Turdas, 18^th Evening Star, 4E 201

I sat with Olette and the other children for dinner last night and breakfast this morning. Olette showed me the many clothes purchased in Solitude. Some made her look her age, while others added years to her appearance.

After discussing the situation with many others, I accepted the position of Arch-Mage. Mirabelle Ervine will be acting Arch-Mage when I am not in attendance. Tolfdir will be acting as Arch-Mage if Mirabelle and I are absent.

One of the deciding factors was the need for reform. With some effort, the College of Winterhold can replicate the services once provided by The Mages Guild. For instance, Rigmor would like somebody to utilise the old Mages Guild building in Bruma. It will become an apothecary and place where other magics can be sought and bought. It can be a model upon which other outlets are based. We must be careful not to infringe on existing apothecaries. Still, other services we provide would be unique, such as enchantments on equipment already owned by the client or new items from various vendors. Free Restoration Mage access would be the cornerstone of our endeavour.

It was just after 10 AM before I started reading Savos’ notes, letters, and journals.

There were several things I wanted to pursue.

Four apprentices had recently gone missing. Circumstances meant nobody searched for them for long. Each batch of four or five apprentices has a Master Mage responsible for their well-being. The missing apprentices were under the tutelage of Master Phinis Gestor. He is a Breton with an elitist attitude and not my favourite at the College.

I also wanted to remove the Dremora Summoner from The Midden. Four apprentices died trying to use it, and I do not doubt its existence will tempt others. It was placed there by Falion, Savos and two other Master Mages over a hundred years ago. Each Master Mage had a ring. All four enchanted rings are needed to release the imprisoned Dremora. Somehow, the deceased students obtained the rings, but they were not powerful enough to contain the Magicka that flowed through them when trying to release the Dremora and died painful deaths. I doubt their souls made it to their preferred afterlife.

The imprisoned Dremora is a Valkynaz called Captain Velehk Sain, The Pirate King of the Abecean. When Mehrunes Dagon was defeated and The Oblivion Crises ended, not all Dremora commanders were keen on returning to Oblivion. They feared the wrath of Dagon, who undoubtedly blamed everybody but himself for his plan’s failure. Velehk preferred to remain on Nirn and spread chaos whilst accumulating power and wealth. His crew were ruthless, cruel pirates who revelled in rape and torture. It did not matter if an opposing ship’s crew fought valiantly or meekly surrendered. Their fate was the same. Velehk reportedly has a hidden hoard, which attracted the deceased apprentices.

I will happily release Velehk and then send him to Dagon for an eternity of punishment.

Savos and previous Arch-Mages kept lists of expelled Mages and their reasons for expulsion.

I was interested to read about Falion, who has reportedly rediscovered a way to remove vampirism from people. He was about to be expelled for using Black Soul Gems on College premises. I agree with the prohibition on Black Soul Gem use. However, Falion resigned from the College before he was thrown out. Interestingly, he was Phinis’ tutor. I have an idea of how Falion removes vampirism, but I am hesitant to confirm it. Ignorance is bliss in some circumstances. Falion, despite local hostility, does good work in Morthal and has even adopted a local orphan girl called Agni.

The list of expelled mages was long, and the reasons varied. Another that caught my interest is that of a Dunmer mage named Malyn Varen. Ten years ago, Malyn was exiled from the College for conducting research involving Black Soul Gems. He also killed a student as well as performing many other unacceptable experiments.

Malyn obtained Azura’s Star, which is a permanent Soul Gem. Other Soul Gems are destroyed when the entrapped soul is used. Azura’s Star is not destroyed. That makes it a very desirable relic. However, in keeping with Lady Azura’s reverence for mortal life, no sentient mortal soul can be entrapped within Azura’s Star. It cannot be used as a Black Soul Gem.

Restoration Magic has its limits, and Malyn was dying of an incurable disease. He tried to alter Azura’s Star so it would act like a Black Soul Gem. He wanted to be entrapped inside the relic but remain conscious and thus become immortal. During this time, Malyn’s sanity was abandoned. He ended up murdering an apprentice, claiming Azura drove him to it.

Malyn claimed that Azura taunted him constantly, leading to his actions. Savos and other senior mages did not believe him but could not prove intent, so they expelled him and his protégé, an Altmer mage called Nelacar Larethor.

The whereabouts of Malyn or Nelacar are not recorded.

I amused myself by reading Malesam’s reports from Bruma. He whined about how Rigmor was galivanting with ‘That insufferable Dragonborn’ and neglecting her duties as Countess. It appears from later reports that Savos had taken him to task and knew that Rigmor was doing an excellent job and was well-liked by her citizens. I wonder if Malesam’s reports will change somewhat now that I am Arch-Mage.

Rigmor told me that Cerys was heartbroken when given the news of Savos’ death. The College was her home for many years, and she was fond of the Arch-Mage.

The College was in mourning. The laughter and light-hearted banter of the apprentices was missing, and the place seemed darker and more foreboding. Classes had been cancelled for a week, as many senior mages needed privacy while they came to terms with Savos’ loss.

I was about to tackle the financial records when a Psijic Monk emerged from the ether. He was a Breton, Patretus the Pillar.

He looked amused at my grimace.

“Arch-Mage Valdr Septim, I am on this timeline. I am here to deliver a message and a gift.”

“Forgive me if I am not overjoyed at seeing my torturer once more.”

“Oh, come now. The duress you endured improved your ability to cast spells under difficult circumstances, did it not?”

“Yes, but the tests could have been conducted in silence. Instead, you seemed to delight in the screams and grunts.”

“Is it a bad thing I enjoy my duties? Anyway, time is short as I need to help prepare Artaeum for transfer to our plane. It will only be temporary as we wait for this timeline to settle somewhat.”

 “Is it wise to take The Eye into another plane?”

“No, and that mage, Magnus, died several times attempting to do so before finally succeeding. He ended up creating many Eyes of Magnus with his failed attempts. The Magna-Ge could do nothing about it until the original, the one under Saarthal in this timeline, was activated. So, we no longer possess The Eye, for Lord Magus claimed it and was thus able to retrieve the duplicates.”

