Chapter Eleven: Sul-Matuul of Urshilaku

Merlac stared at his master with horror. He tried to speak, but no word came out of his mouth. He tried to move, but his legs were like two heavy stones. Caius stared back, looking serious. Suddenly, the look on his face changed from serious to rather sad. The spymaster sighed quietly and closed the door behind him.

"This was not the way I was about to let you know.", Caius said looking away from Merlac. "Sit down."

Merlac swallowed laboriously but did not move.

"Master, I know I should not have looked at your personal stuff and… but… why didn't you tell me?"

"I said sit down", said Caius impatiently. But Merlac did not move. His fear started to fade away and hatred filled him. Hatred towards his master.

"Why didn't you tell me?", Merlac asked again, sounding more demanding.

Caius sat to a wooden chair and looked down.

"Why didn't you te…", Merlac started again, but Caius suddenly stood back up and yelled at him.

"Because I didn't believe at the prophecy myself!"

Caius tried to continue, but the words stuck into his throat. Then he sat down again and spoke, this time sounding very old and sad.

"Please sit down, it's time for you to hear everything."

Finally, Merlac sat down to Caius's bed.

"I didn't tell you about the prophecy, because I didn't believe in it even myself. Temple declared the prophecy illegal long time ago, but like it says in the letter, the Emperor seems to believe in it. I still didn't believe in the prophecy when I got that letter, just before you arrived to Balmora first time several months ago, but now…. I'm not sure what to believe."

Caius sat quiet for a moment and continued then.

"What can I say? You're here to save Morrowind. You must take your place as the Nerevar reborn, protector of people."

"But master… how can it be? I'm just…. Nothing. My parents were nothing, though I didn't even know them. I've spent whole my life in prisons! How can I be this Nerevar-guy?"

"Born to uncertain parents, under a certain star sign.", Caius said quietly.

Merlac rose up and started walking back and forth in the room, shaking his head in disbelief. Then he remembered it again.

"Milo! Quickly master, we must help her, the ordinators took him!"

"Calm down Merlac, calm down. I know about Milo. I got a magic letter from the Emperor just before you arrived. He is taken to the ministry of truth for questioning and there is nothing we can do it at the moment."

"But… there must be something we can do, can't the Emperor just set him free?"

"Things are not that simple, I'm afraid. The Emperor can't help Milo now, and so can't we. All we can do now is to wait and hope for best. But before that, there are other matters that require your full dedication."

"What?! What can be more important than helping Milo?", yelled Merlac.

"I understand you might feel something towards her, the prophecy says the one would love a dissident priest."

"So does the prophecy tell us is she going to be all right?", Merlac urged Caius.

"I'm afraid it doesn't. She is not an important person in the prophecy."

Merlac sat down again and leant his head into his arms. He didn't want this, he didn't want to be the one. He just wanted Milo. It was strange how strongly he felt towards her after just few minutes of conversation.

"All we can do, is to wait. You can't help her by sitting there, Merlac.", said Caius.

Merlac looked at his master.

"So what do you want me to do?"

"I'm not the one who can tell you for sure if you are the one true Nerevar or not, you must go and seek for audience with Sul-Matuul, the leader of an Ashlander tribe Urshilaku. Perhaps he can check the ancient beliefs of the ashlander tribes and confirm if you are the one mentioned in the prophecies or not."

Caius took a map of Vvardenfell from his desk drawer and placed it on the table.

"Now, the easiest way to the camp is… hmm… take a silt strider to Ald'ruhn, and from there to Khuul. It's a small fishing village in the north west coast of Vvardenfell. When you reach Khuul, follow the coastline to east until you reach a daedric shrine.", said Caius while moving his finger along the map.

"And then?"

"Then…. I'm not sure, I've never been there. But the camp should be somewhere in the eastern side of the shrine, not too far from it. If you still follow the coast, you might not be able to see camp, as the terrain is full of slopes."

"I'll find it. Is there anything else I should know?", asked Merlac, anxious to leave.

"Yes. The ashlanders are not very hospitable people. They are the old clans of Dunmer people and they despise our style of living."

"So they are old chimers?"

"No, no, you got it all wrong. The Chimer were changed into dunmer at the same day Vivec, Almalexia and Sotha Sil got their abilities of gods, but the ashlanders are one of the last remaining original dunmers in Morrowind."

"Oh… all right. Can I go now?"

Caius gave a laugh.

"Heh, you remind me of myself when I was a young man. Always in a hurry to get yourself into danger. You have to understand that if you are the Nerevar reborn, you have a long path in front of you. But perhaps I can help you a bit."

"And how is that?"

