(My wrenches pout because no one uses them around here, lol.)

@ Hauty - I loved this chapter, but found one inconsistancy. Jauffre had just got done telling her Baurus was working undercover, and so far Julian has been very intelligent - I felt it was a bit out of character (IMHO) for her to be looking for a Blade in armor when she first entered. Her body may be crippled and old, but her mind is sharp as a tack. You are really bringing this story (and Julian) to life, AWESOME WRITE !!!!!!!

Baurus, James Baurus... License to Kill. I think Baurus is one of the most loved characters in this game, and I must admit that I am part of the fan club. He is just such a simple, no-nonsense guy that he is hard not to like. It is always good to see more of him. I liked his observation that the attack at Kvatch must have been to kill Martin. They never explained it in the game, but the only logical reason is that the Mythic Dawn knew there was another heir in the city. They must not have known who it was however, so rather than eliminate the heir surgically as they had with the Emp and the others, they used a sledgehammer to kill everyone. Or at least tried to.


Ouch, Luther is quite the prickly one!
"How would you like that, ma'am?" he remarked. "On the rocks, with a brandy chaser, or a twist of lime? How about an infusion of ginger?" Some of the barbirds stopped their conversation long enough to listen. "Oh, wait, let me guess," Broad held up a finger, "a couple of drops of citrus oil, with a garnish of mint?"
Methinks that even a Shield spell at 85% could not deflect his barbs.


This was nicely done:
My own katana had sought my right palm and moved, almost of its own volition, toward the backs of the assassin's knees.



nits:

You got rid of a hubbub in the previous chapter, but it looks like the Grey Fox reverse-pickpocketed it back into this one!
"Table or bar?" she asked, pitching her voice to be heard over the constant hubbub.


Edited to add: Are we ever going to see some screenshots of Julian? Or are you on a console, and unable to take them?

WATER?!? Do you know what fish do in water? :lmao:

Yes, I also like Baurus very much - hard not to.

Lots of wonderful variety here. :twirl:

Nice atmosphere you painted of the crowded bar and fun dialogue therein.
Great little combat scene and rich, story-moving dialogue that followed.

I continue to love Julian, and her steady ability to limp through what gets in her way.

I do the main quest so rarely, that it is a pleasure to read such a skillful and interesting account. The current 'spy/agent' part is great fun!

Baurus is back! This is starting to get even better than I thought it was before. As I have said, I have never done the main quest so I have adopted you and Julian as my guides, spoilers be damned! Lead on!

a few minor nits:

I know you want to emphasize the book, but this first sentence might read better as two sentences:

The dour Breton man was seated by himself in the rear corner opposite the bar reading a book. He stood out like a minotaur in a crockery shop.

The second paragraph is an excellent description of combat that would benefit from the removal of one of the instances that the phrase 'at us' appears.

@RemkoNL: From my thesaurus:

Whenever I watch swashbucklers and see buxom ladies in tight bodices, I always think "wrenches!" Methinks some of that pirate language has rubbed off on me. Arrgh!

@mALX: Remember she's never seen Baurus out of uniform - I have the same problem when I run into long-time clients in the grocery store - I have trouble recognizing them without their pets! I rewrote that little part, hopefully it's more in character. Thanks for catching it. :shakehead:

@SubRosa: I've always thought there were more going on in that space behind those black eyes than the game lets on. Baurus is one smart bloke, IMHO.

As for Luther's remarks about how Julian would like her water served, I couldn't resist poking a little fun at those who like to make things more complicated than they need to be. Come on, water is water! Your nit has been fixed, as well.

I'm on XBox 360, so no screenies, sorry. :confused:

@Acadian: I'm glad you enjoyed the dialogue. I had fun writing it. As Julian gets stronger, and becomes more accustomed to her new life, we'll see more of her humor and sense of fun emerge. It's what keeps her sane, given what I know of her past . . . :ph34r:

@Destri: Thanks for catching the double 'at us' in the combat scene. I have fixed it. As for the sentence you pointed out, I really struggled with that. Ended up going with your suggestion, of course. :nod:

Julian finds out just how many volumes make up the Commentaries. Yikes! Not that she hates to read, just that her eyes aren't as good as they used to be . . . Getting old's a b***, ain't it?

**********************
Chapter 7.3 The Arcane University

Broad served a breakfast as hearty and plain as the supper last night. As I tucked away the cold roast mutton, warm bread, and sliced pears, he poured me a cup of klah to go with it. "Sleep well, ma'am?" he asked me. Glancing up from the plate, I nodded at him.

After supper last night, I had gone up to the room Broad had let for the night. Finding it clean and well-lit, I had taken advantage of the place to catch up on some reading. I still had Piner's Warp in the West and Sigrid's Pocket Guide in my pack. Reading until my eyes burned, I had slept dreamlessly, and woken this morning feeling stronger than before. Instead of pulling on my leathers, I chose to wear the stitched green shirt and tan skirt, with the rough cowhide shoes, that Belisarius had slipped into my pack yesterday. Leaving the weapons and buckler behind, I carried only my small bag, containing Wirich's book.

Finishing breakfast, I pushed the plate away. "I'd like to keep the room for another night," I said, handing over a few drakes. The pack was heavy enough, and the thought of carrying it around all day didn't sit well with me.

"Fine with me," Broad took the coins nonchalantly. "Keep the key for another day."

"Can you tell me how to get to the Arcane University?"

"Head back to Home and Garden," Broad started sketching a rough circle on the bar surface, using condensation from the water jug. "Hang a left down Home Street, to the gates at the end. That'll get you to Green Emperor Way."

He traced a circular path around the center of the circle. "Go clockwise around the Palace until you get to the third gate along. That'll let you into the Arboretum District. Go straight across the District, past Tiber Septim, to the gates in the outer wall."

Now he drew a second, smaller circle off to the side of the first. Connecting the two with a straight line, he continued, "Go across the bridge, and you'll be at the Arcane University." He looked up at me. "Unless you're a University member, the only part you can access is the lobby on the first floor of the Mages' Tower."

"Thanks," I said, "I appreciate your help, sir."

Outside, rain fell from a dark sky. Even though dawn had arrived several hours ago, the streetlamps still flickered in the light wind. Making my way past the plots that gave the Elven Gardens District its name, I soon reached the open gates at the top of the broad stairs. People scurried back and forth, heads down and shoulders hunched against the weather. The slight chill in the air reminded me that fall was coming. Thinking of Cloud Ruler Temple, I shivered. It will only get colder there. Yet I had enjoyed meeting the Blades there, had felt comfortable among their company.

