Disclaimer: I don't own Elder Scrolls and Gladiator. They belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 7: Attacked!
The sun just started to rise when the group led Martin to his hideout in the priory. No danger approached them so far, except a small group of bandits and 2 wolf attacks. With a party of 3 fighters and 2 mages, they were nothing than gnats trying to annoy a troll. When it was noon, they stopped for a quick lunch, just outside Skingrad. They decided not to enter the town considering the downfall of the Oblivion gate in Kvatch would spread across the province along with the news about the hero, or heroes, of Kvatch. That kind of thing would surely attract unwanted attention to them, and with that, the possibility of danger, Martin could be attacked and the mission would be a failure.
After gulping a bottle of wine, everyone was quite relax and just enjoying themselves, sitting on a grassy plain, beneath a tree, so Martin saw this as the opportunity to get to know them a little more.
"So tell me again, you said the emperor told you to find me. How did you met? Are you some sort of a messenger or bodyguard?" He asked Maximus who was chewing some nuts.
"Yes, Maximus, you've been missing from the guild for some time. We all thought you were dead in a mission or something. What happened to you?" Hagen spoke while resting on his right hand.
Maximus inhaled a deep breath, knowing this would be quite a story, and after clearing his throat, he finally began.
"Some of you know that I was a member of Fighters Guild. My boss, Mordryn Oreyn, gave me a mission to escort a group of travelling merchant from Morrowind to Imperial City. So we went from our base in Chorrol down the road to the City. In the middle og the road a group of bandits ambushed and demanded us to hand them our possessions. Of course I refused, and a battle ensued. Then came some legion guard to arrest them, but they mistook me as one of the bandits, so they took me to the Imperial City jail."
"Huh, I knew those guys are good for nothing. Making a mistake like that is most unforgivable, and they call themselves Imperial Legion." Hagen spat at the thought of the soldiers.
"But they did a good service under the emperor's reign. Throughout the history, the legion is known to be the best army in Tamriel, they are the ensemble of the best fighter from each races of Tamriel." Cicero cut in to explain.
"And exactly do you know about this?" Juba asked him with curiosity.
"Well, I read many books during my study in Arcane University. When I was tired reading spell books, I kill some time by reading history books." Said Cicero while reaching his hand to his bag.
"See, I even have some for the road." He showed them The History of Queen Barenziah.
"You study at the Arcane? What rank do you have? Who is the archmage now?" Martin asked him, shifting his sitting position by his explanation.
"I'm just an Apprentice now. The path is still long for me. And the archmage now is Hannibal Traven. Why do you ask, Your Highness?"
"I have a history with the university, in fact, at some point I went to study there just like you. And Traven was a friend of mine. He helped me a lot with the lesson. And please don't Your Highness me. I'm no emperor yet." He finished explaining.
Cicero just felt shocked and admired him because he could relate to this would-be emperor. They were orphans and had an interest in magic. He even get to travel with him and guard him. Finally he had something to be bragged on when he returned, if he returned.
"So, I was in prison when the emperor came down to my cell, which apparently was a part of the escape route. He told me he and his sons were attacked by assassins and I must accompany him for a while. Then when we reached a dead end, the assassins ambushed us and killed him. But not before he gave me the Amulet of Kings and told me to go to Jauffre in Weynon Priory and found you. So I met Jauffre and delivered the amulet, then he pointed me to Kvatch to find you. Cicero here met me when I was trying to get out of Imperial City. The rest you already know." Maximux continued and finished his story at last.
"That's an interesting story for sure. You were a member of a well-known guild, then you were criminal, then you became messenger, and now you are a hero. How the table has turned for you. But tell me again, have you known each other for so long, because it seems you have." Martin questioned him again, looking at his saviors.
Maximus was unsure how to answer this question. He didn't think Martin would believe him if he told him the truth. But Stendarr must had mercy on him, because Juba saved him and gave Martin the answer he wanted.
