While Larina and Alan prepared for Broken Fang Cave, Ariel visited a small graveyard behind the building. The hard snow crunching under her steel boots. This is where every fallen member rested. The ones whose bodies couldn't be recovered still got a headstone in memory of their service. Twenty-two headstones were spread out in this area. Vigilants young and old. Some Ariel knew personally. Others she only spoke to in passing. Carcette often called them a family. Despite Ariel getting along with pretty much everyone, the pain of losing a piece of this family didn't resonate. Since the last time she was here, no new tombstones had been planted. Odd considering the number of deaths Larina spoke about. Ariel kneeled in front of an old friend's grave.
"Hello Vanis. Been a while, hasn't it? I wanted to share the good news. I finally got Tyrus' book finished. I had a lot of fun putting it all together. Maybe too much fun. I'm off having the time of my life while you guys are defending Skyrim. If only I was here, then maybe the Vigilants would be at full strength. If only..." She inhaled, and exhaled. "If I only I stayed with you in Whiterun. You'd be right here with us. Making us laugh. Annoying me to no end. I still have the journal you gave me. It's sitting on my nightstand, and I flip through it every night. I promise I won't stop fighting. When my time comes, I'll see you in Sovngarde."
Ariel kissed two fingers and tapped the headstone. She rose to her feet. "How much did you hear?"
"Most of it." Larina stood in the background. Her robe rippled in the icy wind.
The best friends came face to face. A tale of sadness being told through each woman's facial expressions. Over four years of friendship, they had their first real argument moments ago. They've fought over minuscule things like a piece of pie. Over whom was Afiya's favorite. Neither wanted to argue under these circumstances.
"I'm sorry." They said simultaneously. The girls smiled and held hands.
"I didn't mean to yell at you." Said Ariel.
"Please don't blame yourself. There was nothing you could have done outside what we're already capable of. I'm just relieved you're here." Larina hugged Ariel, assuring everything is going to be okay.
"I don't mean to be a bother, but where are the headstone for the recently passed Vigilants?"
Larina sighed. "Truth be told, it hasn't come up. We've been focused on trying to stay alive."
"Understandable."
"How about this. When we get back from saving Afiya and the others, I'll get right on that. It's what they deserve."
Alan strolled around the corner. "Glad to see you girls made up. I'm ready to go if you are."
Ariel agreed. "Larina, you ride with me. Alan, stick close behind. If we keep a steady pace, we can reach Whiterun Hold within an hour."
The trio walked back to the front, where Carcette stood on the porch. She seemed to at least be functioning. Carcette approached Ariel at the steps.
"Ariel, I-"
"Don't apologize Keeper. Do us all favor and continue being the leader these men and women need."
Carcette grinned and nodded. "Stendarr watch over you."
"Thanks, but I'm afraid we're going to need a lot more than prayers. We'll be back."
Ariel joined Larina on top of Apple, while Alan steered his horse downhill. The Vigilants watched in valor as the group rode on to their rescue mission. Larina took their extra time to fill in Ariel on what exactly happened after she left.
"It all started when a farmer from Rorikstead came knocking. He had a story of a vampire killing his cattle. He didn't actually see it but found the traditional vampire teeth marks on two of his goats. With no real evidence, the local guards saw no reason to do anything. So, he came to us."
"Vampires. I don't remember those being a problem in my years with the Vigilants." Said Ariel.
"That's because it wasn't a problem." Said Larina. "Carcette told me she killed one once in a blue moon. Recently though, they've been increasing in numbers, and we don't know why. Being who we are, Carcette sent a group of four out to Rorikstead. Only one made it back alive. Do you remember Talgina?"
"Carcette's cousin? The one who joined a couple years ago?"
"Yes. She was so traumatized, a local guard had to escort her home, and he had to explain the situation. During their nightly watch, one of the Vigilants thought someone looked out of place. They followed the suspect over a hill, leading to an underground lair not too far away. They raided the place, finding two vampires camping inside. Even with a man advantage, the vampires easily overpowered them. Talgina retreated to Rorikstead, drenched in blood and screaming for every guard in town to help. The guards banded together with a few willing townsfolk and went on the offensive. By the time they arrived, the vampires had vanished. Carcette tried to comfort Talgina, but she drew a dagger and threatened anyone who got close. She spouted some insane rhetoric about how the vampires will slay us, and we have no chance to survive. Then she slit her throat."
