Han lu Urshar

As I walked down a hall towards a figure with a Golden mask, I felt differently than the last time I'd dreamed of Dagoth Ur. Lining the sides of the hall were gray skinned beings with empty eye sockets. The demon king no doubt expected to be the point of my attention when he'd arranged this vision, but my talk with Cindana was still fresh in my mind. Instead of giving my focus to the obvious authority figure, my wandering mind wondered who the bystanders were.

"You are already so near. Come young warrior. I'll welcome you to my hearth."

I ignored the imposing being and turned to my left to face the eyeless, decrepit, miserable gray beings. One hung his mouth open impossibly wide, but made no sound, as if frozen in a violent, silent scream. I tentatively stepped up to him, reached up and wrapped my arms around the cold naked shoulders of the being. It paused and hesitantly laid its head on my shoulder as if for comfort.

Dagoth observed in confusion as I disregarded him in preference to a faceless nameless lost soul with no apparent significance. I turned to face Dagoth and whispered, "Are you happy?"

The figure I hugged nudged me away. The dream world fell away and I was surprised to find a fully armored Ordinator, keeping me at a distance with a hand on my chest.

"Are you always this friendly with strangers?"

With a start, I realized I was no longer in the long dark hall, but rather, standing in front of the Ghostgate, next to the portcullis. "What just happened? I must have been dreaming. How did I get here?"

The other Ordinator laughed, losing the usual stolid Ordinator demeanor and doubling over. "Oh by Almsivi, this outlander mistook your graceful feminine form for his dream girl Laskar," he said to his partner. He fell forward weakly, leaning on his spear to stay upright while the fits of laughter racked his body. "Come on, you wouldn't want to disappoint the poor lad. Give him a fat kiss." The Dunmer fell to his knee pads and hung from his grip on the spear, completely overcome by the outrageousness of the situation.

Laskar gave me a rough shove and barked disapprovingly. "Get back to bed you mangy traveler. If I catch you sleepwalking again, I'll tie you to the bedpost."

"Oh that would make for an even more interesting dream," his companion razzed. Laskar kicked some loose dirt at his partners helmeted face. I eagerly returned to the hostel without argument, thoroughly embarrassed by the whole incident.

The next morning, my companions and I took the time to have a hot breakfast and headed out. Gildee led us east and north along the perimeter of the Ghostfence with a short detour south, into another foyoda until the valley connected with another which ran north. Gildee was optimistic that we'd avoid any serious trouble, but then the wind picked up.

"Ash storm!" She warned as a wall of dust and ash approached from up the valley. She grabbed Blue's hand and ordered us to make a chain. Cindana took Blue's other hand and mine. Gildee pulled a piece of cloth up from around her neck that she always wore due to her regular excursions into the ashlands. Blue and I pulled out our stolen scarves, but realized Cindana hadn't prepared for this.

Before the wall of flying silt hit us, I wrapped my scarf over Cindana's face and tried to pull my shirt up over my nose. The storm hit and the world disappeared from view. Our progress slowed to a crawl as Gildee pressed forward with limited vision. The best the rest of us could do was hold on to each other. I had trouble holding my shirt over my face and keeping a grip on my spear at the same time. Eventually, I had to let go of Cindana's hand to adjust the makeshift filter, but when I reached out to find her again, my hand passed through empty air. I stumbled forward waving my arm and hoping to brush against her, but she was gone. I couldn't see through my shirt or open my eyes at all. To make things worse, the howl of the storm drowned out any shout I could muster.

I did the only thing I could think to do. I found the canyon wall and crawled alongside it. With no sense of time or progress, I felt completely alone and wondered how long the storm would last. I had the water bag on my shoulder and food if I could manage to eat it in the storm. A shiver ran up my spine at the thought of chewing on food covered in the gritty earth.

I pressed forward until my mind started playing tricks on me. I thought I heard voices in the storm. I used the shaft of the spear to feel around, certain that one of Dagoth's ash slaves would attack me when I least expected it. The storm wore me down, draining my energy, the sporadic coughing from what ash got into my mouth made it painful to breath. I was surprised to feel a hand haul me by my cuirass up over an animals saddle. I recoiled in surprise, but decided to let myself be packed like a hunter's kill. It was far from comfortable, but I was happy to yield my journey to this riders navigational expertise.

