Guards
by Tierra
--Chapter 1--
08:34 a.m.
"You know what the worst thing about being a Royal Guard is?"
Adryn Sadrasei idly turned to look at his friend through the slit in his helmet, bemused. He could already tell this was going to be another of Elendro's random observations which he, with a kind of horrible fascination, had begun to look forward to. He sighed. "What?"
"The fact that it's so hard to use the bathroom. There's a whole ritual involved, you know?"
"...is this how you say hello to me now?" Adryn asked incredulously, after a short, pronounced silence.
"Well, it's true!" Elendro pointed at his belt. "You see, normal people can just go to the bathroom and do their thing, and that's that, right? But not us. No no, we have to get rid of layers 'n' layers of armour and leather and chainmail before we can go potty."
"That...is a truly enlightening observation to be making right after breakfast, 'Dro."
"Now, why can't they make codpieces that just have a little flap or hinge or something to make every armour-wearing being's life a lot easier? We wear chainmail skirts anyway, why would anyone notice a door to the crotch? It'd be well-hidden. And think about how easy life would be when we visit the broth--"
Adryn cut him off, swinging his legs off the bed and grabbing his swordbelt and scabbard. "No, stop. Don't go there. Otherwise I might actually start considering one of your ideas, and we both know that never ends well." He buckled the belt about his waist and hooked the scabbard to it, making sure it was tightly attached. "Now, get ready. Besides, why bother getting a blow in full armour when you can get one in complete comfort anyway, without armour?"
Elendro shrugged. "Hey, it's an idea. Because then we could just go to the brothel on our beat, and no-one would ever know because we'd never be out of armour anyway!" He pushed open the barracks door that led outside, holding it for Adryn. "It's not like we ever actually do anything on patrol anyway, no-one'd miss us.
"We have to keep up appearances, 'dro. Keeps the people in line. Anyway, if we're never out of armour, how does that help us stay discrete?" Adryn asked, reluctantly curious despite himself. Elendro was an unconventional sort, yet some of his ideas could actually be turned into something useful. And Adryn knew that Elendro did try to patent his designs - often under Adryn's name, to the merchants they both frequented. This often led to rather embarrassing situations for Adryn.
"Well, you know, if we're needed, just close the hatch and out the door, right? No fiddling with all this armour, taking ages to put it back on while people wait for us to uphold the law without having to uphold our pants at the same time."
Adryn shot a thoughtful look at his friend. He could just imagine, behind the expressionless crimson helmet so respected by all of Morrowind, Elendro's cocky, self-satisfied grin, the one that he always wore whenever he knew he was gaining Adryn's support for one of his ideas. "If I hear anything about this being my idea from the armourer, I am going to lock you in the sewer with the liches, you hear me? Now come on, we're due on duty in the Bazaar."
"The Bazaar, eh? Odd place for Royal Guards, King Helseth never leaves the palace anyway," Elendro mused, leaning heavily on Adryn's shoulder as they walked into the bright daylight of Plaza Brindisi Dorom. "Pity we're not stationed at Godsreach, that's where that custom armourer works, hehe."
--
09:03 a.m.
The sprawling Great Bazaar of Mournhold was bathed in sunlight - it was another beautiful day in Lady Almalexia's city, as many of the citizens liked to tell random passing strangers. It was a busy weekend - a long festival was scheduled over the next few days and travellers were arriving early. The townfolk were all out and about on this fine day and the large plaza was fairly crowded with people, Dunmer and outlander alike. Doors of shops were thrown wide open, luring customers into their cool inviting rooms to browse for goods. The Bazaar Theatre was outdoing itself - the seats were filled and the action onstage was intense. Dotted around the entire area were the high plumes and glistening armour of the High Ordinators, elite warwizards, members of one of the most famed warrior orders in Morrowind and highly respected by all.
"Why aren't they doing their bloody jobs?" Elendro growled, slouched against the lamppost, his black-gloved hands tucked into his belt moodily. Adryn didn't blame him - he had wondered the same thing when he was told that the pair of them were required as extra security at the Bazaar today by the Captain of the Guard.
