Chapter 12: Castle Volkihar

Kodlak woke early, his fate destined for Jorrvaskr. The time to begin in finding the remaining shards of Wuuthrad was here. He wasn't completely confident in his research, but strayed from the doubt. His drive to save Vilkas from the Hunting Grounds was the focal point. As he ambled down the steps, he shuddered at the thought to soon be met with his Companions— Farkas, Aela and Mimzi. He would inform them of his plans and knew without a shadow of a doubt they'd agree to join him. He did not want to greet their grief with his own. As Harbinger, it was his part to provide counsel and solace to the members through any toil. But this, he had no comforting words to spare. His own heart withered at the loss of Vilkas. He had no comforting words he could bring for himself, much less others. All he could do to numb the pain, was begin his quest in haste. He made his way down to the barracks and Isran and Gunmar stood to the entrance. As soon as Isran noticed him approaching he greeted lowly.

"Kodlak… I figured you and your rabble left by now."

"Of course not. My shield-siblings still need to be consulted with. I will speak to them now. Please make way."

Gunmar raised a brow and muttered, "They aren't in there…"

Kodlak pushed passed the two men and into the barracks. He paced his eyes along the cots and Dawnguard warriors. The faces of Farkas, Aela, and Mimzi were not among them. Their cots were empty, and their belongings all departed with.

Kodlak demanded irately to Isran, "Where are they?!"

"I haven't a clue where they went. Seems that Serana left, as well. We had hoped to secure the scroll here before you all took off, but she's nowhere to be found. The south tower is empty. My guess is she followed Mimzi, and Mimzi followed the others."

Kodlak refuted the thought but knew in his heart where his young warriors fled. He knew their hearts and minds undoubtedly broiled with Vilkas's passing.

"They've gone to that castle… I just know it."

Agmaer barged into the fort from his night watch, "Isran! Isran, we've got a problem!"

Isran, Gunmar and Kodlak startled to Agmaer. Isran yawped, "What is it now?!"

"There… there's a vampire outside the fort! Durak is with it now. It came alone, but it wants to speak to you… and the Harbinger of the Companions…"

Upon hearing it, they all drew their weapons. Isran growled, "Why in Stendarr's horn did you idiots not kill it? After the destruction they brought to us, you humoured the damn thing?!"

"It insists you speak to it. Both of you. Says it has an offer from Castle Volkihar. No army this time, it's all by itself and Durak has it down."

Isran returned a worried glare to Kodlak. The two men strode outside with Gunmar in tow. They marched out to the destruction of the outside now frosted from the morning air. Kodlak and Isran beheld Durak keeping his warhammer down against the monster's back, with his boot pressed down on its head.

The vampire was a redguard man in ancient robes, he sneered his fangs at the men approaching. He was bloodied and beaten by the wallops of Durak's hammer. The sun lightly singed the skin to his face. Durak barked down to it, "Stay down! Or I'll squash your head like a gourd!"

Isran spat on his face, making the creature hiss. It squalled, "Just as I expected! Filth!"

"Watch that blood-stained mouth of yours, before I rip your tongue out."

The vampire laughed in response, "You do that, you'll never know of the offer I bring from Lord Harkon himself."

"I know what you want, you want the vampire girl. We've shown the strength of our forces, so your threats fall meaningless. Only hasten your death."

The vampire choked, "… Yes, well. My Lord wishes to engage in a trade. We have something to offer you, only if you're willing to offer Serana."

Isran cackled, "And what's that? Gold? Ancient artifacts? Please. Unless it's Harkon's bloodied head on a silver plate, we aren't interested. Now hold still as my comrade churns your brains into the soil. Durak, now."

As Durak began to lift his hammer, the vampire gawked at Kodlak, "It's not for this fort, it's for you! It's for the Companions! Please!!" Kodlak immediately charged to the front of the hammer.

"Kodlak, get away from there!"

"Wait!" Kodlak barked, and looked down to the vampire, "What do you mean 'for the Companions'?"

"The night of the siege," the vampire said huskily, "We stole something from your hall. Something you brought to this fort… something not human, but seeming to be. Much like you, Harbinger."

Isran warned, "Do not humour this fiend and it's tricks, Kodlak."

Durak asked, "What does he mean 'not human'?"

Kodlak quivered and he continued to berate the vampire, "What are you talking about, you devil? Speak clearly now, or my query ends with your pitiful life following suit."

The vampire made a sinister grin, "You give us the girl, and we give you the boy. Serana… for Vilkas."

Kodlak's hateful glare sullied. He gasped and stumbled back from the vampire. A tremendous pull in his chest nearly brought him to his knees. Tears swelled in his eyes. The vampire smugly observed, "Thought that might intrigue you…"

Kodlak breathed heavily, unable to fathom the information. He needed it to be true. They had never discovered a body of Vilkas; just the cuirass, and he seemed to disappear in moments within the stench of battle.

Isran snarled, "Lies. You wretched beings. Pulling on the hearts of noble warriors for your favour. Your kind will never cease in being truly abhorrent."

Gunmar balked, "Vilkas is… alive?"

Isran snapped, "Of course he's not! These vampires feed on our weaknesses. For all we know, this was the monster that killed him. Now he uses it as a thread to wind for their own means."

Kodlak's voice turned light as spring rain, "Where is he… where… where is Vilkas?! Tell me now!"

Isran exasperated, "Kodlak…"

"No!" Kodlak shouted, "He speaks my boy is alive. You think I will ignore this? You think my grief could believe different?! Even if I tried not to, I could not. I will not! Monster, you tell me where he is… Now!"

"You hand over Serana and the Elder Scroll, and you will know…" The vampire said, "Bring her to Castle Volkihar. Vilkas's location will be revealed when our reprisal is returned."

Kodlak despaired the thought of Serana's disappearance. He would hand her over himself, even against the throwing silver hammers and swords of Dawnguard; he'd risk his own life and everything he believed if it meant Vilkas's safe return.

"Where is the evidence? How am I supposed to believe he's alive and this isn't a trick?"

The vampire informed, "You can't know for certain, but we stunned him with a lightning spell. During the battle, he fought ferociously. Even as his body numbed from the shocks of lightning he still struggled; where most would fall to paralysis. We left his armour in hopes you lot would figure he died. He was to be a pawn for Lord Harkon from Redwater vampires who wished to be allowed into the court. He was meant to be used as an asset for information, but he's pretty resilient to interrogation. This is a limited offer. If you wish to have your boy back in one piece, you will make way to Castle Volkihar soon with Serana and the scroll intact."