Bringing my thoughts back to the present, I climbed the steps to the open gates that pierced the inner ring wall that divided the Palace District from the surrounding neighborhoods. Stifling a groan at the sight of more stairs leading down to the Green Emperor Way, I moved to the side so I could hobble down without slowing other pedestrians. Gravestones and marble tombs, memorial columns and carefully pruned topiaries made up the outer ring section of the Palace District. The central portion consisted of the Imperial Palace set on a raised platform within an open rotunda. Above it, White Gold Tower rising to pierce the overcast sky. Palace Guards, wearing silver and gold armor that flashed even on this dull day, paced around the Palace itself.

Turning to my left to move clockwise, I weaved my way through the gravestones and tombs. The topiary heads made the hairs on the backs of my neck rise, their featureless eyes seeming to follow me as I passed them. The rain faded to a light drizzle, and the overcast brightened. Counting gates, I reached the third portal from the Elven Gardens.

I had thought the Elven Gardens District beautiful, with its gardens and plantings. The Arboretum District, on the other hand, took my breath away. More of the magnolias and dwarf maples filled the open space, with fountains burbling beneath their branches. Boulders rose out of beds of cheerful primroses and tall bugloss. Azalea shrubs lined the wide stone path that led from the Green Emperor Way to the center of the District, where an immense stone man stood within an open rotunda. Limping toward the statue, I looked up into his face, recognizing the square features of Tiber Septim, familiar to me from years of pay scrips.

Surrounding him stood eight equally large statues, but they seemed smaller than the first Septim since their plinths were slightly lower. Still, they stood head and shoulders above the magnolia trees. Julianos, with his long beard and his triangle, stood just to my left. Opposite him, I could just make out the dragon head of Akatosh.

The drizzle trickled away, and the clouds parted to let the sun through, a beam landing on Tiber Septim. The rain on his face gave his stone eyes a gleam that made him seem lifelike, watchful and wary. Pausing just outside the rotunda, I stared at him. Clanging armor tore my gaze away from him as a Watch soldier approached. He caught my eye, and hesitated.

"Sometimes I feel like he's watching me, ma'am," he commented. "I don't get that from the other Divines."

"Probably because he was a real Emperor, and a general," I responded, stepping away from the rotunda. "Attention from a general usually means bad news." The Watch soldier grinned, chuckling, then walked on. Continuing in the other direction, toward the outer wall, I found the open gate. Beyond, I could see the straight line of a bridge, and the pale grey walls of the Arcane University beyond.

The bridge, of stone construction with a low paraqet, leaped across the chasm separating the main hill of City Isle and the smaller hill crowned by the Arcane University. I trudged up yet more stairs leading to another set of gates. Within, an Imperial Legion battlemage, recognizable by the blue hood in place of the usual Legion helm, turned his regard on me.

"Good morning, ma'am," he greeted me. "Welcome to the Arcane University."

"I'm supposed to meet Tar-Meena," I said to him, pausing at the bottom of the stairs. He pointed toward the central tower, up more stairs. By Akatosh, I'm getting tired of this Imperial City! All these stairs!

"Go in the lobby," he directed. "Ask Raminus Polus. He should be there."

Please let there be no more stairs inside, I prayed as I trudged up the last flight of steps to the bronze double doors at the base of the tower. Inside, I was relieved to find only a couple of steps before I reached the main floor. The round room was high-ceilinged, and took up the entire first floor. An Imperial mage turned to face me.

"Welcome to the Arcane University," he greeted me, his brown eyes assessing me. "Have you come to join?"

"Join? Me?" I repeated, startled. "I - I came to speak to Tar-Meena, sir."

"Ah, my mistake, then," he bowed to me, putting his palms together. Then he gestured toward an Argonian woman seated on a nearby bench, reading. "She is there," he said, before moving away. Limping to stand before her, I waited. Turning a page, she looked up at me, her red-orange eyes curious.

"Tar-Meena?" I asked. "Baurus sent me, ma'am." Her gaze turned assessing, then she waved me to the bench beside her. I sat down at the indicated place, stretching my right leg to ease the ache in my knee.

"You musst be the one I got the messsage about," she said, with a slight hiss in her voice. "How can I help you?"

"I'm Julian, ma'am," I volunteered. "I'm here to learn about the Mythic Dawn."

"You know of them?" Tar-Meena's spined brows lifted. "One of the mosst ssecretive of the daedric cultss."

Pulling the little purple book from my bag, I showed it to Tar-Meena, "I found one of their books, ma'am."

"Ah, yess," she took the book in her long, scaled fingers, examining it closely, gently turning the pages. "The Commentariess of the Myssterium Xarxess, written by Mankar Camoran. Wonderful!" she handed the book back to me. "You have a sscholarly interesst in the cult?"

Do I? "We think they may be behind the Emperor's assassination," I said quietly. "We need to find them."

Tar-Meena's brows rose again. "Really?" she matched my soft tone. "I won't poke my nosse any further - I know how ssecretive the Bladess can be." She rose to her feet, her book in hand, and brushed the creases out of her blue robe. "Wait here," she said. "I will be back."

The slender Argonian moved with deceptive quickness to one of the doors in the rear of the room, leaving me alone with the Imperial mage. He had remained at the far side of the room, studiously ignoring us, but with Tar-Meena's departure he now turned to regard me openly.

Uncomfortable with his stare, I looked down at the purple book in my hand. Opening it to the first page, I started reading. Almost immediately, I was confused. Instead of the dry, factual recitation of the Pocket Guide, or the terse narrative of the Warp in the West, the tone of this book was obtuse, flowery with no obvious purpose. Blinking after the first two pages, I closed the volume and tucked it into my bag.

"Is Tar-Meena of assistance to you, ma'am?" the Imperial mage had drawn closer.

"Yes, sir, she is," I answered. "She told me to wait here." A sudden thought crossed my mind. What if she wanted to get rid of me? But no, Baurus wouldn't send me to her if she would do such a thing.

"Then I believe she shall not keep you waiting long," the mage responded with a half-smile. "I am Raminus Polus, Advisor to the Council of Mages."

"I'm Julian, from Anvil," I responded, moving to rise. Polus shook his head, gesturing me to remain seated.

"No, no need to stand on ceremony here," he insisted. "I can see that your leg is bothering you. If you've walked from one side of the Imperial City to the other to get here, I can only imagine what all these steps have done. "

"Excuse me, sir," I cast a healing spell, and the throbbing ache in my knee eased. "I keep forgetting that I know at least this much."

"That was a little one, ma'am," Polus had followed the spell-light with his brown eyes. "Do you not know a stronger one?"

I remembered what Tumindil had told me, back in Skingrad. "I'm only a novice in restoration magic, sir," I responded.

"Ah, well, you're never too old to learn new things!" Polus commented cheerfully. Somehow I wasn't offended.

