Tirdas, 13^th Morning Star, 4E 202

When we exited Izmark, the overcast sky and rolling fog made it seem far later than it was.

“Remiel, we might return with Professor Marassi. The art and machinery need to be properly studied. You can co-write the report with him.”

Remiel smiled and said, “You will not want us to say how the portal works.”

“I doubt we could figure it out, but that is not information that needs to be distributed.”

We teleported to Arnima’s entrance.

“You did well, Reamonn. Apart from the time you got ahead of us, you used your bow well and fought with wisdom. The few spells you cast were ineffective but worth a try.”

“I have learned much, but now you have made me crave more knowledge.”

“Then listen to what I tell Priest Matthew.”

Reamonn held out the bow and quiver.

“No, you can keep them. Use them to protect yourself and Arnima’s citizens.”

“But…”

“I am a very wealthy person, Reamonn. It is not an extravagant gift but a sensible one.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency.”

We made our way to the temple.

Everybody listened as I spoke to Priest Matthew.

“Greetings, Priest Matthew.”

“Greetings, Your Excellency.”

“Missionary Reamonn tells me The Priest Circle are fascinated with The Direnni. We have seen quite a bit of Direnni and Ayleid architecture when searching for the stolen items.”

“The interest is purely academic. Direnni buildings are a wonder to modern architects and labourers alike as their structures still hold after all these years.”

“As do Snow Elf, Ancient Nordic, Ayleid and Dwemer constructions. That is not a unique feature of Direnni buildings. I was intrigued by the evidence of Ayleid architecture where the Shrine of Namira is.”

“Perhaps the portal took you to the Ayleid embassy, built by the Direnni all those millennia ago?”

“Is that speculation based on anything historical?”

“You have heard of The Alessian Empire, surely? And their revolt against the Ayleid of old Cyrodiil, ages before The Empire came to be.”

I looked at Rigmor, who mouthed the word, ‘Bullshit!’ From the beginning, Matthew’s history was askew. But I wanted to hear the ‘Evermore’ history. Therefore, I played dumb.

“I have learnt of it, yes.”

“Then I need not bore you with yet another recital. That slave revolt, having swept over large swatches of Cyrodiil, had then turned their gaze west to the Direnni Hegemony, now High Rock. Desperate and engulfed in panic, the Direnni pooled whoever they could from what remained of the Ayleid. With the moniker of ‘The Last King’, actual name King Dynar, one prominent figure was among the fleeing diaspora.”

“I have heard of the Direnni and Ayleid alliance. Why was King Dynar prominent in all of this?”

“Some accounts say he was in exile, angry at the suffering of his Ayleid kin and had only wanted to join the Direnni cause to indulge in the slaughter. The Direnni built his stalwart stronghold at the very interstice of warring forces. The Last King could not have been happier!”

“What happened to this alliance of Mer?”

“It was a very desperate alliance to speak the truth. In no other situation would that vile King interact with an outsider, let alone send aid for his kin.”

I was finding it difficult to keep quiet and listen. This recitation of crap was so far from actual history I had difficulty not laughing.

Matthew continued, “When the first Alessians stepped into King Dynar’s periphery, the nightmare was unleashed. The Reach had turned into some damned oblivion-scape that would send any timid soul running to the other end of Tamriel.”

“Did King Dynar survive?”

“He reportedly died, and so did many of the Alessians, although the accounts made exceptions for the Nords among them. Even in the face of ultimate terror, the Nords traversed the dark realm right to the doorstep of that King’s squalid hovel. They were losing many through hideous traps, horrific rituals and sadistic Ayleid subordinates who relished in those spiteful skirmishes. The Last King was killed. Well, that is what the tomes show. However, such a being was surely the product of Daedric consort. He could have just faded into the arms of whatever Dark Lord he knelt to.”

“Anything else you can tell me?”

“Yes, when they did breach the inner sanctum, scholars reported the interior consisted of a patchwork of human bodies stitched together from one end of the giant hall to the other. The King and his debauched Ayleid underlings were seemingly unphased about the assailants at the gate, as they were still immersed in their profound work, which allowed those forlorn Nords to approach.”

“King Dynar must have eventually noticed them?”

“Yes, and upon realising that his artistry was meddled with, he recoiled and instantly flayed those unfortunate souls who made their advance. Then came a cacophony of screams, instantaneously killing those further back.”

‘It is amazing anybody survived to report on such an impossible ordeal! How was King Dynar eventually killed?”

“When it became apparent that mortals were not up to the task, Alessia called upon a friend. All evidence and descriptions of this person pointed to one candidate. Alessia called upon Pelinal Whitestrake!”

“Oh my! What was written of this battle?”

“The scribes spoke of him entering the sanctum and ordering the gates sealed behind him. A cosmic clash of noise and magic reverberations shook rock and stone. The very ground sank into the depths. People fled, and tension gripped those who thought Pelinal had fallen. Yet among the rubble, that metal-clad hand erupted from the heap. So, the filthy King of Spite was no more, and the Alessians continued their march west.”

“This is the history you teach and were taught?”

“Yes.”

“What are the names of the tomes that describe these events and their authors? Can I read them?”

“Ahh…umm…”

“No is the answer, as that was not history but a lie from beginning to end. No real scholar or historian would put their name to such nonsense.”

“And you think you know the real story?”

“Yes, as does anybody who has read the many tomes written by respected scholars about this subject. The accepted accounts are in The Imperial Library, The Arcanaeum of The College of Winterhold and my library in Solitude. Do you understand what a primary source is?”

“Of course.”

“The primary sources of the accepted accounts are artefacts, documents, diaries, manuscripts, autobiographies, and many other pieces of information created at the time of those events. A huge and indisputable body of evidence supports the real history. Would you like to learn what happened, or do you want to remain ignorant?”

“Does it matter what the correct history is?”

“To understand why Daedra may invade Evermore, you must know the real history.”

“Okay.”

“First of all, let me correct the very beginning of your account. It was not called The Alessian slave revolt. Its correct name is The Alessian Slave Rebellion.

The Alessian Slave Rebellion was not ages before The Empire came to be. It was the beginning of The Empire, with Saint Alessia being the first Empress.

It was not Alessia’s Empire that attacked High Rock. The Alessian Order came to power long after The Alessian Slave Rebellion and is unrelated to that event. Although using the name Alessian Empire, The Alessian Order invaded High Rock!

I will now outline the history chronologically.

The Ayleid never had a cohesive empire. Their lands were divided into many city-states and many kings. At that time, Daedra could provide far more support through magic and troops than the Aedra. With promises of power, wealth, and support, many Ayleid kings became devoted followers of Daedric Princes and abandoned Aedra worship. Many later battles between Ayleid kingdoms were battles between warring Daedric Princes.

Most Ayleid kings worshipped the darker Daedric Princes and willingly indulged in activities we term evil. The enslaved people of the Ayleid were used to create flesh sculptures, bone sculptures, gut gardens, and other artistic pursuits of that nature. Enslaved children were set alight in the middle of packed arenas for entertainment while bets were placed on which one would survive the longest.

The depravities practised by some Ayleid Daedric kingdoms generated a desire to change the status quo in other Ayleid Daedric kingdoms and those who worshipped Aedra.

Saint Alessia was inspired by the success of King Harald, who had driven the Mer out of Skyrim and established the first kingdom of Man on Tamriel. It was not the fact that King Harald fought Mer but his tenacity that caught Saint Alessia’s attention.

Saint Alessia visited Sancre Tor and prayed. An avatar of Lord Akatosh answered her prayers. He sympathised with her desire to free the enslaved people but knew it would be impossible with Dark Lords assisting some of the Ayleid kings. Lord Talos’ solution was The Covenant. The Liminal Barrier was created to separate Mundus and Oblivion. The Ayleid kings could no longer use the magic and troops of the Daedric Lords.

Saint Alessia started The Alessian Slave Rebellion in 1E 242. In 1E 243, her forces captured The White-Gold Tower. That victory ended the conflict quickly and allowed the formation of the Alessian Empire.

The Alessian Slave Rebellion consisted of enslaved people, Nords from Skyrim, and many Ayleid kings versus other Ayleid Kings. It was not Man versus Mer but one set of ideals versus another.