"Hasphat told me you have been really dedicated in the fighter's guild. I heard you even beat the Fire-Eye herself, is that true?"

"Umm… yeah, in combat with longswords, but that was just luck and I….", Merlac started.

"No, it wasn't luck. If you are the Nerevar reborn, you must have some of his skills within you. Did you know that General Nerevar was a champion in swords with long blades?"

"No, I didn't… really?"

"Yeah, and that is why I have a small gift for you.", Caius grinned.

Caius walked to his bed and took a dusty, long, wooden box from under it.

"I was meant to give you this when I send you to the camp of Urshilaku, so I give it to you now.

Caius opened the box. It was full of straws, but Caius pushed them aside. In the middle of the box was a polished longsword, and as soon as Merlac saw it, he knew it was no ordinary sword. Caius grabbed the sword with his both hands and carefully lifted it from the box.

"This, my friend, is the one and only longsword of Lord Vivec himself. It was forged by a daedric blacksmith several millennium ago.", said Caius with pride in his voice.

"It's a daedric sword?"

"It is the finest daedric sword ever created. Only the sacred skimitar of Lady Almalexia, the Hopesfire, and the original blade of Nerevar are said to be even more powerful, but Nerevar's sword, the Trueflame, was destroyed long time ago and nobody knows where the pieces ended up, so this is the best sword available for your job."

"But... how did YOU get this?", Merlac kept wondering.

"Lord Vivec donated it to the museum of rare artifacts in the city of Mourhold long ago, the Emperor bought it from there into his own collections and he thought you might find this useful."

Caius handed the sword to Merlac and he carefully grabbed it's hilt. Though the room was rather dark, the blade shined and glowed bright blue.

"Why does it glow like that?", asked Merlac.

"It has been enchanted with the soul of a powerful golden saint, which harnesses incredible magical abilities within it. It cuts flesh, stone and undead creatures much more efficiently than any other sword you have used before."

Merlac carefully swung the sword in the air. It felt incredibly light, much lighter than his previous sword, though it was almost two times as long.

"With that sword, you will win any obstacle in your path to take your place as Nerevar reborn. Use it well, use it wisely. Now go, seek audience with Sul-Matuul and don't accept denial as an answer. Use force when necessary, but don't insult the ashlanders, or they will die before co-operating. Good luck, my friend."

Merlac sheathed his new sword, nodded at Caius and walked out of the house. This might not be the last time he would see his master, but next time he might be a different person. If only these ashlanders would agree with the prophecy…

At the small hours of next day, Merlac arrived to Khuul. As he had just slept the whole night in the back of silt strider, as much as it was possible, he felt like being able to continue travelling right away. He followed the instructions Caius had given him and arrived to the daedric shrine just before sunrise. Merlac practised his magical skills while passing the shrine, by stunning two large wild guars. Ranis had taught him the stunning spell just before Caius sent him to Vivec, but Merlac hadn't had any time to try it on living subjects until now.

The nature in northern Vvardenfell couldn't be more different from the nature around Balmora. The hills were grey like ash, there were grey sand all over him instead of grass and threes were black and without leaves. Wild guars were probably the friendliest in this part of the island, as the rest consisted only of daedric creatures and Kagouti-monsters.

Merlac walked up to a small hill to take a look around from higher ground, looking for the Urshilaku camp. The view from the top of the hill was hopeless; only more grey sand ridges in all directions. Merlac sighed. It could take a long time before he would find the camp. Suddenly, something cracked.

Instantly, seven dunmer men rushed up from the sand where they had dug themselves in, all with their weapons ready. Three men pointed Merlac with their wooden bows, as the others charged at him with their swords. But Merlac was faster. He grabbed the bow from the hands of the man next to him and crashed it to another's face, while kicking third man to stomach. The man bent twice over in pain and was thrown against a man behind him.

Merlac cast a stunning spell on the ground so that the sand exploded upwards, blinding the two dunmer in front of the blast. The last man waved his sword backwards, ready to strike with it, but Merlac grabbed the hilt of Vivec's longsword and drew it out. As the blade rose from the leather sheath, the sun rose from behind nearby hill and its light reflected from the blade, making it glow nearly as brightly as the sun itself. All seven dunmer attackers took a step backwards in dread, and covered their eyes from the light.

Merlac looked around, glancing the attackers without fear. One of them stood cautiously without his bow, second holding his still aching stomach and third's face was bleeding slowly. The two man who Merlac had almost stunned, stood up from the ground. Only one still held his weapon. This man was still screwing up his eyes, but he looked at Merlac defiantly

"Who are you and what are you doing in the lands of the Urshilaku?", the man demanded.

