Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the Elder Scroll Series.

Chapter 17: Premonitions

Mahrig

The bright flash of light blinded all of my senses, including my hearing and the feel of the ground giving beneath me to pull me to my death. I could no longer smell the dirt that was once so close to my face. Instead I felt heat enter my body where the cold Northern wind once brushed across my skin. An image of dark wings filled my mind, as a chorus of words entered my mind.

"When misrule takes its place at the eight corners of the world," A vision of a staff flooded my vision, many images of destruction entered my mind. Worlds beyond our own lay in waste as the staff slowly fell apart. World's made of fire, and worlds like our own. I caught a glimpse of a world basked in beautiful light, and then the staff was broken completely into eight parts that disappeared one at a time. The bulb at the end of the staff was all that remained as it began to glow a blue light that swirled and drew my mind into it. I could hear a series of words begin to echo through the sphere that drew me closer.

"When the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped," Visions of Kingdoms fell in numerous loops all with different outcomes while mirroring the fallen kingdom as if it had not fallen at all. A large Golem walked across the ever changing, yet similar, land. People would die, yet people would live on. The same people stuck in a loop, with different outcomes at the same time. The massive Golem that towered over the land turned toward my perspective. The vision around him blurred into a large mountain, a volcano that threatened to explode. The sky turned a dark red, as the wind carried the next words.

"When the thrice-blessed fail, and the Red Tower trembles," Three celestial beings came into my view, the light around them faded quickly as they plummeted to Nirn causing the volcano in the distance to erupt sending fire and lava into the sky. I began to choke as the ash and smoke filled my lungs, the visions were becoming more realistic. I could feel the blood within my own veins burn hot as images of a sword came into my vision.

"When the Dragonborn ruler loses his throne, and the White tower falls," The sword dug deep into a dark silhouettes form. The body collapsed against the bright light of my vision, images began to appear behind it, large gates opened sending hordes of daedra toward me. My heart felt as if the fire within my veins would boil the painful beats that continued to pass through it. A large figure appeared, a huge Daedra that was hideous beyond compare flooded my vision and came toward me. I could feel my own skin stretch as I glanced down at the Golden specks that appeared on my skin. An amulet that adorned a broken red ruby lay in my now golden clawed hand. A bright light threw me forward and a vision of Golden claws now turned to a White and Gold tower that sat in the Imperial City where I had once held the amulet. The Aldmeri Dominion soldiers surrounded the tower forcing the Imperials to surrender. Blood soaked the ground and many of the forms before me. The reflection in the blood was not my own, but snow capped mountains. The howling wind I began to hear sent an intense set of words into my mind.

"When the Snow Tower lies sundered, Kingless, bleeding..." Visions of a crown rolling around on a marble floor danced in my vision the circling pattern the crown made eased my vision into a perspective of a dragon circling a battlefield of people wearing blue and red. I could feel the pain and suffering of the people in Skyrim, the confusion they had, and the fear of what was to come. The Civil war unfolded before me as I watched countless people lose their lives. The shouts and sounds of weapons colliding below formed words within my shaken mind as the land itself seemed to tear and swallow the bodies of the men and women below.

"The World-Eater wakes, and the wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn…" From the dark crevice within the land, the Beast appeared. The dark haunting image of smoldering red eyes held my own vision. Dark wings filled the sky as my horror from the past resurfaced. Helgen lay in Ruin before me, and my body was yet again trapped beneath debris. I could feel the the pressure of the rubble pressing against my body as my vision began to blur into darkness, the pressure I felt surrounded my wrist.

"Mahrig! Hold on Mahrig." Theo's voice brought me back to reality. I must have passed out from my exhaustion. I could feel Theo's hand tightly clasped around my wrist. I tried to lift my head, but my body wouldn't comply. Instead I simply stared at my feet that were dangling over the dim lights of Solitude below. I could see a ball of fire hurling toward the West Gate of Solitude. Hopefully it would miss the city entirely. My dreams, or whatever they had been had drained the last bit of my energy, and it was taking all of my focus not to slip into an unconscious state.

I could feel Theo's grip tighten around my wrist as he attempted to pull the weight of my body back up. Dirt and rock continued to give around me. The rest of the segment including the one Theo now stood on, was dangerously close to giving like the one I had previously been on.

