A Madman's Order

Chapter 6

A Small Chat with an Ancient Child

Straw crunched beneath my head. A scratchy blanket gnawed on the exposed skin of my forearms. My eyes screwed tight as a weak groan slipped from my lips. I did not want to wake up. Not because I was tired. In fact, I was quite exhausted, but that was not the issue. Instead, I refused to open my eyes because I knew what I would see when I did. I would not see my apartment bedroom, with the rickety old desk I found at a thrift shop sitting in the far corner, or my nightstand littered with all things that could or could not be considered garbage. Instead, I'd wake up and see stone walls, a straw bed, a horrifically uncomfortable pillow, and, in all likelihood, a lizard person staring me in the face.

Unfortunately for me, sleeping all day was not something my body had in mind. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes. My heart sank as I saw what I already knew was there. I was not home. I was in a land called Skyrim, which was not a figment of some madness-induced hysteria.

I groaned as I swung my legs from the small bed, straw crunching beneath me as my weight shifted. My hands went to my eyes, the heels of my palms rubbing deep circles into them. A long yawn tumbled from my mouth, and I let out a long exhale afterward. Passing out was never conducive to a restful sleep.

A tiny spark of alarm shot through me when my bare feet touched the floor. Sucking in a sharp breath, both from the cold stones kissing my toes and the realization that I was not wearing my socks or white shoes, I looked down.

Someone had changed me. Someone had stripped me, tossed my clothes, and covered me with- with- I don't even know what! The material had the same texture as burlap. Instead of a belt cinching the fabric at the waist, there was a simple knotted rope. Oh, and the trousers. Good god, the fabric itched! I cringed as my fingers dug into my thigh, trying in vain to rid myself of some discomfort.

Alright, Anastasia, get a hold of yourself. I swallowed a growing lump in my throat. No aches or pains. No bruising or signs of bodily harm. Someone just did what a hospital orderly would do to an unconscious patient. Someone got you out of your dirty clothes and changed you. Nothing strange there, right? Right!?

I found myself unconvinced as I rose to my feet. A deep, rumbling snore made me leap where I stood next. I twirled to face a bunk across the room- loft- we'll go with loft. Nazir, the dark-skinned, horribly unfriendly individual who had zero faith in my survival and plenty of belief in my imminent demise, dozed on his own bed. A few feet away, another cot was occupied by the lizard man, sleeping peacefully with his scaly tail curled beneath his arms. Gabriella and Festus slept in their own bunks, with Festus muttering under his breath words that I could not even begin to understand.

Everyone was asleep.

Everyone else was asleep.

My eyes widened. My heart quickened. No one was watching me. No one expected me to be up and moving already. This meant I could move freely. I could get out of here without anyone noticing!

But not back down, through the kitchen and whatever workshop was nestled beside it. That way went past the pet spider. My skin crawled as I imagined trying to sneak past such a massive beast alone. No, I needed an alternative route out of this cave.

I spotted a small hallway at the far end of the sleeping quarters. After taking a deep breath, I tiptoed to the open doorway, peering through it, my eyes straining to see through the dimly light space. Candles burned in a couple of alcoves, but otherwise, the hallway was pitch black. That was fine. It was less likely someone would see me then.

Staying on my toes, I crept forward, passing by a chamber with a red-tinted window that had imagery that made my stomach churn until I reached another hall. I heard water trickling to my right. That was the way to the main cavern leading to the Black Door. Smiling, I stepped into that hall.

"Oh, you're finally awake.

My hopes died. I held my breath, bracing myself as I slowly turned around. Behind me was a small room carved away from everyone else. Inside sat several pieces of old, worn furniture as well as a bed made of stone. Babette sat on the bed, her red eyes alight with delight at seeing me. I could not tell if she was happy, pleased, or something much worse. Regardless, the fangs that peaked out from behind her lips as she smiled at me caused me to feel lightheaded.

