Chapter 4 Dance with the cat
The Vulkhel Guard Mages Guild guild wasn't that big, an old building filled with a lot of dusty scrolls and books, mixed with well studied sorcs and those who probably wanted to become mages, hanging around, hitting the books. She could make out her contact quickly, Curinure was found in the main hall, expecting the Breton woman. The young altmer was the official recruiter for the guild in the province of summerset isles and was eager to greet the new arrival.
Vanus hadn't given her much information on the upcoming task or whatever is was. His instruction was simple and short, namely going to Vulkhel Guard and met the contact, so Deri was curious and impatient.
Curinure lead her to some quieter place of the institution then welcomed her casually. "It's good to see you...champion."
The addressed vestige unsurely turned around to check if anybody was near enough to get this formal title given by her own alliance.
The mage reassured her. "Don't worry nobody knows about your true identity...We'll keep it a secret. Officially you are to serve and do several job for the guild. "he explained by offering a seat before joining another. "Just... only talk with me about those things, the less people involved, the better."
Deri agreed and made herself comfortable in the wooden chair, still full of question concerning the reason for being here. "What is the reason for my presence her? I am not aware of what I should expect and see..."
The mage wagged his face. "I can't tell you either... my lady, all Master Galerion told me to give you our urgent jobs, for the beginning Silsailen in the north. The Master said, you do a great job in solving problems.." he stopped, seemed to remember something then added. "...ah..and he said ….. those would help you to put pieces together... whatever it means." waving a hand in a bashful gesture.
..Not what I hoped for...
"OK I see..." Deri gave a nod in approval. "I don't know either, but as long as I work for the guild..."
This was a start, she wasn't keen to repeat those things she had done in bangorai or stormhaven earlier, running around and clean up every mess she was served up, all to the glory of somebody she was never truly respecting. Her actions had strengthened the covenant so far, but still Emeric had a lot of ideas and tasks for the vestige on the way to the great goal as named it. Deri had been fed up with the all legwork and nonsense not convinced of his ideals, but she didn't tell him her point of view in her clear words.
In former situations, her manners had caused little problems when dealing with the better-borns, but she learned a lot since those days. The best was to look nice, nod and say YES to any nonsense people were spouting. In addition being indispensable was a great benefit.
"How should I call you..officially?" he hesitated to ask, interrupting her reasoning.
"Derisande... would it be..." the vestige answered, realized she had got used to the chosen name easily. She never revealed her real name since the return from coldharbour. Her former life was gone, her family was gone, everything was gone. Now she was a completely different person with new priorities.
"What are you doing here anyway?" the vestige changed the topic abruptly, no need to go deeper into the subject. "To be honest, I didn't spend much time at the guild hall in stormhaven..."
Curinure seemed to be pleased at this request and interest, speaking with happiness.
"Yes, of course! We're also lore keepers. Our Guild members seek out books, tomes, and ancient scrolls in their travels."
"You also offering training in unique spells and abilities for the members? " Deri inquired, she need some more exercise or new spells to increase her performance in the upcoming fights. In the recent past she profited from the guild resources a lot, it was the best way to
improve her magic related skills.
"Sure, it's available to all guild members! And from time to time we have those projects crop up for those with an adventuresome spirit." He proudly told. " You have also worked with the Guild master himself in the past, I guess, according to his tales."
"You mean Vanus? I did a few jobs with him, can't remember him acting like a guild master.." Deri let out with a smile.
Vanus had helped her with several issues, always being kind and honest. In return, she had agreed to join the guild and supporting in this matter of recovering artifacts from this crazy Daedra Shegorath. The mission wasn't fulfilled yet, but Vanus had decided it could wait a little bit longer and Valaste shared his opinion. The vestige had been grateful, the daedric prince was extremely exhausting and his kind of humor was too strange for the comprehension of young Breton.
Her thoughts returned to Vanus, in her eyes he was like a good teacher, always approachable for all his students, she appreciated his way of dealing with things very much. "What's the situation here? I mean what's the status concerning the war? " she took the floor again.
"Just as all the other guild halls over Tamriel, we are neutral in the war between the three Alliances. While many of us here in Vulkhel Guard hold true to the Eagle banner, when we're on Guild business we kneel to no king or queen. That's why you'll see members of every race in our halls."
"That's good to hear.." Deri let out.
"Don't worry... Derisande. We may be on summerset but even we altmer are used to get a glimpse of other race next to elves, bosmer and kajiit... and others of course too. Our beloved Queen is doing a lot to contain the racism and the old dusty beliefs..."
Oh does she?
A quick thought recalled the encounter with the altmer monarch, Deri moaned once. "I already met your queen. I was involuntary involved in this attempt of assassination, had to kill a few people..."
"Oh so you are the hero, the folk is talking about... " his eyes began to shine at the information.
"I am not a hero, never been... "Deri strictly denied. "I didn't ask for this. Just tell me where to go and I 'll leave the city..."