Kodlak pressed his lips as he remained in pensive thought, wrangling with his doubt. Isran looked to Durak and nodded, "Very well."

Durak hurled his hammer over the vampire's skull before it had a chance to plea. Its head cracked and brains spread against the grass— spoiled in blood. Kodlak flinched at the abrupt slaying before him and berated Isran, "There was far more it could have told us!"

"You want to humour this folly that's up to you… I've been dealing with vampires a long time. Your heart is in this, and I warned you that it is a weakness. They offered not a shred of proof that Vilkas is alive. They are taking advantage of your grief."

"But what if they are not?" Kodlak rejoined hopefully, "The others, my Companions, they are undoubtedly on their way to that castle now. If they reach that castle in their blinded rage, and Vilkas is still kept prisoner, what stops the vampires from killing him as consequence if they are discovered? Should we let them face this alone, while you all cower in the towers of your fort?!"

Gunmar interjected in a light tone, "Isran… if what Kodlak says is true, they will have Serana and that scroll either way. We shouldn't dwell here in doubts. We can all agree that Harkon cannot get his hands on Serana or the Elder Scroll."

Durak spoke up, "I agree. We should make our way to Castle Volkihar in haste. They laid siege on our fort, it's about time we return the favour."

"Enough!" Isran snapped, "We barely survived that siege; our men are left in few numbers. Now you want to darken the entrance of that castle? All of you?!"

Kodlak, Gunmar and Durak all stoically agreed in unison, "Yes."

Isran began to seethe as he contemplated the idea of trekking to the castle and wreaking havoc on their numbers. He relented, "Even I have to admit… ever since the battle I've been dreaming of laying waste to everything inside that castle, and lopping off Harkon's head myself. You're certain Aela, Farkas and Mimzi went to Castle Volkihar?"

Kodlak replied, "It's exactly what I'd do. We Companions… we are as honourable as we are vengeful. Their hearts are stricken in grief. It would explain why they left in the night."

"Aye, and wherever Mimzi went, I'm sure that vampire followed her. Gunmar, how is Kresnik's mending?"

Gunmar replied eagerly, "He's doing well, in fact he's restless. Troll's heal fast and grow hunger faster. He's ready, Isran."

"Very good, can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree. We should make our journey to Castle Volkihar at once. I'll let the remaining Dawnguard know, and we will begin to prepare," Isran looked to Kodlak and stated, "This is it. Time for us to take the fight to the damn vampires once and for all. Let's stay in prayer that we don't arrive too late. Durak, assemble the Dawnguard for the journey, Gunmar, get Kresnik and some loyal hounds ready. I'll speak to Sorine on the matter of upgraded weaponry."

Durak and Gunmar declared in unison, "Right away!"

As the two marched back to the fort, Kodlak said, "I will join you in this fight. Just as Ysgramor conquered the elves, we fall only to resolve to deep rage, our clamouring vengeance will be their undoing!"

Serana led them through the volcanic tundra of Eastmarch, the day was at height. She winced in pain under the hot sun. Sweat dripped down her face. The three physically unbothered mortals she journeyed with walked a few yards behind her.

"We can trust her to lead us to the castle?" Aela asked to Mimzi as they stepped over geyser cracks in the dry dirt.

Mimzi replied, "I've been to this castle before. I trust her, you should try to trust her, too."

"I've been trying, believe it or not. She's not exactly like other vampires… it's strange. Almost too strange to trust. She's unbothered we are about to kill her father," admitted Aela while keeping her eyes on the staggering vampire before them, "Is she okay? Looks like she's going to fall over any minute."

Mimzi fastened her pace up to Serana, "I'll go check." As she walked up to Serana, she could hear her struggled breath.

"Hey…" Mimzi called, "What's up with you?"

Serana breathed, "Nothing… don't worry," her voice hoarse.

"It doesn't look like nothing. It's not even that hot outside, if anything it's cold. Why are you sweating?"

Serana panted in heavy breath, "The… the sun. I… I'm usually not walking around in weather like this. It's so bright…"

"Do we need to stop for a bit?"

"No. Anything but that… you see those line of trees there? Can we… maybe… walk under them?"

Mimzi shrugged, "I don't see why not. As long as we make it to Castle Volkihar. If you want, I can lead. I can get us there and you can take over once we get to the boat. Sound good?"

"Yeah… thanks," Serana dimmed a smile through an exhausted glower. The four led down to the side of the pine trees and walked along the shadows. Serana sighed in relief, "So much better, I'm dreading Whiterun's plains but… thank you. This helps."

Mimzi pressed her lips together as she walked side to side with Serana, she hesitated at first, but needed to confirm something, "So… before we get there, I feel like I should make this clear. We're not going in there to 'talk', right?"

"Uhh…" Serana murmured, "No…"

Mimzi asked again, "So you get why we are going there? What we are going to do?"

"Of course, what are you doing?"

"I just— I don't know. I'm having a hard time comprehending you're so okay with killing your own father…"

"I'm not 'okay' with it. I'll never be okay with it. Maybe there is still a part of me that loves him, but there's never been a part of him that loved me. I'm just this… ingredient for a prophecy. He's never been a father to me. He's evil. You all shown me that."

Mimzi grumbled, "So you love him but you're okay with killing him? I don't get it."

"You don't need to," Serana stopped and faced Mimzi, "He's my father, my family. How I choose to proceed is my choice. He wants to kill me for some prophecy and call it a 'means to an end', then why can't I do the same and call it the same to him? It's greater good here. My feelings don't really matter. If I said I wanted to keep him alive, would you let him?"

Mimzi scoffed, "No."

"There you go. It doesn't matter how I feel, you make that perfectly clear. I'm ready to kill him, that's all you need to know."

Aela and Farkas walked in silent tension. She debated on whether not to provide comfort or keep the silence out of respect.

Farkas finally spoke, "Kodlak is probably racked in worry right about now…"

Aela subtly startled at Farkas's voice. She replied coolly, "The old man will understand our need for vengeance. I'm sure if he were a few decades younger, he'd be more than obliged to join us. Our hearts are harboured in rage, yours most of all. Farkas… you know that I am here for you."

