Loredas, 3^rd Morning Star, 4E 202

to Tirdas, 6^th Morning Star, 4E 202

Olette understands I must go to Evermore. Although disappointed, she looks forward to being spoiled by others.

I would miss Vittoria Vicci’s wedding, Elisif’s coronation and The Grand Opening of Dragonborn Gallery. However, my daughter would accompany Her Highness Queen Elisif the First to those events.

All the children in Aurane are invited to those events and have spent many hours shopping for suitable clothes. They will be accompanied by several of Aurane’s adults.

Olette also received an invitation to the grand ball and feast. She will likely be the only child there.

Rigmor has been teaching the young girl etiquette. Like me, the former street urchin thinks the dozens of different utensils required to eat a meal are silly. However, she soon mastered the nuances of what spoon, fork, or knife to use for any dish.

Olette had more difficulty remembering the correct address for the many noble titles from different provinces and countries. She does not want to be a snob, nor does she want others to think she is uncouth. Elisif and Rigmor emphasised nobody will think less of her if she makes mistakes.

Elisif provided me with a list of dances that will be performed at the grand ball. I enjoyed teaching Olette and many of Aurane’s residents those dances.

I was curious about the improved combat ability of Dragons. General Tullius told me of two significant bandit gangs that would cost many Legionnaires their lives to eradicate. So, on the 4^th, I approached the first group of bandits by myself and was immediately attacked. As prearranged, I summoned Silah, Valminoor, Odahviing and Nahfahlaar.

After the first bandit gang was eliminated, they moved to the next who had joined the melee. The second bandit gang fared no better, and within five minutes, over two hundred bandits died.

It was impressive but also terrifying. Any enemy crowded together in battle formations would be decimated in seconds. I can unleash devastating death and destruction without the aid of dragons. I could not imagine a scenario where I would call upon them to destroy an opposing army. If such action is required, I will do it.

I spent a few days selecting suitable armour suits from our collection, repairing them, and adding my dweomer. We would be identifiable as representatives of The Imperial Army but not confused with regular troops.

I liked the Tribune armour once used by an ambassador to Black Marsh. It was for tropical climates, so it had no trousers or sleeves and included sandals, not boots. But my dweomer negated the cold, so I chose that suit for Envoy Wulf Welkynd.

On the 5^th, I had just finished showing Felix the armour when Silah appeared from the ether.

“Good morning, Aunty Silah.”

“That is getting old, Valdr.”

“But not as old as you.”

“If you end your unfunny jocularity, I have something important to tell you.”

“I am all ears. Well, about 0.5% of me is all ears.”

“The Katariah has anchored a few miles from Solitude’s docks.”

“Then His Imperial Majesty will probably want a meeting in the next day or so.”

“And, coincidentally, some mortal agents of Lady Mara have arrived in Riften. Please visit The Temple of Mara as soon as you can.”

‘Purely coincidental.”

“You are not suggesting subtle manipulation by The Nine, are you?”

“Never. The Divines are above such shenanigans.”

“That is good to hear, as Aunty Silah will not have to twist your ear waiting for an apology.”

“And I do not have to wait for you to find something to stand on to reach my ear.”

“Have arrangements been made with Commander Maro?”

“Yes. Several Dragonguard will be escorting Aurane’s children to the functions. Others will join Skyrim garrisoned Penitus Oculatus Agents as guards. The main responsibility for Mede’s safety lies with the elite Penitus Oculatus Agents that travel with him. Dragons will provide extra security under the command of Nahfahlaar.”

“It only took him two days to stop staring at himself in his mirrors.”

“Now he is complaining he is larger and therefore requires more gold coins to bathe in.”

“What dignitaries are attending the functions?”

“Rigmor will be one of several counts, countesses, kings, and queens to attend the functions. Those who sent apologies would have come if they knew Mede would be here. However, that information would have played into the hands of his enemies, so his visit is an expected but unconfirmed surprise. Emissaries and other high-ranking nobles will number in the dozens. I expect Baa’Ren-Dar to make an appearance.”

“Your friends and others will do all they can to ensure the safety of the guests. Do not let the happenings in Skyrim distract you from your task in Evermore.”

“DUH! Thanks for that obvious advice. Are you going to teach me how to suck eggs?”

“You are not a grandmother, so I do not think so.”

“Okay, I will head straight for Riften. I hope more information on Evermore is forthcoming as we have found scant and mostly contradictory accounts.”

I teleported directly into the temple and approached Dinya.

“Good morning, Priestess. I was told to visit by The Nine.”

“You were expected. Please, Lord Welkynd, let me introduce you to Sister Jeanna. She is a missionary who travels from province to province sharing the love of Lady Mara.”

Dinya escorted me to a young Breton woman sitting with a man who I assumed was her bodyguard. Jeanna’s eyes were clouded with cataracts, and she was blind.

“Sister Jeanna, Lord Welkynd is here. I will leave you to talk as I attend to our other visitor.”

Dinya walked over and sat beside another Breton woman, who looked even younger than Jeanna.”

Jeanna went to stand.

• Wulf: Please remain seated, Sister Jeanna. I would tower over you even if you stood, so do not think this is a powerplay.
• Jeanna: We know all about you, Lord Welkynd. Therefore, I recognise and appreciate the genuine courtesy offered.
• Wulf: I doubt you know all about me. Please tell me what I can do for you.
• Jeanna: Mother guides me to those flickering souls yet to cast themselves on the fire for tomorrow’s utopia. She sees the potential in you to avert a calamity!
• Wulf: That is what I do, and Lady Mara often assists. Though it is a bit chilly outside, I am not keen on throwing myself onto a fire.
• Jeanna: I, her most devoted servant, need you to believe the goodness of your heart! In love!
• Wulf: My conscience and I are still debating the goodness of my heart. History will probably be the eventual judge. But I certainly believe in love.
• Jeanna: Lady Mara needs to speak to you. Pray before her!
• Wulf: I will do that in a minute. However, before Lady Mara confuses me with mumbo jumbo, perhaps you can tell me what this is all about.
• Oliver: I am Oliver, Jeanna’s guardian. I am employed by Jeanna’s father and Daggerfall’s Priest Circle. Her father is as devout a follower of the faith as she is.
• Wulf: That is a great responsibility you have accepted, Oliver.
• Oliver: I have accompanied Jeanna as she travels the land, spreading her divine message. I do not mind much. It is honest work and more than meagre pay, to say the least of which you would be aware.
• Wulf: Nobody pays me to be Champion of the Divines. I hope that travelling with Sister Jeanna means more than a regular stipend.
• Jeanna: I can assure you, Lord Welkynd, Oliver has turned from worshipping gold to becoming Lady Mara’s devotee.
• Wulf: Please continue, Oliver.
• Oliver: We have rushed from the troubled kingdom of Evermore, but I cannot explain the precise nature and source of the troubles. There is a feeling of foreboding and potential violence. The Priests of The Divines, I saw no priestesses, seem to be less learned than in other parts of High Rock. There is also a plague of sorts to add to the woes.
• Wulf: Can you describe the plague?
• Oliver: The Afflicted spew forth green acidic poison that can eat through armour and flesh. Their skin is red. Fumes from their sputum are suspected of spreading the disease.
• Wulf: We know of the plague, and many Mages across The Empire are working on preventative and curative solutions. A colony of Afflicted who entered Skyrim are aiding in that task.
• Oliver: We did not know it had spread beyond High Rock’s borders.
• Wulf: The plague was created by Lord Peryite. The alchemy to combat it is proving complex, but we are confident we shall soon succeed in our endeavours.
• Jeanna: The methods used in Evermore to contain the plague are barbaric. From Oliver’s descriptions, perhaps it is a blessing that I am blind.
• Oliver: The Evermore equivalent of battlemages are called Evermorin Aventurier. The solution to the Afflicted is to burn them, which Aventurier seem to enjoy. Sometimes, only one family member will have the disease, yet all will be killed. The worst I saw was them boarding generations of a family home inside their home and setting it alight.
• Wulf: I must contain my anger, as Lady Mara desires diplomacy over violence. I can see Evermore will sorely test me. We are searching for alchemical solutions as the consecrated shrines of The Divines are sometimes inaccessible.
• Jeanna: No shrines of The Nine in Evermore cure the plague.
• Wulf: One of my closest friends was cured of the plague by Lady Mara’s shrine in Solitude’s Temple of The Divines. We have taken Afflicted to other shrines and seen them also cured.
• Jeanna: I cannot tell you more about the Priest Circle in Evermore, for they refused to recognise my connection to Mother.
• Oliver: I think Sarah will provide more information, Lord Welkynd. My concern was for Jenna’s safety, so we did not involve ourselves in the politics of Evermore.
• Wulf: Who is Sarah?
• Jeanna: She is an agent of Lady Mara. Priestess Dinya is sitting with her.
• Wulf: Your other senses must be keener to compensate for a lack of sight.
• Oliver: I am astounded at Jeanna’s sense of self when walking this world. Sometimes, it seems she does not need me with her at all. And it is not straight lines that we traverse. We travel up and down, left and right, with only small increments towards the next province she desires to visit.
• Jeanna: I must speak Mother’s words to as many as possible. Walking and visiting places haphazardly is the only way. I eventually reach my desired exit and entry points of a province.
• Wulf: I will talk to Lady Mara now. After speaking to Lady Mara and her flowery way of putting things, I am guaranteed to have more questions.
• Oliver: Wulf, I sympathise. Sometimes, I wonder what language Jeanna speaks when communicating the divine messages. Do all the gods talk like that?
• Wulf: The Daedric Princes are very straightforward. Lady Dibella, via The Sybil, is relatively straightforward as well. Lord Talos was a mortal and talks like one. But that does not mean he cannot be challenging to get straight answers from. Lord Akatosh speaks via a Herald and rivals Lady Mara in mumbo jumbo. But I am digressing and could list the quirks of many other gods.
• Jeanna: Mother usually speaks through me, and I cannot remember the conversations. But she said you would talk to her directly.
• Wulf: You will hear Lady Mara’s voice as she cannot talk to me telepathically. I have protected my mind against intrusion. I could invite her in, but she has never asked. Oliver, you will be surprised as she will not sound like you expect.