"That's what I'm finding out, these days," I returned dryly. Just then, Tar-Meena returned, and Polus discreetly withdrew to the opposite side of the room once more.

Seating herself by my side, Tar-Meena handed me another book, nearly identical to the one I carried. "Here, you can take the library'ss copy of Volume Two," she said. "The Commentariess come in four volumess. I believe that Mankar Camoran'ss writingss contain cluess to the location of the sshrine. If you want to find it, you will need all four of the volumess."

"Where can I find the other two volumes?" I asked, carefully tucking the library's book next to Wirich's tome.

"Try Phintiass, in the Market Disstrict," Tar-Meena responded. "He runss Firsst Edition, and bragss that it iss the premier booksstore in all of Ssyrodiil." Now she leaned toward me conspiratorially. "Phintass caterss to sspecialisst collectorss. He may have an idea where to find volumess three and four."

"Who was Mankar Camoran?" I asked, thinking about what Tar-Meena had said.

"The ssuppossed leader of the Mythic Dawn cult," she answered. "He wrote thesse infamouss Commentariess. They are contemporary with Tiber Sseptim, over four hundred yearss ago, sso he'ss unlikely to be alive sstill. Though," her tone turned pensive, "you never know."

"What is this M- Mysterium Xarxes?" I asked, referring to the title on the book spines in my bag.

"It iss the holy book of the Mythic Dawn," Tar-Meena said. "Ssuppossedly written by Mehruness Dagon himsself. If it exisstss, it would be an artifact of great -" she shook a finger at me, "and evil - power."

"And the Mythic Dawn?" I wanted to be certain I had all the information I needed.

"No one knowss how widesspread the cult iss, or where their sshrine to Mehruness Dagon iss located."

"Thank you, Tar-Meena," I said, rising to my feet and closing the flap of my small bag. "You've been helpful."

First, let me thank you for the hearty breakfast. :liplick: It hit the spot and set me up for the long, damp walk through the city.

I had a blasst reading Tar-Meena'ss dialogue. I wass starting to get ussed to her hisss. I found myself smiling, waiting for Julain to get mesmorized and say "Tar-Meena, you've been sso, er, um, I mean, so helpful!" What fun you made this scene with Tar-Meena!

I was hoping that Raminus would show Julian a more potent healing spell, but she is only a novice after all and you can't teach old dogs new tricks. . . can you? Sorry, couldn't resist. I bet she will learn plenty when the time is right though! :nod:

I love this whole 'Julian, secret agent for the Blades' part of your story! :ninja:

Finally, I had so much fun reading that I almost forgot to say that your actual writing is, as always, wonderful.

Awesome Write!!! I was totally impressed by this: "recognizing the square features of Tiber Septim, familiar to me from years of pay scrips." - how real that made that whole scene with just those few words! Awesome how you use these little details to make the story totally your own!

What I liked here was your attention to Julian's bad leg, and her limping here and there, cursing every stair she comes across. With my bad knee, I can relate completely.


Quoted for truth!
"Attention from a general usually means bad news."

I wonder if Julian ever stops to think about how perfectly suited she is to be a Blade? Her old wounds give her a fragility that perfectly masks her inner steel. To those that she encountered before these recent events, when she was in the throes of her addiction, she must appear as innocuous as Puny Ancus (my favorite beggar; I swear by the time I took over the Thieves Guild he could have bought the Tiber Septim Hotel!).

I loved your description of the Arboretum, and Julian's recognizing the statue of Tiber Septim as the face that graced her pay scrips was a nice touch. I wonder if the face on her scrips might have been Uriel instead of Tiber? One being the Emperor the other, by this time, being a God?

Polus nailed the title just enough to prompt some applause. :clap:

In the hands of a lesser writer Tar-Meena's accent could have become very annoying. I am glad that you were able to pull it off.

My only slight nit with this chapter is the phrase 'deceptively quickly'. Perhaps 'with deceptive speed'?

I always liked Raminus, you handled him perfectly!

@Acadian: Thanks for pointing out the things you enjoyed. I loved the whole secret agent aspect of this part of the Main Quest - it is too enjoyable for me to ignore. And don't worry, Julian will grow stronger in her restoration skills.

@mALX1: I'm glad that little line about pay scrips stood out for you. How many of us recognize George Washington from our dollar bills? As for our UK friends, I'm sure the same could be said for their Queen.

@SubRosa: I have to remind myself (and everyone) that though Julian is getting stronger, that damn bum knee is still holding her back.

@Destri: Such nice words about Julian! I'm glad you enjoyed Julian's walk through the Arboretum and the statue of Tiber Septim. I put his face (instead of Uriel's) on the pay scrips since he was the first of the Dragonblood line, and since George Washington is on our dollar bills, so we know what he looks like (as well as Abe Lincoln on our pennies, etc). I figured Uriel would be on the septim coins. Your nit has been addressed. Thanks!

@RemkoNL: I think Raminus is pretty cool, too!

In the last chapter Julian learns she has to find two more volumes of the Commentaries. In this upcoming chapter, she locates the third volume. Gwinas caught me totally off guard. I had been struggling with this chapter, and he literally seized the keyboard from me and took off running. I couldn't type fast enough to keep up with him. Enjoy!

************
Chapter 7.4 Volume Three

Passing into the Market District, I entered a bustling scene. Pausing at the top of the stairs near the gates to Green Emperor Way, I looked down Commerce Street to the tall portal set in the outside wall. Unlike the other gates in the Imperial City, this portal was closed, and had four Watch soldiers posted near it.

Seeing the tip of a tower peeking just above the outer wall, I realized with a chill that those gates at the far end led to the Imperial Prison. Stifling a shudder, I limped down the steps and moved to one side of Commerce Street, squinting at the shop signs. The sun shone down from a dissipating overcast. Between the white marble that seemed to be the favored construction material and the gleaming wet that reflected the sunbeams, the glare was a little strong.

People moved back and forth past me, some running, some walking. Some carried large bags crammed with stores, others moved empty-handed. I found it difficult to walk a straight line, first sidestepping a porter, bent over from a heavy load, then skipping ahead to avoid a pair of Khajiiti streaking past, before ducking back to give way to a well-dressed matron trailing a retinue.

Finally reaching the first of the doorways on the right side of the street, I paused to catch my breath. Never been in a market this busy! The sun beat down between the white marble walls, the air simmering as the recent rain evaporated away. Ahead, on Market Way, I could see open stalls crowding the street, hear the shouts of vendors, and smell assorted foods. Shaking my head to myself, I looked at the sign above my head.

First Edition. A pictograph of an open book left no doubt in my mind that my eyes were not seeing things. How lucky am I? The first shop I reach is the one I want! I couldn't get the bronze door open quickly enough, escaping the chaos that was the Market District.

