Innocence Questioned
Part 6
The forest was dark, dank and miserable, the deluge had not let up for three days now and the undergrowth was saturated. The local wildlife had long since found shelter from the rain as it pounded noisily against the forest canopy.
There were a series of bright explosion deep within the woods followed quickly by deep thundering rumbles.
Two women, running as fast as they could through the sodden undergrowth, one supported by the other her arm slung over shoulder, groaning in pain.
Behind them, a mob of heavily armed warriors, mages and Daedra were closing in.
Another burst of magical energy shot over Taless'naverine's head impacting against a nearby tree blasting splinters in all directions. More magic erupted around them forcing to deviate from their course.
"I think were in trouble Lessa". Shalinva remarked, half joking despite her injury.
"You think?" she replied, shouting as another fireball hurtled towards them.
It struck the ground directly behind the two women blasting up steaming mud and debris, throwing them both through the air.
Dazed, Taless'naverine searched desperately for her friend, finding her lying on the ground clenching her stomach, agony across her face.
This was it then, she thought grimly. Hauling herself to her feet, Taless'naverine wiped the blood and dirt off her face and drew her sword and faced her pursuers one last time.
There was an ear shattering roar behind her and Taless'naverine spun around to see an enormous horned creature swinging a great double headed axe above its head charging towards her.
Several weeks earlier
It had taken the pair longer than expected in getting to their destination. Having left Miscarcand burning behind them, the refugees fleeing the city and the city guards attempting in vain to round up suspected agitators, the pair had to make several detours to avoid detection.
When Shalinva and Taless'naverine eventually reached the Silverways stronghold, hidden in the ruins of Rielle, the white haired woman was exhausted.
What little remained of Rielle was scattered across the side of a mountain, weather worn slabs of masonry lay strewn across the ground, in the process of being overwhelmed by vegetation. The city itself had been the victim of an old war and had long since been forgotten.
"Cant we stop for a minute, my feet are killing me", Taless'naverine complained as laboured up particularly ragged terrain.
Their flight from the city had been incredibly hard on her, having to leave behind everything she knew, and knowing she could never return and knowing that somehow she was responsible for the kings' death, the catalyst for the terrible conflict.
So for three days they ran, slept in caves and hid in forests staying away from the trade routes. The thin summer dress that Taless'naverine had thrown on in her haste had had been reduced to little more than sodden, torn rags and in the cold mountain air did little to improve her mood.
"No" Shalinva replied curtly, offering her hand to help her over the difficult terrain, looking among the boulders and crevices, Taless'naverine followed her gaze.
"Something's not right", Shalinva warned, drawing two small daggers. "We should have been intercepted by the wardens by now, they usually stop anybody coming near the stronghold for interrogation, but there's nobody here".
They climbed in silence, Shalinva constantly searching for any danger until pointed out a ruined entrance into the city vaults, it was only then they saw signs of life. Sitting relaxed, but clearly alert were three men watched them approach.
Shalinva motioned Taless'naverine to stop. "Stay here a minute, I'll see what's going on". While she approached the group, Taless'naverine took the opportunity to sit and rest her aching feet.
After a few minutes Shalinva returned looking confused. "Seems like you've been expected", she said. "Apparently Lorenk ordered the guards to stand off and watch you".
"Any idea why?" She asked, already knowing the answer. Shalinva smiled apologetically. "I suppose we don't get all that many king slayers around these parts". She gave Taless'naverine's shoulder a quick squeeze, "don't worry about. C'mon the old guys waiting".
Taless'naverine was pleasantly surprised to see Rielle's underground levels in good condition, compared to the ruins above. The passageways were warm and well lit, people passed them as the descended and some acknowledging Shalinva as they went by, all looked busy.
The pair stepped onto a large balcony overlooking a grand chamber, it was the hub of activity with dozens of people hunched over tables looking through large books and speaking in urgent hushed tones. One of them looked up and waved the pair to join them.