The room went quiet with anticipation as I approached Mara’s statue.

I stood with my head slightly bowed.

“Special Child, you are needed once more. There is a terror, a terror of minds and ideas forming in the West. It is a congealing of antipathy and repressed hatred nearing its sum.”

“Are mortals physically and spiritually in danger?”

“If this horror transpires, then neither the restraints of distance nor time will thwart the canker that will be birthed there. I plea to you, Special Child, mediate between opposites and seek resolution in the chaos.”

“I can only appeal to reason. I cannot force people to be reasonable.”

“I will help whenever I can, but my light is weak. However, even the faintest flame can act as a beacon against the background of a deep night. That flame will appear to you in a maze of darkness when you need it most.”

“You think it inevitable that I must travel a particular path to resolve Evermore’s issues. However, I always look for alternatives, as you know.”

“The Nine have confidence in you.”

“You have given me very little to work with.”

“Take heed of these words: Go west and see, open those eyes, and see which belies its splendour, beset by men, gods, kings, and ideas. Keep a clear eye!”

“As I always do.”

“Keep your head above the water when you reach that realm. The tides of Want can drown any who venture far from the shore.”

“My faith has always been strong. Recent events have made it stronger. I will continue to do what is necessary to protect all mortals.”

“We know, Special Child. Speak to Sarah. I sent her to scout, and she has valuable information. However, she does not have your skills, and you must look deeper.”

Lady Mara’s presence faded. I walked over to the bench where Oliver and Jeanna were sitting.

• Wulf: I need to ask some questions. Lady Mara gave me clear directions, but I need to know more to prepare.
• Jeanna: Forgive my astonishment. I did not realise how cryptic Mother can be. As I said before, I never remember what she says when using my voice.
• Wulf: The Divines give me very little information when I am to resolve an issue. As Lady Mara said, I must approach them with a clear eye. But I know I will be entering Oblivion. Which plane and which Dark Lord, I will find out in due course.
• Jeanna: Ask your questions. Perhaps Oliver and I can give you the answers you need.
• Wulf: What temples of The Divines are there in Evermore?
• Jeanna: There are several temples, one in each major town and city. Each is dedicated to The Nine. But you will find the priests lacking in knowledge, or should I say, different in their viewpoints. To be more precise, the histories they believe and teach run counter to what is accepted everywhere else in The Empire, in all of Tamriel. It would serve no purpose to give you a single example. You will discover this oddity yourself.
• Wulf: Do they follow the Ten Commands of The Nine Divines?
• Jeanna: Some do, while others do not practice what they preach. Other kingdoms within High Rock do a better job, even those that adhere to the Bretonic Pantheon.
• Wulf: Lady Mara mentioned repressed hatred and wants me to mediate between opposites. What are the groups of individuals at risk of hostilities?
• Oliver: I am better equipped than Jeanna to answer that.
• Wulf: You must understand the dangers to keep Jeanna safe.
• Oliver: Many hatreds are not so hidden. The Orsimer are the targets of hostility from many factions. The Reachmen, or Witchmen to use the Evermore name, are tired of not having their own country. Merchants have always significantly influenced Evermore’s politics and will do whatever is needed to make a profit. King Sigmayne is hedonistic, and so are his sycophants. Other senior nobles have long-standing animosities. Unlike the rest of High Rock, Evermore maintains a feudal economy. I found it hard to distinguish how they treated their peasantry from slavery, which was banned throughout The Empire. The nobles are terrified of another peasant revolt like the one twenty years ago.
• Wulf: As Lady Mara said, it sounds like a growing canker.
• Oliver: I guarantee that imagery revolts me more than it does, Jeanna. She has never seen a mouth full of cankers or a boil pop! As she said before, there are some advantages to being blind.
• Wulf: Are there any Knightly Orders I should know?
• Oliver: There are very few knights in Evermore, and there are no orders, as far as I can recall.
• Wulf: How is the Legion viewed in Evermore?
• Oliver: The Legion never had the numbers to free Evermore from bandits and other undesirables. They seemed demoralised and were ignored or despised by the population. King Sigmayne uses a mercenary group called Ustase to solve issues.
• Wulf: Do the Thalmor have much presence in Evermore?
• Oliver: Yes, and they do as they wish most of the time.
• Wulf: What is the best way for me and several others to reach Evermore incognito?
• Jeanna: We travelled with a merchant who had a route between that hinterland kingdom and Skyrim. He said he would be in Markarth for at least a week, awaiting stock delivery. He paid Sarah to be a guard.
• Oliver: When Jeanna speaks Lady Mara’s words, they are, as you say, flowery but delivered in her voice. Lady Mara sounded like my mother.
• Jeanna: Lady Mara sounded like my mother.
• Wulf: If you ask others who just listened to the conversation, they will say something similar. Some would have heard her use their native language, not Tamrielic.
• Jeanna: I have been a devotee my entire life, yet there is still more to learn about Lady Mara.
• Wulf: Thank you both for your service to Lady Mara and the assistance you provided me.
• Jeanna: I will be walking Skyrim and delivering Mother’s message to all so we may meet again.
• Wulf: I wish you well. The roads are much safer since the Legion does not have to fight a civil war. I have many estates dotted around the province, and you will be welcome to stay at them when your weary feet need a rest.

 I approached the bench where Dinya and Sarah sat.

• Dinya: Lord Welkynd, this young lady is Sarah. She was once an Acolyte of Mara but is now a sneaky individual with a hidden history.
• Sarah: As Lord Welkynd knows, some secrets are required to aid people without hindrance.
• Wulf: You have travelled through Evermore?
• Sarah: Yes, at Lady Mara’s request. The information I provided convinced her that your intervention was needed. I should return with you to Evermore and travel by your side.
• Wulf: I will not endanger those who cannot protect themselves.
• Sarah: The daggers and crossbow I carry are not decorations. I recognised when I reached my limits, so I am still alive and able to assist you.
• Wulf: If you travel with me, you will be privy to secrets.
• Sarah: As I said, some secrets are required to aid people without hindrance. Sarah is not my name, as Wulf is not yours. When I tell you who I am, you will understand why I risked my life to travel Evermore’s roads in search of the truth. Lady Mara told me many things about you, Lord Welkynd. Hopefully, her trust in me is enough to gain yours.
• Wulf: Okay, we shall travel somewhere we can speak in private.
• Dinya: Will there ever be a day you do not need secrets, Lord Welkynd?
• Wulf: There are many obstacles in the way, but yes, there will come a time when secrets are redundant.
• Dinya: I had better circulate and answer the many questions our acolytes and visiting pilgrims will have.
• Wulf: Sarah, you must place your hand on my shoulder so I can teleport you.

As Dinya was surrounded by many people asking questions, I teleported to Aurane with Sarah.

We emerged from the ether, and Sarah exclaimed, “I was told Saint Alessia built you a beautiful home, but I never imagined anything like this!”

“You do not seem disturbed by the teleportation.”

“There are portals dotted around Evermore, so I was used to the sensation.”

“It seems Lady Mara shared many secrets with you. If she trusts you, so do I. Tell me, Sarah, who are you?”

“Ardine Severine Bacqure.”

“Princess Ardine Severine Bacqure? The youngest of King Barynia’s three daughters?”

“I am no longer a Princess after my father opened the gates to the corsairs and abandoned his people.”

“Briefly tell me your story. Later, I shall gather some others, and we will discuss Evermore and hear what you can add to our knowledge.”

“In 4E 187, I was a naïve nine-year-old girl. Although my older sisters talked about sex amongst giggles, they were also ignorant of how lust can drive sense from a male’s mind. Most adults desire intimacy with other adults. However, a percentage of people find children to be more attractive. Some desire unsullied children who have yet to reach puberty. A man approached as I drew pictures in a favourite part of the castle’s extensive gardens. I recognised him as a guest who had been warmly welcomed in the past and was always kind to me. He asked me to give him a tour of the gardens. I did not know he had been forbidden entry to our kingdom and was not my parents’ guest. I agreed, thinking I was a good princess caring for a very important visitor. Although not dressed in his usual finery, he was recognised by observant guards. They were unsure what to do about such a distinguished trespasser and sought Father for advice. Meanwhile, the pleasant man waited until we entered a secluded part of our gardens. He then proceeded to change from a nice, noble gentleman into a beast who raised my skirts, lowered my panties, and touched me intimately. I knew it was wrong, but I could not break away. The beast fumbled when trying to lower his britches while keeping a biting, kicking little girl from running away. Fortunately, my father, his steward, and several guards, led by Narinia, my dog, arrived. I have never seen Father so livid. Only the intervention of Father’s steward saved the beast’s life. Father ordered the beast to be locked in our dingiest dungeon reserved for the worst criminals in Wayrest.”