Many Ayleid kings remained in power during the early history of The Alessian Empire. Saint Alessia never showed hatred or bias against Mer.

King Laloriaran Dynar was born in the Ayleid city-state of Nenalata. His father worshipped Lady Meridia and opposed Saint Alessia during The Slave Rebellion. He and others who would not swear vassalage were deposed by her. King Dynar was made ruler of Nenalata after it became a vassal state of the Alessian Empire. Nenalata was forced to abandon slavery and allow worship of The Eight Divines. Although this was a blow economically to Nenalata, King Dynar was content to swear allegiance to The Alessian Empire.

In 1E 332, The Alessian Order forcefully took control of Alessia’s Empire. The Alessian Empire under The Alessian Order became a cruel theocracy. Worship of The Divines was replaced by a fake religion revolving around Saint Alessia and Lord Akatosh. Saint Alessia’s Empire was one of cooperation between Man and Mer. The Alessian Order’s Empire was one of extreme anti-Mer sentiment.

By 1E 371, Nenalata was the sole remaining Ayleid city-state. In 1E 372, the Emperor sent King Dynar an ultimatum. He was given a deadline to leave Cyrodiil or be killed. The population of Nenalata split into two factions. One faction left with King Dynar and made their way to High Rock, where they were provided shelter by The Direnni Hegemony. In 1E 374, the Alessian Order’s troops razed Nenalata to the ground and massacred every Ayleid that had remained.

King Dynar and the Ayleid were given land around the Bjoulsae River bays. There, they created a new city, made in the image of Nenalata. It was called Bisnensel-By-The-Lake or simply Bisnensel. Their alliance with the Direnni made it possible for the Ayleid of Bisnensel to have peaceful relationships with Breton and Orsimer.

Like his father, King Dynar was a worshipper of Meridia. The Ayleid Kings who worshipped Meridia did not participate in the horrors and evil of those who worshipped Molag Bal, Boethia, Namira and other less palatable Dark Lords. King Dynar’s father fought Alessia on economic, not religious grounds.

King Dynar was free to worship Meridia as The Direnni Hegemony allowed citizens freedom of worship.

A faction within Bisnensel worshipped Hermaeus Mora. They called themselves The Primeval Seekers. In 1E 453, The Primeval Seekers staged a coup and took control of Bisnensel. King Dynar and his family fled, eventually arriving on The Isle of Balfiera in 1E 460.

It is important to remember that The Adamantine Tower, or The Direnni Tower as it is now called, exists on The Isle of Balfiera.

A strong friendship was then formed between King Dynar and Prince Aiden Direnni. The Prince’s cousins, Ravena and Ryain, also became steadfast friends of The Last Ayleid King.

The Kingdom of Skyrim declared war on The Direnni Hegemony in 1E 461 over land lost during earlier skirmishes. The fighting was spasmodic until 1E 477, when King Dynar led the Hegemony to a decisive victory in a massive battle. The Nord forces, led by King Hoag Merkiller, had never suffered such a humiliating defeat. The Hegemony needed no great magic or monsters. The brilliant tactical mind of King Dynar and the quality of his troops won the day.

In 1E 478, The Thrassian Plague decimated the population of The Alessian Empire. King Mhorus of Skingrad died of the disease. His son, Dorald, had been in the Imperial City for years under the tutelage of The Monks of Marukh. Dorald returned to Skingrad as king and ceded it to The Alessian Empire. Rislav Larich of Kvatch was appalled, killed Dorald, and was crowned King of Kvatch.

Rislav vowed to fight The Alessian Empire, which enraged Emperor Gorieus. When a much larger Empire force entered Skingrad, it was defeated by Rislav’s clever placement of archers. The other Colovian Estates joined Rislav in his opposition to The Alessian Empire.

The resistance of Rislav and the Colovians inspired the Direnni clan. In 1E 479, Ryan Direnni outlawed The Alessian Reform, effectively returning religious freedom to High Rock. Prince Aiden Direnni then wiped out most Alessian forces in High Rock in several decisive battles.

Such was the success of Aiden Direnni that the Bretons refused any more discussions with The Alessian Empire about joining their side.

Emperor Gorieus was furious and invaded High Rock. Remember that these were Alessian Order troops and had nothing to do with The Alessian Slave Rebellion.

An Ayleid-populated city, Craglorn, was laid to waste, and Alessian Order troops slaughtered its inhabitants.

In 1E 480, King Dynar sent an envoy to the Breton Vassal Kings to seek their aid in countering the Alessian invasion. The Breton Kings agreed when King Dynar promised Man and Mer would be equal in the Direnni Hegemony. Despite reservations, Aiden Direnni signed the Rights Charter presented by the Breton Kings.

By the end of 1E 481, virtually all men of fighting age, including farmers, had been conscripted into Hegemony armies.

The Alessian Order’s forces were led by Faolchu the Changeling. They were more of a horde than an organised military force. Faolchu was a werewolf, and many of his troops were as well. As well as Craglorn, countless other atrocities were committed by the Alessians.

The battle of which Priest Matthew spoke is called The Battle of Glenumbra Moors and occurred in 4E 182.

On one side was the combined force of Direnni, Ayleid, Breton and Skyrim troops. Priest Matthew implied the Nords were on the other side. No, they were on the Direnni side.

The undisciplined but numerically superior Alessian Order forces led by Faolchu opposed them. The enemy outnumbered the Direnni Hegemony opposition by three to one.

King Dynar lured Faolchu into a trap. Faolchu and his best troops were surrounded and killed early in the battle. Faolchu was resurrected as an undead werewolf later, but that is irrelevant for now.

Priest Matthew said there were terrible magics unleashed, and there were. Corvus and Calani Direnni are famous for inventing and perfecting much of modern Conjuration Magic. They summoned hundreds of Daedric and mortal beasts that tore into the Alessian Order’s forces. The Alessians had many werewolves, which tore into the Hegemony forces. To any external observer, the battlefield would have looked like the darkest forces from the blackest pits of Oblivion were at war.

But there was no tower, castle, or other structure where King Dynar hunkered down and performed dark rituals. Daedric Princes did not provide troops or support to either side. I can summon Daedra and do it without the aid of a Daedric Prince!

The Battle of Glenumbra Moors was fought with spells, steel, claws, and teeth!

Thanks to the tactics of King Dynar and the magic of the Direnni, the Alessian forces were routed, and their few survivors fled to Craglorn.

King Hoag Merkiller was killed in the battle, fighting beside King Dynar and not against him. The Kingdom of Skyrim was reborn under the leadership of Merkiller’s successor, High King Ysmir Wulfharth.

The Battle of Glenumbra Moors was a pivotal point in history. So much so, it is hard to comprehend how supposedly learned men, The Priest Circle of Evermore, could recite such utter crap about the same event! But they know the truth and have nefarious reasons for teaching their lies.

Not only did Skyrim get reborn, but it also marked the decline of both The Direnni Hegemony and The Alessian Empire.

Aiden Direnni’s armies pursued the Alessian survivors, and most historians agree that no Alessian soldier made it home.

King Dynar was already a hero and far removed from the evil despot portrayed by Priest Matthew’s story. As I will now narrate, he was not killed in the battle but became an even bigger hero to all the people of Nirn.

In 1E 484, King Dynar regarded the threat of The Alessian Order over. An old ally invited him to return to Nenalata. That ally was a devotee of Molag Bal and betrayed King Dynar.

As planned, King Dynar stopped in Delodiil to restock and rest.

Molag Bal wanted to capture King Dynar, and preparations had been made. When King Dynar entered Delodiil, Molag Bal’s minions poured from portals connected to Coldharbour and besieged the city. Anybody outside the city gates was quickly slain. Thanks to the tactical brilliance of King Dynar, those inside managed to hold the city.

Despite the bravery and determination of Delodiil’s defenders, it soon became apparent that the numerical advantage of Molag Bal’s forces meant the city would eventually fall.

Knowing her dislike of Molag Bal, King Dynar contacted Lady Meridia. She immediately saw an opportunity to save Delodiil and allow a fairer fight for the defenders. Using Molag Bal’s portals, she teleported Delodiil and all its inhabitants to Coldharbour.

