Tirdas, 13^th Morning Star, 4E 202

to Fredas, 16^th Morning Star, 4E 202

After I returned from eliminating the griffon, we teleported to Skyrim. We then spent several hours with The Order’s mages and several from The College of Winterhold.

The consensus was that Namira or Mortifayne would trigger the Oblivion Gate, and we could not prevent it.

We hashed out a plan, which is:

1. The Ka’Po’Tun, Inigo, Kharjo and Jo’rassa will use Rava to scout for any advance towards Arnima by enemies or Evermorin troops. Hopefully, with their excellent eyesight, including Night Vision, they will spot such problems long before they reach Arnima’s gates.
2. Aranea will remain in Arnima’s temple. She will let me know if anything within the city is of concern. Erandur will take her to the temple and explain to Priest Matthew that all courtesy will be shown to Priestess Aranea. She is a priestess of a Daedric Prince and Mer. Both facts should irritate Priest Matthew’s sensibilities, which is a bonus. Aranea lived for nearly two centuries amongst the xenophobic Nords of Windhelm and will know how to deal with ignorant racism.
3. If the Oblivion Gate opens or we think the opening is imminent, she will summon The Order’s mages.
4. After studying Arnima’s map, seven places were chosen for squads to guard. When we deem it necessary, The Order’s mages will travel to their designated places and summon their squads. The eighth squad will be with me until I enter the Oblivion Gate. They will then concentrate on aiding the civilians.
5. The mages will scout their assigned positions and place Marks. When need be, they can Return to Mark and summon their squad.
6. The squads will try to keep all bridges from Daedra so civilians can find their way to the temple. Some panicked civilians may need escorting. The mages will make the decisions for their squads.
7. Four Masters of Restoration from the College will be inside the temple to guard it and help the injured.
8. Several dozen of the strongest Healing Potions will be stored in the temple.
9. I will order Commander Drugo to have a platoon wait at the north end of the bridge leading to Arnima’s entrance. They are to enter Arnima when instructed by one of the knights.
10. My priority will be entering the Oblivion Gate. However, depending on the number and strength of Daedra, I might aid in the defence for some time.
11. We agreed that the Witchmen would have a Hagraven Matron as their conduit to Lady Namira. Eliminating the Hagraven Matron will disrupt their plans. I spotted a cave when I used one of the portals in the room with Namira’s shrine. She could be in there, or the Nord ruins that Rigmor is sure we will visit. We will search them as soon as an opportunity arises.
12. I want the citizens of Evermore to identify us as knights and agents of The Divines. Therefore, we shall all wear Akaviri and Blade armour and ditch the Imperial uniforms.
13. The Order will now be called The Divine Order of the Dragon. Its members will be called Divine Knights.

My friends, Rigmor, Legionnaires and Winterhold mages will be at significant risk. Like me, they are willing to die to protect strangers.

When we retired to bed, only Our Quiet, a product of Entwined Souls, gifted me a few hours of sleep.

I needed time away from Evermore. Neither Rigmor nor Celestine would let me return for the day. Everybody knew the plan and would do their part without me being involved. Therefore, I spent the morning with Aurane’s children. They lifted my spirits, and Olette always finds ways to make me laugh.

I was not going to force my friends to wear the same set of armour. So, I selected an extensive range of Akaviri armour that mostly resembled Blade armour but in different colours. We would be recognised as belonging to the same Order of Knights but retain some individuality. Mages could choose from several kimono styles. Each mage was given a staff I created at the Dragonsoul Forge. I was still reluctant to wear the armour I created at that forge. I let Miraak wear his ancient robes and wield his strange sword. However, everyone except Rigmor and I would use identical katana, dai-katana and bows. I gave Rigmor a dai-katana crafted by the same Akaviri artist as mine, and she kept her Nedic bow.

After everybody had chosen their armour and kimono, I spent the remainder of the day smithing and placing my usual dweomer.

I enjoyed the distraction. Concentrating on magic and smithing kept my mind from wandering back to the darkness of Evermore.

As I worked, our Swordmasters taught those unfamiliar with katana and dai-katana. I was not surprised by how quickly Rigmor mastered her new weapon.

I was relieved that nothing drastic occurred in Evermore that day, and I crawled into bed, exhausted and content.

The following day, Rigmor, Sarah, Erandur, and Felix teleported with me into The Procul Praesidium Reach’s courtyard.

We found Commander Drugo stirring a pot of stew.