An older, heavily scarred man with grey shoulder length hair and dark green eyes welcomed Shalinva with open arms and she embraced him with a grin.
"Good to see you again you old goat".
"Shalinva, charming as always. So, Taless'naverine Iscario it's a pleasure to finally meet the woman who killed the king of Miscarcand".
"I didn't kill him" she stated flatly.
"She's modest too". Taless'naverine sighed before reciting her experiences during the blooding, the incident in the throne chamber and the battle for the city. Lorenk sat quietly absorbing the information.
"That doesn't make much sense; assassination isn't really Hermeaus Mora style". He said thoughtfully. "Daedra are chaotic and unpredictable at the best of times, but this doesn't add up" he continued, "You said the king was killed looking at your sigil?"
Taless'naverine nodded, not happy to be reminded of the event. "I wouldn't risk looking at it if I were you" she said quietly. The master of the silverway shook his head, "Wasn't thinking of it. The mark is quite a mystery, might even be a weapon or something we can use to aid the cause. In any case we should pay Ilithari a visit; maybe she can make sense of this".
"Thank you" she replied. "Who is she?"
"She lives in seclusion not far south of here, an old seer of some kind, very powerful. Usually its impossible to get near her if her guardians don't like you". He said flashing a grin.
Taless'naverine raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.
"She lives in the heart of a minotaur enclave kid. There's a whole clan of them who see her as a prophetess or leader, she helps us out every now and again in the way of information and spells components and we keep people from venturing to close to her turf". He leaned in close to Taless'naverine, is grin growing wider, "Gotta be nice to her though, her temper is a mite unpredictable.
Shalinva cleared her throat, getting their attention. "Sorry to butt in here guys. Lorenk what in oblivion is going on here?" she gestured at the activity around them. Lorenk took them into a smaller chamber that acted as his private study, offering them a glass of wine and a seat.
"Ah yes, we've been getting rather concerning reports of the human tribes in the northern wilds are preparing for war." This news didn't particularly shock Taless'naverine. "Many of the tribes are constantly fighting at each other, usually for land and resources".
"Ordinarily I'd agree", he nodded, "except in this case their all gearing for war and it seems under one banner".
Shalinva took a sip of wine, frowning. "You don't think they would attack us do you?"
"They wouldn't have the balls, not after the seven hills massacre. About twenty years ago", he explained to Taless'naverine, "having endured long enough at the hands of the various kingdoms, the human clans united and swept down into the valley sacking the town of Agna along with several villages. In retaliation the temple sent in Umeril".
Taless'naverine waited patiently for him to continue.
"Gods girl don't you know your history, Shalinva you've picked a fine one here. Umeril was sent to 'correct the human problem', so he wiped out the army and then he completely sterilized the mountains of them, didn't even bother with prisoners".
She quietly shook her head, she had always thought of the great sorcerer king of the west as the typical hero in golden armour fighting to save the day.
"Look kid, don't worry too much about it were keeping a close eye on things, Shalinva will take care of you from now on, teach you everything you need to know, she can be a pain in the ass sometimes but she knows hers stuff, so pay attention".
Taking that as their cue to leave, the two women stood to leave. Lorenk held out his hand. "Welcome to the silverway".
Shaking his hand, Taless'naverine nodded "thank you".
"C'mon, let's get you out of these things" Shalinva said.
She led Taless'naverine through a series of passageways, deeper into the stronghold until the reached what appeared to be living quarters, complete with racked beds, various entertainments and a steaming spar, which Taless'naverine eyed enviously. She was given fresh clothing and while Shalinva requisitioned a bed for her she lat back in the steaming hot spar and relaxed for the first time in days.
Every day for the following two and a half weeks Taless'naverine spent training in various weapons with under the watchful eye of Shalinva, although she was a hard teacher at times she found a growing respect for the woman and her controversial techniques. Kosiv Dushane, the Silverways resident mage, or the old man the he was fondly known as, found her to be powerful but unfocused when using magic, so took her under his wing also, and so her training relentlessly continued.
