Chapter 35 Of Riddles and Reason
The eye of the needle lies in the teeth of the wind,
The mouth of the cave lies in the skin of the pearl,
The dream is the door and the star is the key
Riddles, Saber thought in disgust, prophecies always had to be in damnable riddles! Why shroud this quest in mystery? Why all the metaphor and obscure references? Why not have a huge sign over this cave, wherever it is, pointing, "Nerevarine, go here!"? But then again, he thought darkly, why should anything be easy on him? Nothing about Morrowind had been easy as of yet. Why start now?
The Dunmer was beginning to question Eiryn's need for challenges and her sense of adventure. He supposed if the quests entailed stealing something, he might enjoy putting his skills to the test. Now, however, he felt out of his element. Seeking some dark and potentially dangerous cave in the middle of nowhere, and close to the very doorstep of Dagoth Ur was not something he was looking forward to.
As Sat-Matuul had suggested he'd questioned the tribes and found some reference to the Needle as a stone column landmark. The same type, Saber considered, that one might find just about anywhere in the barren lands of the Ashland region. The Valley of the Wind was also in reference to a landmark known as a short canyon near Red Mountain. This narrowed their trip down a bit, he thought.
Upon further questioning, Saber was told a direction of Northeast, east of a Daedric ruin known as Bthund. He'd been duly warned by a number of warriors that the valley was avoided at all costs due to the incessantly howling winds and some mention of restless spirits. Great, he thought, that's just perfect, wouldn't be a real quest without the undead now would it?
As each tribesman Saber questioned, the journey became more perilous and threatening. These were hardened warriors. Ashlanders were a tough bunch, never baulking at danger or a fight. If they warned of danger, the threat was indeed imposing. He could only hope this cave would be easier than what Kogoruhn had been. The thought of facing Nekros again also left Saber on the edge of uncertainty. Their last confrontation was unfinished, and now there was no telling when or where the vampire would show up. And why did he help me at all, Saber thought. Was there a greater plan in the works to punish me or make me suffer? For the time being, he felt it best to push the thoughts aside and focus to the task at hand.
With the tribe's warnings in mind, Saber decided to see what words of wisdom the tribe's wisewoman might provide. Nibani, although not aware of landmarks to the cave, revealed the meaning of the star as a key.
Pausing in her work of stripping Bittergreen petals, and working on making potions and salves. "Azura's star," The wisewoman smiled, pleased the young Dunmer was taking his quest more seriously now. "That is the key. The door opens only at when the star rules the skies, at dawn and at dusk. The star is the key that opens it."
So, Saber reasoned, not only did he have to try to find this valley, and the proper landmarks within a landscape that looked all the same to him, he also had to find the door that would only appear at dawn or at dusk.
Great…Eiryn was undeterred by the prospects when he complained later that night in their tent. Merthisan remained with the warriors by the fireside to swap stories of daring, leaving his companions to pack for the day ahead of them. Eiryn kept a more optimistic demeanor on the trip, assuring Saber that finding things is what she was good at. "I found you, didn't I?" She grinned at him.
Saber sat cross-legged in the dark yurt while he watched her expertly pack their things for the journey in the morning. How she managed to get all their supplies in three backpacks of modest size eluded him. She also had a talent for knowing exactly what was needed for the trip, from scrolls of healing spells, to potions, to anything else. "I wasn't aware finding me had been that difficult." He replied. "I had, after all, remained at Desele's for the greater part of the week."
The scout rolled her eyes, brushing hair from her face. This was one of the rare occasions she actually let the length fall loose about her shoulders, framing her face with the soft brown waves. "Ok, well maybe that's not a very good example." Eiryn admitted, "But I know the markers, and I have an excellent sense of direction."
She did at that, Saber knew, an almost uncanny sense of where to go and where she came from. He envied her skill. To him, traveling was frustrating. He'd been lost on more than one occasion while wandering the countryside of Morrowind, often being all turned around if a beast attacked, or bandits distracted him. I guess I'm just a city boy at heart, he smiled to himself.