Within, the shop was cool, dark, and oh, so blessedly quiet. Pausing for a moment to let my eyes adjust, I smelled dry, musty pages. The dust motes floating gently in the air tickled the back of my nose, and I stifled a sneeze.

"Yes, how may I help you, ma'am?" the haughty voice drew my eyes to the Redguard merchant standing behind the shop counter. Rubbing at my still-itching nose, I moved toward him slowly.

"Phintias?" I asked, uncertain.

"At your service, ma'am," he responded. "Take a look around. If I don't have it, maybe I can get it."

Music to my ears. "I'm looking for the -" I hesitated over the unfamiliar words, "- Mysterium Xarxes, sir."

"You must be referring to the Commentaries of the Mysterium Xarxes," his tone became condescending. "Comes in four volumes. First two are rare, but the third and fourth are even more so."

"I'm looking for the third and fourth volumes, sir," I tried to hide how important they were to me.

"I have the third volume," Phintias responded. "But it's a special order. I'm holding it for another customer. Gwinas would be disappointed if I sold it to another."

"What about the fourth volume?" I started walking around the shop, looking at the books on the shelves.

"I wish I had one, but I've never even seen a copy," Phintias said, a tone of avarice creeping into his voice.

"Is there any way I could buy this third volume from you, sir?" I asked. "Or maybe get another copy?"

"I'd hate to let Gwinas down." Phintias shook his head. "I gave him my word that I would hold the book for him. He's come all the way from Valenwood." He shrugged. "Feel free to wait for him."

Returning to the shelves, I started surveying the titles again. The Lusty Argonian Maid, Dwemer History and Culture, Gods and Worship, History of Lock Picking, The Last King of the Ayleids, Manual of Arms, and The Amulet of Kings. Taking the last volume down, I studied the book. It was small, smaller than the Commentaries, dressed in a plain brown cover.

"You read it, you bought it," Phintias called from behind the counter. Bringing the book with me, I held it up for him. "Ah, yes, The Amulet of Kings. How appropriate for these dark times." He nodded at me. "That would be two drakes."

Searching my bag for the coins, I placed the drakes on the counter. "Thank you, sir," I slipped the book into my small bag.

Behind me, the bell over the shop door chimed, its tinkle nearly drowned by the street noise. Stepping away from the counter, I turned to see a small Bosmer, in red silk robes, blond hair pulled up into a topknot, enter the shop. Letting the door swing closed behind him, he beelined for the counter and Phintias.

"I'm here for my book," his high-pitched voice sounded like a prissy boy's. "Mankar Camoran's Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes, Volume Three." Phintias sent me an arch look, see, this one knows what he is talking about - he got the name correct, he seemed to be saying. Reaching under the counter, he drew up a small purple volume, identical to the two books I already carried.

"Of course," he said, laying the book into the Bosmer's eager hands. "Here you go, sir. Keep us in mind for your future needs!"

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" the Bosmer clutched the book to his chest. "I can't tell you how long I've been searching for this!" He spun on his heel, red silk swirling around him, and passed me with barely a glance, a whiff of perfume trailing him. Phintias shot me a look and a slight nod as Gwinas left the shop.

Following him out, I called after him, "Gwinas?" making the word a question. He paused, glancing back at me. Uncertainly he turned to face me as I stopped an arm's length away. His head barely reached my chin. "I'm interested in your Volume Three of the Commentaries," I said.

His round little face became alarmed. "Have you been following me? Leave me alone! The book is mine!" the vehemence in his tone on the last word surprised me.

"I'm trying to find out about the Mythic Dawn cult," I decided to try a different tack. "I've been looking for that book, too."

"The Mythic Dawn?" Gwinas repeated, his brows rising. "Are you - I mean, I don't know anything about it!" His tone told me he did, indeed, know something. Considering my next move, I caught a whiff of that perfume from his silk robes. That made up my mind.

He backed up against the wall as I stepped closer to him, towering over him. "You're in way over your head," I warned softly. Gwinas paled, but drew himself up onto tiptoe indignantly, trying to match my own height but succeeding only in reaching my eyes.

"I beg your pardon?" he spluttered huffily. "You presume to tell me about daedric cults? I've visited the Shrine of Sheogorath during the Festival of the Mad! I've spoken with Hermaeus Mora beneath the full moons! I've -"

Bending down so we were eye to eye, I interrupted quietly and forcefully, "They killed the Emperor." He gasped, his fine brows shooting up his forehead.

"What?" he exclaimed, his eyes locked on mine as I straightened up. "The Mythic Dawn were the ones? I - I - I had no idea!" he caught his breath, easing his heels back to the ground. "Mankar Camoran's views on Mehrunes Dagon are interesting, revolutionary even, but to - to murder the Emperor!" His voice rose. "Oh, Mara save me!"

"Trouble?" a Watchman clanged up to us, his gaze moving from me to Gwinas. My mouth suddenly dry, I kept my face as neutral as my pounding heart would let me, and tipped my head at Gwinas. He looked frantically from me to the soldier.

"N- no, sir, n- no t- trouble at all," he stammered. "Just getting some terrible news!" He grabbed my elbow. "Please, let's take this somewhere less - public, shall we?"

"If you're certain, sir," the Watchman said, stepping back as Gwinas pulled me after him into the maelstrom that was Merchants Way. His grip was surprisingly strong, as Gwinas weaved through the crowd toward a stoop opposite a tall statue in a plaza. I caught the sign above the door before he pushed through - The Merchants Inn. Inside, it was quiet and dark, cool after the oppressive heat outside.

Gwinas didn't give me a chance to let my eyes adjust, only dragged me to the rear of the common room. A young Imperial man wandered over to us, towel over one shoulder. "Whaddya have?" he asked us as Gwinas plopped himself down on an upholstered bench, pulling me down next to him. I became aware of several pairs of eyes on us as Gwinas ordered a goblet of Surilie Brothers wine. Ordering klah mostly to get rid of the server, I turned to look at the flustered Bosmer.

"Is it true?" he whispered, his eyes showing white all around the irises like a spooked horse. "The Mythic Dawn assassinated the Emperor?"

"It looks that way," I responded, keeping my own voice even. As the scattering of patrons turned back to their meals, I leaned back, easing my knee, which had started throbbing again. "I'm trying to find them, find the truth." Pausing as the server returned with our drinks, I waited as Gwinas handed over a couple of septims. The boy grinned at us and withdrew to the bar. Did Gwinas just give him a fat tip? Good way to remain unnoticed.