“That is a relief. I am not going to attempt to understand the metaphysics.”

“A wise move, for there lies madness. Similarly, we can’t predict what subtle changes the brief existence of the other Artaeum might cause in this timeline.”

“You are wearing one.”

“Half of the Psijics do not remember our robes without the dragon emblems. Half the drawings and paintings in Artaeum show the robes as I remember them. However, none of our physical robes are the type I remember.”

“Yet my robes have reverted to what they were.”

“So, do you intend to waste time worrying about how this anomaly can exist?”

“Nope, for there lies madness.”

“As I said, our absence from Nirn will be relatively brief. So, if you are fortunate, you can expect more visits soon.”

“You have no idea what joy that prospect has created.”

“Farewell for now, Arch-Mage.”

Patretus faded into the ether. He left behind twelve Communication Orbs, or Corbs, as the Psijics abbreviated them.

Permissions can be assigned to each Corb. They are:

Permitted Users:

Who is allowed to initiate communication or answer communication?

Permitted Connections:

What other Corbs can it connect to?

Vocal Only:

Can the Corb only be used for verbal communications or for transmitting pictures?

Individual Permissions:

Is a permitted user allowed to use only verbal or also visual communication?

There are safeguards to prevent scrying via the Corbs. They cannot hear or see anything from another Corb unless a Permitted user has answered a request for communication.

The Corbs are a valuable gift and will undoubtedly prove helpful in the future. High Queen Elisif could communicate remotely with General Tullius, for instance. Although Aurane is in a pocket plane, a Corb should work there.

I packed all but one Corb into my Journal Case. I placed the last one on my desk and studied it briefly. I remembered the spells required to use the device and was keen to set some up.

I put the Corb aside and used my Thu’um to summon Phinis.

“MASTER PHINIS, PLEASE ATTEND THE ARCH-MAGE.”

I did not have to use much power to ensure my message was heard throughout the College.

Five minutes later, Phinis arrived, and practising my diplomacy, I greeted him cheerfully.

“Good morning, Master Phinis.”

“And a good morning to you, Arch-Mage.”

“How are you coping with Savos’ death?”

“Like all who knew him, I feel his loss will linger as he was, to many of us, the College.”

“I will endeavour to do his memory proud.”

“It seems you succeed in all you try, so I am confident the College is in good hands.”

“Tell me about the four missing apprentices.”

“We have had no contact with them for about a month. Arniel wondered if they had somehow managed to get themselves lost in the Outer Realms, but I think that is giving them too much credit.”

“You were responsible for that batch of apprentices. It seems there may have been insufficient tutorage.”

“Ahh…Arch-Mage Savos had not yet made that determination.”

“Were they pursuing magic outside of the College’s curriculum?”

“Yes, but none of them were working on anything overly dangerous. As I recall, Yisra was trying to improve Flame Cloak spells to better work in Skyrim’s harsh environment. Ilas-Tei was practicing Illusions spells. He had trouble with calm spells but had only ever worked with skeevers. And then there is Borvir and Rundi. Twins, though they rarely agreed on anything. Those two boys were obsessed with mead. Convinced they could concoct something to compete with Honningbrew. They mentioned using Frost magic to chill the mead for a certain period. I felt it was a waste of time.”

“Did anybody search for them?”

“A thorough search of the College and Winterhold was undertaken. However, the invasion of The New Order, dragons, and civil war made it too hazardous to travel far from the city.”

“Why would they all disappear at once?”

“I…ahh…might have incentivised them. I promised a Staff of Magelight to whichever one of them impressed me the most with their discovery.”

“Why didn’t they conduct their experiments within the College grounds?”

“They wanted to keep their research secret from prying eyes. Even within The Midden, it would be hard to find a secluded place. Plus, it is hard to concentrate when the undead and other nasties are trying to kill you.”

“So, they have wandered into the ice fields, where you thought it was too dangerous to search for them.”

“That is our assumption. After a month, the apprentices are most certainly dead and…”

“Do not suggest it is not worth recovering their bodies! They have family who I am sure would appreciate their return and an explanation of how they died. Plus, Arkay’s Rights should be performed over some of them.”

“How will you find them in such a large area?”

“With the aid of Nahfahlaar. He can cover vast areas quickly. When I find them, it will be your duty to recover them.”

“But…ah…”

“A couple of Master Mages with College guards should be safe enough. Besides, we will probably have killed any nearby hostiles.”

“Okay.”

“What can you tell me about Malyn Varen and Nelacar Larethor?”

“I think their expulsion was far too harsh.”

“Do you condone experimentation with Black Soul Gems?”

“Well…no.”

“What happened precisely?”

“I do not know. Nelacar can tell you. He currently resides in The Frozen Hearth.”

“He is not with Malyn?”

“No, but I do not know why.”

“Were you involved in trapping Captain Velehk Sain?”

“Yes, and that was not as easy as we originally thought. The prospect of pirate plunder lured the dead apprentices. The Rings of Binding are somewhere in the Arcanaeum. Master Urag will know where they are.”

“Is there any reason you are not wearing your master’s robes?”

“I felt like a change.”

“Wear what you want outside of College grounds. Whilst within the College, your rank must always be visible to apprentices and others. Please wear the appropriate robes.”

“Yes, Arch-Mage.”

“I will summon a squad of Dragonguard and Nahfahlaar in a minute and look for the missing apprentices. Please tell Masters Mirabell and Tolfdir.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Thank you for your assistance, Master Phinis.”

Phinis left the room, and I could tell he resented being used as a messenger. He is fortunate I did not lambast him for failing the apprentices under his care.

Vayu had approved Ghorbash and Borgakh. He and Seiko spent yesterday afternoon and this morning answering questions that resulted from my unredacted journals. Remiel was also involved in those discussions. I spent a few hours preparing the armour and weapons the Orsimer chose. They, Vayu, and Seiko would be my squad for today and probably tomorrow.

I summoned them, and they all promptly appeared. Ghorbash and Borgakh had already experienced ethereal travel, so they appeared unfazed by the experience.