• Wulf: Good morning, Commander.
• Drugo: Good morning, Your Excellency.
• Wulf: That stew smells good.
• Drugo: I hope it tastes good. I have been trying to get our cook to replicate the recipe with little success.
• Wulf: We cannot stop the Oblivion Gate opening in Arnima.
• Drugo: That is dire news.
• Wulf: We plan to defend Arnima with eight squads of Divine Knights. A platoon at the bridge’s northern edge leading to Arnima’s entrance would be helpful.
• Drugo: I assume you do not want them inside as they may upset Lord Mortifayne.
• Wulf: Correct. If the Oblivion Gate is triggered, they must rush inside and see what they can do to protect Arnima’s citizens. If it is in imminent danger of being triggered, one of the knights will instruct them to enter. Where they deploy will be up to their officer.
• Drugo: Do you have a preference for troop types?
• Wulf: Your best archers would be the most effective against Daedra. Even heavy armour offers little protection against Dremora and most Daedra.
• Drugo: I can have a platoon there within the hour.
• Wulf: Rotate them out every eight hours. It could be some time before they are called upon.
• Drugo: We have been drilling them on different types of Daedra.
• Wulf: I do not know what will come through the Oblivion Gate. Each Daedric Prince has different types of minions. The ones we have encountered in Evermore are not the same as Mehrunes Dagon’s minions.
• Drugo: Are they stronger or weaker?
• Rigmor: Some of Dagon’s Dremora are formidable, as were the ones we encountered in another realm of Oblivion. The Daedra we have encountered in Evermore have been significantly more powerful than any of those Dremora.
• Wulf: Therefore, shooting them from a distance is the wisest tactic.
• Drugo: That advice will be passed on.
• Wulf: Here are a few dozen vials of antidote for the Witchmen’s poison. We shall deliver more soon.

I reached into my Journal Case and handed Drugo a box of antidotes.

• Drugo: How effective is it?
• Erandur: I am a Restoration Mage who helped develop the antidote. It is 100% effective.
• Wulf: Witchmen poison takes five to ten minutes to kill a healthy adult. Your troops will have plenty of time to use the antidote.
• Rigmor: We have killed many Witchmen in the last few days.
• Wulf: We are going to try to find their Hagraven Matron. If we can eliminate her, we may interrupt their plans.
• Drugo: Have you met with King Sigmayne?
• Wulf: Not yet, as Arnima is our priority.
• Drugo: Scouts report a sizeable Imperial army on Skyrim’s border.
• Wulf: They will swamp Evermore if need be. Let us hope we successfully defuse the issues and that they do not cross.
• Drugo: Would they replace the current troops?
• Wulf: I cannot speak for General Tullius. But logic says they will offer reassignment and not make it compulsory.
• Drugo: You no longer wear Imperial uniforms.
• Wulf: I find the local worship of The Divines lacking, and there is an irreverent reverence for Mados. He was Lady Mara’s champion and would not have welcomed such devotion. So, we now represent The Nine as Knights of The Order of the Dragon sent by Lady Mara.
• Drugo: I understand. You are still here as His Imperial Majesty’s Envoy but are emphasising Lady Mara’s aid more.
• Wulf: Correct.
• Rigmor: There is an asshole approaching.
• Wulf: Knight Eisra is not as tolerant as I am. Therefore, we had better leave before she cleaves the Justiciar in two.

Commander Drugo was laughing as we teleported to Arnima’s entrance.

Rava was anchored nearby. It would soon leave on another patrol.

We entered Arnima’s temple and spoke to Aranea.

• Wulf: Good morning, Priestess. How is Priest Matthew treating you?
• Aranea: I catch him looking my way on occasion. I am not something he knows how to deal with, so he keeps his distance.
• Rigmor: What about visitors to the temple?
• Aranea: There has been no animosity but a lot of curiosity. I have enjoyed speaking to guards and civilians about Lady Azura.
• Sarah: What about Missionary Reamonn?
• Aranea: He is a delight to speak to. His travels outside of Evermore have broadened his mind somewhat.
• Wulf: He is still set in his ways.
• Aranea: Give him time, Wulf. A lifetime of misinformation is not easily discarded.
• Wulf: I had better speak to Priest Matthew, although I hesitate to use that title.
• Aranea: Diplomacy.
• Wulf: I wish Lady Mara told me to bash heads together and use extreme violence.
• Rigmor: It may come to that.
• Aranea: We shall do what we can for Arnima’s citizens.

We approached Matthew.

