" The Dragon knight asked, narrowing his eyes. To which the Eostian nobleman leaned in closer before whispering something to the knight.
"I see… Very well, you have a deal. I need them shipped to my fief, with due haste." The knight accepted, with a great insistence on the latter half.
"Of course, I'll have them there within a few days." The count smiled, extending his hand to the knight. "A pleasure doing business with you, Sir Henry."
"Likewise, Count Grosch." The knight said, giving a firm handshake.
After concluding his purchase, the knight bid the count farewell before walking off. Having spent several minutes within the crowded hall, the Breton desired solitude. Spotting an open balcony, he quickly made his way outside. Passing by a wine-bearing servant, he took a goblet of wine off the young woman's tray.
Walking to the stone railing, Henry zoned out for a moment, taking in all the sights and the fresh air. Raising the goblet to his lips, he took in a sip. Taking only a small amount in, he quickly put it down on the railing. Scowling, he could smell just how much honey and marble dust were used in the overly sweet wine.
"Not to your liking?" A feminine voice said from behind him.
Turning, he was approached by the familiar form of Maia.
"No…" He answered simply.
"Funny, I thought if anything you knights were all about wine and the "finer things in life." Maia joked, speaking a posh tone in an attempt to parody the Breton's accent.
"When you spend years around common soldiers, you gain an appreciation for the simpler things… I've also had better wine before." Henry answered, swilling a finger through the goblet.
"Ha! So you're not dead after all." Maia joked, leaning up against the railing next to him.
"I am dead…" Henry clarified, emotionlessly.
"Oh right…Say." Maia said back with a chuckle. "Want to live abit then?" She asked in a slightly suggestive tone.
"What did you have in mind?" He asked back, turning to face the mercenary's grin.
/
After dividing the mead into two separate vessels, the two raised their cups to one another before taking small sips from them.
"Now this is a real drink!" Maia said with a heavy sigh and smile.
"Indeed, it's been aged and a strong mixture of jazbay grapes and honey is applied, giving it more potency." Henry replied simply. By simply smelling it, he could tell the quality and effort put into the mead. The honey was fresh and the unique mix with the berries gave off a light tartness.
"You don't say! This stuff puts hair on your chest!" Maia piped up over her cup, clearly enjoying the mead.
Having left the party, the two had departed to a higher level balcony within the palace for a drink. Though he wasn't exactly a regular drinker, Henry did keep a bottle of Black-Briar reserve mead for the occasion. Despite his personal animosity towards the merchant family and specifically their former matriarch, he had to admit they had the best damn mead he'd ever had.
Henry watched with some alarm as the redheaded beauty filled her cup for seconds as he continued to casually sip his.
"Say, how are you so relaxed drinking this stuff? Lemme guess, more vampire powers?" The sellsword joked as she downed her serving.
"Yes… one of the unfortunate curses of vampirism. I can never get drunk again." The knight answered casually, eying the alcohol.
"Lucky bastard… Hey, mind if I get some a yours if you aren't gonna drink it?" She asked, slightly slurring her words. Tossing her cup aside, she motioned towards the knight's still largely filled cup.
"You should slow down, that reserve isn't for the faint of heart." He calmly spoke, placing a hand on hers.
"Wha? You don't think I can handle it? I'm the Queen of Mercs!" The mercenary joked before she abruptly slumped to her side.
Having expected the mercenary to pass out, the knight quickly grabbed hold of her. Picking her up, he slipped his arms around her slim waist and shapely legs. Walking off, he carried her back inside.
"There you go! Rescuing me from that evil mead! First that orc, and now this!" The drunken mercenary smiled, having quickly awoken.
Henry only calmly listened to the mercenary and her drunken ramblings with slight interest and amusement. Thankfully, as the feast continued on down bellow, it appeared the guards and servants were completely absent from the halls.
"You know… you're not as bad as you think you are." Maia commented, causing the knight's ears to perk up.
"You don't know enough about me then..." Henry countered as he carried the mercenary through the halls.
"You're too ma-modest! You had a reason! You were hu-hungry! And he was an a-asshole for spying on us. You know if you want a snack, I won't mind… As long as you make it fu-fun! I betcha could bite any woman and she'd want it… and more!" She drunkenly flirted to the knight's amusement.
"Shhh, we're almost there." Henry spoke lowly, ignoring her shameless flirting as the two rounded the corner to Maia's guest room.
Entering her quarters, the knight casually balanced the sellsword maiden in one arm while he pulled back the covers to her bed.
