Sundas, 14^th Evening Star, 4E 201

& Morndas, 15^th Evening Star, 4E 201

We encountered Tolfdir as he was about to enter The Hall of the Elements.

• Wulf: Good afternoon, Master Tolfdir.
• Tolfdir: Good afternoon, Master Wulf, and Master Celestine.
• Celestine: We have something important to discuss before you address the students.
• Tolfdir: If you intend to recruit me for the plague investigation, I am sorry to disappoint. Ask me anything about Alteration, but alchemy and Restoration are not my forte.
• Wulf: Please read this note from Arch-Mage Savos.

I handed Tolfdir the note, and his eyes grew wide as he read it. When he finished, he placed it in his satchel.

• Tolfdir: Are you confident there is no danger to our young charges?
• Wulf: Have you encountered any sealed doors or Draugr?
• Tolfdir: No.
• Wulf: Then you have not reached a protected area. If the students stay within the excavated area, they should be okay.
• Tolfdir: You expect there will be Draugr?
• Wulf: Does Saarthal have its original doors, or has The Dragon Cult replaced them?
• Tolfdir: They are of Dragon Cult design.
• Celestine: Ahzidal lived in Saarthal, but his tomb is in Solstheim. We do not think there is a Dragon Priest in Saarthal, but we believe Draugr will be guarding some areas.
• Wulf: But, of course, we could be wrong. We are unsure about the danger the suspected relic poses or if The Dragon Cult placed guards and traps.
• Tolfdir: Can you act as lecturers for the students? That will allay their suspicions and benefit them.
• Celestine: Do not get Wulf started on a lecture. The apprentices may die of old age before it is finished.
• Wulf: We would be glad to assist and share some wisdom. I am sure that is in short supply with the young mages.
• Tolfdir: Education is never appreciated until after the fact. Young people never understand this.
• Wulf: On our travels, we encounter many dead mages. It is too late for them to learn.
• Tolfdir: They are always knowledgeable, and many are arrogant. Imparting wisdom is our greatest challenge.
• Celestine: When are the students expected to arrive, and how many are there?
• Tolfdir: There are three students for today’s outing. They should arrive any minute now.
• Wulf: Who are they?
• Tolfdir: Onmund is a young Nord. He has demonstrated great determination by overcoming Nord prejudices to be here.
• Celestine: He is a quiet, well-spoken young man.
• Tolfdir: Brelyna is a Dunmer. She is the first of House Telvanni to leave Morrowind for training elsewhere since before The Great Collapse.
• Celestine: Brelyna shows great promise in Alteration. She reached the level of Mystic before leaving home.
• Wulf: Have you spent time with the students, Celestine?
• Celestine: I want some of them to assist with the plague investigation, so I have introduced myself to many of them.
• Wulf: Is Brelyna related to Wizard Lord Neloth?
• Tolfdir: He is her uncle, once removed but many generations along her lineage. Do you know him?
• Wulf: He helped me with the problems in Solstheim. I can imagine Brelyna is under a lot of pressure.
• Tolfdir: There is, so forgive her for any rudeness displayed.
• Celestine: Is J’zargo the third student?
• Tolfdir: Yes. I had to ask the Arch-Mage to relent on J’zargo’s latest punishment and allow him to attend.
• Wulf: I have been intrigued by J’zargo. From what I have been told, he has a nimble mind and shows great promise. But his Baandari way of thinking can be an impediment.
• Tolfdir: His brashness and lack of wisdom are his weaknesses. We understand his cultural differences.
• Wulf: Does the rat attend these lectures?
• Tolfdir: Rat?
• Celestine: Wulf is referring to Wizard Ancano.
• Tolfdir: Oh, ah, he is always snooping around. He watches many lectures, trying to assess the students. The Arch-Mage showed us the correspondence and dossiers you retrieved from the embassy.
• Wulf: No doubt Ancano is looking for possible recruits or victims if they are not open to cooperating.
• Tolfdir: Do you think he would stoop to such things?
• Wulf: He is a Thalmor agent capable of any depravity.
• Tolfdir: The Arch-Mage does not want him here, and very little cooperation was offered before you retrieved those documents. Ancano thinks he can demand access to the information we deny him. We suffer his presence due to a sub-clause in The White-Gold Concordat. There are supposed to be wizards like him within The Synod and The College of Whispers.
• Wulf: A Thalmor spy within these walls risks the discovery of Countess Ragnarsdottier and myself.
• Tolfdir: I assure you, Master Wulf, that our writ with the crown is rarely discussed and only behind closed doors.
• Wulf: I might have a little talk with the rat. I bet I can make him squeak.
• Celestine: Behave yourself, Wulf. I do not think the Arch-Mage would appreciate explaining to Elenwen why Ancano ended up headless.
• Wulf: If he poses a danger, he dies.
• Tolfdir: The students will arrive soon. Let us enter and await them.

We followed Tolfdir into The Hall of the Elements. He sat down to await the students, and we approached Ancano.

• Ancano: I have many important things on my mind, Lord Welkynd. Your concerns are not among them.
• Wulf: My concern is your safety. I advise you to prioritise me amongst your essentials.
• Ancano: I have often wondered. Do you believe you can change the world, or is all this heroism an act as you accumulate wealth and power for yourself?
• Celestine: Only a moron would question Lord Welkynd’s motives.
• Wulf: Forgive him, Celestine. The Thalmor are incapable of recognising or understanding compassion and sacrifice.
• Ancano: Didn’t The Dominion aid you against The New Order?
• Wulf: They could have stopped The New Order before they landed and killed many Empire citizens. Nobody with a brain believes their spy network, which you are a member of, did not know about the invasion plans for years.
• Ancano: I am not a spy! I am an advisor to the Arch-Mage. The Dominion wants to promote relations with your College, and I am available to the Arch-Mage if he requires advice.
• Wulf: He does not need your advice and has never sought it. You can offer nothing of value to this College.
• Ancano: Perhaps he will ask in time. In time, I believe he will be more trusting.
• Wulf: Not according to his dossier that I borrowed from the Thalmor embassy. No senior member of the College is regarded as a potential ally according to those dossiers.
• Ancano: How would…oh…it was you.
• Wulf: Yes, Ancano, it was me. Therefore, I know precisely why you are here. Elenwen should instruct her minions on how to secure correspondence a bit better.
• Celestine: Since the Master Mages will not cooperate with The Dominion, you hope to recruit students who show potential.
• Wulf: You are also here to snitch on Talos worshippers and report on any powerful artefacts discovered.
• Celestine: When Lord Welkynd showed the Arch-Mage the correspondence, he was already wary of you. The letters and dossiers confirmed his suspicions.
• Wulf: The Arch-Mage showed the letters and dossiers to other senior mages. I distinctly remember a rather loud disagreement you had with Master Mirabelle. Then you went crying to the Arch-Mage. He told you to go away.
• Ancano: I am here per the agreement in The White-Gold Concordat. I cannot be removed.
• Wulf: If you pose a danger to anybody within this College, I will kill you.
• Ancano: Elenwen would demand your arrest if I were harmed.
• Wulf: Elenwen knows I have killed several hundred Thalmor since arriving in Skyrim. I am not talking about those New Order pretenders but genuine scum, such as yourself. She knows I worship Talos. I dare to say I visit him in Aetherius. I wear his amulet and have his shrine in all my houses, my museum, and orphanages. She knows that many of The Dragonguard used to be Blades and that I have aided exiled Blades and continue to do so.
• Celestine: Elenwen also knows that Wulf and The Dragonguard have saved all mortals, including Thalmor scum, from death or enslavement and will continue to do so.
• Wulf: So, Ancano, why do you think she would care if I lopped your head off?
• Celestine: Can you imagine what would happen to the Thalmor in Skyrim if The Dragonborn was threatened with arrest? The Imperial Army and city guards would not stop the slaughter of vermin.
• Wulf: The students have arrived. Pity, I was enjoying our chit-chat.

Tolfdir quickly moved into position, and the eager students fanned before him.

Celestine and I stood to Tolfdir’s right. Ancano moved closer, and Celestine moved back a bit, so she was between me and the rat.

• Tolfdir: Welcome! Today, two special guests are willing to share their extensive wisdom and experience. I present to you, Master Wulf and Master Celestine.
• Onmund: You are The Dragonborn!
• Wulf: Within these walls, I am Master Wulf, Apprentice Onmund.
• Onmund: Oh, yes, of course.
• Tolfdir: Before we travel to Saarthal, I thought it wise to discuss safety. Magic, by its very nature, is volatile and dangerous. Unless you control it, it can and will destroy you.
• Brelyna: Sir, I think we all understand that. We would not be here if we could not control magic.
• Tolfdir: Of course, my dear. Of course. You all certainly possess some natural ability. That much is not being questioned. What I am talking about is proper control, the mastery of magic. It takes years, if not decades, of practice and study.
• J’zargo: Then what are we waiting for? Let us get started!
• Tolfdir: Please, please! This eagerness is one of the dangers I am talking about. Eagerness must be tempered with caution, or else disaster is inevitable.
• Onmund: But we have only recently arrived, and you have no idea what we are capable of. Why not give us a chance to show you what we can do?
• Tolfdir: Masters, what do you think?

