The Legend of Ajira
By Madame Ergoth
Chapter 18: Dakosh
Kark reappeared in Moonsliver Weaponry, looking quite exhausted. "What happened?" asked Ajira, staring at him with a pleading face.
Kark sighed, put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I haven't been entirely honest with you."
"What do you mean?"
"This man," Kark said, motioning at the dead Moonsliver. "Is not the real Moonsliver."
"I knew it!" shrieked Ajira. With a glare from Kark, she went silent again.
"This man is a spy for Dakosh. I think you've seen the Mark."
"Is that the triangle on his arm?" asked Ajira, in a moment of revelation.
"Yes. All followers of Dakosh bear that mark."
"But who is this 'Dakosh'?"
Kark sighed ruefully. This wasn't going to be easy. "Dakosh was…well…let me tell you a story." He waved his hands around and a bright yellow book fell from the sky into his waiting hands. The title said The Origin of Dakosh, His Defeat, and his Imminent Return.
"Where'd you get that?" wondered Ajira, pointing to the book.
"Never you mind. Let me tell you this story…" He put on a strange pair of reading glasses and began to read aloud.
Once upon a time, there was a town called Balmora. It was healthy and happy, and had everything the villagers needed: an inn for travelers, many stores, and a large mages guild and fighters guild. The Blades also had their headquarters there, but not many knew of it, for the Blades were the spies for the King and needed to remain secret. Over time, a corrupted wood elf came to rule the town. His name was Dakosh. He was cruel and ruthless. His darkness spread over the land, corrupting the whole land of Vvardenfell. At times there seemed no way out, not anytime soon. But a Prophecy was made, (much like the one you are of) and a humble Argonian rose to the challenge to conquer Dakosh. The details of his defeat are hazy, but the Argonian fought Dakosh bravely. He, unfortunately, died in the final battle with Dakosh, but he brought him down with him. He is still remembered as a great hero even today. That was centuries ago. Everyone thought Dakosh was gone. Until lately. The Dakoshian Mark has been appearing everywhere, and we believe Dakosh is preparing to make a comeback. So, of course, a Prophecy was made again to predict what would happen, and it clearly stated you as the one who could bring down Dakosh and his dark followers. Now, you have a choice to make: The Prophecy binds you to nothing. Whether you continue or not from here is your decision alone. You know the consequences, and you must understand that you may not come out alive. But understand this: you are our only hope. If you choose to give up now, your world and all the others will be doomed under Dakosh's power. But now I'm telling you the truth; I'm telling you that this quest that you are on is not just a fun hobby: This is serious stuff, and you have to be prepared to give anything to defeat Dakosh. Your decision, and your future, waits. The End
Ajira stood there dumbly, her mouth sagging open and millions of thoughts racing through her head. She could die if she accepted this Prophecy. Or she could take that chance and maybe come out a Hero. What should she do?
"Kark…" she whispered.
"I'll give you time to think." He vanished again.
"Kark…" whispered Ajira again, but there was no one there to hear her.