» Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:39 am
Bold removed. And here is the next installment:
And, by the gods what a wonderful sight it was too. I had forgotten how beautiful Cyrodil really was. Ahead of me was Lake Rumare, a massive body of water that acted as a moat around the island Imperial City, the capital of the Empire. The sunlight played across the water with such exquisite perfection, a dance that the finest performers in all Tamriel could never hope to match. The sky was so clear and blue that one's imagination couldn't paint a better picture. The breeze was softly massaging the tree branches, and tickling the flowers. The air was crisp and fresh. What a glorious day it was.
I could see an Ayleid ruin across the water. Those ancient people marveled me, and had captivated my imagination for as long as I could remember. As a Breton raised by a leader amongst wizards, my skills in the arcane arts had been formidable once. Furthermore, I was born under the influence of the celestial Atronach, and I bore an ancient rune on my left wrist as a testament. The rune was formidable in its own right, able to absorb magical energies and direct them safely within my body. With it, I could serve as the conduit for immense volumes of magic, releasing and directing much of it towards my own ends. This was not to say that I was immune to offensive spellcasting, far from it, but when my attentions were properly commanding a situation, a magical assault was certainly not the most effective means of subduing me. Given all that, however, I was, at the time, most debilitated and flaccid. I was in no way capable of handling any nature of confrontation at all.
As for the Ayleids, they commanded sorcery far beyond the feeble fire and ice that wizards of the day tossed around. Arcana ran very deep, composing the very fabric of existence itself. The laws of magic were ancient, as old as time itself. Empires had risen and fallen its shadows, and knowledge of its deepest and most obscure secrets was far from common amongst men. Presently, curiosity overcame me such that I temporarily forgot the charge bestowed on me by the Emperor. Running to the end of the pier I happily shed my clothing and dove into the cool, refreshing waves. It had been so long since I properly bathed that I dared not guess as to my own scent. After taking well over an hour washing and playing in the blessed currents of the Lake, I decided it was indeed time to move forward. To my name, I carried only a rough leather cuirass and boots as well as a torn burgundy skirt and a filthy blouse that looked to have been white at one time. It all had to suffice, however, so I dressed and continued onward.
Near the ruin I discovered something wonderful indeed, fresh food at a small camp and some flower seeds that would prove useful once I resumed experimenting in alchemy. As to alchemy as a subject, it is an arcane science, a blend of magic and chemistry. My uncle had been one of the foremost experts on the art, and thus owned an entire library dedicated to the research of it. As a young child, I had developed a keen interest in alchemy because of the, often astonishing, results that could be achieved. The most mundane of objects usually had the most remarkable properties under just the right circumstances, and when used in exactly the right way. Proficiency in alchemy required a great deal of study to be of much practical use, however, for the variety of ingredient combinations and circumstances under which potions might be made is utterly astounding. Having read some of the most complex books on the subject from a very young age, however, I felt that alchemy was one field of study that I would always be the most comfortable dabbling with.
Alas, after resting for only a moment to fill my stomach, I continued into the ruins. Inside, it was nearly silent and very dark. I could hear the sounds of air slowly circulating through the passages. The groans and hisses made the place seem alive, and a feeling of uncertainty suddenly washed over me. Up ahead I could barely make out the boots of an individual, though I was unable to ascertain gender. Perhaps this person would have some information about the ruins for me, or offer up assistance in some other aspect? I thought it prudent to strike up a proper conversation for the first time in, perhaps, years.
SHLINK, I heard the sound of a formidable weapon being drawn, and the only other response I got was a disgusted grunt and the pleasure of a close up view of an axe when the man, as he turned out to be, charged. Deciding that it was not in my best interest to fight a man about whom I knew nothing, in a dungeon that could contain nearly anything, and who wielded an axe as heavy, at least, as my own body, I fled. Turning about as fast as I was able, I made haste for the door.
Blasting out of the ruins and into the daylight, I turned to see if my assailant was determined enough to follow me out of his domain. Sure enough, the large man came barreling out of the ruins behind me, swinging his mighty weapon as if he were wildly fighting for survival. Terrified and confused, I simply took off running back the way I had come. I dove into the water in a pitiable attempt to dissuade my pursuer, but he was as determined to kill me as I had been to explore that ruin. I ran desperately towards the city. The walls prevented me from entering, and I was mortified. But I knew that people could gain access at some point? but where? After a frantic and panicked moment, I realized that I glanced over a bridge not to far to my right. I had seen it, but I over looked it. Clearly, the bridge must service an entrance to the city, I could think of no other reason to bother building one. I tore towards the stone safe-haven as fast as I could endure.
