Chapter 8: Secrets and Lies
Frostcrag Spire...
24 Frost Fall, 4E21
"And now we come to it," Aywin said, standing up and setting the book down on her chair. 'Though I am not quite pleased with this books interpretation of myself, and as I know my own role in the story better, I shall be the one to tell it."
"At last!" The Nord smiled. "I've been looking forward to this."
"You may not like what I have to say," Aywin said. "But you have paid attention to my story thus far, and I feel you can be trusted with the information."
"What information is that milady?" The Bosmer asked.
Aywin bowed her head slightly so that her hair covered her face. "I was born in Cyrodiil. In a small village that used to lay a few miles west of Bruma. I was born in the 2nd Era, Year 57."
"M-milady?" The Bosmer asked.
"It was in 2E78 that I became what I am," Aywin rose her head, and while her features were just as pale and delicate, her eyes had a soft red tint to them.
"Vampire!" The Khajitt shouted, raising his weapon.
With a casual wave, Aywin knocked the weapon out of his hand. "I am not your enemy!" She said. "Nor do I intend to feed upon you."
The men did not seem comforted by this. Aywin sighed. "I am able to sustain myself, with effort, through magical means that allow me to avoid having to feed. However, I am locked in this tower due to my condition. The sunlight would kill me if mortal men did not reach me first."
"Then we must be the first company you've had in a while," The Nord said.
"Indeed," Aywin nodded. She folded her arms. "I did not mean to deceive you, but if I had told you right away... And after all, I did let you in out of this blizzard. I swear I have no intention of harming you,"
The Khajitt turned away and looked slightly ashamed of himself. "Forgive me."
Aywin nodded. "That is fine. I understand. I need you to understand my condition because it plays a great deal in how I impact the story."
"Please, continue," the Bosmer said, taking his seat. The other two followed suit.
"Towards the end of the third era, I had been trying to find my way into the realm of a certain Daedric Prince," Aywin said.
"Sheogorath," The Khajitt nodded.
"Correct. It was rumored that once every so often, a door would appear in the Niben Bay that lead to it. Of course, at this time, all the gates that were open were doorways to Mehrunes Dagon's world. I feared I would never find my way if the situation continued as it had."
"Why were you searching for the Shivering Isles?" The Nord asked.
"Simply because it was something else to find. No other Daedric Prince, except Mehrune's Dagon, had so willingly offered the ability to visit their realm of Oblivion. You must understand that I'd been alive for centuries. When you are alive that long, you grow weary of what there is to see. I'd seen all of Tamriel. Many times. That was back when I would feed (usually upon thieves and bandits when I could). The Shivering Isles was simply another place for me to go," Aywin said.
"And now?" The Bosmer asked.
Aywin looked around her tower. "I have this tower and the grounds. My only escape is into these tales that I read."
"How can you bear it?" The Khajitt asked.
"By knowing that one day, there may be somebody who needs me to continue existing. Our existence is only a curse if we make it one. If I had died many of the times that I wished I had, then I would be unable to help you, for instance. I do not intend to allow myself to die. If the time comes naturally, then I welcome it. Otherwise, I will continue to exist, "Aywin said.
There was a brief silence at these words. The men looked around, and Aywin opened her book again.
"According to this tome, I appeared out of nowhere and vanished into nowhere. Very poetic. Very false. I came in from Skyrim and found my way to Cloud Ruler Temple. But before we get to that, we have a few other things to clear up."
Skingrad, Behind the Chapel...
6 Hearthfire 3E433
Saryn had decided the only decent thing to do about Glarthir would be to honor her promise. Then, if he seemed like a threat, she would alert the town guard at once. She went out back behind the Chapel and waited. Shortly after the bell rung midnight she saw Glarthir creeping by the wall towards her, constantly looking over his shoulder.
"Were you followed?" Glarthir asked.
"No," Saryn said.
"I overheard you talking to that town guard. I'm not certain if I can trust you now," Glarthir said, hesitantly.
"Nor I, you," Saryn replied. "But I am in need of work and gold, and if you have the latter, I will gladly provide the former."