"My god. That's..." Ariel couldn't finish her sentence.
"I know. Some of the Vigilants quit after that incident. Carcette fell into a depression. She would drink and disappear for the night without saying a word. We'd wake up and she'd be in her room. Drinking and celebrating that she sent more Daedra back to Oblivion. Although her hammer was bloody, we never knew what she was doing out there. Eventually Afiya had to lock her away in fear she could have been hurting innocent people. Morale went down the hole seeing Carcette acting like a lunatic. We didn't want to abandon her, but we couldn't let her loose either. I wanted to quit myself but running away was never an option. Thinking about my father and the people we keep safe. I'd die knowing I saved a life."
"That's why I returned. I couldn't sit by in a life of luxury knowing there was work to be done. I guess this is the life we chose."
Alan smiled at her. "Well, we're glad to have you back."
"Much appreciated Alan." Ariel pulled a bright, red apple from her pocket and took a bite. "What made those vampires more dangerous than any other ones?"
"Between the numbers, magic and immortality, battling one vampire is hard enough with at least three of us." Said Alan. "The more there are, the worse off we'll be."
"Immortality? So, we can't kill them?" Asked Ariel. She had never faced one, uneducated on the abilities of a night walker.
"Not necessarily." Replied Alan. "Anything can be killed, but our basic steel weapons might as well be sticks. The only thing we can rely on is our magic."
Ariel pulled out Kass' gift from the saddle. "What about this? I was informed this will work well against Daedra. Vampires shouldn't be an exception."
"That's a silver sword." Said Larina in awe. "Where did you get that?"
"From the Silver Hand."
"The werewolf hunters?" Asked Alan.
"Yes." Hearing that answer, Alan grunted. Larina went silent. Ariel figured there was an issue between the Vigilants and Silver Hand from how Kass acted. This confirmed it. "Is there a problem with the Silver Hand?"
"The Silver Hand are a bunch of savages." Answered Alan. "They have no proper order. No structure. No-"
"They didn't want to work with us." Said Larina. "Carcette decided since we both hunt Daedra; it would make more sense for us to form an alliance. Cover more ground. She and their leader, Krev the Skinner, couldn't come to terms on how to operate. Carcette wanted us to move in tandem pairing off and covering each hold individually. Krev was more interested in running the entire operation himself and having his commanders call the shots. Essentially reducing us to lackeys."
"It was god damn disrespectful!"
"Calm down Alan. Another reason are those silver weapons. Silver is very expensive, and the only silver mines in Skyrim are under a tight grip. We couldn't afford those, at least not for every member. Supposedly the Silver Hand do freelance work under the Silver-Bloods, Markarth's richest family and owner of Skyrim's biggest silver mine. I'll let you put two and two together."
Ariel stared straight ahead. Things began making more sense. The Silver Hand weren't exactly cheery, but Kass may have gone easy on her due to being Garris' daughter.
"Regardless, that sword will come in handy." Said Larina as she patted Ariel's stomach. "Whatever business you have with the Silver Hand is your business. Not ours. Right Alan?"
He scoffed. "I suppose. Just don't ask me to talk to them."
"Thanks, Larina."
Fifty minutes later, they arrived at Broken Fang Cave. You wouldn't notice it unless you walked in between the rock formation. Alan drew his two-handed battle axe, putting on a stern warrior face. Ariel handed Larina her elven sword while she used the silver one. Alan being the veteran, went in first. The girls stayed close, watching for danger at all sides. Coming down a tunnel, they saw that Broken Fang wasn't much of a cave, more of a hideout. No bigger than a conference room, the dimly lit lair had coffins vertically sitting on multiple rock platforms with steps leading to each one. A similar platform leads from the entrance to the ground. Multiple bones were littered everywhere. A female wood elf in a black gown laid on top of a bone pile with a steel sword plunged into her chest. The Vigilants gathered around. Alan kneeled down, touching her face.