• Wulf: Good morning, Priest Matthew.
• Matthew: Good morning, Your Excellency.
• Wulf: Priestess Aranea is delighted by how well Arnima’s citizens have welcomed her presence.
• Matthew: Humph!
• Erandur: Do you know how long she tended Azura’s Shrine in Skyrim, Priest Matthew?
• Matthew: No.
• Erandur: One hundred and ninety-four years! Isn’t that amazing?
• Matthew: As a percentage of expected life spans, I have been tending to this temple longer.
• Erandur: No. You have been occupying this building and spreading lies for that duration.
• Wulf: Let us not start the day by further denigrating Priest Matthew. He may be crucial to our plan.
• Matthew: What plan?
• Wulf: If you had bothered to speak to Priestess Aranea, you would know of the plan.
• Matthew: Perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me.
• Wulf: As you can see, we now wear the armour of our knightly order. We want the people of Arnima to know that Lady Mara has sent us to aid them. The Imperial uniforms did not make that obvious.
• Matthew: But they are all different!
• Wulf: They are all from Akavir and have similar designs. Their style will not take long to be associated with The Divine Order of the Dragon, as it is now known.
• Matthew: Okay.
• Wulf: Lady Namira does not need Lord Mortifayne to trigger the Oblivion Gate. Therefore, it is almost inevitable that it will happen.
• Matthew: Have you given up trying to prevent that nightmare?
• Wulf: We will keep trying to delay or prevent it. However, we must plan for the worst. If the Oblivion Gate opens, Knights of The Divine Order of the Dragon, Imperial Legionnaires, and mages from The College of Winterhold will defend Arnima’s citizens.
• Matthew: How many knights?
• Wulf: About thirty Divine Knights.
• Matthew: What will thirty knights do against a Daedric horde?
• Erandur: A lesser number of Divine Knights were instrumental in defeating Ulfric Stormcloak and The New Order. They defended Solitude and Morthal against hordes of Daedra.
• Rigmor: Many Divine Knights have fought and won significant battles in other provinces. There are no finer mages or soldiers on Nirn!
• Sarah: A handful of Divine Knights retook Deepcrag, defeated the Redguard pirates, removed the curse from Grey Belmor and recovered the stolen items.
• Matthew: Missionary Reamonn regaled me with unbelievable tales of your magic and martial skills.
• Rigmor: Unbelievable but true, Priest Matthew.
• Wulf: The Divine Knights will teleport to strategic locations within the city walls and help people reach this temple. Here, Restoration Mages will attend to the injured. Many of the strongest Healing Potions have already been delivered.
• Matthew: I have never seen such a display of wealth.
• Wulf: It is not a display of wealth, Priest Matthew. I am probably the wealthiest person in Skyrim, yet I do not flaunt that wealth.
• Rigmor: His Excellency pays for several orphanages, including a large one that houses hundreds of unfortunates.
• Erandur: Lord Stendarr says, ‘Be kind and generous to the people of Tamriel. Protect the weak, heal the sick, and give to the needy.’
• Sarah: His Excellency uses his wealth to fulfil Lord Stendarr’s command.
• Rigmor: If Lord Mortifayne were not so paranoid, the Divine Knights and soldiers would already be in position.
• Sarah: We do not want to be the ones to trigger him.
• Matthew: Do you think Arnima’s guards will have the skills to fight Daedra?
• Wulf: Missionary Reamonn did exceptionally well when faced with the horrors of Izmark.
• Rigmor: The guards fight for home and family, which generates courage and determination.
• Wulf: Courage is a significant factor in victory or defeat. I think they will fight well.
• Matthew: You are hesitant to say they have the skills.
• Wulf: If the Daedra are as strong as some we have faced in recent days, they would be massacred.
• Matthew: Oh.
• Wulf: But there is a good chance less powerful Daedra will be in the majority.
• Matthew: May I suggest adding something to your plans?
• Wulf: Yes, of course.
• Matthew: Rumours have stirred about a vital individual. His name is Rados Baccos.
• Wulf: What is vital about Rados?
• Matthew: He is a descendant of Mados.
• Wulf: And why do you think that is important?
• Matthew: After all these years, the armour we have maintained from Mados’ fatal excursion still shows its majestic craft.
• Rigmor: His Excellency has many suits of armour in his museum that are thousands of years old and still show their majestic craftsmanship. What is your point?
• Matthew: Anybody can wear the armour, but none can trigger the runes marked on its metal. We are sure the trigger for the runes is blood. Do you see where this is leading?
• Wulf: You want me to find Rados and slaughter him. I then cover myself with his entrails, allowing me to wear Mados’ armour and trigger the runes!

My friends started to laugh. It took a few seconds for Matthew’s shock to turn to embarrassment.