"Did Nibani mentioned anything more about this cave?" Eiryn asked, rolling extra clothing into tight bundles. She also packed a few parcels of dried Scrib jerky, but thankfully, she would forage for fresh food rather than the chewy tasteless fare on their trip.
"Such as?"
"Such as warnings." She explained, "What dangers will we face? Are we going to face the undead, Daedric creatures, bandits?"
Saber finished with the blades, and set them aside. He stretched along his bedroll feeling tired and weighed down with the troubles of Morrowind. "I would imagine the answer to that is …yes."
The Breton gave a soft giggle at his reply before tossing her pack towards the door. Finished with her chore, she playfully settled down next to him, glad to have him near her once again. "Just to think…the cave of the Incarnate!" She breathed in awe. Her green eyes sparkled with the prospect of exploration and danger. "Only a choice few have ever seen the place! And what do you suppose will be the Moon and Star?"
"Maybe a relic?" Saber offered. By the lack of humor, he was clearly unable to share her sense of adventure. Somehow Eiryn knew his somber demeanor had other causes, not just the impending journey.
Eiryn shrugged, uncertain. "Nibani told me the moon-and-star was Nerevar's family standard. Some say he had a ring-"
Saber's face tensed. "The ring…"
"What's wrong?" She found him suddenly a thousand miles away.
"Do you know about the legend of the ring?" He asked her. She was, after all, a native of Morrowind. The woman shook her head, apparently having little connection to Ashlander or for that matter Dunmer legends.
"Its enchanted." He explained to her. "Lord Nerevar had the moon-and-star made in secret, by the Dweemer. It's said to have powerful magicks that had the wearer hold strong influences over others."
"Well that's good then," Eiryn reasoned, not understanding his concern. "If you find this ring, the moon-and-star will let you influence others. Won't that make your job easier?"
His face did not relax its frown. "Only Nerevar could wear the ring."
She twitched, now matching his frown. "What happens to anyone who tried to wear the ring?"
His gaze found hers, and did not waver when he spoke. "They died."
Eiryn breath caught, and she had to remember to breath. That's why he's concerned. If he finds this ring, and tried to wear it…and he wasn't the Nerevarine…. "Oh…" She said softly.
Saber sighed softly, pressing palms against his eyes. He was tired and tense, feeling on edge. "Sat-Matuul said to bring the moon-and-star to Nibani. Perhaps that is all I need to do. That is, if in fact it's a ring. We're only assuming what this thing is."
The scout nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Look on the bright side," She told him. "We might not even make it to the cave of the Incarnate."
The Dunmer paused, casting her a sidelong glance as he tried to fathom her meaning. When he realized her joke, a reluctant smile spread across his mouth. Like the sun shining from behind storm clouds, the grin was the first genuine sense of humor he had since his time in Kogoruhn.
Since his return, the Dark Elf was anxious and nervous. He hadn't spoken much of his time in Kogoruhn, nor about his time with Nekros. Unmistakably, however, he was changed. Saber was quieter, not as self-assured. Words were more guarded now, and too often the young Breton found him distracted. She wondered if she'd ever have her light-hearted Dunmer again. Seeing him smile, gave her a bit of hope.
"You seem tense." She murmured, running her hand across his chest. She felt muscle tighten at the unexpected touch. "Do you need a massage?"
To her surprise, Saber shook his head. "I just need some sleep."
His refusal troubled her. Once, Saber was the most affectionate person she'd ever met. Now every touch he seemed to cringe, or pull away. Eiryn had hoped a night of affection might do him some good. She wanted him to open up and talk to her, to share what happened to him. She had no idea what transpired in the darkness of the Dunmer stronghold, but she'd not push the issue. Maybe all he needed was more time. She laid her head on his shoulder, making herself comfortable against him. "If you change your mind, you let me know." She told him.
"I'll do that." He murmured, almost asleep.
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"I'm in your blood," Nekros whispered, his ragged voice titillating and alluring. "There's no escaping that! We are alike, you and I, and you are finally mine."