"Careful." Warned Larina.
Alan looked at Larina, and back to the elf. He checked her pupils which glowed a bright yellow. He stretched her lips, revealing her sharp teeth. Her skin, ice cold.
"It's a vampire all right." Confirmed Alan. "It's clear a fight went down. Search for any sign of our friends. Tread lightly."
They went to separate areas, carefully digging through the dirty mess. Larina kicked a loose ribcage, finding clothes underneath. Ariel stepped into one of the darker parts of the cave, where a slumped figure sat against the wall. Closing in, she was able to identify a Vigilant robe.
"Guys, I found one."
"Who is it, and are they alive?" Asked Alan, who was checking out the coffins.
Ariel lifted the head. A redguard with his eyes gouged out. Ariel covered her mouth, trying not to vomit. She recognized him. "It's Malakai. He's dead."
"Is he wearing his robes?" Asked Larina from across the room.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Cause I found bloody ones over here with no body. Ugh, I'm going to be sick."
"We can't confirm anything without a body, but if they're our robes, then we can call it here." Said Alan.
"What about Afiya? This place isn't that big and... unless those bloody robes are hers." Ariel swept her hair back. "God, I don't want to think about that."
Alan was standing on one of the platforms. "Hey! You two hold it together. Looks like whoever was here got the best of them and left. Do a final sweep for anything important and we can leave."
The girls nodded and continued to search. Using one hand, Alan grabbed the coffin lid he in stood in front of. It didn't budge. He sheathed his blade and flexed his muscles. Now using two hands, he managed to pry the lid open. It made a loud squeak as it swung from right to left. Behind the lid was another tunnel that turned a corner.
"Girls!" The women looked in his direction. "We got something."
Alan slowly levitated in the air. The oxygen was steadily removed from his lungs. His throat split on both sides as blood gushed from his neck. The splatter simulating sounds of rain as Alan's eyes rolled back, and body went limp.
"ALAN!" Screamed Larina.
His body flew off the platform, landing at Ariel's feet. His jugular had been ripped out upon being thrown. Blood slid from the stone from where he hung. Ariel's hands twitched, witnessing the mutilation of yet another Vigilant.
"My...my...my..." A male, dark elf emerged from an invisible state. He wore draping red robes and carried that same yellow glow within his eyes. A sinister smirk on his face, sizing up the new prey. "It must be my birthday."
"Ariel, get over here." Demanded Larina. Ariel scrambled towards Larina. Each woman with their swords at the ready. The elf made his way down while taunting the Vigilants.
"What do I owe the pleasure...of having these lovely, young girls grace my humble abode." He licked Alan's blood from his hand. His face twisted and flicked it off, staining Alan's face. Adding more insult to injury. "Sour and stale. Now you two. I can tell from just looking, that you taste...incredibly sweet."
Ariel grimaced, clutching the silver sword with two hands. Huffing and puffing like an iron bull. "We're not letting you leave here in one piece you freak!"
The vampire chuckled. "Let's not resort to name calling now. How about we be adults and introduce ourselves properly. I'll go first. I am Sendus. Now it's your turn."
Ariel screamed and charged forward. Sendus ejected a lightning bolt into Ariel's chest, sending her flying in the opposite direction and into a pile of bones. Larina went on the offensive. Sendus drew his own steel blade. They clashed, and the impact sent a vibration throughout her arm. Knocking her off one foot. That's how strong a vampire is. Sendus threw a side kick with the force of a dashing horse. It put Larina on her back, losing the ability to breathe for a second. Sendus' free hand glowed red and began to suck the life force from Larina.
Ariel returned to the fight, breaking the spell. Ariel and Sendus went at again as Larina popped a small bottle. She drank a potion that cured diseases and slowly got up. Ariel swung with the force of a giant, but with the precision of a master chef. Each blow hitting as hard as the last. Never giving Sendus a chance to recover. Garris' philosophy on sword fighting was to use anger against your opponent instead of letting it cripple her mind. If you can keep focus, then a fight will stay in your control.