• Matthew: Oh, very droll.
• Wulf: My speciality.
• Matthew: Probably none can measure up to Mados, but it should not stop those with the potential to do so from trying.
• Wulf: Where does Rados live?
• Matthew: He is a blacksmith in a hamlet called Tebandra.
• Sarah: I know where that is. It is not far from Evermore City and will require us to enter its boundaries.
• Matthew: Rados would mean more than his fighting prowess to Arnima’s guards and citizens. Having Mados’ descendant seen in the iconic armour of that bygone hero would instil a new sense of hope and morale within us all.
• Rigmor: And having The Dragonborn, Champion of The Divines, defeater of Alduin and arguably the best warrior on Nirn, fighting for them would not instil a new sense of hope and morale?
• Erandur: Everyone on Nirn owes their life and freedom to Envoy Wulf.
• Sarah: His Excellency is not Breton, so none of that counts. That is why Lord Talos’ shrine was hidden in the temples.
• Rigmor: I thought that was cowardice towards The Thalmor.
• Matthew: Even though Lord Talos was born in High Rock, he is regarded as a foreign conqueror.
• Wulf: Lord Talos was born in Atmora. His father was Breton and a Knight of the Flame, and his mother was Imperial. I have no doubt you teach a false history of Emperor Tiber Septim. After all, he was not a Mer hater. However, that is irrelevant to the matter under discussion.
• Felix: Priest Matthew, the armour does not make the warrior.
• Wulf: Divine Knight Felix is correct. You could put my armour on, which is significantly more powerful than Mados’ and still get beaten up by an angry Skeever. If Rados is not a warrior, I will not ask him to risk his life.
• Matthew: He is reportedly a large fellow from being a blacksmith.
• Felix: Divine Knight Eisra is a teenager and relatively small for a Nord. Yet she could carve up Mortifayne’s fake knights in seconds. Size has little influence on martial expertise.
• Wulf: We will seek him out. If we think he can survive, we will take him on a mission to test his abilities.
• Matthew: Evermore City is a very welcome change of tone from the dreary scenery here. It has been a long while since I have made the journey there myself.
• Wulf: I am sure it has higher-quality destitute who wear better rags and have silver begging bowls.
• Rigmor: We were told it has the spirits of dead children haunting its streets and asking for justice.
• Sarah: It does. I have seen them, and so did Sister Jeanna. Well, she listened to them. Lady Mara told a spirit that Sir Wulf would deliver justice.
• Wulf: Have you heard of Sister Jeanna, Priest Matthew?
• Matthew: No.
• Wulf: Sister Jeanna is a noble from another High Rock kingdom and a Priestess of Lady Mara. She is blind, yet over the last few months, she travelled the length and breadth of Evermore, teaching its residents about Lady Mara’s love.
• Sarah: Lady Mara speaks through Sister Jeanna, as Lady Dibella does through Sybils.
• Wulf: Sister Jeanna is an example of true devotion. Speaking of which, Knight Erandur will activate this temple’s Shrine of Mara.
• Rigmor: When he did that in Mother’s Temple of Grace in The Divide, it transformed into a place where Lady Mara’s love is palpable.
• Wulf: An activated shrine will comfort those who enter this temple.

A few minutes later, Lady Mara’s shrine was activated, and the change was palpable.

We walked over to Reamonn.

• Reamonn: I remember this feeling from Cyrodiil’s temples.
• Wulf: When all nine shrines are activated, the feeling will transcend the walls of this temple and will be felt by those passing by.
• Reamonn: Priestess Aranea explained your change of armour to me. She also outlined how you intend to defend Arnima.
• Wulf: The Divine Knights are my close friends. I have not ordered them to defend this city. They do it out of a commitment to protect the weak. That is what knights are supposed to do, unlike Dumb and Dumber.
• Reamonn: Do you worry you will lose friends in Arnima’s defence?
• Wulf: It is a real possibility.
• Rigmor: His Excellency would not ask us not to defend Arnima out of concern for our safety. We have all accepted the risk, which is our right as free citizens.
• Felix: When a cause is righteous, there is no need for conscripts.
• Reamonn: Are you going to recruit Rados?
• Wulf: We shall visit and see if he is suitable. I will not risk his life for misguided adulation.
• Rigmor: We are planning a trip to the centre of Witchmen territory. It will be an excellent chance to evaluate Rados’ abilities.
• Felix: If he cannot survive Witchmen, he has little chance against invading Daedra.
• Reamonn: Is there a reason you are travelling to that area once more?
• Wulf: The Witchmen are acting as a single tribe. Therefore, we think a single Hagraven Matron is a conduit between them and Lady Namira.
• Rigmor: Disposing of their matron will interrupt their plans.
• Reamonn: Priestess Aranea told me about the griffon. How far astray have Evermore’s people been led by our priests?
• Erandur: His Excellency was warned by Lady Mara that he would encounter darkness.
• Wulf: I was not prepared for that level of depravity. However, I have no delusions the griffon will be the darkest thing I uncover as I investigate Evermore further.
• Reamonn: Aren’t you tempted to call upon the armies on our border?
• Wulf: Such a force would, no matter their intention, cause civilian casualties. Therefore, we shall not stop trying to prevent further chaos.
• Reamonn: I will continue to aid Priestess Aranea in preparing for what seems inevitable.