“And who was this beast?”

“King Sigmayne Antieve. A month before, he had approached my father with a marriage proposal. He was not interested in my eldest sister, who was fourteen and therefore of age.”

“Fourteen is still a child.”

“If they are old enough to bleed, they are old enough to breed. It is a crude but true motto. Sigmayne would not be interested in a girl with pubic hair or has her menses.”

“Tell me what happened next.”

Sarah continued her tale, and thirty minutes later, I understood the enormity of the task I was to undertake. Instead of putting King Sigmayne in chains, I would have to be diplomatic and use him to curtail the suspected plans of a Daedric Prince. Perhaps later, I will have the pleasure of arresting him.

Sarah told me of Mados, Mara’s champion who died fighting the Orsinium’s Sons. I knew nothing of him and decided to see if we had anything about him in our library or The College of Winterhold’s library.

I told Ardine, “We shall always use the name Sarah. If somebody in Evermore recognised the name Ardine, chaos may ensue.”

“Okay, what is next, Valdr?”

“I want our Dual Wielding Swordmaster to assess you. But first, I will place a dweomer on your weapons and armour. Come, meet Shiva.”

It did not take long to find Shiva.

• Wulf: Shiva, this is Sarah. She is a mortal agent of Lady Mara and wants to accompany me in Evermore. Sarah, this is Shiva. She is a Dragonlord and Swordmaster of The Dragonguard. She comes from Akavir and is Ka’Po’Tun, not Khajiiti.
• Shiva: It is a pleasure to meet you, Sarah.
• Sarah: And I am delighted to meet you, Shiva. Lady Mara warned I would have to adapt. Akavir has always been a childhood fairy tale to me.
• Wulf: Please find Sarah some clothes and bring me her armour and weapons. I will repair and hone them before placing the usual dweomer.
• Shiva: Will do.
• Wulf: Then I want you to assess Sarah’s ability to defend herself with a sword and crossbow.
• Shiva: Okay.

An hour later, Sarah accompanied us to the uneven ground before Aurane’s tavern.

• Wulf: Sarah, your armour and weapons now seem strange, but you will soon get used to them.
• Sarah: So, do I need to show forms or what?
• Shiva: No. I shall try and kill you. You must not let me.
• Sarah: Oh!
• Wulf: Do not worry, Sarah. It has been weeks since we accidentally killed a recruit.
• Shiva: The only person almost killed by me is you. But Sarah, do not hold back as I will not.
• Sarah: Okay. Sounds like fun!

I headed back to my private chambers and contacted Urag via Corb. I asked if he had any information about Mados. A few minutes later, he said he had three volumes titled, ‘Mados: Documents of Valor 1 to 3.’ I teleported to the College, gathered the books, and took them home to read.

An hour later, Shiva and Sarah had finished their sparring.

• Shiva: Sarah can defend herself with daggers and crossbow.
• Wulf: Should she learn to use katanas instead of daggers?
• Shiva: Not at this moment. It would take weeks to become as proficient with them as she is with her silver daggers.
• Sarah: I am attached to my babies and would be sad to see them go.
• Wulf: They are daggers.
• Sarah: They are my babies, and I do not like you upsetting them.
• Wulf: Okay, we shall drop the subject before Uncle Sheo notices your impairment.

I summoned several people for a meeting in my private chambers. Dhali, Rigmor, Remiel, Erandur, Celestine, Sarah, Ghorbash and Vayu waited for me to start.

• Wulf: Auryen and other sources have provided valuable information about Evermore. One of those sources is Sarah. Lady Mara asked her to do some preliminary scouting of Evermore to aid us in our endeavours, and she provided me with critical details. Please introduce yourselves to Sarah, who is privy to all our secrets, so use your real names and titles. Start with Dhali and go clockwise.
• Dhali:  I am Dhali, Dragonlord of the Dragonguard and Swordmaster.
• Sarah: Are you Ka’Po’Tun?
• Dhali: Yes, I am.
• Rigmor: I am Countess Rigmor Ragnarsdottier of Bruma.
• Sarah: You are Wulf’s fiancé.
• Rigmor: Yes, but our relationship must be kept secret for reasons I am sure Wulf will explain to you.
• Remiel: I am Remiel Charoud, Dwemechanic of Wayrest.
• Sarah: The disgraced ex-fiancé of that pompous twat, Morvic Riscel.
• Remiel: You seem very aware of Wayrest politics.
• Wulf: Sarah will explain why that might be a little later.
• Sarah: Morvic would never have become the king, as the corsairs are winning the popularity vote.
• Erandur: I am Erandur, a Priest of Mara. I used to be a Priest of Vaermina.
• Sarah: As you can see, I proudly display my Amulet of Mara. I was an acolyte but found another calling. Therefore, I never became a priestess.
• Wulf: Like you, Sarah, Erandur is one of Lady Mara’s mortal agents.
• Sarah: Then I am sure we shall have fascinating tales to swap about our service to Mother.
• Celestine: I am Dragonlord Celestine Lagadec. I used to be an undercover agent for The Blades.
• Sarah: I believe you still hold the title of princess.
• Celestine: My father might disapprove of who I have chosen to love, but he cannot remove my inheritance.
• Wulf: Celestine is the finest Restoration Mage who ever studied at The College of Winterhold.
• Sarah: Who do you love, Celestine?
• Celestine: Vayu, the large Redguard standing behind you. He will introduce himself soon.
• Ghorbash: I am Ghorbash Iron Hand, originally from Dushnikh Yal. I was a captain in Evermore’s Imperial garrison until the tensions and racism made life miserable. I am fortunate that Wulf has given me a chance to aid him.
• Sarah: You are aware of the racism rife within Evermore. However, I doubt you know how deep and depraved it is. Much of what I have to say will anger people in this room. It will be difficult to be diplomatic, but we must try, or chaos will erupt in Evermore and spill into neighbouring provinces.
• Vayu: I am Vayu, a Shaman of The Dragonguard. I have trained in The Dibellan Arts and the various forms of mysticism practised on Nirn.
• Wulf: Sarah, you will get to know these people and many more in the coming months. For now, these brief introductions will have to suffice. Please tell them your real name.
• Sarah: I am Ardine Severine Bacqure.
• Remiel: Another royal to add to your collection, Wulf.
• Rigmor: Royal?
• Celestine: Until recently, the ruling house of Evermore was the Bacqure.
• Sarah: I am the youngest daughter of King Barynia Bacqure. I am no longer a princess because he is no longer a king.
• Remiel: What happened to your father after the corsairs raided Wayrest?
• Sarah: The corsairs demanded a ransom. It was not paid. Father’s head was shipped back in a box while the rest arrived pickled in a barrel.
• Rigmor: Oh, it must have been terrible to lose your father like that.
• Sarah: He ensured Mother, myself and my two older sisters were safe before the corsairs attacked. He could have fled before then but decided to stay. He subsequently made poor decisions that cost many lives, so nobody was willing to pay the ransom. He was once a fair and popular ruler. I blame King Sigmayne for the decline of Father and the two sackings of Wayrest.
• Wulf: We shall discuss those events and more shortly. But first, we must all understand how Evermore differs from other provinces. Evermore’s pantheon is The Nine Divines. The other kingdoms of High Rock adhere to the Bretony Pantheon of twelve divines. That pantheon includes The Eight Divines of Saint Alessia’s Pantheon with the addition of Sheor, Magnus, Phynaster and Y’ffre. The religious doctrine of the Bretony Pantheon is the same as The Ten Commands of the Nine Divines.
• Sarah: All the High Rock kingdoms have Priest Circles. Their purpose is to provide a united front on religious matters and coordinated assistance to the citizens of their kingdoms.
• Wulf: The Priest Circle in Evermore has elevated itself above the citizens. The priests claim to be of a higher caste, and their priority is to advise the nobles, not help the citizens. Each top-tier noble has a personal priest. There are no priestesses! Evermore’s Priest Circle preaches that The Nine chose and appointed nobles. As god-appointed people, they are of a higher caste than all other citizens.
• Erandur: Blasphemy upon blasphemy!
• Wulf: I understand your anger, Erandur. However, our priority is to stabilise Evermore. That is probably best achieved by accepting and working around Evermore’s idiosyncrasies. Once the immediate problems are resolved, change can be gradually introduced.
• Sarah: Lady Mara has expressed to Wulf and me that a diplomatic solution is needed. Anything else will trigger the chaos she fears.
• Wulf: The Divine most revered by Evermore’s citizens is Lady Mara. Several Temples of The Nine are in the province, but others are dedicated solely to Lady Mara.
• Sarah: I saw no evidence of Evermore’s nobility or Priest Circle following The Ten Commands of the Nine Divines. The other High Rock kingdoms are closer to that ideal than most Cyrodiil Counties or Skyrim Holds.
• Wulf: Evermore is a feudalistic province, and most of its citizens are indentured serfs.
• Ghorbash: Serfdom is slavery, with a few rights given to the enslaved to make it more palatable.
• Wulf: It is worse than you can imagine in Evermore. Two orphans who live in Aurane, Zoe and Sakura, were sold as enslaved people to a farmer in Evermore. They told me the details of what the farmers endure. Sarah confirmed those details.
• Sarah: Despite having very productive farms, the farmers are starving. They are allocated a small plot to grow food for their consumption. However, they must sell the produce from those plots to designated merchants at a set price and then repurchase it at an inflated price.
• Wulf: Can you imagine your family working hard to maintain crops and animals yet must hand everything over to your Divine blessed Lord? Not only that, if they save some money, it is taxed at exorbitant rates.
• Sarah: The system is designed to make the farmers dependent on the generosity of their lords. Perhaps your Lord will not allow starvation to claim your children if you behave yourself.
• Wulf: Evermore’s citizens are told that the quality of a harvest and the frequency and severity of natural disasters are determined by The Nine. Therefore, the citizens are very religious and do not question the authority of priests and nobles.
• Erandur: Do they prey to The Divines for assistance?
• Sarah: They prey for better crops. They prey for The Divines to cure ailments. They leave offerings at shrines that priests sell and pocket the money. They prey for forgiveness if floods, fires, or other disasters strike.
• Wulf: The shrines in Evermore do not cure diseases. All except one that Sarah consecrated in the garden of a small house we can use.
• Sarah: The priests are alchemists. They sell potions to the citizens. Nothing is free in Evermore.
• Wulf: There are no mages except for some special troops of King Sigmayne. We shall discuss those later.
• Sarah: The current crisis in Evermore is a result of hundreds of years of misrule that culminated in a massacre twenty years ago.
• Wulf: I will outline the relevant events.

