CH.1 Blood and Frost
The rumble of stone grinding against stone stirred Serana from her slumber. As she cracked her eyes open, she was surrounded by darkness, not unlike the dreamless sleep she's faced for who knows how long. Another jolt of motion, as her tomb came to an abrupt halt and the stone face of her sarcophagus she was sealed in fell forth and bright light seared into her eyes.
She let out a harsh gasp as a splitting pain in her head forced her knees to buckle and she fell forward, however, a pair of large arms wrapped around her shoulders supporting her upright and the powerful scent of fresh blood assaulted her senses. The steady sound of a beating heart seemed to stir a hunger within her and it took most of her willpower to not outright latch herself to the source immediately. She looked up at whoever had caught her as her eyes struggled to focus clearly.
A large dark shape, clearly humanoid, silhouetted by the torches that surrounded them in the dark cavern was all she could see as her eyes struggled to focus. The hands that held her immediately retracted and she fell forth again forcing her to thrust out her own palms to catch herself from falling. The feeling of rough, cold stone and soil met her touch as the distinct ring of metal scraping against leather reverberated throughout the cavern. Serana tried to stand once again but the cold touch of metal gently met the skin of her neck. She was still groggy from her sleep, but it didn't take long for her to register the blistering frost that radiated from the hard steel. Serana recognized it as a frost enchantment and a powerful one at that, azure frost runes glimmered brilliantly along the steel of the longsword in the darkness of the cavern.
"Hold still vampire," the voice of the shape commanded, deep and steady, with no hint of fear. She slowly knelt back down. "Now tell me vampire, who are you and why do you have an Elder Scroll?"
Serana's mind raced, she wasn't sure whether she should be feeling relieved or threatened. This warrior wasn't a vampire, which means her father hadn't found her yet, but he also didn't know who she was, which begs the question, who was he?
She looked toward the warrior, examining his features as her vision slowly returned to normal. The first thing she noticed was his sheer size. He was large, larger than any man she's ever seen. His mere aura seemed to radiate strength. He was clad in gleaming black armor, which seemed to catch and reflect the light, accentuated by a fur cloak as dark as night, held in place by epaulettes bearing the sigil of a wolf. His face was concealed by a full helm, leaving his features shrouded in mystery. Behind him, a floating orb emitted a brilliant glow, the source of the blinding light.
"My name is Serana." She finally spoke.
"And the Elder Scroll?" the warrior demanded, his tone sharp.
"Its mine." Serana replied, her response quick and cold.
"That doesn't answer my question vampire. Tell me why your friends were down here searching for you."
"Friends?" Serana replied confused. With her vision returned to normal she glanced past the warrior and examined the area behind him. The room bore little semblance to the time when she was sealed, the ceiling was collapsing, and large stone rubble and other debris lay strewn about. Then she finally noticed the number of corpses that littered the area behind the mysterious man.
Bodies that looked like they had been severely burned, but not from heat, but from intense cold. Their features were unrecognizable and many of their limbs were missing and the wounds that she could see were blackened from frostbite. The only thing that distinguished them was the frost-covered leather they wore. She immediately recognized the style as the attire worn by members of her father's court.
A knot formed in her stomach, so her father had found her after all, and this stranger had managed to cleave through his henchman like they were nothing. She grew anxious, whoever this man was is dangerous, her father's minions were not mere soldiers but elite vampire warriors and mages of the highest caliber. She hoped that Harkon had yet to find her mother.
"You're here for a reason, these vampires paid for it with their lives, so tell me the truth. Why do you have an Elder Scroll?"
"I was tasked to protect the scroll." Serana rebutted quickly.
"I doubt that, vampires are immortal if you were guarding it, why would you be sealed away as well? Those vampires were here for both of you."
