I waited an extra week so that I could get some more characters, but it seems they aren't coming. So I cut this chapter a little shorter than I intended. I really need a good idea of how I will mold this plot, and without the characters, there isn't much of a story...
The long winding trail did have an end. The path hit Seyda Neen, and the Silt Strider was in sight. Both travelers felt a sense of relief.
"Twas' a draining trip, but we can ride the remaining distance," stated Dakron. Irena nodded in agreement.
After boarding the giant creature and paying a modest fee, they left for Balmora. Dakron unsheathed his sword, and began to contemplate.
"(He is here. No doubt he knows of my arrival. Unless something is to be done, much blood will be spilt on my account, and my liege will be threatened. Perhaps I should resolve this in the easiest manner.)"
A couple hours passed aboard the titanic insect, and Balmora was in sight. A group of ordinators were in sight too, and at seeing the two had moved within the gates. They made an ordered formation at the foot of the strider port.
"My liege, please, hire some willing mercenaries while I am gone. I hate to leave you now, but there are important matters to which I must attend," said the bodyguard to the Nord, now almost asleep.
"Be extremely careful here."
They docked, and Dakron exited quickly.
"Halt. We are under the orders of Our Lord Vivec to search for a certain individual- ˝
"And I am that individual. Now let us head outside Balmora to discuss business," he said as he is headed out the gate."
"There really is nothing to discuss," replied the high ordinator as he and his squad followed the knight outside Balmora's walls.
Dakron headed outside then stopped with his back turned to the guards. He drew his dai-katana…
The ordinators drew their own weapons- maces and swords…
Slowly, the mysterious being turned and cast his sword upon the ground. "I wish to speak with Vivec."
At first, the ordinators were dumbfounded. This was supposed to be the unstoppable killing machine Vivec had prophesized? Perhaps it was a matter beyond their mortal understandings.
"What makes you think we can set up an appointment for you to see a god?" inquired one high ordinator.
"Then allow me to see the archcannon. I do not wish to fight you. Despite your merciless slaughter of my brothers, despite my hatred forever swelling in my soul, despite my desire to tear apart the flesh straight off the bones of every one of you, I will not fight you. Just lead me to the Temple of Vivec."
Weapon still drawn, another high ordinator asked "And what do you intend to do in the Holy City?"
"I intend to arrange a long-lasting peace."
After a moment of hesitation, the blessed warriors sheathed their blades and maces. "Well, then obviously we won't fit on the silt strider, so I suppose we should take the long road," stated an ordinator. "(Amazing, these followers aren't blind killing machines. It seems this religion is far more open-minded than it used to be,)" thought Dakron.
Meanwhile, the lady had gone to the Fighter's Guild in search of a few mercenaries. This proved fruitful; four Dunmer were willing to sell their swords for Irena. Armed in full Bonemold, they appeared to be experienced in combat. However, they weren't the best on the province. Although this was true, they would do until Dakron returned. Or so she assumed.
Her bodyguard and his "captors" had already left. But she worried not, as the city was a familiar sight. In her earlier years her father had made trips to Balmora, on Hlaalu business, or so he said. She climbed the stairs to an inviting square, with the Hlaalu Council Manor located in the center of the block.
Entering the manor, the noble was greeted by an old Dunmer lady.
"Welcome to our fine house, outlander. We greet you warmly."
"I do appreciate it. I have had a long day," replied Irena.
The old Dunmer caught a glimpse of the family crest embedded on her fine robe.
"Oh my… you are Irena?"
"Yes, I am." She kindly answered.
"Well now, make yourself at home. We know your father well in this town. My name is Nileno Dorvayn, at your service," explained the lady.
Irena sat down and began to explain what had happened in the past couple of days. She included every elaborate detail, remaining calm yet hurt through reliving the experience.
Nileno began to console her. "I am so very sorry for this loss. All of our House will be mourning over such a tragedy. Your father was truly a great leader. Let us talk upstairs, for there is much to discuss this upstairs, and you look a bit weary." The mercenaries remained in the foyer.
"Now, you were destined to become a House Mother in place of your father. However, we have seen that you have studied guild politics extensively, and are eligible to be promoted to the council," said a very enthusiastic Nileno.
"It would be an honor, Madam Dorvayn," said Irena, accepting her proposition.
"But, there are a few things we need you to do before promotion. Most of this is just standard routine to adjust you to life on the council. In our archives are a few papers regarding the histories of our current councilors. You should find them far more informative than the Yellow Book of Great House Hlaalu. Also," at this point Nileno's voice dies down to a whisper, "we have some content regarding our enemies that you should see, including some incriminating facts." Her voice returned to normal. "Of course, you know our current affairs here are recovering from the tax revolt. It was just a minor incidence, and nothing to worry about. We have had sufficient funds to lower them, and now the public is swaying back to our side." At this point Irena was sleeping.
"Oh, forgive me! Your trip must have taken a lot out of you." The Nord opened her eyes.
"We have a small house in this corner, recently constructed to serve as a guest house. You can find it near the alchemist's shop. It isn't much for a person of your caliber, but it may do for today. I beg you, get some rest, then return here."
Slightly embarrassed, but without a word, she left for the day.
Far away from Balmora, a dark figure was watching, preparing to strike…
Necromancer and Sorcerer: Thanks for the characters. I didn't use them yet because, once again, I need to have a better idea of what other characters I will be using before I throw in too many details. But so far there are plans for your characters. Big plans.
Please read, review, and submit! And tell me if I made a mistake somewhere!