Sarah was our guide, so we followed her to Arnima’s other entrance. We exited onto the road to Evermore City.

I could hear a dragon roaring but could not see him. I am curious about whether he has attacked people.

Sarah told us outside a gate signifying Evermore City’s border, “The Skull and Crossbones do not denote pirates. It is Evermore’s sign that you are entering an area where Afflicted may be encountered.”

Not much further along, we encountered an Evermorin Aventurier combating two Afflicted. He was losing badly as one of The Afflicted was a mage using Flames against him.

However, the Aventurier’s fire hurt one of the Afflicted, so I ran over and ended the fight.

I cast Grand Healing on one Afflicted. Erandur cast it on the other.

• Jend: You must be Sir Wulf.
• Wulf: I am Sir Wulf Welkynd, Envoy to Evermore on behalf of His Imperial Majesty.
• Jend: We know who you are and how much you dislike Aventurier.
• Wulf: Your names?
• Jend: I am Jend.
• Berjo: And I am Berjo.
• Wulf: Are the Aventurier numerous around here?
• Jend: Yes, but there are not as many as there were. We have a large commune nearby that they keep attacking.
• Berjo: We keep repelling them, but more of us die than them.
• Jend: We will outlast them, but the casualties are too high. All we want to do is live and die in peace.
• Wulf: Do you have a leader that I can speak with?
• Berjo: Yes, an ex-Aventurier called Mortierre Berain. He joined us a few months ago when he became Afflicted.
• Jend: He has organised our defences, which irritates the local Aventurier captain. Mortierre used to be under his command.
• Sarah: The Aventurier Captain decides who enters Evermore City via the front entrance.
• Jend: His name is Vernric. His rank was earned through brutality.
• Wulf: I do not intend to enter via the front gate, but we shall visit Vernric.
• Rigmor: Why did the Aventurier attack you?
• Berjo: He planned to attack my wife, Jehanne. We have a farm not far from the city’s entrance.
• Jend: We delivered food to the commune and arrived at the farm just in time to see the Aventurier running towards Jehanne. When he realised he was outnumbered, he ran the other way for some time. Then he turned and fought us.
• Wulf: I am glad we could assist. Captain Vernric will obey me or die. Either way, I think Afflicted in the commune will no longer be killed simply for existing.
• Jend: I promised my wife I would bring some herbs from the commune but forgot. So, Berjo and I had better find some.
• Wulf: We shall tell Jehanne you are both okay.

As we passed the farm, we informed the relieved Jehanne that Jend and Berjo were okay.

As we got closer to Evermore, how justice was handled in the city became apparent.

I commented, “The Wheel was a favourite torture device of some Daedra worshipping Ayleid. It is interesting those who fear the Ayleid have adopted their ways.”

A terrific amount of Magicka was being expended to maintain the shield around Evermore.

When we breached the barrier, we found a Giant Welkynd Stone powering it. These crystals are among the rarest and most valuable relics on Nirn.

Three Aventurier guarded the front gates. They could raise and lower the field protecting the entrance.

One Aventurier had fancier armour than the others. I assumed he was their officer.

We listened to the two lower ranks.

• Aventurier One: It is time to commission a replacement for my blade. Perhaps I will ask for an axe. They take their puking heads off with one good swing.
• Aventurier Two: Axes are short. You will get a face full of bile if you do not stick to the sword’s reach. Besides, you do not have the gold for it.
• Aventurier One: Maybe you do not, but I am more thoughtful. I go through their pockets before I burn them. Septim by septim, slow and steady does it.

We approached the officer.