• Wulf: Safety is the most important lesson. It comes before the learning of new spells.
• Celestine: I agree.
• J’zargo: Oh, do not listen to them. We can safely cast new spells. Just give us a chance!
• Wulf: Apprentice J’zargo, you dare question our judgement. How far are you in your studies?
• J’zargo: I have almost completed my Master’s level in Destruction.
• Wulf: By the time I was twenty, I was a Master of all five schools of Magic. By the time I was twenty-two, I had also been trained by the Psijic Order.

That proclamation earned an audible hiss from Ancano.

• Wulf: You know nothing, Apprentice J’zargo. Every teacher I have had has stressed the danger of magic. Yes, you have potential, but heed our words, or you will not live to reach that potential. Master Celestine, is there danger in wielding magic only within the spells?
• Celestine: No. Mages can die from summoning creatures they cannot control. However, that is not the most common cause of their demise.
• Wulf: Pursuing magical knowledge can be as addictive as Skooma and just as devastating to the mage and those who love them. Within Saarthal lived an Atmoran mage called Vygnak. They did not use family names when they first arrived in Skyrim. He learned all he could from other Atmoran mages and left Saarthal to learn from the Mer races.
• Celestine: He left his wife and child behind, so consumed was Vygnak with his pursuit of knowledge.
• Wulf: While he was away, the Falmer sacked Saarthal. When he returned, everybody, including his family, had been slaughtered.
• Celestine: This did not diminish Vygnak’s desire for magical knowledge. Thoughts of revenge flamed the desire, so he left caution behind.
• Wulf: Eventually, like many powerful mages, Vygnak allied with the enemies of mortals. In his case, he became Ahzidal, a Dragon Priest. This once-loving father and husband aided Alduin’s forces during The Dragon War. His choice killed many more innocents than the Falmer at Saarthal.
• Celestine: Ahzidal is one of history’s most feared and hated mages. Is that a legacy the Baandari people want from you, J’zargo?
• Wulf: Vygnak lost his family, sanity, and soul in pursuing magical knowledge. But he is far from the only one.
• Celestine: We encounter many mages who have been ensorceled, made undead, or turned to evil due to their pursuit of magical knowledge.
• Wulf: A whole race, The Dwemer, vanished in their mindless pursuit of magical knowledge. Esteemed and respected Masters of The College of Winterhold have also fallen victim.
• Tolfdir: Master Septimus Signus was recently killed by Hermaeus Mora because he was no longer useful to that Dark Lord.
• Wulf: Master Septimus was honourable and honest. However, when Mora offered the knowledge he wanted, he was willing to commit murder and spread plagues to earn it.
• Celestine: We could list countless examples of mages who have lost their lives, and sometimes souls, in pursuit of magical knowledge. We have encountered dozens of them on our travels. Many of them desiccated corpses within ancient ruins.
• Wulf: So, Apprentice J’zargo, you had better listen to Master Tolfdir because a mage who is not careful is a danger to others, and that will have you expelled before you can blink.
• Tolfdir: We expel people, not just students. Many Master Mages have been banned from these premises for recklessly pursuing knowledge.
• J’zargo: J’zargo stands admonished. He will listen and learn.
• Tolfdir: Good. In continuing with our theme of safety, we will start with Wards. Wards are protective spells that block magic. I will teach you all a spell called Lesser Ward, and we will see if you can successfully use it to block spells.
• Wulf: You must remember that wards protect against some forms of magic but not projectiles and other weapons. Many enemies will negate your ward by using Telekinesis to toss things at you. Wards, unless you are a Psijic Monk, take time to cast. An enemy is not going to stand by while you do so.
• Tolfdir: Master Wulf, will you please cast Lesser Ward? I shall try to penetrate it with a Flames spell.
• Wulf: I have not used that spell in years, but I might be able to remember it.
• Celestine: Master Wulf is joking. He never forgets anything, which is disturbing!

The students laughed as Tolfdir and I got into position.

We demonstrated the spell, and Ancano scoffed behind me.

• Wulf: While Master Tolfdir teaches you the spell, we shall clear the way to Saarthal.
• J’zargo: A few students supported by Master Tolfdir have nothing to fear.
• Wulf: You are letting your mouth move ahead of your brain again, Apprentice J’zargo.
• Celestine: Although most dragons post no danger, some still regard mortals as tasty snacks.
• Wulf: Large groups of aggressive goblins are in the ice fields. Your ward spells will not stop their spears. Many of their shamans are Masters of Destruction. There is also a new threat in the ice fields.
• Tolfdir: And what is that, Master Wulf?
• Wulf: A vampire clan had obtained ancient magic. They can now turn into Perfect Hybrids, vampiric gargoyles with stone-like skin and poisonous claws several inches long. Combined with their Blood Magic, another thing wards do not protect against, they are formidable opponents.
• Celestine: Does the Saarthal dig employ guards, Master Tolfdir?
• Tolfdir: Yes, quite a few.
• Celestine: So, Apprentice J’zargo, the Master Mages at the dig site, think some dangers need protecting against.
• Onmund: I would keep quiet if I were you, J’zargo.
• Brelyna: Although it is fun to watch you get brought down a few notches.
• Wulf: I look forward to all three of you succeeding here. Please be patient and learn some wisdom.

As the students surrounded Tolfdir to learn Lesser Ward, Celestine and I made our way to Saarthal.

As we approached the ice field, a snowstorm reduced visibility.

The only danger we met was a patrol of goblins. We tried to pass them without posing a threat, but they attacked anyway.

We soon wiped them out with the aid of a troll. We left it alive, as it would not attack a group of people, only stragglers and loners. Tolfdir would make short work of the troll if it did attack.

It was almost an hour before Tolfdir and the students arrived.

• Tolfdir: And here we all are. Are we ready to step inside, Masters Wulf and Celestine?
• Wulf: A quick history lesson and another warning first, Master Tolfdir.
• Brelyna: Do not whine, J’zargo. Even my great times a gazillion Uncle Neloth respects the words of Lord Welkynd.
• Onmund: Yes, it is a privilege to learn from him.
• J’zargo: J’zargo was not going to complain. However, he wants to get warmer before his whiskers snap.
• Wulf: I could always warm you up with some Dragonfire.
• Celestine: That is another thing wards will not protect against, and Master Wulf does not need to cast a spell but merely utter a few words.
• Brelyna: So, you are like a dragon!
• Wulf: Yes, Apprentice Brelyna. I have the soul and blood of a dragon. I also have the base impulses that other Dov fight against. We have a natural desire for combat and conquest. But enough about me. Can you tell me what the carving on the entrance doors represents?
• Onmund: The Dragon Cult.
• Wulf: Yes. When you see them at the entrance or within Nordic ruins, they often signify the presence of a Dragon Priest. We do not think a Dragon Priest is entombed in Saarthal, but the records are incomplete.
• Celestine: But we believe there will be Draugr in the depths of Saarthal. Therefore, do not wander beyond the perimeters that Master Tolfdir sets.
• Tolfdir: We three Masters will travel further into Saarthal than anybody else has for centuries if not millennia. As we declare each area safe, it will later be opened to others, including apprentices.
• Wulf: Even Master Tolfdir will listen to advice from Master Celestine and me. We have traversed many ancient tombs and are better equipped to deal with the dangers.
• Celestine: Do not become one of the desiccated corpses I mentioned earlier. Obey the restrictions Master Tolfdir sets.
• J’zargo: This one’s shivering is no longer caused entirely by the cold winds.
• Wulf: That is good, Apprentice J’zargo. Perhaps there is some wisdom behind the ego, after all.

The young mages laughed, including J’zargo, as we entered Saarthal.

The lesson continued as we travelled down numerous floors.