"I don't want to talk about it, Aela. I'm pissed off. I want to gut every vampire that walks the face of the earth. That's all I gotta say."

"I understand your rage," remarked Aela, "Your mind is fogged. Running into battle with just scorn, it could be the death of you."

"Don't care."

She solaced, "Farkas…"

He barked aloud, startling the birds in the tree tops, "You don't understand anything," he stopped abruptly, "He was my twin. The first face I've known and the only family I needed. You don't know what that feels like. It's like tearing off a piece of yourself. He's gone and I don't even know why I'm here anymore. I don't care if I die in there, so stop trying to make me think I do."

He carried on towards Mimzi and Serana, where Aela stayed behind. Her worry for Farkas was shared with her grief for Vilkas. She couldn't imagine losing both of them, yet Farkas was eager to throw his own life to the vampires. She kept a keen eye, understanding his recklessness was his cry for help.

She called to him, "I'm not losing another shield-brother, Farkas," he ignored her and kept stomping ahead.

In the depths of Castle Volkihar, Vilkas strayed in and out of consciousness. He couldn't feel his hands from the restriction of the shackles. He hung his head for hours on end, as he'd wake his spirit would crush more and more. Weeks with sparse water and food, and not a friendly face to be seen. His body and spirit were withering. Reality and dreams were spilling into each other.

He looked up from the stone ground of the dungeon and saw Farkas sitting across from him at Jorrvaskr's dining table. The moment was vivid. He was free from the shackles, and in fresh clothes with an open book in his lap. Farkas drank contently from a bottle of mead as he eased into his chair. This wasn't a memory; it was a manifestation. A hallucination. Vilkas struggled to comprehend it.

He muttered, "Farkas?"

Farkas looked to him after a swig and beamed a grin, "How you doin, brother?"

Vilkas was conflicted in overwhelming relief but also despair, knowing he was finally cracking up.

"This... this isn't real."

"No…" Farkas went forlorn, "It isn't. Even if it's not real, doesn't mean you can't seek comfort in it. Just pretend it's real."

"Farkas…" Vilkas uttered, "The pain… it's excruciating. I don't know how much longer I can take this… I fear I'll die in here. They want Serana but… I stay hopeful you all will come for me, but I'm losing faith. I know you all wouldn't surrender her for me. I shudder if you did. They can't surrender her. So… reasonably… I'm going to die in here."

Farkas nonchalantly plopped his bottle down and said, "That's the pain talkin'. Why are you giving up now? When you have the power to change it?"

Vilkas sighed and bowed his head, "No. I won't turn. I won't spend my last breaths as a monster. The vampire was right, if I turn, I won't turn back. Hircine will grip me till my consciousness is gone, and all that remains is a feral, mindless beast."

"You take stock from a bloodsucker now? Oh, brother. You really are going nuts…" Farkas made a warm smile, "You think Hircine's grip prevails at transformation? There is always the fight, Vilkas. Even in wolf form. Just because Aela and Skjor aren't here to guide you, doesn't mean you won't be able to control it. You just have to give in first. Stop being scared of it."

"I won't control it. He will take me."

"So…" Farkas interrupted, "You're just going to give up and die? You want to die, you're okay with that? What about us? You won't ever laugh with me again or share my company. You think I don't need a brother? You're that selfish?"

"Farkas… no. I would do anything to see you again," shuddered Vilkas, "I can't leave this world with you thinking I abandoned you."

"But you will if you don't turn…" Farkas continued, "What about Aela and Skjor, you're okay with losing them, are you? You're fine with the pain your death will cause them? What of Kodlak? You were a son to him. He doted on you, taught you everything you know. You think he'll fair well at the knowledge of your passing?"

Vilkas wiped away his tears and sighed, "You're definitely not Farkas, you're using my own words against me."

"Because I am you," Farkas stated coolly, "You're arguing with yourself as you suffer on those shackles. You just going to sit there and wait for those vamps to end you? Or are you going to do what you have to so you can see the people you love again? The wolf is only an asset to escape, nothing more. You've quelled Hircine's calling before, so why can't you do it again? You stay here and stay fearful of your blood, you'll die. No chance to live or be cured. No Sovngarde. You'll be dragged to Hircine regardless."

Suddenly a woman screamed, his eyes shot open. He was back in the dungeon and the pain returned quicker than he woke up. The vampires wrestled with a flailing woman. His neck was so stiff and aching he couldn't turn his head to see what was happening, and he didn't want to. He knew they were feeding on her, likely another victim for cattle captured among Skyrim's trails.

One of the vampires knocked the woman unconscious and the rattling metal was heard as they opened the cages. A vampire hissed, "That mutt is stinking up the whole damn dungeon. Can't even enjoy my meal down here anymore."

The other vampire grumbled, "Harkon should be dealing with it soon. He's pretty confident the Companions will lend over Serana. Whether or not he'll actually surrender the dog is up for debate. I mean, why give the enemy another werewolf? Like they need more dogs on their side."

"At this point, I don't care what he does with it. As long as he gets it out of here soon. Starting to consider taking it into my own hands," their footsteps came closer to Vilkas. He was barely conscious but awake enough to peek his eye open at the steel vampiric boots, "Just look at it. It's pretty much dead already. Can't fathom why the Companions would want it back, it's broken. Might as well put it out of it's misery."

Vilkas thought to himself, 'Please do…'

The other vampire scolded, "You'll do no such thing. Harkon is not yet done with it, and you don't want to suffer the pain if he were to find out you killed it."

"I'm not going to kill it…" the vampire grumbled as their voices drifted back up the stairwell out the dungeons, "Just nice to think about it…"

A debilitating pain came from his hands as he tried to twist his wrists out of the shackles. He clenched his teeth then ceased his efforts once again. He closed his eyes and prayed his frayed mind would bring him back to the faces of his loved ones once more.

Evening sunset was over Haafingar Hold, where Mimzi, Serana, Aela and Farkas began to shamble into snowy regions. A week or more of travelling, brief camps to eat and sleep, the anticipation to finally reach the castle was at a climax. They neared the shores to the Sea of Ghosts, and Mimzi could already smell the familiar scent of the coast. Aela and Serana huddled into their cloaks as they stayed to the flank, while Farkas and Mimzi walked ahead.

Mimzi muttered to Farkas in hushed breath, "We are getting close now."

Farkas replied, "It's about time. I've been dying to pierce my sword into something."