• Wulf: Are you Captain Vernic?
• Vernic: Yes, I am.
• Wulf: I am Envoy Wulf. Would you please lower the inner barrier so we may enter?
• Vernic: You are the ones who retook that Imperial outpost and wiped out the Reds. Perhaps you can help us before you enter the city?
• Wulf: If I order you to open that gate, not doing so would be treason.
• Vernic: Did I say I would not let you in? I am only asking for some help since you are already here.
• Wulf: Go on then, tell us what help you need.
• Vernic: The orange skins are not content with rotting in some pretence of a village. They have turned vicious and are lashing out and coughing their lungs out on anyone who draws near.
• Sarah: That might be a severe allergic reaction brought on by a desire not to be burnt alive.
• Vernic: Oh, a comedian. Haha.
• Sarah: Thank you. I find homicidal maniacs to be my most appreciative fans.
• Vernic: The bile they vomit can burn down to the bone. We thought the kingdom’s gear could protect us somewhat, but we soon learned otherwise.
• Felix: That is what happens when those in charge accept the cheapest quote. You would think a green spew resistance rating would have to be met, but no, they make you wear armour unsuitable for the job and what makes you look like idiots.
• Vernic: a friend caught the worst of their venom. It must have sprayed through his visor. He vanished, and I had no clue to where…until recently. News surfaced that he is cozening up with the sick just north of here, up in the ravine. There are too many Afflicted for us to do anything about his desertion. Well, not yet.
• Wulf: What would you have us do?
• Vernic: All we need is some information. Get him to spill his agenda. And as you should expect, you are not to go barging in there, sword in hand.
• Wulf: I doubt they would be stupid enough to attack armoured knights and a mage without parley. We can get to your friend and have a friendly chat.
• Vernic: Gift of the gab and not the gift of the blade, eh? Keep it calm, and it will go smoothly. And if that option is not open, take this flare and pop it open if you think you are in trouble. Make sure it is high enough so we can see it. I will send the boys over to cover your escape.
• Rigmor: Keep it calm? I do not think His Excellency would have thought of that! Perhaps His Imperial Majesty should send somebody more capable of being his envoy next time?
• Vernic: Oh, of course, no offence meant.
• Wulf: Are you expecting reinforcements?
• Vernic: We have recalled Aventurier from outlying areas to help remove the orange vermin from the valley.
• Wulf: Well, we shall be on our way then. What is your friend’s name?
• Vernic: Mortierre Berain.
• Wulf: Do we have to travel through the main population, or is there a safer way to Mortierre?
• Vernic: Stick to the right. That path will lead you to him and avoid the main settlement.
• Wulf: Okay, I hope to see you soon!

Once out of earshot, we discussed Vernic as we walked.

• Rigmor: You never intended to go through the front gate.
• Wulf: No, but I hoped Captain Vernic might ask us a favour.
• Rigmor: You were going to visit Mortierre anyway.
• Wulf: Yes, but the more I know, the better chance of avoiding Afflicted bloodshed.
• Erandur: Wulf is always a step ahead of us mere mortals.
• Rigmor: I know. It can be rather annoying.
• Sarah: I find it interesting.
• Rigmor: You have not travelled with him for long.

We looked at the village. It was too peaceful. No children could be heard laughing or the banter of neighbours sharing gossip. Some buildings were smouldering.

If left alone, the residents were no danger to anybody else. The Aventurier were murdering people, not protecting Evermore.

A lone sentry demanded, “Halt! Who are you, and why do you seek entry?”

Rigmor replied, “He is Sir Wulf Welkynd, Envoy of His Imperial Majesty, Dragonborn and Champion of The Divines. He seeks an audience with Mortierre Berain.”

“I know of Sir Welkynd. You may enter.”

As we made our way to Mortierre, we looked around. In addition to good farmland, a mine provided resources for the small community of Afflicted.

We found Mortierre near the summit, and he calmly waited for us to approach.