I told them, “Like the Reachmen tribes of Skyrim, those in Evermore desired a portion of The Reach to be a nation under their rule. They did not attack and take control of a city like what happened to Markarth. However, they started a commune in an abandoned Imperial fort called Munstor. They promised religious freedom and the chance to earn a fair wage for fair work. That promise appealed to thousands of serfs and indentured tradespeople. In one night, a mass of them abandoned their lords and joined the commune. As with Markarth, the Reachmen proved they could be fair rulers and allowed religious freedom. Farmers and tradespeople enjoyed earning a good wage and not worrying about starvation.

The nobles and priests of Evermore panicked. Much of their labour force, and therefore profits, joined the Reachmen. They thought financial ruin and loss of prestige and power would result from what they termed a Peasant Revolt. Scouts were sent to spy on Munstor and report what they saw.

The commune had been operating for two months when the scouts reported that everybody at Munstor was happy. New fields had already been planted, but the farmers relaxed and enjoyed their leisure time. Many new structures had been built, but the tradespeople also found time to relax.

At first, the lords sought a non-violent solution. They did not want to kill the serfs out of fondness but out of fear that they would impact their profits if they killed their labour force. Their plan involved freeing those held in prisons on the condition they made their way to Munstor. They hoped an influx of criminals would destroy the harmony of the commune and make the serfs return to civilisation.

Most of the prisoners who were released were not hardened criminals but poor people imprisoned for minor crimes. Munstor did not have an open door to all who sought entry. The freed prisoners were questioned by a board that included Reachmen and Breton. Only those who committed to the commune’s ideals were accepted. The others were escorted a certain distance and told never to enter the commune’s boundary again.

Evermore’s lords and priests had made a mistake. They thought the Reachmen and runaway serfs were idealists who would accept anybody into Munstor. When they realised this was not the case, they decided to lay siege to Munstor. All food supplies were cut off. Many tunnels were dug under Munstor’s walls, and their wells were poisoned. When these measures failed, diplomacy was tried, as there was still a reluctance to kill the kingdom’s workforce.

A group of lords entered Munstor after assurances the rules of parley would be followed. They were shocked to find the leaders of Munstor were not Reachmen but hagraven. They were mistaken, as hagraven provided similar services to priests to the leaders of Munstor.

On their return, the lords purposely created fear and loathing by misrepresenting the purpose of a hagraven presence. Those in the commune were labelled as Daedric worshippers who conducted horrendous rituals. Some knights from other kingdoms heard of this heresy and went to Evermore. The resulting army threw itself against the walls of Munstor and used the tunnels to infiltrate the fort.

No mercy was shown to Reachman or the serfs. Every man, woman and child was slaughtered in a bloodbath like that perpetrated by Ulfric in Markarth.

A report of the incident presented to His Imperial Majesty by King Sigmayne falsely claimed that many serfs returned home. Mentioning the incident was outlawed, and thereby the truth was suppressed.

• Rigmor: Calm down, Wulf. I can tell via Mara’s Rings that you are incensed at the injustice.
• Wulf: I will be okay. There are more shocking revelations to come.
• Sarah: The massacre at Munstor changed the Reachmen. They are now called Witchmen by Evermorin. Instead of scattered small tribes, they are now one large tribe. Their presence is slowly engulfing Evermore, and there are insufficient Imperial troops to counter them.
• Ghorbash: Not when you add the Orsinium’s Sons into the mix. One or the other would have proven a challenge to the garrisons there. Combined, they had no hope, and the Redguards added to the problem when I left.
• Sarah: Yes. Redguard corsairs are using the rivers to raid. It will not be long before they claim some territory as theirs and build towns and forts. They use many Black-Powder weapons.
• Rigmor: The Thalmor were behind The Markarth Incident. Do you think they prompted the attack on Munstor?
• Sarah: They have a significant presence in Evermore. However, I found no proof of them interfering with the kingdom’s rule. But I had to be cautious and did not stick my nose into Thalmor business. That is not conducive to a long lifespan.
• Celestine: You must have also been cautious with Orsinium’s Sons and Witchmen.
• Sarah: I had to be cautious with all factions. Paranoia is rampant in Evermore. Every faction will execute suspected spies without a trial or evidence. So, some of what I have told Wulf is gleaned from sources such as citizens of Evermore who dislike the status quo and hope somebody will come along and change it. I have no evidential proof.
• Erandur: Still, you risked your life, and we are grateful for the information.
• Sarah: Lady Mara was undecided on what to do. The information I gathered convinced her that Wulf was needed to resolve the issues.
• Wulf: I, The Dragonguard, and the big stick provided by His Imperial Majesty will attempt to resolve the issues.
• Vayu: The emergence of Orsinium’s Sons is understandable. The suppression of Orsimer in High Rock is well documented. I want to know who has managed to organise the Reachmen into a single tribe. Every Hagraven in a Wyrd or coven worships the same Daedric Prince. However, no two covens are necessarily devoted to the same Daedric Prince, and they may be enemies due to that difference. If all the Reachmen of Evermore have combined into a singular force, it is logical to assume the Hagraven accompanying them all worship the same Daedric Prince.
• Sarah: I cannot tell you much about the Witchmen. It was suicidal to enter their territory. The citizens are terrified of them and only know what the priests tell them.
• Wulf: We will have to figure out the Witchmen ourselves. But I agree that they are likely to all be devotees of one Daedric Prince.
• Ghorbash: Orsinium’s Sons are also a mystery. They claim to follow The Code of Malacath strictly, but that is a lie, for they rape and torture. Their objective is unclear as they seem content with causing chaos via random attacks. I suspect Thalmor interference, as do many others, but I was not in a position to uncover proof.
• Wulf: As with the Witchmen, we shall have a better chance of discovering the truth than a single person such as yourself or Sarah.
• Sarah: There are rumours, Ghorbash, that seem to have an air of possibility, even if disturbing.
• Ghorbash: I do not know what would happen if the rumours prove true. The Orsimer in Skyrim would demand it be halted and the guilty punished.
• Rigmor: Would either of you like to tell us these rumours?
• Ghorbash: The Orsimer in Evermore are sentenced to hard labour in mines for minor offences. A few who have escaped their unjust incarceration claim Orsimer enslaved people are being bred.
• Wulf: I promise you, Ghorbash, one of my priorities will be investigating those claims. If true, King Sigmayne will be arrested and tried in The Imperial City.
• Sarah: You are likely to arrest him on other charges.
• Wulf: That is true, and we shall discuss what they may be later.
• Ghorbash: Orsinium’s Sons reportedly have access to powerful Reach Magic.
• Wulf: They have, and it cost the life of Mara’s mortal champion, Mados the War Knight.
• Rigmor: Can you tell us his story, Wulf?
• Wulf: Yes, milady. I will tell you a truncated version of the three autobiographical volumes I read this morning.

I said, “Mados was born in 4E 119 to native Reachman or what Breton regard as savages. His parents were not followers of The Nine.

I am unsure when he made it to Evermore City, but he was most likely in his early teens. Local legend says he was led to Evermore by The Divines. He became a dedicated follower of The Nine and was especially revered by Lady Mara. Mados would spend many hours praying to The Nine. The Nine do not want people wasting their lives telling them how grateful they are. They want us to live the Ten Commands. But putting that aside, he endeared himself to many through his piety.