Some time later, the winds died down and I was able to make out the beginnings of plant life again. The rider shoved me off roughly, leaving me in a heap on my back. "You can spare my mount from here outlander. The grazelands are this way," said a male Dunmer voice. The rider took off at a trot, leaving me to scramble after him now that the storm was mostly behind us. The rider was dressed from head to toe in a cream white chitin plated armor on a hide frame. His helmet had only slits across the eyes that I wished I could examine closer, as they apparently allowed sight through the storm.

As I hurried to catch up to the strange animal, I realized I'd never seen one before. It was a lizard with tan orange scales, two sturdy legs with clawed feet, and a round bulbous head. It had small eyes and a large mouth which seemed permanently stuck in a goofy smile. It turned to look at me as I leveled with the rider, panting not unlike a dog. It stretched its neck out and a long tongue extended past its teeth, trying to taste my face until its rider pulled him back.

"What is that creature," I asked?

"This is my guar. His name is Uriel."

I snorted. "Uriel? You realize that's the Emperor's name, don't you?"

The rider turned his helmet to look down on me. "A fitting name for such a regal animal, don't you think?"

I glanced at the guar as it extended its tongue casually into its own nostril. "Is that a joke?"

The rider kept riding, seeming to ignore me. I got the feeling he was hiding a grin under that helmet. Wordlessly, he snapped at his reins and he left me unable to keep up with the guars pace.

I stopped short as the valley walls ended, opening up into a vast green grassland. I spotted my companions ahead, debating on what to do. The rider drew their attention and they noticed me at the mouth of the ashlands, running to meet me.

"I thought you'd be lost till the storm cleared," Gildee confessed, walking up and brushing off my ash covered clothes.

"So did I," I admitted, trying to pick the bits of grit from the corners of my eyes. "That rider found me though. I think his helmet allows him to see through the storm."

Gildee nodded. "The ashlanders make helmets from mudcrab chitin. The way they boil the shell makes it malleable and it grows in layers which they can peel off and form into a certain shape and thickness. Then it drys into that shape and grows hard again. They make a multi spaced chamber with eye slits to minimize the wind that can get through. The storm still is blinding, but it lets them keep their eyes open. I convinced a family to show me once."

I looked after the rider who was headed to a small group of tents a mile or two distant. "That's the Zainab tribe," Gildee explained. "They aren't unfriendly, but they don't care for outsiders in their territory."

At Gildee's suggestion, we went on the move. This part of Vvardenfell seemed vibrant and healthy, the grass growing taller the further we got from the Ashlands. A constant breeze made the land sway, making it look like a rolling sea of grass. On our trek, a family of deer could be seen in the distance, if only their heads sticking out over the plant life. I felt sure a large number of other animals lived here too, hidden by the growth. Blue licked his chops. "I wouldn't mind bagging a buck."

In late afternoon, Gildee beckoned from ahead. "I can see Tel Vos. We'll be there before sundown."

At the crest of the hill, you could see the Telvanni castle jutting from the top of a hill, overlooking the town of Vos on the coast to the east. Cindana looked to me. "It's probably time to talk tactics. What kind of threat are we facing?"

I bit my lip. "I can't be sure. The thing is, from what I gathered the Blades don't know where my mother is exactly. They just have intel that my grandfather is hiding her. No doubt, the Blades will have agents all over here looking for me. Probably Blue too."

Cindana stared at the tower in thought. "Perhaps I can contact your grandfather for you. Give him a message."

I grimaced. "That would be a problem. See, I've never actually met him." This drew a questioning glance from Cindana, being the only one out of the loop. "It's a long story. The bottom line is, I have to meet him in person to convince him the Empire is after my mother."

"And why are they after her," came the inevitable question?

"Once again, long story. The Empire wants to use her to blackmail me into working for them."