Glarthir twiddled his thumbs for a moment as he leaned against the rock-wall of the chapel. "It's just that everybody thinks that I am mad."
"What's going on?" Saryn asked.
"I believe that I am being watched. For what purpose I can't yet tell, but I know that I am being watched and furthermore I know the people who are doing it," Glarthir said.
"So what do you want me to do about it," Saryn asked.
"Well naturally I want you to watch them. I believe I know the people responsible, but I cannot be sure of course. If you, an outsider were to observe them then maybe I would have a better idea," Glarthir instructed.
"And who are these?" Saryn pressed, eager to get to the bottom of this.
"Well, there is Bernadette Peneles, a young woman who lives on this side of town. Always watches me whenever I come this way and always seems to be out on her porch whenever I do so. Highly convenient if you ask me," Glarthir began. "Who else, oh yes, Toutius Sextius, always prancing about the castle. I won't even begin to tell you what he's on about. But the man who I am convinced is the ringleader of this operation is a name that I'm sure you've heard of."
"Who?"
"Davide Surillie! The famous winemaker!" Glarthir exclaimed. "I've seen him in his vineyard burying things. No doubt they are his findings on me and my doings. And furthermore he has more than enough money to buy any of the people in this town off!"
Saryn was beginning now to become very nervous about Glarthir. What he was raving about was nothing short of lunacy and she was afraid of what would happen if the town guard thought that she was in any way involved in this.
"Very well," Saryn said. "I will look into these people and see what comes of it."
"Indeed. I expect your first report tomorrow at midnight. Find out what you can in that time. We'll meet back here," Glarthir said. "I must hurry before anybody sees us together!"
He rushed off back along the city wall and in the direction of what was ostensibly his house. She decided to follow her instinct and headed back towards the watch tower where the guards slept. She saw the soldier who had warned her about Glarthir and walked right up to him.
"Aye, Bosmer," the soldier said. "Have you found something out?"
Saryn folded her arms. "First I think introductions are in order. I am Saryn, not just some Bosmer."
The soldier looked slightly offended, but grunted and offered his hand. "Dion. My apologies for my rudeness, but this Glarthir mess has got me on edge."
"Well I'm afraid I'm not bringing any good news," Saryn said. "And meaning no offense, but as a traveler I find myself in need of funds. What's this information worth to you?"
"Unless it will put Glarthir behind bars nothing. We'll have no way of knowing that until you tell me," Dion replied.
Saryn shrugged. "And where is a poor girl to sleep on a night like tonight. It's tough work following random people for the town guard, and I'm so tired."
She played at a yawn, even though she was no longer remotely sleepy.
Dion sighed. "I'll tell you what. We'll give you a room at the inn tonight and a meal, and if the information is good maybe more still."
"That's better," Saryn smiled. She then frowned. "Although I doubt you'll like this. Glarthir believes there is a conspiracy against him, as you already know. But he's named three person which he wants me to follow and report on."
Dion rubbed his chin. "And these names?"
"Some girl who lives near him and a castle clerk, but the name that does bother me is Davide Surillie, the winemaker," Saryn explained.
Dion shrugged. "Not much to go on, I'm afraid. And sadly not enough to lock a person away for. Being paranoid isn't a crime any more than being crazy is."
"What should I do?" Saryn asked.
"If I had my way, you'd leave town now, but I don't know what Glarthir might do," Dion fidgeted. "Perhaps we can still save him. If only we can force him to see reason, maybe he'll get better."
"You mean you want me to actually follow them?" Saryn asked.
"No need to. I can already tell you nothing is going on there, and you know it too. Course if you want to waste your day be my guest. But you should report to Glarthir that nobody was following him. He trusts you more than any of us I dare say. Maybe he'll finally realize how crazy he's been," Dion suggested.
"I only hope that will work," Saryn shrugged.
Cheydinhal, County Hall...
6 Hearthfire 3E433
Who would have thought that Ulrich would have been so easy to dupe? Will had been given the key to Ulrich's quarters by Garrus and while Ulrich and most of the guards were out patrolling, Will was able to get into the County Hall and into his private quarters.
Right on top of his desk was a letter that looked rather important, and a quick scan of the letter made that all the more apparent. This letter was all the proof that he would need to put Ulrich away for a long time.