• Wulf: Mortierre Berain, I assume?
• Mortierre: Yes, and welcome, Envoy Wulf.
• Wulf: I am surprised you know who I am.
• Mortierre: Some Aventurier were burning locals to death in Arnima. You became incensed when you saw that tragedy and ordered them to stop. When they refused to obey, you roasted them with fire from your mouth. Later, you had a rather loud discussion with Missionary Reamonn. Some young gutter rats witnessed these events and risked all to report to us what was said for a few gold pieces.
• Wulf: I have enough of them in my orphanages to know I should be wary of those tiny ears. One of my favourites made a good living as an information broker and is now my daughter. It is a dangerous profession, no matter your age.
• Mortierre: We wondered if you were a man of your word, which is rare in these parts.
• Wulf: What else did the children tell you?
• Mortierre: A fanciful story about you being sent by the gods. And an even fancier one about you asking the Skyrim and High Rock mages to find a cure.
• Rigmor: His Excellency is Sir Wulf Welkynd, Dragonborn and Champion of The Divines. Lady Mara asked him to help the people of Evermore.
• Erandur: He is also Arch-Mage of The College of Winterhold, of which I am a member. We are close to finalising both prevention and cure for the plague.
• Rigmor: Several dozen Afflicted live in a commune in Skyrim. They have aided us in finding the cure.
• Sarah: I hope you compensated the urchins.
• Mortierre: We gave them more gold than their families have seen in years. They risked a lot coming here, including catching this damn pox.
• Wulf: The affliction was created by the Daedric Prince called Peryite. Even though a god created it, the cure and prevention are alchemical formulae. It has taken several weeks to finalise the procedures for their creation.
• Mortierre: The Priest Circle is now investigating a cure. But they had not bothered till the first noble caught the pox.
• Erandur: If the Priest Circle of Evermore had approached us months ago, the plague would now be a distant memory.
• Wulf: Properly activated shrines of The Nine also cure the affliction. The Priest Circle of Evermore is nothing more than a ruse to keep the population under control. It will soon be a thing of the past.
• Mortierre: Many have thought that, but few were willing to martyr themselves by saying it aloud.
• Wulf: Their failure to contain the plague is one of their many sins. But that is not important now. We must keep these people alive and comfortable until we can distribute the cure. So, we shall leave you with a few dozen of the most potent healing potions. Only a small dose is needed to relieve the pain of the affliction.

I did not bother explaining my Journal Case unless somebody asked. I was a mage, so rummaging around and producing two crates of potions larger than my Journal Case is to be expected.

• Mortierre: The priests only create the weaker potions and hand them out like solid gold. They would never send any to this valley as that kindness might be considered supporting rebels. All we want to do is live and die in peace.
• Wulf: How did you, a relative newcomer to the valley, become their leader?
• Mortierre: The armour lends authority. Being clad in steel was enough to make me the leader.
• Wulf: Captain Vernic asked me to find out what you plan.
• Mortierre: Ha! Those guards know me and know what would happen to any of their lapdogs sent our way.
• Wulf: Any unprovoked attack on us would have been a disaster for your people. None of you would have survived. We would have done what we were trying to prevent.
• Mortierre: I do not think that is an idle threat. Some of us know of your exploits, Dragonborn.
• Wulf: The Aventurier have recalled their men. They plan to assault this refuge. I think I will dissuade them.
• Mortierre: So those dogs, trained from birth to kill without hesitation, are planning to slay all the Afflicted in this valley. All so they can kill a brother who left the pack?
• Wulf: Yes. Are you surprised by that?
• Mortierre: No, and neither am I surprised they have not tried it sooner. They may be desensitised to death, but that does not mean they are brave. I knew they did not have the numbers to assault us before.
• Rigmor: They probably received new orders. This peaceful commune might be causing property values to plummet and costing the king a few coins.
• Mortierre: Only been here days, and you already have a firm grasp of Evermore politics. The word would have come from Sigmayne, and nobody would have questioned his orders.
• Wulf: Captain Vernic gave me a flare that would make them come running with their vision blurred by bloodlust. However, that puts your people at risk. So, I shall have another talk with Captain Vernic. He will obey my orders, which are those of His Imperial Majesty, or he will be executed as an example. Either way, they will not harm the people of this valley.
• Mortierre: You will make powerful enemies.

Our spontaneous laughter took shocked Mortierre.

• Rigmor: Nobody in Evermore poses a threat to Envoy Wulf.
• Erandur: That is not empty praise but a fact, Mortierre.
• Wulf: Tell me. Mortierre, how did you become an Aventurier?
• Mortierre: Military work has been my destiny since I was a babe. Dad was a military man, and his dad, too. But the unit I came to be part of is no ordinary group. You had to sacrifice a lot even to apply. But the rewards are far greater than you would get as a pikeman.
• Felix: What kind of sacrifice? Your soul? Your compassion?
• Mortierre: Captain Vernic at the front gate has been in the burning people profession longer than any other. Now, have you ever wondered why Aventurier never remove their helms?
• Felix: I do not think we have observed one alive long enough to realise that is the case.
• Wulf: They seem to provide poor protection and would restrict your field of view.
• Mortierre: When you are dealing with our magic long enough, certain things, unwanted things, start appearing.
• Wulf: I hope that no warts on your nose appear! Divine Knight Eisra has that terrible problem!
• Rigmor: You are treading dangerous ground, Dragonbum.
• Mortierre: No, not warts. Captain Vernic got deep into this fiery art and burnt hard. Take off his armour, and you will regret it. He is charred from head to toe. I am not sure how someone in that state is still breathing.
• Wulf: That is why we have places like The College of Winterhold. All magic has an element of danger. The School of Destruction is especially hazardous. Magic without discipline nearly always leads to disaster.
• Sarah: Captain Vernic said you were his friend. He has a peculiar way of showing it.
• Mortierre: You do not make friends in that career. You must think of them as a weapon, a double-edged sword. They can have your back and pull you out of a sticky situation or set you alight when your skin turns a strange hue.
• Sarah: Did you only leave their ranks because you became an Afflicted?
• Mortierre: No, the others already had their suspicions. It is hard to hide that you are not aiming your flames at the fleeing Afflicted. It is even more challenging when the Afflicted are on their knees begging for mercy. I was misinformed when I answered their recruitment drive. I was told the Afflicted are feral and will attack everybody on sight. I was already a trained Aventurier before I saw the reality. Sick citizens of Evermore, who, as a regular soldier, I was paid to protect, were being murdered because the nobility and priests thought them a threat and, even worse, a financial burden. I was one more mission away from other Aventurier directing their flames at me. Getting the pox was coincidental timing.
• Wulf: Okay, we will now chat with Captain Vernic.