Cindana conceded with a sigh, giving up on requesting more details. "Very well. Blue and Gildee should wait outside town while you and I try to gain entry to the castle."

I bristled silently at the idea of being alone with Cindana. "Why you?"

Cindana's emotionless guise dropped and for a single moment, reflected some of the venom she'd been suppressing. "Because I don't trust you. As I said, I spared your life and therefore, your actions are partly my responsibility. I wasn't lying when I said I'd kill you. You live by my standards now and I'll see them upheld."

"Now wait a minute." Blue argued. "It'll be dark soon. Are you saying we have to camp outside while you two get to snuggle up in a nice warm castle? I'm sure there's a perfectly good inn where we could hunker down."

I shook my head. "Whatever happens, we can't risk staying here. As soon as I've assured my mothers safety, we need to go somewhere with fewer Imperial agents."

Blue fell into a brooding silence.

"We'll find a place where we can watch the castle entrance," Gildee assured. "If you need us, wave your arms above your head where you are visible."

With the plan in place, our group split in two. I pulled my hood to cover my features as Cindana and I made our way to Tel Vos. The entrance consisted of three archways with huge wooden doors. The middle door remained open with two guards in Imperial armor, one guard being human and the other a Dunmer.

"What's your business here?" They asked, clearly bored.

"We have urgent news for Master Aryon," I explained, hiding my face from the Imperial as much as possible by facing the Dunmer guard instead.

The Dunmer grunted. "Master Aryon will see the public, even at this hour, but know that if he is disturbed outside normal business hours, you will suffer the displeasure of a wizard. You'd better ask yourself, is your message that urgent," he questioned, giving me the chance to rethink and wait until the next day.

"It is," I pressed, intrigued at my grandfather's open door policy. I suppose his subjects knew better than to waste a wizard's time needlessly. The guards beckoned us inside the courtyard to the main entrance. At ground level, the building was an average, grey stone Imperial fortress. Higher up, the Telvanni tower could be seen rising from the formerly ruined sections.

Another guard led us into what almost seemed a throne room, but far less formal. A long table occupied the middle with an ornate chair at the head, surely reserved for the Master. There was a verandah surrounding the room from above where a number of guards took up position with bows to guard their liege.

"Wait here," the guard ordered, leaving us in the room while he went to get Master Aryon. "And keep your weapons sheathed."

I left my spear leaning against a stone column and stood quietly next to Cindana who examined the room with interest. Eventually, the shuffle of shoes signaled people coming from a staircase at the back of the room. Two guards led a Dunmer in blue, decorative wizard robes. His features were thin and hard as if from daily hard labor, unlike any wizard I'd ever met. His angular cheeks led to a strong chin. Master Aryon was taller than me, almost six feet. His hair was flat black and cut simply and pragmatically. Despite being quite old, his stature would have compared to a human in his late thirties or forties.

"I hope this is something important," his deep voice rumbled, not in annoyance, but perfectly professional.

"I promise it is." I assured, wary of the two Imperial guards among the others. They were mostly Dunmer, but with an exception or two. "It is concerning your family Master Ayron." Throwing back my hood, I proclaimed, "I'm your grandson, Han lu."

None of the guards spoke or murmured, but their discipline didn't stop them from sharing interested glances. Master Aryon himself settled his hard gaze upon my face, not moving from his spot. After a long moment, he motioned to one of the archers on the verandah. The guard removed his helmet, leaning over the rail to look at me. He exclaimed, wide eyed, "Oh by the nine!" I recognized the Wood Elf.

"Fargoth!" I croaked, my throat swelling with emotion. The Wood Elf was too impatient to use the stairs, instead opting to grab a long banner and slide down it. I met him as his boots hit the floor and we embraced.

"Dear boy, what happened to your face?" I waved the question off and Fargoth choked. "The Emperor announced that he'd had you executed. It broke our hearts. We couldn't even figure out what they'd done with the remains." Fargoth withdrew, eyes overflowing with tears, grasping me by the shoulders. "But look at you. You found us."