Meridia was unaware that Coldharbour had a dweomer to protect against the misuse of portals and teleportation. Even though Delodiil arrived intact, its inhabitants were randomly placed around Coldharbour, and very few survived. King Dynar was captured by Molag Bal’s minions and imprisoned in Molag Bal’s mimic of The White-Gold Tower, called The Lightless Oubliette.

Delodiil still exists in Coldharbour and is now called The Hollow City. Meridia’s power protects it and any mortals who can enter it.

Over three thousand years later, The Vestige, supported by members of The Fighter and Mages Guilds, entered Coldharbour to end Molag Bal’s Planemeld. They released King Dynar from his prison. The leader of The Fighters Guild had been slain, so King Dynar took command of them. With the aid of Lady Meridia, this group of mortals managed to enter what was called The Planar Vortex. There, they stopped The Planemeld.

While trying to close one of the last Daedric portals, King Dynar perished. His soul now rests in Aetherius, a rare honour for a devotee of a Dark Lord.

So, Priest Matthew, far from being some evil Mer using unspeakable magics, King Laloriaran Dynar is a hero of High Rock and all Nirn.

The lies you teach are not the product of ignorance. The Priest Circle deliberately created a fabrication that relies on the hatred of anything Mer to seem plausible. It, along with warped religious teachings, is used to keep the enslaved, who Evermore’s elite call serfs and indentured, under control.

The additional garbage about Saint Alessia being involved and somehow conjuring the dead Pelinal Whitestrake to help is nothing short of blasphemy. You should be ashamed to call yourself a Priest of The Nine and utter such words!

Thus ends my little history lesson.”

• Matthew: How dare you accuse me of deliberately spreading misinformation! I only teach what I was taught!
• Wulf: You know the history and religion taught in Evermore is at odds with the rest of Tamriel.
• Rigmor: Why has The Priest Circle refused to send acolytes to the great temples in Cyrodiil?
• Matthew: Perhaps we know the truth since we live here!
• Rigmor: That might be a poor argument against teaching alternate history. It does not explain why The Priest Circle deliberately avoids the correct teachings of The Nine.
• Inigo: I am not a scholar, but relatives from thousands of years ago do not make your warped history more valid.
• Erandur: Will you claim you live in Aetherius and, therefore, know the truth? Is that your excuse for not teaching the same dogma as every priest and priestess of The Nine outside of Evermore?
• Wulf: Priests and Priestesses speak to The Divines. You told me you would no longer argue with that stated fact and would learn from us. However, we have uncovered the truth, and now you need to defend the indefensible.
• Erandur: His Excellency mentioned primary sources. Saint Alessia taught Sir Wulf history. I think that is a convincing primary source.
• Wulf: Evermore is not alone in teaching false histories. Some of the history taught to children in Skyrim is no more accurate than the rubbish you sprouted.
• Remiel: His Excellency created his museum to teach correct history. No matter how uncomfortable some of it is, there is no hiding the truth.
• Rigmor: Only the truth is taught in His Excellency’s orphanages.
• Wulf: The reason false history is taught elsewhere differs from here. In other places, it is to make mortal heroes seem unique. In Evermore, it is part of the plan to keep the population under control. It allows the false claim that The Nine choose who is noble and that they are royalty. It allows priests to falsely claim they are of a higher caste than Evermore’s citizens.
• Reamonn: His Excellency entered Oblivion to retrieve Mados’ gauntlets. It was part of Namira’s domain. He learnt the final information needed to understand the Dark Lord’s plans there.
• Wulf: I am not interested in more lies and blasphemy, Priest Matthew. You can listen to the truth and prepare for what may occur or continue to fail the people of Arnima.
• Matthew: What are Namira’s plans? I will do what I can to aid our people.
• Wulf: I hope that is true.
• Matthew: I will do what I can to aid our people!
• Wulf: Then listen without interruption. I will answer questions later.

There was nobody else in the temple, so I spoke freely.

“The Witchmen think that The King will return and occupy a tower. We are unsure what the tower will be. It could already exist, such as The Direnni Tower or The White Gold Tower. It could be one they create in Oblivion or on Nirn.

We know that Lady Namira does not intend to manifest on Nirn. She will rule Nirn via The King. The King will have a prince. We think The King will remain within his tower. The Prince will enforce his will on Nirn.

The Prince was supposed to be a Daedric Dragon called Whisper. Such beings have existed before and were called Gorgons. I saw Whisper gestating in Namira’s representation of a womb. I do not know if Whisper is viable, as its soul has been sundered in two.

Whisper’s soul was that of a mortal. We do not know his species, but he regarded himself as ugly and was rejected by society. He made a deal with Namira, but I doubt he agreed to have his soul used for Whisper.

The mortal’s soul has been sundered in two and now exists in two Daedra.

One of the Daedra is called The Husk. He is the thief. He stole the items and left them with clues about Namira’s plans. The clues were in his writing and the locations of the stolen items.

The Husk wants us to stop Namira. I do not know how or if he will continue to aid us.

The other Daedra is called Ambition. He also wants to stop Namira and become The Prince under The King without her ruling over them.

Ambition wants me to kill Whisper and The Husk, as that is the only way his plans might come to fruition.

The Witchmen and others think that The King is King Laloriaran Dynar. The King most likely thinks he is, but that is impossible. King Laloriaran Dynar’s soul is in Aetherius.

I will now tell you who Namira’s king is.

During the crowning ceremony, a new King of Nenalata used to don a powerful relic and recite an incantation. The relic is called The Crown of Nenalata.

The crown’s powers vary according to what records you read.

In 3E 433, a wealthy Altmer mage called Umbacano wanted the crown. He knew it had been recently purchased by an Imperial scholar and Ayleid expert named Herminia Cinna.

Umbacano was a well-known collector of Ayleid artefacts. He was also an Ayleid Revivalist. They were a group of people who wanted to bring back the glory days of the Ayleid.

Umbacano was convinced that if he wore The Crown of Nenalata while sitting on Nenalata’s throne and reciting an incantation, he would become an Ayleid king and restore Nenalata to its former glory. That was to be his first step in establishing an Ayleid empire.

In 3E 433, Umbacano offered a fortune to Herminia for The Crown of Nenalata. Herminia suspected the real motive behind his desire for the crown and refused to sell it to him. This rebuttal led to Umbacano hiring The Champion of Cyrodiil to steal the crown for him.

The Champion of Cyrodiil was not a thief, and he was wary of ulterior motives. Therefore, he talked to Herminia about Umbacano. Together, they hatched a plot to give Umbacano the Crown of Lindai instead.

Lindai was another Ayleid city-state and fierce rival to Nenalata. The kings and citizens of Lindai were loyal to Auri-El and fought Nenalata for many years.

The Champion of Cyrodiil presented The Crown of Lindai to Umbacano, who thought it was The Crown of Nenalata. The Champion of Cyrodiil then agreed to accompany Umbacano to the ruins of Nenalata as his bodyguard.

The knights might want to know about another bodyguard who accompanied The Champion and Umbacano. His name was Claude Maric. He was a member of a small bandit group that included Rigmor of Bruma.

After battling through the undead denizens of Nenalata, they arrived at the throne room. The Champion and Claude watched as Umbacano sat on the throne, donned The Crown of Lindai, and loudly said the chant, ‘By blessed Tamriel, acknowledge the Noble King Umbacano as your loving vassalage.’

If Umbacano wore the Crown of Nenalata, he would have become a king and could have proceeded with his plan to re-establish Ayleid rule over Tamriel. However, he was wearing the crown of Nenalata’s enemy, Lindai. Dark Welkynd stones that lined the throne room killed Umbacano and vaporised The Crown of Lindai.

There was much speculation as to what happened to Umbacano’s soul. Most scholars believe it was thrown into The Void. Souls can be retrieved from The Void by Aedric and Daedric gods. Sometimes, they are retrieved out of pity and to give the deceased an afterlife. Sometimes, they are retrieved to exploit the soul and use it for nefarious purposes.