"Theo, let go." I could barely hear the weak words that left my lips, but Theo had clearly heard them.

"No, There is no way in Oblivion I'm letting go." He continued his attempts to pull me up. More of the ledge he stood on collapsed. I tried my best efforts to wiggle my hand loose, but to no avail.

"You damn woman! Are you insane? I'm not letting you die like this." Theo was obviously struggling against the pain from the burns he had sustained from the dragon previously in our battle.

"Theo, the ledge is going to give underneath you. Save yourself." I managed to voice the words before I felt a wave of fatigue. Theo's irritated grumble was the last thing I heard before slipping into unconsciousness.

Gareth

I could feel the familiar presence of Kynareth guiding me up the trail on Arlow's back. The trail wasn't as dangerous as I had thought it would be, and that had been a good thing as well because the urgency I felt within Kynareth's presence mirrored my own. Something had happened at the top of the mountain. Something that could be felt at such a great distance was no doubt disastrous, and all I could think about was that Mahrig was at the Peak. I could have sworn that I had heard a woman scream, but I had heard nothing prior to that. I didn't hear a dragon's roar or even the slightest hint that a battle was taking place at the peak. The slow trot that Krahmer and I had taken to get to the embassy was long forgotten as Arlow sprinted headway into all the curves and sharp turns of the path before us. Krahmer kept his horse at a sprint also, riding on Arlow's heels to keep up.

What would normally take a person on foot about an hour and a half to two hours depending on pace, took at most 35 minutes on horseback. The peak of the mountain was in view as I slowed Arlow's pace. I didn't know what to expect once reaching the top landing, but I assumed caution would be best. The top of the mountain was vast, but wasn't nearly as large as I had assumed it would be from the ground perspective I had observed in Solitude. A small glint caught my eye in the distance. I moved toward the location cautiously until I realized that the glint was a torch. I hastened Arlow's speed toward the area maneuvering around a few rock formations that led down to the illuminated ledge, but slowed as two figures came into view.

Theo was leaning over Mahrig's still body. I could hear his quiet pleas as I came closer. He was begging for her to wake up. I didn't hesitate as I jumped down from Arlow. I didn't even wait to see if Krahmer would follow. Theo glanced up quickly at my approach and his face twisted from fear to anger.

"Where were you?!" Theo yelled. I halted only momentarily before kneeling beside Mahrig. I ignored his furious tone and grabbed Mahrig's hand. Her skin was cold to the touch only providing patches of warmth where her flow of blood had slowed to a dangerously slow pace. Mahrig was near death, and time couldn't be wasted.

"I asked where you were dammit!" Theo shoved me away from Mahrig as hard as he could muster in his weakened delirious state. My calm demeanor broke at the urgency of the situation.

"What are you talking about Theo?!" I snapped back at him as I pulled myself up to a sitting position.

"I knew you were following us in Solitude, but you weren't man enough to confront Mahrig. I knew it was you eavesdropping outside of the door. I watched as you skulked around the streets while we shopped trying to stay out of view. Well guess what? It didn't work." Theo spat his words toward me as his hysterical gaze turned toward Mahrig. He grabbed her hand and I noticed the tears that threatened his eyes in the torch light.

"Where were you? Why didn't you help us?" I heard his words, and knew what he meant. He was blaming me for Mahrig's current state. He had known it was me stalking them in Solitude, and if I had not been so worried, I would have felt ashamed of my actions. Krahmer knelt down beside me and examined Mahrig's body. Theo's attention was caught by the new presence, or not so new presence it would seem.

"And who the hell are you? You've been following us since we left Winterhold." Krahmer didn't answer Theo's question, but instead continued to examine Mahrig's body. Theo's hysteric eyes glanced toward the Paladin symbol that was engraved into Krahmer's armor. He scoffed before pulling Mahrig's body into an embrace.

"Mahrig was right wasn't she? You're going to take her back so they can torture her some more aren't you?" He turned his attention on me as he spoke.

"All this time I thought Mahrig was just being paranoid, but you tracked her down to take her back didn't you?" I shook my head slowly as I reached out for Mahrig's body that was now in Theo's embrace. He pulled her farther away wincing as the sudden movement irritated the many burns that adorned his complexion.