"This may sound crazy for you, but we are not from this world. We came from another world, and in that world, Maximus was a general who led his troops to many victories. Then he was betrayed by the new emperor and became a slave just like us, except Cicero. We were forced to fight in an arena as gladiators, as they called us. With his prowess in battle, we managed to win the battle together. People started to like us, but not the emperor. In the end, Maximus fought the emperor, but they both died from their wounds." He tried to explain to Martin who looked shocked by his story.
Martin never heard about possibility of the existence of another world. The legend always said that the only mortal realm created by the Aedra was Mundus. But this people before him claimed they didn't come from Mundus, but another world entirely. Was the legend wrong? Did the Aedra create something outside Mundus that was unknown until know?
"You're right, Juba. Had not I seen you in battle, I would say you are Sheogorath's follower. But let's just say it's true, how could you possibly come to Nirn, this world?"
Maximus finally spoke to tell the rest of the story, "When we enjoyed our peaceful death in Elysium, the afterlife in our world, the god of death and underworld came to tell me that someone or something informed his brethren about the peril in this world and that they need a champion to save this world. So they chose me, then I brought my family and friends with me to assist me with whatever the mission was. We arrived 5 years ago, and at the time we did not know what we had to do, until this happened."
Martin sat in silence to take all that in. Here in front of him, there was a legendary here from a foreign land.
"The person who met your gods, what does he look like?" He asked Maximus.
"I never met this one personally, but Pluto, my god of underworld said he has two heads, one of the dragon and one of the man. Wait a minute, dragon…"
Martin cried out, "By the Nine! It's Akatosh! He met your gods to ask for help. I bet you've ever seen a picture of him, right? Now I believe the gods have plan in this crisis. He sent you to save us! I lost my faith in the Divines back at Kvatch, but now everything is clear. This is your destiny, Maximus."
"I don't know about saving the world part, but I'm just here to make sure you get back your throne and restore Tamriel." Maximus just waved his hand, feeling embarrassed by the comment.
"Maybe you're right. I'm still not sure what to do if I become the emperor, I'm not that type of person."
"No need to worry about that, Martin. I'm sure you will get the idea along the way." Hagen patted his back to give him support.
"Ah, I hope you're right. Speaking of family, where are your family, Maximus? You said you brought them here, right?" Martin asked Maximus.
"You just remind me, I haven't seen them quite a while." He sighed, definitely feeling worry about them.
Juba smiled at him, "Relax, Maximus. After you went missing, we visited your home in Bravil to tell them the news. Yes, they're worried, especially Claudia. But worry not, Hagen decided to take care of your family. He even help Octavius with the training."
Hagen chuckled at Juba's comment. "Yes, your son learned so fast and things were alright before we came to Kvatch. But it's nothing, I barely do nothing because Octavius did a very good job at protecting his mother."
"You are the most humble person I've ever known, Hagen. Thank you, my friend." Maximus slapped Hagen's shoulder with a big smile on his face.
"Well, I think we rested enough. Why don't we continue walking? We don't want bandits to raid all our stuff, do we? Martin asked with a jest, and after packing their belongings, they walked down the road again.
The sun finally started to sink when the group came near Weynon Priory. The whole group could see the priory building stood out among the trees, bathed in the yellowish sunlight. Maximus felt a little sense of relief that after Martin was brought to safety here in the priory, his service would be over and he could go back to his family and maybe to the guild after dealing with Oreyn, of course. And he was sure the others felt the same way, Juba and Hagen were likely return with him to the guild and Cicero would head back to Imperial City to his duties as a mage apprentice.
But his train of thought was halted when they saw someone broke through the bush and ran towards person was a Dunmer, to be more specific, he was the herder Maximus met when he arrived first to the priory, and he was panting heavily.
"Help! You must help, please! They're killing everyone in the priory!" He shouted between his breath.
Maximus came forward from the group after dismounted from his horse. He ordered the others to stand back while he talked to the herder, he remembered his name was Eronor.
"Calm down, easy. One at a time, please. Who are you running from?" He asked as he tried to understand the situation.
"I don't know who they are. They came a while back ago, dressed like ordinary travelers. Prior Maborel greeted them at the front gate, but then red armors came out of nowhere and they struck down the poor man before he could do anything. And then they saw me, so I run. I think they're behind me." Eronor explained to Maximus.