It seemed that Ulrich had some relatives in a bad way, and Ulrich was just writing to tell them about how he'd be sending a great deal of money and some goods their way with the funds he'd misappropriated.
Well, of course, once this was brought to Garrus it was all over within a few hours. Garrus brought this to the attention of the Count and, despite his predisposition towards Ulrich, he had no choice but to find him guilty. Between the abuse of his post and the murder of Aldos, Ulrich would remain behind bars for a long time indeed.
When Will returned to Borba, carrying with him her portion of the refund on the wrongfully seized gold, she proved far more able (to say nothing of willing) to do business with him. After a very short lived bidding war, in which Borba showed next to none of her usual tenacity for haggling, the two celebrated their agreement with a dinner, which Garrus and Llevana both attended.
They toasted the memory of Aldos and after a great deal of food and drinking, and even song from Llevana who had a remarkably pretty voice, the tone of the evening changed to strategy.
"So, Where are you heading now?" Garrus asked.
"Continuing along my journey, I am just a merchant after all. I've got a long road. I'll be heading to Leyawin next, and then Bravil. After that I'll head to the Imperial City, Skingrad and finally back home to Anvil," Will said.
"That's quite a long road between here and Leyawin. I doubt you'll make it there in less than two days even with a cart," Borba said.
"And with these Oblivion Gates opening every which way, it's becoming more and more dangerous to attempt such a thing," Garrus said. "If I were you I would alter course. Stay as close to the Imperial City as you can."
"I suppose I could stop at Bravil first," Will said.
"That would be a much safer bet," Llevana added. "The marshlands east are very unforgiving and full of highwaymen to boot."
"That sounds like a plan then," Will nodded.
There was a knock at Borba's door. A man walked in who looked surprisingly familiar to Will. It was the old drunk who had accosted him on his way out of Chorrol.
"Ah, Guilbert, I'm glad that you could make it," Borba said.
"I'm not here to feast I'm afraid. There's been another bit of bad news," Guilbert said gravely, looking around the room.
"More bad news?" Llevana asked. "But Ulrich has been put away, hadn't you heard?"
"Aye," Guilbert replied. "So we've traded one villain for another. An Oblivion Gate has opened up just outside of town. The Knights of The Thorn are attacking the enemies and seem to be doing a decent job of holding them at bay, but the Count has ordered that none may leave the city until morning."
"My goodness. Silly thing to not allow us to flee," Llevana gasped.
"It'd do no good. Those monsters are vicious at night. They'd catch you before you even made it out of the woods," Garrus nodded. "If you all will excuse me I'd better return to my post. They'll need all the help they can get."
As Garrus opened the door to leave the sounds of panicked voices flowed in from outside. The door again shut, leaving the four in the semi-silence and slowly dying lantern light.
"And if that wasn't enough someone's gone missing too," Guilbert sighed.
"Old Rythe again?" Borba asked. "That painter chose a horrible night to go on a holiday."
"But if he's out in this mess he could be killed," Will said. "Shouldn't somebody go look for him. I mean he can't have left the city, right?"
"If you want to go take a look for him, be my guest, but I tell you it's a fools errand. The man like's his privacy, and that's all there is to it," Guilbert said.
"Speaking of privacy, I meant to ask you when you came in. Did you follow me in or do you live here?" Will asked.
"What are you talking about?" Guilbert asked.
"I saw you in Chorrol. You were a bit drunk and seemed to have a bit of a temper," Will said.
"You know you're the third person to tell me that, but as I told the other two, I've been nowhere near Chorrol. But as luck would have it, I've got business which requires me to visit Chorrol tomorrow, assuming the roads are opened. I think I'll go have a look and see who is impersonating me," Guilbert replied.
Will said nothing more. He had the distinct feeling that he'd offended Guilbert.
"Well I suppose we should go try and track down Rythe, even if it is a tad chaotic this evening," Llevana said.
She took Will's hand and they both walked out of Borba's store into the cold night air.
The Gold Road...