They approached Northwatch Keep. It was an abandoned fortress now a Thalmor prison. As their footsteps into the snow crunched louder, two Thalmor guards at the front gates came sauntering up their path.

Mimzi winced in frustration to see the guards beckoning the four of them. Serana and Aela quickened their pace.

Farkas snarled, "Damn witch-elves. Where's Wuuthrad when you need it?"

Mimzi quickly fled behind Farkas muttering, "Damn it."

It had only been five months since her clash with the Thalmor. She wasn't certain if they'd remember her face from the wanted posters. An agent spoke aloud, "Hold there, travellers!"

Their gold, shimmering elven armour glistened off the torch light from the keep.

Farkas grunted to the high elf, "We're Companions and we're on a mission. Stay out of our way."

"Quite the location for that," the agent stated haughtily, "Unless you came all this way to kill a rogue horker, there's truly no other reason for you to be coming this far up the shoreline."

"Our business is our own," Farkas glowered at the elf, "… and we're keeping to it. You don't need to fret about us."

The other Thalmor agent came to the side of his comrade, they both smugly observed the pair. They kept cautious glances to the two women who neared closer from behind.

"Apologies. In this age, one must always be weary of spies. Maybe if you explained your reason for coming so close to this keep, we'd be far more confident in your efforts. We don't mean to offend, but Nords have repeatedly sieged our keep in the past."

"We don't care about you Thalmor. We are on a mission, and we don't have time to convince you. That's it."

The Thalmor agent glanced down to hooded Mimzi (who kept her eyes to the ground.) He studied her for a moment. Farkas continued berating the other agent.

"You all should think twice about offending the Companions. We are highly respected in Skyrim. This isn't Summerset, elf. This is our land, and we can walk wherever we damn well please." Farkas's patience was thinning.

The Thalmor agent who glared down Mimzi muttered in amazement, "Well I'll be… I wasn't certain, but I think I'm right. Is that you, Mimzi?"

Farkas raised a brow and looked down to Mimzi, who looked up with an infuriated glare up at the elf. The Thalmor continued, "By the Divines, it is! Oh, what luck! Here I thought we were wasting our time with a gaggle of knuckle-draggers. Then here you are, the Blade's agent who worked to sully our efforts. You have quite a bounty on your head, my dear. Lady Elenwen will be very pleased, indeed."

"What are you talking about, knife-ears? This is my whelp and she's an honoured Companion," Farkas prepared to grab his greatsword, "Get out of our way!"

"I think not," the Thalmor sneered as he summoned a sword to his hands, "This woman is wanted by the Thalmor for treason. She has butchered ranks of Aldmeri Dominion. You Companions have branded yourselves criminals for the association. You'll all be coming with us, or your blood will paint the snow at our feet. Perhaps you may tell us where Delphine and Esbern skulk in the shadows, Mimzi. It may save your life."

Mimzi pulled out her sword, "I won't tell you squat."

"As you cry in shackles at the mercy of our finest interrogators, you just might."

Farkas drew his greatsword and prepared to swing. Suddenly, Serana came running up to the pair and summoned a spell at the two high elves. Farkas and Mimzi startled, but the high elves immediately lowered their blades. Their eyes dimmed a pink hue and faces slacked.

Serana huffed and said to the two Thalmor, "Let us pass, please."

"Certainly," the Thalmor agent slurred with a slack jaw.

The other agent lowered his blade and smiled in adoration, "We are so sorry, of course, please pass."

Serana gripped Mimzi's arm and pulled her away, where Farkas still baffled at what had just happened. Serana looked back to him, "Let's go! Come on!"

Aela raised her brow as she passed the two seduced agents. Serana kept a fast pace and rushed her peers. When they made it out of sight of Northwatch Keep, Serana finally explained to the three, "Seduction spell. Little vampire trick, but it doesn't last long. Definitely looked like those two were about to give us trouble."

"You thought right," Mimzi sighed in relief, "That was a close one. You should use that spell a lot more."

Farkas exclaimed to Mimzi, "You're wanted by the damn Thalmor?! What did you do?"

"It's a long story. I crashed a party, stole some files, killed some Thalmor agents. None of it was my idea. That's the gist of it."

Farkas looked back to the keep, "Was kind of looking forward to slashing apart those elves."

"Save your strength…" Serana said, "Where we're going, we'll need all the strength we can get. Come on, the boat is up ahead."

The four muddled through the blistering cold that threw off the Sea of Ghosts. Serana approached the jetty first, where Mimzi quickly came up behind her. The four pushed the boat in the sea before boarding. Farkas and Aela were humbled to the silhouette of the colossal castle far into the bay. But as fear endured, their bombarding need for revenge prevailed. Vengeance was the onslaught of Vilkas's passing. The two stared at that castle with disdain and all that inhabited within it. Farkas peddled his oar angrily to reach Castle Volkihar. The boat waded through high waves. When they reached the island, the night sky was blanketed in clouds. Aela put out her torch in the water.

"This way…" Serana whispered, "Around the castle side. I know a way in. We can catch them by surprise."

Mimzi hushed back, "Where is it?"

"It's the undercroft…" Serana explained, "It's been a long time since I've been there, but it's far better than kicking down the front doors. My father won't even know we are there, if we're lucky."

They peddled up to a docking totally abandoned. Boats were sunk into the water with withered masts standing from waters. It was shielded by a cliff edge over top, and adjoining platforms and staircases. They docked their boat by the ledge, and Serana climbed off the jetty first. She tied the jetty to a pillar with rope from under the benches.

Aela observed, "This place is massive… I thought Fort Dawnguard was big."

Serana replied flatly, "Wait till you get inside, it's a maze… I should warn you all, I'm not exactly sure what we will be facing in there. I haven't seen this place in centuries."

Serana led the others through the platform. There was spears of ice dipping off the sides of the cliff edge. Serana summoned a mage light spell that shown their way. Mimzi could see a door up on an inclined staircase. She asked to Serana, "Is that it? The undercroft?"

"That's it. Prepare yourselves. I have a feeling we won't be alone in there."

Dust collected from centuries of abandonment wafted off the hinges, which squealed loudly against the cliffs. It was nearly pitch black inside if not for Serana's mage light. The air was scarce, the walls were layered in cobwebs, and a revolting smell of rotten carcasses filled the musky air.

Mimzi made a disgusted grimace. She muttered sarcastically, "Smells like death… not a bad sign, at all."

