Chapter twelve: A Divine Murder
The three assassins entered the Black Door to the Sanctuary in Dawnstar. Ava felt a cold chill upon walking in and seeing the very place that she had pursued Cicero. It was the last time she saw him, and while she searched the Sanctuary for the second time, she almost wished she could find him hiding out there.
"Well, it isn't the most inviting place, but it'll do." Nazir commented, looking at the dismal condition of the ancient crypt.
"I rather like it..." Babette grinned, studying the old coffins that lay about.
"...I'm just glad we had Cicero's old wagon to haul the Night Mother in. It made moving a lot easier with Shadowmere there to pull it." Ava remarked.
Nazir grunted, "Hmph...I guess that crazy joker was right all along. I never thought I'd see the day when a lunatic could spot a traitor before I did."
"Astrid was pretty convincing...It's a pity she made you murder Cicero." Babette replied, looking toward Ava.
"Yeah..." Ava said nervously, looking down at her feet.
"There's no use in feeling sorry for the fool now, Babette! Maybe it was a good thing. I'm not particularly fond of jesters in general - - especially the criminally insane ones." Nazir said, interrupting Ava.
"If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have the Night Mother! I, for one, regret that we didn't listen to the poor fool." Babette bickered with the Redguard, as the three of them halted in front of the freshly-moved Sarcophagus.
Ava said nothing, stepping up to the Night Mother's tomb. She placed her hand on the cold metal, then turned to the the others, "I guess the next step is to find the real Emperor." She couldn't explain why, but an urge to please the Mother grew within her. Now that Astrid had been sent to the Void, Ava no longer felt so torn. She knew who to listen to from this point forward.
Babette eyed a bowl of vampire dust that set on Frida's shelf. She watched as the elderly woman had been happily chatting with Ava, under the impression that Babette was her daughter. How she delighted in seeing the ignorance of others! It was her ultimate weapon during a contract. However, she was not going to kill the old alchemist - - she was merely shopping for supplies. She had to take Ava in order to make the purchase. Unfortunately, most of the shopkeeps didn't bother in trading with children.
Frida turned to Babette, with a cheery smile on her worn face, "Well, well, well! I see your mother is starting you at a young age! You must be a very bright young girl!"
Babette smiled innocently, "Oh, thank you ma'am. I do love alchemy so!" She giggled, grabbing a few more ingredients to go with the ones Ava was holding. She just needed a few more to get a good collection started, since all of her previous components had went up in flames.
"Oh, she's a very good alchemist. " Ava smiled warmly at the Vampire.
"I bet she is. Just remember not to get too wrapped up in her talents... don't push her too hard. They're only little once. Before you know it, she'll grow up on you!" Frida said, pointing a finger at Ava.
"Not me! I want to be a kid forever! I'll never grow up!" Babette giggled, bouncing up and down in a playful manner, causing Ava to laugh nervously. She could see the uneasy look on her Listener's face, and found it quite amusing.
After making their purchase, the two left the Mortar and Pestle with knapsacks filled to the brim with ingredients. It had been their final stop and they were ready to head back to the Sanctuary.
"What's the matter, Ava?" Babette had noticed the somber look on her Listener's face.
"Oh...I was just thinking about Beitild. She was my first official contract...It's so unreal...looking back..." She spoke, in deep reflection.
"Well, I must say the woman was just as useful in death as she was in life, " Babette smiled slyly. "Her home proved to be a wonderful place to rummage for supplies! I'm certainly glad you remembered her!"
"I'd never forget her...she nearly killed me! She was so strong...so angry. It's sad that she was so miserable in her last days..." Ava said, gazing up at the evening sky.
Babette could see pain in the young woman's face. Ava was so different from Astrid, or from anyone else in the Brotherhood for that matter. Where most would boast or happily reminisce about their murders, she would seem to grieve for them. In all her three hundred years, she'd never seen anyone quite like her.
"My Listener, you are far too kind for your own good. Now, don't you start feeling sorry for the Emperor - - you still have to murder him!" Babette teased.
Ava could hear the Black Door rumble from up above. She'd found an old broom, so she attempted to make the Sanctuary more presentable - - if it was even possible to do so. It was more or less busy work to help combat the anxiety she was beginning to feel over such big changes and responsibilities that had been placed upon her.
"Sounds like Nazir's back..." Babette said from the other side of the room, organizing her ingredients on an old shelf.