6 Hearthfire 3E433
Alessia was a tad uneasy setting out from the inn in the morning. Her job was simple: to be the bait that lured out this rogue mage. But Alessia didn't rather much enjoy being bait. If she was supposed to be training in the art of Destruction magic, wouldn't she be better suited at being the attacker.
Besides, even if you catch the fish, the bait is usually useless afterwords.
She heard a rustling in the tall grass beside her as she walked along the road. She turned only to see a small wildcat bouncing through it, trying to catch something that Alessia couldn't see.
It was over as quickly as her temporary distraction. She felt two arms reach behind her and smash against her back with the force of a lightning bolt. She fell forward and turned to face her attacker. It was a woman in a long blue robe.
"So you're the merchant who spent the night last night," the attacker said. "Well hand over all your wares and I'll make your death a relatively painless one."
Alessia tossed her satchel to the side of the road where the woman reached down to grab for it.
"Okay, I'll give you a five second head start," the rogue said. "Who knows, maybe you can outrun my lightning?"
"Very kind of you," Alessia said. She stood up and without even blinking she sent a firebolt flying towards the rogue.
She had not been expecting this and took the full brunt of the flame. She fell back on the ground in agony. Two battlemages who had been hiding nearby leapt out and pinned the rogue down. The rogue mage put up a flailing struggle and with a blast of ice from the battlemage on her left, the battle was over.
"You're quick on your feet!" The battlemage nodded approvingly. "You didn't even need our help!"
Alessia chose not to admit that her bolt of flame had been a hail mary and she had no energy for another attack.
"A shame she didn't go quietly, but by all accounts it's no loss," the other battlemage said. "You better head back to the guild. I'm sure you'll get your recommendation Associate."
Smiling to herself Alessia walked back down the road towards Anvil. She had done it. She wasn't rescued at the last minute, nor did she get a lucky blow. She had beaten the rogue mage. And there was only one more recommendation to go.
Imperial City, Green Emperor Way...
7 Hearthfire 3E433
Ignin, Baurus and Borin sat in the columns near the graveyard of Green Emperor Way, just outside the Imperial Palace.
"These books aren't very long, but I can't say I'm divining much knowledge from them even for that," Baurus said.
"Don't expect me to try and pick up one of those things. Aside from not being much of a reader, I don't fancy the writings of lunatics. Searching through there for some hidden meaning is a waste of time," Borin offered.
"You ever get that stuff with Thoronir worked out?" Baurus asked.
"Oh yeah. Once I put down those mangy graverobbers who were supplying him with his stuff and told him all about it, he agreed right away to join that little Society of Jensine's. I guess all's well that ends well," Borin grunted.
"Would you two mind?" Ignin snapped impatiently. "This is dull work enough without the chatter. I can't see anything in these books that points to the location of the Shrine."
"You're not going to. We've been pouring through all four books and nothings in them," Baurus said. "We'll have to find another way of getting into the Mythic Dawn. Maybe we should head back to the sewers where we met the Sponsor, maybe there's something in there."
"Maybe it's not in the books themselves, but something that's revealed when all the books are together," Ignin said. "Let me see the other volumes."
Baurus and Borin exchanged a skeptical look but handed Ignin the other two volumes. Ignin flipped through all the pages of each book and something slowly dawned on him.
"No, it couldn't be," Ignin said. "Could it really be that simple?"
"What's that?" Borin asked.
"You found something?" Baurus added.
"The starting letter of each page is ornamental, written in calligraphy. This is, of course, a common practice, but when we put all of these letters together..." Ignin tore a blank page from the binding of the first volume and picked up a piece of charcoal from the nearby grave. "G...R...E...E...N..."
"Green?" Borin asked.
"Hold on, I'm not done just yet," Ignin said.
Ignin went on in this manner for a few minutes until finally he had deciphered the hidden message in the books.
"Green Emperor Way Where Tower Touches Midday Sun?" Baurus asked. "Well I get the Green Emperor Way part, of course, but that second half I have no idea."
"It's nearly noon," Borin said. "Let's just go find the spot where we can see both the tip of the tower and the noon sun."
Because of the various arches and walls, not to speak of the crenelations and imperfections of White Gold Tower, this was slight trickier than expected. But, before long they found a spot. It was a large domed headstone which marked the tomb of Prince Carahil. And as the nearby temple bells chimed noon an inscription lit up blood red.