I surmise that Namira found the soul of Umbacano to be ideal for a plot she devised for Evermore. Umbacano may believe he achieved his ambition and legitimately became King of Nenalata before his death.

Namira has chosen to exploit Evermore’s false history and hatred for Mer. Therefore, I speculate that she has convinced Umbacano that he is King Laloriaran Dynar. It does not matter what Umbacano believes, as it does not change Namira’s plan.

Let us discuss this account.

• Felix: Is there any chance of convincing The Witchmen that they are backing a false king?
• Wulf: Even if we convinced them that Umbacano and not Dynar is the returned king, they would still accept him as Namira’s chosen.
• Eamonn: What about telling the false king of his real identity?
• Wulf: I can try if he ever talks to me again. But he is not likely to believe a mortal agent of The Divines.
• Remiel: What next?
• Matthew: No matter what you think of me, Your Excellency, I want to help the people of Arnima.
• Wulf: I have told you to ensure nothing makes Mortifayne trigger the Oblivion Gate. If given the chance, reassure him that nobody is trying to remove him from his position. That advice has not changed.
• Matthew: I still think The Priest Circle should be informed.
• Wulf: I told you that is not a good idea. We do not know if The Priest Circle includes devotees of Namira.
• Erandur: It would be easy for one of you fake priests to be a devotee of a Dark Lord.
• Matthew: Fake priests?
• Wulf: That is what you are, Priest Matthew. That is why the shrines in this temple are inactive. You are not correctly ordained, and The Nine cannot work with you. I advise you to act as if you care and not continue to protest your innocence. You are not to discuss this with other priests.

Inigo said, “My friend, a girl child is asking for you.”

Eamonn walked away with Matthew and showed him Mados’ gauntlets. Perhaps he can get Matthew to act like a priest.

I turned, and a child of nine or ten years stood next to Inigo. She cheerfully announced, “I choose you!”

I stood before the girl. Sometimes, when I tower over a child, they get frightened. This child exuded confidence.

“Excuse me, young lady. What is your name, and what have you chosen me for?”

“My name is Dusk. Dusk Tustor, to be precise.”

“I am pleased to meet you, Dusk Tustor. I am…”

“You are Wulf, The Dragonborn. Garth told me I could choose a protector if I agreed to come with him to see the big bird! And I choose you!”

“Is the big bird a griffon or an enormous chicken?”

“He is Lord Griffon, but an enormous chicken also sounds interesting.”

“Why choose me?”

“I hid when Exiles attacked our farm and killed my parents. They were after food, and Pop would have given them some if they had asked. After the Exiles were gone, I went to The Divide and walked towards the temple. I wanted to ask Lady Mara why this bad thing happened to my parents. We prayed a lot and often left money on the tray, so I wondered if I had done something bad.”

Dusk’s story was much like Sakura and Zoe’s. Outlying families being murdered by bandits is not unique to Evermore. Thinking you had not pleased The Nine is a product of The Priest Circle’s lies.

“Did Lady Mara answer your questions?”

“Yes, when she spoke through Sister Jeanna.”

“I have met Sister Jeanna. She is quite a remarkable lady.”

“I was scared running from our farm to The Divide, and I can see. Sister Jeanna has walked everywhere, and she is blind. Ahh, what does remarkable mean?”

“Special.”

“Yeah, she is remarkable.”

“What did Lady Mara tell you?”

“Lady Mara said that I had done nothing wrong, and she was sorry about my parents. She said I was to listen for news of your arrival. Sir Wulf Welkynd, The Dragonborn, would need my help, and I would need his help. That is all she said, and Sister Jeanna could not explain what it meant as she cannot remember what Lady Mara says.”

“What did you do after that?”

“I went to Mother’s Temple of Grace. Priest Fenig said I could stay for a few days, and then I would be taken to The Saint Ilayne Orphanage in Evermore City and eventually adopted. I told him I wanted my Aunty Anstra in Jehanna to adopt me, and she would come if we sent a letter. Priest Fenig said his temple was not a charity, and other orphans would want to do the same if I stayed. He said the people at the orphanage would send a letter to Aunty Anstra.”

“That was not what priests are supposed to do.”

“I told Father Fenig that Lord Stendarr says, “Be kind and generous to the people of Tamriel. Protect the weak, heal the sick, and give to the needy.”

“Do you know all Ten Commands of the Nine Divines?”

“Yes.”

“Did you end up going to the orphanage?”

“Yes, and it was nice. While playing outside with other orphans, Garth came to me and said he would take me to my Aunt Anstra. I told him I would have to speak to Mistress Sosian to make sure it was okay for me to leave the orphanage. Garth said he had already spoken to Mistress Sosian and that we had to hurry if I wanted to visit Lord Griffin on the way to Jehanna. We travelled with other people and Legion soldiers till we reached Forlorn. We saw lots of dead people on the roads, so I was scared to travel without soldiers. So was Garth.”

“Is that when you said you should have a guard?”

“Yeah. People were talking about Sir Wulf, and I knew it was you. I remembered what Lady Mara had told me. I saw you enter this temple, so here I am, ready to help you. But first, you must help me by being my guard.”

“Where is Garth?”

“Watching some silly play in the city square.”

“Is Garth a priest?”

“No. Garth is a pilgrim and travels from temple to temple. If you did that all the time, you might get dizzy!”

“Why do you want to see Lord Griffon?”

“Haven’t you seen him? He came to Evermore to give us good luck! And Garth said I can talk to him and pat him.”

“Is it safe for you to get so close to Lord Griffon?”

“Garth says so. Come on, will you join us? Please, do not be a little chicken!”

“Let me speak to your carer first.”

“He is not my carer! I can handle myself! Garth said he would take me back to Evermore City if we did not hurry and see Lord Griffon. I never want to return to that horrid place!”

“What is wrong with Evermore City?”

“I am not allowed to say. Please speak to Garth.”

“Okay, but you must promise me something first. I will not ask you to lie but do not call me Sir Wulf when I am near Garth. He might think I am too important to be a guard. We will pretend to be normal soldiers, so call me Captain Wulf.”

“I promise to call you Captain Wulf and not Sir Wulf.”

“I cannot wait to meet Lord Griffon. So, hurry up and no dawdling!”

“I was waiting for you to stop all the talking! Why are adults so dumb?”

There was no need to tell my friends what we were doing. They knew I would use Garth to find out about the missing children. We had to gain his trust by accompanying him to the griffon.

When we reached the town square, Dusk pointed to one of the many black-robed pilgrims we had seen in Evermore. She said, “That is Garth laughing at that silly play.”

I approached Garth, and he made my skin crawl immediately. I scanned his soul, and it was dark, but there was no sign of a Dark Lord’s influence.

I asked him, “Are you Garth?”

“Are you stupid? I just saw the girl point me out.”

“I am Captain Wulf.”

“Do I need to know your name?”

“It is safe for Dusk to see the griffon?”

“Bah, the audacity of you! Do you greet every stranger with suspicion? Do you think I would endanger the girl?”

“I only suspect those who lure young girls out of the safety of an orphanage to show them a griffon. So, I ask again, is it safe for Dusk to be close to a griffon?”

“Not only do you question my morals, you sully our revered guardian! Fortune favours you, for I am a man of faith, not a man of blood. If I were a more zealous soul, then you would have faced judgment for that slight.”

“Please, stop scaring me! You are a mighty warrior, and I wonder why you need my puny assistance with this task.”

“Let us not speak of this any longer, as I can only stomach so much indiscretion. Will the mighty Imperial Army help a little girl fulfil her wish, or should I hire common sellswords?”

“I promise we will safely escort Dusk to see Lord Griffon. What is the plan?”

“Give me your map, and I shall mark the summit where Lord Griffon awaits. We cannot dally as we do not have much time till he departs again.”

Garth marked my map, and I knew we would travel through Exile and Witchmen territory.

I asked, “Are you aware Exiles and Witchmen will be encountered on the way to the summit?”

“There are five of you. Clear the path and make it safe.”

“I am not familiar with this kingdom. Therefore, I must ask again, is the griffon safe to approach?”