He let his gaze travel across the busy square before answering. "Look at all these people. I think even with the full squad of High Ordinators, they'd be run ragged. Besides, I heard something's going on at the Temple, and Lady Almalexia has recalled some of her troops for extra protection."
"You'd think her Hands would already be enough protection for her, especially with that Hler chappie around. Why'd they stick us in the Bazaar then? Two more guards aren't going to make a difference in this crowd."
"Because it's the busiest," Adryn said patiently, elbowing Elendro neatly in the small of the back. "On a day like today, where d'you think they're going to have more trouble - here or...say...Godsreach?"
Adryn looked around. The pair of them were drawing more than a few stares, which was expected. Royal Guards weren't often seen in the Bazaar, unlike the High Ordinators - in fact, some of these travellers had probably never seen a Royal Guard before. Adryn felt a measure of pride and straightened up, basking in the attention. He felt important.
"Hmm, you know, there is a certain advantage to being the only two Royal Guards here," came Elendro's voice in his ear, and Adryn turned to see his friend jerk his thumb at a small group of young, pretty, mixed-race adventurers, two of whom were in armour, giggling and talking amongst themselves while throwing significant little glances in the Guards' direction. Elendro waved at them cockily, which threw them into another sudden outburst of giggling and blushing. "Yup, the ladies love a man in uniform. Especially dashing Royal Guard crimson armour uniform." He flexed a bit, puffing out his chest to look more heroic.
Adryn rolled his eyes, catching his partner by the elbow just as he was about to move off towards the girls. "Right. Dashing. We have a job to do, Dro."
"Oh, come on, Adryn!"
"I'm not coming on," Adryn smirked, making Elendro laugh. "I swear, you would go after a goblin if it batted its eyelids at you."
"Hey, now that's overdoing it...it would have to be in a dress too."
Further conversation and possibly a friendly fist fight along that vein was cut off with the approach of an High Ordinator. His armour was rapidly losing its shine, and what little fabric he wore as part of his uniform was twisted and mussed up from being amongst the crowd for so long. His whole posture seemed to suggest exhaustion, a look that wasn't often seem among the mighty warrior order. Adryn hailed him. "Good day to you, friend! Care to join us?"
The haggard Ordinator changed direction and headed for them, sighing heavily as he reached the lamppost. He sank down upon the low wall next to it with a moan of relief. "It is bedlam out there, I swear. Someone could get killed and still be upright with how many people are in the Bazaar today! And the thieves are having a ball - you wouldn't believe the pickpockets out there, and half of them aren't even Thieves' Guild operatives either. If we didn't catch those freelancers, you can bet the Guild will have something to say about it. You two are obviously the Guards they sent from the Palace?" He looked up at them, his intimidating silver mask shining in the bright sun.
"That's us," Elendro nodded, and Adryn noted the pride in his voice. Light-hearted slacker though he was, deep down, Elendro was proud of his post, whether he realised it or not.
"Well, you might want to shift yourselves to the other side, over near the shopping area. It's mayhem over there." The High Ordinator shook his head, passing a hand across his mask. "They'll appreciate your help over there."
Adryn nodded and nudged Elendro. "Got it. C'mon, 'Dro, let's go earn our pay." He strode away, hearing the clink of armour as Elendro trotted to catch up with him.
--
09:09 a.m.
"You are such a workaholic, it makes me sick sometimes, Adryn."
The pair were walking around the edge of the Bazaar to avoid the masses in the main areas, often getting separated for short periods. It was taking longer than usual as they had to maneouvre around the people who had gotten the same idea as themselves about avoiding the crowds. Adryn kept one hand on his sword hilt protectively, tilting his head in Elendro's direction.
"I'm just doing my job, Dro," he said defensively.