"As you wish. Silsailen is located directly north of Vulkhel Guard. Just follow the path from the stables north and cross the bridge to the east then. Look out for Canon reeve Valano." he rose from his seat, pointing to a chamber. "If you want to rest or fill your ration, go to Demeepa. "
Deri also stood up, nodding a kind. "Thank you, Curinure."
…
The cat was outside leaning against the mage guilds main door, expecting Deri yet with a simple greeting. "Ah... this one is impressed by the actions of his new friend."
"Well, I did what you asked me to do, so I guess we are even, don't we?" Deri questioned and crossed her arms. She should quit this conservation and leave, no more matters including this strange cat.
"On one hand Razum- dar would agree, but on the other hand this one couldn't remember the name of the hero saving our queen..." the cat spoke in a melodic, purring tone, looking quizzical the the vestige.
"The name is Derisande, if it makes you happy..." she shot back. "If you want to say thank you then it's already done..." she made an attempt to move on, but the kajiit rose a hand, making her stop.
"Raz heard the queen offered the hero a great honor..." the kajiit began some kind of lecture which wasn't requested. "The Queen wasn't amused when the hero...Derisandra.." this time Deri rose a hand to quit and correct the cat. "The name is Derisande... and honestly... I have guild business to do... and I am not bound to your queen...by the way I don't know you as well..."
"Oh apologies...Razum-dar is just a simple Khajiit. " he purred with a bride grin. "He seeks the best for all the people of Tamriel. Also, a saddle that won't pinch the tail. One day..." the cat muttered.
"Lets stop this here... I have to leave...Look I am really grateful for releasing me from prison, but I was innocent and I did what you asked for, so that's it... goodbye Razum-Rar.." the vestige said in the kindest way she could force herself to.
But the kajiit was not giving up easily, following her steps. "This one thinks the hero was chosen by the moons..."
"Oh don't tell me about destiny, cat.." she needed to get rid of him.
"This one would prefer to call him Raz, as his friends do.." he offered, still marching at her side, across the city.
"Did we become friends? I couldn't remember this happening..." Deri let out a quick laugh, he was really clingy.
"This one saved your ass in jail then gave you opportunity to save the day, the dominion and meet the great Queen Ayrenn, so Raz and the hero must be friends." the cat cheeky shot back. "Also Raz knows everything needful, master of information, for someone new this one could be..."
"Raz...are you always harassing the newcomers on this island?" she couldn't suppress a grin, the kajiit was bold, in some way funny and definitely not a fool.
"Oh Raz just wants to help.."
"Why am I so interesting for you, cat?" she stopped. "Why can't you leave me alone? Did your queen send you to cancel the dishonor?" Deri joked.
"Because you are no soldier, known face, which is useful. You can speak with everybody, run around without suspicion. Things are going on in the dominion and you have already proven worth to be an Eye of the queen. Eyes are chosen by queen herself, not careless." the kajiit proudly explained.
Deri laughed again, this couldn't be true."I am not convinced cat..sorry. There is no reason why I should join your top-secret coffee party..."
I am also part of daggerfall covenant yet...you idiot
Razum-Dar placed himself front to the vestige, blocking the way then spoke seriously. "The pragmatist in this one says it's because you have no firm connection to the Dominion. The optimist says it's because you have proven yourself more than capable already...and ...you have made the decision to do the right thing!" emphasizing the last words then he turned around and vanished quickly behind the next corner leaving the confused vestige alone.
…
The way to Silsailen was pretty short, before Deri reached the small bridge to pass, a female altmer ran up to the vestige asking for help. "They' ve burned the town! Please, please help us!" the young woman named Ilemin desperately begged and pulled the poor vestige along with her.
The current issues turned out to be an invasion of the brave first Auridon Marines for no reason. The smell of fire from several buildings filled the air, while citizens fled southward running away from the invaders. Ilemin asked Deri to talk with Elenwen, the daughter of Canon reeve Valano for more detail concerning the attack.
So the vestige continued to travel the road until she met a group of elves hiding before the mainstreet leading into the battled area. She quickly made out the wanted young woman who ran the town's inn and asked for more information.
According to Elenwen's opinion the real marines must have been caught killed, uniforms taken and abused by unknown fakes to attack the former peaceful place and cause fear and panic, for a reason still not revealed.
Elenwen and the present townspeople asked the Breton to investigate and search for survivors, while they would continue to organize the evacuation, which Deri agreed. Just a job as usual, the vestige concluded after getting a view on the current situation. It was always about killing the bad guys and save the good people, a job she loved to do.
Entering the smoky place, Deri spot a few corpse at the street when the offenders directly approached her without hesitation. They were definitely different from the mer she had seen in Vulkhel Guard and the style of fighting was more conform with mercenaries than trained marines. The suggestions made by Elenwen must have been true. On her bloody way she discovered more bodies but luckily also villagers who were still alive cause of finding themselves a cover on time. She carefully smuggled the survivors behind enemy lines towards the safe path to Elenwen's place.