"You can't take her. Skyrim needs her, the college needs her… I need her." A tear fell from Theo's eye causing him to wince once more as the salty liquid came into contact with the burns that littered his features. My heart ached at hearing his words. All this time I had searched Skyrim because I had needed her as well. She gave my life the feeling of purpose.

While travelling with Mahrig I felt as if my deeds were noticed by someone. I felt that someone was witnessing me make the changes in the world that I had wanted to make for so long. I knew deep down that I would have followed her anywhere our journeys had taken us and I had followed her to this mountain where I could have intervened and helped in any way that I could, but Theo was right. I had decided it best to not approach her and make my presence known. I wanted to figure out a way to confront her without sending her running out of my life again. It was my selfishness that put Mahrig so close to death. I knew it, Theo knew it. The twisted sense of irony that washed over me was almost sickening. If Mahrig could observe the situation at hand, she wouldn't blame me. She never did. She always put my safety before her own, along with my feelings even when she felt that she neglected me. I wondered if that had changed in the time we had been apart. Was I still her Paladin?

Krahmer's voice broke the silence that fell over the group.

"We don't have time for this. She's dying, but the only wound I can find is in her arm and it isn't serious enough to put her this close to death." Theo's attention as well as my own found Krahmer. He peered at Mahrig's body that was still in Theo's arms.

"What happened up here?" Krahmer asked, directing his question at Theo.

"We fought a dragon, what do you think?" Theo's sarcasm was clearly forced as concern sculpted his features.

"I realize you care for the girl, but that won't do much good if you hold out any information that could help us help her." Krahmer narrowed his eyes at Theo who sighed.

"We were fighting the dragon when it caught her off guard. She put up her ward thinking the dragon was going to spray the area with flames, instead it caught her with its tail as it flew by. It slammed her into some rocks but she recovered quickly." Theo placed Mahrig's body back onto the ground laying her limp form before us.

Krahmer bent over Mahrig once more examining her.

"Anything else?" Krahmer asked.

"Well, Mahrig shouted something and then became a blur for a few moments. I'm not sure what happened, but the dragon went up in flames almost instantly. It crashed behind her, and the side of the cliff started falling. The dragon went down, and Mahrig would have too if I hadn't rushed to grab her. She fell, and her energy just seemed like it had vanished." Theo's rushed explanation caused Krahmer to nod slightly.

"Look, I was in too much of a panic to notice much else, Mahrig was dangling from the cliff and I barely had enough strength left to pull her back up before the rest of the area collapsed." Krahmer continued to nod toward Theo as he finished.

"That's fine young man, I think I know what's wrong with her." He motioned to grab my attention.

"What do you notice about her reserves of magicka within her aura?" I honed in on the area around her head where Magicka normally materialized within a person's aura. The soft yellow glow that normally encircled Mahrig was now white as I focused and the colors came into my vision. The area around her head where Magicka entered the mind was a deep blue with tinges of red swirling within. I brought my focus away from my ability to sense another's lifeforce and the colors faded. All that I could see was Mahrig's form bathed in the warm flame from the nearby torch.

"She exchanged her life force for Magicka." I stated.

"Exactly." Krahmer stated as a dark feeling filled the atmosphere around our group. Krahmer and I both fell silent as dread slipped into my already anxious mind.

"What does that mean?" Theo glanced back and forth between Krahmer and I with wide eyes. I spoke, hoping that the news coming from someone he knew would soften the blow.

"It means there is nothing we can do for her. She willingly gave her life force to receive magicka. Her ability to heal is up to her. We have to leave it up to her body to heal itself." Theo's eyes widened even more at my quiet explanation. Listening to my own words caused a sick feeling to enter my own body. The dread I felt earlier was now something entirely different. I felt helpless and useless in that moment. I couldn't do anything to help the one person I had dedicated my life to, the one person I had made an oath to protect. There was no use in pondering what might have happened if I had intervened sooner and aided them in their battle.

Theo's frame shook as he glanced back down toward Mahrig's body. His long Sandy colored hair fell around his face, providing a curtain that blocked my view. I too glanced down toward Mahrig. Her ghostly pale skin was a far cry from the beautiful pale Ivory that normally painted her features. I saw a glow out of the corner of my eye as Krahmer did his best to at least heal the injury she had sustained in her shoulder and arm.