Upon arriving at the city gates I found them graciously unlocked and I was able to throw them open by slamming my bodyweight against them. Shortly inside I beheld a most beautiful site, two Imperial Guardsmen standing watch at the doors!
"Sirs, Please!" I screamed, desperate for help.
The madman was still giving chase, and he came pounding up toward the city from behind some scattered rocks and boulders. His madness was beyond my comprehension. However, the guards were as dependable as they were skilled, and the awful bandit was met and taken before ever making the streets. The bandit fought furiously, swinging his mighty battle axe at the imperial troopers. The ensuing fight was bloody, but decidedly short. As the rogue drew his final breath, his weapon crashed to the ground and clambered over the pavement with a sharp clang. Taking a moment to consider the events that just transpired, I realized that the same organization that had been keeping me imprisoned only yesterday had just saved my life. Upon allowing my head to clear, I perceived that the battle axe was rather ornate, and the edge was finely honed. The Imperial guardsmen were busy pvssyring about the body, and moments later one dispatched, presumably to locate assistance. The weapon lay forgotten.
Since I happened to be standing, destitute, in the city's marketplace, I thought it unwise not to try and make some good of the circumstances. I hoisted the axe up onto my shoulder and carried it off with me. There was an armory nearby; so I paid it a visit first. Inside I was introduced to Maro Rufus, a good humored and solid-looking man. I offered him the battle-axe in exchange for a decent set of boots, basic repairs to my leather cuirass and shield and enough cash to secure a fresh set of simple clothing. He agreed, and the deal was struck. I left his shop with an excellent set of new fur boots, my own possessions, and three hundred septims.
After shopping for a few hours to find a good deal on some clean clothing, I wandered the city. Things hadn't changed that much over the years. The Imperial City was laid out just as it had always been; in a distinctly wagon-wheel shape. By heading towards the large tower in the center of the city, it was relatively easy to find any of the sectors adjoining the central district. Since the only bridge off of City Island is in the west, I headed towards the afternoon sun from the palace. Once outside, I found the city to be far more beautiful than I ever remembered, the Ayleid architecture never failing to amaze me. The bridge out of the city was absolutely stunning, so I crossed it with the utmost laziness; allowing myself to take in the gorgeous environment. At the foot of the bridge lies a small town of sorts called Weye, though I'm not sure if the same man owns all the property. Should that be the case, it may be more of an estate than anything else.
"Good afternoon stranger, do you know the way to the Weynon Priory?" I asked an old man in the road.
"Of course, just follow the signs to Chorrol."
Simple enough I thought, and headed off in the direction indicated by the street signs.
The road to Chorrol was straightforward and uneventful, and finding the Priory even moreso. It lay a small distance from the road, and I practically had to pass between the buildings if I wished to continue on to the city. Along the way, I didn't encounter anything more noteworthy than an abandoned fort with a few aging provisions and what seemed to be an equally abandoned farmhouse. At the priory, I had the simple task before me of locating Jauffre. There were only a few loose buildings scattered about, so I began with the largest of these.
Inside, I was greeted by a pair of Priors who both indicated that the man I sought was upstairs. Upon topping the staircase I was surprised to find that this leader of the Blades appeared to be little more than another prior. I began to wonder about the men downstairs.
"Good day sir", I offered.
"Can I help you?" was the reply.
"I was sent here to speak with you by Emperor Uriel, have you a moment?"
His reply was tense and questioning.
"Yes, what do you know of the Emperor lass?"
"Well," I began, "I happened to be there when he died and he-" But I couldn't finish my thought.
The man stood abruptly, and razed my soul with a vicious stare.
"What?" He bellowed, "Only the assassins and an escort of Blades were with the Emperor, and I know you are not among the latter. You had best have a convincing explanation, or you may not leave this building alive."
Every muscle in my body tensed, and I was terrified. Twice in a single day since being released from prison had I feared for my very life.
"Please sir, listen," I beckoned. "I was being held prisoner in the palace when the Emperor passed through my cell with his Blades. He said I was to be released because he had seen me in his visions". The emperor was convinced I was the woman from his dreams, but I wasn't sure if I could convince Jauffre of the same. I realized suddenly that it might have been a mistake to come here at all.
"I knew the Emperor better than anyone," explained Jauffre. "His visions were potent, and often quite surprising. But he would have been wiser than to send you here and expect me to believe you on word alone."