• Wulf: Welcome to The Dragonguard, Borgakh and Ghorbash.
• Borgakh: With this armour and weapons, I could defeat Malacath!
• Wulf: Not quite. You would become a bloody smear between his toes.
• Borgakh: If I got one good hit in, I would die smiling.
• Wulf: I know you picked that sword from the museum’s collection because you like its feel. What you do not know is its name. It is called Malacath’s Cleaver and was gifted by him to an Orsimer Hero in the 2^nd Era. We have its replica on display in the museum.
• Borgakh: Then I will be honoured to reduce our enemies into bloody chunks as a tribute to Malacath.
• Wulf: I am sure he will be delighted.
• Ghorbash: Fortunately, the magic on the armour protects against the cold. Otherwise, Borgakh would freeze to death!
• Borgakh: Vayu explained the magic that Wulf would place upon the armour. Therefore, I chose what was comfortable. Not all of us want to look like canned beef. Besides, it covers far more than Vayu’s armour.
• Ghorbash: His chest is hairier than my mother’s. I doubt he would feel the cold even if naked.
• Vayu: What have you planned for today, Wulf?
• Wulf: First, we shall visit Jarl Kraldar. He deserves an explanation of what occurred in his city. I have only briefly spoken to him since he replaced Jarl Korir, a mage-hating Ulfric-loving turd.
• Seiko: Didn’t he make you Thane?
• Wulf: Half the Jarls who made me Thane were Ulfric arse lickers.
• Vayu: Is Jarl Kraldar more sympathetic towards the College?
• Wulf: Yes, and he was a close friend to Savos. He will be mourning his friend.
• Vayu: Anything else?
• Wulf: Four apprentices went missing about a month ago. We believe they are in the ice fields somewhere, most likely dead. We are going to look for them.
• Borgakh: I do not have much experience with Skyrim’s ice fields, but how do you propose we find four corpses in such a vast area?
• Wulf: I shall ask Nahfahlaar to assist. He can scout a large area quickly and, as long as the corpses are not covered by snow and ice, will find them for us.
• Borgakh: I have only ever seen a dragon from a distance.
• Wulf: Nahfahlaar is one of the biggest and, according to him, the most handsome.
• Seiko: Nahfahlaar’s ego is the largest of any dragon, and they are all vane.
• Ghorbash: He is a Legionnaire and the dragon on The Empire’s motif.
• Borgakh: I remember from the journals. He is a hero.
• Wulf: Yes, Nahfahlaar has aided mortals many times. He was never Alduin’s lackey.
• Ghorbash: What dangers are there in the ice fields?
• Wulf: Trolls, wolves, and large cats will leave us alone, thanks to Kyne’s Peace. Most Atronachs will also leave us be unless summoned by an enemy mage. Ice Wraiths are numerous but are easily disposed of. Goblins can be a pest, but sometimes, they are wise enough not to pick a fight.
• Vayu: What about those new beasties that others have reported?
• Wulf: The Perfect Hybrids are a cross between a gargoyle and a vampire. I would not mind encountering them so I can study their corpses.
• Vayu: I shall visit your new housecarl in a day or two.
• Wulf: Her title, Urdr the Fateweaver, is a good indicator of her ego. She is looking after Urdarbrunnr, one of my Winterhold houses. I told her you would be visiting soon.
• Vayu: I have not seen either of the Winterhold houses.
• Wulf: Urdarbrunnr is large and quite luxurious. Frostwind Perch is small and next to the sea. Both have their charms. They will be placed on the list for use by The Dragonguard. I did not do so earlier as Winterhold was not pleasant while Jarl Korir was in charge.
• Seiko: Visit the Jarl then find the dead mages. Is there anything else planned?
• Wulf: I want to summon a powerful Dremora, Captain Velehk Sain, and cut his head off.
• Ghorbash: I can think of worse hobbies.
• Wulf: He was one of Mehrunes Dagon’s officers during The Oblivion Crises. Instead of returning to Oblivion, he becomes a pirate. He killed many innocents in his quest for fame and fortune. He supposedly has a stash hidden somewhere. That rumour attracted four apprentices who tried to summon him. They died.
• Borgakh: It is a wonder any mages live to be old and grey!
• Seiko: There are old mages and bold mages. There are no old bold mages.
• Vayu: Substitute careless for bold, and that is accurate.
• Wulf: The lure of wealth and knowledge leads many astray. It is not a fault unique to mages.
• Vayu: Dagon will be pleased to have Velehk returned to him.
• Wulf: Indeed, Captain Velehk Sain will spend eternity being tortured for his cowardice. Other Dremora officers may have felt Dagon’s wrath, but I doubt they still suffer due to the loss that was his fault. Dagon failed to recognise the danger that Emperor Martin Septim and The Amulet of Kings posed.
• Borgakh: So, after visiting the Jarl, finding the dead mages, and lopping the head off a Dremora, is there anything else?
• Wulf: I doubt we can fit this in today, and I promised Rigmor I would not overextend myself. So, tomorrow, we may visit Lady Azura’s shrine and enquire about one of her relics. A rogue mage had it, but I do not know if it is still in his possession.
• Borgakh: Will the goddess speak to you?
• Wulf: Yes. Nearly all gods, except Lady Kynareth and Lord Talos, must speak to me aloud.
• Borgakh: Because of your mind barrier.
• Ghorbash: I thought you were asleep when Seiko explained that.
• Borgakh: I closed my eyes so your ugliness would not assault them.
• Wulf: I see you enjoy the absence of ranks.
• Ghorbash: Borgakh was no different when I was her captain.
• Wulf: Vayu, please teleport us to the College’s entrance.

We came out of the ether and headed for the Jarl’s longhouse.

We entered, and, as protocol demands, I addressed the steward.

Thonjolf, the Jarl’s Housecarl, seemed to sense pending drama and watched intently.