"That's a map!" Baurus exclaimed. "That's a map of Cyrodiil with the location of the Shrine marked in that red cross there!"
"They must not care too much for security if they leave it out in the open like this," Borin grunted.
"Yes, but think about it. Anybody else coming across it would have no idea what it meant. It could be the spot where Prince Carahil died, or the site of some famous battle from his era. Without the books they wouldn't understand what it meant," Ignin said.
"Alright," Baurus began. "It's time to head back to Cloud Ruler Temple. Borin, would you care to jon us. The Blades could use a hand."
Borin shook his head. "I've made a commitment to the Arena. But any time you're in the Imperial City, I'm always happy to help."
And with that, the three friends parted, Ignin and Baurus heading towards Bruma and Borin heading back to the Bloodworks.
Chorrol, Francois Motierre's Residence...
7 Hearthfire 3E433
Of all the assignments that would follow, and all those he'd done before, Azeg-Rael would look back upon this task as the one that he liked the least. Vicente had praised his work on Valen Dreth, but in reward it seemed he would be given a contract which would prevent his Blade of Woe from being useful yet again.
"Your assignment is not to kill, but only to pretend to kill," Vicente explained. "It's a bit of an odd request, but we've been hired to stage an assassination."
"That's not really our usual business, is it?" Azeg-Rael asked.
"Of course it isn't, but that is precisely why we are the right people for this. And a contract is a contract. And, if truth be told, I've come to rely on your skill," Vicente said.
Azeg-Rael folded his arms. He knew that under the Five Tenets he could not refuse any contract, but Vicente almost seemed to be asking him a favor.
"What is the assignment?" Azeg-Rael asked.
"A man in Chorrol named Francois Motierre is deep in debt. He owes money to the wrong kind of people, and they've sent an enforcer to deal with him," Vicente said.
"With the money he is paying us, you would think he could pay off his debt," Azeg-Rael shrugged.
"Yes, but the fact of the matter is they now say that it is no longer about the money. By not paying them back on time they claim that Motierre 'insulted' them. They mean to kill him no matter what," Vicente said. "Your contract is to pretend to kill Motierre with a poison that will simulate death. Then after he has been laid to rest in the Chapel Undercroft, you will revive him with the antidote and escort him out of the city."
"What can you tell me about the enforcer they are sending?" Azeg-Rael asked.
"He is known as Hides-His-Heart. Be warned, you are not to kill the enforcer. This is where things get tricky. Hides-His-Heart must see you 'kill' Motierre and you must not kill him. He will need to report back to his master," Vicente explained. "As I said it is an unusual contract, but I am confident in your abilities."
"Moreso than I it would seem," Azeg-Rael replied, folding his arms. "But I will obey of course."
And so this miserable night Azeg-Rael found himself in Chorrol at Francois's frankly embarrassingly opulent house. How he could not afford to pay his debts back on time when he lived in such splendor was a mystery to Azeg-Rael and he was almost certain that he would take such a lapse in repayment as an insult as well.
"So," Motierre began nervously. He was a small man with dark hair and beady little eyes. He looked like the coward he undoubtedly was. "You're the... err... assassin..."
"We don't have all day, by Sithis. That enforcer is not too far behind me or so it would seem," Azeg-Rael said.
"Right," Motierre nodded. "Here is the dagger you should use."
Motierre handed Azeg-Rael a very sharp dagger tipped in poison.
"Stab my back and be mindful not to hit my lungs or no antidote will bring me back," Motierre explained.
"It will be quite painful," Azeg-Rael said.
"Less painful than death I am sure," Motierre replied.
As if on queue there was a quiet knocking at the door.
"Oh, Motierre..." a sing-song voice outside called. "You've been late with your payments my friend."
The door opened with little effort and an Argonian (undoubtedly Hides-His-Heart) walked in. Azeg-Rael wasted no time in stabbing Motierre in the back. He gasped and fell forward, dead.
"You're late," Azeg-Rael said coolly to Hides-His-Heart.
