Chapter 36 Moon and Star
"There it is!" Eiryn shouted back to Saber. Her arm was extended to the way before them, but Saber found he could barely see a damned thing in the blustering wind, let alone whatever 'it' was. The incessant wind was maddening. The added grit to the gale made seeing anything impossible. He was lucky to even hear her shout above the din of the wailing storm. Only when he drew closer to his scout did he see the faintest outline of a door before them.
The Cavern of the Incarnate…So, Eiryn was good at finding things after all. Somehow the Dunmer had expected more problems that this short trip had offered. With Merthisan and Eiryn by his side, any of diseased creatures encountered were easily dispatched, and all three managed to avoid an Ashlander camp of outcasts as well. As of yet, none of them even received injury or illness on this endeavor. Apparently having his companions with him was proving to make his job that much easier.
The door before them appeared to be made of stone, carved and shaped with moons and stars. The portal was also massive, inset against the side of the mountain with no apparent lock or latch. This has to be it, Saber thought to himself. Both Merthisan and Eiryn stepped aside to let him inspect the door. Strangely, there was nothing in the way of how to open it.
The Dunmer set his pack aside, pressing his shoulder to the stone. Deep down, he wanted the door to remain locked to further prevent entry and to give him another day before facing whatever lay within. The stone, however, shifted easily under his exertions. A voice filled his head, vibrating to the very bone.
"In the dawn hour, under Azura's star…the door is opened…"Their timing had been perfect. The darkening sky, and the brilliant star of Azura would be prominent if not for the clouds overhead. The sound of stone against stone soon gave way to the eerie stillness of the opened cave. He found himself looking into the darkness, the entryway gaping as if to swallow him whole.
Merthisan was already lighting a travel lantern, while Eiryn chose a torch to bear. Saber opted to depend on night vision, and motioned them both to stay behind him. Silent nods of concurrence followed.
As they entered the cave, the dark elf caught the scent of stone and fungus. Not surprisingly the cavern was scattered with the luminous mushrooms found everywhere in Morrowind. They almost had no need of the torch and lantern. The blues and purples cast a gentle hue against the dark stone walls, revealing the short tunnel leading to the vast cavern beyond.
All three adventurers stood open-mouthed to the room before them. The high ceiling was scattered with stalagmites stretching to the floor to the stalactites below, some of which had joined to formed thick pillars of stone. Several preserved mummies remained in their final resting place amid the dispersion of glowing fungus. Saber recognized the bodies had been placed here. A few items had been left with each body for their journey to the afterlife, and the placement of the corpses was deliberate. They appeared almost as if prostrate to the huge statue that encompassed the center of the room.
Prominent within the center was an enormous figure of Azura. Made of the same stone of the cavern, Saber guessed the ancients might have carved her from the very rock of the cave thousands of years earlier. She knelt in serene repose, head slightly bent. Somehow the Dunmer felt he'd met her once before. The face looked familiar, with typical elven features of high cheekbones, arched brows and small chin. The carved 'hair' was drawn tight in an elegant coif.
He stepped up to the base, staring up at the contemplative face, feeling awed as well as dwarfed by the effigy. She was nearly twenty feet tall. The composed expression of the face seemed to him as though she had waiting for him. His attention, however, were soon drawn to her cupped hands. There, floating ingenuously in some unseen magic was a ring.
"The moon and star…" Eiryn spoke in a whisper, yet her voice echoed and was amplified in the massive cavern. The awe in her voice cut through the eerie silence of the place. Only dimly one could still hear the wind raging outside.
Merthisan frowned, clearly not understanding. The scout gave a soft sigh. "The ring of Lord Nerevar." Her words were enough. She didn't have to explain further. The swordsman recognized the significance of the moment as well as the danger of wearing the ring.
Saber stared at the bauble floating in the air at the base of the great statue of Azura. Here lay the actual ring of legend, the moon-and-star that Lord Nerevar himself bore to unite the tribes, and bound the Houses into council. Created by an ancient Dweemer in secret, Indoril Nerevar had the ring forged with powerful enchantments. Such magick endowed the wearer with strong influence over others, as well as being indisputable proof of identity for only Nerevar himself could wear the ring. All others would fall dead.