"Where are you going?"

I swallowed. "Um…air. Need air. Fresh air, actually. So-"

"Really?" Babette chirped, tilting her head as she spoke. She slid off her stone bed. "If you need air, just come on in. I've got plenty of ventilation in here."

"Well, I like wind and sunshine-"

"It's nighttime," Babette interrupted. "Which is why I'm awake, and the others are not. Besides, Astrid doesn't like us wandering. We may be in the middle of the forest, but we are close enough to Falkreath that a wandering hunter with a keen eye could cause trouble."

I can only hope!

"Besides, I need to get to know you a little better. So, come in. Don't be a stranger."

The way Babette grinned at me told me I had no choice. So, swallowing the fear that threatened to choke me, I nodded and accepted the gracious invitation of a small, demonic child.

Flames flickered to life on her fingertips when I entered Babette's little alcove. I held my breath and watched as those flames darted away from her hand to the wicks of candles sitting on sconces near the entryway. Warm, orange light bathed the space. Babette uttered a happy exhale.

"Much better. Oh!" She scooted around me back to the door. My eyes followed her, and they widened as she plucked a neatly folded bundle of clothing with my doctor's coat on top and Wabbajack. She held them out to me. "Kept them safe from prying eyes."

"Um, thanks?" I answered, gingerly taking my clothes and the staff from her.

"It was a pleasure."

The way she purred made my skin crawl. "How so?"

Babette flopped to a seat on her stone bed. "I am over three hundred years old, Anastasia. I've picked up some hobbies over the centuries. If I don't keep myself busy, I might go mad. You won't find a better brewer of poisons in all of Skyrim than yours truly. You also won't find someone more versed in the history of the Empire's fashion. So… where are you from?"

"Uh…"

"The stitching of your clothing suggests a wealthy upbringing. So fine and thorough. A true artisan would have been needed to do that work, especially for the undergarments you wore."

"Excuse me!?"

"Not to mention that in three hundred years, I've never seen nor heard of any style of clothing such as yours. So, that leads me to a few odd conclusions. You are either from an incredibly isolated place filled with the finest seamstresses known, or you're from elsewhere."

My skin felt clammy. "Elsewhere?"

"Yes, elsewhere. And no, I'm not talking about Elsweyr. You're not furry enough to have lived among the Khajit." Babette mentioned with a snicker.

My mouth opened and then closed. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."

Babette jutted her chin at Wabbajack. "That's Daedric, isn't it?"

Confusion flooded me. "What?"

"Oh, don't play dumb. Anyone carrying an artifact like that would have to know what they were handling." Babette pointed a thin finger at the staff. "The material is not from Mundus or Aetherius, which can only mean it is from a plane in Oblivion. That, and the head of the staff has some rather obvious characteristics. Tell me, how is Sheogorath doing these days?"

"You mean Phil?"

"Phil?" Babette parroted.

I blinked and shook my head. "Okay, hold on, I'm- forgive me, I'm very lost."

"Most people who wind up in this twisted family are."

"In this conversation, Babette," I carefully clarified. "Half of the words you just said mean nothing to me. As for Sheogorath, I guess that was the guy's name, but he also said he could be called Phil for some reason?" I let out a small scoff. "A real headcase, that one."

"Well, when you're a god of madness, that tends to be the case."

I stared blankly at Babette for a moment. Then my knees knocked beneath me. Before I knew it, I had slumped to a seat beside the girl, dumbstruck and numb.

"What?"

"You have had dealings with the Daedric Prince of Madness, and apparently, he liked you, so congratulations," Babette nonchalantly said. "Just don't point that thing at anyone in here. I happen to like you as well, and I'd rather not make you my next meal if I can help it."

My throat bobbed. "This cannot be real."

"Shall I pinch you?"