"Stay together…" Serana alarmed to the three, "Follow me, closely."

The halls still littered in old tables and withered candles from centuries passed. The floors were shambled and cracked. As they passed through the first hall, they took a right where a brazier was lit.

"Hold up," Serana hushed to the three and readied a destruction spell in her hand, "This shouldn't be lit. Keep your eyes open."

"You think someone is down here?" Aela queried.

"Feral vampires. When my father would banish vampires from the court, most the time they would hide on the island still reaping the resources. I wouldn't be surprised if they made the undercroft their home. Do you two smell anything?"

Farkas replied, "This whole island smells like vampire scum and it's only getting worse. Nothing I can point out."

They progressed down into a chamber, a skeever leapt from the shadows. Serana shrieked in pain when it bit into her defending arm. She flung it off into the pillars. Before it could lunge again, Mimzi stabbed her sword down into its spine. Mimzi shook in disgust.

"Gods! That scared me!" Mimzi wheezed and asked Serana, "You okay?"

She used a healing incantation on her arm and shrugged, "Fine… just a skeever bite. Let's just… keep moving."

They fled down the neighbouring tunnel, passed down a few sets of stairs. Every entry way, window or door was carved in an arch and pointed at the top. It was an ancient, almost-elven and unsettling architecture that the three Nord warriors had never seen. Serana breathed in haunting memories as she crept through her childhood home. Serana opened a set of doors tepidly, which cried a long creak. Inside the chamber the waft of death came much clearer. Mimzi heaved into her arm.

Suddenly wild growling and scraping was heard into the darkness of the chamber. White eyes flocked from the darkness belonging to death hounds.

"Look out!"

Serana shot ice spikes, Farkas charged with his sword. They outran the throw of his heavy weapon and gnashed into his forearm. Aela drew an arrow and shot at one dog, planting into its stifle joint. She shot another arrow into the head. Mimzi ran to Farkas's assistance and dug her sword into the monster's head. Another death hound charged Mimzi to the floor and tried to bite into her neck, but she rammed her iron plated elbow into its mouth, keeping the bite from locking into her skin. Farkas threw the hound back and axed his sword into its head. The last was stopped abruptly by a flurry of Serana's ice spells.

Farkas went to help Mimzi off the ground (visibly in pain from the bite in his arm), "You alright?"

Mimzi snapped back, "Are you?" She stood up by herself, refuting to allow Farkas help her up with his maimed limb.

"Relax… I'm fine," Farkas brushed off.

Blood pooled out his injury, where Mimzi dug around in her knapsack for a healing ailment. She grew more irate at the realization she forgot to bring any.

Serana stepped before her and brought the healing spell to Farkas. He flinched at first to the vampire with her hand out and a mysterious spell coming towards him. She looked up to him and smiled, "No, you relax."

His pain slowly eased, Farkas breathed out deeply from the relief.

"Thanks. That felt good…"

She replied, "Glad to help. All death hounds have a master… they being here… it's not good."

"What exactly is the plan?" Mimzi asked, "I've trusted you so far, and I'm not gathering where this 'secret entrance' could be."

Serana turned to them and explained, "There's a trap door by the thrall dungeons. They use it to dump drained bodies and remains. That's why it stinks down here. We follow the smell; we find the trap door. The thrall dungeons lead into the castle. It leads out to the main feeding hall, where we can pick them off till we reach my father. Aela and Farkas, are you two okay with using your beast blood if it comes down to it?"

Aela replied promptly, "Of course. I'm always eager to feed."

Farkas internalized guilt knowing turning was always against Vilkas's wishes, but in that moment his rage burned far too brightly, "I'll do whatever it takes if it means avenging my brother."

"Good. I hate to ask it of you both, knowing it's not my place to, but… it's definitely an asset."

"You asking me to turn for the greater good isn't an insult, Serana," Aela assured, "it's flattering."

Serana looked down to Mimzi, "And… I think it goes without saying you probably should keep your Shout for my father. We're trying to be as discreet as possible."

Mimzi replied with a deadpan stare, "Yeah, I figured that."

The four kept on down the left side of the chamber to a westbound tunnel. Unbeknownst to them, red eyes were following them. Serana stayed to their flank. She scoured her eyes along the darkness behind them. The red eyes hid behind a pillar. With Mimzi, Aela and Farkas going too far ahead, she left the chamber to keep up.

The red eyes belonged to a vampire that had been scavenging in the abandoned reaches of Castle Volkihar for years. Once a member of the court turned exile. As this feral vampire kept their malevolent gaze to the intruders, it sought an opportunistic end. Instead of leaping out from the shadows to try and famish her hunger, she observed. She made her way out the undercroft, and around the bend of the island to the main gates of Castle Volkihar. The guard out front called aloud at the sight of the bald, ragged Altmer vampire approaching.

"You there! Why do you intrude at this hour?! What is your business? State it now, hastily!"

"I have news for Lord Harkon, most pivotal news. I wish to regain his favour."

"What news is this? If you were banished from our court, then you must never return! Lord Harkon commanded it, and you will abide it!"

"Lord Harkon should know that intruders are currently skulking in the depths of the castle. A mortal, two werewolves and Lady Serana. They seek to exterminate him— all of us," the guard alarmed at this information. He pulled the chain to lift the gates.

"Come, Lord Harkon will want to hear from you."

The feral vampire held her chin high before following the guard into the castle.

Oblivious to what had begun to unfold in the castle, Mimzi, Serana, Farkas and Aela continued down a raised ramp that was above blood-stained stakes. It had three entry ways. Serana stopped in the middle and said, "We should take a left down here… just watch for the spikes. One of my father's weird security measures. Caused by needless paranoia mostly."

Aela crept past the spikes and turned to her side to avoid nicking one. Farkas struggled through the narrow opening due to his large frame, and had to creep by slowly. Mimzi easily passed through and Serana followed, keeping a watchful eye for dangers. The tunnel was narrow and coated in cob webs. Aela and Farkas swatted away the webbing in their path. The smell of decay was getting stronger, churning their stomachs.

They entered a chamber of terrible horror. Aela gasped and Farkas's eyes widened at what awaited them in the chamber. It was brimming in the bloodied bones of many. There were hills of bones; mounds of stench that walloped the four in disgust. Mimzi couldn't fight the vomit that rolled up her throat. She heaved and retched over the ground. She couldn't comprehend the sheer abhorrence of the stench. It offended her in a way no smell had done before. Serana grimaced as Mimzi continued to throw up. She lightly placed her hand to Mimzi's shoulder, "Yeah… I never liked it down here, either."

