We're passed a year now in the makings of this story Shakes.

Indeed we are, and why wasn't this up on the anniversary Doc?

Because contrary to what you might believe, airports suck.

We would like to take the time to say thank you to our fans, people who have supported us, and you, the readers for making this possible, we love that people can and will take the time to read our story.

It's an honor to be making content for people who love and appreciate it, incredibly satisfying to go and hear how people like it. Thank you very much.

I'll do a quick disclaimer so you can get on with the story. We do not own Oblivion, Skyrim, or the Elder Scrolls series, but we do however, own any and all OC's you will see in this tale.

Enjoy folks.

Descent into Darkness

Chapter 6: Into the Fire

"Come," said Arlia sternly, "We must make haste." She strode quickly across the large open room and towards the door one of the Dremora had come out of. Ilend and Cassius followed closely behind her, swords at the ready.

"It's so cold," Ilend's teeth chattered and his very breath fogged the air.

"Strange," said Cassius, "With that flame spouting up through the tower, you'd think we'd melt."

"A truly hellish place," said Arlia as she slipped through the doorway, "Blazing inferno, yet cold as death." The trio stepped into the corridor and looked around. The walls and floor were made of the same black metal as everything else in this tower, with red, magma-like, streams flowing through them just beneath the surface. To the right was a dead end, to the left was a steep slope leading upwards. Arlia glanced over her shoulder at the two Imperials, whose eyes were darting nervously around the passage.

"I'll be moving ahead of you slightly," she said, "Acting as a scout. Don't fall too far behind. If we get separated in here it may very well be the death of us." The men nodded in response as they watched the Wood Elf walk up the slope. They stood waiting and watching for a moment, allowing her to get a good lead.

"She moves so fluidly and is as quiet as her very shadow," whispered Ilend, "You'd think she was a mouse." Cassius chuckled as he lightly patted Ilend on the back.

"We must keep pace," he said. With that, they also started up the slope after Arlia. Arlia's keen Elven senses scanned the path ahead. The slope was beginning to straighten out again. The corridor ahead was very dark, illuminated only slightly by the dim, red glow of the floor and walls. Arlia pressed on cautiously, bow drawn. Quiet growls and footsteps could be heard echoing through the halls of the tower, likely Dremora or Scamps patrolling.

Arlia's eyes adjusted to the new scenery as she came to a large, well lit chamber. All around the room were what appeared to be benches. She heard a faint dripping sound and looked up towards the ceiling to see what looked like mutilated human corpses hanging by their entrails. In the center of the room were two Dremora, one mage, and the other, a warrior with a broadsword. Their voices coming out as growls and hisses, Arlia tuned in to their conversation.

"We've got one more left," said the mage, "Soon, he too will be bled dry."

"Foolish mortals," said the warrior, "They couldn't possibly hope to shut the gate. To do so would require the removal of the Sigil Stone."

"And the Valkynaz is the only one with the key to the keep. Claiming it would be no simple task." Arlia eased further into the room, only to feel the floor beneath her feet sink. She gasped and jumped back quickly, the pressure plate rising back up. With that, a giant blade fixed to chains fell from the ceiling and slammed into the ground at her feet, sending sparks flying all about. The two Dremora growled loudly and turned towards the entrance, finding Arlia standing in plain sight. The chains tightened and began to pull the gigantic blade back up to the ceiling. The warrior brandished his weapon as he forcefully stomped towards Arlia, as the mage raised his left hand and conjured a ball of flame. Arlia quickly reached for her quiver and gracefully flipped an arrow through her fingers and pulled it back upon the bowstring. She felt the tension build up on the string as she took aim at the lumbering Dremora bull rushing her. She exhaled and let the arrow loose, connecting with his chest. The arrow pierced his chest plate, but he didn't slow. In fact, his pace seemed to quicken as he raised the mighty blade over his head. At that moment, Cassius lunged out from the shadowy corridor and parried the massive sword. The Dremora growled in surprise as Cassius butted his nose with the hilt of his sword. Black blood flew from his face and Cassius viciously pursued him as he stumbled back. Arlia turned her attention to the mage, who, at that moment, flung the fireball towards her. Ilend burst out of the corridor and raised his shield, the ball of flame colliding with the cold steel. Ilend howled in pain as the shield heated to scalding temperatures and dropped it on the floor. He shook his left hand, trying to shake away the heat.