• Onmund: Why is there so much interest in Saarthal? Many people question the need for the College to dig here.
• Tolfdir: As some of you may know, Saarthal was one of the earliest Nord settlements in Skyrim. It was also the largest. Sacked by the elves in the infamous ‘The Night of Tears,’ little is known about what happened to Saarthal. This excavation is an exciting opportunity for us. We can study an early civilisation and the magic they used.
• Wulf: The biggest mystery is not the magic used by Atmoran. They were not known as Nord until much later, and Falmer. The biggest mystery, and why some people do not want us to find answers, is the motivation behind The Night of Tears. Why did the Falmer turn from friendly neighbours to murderers of innocents?
• Celestine: This was a pivotal point in Skyrim’s history. It not only produced Ahzidal, who cost many mortal lives in The Dragon War, but it also gave Ysgramor and his five hundred an excuse to exterminate the Falmer.
• Wulf: Ahzidal enabled the genocide by using his knowledge to place powerful dweomer on the Atmoran weapons and armour.
• Onmund: I was taught that the Falmer feared how quickly Atmoran bred and spread over Skyrim.
• Wulf: Ysgramor’s genocide cannot be justified. The Atmoran killed every Falmer they found and destroyed their literature and art. It was hatred and anti-Mer sentiment that fuelled that bloodlust. What is left is the history the victors wanted to be taught.
• Celestine: By excavating Saarthal, the real reasons for The Night of Tears might be uncovered. It may be that the Atmoran histories are correct.
• Onmund: Are you saying that the Falmer may have been righteous in the massacre of that night?
• Wulf: No, Apprentice Onmund. If you visit my museum in Solitude, you will see that the accurate histories are often contrasted with the popular narrative.
• Celestine: Murder is never justified. What the Falmer did that night was murder. However, it was one night and one location. That cannot justify the decades it took to hunt down and slaughter the innocent Falmer.
• Wulf: For every Atmoran non-combatant killed that night, Ysgramor and his butchers killed ten thousand. I met Ysgramor in Sovngarde and felt nothing but contempt for the great hero of the Nords.
• Onmund: I know many Nords who mirror your contempt, Master Wulf.
• Brelyna: What are we looking for?
• Tolfdir: Anything! Anything at all that might be of interest. That is why I adore this location. We have no idea what we are going to find. And if, along the way, my message about the dangers of magic should happen to sink in for a few students, that would be a happy coincidence.
• Wulf: Wait! Did you hear that groan? I think there are Draugr ahead.
• Onmund: Oh my, what do we do?
• Celestine: Nothing. Master Wulf has a bizarre sense of humour.
• J’zargo: Ha, Onmund. This one did not fall for that lousy humour.
• Wulf: I can tell you are lying, Apprentice J’zargo.
• J’zargo: How?
• Wulf: Your lips are moving.

Laughter accompanied us until we reached the bottom.

• Wulf: Master Tolfdir, we shall scout ahead while you organise the students.
• Tolfdir: I shall catch up as soon as I can. Keep following the scaffolding till you find Arniel Gane. He is one of the scholars aiding us in our research. When you reach him, that is as far as we have examined the ruins.
• Celestine: Have you encountered any magically locked doors or Nordic puzzles to that point?
• Tolfdir: No.
• Celestine: Then you are yet to encroach on areas that Draugr might protect.
• Tolfdir: Arniel has been warned not to travel further without a couple of Master Mages.
• Wulf: We shall see you soon, Master Tolfdir. It has been a pleasure meeting you, young mages.
• J’zargo: Will you visit the College often, Masters Wulf and Celestine?
• Wulf: I have promised the Arch-Mage I will teach some obscure magics and the Thu’um. So yes, I hope to be a regular visitor in the future.
• Celestine: I will offer my knowledge of Restoration when requested. I have learned much on my travels that is not taught in the College.
• Tolfdir: Celestine was already the most accomplished Restoration Mage the College has seen in centuries. She returns to us even more knowledgeable.

Tolfdir wandered away with the students to assign them tasks. Celestine and I proceeded further into Saarthal.

It did not take long to find Arniel Gane, who I disliked from the moment I met him.

• Arniel: Who are you, and what are you doing here?
• Wulf: You wear Adept Robes of Alteration, so you are not even a Master Mage.
• Arniel: I will have you know I am the senior researcher of peculiar magic within The College of Winterhold!
• Wulf: And that permits you to talk to Masters like we are apprentices?
• Arniel: Oh.
• Celestine: I am Master Celestine, and this is Master Wulf, The Dragonborn. Did you not notice my Master’s amulet?
• Arniel: Ah…no…sorry.
• Wulf: We believe there may be danger ahead. We are here to make further excavation safer.
• Celestine: Master Tolfdir will join us shortly.
• Arniel: What kind of danger?
• Wulf: Most likely Draugr and possibly a Dragon Priest or two.
• Arniel: Draugr! Dragon Priest! Oh, my!
• Celestine: If you hear screaming or see us run past quickly, do not wait to see the danger.
• Wulf: Yeah, run as fast as you can, but Draugr can be speedy bastards, and you will never outrun a Dragon Priest.
• Arniel: Um, I think I forgot something back at the College. Bye!

We chuckled as Arniel fled.

We had not travelled far before we encountered a magically sealed door. An amulet was hanging from the door.

I placed my hand near the amulet and detected an unfamiliar dweomer. When I inspected the area, I discovered portcullis ports on the floor.

I told Celestine, “When I remove the amulet, a portcullis will rise. I can detect no traps, but it is up to you to remain or wait on the other side.”

“Is there a dweomer on the amulet?”

“Yes, it is not Daedric, but I don’t recognise it.”

“Then I shall remain by your side as we may have to work together to figure out the opening mechanism.”

I removed the amulet. As expected, a portcullis prevented our exit.

I asked Celestine, “Can you feel that?”

“Feel what?”

“There is a connection between the amulet and door. A sort of synchronicity of magic.”

“Your Psijic training and odd combination of parents and blessings make you more sensitive to magical energies than I am. Vayu could probably detect it, but I cannot.”

Just then, Tolfdir ran up to the bars. He was puffing and probably hadn’t run in decades.

• Tolfdir: What in the world was that racket?
• Wulf: The bars rising. As you can see, we are somewhat trapped.
• Tolfdir: How in the world did that happen?
• Celestine: We knew it would happen. There is a magically sealed door. An amulet was hanging from it.
• Wulf: It is a trap to eliminate the magically inept. There is a magical connection between the amulet and the door.
• Tolfdir: So, how do you open the door?
• Wulf: I assume I must wear the amulet for a start.
• Tolfdir: Is that wise?
• Wulf: Calculated risks must be taken when exploring places like this. I can detect no harmful dweomer.
• Tolfdir: What happened to Arniel? He ran past, mumbling something about insane mages and Draugr.
• Celestine: We just told him the truth. There is a good chance that once we open this passageway and explore further, the guardians of Saarthal will come and play with us.
• Wulf: Remember, Master Tolfdir, that no matter how excited you get, you must remain behind us.
• Celestine: If you are in front of Master Wulf, he cannot use his Thu’um. You may also delay us in other ways.
• Tolfdir: Okay, I understand.

When I placed the amulet around my neck, flames appeared where the amulet had been.

I said, “This is, as I suspected, a test for mages. If I hit the door with a fire spell, it will open or disintegrate.”

I cast Flames at the door, and it disintegrated. The portcullis lowered.

Tolfdir followed us into a small corridor. We stopped before entering an alcove.

• Wulf: What do you think, Celestine?
• Celestine: Draugr are inside the coffins, and there is likely to be a proximity trigger to release them.
• Tolfdir: How do we proceed?
• Wulf: Let me enter first and circle the room. That may release the Draugr, which I can easily defeat.
• Tolfdir: And if Draugr are not released?
• Wulf: Then join me, and we will look for a hidden door.

I quickly circled the room, but no Draugr sprang from the coffins.

I said, “Come and join me.”

When Tolfdir entered, the room was enveloped in a Psijic Time-Stop spell. When I use the Slow Time Shout, all the colour is drained. The Psijic Time-Stop spell has a similar effect. One advantage the Psijic spell has over the Shout is the ability to talk without sounding like a mouse or a giant.

Tolfdir and Celestine were not entirely immobilised, but they moved so slowly that it was almost imperceptible. This is a useful spell, but I was not allowed to be taught it.

Nerien appeared out of the ether. One thing not diminished by the Time-Stop spell is Psijic arrogance.

‘Stop, Valdr, and listen well…”

“Do not try and order me around, Nerien. Tell me, when did we meet last, and what were you wearing?”

“I watched you butcher Riften’s Thane and her lackeys. I was wearing full plate armour.”

“When did Artaeum arrive back in Mundus?”

“About ten years ago. I assure you, Valdr, I am the Nerien that you know, not the duplicate on the newly arrived island, if there is one.”

“Please, call me Wulf in case anybody overhears our conversation. Tell the others that is the rule if they wish to speak to me.”

“We scried your actions within Saarthal and knew you would set a chain of events in motion that cannot be stopped.”

“You know I do not believe in predetermined outcomes.”

“They cannot be stopped if this timeline is to proceed. In other words, I advise you to let the sequence occur.”

“Ahh…but you do not know why I must do so, only that it is necessary.”

“Correct. We also did not foresee the arrival of another Artaeum.”

“It is part of a Splinter. They cannot be foreseen.”

“You, Wulf, and you alone have the potential to prevent disaster. Take great care, and know that The Order is watching.”

“What a load of bollocks. I know you can only hold Time-Stop temporarily, so I will not ask further questions. I advise one of you to visit in the flesh. Then, we can discuss what is happening in more detail. There is little chance of meeting your duplicates within The College of Winterhold.”

