Disclaimer: Oblivion, the blood moon werewolves, and plot and characters belong to Bethesda studios
Nylia and other unrecognizable characters, and their personalities are my creation using the concept of course.
AN: In Addition to the posting of this new chapter, I have also gone back and revised and edited previous chapters.
The next morning after almost everybody had gotten up and had eaten breakfast. The time had come for Martin and me to leave the refugee camp and head towards Weynon Priory. But not before Martin gave the news of his departure. so, all the Kvatch survivors came up to him to say farewell. It seemed bittersweet, especially since no one knew if they would meet again. I kept my distance giving them the chance to say their goodbyes. Meanwhile, most were keen on staying away from me though, but I did not mind they were just being cautious after all.
As Martin was saying his goodbyes to the refugees, I saw the same family from yesterday, the one with the little girl that hitched a ride on my tail. I looked at them and smiled I was just glad that their family was safe. The little girl, of course, saw me and, waved happily at me while tugging on her parent clothes as if trying to get their attention. Just then the father turned his head to see me smiling and returned a smile of his very own. However, then furrowed his eyebrows in concentration as if trying to remember something. Giving up he looked away and focused back on his family. Pretty soon Martin walked back up to me after having said goodbye to the people that he knew.
"Ready to go," I asked trying to make sure he really was up to this. I could not blame him for being unsure of what lies ahead. After all, I myself was unsure of what lied ahead. but, the best thing to do was to move forward and see where things went from there. I was just waiting for him to decide for himself when he was ready. He smiled a little sheepishly before answering.
"Ready as I will ever be, even though I have no idea of what lies in store for me. I have not been able to really grasp what you told me yesterday" he said with uncertainty mixed with a little bit of determination.
"You and me both," said to him with a small smile to reassure him before continuing "I am still new to this too. Though it may sound odd, I just started this whole thing yesterday " I told him.
"Well, maybe we will both figure out this eventually," he said with a little gloom in his voice.
"Yes, maybe," I said not sure what say next.
That was all was said before we started our way to Weynon Priory. As we walked in silence the journey pretty much uneventful most of time as we made our way. The wind was blowing lightly and jostling my fur as I walk on all fours as we made our way down the bluff. Along the way and after we passed some of the caves that were along the side of the road back. Eventually we come across the same camp that I had passed on the way to Kvatch. However, this time since we were moving at human pace, so they were immediately alerted again when we were passing it.
In total there were five people and a dog in the camp. One was an imperial male who had light brown hair and wore light gray looking armor and a sheathed sword around his waist. Standing near him was a female khajitt, who had tan fur wore simple common clothing with the small sheath attached to a belt around her waist. Across from them and the one near the tent was male Nord wearing heavy armor and wielding an ax. The other two were not like those three. One of them was a bosmer with dark hair, he wore also wore common clothing like the khajitt. Interestingly enough, he was also being carrying a bow and quiver and was reaching to retrieve an arrow. Looking ready to fire. Lastly, there was a dunmer woman she seems to be wearing a robe. Unlike the others it looked like she was carrying no weapon at all, instead, she simply raised her hands like the way I would raise my claws to attack. Finally, there was the black dog which stood behind them growling at us, its teeth bared ready to attack if we ignored its warning. The others quickly readied their weapons and started stalking towards us. In retaliation, Martin and I braced ourselves to defend ourselves.
Martin slightly held up his hands, eyes forward I could tell he did not want fight as much as I didn't. Meanwhile, I steeled myself also started to growl at them in warning to not attack. There was silence apart from the dog and I growling. Martin however spoke up addressing the bandits. "We mean you no trouble. We are just passing through" He said trying to talk them down. However, it did not seem to be working as the Imperial Bandit replied.
"Too late, Mr. Holy man. we're pretty sure that you have something valuable to you" he said eyeing us strangely before the khajitt approached "Plus we can use your Mutt's pelt for warmth in the cold nights" and to that I focused my eyes on her and, began to snarl at her while rising on two legs while raising my arms and readying my claws, to show that I was more than a common animal.
"I like to see you try," I said dangerously still snarling.
They did jump back a little. The humans and elves gasping. The khajitt seemed unfazed, brandishing her dagger defensively. Meanwhile, the dog backed off, ear flattened, and tail tucked between its legs, whimpering before taking off in the opposite direction. Abandoning the rest of them, However, the shock wore off before they charged. Barreling towards us while the Archer and the dunmer woman remained behind to attack from a distance.