"Well, yeah, but when are you going to learn to have any fun?" They had reached the huge staircase on the other end of the Bazaar, and began to descend into the large shopping area. "I mean, if you're not on duty, you're checking when you're supposed to be on duty, polishing your armour, or training. You never come out for drinks with me anymore. I bet you can't even remember what the inside of the tavern looks like."
"Well, I...I..." Adryn trailed off, thinking about what Elendro was saying. He wanted to argue, but his partner had a point - he couldn't even remember the last time he had gone out to have some proper fun. He could, however, remember the times Elendro had invited him along, but he always made an excuse - he was too tired, he had an early shift, or something along those lines. In fact, it was almost always a work-related reason.
"Hah, see, told you!" Elendro crowed triumphantly, correctly interpreting his silence and poking Adryn in the ribs, between his armour joints. "That settles it. Tonight, you and me are hitting the Winged Guar. Get some good flin, a couple of wenches - each, of course - and maybe a good old brawl or two, eh?"
Adryn opened his mouth without thinking. "But, tomorrow is the start of the big festi--"
Elendro hooked his hand into the collar of Adryn's crimson breastplate and dragged him off-balance into the empty alley between the bridge and the shops. Adryn found himself against the wall of the shop, Elendro standing arms akimbo in front of him, absolutely radiating indignance. "Oh no. No, you don't, Adryn Sadrasei. You were going to say that tomorrow there's that big festival that we have to police and we have to be feeling up to it, weren't you?" He leaned forward, glaring so hard that Adryn could see his glowing red eyes behind the dark visor. "Weren't you? Don't lie."
"Well...yeah. B-but, it's true, we have to be awake early!"
"Adryn..." Elendro shook his head, setting his hands on his friend's shoulders with a dramatic sigh. Adryn glanced nervously towards the entrance of the alley where the shop square was - people in the crowd were starting to stare. "When are you going to learn that joining the Guards does not mean you have to give up your social life? Remember fun? Remember what fun is like? Because just because you're a Guard doesn't mean you should stop having it. I manage it, don't I? And I haven't been fired yet."
"But it's easier for you!" Adryn said, all too aware of all the eyes that were peering curiously down the alley at the pair. "Cut it out, people are staring."
Elendro didn't appear to have heard him, and kept staring into his visor. "Look, you're not bailing on me tonight, alright? It'll be fun!" From the wide-eyed looks that were turned in their direction, Adryn was sure that more than a few people had heard and misinterpreted Elendro's declaration. He wanted to laugh but was sure Elendro wouldn't appreciate it and managed to keep quiet."No excuses this time, you and me are gonna go out and have a good time and for one night, just...NOT be Guards. Okay?" he pleaded.
Adryn sighed, feeling defeated. Another thing he could say about his friend - when he set his mind to something, you might as well try and stop the sun's cycle. "Fine. Fine, you and me, tonight, at the Winged Guar." He batted at Elendro's hands. "Now, will you let me go? Because I'm pretty sure your little adventuress friends are really beginning to wonder which side of the road we both travel on, if you get my meaning." He nodded significantly at the alley entrance where some of the girls from before could be seen, whispering and pointing and, of course, giggling. Elendro followed his gaze curiously and suddenly let go of Adryn's shoulders as if he'd been burned. The girls continued to stare, until Elendro waved to them nervously. They moved away, whispering animatedly amongst themselves.
Elendro coughed. "I'm torn between wanting to see them at the Guar tonight...and hoping that none of them show up."
--
09:14 a.m.
They re-emerged into the bright daylight of the square. If anything, the crowd had become even more concentrated, with roadside stalls hawking their wares, travelling entertainers, adventurers, mercenaries...once, even, with a thrill of fear, Adryn was sure he'd seen the black mask of a Dark Brotherhood assassin, but he blinked and it was gone.
It wasn't long before he realised what was missing - Elendro's ever-present voice in his ear. He looked around, startled and annoyed with himself that he hadn't realised his friend's absence sooner. Oddly, he couldn't see the glow of crimson armour anywhere else in the crowd - but he wasn't surprised, Elendro wasn't particularly tall, especially in this crowd. Neither am I, Adryn thought, standing on tiptoe to try and get a better look at the crowd.