A lesson that Sendus quickly learned. Sendus defended himself carefully, realizing the damage that silver sword can cause. He tripped on a skull, falling on his behind. Ariel thrusted her sword and Sendus vanished, making the Vigilant hit dirt.
"FIGHT ME YOU COWAAAAAARD!" Roared Ariel, nearly tearing her vocal cords. She looked around anxiously, only seeing Larina drinking a blue potion. She motioned Ariel over with a finger, who reunited her friend, being careful of the surroundings.
"Ariel, I have a spell that can help us. It'll take about ten seconds to reach full power, so I need you to cover me. Keep your ears open and watch the floors."
Ariel nodded and took her battle stance. Larina sat on both knees. Her hands came close together, and a yellow glow formed in between. Bones rustled as the pitter-patter of footsteps circling them broke the silence. A cut slashed Ariel's right arm. She winced and swung, hitting nothing. A skull skipped a rock and Ariel swung once more. A spark erupted, as Sendus blocked her swing.
"Ariel, close your eyes." Said Larina.
Ariel followed her friends' orders. Larina lobbed her spell the air, creating a radiant explosion that lit up Broken Fang Cave. It broke the invisibility cloak, leaving Sendus blinded.
"KILL HIM NOW!"
Ariel ran forward. Sendus blindly swung. Ariel rolled under and sliced off his sword arm. Sendus stumbled and charged another lightning bolt. He lobbed it at Ariel. Using the sword as a shield, she absorbed the blow, only mildly affecting her.
Sendus panicked. "How the hell?"
Ariel rolled forward, sprung up, and drove the silver sword into his chin, pushing until the blade penetrated the top of his head. Ariel jerked the blade, breaking Sendus' neck. The loud pop of a broken spinal cord was gross to hear, but it signaled the end of a horrifying encounter. Ariel removed her weapon and pushed the body on top of his female cohort.
She turned to Larina, looking relieved. Larina's face grew worried, and she rushed over. A sharp pain grew in Ariel's right side. Ariel touched a broken bone stuck just above her pelvis. "Huh, how'd that get there." Larina carted Ariel to the closet step and laid her down. Ariel groaned. The pain throbbed harder as the adrenaline wore off.
"It's not that bad." Said Larina. "Small and it'll come out it one take. I'll make it quick. On three. Okay?"
"Yeah, on three."
"Alright. One." Larina yanked the bone out with no warning.
"AAAAAAHHHHH. You witch."
"I think the vampire was right. No need for the name calling." Larina place a hand on the small wound. She applied restoration magic and closed it up instantly. "See, all better."
Ariel felt the pain fade away. "Thanks. Can you get my arm too?"
"Sure." Larina sealed the cut. "Man, that was scarier that I thought. These vampires are a menace."
"They're worse than the werewolves." Ariel frowned. "Poor Alan. He deserved much better."
"As do all of our fallen Vigilant's, and the innocents whose lives were lost. C'mon. There's one more spot we need to check."
Leaving an intense battle behind, they treaded down the tunnel hiding behind the coffin. It led to a nice-looking room, presumably where Sendus made his plans. A bed, desk, alchemy lab and enchanting table. Wouldn't be a bad place to live if not for all the cannibalism. The tall cage didn't belong, instantly catching their attention. Inside was a naked, female redguard.
"Afiya!" Ariel tugged on the cage door, finding it to be locked.
"I'll try and find a key." Suggested Larina.
"No time." Ariel bashed the lock with her sword's blunt end. Four stiff whacks broke it. Larina pulled Afiya out and laid her on the carpet. She was bruised along multiple parts of her body. Skin lighter than before. Larina checked Afiya's neck. There were two holes, caked in dried blood.
"Is she alive?" Asked a distraught Ariel.
Larina closed the neck wounds with her best healing spell. "There's a pulse, but she's in really bad shape. We've got to get her to Whiterun. Afiya is good friends with the priestess there, and she's also a medical expert.