"No!" Saber growled, unable to move. He wanted to thrash out to the Vampire before him, but was held firmly in the steel grip of a spell. All was darkness save for the tiny area he was trapped. He could barely see in front of him except for Nekros. "I am nothing like you!"
"We are killers." Nekros continued with a smile, fangs showing pearly white in the darkness. He stood inches from the bound elf, pleased with his new trophy. "We are the hunters. You may not feed on blood, but you hunger for it just the same."
"No I don't!" Saber snarled back, pulling furiously at the bindings he couldn't see. "I will never be like you. Never!"-------------------------------
Eiryn awoke abruptly when Saber lurched upright from the bedroll, moving so fast he was in a semi-crouch by the time he seemed to fully waken. She found herself instinctively giving him space, not wishing to be mistaken in the darkness for a nightmare. The fire had burned to only embers, causing his eyes to glow eerily in the dim light as she saw him blink several times. Sweat pasted hair to forehead and cheeks. Panting for breath, he looked around in confusion before realizing where he was.
"Are you alright?" She asked, keeping her distance. Sweat beaded across his brow, which he wiped away, quickly nodding. The jerky movements, as well as the feral, caged manner also alarmed her.
"I'm fine." He muttered, trying to resettle upon the blankets "Just a bad dream."
"A bad one." She commented. Eiryn noticed his hand shook when he brushed his hair from his face.
"I've been having a lot of those lately." He replied, this time turning away to indicate he no longer wished to discuss this further. She sat up and was able to see his profile. He was apprehensive, perhaps even a bit embarrassed.
"My mother used to tell me if you spoke of your dreams, they would hold no power over you." She spoke gently.
Saber remained stoic, staring at the wall of the yurt. "I have more to deal with than monsters under the bed, Eiryn." He pointed out stiffly. "Talking about them won't make them go away."
"Neither will shutting me out." Eiryn found her tone had grown edged, while anger began to tug at any sympathy she might have for him. She laid back down, yanking covers back over her.
Saber rolled back, he looked at her to discern her temper. Staring at her oddly, he soon relented. "I dreamt of Nekros." He told her, looking away. Eiryn could see him swallow a few times before he continued. "I was…trapped and couldn't move."
Letting the silence drift between them, Eiryn waited for him to continue. With hesitation, he then told her everything he'd experienced with his old master. How he'd been caught, tortured, and then Nekros trying to embrace him. He found the words almost catching his throat when he tried to describe his watching them die, or the illusions of them dying. His story continued to include his confrontation, and now growing confusion of why Nekros let him live.
Eiryn was silent, curious herself to why this vampire that had plagued Saber for all this time would so easily relent his grip on his protégé'. She had the distinct feeling this was not the last they'd hear of him. "You're not like him." She stated firmly.
Startled, Saber tilted his head slightly. "I didn't say I was."
"But your dream did."
For several long moments he pondered her words. "I suppose you're right…" His tone indicated he wasn't sure or wasn't ready to admit anything. Eiryn lay beside him, softly trailing fingertips along his forehead. Like a cat, his eyes closed and he simply enjoyed the warmth. The touch was soothing and reassuring.
"Trust me," Eiryn whispered. His eyes opened as he heard her words, saw the belief in her deep green eyes. "You're nothing like him."
The Dunmer tried a wane smile. At first he seemed to want to say something, but opted instead to enjoy to her gentle contact. He couldn't bring himself to share his concerns of being somehow contaminated by Nekros. He'd always been troubled with the influence Nekros had upon him, the cruelty he might be capable of. Eiryn's presence, however, seem to put those dark shadows back under the bed for him, at least for now.
Clasping the head that touched with a loving caress, he pressed the fingers against his lips. She was real, not an illusion, nor a dream. At least, for now, I can cope with that.