Suddenly the trap door atop the roof flung open and more shredded remains came thudding down carelessly. The four jolted in surprise, with Mimzi looking up wearily, "I'm guessing that's it?"

"Yes…" Serana moaned, "Call it Castle Volkihar's garbage heap, pretty much. This is where they throw away the remains of their victims. Definitely not the prettiest side to vampires, but… this is the way in."

"How are we going to get up there?" Aela pondered, "I don't know if anyone has noticed but it's a little out of our reach."

Serana looked around the chamber for something to help, until Farkas suggested, "I could boost you. But we need something to help pull ourselves up."

Aela groaned, "Farkas that's not really…"

"It's better than nothing," Serana said, "Hold on…" She scoured along the bones. Ratty clothes and chains still remained on some of the corpses. She began to gather what she could to fasten a lead. Mimzi caught on to what she was doing and started to help. She continued to heave in disgust as she shuffled through the bones and decayed remains. Aela and Farkas joined in.

Just above their heads was the thrall dungeons, still imprisoning the man they worked to avenge. His death surged in their minds, yet his heart continued to struggle. Vilkas's head bowed and eyes shut, trying to blot out the pain. He let his dreams take hold, the delirium his only way of coping. The trap door they worked to open was just across from him. The vampires that had just disposed of remains left the diminishing werewolf earnestly, repulsed by his smell. He hadn't heard them or had an ounce of awareness to what was happening in his reality.

He suddenly jolted awake in a pained yowl as freezing water was poured over him. A vampire held over the bucket and Harkon stayed behind observing. His blood shot eyes pried open as the ice water met his tender wounds. He wearily looked up at the vampires before him and scowled irately.

"Wakey-wakey, mutt. Lord Harkon wants a little chinwag."

"You… you damn bloodsuckers… don't give up… do you?" Vilkas wheezed huskily, "Get bent… bastards."

"Charming as ever," the vampire cackled and asked Harkon, "Should I bring out the torture tools again? He definitely didn't like the silver chains… I bet he'd start squawking in seconds. Just give me the word."

"Leave us, Rargal. I'd like a word alone with him."

Rargal abided his word and sauntered from the thrall dungeons. Vilkas glared to the vampire lord with only disdain.

Harkon sighed and informed coolly, "At this very moment, your friends are skulking in the depths of my castle, trying to enact a plan to attack."

Vilkas's scowl dwindled, "… what?"

"The wolf girl, your brother. My daughter and her little pet. They have made entry into the undercroft and have no intentions on surrendering my daughter or the scroll. They wish to avenge you. If only they knew you still whistled breath just above. I'd wager it would surely cool their burning hearts, wouldn't it? But the question remains… how could we tell them their dear friend is still alive?"

"Farkas… Aela and Mimzi… they are here? Right now? How do you know that?"

"It brings you much relief to know they have come. I can see it in your eyes, and hear the pumps of your heart quicken, your excitement is stirring at this news. Yet you fear that me knowing of them means their inevitable demise. Am I close?"

"Why are you telling me this, you son of a bitch?You're scared they've finally come to destroy you? And you come down here to taunt me because you know they just might."

"Oh, little one. At this moment, I come down here to utilize an asset. You think I allowed your filth to waft my court in stench just as a reprisal, a ransom? Truly a waste of the power you hold… the power you cower from."

Vilkas irked as Harkon's hollow red eyes stared down to him, "So you come down here to ask me in joining sides with you? You want to use my blood as an 'asset'? Ha!" Vilkas spat at Harkon's chest plate again, where the vampire lord aloofly wiped his spit with the sleeve of his cloak, "Ysmir's beard, you're just as stupid as you look."

Harkon made a menacing cackle. The vampire knelt down to him and said, "I came down into this pit of stench, where you rot slowly into nothing, where your fate is prey in Hircine's realm. I come to save you, Vilkas. You may continue to live, even in light of the recent activities of your insolent comrades… you can go to them again."

Vilkas stayed hesitant in doubt. He didn't trust the words coming from Harkon's mouth, but a fleck of hope now was the most he had in days, "You would let me go?"

"Yes… promptly."

"What would you ask of me then? You want me to return Serana and the scroll for you?"

Harkon said darkly, "Your freedom may be granted… when you know the taste of your own brother's heart, and the chewy toughness of the young girl's intestines. I would grant you the relief from Hircine, only to reform to my command… and mine only."

Vilkas shifted into baffled horror. His lips twitched in fury as he fought from his shackles again, ignoring the thrashing pain it dealt him. Harkon began to cackle again and summoned a red spell to his hand.

He tried to fight from his hand and roared, "No, I'd rather die! … NO! NO! NEVER!!"

"Willing or not, you will taste their blood, little one. It's time to give in," Harkon clasped his red incantation to Vilkas's forehead, who screamed to the spell enveloping him.

"Embrace what you really are…"

Farkas, Aela, Serana and Mimzi had just finished fastening the last of their lead, when the bone piles started to rattle along the mounds. The bones reanimated into skeletons.

Serana shuddered, "They are being raised… they… they know we're here."

Mimzi whispered, "Damn it…"

Vilkas was being dragged to transform. He thrashed and roared at his shackles as Harkon inflicted his mind. Behind his eyelids, he could see himself in Kodlak's quarters once again. Farkas and Kodlak desperately pulled him back from a wolf's snare dragging him through the door. Their strength was no match to the beast and released. Then his consciousness went black. His train of thought dissipated. Every ounce of Vilkas was ripped away from him.

Harkon backed away from Vilkas who thrashed wildly at the shackles. Every muscle in his body strained and his roars became more distorted and animalistic. He broke his wrists free from the metal shackles. He collided into the ground and continued to writhe. As Vilkas transformed to a werewolf, Harkon grew a devious grin. The vampires of the court clouded to the entrance of the thrall dungeons in horror at the werewolf before them. Black fur grew from his shifting muscles. The fortitude of Vilkas that gave him the willpower to fight from the beast was gone, and he were now a pawn of Harkon. He made an ambitious snicker up at the beast.

"Smell them out," he demanded to Vilkas, "Find them, secure Serana and destroy the others. Go, now!"

