Chapter 2: A Momentary Sigh of Relief.
Gilraen heard the dungeon door shut, dust and dried mud travelled down the stairwell from the force of the slammed door. The shadows from the stone staircase that led to the dungeon emitted four figures. Three were guards, identified by the shadows upon the wall, obvious to anyone that they were carrying weapons of some sort. The guards were heavily armoured, the continuous well kept pace of grinding metal from the armour rubbing against itself provided a loud marching sound. One of the guards had a torch in hand making shadows dance rapidly from side to side, revealing cracks and loose rocks in the crudely built walls. Screeches from rats were made as they scurried away from the violent flash of light, the rats sudden retreat broke away peices of rubble from the warn down staircase. There seemed to be urgency in the figure's strides. Whispers of treachery and concerns for the Emperor's sons were heard. Echoing through the stone dungeon the voice of a woman was heard echoing down the stairwell.
"Baurus, lock that door behind us."
"Yes, sir" Baurus must have been a lower ranked guard; there was obedience in his voice. Then a deeper voice was heard. It seemed the fourth person was of some importance, maybe a royal? "My sons, they're dead aren't they?"
"We don't know that sire. The messenger only said they were attacked." The female guard tried to ease the royals fears.
"No... They're dead. I know it..."There was a pause, a stale silence that no one would like to suffer.
"... My job right now is to get you to safety."
The words of the Dunmer stuck in her mind. She believed the guards were coming for her. Panic hit her hard. She wondered what to do, how could she escape death? What had she done to deserve this? She had committed no murder. Gilraen could not remember a thing about it. It was a blank... It couldn't have happened, right? But what was this about the Dark Brotherhood? Who were they? What was their interest in Gilraen? She found it hard to think. There were so many questions searing her mind, but no answers.
Gilraen hurried to the back of the cell to find anything to aid her defence. There was little, not even bones. All she could do was wait. The banging of her heart over-dubbed the marching of the guards.
The guards and the old royal were now in plain sight of Gilraen. The three guards were dressed in elaborate, heavy-iron armour. Decorated with yellow and green leather patches, with some golden tassels to keep the breastplate attached to the user.
The lower region of the cuirass was the most eye-catching piece of their armour. It was typical except for the leg protection. The iron plating was coloured golden with intricate designs depicting an Asian culture. Beneath, there was emerald silk padding. Their helmets had a golden strip that ran down the centre, stopping at the nasal bone. At either side of the helmet was adjustable iron plating angled towards their jawbones. The iron left enough freedom to see without any hinderance to perception and speech.
The guards were wielding strange Katanas. All three were identical. The blade itself was like any other Katana, but the tanka was unique. It was rimmed in gold plating of the same conceptial art that of their armour. The base of the disk was emerald, with more golden Asian designs centred on the blade.
Walking alongside the guards was the royal. He was not armoured, but he equipped himself with a simple silver short sword. He wore a sleeved purple cloak, outlined in the same golden design as the guards. The collar was replaced with pure white fur padding. Beneath the cloak was a crimson over-all which covered his body; shoulders to feet. The gown was designed in golden leaves.
Gilraen couldn't help but notice the pendant that the aged royal was wearing; it was by far the largest ruby she had ever seen. It was shaped like a pyramid and a golden kite shaped pendant encased it. Even the chain itself was made with pure gold. Light refracted from the pendant, lighting the dungeon with a faint crimson colour.
The guards headed to the cell next to Gilraen. She was still tense with fear but she knew that they were not after her. Even so, Gilraen backed away from the cell door and moved to the corner of the cell. She couldn't help but notice how small the cell boxed her in like a caged beast waiting helplessly for the ringmaster. The cell seemed to close in on her. She began to hyperventilate; unable to control herself she pressed her back against the wall and slowly fell to the floor. She pulled her legs in close and hooked her arms round them. Then she began to rock to and fro.
"I know this place... A prison?" The royal seemed confused; realising his surroundings, temporarelly forgetting the fate of his sons. The guards escorted the royal to the cell where the shaded man was captive.
"What's this prisoner doing here?! This cell is suppose to be off limits." Baurus blurted, enforcing authority at a moment of chrisis.
"... Usual mix up with the watch... I... I..." The third guard, obviously new to his duties stuttered before the female guard intervened.
"... Never mind, get that gate open. Stand back prisoner, we won't hesitate to kill you if you get in our way."
"You. 'Prisoner.' Stand aside." Baurus pointed in a forceful manner. "Over by the window. Stay out of the way and you won't get hurt."
The cell door creaked open and shards of rubble fell from the aged ceiling. The guards and the royal walked into the cell room. The last thing Gilraen heard from the cell was sound of rock splitting apart. The floor vibrated violently. A moment later, the marching sounds of the heavy armour were not to be heard and the dungeon fell to silence once again.
Gilraen began to calm herself, her breathing returned to normal. Gilraen sighed with relief; she knew she wasn't going to die, yet. She crept back into the bedroll still shocked from her experience and wished that she were outside in the forests. Tears began to fall from her eyes. Becoming sore and had to remove the irritation. She pulled her tattered sleeve away and saw her tears; still sobbing Gilraen closed her eyes and slept.