Shalinva woke her earlier than usual; Taless'naverine threw her pillow in her general direction.
"Rise and shine beautiful".
"Bugger off" she muttered groggily.
She picked up the pillow and playfully walloped her over the head with it.
"Knock it off" she laughed. "Cant I at least one day to myself?"
"Nope", Shalinva pulled away her sheet. Taless'naverine, naked underneath quickly covered her modesty.
"The boss wants to see you; you're off to see Ilithari within the hour". Her eyes lingered a second longer as turned and left.
Taless'naverine watched her go, smiled softly.
Four people walked cautiously through the dense forest in a spaced column with Lorenk at the fore. Behind him were Taless'naverine and Shalinva while Kosiv guarded the rear.
As the travelled Kosiv told Taless'naverine what he knew of the Minotaur's in the area, how they had once been a thriving race with dozens of clans all over the area and with the rise Ayleid nation they steadily lost land to expansion until all that was left were a few enclaves.
Lorenk called a halt to their march. "Were on the border now, we'll have to wait a while for them to turn up so you might as well get some rest".
They nodded, finding a spot to relax. Lorenk kept watch while Kosiv kept himself busy with a book he'd brought for the trip; he was distracted on more than a few occasions by giggling as Shalinva and Taless'naverine entertained themselves reminiscing, playing childhood games and telling very unladylike jokes.
Four hours later Lorenk got their attention, "Here they are, on your feet".
Standing, they watched as two towering Minotaur's trudged towards them. Clad in chain and leather armour and wielding large hammers they stopped before Lorenk who bowed before them.
"What's going on?" Taless'naverine whispered, watching as Lorenk conversed with one of the Minotaur's.
"He's requesting permission to enter their lands", Kosiv replied quietly. "Its more of a formality, but it keeps everybody happy".
She nodded, watching as Lorenk handed over a small parcel, which according to the mage contained several powerfully enchanted items.
The lead Minotaur accepted the gift with a slight bow before motioning the group forward.
The group was escorted through the forest for nearly an hour, Taless'naverine could see their hosts were steering them clear from the various settlements she could see in the distance.
Night was falling when they finally arrived at their destination; Taless'naverine was disappointed to see it was only a small cave entrance, partially obscured by vegetation which the Minotaur's parted for them allowing them entry, a shiver ran down her spine when she realised both of them were staring at her.
The cave interior to their surprise was warm and well lit, it had a well lived in feel to it. Glow globes floated before the group, guiding them deeper underground.
"I suppose this would be a bad time to say I'm claustrophobic wouldn't it" Shalinva joked, her voice echoing off the walls. Taless'naverine chuckled, more to relieve her growing tension, the shiver running down her back had become an uncomfortable tingling.
The main chamber had been carved out of the natural rock to from a large circular, domed chamber. As they entered Taless'naverine stopped in her tracks seeing in the centre of the chamber, surrounded by pillars of stone was a circular pool.
"Be at ease child, no harm will come to you within these walls". A woman's voice echoed over the walls, but she had only half heard. Flashing images of blood and torment and drowning assaulted her. She felt suddenly nauseous.
Shalinva squeezed her shoulder. "Lessa, you alright?"
"No" she whispered, "I have to get out of here". Turing to leave, Taless'naverine suddenly collapsed, vomiting over the floor.
When she awoke, Taless'naverine found herself in a large raised bed; she had a thumping headache and her throat raw. Looking around she saw Shalinva sitting next to her bed, engrossed in a large book.
"Morning beautiful" she said hoarsely. Grinning, Shalinva set the book aside and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I was starting to wonder I you'd ever surface, how do you feel?"
"You remember when we drunk Tev and Huna under the table?"
"Ah" Shalinva grimaced in sympathy, "that a hangover I won't soon forget, anyway, Ilithari and the old goat wanted to see you as soon as possible".
She nodded, giving shalinva's hand a quick squeeze as she stood. "Thanks for staying with me".