• Wulf: Steward Malur Seloth, I assume?
• Malur: Yes, yes. Can’t you see I am busy?
• Wulf: Busy doing what?
• Malur: My job is to serve the Jarl, not waste time talking with travellers.
• Wulf: Is that so?
• Malur: Actually, I do nothing, and I hope to keep it that way. The Jarl is convinced I have some connection with the College, so he goes easy on me.
• Wulf: It must be hard to convince people you are a mage.
• Malur: Maybe you would like to help me keep up appearances? Old Nelacar has a mage’s staff in his room in The Frozen Hearth. If Jarl Kraldar starts to wonder if I have a real connection to the College, it would be good to have that staff. It would help ease his concern.
• Wulf: You want me to steal the staff from Nelacar?
• Malur: That is what I just suggested. Are you stupid or something?
• Wulf: No, I will not steal from Nelacar.
• Malur: May Daedra take you then!
• Wulf: Vayu, please introduce me to this worm who seems ignorant of recent events.
• Vayu: Worm, you speak to Lord Welkynd, Dragonborn and Champion of The Divines, Azura, Boethia, Hermaeus Mora, Malacath, Meridia and Sheogorath. He is a Thane of all nine Holds, including Winterhold and a general of The Imperial Army. He is also the Arch-Mage of The College of Winterhold.
• Kraldar: Arch-Mage, is there a reason my steward is trembling and has turned green? That is an impressive feat for a Dunmer.
• Wulf: Malur has falsely claimed to be associated with the College. He also asked me to steal for him.
• Kraldar: He is not a member of your esteemed establishment.
• Wulf: He is not and never has been.
• Kraldar: Well, in that case, he is no longer my steward.
• Wulf: Perhaps you should put him on notice instead. See if he can redeem himself by being helpful.
• Thonjolf: We do not need another beggar on our streets, my Jarl. We are stretched thin, helping the existing ones.
• Kraldar: Very well. Malur, you have two weeks to prove you are worthy of the stewardship.
• Malur: The Dragonborn is not going to kill me?
• Wulf: Malur, I will keep your charade quiet as I might not kill you, but other mages within the College will not be so forgiving.
• Vayu: I would be tempted to turn you into a mouse and lock you in a room with a cat.
• Malur: They could do that?
• Vayu: Oh, yes, indeed, they can.
• Malur: I will change my ways!
• Kraldar: I hope so, Malur, as I would not allow you to remain within this Hold. Neither could I inflict you upon another Hold. You would find yourself on a ship to Solstheim in no time.
• Wulf: You do not look like an Ashlander. It takes some time to get used to all the ash. It finds its way into every orifice!
• Malur: Oh.

I approached the amused Jarl. It is good he found humour after his friend was killed.

• Wulf: My Jarl, I am here to explain what occurred.
• Kraldar: Please do. I want to quash the wild rumours with a decree.
• Wulf: A powerful relic, The Eye of Magnus, was discovered in Saarthal. It was used by Lord Magus when he helped build Nirn and the entirety of Mundus. It contained a primal energy known as Creatia.
• Kraldar: Many citizens thought it foolish for the College to interfere with Saarthal.
• Vayu: They were concerned that the truth of The Night of Tears may not be what they have been taught. They are comfortable with the Nord history as it somewhat justifies Ysgramor’s genocide of the Falmer.
• Wulf: I thought there may have been something hidden within Saarthal that the Falmer did not want the Atmoran to access. That is why I joined the College’s excavation. If less powerful mages had stumbled upon The Eye, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
• Kraldar: I was told you brought that relic into the College. Why bring something so dangerous here?
• Wulf: The Divines advised that if something went wrong whilst The Eye was in Saarthal, the damage done would be far more severe. Savos consulted with me and other senior mages and agreed it was safer to house it within the College.
• Vayu: All the College’s mages knew not to interfere with The Eye. However, a Thalmor Wizard thought he could use The Eye to aid The Dominion. He initiated the events that led to Savos’ death and the attack on Winterhold by the Magic Squiggles.
• Wulf: That is a much friendlier name than Magic Anomaly.
• Kraldar: I am not surprised to hear of Thalmor interference.
• Wulf: I am writing a report for the College. I will send you a copy. I will then visit and answer any further questions you may have.
• Kraldar: How did Savos die?
• Wulf: The Thalmor Wizard did not kill him. The Eye created a magical barrier, and the energy released inadvertently killed Savos. It badly injured Master Mirabelle as well. She is not in danger and is recovering.
• Kraldar: Could the Thalmor Wizard have triggered a catastrophe?
• Wulf: He did not have the knowledge required to manipulate the Creatia. If he did, he could have become a god. There was a chance his ignorance could have led to disaster, so we needed to stop him as quickly as possible.
• Kraldar: Once again, The Dragonborn and Dragonguard save the people of Nirn.
• Thonjolf: There are probably times they have done so that we do not know about.
• Vayu: There are, but eventually all will be revealed.
• Thonjolf: And the worm dared insult Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: I am amazed he did not know who we were. Doesn’t he read the news sheets?
• Kraldar: I am at a loss as to what he does.
• Thonjolf: Do not ask me. You are the one who gave him the stewardship.
• Kraldar: He told me you recommended him for the position.
• Thonjolf: There is copious snow between here and The Frozen Hearth. I would hate for you to trek through it before supper.
• Kraldar: Malur, clear the path to The Frozen Hearth.
• Malur: But it is snowing, my Jarl.
• Kraldar: Then you keep clearing the snow, as I am unsure when I will exit the longhouse.
• Malur: Yes, my Jarl, I shall get onto it immediately.
• Wulf: I could cast a spell to make it snow harder.
• Kraldar: That is tempting, but I think there will already be more manual labour than Malur has ever experienced.
• Wulf: It had been a pleasure, my Jarl.
• Kraldar: Are you off to save us all again?
• Wulf: Not today. Hopefully, another crisis will not occur for some time to come.

We exited the longhouse and found a troll was causing mayhem.

We eliminated it and then exited the city.

Not far out of the city, another troll attacked a carriage transporting a criminal. We took care of that troll as well.

When a bit further away from Winterhold, I summoned Nahfahlaar.

He appeared out of the ether and then, deliberately, landed so close to me that his downdraft threw me many feet.

As I got to my feet and dusted myself off, Nahfahlaar chuckled. It sounded like boulders rolling down a hill.