"That was my kill," Hides-His-Heart said calmly. "It isn't nice to steal from people."
"Next time, be punctual," Azeg-Rael said walking towards the door.
Hides-His-Heart put his dagger up to the back of Azeg-Rael's neck. "I could settle for killing one of the Dark Brotherhood. That would make quite an impressive addition to my collection."
Azeg-Rael turned. He could kill this obnoxious fool in a second, but his orders were to leave him alive. "Go tell your master that somebody else wanted Motierre dead. That his debt is considered paid. And that if his vermin ever insults a member of the Dark Brotherhood again you will all meet with a fate far worse than a simple death."
"You think that I am afraid of you?" Hides-His-Heart asked.
Azeg-Rael moved quickly, bending Hides-His-Heart's wrist and snapping it instantly. The dagger fell out of his hand. With a kick he knocked Hides-His-Heart back against the wall. Azeg-Rael picked up the dagger and threw it down, sticking into the end of Hides-His-Heart's tail. Hides-His-Heart let out a terrible scream, which was silenced when Azeg-Rael stuck his Blade of Woe at Hides-His-Heart's neck.
"I think so. I will let you live for now out of professional courtesy. Do not trifle with me again," Azeg-Rael said. And he stood up and left the house.
That went about as good as it could have for there not being a murder, now he was tasked with wating until Motierre was discovered and moved to the Undercroft. As this wait would undoubtedly take some time, he made his way to the Grey Mare and ordered a drink with the gold he had pick-pocketed from Hides-His-Heart.
Chorrol, Fighter's Guild...
7 Hearthfire 3E433
Back in Chorrol, Davion was reporting to Modryn about Maglir's defaulted contract. Maglir had chosen to leave out some of the details, and simply reported that he had met Maglir who had tried to complete the contract, but was unable to without assistance. He figured this would be the honorable thing to do, and it seemed to please Modryn.
"Well I suppose there is no harm in needing some help. But he should have let us know that he needed assistance," Modryn said. "After you've gotten some rest I was hoping I could count on your assistance in another matter?"
"Sure," Davion nodded, having slowly gotten used to the constant flow of work in the Fighter's Guild.
"I need you to head to Leyawin and take care of some drunkards who have been causing trouble for the Guild. Giving us a bad name. We don't tolerate our members breaking the law," Modryn said.
"Just tell them to stop?" Davion asked.
"Yes. If they cause trouble you can round up some of our local members to help you, but they're usually reasonable. I think they're just bored. Not a lot of work near Leyawin," Modryn explained.
"The Niben Bay?" Davion said. "I would think with all the bandits there'd be plenty of work."
"There is, but the Blackwood Company takes all there work. If you haven't heard about them, don't worry, you soon will," Modryn said. "But anyways. Rest now and head out tomorrow. You should be able to make it to Leyawin by the 10th."
Shrine of Hircine...
7 Hearthfire 3E433
As carrying around a wide assortment of weapons, particularly Volendrung, was nothing short of chore, Cierra decided to find somewhat permanent lodgings in the Imperial City. The Imperial Waterfront had a selection of very cheap homes and her limited bankroll made it difficult to find lodgings anywhere else. On her way to the Imperial City from Leyawin, she came across the shrine of Hircine, where the worshippers advised her to pay tribute by offering the pelt of an animal.
When she offered a wolf pelt to the shrine of Hircine, daedric prince of the hunt, Cierra did not expect the task that was beset upon her. The worshippers were all experienced woodsmen and, afterall he was the god of the hunt. So the task would undoubtedly be to slay some vicious beast or terrible creature or dangerous game.
That was what she expected at any rate.
Summoned by prey.
The hare crouches before the fox's muzzle.
Perhaps I shall task you, mortal.
Set you to hunt for my amusement.
In Harcane Grove is a quarry worthy of the chase.
First named, last tamed, the unicorn runs wild there.
Bring me this creature's horn, mortal. If you dare
Cierra felt uncertain in this task, but proceeded to Harcane Grove to see none other than the quarry she'd been set to kill. A creature of magnificent beauty, with the strong body of a white horse, but with a dazzling crystalline horn in the center of its forehead. The pure white hairs of its mane seemed to shimmer like snow beneath the moonlight and it's deep blue eyes - which even at a distance Cierra could see clearly- reflected the vast pools of inner wisdom.