The Redguard entered the room, folding his arms and smirking. "I thought you two were assassins, not common house maids."
"Yeah, we were attempting to clean the place." Ava scanned the room with a doubtful look. "I don't think it's doing any good though...It's pretty rough"
"Tell me about it, " Nazir shook his head.
"Did you find out anything?" Ava questioned him.
"Of course. I am an assassin, after all - - finding leads is second nature to me. When I was in Solitude, I stayed a night at the Winking Skeever. After what happened to the Emperor's decoy, the whole city's been flooded with rumors. The barkeep mentioned that the Emperor's ship, the Katariah, has docked in a secluded area not far from Solitude itself." He explained.
"Did you check into it? It was just a rumor after all..." Babette put a hand on her hip.
"Of course I checked into it!" Nazir scowled at the Vampire. "I traveled down the shoreline, and soon enough I came upon the ship off in the distance. He's here...I just don't know for how long. If I were you I'd get to him as soon as possible. " He said, turning back to Ava. "You may not get another chance."
Ava nodded, feeling a sudden sense of urgency. "You're right. I'll leave tonight."
Ava peered out from between two shrubs. She'd been watching the enormous vessel float on the Karth River for the most of the day. She'd arrived at the location by morning, but figured it would be much too risky to journey over until nightfall. After the whole debacle with the fake Emperor, she wanted to make doubly sure that she was careful.
The vast ship looked so regal floating among the thick fog of dusk that had blanketed Skyrim. She imagined it had probably traveled all of Tamriel at one time or another. If Ava was successful, the ship would return to Cyrodiil carrying back the dead remains of Titus Mede II, readying him for a formal burial. It would be a dark time for the Empire, indeed, and all because of her. But it was the will of Sithis, after all. How could she refuse such a thing?
Night had now fallen over the river, creating sparkling ripples from the moons and stars that seemed to light a path for Ava. It was as if the Night Mother had touched the icy waters, guiding her along the way. Ava could hear her own heart beat, as she came out from hiding and stepped up to the windy bank.
She stood overlooking the dark rippling waves, seeing her icy breath in the wind. She gazed over the horizon, which was now black with night and never-ending - - much like she imagined the Void would be. She could feel her body tremble with nervous anticipation. She was going in alone. The ship was heavily guarded with Penitus Oculatus Agents, and the odds were stacked against her, but she could feel a force calling her forward.
Ava began to step into the freezing waters, chilling her to the bone. She began to swim to the gigantic vessel. Emperor Titus Mede resided within, and she was ready for her most important contract off all time. Moving closer to the large ship, she readied herself for what the Night Mother had set before her.
Cicero's eyes widened as he stood before the Falkreath Sanctuary, which was nothing but a pile of ashes. The news had been true - - the Listener's home had been burnt to a crisp! Cicero frantically burst through the entrance, running through each decimated room.
"Listener! Are you here?! Listener, are you INJURED?! Cicero can help you! PLEASE..." He searched in a frenzy, finding nothing but charred remains, which were now unidentifiable. Oh, how he hoped his sweet, kind Listener was still among the living.
He came to the room where Astrid's dead body lay on the floor among candles and ashes. He stood over the corpse, a malicious grin forming on his face. "Hehehehe...Cicero told you so..." He laughed darkly. Oh, how Cicero had begged, pleaded - - even prayed to the Mother that the Pretender would be murdered horrifically for her defiling ways! But what of his Listener? Had she, too, succumbed to the Purge of the Sanctuary?
Feeling desperation, Cicero fled to his old room, pushing back the debris that lie in his path. As he scrambled about his room, he sensed something was a bit...off about it. With one hand on his hip, he rubbed his chin trying to figure out just what it was.
Turning to the space that the large Sarcophagus normally occupied, he saw a large pile of rock where the ceiling had caved in. Oh, his dear Mother's tomb! Her frail bones could've been crushed under such weight!
"DON'T worry Mother! Cicero is coming! OH, how he HOPES you haven't been HARMED! Your Keeper will RESCUE you, Mother!" Cicero nearly fell over himself trying to remove the rubble and reach his precious Matron. Digging relentlessly for what seemed like a lifetime, Cicero came to the a solid wall - - It was the stone wall of the Sanctuary, and that could only mean one thing...
