Chapter 3

The trip to Ald' Ruhn was actual quite interesting. I had a wonderful time talking with the Dunmer, whom I found was named Sharvy. In all my travels with this Dunmer I had never known his name. I suppose it was kind of good to know. After all, it was quite awkward talking to someone when you didn't know their name.

We talked about many things, but mostly just small talk. You know… life in Pelagiad, the recent arrests to some of the city's inhabitants…gossip. This was something the city of Pelagiad thrived on. What did you expect? It was a small town…the people need [isomething[/i to keep themselves entertained.

Things were going quite usual until Sharvy started asking about my back round. He wanted to know where I came from and why I settled myself in Pelagiad of all cities.

"Well, there's not much tell. I lived in Ebonheart up until a few years ago, and now I'm here," I lied to Sharvy.

"But why Pelagiad? Surely there were other cities that caught your attention." He asked me.

"Yes, there were bigger cities of course, but I like the small town atmosphere. I'd heard good things about Pelagiad and Balmora, and it was a tough decision, but ultimately I decided Balmora was a little too large for my taste. I'm not getting any younger; I figured a quiet town was just what I needed."

The answer seemed to quench his curiosity and lucky for me he left it at that. I didn't like lying to the Elf but I just couldn't tell him the truth. I was too ashamed to tell anyone the truth.

When we finally arrived in Ald' Ruhn I gave Sharvy a five septim tip and said my goodbye, and then it was off to the House Redoran Temple. The atmosphere of Ald' Ruhn was much greater than Pelagiad. It just seemed as if everyone was running around like they were late for an appointment or anything. It made me happy that I chose a small town instead of a large city.

Walking up the steps towards my destination I got my first look at where I was going. The House Redoran Temple was very large, much bigger than the other structures. Outside stood two guards wearing armor I had never seen before. The armor was brightly decorated with symbols of Vvardenfell's homeland race, the Dunmer.

"Where do you think you're going Imperial?" snarled one of the guards. At first I was surprised by the guard's rude tone, but then I remembered that the Great Houses weren't too fond of Imperials. Rather than cop a tone with the guard I tried to be as polite as possible.

"I was summoned by Bolvyn Venim. He wishes to speak with me."

The guard looked at his partner and then back at me. The snarl was still present on his face. "A likely story Imperial…..what is your name?"

"I am Vitellus Bentien."

I expected the smirk to disappear from the Dunmer's face, but that wasn't the case. He merely shifted an eyebrow upward and motioned for me to walk inside.

"Step through doors quickly. My master has been waiting for you." The guard said bluntly.

I walked through the door and saw many Dark Elves wandering about. They all gave me evil stares but thankfully none of them tried to kill me or anything. After searching for Venim a few minutes I realized I had no clue where he was. I wanted to ask one of the Dunmer but I was afraid they might attack me. You never can tell what crazy House members would do these days…..

Finally I noticed a peaceful looking Dunmer reading a book. She looked safe enough so I walked over and asked her where I could find Bolvyn Venim.

"Oh, so you are the lucky one my master summoned for? Follow me; I'll take you to him right now."

The Elf led me down several halls into we reached a door protected by another two guards, who looked as mean and agitated as the previous ones. After the Elf told the guards who I was they opened the door and let me in. The Dunmer lady stayed outside in the hall.

I stepped inside the large room and saw an elderly Dunmer sitting on what looked like a throne. It wasn't the type of throne I'd seen in Cyrodiil, but it definitely wasn't a regular chair. It was highly decorated with many symbols that I did not recognize, and I took the Elf to be Bolvyn Venim. I soon learned that I was right.

"Ah…Vitellus…we've been waiting for you," announced the Elf sitting at the throne-like chair.

I peered around the room and realized he and I weren't the only ones present. There were four others as well. There was a Nord female, an Argonian male, and Redguard male, and a Bosmer male. They all looked at me suspiciously, as I did to them.

[i"Who are these people?"[/i I thought to myself.

"Welcome to Ald' Ruhn Vitellus! I'm glad you showed up. Now I can explain to all you why you've been called upon to my chambers. It is something that's very important to me and secret as well. I had to meet you in person rather than explaining my proposal through the letter I sent you. It was simply too dangerous," said Bolvyn.

He motioned me to take a seat and I did. I had a funny feeling this was going to take a while. I wasn't too keen to long talks, but for ten-thousand septims I figured I could listen to him for a while.