"There is possibly another way, but I've never tried it." Krahmer's eyes focused on his hand that sent the caressing golden glow into Mahrig's arm. Theo and I both looked toward Krahmer at the same time. Theo's face was hopeful, but mine retained the grim expression that reflected the emotions that swam around within me.

"It's a little taboo for someone like me, but I'm willing to do this for the Dragonborn." Krahmer found my eyes with his own Hazel ones.

"Some would say this borders on Necromancy." My grim expression changed to one of horror as my body went rigid. Krahmer noticed, and had been seemingly waiting for my expected response.

"It is of course not Gareth, It's part of the restoration arts that has been passed down through my family for generations. A long forgotten practice that was kept away from the restoration schools and teachings because of the great risk it poses to the caster." Krahmer sighed and closed his eyes.

"If you don't trust me, I will understand. Remember though that we are out of all other options, and this poor woman has nearly drained her entire life force. It's unlikely that she can pull through on her own." Krahmer spoke in a low even tone.

"Do it." I glanced up toward Theo who had spoken the demand. His eyes were wild with determination and his mind was made up about what had to be done. I glanced back toward Krahmer and opened my mind to his Aura. He was clearly nervous about something, but didn't show any signs of deception.

"What can you do for her?" I asked in a level tone, masking the fear that grasped my mind.

"I can give my own raw life force to her. With this comes great risk to my own health, but if I can stop in time, it will give her a fighting chance instead of the helpless situation she is in now." Krahmer and I both glanced toward Theo who had gained our attention with a wave of his hand.

"Can it hurt her any worse than she is right now?" Theo asked. Krahmer shook his head.

"Even if I was to fail in the attempt, it would only risk my life, not hers." Theo nodded and pursed his lips. Krahmer turned his attention back to me.

"I'm willing to do this, but I need your permission." Theo scoffed gaining Krahmer's upright palm as a sign of silence.

"Why do you need my permission?" I asked slowly.

"You are the one that has been entrusted to protect her. It's your call." I thought about his words. Kynareth had guided me into the service of Mahrig, and Mahrig's life was mine to protect. Krahmer understood this, but Theo did not.

"That bastard hasn't been around. He doesn't know what's best for Mahrig. Just do it." Krahmer ignored Theo and kept his attention on me. I thought about what this man was willing to do, and many questions arose. Why would he be willing to take the risk of sacrificing his life for Mahrig? I knew a bit about his past with Mahrig's mother, but it still did not shed light on his ultimatum.

"Why would you do this for her?" I couldn't stop the question before it escaped. Theo's expression turned to one of sarcastic surprise.

"Does it really matter Paladin. This will give her a chance, something she is extremely lacking right now." Theo glanced back down at Mahrig. I knew that his impatience and exasperation was due to his fear, but I wanted to make sure this was indeed in Mahrig's best interest. I wanted more than anything for Mahrig to be alright, but I couldn't willingly let Krahmer risk his own life without giving me a reason. I couldn't selfishly miscalculate things for my own purpose and have someone's blood on my hands. Krahmer knew why my skepticism was present. He understood the burden of making decisions when it came to life or death.

"I can explain it all later. It's a very complicated matter and we don't have much time. I only ask that you trust me. I cared greatly for Adria, and will do all that I can to protect her daughter. That's my reason for being here. To protect her as the two of you wish to do." I closed my eyes and nodded. It would be his decision to make, and his resolve was beyond my questioning. Mahrig was indeed running out of time. Her life force was even weaker than it had been when we had arrived.

"Do what you must, but be careful." I agreed and gave him permission.

"Thank you. It would probably be best if the two of you gained some distance. This could take quite some time, and I will need my complete focus to be on her. Any distractions could cause error." Krahmer glanced toward Theo who was a little more skeptical than he had been earlier. Theo glanced back and forth from Krahmer to Mahrig, until his gaze finally rested on me.

"Let's do as he says Paladin."