“We believe those on the island are still coming to terms with the Nirn they have returned to. They may send out scouts soon, but one of us should be able to visit physically.”

As Nerien’s Time-Stop ended and he teleported, colour returned, and I noticed his Psijic Robes were baby shit yellow.

I approached the understandably confused Tolfdir.

• Tolfdir: I swear I felt something rather strange just then.
• Wulf: You were caught in a Psijic spell they call Time-Stop.
• Celestine: Was it one of ours or a Splinter Psijic that visited?
• Wulf: It was one of my tutors from Artaeum. His name is Nerien, and he is Master of Arrogance.
• Celestine: Ahh, yes, you have mentioned him several times.
• Wulf: I asked some questions to confirm he was one of ours and not a Splinter copy.
• Tolfdir: Did he tell you anything that may aid us?
• Wulf: Even the most powerful among the Psijic Order can only temporarily maintain Time-Stop. A minute would be the most. Since his Artaeum is not in Nirn, the duration was even shorter.
• Celestine: He gave a cryptic message, didn’t he? That is how you have described such encounters in the past.
• Wulf: The Psijic Order knows that certain events must occur if this timeline is to be preserved and a disaster is thwarted.
• Tolfdir: So that is all he told you?
• Wulf: That is the substance of what he said. He warned that certain events must occur and that I am the only one capable of stopping the potential disaster.
• Celestine: Nerien would not tell Master Wulf details of those events. One reason is that he may try to prevent them.
• Wulf: Any prior knowledge of the events risks them not occurring as they should. If any of the events causes the deaths of innocents, I would, as Master Celestine said, try and prevent them.
• Tolfdir: Do you know what the potential disaster might be?
• Wulf: I am sure we shall soon discover the artefact that is the danger. I will not know why until we can examine it.
• Tolfdir: We had better find that secret door you mentioned.

Just as Tolfdir finished his sentence, the familiar sound of Draugr breaking out of their coffins echoed.

I drew my sword and eliminated them in seconds.

One of the coffins had an open back leading to a corridor.

In his eagerness, Tolfdir entered the corridor before us.

I put my hand on his shoulder and said, “Eagerness must be tempered with caution, or else disaster is inevitable.”

He replied, “Oh, that is cruel using one’s own words to make them seem silly.”

The chagrined mage then followed Celestine and me.

A bit further along, we came to a lowered portcullis. On our side, there was a lever to raise the portcullis.

I asked, “Master Tolfdir, the lever to raise the portcullis is on this side. What does that tell you?”

“The portcullis is to keep things inside the next chamber, not to prevent access.”

“Yes, but they are often used to trigger defenders, such as Draugr.”

“Like an alarm.”

“Yep.”

I pulled the lever, raised the portcullis, and entered the chamber.

Six Draugr appeared from their coffins. I quickly cut them down, with Celestine aiding with her Destruction spells. One of her Chain Lightning spells was still crackling when Tolfdir approached.

• Tolfdir: I have never seen somebody move like you in battle.
• Wulf: I have killed many thousands in battle, Master Tolfdir. It is a necessary skill, but I am not proud of it.
• Celestine: Ysgramor and his five hundred would not have the skills of Master Wulf. However, with the dweomer Ahzidal attached to their weapons and armour, they would have carved through the Falmer as Wulf and The Dragonguard carve through our opponents.
• Tolfdir: I have never seen anything like this in Nordic ruins. Why, look at all these coffins! This oddity bears closer inspection.
• Celestine: This is so common as to be boring, Master Tolfdir. It is predictable in ruins that The Dragon Cult has decided requires guarding.
• Wulf: Let us ensure the other coffins do not contain active Draugr, and then you can examine this room if you desire.
• Tolfdir: I would like to stay a while and examine this. You two, however, should press on.
• Wulf: The raised bars and lowered portcullis block the way. The two pull chains will lower the bars and raise the portcullis. Be ready in case this releases more Draugr.

I pulled both chains, and nothing sprung out of the coffins.

We did a quick inspection, and when confident Tolfdir was not in danger, we continued while he started taking notes of what was routine to us but new to him.

Saarthal may be one of Skyrim’s oldest Atmoran slash Nord ruins, but it was just as tedious as later ones.

Room after dull room with Draugr and the occasional Animal Totem puzzle.

Many rooms and dozens of Draugr later, Tolfdir caught up with us.

• Tolfdir: Hold on, you two. Hold on! I thought it high time I caught up with you.
• Wulf: You did not miss anything remotely exciting.
• Tolfdir: You two are fighting Draugr and solving puzzles, yet I found it hard to catch up!
• Celestine: The Draugr here are not very strong, and a seven-year-old could solve the puzzles.
• Wulf: Experience has told us that the quality of guards rarely has anything to do with their leader’s strength.
• Celestine: If there is a Dragon Priest, Lich, or similar, do not assume they will be a pushover.
• Tolfdir: There are stronger Draugr than these?
• Wulf: Only a couple have used The Voice so far. Some more powerful Draugr can toss me across the room with a Shout.
• Celestine: They would turn your unarmoured body into a bloody pulp.
• Tolfdir: Oh. I heard sounds like thunder. Was that The Voice being used?
• Wulf: Yes, by the Draugr. I only used it once, and Master Celestine told me off.
• Celestine: Wulf’s Thu’um can collapse this whole structure.
• Wulf: I already had a building collapse around me. That was when I was poisoned and stabbed through the armpits and died. I do not recommend that experience, Master Tolfdir.
• Tolfdir: Ahh…
• Celestine: Let us continue before Master Tolfdir realises what a weirdo you are and runs back to the College.

Not far from where Tolfdir joined us, we all sensed a source of immense Magicka. We had found the relic.

I opened a door to a chamber, and there it was. The same type of orb, if not the very same, I saw on Artaeum was surrounded by a magical barrier.

We approached the edge of an overhang, and below, an undead mage stood to greet us. I could see a magical stream between it and the barrier. It was protected and probably invulnerable while the barrier was up.

I said, “You two, attack the barrier with electricity. It protects whatever that is. It may be a Draugr, but it is certainly not alive.”

I leapt down and attacked with a flurry of blows that few opponents could withstand. It was a powerful Draugr that used magic, not The Voice. It remained unharmed.

Electricity crackled as the other two concentrated on the barrier.

After several minutes, the barrier failed, and I cut down the unprotected Draugr.

I inspected the corpse and recovered an amulet and a Writ of Sealing.

I read the writ aloud,

• “Be bound here, Jyrik, murderer, betrayer
• Condemned by your crimes against realm and lord.
• May your name and your deeds be forgotten forever
• And the charm which you bear be sealed by our ward.”

• Wulf: The Draugr was once a mortal called Jyrik Gauldurson. He was one of three sons condemned for murdering their father, a Breton mage of considerable power, out of jealousy. I think the mummy on the table was him, but the orb transformed him into a Draugr.
• Tolfdir: But I can see the mummy’s skull, so how can they be the same being?
• Wulf: I have an idea of what lies within the orb. If I am correct, it is more than capable of doing what I suspect. The story of the Gauldurson family is interesting but of no importance to our task of dealing with the orb.
• Celestine: What next?
• Wulf: Stay away from the orb until I have looked around.

The room was bright due to the light coming from the orb. On the table were the mummy, embalming tools, and a Canopic Jar with Jyrik’s organs inside.

The staff was unusual and had a strong dweomer that would damage an opponent’s Magicka reserves. It may be museum-worthy, so I placed it and the amulets in my Journal Case.

Also on the table was a mage’s notebook about the orb. I quickly read it and then spoke to my companions.

• Wulf: The orb is The Eye of Magus.
• Tolfdir: Some of our Masters have been investigating the myth of that relic.
• Celestine: Well, it is no longer a myth, and there are two.
• Wulf: They might be the same relic duplicated via the Splinter.
• Tolfdir: Is that possible?
• Wulf: During The Warp in the West, there were seven Totem of Tiber Septim and seven Numidium. A Splinter can also be regarded as a Dragon Break. So yes, Master Tolfdir, it is possible.
• Tolfdir: Is it dangerous?
• Wulf: Not unless you try to use it. Within that orb is the power to destroy Mundus or create anything you desire.
• Celestine: Creatia?
• Wulf: Yes. Lord Magnus needed a lot of Creatia when he aided the other et-Ada to make Mundus, including Nirn. Mundus soon became a separate plane from Aetherius, and unlike Oblivion, no Creatia leaked into it.
• Celestine: So, The Eye of Magnus was a portable supply of Creatia.
• Wulf: Yep.
• Tolfdir: Are you sure?
• Wulf: Yes. I expect a visitor from The Divines will soon arrive and might confirm my theory or offer no comment. Silah is under constraints similar to those of Psijic Monks.
• Celestine: What is the book?
• Wulf: It started as lab notes on The Eye. It degenerated into the journal of a madman. It is written in Cyrodiilic, the precursor to Tamrielic. Unfortunately, the writer did not date his entries.
• Tolfdir: Can you read Cyrodiilic?
• Wulf: Yes, Master Tolfdir. I will read it aloud.