"Oh, Mara!" Gwinas put his hand to his topknot, patting at the hairpin that held it together. Realizing he still held the book, he dropped it onto the table, nearly knocking his wineglass over. Catching it, I handed him the glass, and took the mug of klah for myself.

"Drink up, Gwinas," I said curtly. "And calm down. It's not the end of the world." I waited until he took a gulp of his wine before sipping at my klah. "Yet," I added when I had swallowed the hot liquid. He made a sound like a yippy lapdog, and the wine sloshed in the glass again.

"What am I going to do now!" he managed to keep his voice down, but I could still hear the panic. "They're expecting me!"

"Expecting you?" I repeated. Gulping down the rest of the wine, Gwinas picked up the third volume and shoved it at me.

"Take this, I don't want it anymore!" he exclaimed, still holding the presence of mind to keep his voice down.

"Expecting you?" I pressed, clamping my right hand on his wrist, letting him feel the strength of my sword-grip.

"Yes, ow!" Gwinas gasped. "You're hurting me!" he hissed. When I released his wrist, he rubbed at it, staring at me. "The Sponsor is supposed to meet me and give me the fourth volume - if I pass his test." He pulled a piece of folded paper from a pocket in his robe. "Here, see?" I took the paper and read it.


"Oh, what am I going to do?" Gwinas leaned forward, putting his head in his hands, elbows propped up on his knees. "Everyone will think I was involved in their insane plots!"

"Is there any other way to get the fourth volume?" I asked Gwinas. He looked at me from under his hands.

"No, that's the only way," he said. "But if I don't show up, they'll know something is wrong, and they'll hunt me down!" He sat bolt upright. "If they're capable of killing the Emperor himself, what will keep them from killing me?"

I gripped his shoulder hard enough to make him flinch. He glared at me. "I will go in your place," I said quietly. "They've never met you, correct?"

"No, never!" he exclaimed. "And I wish to keep it so! You -" his eyes widened as he took in the implications of my statement, "you will go in my stead?"

"I'll take care of this," I waved the note for emphasis. "They won't bother you." Finishing the rest of my klah, I rose to my feet. "Where are you staying?"

"At the Tiber Septim Hotel," Gwinas said. "Oh, thank you, thank you!"

"Come on, I'll escort you safely there."

Move over James Baurus, Julian Powers - International Woman of Mystery has taken over!

Your description of the Market District was lovely. I am glad you lavished us with of details such as the struggling porter and darting Khajiit. Not to mention the brooding gateway to the prison. The contrast you created between the crowded streets and the quiet, dusty bookstore was excellent.

Gwinas! He was lots of fun. You really made him come alive and jump off the screen. He would be a fun character to see again.

Woo Hoo! Julian can get tough! I love that part too! Awesome Write!!

Wonderful! Nobody does wimpy like one of those breathless little Bosmer fellers. "Oh, thank you, thank you!" :lmao:

You really did bring him to life.

And Julian played her role well, indeed.

I echo S/R in enjoying the ambiance you created everywhere Julian went - busy town, dusty bookstore (shsssshh), dark bar.

This continues to be great fun!

I really enjoyed the liveliness to this chapter. You offset everything against itself at it worked lovely. Bosmer vs Redguard, hustle and bustle vs quiet store. Lovely !!

The pip squeak nature of the male Bosmer worked out great, although the towering over him deeply offended the Wood elf side to my nature. Where are the civil libertarians when I need them?
Oh, yes, this is Tamriel. :facepalm:

Reading your writing makes me want to start another build at head down the main quest. It is something I never bother to put any time into. Too much other stuff to do.

My goodness! You present the Market District in a way that really captures how I have always seen it in my mind, the hustle, the crowds, the pushing and jostling.

Every time I have visited First Edition (usually when I do Order of the Virtuous Blood) Phintias treats me as if I just soiled the floor. I am glad to see that you capture some of that. Still, your portrayal of him is nicer than he deserves.

Having never met Gwinas I can't speak to how well you have captured his essence from the game, but strictly as a character I found him wonderfully obsequious and annoying. I suspect that was your intent.

Like Wolf said: I am tempted to start a new build and do the main quest at long last.

@SubRosa: Julian Powers? Julian Powers?? Somehow she doesn’t strike me as being so shagadelic!

Gwinas will appear again in the future.

@mALX1: Thanks for the review!

@Acadian: I’m glad you enjoyed the little guy. He was quite fun to write, actually, and I ended up liking the poor kid.

@Winter Wolf: Glad to see you again! As for the towering, it’s practically unavoidable in the game! I’m always looking down at that topknot of his! It was worst when I played a Nord character.

@Destri: Phintias always gives me mixed feelings. He’s so snobby, thinks he’s better than my characters, and at the same time his mannerisms crack me up. If you do decide to take up the Main Quest, do let me know how my story stacks up to the game!

In the last chapter, Julian collects the third volume of the Commentaries, and finds out how to get the fourth and last volume.

***********************
Chapter 7.5 Meeting the Sponsor

Baurus approached me as I sat at Broad’s bar, shoveling some of his grub into my mouth. “You’ve been a hard one to track down, Julian,” he said quietly. “Have you found anything useful?”

Filling him in on my education, I handed him the note. His eyes gleamed as he read it. “Good work, Julian,” he said, his brows lifting at me. “I’m impressed.” He studied my street clothes with a feral glint in his dark eyes. “Get your battle gear,” he said.

Back in my room, I placed the three volumes of the Commentaries and The Amulet of Kings, into the pack. Leaving the small bag, I stripped out of my street clothes. Pulling on my leathers, I breathed a sigh of relief. Walking along Market Way in my street clothes had left me feeling vulnerable.

Strapping on my katana, I decided to take the bow and quiver at the last minute, remembering how they had served me in the sewers. Baurus was waiting for me beside the front door when I returned to the common room.

“Come on, I know where the meeting place is,” he said. “There isn’t much time, we’d better get going.” Suiting action to words, he stepped for the door. Following him out, I noticed that the pair of leather bracers on his wrists was all the armor he wore. For weapons, he carried only the slim katana on his left hip.

He strode across Garden Way to an alley between two residences. The narrow path led into a small, verdant courtyard, with a fountain in one corner. Baurus led me to the opposite corner, where a grate set in the ground was shielded by azaleas.

“The sewers run beneath the entire Imperial City,” he explained as he unlatched the grate and swung it back. “There are access points in every district. We Blades use them in our undercover work, as well as a means to move around the City without attracting attention.” He slid down into the access shaft, pointing out the iron rungs set into the stone work. Taking a last deep breath of the sweet night air, I followed.