Mahrig

I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping. I peered around the small room where I rested. A small window was open across the room letting in a dim light from outside. I couldn't tell whether it was late evening or early in the morning, but my first instinct was to stretch. I pulled my legs to the edge of the bed while rubbing my eyes. I couldn't remember how I had gotten here, but I felt as if I had been sleeping for ages. The wobble to my legs as I tried to stand only furthered the idea. I sat back down quickly on the edge of the bed. My balance was slightly off and I took the time to think back. I closed my eyes and tried to clear my head enough to remember what had happened. The events came back to me slowly, even the dream I had prior to regaining consciousness. I had been dangling from the cliff held by Theo. The piece of the cliff we occupied threatened to collapse sending us both down toward the distant Solitude and surrounding forest. I blinked a few times trying to remember our exchange of words, but was interrupted by a familiar voice from outside.

I attempted to gain my balance once more as I stood. When I was confident enough I made my way to the window. I could see a large stone bridge from my view. At the Center of the Bridge was a stone formation that was similar to a dragon's head. I was in Dragon's Bridge. I had never stopped in the town before, but I had passed through it a few times on my way to Solitude. I searched for the familiar voice that had graced my hearing. My sights rested on Theo who was in conversation with another gentleman. I watched them a bit longer before turning back toward the bed. I noticed a piece of parchment on the bedside table. It was probably one of Theo's little letters to let me know he had gone out and would be back soon. I picked up the small piece of parchment and read it anyways.

Mahrig,

I'm sorry how events unfolded in Shor's Stone. I wish that I could be there to greet you face to face when you wake up, but I've decided this way is better. As soon as I heard the news that you would pull through I decided to make my departure. Theodwyn agreed that it would be best to keep my distance until you had time to think things over. I have no intention of turning you over to the Templars or anyone that they may send to retrieve you. My order, The Knights of the Nine, have your back Dragonborn, and I will continue to be your Paladin if you so wish it. I wish that there was a way for me to guarantee that my intentions are honest, but you will simply have to trust me. If you wish for me to return Theodwyn has agreed to come find me in Solitude. Until you decide My Lady, Farewell.

Gareth, Paladin

Knight of the Nine

I knew the instant my eyes glanced over the familiar handwriting who had written the letter. His unique form was engraved into the parchment I held in my hand. He had been here with me. Gareth, the man who haunted my dreams and left an empty feeling in my chest at his absence, had been here. I slowly sat back down on the bed as the rush of emotions gripped my body. Confusion at the ensemble of feelings left me light headed. I was excited, overjoyed, relieved and even terrified. I didn't let go of the note that my Paladin had left me. Of course I wanted him to be my Paladin, but I hurt him. Deep down I was afraid of him. I was afraid of who he was associated with, and more so I was terrified at what he must think of me after finding out about my past. The image of Gareth's face flashed across my vision as I sorted through the mix of emotions that I was experiencing. I could feel the tears swell behind my closed eyelids.

I took a few deep breaths before standing again. I noticed that I still wore my robe, but my cuirass and belts lay on the dresser beside the door. Bathing would no doubt help me think. My skin felt clammy and my hands were covered in smudges of dirt. Dark thin lines of dirt were edged under my nails. I dreaded the thought of even catching a glimpse of myself in a mirror. I grabbed a few of my things and headed out into the tavern area of the Four Shield's Inn. I needed to find a bathing room, and I wanted to do it soon before I presented myself.

I found Theo outside after finishing my bath. I felt guilty for not going straight to him after waking up. It would seem by Gareth's note that I had been in terrible shape before, and probably had them all worried. Theo would no doubt spurn me once he noticed I had decided to bathe first, but I was still complexed by the knowledge that Gareth had found me. I had spent months keeping a low profile. I knew that mention of the Dragonborn in the College of Winterhold would lead him to me. It was one of the main reasons I had begun distancing myself from the college more and more. I knew that he would get wind of it sooner or later and fear had convinced me that he would drag me back to Cyrodiil when he did.

At the time I knew that the Templars and Priests would be warded off by such an alliance as the College, but I knew that Gareth had a foolhardy side that wouldn't be so easily swayed. I had pictured it many times after beginning my classes at the college. I pictured him marching past Faralda, the Altmer Mage that guards the bridge, and bursting through the College gates to find me. I could always imagine the anger that was in his eyes more clearly than the events that unfolded in my little daydreams. I worked myself into the fears that Gareth despised me, and rightly so. He was a Paladin, a Holy warrior for the Divines, and somehow in my life I had angered them and so the Priest's of Kvatch had imprisoned me. Most of all though, I tried to escape the emotions that leaving him thrust upon me. I felt the constant wave of anger toward myself for not being honest with him to begin with. I'm not sure what was worse, the fear of going back or the fear of having Gareth hate me.