“The magical orb seems to have some unique properties. I have discovered that the gravitational pull stems from the sheer mass of the orb. I tried lifting it with a telekinesis spell but could not, no matter how much I focused. Me!! My only conclusion is that the object is much heavier than it looks.

Further studies have proven that the orb seems to radiate pure Magicka. I once dozed off while reading a spellbook near the orb, and I could feel my understanding of the spell growing in my head. At first, I was startled, but it was much more powerful when I tried the spell again.”

I stopped reading while we discussed the mage’s illogical conclusion.

• Wulf: Pure Magicka cannot make a mage more adept at casting a spell, no matter its concentration.
• Celestine: But if Creatia is mixed with Magicka, that change might occur.
• Wulf: Great Welkynd Stones stored significant amounts of Magicka. They did not make Ayleid mages smarter or more adept.
• Celestine: You conjectured that if the Falmer wanted to deny access to the relic, it would have to do more than store Magicka.
• Tolfdir: The presence of Creatia makes logical sense if the relic advanced Ahzidal’s knowledge and capability.
• Wulf: But why would that happen? Is it a function of proximity or a deliberate action by the relic?
• Tolfdir: I am a Master of Alteration, yet I have no idea how to make something sentient.
• Celestine: Often, the darker side of magic is used, Master Tolfdir.
• Tolfdir: In that case, I am content to leave it a mystery.

I continued reading the notes.

“I tried exhausting my Magicka reserves, but The Eye’s radiation kept refilling them and keeping my focus crystal-clear. This phenomenon is most interesting as this was not the case earlier. Another development is that I have found old scriptures and tales left by Falmer that refer to the orb as The Eye of Magnus. It seems it was my birthright to find this wonder. Whether it was named for me or I for it has yet to be determined.

I did it! I made a staff that can channel the magical radiation into pure Magicka energy. I once tested the staff by leaving it by The Eye overnight. The magical radiation remained as frequent as ever, suggesting that The Eye’s power is likely endless. I have also been able to move The Eye with the staff and have placed it in a more secure location.

Some more mages offered to aid me in my studies. I had hoped this would end better, but absolute power corrupts absolutely.

However, the altercation with the mages has proven another theory. By being in the presence of The Eye, I am growing more potent on a subliminal level. One of their spells hit me, and I could feel the icy spike pierce me, but it did not hurt. It was like it melted immediately upon touching my skin. Then, the coldness just turned to energy. Magical energy. It lea[t from my arm and hit the mage right in the chest. The others did not stand a chance either. I shall continue my studies alone. Somewhere far away from prying eyes and conniving fools.

I have worked day and night to keep The Eye safe for years. It has consumed my entire being, but I still feel the radiation helping me grow more powerful.

I constructed a laboratory where I could continue my research. The power of The Eye made the excavation relatively easy. I found that elemental powers have more of an effect on it than mysticism spells.

I shall probably never be left alone in this world. The damned humans around me keep interrupting my research. Just last week, I had to conceal the inner chamber because of some eager mages. They came from the newly opened Mages Guild. If they were here for me or The Eye, I cannot tell, but I thought it best to conceal it and myself. Now, I wish to move The Eye to another plane. That way, I could conduct my research unhindered and only receive aid and advice where I seek it. I shall have to work out a portal spell.”

• Wulf: Bad logic alert! Oh, the inhumanity of it!
• Celestine: Master Wulf likes logic to prevail where it can.
• Tolfdir: When surrounded by the inexplicable, that makes sense.
• Wulf: Restoring the power stored within a stave requires minimal Magicka. It does not imply The Eye’s capacity is unlimited.
• Celestine: And he says the Ice Spear pierced him but melted upon touching his skin. That seems mutually exclusive.
• Tolfdir: My dear, the sensation experienced may have felt like it pierced. His logic is sound in that case, even if his grammar is suspect.
• Celestine: I noticed you called Apprentice Breylyna ‘my dear.’ It is inappropriate and condescending.
• Tolfdir: Oh, my apologies. No disrespect is meant.
• Wulf: He seems a competent mage but ignorant of Lord Magus. He may be from a timeline where Lord Magus has a different name.
• Tolfdir: We cannot call him Magus because that will confuse things.
• Celestine: Mage Magus is the easiest way to differentiate him from the god.
• Tolfdir: The last entry dates to around 2E 230, when Vanus Galerion founded The Mages Guild.
• Wulf: I do not think Mage Magus ever visited Saarthal. He is talking about another orb. It may be the one on the Splinter Artaeum.
• Celestine: Or there could be a third orb.
• Wulf: There could be many, like the Numidium.
• Tolfdir: So, how did the book get here then?
• Wulf: That is unknown, but intuition tells me I am right.
• Celestine: I will say it, even if it seems far-fetched. Your mysterious benefactors may have placed the book.
• Tolfdir: Who are these mysterious benefactors?
• Wulf: I suspect gods that may predate the first kalpa have some interest in Mundus and its inhabitants’ continued existence. They are the gods of our gods if you want an analogy. I met one of them when I was in The Void.
• Tolfdir: That is too deep a concept and makes me dizzy. Can we please concentrate on the logic?
• Wulf: Of course. That contemplation needs a roaring fireplace, cosy chairs, cheese, and abundant wine.
• Celestine: Perhaps The Eye tries to defend itself, or more accurately, prevent its misuse.
• Wulf: That would explain why it turned Jyrik Gauldurson into a Draugr and gave him a protective barrier.
• Tolfdir: A sound defensive strategy would be to provide Mage Magnus with the knowledge required to move The Eye to a different plane.
• Wulf: All our assumptions are logically sound, but we must continue to investigate with an open mind.
• Tolfdir: It turned other mages against Mage Magus.
• Celestine: Mage Magus claims The Eye corrupted them.
• Wulf: They may have realised the potential danger and tried to stop him from using it. But once again, speculation, assumption and maybe.
• Tolfdir: Can we get closer now?
• Wulf: Yes, but do not cast a spell at The Eye, touch it or open your mind to it.

We stood and contemplated The Eye for a few minutes.

• Tolfdir: I am sure you have already noticed the markings. They are unlike anything I have seen before and dissimilar to Ayleid, Dwemer, Daedric and Falmer.
• Wulf: They are Ehlnofex runes. When spoken, Ehlnofey is like Aldmeris. However, a mortal mind is incapable of reading the runes.
• Tolfdir: Why is that?
• Wulf: Gods do not read one rune at a time or even a line. A god reads the entire group of runes at once and understands the message. The placement of the runes to create a message is governed by complex rules beyond our comprehension. Mortals cannot store the runes in our memory, and we do not understand the rules.
• Celestine: Master Wulf is fluent in many languages. It was fun to see him bang his head on the table when trying to master Ehlnofex.
• Tolfdir: The Eye radiates Magicka, yet it is unlike anything I have felt before.
• Wulf: We suspect the Magicka is not pure.
• Tolfdir: Could it be radiating Creatia?
• Wulf: Mortals cannot detect Creatia, but its presence could make Magicka seem different. Creatia would enable Jyrik Gauldurson to become a Draugr.
• Celestine: And it seemed to make Mage Magus more competent without effort on his part.

Silah popped out of the ether and startled Tolfdir.

Celestine walked over to her old friend.