The ring appeared almost silver, but cast a vibrant inner glow. A silver crescent moon was fixed behind a gold star. Such a simple design, Saber mused to himself, but effective. The Moon and Star was the symbol of Lord Nerevar's Family Standard. More importantly, here was the ring that was of the prophesied Neveravine.
The Dunmer watched the sparkle of magic emanate a glow from the enchanted ring, and he paused before reaching for it. Was the magic of the ring only if one dared to slip the piece on a finger, or was the power for anyone who dared touch it at all? If he were the true Nerevarine, neither option would affect him. If he successfully took the ring from the base, if he dared to place this on his finger, he was meant to face Dagoth Ur, to save all of Morrowind. If he wasn't…then he was mean to remain with the other corpses scattered about the cavern to await the true Incarnate.
Kneeling before the prostrated statue, Saber felt a strange pull to take the ring from Azura's hand. In fact, the compulsion had him instinctively reach for the Moon-and-Star before he heard the audible gasp behind him. The sound made him pause.
Eiryn…. He glanced over his shoulder to find her wide-eyed and pensive. A hand covered her mouth as lines of worry drew her expression into undecided terror. She knew exactly the turning point he faced now. She also knew, she might very well have to stand back and watch him die.
Merthisan was also cautious. The swordsman clenched his sword as if ready to battle. His stance bespoke of wanting nothing more to face something tangible in an honest fight. He knew, however, this was Saber's quest to finish. They both remained a respectful distance from him, but clearly they wanted to help, or, at the very least, prevent Saber from killing himself.
The Dunmer sensed an odd peace within. Was this what one might feel when facing impending death? He'd heard warriors mention as such. They described a strange calmness before death took them. Or was there something deeper running deep within his soul? Either case, he knew there were no words or further actions to take.
His hand reached for the ring.
A rush of power began to surge up to him, flowing from the ring, the statue, from the very floor below. Saber stiffened against the sensation, felt breath exhale in a loud gasp as the magic flowed through his limbs. An iridescent light swirled around him, enveloping him like a gentle wind. More shadowy forms of light began to whirl madly around the cave, and Saber realized the spirits of the failed Incarnates were coming to greet him.
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Eiryn held back the scream she felt threatening to escape her throat. Mouth agape, she stared in horrible fascination as light and magic swirled like a storm around Saber. The forces lifted him off his feet, leaving him suspended just inches in the air. Arms extended out as the Dunmer swooned. His eyes closed, head fell back, and he was almost limp. The power coursed around him, holding him upright.
It's killing him. She thought, watching the churning incandescence wrap around him. The cloudlike wisps emanating from the corpses on the floor twisted and danced around the cave. The sounds of their passing reminded her of the wings of birds, with the feathery touch of their spirits barely touching when they passed her by.
She moved forward to pull him away, but Merthisan grabbed her by an arm. "Stop Eiryn!" He told her sharply. "We don't know what happening."
Tears blinded her. "Can't you see he's dying?" She tried to wrench free, even considering kicking him away, but the hold was determined. "Let me go!"
"I won't lose both of you!" The swordsman snapped back. Anger and despair matched her own. "Saber would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you!"
Eiryn relented, turning back to watch. Helpless rage was all she had now. Silently she cursed destiny, his as well as her own. None of this was fair! Why had she found him so long ago and convinced him to stay on the quest? Why hadn't she left that fateful day she met him in Suran? The memories of the past weeks flashed through her mind as she watched.
Eiryn fell to her knees, too overcome with loss and emotion to do anything but watch. Saber was caught in the tendrils of power convulsing around and within him now. He made no sound of distress except for the heavy breathing. His eyes closed, almost as if in thrall now, giving himself over to whatever power that threatened to immerse him.
The magic continued for several minutes, the threads of light and power wove a web in and around him. Moments passed agonizingly slow, but soon faded like the calm after a storm. The magic ebbed, gently laying the motionless Dunmer to the floor before the spirits soon followed their farewell.
All grew silent except for the soft sobbing of Eiryn and the gasps from the sword master who was trying very hard not to lose his control. He released the woman, knowing she'd rush to the still form of Saber's body. He also drew closer to the still form.