"Y'know, you're really strong. Anybody ever tell you that?" Maia asked, struggling to wrap a hand around the knight's flexed bicep.
"I'm only as strong as the gods will allow." He answered as he lowered the mercenary into her bed.
"There's that modesty again! You're definitely my knight in sha-shining armor!" Maia joked, causing him to scoff lightly. "Say, Henry…"
"Yes?" He answered.
"Will you stay with me, until I fall asleep?" The mercenary queen requested.
"If it is what you wish." He answered, pulling a chair up to her bedside.
"This was fun. If only I coulda got you as piss drunk as I am! All the shit we'd get into… now that'd be something." Maia commented, sighing happily.
"I don't see the appeal in drinking until your blind drunk, it never ends well…" Henry scoffed.
"That's where tha fun is! Waking up with no memory of the last night, and you've got a few bruises on ya and a couple a debts to pay back." The sellsword drunkenly refuted.
"Yes, and in my case, it's waking up on the other side of a country. Finding out you're engaged to marry a witch. And to top it off, your good "drinking buddy" was the Daedric Prince of Debauchery himself." Henry countered, rolling his eyes.
"Ha! I knew there was some life in ya! Out of all the drunken stories I've heard, I give that a six outta five!" Maia mumbled.
Soon after entertaining Maia, the mercenary slowly dozed off into deep sleep. Henry inquisitively pulled the covers over the sleeping maiden gently.
"Sleep well, my lady." Henry whispered silently. Rising to his feet, he quietly walked out of the sellsword's quarters.
Walking through the corridors, he found the music and annoyingly loud chatter had subsided, indicating the feast had ended, relieving his ears.
Reentering his quarters, he found it occupied once more. This time by the two dark elves newly placed under his command. Olga sat on his bed with a familiar bowl of fruit in hand, meanwhile, Chloe stood close by, a hateful glare on her face.
"I see they've finally released you into my custody, I assume you were treated fairly?" Henry asked.
"Of course! If you count a cell in the dungeon as "house arrest" for five days fair, then I'm just peachy!" Olga laughed sarcastically as she munched on a handful of grapes. "At least there was something to eat around here..."
"Get some rest, we depart for my holding in the morning." Henry took a seat at the desk before unfurling a scroll from his satchel.
"Ahem…" Olga piped up, getting the knight's attention.
"What?" Henry answered, continuing to read the symbols written on the paper.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Olga shook her wrist and held them up for the Breton.
Turning his head, he furrowed his eyebrows as he glared at the dark elf who now posed seductively for him. Annoyed, he returned his attention to the scroll and continued to read the symbols silently.
"Please? I can't sleep in these." The sorceress asked, putting on a sad frown and a pair of puppy dog eyes.
Rising from his seat, the black knight walked towards the raven-haired elf who now smiled suggestively as he approached. She instinctively raised her hands for the knight whose eyes now shined with a devilish combination of red and yellow.
However, instead of unlocking her restraints, Olga was shocked to see the knight surge forward as a dark shadow. Pinning her against the wall, she found his hand was instead firmly gripping her throat. Not enough to restrict her breathing, but just enough to assert his physical dominance over her.
"Oh? You're one of those types? Kinky..." She spoke pervertedly as he leaned in, roughly smelling her neck like a wolf smelling its mate.
Looking up, however, his eyes instead shined with pure anger rather than the lust she was expecting.
"Don't think because I'm unlocking these, you hold any sway over me… You're an asset to me, that's all." He snarled into her pointed ear as he slowly began to tighten his grip on her throat.
"Let go of her you bast-" Chloe screeched but, before she could finish her sentence, however, the knight reached out and grabbed her by her jaw with one hand.
Olga watched in horror as he slowly suspended the blond handmaiden off the floor, all without taking his horrifying eyes off her.
"I spared your lives from Celestine, I own them now... I can just as easily take them..." Henry clarified to the terrified elves as a sinister teeth-baring grin formed on his face. They watched with wide eyes as his fangs took their place within his teeth.
After ensuring the two understood his power and authority, he unlocked their restraints. To this, they appeared practically traumatized as they neither said or did anything afterward.
After a few moments, Olga composed herself just in time to catch the vampire making his way for the door.
"Where are you going?" She asked shakily.
"Out…And if it wasn't abundantly clear, should you try to escape, I will find you." He answered before calmly walking out.
After he left, Chloe quickly crawled to Olga's side.
"Are you hurt mistress?" Chloe asked.
"I'm fine, though I am interested in our friend." Olga stated, rubbing her chin.