• Nahfahlaar: Oops!
• Wulf: Do not pretend that was an accident. I am tempted to blacken one of your scales.
• Vayu: Wulf, didn’t you bring a jewel-encrusted golden urn for our scaly friend?
• Wulf: Did I? It seems my awkward landing has caused amnesia.
• Nahfahlaar: How big and how many jewels?
• Wulf: I will need time for my memory to return. Perhaps you can aid us in the meantime?
• Nahfahlaar: Okay, but introductions are in order before burdening me with a tedious task.
• Wulf: Nahfahlaar, Jewel of the Crown, I am proud to introduce our first Orsimer Dragonguards. Borgakh Steel Heart is the daughter of Chief Larak of Mor Khazgur. Ghorbash Iron Hand is the brother of Chief Burguk of Dushnikh Yal. Both are recent retirements from The Legion.
• Nahfahlaar: It is always a pleasure to meet fellow Legionnaires.
• Borgakh: You are magnificent!
• Vayu: Now we are all in danger of being crushed by Nahfahlaar’s ego.
• Nahfahlaar: Shush, Vayu, your jealousy is unbecoming.
• Vayu: Did we summon you while bathing?
• Nahfahlaar: Yes.
• Vayu: That would explain the slightly tarnished scale on the underside of your tail, near your rump. I am sure you can shine it up later.

Nahfahlaar contorted himself, trying to see the supposedly tarnished scale. Too late, he realised we were in hysterics and that there was no tarnished scale.

• Nahfahlaar: That was mean, Vayu!
• Vayu: Mean and funny are not mutually exclusive.
• Borgakh: Why panic when a whole ocean is nearby to bathe in?
• Seiko: Nahfahlaar does not bathe in water. He swims amongst his millions of gold coins.
• Borgakh: Millions?
• Seiko: Tens of millions.
• Wulf: Hundreds of millions.
• Nahfahlaar: At last count, there are eight hundred and forty-three million, seven hundred and sixty-four thousand, five hundred and seventy-one to be precise.
• Borgakh: And Wulf gives you gold trinkets.
• Nahfahlaar: It is his way of saying, ‘Sorry, I have been completely ignoring your existence.”
• Wulf: It is my way of saying, ‘I found this and thought, being the gold and jewel-obsessed egomaniac you are, that you might like it.’
• Vayu: You two are like child siblings arguing.
• Wulf: He started it!
• Nahfahlaar: Did not!
• Wulf: Did too!
• Nahfahlaar: You smell.
• Wulf: You smell worse.
• Nahfahlaar: Do not.
• Wulf: Do too!
• Vayu: Nahfahlaar, we are searching the ice fields for four missing apprentice mages. They have been missing for a month and are most likely dead.
• Nahfahlaar: Unless animals have consumed them, they should be relatively easy to find.
• Ghorbash: Even in such a large expanse?
• Nahfahlaar: Yes.
• Wulf: Let me describe them. You may want to call their name if you think they are in one of the Nooks. Yisra is a Redguard. She was trying to improve the Flame Cloak spell. Ilas-Tei is an Argonian. He was trying to improve the Calm spell and often used Skeevers in his experiments. Rundi and Borvir are twin Nords. They were trying to improve the chilling of mead using spells.
• Nahfahlaar: Is there anything else I should know?
• Wulf: If we find them deceased, I will send some mages to collect the corpses. We must make sure the areas around the corpses are cleared of threats.
• Nahfahlaar: Do you want me to search the eastern ice fields first?
• Wulf: DUH! We are already east of Winterhold, so that is the logical thing to do.
• Nahfahlaar: There is no need to get narky just because you lost the argument.
• Wulf: Did not.
• Nahfahlaar: Did to.
• Seiko: Do I have to get Dhali to scold both of you?
• Nahfahlaar: No need for that. Everyone brace for my downdraft as I lift off. You can fall on your arse again if you wish, Wulf.

Nahfahlaar took to the sky.

• Ghorbash: You are, indeed, celestial half-brothers.
• Wulf: Nahfahlaar’s ego is enormous, and he gets upset if he thinks I have ignored him.
• Seiko: Hashire, one of Wulf’s unicorn friends, is just as upset if Wulf has not talked to him for some time.
• Borgakh: But they are good friends and allies.
• Wulf: Yes, and companions from childhood, like Meeko.
• Borgakh: The dog that is not a dog.
• Wulf: Merlin is another companion who is not a dog. He is a transformed Imperial mage.
• Borgakh: I guarantee that I am one hundred per cent Orsimer.
• Ghorbash: I can verify that. I checked every inch thoroughly.
• Borgakh: Shhh!
• Wulf: Such liaisons between officers and enlisted are against Legion regulations! You should be tied to a comfy chair and hit with pillows till you beg for mercy!
• Vayu: That is a bit ruthless!
• Wulf: You can watch if you want.
• Vayu: Okay. I have the ideal cushions if you supply the comfy chair.
• Borgakh: We have discovered why Rigmor calls you weird in your journals.

Nahfahlaar contacted us via telepathy.

• Nahfahlaar: I have found one of the Nord twins. Head north from where you are. You will reach a cliff. Look down and north, and you will see the deceased mage atop a roofless Nook.
• Wulf: That was quick.
• Nahfahlaar: Who is the best scout ever in The Imperial Legion?
• Borgakh: Woah! This head talking is strange!
• Vayu: You read about telepathy in the journals. We discussed it at length.
• Borgakh: Experiencing it is not the same as talking about it.
• Ghorbash: I can imagine the strategic advantages it provides.
• Wulf: Thank you, Nahfahlaar. We shall make our way to the deceased.

We made our way to the cliff and could see the Nook in the distance.

I used Zoom Vision, but the misty air made it difficult to identify details.

I told the group, “I could jump down, but we might as well walk while Nahfahlaar searches for the others.”

We made our way to the Nook, and the dead mage had surrounded himself with Frost Wards.