"Move, you fool!" Shouted Arlia as she shoved Ilend to the ground, a second fireball narrowly missing him. Once again, Arlia drew and arrow and quickly fired a shot at the mage. He grunted as the arrow thudded into his chest and he was knocked back by the force. Cassius was keeping pace with the other Dremora nicely, dodging his slow and powerfully attacks only to strike fast and hard afterwards. Arlia took aim with her bow again and this time the arrow found its mark; between the mage's eyes. He let out a weak sigh as he fell to the ground, black blood pooling on the floor. Arlia turned to face Cassius, who, at that moment, cleaved off his opponent's head. The lifeless body slumped over onto the ground and Cassius took a few deep breaths. Arlia offered her hand to Ilend, who was still lying on the ground. He happily took it and the Bosmer helped him to his feet.

"That was close one," said Cassius, "They nearly had you that time."

"I didn't need your help," Arlia hissed. The two men fell silent and looked to each other awkwardly. Arlia sighed, "But thank you nonetheless." Ilend and Cassius smirked and Ilend recovered his shield, which was still somewhat hot to the touch.

"Alright, where to now?" Asked Cassius. Arlia looked around the room and saw two doors, one to the right and one directly ahead of then. She stepped over the headless Dremora and made for the door on the right, where two large double doors which seemed to open in the middle, made of the same black metal. There were no knobs or handles of any sort on this door, but there was a keyhole on it. Arlia worked her fingers into the small gap between the large double doors, and tried to pull them apart, only to hear a disheartening click. She slammed her fist against the door and took a few steps back.

"Damn it all," she said, "Locked."

"Well there has to be a key around here somewhere," said Ilend. Arlia suddenly remembered the conversation she'd just overheard.

"One of them said that the Valkynaz had it, whatever that is."

"Valkynaz?" Asked Cassius, "Whatever that is, it doesn't sound good."

"Regardless," said Arlia, "We need to find it and claim the key. Judging by what those demons said, this door leads to the keep and the end of this nightmare" Arlia's eyes shot over to the other door and she began walking towards it. As she got closer, she noticed there was no keyhole on this door. She once again worked her fingers into the gap and pulled the doors towards her. They flung open with some effort to reveal the open skies of Oblivion. Before them was a narrow stone bridge over a river of molten magma. On the other side was a much smaller tower. The red lightning in the sky crackled as Arlia cautiously stepped out onto the bridge.

"Are you mad?" Shouted Ilend.

"It's the only way!" She shouted back as she turned to face him.

"She's right," said Cassius as he patted Ilend on the shoulder. He nodded at Arlia. "Lead the way, we're right behind you." Arlia nodded and turned and continued down the dangerously narrow bridge, Cassius and Ilend following closely behind. Ilend looked down over the edge to the river of magma beneath them and gasped in fear.

"Don't look down, Ilend!" Shouted Cassius. Ilend straightened up an looked forward, keeping his eyes on Cassius' back. Arlia shuffled along the bridge until she came to the door of the opposite tower and pulled them open. She came out onto a small landing, Cassius and Ilend waiting in the doorway. There wears a winding staircase along the walls of the tower, to her right was the downward staircase, upwards to the left.

"Please don't!" They heard a man's voice scream above them. They heard a Dremora's sick cackle as they heard metal slam against metal and the man scream in pain. Ilend's eyes grew wide and he pushed past his companions and up the winding stairs. Arlia and Cassius quickly chased after him as the sounds of torture drew ever closer. The sickening crunch of bone and blood pouring onto the ground.

Ilend moved onto the landing at the top of the stairs and froze in his tracks. Arlia and Cassius came out behind him and also froze. There was an Imperial man chained up to a metal rack, his legs contorted in such a sickening way that they were clearly broken. There were cuts and bruises all over his body as blood was pooling beneath the rack. Next to the rack was a massive Dremora, easily a head taller than any other they had seen. He wielded a monstrous warhammer, far larger than any man could wield.

