Chapter 4: Fort Dawnguard

"I was lucky to make it out alive Isran!"

After bringing the new Dawnguard commander up to speed on the events of the past few nights, Isran had chastised him for his decision to return Serana to her home, and leave without the Elder Scroll.

"We need to do something!"

"I know that!" Isran bellowed. "I'm old, not stupid! Bring me Sorine Jurard and Gunmar the Troll Trainer. We'll need their help to face this new clan. I'll send someone out to the Hall to give your people a proper burial."

Yazir grit his teeth and nodded. He could see now why Keeper Carcette had always been at odds with the Dawnguard commander. Without another word, he turned and strode towards the door and was gone.

*

"Here's the exploding bolt schematic you asked for." Yazir placed the schematics on Sorine's workbench. The Breton woman beamed up at him. "Wow, back already??" She exclaimed. "I don't know how you find the time to get these schematics for me when you Isran and Florentius keep sending you on missions. You Vigilants must be made of stern stuff!"

Yazir shrugged. "There were only a handful of bandits at Robber's Gorge," he said. "Besides, I'll do whatever it takes for us to avenge my fallen comrades." Sorine nodded somberly. "Well these schematics should help with that. When I'm done with this, these bolts will explode on impact, setting whatever they hit on fire!" The Redguard tilted his head to the side slightly. "Seems like it would be great in an actual battle, but for stealth it probably wouldn't be the best choice. Still, it would be great to have some on hand for those occasions." He had added that last statement to soften his initial skepticism. He knew the Breton had grown quite fond of him during their brief time together. As a matter of fact, he himself had considered asking her to join him on a trip to see Stendarr's Beacon when both of their work was done.

Sorine's face lit up again. "I wish I could join you in the field when you use these bolts for the first time. Sadly, Isran needs me here building weapons to keep you real warriors safe from the bloodsuckers." Yazir pursed his lips. "You're just as important here if not more so Sorine," he said. "Believe me when I say that without these upgraded weapons, taking Castle Volkihar would be damn near impossible. Even with the whole guard and Gunmar's armored trolls."

Sorine's eyes widened. "Were there really that many?" She asked. Yazir nodded, "That castle is filled with vampires, stone gargoyles and death hounds. I've faced a few death hounds, and let me tell you, they're fast. I've seen their bites leave a man frost bitten. I've yet to face one of their gargoyles, but I'm not sure I'd want to without your new bolts."

The Breton's face was contorted in a mixture of fear and awe. "Wow, I wouldn't want that either! I'll get to work on it straight away. I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt out there. You always brighten my day! I'll have them ready after your next mission, maybe when you get back I can show you how to use them?" Yazir returned her smile. "I can't think of anything that would make me happier, Sorine."

Before the Redguard would steer the conversation in a more desirable direction, he heard footsteps, and turned to see Durak approaching. "Isran wants to see you up in the tower," the orc rumbled. Yazir nodded grimly, "Good. I've been wanting to speak to him too." He excused himself from Sorine's company, and walked towards the circular staircase. He had been disappointed at Isran's lack of action as of late. Sure the Dawnguard's ranks were swelling every day, and with Sorine's help their armory had more than doubled. But Yazir was upset that there was still no plan for dealing with the Volkihar clan. Isran and his lieutenants had sent him all over Skyrim killing vampires, and their servants, but none had been from the Volkihar clan. His patience was beginning to wear thin.

Isran was waiting for him at the top of the staircase looking angrier than usual. "Is there a problem?" Yazir asked bluntly. Isran continued to glare, "Let's have a chat about why a vampire showed up here looking for you." The Dawnguard commander turned without another word, and strode towards one of the tower's chambers with a bewildered Yazir trailing close behind.

*

"Well? Tell me why I should let it live."

"Look, I don't like it either Isran, but you heard what she said. Try to see the bigger picture here."

Yazir had been just as surprised as Isran to see that the vampire he had freed from Dimhollow–Serana–had paid the Dawnguard an unannounced visit. Even more surprising, she claimed to be there to help the vampire hunters and finally shared the secret of her elder scroll. She wove a tale of prophecy and betrayal. One that involved her father seeking a way to blot out the sun, thus leaving vampires free to conquer the realm. In order to figure out how to stop him, they needed to find a moth priest to interpret Serana's scroll, as well as another that had yet to be found.

"Fine, but if it hurts anyone here, I will hold you personally responsible." He looked at Serana. "Don't get too comfortable. You're not a guest, just an asset." With that, the commander stalked away. Serana turned her glowing eyes toward Yazir. "I got a warmer welcome from my father, and that's saying something." She muttered. "We should probably start at the College of Winterhold. They should know whether or not there are any moth priests in Skyrim."

Yazir raised an eyebrow. He'd only heard one word. "We?" He asked. Serana sighed, "Yes we. I've been really wanting to get out and explore a bit. This may come as a surprise to you, but you're the only human I think I can trust." It did come as a surprise to Yazir, but he said nothing to acknowledge it. He also knew that Isran would not allow him to leave the vampire in the fort alone. Not when he had just vouched for her. "Fine," he said. "We leave within the hour."