Tava was again greeted in the morning by Indy and Dust pouring over more details. Their faces of fervor excitement.

"Good. You're up. Come look at this. I think this lizard figured it out." Indy motioned the uninterested Tava over to the desk. The excited lizard started to explain the scratchings.

"So this first part tells the story of Akatosh, nothing of help in the riddle of a 'heart of stone'. Then it goes on with the story, but these details include hidden clues for a map key. The 8 Divines, 9 regions of Tamriel, 20 Septim rulers, and other numbers give us the coordinates. Running those through some math equations with other map legends gives us a location of this 'heart of stone'..." Dust was talking a mile a minute and only speeding up in excitement. Tava slapped Dust across the snout. This caused him to twitch his head around like a lost prairie dog.

"You're losing me in all this. Slow it down, in Imperial please." Dust recouped himself and started off again.

"The 'heart of stone' isn't a place. Well it is, but it isn't. Those deemed worthy can take it to the heart of stone, like the legend said." Indy nodded his head in agreement, "The heart of stone is Akatosh's heart, well not really, metaphorically speaking. Deep in the core of Tamriel is a temple built around this heart of stone. It is only at this stone altar deep in that temple can the gauntlet allow you to jump plains. When placed in the 'stone heart' the gauntlet creates a 'Dragon Break'. See Akatosh is god of both time and dragons. An interesting combo I always thought. Anyway, when you create this break you will be jumped back to your plain of existence." Dust inhaled a long breath after rattling through all that. Indy patted Dust across the back.

"That's amazing. You've done it. One more question. Where do we get into this temple of stone?" Dust raised his scaly index finger and let out an 'Ah'. He scurried across his living room, stumbling over some books left on the floor. A map of the continent was pulled down over his chalkboard. He ran his finger furiously over the map till it rested on a spot.

"Here." He tapped a location. Tava peeked over from her spot to see where.

"Back in southern Skyrim? We've already been there."

"That is where the temple is. That is where you must go." Tava looked down at the ground and scratched her neck.

"That may be easier said than done. I had to leave there in a hurry..." Tava mumbled out. Dust rolled his eyes.

"Of course, and now the whole province is looking for you. I expect no better from a thief."

"Least I don't spend my days rotting away over old books. When was the last time you left this house?" Tava argued back as her heated stare pierced the dried skin of the lizard. Indy walked over to the map and studied it as the two argued in the background, Tava was winning against the timid Argonian. He broke up the fight before it got worse, for Dust.

"What if we went through this country here?" Indy pointed to a little province on the map. Dust looked over to answer Indy's question.

"That is Orsinium. A cruel, harsh, solitaire, mountainous land inhabited by cruel and harsh people, the Orcs. I would recommending avoiding that dreadful place at all costs." Indy thought silently on it, his options were limited.

"Well, if we cross the border from Hammerfell the local law will pick us up for sure. Our chances would be slim. If this Orsinium is as reclusive as it is I'd bet good money that border isn't nearly as guarded. It's our best shot." Tava simmered down to join the conversation.

"Yeah, there's a reason they don't guard those borders. No one is crazy enough to visit the Orcs homeland. They're not known for their hospitality. Orcs are territorial and brutal." Tava explained to the green archaeologist. Indy cracked his half smile at Tava.

"But surely the world's best thief could get us through without being caught." Tava responded with an even slier smile.

"I wouldn't say 'world's best', but I've never been caught yet." Tava gloated. That last remark caused Dust to shoot a devilish look at the thief, "That one time in Black Marsh doesn't count. Fine, we go through Orsinium."

After some time passed, allowing Tava to don her black hooded coat again, Indy to clear up more details with Dust, and trade their wagon and pull horses for smaller, faster, Hammerfellian stallions. "Here Dust, hold on to this for me." Tava handed Dust her delicate scimitar.

"Why should I keep this? Won't you want this for your journey?" Dust asked in a puzzled voice. Tava placed her soft hand on Dust's shoulder.