• Tolfdir: Who is that?
• Celestine: Master Tolfdir, let me introduce Silah. She is a Jill, a female dragon, and this is her spirit form.
• Wulf: Silah is a liaison between myself and The Divines. She is also a dear friend despite her obsession with Ayleidoon. Silah is also the reason there are no longer jungles in Cyrodiil.
• Silah: One little mistake fixing a Dragon Break does not negate the excellent work I and the other Jills perform.
• Wulf: Yes, I know, Silah. You and the others perform miracles, keeping this tattered timeline flowing.
• Silah: Have you discovered what the big ball is?
• Wulf: The Eye of Magnus, or an Eye of Magnus if there is more than one.
• Silah: Lord Magus only created one, but how many may now exist due to the Splinter is unknown. We have detected two on Nirn, but that may change.
• Wulf: We suspect a mortal mage moved one to another plane. Does it contain Creatia?
• Silah: Yes, and in a way, it is intelligent. It will not randomly create things, such as a new species or planet, but will try and prevent its misuse.
• Wulf: Many relics are like that. The Ring of Khajiiti, for example. If it is used for illegal activities, it will abandon the person possessing it.
• Celestine: Auryen believes many of the relics we have found wanted us to do so.
• Wulf: This platform is concave, like a lens. Is that to amplify the Magicka being radiated?
• Silah: Yes, which increases the potential harm if something goes wrong.
• Wulf: Should we move it away from here?
• Silah: That is up to you, Wulf.
• Wulf: I shall discuss it with the Arch-Mage.
• Tolfdir: Can we move it?
• Wulf: One rule of dealing with The Eye is not to use its radiated Magicka. That may trigger some defence. If the three Dragonguard mages with the most Magicka combine theirs with mine, we should be able to teleport it.
• Celestine: We would be relying on our stores of Magicka and not tap into The Eye’s.
• Tolfdir: What would be the danger to the College if we stored The Eye there?
• Wulf: We cannot know for sure, but I assume there is no danger if you do not try to cast spells on it, use its radiated Magicka or open your mind to it.
• Celestine: That is logical if The Eye is not trying to defend itself from harm but from misuse. Study it with eyes only, and I do not think there is any inherent danger.
• Tolfdir: What do you think, Silah?
• Silah: I am afraid there are constraints on how much information and assistance I can provide.
• Wulf: There are reasons for those restrictions, Master Tolfdir. If you desire, we can discuss them another day.
• Celestine: You said the one on Splinter Artaeum hovered above a Magicka Pool.
• Wulf: Yes, like the one below the College. Its beam of Magicka flows through The Hall of Elements. That would be the most logical place to store it. We need many mages to study it while adhering to the rules. More minds will increase the chance of resolving the issue of multiple relics.
• Tolfdir: Are the multiple instances of The Eye the cause of the potential catastrophe that the Psijic warned about?
• Wulf: We do not know enough yet to make that conclusion.
• Tolfdir: The Arch-Mage must weigh the risks and decide.
• Wulf: This cavern has another door. I can sense a Word Wall nearby, so I shall visit it and teleport to the College. I will bring the Arch-Mage here so he can decide the course of action.
• Celestine: I will stay here with you, Master Tolfdir. We should be safe. I can summon other Dragonguard, and they will arrive quickly.
• Wulf: Silah, was this situation foreseen by Saint Alessia?
• Silah: No, Wulf. And if Psijics have seen anything, remember their scrying sometimes alters the future.
• Wulf: So that is not just a theory?
• Silah: No, it is not a theory. Do not worry about the metaphysics. Madness lies that way.
• Wulf: Schrödinger!
• Silah: I am not surprised you have read that most mind-melting book.
• Wulf: Twice!

Silah vanished. Tolfdir started to barrage Celestine with questions. I quietly left via the other doorway.

The Word Wall tried to teach me liz, which means ice. It is the first Word of Power of the Ice Form Shout. I already knew Word and Shout and how to use them.

A quick translation of the inscription is, “Here lies the body of Iglif Ice-Blood who met his end not in glorious combat, but at the cruel touch of the withering sickness.”

A short corridor led to the entrance of Saarthal.

I teleported to the outside of the College.

I then made my way to The Hall of the Elements. I memorised the opening where the Magicka beam entered the room. If Savos agrees, we will teleport The Eye there.

I went to Savos, who was reading one of the biased texts on Saarthal.

He asked, “Do you have news from Saarthal?”

“Yes, Arch-Mage, we found a relic identical to the one I saw on the Splinter Artaeum. It could be the same one duplicated because a Splinter is a Dragon Break.”

“Like the Numidium.”

“Yes.”

“What else can you tell me?”

“I had a visit from a Psijic Monk with whom I trained. He warned that I am the only one who can stop a potential catastrophe.”

“Did he elaborate on what the catastrophe might entail?”

“No, because to achieve the optimal outcome their scrying showed, I must perform certain tasks, and I should do so without foreknowledge.”

“I understand the concept. It seems the burden falls on your shoulder again, Master Wulf.”

“I think it is a burden we shall all share, even if I am the final solution.”

“Is there more?”

“The relic is The Eye of Magus. It transmits vast amounts of tainted Magicka, but what it holds is of concern.”

“Which is?”

“Creatia. Lord Magus used The Eye to store the Creatia needed when helping the other et-Ada create Mundus.”

“Mortals cannot use Creatia, can they? But you suspect the emitted Magicka is tainted with it.”

“Mortals cannot sense and, therefore, cannot use Creatia. We think The Eye uses Creatia to defend against misuse. It turned a mummified corpse into a powerful Draugr. It turned a mediocre mage into a powerful one. I speculate it will remain dormant if nobody tries to use The Eye.”

“Who is this other mage?”

“His name is Magus. He left behind a journal which suggests he moved The Eye to another plane in about 2E 230.”

“When the Mages Guild was formed.”

“Their snooping led Mage Magus to move the relic to a plane he created.”

“You are saying a mediocre mage obtained enough knowledge to create a plane?”

“Yes. Remember, I suspected Ahzidal used a relic to surpass the knowledge of other Atmoran mages.”

“So, your theory was correct.”

“I wonder why I was so certain of that scenario. Anyway, Silah, my liaison with The Divines, advised us to move The Eye from its current location. It sits atop a device that amplifies its already astounding levels of Magicka emissions. Subsequently, if something were to go wrong, the damage caused may be greater than if it were elsewhere. It is your decision, Arch-Mage, if we should move it to The Hall of the Elements.”

“I need to know more.”

“Then I suggest you put your hand on my shoulder, and I will teleport you to The Eye. You can discuss the situation with Masters Celestine, Tolfdir and I.”

“Then let us go, for I admit I am more than a bit curious about this relic.”

The Eye’s position was seared into my memory, so I had no problems teleporting us there.

When we emerged from the ether, Savos immediately moved closer to The Eye and studied it for over ten minutes.

Then, a lengthy discussion was held, where opinions on the safety of The Eye at the College compared to its present position were analysed.

In the end, the warning about any problems being amplified by the concave base swayed Savos.

• Savos: Now that has been decided, can you teleport it there?
• Wulf: Yes, Arch-Mage. Our airship teleports around with no issues.
• Celestine: Teleportation of passenger carriages and sometimes ships was commonplace throughout Tamriel until knowledge was lost.
• Wulf: The mass of The Eye is immense, but we are not trying to lift or physically move it. Due to its physical size and appearance, we need a lot of Magicka to teleport it. Our minds must store more information, so we must use more Magicka. The moving runes increase the difficulty of remembering.
• Celestine: Because we do not want to tap into the Magicka emitted by The Eye, we shall combine our Magicka reserves.
• Savos: And nobody with the College has as much Magicka reserve as Masters Wulf, Celestine, and the two Dragonguard mages?
• Wulf: Correct. I must also create an Empathetic Link so all mages know the teleport destination. It is easier and more stable if the participants are familiar with each other.
• Tolfdir: I have learned the teleport spell you donated to the College. Therefore, I want to watch the process and teleport myself to my quarters. I have enough Magicka reserves to do so.
• Savos: I, too, have learned the spell. I will attempt to teleport myself back to my chambers. Then, I will arrange extra security for The Hall of the Elements and release a decree outlining the rules concerning The Eye.
• Celestine: Ancano will undoubtedly show great interest in The Eye.
• Savos: I will tell him bluntly that it is none of his, or The Dominion’s, business.
• Tolfdir: Master Wulf threatened to cut Ancano’s head off.
• Savos: Please refrain from doing so. The resulting paperwork would be substantial, and I don’t particularly appreciate dealing with Thalmor officials.
• Wulf: I do not think Elenwen would care.
• Savos: Ha, you are probably right. Well, here goes. I have teleported small distances before.
• Wulf: Distance does not make the teleportation harder. Familiarity with the destination is the key to a smooth transition.

Savos cast the spell and vanished. Since he did not reappear, the teleportation was successful.

I summoned Khao and Vayu. As with Savos, we gave the pair time to inspect The Eye and ask questions.

The teleporting of The Eye worked like this.

• We stood at the four cardinal points and equidistant from The Eye.
• I created an Empathetic Link with the other three. Vayu was used to the experience, as Shamans of different peoples often employ group linking. Celestine and Khao initially felt uneasy, so we allowed them time to adjust.
• I showed them the Magicka beam opening in The Hall of the Elements via the Empathetic Link. The Empathetic Link also gave them precise knowledge of the location upon Nirn where the centre of The Eye needs to be.
• Visualising the entire orb was challenging, and the strain showed on our faces. The different-shaped panels outlined by Elhfonex runes had to be remembered as accurately as possible. That is much harder than remembering the face of somebody you want to teleport. However, we all managed the mental exercise, and I cast teleport.
• It took several seconds for The Eye to shift into The Ethereal Plane, but after that, it almost instantly appeared in The Hall of the Elements.

Tolfdir appeared soon after, and we slowly disengaged from the Empathetic Link.

We moved away from The Eye because its copious Magicka overwhelmed our senses.

Silah appeared.