Sobbing softly, she drew him gently over to lie on his back and found his eyes still closed. "Saber?" Her voice was nothing more than a whisper now. She noticed the obvious glint of metal that was now on his hand. Oddly enough, she didn't recall his ever placed the ring on his hand-
His eyes fluttered, rolling back as he drew in a shaking breath. Eiryn sniffled, blinking several times in shock. He's alive! I cannot believe it! He's alive! She cast a furtive glance to Merthisan who was wiping tears from his eyes. He grinned like a boy despite the haggard, disheveled appearance of his hair.
The Dunmer brushed hair from his face, gaining his bearings. "Did you hear?" He asked them, looking back up at the statue.
"Hear what?" Merthisan asked.
Saber continued to stare oddly at the figure above. "Azura…" He murmured. His attention drew back to his hand, which he stared stupidly at the moon-and-star now on his hand. A slow smile touched his lips. "It would seem I am the Nerevarine after all."
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Saber and his companions nestled in the Cavern of the Incarnate for safety and security for the night. He wanted to tell them what he had seen, what words the goddess had spoken to him. Caught into the powerful magic of the ring now worn on his hand, he also felt the surge of magic from Azura and the spirits of all the Incarnates before him. He'd been caught in several visions as well.
Each spirit had told his or her story. Each tried to share with him some words of wisdom from their own experiences, and even offering him gifts he could take off their corpses. As Saber had surmised, the bodies had been placed here when their quest failed. One had fallen in battle, another of sickness. Another failed Incarnate died while fighting the beasts of Red Mountain. The stories went on as Saber was drawn into their memories and tales. Each died hoping to fulfill the prophecies, but only Saber wore the ring.
"So Azura named you Nerevarine?" Eiryn prompted him to tell his story. They had set up bedrolls, ate a simple meal of ash yams and Scrib jerky. Saber nodded, gulping water.
"Is that it, then?" Merthisan asked, looking confused. "You go face Dagoth Ur?" The doubt in his voice was clear.
"Not exactly." Saber shook his head. "Azura told me I need to become Horator of the Great Houses, and Nerevarine to the tribes."
Eiryn matched his frown. "What's a Horator?"
"I'm not sure." He admitted. "Some of sort of champion I think."
"And I thought you were already Nerevarine to the tribes." Merthisan added. He had started cleaning and sharpening his blade, mostly from habit. The past experiences of seeing Saber nearly die more than once was beginning to take their toll on him. He felt as though he'd aged decades, and the sword master knew he preferred a fight with an army of dragons than face losing what he considered to be his family.
Saber leaned against a stone pillar, looking relaxed. His manner was that of one relieved of a heavy burden. "I'm not exactly sure but Azura told me Nibani will be my guide." His red eyes settled on his hand once again, staring at the silver and gold ring now on his hand.
Eiryn also stared, still unable to accept the fact he'd succeeded where so many failed. "This could take years." She told him. The unwavering gaze he returned told her he knew as much.
"To unite three Great Houses, and four of the Ashlander tribes?" Saber smiled, even chuckled at the humor of it. "Of a people who hate outlanders, and corruption runs rampant? Yes, Eiryn. I am well aware how long this might take."
The woman bit her lower lip in thought, finding his attitude a complete turnaround from the last they spoke of this quest. She drew in a heavy breath and released a drawn out sigh. "And then there is facing Dagoth Ur."
His smile faded slightly, but returned into a familiar boyish grin. "Are you telling me Eiryn Acques of the Blades, that you are not up to the task?" His tone was mocking. "Not the woman who fancies a challenge, no the woman who told me only months ago that she'd do what she could if she had been the Incarnate?"
Despite herself, Eiryn matched his foolish grin. "I think the real question here is, are you up to the challenge?"
Saber settled back against the pillar with a tilt to his head, and a faraway look to his face. He gazed once more upon the Moon-and-Star. "Its my destiny, after all." He answered, his mouth pulling into a genuine smile. He'd accepted his Fate, and Eiryn could've sworn she saw a glint of mischief in his eye as they considered what lie before them.
This is officially the end of the story Challenges, but do not worry, dear readers! I have in the works a series of short stories with Saber and Eiryn enduring the challenges before them. I wanted to break up the quests into smaller tales, perhaps experimenting with different points of views of characters within the game. I might even include stories of Saber's early years.
Thanks so much for those of you who posted reviews. For writers such as myself, I LIVE for feedback, and often feel inspired to write each time I read one. Thanks so much for the support!
Stay tuned for further Chronicles of the Nerevarine!