"Keep it for me. A large sword like that isn't fit for a thief. My dagger will serve me well. Besides, this is an old family sword. I'd rather not associate with my family. They feel the same of me." Dust took the sword. He was unsure what to do with it. He wandered around looking for a spot to stow it. Indy pushed down the crown of his fedora and motioned Tava to the door out. She went out to prepare the horses.

"This may be the last we meet. For a talking man lizard I must say I consider you an intellectual better." Indy bid Dust a farewell, "And I'm borrowing this book too." Indy grabbed another book from Dust's shelves, this one on the ancient gods of Tamriel. Dust sighed in depression, losing another treasured book. Indy saddled up and followed Tava at full gallop as they left Elinhir, and Hammerfell headed for the Orc homeland.

Riding through the desert was long and uneventful until the duo encountered a large mountain range.

"The Wrothgarian Mountains. We ride into those, we ride into the heart of the Orcs' home." Tava explained, then looked over to Indy with a mixed expression, "You sure about this?" Indy looked at her, then back at the imposing mountains. With only a slight hesitation Indy spurred his horse onward into the deep mountain pass. Tava rode hard to catch up to him. The pass was narrow and crooked. The high, pale gray walls were jagged with rocks. The whole land and sky had a dismal gray pallet.

"No wonder these Orcs are as brutal as you say. This is unforgiving terrain." Indy made an idle observation.

"Let's just get through this path and to the border before we attract too much attention." Tava ordered. The two horses were making good time through the mountains, even on the steep inclines. They wound farther into the mountains until they were surrounded by all sides by the gray rocks. The horses approached a sharp curve. As the steeds trotted around it, their riders were greeted by two other horses mounted by fierce Orcs. They were tall men, their skin a sickly olive drab. Most their body covered in thick, coal black armor. A low voice bellowed across the tusks of one of the monsters.

"Outsiders are not welcomed in Orsinium. You leave now, we won't kill you." the Orc guard gave the ultimatum.

"Listen, we want no trouble from you. If you let us pass we will travel quickly and leave this country." The guard looked at Indy and chewed his proposition around in his wide jaw.

"You are not our kin, wizard. You will come with us, we will see if you are worthy of your skin." The guards urged the duo down the pass. Indy wondered why he was referred to as a 'wizard' then he realized he that again, he wasn't in native clothing. The Orcs led the two into a gated town. Indy looked around the small community.

"Eyes down outsiders. You aren't worthy to stare at our kin."

"You this hospitable to all your guests?" Indy chuckled out his sarcasm. Tava's eyes widened with shock at Indy's boldness. The guard let out a deep, primal grunt to show his distaste at Indy's joke. The four horses stood in front of the largest building in the town, a stone castle carved into the side of the gray mountain.

"Chief Hobablob!" One guard yelled to the castle. A group of Orcs emerged from the stone structure. They all seemed to orbit around a central figure. He was a hardy Orc, decorated in fine furs and animal hides. The mounted guard addressed him, "Chief. These outsiders were riding hard through the Malacath Pass. They insisted on traveling through here. What shall be their fate?"

"Listen, we don't need to start anything. We are headed to Skyrim. Just let us pass through and we will be out of your hair by nightfall." Indy pleaded his case to the chief. Tava looked over to him again and angrily whispered,

"Be quiet. Orcs do things, differently. And you aren't helping us." While Tava explained their situation, the chief decided their fates. He looked at the two, noting Indy's strange dress and the overall demeanor of the two. He then spoke in a voice layered in gravel.

"So, you seek only to pass through our motherland." Indy nodded, "To travel to Skyrim." Tava nodded this time, "You then treat my beloved motherland like a trotted horse path, you disrespect her and my kin." the gravel in his voice grew more agitated. Indy quickly jumped in,

"No, your chieftianship. We mean no disrespect to you, your kin, or Orsinium. We are simply on a time sensitive mission." Indy spoke with his hands. His tone attempting to calm the mood, to little avail.