• Silah: Teleporting The Eye was not a minor achievement!
• Wulf: We applied logic to our existing knowledge of teleportation. We knew it could be done.
• Vayu: Wulf was confident, so we were.
• Khao: I think I will have a headache for hours. Visualising the entire orb, with its shifting runes, was not easy.
• Silah: We detected another Magicka burst from Splinter Artaeum after The Eye came out of the ether. The one here did not emit a burst.
• Celestine: They are linked somehow, but we do not know how or why.
• Silah: The Divines have no idea what is happening, and none have corresponded with Lord Magus after his hissy fit.
• Wulf: First Father, and now you. That is a Rigmor colloquialism.
• Silah: DUH!
• Wulf: Lord Magnus might have disagreed with the creation of Mundus, but he helped build it. I doubt he would like to see harm come to Nirn or its mortal inhabitants.
• Vayu: Man and Mer are descendants of et-Ada and, therefore, his relatives.
• Khao: The Daedric Princes were also et-Ada. Some would happily eliminate their relatives.
• Silah: The Nine also believe that Lord Magus and the Magna-Ge would not want harm to come to mortals.
• Wulf: We must concentrate on The Eye we have here. Splinter Artaeum’s relic is a problem for the Psijics on that island, but that may change later.
• Vayu: What is your plan?
• Wulf: It is well past midnight, but Urag will still be at his desk. Therefore, I will see if he has any information about The Eye. I will ask Auryen the same thing tomorrow. He gets cranky if I wake him.
• Vayu: Okay, back to guarding The Afflicted.
• Wulf: You can swap with another squad.
• Vayu: Why bother going home when you have hijacked my fiancé once more?
• Celestine: Excuse me, I was asked to help with the plague and volunteered to do so.
• Wulf: Nothing stops Celestine from going home at night and returning to the College in the morning.
• Celestine: I certainly do not want to sleep here!
• Vayu: Mmm, Miraak and his squad were eager for action.
• Wulf: Have fun convincing them that guarding the Afflicted is the action they crave.
• Vayu: You forget my Dibella training. They will be thrilled to replace my squad after my eloquent task description.
• Khao: Is mental decay a sign of the plague?
• Wulf: No, but being exposed to Dwemer architecture for extended periods can dull the senses.

My friends teleported to wherever they needed to be. I headed for Master Grumpy.

He opened with, “Why am I not surprised that the College is in chaos and you are here?”

“So, I should not ask the College’s help to deal with the chaos? Should it only be The Dragonborn and Dragonguard who get to have all the fun?”

“The Arch-Mage visited, and I will tell you what I told him. I doubt I can find any reference to The Eye of Magus. The Atmoran and early Nords destroyed all Falmer records concerning Saarthal. All we are left with is their dubious accounts of The Night of Tears.”

“But you will look, anyway.”

“Yes, because spending fruitless hours amongst dusty tomes and scrolls is invigorating. It makes me forget my age and aching joints.”

“Perhaps you should do as other aged Orsimer do and find yourself a good death. There are plenty of opportunities in the ice fields.”

“I doubt anything would want to chew on my gristle and ropy sinews.”

“Oh, there are plenty of things that will kill you for the fun of it.”

“Alas, my books need me. I am their only protection against grubby-fingered apprentices.”

“As always, it has been a pleasure speaking to you, Master Urag.”

“Oh look, some refuse has blown in. Please, get rid of it for me.”

The refuse was Ancano, and he blocked me as I headed for The Hall of Elements.

I said, “Excuse me, I have places to be that don’t smell of Thalmor spy.”

“I have questions for you. You were in Saarthal, yes? Was that thing in The Hall of Elements found there?”

“Maybe.”

“I know full well it was. Please do not insult my intelligence. I shall expect a full report on what it is and why you have brought it here.”

“Wizard Ancano, let me say this politely and slowly. What that relic is, why it is now here, and what we intend to do with it is none of your or The Dominion’s business.”

“On the contrary, it is my job to know these things. My role as advisor to the Arch-Mage is aided by knowing everything that transpires here.”

“He has rejected your role as advisor, and you do not need to know everything that transpires here. I thought my warning would be enough to make you realise your insignificance. We are dealing with things you have no hope of comprehending. Your intelligence is that of a gnat compared to the minds surrounding you.”

“How dare you….”

“Oh, you should not have said those words. How dare I what? Risk all to save your useless existence? I think you need to know who you are speaking to. Look into my eyes, Ancano, and witness the power of The Divines.”

 Ancano felt compelled to look into my eyes and see who I was. He gasped and froze, his mouth wide open.

I drew my katana and warned him, “You are trying my patience. I will not keep giving you a chance, Ancano. Stay away from the relic. Do not harass members of this College for information. Keep a wide berth from me. This blade will remove your head if you interfere with our efforts to prevent a disaster.”

Urag chuckled, then asked, “You did not remove the refuse, but that was highly entertaining. Will he recover?”

“Soon. But Ancano will never forget what he saw. It was not an illusion but the reality of what I am.”

“Which is?”

“A killing machine with god-given powers that will exterminate him without hesitation or remorse.”

“You have shown admirable restraint so far, Master Wulf.”

“I am like a cat. It is fun to play with one’s prey before the final bite.”

Urag was still chuckling as I left the room. He knows I am not a cold-blooded killer but was trying, probably in vain, to stop Ancano from interfering.

When I entered The Hall of the Elements, Tolfdir was pacing back and forth while staring at The Eye.

I warned him, “Do not stay in The Eye’s presence too long, Master Tolfdir. We are still unsure if it can ensorcel an unwilling target.”

“I find it fascinating and admit, it is hard to stop looking into its depths.”

“Take that as a warning and go to bed.”

“Yes, you are right.”

“I am impressed you mastered the teleportation spell so quickly.”

“As am I. It has been many years since I taught myself a new spell, and it is a relief that I still can.”

Ancano might have learnt a lesson, but he is either stupid, or his arrogance overwrites self-preservation. He came over and then stood with his hands on his hips.

• Ancano: I am afraid I must intrude. I need to speak to your associate immediately.
• Tolfdir: This is most inappropriate! We are having a private conversation here.
• Ancano: Yes, I do not doubt its gravity. However, there is a matter that cannot wait.
• Tolfdir: Well, I am positive I have never been interrupted like this before…the audacity!
• Wulf: Please, Master Tolfdir, have some sleep. We shall speak again tomorrow, or should I say later today.
• Tolfdir: Learn your place, Wizard Ancano. I am a Master of the College, and so is Lord Welkynd. Speak to us with respect or not at all. Good night!

Tolfdir stormed off in a foul mood.

I deliberately kept Ancano waiting as I watched Tolfdir exit the building.

Finally, I asked, “What do you want?”

“I need you to come with me immediately. Let us go.”

“I do not take orders from you. Explain the problem, and I may consider a request to attend.”

“Very well, allow me to clarify the situation. I would like to know why someone who claims to be from the Psijic Order is here in the College. More importantly, I want to know why, according to the guard, he is asking for you specifically. So, we will go have a little chat with him and find out exactly what he wants.”

“He is here because I asked for a Psijic Monk to attend in person rather than in spirit form. You heard it when I said I trained with the Psijic Order. I did so on Artaeum, which returned to Nirn many years ago. That will be news to the mighty Aldmeri Dominion, who did know of their nemesis’s return. The Psijic Order is assisting me with resolving another issue that endangers Nirn if not all of Mundus. Now you know why he is here, which is enough information for you to tell Elenwen and earn your salary this month. What does a second-rate Thalmor spy get paid? I assume the Psijic Monk is with the Arch-Mage?”

“Yes, and I demand to talk to this monk and ensure he is escorted off college grounds!”

“Another lesson is needed.”

I Shouted the First Word of Ice Form.

Ancano fell to the ground, incapacitated by a covering of thick ice.

I stood over him and said, “Know this, Ancano. You live because you have not crossed the line and endangered others. Being an ignorant, self-absorbed twat is not a capital offence.”

Muffled sounds came from under the ice on the rat’s face.

“Do not panic. You will thaw out in a few minutes. I could have killed you just as easily. You have no defence against The Voice. With it, I can destroy armies. I am a Master of the College, Thane of this Hold and of high noble rank. Yet you stand there and treat me like you are somehow superior. I am trying to prevent a disaster that could kill many. Their lives are far more important than yours. Keep out of my way, Ancano.”

I teleported to the entrance of Savos’ rooms. The door was open, and I smiled at who waited for me.

I entered the room and was instantly enveloped in a Time-Stop spell.

I growled, “Quaranir, end the Time-Stop. The Arch-Mage knows the problem and should be part of this discussion.”

“Very well, but please, do not use my name.”

“As long as you do not call me Valdr.”

“Oh, is all that still a secret.”

“You know it is, and the spying on me is not appreciated.”

“Okay, I can see your temper hasn’t improved.”

The spell dissipated.