Our attention was drawn away by Master Aryon who cooly ordered the guards away. Most turned away obediently, but one of the close bodyguards, an Imperial in legion armor, leaned in to ask, "Are you sure Master? Shouldn't I remain by your side?"

"This is a family matter Turedas. Please check on the wall guards. I want Tel Vos closed to visitors until further notice."

Reluctantly, the Imperial saluted, clapping his boots together. "Yes sir." He glanced at the newcomers, knowing his talk with the Blades agent had something to do with this. He took his leave, having been given a signal by the Blades, should this very thing happen. His orders to check the wall guard would allow him to signal an agent in town with a lantern from a specific window.

In the meeting room, Master Aryon watched the reunion stone faced, far enough to appear aloof. He waited for Fargoth to bring me forward.

"Master Aryon, this really is him," said Fargoth, eyes puffy from joy.

"This brings a number of questions to mind," the wizard said coldly, not sharing in the happy occasion. "The most serious of which is how you've avoided the empire. I worry they will follow you here."

I noticed my grandfather's manner and unconsciously stood straighter myself, acting more formal. "That is why I've come muthsera. I've been under the watch of the Blades since they took me away from the Imperial prison. I recently intercepted intelligence that you are sheltering my mother and that they were gathering agents here in Tel Vos to find her."

Master Aryon's eyes widened. "Could they know where she is," he enquired, all but admitting it was true?

"I don't know. I found out three days ago and had to get here through the ashlands to avoid capture."

Aryon leaned against a chair, staring at the floor and thinking to himself. "We have contingencies for this. She is in hiding. Fargoth. I need you to go to her. She has potions to transport herself to another safe location. You'll go with her and go into hiding until I send someone for you." He beckoned the Wood Elf close. "If they are with me, I'll give them a code phrase." The wizard whispered a secret word in the Wood Elf's ear. Fargoth nodded, confirming he'd heard it.

I moved to follow Fargoth out of the castle, but Master Aryon ordered, "Stay where you are!"

I protested, "It's my mother, I should be with her."

Grandfather gave me a glare that could cut a tree in half and considering his position, that was entirely plausible. "Your presence would only endanger her further. She will be safer far from you. Not to mention, the Blades surely saw you come here. While you crossed the ashlands, they would have arrived here by boat yesterday or even earlier. You won't be safe from them unless you remain here under the protection of House Telvanni by my authority. The Blades may try to have you arrested, but they will think twice before offending a Great House."

The wizard took his seat at the head of the meeting table and gestured for Cindana and I to sit also. I balled my fists, "I can't sit idly by while mother is in danger."

"No?" Master Aryon voiced in a superior tone. "I suppose you must do as your father and meddle in delicate affairs until it gets you beheaded. You are alive and hearing that news will bring Virisa more joy than she's had since she arrived here. The best thing you can do for her at this moment is stay alive so you can be reunited once it's safe."

I fell silent, angry at the insult to my father Adairan. However, I knew it was true. Logic won out and I broodingly obeyed my grandfather.

"I hope you haven't forgotten your manners boy." At my confused look, Aryon nodded toward Cindana who sat straight backed and graceful, wide watchful eyes showing her discomfort with the secrets she'd been hearing.

"Oh, this is Cindana. She's a spellsword in my company."

"And how did you meet this elegant young lady?" Aryon asked, finally betraying a hint of humanity with a knowing grin, no doubt expecting we were in a relationship.

Before I could answer, Cindana did so for me. "Han lu slew my father for a mercenary contract."

I shrunk in my seat as Master Aryon lost his semblance of a teasing grin and exchanged it for a look of uncomfortable confusion. "Oh. How... unfortunate. You have my condolences of course." He curiously stared at Cindana. "It would appear… that you've worked out your differences."

Cindana deadpanned. "He's working on it."

"Very well," Aryon muttered, eager to change the subject. "Han lu, I'd like you to tell me what has happened to you since prison. You are family and I'm willing to protect you, but if I am to negotiate with the Blades for your life, I must know what they want with you."

I looked to Cindana. "You may not want to hear this. These are Blade secrets. If you hear them, it may make you a target."