Maximus then told him to stay behind while he and the others walked silently, but at a quite fast pace. When they were in the yard, two red-armored assassins was seen patrolling near the well. They weren't seen yet, so Maximus told Cicero to took the assassins out with his bow. The mage pulled the strings and aimed carefully for the target. He released the arrow and it hit the assassin between his eyes, killing him instantly. The sound of his buddy hit the ground alerted the other assassin who turned to where the group was. They wasted no time and rushed to attack him. Out of everyone's expectation, Martin didn't keep hiding, but he helped them by casting sparks from his fingertips, each one hit their target. The assassin tried his best to avoid being hit by Martin's spell, only to be welcomed by swords and hammer. Martin quickly move the side and hit him with paralysis spell which made the assassin fell down, then Juba finally made a finishing move by pushing his dagger to his heart.
"Let's go to the building! Jauffre might be in trouble." Maximus said as he led Martin and his companions to the door.
They went upstairs to see Jauffre cornered by three assassins. He was wielding a curved sword, similar to the Blades in the Imperial Prison. Hagen yelled as he charged forward to one of the assassin. He struck his opponent with his warhammer which staggered him, giving him the chance to kill him with the second strike. Cicero casted a firebolt to another one. The assassin screamed in agony which quickly silenced by Martin with his shock spell. Maximus and Juba worked in tandem, swinging their swords until the assassin fell down with a thud to the floor.
"Thank the Divines, you arrived just in time. We were outnumbered and if you didn't show up, it'll be the end of us. Who are these people by the way?" Jauffre exclaimed after sheathing his sword.
"They are my old friend, Jauffre. We meet them in Kvatch. We're here with Martin as you requested." Maximus told the old Blade.
"Good, I'm relieved to see him alive and well. But we have no time, come quickly. I think I know what they're after. Follow me!"
Jauffre and the group came out from the main building and headed to the chapel. The door was opened with force and the inside was nothing but a mess. He went to the table over there and tried to look for something.
"It's gone! The amulet is gone! They must have took it while their friends kept us busy." He said with so much frustration in his voice.
Then suddenly a loud neigh was heard from the stable. The group quickly went out of the chapel to see an assassin mounted a horse.
"Stop him at all cost! Don't let him run away!" Jauffre yelled to the group. Cicero quickly grab his bow and shot the assassin. The arrow missed its target as the horse was galloping in the night to nowhere. They ran to pursue him, but the horse was too fast and the assassin was gone.
"What do we do now?" Juba asked to everyone there, hoping an answer from anyone.
"Nothing, it's all over. The enemy has beat us at every turn. We lost." Jauffre put his head down in defeat.
"Not exactly, Jauffre. We have Martin here, as long as he lives, there is still hope, right?" asked Maximus.
"Hmm, I think you're right. If we can get the amulet back, we can relight the dragonfire and restore the Empire. But we can't remain here, the priory has been compromised. We must move Martin to the safe place." Jauffre explained his plan.
"And where is this safe place you're talking about? If they can find your hideout here, I don't think there's somewhere safe anymore." Hagen asked him, there's a slight hurry in his tone.
"Cloud Ruler Temple, the hidden fortress of the Blades. It's located in the north of Bruma. The place is well-fortified, a handful of Blades can defend it against an army." He stopped for a second before addressing Maximus.
"I know you've been done your part by bringing Martin safely and I heard what happen in Kvatch. But will you and your friends help me escorting the Emperor to Cloud Ruler? I don't have many people left, Prior Maborel is dead and I told Brother Piner to dispose the bodies and take anything valuable from the priory." Jauffre finished with a sigh.
Maximus was thinking hard and deep about the situation. He knew his plan to return home was no longer an option. Now his involvement in this crisis was too deep and the assassins now knew their faces, the ones who guard the bastard son of the late emperor.
He turned to Juba, Hagen, Cicero, and finally to Martin before turned back to Jauffre.
"I've decided. Let's bring Martin to your fortress."
Thank you for reading this chapter. I'm always happy to see those little bars go up n my stat. Don't forget to give me your reviews and requests.
Until next time, haljordan123 signing out.