Ch 30 Revelations
Eiryn dabbed some of the healing salve against Merthisan's shoulder before moving on to the bandaging their wounds. She'd used more of her mana for healing the more serious of their injuries, but the nicks and cuts they both received in the battle would be sore and possibly infectious if she didn't care for them. Her thoughts continued to wander as to why so many of these kill-for-hires had been so intent on their capture.
The swordmaster couldn't get answers either, as the remaining mercenaries preferred to run like cowards when they realized their numbers began to dwindle. Now all was left to them was an odd sense that there was even more trouble ahead.
They'd continue to Caldera and find a room at the inn there. Enough Imperial soldiers remained stationed in the town to provide some security. They'd also have to resupply, and use the mage's guild to reach Ald Ruhn. From there, they would have to follow the usual route to the Ashlander camp. Somehow this attack must be linked to Saber, and if that were the case, they'd he'd be in as much trouble as they. Eiryn pushed aside any thoughts that something might have already happened to him. I shouldn't worry, he can take care of himself…
Merthisan winced as she tightened the bandages around his upper arm, then his mouth softened into a smile. "You are a natural healer." He murmured.
Now self-conscious, she shrugged his words off, glad for the distraction. "I have that tender touch." She smiled, fastening the end of the bandages to remain snug against his wound. "Are you ready for travel?"
Despite the bone-weary tiredness, they had little choice but to continue. They already lost considerable time as it was. This time, they'd stay off the road in case other mercenaries were about. They'd also have to make precautions to avoid capture. Perhaps some scrolls of Intervention for Merthisan would be in order. Such magicks could send a person miles to safety if trouble arose.
Eiryn touched the tiny opal ring on her right hand and she remembered Saber giving her the tiny bauble. The smooth stone tingled with the innate magic of teleportation, but it's meaning went deeper than that. Saber had wanted her safe. He didn't have to give this to me. She thought. The ring of recall could have brought him some gold. His last remarks, however, still stung at her heart. Merthisan insisted he was simply scared and on edge. For her, his words sending her back to Balmora wrenched what trust she had of him.
Perhaps Merthisan was right about his short temper and quick words. Would he admit he'd made a mistake in sending her away? Deep in her heart, she truly hoped so.
Taking the lead, Eiryn guided the swordmaster to the city of Caldera to head back to the Ashlander camp and find Saber.
"Feryl…" Nekros' voice was a hoarse whisper with his attempt to sound gentle. Saber stirred from sleep, feeling cold and weak as a baby. However, memories of the vampire's bite brought him to quick alertness, forcing him back from a fitful sleep into the dark dungeon of Valos' lair.
Nekros knelt over him in the tiny cage they set aside for his capture. There was barely room to stretch out, with heavy manacles on his wrists preventing him from any attempt at escape. I suppose I should feel complimented they think I could, Saber thought darkly. He eyed his nemesis with renewed hate and only now realized Nekros had manipulated him. How else could I have let him-? Revulsion washed over him, and the Dunmer looked away, fending off feelings of shame and embarrassment of letting that thing feed on him. Nekros must have learned a great deal of magick in the years since they knew each other.
Yellow glowing eyes stared back at him, recognizing the usual rebellious nature of his prior apprentice. "Ah, you're still in the land of the living." He smiled, baring teeth.
Saber shifted his position so he could sit against the bars of the cage. Even that little motion left him panting for breath. Shivering from the damp cold, he pressed as far back as the cage would allow away from his old master. "How long have I been here?" He asked.
"You came here four days ago. Here-" Nekros offered a cup filled with broth by the smell. "You need to keep up your strength."
Only four days? Saber wanted to refuse the broth, to continue the pathetic insurgence but what did it all matter now? My friends gone, and Eiryn… Grief nearly overwhelmed him once more, and he took offered cup.
"You promised me to take my pain." He said, forcing himself to drink the thick broth. No doubt, the soup was to strengthen his blood.
Nekros nodded slowly, watching as if studying him. "Three days." He told him, "The change takes three days before you transform into one of us. After that, you won't care about the death of your friends." He then added as he watched the elf's expression. "Another day, Feryl. I embraced you almost two days ago.
Saber was acutely aware of the vampire's scrutiny, and tried to ignore him. Handing back the empty cup, he folded arms around himself to try to stay warm. Even that made him self-conscious as Nekros tilted his head and his gaze flittered over him.
"You're cold?"
Saber nearly cringed. "A blanket would be nice."
"How thoughtless of me." Nekros commented, turning slightly to where one of his 'children' stood guard near the far side of the expansive room. He motioned to bring the items he carried. The other vampire was a young Breton male, with a shag of hair that fell over his eyes glowing back the same eerie yellow as his master's. Nekros treated him as he would a loyal dog, waving his hand to dismiss him.
The items were Saber's cloak, boots, and trousers, with all his weapons and tools of his trade taken. "You've developed quite a taste for style." Nekros commented, shaking out the black silk pants. "I'm impressed."