"Enough! Your words bore me. You want passage through our mountains you will prove yourself outsider. Prove yourself in the Orcish tradition of sparring!" The chief's announcement garnered an excited cheer from the village. They were about to get a free show. Indy dismounted his horse and rubbed his neck in worry,

"Okay. So who do we box?" Indy asked cautiously. This caused Chief Hobablob to utter a laugh that spread to the rest of the crowd.

"Only you shall fight wizard! The girl shall watch you die. For you shall fight Hartwog!" That name gave away to even louder cheers. A circle of curious bystanders formed, Tava was forced into the crowd. An Orc appeared in the empty circle with Indiana. Indy barely came up to the massive mer's chest. His wide, green shoulders supported an even thicker neck. The orc, obviously the Hartwog Indy had to best, wiped his hands on his long fur pants, his only article of clothing. His beady eyes settled on the archaeologist.

"Disrobe outsider. This is the honored tradition of sparring." the massive mer's voice could rumble down a mountain. Indy walked over to Tava in the crowd, never taking his eyes off Hartwog. He handed her his jacket, shirt, and satchel. Then he gave Tava his hat, which she proceeded to try on at different jaunty angles. Indy walked back over to the ring's center, facing his opponent. Indy sized him up, way up. There was no way he could take down this mammoth, he was the size of the mountain he lived on. Indy still had his wit.

"So, is there a bell, or how do we start this?" The massive Orc swung a hard left hook knocking Indy back to the ground, sliding 3 feet across the hard stone. "Alright, so that's how we're doing it." Indy wiped the spit from his chin as he stood up. He charged at Hartwog and smashed his fist into the Orc's gut. Indy felt like he hit a ton of bricks, quickly pulling his fist back and massaging the pain out. Hartwog chuckled at his foolish attack, the crowd joined in on the merryment. Hartwog extended a fast right fist. Indy was able to duck it, and avoid losing his head. He popped back up and tried to land a punch on Hartwog's side, he had similar results, hurting his other hand. Hartwog grabbed Indy by the neck in his massive clutch, lifting the professor's feet off the gray ground. Indy struggled against the thick fingers as they slowly strangled him. Hartwog's tusks curved into a devilish smile as he watched Indy flail for his life. Indy couldn't pry the fingers off his throat and the air was getting thin. Finally one of Indy's boots caught Hartwog in his groin. The Orc quickly dropped Indy as he doubled over in pain. Indy took the chance to plant the heel of his boot on the Orc's head. It hurt his foot, but seemed to hurt Hartwog more.

"You will not defeat me, you cannot defeat might Hartwog!" The mountain of a mer charged at Indy. He sidestepped his way out of the line of fire. A clothesline from behind caught Indy in the back. He dropped to his knees, the wind knocked out of him.

"Indiana, watch out!" Tava yelled from the cheering crowd as Hartwog thundered up behind Indy with his fists raised like solid boulders. Indy made a quick dive roll to avoid the two heavy hands smashing the ground, cracking the very mountain itself. Hartwog was bent down and exposed from this move and Indy took advantage. He started a flurry of punches on the Orc's head. Left, right, left, right, hook, jab. The monster started to trickle blood from his nose. He used his wide palm to push Indy away from him. Indy found himself laying on the stone again. His breathing was heavier as Hartwog pulled himself up. Indy got up first and ran towards the staggering Orc. He jumped over Hartwog's shoulders onto his back. Indy took a tusk in each hand and pulled on them like steering reins. Hartwog frenzied around the ring swatting his hands trying to knock Indy off his back. One of the large fists started on a path towards Indy's head. He dropped the tusks and slid off the Orc's back. Hartwog's fist crashed on his own head. The deafening blow sent the huge mass of muscles clammering to the ground, the whole mountain shaking with him. The crowd was aghast as Indy stood victorious over the undefeated mammoth. Tava ran out to meet Indy and hand him his shirt back. As Indy slipped the leather strap of his satchel over his shoulder Chief Hobablob approached the travelers.