**********
After about half an hour of walking through fetid sewer channels and cisterns, we reached a padlocked door. Baurus turned to me. “Listen, the room with the table is on the other side,” he said quietly. “I always wondered who put it there.” He gestured toward a nearby flight of stairs that led up to a door set in the same wall at a higher level. “There’s a vantage point into the room through that door up there. If you can cover my back from up there, I’ll handle the meeting.”

“All right,” I agreed. “I’ll cover you.”

Baurus smiled, that feral glint back in his eyes again. “Good. Remember, we must not leave without that fourth volume. It’s our best chance at finding the Amulet.”

“I’m ready when you are, sir,” I said, unslinging my bow and stringing it. Baurus put a hand out to stay me.

“Listen,” his tone, and gaze, turned serious. “I may not survive this. But if I don’t, then you must. You must recover the book and find the Amulet of Kings.”

“I understand,” I matched his tone. “We’ll do it - together.”

“I’m glad to have you at my back,” Baurus said. “Okay, let’s do this.” Pulling a lockpick out of his pocket, he turned to the padlock. Turning for the stairs, I limped up them as quickly as I could, finding an unlocked door at the top.

Crouching to keep within the shadows, I opened the door and slipped through. A closed iron gate barred me from a bridge that crossed the room below. A table and chair sat in the center of the chamber, and the bridge led to another iron gate and a dark space beyond. Easing open the gate in front of me, I nocked an arrow to my bow and settled down to wait in the deepest part of the shadows.

Footsteps drew my attention down into the room. Baurus appeared below the bridge, walking casually toward the table. Watching him move with feline grace and awareness, I momentarily envied him that ability. Once on a time, I could do that. I pushed the thought away. He didn’t look up in my direction as he seated himself, yet I sensed that he knew I was there.

Murmuring voices drew my attention to the bridge on the other side of the second iron gate. The glow of a torch outlined the shape of a room beyond that second bridge. Though I had no target yet, I half-tautened my bowstring and took aim. In my peripheral vision, I saw a tall, red-cloaked figure enter the room through another gate below. He greeted Baurus imperiously. Not waiting for a response from my friend, the stranger immediately launched into a lecture of the Commentaries, pacing around the table and Baurus.

“So you think you have what it takes to become one of the Mythic Dawn,” the haughty Sponsor continued, as I watched that torchlight grow and coalesce into a flaming brand carried by one of two red-robed figures. “It is not so easy or simple as you think. However,” now the first of the two figures bent to unlock the gate, “the fact that you now have three of the four volumes of the Commentaries shows that you are anxious to find the path to enlightenment -”

The torch bearer glanced across the bridge in my direction, and I could see alarm come over his face. I let the arrow fly and quickly notched a second one to my bowstring. The torch fell and fizzled out, throwing the two figures into darkness. A shout, and sulfuric flares indicated the summoning of daedric armor, not only from the acolyte on the bridge, but also from the Sponsor below. Releasing the second arrow into the afterimage of the acolyte, I shouldered my bow and drew my katana. Leaping from the bridge to the floor below, I staggered at the stabbing pain in my right knee.

Baurus had kicked the table over, blocking the Sponsor’s charge. Rising to his feet and sending the chair crashing back into the wall, he drew his katana in time to deflect the descending daedric sword that the black-haired Altmer had summoned. Hobbling behind the Sponsor, I swung my blade at the backs of his thighs, forcing him to one knee.

Boots thudded to the floor behind me, a voice shouting “For Lord Dagon!” I spun around in time to deflect the falling mace of the acolyte with the Kvatch Wolf. Too close to bring my sword to bear, I shoved into him, bringing the edge of my shield up to his face with a sharp crack. He reeled back, blood pouring from his nose and mouth, giving me room to use my blade. Sliding the katana beneath that summoned cuirass, I twisted the blade within the other’s rib cage. As the acolyte slid off my sword, I spun back to the Sponsor.

Baurus had avoided the wild swing from the Sponsor’s sword and sent his katana into the other’s neck, twisting it so the helm came flying off. The helm dissolved into sulfuric smoke as the Altmer collapsed, breath rattling from the mortal wound.

When no more enemies appeared, Baurus and I sheathed our swords. “That was well done,” he said to me. “A few more of these bastards dead.” He nudged the Sponsor’s body with his booted toe, frowning at the other’s face. “That’s Raven Camoran,” he said suddenly. “I’ve heard of him - he’s a powerful mage.”

“Any relationship to Mankar Camoran?” I asked, kneeling beside the dead Altmer, now unarmored. Baurus considered my question while I searched the robes.

“It’s hard to say,” he said finally. “Mankar Camoran lived so long ago, but these Altmer do live for many, many years.”

“Here it is!” I exclaimed, my fingers finding the edges of a small volume within a pocket in the Altmer’s robe. Pulling it out, I peered at the title. Volume Four. “The fourth one,” I held it up to Baurus. He looked at it, but did not take it from me.

“Now that you have all four books,” he said, “you should be able to handle it from here.” Clapping my right shoulder as I rose to my feet, he grinned at me. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Wait,” I said, thinking of the first acolyte I had shot. “Let me make sure the third one’s dead.” I pointed at the bridge where it disappeared into the far wall. “There’s a room there.”

“I’ll wait for you,” Baurus said, heading for the door by which he had entered. Returning to the stairs outside the entrance, I returned to my hiding place and moved out onto the bridge. Reaching the iron gate, now open, I crept forward into the dimly lit room beyond. It had bedrolls and chests, and a single, very dead corpse. I cut out the arrow still protruding from his chest and returned to Baurus.

“All good?” Baurus asked me when I returned. I nodded at him, loosening the string on my bow.

***********
We emerged from the stinking sewers into cool, clean rain. Glancing at the overcast sky, I tried to estimate the time. My stomach growled, suggesting that it was quite late in the day. Baurus turned to me, clasping my right wrist in the warrior grip. “It was good fighting with you, Julian.”

“What’s next, Baurus?” I asked. He shrugged.

“Ask Tar-Meena about those books,” he suggested. “As for me, I’m heading back to Cloud Ruler Temple. My place is at the Emperor’s side.”

“All right, sir,” I brushed the last of the sewer grime off my hands, scraping my boots on a nearby stone. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

This was an Awesome fighting technique - Foxyish !!!



I loved that! Great chapter, Awesome Write! - (ARGH, didn't loot the little room upstairs? ARGH !!! Must...not...leave...loot !!!! - just kidding, lol)

Yes, Julian is indeed one of the fab birds of the Third Era! Seeing that you are not going to provide us with pictures, we are left to our imaginings. So I am picturing a leather-clad Angela Bassett with snow white hair. Yeah Baby Yeah! :wub:

Good, tight, action chapter. The sword fight was exciting. The part about being too close for Julian to use her katana was a nice touch. The reason the Romans used short swords was because they are better at close-quarters. One often reads accounts of the Gauls with their longer blades being unable to wield them in the press of battle. While the Romans could still easily stab with their shorter weapons. The way a long reach can be a disadvantage is one of those things that game designers never clue into.