• Vayu: It seems he died after tripping one of his Frost Wards.
• Ghorbash: What are they?
• Wulf: A magical trap that damages you with frost. Vayu and I can see the wards, but not all mages can.
• Vayu: A mage cannot accidentally trip their ward unless it was miscast. They can, however, purposely trip their ward.
• Borgakh: How do we get close to him with wards in the way?
• Ghorbash: In the journals, Wulf used The Voice to trigger them.
• Wulf: Yes, and for these, I will use Unrelenting Force.

One Word Unrelenting Force Shouts were sufficient to clear the wards.

We approached the deceased. Next to the corpse was a dagger with his name on it.

• Wulf: This is Rundi, one of the Nord twins.
• Vayu: He was killed by a Frost Ward.
• Ghorbash: He would be frozen by now anyway, so how can you tell?
• Vayu: Snap freezing damages the eyes and skin differently than slow freezing.
• Borgakh: I do not see any mead near him.
• Wulf: A tripped ward could have thrown bottles of mead hundreds of feet away.
• Seiko: A true Nord hero. He died trying to improve mead!
• Ghorbash: Where is his brother?
• Vayu: You would not attempt alchemy out in the cold and winds. He has probably found a covered Nook. There are many of them in the ice fields. Some of them would already have been used by mages seeking solitude.
• Wulf: Please let me have some quiet while I perform Arkay’s Rights.

The group fell silent, and only the wind and distant howls of wolves accompanied by recitation of the ritual.

We decided to head east, thinking that Nahfahlaar would have covered the area west of us by now.

A while later, Nahfahlaar flew overhead and said, “Keep going east and hurry. Some Legionnaires are arguing with local wildlife.”

We ran towards the sound of battle and found Legionnaires and Redguards fighting a wolf pack and sabre cat.

We were thanked after quickly eliminating the animals.

We continued eastward for some time.

Then Nahfahlaar roared, “I thought I found one of the mages in a Nook. However, when I called out their names, a bandit came out and shot at me! It is time to make him crispy!”

We ran towards the sound of Nahfahlaar’s Thu’um and saw him roast the bandit.

For good measure, Vayu hit him with lightning. One of Seiko’s arrows was embedded in his back. It was an impressive shot, considering the distance.

Nahfahlaar laughed, then said, “They never cease to amaze me. A puny mortal thought it was wise to attack the mighty Nahfahlaar!”

I sang, “There once was a hardy young lad of the sea… A Redguard of courage and honour was he… Sail on, my Cyrus, sail on…”

“Bastard!”

“Do not denigrate mortals when one of them bested you in battle. Did I tell you I recently found Cyrus’ sabre? Your blood had been washed off. Would you like to see it?”

“You are an arch-bastard!”

We approached the dead bandit, and an Orsimer arrow was close. It was a near miss, which is also impressive marksmanship.

We entered the nearby Nook and found a recently killed Nord mage. A dagger identical to Rundi’s with Borvir inscribed on its handle confirmed the deceased’s identity.

I spoke to Nahfahlaar telepathically.

• Wulf: My scaly friend, there is a corpse in here. It is Borvir. A crude arrow in his side suggests the bandit killed him from the Nook’s entrance. He has not been dead for more than a day or two.
• Borgakh: Why didn’t he return to the College?
• Vayu: He might not have known of Rundi’s death.
• Wulf: Or he decided to continue his research to give meaning to Rundi’s death.
• Ghorbash: This Nook is not far from the road. Other nefarious types must have visited.
• Vayu: Many would recognise a mage, but not his Apprentice rank. The fear of magic may have prevented interference.
• Seiko: Until one of them decided to snipe from the doorway.
• Nahfahlaar: There are many ruins and caves further east. I doubt a young mage would risk that territory.
• Wulf: Are you going to search the western ice fields?
• Nahfahlaar: Yes. If I do not find the remaining mages, we can always return.
• Wulf: You have earned the gift I brought for you.
• Nahfahlaar: Of course, I have earned the urn!
• Wulf: I need to do something at the College. Hopefully, you will have found the other apprentices when that is complete in a few hours.
• Ghorbash: Are we going to summon the pirate?
• Wulf: Yes. First, we must recover four rings from The Arcanaeum for the summoning. When he appears, I am going to lop his head off.
• Nahfahlaar: Cyrus was a pirate! Is it him?
• Wulf: Why would I want to lop Cyrus’ head off? I am sure his tale of how he defeated a famous dragon is worth a mead or two.
• Nahfahlaar: Make sure you stand near a cliff edge the next time you summon me.

Nahfahlaar roared as he flew away.

The squad was silent as I performed Arkay’s Rights.

We then teleported to my rooms in the College.

We found Urag at his desk.

I asked, “Master Urag, do you know the whereabouts of the four rings needed to summon Velehk Sain?”

“Indeed, Arch-Mage, they are right here.”

Urag placed a box on his counter. I opened it and retrieved four nondescript rings, each embedded with a different but cheap gemstone.

Urag said, “Nobody was wise enough to record the position of the rings. However, there is no trap on the hand, so trial and error should not take long.”

“How difficult was it for the apprentices to steal the rings?”

“Not very hard after four Master Mages placed little importance on them. After all, who would be insane enough to summon Velehk?”

“Four apprentices who thought Velehk might provide a reward were insane enough.”

“Yes, there is no excuse. We are supposed to protect apprentices. Simple lock boxes would likely have foiled the theft.”

We headed for The Midden.

As we travelled through the midden, Vayu and I answered the many questions about Bone Sculptures and other items of interest.

We arrived at the Dremora Summoner.

• Borgakh: Is that gauntlet to scale?
• Wulf: Velehk is of the rank Valkynaz. That means he will be a six-foot tall and well-muscled humanoid. So, the gauntlet is not to scale.
• Ghorbash: What are we to do?
• Wulf: Stand and watch. Let me deal with Velehk. As Arch-Mage, it is my duty to avenge the apprentices.

Through trial and error, I managed to place all four rings correctly.

The mailed fist slowly clenched.

Then, the four skulls of the apprentices appeared, turned a few circles, and vanished.

Velehk was summoned.

He did not seem to notice the four well-armed people behind him. He drew his cutlass but did not advance.