I charged at the melee fighters engaging them, while Martin stayed back as well, which I was fine with since I am supposed to protect him. Focusing back on fighting these bandits. I still met the Nord bandit head on delivering a few powerful swipes to his head. However, it did not do much as he was wearing a helmet protecting his head. He stumbled back momentarily from my paws hitting his helmet. He screamed in pain when my claws found purchase on his skin. He screamed in pain as I pounced on knocking him down. However, I still had to deal with the other four as well. Out of the corner eye, I saw a beam of the bluish-white race by hitting the archer as he prepared to fire. On contact, he literally froze as his body iced over from a constant beam, and he collapsed dead. As I pounced back on the blinded bandit clawing and ripping at his armor until I finally tore off the chest plate before stamping down and crushing him to death with my paws.
Once I was finished with him, the searing heat hit my side and I howled in pain as fire scorched my fur and skin leaving me in agony. I turned despite the pain to see the Dunmer woman a few feet away smirking. "you and your friend may have killed my friends, but it will take more to kill me you, s'wit. As I was turned her ready to attack I felt a hand on my side. At first, it hurt even more then it was replaced by a familiar soothing cool sensation. Turned my head to see Martin had placed one of his hands on my side sending a white mist over it while looking forward with his other hand stretched out emitting the same blueish white color from before. Once my side was healed I turned my head back forward as Martin took his hand off. He smiled at me before charging at the khajitt firing another beam of ice her.
I, on the other hand, charged at the Imperial bandit, claws ready to strike. My Initial blow was blocked by his shield, however, he still staggered back from the force of the impact. He then charged at me swinging his sword in time to graze my neck. I staggered a little and growling before swiping a blow at his legs. Knocking him down. I took the opportunity to pounce nailing him to the ground before clawing at his neck killing him. By that time Martin had finished off the khajitt woman and was fighting the Dunmer. However, they were locked in a stalemate, both casting beams of fire and ice at each other only to meet the other beam. Where the two attacks met there was a pillar of steam. I pulled my bow and an arrow from my back. I cocked it in the bow, aimed it her head and fired. The arrow sailed through the air killing her. She collapsed as Martins attack finally hit her. Once she was dead we relaxed and straightened up.
I immediately went to the archer and gather his remaining ten arrows placing them in my quiver. So that I would not run at when I needed them.
We soon were back on our way to Weynon Priory. On our way to our destination, We traveled in silence after our encounter with the bandits. It seemed that we did not want to talk as it did not need to be discussed. I was used killing the enemy, but I did not know about him. Since I did not know him that well. I was not sure what to say, during that time we passed the caves and mines that I passed on the way to Kvatch. Although along the way we once again ran into few more scuffles with bandits, which we took care of if they attacked us first. Along the way we neared Skingrad and I immediately got down on all fours to look a bit less intimidating.
The closer we got to the city, we passed a few people along the way. Mostly the reaction was the flinching at the sizing of me.
Three of them approached Martian. "hello stranger" One imperial man greeted Martin. behind him there stood a woman and girl. The women looking at me warily. The little girl, however, was smiling at me
"Hello "replied Martin "How is your day going"
"We are getting by. but we were curious, did you know anything about what happened to Kvatch?" the man asked. That slightly peaked my interested, as some these people already heard on what happened
"yes, we just left it, I was there when it happened," Martian said somberly.
"we heard that the Daedra attacked, what happened." The man asked.
"An oblivion gate had opened in front of the city, and the Daedra attack for unknown reasons" Martian replied "I Was able to get some people back to chapel in time, the guard and Nylia here, were able to liberate the city" after the Martin said this the man look at his attire before smiling and responding.
"I am glad you and your dog were able to get to safety." At that looked him and rolled my eyes. which he gave me confused look in return.