The Mother was gone! She had been transported, and who else would need her remains but the Listener! Surely it must be her! His wonderful Listener must have escaped, taking Mother with her! Oh, but where would she be? Cicero didn't know for sure, but he had a sneaking suspicion...
Stepping out of the ruined Sanctuary, Cicero looked up at the two moons hanging over the starry night sky...He had but one mission...It was time - - the moment he had waited for. Sithis' Will had been done and the Sanctuary had been purged of Astrid...Now it was time for him to reunite with his Listener once more...
Now floating before the ship, Ava could see no visible way up. How was she to murder the Emperor if she couldn't reach him?
"MY CHILD...THE ANCHOR...LEADS TO THE PATH..." Ava could hear the Mother's voice telling her. There was something about it that seemed different this time. The ancient, shrill voice that had been speaking to her before now sounded more vibrant and full of life. She could almost feel the warm breath of the Mother tickling her ear.
Ava swam around the ship, until she spotted the large chain which came up from the anchor, and seemed to lead to an entrance point. This was her chance to infiltrate, and she took it, entering the mighty vessel.
Upon entering, she hid behind a pile of crates. She could hear the voices of the Agents echoing from down the hallway. It sounded like there were at least three in that area. She realized that the ship had more than one floor, so she'd have to strategically work her way up.
She could feel that familiar feeling taking over once more. Her eyes focused on the path before her, and her heart now pounded in her head. She became so icy and cold - - not from swimming the icy waters, but from the cold within.
"PREPARE YOURSELF MY CHILD..." The voice echoed in her mind, as an image flashed into and out of her vision. It was a pair of eyes - - red, fiery eyes.
Feeling a sudden impulse, Ava pulled out Astrid's jagged blade and sprinted down the corridor and into the view of the Agents. The men turned to her, drawing their blades to attack. Ava glided between them, dodging their swinging swords easily. As she sliced their throats one by one, she could see the images grow more vivid in between the darkness that surrounded her. It was a face, with deep blue skin and silky black hair - - smiling with jagged teeth.
Ava could feel the urge to move forward, the urge to see the man she would kill. She began to yearn for the smell of his salty blood in her nostrils. All she could think of was murdering him.
Clearing the hallway, she crept in the shadows, sneaking past a room full of drunken men. She made her way to some stairs, heading to an upper level. As she tiptoed up the staircase, she scanned the area. Immediately, an Agent who had been standing nearby, had spotted her.
"We have a spy on the ship!" The Agent sounded off, alerting all of the upper deck, and the room below.
Agents came from every angle, surrounding her entirely. An instant wave of terror traveled through her mind, leaving her feeling as if she'd surely die with this many enemies in her path! As she tried fighting them off, she began to feel the drain of fatigue. She managed to flee through them, but found herself backed into a corner.
A low rumble came from inside her mind. Fearing for the worst, Ava hunkered down, bracing herself for her own demise. The rumble turned to a loud boom like that of thunder ringing out in the storm, or the mighty crash of the ocean. Among the guards, stood the most beautiful Dunmer she had ever seen. She towered over the Agents, her curvy body both stunning and powerful. A dark purple fog surrounded her among the blackness. Time around her seemed to stand still while the striking mer's presence was with her. All stood still, and the Agents did not move an inch.
"FIGHT MY CHILD," her powerful voice flowed from her thick, blood red lips. "FIGHT, AND I SHALL GUIDE YOU..." She raised her arms, and Ava began to feel as if a mighty earthquake had shaken her very core.
Ava stood, feeling a surge of power she'd never felt before. She gripped the twisted dagger, running into the army before her. The men sprang back to life, as she single-handedly defeated them one by one. She grabbed an Agent by the arm, pulling it behind his back and slicing his throat, pushing his body into two more, who then tumbled to the ground. Spinning behind her, she plunged the blade into another Agent's gut, twisting it hard and pulling it out. Blood poured from the bodies, splashing onto her. She could smell it in the air and feel it warmly trickling down her skin. She dodged another Agent's blade, then stabbed the man in the leg. As he crouched over in pain, she drove her dagger into the back of his neck. She was a force to be reckoned with - - both violent and savage. Bodies fell left and right, and soon not a soul was left standing.
"GO, MY CHILD...THE EMPEROR AWAITS..." The enticing voice continued.