The Dunmer scowled, seeing how Nekros had done the same. Where once the man had appeared as some vagabond, now he looked almost courtly in his velvets and leathers. "Am I to dress?"
"Much as I appreciate you as you are," Nekros chuckled, pointedly leering. "I fear the cold is a bit much for your thinned blood."
Saber eyed the pile of clothes. "And my weapons?"
To this, Nekros coughed a laugh. "Nice try, Feryl. I'm afraid you cannot be trusted just yet." He folded arms across his chest to lean against a pillar, watching him dress in quiet admiration. "I see you kept the Manos blade."
Gritting teeth in disgust, Saber felt skin grow hot from the intense stare. The sword, his daggers, and everything else he'd collected into his arsenal of weapons over the years were nowhere in sight. No doubt, Nekros had them locked away for safekeeping. Yanking on trousers, he nearly fumbled from overall weakness and wondered if he had the strength to escape even if the opportunity presented itself.
Saber remembered the sword being the only weapon he was to steal that fateful night so long ago, a blade Nekros had wanted for some reason. "You never told me why you wanted the Manos blade so badly." He commented to fill the silence, wrapping in his cloak to try to keep the chill at bay. Just getting dressed left him feeling exhausted.
Nekros continued to stare, his expression an odd contemplative look. "Its highly enchantable, made by one of the best sword smiths in Tamriel." He explained. "I'm curious to why you've kept it after all this time."
The Dunmer frowned, "Why wouldn't I?" He realized that somehow the vampire considered he might have kept the sword out of sentimental value to him! Saber nearly laughed. "If you must know, I had tried to return the sword to master Kendari."
Nekros' brows rose up in surprise. "But he did not accept?"
"He let me keep it, even provided me training." It was Saber's turn to gauge his enemy's reaction and was surprised to see the vampire did not like his answer. "Merthisan became a father to me…that I never had." He added out of malice.
Much to his satisfaction, the words obviously stung. Nekros had mentioned that he considered himself a father to young Feryl. The eyes narrowed, the lips thinned into a grim line.
"But Master Kendari is dead now." Nekros replied, matching his spite. "As well as your woman."
Saber deflated at the harsh reminder, turning away to hide the sudden tears that threatened to fall. He couldn't speak for fear of the sob caught in his throat might escape. I can't believe Merthisan is gone… Memories of Eiryn also engulfed him in ragged grief.
The vampire however, could tell the words struck a cord. He moved closer, crouched near the bars of the cage. Even though the door of the prison was open, he was obviously confidant Saber was remaining where he was. "And did you shed any tears after my death? Any pangs of guilt or remorse for me?"
Narcissistic bastard, Saber stared back at him in surprise. Nekros had asked him before, and only now did the thought occur to the Dunmer that Nekros' purpose of having him here was for answers. No, perhaps not entirely, but obviously the jagged wound at his throat was a constant reminder of a betrayal the vampire hadn't quite coped with.
Saber opened his mouth to throw an insult, but something in Nekros' yellow eyes caused him to pause. The man wanted to know, needed to know, what prompted Feryl to murder him. What's more, Nekros wanted to know how he reacted after he was gone. But why should any of that matter after all this time?
Memories of standing on the docks after he killed Nekros returned. Feryl was only twelve…or so. He didn't know his exact age. Even then, he felt Nekros had taken his childhood from him, and in its place, he lived a cold and meaningless life with very high expectations with training. Mistakes were punishable, and successes rarely praised. Nights were spent in vigorous training, of memorizing poisons, anatomy, of reciting methods of quick or lingering deaths.
Oddly enough, despite the finality of Nekros death, or what he thought was finality at the time, Feryl didn't feel repletion. He felt empty. He stood on the docks at the dead of night, watching the body of his master sink into the darkness, and. curiously. felt tears streaming down his cheeks. Feryl hadn't known why he was crying, why he felt so alone. Nekros had been cruel and nearly killed his only friend in the world. Why would he mourn the loss of such a creature?
Saber wasn't sure if he wanted to give Nekros his answer. Why should I give him any solace whatsoever? He looked back at the vampire, waiting. All this time, Nekros had wondered why his apprentice had murdered him. Strange that after all his cruelty Nekros would have to wonder the cause. Still, Saber thought to himself, now perhaps was the time for answers for them both.
"Tell me this first-" He finally replied, "Did you kill my parents?" At least he'd get an answer after all these years.
Nekros' brows shot up. The question obviously took him off guard, almost like a physical blow. "Did I kill your parents? All these years, and you think I was the one that killed your parents?" The words were thick with surprise. The corners of his eyes softened, the body relaxed. "No, Feryl. I did not kill your parents. You were a street waif, as I've told you often. A small elfling lost on the streets."
He could be lying, Saber considered, but at least I had the chance to ask. Now I suppose I should give him something back. "If you must know, I cried after I dumped you into the river." The words fell flat, almost meaningless in Saber's estimation. "I was only a child after all-"
He wanted to make less of his tears, to give Nekros less of what he asked for. Instead, the vampire stood up and turned slightly as he considered his words. Several emotions passed over his pale face, the yellow eyes darting back to the imprisoned elf to anything else in the room. After several long moments, he seemed to decide something.
