Chapter One

The horse cautiously made its way up the mountain, as if in fear of some great danger unseen by the human eye. Julianus had long since given up trying to goad the horse into moving any faster than a trot since they began their journey towards Frostcrag Spire. He looked up towards the towering monument before him and shivered as he recalled the stories he'd heard, of the Deadric monsters that patrolled the grounds. Either that, or the cold was finally beginning to get to him. No wonder Whisper was scared. Nevertheless, he pushed on, knowing that the information contained within the scroll was far more important than the beating organ contained within his chest.

It took a good twenty minutes to reach the stairway leading up to Frostcrag Spire and with every step Whisper had taken, the more restless she got. It was only when she placed a hoof upon the cold, frozen stone that the fear became too much.

She bucked, throwing Julianus to the ground, and ran, uncaring of her direction. Julianus lay on the snow, his skin blue as the cold began to bite into him. But as Julianus finally began to give into the unforgiving cold, a great warmth suddenly washed over his body. He slowly opened his eyes to the sight of a flaming woman clad in black armour. A Flame Atronach, an unusual sight in the Jerral Mountains.

It looked down at him with invisible eyes, wishing to give into its instincts to kill while having to adhere to Master Seryth's orders. Regretfully, it reached down and helped Julianus onto his feet. Before Julianus could react he was forcefully led up the stairs towards the grand entrance to the fabled Frostcrag Spire.

The Atronach opened the doors and pushed him inside, his legs giving way instantly as he collapsed to the ground. The great golden doors slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing throughout the massive room. He tried to pick himself up, but failed every attempt, his muscles too weak to sustain his weight and that of the heavy fur clothing he wore. Eventually he gave up and lapsed into unconsciousness, awaiting whatever fate Master Seryth had in store for him.

Julianus's eyelids crept open for a moment and snapped shut as light flooded his eyes. He tried a more gradual approach, let his eyes adjust to the light. He stretched his arms and legs out wide only to find his clothes had changed. The fur garments he'd bought in Skyrim were gone, replaced with fine red and gold silk garments. He turned his head downwards and saw his body was enveloped in a beautiful, green cover. He felt at home, despite how far away his humble abode back in the Imperial City was. It didn't matter though; he was warm, he was comfortable and he was safe. Or was he?

"Finally awake huh?" The voice was calm yet somehow commanding, a voice that spelled out perfection with every syllable.

"Its people like you who will drive me mad one day, I swear." A face joined the voice. The wizard's features were plain yet handsome at the same time. His skin was flawless and somewhat pale, his bright red hair flowed down his neck and peeked over his forehead. His red eyes looked down at the Imperial lying on the bed before him who barely appeared to be conscious. Seryth waved a hand in front of his face, "Hello? Anybody in?"

As he spoke, Julianus could not help but notice the fangs that protruded from his upper jaw. Of course, it was well-known fact that Seryth was a vampire, accepted for never once having bitten into the flesh of a human. However, having a vampire lean over your weak and helpless body was somewhat... worrying. Seryth immediately noticed the taint of fear in Julianus' eyes. "Oh, don't worry, I've already eaten!" he joked, his fangs catching the light as he chuckled.

"Come on, I've got some breakfast ready for you down stairs. I'll see you when you're ready." and with that he was gone.

"Uh... Yeah..." was all Julianus could manage before slumping back into unconsciousness.

It wasn't until half five in the afternoon that Julianus finally awoke. He managed to lift himself upright and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He let out an impressive yawn as he picked himself up off the bed and on his feet. He searched the bedroom, finding a set of drawers to the right of his bed which he happily delved into. Inside the top drawer was nothing but some underwear which Julianus quickly dressed himself in, lest Seryth were to make another visit. In the second drawer was the most beautiful garment Julianus had ever seen. An expensive, light brown shirt and trousers, followed by a light blue coat with a fancy collar and expert embroidery along the back. He tried it on and looked in the mirror opposite his bed, amazed at the quality of the garment. "Like it?"

WE GORRIRE

The voice made him turn suddenly as he saw Seryth standing casually on a strange glowing pad. Julianus suddenly noticed there were no stairs in the room what so ever. "Its nice isn't?" continued Seryth, who was wearing a similar garment, this one purple and lined with gold "From the Shivering Isles, the Realm of Sheogorath, Deadric Prince of Madness."

Julianus gulped as heard the 'd' word. "This is from... Oblivion?" He began to back away, but, realising the blasphemous object was in fact covering his body he stopped in his tracks and cursed himself for his foolishness.

"Well, yes technically. But I wouldn't worry, it is as safe as any other item of clothing. The time of Mehrunes Dagon is long past"

Both men shivered at the name. Mehrunes had caused the deaths of many friends and relatives of both Seryth and Julianus, the most notable being Jauffre; Seryth's friend and mentor and grandmaster of the Blades, Decius Vagennius; Julianus' father and Martin Septim; heir to the throne of Uriel Septim.

"Sorry, that was foolish of me. Such a memory deserves no place here." spoke Seryth quietly. "Come. Dinner is almost ready. I'm afraid you missed breakfast. And lunch for that matter."

"Uh, yes, of course. Sorry, I am a heavy sleeper, I often forget that which... matters... most" Julianus' voice trailed off as his original purpose erupted in his mind.

"The scroll, where's the scroll?" He shouted suddenly, catching Seryth off guard.

"Scroll? Oh, yes, of course. I already have an avatar on its way there now and I'll be following shortly after. Don't worry; the matter will be taken care of."

Julianus breathed out a sigh of relief. Had Seryth not been informed, the crisis at the Imperial Palace would never be resolved.

"Shouldn't we be on our way now? This is a matter of some importance."

"Yes and so is food. I don't know about you but I'm famished. Come, follow."

"Uh, I don't understand. Where are the stairs?"

"Stairs? STAIRS?" Seryth laughed, a hearty laugh that would immediately heighten the spirits of any one in ear shot. "No, my friend you are mistaken. Mages do not use stairs, no. We have our... own method." He stepped onto the glowing plinth and with a flash of light he was gone.

Julianus sighed and thought to himself, 'This is why I dislike mages' as he grudgingly stepped onto the glowing platform and felt the magical energies pull him apart.