"Interested?! He threatened to kill us!" Chloe exclaimed, confused by the sorceress' calmness.
"Indeed he did… but there is something beyond that threat. While not idle, it gives a greater observation into the beast we serve." The sorceress answered.
"And what is that?" Her handmaiden asked, squinting her eyes at the dark sorceress.
"Behind every loyal hound is a leash, something beyond a master keeping the beast from turning on them." The dark elven queen responded, grinning devilishly.
"And I'm going to find out what."
/
Next Morning
Waking up the next morning, Olga found the knight waiting for her. He once more sat at the desk, this time he was busy writing inside a leatherbound book. At her side sat Chloe in a chair having seemingly awoken earlier.
"I see you've both had a restful sleep, make ready, we're leaving." He spoke as he continued to write.
"Well good morning to you too, anything to eat? Those fruits didn't exactly hit the spot." Olga asked sarcastically.
"Later, right now we're due east." Henry answered unsympathetically as he packed the book into a small pouch on his belt.
After gathering they're few belongings, the trio quickly left the castle. As they did so they were set upon by numerous staring eyes from guards and castle staff alike. Despite their whisperings, the knight's ears perked up at all the chatter behind his back.
"Who's that?"
"Sir Henry, the Black Knight."
"They say he eats the hearts of children…"
"I heard he practices necromancy…"
"Is that Olga Discordia?"
"Are those two his mistresses?"
Hearing this, the knight scowled, though he did not show this. Despite his lack of visible emotions, Olga seemed to know this as she smirked and walked closely beside the knight. Meanwhile, Chloe didn't hesitate to show her disgust around the gossipers and glared angrily at them.
/
After escaping the swarms of gawkers and gossipers, the elven women were quickly ushered to a carriage guarded by two soldiers. Entering they watched the knight feeding his horse nearby. From what they could hear, he spoke in a foreign language to the dark beast as he fed it a carrot.
"Courir à la Maison." He spoke simply and the black stead immediately took off in a full gallop.
After Shadowmere took off, he approached the two guards sitting in the driver's seat.
"You are my drivers?" He asked calmly.
"Yes, my lord." The driver answered with a smile.
"Her Holiness has also seen fit to have us transferred from the city watch to your command. It's an honor, sir." The second guard replied, also smiling.
"I see, what are your names then?" Henry asked.
"Simcoe and Lewis, sir." The driver answered gesturing to the second soldier before pointing to himself.
"So you say… Carry on then." Henry ordered.
"My lord!" A young voice called out, focusing the knight's attention.
Riding towards them on a light tan horse was a young man in his early teens, clad in the bright clothing of a nobleman, he bore curly blond hair, blue eyes, and an excited smile.
"So, you are to be my squire?" The Dragon Knight glared at the teenager who only smiled nervously.
"Ye-yes, my lord!" The young man answered, stuttering slightly.
"What's your name boy?" Henry asked.
"Grosch, Arthur Grosch, my lord!" The squire introduced himself excitedly, almost annoying the Breton with his jittery personality.
"Is there a problem Arthur?" The knight asked, crossing his arms.
"I-No, my lord… It's just-its an honor to serve as your squire! I have heard of all of your exploits in the north! The way you slew that-" Arthur answered, blushing slightly.
"Enough… Your first order is to ride at the back of the column and guard the rear, we'll discuss your duties when we reach the castle." Henry said, cutting off the young squire.
"Right… Ha, of course, my lord. Sorry…" Arthur calmed down slightly before pulling his horse behind the carriage.
With that taken care of, Henry then stepped into the covered carriage before taking a seat across from the two dark elves. Soon the horse bucked and the carriage was in motion at a steady pace.
After closing the blinds, the group was out of sight from onlookers and somewhat relaxed. Despite this, the Dragonborn kept a watchful eye on the two scantily-clad elves who only eyed him curiously. Particularly on Olga who only gave him a blatantly suggestive smirk.
"Ha, one so willing and enthusiastic to serve and die! How adorable." Olga commented.
"I can only hope his enthusiasm will be relegated to the training yards, and not the battlefield…" The vampire exclaimed, furrowing his eyebrows.
"I heard what you spoke to your horse, I've never heard a foreign language like that. I like that." The dark queen complimented.
"It's old Bretic, it's not spoken much anymore." The black knight answered simply, ignoring her blatant flirting.
"Interesting, so what's our first move then, dear lord?" The dark sorceress asked, emphasizing the word dear.
