"Thrust into the company of the Blades,
there was hardly time to breathe before our next mission.
It was an office of respect, but not all saw it that way.
Niamh's troubles with Titus Alban were far from over."
A Flower in Dragonfire
-Anonymous
A thick fog lay over Cloud Ruler Temple as the early morning peaked over the mountains. Celeste held her helmet under her arm, taking in a deep breath of cool air.
Kesh-Ra fell in beside her, fumbling with the makings of his new armor. His light green scales caught the morning light, almost shimmering pink and soft yellow. Celeste thought he was beautiful in that moment, but then tried not to laugh when one of his eyes swiveled to the side.
"Confounded…" He grumbled.
"Not to your liking, young master?" Celeste asked with a grin, rapping her knuckles on his chest armor.
"It's too heavy." Kesh-Ra frowned.
Celeste shrugged, "Better than the hunk of iron we wore back when I was a soldier. And even so, the Blades gave you the lighter one." She pointed out.
"I'm just not used to wearing such things is all." Kesh-Ra said.
"We'll look mighty fine traipsing the capital, I think." Celeste said, "Maybe I'll keep it when I go back home. Elanora always liked women in uniform…"
Before Kesh-Ra could grimace, one of their fellow Blades brought their horses over from the stables.
"Why are there three?" Kesh-Ra asked.
"Can't very well have a horse carrying two people in full armor, brother." The Blade said, "You'll get no better, I can guarantee that." He handed the horses off to Celeste, then promptly headed back to the stables.
"Beautiful," Celeste marveled, "Colovian drafts."
"Why do they have so much hair?" Kesh-Ra's covered his nose.
"Wouldn't you want all this hair when it's so cold?"
"No."
Celeste went to the tallest horse, a fine stallion with a pink nose, "I think I'll name him Yam."
Kesh-Ra stared at Celeste in a long silence before heaving a long sigh.
"Yam?"
"He looks like an ash yam." Celeste laughed, "A cute one though." She pet the horses nose, "What about you?"
Kesh-Ra crossed his arms, "I don't want one."
"They were kind enough to provide horses for the journey, you'll damn well name your horse, young man." Celeste scolded him.
Kesh-Ra kept his arms crossed and seethed in silence until Niamh emerged from the Great Hall. Her red hair pulled up into a loose bun, her light silvery armor barely making a sound as she met with the other two.
"You sleep in?" Celeste teased.
"I spent a few hours combing over a few details with Jauffre." Niamh told her, stopping in her tracks when she saw the horses.
"Aren't they precious?" Celeste asked.
Niamh grimaced in discomfort, "They're...big…"
"Exactly." Kesh-Ra threw up his arms, "And smelly, and hairy...I will not ride one to the city."
"Get over it, Kesh-Ra, they're only horses." Niamh shook her head, she went over to the one mare placing a few items in the saddlebag, "Besides, they'll do better on the road than the ones we came in on." She tenderly pat the mare on her black rump.
Celeste smirked, staring down at Kesh-Ra as she settled into her saddle.
"Petty." Kesh-Ra grumbled to himself.
"You complain when you walk, you complain when an animal does it for you." Celeste shook her head, "Enough time on the road and you'll be naming it and won't bear to part with him."
"I rather doubt that…" Kesh-Ra glared at the remaining roan stallion, flinching when it snorted.
Niamh mounted her mare, "We can make better time on the horse, we should be in the city before dark."
"Maybe even before," Celeste said, "These horses can withstand a lot." She patted Yam, then urged him forward.
Kesh-Ra finally clamored up onto his horse, the scales around his face darkening as he took the reins. He grumbled as he passed Niamh, complaining about the smell. Niamh shook her head.
As she neared the first set of steps, she felt the urge to turn her head one last time.
Standing in his robes, Martin, seemingly out of breath, lifted his hand as to wave goodbye, but faltered halfway through. Niamh gave him a weak smile, then turned her horse and followed behind Kesh-Ra.