He was a large man, and by the age of seventeen, he had transformed from a heathen barbarian to a well-mannered gentleman who could read and write and handle all two-handed weapons as well as anybody else in the kingdom. Thus, he became a squire to another famous knight at that young age.

His high moral values and martial prowess enabled a rapid rise through the military ranks. By his early thirties, he was commanding entire companies. In High Rock, such a rank for a commoner was more than unusual. It was unprecedented.

In my opinion, only selecting officers from the noble class is idiotic, if not moronic.

Eventually, he was awarded the title of War Knight. That signified he was the King’s personal champion and protector of the realm’s honour.

He married a priestess of Mara, and they had many children. None of them lived up to the public’s expectations. Having a famous father was a curse.

Mados wore a unique set of armour that Lady Mara blessed.

Mados accumulated many riches, but nearly all were donated to the temples. He and his family lived a simple life without all the trappings of fame or rank.

Mados’ knew that The Divines would offer healing and guidance, but it was up to warriors like himself to strike down enemies. That was the burden of mortals.

Mados must be regarded within the context of local religious beliefs. In Evermore, the cycles of war and peace, plenty and famine, drought and flood result from Divine intervention. The Nine control these things at their whim and decide when and what occurs. That is why so many people pray to them on their knees. It is as if begging for their help is required to improve things. We will find the way of worship in Evermore to be sacrilegious, at the least. It is blasphemous at its worst. It is wrong in every way.

After several pogroms and racially motivated murders, Orsinium’s Sons conducted a campaign of revenge they called Malacath’s March. They swarmed in great numbers over Evermore, inflicting rape and ritual slaughter as repayment for the treatment of Orsinium and its people. For the first time in history, Orsimer Shamans were used as a tool of war, and ancient magic and rituals were used to turn living into the undead. They were preparing to conquer Evermore and had picked their first target, Grey Belmor, a fort that protected Raven Springs.

Mados learned of their overall strategy but not the planned first strike against Grey Belmor, where he commanded the garrison. With only a few men, Mados sallied forth to find and kill the Orsimer Shamans.

This event occurred in 4E 174. Although Mados successfully disrupted the Shamans, it was not before their ancient magic had fallen upon Grey Belmor and turned the soldiers there into undead that still walk its grounds.

Mados slew many Orsimer but was fatally wounded himself. Many people of Evermore thought of him as a living god and refused to believe Arkay’s cycle of life applied to Mados. So now they have his mummified corpse propped up in the middle of a Temple of The Nine. People pray to him like he is a god of sorts!

I have no doubt he was a fine warrior and a pious man. But how he is revered amongst the people of Evermore is wrong and misplaced. He was a mortal who did his duty, nothing more, nothing less.”

• Erandur: How can the Priests of Evermore not realise how different their worship is from the rest of The Empire?
• Sarah: They have deliberately remained blinkered.
• Wulf: The priests have created an elite class for themselves. They have placed themselves above those they are supposed to guide. They do not devote their time entirely to The Nine but divide it with politics and alchemy. They will not voluntarily abandon such power and prestige to live as others of their calling do everywhere else in Tamriel.
• Dhali: What happened to Mados’ wife and children?
• Sarah: There are no women warriors or guards in Evermore. Females are for bearing children and not the burdens of war and violence. Mados’ widow died soon after his demise due to her grief and feminine fragility.
• Rigmor: I would happily grab a few of their guards and display feminine fragility by smashing their heads together.
• Celestine: Other males would laugh and blame your menses. I grew up with this idiocy and know how they think.
• Sarah: But Governor Merosa wields some clout.
• Celestine: Noble blood trumps testicles.
• Wulf: None of Mados’ children became heroes like the citizens of Evermore hoped.
• Rigmor: It would have been fantastic if one of his daughters had. What a shock to these backward people that would have been.
• Wulf: Cyrodiil is almost as backwards with its use of coverture. It is unfair and barbaric! If Rigmor were to marry me, I would take her title, castle, and lands, and she would be my Consort with no right to rule. I would not want that to happen.
• Rigmor: You often ask where something fits into the Ten Commands of The Nine Divines. I have read them many times and cannot see where testicles are mentioned.
• Erandur: Oh, that is the domain of the tenth Divine, Lord Scrotum. He is hardly ever mentioned.
• Celestine: I cannot imagine many people would fancy praying in front of a statue of Lord Scrotum.
• Erandur: Wulf, what kind of magic did the Orsimer unleash on Grey Belmor?
• Wulf: Reach Magic has many forms, and none are taught at The College of Winterhold. Some Reachmen, witches and hagraven may wield Dawn Magic, which would be daunting.
• Erandur: You are fascinated by that prospect!
• Wulf: Of course, I like to learn about new things, even when people are trying to eviscerate me or turn me into a pile of ash.
• Vayu: Sarah, you mentioned Governor Marosa. Is she one of the nobles we will have to deal with?
• Sarah: Yes. She is the Governor of The Bridge. It is a large settlement spanning the Bjoulsae River. Much of the political tension is between Governor Marosa and Lord Mortifayne. He resides in the city of Arnima, which used to be called Raven Springs. He was once a fair ruler. Well, fairer than most in Evermore. However, soon after the massacre at Munstor, he began a reign of cruelty. His brutality and rejection of all civility are the reasons Governor Marosa claims fuels her dislike. I think it is more likely that Mortifayne is affecting trade, thereby reducing her income. But I have no proof because what happens behind closed doors in Evermore remains hidden.
• Wulf: Did Lord Mortifayne rename Raven Springs to Arnima?
• Sarah: Yes, not long after the massacre.
• Wulf: Have any of you heard of the word Arnima?

I waited a few minutes while some suggested words similar in different languages.