"Menien!" Ilend shouted. The man on the rack weakly turned his head and the Dremora spun around to face the intruders. His armor seemed to differ slightly from others they had seen, having ornately decorated pauldrons and gauntlets. His horns twisted around his face and his dark red eyes burned with anger.

"Ilend," the man on the rack weakly whispered.

"Here to save the mortal?" Asked the Dremora as he stomped his foot, "Well I'm afraid you're too late." He spun back around and used his momentum to slam his hammer into Menien's chest. Arlia, Cassius, and Ilend all gasped as Menien screamed in pain. There were so many sickening cracks all at once that that blow easily broke all of his ribs. Menien grunted as the Dremora pulled the hammer back, a massive dent left in his chest. He coughed and blood began pouring from his mouth.

Ilend furrowed his brow and screamed in anger as he rushed towards the mighty Dremora Valkynaz. "Come, mortal," his voice boomed, "Meet your end." He swung the hammer, only to have Ilend duck under it. He quickly took one hand off of the hammer and grabbed Ilend by the throat. Ilend dropped his sword and shield as he struggled to peel the beast's hand. He effortlessly lifted Ilend off of the ground and threw him up into the air. He readied his hammer, intending to swat Ilend out of the air, however, an arrow piercing his chest plate cut his plans short. He grunted in pain as another arrow hit him and he looked up to see the Wood Elf readying another arrow. Ilend hit the ground in front of him and he carelessly stepped over him. Cassius rushed towards the Valkynaz only to be shoved aside forcefully. The Valkynaz let out a fearsome roar and charged Arlia much like mad bull. Arlia saw it coming and ran to meet him, only to drop to the ground and slide between his feet, all the while notching another arrow. She came up from the slide and into a spin. She quickly turned and released the arrow, sticking into his left shoulder blade. He let out another roar and turned to face her. He raised the hammer above his head, moving much faster than what she anticipated. Arlia's hands darted to the left and she grasped Ilend's shield. She brought it up to meet the blow, only to be knocked to the ground, the shield horribly dented. She quickly rolled to the right, narrowly dodging another strike. She looked up at the Valkynaz as he raised the hammer again. In the confusion, Arlia hadn't noticed Ilend and Cassius get back on their feet. At that moment, they both plunged their blades into the demon's stomach. The Valkynaz grunted and dropped the hammer behind his head. He grunted again as yet another arrow pierced his chest plate, Arlia firing on him from the ground. He dropped to his knees and Ilend forcefully withdrew his blade. The Valkynaz locked eyes with him and smirked, his razor sharp teeth stained with black blood.

"Well done, mortals," he said. Ilend furrowed his brow and swung his sword with all might, cleaving his head from his shoulders. Cassius withdrew his blade as the Valkynaz fell to the ground with a loud thud. They all exhaled sharply and Ilend turned towards Menien. He ran across the room and broke the chains with his sword. Menien fell into Ilend's arms and he gently laid him on the ground as he knelt next to him.

"You came back," he whispered weakly.

"I thought you were dead."

"No," he smiled, "Not yet." Ilend looked at Menien's chest, the massive dent and blood pouring from his wounds.

"This is my fault," said Ilend, "I led you here and fled when the ambush hit."

"But you came back. You've reclaimed your honor." Menien offered his hand to Ilend and he grasped it in his.

"You're coming with us," said Ilend.

"No. I'm not. There's no time. Take the key off of that demon as get to the keep."

"You knew?"

"Of course. I heard them talking about it earlier. You and your friends must go. End this nightmare."

"Menien, I won't leave you again." Menien chuckled weakly, coughing up blood as he did.

"I told you that you should've joined the Legion. You've got the makings of a good commander." He smiled weakly as he let out a weak breath and Ilend watched the life slowly fade from his eyes. Ilend sat quietly for moment, holding his friend in his arms. He gently moved his hand to his face and shut his eyes.

"Blessings of the Nine Divines upon ye, my brother," said Ilend as he laid him down on the ground. He looked to Cassius and Arlia, tears forming in his eyes. He stepped over Menien and walked towards the fallen Valkynaz.

"Ilend," said Cassius as he passed, placing a hand upon his shoulder, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," he said, "Menien's death and the death of my other men were due to my own cowardice. I will carry the weight of that for the rest of my days."