The gleaming white tower of the Imperial City stood as a reminder to the small company that they were close to their quarry.
They had rode in silence since their last stop just outside of the abandoned village of Aleswell. Kesh-Ra had hurried the other two along when he felt the presence of a supernatural being.
In passing the long dilapidated tower of Fort Empire, the horses began to stamp their feet, pausing their movement.
Celeste patted Yams neck, "Is it snakes?"
"I thought these horses were trained not to fear such things?" Kesh-Ra scoffed. His stomach churned when his horse reared back.
Niamhs ears twitched when she heard footfalls come from the boulders beside the road. Eight Imperial guards purposefully emerged from behind the rocks and towards the three Blades. The one in front held up his arm as if to signal Niamh.
"By order of the Empire we demand you halt!" He cried.
"What's the meaning of this? You tarry marshalls on the Emperors business!" Celeste stepped her horse between Niamh and the soldiers.
"Your Bosmer is a wanted murderer, and by my understanding the Emperor's been dead these past few days." The soldier said.
"And on whose authority do you have to arrest a Blade?" Celeste questioned.
"By the authority of Legionnaire Captain Titus Aurelius Alban, your Bosmeri witch is an Imperial criminal wanted for the murder of the Emperor."
"Witch?" Kesh-Ra sputtered.
Celestes knuckles grew white as her grip tightened on her reins, "A preposterous accusation from one man, and I would see the Chancellor before I have you clap her in chains."
"These orders come from the Elder Council." The soldier said to her.
Niamh began to notice some of the soldiers beginning to flank the three Blades, and she heaved a great sigh, afraid this was doing more harm than good.
"Celeste," She lowered her voice, "Take Kesh-Ra to the city, find Baurus in the Elven Gardens District, he'll inform you of the situation."
"What about you?"
"I'll handle it." Niamh dismounted, and pridefully strode forward to once more adorn iron chains.
Kesh-Ra and Celeste look on in horror as Niamh was led away by the soldiers. Kesh-Ra looked to Celeste.
"What do we do?"
Celeste looked around, seeing their path downhill and being on horseback may just allow them to gain time on the soldiers.
"We make way for the city, I'll go to the tower and speak to the council. You stable the horses and I'll meet you in the Elven Gardens."
"S-Stable the horses?" Kesh-Ra stammered, he let out a flustered sigh when Celeste reared her horse back and raced to the city.
He grabbed the reins to Niamhs mare, awkwardly leading both horses slowly downhill.
Celeste left Yam in the care of the stables, striding into the city with a hurried purpose. She entered the Talos Plaza, making her way past whispering citizens.
She hadn't felt this exposed since she had first come to Vivec City. A crowd of people gawking at you because you were different.
She collected a courageous breath, marching past the large dragon statue.
Celeste had just begun to regain her confidence in her mission when she heard a familiar voice call her name. She turned to see a guard captain making his way over. As he came closer she recognized him as Itius Hayn. She immediately relaxed her stance.
"Hayn," She fell in for an embrace, "I didn't think they'd let you in a place like this."
Itius laughed, "Only because my superiors haven't heard about our exploits in Vivec, mistress Celeste."
"More like your exploits and me bailing you out before the captain had both of us scrub the barracks." Celeste laughed.
"How's your dear wife, Nora?" Itius asked, motioning for Celeste to continue to her intended destination as he followed, "I do miss those lavender cookies she would send."
"A pain as usual." Celeste tugged at her collar, "But next time I see her I'll let her know to make a batch just for you."
"What brings you to the city, my Lady Celeste?" Itius asked.
Celeste cleared her throat, "Many things, young sir. I'm sure your ever-so-keen eye has noticed I wear the arms of a different soldier now."
"A fine armor it is too. Hard times have been set upon the Blades since our dear Emperor, Gods may he rest in peace, was killed."