Vilkas howled up to the roof, making the thralls in their cages cry in terror. The vampires at the entrance scattered when Vilkas went sprawling out the dungeons in a sprint. He bolted through the main gates and crawled up over the castle. Vilkas straddled onto the roof and over the peaks and towers. He followed a scent to the left side of the castle. He reached the abandoned docks and crashed down the door to the undercroft.

Fragments of bones were flying across the chamber from the four fending off herds. None of the skeletons wielding weapons but in swarms, overwhelming their defence. Aela tried to get to a higher point of the chamber to use her bow, but she was constantly pulled back by their clutches. Farkas made short work of his undead aggressors, each swipe of his sword sending half a dozen back into the mounds. He watched Aela's back so she could get to an upper level. However, Serana and Mimzi were in the thick of rising corpses. Her ice spike was futile, and she was forced to punching and kicking them off. Mimzi was swift behind a blade, but not keen with brawn. She was losing her fortitude.

"Serana! What do we do?!" Mimzi shrilled.

Serana thrashed them off her cloak, her mind too boggled to respond to Mimzi. She gasped finally, "I... I don't know! Just keep fending them off!"

"They keep coming! What do we do?! This was your plan!"

The skeletons fell easily, but their deaths were pointless against growing numbers. Aela and Farkas were under fire by mage skeletons on the incline of the chamber. Suddenly, a ravaged yowl from an animal was heard deeper into the tunnels. Farkas and Aela exchanged kindred glares of disturbance. It was a howl not heard enough for Serana and Mimzi to register its origin, but for Aela and Farkas, it was a sound they had come to know by heart. The skeletons cowered at the noise.

Aela muttered, "Was that a damn…"

"Werewolf," Farkas lowered his greatsword and gasped, "Why… there's a moon-born down here?!" He bolted through the bones to the others, "Damn it… Mimzi, Serana, RUN!"

The two women fought before the entrance, and as the skeletons scuttled away in fright, Serana shrieked at a black monster hurling at the two from the hallway. Serana shoved Mimzi out of the way. The monster walloped her to the ground. Mimzi went white at the appearance of another werewolf— yet this one wasn't nearly as friendly as her shield-siblings. Its eyes glowed a dull, crimson red; much more matted and feral looking than the forms of Aela and Farkas. Serana screamed and raised her hands, propelling an ice spike into the werewolf's shoulder. It made an enraged roar as it shot back from the hit. Before she could push away, it lunged over Serana again. It parted its maw wide to reveal razor-sharp fangs.

"FUS… RO… DAH!"

Mimzi's Shout blasted the werewolf into the stairs. The stone crumbled against the impact and bones went flying. Aela and Farkas shot down from debris. Serana gasped and struggled to her feet. One tear fell from her eye at nearly being torn apart. Its resolve was great, and it quickly scrambled up through the bones. It dusted off the debris in a shake of its mane and bared fangs to Mimzi. It raised claws to swipe and Mimzi prepared her shield.

Aela drew her bow at the monster. As she took aim, her draw eased as she observed the creature. Her thoughts began to clamour, and hesitated upon a shocking realization. Aela stalled in disbelief, she didn't want to believe it. Something so miraculous shouldn't be trusted. The more she took in, the more her eyes swelled.

"V… Vilkas?"

The werewolf lunged at Mimzi with a swipe of the right claw, where she swooped back and pattered away from it— whilst throwing her sword threateningly. She helplessly panted as it cornered her. Before she could throw her sword again, she was violently pummelled down. Her head walloped to the stone ground, the impact blew the air from her lungs. Mimzi winced in pain and tried to claw away but the hot breath of the monster froze her in horror. Mimzi tensed every muscle in her body, shut her eyes and prayed; preparing for the pain of werewolf teeth sinking into her neck.

Farkas knew without an ounce of uncertainty. He leapt off the ledge of the incline and made a long, desperate shout.

"VILKAS!!"

The werewolf ceased and went still. It slowly crept off Mimzi. Serana crawled to her as soon as the werewolf's attention was on Farkas. Mimzi shot up from Serana at hearing the name. Farkas shambled to the werewolf, he couldn't attain his breath. Hot tears pulsed down his cheeks at the sight of the monster, which was straying aggression for a time. Inside the monster's head was the reawakening of Vilkas's consciousness. Hearing the familiarity of his brother's voice, it nulled the effects of the spell. For a moment, Vilkas attempted to take back control. His red eyes filled and would dull again, like torchlight in the wind.

"Brother… is that you?"

Farkas's voice was doleful, his gait staggering, "Vilkas… Vilkas… it's me… it's Farkas."

He placed a hand to his chest plate, a smile waggling. The werewolf stayed staring at Farkas. He crept closer to it still. The werewolf snarled and barked, causing him to cease his approach. Farkas couldn't comprehend the rapids of relief. He had just accepted his death. His brother was alive, he wasn't in the Hunting Grounds, but he was under a mysterious curse— a possession.

Aela stood over the incline with her bow down, still beating away skeletons. She would incessantly steal glances between combat to Vilkas. He froze to the spot, and his ears leaned as he escaped pained whines. Farkas slowly tottered closer to his brother. All that he could comprehend was that Vilkas was alive. Mimzi's horrified glare to the rabid werewolf was now clouded in bewilderment. She fought against it, not trusting it, certain Farkas and Aela were making a mistake. But why was it not attacking? Serana kept her ice spike spell at the ready against the werewolf. Despite how much she wanted to, she didn't strike to it.

Farkas spoke softly, "I…I can't believe you're alive. I thought you were gone forever. I… I couldn't… You have to snap out of it, alright? Please… you're stronger than it. Vilkas…"

The werewolf bowed its head letting whimpers shrill. Vilkas was there but the pull of the feral wolf was too great. He could see his brother's shattered pallor. His eyes strained red since last he seen him. His face harrowed and weeping. In his mind, he could see himself standing before his brother, not in wolf form. He appeared as he did as he writhed on the shackles. He was still a prisoner. He tried to call out to Farkas, but the vampire's spell had full control.

'Farkas… help me.'