Ariel snatched a large blanket from the bed and wrapped Afiya in it. Being the stronger of the two, Ariel carried her mentor in both arms. They left the hidden room and went for the exit. Larina stopped at Alan's corpse.
"Larina, he's gone."
"I know. I want to say a quick prayer." Ariel departed the cave. Larina kneeled down, folded Alan's arms across his chest, closed his eyelids, and gave him his final rites. "Stendarr guide your path."
With Broken Fang Cave behind them, the Vigilants set a blazing path for Whiterun. Once there, they rushed to the Temple of Kynareth. A medical haven for Whiterun's sick and injured. Head priestess Danica Pure-Spring went right to work when Larina explained the situation. Danica called upon her assistant, Acolyte Jenssen, who joined Danica in using healing magic on Afiya. Ariel and Larina sat close by on a bench. Ariel on the verge of a breakdown like when Vanis died. Bawling with no signs of stopping. She couldn't lose Afiya. Larina, stone faced. Not that she wasn't concerned but has seen this scenario before. Too many times. She held Ariel tightly, hoping to keep her friend stable. Twenty minutes passed and Afiya's condition saw no improvement. Danica sat next to the girls, who hadn't moved a muscle.
"Don't sugar coat anything. Can she be saved?" Asked Larina.
Danica patted her legs. "Honestly, I don't know. She's got some serious injuries. The main being the massive blood loss. She suffered from dehydration, so we got some fluid in her. Her heart is beating at an abnormal pace, but at least its beating. That's it for now. In the meantime, you two should go get some rest. You've been through a lot today and sitting here in shambles won't make things any better. Come by tomorrow and maybe she'll be better. I can't promise anything more than that."
"Anything you do is appreciated. Bless you Danica." Said Larina.
"Thank you." Whimpered Ariel.
Danica nodded and went to converse with Jenssen. The girls headed to the Bannered Mare for a drink and a room. Last time Ariel was here she had her first date, making a memory she hasn't forgotten. This visit became somber, not even being able to enjoy the atmosphere. Ariel sat at the bar, halfway into her third ale. Drinking wasn't a pastime Ariel found pleasant, doing so seldomly. She liked the taste but not the aftereffects. After meeting Sendus, she'd do anything to block him from her mind. Hands shaking, she spilled small amounts of booze which the bartender Hulda, had to keep cleaning. Ariel apologized for the mess.
"No matter." She lifted Ariel's bottle and placed a towel underneath.
Larina hadn't said a word. She found a somewhat relaxing state from soaking in the steam from her mug of black tea. No sugar or honey. Not even milk. Pure, black gold. She leaned over to Ariel. "I'm going to the restroom. I'll be back."
Ariel was left to her thoughts. Chatter amongst the bar patrons had gotten louder. Every voice blended together in Ariel's head. Along with a blurry image of Sendus attacking and bleeding her dry. A scenario that could have been her fate and has a high probability of happening when they eventually fight more. She wanted to scream and call for help. Dreading that sense of being helpless. Leaning on one arm, she chugged the remaining ale, hoping to black it out. "Bartender. Can I... get one more."
Hulda folded her arms. "You've had enough."
Ariel groaned in frustration, smacking the bottle on the ground.
"That's uncalled for." Said Hulda.
Ariel laughed, blended with a slight cry. "You people don't appreciate anything. I nearly DIED, so you can stand behind this wooden box and sling your ale. The vampires will be coming for you soon." Ariel slid off the barstool, legs turning to jelly. The alcohol churning her stomach. Now standing in Carcette's shoes. "The vampires are coming for ALL OF YOU! And you'll be begging me to save your life."
No one gave her a reaction. To them, Ariel was just the weekly drunk.
"I'll be ready!" Shouted Ariel, pointing to herself. She threw a blind fist, prompting a nearby drinker to dodge a haymaker. "I KILLED A VAMPIRE TODAY! Can anyone else here make that claim? No? It's really easy. All you-all you have to do, is this."
Ariel threw another wild punch, hitting a bystander in the face. Reality set in as Ariel covered her mouth in shock.
"Hello Ariel." Said Farkas.