"That's partially why I am going to request attendance with your council. The Blades have their duties, and one of your men has gone rogue and taken one of mine into custody."
"One of my men?" Itius asked, motioning for the doors to be opened to the Imperial Palace.
"Indeed. We were met on the road by a small battalion of guards under the authority of one Captain Titus Alban."
"Alban…" Itius sighed, "I knew that hothead would do something so foolish one of these days. Might I accompany you? I'd be happy to speak for your character in front of the Chancellor, my Lady Celeste."
"I would appreciate the support, young master Hayn."
"Then it shall be done," He again motioned for her to go before him at they entered the Palace.
Celeste took a deep breath, and strode inside.
Kesh-Ra spat horse hair out of his mouth, dusting it off of him as he made his way to the Elven gardens District of the City.
"And of course they haven't told me which establishment he would be residing in, no that would be too easy." He muttered to himself, "Poor Kesh-Ra must suffer in his trek to find one Blade in an entire city of humans. I hardly recall what the poor devil looks like…" He nearly talked himself into colliding with a wall before he turned himself in circles.
"Well I suppose he could be holding up in one of these flea-ridden inns." He turned left down a street he felt might yield the best results.
"Ah!" He exclaimed seeing two inns nearly adjacent from each other, "The King and Queen Tavern, or Luther Broad's Boarding House. If I were a Blade undercover where might I go?" He tapped his foot, "The place of high repute where there would perhaps be more guests coming from all around? Or the hole where maybe you could scavenge dirt from the locals? What to choose...oh but they're both so good!" He rubbed his green scaly hands together.
An older woman happened to pass by as he muttered to himself. Kesh-Ra caught her attention.
"Madam, if you were a Redguard man with broad shoulders you could lay your troubles on, a charming smile, and a deep bass voice that would soothe a Minotaur, where might you find yourself boarding?"
"If I could find him, young man, he'd be in my chambers already." She laughed, "Have you got him with you?"
"How crass!" Kesh-Ra exclaimed, "And I just asked you where he is so why on earth would he be with me?"
"If you do find him, send him my way." The woman winked, scuttling away from a sputtering Kesh-Ra.
"Unbelievable." Kesh-Ra shook his head, he again looked up at the two inns, "I suppose I'll have to try both. My, my, what work it is being a Blade." He huffed, going to Luther Broad's, as it was closer to him.
Upon entering, he was surprised to see his choice was correct, seeing Baurus sitting and chatting with the barkeep. Kesh-Ra strode over and sat next to him.
"Good morning, my fine fellow."
"Keep your voice down," Baurus shot back, lowering his tone, "The man behind me is an assassin."
Kesh-Ra tried not to bring his full gaze to the unassuming man sitting in the corner of the Inn.
"How about the weather? My what a beautiful day it is to be in the city!" Kesh-Ra looked to the barkeep, sickly butterflies in his stomach, "Have you got just water?" He received a strange look.
Baurus rolled his eyes, "I'm going to go into the basement and he'll follow. When he goes, you follow him."
"What?" Kesh-Ra whispered, his green scales paling at the thought of the sudden espionage.
"Luther, I'll grab that case of Surilie Brothers for you." Baurus set his tankard down.
"Much appreciated," The bar-keep said nonchalantly, wiping a cup absently.
Kesh-Ra tapped on the counter, watching Baurus walk away. True to what Baurus said, the assassin followed. Kesh-Ra stood awkwardly, waiting for the man to open the door to the basement before slowly making his way behind him.
He felt pinpricks crawling up his spine and through his limbs, giving his armor stern looks as if it would keep the metal quiet.
Hardly had he began his descent down the basement steps when he heard a hard hit and the sound of something falling to the ground. Kesh-Ra rounded the corner, seeing Baurus shaking his hand in the air, the Mythic Dawn agent lying facedown on the ground.
"Oh my." Kesh-Ras eyes widened, "Well I can see you hardly needed me."