He was right. She was weakened and vulnerable, if he wanted to, he could've cut her down as soon as he saw her and there was little she could've done to stop him. Her mother has always said that the Elder Scroll was part of the key to Harkon's prophecy. And the other half she had taken herself, but she was sure there was something her mother hadn't told her. Perhaps if she confronted her father directly, she could find out more…
"Vampire attacks have been reported all across Skyrim." The warrior spoke out, breaking her from her thoughts. "It isn't a coincidence, it's coordinated, they were looking for something, looking for information. It seems that you," he continued, tapping the scroll with the tip of his sword. "And the scroll are at the center of it. I need to know why."
"And how am I to trust you when you have a blade to my throat?" Serana asked, peering down at the still drawn weapon.
"Trust has nothing to do with this, Skyrim is under my protection, and I will protect it. I could kill you now and take the scroll from your corpse and I bet that would bring whatever those vampires were planning to a halt. The rest we could figure out in time."
"You said 'we'," Serana replied, "Who do you work for?"
"I work for no one," The Dragonborn said firmly, "I've aligned myself with an Order dedicated to stopping the vampire threat. Were it up to them, you would've been dead the moment they saw you, fortunately for you I bear no hatred for what you are, but the vampire threat must be stopped. So, I ask once again, why do you have an Elder Scroll?"
Now Serana was at a loss, here she was on her knees with a blade to her throat, wielded by a warrior asking questions that she herself did not have the answers to. She needed to get home, perhaps she could bargain with him.
"Look, I'm not exactly sure myself to tell you the truth," Serana admitted, "But what I can tell you, is that my family used to live in a castle northwest of a village called Solitude, if you take me there then perhaps, I can help you."
"I'm afraid that's not an option," the Dragonborn stated plainly, "I'm not about to walk into a castle full of blood thirsty vampires without more information, I'm taking you to my allies' leader, then we will decide on what to do next."
"The leader of vampire hunters?" she scoffed, "Forgive me for not wanting to go along with that plan."
"You don't have a choice, you're coming with me one way or another, but if you cooperate I promise that no harm will come to you."
Serana was growing frustrated, she's heard enough empty promises in her lifetime to know this man could guarantee no such thing, she was certain if she went with him they would imprison her, torture every last secret out of her, then when they were done, dispose of her…or worse. She wasn't about to let that happen. Although she was weakened, she mustered the speed of a pureblood vampire, she leapt to her feet swatting his sword aside ignoring the jolt of pain the enchantment sent through her arm, sending it clear across the cavern floor. Before he could regain his balance, she grabbed his shoulders and pinned him harshly against one of the pillars surrounding her tomb with enough force to send shards of stone flying. With a deceiving amount of strength, she tore the helm from his head and tossed it to the side. As the warrior tried to stand, she quickly drew her dagger and placed it against his throat.
With his helm removed, she could clearly see his features, even in the dark as his orb of light faded minutes before. His features were clearly Nordic, his jawline was sharp even beneath his short beard, and his hair was dark brown nearly black, long and tied back with traditional braids. Though it was his eyes that caught her attention, despite what she had just done, his amber eyes remained hard and steady as he glared up at her. Unwavering and cold, it unnerved her.
Gathering her resolve, she continued, "How about I offer my own suggestion," digging her blade just a bit deeper to draw blood, its scent nearly pushing her off the edge. "You take me where I want to go, and I don't drain the blood from your body here and now." She hissed.
"You've just made a mistake, let me free before you make another." He said coldly. Despite her position something about his voice made the hair on the back of her neck stand straight, nevertheless she continued.
"You're not in a position to make threats-"
"Fus!" A sharp intake of breath was all Serana heard before a blast of something hit her square in the chest, forcing her to fall on her back and slide back a few feet. Before she could recover the warrior grabbed both of her hands forcing her to drop her weapon. He lifted her up and spun her around so her back was against his chest. Serana tried to struggle but the warrior's grip was like a vice.
She prepared for the worst but instead she heard him sigh.