"You've proved your worth outsider. You may consider yourself kin to the Orc. I will permit you safe passage through our mountains on your journey." Chief Hobablob beat a fist against his chest in respect, "May Malacath guide you." Not to disrespect their culture Indy returned the gesture. He turned to his horse and rode out of the town to Orsinium's Northern edge with Tava in tow. As they rode out of the fortified town Indy looked over to Tava.

"You forgot to hand my watch back again." The thief pulled the trinket from her coat,

"You aren't any fun Indiana."

The border between the two brutal nations was patrolled only by one small trader's outpost that edged up against the separation line. The duo stopped at the depot to water their tired horses. While Tava tended to the horses Indy looked around the Orcish bazaar, taking in the different shops and carts. He saw people selling jewelery, food, tack, clothes, decorative trinkets, camping supplies, and a few weapons. Indy started to gaze at one of the unique curio shops when a man approached him.

"Now I know I've seen that hat only once before, not too common." Indy turned towards the wise voice. It was the same bearded man from the bar in Hammerfell. His gray beard now matted to his long, tangled, fur armor, his bad eye covered in a stripe of red war paint. Indy looked at the man surprised to see him again.

"If I didn't know better I'd suspect you were following me?" Indy replied casually. The stranger replied with a hearty, woodsman laugh. Resting his hand on his ax belt he replied,

"Oh, ho. No, my friend. We both seem to have an aptitude towards adventuring. There are only so many roads before we run into each other again." His answer seemed sincere enough to Indiana, "I've tired of the road and so I'm returning to my homeland, the beautiful tundras of Skyrim. I assume you are heading the same?"

"Yeah. Going to do some cave diving." Indy made up an excuse to avoid giving away any valuable info. The small smile on the big man knew that Indy was lying, but he was fine with it.

"There is a small party fording across the border soon, you would be wise to tag along with us."

"Why are you so willing to help me? First the bar, now here. I don't even know your name." Indy wasn't quick to trust, even if the man's eyes, or at least the good one, conveyed wisdom and honesty.

"I am known through the lands as Oleg the Gray. I've been at this for many a years. And through those years I've learned good intentions and willingness is the best way to live." Indy couldn't argue with that logic, and he seemed to believe the man of the wilderness.

"Alright, Oleg. I suppose we'll follow your group into Skyrim." Oleg extended a worn fur hide glove that Indy met with a handshake. Tava walked up to the two with the horses' reigns in her hand. Her hood hid her green eyes as she looked over the stranger.

"Who is this?" she looked angrily at the husky frontier fighter.

"You need not worry thief.." Oleg started. Tava quickly interjected,

"Who said I was a thief?" her words could outrun Dust's. A hearty smile spread across Oleg's face,

"Never have I seen a bard dressed like that. Only someone trying to hide wears a hood."

"Maybe I'm an assassin?" Tava fought back.

"Your hands are soft, and fingers nimble. That's the mark of a thief." Oleg put his decades of world wise to use.

"So you've spent a few years on the road. I can do that too. That scar on your eye, you lost a fight with a Khajiit. Most people I met with a tangled mess of hair dressed in fur armor were barbarians. But you are better trained than those dogs to be civilized, so you are a woodsman turned adventurer." Tava deduced, "and that ring, the most valuable artifact you have worth stealing, proves you have a wife at home, probably one you met in your travels. That's been my experience, and you adventurers are witches to rob, never settling in populated towns." Tava drove her point home. Oleg let out a smug laugh in approval.

"This is enjoyable and all, but about that party leaving for the border?" Indy interrupted the pissing contest.

"Ah yes, my friends. If you are ready let us head to the meeting." Oleg motioned on as he picked up the round, steel shield propped up on his leg.