"I have assembled the five of you here because I desperately need you help. Through intense research and questioning I've come to understand that you five pose the greatest chance of accomplishing my task. Before I begin I want to tell you that what I am about to tell you cannot go any further than this room. If indeed you decline my proposal I will have to keep you here forever. I am sorry for the inconvenience but I simply could not let you walk out of where with the knowledge that I am about to bestow on you."

What in the world was this crazy Dunmer talking about? It would take an army to keep me locked up in this place. But ironically that's probably what he has in this place. That [iand[/i I was getting older by the day…..

I looked around the room to see the other's expressions, and it was clear they had already made their decisions. By the look on their faces they were definitely accepting the proposal, without eve hearing the proposition. Even though Venim threatened to lock us up if we denied, they showed to protests to the claim. I was quite impressed, although I was curious as to why they were here. Obviously they were going to embark on the mission as well, but I wondered why Venim didn't tell me there were others coming to this meeting.

"My son, Dalamus, has been kidnapped from his home. Where this place is matters not. What does matter is that you five are to bring her back. This son of mine is unknown to all….accept for you five. Now you understand why I couldn't put this in the message. I am ashamed as to how he became my son, but that's a whole other story, once which I will NOT tell you. My son was taken to an island called Frost Bane Isle. The frozen island is located just a hundred miles northeast of Solstheim."

"Vitellus, this is where you come in. As you have probably already guessed, these other four men and woman have accepted my proposal. The question now is…..will you? You will lead these four to the island and you will bring back the item that I must have. I chose you for your military back round. I had a bit of trouble finding you I must admit, but I am extremely glad I did. Will you lead these men to the island Vitellus?"

Just as I was back at the cave in Cyrodiil, I was frozen in my seat. My tongue was dry, disallowing me utter a sound. I couldn't move my legs, nor feel them either. The last question brought up horrible memories that I had always tried to forget. Was I seriously getting a second chance at something I was once the best at?

Somehow I got out of my seat and walked quickly to Venim. He was eying me with an expression of great curiosity. I probably looked very nervous at the moment.

"Can I talk to you for a minute….alone?" I asked Venim.

"Why certainly, but I have to ask you, what is wrong?"

"I don't want to talk about it here." I demanded.

"Very well, follow me to my personal chambers."

Venim then announced that the others would have to wait a few minutes while he and I discussed something. I followed him out of the room and he led me to his personal chambers.

He closed the door shut and I was finally able to talk freely.

"I don't know if I can do this. I…..haven't gotten over my past just yet."

"You mean back in Cyrodiil?" smiled Venim.

"How do you know about that?" I requested.

"I have my ways Vitellus, but that is not important right now. What does matter is that you are the only person for the job. You are a true leader and an excellent warrior, two qualities not many people have. You will put the fear away once you arrive at that island, you know this. You've been trained all your life to be a leader. What happened back in Cyrodiil must be hard on you, I understand that, but it's time you realize that you were born for this."

His words hit me hard. True, the memories of my fallen men would probably never go away, but what I did afterwards was cowardly. I ran away to another country. Right now at this very moment it hit me that I was a coward for running away. Maybe this was the only way to bring glory back to my name, at least for me personally.

"Alright, I'm ready. I can do this, I know I can. Besides…it's not like I have a choice anyway. It does anger me that you led me here without telling me that I [ihad[/i to take the proposal…." I grumbled.

"I truly am sorry for that, but I had to get you here. I knew that if I told you about that you wouldn't come. After all, I knew you wouldn't be able to deny this anyway."

"So, the reward is ten-thousand septims?"

"Yes, but I have a feeling that's not the only reason you are accepting my proposal," Venim said matter-of-factly.

We went back to the chambers where the other four were talking quietly, but silenced themselves as soon as Venim and I walked in.

"Alright…enough small talk. Here's the plan: My son is located on his icy island. Where I don't know, but I am certain you'll be able to find him. He is of course a Dunmer and he has long straight red hair. I do not know who is captors are unfortunately. I know this sounds strange that I am unable to give you much information, but I was delivered a note signed by an anonymous source. It said that Dalamus was taken to the island and I had to step down as House Redoran Leader if I wanted him back. Well…I certainly will not do that. You five must find my son. If he is killed I'm not sure what I would do. I have never spoken to the boy in person…but I still love him dearly." Venim said while tears were beginning to form in his eyes.

"It is time that you five get some sleep. In the morning I will inform you on how you will get to the island. Please follow me while I show you to your rooms."

I was now grateful to myself that I had accepted the mission. My bones were aching to get back on the field. I just hoped my new "soldiers" thought the same way…