• Wulf: None of you have heard Arnima before because Lord Mortifayne made it up. It is an anagram of Namira.
• Vayu: She is one of the few Daedric Princes you have not insulted yet!
• Rigmor: Do you think Namira is the Dark Lord that has united the Witchmen?
• Wulf: I do not know. We do not have enough information. But I refuse to believe Lord Mortifayne accidentally came up with that anagram.
• Sarah: I do not think anybody in Evermore has figured that out, and they have had twenty years to do so.
• Rigmor: You will get used to Wulf being a smartarse.
• Wulf: Celestine, how is the work on the plague progressing?
• Celestine: We are confident we have narrowed the reagents to four. Now, it is a matter of experimenting with ratios and so on.
• Wulf: The only mages in Evermore are some of King Sigmayne’s troops. Those troops are called Evermorin Aventurier, and I have found little information about them.
• Sarah: They are not like Imperial Battlemages. They only know a few fire spells.
• Wulf: Evermore’s solution to the plague is to burn Afflicted to death using Aventurier. They will kill an entire family if one member has the disease. They sometimes board several generations in their home and set it alight.
• Vayu: What the fuck?
• Rigmor: That must be stopped!
• Wulf: Rigmor, I must be diplomatic. I am not allowed to interfere too much if I am to succeed.
• Rigmor: You will interfere because that is who you are.
• Wulf: And that leads to something else that may be difficult to ignore. Sarah, briefly tell your story.
• Sarah: When I was nine, King Sigmayne asked my father for my hand in marriage.
• Rigmor: I must echo Vayu on this. What the fuck?
• Sarah: Of course, Father refused and banned Sigmayne from Wayrest. That ban did not prevent Sigmayne from entering our castle gardens a few months later. To shorten the story as requested, Sigmayne tried to rape me. Father rescued me and placed Sigmayne in prison. Somehow, Sigmayne escaped and sought revenge.
• Wulf: Sigmayne quickly built an army, mainly from conscripts, and attacked Wayrest. Evermore’s troops outnumbered the defenders by five or six to one. However, Wayrest’s defenders were seasoned soldiers and were defending their home. If it were just a matter of arms versus arms, Wayrest would most likely have won the war.
• Sarah: The Evermorin Aventurier swung the war in favour of Wayrest. Vast swaths of Wayrest countryside and many villages and towns were reduced to ash. However, they could not burn down the city gates, and Father thought they could withstand a siege long enough for intervention by His Imperial Majesty. But somebody opened the main gates, and the Evermore troops stormed into Wayrest.
• Wulf: Sigmayne wanted revenge, but his troops refused to harm King Barynia or destroy the city. Certain parts of the army were satisfied with raping with some careful pillaging.
• Sarah: Early in the war, I was taken to Jehanna with my two sisters and Mother. I never saw Father again and only recently left Jehanna. I have avoided Wayrest because if I am identified, chaos would ensue.
• Remiel: Father had taken us to see his holdings in Hammerfell. Therefore, I was absent from Wayrest during that war. When we returned, some damage to the city was evident, but nothing like what the corsairs did.
• Sarah: That was part of the problem. Because the city was not destroyed or Father murdered, Mede did not intervene. There were many civilian casualties outside of Wayrest City. Our army had been decimated. Thousands of women and girls were raped. But you will find few, if any, references to the war in historical tomes.
• Remiel: And you believe this war led to what happened when the corsairs sacked the city?
• Sarah: Yes. That was just over a year later, and Father did not have time to rebuild the army. He decided to let the corsairs in with only token resistance. People claim he thought that assassins were after him.   
• Wulf: They were, Sarah. The Dark Brotherhood had been hired. A mortal champion was working undercover and was chosen as the assassin. He did not kill your father but took him to the corsairs. It was they who decided his fate. The corsairs destroyed Wayrest’s Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Many people think your father paid them to do that.
• Sarah: I have often wondered how he reached the port.
• Ghorbash: Is Sigmayne a molester of children, or were you his only victim?
• Sarah: There are many missing children in Evermore. I think there is a group of nobles with similar predilections who join Sigmayne in his iniquity. I could find no proof, but many agree with my presumption.
• Rigmor: Slavery, the murders of Afflicted and children in danger. How, my dear Wulf, do The Divines expect you to be diplomatic if confronted with these?
• Wulf: I will try up to the point I cannot. Then wrath will replace diplomacy, and Lady Mara must accept my apology for being me.
• Dhali: Use the position Mede is bestowing on you. If the nobles of Evermore claim The Divines choose them, trump them with the reality of who you are and your higher noble status. Bully them, Wulf!
• Celestine: Diplomacy is not always following protocols and being polite.
• Wulf: Have no fear. I will bludgeon whoever I need to to find a diplomatic solution. We have only covered some factions vying for power or survival in Evermore. There are more that may need to be dealt with.
• Rigmor: At least you are going there more prepared than usual.
• Wulf: Still, from the moment we announce ourselves, we must gather much more information before others react to our presence. To delay our recognition, we shall use a travelling merchant to cross into Evermore. Sarah was hired as his guard for the trip here. I shall offer him several guards for his return trip.
• Sarah: Your face has been plastered over news sheets for months. Undoubtedly, many spies would recognise you as we crossed the mountains.
• Wulf: The diadem I am wearing disguises me. Since you met me before I wore it, you are not affected by its dweomer. Merchant Lisrier Gulinds might think I am Redguard, Khajiiti, or any other typical race. He might think I am beardless with green eyes or heavily bearded with brown eyes. While I wear the diadem, his perception of me will not change.
• Rigmor: Wulf can cast a spell to change himself into another race.
• Wulf: But that dweomer would be challenging to maintain for the three days it will take to cross the mountains.
• Sarah: What do we call you?
• Wulf: Lord Aurane.
• Rigmor: Why not Ivan Itchybottom?
• Wulf: Who would use silly fake names like that?
• Rigmor: Unwashed seven-foot-tall barbarians from some remote island near Roscrea use them.
• Wulf: Some of you look bleary-eyed, so we shall end there. I must wait to talk to His Imperial Majesty before crossing into Evermore. I will write a report for him and General Tullius outlining our knowledge.
• Ghorbash: Silah told Wulf that Mede’s ship had dropped anchor away from Solitude’s docks.
• Wulf: I expect a meeting with him late today or tomorrow.
• Rigmor: Who will you take with you across the mountains?
• Wulf: We shall travel with the merchant that Sarah guarded on his trip from Evermore. Valdimar, Sarah, Gregor and Jordis will journey with me across the mountains. At the first opportunity after crossing the border, I shall change the squad to Celestine, Ghorbash, Sarah, and Gregor, and we shall wear the Imperial uniforms I have prepared. I cannot predict when or if I will change squads after that.
• Ghorbash: Would the merchant object to an Orsimer travelling with him?
• Sarah: Yes. He is a typically bigoted Breton. Wulf is wise not to pick you for the journey.
• Dhali: Is there anything we can do while you are absent?
• Wulf: I want you and your squad to load up the airship with food and other necessities. If we encounter starving farmers and their families, it will be diplomatic to aid them.
• Celestine: Vayu, can you assist us at The College of Winterhold?
• Vayu: Yes, of course.
• Celestine: Priestess Aranea is a great help. Some of her suggestions have saved us valuable time.
• Wulf: That is good to hear.
• Rigmor: I told Mother I will not return till tomorrow.
• Wulf: Then change out of that snobby noble attire!
• Rigmor: I will. Then, I must teach Olette some more survival tips.
• Wulf: Such as?
• Rigmor: How to blame farts on others with a stare and how to recover your dignity after picking up the wrong utensil. That sort of thing.
• Wulf: Sarah, Olette is my adopted daughter. She will attend upcoming functions as a guest of Her Highness, Queen Elisif the First.
• Sarah: It has been many years since I had to deal with that crap.
• Wulf: Olette was an orphaned street urchin. However, I guarantee she has more nobility than most of those who will attend the functions.
• Sarah: She will have more nobility than the entirety of Evermore.
• Wulf: Okay, Sarah, it is time to visit Merchant Lisrier and make him an offer he cannot refuse.

The rest of the group eagerly talked as I teleported Sarah and me to Markarth’s outskirts.

Heavy rain accompanied us as we walked to where Lisrier had camped.

• Wulf: Good afternoon, Merchant Lisrier. I need transport to High Rock. Sister Jeanna, Oliver, and young Sarah heard of my plight and suggested you might be my saviour. They have all spoken highly of you.
• Lisrier: I hope I can live up to their praise.
• Wulf: When are you leaving?
• Lisrier: As soon as I can find a suitable guard. I thought I would be stuck here for a few more days awaiting delivery, but the goods are now being sent to Arnima.
• Sarah: I thought you had another guard arranged for your return trip.
• Lisrier: The fool turned out to be a drunken moron. If you put your life in someone’s hands, it better be someone you trust.
• Wulf: How about a deal? Sarah, three of my bodyguards, and I escort you on this trip, and you get five guards for the bargain price of zero gold pieces.
• Lisrier: Can they handle themselves in a fight?
• Wulf: You will never meet more exemplary warriors. Look at my attire, Merchant Lisrier. I could buy Evermore if I wished. I do not hire amateurs.
• Lisrier: Most Nords tower Breton, but you are a giant! May I ask what your name and trade are?
• Wulf: I am Lord Aurane. I buy and sell rare alchemical reagents and recipes. So, in a way, I am a merchant.
• Lisrier: I have never heard of you, but alchemical reagents are not my expertise.
• Wulf: Evermore’s Priest Circle will significantly increase my staggering wealth. Healing potions provide minor profit margins compared to guaranteed aphrodisiacs and non-addictive hallucinogens. Indeed, such things are approved by Lady Mara and Lady Dibella. Can you imagine the orgies?
• Lisrier: If I try to imagine a noble orgy, the face of a frumpy governor will undoubtedly ruin it.
• Wulf: Even a hagraven can appear desirable with the correct concoction.
• Lisrier: Ahh…okay. Sarah, will you be my guard again when I travel to Skyrim next?
• Sarah: Sorry, but I have been hired as Lord Aurane’s guide. We may be in Evermore for an extended period.
• Lisrier: When do you want to leave, Lord Aurane?
• Wulf: I await a final delivery to one of my estates. I would say within a day or two.
• Lisrier: I must return immediately upon finding a suitable guard.
• Wulf: Sarah, how much did Merchant Lisrier pay you for guarding him?
• Sarah: Three hundred septims for the three-day trip from Evermore to Skyrim. One hundred septims per day is the standard rate for competent guards on that hazardous route.
• Wulf: Merchant Lisrier, I expect we shall be leaving tomorrow. If not, I will pay you one thousand septims daily to wait. If one hundred septims per day is the standard rate for competent guards, my bodyguards would each be worth five hundred septims per day. You have been offered a bargain. Do not pretend it is not.
• Lisrier: I will not try to haggle with you. We have a deal.
• Wulf: We shall, hopefully, see you tomorrow. Oh, and do not worry about us vanishing.
• Lisrier: Vanishing?

I teleported us to the Safehouse.

Sarah asked, “What is this place?”

“This is my museum’s safehouse. All new Dragonguard recruits spend time here. I want you to read my unredacted journals. Lady Mara may have told you some of my secrets, but you must understand who we are and what we have done to protect mortals, Nirn and The Divines.”

“I also need to understand why Rigmor and you have a hidden relationship.”

“I can hear Ghorbash and Remiel, so they have returned from Aurane. Ask them for the journals, and do not hesitate to ask questions. There are senior Dragonguard here to answer them.”

“Will I eventually live in Aurane?”

“Yes. Probably on our return from Evermore, that will become your residence.”

“Okay. The smells wafting my way tell me I should head for the kitchen.”

“That is a good idea. I had better return and have supper with my fiancé and daughter.”

On the 6^th, I took Rigmor home and then returned to Aurane. I had just finished writing my report for General Tullius and Mede when my Corb started chirping.

I was not surprised the communicator was General Tullius.

“Good morning, General.”

“If I do not end up with an ulcer, it will be.”

“Security concerns?”

“You know very well why they might be plaguing me.”

“Elite Penitus Oculatus agents surround him. I am sure Commander Maro has done a thorough sweep of wherever he is to travel. Relax.”

“You would think all of that is true, except our special guest has a mind of his own. Please, visit me immediately.”

“Okay, I am on my way.”

Less than a minute later, I stood before the worried veteran.

“Lord Welkynd, do you know where the throne room is? Not High Queen Elisif’s. The other one…that is hardly ever used?”

“Ahh… in Emperor’s Tower?”

“Yes, here is a key. Go to that throne room, and do not ask me why. Just do it.”