"You'd do the same for me" she smiled. Stopping at the chamber entrance, Shalinva looked back at her, grinning. "You should do something about the snoring though".
Lorenk, Kosiv and Shalinva were standing at ilithari's private chambers looking somewhat disgruntled.
"She wants to see you alone" said Lorenk. "Just remember your manners and it'll be okay".
Shalinva sighed. "Stop fussing, she can take care of herself. We'll see you in a bit Lessa".
Taless'naverine nodded; reassured by their presence as she entered.
Unlike the other chambers this one was small and lit only in candle light. It was cluttered with all manner of trinkets, charms, rolled scrolls and other assorted junk, sitting in the centre of it all was an old woman.
She was dressed in a simple homespun robe; her wispy grey hair obscured her face.
"Please sit; I've been waiting some for this day daughter of Talesh'navei, some time indeed".
"How do you know my mother?" she blurted.
Ilithari gestured patiently for her to be seated.
Sitting before her, Taless'naverine was startled to see that in the place of her eyes, Ilithari had two black faceted gems which made her appear almost insect like.
"I knew your mother, Taless'naverine" she smiled, showing a row of rotting teeth, "because I'm the one who delivered you, that and you've been graced with your mother's fine looks and not that idiot she married. But you've come to learn about your mark, yes?" Taless'naverine nodded, remaining silent. "Good, now tell me everything.
Once again she recounted her tale, leaving out no details. Ilithari's mood became more sombre".
"Let me see the mark girl" she interrupted.
Here we go again, Taless'naverine thought as she disrobed.
The old woman wasted no time in examining the sigil; she pressed her fingers in certain points of her back while muttering in an arcane language. The candles flickered for a moment before blowing out completely leaving the chamber in a pulsing blue light, it only took Taless'naverine a moment to realise it was the sigil.
"There. It's done", the old woman said slumping back, exhausted.
"Wha... what have you done?" She cried, too petrified to even move.
"Unlocked your potential child", she muttered, "as it was meant to be". Taless'naverine quickly pulled on her shirt and faced Ilithari, scared and furious. "What in Dagon's name are you waffling on about?" she demanded.
Quicker than she could see, Ilithari backhanded Taless'naverine across the face, whipping back her head and drawing blood. "Do not ever mention that name here, understood?" she warned coldly, pointing a bony finger at her. "Ever!"
Any thought of protest quickly ended when Taless'naverine noticed her gemstone eyes glowing unnervingly red. With a gesture the candles sparked into life.
"Tell me girl", Ilithari continued as if nothing had happened, "what do you believe happens after death?"
Taless'naverine was taken aback by her quick temper and struggled to answer. "I don't really know. Some say you ascend to the stars above, others say you're received into the care of the Aedra, or Daedra, while some think there's nothing".
"An honest answer", Ilithari replied. "I believe in something very different girl, a circle in which everything is born, lives its life and dies. It applies to everything, people, the animals; the very stars above us will some day fade and die, but from the energies left behind new life forms. The same applies to our empire."
Wow, she hadn't heard that one before. "Are you saying the empire is dying?" she asked dubiously, Ilithari shook her head sadly.
"The empire is already dead; it doesn't know it yet." She said grimly. "You, Taless'naverine, daughter of Talesh'navei will be the harbinger of the empire reborn, free of the corruption and evil of the old".
"Enough!" Taless'naverine shouted, standing. "This is some kind of sick joke I am not amused".
"Then before you depart", she retorted, "take this". Ilithari passed her a golden chain, to her horror was an all too familiar black metal amulet. "Keep this close, please" the old woman almost pleaded. "It will keep you safe". Taless'naverine took the amulet and turned to leave.
"You have a kind soul girl, loving and innocent", Ilithari called after her. "But hold on to these things girl for soon your morality will be tested in fire".
They left the enclave in silence. Taless'naverine refused to speak of the conversation to anyone. Her head was spinning with the dire warnings and prophecies that she was somehow linked to.