His brother stepped closer and snapped a bone under his boot. The sound broke Vilkas's pull to stall the beast, and his consciousness went dormant once again. Suddenly, Vilkas whacked his monstrous arms into Farkas, sending him skidding against the ground. The hit broke skin to his chin and lip; a wallop Farkas succumbed to and fell unconscious. Serana clasped Mimzi's arm and pulled her back. Aela threw down her bow and leapt from the ledge. She transformed in moments where the armour over her body ripped to shreds. In beast form, she lunged Vilkas back before Mimzi and Serana. The two werewolves rallied into a gnashing scuffle over the bones. Aela's agility was dismal effort against the sheer prowess of his wolf. Vilkas chomped down into her neck and began to thrash madly. She yelped in pain while desperately fighting him off. Aela kicked him off with her hind legs. He thudded to his side, and she stumbled over the bones as blood dipped off her lacerations and painted the skulls below. Vilkas pounced over her again and Aela gnashed her fangs against his; fighting off his bite. Vilkas swiped a claw over her chest, making blood geyser from the cuts.

"AELA!" Mimzi cried as she watched her friend slowly being torn apart. She wanted to Shout, she needed to Shout, but knowing it was Vilkas and Aela, she couldn't channel it. Farkas had managed to transform in the moments of Aela's suffering, and he crashed over Vilkas, the two of them stumbled deeper into the chamber's depths. Aela crawled up in shrilling pain, licking her injuries. Mimzi undauntedly bolted to Aela. Her wolf jolted and snarled at the touch of her mane, but eased when she smelt it was Mimzi. Serana used her incantation over Aela, causing the wolf to flinch and roar at Serana, who stayed her spell regardless.

Serana muttered, "Shut it. Go help Farkas…"

Aela impatiently huffed, rushing Serana to heal her injuries. She then plunged into the darkness joining the enraged growls. The two of them relentlessly tore at Vilkas, trying to weaken him enough that he may turn back to human form. However, his beast endured and returned ferocious wrath against the two. Farkas tried to clamp his neck to keep him down. Aela straddled his back, biting down his shoulder, but Vilkas easily flung them off. Every throw and wallop of his wolf staggered the two from restraining him.

Mimzi and Serana watched in horror as the three engaged in the rabid dog fight. Mimzi looked on helplessly, knowing she hadn't the strength to intervene. Suddenly a curdling cackle was heard behind them in the entrance way.

"Oh, Serana… friends of yours?"

Vingalmo and his peers filled the doorway. He crept closer to the two women.

"You must be a fool, Serana. How far the apple has fallen. Your father is rightly disgraced in your actions. You dare come here to try and toil us. You bring these mutts and your hollering companion right to us, and yourself and the Elder Scroll. Really?"

Mimzi didn't care for the monologuing. Her eyes gleamed blue and ground shook as she uttered the first two syllables, "FUS... RO-"

Before she could ignite the Shout or Serana could shoot an ice spike, Garan Marethi promptly summoned a crippling spell of paralysis.

"NO!" Serana's shriek abruptly silenced.

The bodies of the two thudded to the floor like fallen statues. Serana and Mimzi could still see the vampires stepping closer. Hestla knelt down to Mimzi.

"Those mutts are busy ripping each other into shreds, I'm sure we have time to feed."

"Nonsense," grumbled Vingalmo as he walked over the two women, "This is that 'Dragonborn'. She should be gagged and taken to Lord Harkon immediately. If anyone gets the honour of feeding on her; it's him. Quickly now, get them up and take them back to the castle before the beasts notice."

Hestla made a petulant grunt and assisted Orthjolf in carrying Mimzi, who was as rigged as lumber.

Vingalmo turned his attention to Garan as they picked up Serana, who only escaped small whimpers from her frozen mouth, "This one's fate is already sealed. Harkon will be most pleased to see his daughter, yes indeed."

"What of the mutts?" Garan asked as they carried her from the chamber, "Are we just supposed to let them stay down here?"

"Of course!" Vingalmo chimed, "What could we do anyway? They are damn werewolves. Let them tear each other apart."

The snarling from the werewolf battle raged on deeper into the chamber. Vilkas persisted against the two whose match was met at his berserk endurance. He ripped into Farkas's shoulder and pulled him back. The two rustled into the darkness again as their teeth could be heard clacking against each other. Aela observed in fury the sight of Mimzi and Serana being carried away by four vampires. She lunged towards the fiends, leaving Vilkas and Farkas behind.

Vingalmo looked back to the sight of the hurdling monster and yowled, "AHH! It's coming!"

Garan and Vingalmo dropped Serana (who thunked on the floor like a sawn log) and tossed shock spells at Aela. She lunged over them, the flecks of electricity rattled the sinewy muscles of her frame but did not deter her. Aela's claws ripped into their armour and flesh and both vampires fell to the ground screaming. They gripped their open wounds and peddled their legs on the stone floor away from Aela. Vingalmo tried to stand up and flee until Aela slammed him down with her open claw and gripped his throat to the floor— causing him to sputter and wheeze.

Suddenly a spike went piercing into Aela's shoulder, she yowled and fell back. Hestla came running to the monster with another spike held over her head. She threw it into Aela's hind leg, making her yelp in agony.

"Silver… doesn't feel good, does it?"

Garan and Vingalmo sprawled from the ground and back to Serana's stiff body. They picked her up again and hastily made it passed Hestla and the writhing werewolf. Aela cried in whines as she turned back to human form. She lay naked and incapacitated from the silver spears.

Hestla crouched down to her and snickered tauntingly, "You remember me, Aela? You remember when you called me weak? When you mocked me from the doors of Jorrvaskr with your friends? Do you remember me? I sure remember you. Vengeance is as sweet as infant blood."

Aela winced in pain then snarled through her teeth, "… Hestla…"

"Oh… so you do remember me? I wasn't good enough to be a werewolf then. Well… unfortunately for you, I'd much rather be a vampire."

Hestla delivered a wallop to Aela's temple. She fell unconscious and Hestla gripped her over her shoulder and strode with the others to Castle Volkihar's entrance.

Farkas' strength left as he desperately pried from Vilkas's strikes. When he tried to lunge away, he was pulled back by Vilkas. Farkas only mustered enough strength to bolt into the corners of the chamber. Vilkas gave chase to his brother. He would not rest until Vilkas was freed from the spell, but he could not free his brother if he was torn to pieces. He reluctantly kicked Vilkas back into the stonework and struggled down the hall into a cistern. Farkas escaped through drains of the undercroft, leading out to the sea bays. Vilkas stopped at the entrance of the drain and howled into the reaches. He fled back to Castle Volkihar to be given further orders by his master.