Cindana still wore her deadpan expression, empty of feeling. " Whatever happens, I'm going to see that you take the right side."

This drew a questioning look from Aryon, but I moved on. "The Emperor thinks I may fulfill an ancient prophecy. The Blades are trying to get me to follow the path of the Nerevarine."

Master Aryon slumped in his chair, letting his head lean back so he could groan loudly into the air. "You must be joking. Please tell me you're joking."

I hesitated at the negative reaction. "No, the reason they're looking for Virisa is to blackmail me into figuring out the prophecy."

"By the grace of Almsivi," the wizard moaned. "The Empire never ceases it's meddling."

Cindana cleared her throat. "What is this prophecy?"

Aryon answered with a longsuffering tone, "The Ashlanders have these foolish ideas that the ancient war hero, Indoril Nerevar will be reborn and lead the inhabitants of Vvardenfell. It's the hopefull ramblings of fools too stuck in their own backwater traditions to do anything to secure their own futures. They dwell in tents, claiming they are ostracized by the Temple and the Great Houses, but instead of working hard to establish towns, crops, and wells to obtain prosperity, they await this ancient hero to take over the lands that are already settled on their behalf. Different versions of the prophecies say he will do different things. Some say he'll drive the Empire from Morrowind. Some say he'll destroy Dagoth Ur. Some say he'll join Dagoth Ur and restore the ancient kingdom that Morrowind was thousands of years ago. Despite the fact that no two Nerevarine cultists seem to agree on what the Nerevarine will be reincarnated for, somehow the Emperor thinks it's a good idea to get the ashlanders and daedra worshippers all worked up. Only a human could lend his fortunes and men to such folly."

"I still don't understand," Cindana nagged. "What's so bad about following an old legend?"

Aryon pinched the bridge of his nose as he answered. "The Nerevarine prophecies are counted as blasphemy among the Temple and anyone who pursues the title of Nerevarine will be seen as a power grabber by the Great Houses. Our politics aren't kind and anyone who lays claim to the title will fall under terrible scrutiny and merciless personal attacks. Even if you met the requirements of the prophecies perfectly, the councils of the different houses will see you as a threat to their authority. That's sure to bring down slander, assassins, and anything else the counselors can do to stand in your way."

Cindana was quiet for a moment before meaningfully meeting my gaze. "Sounds like a selfless path to me." I opened my mouth to speak, but couldn't decide on an appropriate response. Things were happening far too quickly for my tastes.

Aryon looked at her curiously, looking tired just from the thought of pursuing the Nerevarine prophecy. He finally leaned over the table. "Look Han lu. We never knew each other. Your father convinced Virisa to take you and run away with him to Cyrodiil to make his fortune. I was… angry at the time. I never did approve of him, or of their marriage and I said things to them I wish I could take back now, no matter how much they've been proven right. The fact is, you are my grandson. Now I may not know the full extent of what you've gotten yourself into, but I wish… I wish to be of help. However I can. Just do me one favor."

I met his eyes, less formally now that Aryon was actively trying to warm up to me. "What is that?"

"Be mindful of your family and be careful what you drag us into."

The conversation was interrupted by Aryon's bodyguard, Turedas Talanian, barging in the front door. "Master Aryon, pardon the intrusion. There are two Imperial navy ships in the harbor. They've deployed men at the lighthouse."

Aryon stood abruptly and strode impatiently to the castle courtyard. "Have they taken anyone from the lighthouse?" He demanded. "Are they inside?"

Looking over the town, I could see another tall structure on a peninsula in the bay. A tall slender Telvanni tree tower stood with an open space at the top where a large brazier burned for ships to see. There were windows in the towers and the bright flashes of combat magic could be seen, answering the wizards question.

"Han lu, they followed Fargoth to your mother. We have to confront them." He turned to Turedas. "Rouse the garrison. Everyone we can spare goes to meet the Imperials."

Turedas saluted. By the time Master Aryon moved to descend the hill, I was already in the town, madly sprinting faster than I ever had towards the lighthouse with my spear in hand.