Her journey to the stronghold was spent in a daze.
Taless'naverine's training continued. She pushed herself harder, training for longer than both Shalinva and Kosiv advised, but dark portents were never far from her thoughts, no matter how much she tried to escape them.
It was shalinva's pleasure to inform her friend that her training was completed and soon they would be going on their first mission together.
Their first was to infiltrate a brothel in Wendir, liberating dozens of enslaved women and burning the place down for good measure; the poisoning of the infamous slavemaster Tor'chiliad. His meal laced with Hallucinogenic drugs, leaving his mind reduced to that of an infant, and the theft of his secretive documents detailing the layout of his new slave processing complex and framing his consort, Lady Elonia Ni'jin for it all.
With each success they became more confident in their abilities, their friendship grew stronger.
Travelling single file down the forest roadway, the six slave caravans made best possible speed to the trade centre in Elenglynn. Six weeks after the disaster in Miscarcand the slaving routes had routed away from that area, causing a substantial loss in profit.
The slave master took his frustration out on those slaves he saw as unhealthy to be any good at market. He smiled, reminiscing about he'd raped and tortured the last woman to death in the nearby woods. Perks of the job, he thought.
He didn't feel the lightning bolt shattering his skull instantly melting the brain matter inside.
The guards reacted swiftly, and summoned Daedra burst into existence, charging into the surrounding woods in search of enemies. Mages of the Silverway responded summoning Aureals to confront and hold them while lesser scamps were used to harass the guards while the main force made its way to the caravan.
Lightning and fire shot over their heads as Shalinva, Taless'naverine and several others tasked with freeing the slaves charged the caravan. Recovering from the initial surprise, the guards skilfully executed a counteroffensive in the summoning of more dremora and suddenly the group was at risk of being surrounded.
Quickly taking stock of the situation, Shalinva ordered them to slay the summoners to dispel the Daedra. The two forces charged into each other, devastating magic's were hurled at point blank range, bursting and vaporizing people on each side before the song of steel upon steel drowned all other sounds.
The atmosphere in the camp was subdued. Despite their latest success, they had suffered many losses and now silverway and former slaves sat together around campfires drinking wine to their memory.
Taless'naverine drifted among them, receiving a smile or a token of gratitude.
Gradually making her way to the edge of the encampment, she noticed a young human woman sitting alone, staring into a small campfire.
"May I sit with you a while?" she asked, the woman nodded but remained silent, just staring into the fire, her dark eyes dancing in its light. Taless'naverine recognised her from rescue earlier that day, her wavy shoulder length hair, her wild eyes and a scar that ran from under her left ear down her jaw.
Taless'naverine offered her jug of wine which the woman accepted with a small nod of thanks.
"You were one of those who saved us today, weren't you" she said, her voice soft and hard to hear over the crackling of the fire. "Thanks."
"Your welcome" the Ayleid replied, "We do what we can; I just wish it hadn't cost so many lives".
Passing over the bottle, she shrugged. "What's done is done, we are alive because of your actions, but I noticed that you don't seem to be celebrating with the others".
Taless'naverine sighed. "During the rescue a friend of mine was severely wounded and I've been concerned for her".
"Then I hope your friend makes a speedy recovery. What about you though", she continued, "You don't look much like the type to go around fighting and freeing slaves". The woman glances up from the fire, looking deep into Taless'naverine's eyes. There was something about her the Ayleid unsettling, but was unable to put her finger on it.
"I was once a member of the nobility, my father", she reconsidered what she was going to divulge, "he was close to the king of Miscarcand".
She had heard of the massive funeral procession through the heart of the city. Her father had been in one of those coffins.
Pushing aside her dark thoughts looked up from the fire to find the former slave watching her intently. Her dark eyes seemed so old and sad for one so young, Taless'naverine had the strangest feeling she was being scrutinised.
"So" she said, wanting to move the focus of attention. "Tell about yourself".