How could she kill this creature? This being of such purity and beauty. Of all the tasks she'd followed, this was the hardest. But she had devoted herself to learning the wisdom of all the Daedric Princes, save Mehrunes Dagon for whom she refused to join the cult that killed the Emperor. Steeling herself, and gripping her short sword, she walked towards the unicorn.
The unicorn looked at her and seemed to sense her evil intentions. It kicked its legs against the dirt in warning, but Cierra could not stop now. The unicorn charged at her and Cierra sliced at the beast, rending a deep cut in its flesh.
It was only at that moment that Ciera realized that the unicorn was not alone. Three large minotaurs rushed at her from behind the trees as the unicorn neighed in pain. Cierra only just dodged a fierce swipe from one of the Minotaur's hammers. Cierra grabbed her dagger and threw it at the beast and it stuck in his chest.
"One down," Cierra sighed. But the two were still advancing and the unicorn, while wounded, seemed gearing up for another charge.
And then she remembered the Wabbajack. Didn't Sheogorath say that she would be using that gift very soon?
Trusting to fortune she raised the staff off of her back, being careful not to drop Volendrung and jabbed it at the second Minotaur.
He turned into a chicken.
Cierra almost burst out laughing when the third minotaur came charging. She trusted to the fate of the Wabbajack again, and the minotaur transformed into a toadstool.
The unicorn now stood looking at the remnants of her three guardians and then bowed to Cierra. She had, apparently, lost the will to fight. Cierra approached the unicorn but looked down at her. She could not do it. She could not kill this creature.
But an idea came to her. She picked a pebble off the ground and tapped at it with the Wabbajack. Perhaps she had won Sheogorath's favor, or perhaps she was just lucky, but it turned into a perfect replica of the unicorn's horn.
I will not forget your kindness, the unicorn spoke it ins tongue. Somehow Cierra was able to understand. She nodded to the unicorn and turned away, leaving the unicorn to tend her wounds.
Hircine was not able to tell the difference between the fake horn and the genuine article, which Cierra felt somewhat odd for a Daedric Prince.
Yes, hunter, make your offering.
Did you taste its flesh and drink its blood?
Never waste the spoils of a kill.
You've pleased me, hunter.
Take my token, and wear it well.
Hereafter, take your prey, and whisper my name.
Cierra's armor was replaced with a hide made of exotic animals. This was the legendary Saviour's Hide, the armor of the god of the hunt. Admiring her latest trophy, she head back towards the Imperial City.
Imperial City Waterfront...
8 Hearthfire 3E433
"You should have seen it," R'darra smiled to Methredel. "A messenger from the University came and practically demanded to return the soldiers defending the place. I've never seen Lex so embarassed!"
"Well it seems he's leaving the Waterfront alone for right now. Armand will be pleased, as will the Gray Fox," Methredel said. "I'll get somebody to return the Archmage's Staff, you should head back to Bravil for more work."
"But wait a moment," R'darra said. "What about Lex? This won't stop him for good."
"The Gray Fox is planning something that will take care of Lex for good, in the mean time, he just wants us to go about our business as usual," Methredel explained.
"Excuse me," came the voice of a young Dunmer woman.
R'darra and Methredel looked up and saw the woman covered in a strange armor made of exotic animal hides and wielding an impressive assortment of unusual weapons.
"Uh, can we help you?" Methredel asked uncertainly.
"I am looking for a home here on the waterfront," the woman said. "My name is Cierra. I don't need much, just a simple shack will do. Do you know where I can go to purchase one?"
R'darra grinned. "Well I know of somebody who no longer needs their shack."
Methredel smiled back. "No, I daresay she won't need it at all. Come with us, we'll get you set up."
Skingrad, Behind the Chapel...
8 Hearthfire 3E433
Saryn's report to Glarthir did not go at all like Dion or her had intended.
"So were any of them following me?" He asked.
"Well I examined them all. First I examined that woman. I have to be honest, she did not seem to be watching you at all," Saryn explained.