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The next day, the three adventurers headed out along the Northern coastline heading east. Each bore packs of supplies they'd need, keeping weapons at hand, and a cautious eye on the landscape about them. Eiryn reasoned that they should stay along the water's edge, thusly preventing an attack from both sides from any Blight infected animals or other dangerous beings in this harsh land. Even then, every time a boot broke the water's surface, a fast moving flash of silver sped to lash out razor sharp teeth.
"Disgusting creatures." Saber snarled low. He hated Slaughterfish. Some grew to the length of a man's leg and swam with silent speed and deadly accuracy. Too often, they swam in schools though even just one of the creatures could offer injury. They were worthless as well, providing mostly bone and too little meat. He'd been told the scales might provide some magical properties, but he preferred to keep a distance from them.
The Dunmer admired the easy gate of the woman before him. She kept almost ten paces ahead, her attention focused on the trail before them. Now and then the Breton stopped to crouch and take note of a broken root or track, sometimes motioning to the men behind her to remain still and silent as she maneuvered them around herds of wild guar or a diseased animal.
There was something almost untamed about the way she moves, Saber smiled to himself. He watched as Eiryn strode up a hill, slinking to a crouch as she neared the ridge to peer with a hesitant eye over to the dale below. Only when she found no danger did she move ahead. The grace she maintained despite the weighted pack impressed him. She also kept her staff in hand, at the ready in case they face adversaries. Briefly she paused to look back at him, making sure they followed at a fair distance, and flashed him a smile.
Saber felt his heart do a slow turn, mesmerized by that wonderful smile of hers. How could he have even considered sending her back to Balmora?
"How much further?" Merthisan's voice cut into his thoughts, bringing him back to the task at hand. The aging swordsman wiped sweat from his face with the back of hand, looking a bit weathered from the trip so far.
Saber paused before answering, realizing that Merthisan Kendari was nearing the age most swordsmen retired. Gray hair fell to shoulders, and the day's growth of beard was speckled gray and brown. Every time he squinted, the lines near eyes creased more than usual, and the Dunmer was struck by how old the man had become.
And I will no longer age….
Eiryn shaded her eyes from the sun above with her hand, looking eastward to the mountain that loomed before them. "We will pass the Daedric Shine soon. Perhaps by nightfall, if we're lucky, we'll find that valley."
Saber hoped so. He had never traveled this far into the wastelands, and the knowledge that there wasn't a shrine, temple, or city to be found was disquieting to him. He felt Merthisan clasp his shoulder to give an encouraging squeeze. The gentle reassuring smile also urged him to keep going.
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Hours later, after navigating around Blight infected herds of Guar and Kagouti, Eiryn paused to look up between the tall pillars before them. Even Merthisan made some obscure noise of awe upon seeing the tall rock spires.
"The teeth of the wind?" Saber spoke loud enough for them to hear over the wind. , For that past hour, the howling gales of the area had been relentless.
Eiryn nodded, tucking the scarf on her head closer around her eyes. Merthisan did the same. So far, they did not encounter ash storms, even being so close to Red Mountain, but the wind was blowing grit and particles that caused even Saber to cover up. He regretted not bringing one of the leather helmets he'd seen the tribesmen wear. The suffocating hood covered everything including eyes with glass or resin lenses, but kept the threat of Blight from infecting the wearer.
The constant howl of the wind was maddening, and Saber could see why the Ashland warriors avoided this place. With a Daedric shrine so close, and Red Mountain looming not far, this was dangerous ground indeed. By the look of the trail ahead, nestled between two very steel hills, the wind would also be inexorable.
"How much farther, do you think?" Merthisan yelled over the wind.
Eiryn looked up at the fading sun. "Another hour, best guess." She shouted back.
"Let's go." Saber ordered, this time taking the lead. There was no going anywhere else but forward by the looks of the trail. His frustrated sigh was not heard over the gale, as he knew the way was going to be all uphill.
I wanted to capture the emotional turmoil Saber would feel after having to undergo the lower levels of Kogoruhn and what he endured with Nekros. This chapter also was for re-connecting with Eiryn and back to 'reality' for him.