"Backup is always useful, my Argonian friend." Baurus said, searching the unconscious body. From the mans robes, Baurus pulled out a small red book, he poured through it as he spoke.
"I am glad to see you by the way. You just caught me at a bad time."
Kesh-Ra looked back down at the body, "I see." Then he pointed to the book, "A journal?"
"This man is a member of the daedric cult the Mythic Dawn. From what I gathered they worship Mehrunes Dagon." Baurus explained, "I've been trying to track down sleeper members here in the city. I guess this time they noticed." He sighed.
"Well at least we know the who…" Kesh-Ra said, inching away from the cultist.
Baurus hesitated, "Jauffre-he didn't just send you did he?"
Kesh-Ra sputtered, "No and I'm quite infuriated. It seems our Imperial Captain friend took Niamh back into custody. Celeste-you haven't met her yet but she's delightful-is on her way to the Palace to vie for Niamh's release."
"We can't very well pool our information if two of us aren't here." Baurus sighed.
"Celeste said she would meet us in this district once it was finished." Kesh-Ra said, "Perhaps in the meantime I can give you a summation of what's happened?" He said in the hopes of not having to go back to the prisons.
Baurus nodded, "You're right. We have much to discuss." He extended his arm as if to lead Kesh-Ra back up the stairs.
Kesh-Ra sighed with relief, "Yes, yes, of course! Much has happened. And I can tell you now there has been a great amount of suffering on my part…"
"Oh boy…"
Niamh held her head high as she was forced into her seat, her gaze locking onto the dark brown eyes of Legionnaire Captain Alban.
"I heard you've been looking for me, Titus." She slammed her chained hands onto the table between them with a loud thud, "Weren't satisfied by our last visit were we?"
Titus scoffed, "Escaping with the Emperor through the trap door. That's terribly clever for a witch."
"With pardon, might I add?" Niamh said bluntly, "You and I both know that." She leaned in, "And we both know your grandeur little scheme to satisfy the itch in your cock."
In a fit of rage, the Legionnaire stood and threw the table to the side, the guards standing by the door slowly inching completely out of the room.
He grabbed Niamhs chair between her legs and pulled her to him, close enough for her to feel his breath on her skin.
"That's a lot of talk for a woman with a death sentence." The Captain said.
"You can't touch me." Niamh snarled.
"I assure you," Titus grabbed her throat, "I can."
Niamh smiled, "I'll enjoy it when Chancellor Ocato personally has you thrown over the city walls."
"Officially you're in my prison for the murder of the Emperor, you have no grounds for defense. Especially in front of the council."
"So you think, Titus."
The Captain smirked, "Spoken to your sisters lately?"
Niamh's face fell, feeling Titus' thumb run over her bottom lip.
"Word from Valenwood is things aren't looking so good for your fellow tree-folk. You know very well who exactly has the authority to pull those men away from the border. All you need to do is reconsider the offer I gave to you when I first came to your gods damned forest."
"I'm not a bargaining chip for the rightful freedom of my people." Niamh said.
"That's not how your father worded it…"
"Every crime you commit against Y'ffres children will be returned to you tenfold someday." Niamh said, "That I can promise you."
"I liked it better when you came with a dowry."
"That was before you burned my home." Niamh spat in his face.
Titus wiped it away with his free hand before grabbing her into a forceful kiss. She bit his lip and he pulled away.
"Damn you." Titus growled, his nose barely touching the tip of hers.
"You sicken me." Niamh said, pushing her head up to enrapture him into another rough kiss.
Titus held her throat in one hand, pulling on her chains with the other so Niamh's body came off her chair in almost a half bow. He spoke into her mouth.
"I could have you killed."
Niamh ran the tip of her tongue across his lips.
"But you won't." She whispered.
Titus let go of her chains, pulling Niamhs body onto his lap and grabbing her ass.