With a heavy Dremora accent, he demanded, “Where be I? Ye! Out wit’ it, then.”

“I am nah one o’ yer crew t’ be ordered about, Cap’n. Ask nicely, ‘n ye might get an answer.”

“Answer me riddle, or me cutlass will gut ye!”

“We must follow the sacred ritual properly, or dire things may ‘appen. Therefore, I insist ye ask politely an’ use the magic word which be ‘please.’”

“Please, ye son o’ a poxy wench, where be I?”

“Ye be beneath The College o’ Winterhold. In The Midden.”

“Ah, I was beginnin’ t’ reckon the day would ne’er come. So ye broke the bindin’ spell, did ye? Matters wee, fer the souls o’ the young ones are trapped in Oblivion all the same, ‘n here I stay.”

“I summoned ye t’ send ye back t’ Oblivion. I am sure Lord Dagon be keen t’ hug ye ‘n will nah be angry at yer cowardice.”

“Where I belong be back aboard me ship, on the Abecean. Ye’ve no hope o’ defeatin’ me, pup. Dunna bother. Why nah broker a bargain instead?”

“I am the Champion o’ The Divines ‘n desire nought more than t’ lop yer ugly head off. Lord Dagon ‘n I nah be mates ‘n ‘twon’t bring back the young ones. Howe’er, seein’ yer head rollin’ ‘n imaginin’ yer eternal torture will make me smile.”

Velehk snarled then attacked. I drew my katana and parried his cutlass.

As promised, I lopped his head off. Velehk looked surprised. I wonder if he noticed his Tricorn was still in position before closing his eyes.

The Dremora Summoner vanished because its purpose was redundant.

• Ghorbash: Where did you learn to speak that pirate lingo?
• Wulf: The orphans in Aurane like to play pirates.
• Vayu: For some reason, I am their favourite sea monster.
• Wulf: I played pirates with my friends in Roscrea as a kid.
• Borgakh: Are we looking for the other two apprentices now?
• Wulf: Yep. We shall teleport to the stables and summon the flying ego.

We came out of the ether near the stables.

We then moved out of Winterhold slightly so as not to spook the horses.

I summoned Nahfahlaar, who popped out of the ether seconds later.

He did not land but hovered overhead. His downdraft was still strong enough to knock most people over. We all managed to remain upright.

• Wulf: I can smell your breath from here. How many Horkers did you eat?
• Nahfahlaar: Did you expect me to fly over all that delicious blubber for hours and not feed?
• Vayu: How many?
• Nahfahlaar: Only three. I had consumed a mammoth before having my bath.
• Ghorbash: I have never thought about it before, but do you land to have a crap? And how big are your turds considering your diet?
• Nahfahlaar: Have you ever seen piles of dragon droppings?
• Ghorbash: No.
• Nahfahlaar: Then logically, we either bury our business or do it over large bodies of water. Mind you, I do neither on occasion.
• Wulf: For some reason, Nahfahlaar thinks crushing Thalmor buildings and troops at their embassy is amusing.
• Borgakh: You crap on them?
• Nahfahlaar: Yes, but it must act as fertiliser, as there are always more bastards the next time I visit.
• Ghorbash: You are the jewel in the Imperial crown!
• Wulf: Did you find the remaining apprentices?
• Nahfahlaar: One of them. Ilas-Tei seems to have been chewed on by angry Skeevers. He is at the foot of your father’s shrine.
• Wulf: Which one? There are half a dozen in the ice fields and ice flows.
• Nahfahlaar: The one closest to your hero’s tomb. Strong and aggressive Draugr protect it.
• Wulf: I wonder if Ysgramor’s remains are still inside?
• Borgakh: I thought Wulf hated Ysgramor.
• Nahfahlaar: I was being sarcastic.
• Borgakh: Oh.
• Wulf: And I was being rhetorical. I have no desire to visit a place dedicated to that murdering scumbag.
• Nahfahlaar: I will meet you at the shrine. If mages are to retrieve the body, they will be endangered by the Draugr.
• Wulf: I visit Father’s shrines regularly. Therefore, we can teleport there.

When we exited the ether, the sad story of Ilas-Tei was before us.

• Wulf: Ilas-Tei collected Skeevers and placed them in a cage. When he had enough, he released them and used a scroll to cast Fury.
• Vayu: He was not yet powerful enough to cast that spell without using a scroll.
• Wulf: He then used another scroll to cast Calm. He may have done this several times, as a few scrolls are scattered around here.
• Vayu: On one occasion, the Calm spell did not work, and Skeevers swarmed him. He managed to kill a few before retreating to the foot of Lord Talos’ statue, where he died of his wounds.
• Ghorbash: Why did the Calm spell fail?
• Wulf: I guess he cast the improved version he had been working on, which did not perform as expected.
• Borgakh: Why didn’t they eat him?
• Vayu: When an animal is enraged due to a Fury spell, their only desire is to kill. Ilas-Tei may have killed a few of the Skeever, but most would be victims of other Skeever. The sole survivor would have left this place seeking new enemies.
• Nahfahlaar: I told you the Draugr were aggressive. Some are headed your way.
• Seiko: They must have heard about you bad-mouthing Ysgramor.
• Wulf: Perhaps some of them were members of Ysgramor’s Five Hundred? That thought will bring me happiness as I cut them down.

Some Draugr stayed on guard at the entrance to Ysgramor’s tomb. Others tried to flank us. All were users of the Thu’um.

It took a few minutes to eliminate them all. A group of College mages would likely have been slaughtered.

We waited for Nahfahlaar to do some more scouting before moving on. I used Zoom Vision to watch some ships navigate the ice flows on their voyage to various Skyrim ports.

I looked over at another of Father’s shrines. Thalmor have been known to hide and wait for worshippers to approach the shrines. We encountered some when placing High King Torygg’s warhorn at one of them. I doubt any Thalmor would be willing to sit in the cold to spy on the shrines in the ice fields and ice flows.

Ten minutes later, Nahfahlaar flew overhead and said, “I think I have found Yisra. It is hard to tell since the deceased is burnt to a crisp.”

“Whereabouts?”