That was quite a leap on Julian's part as well! For me, that was probably the most exciting part of the battle, knowing what it would do to her knee when she landed. I see that in spite of the pain, her leg did not give out, as it would have at the beginning of the story. She is indeed becoming stronger, her bum knee included. Little things like this are an excellent way to show that, subtle, but noticeable to people who pay attention.


I liked this, as it conveys quite a bit in a very simple sentence:
Once on a time, I could do that.


nits:
Baurus approached me as I sat at Broad's bar, shoveling some of Broad's grub into my mouth.
I am not sure if the repeat of Broad's was intentional, but perhaps just saying his the second time would read better?


Upstairs, in my room, I placed the books I had collected, the three volumes of the Commentaries and The Amulet of Kings, into the pack.
With four commas, this sentence is rather packed. Perhaps it could be streamlined a bit, maybe like this:
Back upstairs in my room, I placed the three volumes of the Commentaries and The Amulet of Kings into my pack.


This is another big one:
He greeted Baurus imperiously, and, not waiting for a response from my friend, immediately launched into a lecture of the Commentaries, pacing around the table and Baurus.
maybe it could be broken up into two sentences:
He greeted Baurus imperiously. Not waiting for a response from my friend, the stranger immediately launched into a lecture of the Commentaries, pacing around the table and Baurus.

I loved this!!! Especially the interaction between Julian and Baurus - it was beautiful.

Before I could finish reading the first clause, I was reaching for my knee in pain. It was so cool to read the second clause and see that you thought the same.

The Kvatch Wolf! I loved that!

Oh my. I'm sorry to see that you have heard this sound. Well, given your profession, of course you would have. It brought a chill of memories to this old paladin. Well done.

A girl who's not afraid to get her hands dirty and believes waste not, want not. Even my bowgirl smiled at this.

You continue to knock 'em out of the park. Mostly I love how you develop and show what Julian is going through and thinking, but your descriptions, dialogue and combat descriptions are top of the line as well. What a joy to tag along with my friend Julian!


One nit, I think:

I think you want shows instead of show here since the subject of the sentence is the singular fact. Cut out the extraneous stuff and see if you agree: 'that fact shows that you are anxious to find the path.'

Julian jumped off that bridge?!!? Please don't do that again. I screamed out No! as I was reading. It has just frightened all the neighbors.

Most times when I am doing this part of the quest poor old Baurus goes down for the count and doesn't get up again. It is just me and the moss on the walls talking to each other.
Sage Rosa is correct. Your writing is tight and crystal clear. A fun read. :thumbsup:

Is it just me or does Baurus seem particularly inept at the investigation aspect of his duties. Here he is; sitting in Luther Broad's for Talos knows how long without turning up a single clue that can move the investigation forward. He's also been indiscreet enough in his poking around to attract the attention of a Mythic Dawn agent who is just pinning him from another table when Julian arrives. Then what happens? They lead the Mythic Dawn agent into the basemant and, instead of subduing and questioning him they kill him. Good thing that like all good Mythic Dawn cultists he was carrying a copy of the Commentaries on him.

That said it was good to see that Baurus survived the fight in the sewers. When he said that he might not survived I was convinced that I was looking at a dead Blade walking. I am not sure of the tactical advantage gained by putting Julian up in the rafters given her bad knee. I am sure it was just an example of Baurus' protective nature asserting itself. I am glad that we get to see the friendship between these two continue.

No real nits to speak of, this was just a solid, action packed chapter in what is becoming a truly satisfying and brilliantly written fanfic. :goodjob:

That's one high bridge! So it's not my fault I get caught every single time? No matter how well you hide, those bastards always see you. :shrug:
Anyway, loved the chapter, the battle was riveting! Nice detail on the cramped space and the consequential "shield in the face". :goodjob:

Hi all, happy to have the forums back?

I've noticed a couple of common reactions.

First that leap of faith off the bridge. In playing the game, I found the best way to keep Baurus alive is to snipe one of the acolytes on the bridge, then jump down to help Baurus with Raven Camoran. Yes, my health takes a hit, but I'm wearing armor and Baurus isn't (well, except for those bracers). I've also used convalescence on him prior to the confrontation to buff his health. By the time we take care of Raven, the surviving acolyte has followed me off the bridge, and has taken a hit on his own health as well, so that evens the odds quite a bit.

Thanks to all who complimented me on the fight scene. Combat scenes were my weakest point when I started writing this. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - kudos to D.Foxy's thread on combat scenes - it's made a world of difference.

@mALX: In-game, I do loot. But when role-playing Julian, who likes to travel light as much as possible, I limit my loot to small items (gold, gems, jewelry). In hostile territory, the less time spent in unsecured areas, the better. :bolt:

@SubRosa: Angela Bassett? Funny you should mention her. As I've continued to write Julian's character, I've come to see AB in my mind's eye. That is one tough lady who can kick some serious ass! She has the grits to play Julian, that's for certain. :gun: Thanks for the nits. Fixed!

@Acadian: I'm glad you've noticed Julian's reference to her shield (remember Matius gave it to her) as the Kvatch Wolf. She carries it in honor of the Kvatch Guard. As for the death rattle, yes, I do hear that often enough in my line of work. I also see a lot of trauma. I guess it shows in my combat scenes. Thanks for the nit. :facepalm:

@Winter Wolf: Thanks for the kind words - they mean a lot to me coming from you. Thanks for your continued support. I hope to see more of your fiction! :cookie:

@Destri: Baurus isn't that great as an undercover agent, is he? Guess that's why he went back to bodyguarding. Oh, and putting Julian up high? Snipers like high places. She isn't up to full melee strength yet, I guess that's why he suggested she head up there. That and the fact that she is carrying her bow. I'm glad you're still reading this. :read:

@RemkoNL: Thanks for your enthusiasm for Julian's story. I'm glad you liked the latest installment. :touched:

This next installment was tough to write. How did Julian figure out where to go to get the next clue? This is worse than a scavenger hunt!

********************
Chapter 7.6 Deciphering the Commentaries

Cleaned up and back in my street clothes with my belly full, I returned to the Arcane University. Hoping to see Tar-Meena before it became too late, I found the streets easier to navigate with fewer people out. Tiber Septim's stone gaze did not follow me as I crossed the Arboretum, instead staring blankly over my head.

As before, I found her seated in the lobby, reading a different tome this time. She looked up expectantly as I sat beside her. "Well?"