Then she returned fighting multiple small groups of those fake marines, or soldiers who were dressed as the official marines until she met the Razum-Dar again. The sudden appearance of the kajiit confused her, but he waved her along, pointing to a shed explaining. "This one has found the real ones. Be quick! Follow!"
And Deri followed the lead but not without asking. "What are you doing here? I think I made my point clear.." but the cat denied, crouched, pulling Deri down, whispering. "Raz has business for the dominion and the Queen, of course." He purred quietly, dragging her into the wooden shed. "This one has investigated on the case...the real marines are down there..held by the impostors." he pointed towards a hatch in the middle.
"Why is..." Deri give a start then got interrupted by the kajiit. "Shhhhsss... no time..you need to be quick and free them.."
"Ähh I should go down and free them? And what are you going to do, cat?"
"Someone needs to be smart and keep watch. Raz is the best for the job..." the kajiit simply answered.
Is this a joke?
"Look if I am going down... doing the dirty job... then enlighten me what this is all about.." the vestige demanded, crossing her arms standing up.
"Raz normally won't be that patient but for hero this time an exception. " he leaned against the next bar telling. "Obviously the Veiled Heritance infiltrated and attacked the town with impostors dressed as the first Auridon marines.."
"OK, yeah thanks, that's the part I already got so far but... why all this?" Deri was pissed, she wasn't an idiot.
"Apparently they want to blame our great queen for the crime..."
Oh I'm getting tired of this... and again this mysterious Veiled Heritance
"And why should they so? ….What is this damn Veiled Heritance?" Deri's voice became louder.
"Raz doesn't know..yet..but this one will find out.." he put a finger to his mouth to indicate a more silent conversation. "For the moment they seem to disapprove the huge efforts of the queen in her innovations for the rule of Summerset.."
Who cares...?
Deri shook her head in disbelief, the cat pointed towards the hatch again. "Go now!.. Raz will be the glorious safeguard."
Great... a bigmouth-kitten to watch my back...
With a groan the vestige opened the hatch, followed the almost broken ladder down in the dark, questioning herself why she was currently collaborating with a stranger.
…
In the hidden cellar under the village were all real marines kept prisoner, only guarded by three incapable stupid fakes, Deri finished them easily not even sweating by doing her job. Captain Tendil, the leader told about a trap set by the so often mentioned Veiled Heritance and the further proceeding of stealing the gear to pretend an official act ordered by the elven queen. Luckily the marines had stashes with weapons and armors around the shed to rearm in order to take back the village from its attackers.
"Ah... the kitten is back...Raz did an excellent job in backing up the mission.." was the greeting when the vestige climbed out the darkness. She watched out to find a really confident and proud cat, grinning at her with joy.
Two dead bodies rested aside the Hay bails at the wall and Deri wondered if the kajiit was blessed with more talents than just talking nice after all.
With low footsteps the marines followed behind the vestige, carefully checking the area out of the shed then leaving towards the resources for the battle, captain Tendil shot her a last grateful nod.
"See..? Raz and Derisandra make a great team..." the kajiit said by looking at Deri seriously.
Another growl left the vestige's throat, asking herself if he was misspelling her name with intention besides the team-thing also sounded like another attempt of recruiting her for this secret service called "Eyes". Deri knew this kind of stuff, Emeric also had an intelligence "his daggers", she should have joined in his opinion, but Deri had refused, of course. People serving in this special kind of agency were always hiding, cowering in dark wet corners and having a damn lousy time.
"No thanks, I'm still not interested to join the coffee party..." she said with a smutty grin.
"...You have, perhaps, something better to do?" He inquired.
Whatever I am doing here...None of your business cat...
"You must be very convinced in your job and strong in your beliefs for this whole dominion thing.." She changed the topic.
His eyes shined bright when the cat spoke. "Razum-dar is first in the Eyes of the Queen. He has sworn his life to the service of Ayrenn Arana Aldmeri. To die in service to Her Majesty, it is what he prays for in the morning." Raz stopped, thinking a while before he added in low voice. "Well ... perhaps not prays for."
"Sadly...I don't know your queen...and..." the vestige objected, groaning at the speech.
"Then Derisandra should learn from Raz like everybody... Raz always is smarter..." He twinkled then opened a bag and presented a small leather book, offering it to the vestige.
Oh my... this must be the manifest or something like that..
"Raz suggests to read..a first draft.." the cat proudly announced. "not yet in reproduction but entertaining for long cold and lonesome nights. Not that Raz has nights like that of course...This one always has company..no time for..."
"Yayaa...yaaaaab!...Enough give it to me!" Deri cut of his last line and opened her hand to get the gift. "If I promise to read...then you promise you'll stop stalking and harassing me?"
"Well Raz might be accepting the deal in his wisdom, but Derisandra has to come and met this handsome kajiit in Tanzelwil." he smutty shot back.
Derisande...you stupid cat!
"Whatever you want cat...Bye!.." Deri turned around, she couldn't remember leaving a room as quick as this moment.