He turned a few times and his gaze landed upon two of the young adventuresses, a Khajiit in netch leather armour and someone who was probably her charge, a Dunmer who looked like a teenager. He cut through the crowd after them and caught up. "Excuse me, sera."
The Dunmer turned to see who had hailed her and a blush heated her cheeks as she tucked her face into the Khajiit's sleeve, hiding behind her. The Khajiit grinned toothily up at the Guard. "Carada hears you, friend. What do you ask?" she asked in the typical rolling accent of the Khajiiti.
"I was wondering if you had seen my partner" - the word was ill-chosen as the Dunmer made a muffled sound that made Carada grin - "around anywhere."
"Oh, your...special friend?" Carada began to giggle as well, but managed to compose herself. Adryn wondered idly if these girls had been put under some sort of giggling spell. "Carada thinks she saw him near the bookseller's."
"Oh! Well, thank you, sera." Adryn nodded his thanks and turned away, peering around. As he moved off towards the bookseller's, he cast a curious look back at the two travelling companions - yes, he knew it, whispering together, undoubtedly about himself and his 'special friend'. He shook his head. Even when he wasn't trying, Elendro had a knack for getting him into trouble.
--
09:30 a.m.
"Adryn! Where have you been?" Elendro's call floated across to him from the top of the stairs and Adryn turned, seeing his friend standing in what could only be called a cocky pose. Adryn jogged up the stairs, ready to deliver a speech on just exactly how annoyed he was.
"Where have -I- been? I could ask you the same bloody question! I thought you wer--" His gaze dropped behind Elendro randomly and he fell silent. Finally, he cleared his throat. "'Dro...what in the name of all that is good and pure is that?"
Elendro sat down on the low wall. "A pack rat," he said fondly, scratching the rat's head as it nosed its way under his hand like a puppy.
"...I apologise for my undoubtedly colossal ignorance, but what is a pack rat?"
"A pack rat's a pack rat. Some Breton's selling 'em, a hundred drakes a head. Cute little buggers, aren't they? Carry a load and fight for you too. I call him Ratty."
A full minute's silence. Then..."Ratty. You can't be serious."
Elendro sighed. "What have I done wrong now?"
"It's...it's..." Adryn could feel himself on the edge of a full-blown rant. He forced his voice into a hiss to avoid a scene. "That is one hundred drakes you will never see again, and you already owe me fifty, Dro. And if you insist on keeping this thing, this...Ratty with you at all times, then you are going to be patrolling on your own."
"But why? What's wrong with Ratty?"
"Do you have any idea how...stupid you look patting a rat that carries luggage?" Adryn sighed. "Of all the crazy things you do..."
"Hey!" Elendro growled, indignant. "This isn't half as crazy as the things that are going on in this bazaar. No-one's gonna notice a little rat with bags. Besides, he's cute! Look." He picked the rat up and thrust him into Adryn's arms. The rat gazed up into Adryn's helmet with big black eyes and made a spirited attempt to climb up and lick Adryn's face. He averted his gaze, struggling to keep the rat away. "Oh, come on 'Dro, get this thing off me!" He passed the rat back hurriedly, brushing his hands on his chainmail.
"Sera! Sera, help me!"
Relieved for the distraction from all things Ratty-related, Adryn turned to see a middle-aged Breton woman toiling up the stairs towards them, in an obvious state of panic and anguish. As she arrived he took her arm to steady her, allowing her to lean on him. "Woah, calm down. What can we do for you?"
"My daughter! My husband! They-they've gone into the sewers! Oh please, sera, help them!" The woman grabbed wildly at Adryn's armour, her hair coming rapidly out of its neat little bun, eyes wide with fear. "Please, sera!"
Adryn took her by the arms and guided her to the wall, gently pushing her down to sit upon it. "Ssh, it's okay, we will investigate." He heard Elendro inhale behind him and cut off his argument by glancing over his shoulder. "We WILL investigate." He turned back to the woman. "What are their names, and why did they go into the sewers?"