Kicking a body to the side, Ava made her way about the second floor searching every room she came upon. She stepped up to a door with an intricate design on the front of it. This had to be the way to the Emperor's Quarters. Ava reached a bloody hand into her knapsack, pulling out some lockpicks. The lock proved to be extremely tricky, and after breaking lockpick after lockpick Ava was down to her last one. Steadying her trembling hand, she held her breath and gently worked the pick. With her ear pressed against the door, she listened intensly. Hearing the click, she sighed in relief and slowly opened the door.
"What are you doing in here?!" An Agent stood on the other side of the door, weapon in hand.
The man lunged at Ava, pinning her to the floor and causing her dagger to fly out of her hand. She struggled to free herself, but the large man was very strong and she was beginning to feel exhausted. A blast of thunder filled her mind once more, as she swiftly kicked the man up off of her. His body tumbled a few feet away, and his sword flung to the side. She quickly grabbed her blade and pounced on him, holding the blade to his throat.
"Where is the Emperor?!" Ava hissed, alarming both the enemy and herself. Her voice sounded so shrill - - so unlike her own. It blasted across the room, loud and harsh.
"P-please! Here, h-have it! J-Just let me go!" The man begged, looking down to the belt of his armor. A large golden key hung from it, and Ava quickly snatched it off. "H-he's in the next room..." He whimpered.
"KILL HIM..." The voice rang out, and Ava involuntarily did just that. With one swift gash to the throat, the man bled out.
Ava jumped off the dead Agent, and made her way to the Emperor's room. She approached a large door with intricate designs carved into it, and a banner representing the Empire was draped from above. Using the key, she opened the door.
A large, lavish room with a couple of rooms branching off from it opened up before her. Fine foods and dining utensils sat upon various tables. Expensive looking decor covered the walls, and rare weapons hang about the room. A lush red carpet lay before her, leading to a highly decorated desk. Emperor Titus Mede II sat calmly, reading a book.
Placing a red ribbon in between the pages, he gently closed the book placed it back on his desk. He slowly lifted his light blue eyes, "I see you've found me..."
Ava said nothing, she merely stood before him soaked in the blood of his protectors and holding her dead leader's blade.
"Ah...A woman of few words I see...Well, I know who you are and why you are here. My guards tried to tell me I was safe. They went so far as to tuck me away in this very cove, thinking I'd be hidden. But, just as I expected, I was not. You can't stop the Dark Brotherhood...never could..." He stood facing Ava for a moment, and then slowly stepped up to the large window overlooking the balcony.
Bewildered by his understanding of the situation, Ava silently watched him, waiting for his next words. The man stood tall and regal. His distinguished face seemed to have an expression of both pride and defeat. He had a quality of honor about him, and much grace. He turned back to her for a moment.
"Young woman, I know not your life or how you ended up where you are...and in the grand scheme of things, I have no right to judge you for it. I, myself have the blood of many on my hands...be it for revenge, politics, or wars...But I do know that this is fate...My time to serve Tamriel has passed, and you will end my very life this night...I won't fight you...I will accept my fate..." He spoke with much dignity, stirring up Ava's humanity that had lied dormant during her pursuit. This man was both everything she was and everything she was not. Her heart throbbed with inner emotions, knowing that such a mighty man must die at her hands. But Titus Mede II was right - - it was fate that brought her there.
"But, before you kill me, please do me this last honor. A final request, if I may..."
Feeling compassion and sympathy for the man, Ava nodded. "Yes, Emperor. What do you need of me?"
"The man that had me killed. I want you to return the favor...I believe I know who it is, and he's been plotting my downfall for a long time now...I want him ended. Now, can you do this for me?" He asked once more.
"Yes. Of course." Ava slightly bowed her head to him.
The Emperor nodded in return, and calmly turned his gaze back to the black rippling waters that danced beneath the starry skies. His stare seemed to reach past his own life and into the next. His mind was already there. He was merely waiting for his body to catch up. The Ruler of Tamriel stood silently in dignified acceptance.
Ava took a deep breath, and stepped up behind him, her tired legs feeling heavy and weak. She came from behind him, seeing him and smelling the scent of exotic spices on his robes. His last few moments were in front of her, and with one sharp slice his life drained from his body. Emperor Titus Mede II's reign had been ended. Ava's contract was complete. Intense sorrow flooded her body once more...the girl inside crying for the Emperor, for herself, and for her dark fate...
"VERY GOOD MY CHILD..." The words lingered but for a moment, now leaving her in silence.