“Trepid, are we? Lord Griffon does not entertain himself with the fears of the lowborn. Lord Griffon is only riled through great heresy or treason. Their marble figure is found in every city and town. Their presence felt by every loyal subject.”

“It sounds like you worship him?”

“Do not forget it, outsider! The griffon is second only to The Divines in this land. Evermore owes its strength to them, the most divine of Mara’s creations, imbued with her undying generosity. This griffon we are visiting has graced our kingdom for over twenty years, having arrived to aid the sundering that uprising of heretical peasants.”

“I did not know griffons participated in that battle?”

“Did I say griffons? Only Lord Griffon assisted.”

“The other griffons must have been trying to discover the whereabouts of Evermore since none have ever visited these lands.”

Garth ignored my correction of his warped history. A respected order of knights adopted the griffon as their symbol. That is why it is revered in Evermore.

Garth continued, “Those savage heathen and those who owe their lords all they have attempted a little commune together. It was a heinous sight and a direct violation of divine authority. They say that even wives were shared up there!”

“Lady Dibella must have been so ashamed of those nasty people enjoying physical relations!”

“Yes, and eventually, our most revered nobility took it upon themselves to end the madness and disseminated great justice upon the wretches. Lord Griffon aided in that holy crusade.”

“Of course, and the young children they massacred were tainted by Dark Lords!”

“I see you are a man of faith. May The Reach show mercy on you.”

Dusk looked over at me, and I nodded to her. She was elated.

As we headed for Arnima’s border, Rigmor spoke via Mara’s Rings.

“Do you think Garth has abused Dusk?”

“Not if they were with other travellers and Legionnaires until they reached Forlorn. His soul is dark, but I do not know if he lusts after children.”

“Do you think it is the griffon you saw when you first entered Evermore?”

“Yes. As far as I know, Lord Griffon is the only griffon in Evermore.”

“We are not going to take Dusk through enemy territory, are we?”

“No. I will leave the group close to Arnima’s border and clear the path. Normal Exiles and Witchmen are not a danger to me.”

“Erandur was clenching his fists as he listened. He knows your rules and will not harm Garth without cause.”

“Evermore is testing those rules, Rigmor.”

“Do not let this place change you.”

“When the need for diplomacy ends, I will work within Empire Law. However, that leaves me a wide choice of unpleasant outcomes for the guilty.”

“You gave the Evermorin Aventurier sufficient warning.”

“Yes, and that is what others will face. However, people like King Sigmayne do not deserve a quick death. I want him to face trial and execution. Sarah will have to be content with his public humiliation and beheading.”

“I have not had much chance to speak with Sarah. If I were her, I would want the true story of her father and King Sigmayne told. Mum is elated at Dad’s name being cleared.”

“Every town crier and news sheet in The Empire will denounce King Sigmayne, and the truth will be told. It will not justify everything Sarah’s father did. However, it will allow some sympathy and understanding.”

It did not take long to reach a bridge denoting Arnima’s border.

• Wulf: Legionnaires, protect Dusk and Garth while I clear the path.
• Garth: You are going to clear the path by yourself?
• Wulf: Yes.
• Garth: That is suicide!
• Wulf: No, it is prudent. Are you going to protect Dusk from the spells and arrows of Witchmen? What about Exiles with crossbows? I can handle a few enemies.
• Garth: There could be dozens!
• Rigmor: Garth, you underestimate Captain Wulf. Besides, you are not paying us, so why does it matter if he perishes?
• Garth: Nobody asked your opinion. And how come you and that red-headed strumpet are not in Legion armour?
• Wulf: Disrespect my troops again, and I will gag you. Some of my soldiers have been doing infiltration and have not had the opportunity to change back into standard-issue armour.
• Felix: If Captain Wulf is not here and you show disrespect, I shall gag you.
• Dusk: What would you gag him with?
• Felix: I have some smelly socks I wore for a week and have not yet washed. They are not big enough for a gag but would fit in Garth’s mouth.
• Dusk: How smelly?
• Felix: Like a fish had been left in the sun for a week.
• Dusk: That would be funny!
• Wulf: There is a disused mine at the start of the mountain path. After I have cleared all enemies, I will signal Knight Eisra, and you can bring Dusk and the idiot to that spot.
• Garth: How dare….
• Wulf: Shut up, Garth. I promised to escort Dusk safely. Your physical condition is open to negotiation.
• Garth: Are you threatening me?
• Dusk: Yes, Garth, Captain Wulf was threatening you. DUH!
• Wulf: Before I go, I must ask again. Dusk, are you sure you want to meet Lord Griffon?
• Dusk: Yes, Captain Wulf. I think Lady Mara would want it to happen.
• Wulf: Okay. I will see you soon.

Farmsteads not far from the bridge had been destroyed. Arnima did not protect Forlorn, so the outlying properties and their occupants had little chance of surviving the chaos.

At first, Exiles attacked singularly or in pairs. I had to parry occasionally, but heads rolled after my counterattack every time.

I then came upon a skirmish between Witchmen and Exiles.

I waded into the melee and disposed of both factions.

Some Witchmen tried to hide in the shallows of a river.

Unrelenting Force ended their lives.

A bit further on, a group of six Witchmen and a Hagraven attacked.

They all died within seconds.

Soon after that, I came upon a camp of Exiles.

Even though they had a lookout tower, I still managed to reach their camp entrance before I was noticed.

The Exiles then generously attacked in a straight line, ensuring Unrelenting Force saved me time.

The last Exile attacked from my right. I cleaved him from shoulder to sternum.

I was almost at the mine.

Two Exiles guarded the mine entrance. I disposed of them, boarded the entrance shut and then contacted Rigmor via Mara’s Rings.

“Okay, Milady. The path is clear of Exiles and Witchmen.”

“Inigo and Dusk have been playing I-Spy and other games. He is wonderful with children.”

“What about Garth?”

“He has not said a word but stared daggers at me and Felix. Felix smiled back as he sharpened his sword. That ended the stares.”

“I killed over two dozen Witchmen and Exiles. It would have been too hazardous for Dusk to travel the path.”

“We heard your Thu’um. Dusk wanted to know why there was thunder when the sky was clear. Inigo said that was Captain Wulf farting after a mixed bean lunch.”

“Has Dusk said anything else about Evermore City?”

“No. I think Dusk is afraid to do so. Garth has probably told her she will not see Lord Griffon if she says anything.”

“I will see you in ten or so minutes.”

Twelve minutes later, Dusk ran up to me and said, “More dead people! At least they are not smelly yet.”

I wondered what horrors the young girl had seen. I should have disposed of the two bodies in front of the mine entrance.

Dusk sneezed, then said, “It is cold here, and now I have a runny nose.”

“I think you may be upside down!”

“I am not!”

“Then why does your nose run and your feet smell?”

One of the best sounds in the world is a child’s laughter. We were gifted with Dusk’s.

“You are silly!”

“Sorry about your runny nose. Do you have a handkerchief?”

“Nah, I just wipe it on my sleeve!”

She then wiped her snot all over her sleeve and said, “Ta-da! It is all gone see!”

“Wow, are you a mage?”

“Haha! You are funny, like Inigo. Come on, I wanna meet Lord Griffon!”

Dusk walked over to Inigo and started talking about how excited she was to see Lord Griffon.

Garth asked, “What took you so long?”

“I am sorry it took me ten minutes to kill over two dozen enemies.”

“How come I did not hear your signal?”

“You do not expect me to tell you Imperial Army secrets, do you?”

“Enough small talk! We are already late, and soon Lord Griffon will depart, and we may never pay witness to his arrival again!”

“And how do you know Lord Griffon’s schedule? What makes you think it is a fleeting visit? When I saw him fly over The Divide, nobody seemed surprised. That told me he was a common sight in these parts.”

“It does not matter. Come, come, the girl grows restless, as do I.”

We started the long uphill walk to the summit where Lord Griffon was supposed to meet Dusk. Well, it started as a walk, but the child was eager and began to run. So, we ran or jogged, as well.

I eventually jogged ahead.

I stopped occasionally to make sure Dusk was maintaining her manic pace.

When I knew we were near the summit, I ran ahead.

When I reached the summit, the griffon was hovering.