“I have a gift for you. I have summarised the information we gathered on Evermore’s problems.”

“I don’t suppose it is all kittens and rainbows.”

 “More like molesters and storm clouds.”

“I do not envy you, Lord Welkynd.”

“I will travel to Emperor’s Tower invisible. It was nice to see you again, General Tullius.”

I cast Shroudwalk and made my way to Emperor’s Tower.

Knowing who I was to meet, I removed my helm before entering.

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Titus Mede II, sat upon a throne. No Penitus Oculatus Agents were in sight.

I approached and knelt. Mede did not look impressed that I did so.

He said, “Stand, Lord Welkynd. You do not need to kneel!”

I stood, and even though Mede was a few steps up, I still towered over him.

He continued, “At long last, I get to meet the man who has saved my life, all our lives, several times already.”

“It is an honour to meet you, Your Imperial Majesty, my Emperor.”

“Now, young man, why do you think I am sitting here twiddling my thumbs while waiting to see you?”

“Your guards are not in attendance. Therefore, it must concern something of a sensitive nature, and you are confident of your safety in my presence. Considering how concerned The Divines are, you wish to discuss High Rock, the kingdom of Evermore, to be more precise.”

“Yes, you are quite right. Let me tell you how this conversation came about. I was sitting at my desk in my room aboard Katariah, my ship. I was busy wearing out more quills, trying to keep up with the endless correspondence. I am sure Countess Rigmor has told you of that curse.”

“Yes, and I assume your burden dwarfs hers.”

“Now, my rooms aboard Katariah are as secure as possible. I was surrounded by dozens of the best Penitus Oculatus agents, and we were at sea, hundreds of miles from land. I had my head down and was concentrating hard when somebody said, “Excuse me, Emperor, but we need to talk.”

“I know who that intruder was.”

“Yes, but let me finish my story. The surprise aged me several years, so I have earned the dramatics.”

“Of course, please continue.”

“I am not ashamed to say I jumped with fright. I am proud that I did not scream or make any squeaking sound.”

“Well done, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Just Titus will do.”

“As you wish, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“I looked up from my desk, and a man was standing a few feet away wearing ancient Colovian armour. He had the most piercing blue eyes and a neatly trimmed white beard. It took a few seconds, but when I finally realised who it was, I did give out a bit of a squeak.”

“I think he would have been chuffed that you recognised him. After all, he does not have the crow’s feet like all the statues.”

“I had not noticed that! But it was not his face that prompted the revelation. It was more his look of authority. His stance and stare were that of a leader. He reminded me of a sergeant who did not care that I was heir to the Ruby Throne. I still have nightmares about that man and the names he invented for his green recruits.”

“But I bet you blessed him later in life when on the battlefield.”

“Yes, he did have our best interests at heart, and his lessons proved invaluable. And you, Wulf, have distracted me once more.”

“Sorry, I do have a habit of that.”

“I will not go into detail about everything we discussed. Lord Talos’ main concern was that you and I were approaching the troubles in Evermore from different perspectives and that we might trip over each other, so to speak.”

“I assume you saw Evermore as a purely political issue and now know it is far more.”

“Yes, I now have to deal with things outside my experience. The Divines sent a hero in my time of need once before. He, too, had to deal with Dark Lords and all that…What did Rigmor say your word for it is?”

“Gobblygook?”

“Yes, that hero had to deal with Dark Lords and all that gobblygook.”

“But that didn’t happen, according to your chief historians.”

“They can correct the histories after I die. In the meantime, I do not want to be known as an Emperor who abandoned the Imperial City and did not even take it back. My popularity with the citizens influences how easily I can get things done. It is not a matter of pride.”

“I understand why this must be, Your Imperial Majesty. And if the Moth Priests continue to call the one who disclosed that information a rebel, he is easily discredited. However, these mistruths tend to remain in official history. The historians must admit they fabricated history before they can correct the lies. That proves to be impossible for most.”

“I understand your dislike for political manipulation of history. I allowed lies about Ragnar to be published. I have allowed Thalmor blasphemy to become law. I do what is needed to keep the peace.”

“Please, you do not have to explain these things to me. I accept such things are necessary. And I have sent us off on another tangent.”

“Wulf, I have not had the chance to speak to you before and will get to the crux of the matter eventually. Your mind is nimble and quick, and I value your opinions. It is a pity I cannot have you as an advisor.”

“I am not good at being a sycophant. You would probably have my head on the chopping block within a week.”

“I do not need sycophants! I need more like you. But let us get back to what Talos and I discussed.”

“I admit, I am intrigued.”

I did not tell Mede that Father already informed me of their conversation. I let him tell his tale, for meeting a god is not common, even for an emperor.

Mede said, “I was aboard Katariah on my way to Solitude to attend a wedding and a coronation, open a museum, and discuss Evermore with General Tullius. With Skyrim, there was a lack of a High King or Queen during the civil war. We ended up with General Tullius acting as Governor and Ulfric pretending to be High King. It was easy for The Empire to choose sides in that conflict. We fear that if things continue to deteriorate in Evermore, there will not be a civil war but chaos, with many disparate groups fighting over the right to rule. We also fear that adjoining kingdoms would take advantage and invade. We have a responsibility to protect the citizens of Evermore, and the only solution we can see if King Sigmayne is killed or deposed would be a large military presence under a Governor. That solution would prevent other kingdoms in High Rock from invading and protect the citizens. I am sure you understand that such concerns are discussed in whispers in secure rooms like this.”

“I understand. I need to know how likely the country will collapse into chaos and who I must negotiate with to prevent it happening.”

“The country is a mess! I should have dealt with them when the first rebellion occurred twenty years ago. However, I was too busy holding The Empire together for the first decade after The Great War. Rebellion is not strictly accurate, but that is what the nobles of Evermore will call it. Some citizens of Evermore decided to live with The Witchmen. Evermore is a feudal society where a noble’s wealth depends on docile serfs. The nobility regarded citizens walking away from their assigned roles without their lord’s permission as a rebellion. With righteous indignation, the nobles massacred the very serfs they were hoping to retrieve! It is like Ulfric’s actions during The Markarth Incident, but for different reasons. The result is the same. The Reachmen, who were once willing to live peacefully, became vengeful warriors whose savagery is now at odds with who they wanted to be. The Witchmen of Evermore are willing to ally with Dark Lords to fight for their desired country. The Forsworn have done similar.”

“And I assume the Witchmen are the enemy of all other factions?”

“Yes, and then you have the Orsimer. They are victims of the vilest racial abuses imaginable. We have secretly set up a place where, if the worst comes to be, a new Orsinium can be established. The Orsimer and the Witchmen are convenient scapegoats for all the ills besetting the Breton peasantry. The nobility deliberately fostered these racist attitudes like how Ulfric and others before him did with Mer and the beast races.”

“Truth starts to win through eventually. People interacting with other races start to protest the untruths and generalisations. I assume that was another thing the nobles of Evermore were afraid of twenty years ago. If they let people live in peace with the Witchmen, they lose one of their scapegoats.”

“You have a good political mind, Wulf. So, who do you think the nobles of Evermore blamed for the massacre?”

“They would have made up stories about Witchmen depravities. The poor, unfortunate citizens they tried to rescue were victims of dark, unspeakable magic and were miserable. Instead of losing one of their scapegoats, the nobles increased the public dislike for Witchmen.”

“Yes, and we watched this and did nothing. We may be forced to interfere as the hatred and tensions are manipulated. Talos told me this, and it all made perfect sense when he explained the methods used.”

“The Divines suspect one or more Dark Lords are involved. But they cannot place spies in the realms of the Daedric Princes, so they do not know their plans. They must react quickly with limited information and rely on mortal agents such as myself. The Forgotten Hero who took your place in The Battle of the Red Ring was needed to stop Boethia’s plans. Martin Septim and The Hero of Kvatch were needed to stop Mehrunes Dagon. The list is endless, but they all have one thing in common. Mortal agents need to do the groundwork, find out what is happening, and stop it. In military terms, The Divines can only provide limited intelligence about the enemy and their plans. The mortal agents must fill in the missing pieces and act accordingly.”

“Talos said that is what you must do in Evermore. The Divines know Dark Lords are helping certain factions but lack the details of how and why. Talos said The Divines fear another attempt at a Daedric invasion. Like The Culling that the Forgotten Hero prevented in The Imperial City. Like you recently prevented with Malacath and the Oblivion Gates in Solitude and Markarth.”

“The Divines will provide information when they deem it is necessary. No matter how much I plead, they will not divulge other information I think is vital. I have accepted this as necessary, but it does not stop me from asking questions I know they will not answer.”

“Talos visited and told me all this because he believes you must have my name behind your efforts. Even as Lord Welkynd or General Welkynd, you would find the nobles of Evermore reluctant to cooperate and, in some cases, deliberately obstructive. It would be best if you had more authority while dealing with the problems of Evermore. Therefore, I am putting you in charge of all Imperial forces within that country. I am providing you with legal paperwork declaring that you act on my behalf in all military and civil matters. You are Envoy Wulf, so when a noble of Evermore speaks to you, they speak to me. When you tell somebody to do something, it is me they obey or disobey. Knowing that I am behind your presence will greatly hinder or help, depending on the individuals you are dealing with.”