"Look, I understand, you're scared and alone. You know nothing of me other than I've killed your kind. If I were you, I would not trust me either. But you're going to have to, I cannot take you to your family, not yet. There's simply too much at stake and not enough information. But I give you my word that if you come with me, you will not be harmed."
"How can you promise me that?" Serana replied angrily.
"They'll listen to me," The warrior stated simply. "However… if you try and pull a stunt like that again on me or one of my allies, I won't give you another chance, understood?"
Serana complied with a reluctant nod. The Dragonborn released his grip on her wrists, allowing her to rub away the lingering tightness. "Now," he continued, sheathing his sword, "it's time we left this place. The way I came in is blocked. Any ideas?"
"No, this place looks far different from the time I was sealed," she said, her frustration and anger still palpable from the situation she had awoken to.
The warrior handed back her dagger. "As a compromise, I'll trust you with this. Don't make me regret it," he cautioned.
She accepted the weapon, tucking it securely into her waistbelt, and shot him a pointed glare. "By the way, do you have a name, or should I call you something unflattering?" she inquired.
"Raenar " he replied simply, his gaze scanning their surroundings for an escape. "This bridge looks promising. Follow me," he commanded, donning his helm once more.
Serana rolled her eyes and begrudgingly complied.
As Serana trailed behind her captor through the winding, twisting darkness of the cave, the familiar light from earlier casting shadows, her thoughts drifted back to the mysterious power Raenar had wielded.
"That thing you did earlier," Serana spoke, breaking the unsteady silence. "That was the Thu'um, wasn't it?"
As a child, she had heard tales of the Thu'um. She had pored over tomes recounting the feats of the First Nord Heroes, masters of the Dragon's tongue, a potent weapon that could conquer nations and obliterate armies. It was a rare gift, one that took decades to master. Yet, Raenar appeared to be in his thirties at most. Just who was this man?
"Stay focused until we find a way out." He spoke ignoring her question.
Serana scoffed in annoyance but continued to follow, nonetheless.
An hour seemingly passed before they finally found themselves standing before a set of ancient heavy doors.
Raenar carefully pushed the doors open and took a step inside with Serana in tow. Raenar lay eyes upon a great chamber, a ritual site resembling a sort of ancient amphitheater. The enormous room was dark with the only source of light being a large fire pit in the center of the chamber. He looked down to see a number of undead that seemed to be kneeling toward something, he shifted his eyes to the stage to where the undead were facing. There was a throne and on it sat a unique draugr. It was much larger than the other undead and wore a set of ancient heavy armor, he knew what it was, adventurers called them Draugr Death Overlords, a type of draugr that have been granted authority and power over other undead, even the most cautious and capable of adventurers have met their gruesome end to these monsters.
He furrowed his brow, these are dangerous creatures, capable of casting spells and even able to use the Voice to a degree. "Stay close." He told Serana, he didn't expect her to help him.
Serana did as she was told and followed Raenar closely. Raenar reached behind his cloak and drew a crossbow. He would have to thin the numbers of the undead before he faced the Overlord. He took aim and fired a bolt into the draugr closest to them. The bolt penetrated the draugr's skull spewing black viscous brain matter onto the stone steps.
Raenar quickly loaded a second bolt as he moved closer to the group of undead with the agility and dexterity of a seasoned warrior. He fired a second bolt into another draugr and then a third. The Draugr overlord took notice of Raenar's actions and began to stir. It took hold of its battle-axe as it dislodged itself out of its throne. Raenar sheathed his crossbow and leapt down the stone stairs. He quickly drew his sword and sliced through the remaining draugr as they swung helplessly at Raenar. By this time the Overlord began to approach him and Serana with his battle-axe raised in fury.
"Qiilaan Us Dilon, Dovahkiin!" The draugr growled as it swung its ebony weapon with the intent to cleave Raenar in half.
"Fall back!" he commanded Serana as he quickly dodged the Overlords devastating strike. Serana obeyed his command darting back out of the way as the Overlord's axe shattered the stone in a billowing explosion of dust and rubble.