Around me lay offerings and sacrifices. The piles of bones, mostly of children, told me Garth was far from alone in making offerings to the foul beast.

A blood-covered altar had Tribal Reachmen runes etched upon it.

The group finally caught up, and Garth said, “Stand on the table, Dusk. I told you not to be afraid if Lord Griffon stares at you and sniffs. That is the way he greets people.”

Dusk clambered on the altar.

The griffon landed, and I scanned its soul.

I told Rigmor via Mara’s Rings, “It is the same griffon that greeted us on arrival and is a minion of Namira’s. It is fixated on the girl and has yet to recognise me.”

“Is Dusk in danger?”

“Not yet. The griffon is sniffing and staring but will want to inspect Dusk closer. That is when I shall intervene.”

Garth said, “Lord Griffon, I present to you the Breton maiden called Dusk.”

“Yes, let me have a final gander and smell of her, for that which glitters is not always gold. If she is corrupted like the last child, you will know my ire, Garth.”

“I apologise again for the last girl. My liege had sullied her, and she did not tell me. I have checked myself this time and promise you, oh so magnificent Lord Griffon, Dusk is pure!”

The implications of what Garth said were not lost on my companions. Quiet curses and gasps ensued. He had violated Dusk’s privacy like The New Order did with Rigmor.

Lord Griffon said, “Do not lie, Garth, for I know their memories. It was you, not King Sigmayne, that corrupted your last offering. Your lies will earn my wrath, not your common wants.”

Dusk was staring at the griffon. It was not a monster in front of her but a friend of Evermore’s children. She asked, “Do you want a kiss, Lord Gryphon? Can I stroke your fur?”

When the griffon did not reply, she turned to Garth and asked, “Can I touch him, Garthy?”

Garth replied, “Farewell, little dove. May Mara welcome your ascent.”

The griffon alighted and then prepared to land in front of the altar.

I stood between it and Dusk.

Before the griffon landed, Inigo grabbed the protesting child and carried her away.

Erandur drew his mace and told Garth, “I am a Priest of Mara. Do not move. Do not say a word, or I swear on Mother Mara that I shall cave your head in.”

The griffon landed and, without the distraction of Dusk, recognised me.

“Hello, Namira’s pet. This little wolf is here to stop you.”

“And I reiterate, your tears will not wash away the roots. The feast draws near.”

“I am curious. Why do you consume children?”

“There is a desire to shirk this fearsome vessel. Those of tender flesh and mind can supplant my material cloak so I may wander as the swallowed offering for a moment.”

“You experience their brief life as you digest them?”

“After consumption, the motley mixture of irresponsibility and innocence struggles dies and swirls in my belly. Their soul exclaims vociferously a life that I can enjoy. My mind wanders within the girl’s memories, and I enjoy life. Spectres are drawn against the foreground, friends, and family of the tyke. I walk on and collapse into their embrace. Momentarily indolent, I enjoy pleasures imperceptible. Yet the child fades, the earth receives the excreted, and I find the haunting reality beckoning again. These eyes are then centred to gander upon a dying world once more.”

“You think Nirn is dying? It is far from it! It is alive, and the extraordinary, creative, and infinitely variable mortal lives make it a pleasure to observe with anything above the rudimentary idiocy of a Namira puppet.

This child offered you real love. She radiated wonder and warmth towards what she thought was a noble being worthy of praise and affection.

You are indeed of low intelligence to believe your brief travels amongst the memories of dead children can compare to the love of even one. You could have children visit here, talk to you, groom you, and experience their lives through their voices, stories, and affection. You could have watched them play and interact and learn what compassion and friendship are. You could have discovered how wonderful life and this world are by pondering the infinite questions their enquiring minds ask. Instead, you think your pointless existence is worth more than theirs.

Demanding virgin female children demonstrates a complete ignorance of what corruption is. If somebody has forced themselves upon a child, they cannot possibly leave a stain on that child’s soul as they know not what the adult is asking for or has no choice in the matter.

Even if their immoral act somehow transferred 100% of the adult’s foulness, it would be a tiny percentage of your own.

I am going to kill you and send your soul to the darkest reaches of The Void. Perhaps Namira will collect it and punish you for your failure.”

“Thou dare to sully this regal image with caustic rhetoric! Will this be the day you have chosen to slip from corporeality?”

“I am Dragonborn and Champion of The Divines and of noble birth beyond any level you have met. Whilst you sat preening your feathers, I gathered more experiences and love than your puny mind can imagine.”

“The tyke longs for blood restitution….”

“Shut up and die, you boring piece of shit!”

“Then let us conclude this farce, the pretence of civilisation smeared by the capricious. Now, find yourself culpable for your demise.”

“This is not impulsive, you moronic and ugly Lion Chicken. This ending of your life is justice.”

I moved faster than the griffon expected and landed several blows before it took flight.

Arrows and spells inflicted significant damage before wards guarded the griffon from our attacks.

It flew at great speed till mountains protected it from further harm.

I turned and found Garth surrounded by blood. He had been hit repeatedly by a blunt weapon. There was only one of us with such a weapon.

Inigo said, “Garth wielded a poisoned knife and lunged towards you. Erandur’s first blow killed him, but the six after were products of rage. This child rapist triggered something in him.”

“He took time out to cast some spells.”

“He had already landed the blows before the griffon took off.”

“I was concentrating and did not realise!”

“Rigmor and Remiel have been speaking with Dusk. She did not see Garth’s demise.”

“I must perform Arkay’s Rights for the uncountable deceased that cover this mountain peak. Please, keep everybody away whilst I do so.”

Ten minutes later, I finished the recitation and then cast a Mark. Lord Griffon would not enjoy my second visit.

When I stood before Dusk, she looked up at me with confusion and sadness waring across her face and tears streaming.

Dusk cried, “What did you do? What did you do to Garth?”

“Did Rigmor and Remiel tell you what Garth was doing?”

“Yes, they were lies! Please tell me they spoke lies.”

“Sorry, Dusk, they spoke the truth. It was Garth who told lies. He lied about Lord Griffon. I am sure there are nice griffons, but Lord Griffon is not one of them. He was going to eat you, and Garth would be rewarded. Can you see the piles of gold? That was Garth’s motivation.”

“No way! Garth took me from Evermore City and away from the king. He saved me! Now he is dead!!!”

“That is how a lot of evil works. When you are miserable, somebody who is not nice can easily convince you they are nice. They say just the right things to make you want what they promise. Garth hurt other children the same way King Sigmayne does. He let Lord Griffon eat them.”

“How can I trust anybody then? How am I supposed to know if they are fibbing or not? How can I tell if they are pretending to be nice? I am just a child. I have no home now, do I? Please, do not be another one who ends up hurting me.”

Rigmor’s sadness hit me via Mara’s Rings. Then, her empathy shone through as she sang,

• There is a small child lost in the dark. In my dreams, she is still there.
• She has fallen and waits. Will someone come? Might someone care?
• His heart, he will give you. His love will be true. Here is her Dragonborn, to save her, to never let her go.

Tears came unbidden.

Dusk said, “Sorry, I do not have a handkerchief to give you, but sleeves are also good for tears.”

I wiped my eyes with my kerchief and said, “I do not have sleeves. But see, ta-da! They are all gone!”

“Only the visible ones are gone. Sometimes, you learn to keep them inside because your sadness only earns scorn from those who do not care.”

Rigmor said via our rings, “Dusk is too wise for her years, like Olette.”

Dusk asked, “Who is the girl that Eisra sang about?”

“It was her.”

“And you rescued her.”

“Yes, and many children. I have several orphanages where hundreds of children live. They are happy and safe, and when adopted, we make sure they are still happy and safe.”

“That is different than Evermore. But I did not know about the missing children until some of my friends in the orphanage told me.”

“What happens in Evermore that makes you scared?”

“King Sigmayne has children presented to him, who are sometimes never seen again. Their ghosts wander Evermore, and nobody cares as we are not noble. They say he has the right as he is king. The places that are supposed to look after us let him pick and choose.”

I had to suppress my anger as it would scare the child.