"You can't carry the weight of the dead," said Arlia. Ilend locked eyes with her and smirked.

"But you do," he said, "I can see it in your eyes." Arlia directed her eyes elsewhere. Ilend's smirk faded and turned to a look of determination. "No matter. We must go." Cassius stepped towards the Valkynaz and reached into the small pouch on his belt, pulling out a small, twisted black key.

"This is what we need," said Cassius, "With this, we can end it." He rose to his feet and turned back towards the stairs and quickly descended. Arlia and Ilend lingered behind slightly.

"Do not think you know me," she said, "Because you don't." Ilend chuckled.

"Of course, my lady," he said, "Simply keep putting up that facade." With that, he turned and followed Cassius down the stairs, Arlia following closely behind. The trio made their way back across the bridge, Iland grasping Cassius' shoulder the entire way, and into the room with the locked door. Cassius approached the door and slid the key into the keyhole. He turned it and pulled the doors open. Ahead of them was a rounded corridor and they cautiously entered. To their right was an open doorway, which they quickly went through.

"This must be the keep," said Cassius as his eyes darted around. The ray of flames shot through the middle of this room and out through the ceiling. On either side of this large, open room were steep ramps that led upwards. Upon that level were two more ramps, leading upwards yet again. On that level, was a small landing that jutted out and led to the flames, a dark red and black stone floating in the inferno. They all turned as they heard the roars and shouts of the Dremora approaching, coming from the corridor behind them.

"Hurry!" Shouted Cassius as he ran for the ramp, Arlia and Ilend following closely behind. The Dremora burst into the room, numbering near 20. As they entered, some began firing arrows and swords and axes were drawn. The trio rushed up the ramp and ran across the landing towards the other.

Arlia and Cassius both stopped dead in their tracks as they heard a twang followed by a howl of pain. They turned to see Ilend fall to the ground, an arrow through his left thigh. They heard the roars and growls of Dremora as they ran up the ramps towards them. "Arlia, help Ilend!" Shouted Cassius, "I need to get to that stone!"

"Dammit!" Shouted Arlia as she quickly fired an arrow into the throng of Dremora quickly advancing towards them. She quickly fired two more shots, dropping two of the demons. She flung her bow across her back and reached down to pick up Ilend. He winced and grunted in pain as Arlia forced him to his feet and slung his arm over her shoulders. "Don't you die on me, Imperial," she said as she drew her sword. Swords in hand the two made their way up another ramp where Cassius had ran. Ilend swung his sword wildly, cleaving a huge chunk out of a Dremora's head, and Arlia growled as she thrust her sword into another's chest. There was no time to withdraw the blade so she simply pushed the Dremora to the floor and quickened her pace, dragging Ilend along. Cassius approached the strange, glowing stone; flames raging all around it. He stared intently at it for a moment, as if paralyzed by it. The dark red and black coloration of the orb shifted around and intensified.

"Cassius!" He heard Arlia scream. He turned to see her pulling Ilend along behind her. "What are you waiting for!? Just reach out and grab the damn thing!" Cassius reached out his hands and put them upon the orb, which felt strangely cold. He turned his head and saw a pair of Dremora run up the ramp and towards Arlia and Ilend. Arlia sighed in frustration as she hefted Ilend and pushed him towards Cassius. Ilend yelped in pain as he stumbled towards Cassius and slammed to the ground at his feet. Arlia drew her Ebony dagger in her right hand and a steel dagger in her left as she lunged towards her hulking assailants. Cassius and Ilend looked on in amazement as the Wood Elf seemed to dance circles around the much slower Dremora, riddling them with small cuts and stabs as she went. After a few seconds, she found an opening and jammed the daggers into their throats. They growled and fell back, only to reveal that another group was running up the ramp.

"Arlia! Get over here!" Shouted Cassius. Arlia, daggers still in her hands, leapt and bound towards Cassius, immediately wrapping her arms around his chest. Ilend clutched Cassius' leg as they all felt flames engulf them. The Dremora rushed towards them, swords and axes raised in anger. The trio screamed as they were overwhelmed with excruciating pain and their vision faded to black.