“On the shore, directly north of Driftshade Refuge.”

“I hope the Silver Hand have not refurbished their ranks. If they have, I hope they are wiser.”

“You could take a longer route.”

“Yes, but if there are hostile Silver Hands, I cannot leave them to harass others. It will be their choice.”

I elevated the jewelled urn with Telekinesis, and Nahfahlaar swooped and hovered near it.

I asked, “Well, do you like it?”

“It is beautiful, Wulf.”

“Thank you again for your assistance.”

“Summon me if it is not Yisra.”

Nahfahlaar gently took the urn and then teleported home.

• Wulf: We will teleport near Driftshade Refuge.
• Borgakh: I remember that from your journals. The werewolf hunters attacked for no reason.
• Wulf: The Silver Hand changed from werewolf hunters to just another bandit group with a hobby.
• Vayu: I have seen the list of places General Tullius intends to cleanse. Driftshade Refuge is on it.
• Wulf: To reduce casualties, Tullius is far more cautious than us. That is why it will take so long to eliminate the bandits that bred like rabbits during the Civil War. Driftshade Refuge is not on a main road, so I assume it is low on the list.
• Ghorbash: If they have repopulated the place and sentries attack, we wipe them out again.
• Wulf: That is the philosophy. They decide their fate.

As soon as we came out of the ether, some Silver Hand sentries fired arrows, and others charged with weapons drawn.

I sighed, drew my katana, and eliminated half a dozen enemies with Unrelenting Force.

Vayu killed another sentry with a Fireball.

I ran towards the entrance. Vayu warned the new Dragonguard, “This will not be pleasant. You have yet to see Wulf when he is angry!”

What followed was a systematic slaughter of every Silver Hand.

Part of the way through the complex, Borgakh said, “I got to bloody my sword!”

Ghorbash replied, “Wulf was watching and analysing. Expect a critique later.”

We released wild werewolves as we travelled and let them tear apart their tormentors.

We killed the last Silver Hand and then exited Driftshade Refuge.

I said, “They have a few other compounds, so this place will probably be repopulated soon.”

We then trotted northwards.

We found the corpse, and a ring I retrieved from it confirmed its identity.

• Wulf: It is Yisra.
• Seiko: It seems her research went astray like the other apprentices.
• Wulf: Instead of teaching caution, Master Phinis encouraged dangerous experimentation.
• Vayu: Does Phinis have a reputation for carelessness?
• Wulf: Yes. He was a Court Wizard to a noble until one of his experiments went wrong and destroyed part of a palace.
• Vayu: It will take him days to recover the bodies. Perhaps he will use that time to reflect and take responsibility for these deaths.
• Wulf: I hope so. I would hate to start my tenure as Arch-Mage by expelling one of the senior lecturers.
• Ghorbash: What is next?
• Wulf: I will take you to the Safehouse, and then I will go home to a warm meal, a bath, and a bed. Be ready to visit Lady Azura’s shrine by nine tomorrow morning.
• Borgakh: Will she speak to you?
• Wulf: Yes. I want to know if her relic is still in the hands of the rogue mage.
• Ghorbash: Who is cooking tonight?
• Vayu: Remiel said she would prepare Rock Trout and River Cobbler in the style preferred in Wayrest. She also managed to find some High Rock Vodka in the museum’s collection.
• Borgakh: I hope she realises the size of meals Ghorbash prefers.
• Vayu: He can raid the larder if he is still hungry.
• Seiko: It sounds delicious. But I need a bath first.
• Borgakh: Bath? What is that?
• Vayu: Something the other Dragonguard will quickly introduce you to.
• Borgakh: You will want me to drink milk next.

We teleported into the Safehouse. Vayu went to the kitchen to help Remiel. Seiko headed for the bath. I spoke to Borgakh and Ghorbash.

• Wulf: You both did very well today. Luckily, there was not much gobblygook involved.
• Borgakh: Your reputation as a warrior is well deserved. I know it is not something you are proud of, but it was an art form to me.
• Wulf: In Driftshade Refuge, you witnessed my Dance of Death. Rigmor is the closest warrior I have seen in emulating my style of minimal steps taken from opponent to opponent.
• Ghorbash: Rigmor does that with a greatsword?
• Wulf: Yes, and it is more impressive due to her diminutive size.
• Borgakh: Remiel says she is easily liked.
• Wulf: People who spend time with Rigmor love her. The citizens of Bruma loved the previous Count, but I think Rigmor is easily as popular.
• Borgakh: To see a dragon up close was an ambition fulfilled.
• Wulf: I will take the new Dragonguard to The Throat of the World when possible. Many dragons are there, including ones responsible for innumerable mortal casualties during The Dragon War.
• Ghorbash: And now they are your allies.
• Borgakh: We see from your journals that you are keen to offer a chance for redemption where suitable.
• Wulf: Yes. Some enemies have such a dark soul they can never reform. Soldiers who once fought against us are different. Paarthurnax and Odahviing were soldiers who did not cause unnecessary pain and suffering. Like me, they eliminated their enemies efficiently and without malice.
• Ghorbash: Today was, as you said, gobblygook free. What about this issue with Azura’s relic?
• Wulf: It might just be a case of eliminating rogue mages. We shall see.
• Ghorbash: When do we enter Evermore?
• Wulf: When the Emperor arrives and issues final instructions. He should arrive in a week or so, depending on the winds.
• Borgakh: It will be good to see my comrades, even if I only had a short time with them.
• Wulf: You have nothing to prove to them or anybody else, Borgakh. Vayu would not have approved your recruitment if you were not suitable.
• Ghorbash: I look forward to helping resolve the issues rather than watching the suffering.
• Wulf: We shall try, Ghorbash. I want to join my friends at Aurane’s inn for supper if you do not mind.

I teleported to Aurane’s inn and spent a few hours amongst the dozens who have given up an everyday life to support me in my endeavours.

After a bath and retiring to bed, Rigmor and I spent a few hours talking via Mara’s Rings. Compared to the last few weeks, today was relatively chaos-free. My beloved was keen to see how the Corbs worked. I was keen to show her.