Merlac looked at him, but didn't lower his sword. All seven dunmer were dressed in dusty animal skins and torn pieces of clothes. Though their weapons looked old and worn-out, they were still very sharp.

"My name is Merlac and my business is my own, unless you can show me the way to Urshilaku camp.", replied Merlac.

"I am Zabamund, the right hand of our chief, Sul-Matuul of Urshilaku, and I demand to know what is your business in our village, imperial.", the man demanded again.

"I have come to seek an audience with Sul-Matuul, to confirm if I am the true Nerevar reborn, protector of people."

"Hah, you wouldn't be the first one asking to confirm that. Tell me why you would be different from those fools who only seek gold and glory?", Zabamund spat.

Merlac thought for a moment before answering.

"I suggest a fair game. If you can beat me in a fight with swords, you may do whatever you wish for me, but if I beat you, you must lead be to see your chief.", said Merlac with calm voice.

Zabamund gave a laugh.

"I'm not that stupid, I will not fight against a daedric longsword with my rusty old shortsword."

"Fine", said Merlac, and sheathed his Vivec's sword. "How about you give me one of your men's swords?"

"Deal", Zabamund chuckled.

Merlac opened his belt and gave his swords to the dunmer standing next to him, while Zabamund took off his leather cuirass. One of the dunmers threw a short bonemold-sword to the sand in front of Merlac and he took it up while Zabamund's men formed a circle around the two fighters.

"I warn you boy, Sul-Matuul chooses his right hand by the combat skills this manages. The only better swordsman in our tribe, is Sul-Matuul himself."

"We shall see", replied Merlac quietly.

Without further warning, the dunmer attacked. His hits were furious and Merlac was only barely able to stop them. It took Merlac almost a minute before he was able to strike his first hit towards Zabamund, but this repelled it easily. This man was indeed extremely skilled swordsman, so Merlac just had to be faster than him or suffer the consequences.

Zabamund used every trick to win Merlac. He tried to kick sand into Merlac's eyes and swinged with his sword like a madman. Soon, he noticed a weak spot in Merlac's defence, and hit it hard. Luckily, Merlac noticed this and evaded. During the same move, Merlac hit the dunmer into stomach with the flat side of his sword, making him to yell in pain. Merlac swiftly turned over again and hit the sword out of Zabamund's hand. The other dunmers stared with amazement, as Merlac pointed his sword at Zabamund's throat.

"So," said Merlac gasping in exhaustion. "How about that audience?"

The other dunmers looked confused, some of them even drew out their weapons and stared at Zabamund, waiting for commands. Zabamund sighed.

"This man has beaten me in fair combat, so his life cannot be taken. Ashlander's promise must be kept, lower your weapons men.", he said with loud, calm voice.

The dunmers lowered their weapons and one of the handed Merlac his own longsword back.

"I will take you to our camp to see Sul-Matuul, but that is all I can promise. We ashlanders don't like outlanders, like you, so don't expect any warm welcome."

"This hasn't been a day of warm welcomes anyways", said Merlac.

Zabamund nodded to his men and the group started walking along the grey dunes. After few minutes they arrived to a group of harnessed guars, lolling under a small dune. The ashlanders climbed to their animals and Merlac sat down on the back of the largest guar with Zabamund.

The journey was rather short but unpleasant, as guars are not actually meant for riding. After about one hour of riding, the group arrived to the Urshilaku camp.

The camp consisted of about dozen large huts and as the group arrived, several dunmers ceased doing their jobs and stared at the only white-faced person amongst them; Merlac. Merlac heard many of them whispering something in a language he was not familiar with. A woman who was breast-feeding her child outside her hut, watched Merlac with contempt, as this stood down from Zabamund's guar.

"This way", Zabamund growled, without looking at Merlac. He started walking towards three smaller huts with large animal skin strained above them, clearly the high-ranking members of the tribe lived there.

In front of the middle yurt, Zabamund stopped and turned towards Merlac.

"If Sul-Matuul doesn't wish to speak with you, you must leave immediately. While inside his hut, you must be humble and polite towards him. If you insult him in any way, we will kill you."

Zabamund walked inside the hut, closely followed by Merlac. Inside, the hut was even more decorated than from outside. Numerous animal- and - to Merlac's horror - human skulls hung in the hut walls. The whole place smelled like spoiled guar meat, but Merlac didn't say anything. In the middle of the room was a low stone chair, covered with animal furs and fabrics. There sat Sul-Matuul himself, two strong warriors standing in his sides.