"We shall return to the castle and work to strengthen my position for the upcoming offensive. We'll discuss your assignments when we arrive later. For now, get some rest, we'll arrive likely tomorrow morning should we remain free of any delays." He answered, calmly.
"I don't suppose we'll be stopping for some breakfast then…" Olga suggested, leaning back.
/
Elsewhere
Within a wooden cabin, a red-robed Imperial man was hard at work.
With a wet rag in hand, he wiped down several glass display cases, each containing a carefully cleaned item. Turning his attention to one of the smaller cases, he smiled at the sight of the weapon encased.
It was a dagger, elaborately designed. The blade itself was based on the leaf design seen in spears, the crossguard was jagged on both ends and pointed upward, at the bottom was a black threaded handle and finely designed pommel complete with an inlaid black ruby.
"Excuse me, but is this the Mythic Dawn Museum?" A feminine voice asked.
Turning, the Nibenean was greeted by an unexpected, though not unwelcome sight. Standing at the doorway, was the form of a fair-skinned nordic woman. Despite her heavy winter clothing, her opulent physique could easily be seen. A pair of jade, green eyes stared at the Imperial with subtle interest, eying him up and down. Sensing his attraction, her smooth lips curved into a smile.
"Yes! Yes, this is the Mythic Dawn Museum indeed! I am Silus Vesuius, welcome in!" The robed Imperial greeted, his smile widening.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, I was interested in a tour of the artifacts if you didn't mind." The Nord asked politely.
"But of course, where shall we start? Ah, the beginning!" Silas answered before turning towards the cases containing old grey books. "If we turn our gazes to this case here, we'll find it contains the four commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes. Written by the founder and former leader, Mankar Camoran. In them, he promised his followers eternity that after they died and they would be reborn at Mehrunes Dagon's side."
"Fascinating, and of this?" The visitor asked, motioning towards the weathered sheet of paper on display.
"That there is what remains of the Mysterium Xarxes itself, supposedly written by Mehrunes Dagon himself. From what can be deciphered, it claims that upon his next coming, those faithful to the Daedric Prince would be rewarded with paradise in another life." Silus answered happily.
"Intriguing, and what can you tell me about this dagger here?" She asked, turning towards the displayed dagger.
"Ah! That is Mehrunes' Razor. A powerful blade forged by the Daedric Prince of Destruction himself and gifted to the grandmaster of the Mythic Dawn. For the past two hundred years, it was broken and lost to time, until recently thankfully." He answered.
"Do you think I could see it?" The woman asked. At this, Silas was certainly taken aback with the request.
"I'm afraid not. It has been only recently been discovered and reassembled, though the fellow who fixed it did a great job… I don't want to risk damaging it." He explained after managing to regain his composure
"Awww, would you be willing to make an exception for a great admirer? I've traveled long and far to stand in this great museum." The Nordic woman asked, a frown appearing on her alluring face.
"I… suppose so, though I must urge caution." Silas said, caving in. Reaching to his belt pouch, he fetched a bronze key. Unlocking the display case, he carefully reached in before pulling the dark dagger out.
"Oh, but of course." She said smiling returning to her lips.
Handing it to the lovely stranger, she eyed with great interest. Her smile widened as she turned the dagger to inspect it. Looking up, her vibrant green eyes met his faint grey eyes, sensing him bending to her will, she smiled suggestively. Reaching up, she placed a soft grip on the Nibenean's shoulder. Noting this, he felt his heart practically melt as she opened her mouth to speak once more.
"Thank you… for your service." She spoke seductively as her gentle fingers began to slowly glide down from his shoulder.
"My service?" He asked, slightly confused.
"For finding the dagger for us." She answered, suddenly tightening her grip on his arm.
Then, without warning, the woman plunged the dagger deep within the man's stomach. Despite the pain though, Silas was unable to speak, his brain too in shock to register the threat, and his whole body and mind felt numb.
"Unfortunately… that's where your usefulness ends." She spoke coldly. Drawing back the dagger, she quickly shanked the Imperial another four times. Though he was likely dead after the second stab, she took no chances and continued with another six stabs.
Feeling his heartbeat stop its rampant pumping, she casually released her grip on him and his body crumpled to the floor with a loud thud. Blood poured out of the many open wounds, leaving a massive pool of blood surrounding his corpse.
Looking to the blood-soaked dagger, the cloaked woman wiped off the blade on the clothing worn by the now-dead Silas before clipping the scabbard to her belt and sheathing the dark blade.
"Rest now brother, you have completed your task. The master will be pleased."