"Dir Volaan!" The Draugr's enraged bellow reverberated, echoing off the chamber's walls as it brought its axe up once more. Raenar was already closing in, executing a swift downward swing, but the Draugr intercepted with the handle of its Ebony Axe. With a mighty shove, the Draugr forced Raenar back.
Raenar recuperated in an instant, poised to strike again. But the words that spilled from the Draugr's lips made him brace for what was to come.
"Fo Krah Diin" The Overlord's voice thundered, a blizzard erupted from the draugr's mouth, shrouding the air in a biting mist. Frost and ice clung to the stone steps, hurtling toward Raenar like an unleashed tempest.
"Yol Toor!" Raenar shouted. A raging bolt of fire struck forth towards the formidable Draugr with the force of a ballista. The inferno cleaved straight through the undead's frost breath like a boulder in a raging river. The Draugr raised its axe in a desperate attempt to shield itself, but the sheer impact of the flame brought the draugr to its knees. As the fire dissipated the acrid scent of seared flesh hung in the air. Beneath his helm, Raenar took a breath, satisfied with the outcome of the battle.
"You're unworthy of wielding the Voice." Raenar declared. With a swift motion, he intoned, "Kren Sosaal." His blade swept through the air, cleanly severing the Draugr's head, extinguishing its once-piercing icy gaze, leaving it now dull and lifeless.
Raenar sheathed his sword as he motioned for Serana to follow him. "Let's go." he stated, his tone decisive, as he made his way toward the other side of the amphitheater.
Serana stood in stunned silence. She had never witnessed such a ferocious display of power. It was then that she grasped the stark reality: if she were to challenge him, it would mean her death. Quietly, she lamented her newfound understanding, trailing after her captor in resigned acceptance.
"I can feel the wind, this must be the way out." Raenar said to her as they approached a set of doors at the back of the large chamber. As he drew closer, a tingling sensation danced across his skin. "Must be sealed with magic," he thought aloud. From one of the packs secured to the belt crossing his chest, he retrieved a tightly sealed scroll.
"What's that?" Serana inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Raenar glanced at her, "It's a scroll imbued with illusion magic, it can dispel weaker magic barriers, useful when exploring crypts." He replied. With a deft motion, he activated the scroll, and they both watched as the seal dissipated before their eyes, akin to pouring hot water on ice allowing him to push the heavy doors open to be greeted by a gust of frosty air.
Ahh," Serana exhaled, stretching her limbs with relief. "Finally, some fresh air. I'm grateful we managed to escape that tomb, even in this cold," she remarked to Raenar, hoping to foster some semblance of camaraderie with the mysterious man.
He didn't look at her as he was busy searching in his knapsack he kept on his lower back hidden beneath his cloak. "Here, put this on. It'll protect you from the elements." He said as he handed her a spare cloak. "My horse is down the mountain, let's go."
Serana accepted the cloak graciously. As a pure vampire, she didn't suffer from the sun's rays as much as those lesser breeds who make their homes in the dark corners of the world, but she did get a sunburn after prolonged exposure. She quietly wrapped herself in the fur skin allowing it to envelop her in warmth.
She and Raenar traversed their way down the rocky terrain, heading toward the spot where he had tethered his horse to one of the many trees encircling them. The sun had begun to set casting the sky in a brilliant wash of orange and pink. As Raenar tended to his horse, Serana absorbed the sights around her, the reality of her situation slowly dawning on her. She had no way of knowing how much time had elapsed since she bid her mother farewell. How many decades, perhaps even centuries, had slipped away while she was sealed? She replayed her mother's soothing words in her mind, reminding herself that sealing her away was the only way to thwart her father's deranged plan.
"Everything's set, we must leave now if we are to make it before morning" Raenar's words broke her out of her thoughts, "Where are we going?" Serana asked softly.
"A safe place, The Hall of the Vigilant."