I told her, “Garth lied about Lord Griffon and Lady Mara. Like many other creatures, Mara created griffons, but they are not her favourites. Griffons did not influence the history of Evermore and never lived here in great numbers.”

“Did Lady Mara know of these evil people?”

“Yes, but The Divines can rarely intervene. They rely on mortal agents, normal people who try and help when asked. That is why we have come to Evermore. Lady Mara is sad and wants us to help where we can.”

“Lady Mara spoke through Sister Jeanna. Did somebody like her tell you what Lady Mara wants?”

“No, Dusk. The Divines and other gods can speak to normal people. The Priest Circle says that is impossible, but they are also liars. Lady Mara spoke to me. Would you like to speak to her?”

“Can I?”

“Yes, but you will have to be a little bit brave. I will use magic to make us appear close to The Divide. We have placed a Shrine of Mara there.”

“What is scary about the magic?”

“You will be in a freezing and dark place for less time than a hiccup.”

“Haha, I get hiccups if I eat too quickly.”

“Hold my hand, and I will make the magic work. We shall be alone for a few seconds before the others appear.”

“Okay.”

Dusk held my hand, and I cast Teleport.

As soon as we exited the ether, I summoned the squad.

While Felix and the others kept watch, Erandur, Dusk, and I approached Mara’s shrine.

I expected Lady Mara to speak in private to Dusk. She did not.

• Dusk: Lady Mara, I did as you told me and found Sir Wulf.
• Mara: Indeed, you did, and he helped you, as I hoped he would.
• Dusk: But how can I help him?
• Mara: You already have by being a light in the darkness. You have reminded him that not everything in Evermore is grim.
• Dusk: But he cried when I told him things.
• Mara: Good people share other people’s sadness, sometimes making them cry.
• Dusk: I do not like it here without my parents. Can I still live with Aunty Anstra?
• Mara: She does not yet know of your parent’s death. She will send for you when she does, for she prays daily for your family.
• Dusk: Then I should stay in Evermore as this is where she will send letters. Sir Wulf’s orphanages sound nice, but I might be able to help other people while waiting to go to Aunty Anstra.
• Mara: Wulf will find a safe place for you.
• Dusk: Somewhere I can talk to you?
• Wulf: You will stay in Mother’s Temple of Grace. Erandur will make their shrine work so Lady Mara can hear your prayers.
• Dusk: That is somewhere I can help other people.
• Wulf: Perhaps you can teach Priest Fenig about The Ten Commands of the Nine Divines?
• Dusk: Is he one of the lying priests?
• Wulf: Yes, but he can redeem himself through unselfish actions.
• Dusk: Mom and Pop made me do extra chores if naughty.
• Wulf: Yes, a bit like that.
• Dusk: Lady Mara, why do you sound like my mother?
• Mara: If you ask Wulf or Erandur, they will say I sound like their mothers.
• Dusk:  I suppose that makes sense.
• Mara: Erandur, do not seek forgiveness for what you did. You protected Wulf and did not murder Garth. What you did after was understandable.
• Erandur: I let my anger control me.
• Mara: As does every mortal at some point in their life. Even those who became Ehlnofey succumbed to emotions once subjected to mortal pressures.
• Erandur: I will think about what you have said, Lady Mara.
• Mara: Special Child, you must still attempt diplomacy. Do not let your need to protect all mortals result in more being hurt or killed.
• Wulf: It is not easy, Lady Mara. I think of children who might be harmed while I try diplomacy and question its value.
• Mara: If you are hasty, more harm will be done to more people. It is a dilemma many have faced, including your parents.
• Wulf: I can only ignore collateral damage if I am unaware of it. I cannot ignore what I witness or hear from witnesses.
• Mara: The solution is not to look for it. Concentrate on what is before you, and do not seek what will impede your efforts. Know that this will result in less harm, not more.
• Wulf: It is logic versus nature once more.
• Mara: Do your best, Special Child. That is all The Nine ask, and you have always done so.

Lady Mara’s presence faded.

I told the group, “Dusk wants to wait in Evermore for Aunty Anstra to send for her. Arnima is too dangerous. Evermore City is not acceptable. Jehanna is usually stable, but I still think The Divide is safer. Therefore, I will insist Brother Fenig house our young friend for now.”

Rigmor asked, “What about Lord Griffon.”

“He will return to his summit and await the delivery of more offerings. After Erandur has activated Mara’s shrine, I will visit Lord Griffon.”

As we walked to The Divide, Dusk chatted excitedly with Inigo about her talk with Lady Mara. If given the opportunity, I am sure that Inigo and Jo’rassa would start a family. Their loyalty to me, and the danger inherent with that, is likely stopping them. I am probably stopping many from marriage, children, and other things.

Rigmor felt my melancholy and held my hand.

Dusk noticed and whispered to Inigo. He laughed and whispered back.

When Dusk saw the donation plate, she said, “We did not have much money, but we still gave gold to this temple. Now I know it was not used for helping people, and that makes me angry.”

We entered and approached Fenig.

• Wulf: Good evening, Priest Fenig.
• Fenig: If you are here to chastise me further, do not bother.
• Wulf: What I should be doing is placing you under arrest, so I advise you to listen carefully.
• Fenig: Arrest me for what crime? Your accusations of blasphemy hold no sway with the nobles and priests of this kingdom.
• Rigmor: His Excellency does not require approval from this kingdom’s fake priests and ignoble nobles to administer Imperial Law.
• Wulf: I have realised that The Priest Circle is not guilty of ignorance or that their blasphemy is accidental.
• Erandur: I am a Priest of Mara and know you to be a false priest.
• Wulf: The lies you tell Evermore’s citizens and the creation of a false caste system have a purpose.
• Fenig: Leave this temple! I will not listen to this insult!
• Wulf: Knight Erandur, if Priest Fenig opens his mouth without permission again, cast Paralysis on him.
• Fenig: But…
• Dusk: He talked again! Can’t Sir Felix use his smelly socks to gag Priest Fenig instead of using the spell?
• Wulf: Priest Fenig is a bit slow, so we shall give him one chance.
• Dusk: He had his chance when he sent me to Evermore instead of keeping me safe. That was a big mistake!
• Wulf: What is your answer to that, Priest Fenig?
• Fenig: I thought you would be safe, Dusk. I would not place a child in harm’s way!
• Wulf: The priests and nobles of this kingdom have used fear and uncertainty to keep the serfs and indentured under control. The Priest Circle has prevented Evermore’s citizens from accessing The Nine because they would learn the truth. Has Governor Merosa spoken to you about why Lady Mara asked us to aid Evermore?
• Fenig: Yes. She told me your lies about Oblivion Gates and other nonsense.
• Dusk: We just talked to Lady Mara. She trusts Ser Wulf, so it is you who tells lies!
• Wulf: We were sent to Evermore because a Daedric Prince has used the lies of Evermore’s nobles and priests as a basis for plans that endanger all Nirn. I will do what is required to save the innocent, and if the guilty stand in my way, I will remove them.
• Rigmor: I will remind you once more that Envoy Wulf has the legal right and ability to do as he says.
• Wulf: Do not deny my allegations, Priest Fenig. Instead, admit your guilt and decide if you want a chance at redemption. Those who do not show remorse will be dealt with under Imperial Law.
• Fenig: I have often said our control over Evermore’s people could not last. Munstor demonstrated the fragility of our rule. The last two decades have required more forceful measures to maintain that rule. Complicit, I may be, but not without significant reservations and much guilt. But what could I do? I was part of it but could not change it.
• Wulf: We have tried to work within the current system to prevent the chaos Emperor Titus Mede II and Lady Mara fear. We shall continue to do so, but changes will be made when the crises are over. Evermore will no longer be a serfdom. Real Priests and Priestesses shall replace The Priest Circle.
• Erandur: You can become one of the oldest acolytes in history or find another profession.
• Fenig: I have been told of your exploits in Forlorn, Deepcrag, Grey Belmor and other places. I cannot deny you have risked a lot to help our people.
• Wulf: Let me give you an example of how you have failed Evermore’s citizens. Large numbers of children have been reported missing. Dusk almost became another.
• Dusk: Garth lied, saying Lord Griffon was Lady Mara’s favourite and that I could pat him and be friends.
• Wulf: And what did Lord Griffon want to do?
• Dusk: He wanted to eat me!
• Wulf: Garth believed that Lady Mara wanted him to feed children to a griffon. There are many more, as evidenced by the piles of bones I saw. Garth may have believed he was doing Lady Mara’s bidding, but monetary compensation was also an incentive.
• Rigmor: I cannot imagine how many children have died because your lies about The Nine have allowed such beliefs to exist.
• Erandur: The griffon was a minion of a Daedric Prince and sent to Evermore to aid with the Dark Lord’s plans.
• Fenig: I do not know what to say.
• Dusk: Did you want me to die, Priest Fenig?
• Fenig: No, Dusk, that was never my intention. I thought the best thing for you was the orphanage in Evermore City.
• Dusk: You are lying again. You did not want this temple full of needy people.
• Wulf: This is what is going to happen. You will provide Dusk with bedding, food, clothes, and privacy. She will remain here while we deal with the problems facing this kingdom.
• Fenig: I can do that.
• Wulf: Knight Erandur will activate Lady Mara’s shrine. The activation will allow people, including Dusk, to feel Lady Mara’s presence when they pray. She may even speak to some, as she did to Dusk.
• Inigo: Lady Mara’s shrine can also cure the Afflicted. Her shrine in Solitude cured me.
• Wulf: We shall take Dusk to her Aunt in Jehanna when we can. For now, The Divide is the safest place in Evermore and close to the border.
• Fenig: Why is being close to the border important?
• Wulf: If chaos reigns, The Imperial Army will cross into Evermore in great numbers and end it. Hopefully, the knights and I can prevent that necessity.
• Fenig: I understand. The Divide would be one of the first places to be rescued.
• Wulf: If we cannot prevent the chaos, this temple will house several Restoration Mages with the supplies needed to protect and support those who flock here.
• Dusk: And I will be here to help!
• Wulf: I do not trust The Priest Circle. Therefore, I will not tell you the details of the Daedric Prince’s plans.
• Fenig: I will do my best to help our people, Your Excellency. I will pray for guidance once Knight Erandur has activated the shrine.
• Wulf: You are not the first to suddenly decide cooperation and contrition are needed. Are these changes because your scheme has been uncovered or because of fear of legal retribution?
• Rigmor: His Excellency is an expert at detecting insincerity in actions.
• Fenig: You will find that many have wanted the changes you propose but have not martyred themselves. Even members of The Priest Circle can have unfortunate accidents if they do not perpetuate what has been.
• Wulf: At the end of your mortal days, it is not Imperial Laws or the judgement of people like me that counts. It is what your eternal soul thinks of your morality. You might enjoy your sixty or seventy years on Nirn, but what about the thousands of years of regrets in your afterlife?
• Erandur: Prist Fenig, you should watch my ceremony to activate Lady Mara’s shrine. Let it be the first lesson on how a Priest of The Nine conducts themself.