"I was wrong, Feryl." He said in that broken voice. Fists clenched and his body was tense, as if fighting an inward battle. "My…attempt at making you …tough and strong-" He sighed, turning away as he sought the words. "I was perhaps too harsh with my methods. Now that I see what manner of man you've become in spite of it all-" He swallowed again, unable to look at him. "I can see that I was too ….brutal in my methods. If I had given you something…more of …tenderness, perhaps you would've stayed with me."
A breeze could've knocked Saber over as he stared gaping at the vampire. Nekros still didn't look him in the eye. "I've had many years to consider what you did to me. You should know I was not a vampire for very long." Now he did look at his prisoner. The mouth twitched before speaking again. "I had only just turned before I found you. I knew then my life was going to be a solitary one, and you were…a promise of never being alone." He turned slightly, looking at a far wall. "I couldn't believe my luck in finding you; a starving Dark Elf child, already learning how to steal and survive on the streets! Who was I to question my good fortune?"
Saber never remembered that time of his life; only faded shades of fear prevented him from wondering further. He knew if he searched further inside himself, he'd only find terror, and avoided that as best he could.
"I wanted you trained as I would have it, to grow you into exactly what I wanted. You showed such promise, such a fast learner. Everything I taught, you absorbed like a sponge." A smile crept onto his mouth now. "I wanted to be everything to you. You'd never know anything else."
Saber huddled in his cage, unbelieving this was the same Nekros that had beaten him as a child. "You must have known eventually I'd know the truth." He said.
"True." Nekros nodded. "But not until you were…converted by my teachings. The world you'd see would be through my eyes."
Frowning, the Dunmer shook his head. "But I did learn the truth-"
"Truth is relative, Feryl." Nekros told him, lifting a finger for emphasis. "That night, after you took the Manos blade and told me master Kendari had seen you-" After he beat Feryl so severely he'd broken ribs and his hand-. "Kendari arrived and decided to rescue you. I suppose I had something of an epiphany. I wondered how you'd fare in his world for a time, and would my teachings remain prevalent. Would you still be the obedient apprentice after a short time with others? I had to know."
"I must have been a disappointment to you." Saber sneered, remembering that it took only a day to convince him he no longer wanted to be with Nekros.
The vampire looked away again, remembering that time. "Yes, well…I was disheartened." He sighed. "I suppose I was no judge of humanity of which I no longer had. I also had no prior experience with raising a child, only what I've learned from my own father." A smile curled the corners of his mouth. "Every parent is bound to make mistakes."
Saber snorted in contempt. He still couldn't believe this creature considered himself a father figure. Somehow, he couldn't reconcile Nekros as being anything but a cruel monster who relished pain in others, and thought only of himself. "I still don't want to join you." He spat, uncaring if the vampire would kill him now.
"I know." Came the soft reply. "I never thought you'd come willingly, even with the death of your dear friends."
"So you coerced me with magic?" Anger now sparked.
The vampire shrugged. "Revenge is best served cold, I believe the old saying states. And frankly, I couldn't help myself." The smile widened enough to show the elongated fangs. "How thrilling to hear you ask that of me. Though I must admit, eventually I'd take you by force if need be. Either way, I'd win."
"And what of my changing?" Saber challenged him. "And your promise-?"
Nekros lifted a hand to silence him. The fingernails were almost claw-like with their length and how they curved at the tips. "Trust me, Feryl. Once you feel the desire to feed, once you transform into one of us, you won't feel anything remotely to anguish, or pain, or anything that makes you mortal. Your humanity will be lost. No longer will you be Feryl, but a child of the night."
A child of the night…? Saber grimaced, knowing he had every intention of seeing another sunrise if only to end his miserable life completely. He could only hope he had the desire to end it after he changed. Without thinking, his tongue ran along the edge of a tooth, and found no change whatsoever. What would it be like to become one of the undead?
Nekros had moved towards him, knelt close beside him in the tiny cage. "You will remember master Kendari, your Lyra, and that lovely young scout, but you'll come to find, they are only mortal after all." His voice softened as much as the damaged tone could. "And beneath us."
Saber couldn't help but cringe this time when Nekros trailed one of his claw like fingernails across his brow. Closing his eyes, the Dunmer could practically feel the vampire's want to feed again.
"Once embraced, things will be different." The ragged voice practically purred, or rather growled. "You'll see."
Saber tensed when Nekros enveloped him to cradle his body next to his own. Breath quickened as fear mounted, knowing what was to come. He knew what to expect, and knew the quick bite would hardly be painful, but something in the close vicinity of the vampire frightened him. His instinct screamed to fight back, to try to escape. Too weakened, all Saber could do is clench fists and pray that the feeding would end soon.
Nekros laughed a menacing chuckle as he bit him, then almost gently began to lap up the blood. "Relax boy, and enjoy your last days of mortality." He murmured.
The vampire didn't see the tear trickle down the corner of his eye.