"Not much to tell", she shrugged. "Life as a slave is one of monotony. You wake up, you work, you get beaten if you don't work hard enough and if you survive the day you sleep and are grateful". Her voice grew hard and bitter, quite understandable Taless'naverine thought.
"But of course you'd know all about that, wouldn't you".
"Know what"? Taless'naverine asked confused.
"When you were fighting, I saw the tattoo on your back. A sigillum, a slavers mark" she spat.
Taless'naverine was taken aback by this, not only was the woman observant but clearly highly intelligent, knowing the mark by its ancient title, it made her nervous.
"Who are you?" she asked in her own language, venturing the slave was familiar with it. She was rewarded with a tight lipped smile, for a while she said nothing, staring into the fire deep in thought.
"I was taken at the age of fourteen you know" she replied in Ayleid. "My family butchered and home burnt to the ground. A few of us were taken to Lindai. Do you know what they do to the women in Lindai"? Taless'naverine shook her head and she continued.
"While the men are put to work in the mines, the women have their minds broken, though torture, rape and drugs they are reduced to being playthings".
"By Azura" Taless'naverine whispered, horrified. "How did you survive?"
A genuine smile spread across her face. "I fooled them, made my 'masters' believe I was compliant little human. I was given to a rich noble as a gift and over time the idiot became enamoured with me, taught me much about your people, then one night, after he'd had me, I killed him in his sleep". She made a cutting gesture across her throat.
"I managed to escape but was recaptured a few days later, that's when your people turned up".
She rolled up her left sleeve exposing a series of ugly brandings up her arm.
"This is my name, Ayleid", she said accusingly. "I'm sure you're familiar with them".
Taless'naverine shook her head, disgusted at the ingratitude of the woman; she excused herself and left the fire. Joining Shalinva in their tent, she was careful not to wake her injured companion as she snuggled in next to her.
The next morning she discovered the woman had vanished without a trace during the night, somehow getting past both guards and wards.
"The woman who disappeared last night", she asked Rau'shin, their record keeper, "any idea who she was?"
He spent a few minutes going through his lists. "Here we are". He tapped on the page. "Her name was Alessia".
Taless'naverine nodded her thanks and left to ready Shalinva for travel.
The camp split up later on that day; the freed slaves were split up amongst the silverway members who teleported them to various safe locations around the land. Shalinva, supported between Taless'naverine and a serious young man named Yeris teleported back to the stronghold.
As they appeared they realised something was wrong. Instead of teleporting in the heart of the stronghold the trio found themselves in an unfamiliar forest, it was dark and torrential rain soaked the instantly.
"Interception" Yeris warned, drawing his sword. He died a second later as his body exploded, showering the other two in steaming blood and entrails.
They ran as fast as they could through the woods, low hanging branches whipping by them as desperately tried to escape.
Fiery explosion blossomed around them and looking behind, Taless'naverine saw a large group pursuing them.
"I think were in trouble Lessa". Shalinva remarked, half joking despite her injury.
"You think?" she replied, shouting as another fireball hurtled towards them.
It struck the ground directly behind the two women blasting up steaming mud and debris, throwing them both through the air.
Dazed, Taless'naverine searched desperately for her friend, finding her lying on the ground clenching her stomach, agony across her face.
This was it then, she thought grimly. Hauling herself to her feet, Taless'naverine wiped the blood and dirt off her face and drew her sword and faced her pursuers one last time.
There was an ear shattering roar behind her and Taless'naverine spun around to see an enormous horned creature swinging a great double headed axe above its head charging towards her.
She rolled out of its path as the giant Minotaur charged past her into the pursuers. She watched as the giant creature quickly disembowelled each of them in turn, the last one turned to flee only to be cut from head to groin.
Running over to Shalinva, Taless'naverine could see the wound in her stomach had reopened and was bleeding heavily. She quickly set about administering healing charms and didn't notice the Minotaur until it was behind her. It dumped two armoured corpses at her feet. Taless'naverine's initial confusion quickly gave way to rage as she looked upon the broken humans.