• Wulf: Relax, Arch-Mage. The Brother rudely enveloped us in Time-Stop.
• Savos: Master Tolfdir told me of his experience. He said you asked a monk to visit in person for a more extended conversation.
• Wulf: This monk’s dimness is well-known in the Order.
• Quaranir: I have visited the College on several occasions, Arch-Mage.
• Savos: That was when I was assistant to the previous Arch-Mage and second-year apprentice.
• Quaranir: Yes, hundreds of years ago and just before we vanished for some time.
• Wulf: I am sure people hoped The Psijic Order had emulated The Dwemer and vanished up their backsides.
• Quaranir: Let us put aside your petty jealousy and address the issue.
• Savos: I can tell banter between friends from genuine canker. Please tell us why you are visiting us.
• Quaranir: Moving The Eye of Magnus from Saarthal was wise. However, the longer it remains here, the more dangerous the situation becomes.
• Savos: We realise that. How will your Order assist us with resolving the situation?
• Quaranir: You must understand, Arch-Mage, that the Psijic Order does not typically intervene directly in events. My presence here will be seen as an affront to some within the Order, and as soon as we have finished, I will be leaving your College. My arrival has aroused suspicion, especially in Ancano, your Thalmor associate. Nevertheless, my Order will not act directly. You must take it upon yourselves to do so.
• Savos: Master Wulf has already stated that fact, and it seems the burden is his once more. We shall assist him, but you have not provided any new information. I fail to see the value in your visit, which I assume was difficult and potentially problematic with duplicated monks within the Splinter.
• Quaranir: We believe that Wulf’s efforts should be directed towards dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, but we cannot predict what that disaster will be.
• Savos: The task has shifted from preventing a potential disaster to dealing with its aftermath. A disaster, if it involves The Eye, in the middle of this college.
• Quaranir: Possible futures are constantly changing. We do the best we can within a shifting framework.
• Wulf: Your scrying is usually more precise. Is The Eye interfering with it?
• Quaranir: The unique qualities of its emitted Magicka and the confused timelines mean the future is as hidden to us as much as it is to you.
• Savos: You say we did the correct thing bringing The Eye here. Yet, there will be some disaster in an institution full of innocents.
• Quaranir: We are confident that the disaster would be worse if The Eye remained where it was.
• Wulf: I have difficulty ascertaining where to start solving this problem. There are too many unknowns.
• Quaranir: I fear I have already overstepped the bounds of my Order, but I will offer this. Seek out The Augur of Dunlain in your College. His perception may be more coherent than ours.
• Wulf: If there is one being in the College I never wanted to speak to, it is he or whatever gender a floating mass of plasma has.
• Quaranir: Why is that?
• Wulf: He is a victim of his carelessness. Reports from others who have spoken with him say he insists on accusing all mages of the same idiocy. I dislike being judged by the ignorant. But if you think it is worthwhile, I shall visit The Augur of Dunlain.
• Savos: Do you know where he is, Master Wulf?
• Wulf: He is within The Midden, which changes its structure occasionally, so no definitive location can be provided. I will have to search for him.
• Savos: Master Tolfdir should have used The Augur as an example of a mage not being cautious.
• Wulf: I am going to ask some questions, Brother. Answer if you can.
• Quaranir: I will, within the restrictions placed on me.
• Wulf: Did the Order remove your Artaeum from Mundus, or did the metaphysics of the Splinter’s arrival do it?
• Quaranir: As you know, we cannot scry the arrival of a Splinter or other Dragon Breaks. However, we quickly realised what had occurred and retreated to our plane.
• Wulf: Do you know what is happening on the Splinter Artaeum?
• Quaranir: No, for they have protections against scrying in place. They seem slightly different than our protections, but they can only be stopped by a person on the island. We do not know who may have duplicates on their island. Their version of the Order may differ significantly from ours.
• Wulf: Your robes and those of the Splinter Psijics have not changed colour. The robes I wore have changed to black and dark red.
• Quaranir: That is fascinating! When the Psijic Council debated whether to let you train in Artaeum, some members wanted you to wear a different-coloured robe.
• Wulf: Were some Councillors worried others might forget who I was and divulge secrets, such as The Eleven Forces?
• Quaranir: Yes. We discussed two colours. Blue and black with red. Ultimately, we thought it was an admission of weakness to insist you differentiate yourself.
• Wulf: I would have assumed your Order lacks discipline.
• Savos: So, somewhere in muddled timelines, a Psijic Council made a different decision.
• Quaranir: We bow to The Divines and Jills to determine whatever damage has been done to the timelines.
• Wulf: Is The Eye we retrieved from Saarthal the same one on the Splinter Artaeum?
• Quaranir: We have no way of knowing. If so, that duplication would be a product of multiple merged timelines. We know one exists on their Artaeum because of the simultaneous Magicka bursts.
• Wulf: Did you know the existence of The Eye under Saarthal before the Splinter arrived?
• Quaranir: Yes, it has always been something we knew you would discover. We had hoped it would be with a more casual approach and solution. As it is, we are now in a crisis of which I cannot overstress the danger.
• Wulf: Does The Eye contain Creatia, and if so, is that the primary cause of concern?
• Quaranir: That is not knowledge I am allowed to disseminate.
• Wulf: It does, as confirmed by Silah with the approval of The Nine.
• Quaranir: I assume the Creatia is mixed with its Magicka emissions.
• Wulf: Yes. Some of us can detect a taint in the Magicka, but being mortals, we cannot detect Creatia.
• Savos: A mage does not need to detect Creatia if The Eye instructs them on its use.
• Wulf: Nerien indicated there will be a set course of actions I must follow to avert the disaster. I assume the same applies if I am to mitigate its effects. Will I get guidance if I divert from that course?
• Quaranir: We will assess the situation and decide when appropriate. And yes, there is still a set of tasks that must be completed.
• Savos: Master Wulf, that is a roundabout way of saying ‘maybe.’
• Wulf: Psijic Monks choke on yes-and-no answers. They like to tinvaak as much as the Dov.

We heard Ancano cursing as he climbed the many stairs to reach us.

• Quaranir: It is time to become a mysterious visitor. Do not worry. Ancano is not a danger to me.
• Wulf: I was hoping he would try something stupid, and you kill him instead of me.
• Quaranir: The Council would expel me if I killed somebody, no matter the provocation.
• Savos: Okay, he is almost here. I hope my acting skills are up to scratch.

I officially declare Ancano to be the most stubborn pile of arrogance on Nirn. It takes some effort to outdo Psijic Monks, but he has achieved that standard. He strode into the room as if he was of some high rank within the College and not a piece of furniture.

• Ancano: Well, what is the meaning of this?
• Quaranir: I am sorry. I do not understand.
• Ancano: Do not play coy. You asked to see a specific member of the College. Here he is. Now, what is it that you want?
• Quaranir: There has been a misunderstanding. I should not be here and shall take my leave.
• Ancano: What? What trickery is this? You are not going anywhere until I find out what you are up to.
• Quaranir: I am not ‘up to’ anything. I apologise if I have offended you in any way.
• Ancano: We shall see about this…
• Wulf: Wizard Ancano, you do not have the authority to detain our guest or discover what he is up to. I told you it is none of your business. Do I have to freeze you again to allow our guest to leave unmolested?
• Savos: You what?
• Wulf: I explained that this gentleman came here at my request. I do not know why he is apologising to somebody without authority within the College. The Arch Mage and a Master of the College have no qualms about a Psijic Monk’s presence. When Wizard Ancano persisted with his delusion of authority, I used a Shout to freeze him and allow us peace during our discussion.
• Savos: Did you explain to Ancano that this is a dire matter that he need not be privy to or be involved with?
• Wulf: Yes, but I might as well have been talking to a rock. Perhaps I shall turn him into one next time.
• Ancano: You could not do that!
• Wulf: You have no idea what I can do with magic and Thu’um. I could petrify you, send you to Oblivion, or even turn you into a rabbit. I could set your soul alight with a single thought. Poof! No more Ancano in this kalpa or any future kalpa. You saw the power I wield when you viewed my soul. Now, be a good spy and stop harassing a welcome guest.
• Quaranir: And you display the same diplomatic skills as used in Akavir. You could have avoided some of those battles.
• Wulf: We wanted some of those battles to weaken the antagonists. Otherwise, they would have waited for us to leave and continued harassing innocents.
• Savos: You are free to leave. Ancano will not follow or try to delay you. It has been a pleasure speaking to you.
• Quaranir: Likewise. Perhaps soon, my Order can once again provide valuable guidance to this College and the leaders of Nirn.
• Wulf: Did you hear that, Wizard Ancano? Some people can provide valuable guidance. Are you jealous?

Quaranir left, with a fuming Ancano not daring to follow, as he knew I would stop him with a Shout or spell.

It would be foolish to travel The Midden alone and before I had some sleep.

I teleported to my rooms in Aurane. Rigmor was pleased to see me, and she eagerly denied me sleep for several hours. I did not complain.