I didn't intend to use the College as a way to gain a powerful position that would thwart any attempts anyone made to take me back to Skyrim. I had originally gone to the College because of my desire to learn more in the magic arts. The longer I was there, the more comfortable I felt with the idea of being able to confidently protect myself so that the need to be on the run would fade. The Templars could not legally drag me back to Cyrodiil as long as I resided within a city or faction of Skyrim. That didn't mean that they couldn't attempt it in private, and I had wanted to be prepared for such a moment.

Theo looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps on the grass behind the inn. His eyes lit up and he bounced up from his sitting position on the grass to greet me with a bear hug that almost sent me back into unconsciousness due to the pressure. I finally pulled away to meet Theo's wide smile as his Mahogany eyes scanned my face.

"Tsk, you didn't invite me to join you yet again." He pulled at a strand of my damp hair that hung loosely from the failed attempt I had made at braiding my hair. I smiled up at him and playfully patted his shoulder.

"And yet again it didn't kill you to miss all the fun." He attempted a staged pout with his lips before turning serious.

"So how is my flower feeling?" I chuckled at the familiar nickname.

"I'm not really sure. I woke up feeling like I've been asleep for ages. Being dirty wasn't helping my mood so I took a bath. I also needed a little time to think things over in my head after finding the note on my bedside table." Theo nodded slowly as his gaze fell.

"Well, you didn't sleep for ages, but you have been out for almost five days." The shock his words sent through me made Theo glance back up toward my reaction.

"Five days?! What in the Nine Divines happened?" Theo forced a small smile at my question.

"Well Mahrig, first of all, you almost died twice. Then you actually died. On top of that Sir Holy Knight had a mental breakdown. After you were revived through some twisted Pally magic by some stranger, Gareth wouldn't leave your side." I stood in shock at his explanation of events. The shock brought out the more twisted side of my personality, and the sarcasm creeped into my words as I spoke.

"Goodness Theo, did you have to be so thorough with your explanation?" Theo slightly rolled his eyes and smiled.

"It's okay now. You aren't dead, or on the brink of death, or talking in a weird voice that creeps me out. I was worried too and you'll have to excuse me if I try to bring humour to the situation." Theo's smile faded as he glanced down to his trembling hands. I instantly felt bad for belittling Theo's method of communicating past events, especially ones as serious as my own death.

"I'm sorry Theo, that's just a lot to take in. I don't remember. My last recollection of anything was Solitude below me in the distance while you foolishly held onto me trying to pull me back up, and some weird dream I had before I realized you had ahold of me." Theo's expression no longer held his previous humor.

"You drained most of your health to gain magicka. Your body was too weak to heal itself and no potion or healing spells could help you in your state. The only reason you had to do that was because you spent so much of your magicka reserves to heal me." His eyes fell to where his feet were.

"Theo, that wasn't your fault. That dragon was unlike most. It was stronger somehow and our environment was difficult to get around in the dark." My excuse clearly didn't help Theo's guilt.

" How did I survive then? And why was I out for five days?" I asked the questions that lined up in my mind, hoping I wouldn't swamp him with a flood of questions too soon due to his current state of melancholy. Theo sighed.

"Gareth had a stranger with him. I think he is a Paladin too. He's still here with Gareth. You'll have to check him out for yourself." My breath caught at Theo's words.

"What do you mean he's here with Gareth?" Theo's brow creased at my question.

"His letter said he would be in Solitude." I pointed down toward the parchment that stuck out of a small pocket of my belt. Theo's sharp intake of breath was followed by an uncomfortable look.

"Yea, about that. He returned this morning. He was worried because he hadn't received word from us. We were all starting to worry about you a bit considering you should have woken up within the first two days. We were worried you had slipped into a coma." I heard everything Theo had said, but my attention was on the bit of information about Gareth arriving this morning.

"Where is he now?" I asked. Theo snorted before pointing toward the campfire across the road toward the west. There Gareth sat staring in my direction with an unreadable expression. My heart beat hastened and even seemed to skip, but it wasn't from fear.