We all watched Erandur’s ceremony. The point of activation was evident to all as Lady Mara’s presence finally filled Mother’s Temple of Grace.

I walked over to Dusk and told her, “You are not to wander the streets of The Divide unless accompanied by Priest Fenig. You are his responsibility until we think it is safe to go to Jehanna.”

“I promise I will be careful, Sir Wulf.”

“Inigo and the others will be here for a while longer. I have something important to do.”

“You are going to kill Lord Griffon.”

“Yes. If I do not, other people like Garth will do bad things to please Lord Griffon.”

“I did not understand everything you told Priest Fenig. But I can be brave and help others if bad things happen.”

“I do not doubt that, Dusk.”

I said aloud, “It is time for me to end the Lion Chicken.”

Felix asked, “Is it wise to fight that thing alone?”

“I shall have a rather large friend with me. I wonder if Nahfahlaar has ever eaten a griffon?”

My friends laughed, and I cast recall.

Lord Griffon seemed confident as I strolled toward him. I let my Dovah free as he knew how to deal with the evil before me.

I said, “It is time for you to slip from corporeality. However, a quick death is insufficient. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be eaten?”

I summoned Nahfahlaar, who startled Lord Griffon when he exited the ether seconds later.

Nahfahlaar raised clouds of dust as he hovered.

“Nahfahlaar, that griffon is a minion of Lady Namira and has consumed countless young girls. They did not die quickly or painlessly when he swallowed them whole. Their terror and confusion would have been significant.”

“Let us send him to The Void, but slowly.”

“I knew you would understand that necessity.”

As Nahfahlaar started chasing Lord Griffon, I Shouted Storm Call.

Lightning and Dragonfire battered the griffon.

Nahfahlaar and I could have killed him in seconds, but we were enjoying the sport.

Nahfahlaar laughed and said, “Oh no, he almost hit me with his fire breath!”

After five minutes of fun for us but sheer terror for our prey, I hit Lord Griffon with Unrelenting Force.

He plummeted to the ground and tried to crawl away. I Shouted Clear Skies, and the storm abated.

Watching Lord Griffon struggle, I drew my katana and contemplated ending the fight.

Nahfahlaar asked, “Are we going to watch him crawl in circles or end this the way he deserves?”

“He is all yours. Start with the wings.”

Nahfahlaar landed on the griffon’s tale and pinned him in place.

I looked towards Evermore City and its barrier as terrible sounds echoed behind me.

I was still my Dovah, and he knew how we should deal with King Sigmayne. I put him aside as that was not the solution Lady Mara and His Imperial Majesty desired. We must still be diplomatic.

Nahfahlaar does not hate Daedric Princes. However, like me, he cannot tolerate mortals who have chosen to be evil in their service. He tore the griffon apart but ensured it was not a quick death. Lord Griffon’s cries of pain and terror echoed those of the children he had consumed.

After ten minutes, I heard Nahfahlaar alight.

He landed on Lord Griffon’s mound and belched as I approached.

I told him, “Many of the bones you see here are the excreted remains of children.”

“Is this the type of evil you are dealing with here?”

“The griffon was a prelude to what Evermore will become if we do not stop Lady Namira’s plan.”

“Do not hesitate to ask your brothers for assistance, Valdr.”

“I expect we will be fighting in city streets. I do not know if Dov can aid us without harming the innocent.”

“That has always been an issue. Also, the people of Evermore are not used to us. We are likely to be as terrifying as the enemy.”

“Have you ever visited Evermore City?”

“Yes, and it was once a grand place. Even from here, I can see it is less than what it was.”

“When it is time to void the griffon, visit Evermore City and do it on the palace.”

“King Sigmayne has offended you somehow?”

“He has warped the gifts of Ladies Dibella and Mara and lusts after prepubescent girls. His appetite has caused wars and the disappearance of many children. I must be diplomatic, but a message telling him what I think is appropriate.”

“The feathers will let him know who is decorating his roof. This kingdom’s reverence for griffons will magnify the insult.”

“This task is testing me, Nahfahlaar. I hope to exit this kingdom with morals and faith intact.”

“Silah took the time to explain what you face. She knows I am not always the flying ego and can give comfort. I value her friendship as she does mine.”

“If General Tullius sends the army across the border, I am sure he would appreciate some flying scouts.”

“He has already expressed that desire to Vayu and Silah. There will be little strategy as he plans to overwhelm all opposition with numerical superiority.”

“I fear the number of innocents harmed in that scenario.”

“Do what is needed and feel no guilt if chaos erupts.”

“I doubt we can prevent the Oblivion Gate from opening. Therefore, I will now plan Arnima’s defence. Farewell for now, Knight Nahfahlaar.”

I teleported into Mother’s Temple of Grace and told Rigmor, “Lord Griffon is no more.”

“Watching people enter the temple and approach Lady Mara’s shrine has been heartwarming. It is probably the first time most of them have experienced the love that should be present in all temples of The Nine.”

“We must prepare for Arnima’s defence. Then we must rest before seeing what else can be done before Mortifayne or Namira unleash the Daedric horde.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“Yes. I will gather the mages and explain it to them. They will be pivotal to my plan.”

“Then let us hurry, my Dragonborn. You have infected me with your urgency.”