The little girl however, tugged on the man pant leg, when he looked down at her she said "daddy, can I pet the doggy. He then looked at me before addressing martin. "What do you think can she"
"Ask her, it is her choice" he replied smiling. "I don't really mind if the child pets me, but if the adults try it I will stand on two legs," I told him
The little girl approached me giggling "May I pet you doggy" she asked. "Go right ahead. Little one". She gasped in surprise, before giggling again. She stepped closer and a rand her hand through to fur on my shoulder, and neck. she petted me for a few more minute before here parent pulled her away. "bye Doggy. Said as they left towards the city,
When we finally passed Skingrad the guard and civilians around the gate looked at us weirdly. Though there were some of looked weary or terrified as they edged their way towards the door to get to safety. The guard themselves were tense and ready to defend, but they did nothing further. We passed the main gate I returned to being back on two feet as we followed the path as it leads to the city walls.
The rest of the journey after that remained uneventful. Apart from a few encounters with wild creatures. When we passed the bridge town and guards eyed me suspiciously, probably wondering where Bryan was but stilled did to watch my relief. We moved on until finally after more few hours of traveling we finally neared Weynon Priory. By then it was already in the afternoon.
As we got closer I realized something was wrong as I smelt blood and heard fighting. Eventually, Both Martin and I saw it was chaos going on. The first thing I saw was familiar red robes assassins that I fought in the prison secret tunnels. One of the houses had been set on fire, while the fighting was going on. one of the red robes had just finished cutting down a shepherd. Bryan was engaged in combat with another at the moment and look like he was struggling. As that was going on Eranor came running up to us.
"Help! You must help! They're killing everyone at Weynon priory!" he yelled panicked.
"Hold on. Tell me what happened here" I asked also direct my words at Martin, so he could hear me.
"I don't know! I think they're right behind me! Prior Maborel is dead!" he replied.
"Do you know who attacked?" I asked confirming my suspicions as he started to explain what happened.
"I was in the sheepfold when they attacked. I heard the Prior talking to someone. Looked around the corner to see who it was. They looked like travelers, ordinary. Suddenly weapons appeared in their hands and they cut the Prior down before he could move! They saw me watching and I ran."
Suddenly worried for Jauffre's safety in this mess, I asked. "Is Jauffre alright"
"I don't know. I think he might be still In the Chapel praying, You must help us!" He answered before taking off as one the assassins noticed us and charged brandishing a mace.
Both Martin and charged at him as well. Martin pulled out a small dagger as he did and promptly stabbed the assassin in the arm after. When the dagger made contact it produced electricity shocking him and doing some damage. But not before the attacker landed a blow to Martin causing him to stagger backward. I then took advantage of the assassin's distraction and pounced on him so hard that the armor just disappeared. Leaving him to be vulnerable to my teeth and claws. Which I immediately took advantage of killing him.
Bryan came running up to us having already just finished defeating his own opponent, who lay dead in the background. As he reached us he spoke "Nylia, thank the Nine you are okay" his eye then shot to Martin beside me before continuing" I see you finally brought back Martin Septim" Besides me, I saw Martin flinch a little at the name. As Bryan continued "that is great, though we need to get to the Grandmaster"
"Lead the way" was all I said when the three of us made our way to the priory house. When we got near we saw a monk kill one the assassins, before coming towards us sword still in hand.
"Gods blood! They came out of nowhere" he exclaimed before asking " Have you seen Grandmaster Jauffre?"
"We were on our way to find him now" Replied Martin before Bryan continued
"He is in the chapel where we are headed now"
"Quick he may need our help," the monk said that the four of us ran into the chapel. The Whitestone building right by the priory
When we got inside we found Jauffre in the middle of fighting off some of the assassins. however, they outnumbered him three to one. But it looked like he was doing an impressive job holding his own against them. We then charged at the assassins, but since it was five to three. When they were taken care we all put away our weapons, (natural, magical, or metal) and I turned toward Jauffre who spoke first.
"Your back, Thank Talos," he said looking relieved that we had returned, and with a quick glance at Martin looking relieved, before continuing. "They attacked without warning. I was praying when I heard the Prior Maborel shout. I had just time to arm myself." He then like realized something important The Amulet of Kings! I fear that was the target of this attack. I kept it in a secret room in Weynon House. We need to go see if it is safe. He finished
"We'll go and check on it," I said
"We'll go together. But I fear the worst" he replied
With that, the five of us followed him out of the chapel and towards the prior house as Jauffre lead. Once Inside we followed him up the stairs and towards his office. However, instead of going into the office we went into a side room. Where he went to a small chest and knelt to an opened it. Suddenly gasping he then stood back up before saying. "They've taken it! The Amulet of Kings is gone! The enemy has defeated us at every turn!"