Of course, I thought, but my mind had often been a step behind recently. "Here, the Amulet of Kings" I said. "The Emperor gave this to me and asked me to bring it here, that you would need it. He mentioned?" I was hesitant to offer this last bit, but I continued. "He mentioned another heir."
"Indeed, there is," replied Jauffre. "You'd better sit down; there is a lot you need to know if you are to be of any use to us. Quite a few years back the Emperor had sons; everyone knows that he has had sons, three to be exact. However, the truth is that there are four heirs to the Septim throne, though only three are legitimate. The emperor had an affair about which he wanted no one to know, naturally." The prior continued, "The fourth son was named Martin, and I was given the charge of finding a home for him. My position in the blades, an organization that hides itself amongst the clergy, made it prudent to place Martin in the care of the Church. I have watched him grow into a man over the years, out of touch with his reality. He is now a Priest of Akatosh in Kvatch, provided the assassins are as ignorant to his whereabouts as most."
"If you knew there was another heir, why is everyone raving about the lack of one?"
"Well firstly" Jauffre explained, "it has not been an entire day since the Emperor's assassination and I do not yet have the Amulet. Therefore I don't have any way to crown the new Emperor and as such, have said nothing about it. However, your visit to me has changed that particular detail, and now we shall move on." He continued, "The second problem is that I have lost contact with my Blades in Kvatch and I'm not quite sure what's going on down there, but it's unlikely coincidence. That's where you will come in once again."
Jauffre proceeded to explain to me his wish that I travel to Kvatch to find Martin, and return him to Weynon Priory. There was one triviality of that proposal that made little sense to me, however.
"Jauffre, may I ask you something?" I said.
"Go ahead" he replied.
"Well, you wish me to go to Kvatch and find Martin when you've lost contact with your own Blades in the city, but what if something is wrong? I'm hardly useful in a fight."
"Please don't worry" Jauffre reassured me, "You are welcome to use any of the resources I have available to a Blade here. Furthermore, I am not particularly interested in your acting as a soldier of any kind. Your mission is one of trust, and reconnaissance. Lastly, you might ask the other brothers if there is anything useful they can provide; I will personally inform them of the gravity of your mission. The Emperor trusted you, Claire, and his trust has never been misplaced. Perhaps you could learn to trust yourself as well."
"But why not send a detachment of Blades? I'm sure there is an army of them available," I asked, awkwardly.
"I have reason, young one, to believe that the Blades themselves have been compromised. The Emperor and his sons have been assassinated to swiftly, and so surely, that inside information is most certainly available to the organization that arranged it. Furthermore, if my Blades in Kvatch are not corresponding, I fear that there is a connection to Martin in that. I need someone that I can trust, and at this moment, you are the best candidate."
So much was good enough for me. I decided to stay the night at the Priory, and prepare to depart in the morning.
-
When I awoke, broke my fast and searched for Jauffre again to ask about provisions. The priory supplied several very useful items, including some potions and scrolls that would likely come in particularly handy. Downstairs I found the other brothers waiting for me already. Brother Pinel allowed me to read through some of his old training books - quite an interesting history is available in the Blades' recounts - and brother Maborel gifted me his horse. Despite the hospitality and inventory available to me at the Priory, I felt that I needed some additional supplies. My plan was to acquire them at the Imperial City, but to do that I would need money. Fortunately, I had an idea.
Riding south along the road I once again came to the seemingly abandoned farmhouse with "Odiil" written above the doorframe. Since it appeared that no one had touched the fields in weeks, I allowed myself the pleasure of clearing out the vegetable patch and loading up my saddlebags with carrots, turnips, cabbage, and tomatoes. From there, I continued to the Imperial city. Upon arriving, I stopped first by the Septim hotel to purchase a certain collection of food items. Satisfied with my collection of particularly, I then sought out the nearest apothecary. I had not attempted any Alchemy in several years, but it was more of an art for me than a skill. Furthermore, I had just spent every nickel to my name on supplies. I had very little to work with, but I was also aware that alchemy can quite often make something of almost nothing. I spent hours at the apothecary, mixing, grinding, distilling, and overall dabbling about. I had piles of nectar, mushrooms, seeds, any number of foodstuffs, flower petals, and an assortment of roots. The apothecary allowed me to use a simple set of equipment, as all I had of use in the subject was a small mortar and pestle.
Once enough time had passed, I had created a veritable wealth of small, simple potions. I approached the counter and hailed the shop owner.