"Had I the time to get you out of your armor." He said.
"You can try." Niamh said, tilting her head back to expose her throat.
Titus greedily held her neck to his mouth, taking the soft flesh into his mouth and biting down hard. He didn't let go until he was sure a dark red and purple mark stood prominent against the green vine tattoos.
It angered him she never uttered a sound, so he moved to the other side. Twice more he bit and pulled at the skin with his teeth.
Niamh brought her chained hands up, pressing the metal against Titus' throat and throwing his head back. She closed in on his lips.
"Now I could kill you." She said quietly, kissing him once more.
"Will you?" Titus asked, almost amused, "How many times will we do this dance, Niamh?"
"It's over." Niamh pressed the chains further into his flesh.
Titus shook his head, "We'll never be done with each other."
Niamh threw her head back, colliding her forehead into his face with all the force she could muster.
Titus pushed her away, sending her sprawling onto the floor as he tried to stand. He stumbled over to her, kicking her stomach before using his foot to turn her over. He pressed his boot to her throat.
"You viper." He spat, blood pouring from his nose, "I'll make sure you never leave this fucking prison."
"That is enough, Captain Alban."
Titus looked up, his blood spattering onto Niamhs face.
"Chancellor…" Titus removed his boot from it's place on Niamh, "What an unexpected surprise-"
"And just in time I see." The Chancellor puffed out his cheeks, "I trust you can explain why I was pulled from a very important meeting with the Council in order to make a visit to your prison, Captain?"
Titus sputtered, "My men found the Emprerors murderer travelling to the city, we thought it best to act quickly-"
"Fool!" Ocato cried, "Assaulting a member of the Blades, during a time of crisis for the Empire no less. As if I haven't enough on my plate because of your detour to Valenwood under Imperial colors. You insult the Empire with this outrageous behavior of yours!"
"Sir-"
"Don't let another word escape your lips, Captain. I've had enough interruptions for the day!" Ocato looked to Niamh, "My apologies for this egregious misunderstanding. I've received a missive from Cloud Ruler Temple, and your fellow Blades made sure to vie for your case." He held his hand out to help her up, "I assure you this behavior will be brought to the attention of the Council." He eyed Titus, "And perhaps a review of personnel is in order?"
Niamh held her head high, "My apologies for pulling you from your discussions, we Blades of all people understand the importance of keeping this Empire from collapsing in these dark times."
"I couldn't agree more." Ocato nodded, ushering her out of the room, "Perhaps there is something the Council can do to aid the investigation. Your comrades have brought me up to speed as to discovering the Emperors murderer." He handed her a kerchief to wipe away the blood, refusing it when she tried to hand it back.
Niamh hesitated, "Thank you Chancellor, but the Blades would like to keep this as quiet as possible. I'm sure you understand." She opened the door for the Chancellor, breathing in the sweet oncoming night air.
She tried not to smile when she saw Celeste standing off to the side, speaking with a guard Captain.
"Of course, of course…" Chancellor Ocato agreed, snapping Niamhs attention back to him, "Then I will see to it my guards will no longer be a bother."
"Your gesture is appreciated, Chancellor. I wish you luck." Niamh bowed, signalling the end of the conversation, "I would very much like to push past this unfortunate experience."
"Understood." The Chancellor returned her bow, "Excuse me." He began to walk away.
Niamh eyed Celeste as she began to walk over. The guards around Celeste began to disperse.
"I trust Kesh-Ra is already with Baurus." Niamh asked.
"He is," Celeste said, her gaze falling on the dark spots around Niamhs neck, "But I think before we meet with them you should-"
Niamh cut her off, "Our mission takes precedence. I suggest we make our way to the Elven Gardens."
Celeste nodded slowly, "As you wish." She followed Niamh out of the prison.
They walked in silence before Niamh stopped as they reached the gates to the city. She turned to Celeste, a genuine gleam in her eyes.
"Thank you."