"No. Please, I-" I uttered a shaky breath. "Do you want to know where I'm from? I am from a town called Appleton, in a land called Wisconsin. I've never been here to Skyrim before. I'd never even heard of Skyrim until I was taken here by Phil-Sheo-whoever he is, and plopped in front of a bearded goat. I am not some cold-blooded killer like Astrid says. I am a doctor. A psychiatrist- well, in residency, but the point still stands. I took an oath to do no harm and-"

"Astrid told me you gutted that one wench quite well in the cabin near Solitude."

Her words sucked all of the wind from my lungs. My shoulders slumped, and I found myself staring at the floor. To my surprise, one of Babette's small hands rubbed my back.

"The first is never easy."

"The first should not have happened. None of this should have happened to me." My chin quivered as I recalled the feeling of the dagger plunging through the woman's flesh, muscles, and bones. I could still remember the sticky, warm sensation of blood washing over my fingers and hands. Could recall the racing of my heart as every ounce of adrenaline my body had flooded my nervous system all at once.

"We all said that at first. Well, everyone except Festus. If you ask me, that wizard enjoys his job a bit much," Babette shrugged before sliding off her stone bed. "A true monster, that one. Don't get on his bad side. Or Arnbjorn's, too. He's a big puppy, but that temper," Babette whistled low. "Nazir is fine. As is Gabriella. So long as you don't do anything to hurt the family, they won't harm you. Veezara keeps to himself, so you have nothing to worry about there."

"Why are you telling me this?" I interrupted.

Babbette gave me a puzzled look. "Did I not say that I liked you? Contrary to my looks, I am not naive. I am fully aware of how psychotic and vile this family can get. I want you to survive, if for no other reason than for me to pocket some septims. Which is also why when the sun rises, I'll be waking you up."

"Why?" I asked as Babette held out a hand. For some reason, I took it. With strength that surprised me, she hauled me to my feet.

"That seems to be every young woman's favorite question, isn't it? Why? Why do I have to marry the farmer's son? Why can't I run off with that sellsword I've already enjoyed intimate time with? Why must you kill me using gobs of honey and a fully loaded beehive? Why does this dress make me look so fat?" Babette reached up and patted my arm. "Why is a good question, but only for appropriate situations. This is not one of them. Astrid told me she wants Nazir to give you a contract. The one he has in mind seems quite simple, but considering your unique situation, I've decided to accompany you. When it comes to this sort of thing, 'why' is not something you can ask. Only how. Understand?"

I carefully nodded.

"Good, you take instruction well. Astrid said you were educated, and I'm glad she is right." Babette smiled. "So, back to bed. Oh, and if someone other than me catches you trying to sneak out again-" I shivered as she grinned- "well, it won't end well for you. Sleep well!"

With that, Babette shooed me from her alcove. As I stepped out, the candles burning behind me puffed out. I briefly glanced back, watching Babette's glowing, red eyes shut as she lay on the stone bed and folded her hands over her little chest. There was a pleased smile on her lips, and for good reason. Her warning worked. I wandered back to my straw bed instead of creeping to the exit.

When I reached my bed, I shakily leaned Wabbajack against the nightstand and curled up beneath the scratchy, woolen blanket. Sniffles hit my nose, and tears burned in my eyes. I only realized I was quietly crying when I felt wetness on my cheeks. All the while, the screaming faces at the top of Wabbajack looked at me, delighted.

Well, it's been a long time, hasn't it? I apologize for the long wait between updates on any of my works. Life has been a bit crazy, and not only that, I've been completely focused on original work, which I am proud to say is close to being released (working on hiring a professional editor to give it a once over, and I've already commissioned someone to do cover art for the original novel. So, exciting stuff has been happening!) So, yes, I am a live. I have not stopped writing. I just needed to prioritize my original story over fanfiction for a while, otherwise it was not going to get done.

But now, I can get back to some truly insane fun here! We will see if I get other stories updated. In the meantime, let me know what you all think of this chapter. As always, I hope you all enjoyed it. Have a nice day!