Chapter 3: Castle Volkihar

For the fourth time that day, Yazir found himself praying to Stendarr asking why he had stayed his hand. Serana–the name the vampire had reluctantly given him, had told him nothing of the elder scroll she carried, or of her own origins. She was very off putting, and antagonistic in Yazir' opinion, although he had seen firsthand that she was a capable fighter when they made their way out of Dimhollow. Now, she had him escorting her halfway across the province past Solitude to get her home. Yet despite his reluctant participation, he still felt Stendarr guiding his actions. So he obeyed.

The sunlight had burned her skin when they left the crypt, so she traveled now with her head covered by a dark hood, not unlike Yazir'. At some point, the sun had proved to be too much and so finally, she had–with great effort–convinced him to stop for rest at an abandoned shack not far from the town of Morthal. He had refused to take her into the town where he might be spotted in the company of such a vile creature.

He started a fire in the decrepit fireplace in the shack, and sat with his back to the wall next to it. His crossbow laid across his lap. To her credit, Serana sat on the other end of the shack facing him from the opposite side of the fireplace. Yazir was tired, both physically and mentally, but he refused to allow himself to fall asleep lest the vampire flee with the scroll or move against him. The pair sat this way for what felt like an hour before Serana broke the silence. "Vampires need no rest, but you should get some while you can." she said.

Yazir glared at her from across the shack. "I'm fine," he growled. Serana met his eyes without fear. "There's no need for you to be stubborn," she said. "I swear on the elder scroll, that I won't harm you while you rest. We're on the same side whether you believe it or not." The shack fell silent again for a time before, "You still haven't told me your name."

"My name is not your concern," the Vigilant said shortly.

"Then why were you in Dimhollow? It's clear you were not expecting to find me." Yazir' eyes were like daggers boring into the vampire's. "Don't act like you don't know bloodsucker," he snarled. "Your people massacred my order, including my brother, and burned my home to the ground."

"My people?" The vampire's eyes widened in surprise. "What makes you think it was my–"

"The vampires that attacked the Hall of the Vigilant were a powerful new clan that I have never seen before. They used those death hounds and gargoyles just like the ones back in Dimhollow. The ones that were guarding–you."

He saw something change in the vampire's eyes then. It almost looked like–sympathy? No. She couldn't fool him. He knew that somehow she was involved in the destruction of the Hall. "I know you won't believe me," she said. "But I swear to you, I had nothing to do with the attack on your home. I am sorry for your loss, I know what it's like to lose a close family member." Yazir said nothing. The vampire sounded sincere enough, but he knew that her kind were easily able to charm their victims before striking. Still–he wondered why Stendarr seemed to have tasked him with escorting this monster to her home. He had to believe that this was a part of some greater plan.

"Who did you lose?" The question surprised him even as the words were still leaving his mouth. Even more surprising, the vampire answered. "My mother," her voice dripped with sadness and loss, and Yazir knew at last that she spoke the truth. "My name is Yazir." He saw the vampire smile from across the fire. Her fangs gleamed in the firelight, and Yazir twitched unconsciously at the sight of them., but Serana paid the movement no mind. "Tell me of this land, Yazir," she said. "I have been away for a long time and would like to know what I have missed."

Yazir shrugged, and told her of the Civil War, but it soon became clear that Serana had been gone for much longer than either of them had realized. She knew nothing of the Cyrodilic Empire. Yazir spent the next hour telling her of the Oblivion Crisis, and the subsequent founding of the Vigilants of Stendarr. His story culminated in the recent reappearance of the dragons. "No wonder you're so hostile," she exclaimed. "Sounds like your order could have been used much sooner. Have you killed many daedric servants? Or other dark creatures?"

The redguard eyed her suspiciously. "I have been with the Vigilants for a decade. So yes, I have faced creatures ranging from a common vampire to an unbound dremora. None escape the Vigil." Serana smiled at that last part. "I'm sure the people of Skyrim sleep easier at night knowing your order watches over them. But tell me, why join such a serious guild at such a young age?"

Yazir shook his head. "My personal life is off-limits until you can prove beyond a doubt that I can trust you." He gestured towards the elder scroll. "Tell me something useful, or I'm done talking until sunset." Serana's smile faded. "Then I'm afraid we're at an impasse dear Yazir. It's not time for me to share information on this elder scroll just yet. But–" she hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I will tell you that the clan you're looking for is the one you'll find when we get to my home."

The Vigilant's eyes narrowed. "Meaning–"

"That though I had no part in what happened to your order, the clan you're looking for is the Volkihar clan. The one responsible for the deaths of your comrades, and your brother is most likely my father."

*

"--and who is this mortal that you have brought to my hall?"

"Father, this is my savior–"

Yazir stole a quick glance around the court of Castle Volkihar. Vampires sat at large tables feasting on humans that lay there like large platters of food for their enjoyment. Death hounds paced the area, eyeing Yazir as if he were their next course. Now this--Lord Harkon, was speaking to him, showing him his "vampire lord" form and offering him his own blood and a place among his ranks as a reward for returning his daughter to him. Yazir refused the offer, and instantly felt the tension in the room grow. "Then you shall be prey!" Lord Harkon continued. "I banish you!" There was a flash of bright purple light, and Yazir found himself outside in the cold winter snow near the jetty.

As much as it pained the redguard to admit, Serana had been right. There were far too many enemies in the castle for him to take on by himself. He needed allies, and he knew there was only one place he might be able to find them.