Merlac was surprised to see how old Sul-Matuul was, though he still looked… agile, somehow, though he was only sitting there with his eyes closed. Merlac could immediately see why the tribe members honoured this man so much; dignity almost literally glowed from this person.

Zabamund stopped before Sul-Matuul, kneeled and pointed Merlac to do the same. Finally, Sul-Matuul opened his eyes slowly and looked at Merlac.

"Zabamund, by loyal warrior, who is this who you bring before me?", he asked with quiet but clear voice.

"Great Sul-Matuul of Urshilaku, this one requires an audience with you considering ancient ashlander beliefs about the Nerevarine prophecy.", Zabamund replied with humble voice.

"I do not like outlanders, you know this my friend, still you have brought him before me. Tell me why?", said Sul-Matuul with calm voice, but Zabamund's face went pale.

"Oh valued leader, forgive me, but I made a promise to this man and…", he started to stutter.

"You what!?", roared Sul-Matuul and stood up. "What, did you promise to this man?"

"I… we fought with swords, oh great leader." Zabamund looked like he was about to start crying.

"This man, outlander, has beaten you in combat?"

"Ye…yes my lord."

Sul-Matuul sighed.

"Law is law. If an ashlander makes a promise, it must be kept. I'm very disappointed in you, Zabamund, but I will grant this man his audience.", Sul-Matuul said, and for the first time looked at Merlac.

Zabamund walked out of the hut with the two guards, leaving Merlac alone with Sul-Matuul. The old tribe leader sat down again.

"You may sit down, outlander."

As there were no other chairs in the room, Merlac sat down to the ground, on a large animal skin.

"Now tell me, who are you and why do you seek my guidance, outlander.", Sul-Matuul asked.

Merlac gathered all his dignity and spoke, trying carefully not to insult the great leader on any way.

"My name is Merlac, the Nerevar reborn, protector of people. I have come to seek your guidance in my journeys."

Sul-Matuul gave a short laugh.

"Nerevarine, you say? You have come to see whenether you are the one person who shall fulfil the prophecy?"

Sul-Matuul sat quiet for a short time, thinking, and then spoke again.

"I cannot give you the access to ancient ashlander beliefs, outlander. You must first prove to me that you have the potential to be the one."

"I'm ready for anything. Just name your tasks and I will do them.", Merlac said.

Sul-Matuul laughed again.

"Anything, you say? In that case I have something special for you, outlander. You must enter the Urshilaku burial caverns not too far away from here, and retrieve my father's Bonebiter bow from his last resting place."

"And…that's all?", asked Merlac.

"Don't be so sure, outlander. Arrogance has doomed the previous ones who have believed they are the ones who fulfil the prophecy, and I believe you will share their fate. The caverns are south from the camp, now go and don't return util you have my father's bow!"

Merlac looked like he was about to say something, but he just closed his mouth and walked out of the hut.

The people continued to stare Merlac, as he walked through the camp. After 20 minutes of walking, Merlac arrived to a grey cliff, clearly standing out from the rest of the terrain. Merlac started walking around it, and in the other side the cliff, facing south, was a small wooden doorway in the rock.

Merlac walked to the doorway, and was just about to step in, as a bright light hit his eyes. Something bright white appeared from thin air in front of him, almost making his eyes go blind. Merlac covered his eyes with his hand and fumbled his sword.

Finally, the light darkened enough so that Merlac was able to look at it. He held the longsword of Vivec in his both hands and prepared to strike, but then Merlac saw a woman's face in the middle of the whiteness. The white glow darkened a bit more and Merlac was now able to see the whole woman standing in front of him.

Merlac stared this sight in astonishment, and then he understood. This was the same blond woman he had seen in mountains surrounding Arkngthand the dwemer fort, while searching for the dwemer puzzle box. Merlac had seen here numerous times during his journeys in Vvardenfell, always before danger, but this was the first time he saw her face to face.

"Who are you?", Merlac was able to say.

"I am Azura, the goddess of Morrowind. You are the one who tries to walk his path, unaware of his destiny. You must not give up on your journey, or the doom is near. Go with fortune mortal, go with my blessing.", the woman said with beautiful voice.

"Why have you helped me? What is my destiny?", Merlac tried to ask.

The woman just stood still, smiling. Though she looked very young and beautiful, it was impossible to say her age. Then, without a warning, she disappeared again, leaving perplexed Merlac alone again.

The appearing of this woman, Azura, had to mean danger again. Merlac had to be careful. Without any doubt, Merlac walked inside the cavern. Indeed, there was danger. But still, over eight hours later, Merlac crawled out to open air again, holding a very old wooden bow in his left hand, pressing his heavily bleeding right leg with his right hand…