"A-Aurelie is my daughter, and Bagnen is my husband. She wandered down there when we were inside the trader's and my husband followed her down to bring her back. Oh, please, hurry, sera!"
Adryn nodded. "Worry not, we will bring them back. You wait right here and don't move, alright? Come on, 'Dro."
--
09:49 a.m.
The sewers, as most sewers are, were dark, dank and smelt like...well, crap. As one would expect. Being sewers. Adryn had expected this, of course, though he himself had never been in the sewers. It did not make it any more pleasant to know that he was right.
"'Dro, give me that torch...we've got to find a way around this place."
Elendro handed him the blazing torch from behind, muttering quietly and venomously. Adryn couldn't exactly catch what he was saying, but the words "crap", "murder" and "sewer" were a few of the words he did catch, and he could make a guess about what his friend was saying. He could also tell that all Elendro was doing was keeping himself busy to stop thinking about a very real and very unpleasant possibility - not only were the sewers the lair of all sorts of monsters and demons, but somewhere in here was the lair of the infamous Dark Brotherhood. The fact that they didn't know what Bagnen or Aurelie looked like was not a comforting thought.
"Stick close and watch my back, Dro." Adryn unsheathed his sword, holding the torch high. "Almalexia knows what we'll find down here. And must that rat of yours come with us?" Adryn looked back to where Ratty was peering into the canal of the sewer curiously, and made a face.
"Hey, he might be helpful. Plus, I couldn't just leave him in the Bazaar all alone, could I?" Adryn heard the sound of Dro's scimitar being pulled from its scabbard. "Lead on."
The echo of their armoured footsteps sounded horribly loud and focused in the long corridors of the sewers. There was no sign of any movement, other than the occasional rat, that scurried away at their approach. Adryn's nerves were wearing very thin - each jumping shadow that the torch threw on the mossy walls turned into a lich, a goblin, a monster in Adryn's mind, and he kept glancing sharply at them only to find that they had turned back into shadows. He cursed his own jumpiness and tried to stay focused. Elendro had stopped muttering some time ago, but he could still hear his footsteps and the soft patter of claws from Ratty.
"This is making me nervous," Elendro suddenly said from behind him. It still surprised Adryn that whenever he thought of something, Elendro would often make a comment along the same lines. "There is nothing around...no monsters, no adventurers, no assassins, no nothing...it's as if they'd all just...vanished. It's creepy."
"No need to be nervous, 'Dro." Adryn hoped he sounded convincing - he didn't want either of them to start panicking, and if Elendro was anywhere near his own state of mind, panic could set in at any second. "Just becau-augh!" He tripped suddenly, landing against the wall of the sewer with a loud clang, almost dropping the torch.
"What?! What is it?!" Elendro cried out form behind him - he definately sounded panicky now, looking around frantically with his sword held up in a defensive posture.
Adryn steadied himself against the wall, fumbling to get a grip on both his torch and his sword. "Calm down, Dro, I just tripped on this...mother of..." He held the torch close to the ground, eyes wide.
It illuminated the still form of a lich, clearly dead, its now lifeless skeletal claw still wrapped around its sword. Adryn swallowed, trying not to gag at the lich's horrendous wounds. Its attacker had been very intent on slaying it, and had literally torn it open, spilling its innards across the walkway. Elendro brought his hand to the front of his helmet and retched, turning away from the vile body hurriedly. Adryn nudged Ratty away from the body with his boot - the rat was showing way too much interest in it, which was something he didn't want to watch.
"'Dro, come on." Adryn edged his friend around the body, keeping his back to it carefully and keeping Ratty in front of them. He shone the torch ahead of them.
The light bounced off a scene of carnage. Skeletons, goblins and durzogs lay slain on both sides of the sewer, split open, their bodies raided and kicked aside. Adryn almost felt pity for them, had he not known their true nature - they would have attacked anyone unlucky enough to cross their paths. This time, they must have picked on the wrong warrior. What a mistake.