Glarthir seemed slightly alarmed, but then he seemed to calm down for a moment.
"Well... I suppose that might have been a mistake. I've been a bit wound up, of course. But Toutius! What about Toutius?" Glarthir asked.
"I followed him around midday. Still nothing. Even checked his personal quarters. The only thing mentioning you was a note from the guards about a recent arrest," Saryn explained.
Glarthir now seemed truly distressed and began mumbling something. Saryn only caught words such as "price" and "betrayal". He then looked at her.
"Davide Surrilie? The ringleader. Tell me about him!"
Saryn simply shook her head. "I'm sorry, Glarthir. Nobody was following you."
Glarthir stopped and folded his arms. He was very quiet for a moment.
"Please Glarthir. You're not well. You're so convinced there is a plot against you that you won't ever be happy. Please let us help you," Saryn said.
This was the wrong thing to say. At once Glarthir leapt at Saryn revealing a hidden dagger and lunged at her. The guards sprung out from their hiding places near the chapel and Saryn quickly disarmed Glarthir.
"Stop this now, Glarthir!" Dion shouted. "That's enough! We are taking you in until you have calmed yourself!"
"Never!" Glarthir screamed, and in a bolt he leapt clear over the stone wall to the chapel cemetery and ran towards his house.
Saryn and the guards chased after him but he slammed his door shut. Just as Dion was preparing to break the door in, Glarthir leapt out from the second floor window with an enormous battleaxe, striking down one of the guards.
Bernadette just happened to be walking by as this happened. Glarthir saw her and rushed at her with the axe. Without a second thought, Saryn rose her bow and fired an arrow straight in Glarthir's back. He dropped his battle axe and turned to Saryn.
"You betrayed me too," Glarthir said. "I can't... trust anybody..."
And he fell over, dead.
Dion put his hand on Saryn's shoulder while a female guard went over to comfort Bernadette who was now sobbing. Two of the other guards helped up the one who had been stricken, but he was in a bad way.
"Captain. He'll need a healer!" The guard said.
"Take him back to County Hall. I'll be with you all in a moment," Dion said.
Saryn looked at Dion. "Am I to be arrested for murder?"
Dion shook his head. "If it were in my power I'd give you a medal or heroism."
"Well, I guess I'd take another night at the inn. And if you can spare it, a horse. I've decided to travel to Bravil next," Saryn said.
"A horse it is. Be mindful on the roads. These damned Oblivion Gates keep opening up almost everywhere," Dion warned.
"Don't worry," Saryn nodded. "I think by now I've seen everything."
Cloud Ruler Temple
9 Hearthfire 3E433
Back at Cloud Ruler Temple, Martin, Jauffre, Ignin and Baurus stood in the Great Hall discussing their findings.
"That map you found points to a lake not far from here. It's just a few hours on horseback east of here," Jauffre said.
"We might be able to besiege the cavern. I'm sure I could round up at least a hundred men from the Imperial Forces," Baurus suggested.
"And where would that get us? That is only one entrance to the cavern and these mountain cavern systems usually have at least one back door. Not to mention the fact that we do not want to push these men into desperation. Who knows what they would do to the Amulet of Kings," Martin explained.
"I agree with Martin," Ignin nodded. "It seems like subterfuge is the safer course of action here."
"That won't be enough either," came a voice from the entrance.
A tall and fair Altmer woman walked into the Great Hall. Two eager Blades were rushing in after her.
"Don't listen to this woman!" the first Blade shouted.
"She's a vampire! She forced her way in when we barred her path!" the second said.
The Altmer turned back to the Blades and her eyes glowed brightly red. "As I told you, I had an urgent warning which I would give only to the Emperor. You ignored me, so I chose to ignore you."
She turned back to Martin and the others. "I am a vampire. If that means that my words will fall upon death ears then so be it."
Baurus and Ignin were reaching for their weapons, but Jauffre and Martin stayed them.
"Who are you and what news bears you here?" Martin asked.
The Altmer grinned. "That's better. I come to warn you that more Oblivion Gates are opening all over your countryside. I come to offer my assistance in helping you protect your empire. And as for my name, you may call me Aywin."