“Forgive me, my Emperor, but Lord Talos visited and informed me of your meeting.”

“So, you allowed me to tell my tale out of courtesy.”

“Yes. Lady Mara has also spoken to me about the problems in Evermore. She had a mortal agent do some investigations, and along with other resources, I discovered as much information as possible in preparation. I have a report here for you. I have already handed a copy to General Tullius.”

I handed Mede the report.

“I will read it later. No doubt it paints a grim picture.”

“It was impossible for the mortal agent to infiltrate some of the factions within Evermore. However, the information we have gathered is a good head start, and yes, the picture is grim.”

“I know that The Divines want you to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Do you think that is possible?”

“King Sigmayne deserves to be locked in a deep, dark dungeon until he dies. However, that can wait until the kingdom is stabilised. That will be my intention, but I do not know its feasibility.”

“Do you outline Sigmayne’s crimes?”

“Yes, my Emperor.”

“How do you intend to proceed?”

“I have arranged travel to Evermore with a merchant. We shall enter the kingdom in disguise. Once over the border, we shall change into Imperial uniforms. I want the people of Evermore to thank the Imperial Army for whatever good we accomplish.”

“Yes, the different factions will have people looking at all the known border crossings. It may take two or three days to cross the mountains, and messages sent by pigeons or other means might give people of interest time to plan and cover their tracks. You just appearing on their doorstep will give you a distinct advantage.”

“It would also be advantageous if I could have your advice on certain matters.”

“That will not happen. You must deal with this yourself. We have trusted your instincts many times before and will do so again. Lord Talos emphasised that you must be free to make those decisions.”

“Is there anything else, Your Imperial Majesty?”

“Lord Talos warned me how dangerous this task may prove to be. Do not get yourself killed, Envoy Wulf.”

“I try not to make a habit of it. Once was enough.”

“Being my envoy is one big stick I have given you. Did Lord Talos tell you of his other suggestion?”

“No.”

“Good! At least I have one surprise for you.”

“And no doubt Lord Talos will be as pleased as you.”

“The Dragonguard can never be reinstated as an officially sanctioned faction of The Empire. Either can The Blades.”

“I am aware of the political constraints, my Emperor, and understand.”

“Nothing prevents me from resurrecting a famous and well-respected Knightly Order.”

“I can guess where this is leading.”

“Okay, where is it leading?”

“When he was Emperor, Tiber Septim created Order of the Dragon.”

“And what title was given to the Knight Commander of that order?”

“Champion of Cyrodiil.”

“There have only been seven previous Champions of Cyrodiil. Kneel, so I can make you the eighth.”

I knelt and was humbled by my Father’s and Mede’s honour.

With Mede’s prompting, I recited The Knight’s Oath, familiar to me from many tomes that list it.

• I will develop my life for the greater good.
• I will place character above riches and concern for others above personal wealth.
• I will never boast but cherish humility instead.
• I will always speak the truth and forever keep my word.
• I will defend those who cannot defend themselves.
• I will honour and respect women and refute chauvinism in all its guises.
• I will uphold justice by being fair to all.
• I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship.
• I will abhor scandals and gossip and neither partake nor delight in them.
• I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help.
• I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven.
• I will live my life with courtesy and honour from this day forward.

Mede tapped me on each shoulder with his sword and said, “Rise, Sir Wulf Welkynd, Champion of Cyrodiil and Knight Commander of Order of the Dragon.”

I stood, and Mede smiled.

“Your name will be entered into the lists. Lord Talos told me that the two highest ranks of the Dragonguard are Dragonlord and Dragon Knight.”

“Apart from Grand Master, that is correct.”

“I suggest they all be called Knight from now on.”

“It shall be done.”

“Order of the Dragon will have the same judicial rights as The Penitus Oculatus. As my Envoy, you could already say, “In the name of the Emperor.” As Penitus Oculatus equivalents, you and Knights of Order of the Dragon can legally say those words on your return from Evermore. Town Criers and the news sheets will spread the word, but it may take some time before everybody recognises this authority.”

 “I understand. When we recruit new Dragonguard, no oath is taken.”

“No part of the oath mentions gods or emperors, so there should not be any objections. The fealty sworn is to the people of Nirn, not a ruler or deity.”

“I will administer it, as it allows potential knights to understand the depth of commitment we expect.”

“It is a pity you will miss the wedding, coronation and the opening of your museum.”

“Rigmor, my adopted daughter Olette, and many Dragonguard will attend. I will suffer many hours of recollection on my return from Evermore.”

“Can you leave here without being seen?”

“Yes. I will teleport out of here.”

“My Battlemages are keen to learn what you have rediscovered.”

“All they must do is ask Master Tolfdir at The College of Winterhold. He will pass on the spells to them.”

“Here is the paperwork. One for the military authorities and one to show civilians.”

“I will try diplomacy, but the festering rivalries have almost come to a head.”

‘Neither I nor The Divines expect miracles, Sir Wulf. We know you shall try all avenues to find a peaceful solution. If that proves impossible, a population that trusts Legionnaires will reduce casualties if an army needs to cross the border.”

“Divines bless you, my Emperor.”

I teleported to Aurane. Within minutes, everybody knew of our transformation into Order of the Dragon.

I enjoyed lunch and talking with Aurane’s children, then gathered the squad.

We teleported to Markarth’s stables and then went to Merchant Lisrier.

“Merchant Lisrier, you ready to go?”

“Yes, I just have to hitch up Jenna, and we are off.”

“My guards will walk beside the carriage for the entire trip. That allows for quicker reactions to any attack.”

“If you do that, we will travel a bit faster. Ah, will you also be walking?”

“When they gave me the title of Lord, my legs did not drop off.”

“No, no… it is just not what I expect from the nobility.”

“Not all nobility has a wooden stake up their arse like those milk drinkers of High Rock.”

“Oh, um, of course not. Haha.”

“I will help you with Jenna. Please tell me about what we can expect on the road.”

Lisrier looked stunned that a noble would get their hands dirty. But he soon relaxed and answered my question as we hitched his horse.

“Well, my previous ventures haven’t seen much blood spilling save for a passenger getting leery with another. My route is one of the safer travel paths but a bit longer to traverse. We will have to pick up the pace through certain stretches. There are bandits and the like springing traps from above on any uncaring traveller making their way to the province. Once we reach the Easternmost part of Evermore, then we should be safe. They have the guards there meting out justice with an iron fist. Scoundrels stay well clear. Most of the time, anyway.”

“Most of the time?”

“Well, I do not want to startle you, but we have a problem with these savages north of Evermore. They like to call them Witchmen.”

“They are Reachmen. The name Witchmen is derogatory, along with the term savages.”

“I will stick to Witchmen if you do not mind. Rumours are stirring that these Witchmen are getting agitated. There are sporadic attacks across the kingdom. They have made the wilds near impossible to dwell in because of their savagery. But that is a problem you will have to deal with once you reach the kingdom and not on your way there, so do not fret about the journey. We will be fine!”

“I pity any bandits, Witchmen or other undesirables that test our mettle.”

“Oh!”

“So, Merchant Lisrier, tell me about Evermore.”

“Evermore is renowned for its colourful cast of characters and deviants. You will run the gamut of Bretonic experiences in that cluster of people. The first settlement you will come across if you stay the course once you depart from my wagon is The Divide, a hulking bridge jutting from its watery locale.”

“That would be Bjoulsae Bridge spanning the Bjoulsae River. Correct?”

“It hasn’t been called that for a long time, but yes.”

“Please continue.”

“Well, if you stand atop that stony juggernaut, you will be rewarded with a vista of the Reach’s mires and towns. Most notably Arnima, and if you squint hard enough, Evermore itself.”

“So, like our counties are named after their capital city, the kingdom is named after Evermore, the city.”

“Evermore itself beats as the heart and centre of royal affairs. It is where The Reach consolidates its authority and, ahem, its reach over the east. It used to be a backwater not too long ago, yet recent times have spoiled the city with excessive wealth and power. A power that they used to conquer and subjugate their comparatively less civilised neighbours. Now, any Breton dwelling outside the city walls sports their banner.”

“The Rampant Griffon.”

“Yes, you will see it on your arrival.”

“Tell me about Arnima.”

“There is nothing pleasant to say about the place, I can assure you. Most outside their miserable hole regard it as a stain on the kingdom, and with good reason. Most of the guards are nothing but thugs looking to shake down us humble merchants when given a chance, and they routinely terrorise those unfortunate sods that do not have the means to leave.”

“And who is the Lord of Arnima?”

“A strange character called Lord Mortifayne. I have heard tales of sordid acts and strange punishments disseminated upon those beneath him and were not wise enough to escape. Most of those tales smack of madness, and I ignore them.”

“Why?”

“It is hard to imagine such things happening within any civil residence. I never risked finding out for myself. Arnima dampers my mood. That is not desirable when travelling alone. Damn, that reminds me. I must pass by that decaying dump. I have a client within their walls. Hopefully, the guards are drunk. They are their meanest when sober.”

“That sounds exactly like the place to sell my reagents.”

“Okay, Jenna is ready to go!”

With those words, my journey into darkness began.