Elendro tore off his helmet and dropped to his knees by the edge of the gutter, retching. Adryn turned aside, feeling sorry for his friend. As a soldier and a fighter, Elendro was top-notch, but he took death very seriously. Adryn knew Elendro wasn't used to the grittier, darker side of being a soldier - in fact, neither of them were, but somehow, seeing Elendro react like this was helping Adryn become stronger, in order to support his friend. This kind of wanton carnage was not something Elendro could handle.
Adryn held up the torch - the bodies continued sporadically as far as he could see. He knelt down next to Elendro, patting his back. Elendro was trembling, one hand across his stomach, wiping his mouth with the back of the other. "D-d-do we have to do this, Adryn?" he moaned weakly, his eyes unfocused.
Adryn unhooked a flask from his belt and gave it to his friend. "Here, have some water. I wish I could say we didn't have to, and I know you hate to hear it, but we have a job to do, 'Dro." He glanced up. "Besides, I think we're going in the wrong direction...neither the child nor the husband could have done this, or have come in this direction if this is what greeted them. Let's head back, there must be a door somewhere we can go through."
Elendro took the flask and tilted it, letting the water fall into his mouth. He spat it out into the gutter, coughed, and recapped the flask, handing it back. "Th-thanks, Adryn." Adryn stood, first helping Elendro to his feet then retrieving his helmet. He gave it back, and Elendro slid it back over his head, masking his features once again.
Edging around the horrible dead lich, Elendro carrying Ratty past it, they headed back in the direction they had come.
--
11:01 a.m.
At last, they found a door hidden in one of the recesses that were positioned along the walls of the sewer system. Dust had been brushed from the handle and the floor was scuffed where the door had been opened.
"I think this is our best bet," Adryn said, glancing over his shoulder at Elendro. Elendro still didn't look his best - his grip on his sword was less confidant, and he held it lowered. His voice still quivered a little when he spoke. "I hope we find them soon...I want to get out of this forsaken place."
Adryn pushed the handle down slowly, wincing as it creaked loudly. It opened to reveal an empty corridor. Adryn felt a definite sense of foreboding as he perceived the long deserted passage. Somehow, it called to mind the carnage they had just retreated from.
"A-anything there?" Adryn didn't have to look behind him to know that Elendro was hiding behind him, quite probably with one hand over his visor just in case they stumbled across the remnants of another battle.
"No, nothing here, it's just empty."
"Oh...good." Elendro's intense relief was evident in his voice.
The pair of Guards stepped forward, Adryn in front, Elendro watching his back, and Ratty following behind like a faithful puppy. They edged cautiously along the passage, until suddenly, there was movement from the far end of the passage. Adryn immediately crouched, bringing his sword to the ready. Elendro appeared by his side as if by reflex, his sword also held in front of him, all signs of his previous queasiness having vanished. Movement meant something alive, not a corpse. Usually. Unless someone got creative with the necromantic arts. "What is it?"
"I-I don't know...I thought I...yes, there, there's a person there!"
Sure enough, there was the outline of a person at the end of the corridor, dressed in rags. The face was hidden by a voluminous hood, but from the build the figure appeared to be male.
Adryn leaned back slightly to Elendro. "D'you think that's the husband?"
"There's only one way to find out, isn't there? Sera! Hey, sera!" Elendro strode forward a few steps, calling out to the hooded man. "Is your name Bagnen, by any chance?"
The figure turned, swayed on the spot, and lifted a hand wordlessly.
Too late Adryn remembered that the sewers held not only monsters and the Dark Brotherhood - it was also the hunting ground of the terrifying Black Dart Gang.
- End of Part 1 -
Author's Note: Love Morrowind. Love Royal Guards. And now, for the compulsory end-of-chapter questions: who is the hooded man? What will happen to our intrepid heroes? Will Adryn ever be rid of Ratty? Stay tuned!
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