"Vanus Galerion? You mean the elf that created the Mage's Guild?"

"One and the same, miss. I've been using what power I have to watch the goings on in the area. I must say, your party has put on a good showing. I was sure the Commander would come back for my soul gem but it seems as if she has hurried off with her prize. Perhaps they don't realize they need it for what they have in mind?"

"What do they have in mind? I know they want to return you to life. They believe if you come back, things will get better again."

The voice scoffed. "It took hard work and much greasing of palms and smoothing of feathers last time. The world is in a much different place than it was the last. The Thalmar would never allow the Mage's Guild back in the Summerset Isles or their other territories."

Lucline nodded. This made perfect sense. "I was afraid of that. So, how do they plan to bring you back to life? Your body was horribly managed after your soul was trapped, I heard."

"Oh, I know. Mannimarco was very smug about the whole business. The Brotherhood wants to displace the girl's soul and put me in her place. Hard to do without my soul gem but I suspect they aren't thinking properly, given their cult like behavior. If they are successful, I can help you put her soul back in, as long as some other displaced soul doesn't get in first."

Lucline felt her blood run cold. They were going to kill her Tira and use her as a vessel for another? "But why? She's not only a girl but is also a human. Wouldn't that be a bad fit?"

"Well, that is true but she is also has such a huge pool of magicka without training and such a gift for magic. Such a vessel would be appropriate for the Great Mage. Except that's horrible and I would never agree to such a plan. If I can get enough power, I can recreate my body when the soul gem is smashed if I was inclined. But I wish for Aetherius and to rejoin long lost friends and colleagues. If I help you, will you release me to my afterlife, Lucline Dufrey?''

Lucline didn't even need to ponder this really. "I swear it."

"Then let us begin. Gather your companions and we will see what can be done about the Brotherhood. I know where they are going, you see."

Elder-Scrolls*

Lucline carried the soul gem back to the others, but they were all sleeping, even Lobamog was fully out now. She smiled and looked around the rooms. There, was an alchemy table against the far wall. She walked over and fished out ingredients. They would not be caught unprepared again.

She made potions to increase the power of her allies and herself as well as healing potions. She kept making potions until she was out of supplies. She then carefully separated each group of potions for each of their specialties. Once she was done, she sat down to wait for the others to wake and felt her eyes droop.

Elder-Scrolls*

When she woke, the others were all looking at the prepared potions. She had written the name of each ally next to the supplies and they were picking them up. Rasina approached her.

"You shouldn't have used up all your supplies, oh High Rock beauty." Lucline got up and wrapped her arms around her partner. "You should have joined me on the bed." She heard her Redguard girlfriend scold her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't intend to fall asleep." She rubbed the sleep form her eyes. "Guys, I need to tell you something."

"Yes, tell them about me." Vanus's voice came from the Soul Gem she has set on the desk.

The rest of the group jumped back, hands going to weapons or spells.

"Now, now, no need to get so defensive." The voice said pensively. "I'm trying to help you."

Lucline and Vanus explained what was going on. Rasina looked grim but Lobamog was grinning eagerly.

"So! We get to take the battle to the ones responsible for all this nonsense. Count me in."

Talsma purred in delight. "This one agrees. Time for the hunters to become the hunted, Five-Claws Lucline."

Vasfer roars. "This one will tear apart the Brotherhood to save the kitten."

Rasina shrugged and let Lucline go. "Very well. Let's go to war. Galerion, will you take us where we need to go?"

"I shall need some magic power. But not from Lucline or Lobamog. They need their magic for the battle to come. Rasina, Talsma, and Vasfer. You don't use your magic power. May I borrow it?"

The three nod and trails of blue power flowed from the three of them into the soul gem. Then power is gathered together and shoots outward and forms a portal.

"Come on everyone, time to end this." Lucline conjured a spear from Oblivion. She clutched the shaft and rushed through the portal, followed by her four companions.

A/N: Another day, another chapter. Tomorrow starts the final battle for the sake of Tira. I hope you look forward to it :). See you tomorrow.