Celeste gave a wry smile, "You're welcome."
"I trust this will be the end of it?" Niamh asked.
"If you prefer. But I have been told I'm a very good listener." Celeste said, opening the doors for Niamh.
Niamh hesitated before walking through, "I'm sure you are." She cleared her throat, "Shall we?"
Celeste led Niamh to Luther Broads, where Kesh-Ra and Baurus sat in a quiet corner nursing their prospective drinks. Baurus stood when he saw Niamh. Kesh-Ra turned in his chair.
"Oh thank the Hist." He sighed, "I thought that awful man would never have released you."
"What's done is done, Kesh. Now we must focus on our intended task, no more interruptions." Niamh sat in a chair Celeste pulled for her, "How much do you know?" She asked Baurus.
"I'm caught up to speed." Baurus said, regaling Niamh in the previous conversation he had with Kesh-Ra over the cultist in the basement, and what Celeste told him after the fact.
"So this cult, do you think they know of Martin already?" Niamh asked.
"It's possible. They knew a Blade was in the city." Celeste said.
"And they most certainly know now that we've come." Kesh-Ra pointed out.
"I've taken the liberty of sending Kesh-Ra to the Arcane University with the book we found," Baurus said, "We've been told it'll take time to look over but-"
"Is it in trusted hands?" Niamh interrupted.
"I've made sure of it." Baurus assured her, "Tar-Meena has worked with the Blades for many years."
"Excellent." Celeste gave a sigh of relief, "At the moment I suppose all we can do is wait." She looked at Niamh, "I've secured the rooms upstairs for our stay already, we'll go day by day until we get what we need from the mages."
"Good," Niamh sat back, rubbing at her neck, "The more information we can bring to Jauffre and Martin the better."
"There is one thing…" Kesh-Ra said, "Tar-Meena explained to me there are three other volumes to the teachings found in the book we procured." He pulled two red leather books from his pack, "All written by Mankar Camoran. She lent us the guild copy of volume two, though it will be difficult to track the others. But she did say if we can find them, and decipher them, we may be able to find their secret shrine."
Niamh sighed, "Then that is our mission."
"In the morning we can go to the local bookstores, maybe we can sniff out someone who may know where we can find volume three." Celeste suggested, "In the meantime Baurus can keep up his front and see if there are any more sleepers in the city that may hinder our progress."
Baurus nodded, "The sooner we find the books the better, if we can find their shrine then we are more likely to stop Camoran himself."
Celeste looked at Niamh, "But we will continue this in the morning. We've been on the road for some time now, among other things."
"Agreed," Kesh-Ra lamented, "My feet are killing me from walking back and forth in this cobbled city."
The Blades said their goodnights and made their way upstairs to the second level. Their rooms were quiet and comfortably warm. A welcome sight for their tired limbs. Kesh-Ra was the first to close his door, exhausted from his ordeals.
Celeste stopped in Niamhs door before continuing to her own room.
"Will you be alright, Niamh?" She asked.
Niamh set her armor aside, adorning her cotton night shirt. Celeste shifted her stance when Niamh let her hair down to cover her neck bruises.
"I will be." Niamh said, "Thank you, Celeste."
"There's no guarantee they'll be gone before we see Martin again."
"I said good night!" Niamh snapped.
Celeste lingered in the doorway a little longer, her expression unchanged.
"Very well." She fell away.
Niamh closed the door behind her, holding her back up against the wood as if to keep some monster away. She peered into her empty room and released her pent up breath.
She fell into the sheets, a cool embrace on her warm skin. She tried to conjure up thoughts that helped aid her to sleep when the was at the Temple, but an ever present blackness kept crawling into her mind.
She closed her eyes, trying to keep the dark thoughts from invading her mind.
Her hands fell at her sides and she relaxed herself. One thing kept her from going mad with exhaustion and trauma. Martins voice filled her head.
'Don't forget this.'