Her reptilian eyes gleamed as I drew out the four purple books. "Ah, I knew you would ssusseed!" she exclaimed in her hissing accent. "Now, to find their sshrine, you'll need to sstudy these four volumess. Essoteric cultss ssuch as the Mythic Dawn put hidden messsagess within their ssacred writingss." She smiled at my grimace. "By ssimply finding your way to the sshrine, you have passsed the firsst tesst on the path to enlightenment." She placed her long-fingered hand, surprisingly warm, on my right wrist. "You've piqued my curioussity about this puzzle. I will think on it mysself and let you know if I have any ideass."

"Thanks, ma'am," I said, and meant it. The Argonian woman had been very helpful, and patient in the face of my ignorance of mysterious arcana.

*************
An hour later, back in the room I had rented from Broad for a second night, I sat on the bed, my right leg dangling over the edge. The four books of the Commentaries spread around me, their pages gleaming softly in the golden light from the lanterns. Picking up the first volume, I took the plunge.



The prose remained as dense and thick as when I read it the first time. Still I forced myself to plow through all four volumes, hoping it would become easier. It didn't. Finally tossing the last book on the bed, I leaned back against the wall, staring at the lantern above my head. There were no references to locations or descriptions of places that I could recognize. Four keys? What were the four keys? Where is this Nu-mantia?

Hoping to find something I had missed the first time around, I re-read the texts. Maybe the answer is not in the text itself, but rather in the pages. Closing the book in my hand, I ran my fingers over the bindings, looking for lumps or irregularities. Each book's cover was perfect in its symmetry, the condition of the leather excellent. Wondering if text or magic words were hidden elsewhere than on the pages themselves, I studied the elaborate carvings on the covers.

Again, I failed to recognize anything. Picking up the third volume, I held the pages up to the lantern, looking for patterns in the parchment. Again, nothing. Sighing in frustration, I tossed the volume down on the bed and set my feet on the floor. Keeping my footfalls quiet to avoid disturbing the other patrons at this late hour, I began pacing. As I limped across the room, my eye fell on the open pages of the volume I had just put down. Its illuminated letters leaped off the parchment at me. Suddenly I stopped, staring at them.

The illuminated letters! What did they just spell? I picked up the book and studied the letters on the open pages. W-E-R. No, not quite a word. I flipped back to the first page. T-O, then returned to the page that had caught my attention; W-E-R. Tower! I turned the page. T-O-U-C-H-E-S was spelled before I finished the volume. Tower touches? What tower? Touching what?

Feeling the excitement that comes with discovery, I opened the first volume and started spelling out the illuminated letters: G-R-E-E-N E-M-P-E-R-O-R - Green Emperor! The second volume: W-A-Y W-H-E-R-E. Way where - aha! tower touches. The fourth and last volume: M-I-D-D-A-Y S-U-N.

I lowered the last book to the bed, stunned. Green Emperor Way where tower touches midday sun. The mental exertion left me exhausted, but I knew I had made an important discovery. Something on the Green Emperor Way will lead me to the shrine. It will be something that appears only around noon, when the sun is at its zenith.

Putting the books away in my pack, I blew the lamp out. Casting my now-customary three healing spells, I lay back on the bed, visualizing again the letters in my head, double-checking the spelling, making certain I understood the reference correctly. I couldn't do anything more until noon -

*****************
Bright sunlight poured through the narrow windows of my room when I woke. Downstairs, Broad set a breakfast plate in front of me. "Up late?" he asked. I glanced at him in surprise. "It's ten o'clock this morning," he added, "and you've got dark circles under your eyes."

"I was reading," I mumbled, already diving into the food.

"Must have been a good book," Broad chuckled. I grumbled something noncommittal.

It was nearly noon when I reached the Green Emperor Way from the Elven Gardens District. Looking around, I tried to identify the tower mentioned in the books. None of the tombs along the Way possessed features that could remotely be called towers. Studying the high outer perimeter wall, I could only see stubby guard towers at regular intervals, each one exactly the same as the next.

Reaching Talos Street, leading down from the Talos Plaza entrance, I turned and faced the center. Imperial Palace Guards in their flashy silver-and-gold uniforms stood en garde beside the engraved bronze doors leading into the Palace. My gaze traveled up the spire of White Gold Tower. White Gold Tower! Of course! I refrained from smacking my forehead at my own obtuseness.

Glancing at the sun, I noticed that it was near its zenith. Turning my gaze back to the Tower, I observed its shadow falling away to the north. Facing back the way I had come, I followed the Way, past worn gravestones and watchful topiary heads, ornate tombs and simple family crypts. Watching the sun, I soon reached a small, domed mausoleum, its gleaming marble cut into two by the Tower's shadow.

Prince Camoran's Tomb, said the engraved bronze plaque set in its side. Walking around the tomb, I recalled seeing it before. Its walls were made of half columns, the arches they formed filled in with featureless marble blocks. On the side away from the Palace, where the stones remained cool to the touch in their own shadow, a carved map decorated the stone wall.

Cyrodiil? Above it, a rising sun spread its rays. This has to be it. Pulling my chart out of my bag, I spread it open on the marble below the carved version. Comparing the two maps, I located each of the major cities of Cyrodiil - Imperial City, Bruma, Chorrol, Skingrad, Kvatch, Anvil, Bravil, Leyawiin, Cheydinhal.

Looking back up at the sun, I realized the edge of its disc just touched the side of the Tower's apex. Turning my eyes back to the map, I inhaled sharply as the carved lines began to glow red. Now there was another mark on the carven map that did not correspond to anything on my chart. The red four-pointed star lay just north and a little west of Cheydinhal.

Yes! I shouted inside. Yes! That's the place! Carefully I marked the location of the star on my map, being careful to keep the angles relatively constant. Stepping back, I breathed a sigh of relief to Julianos. Thank you for giving me your thirst of knowledge.

Turning away from the tomb, I moved to a low gravestone and leaned carefully against it, studying my map more closely. Go out on the Red Ring Road, north back the way I came. Continue on the Red Road past Sercen, and on past, what was it Atellus said, Roxey Inn? Yes, Roxey Inn. Follow the Red Ring to the other side of the Lake, to where the Blue Road heads out to Cheydinhal. I folded the map and put it away, my route now set in my head. Back to Luther's to pick up my gear, then fetch Paint and head out.

Squinting at the sun, I calculated the time it would take me to get there. Ten, twelve hours, if not more. It'll be well after dark by the time I reach Cheydinhal. I'll rest at an inn there. Maybe someone will know what this mark means.

Woo Hoo !!! I loved the scene where she is getting frustrated and looking for clues - perfect description! How many times in game did we do that same thing trying to figure out what some cryptic message meant, lol. - Awesome Write !!