"I would not say they defeated us at every turn, after all, I did manage to find Martin," I said nudging my head towards Martin. Who smiled slightly but still hesitantly when I acknowledge him.
"If It weren't for Nylia here I would not even be alive, and the enemy would have truly won" Martin then said reassuringly.
Jauffre then smile brightly at that before saying "Thank Talos for that! We gained Uriel's heir and lost the Amulet of Kings. Martin cannot stay here. We have driven them off, but they will be back once they learn of Martin's survival. Which they will."
"But where would even Martin be safe" Bryan asked before I added on "That is a good question, surely, he can't stay here, or he will get attacked again"
"Nowhere is truly safe against the power arrayed against us. But we must play for time, at least... Cloud Ruler Temple, I think. The hidden fortress of the Blades, in the mountains near Bruma. A few men can hold it against an army. We should leave at once." Jauffre explained before leaving the room and the rest of us followed him back outside.
Once outside Jauffre called over the monk that helped us fight the assassins off in the chapel. When he came over Jauffre said "Brother Pineal, I need you to prepare three horses. We need to get Martin Septim to cloud ruler before these assassins come again"
"Right away, Grandmaster" He replied as he left. When he returned ten minutes later, he and two other boys held the reigns of three horses.
One was a light brown, the other two were white and brown. However, the horses were a bit antsy in my presence. As they started to fidget once they saw me and the three handlers hand to try to calm them down. I also moved away from them, so they could relax a little bit more. Once they were calmer Martin mounted the brown horse taking the reins in his hands. while the Bryan and Jauffre mounted the other two. I on the other hand just dropped down on all four legs as I prepared to run.
Once we were ready, we all took off out of Weynon Priory as Jauffre led the way. As we headed made our way to Cloud ruler temple I kept my distance from the horses, so I would not freak them out. While keeping pace with them. I still enjoyed the feeling the dirt and grass underneath my paws, the wind blowing in my face, and the forest racing by as I agilely avoided anything that I might run into.
As we made our way to cloud ruler temple the scenery changed quite a few times. It had changed from green forests, to yellow forests, and to fields. As we neared the mountains I started to notice that the air became gradually chillier was went along. Which to me it was not really a problem as my thick black fur provided me a lot of warmth from the biting icy air. My nose was the only thing to was exposed, but even as it felt numb it could still smell everything just fine. Just in case I smell something that is off. However, my companions were not as lucky as me. Because they must rely on their armor or clothing for warmth. I shudder at the thought so being freezing cold.
We had eventually stopped at a small lake in order to recharge. The three of them led to the horses to the water and despite some reluctance with one of them, the horses dipped their heads down to the water to drink. While I made my way away from the rest of them to get a drink as well. Once I found the perfect spot, I lowered my own head to the water and lapped up the icy water my tongue. Quenching my thirst for a while.
Raising my head again. I Looked the rest of them, as they sat down and were just taking. From what Could hear they were asking asked other asking each other about themselves. Bryan had asked Martin what he was doing before this whole mess.
To which Martin said "I am or rather was, a priest for Akatosh in Kvatch, this was before the Daedra attacked and Nylia told me that am the heir to the throne. Bryan then shared "My family also worships Akatosh.
Martin then asked "what about you, based on your uniform you are Imperial city guard correct"
"Yes, that Is correct, I was senor gate guard for one of the districts" he explained.
Martin was silent before asking" so how did you did get in involved with all this"
"I was on guard duty when Nylia had raced by. I after her. chased her fearing she would kill someone. However, she said head to Weynon Priory to she said was an important mission. With permission from the captain followed her to make sure she did no harm anyone." He said gesturing to what looked like one of sheathed his swords. It martin also looked like he just nodded.
"Though I miss my family greatly," Bryan said.
"What is your family like," asked Jauffre
"It Is me, my wife, Lorena and our kids, Samul, Maryle, Mary, and Emma" Bryan replied.
A short while later. We were back on the road again making our way through the mountain after we had made a left turn heading north. There was now a little snow on the ground as we followed the path. And along the way, we passed the passed a dark stone wall that I assumed was probably Bruma. The sun began to set as we finally reached a large grey fortress with enormous wooden doors. Jauffre, Martin, and Bryan dismounted from their horses, but still held the reigns as we waited in front of the fortress.