"What can I get for all this?" I asked her.
"Hmmm? let me see. That's quite a lot you're carrying, what's 1450 sound?"
I had never even seen 1450 Septims, much less been offered that sum. With that sort of money I knew I would be able to purchase nearly anything I could possibly need. Magic was my greatest strength and affinity, so I decided that rebuilding some of my old mastery was the most productive way to spend the remaining hours of the morning. At a small shop called Edgar's, I was able to find a scroll that offered an explanation of a reasonably powerful summon spell to called a Daedric Scamp into my service. I practiced it, and when I was confident in my ability to call upon my companion when he was needed, I felt much more comfortable heading to Kvatch.
The high noon had passed, yet the afternoon was still young. I had accomplished much since leaving the Priory, but I still had plenty of daylight, so I thought I would continue on my way. Outside the city once more, I found the afternoon sun over Cyrodil to be quite soothing, and I began my peaceful journey south towards Skingrad. The earth sung and buzzed with life around me. The meadows and trees themselves seemed alive with the chorus of the wilderness, and the wind and my horse were my companions. I was at peace. Before long, however, I became aware of an awful stillness, as if the very world around me had been suddenly struck unconscious.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a wolf came bounding down a hill and attacked, sending me tumbling out of the saddle and into the grass as my horse bucked and reared. As she came crashing to the ground in front of me there was one brief moment of total chaos. I struggled with my own senses for a fraction of a second before I was on my feet again, alert. The wolf was still nearby, and my horse was laying on the ground, kicking and struggling. I doubted I could right her and carry on before the wolf returned, so I had to be ready. Years ago, a timber wolf such as this would have been a laughably simple affair to contend with, but in my current state, I was not so sure. Nervous and on edge, I whipped my head around, scanning for the threat.
In an instant, I was hit. My senses were sharp, and I heard the beast coming, but the wolf was much quicker. The impact sent us both sprawling into the grass, and I suddenly felt hopeless and terrified. I detected a sudden warmth in my shoulder that indicated an open wound, and my spirits plummeted. In a ferocious rage, the animal bounded around again and leaped savagely towards me. I felt my flesh tear, and heard my blood spill onto the ground around me. For a moment, I was sure that I would soon be dogfood.
I tried desperately to pummel the wolf with fire. My attempts were a joke. I made every attempt to summon the scamp I had practiced with so extensively earlier, but it would not come to me. My mind was off, I was losing focus. Suddenly, I felt a searing pain that radiated up from my chest into my arms. My body locked up, and I felt sure that I was experiencing death, but only for a moment. One instant later, I was far more in touch with the reality of things, and I felt that I might have a pittance of a chance to destroy the beast after all.
In desperation, an explosion of magic had surged up through my body, and I erupted with power. Freezing ice filled my arms and hands, and I could feel it pleading, begging to be released.
Permission granted.
A flash of magic lashed out at my enemy, heaving the animal a good distance away. I stood, full of energy, and I could see the space around my hands rippling with energy, like heat rising off the road at mid-day. As for the wolf, it rolled to a stop, then stood and looked about cautiously. I could tell that it was reconsidering its assault. To my surprise, however, the beast launched itself at my horse, intent on making a meal of the fight after all.I pountced, pouring ice and fire into the creature just as it overtook my steed. The wolf attempted to switch targets, and took a halfhearted leap in my direction. When it connected with me, my magic lashed out and detonated with the wild animal, and, abruptly, the fight ended. I fell to my knees, injured and drained, but happy to be alive. Exhausted, I decided to rest for a while and recover.
Upon waking up an hour or so later I had to face the harsh reality that, as an atronach, my own magicka cannot be restored by any natural means. Without some source to replenish my strength, my offensive magic would be mostly useless once I had expended it. The Rune can be a blessing in some cases, but just as often can be a curse. I needed find a way to regenerate my magic. Nearby I saw an Ayleid ruin, and a thought crossed my mind. The Ayleids manufactured countless thousands of stone gems known as Welkynd stones, and each one carried an extraordinary amount of magic within it. The remarkable thing is that the Welkynd stone appears as an ordinary rock to anyone that is not in need of one, and thus most of them have survived undisturbed for centuries. The Ayleids were notoriously particular when designing their artifacts.
Knowing that there was little other chance for recovery, I drank a simple restorative elixir that Jauffre had offered. It allowed my mana to regenerate slowly over the course of an hour or so, but was much better than nothing. Once inside the ruins, I was confident I would be able to harness a small amount of Ayleid power.