We quickly made our way to the front gate and Captain Vernic.

• Wulf: I have decided the local Afflicted are no threat to Evermore. As Envoy, I speak with the authority of His Imperial Majesty and order all Aventurier to cease attacks on those Afflicted.
• Vernic: We heard rumours of your traitorous actions in Arnima but hoped they were false. It seems you must burn along with the orange skins.
• Felix: I am curious as to how a person with the authority of our Emperor can be a traitor.
• Rigmor: I do not believe His Excellency made any vow to be a murdering piece of shit like you, Captain.
• Wulf: I have fought dozens of dragons, innumerable mages, and Daedra in combat. Do you think your pathetic magic would singe a hair on my head?
• Rigmor: His Excellency’s order will be obeyed whether you live or die, Captain Vernic.
• Wulf: We have a cure for the plague that will soon be distributed. Do not lose your life over a problem already resolved.

Vernic gave a hand signal, and the other two guards attacked. We laughed as their flames did us no harm.

My friends cut down the three antagonists in seconds.

I quickly wrote two pages of identical orders and placed my seal on both. One set I attached to Vernic’s corpse. The other I pinned to the wall. The orders were simple. The killing of non-combative Afflicted was murder. The murderers were to be executed.

We returned to Mortierre.

• Wulf: Captain Vernic chose to die.
• Mortierre: Ha! That is a show of strength, eh? The meek will come for the strong!
• Felix: No, Mortierre. The strongest will come to protect the meek!
• Mortierre: You have staked your life on the people here. If I were not stricken myself, I would call you all mad. And you know what, I am still puzzling if you are.
• Wulf: We are not insane, Mortierre. We kill to protect the innocent and are very good at it.
• Mortierre: Aye, I will go for that instead. Oh, Evermore and its people can cry about divine authority and righteousness, but your feats here should earn the respect of all their gods.
• Wulf: That false claim of divine authority has led to the problems of this kingdom. It is blasphemy and a lie used to control the population. The priests of Evermore are fake. They do not represent The Divines or any other god for that matter. They represent the greed and yearning for power that the Evermore nobility possess. When they pray, it should be before a septim, not one of The Nine.
• Mortierre: Yes, you mentioned your disdain for them earlier.
• Wulf: I would shorten them all by a head, but I promised Lady Mara I would be diplomatic.
• Mortierre: You will undoubtedly be a target in Evermore. So, if you are looking for a way into the city, you must cross The Cistern.
• Rigmor: Not that they could, but if they did harm His Excellency, it would be the same as harming His Imperial Majesty. King Sigmayne would watch a few Legions marching into Evermore not long before he watched the headman’s axe descend upon his neck. They would not dare stop Envoy Wulf from entering the city or try to arrest or harm him.
• Wulf: Still, we shall go through The Cistern anyway. The less warning we give of my arrival in the city, the less chance of them hiding things under the rug.
• Sarah: I know my way through the mine to The Cistern.
• Mortierre: Arnima is a pleasant holiday destination compared to Evermore City.
• Rigmor: That is amusing. The locals in Arnima say the opposite.
• Wulf: I am glad we could help, Mortierre. Hopefully, that will end your Aventurier problems for some time. Blessings of The Nine on you and all Afflicted.
• Mortierre: You mentioned a commune of Afflicted in Skyrim.
• Wulf: They come from Wayrest, where the plague originated. They do not slaughter the Afflicted in that kingdom. They came to Skyrim to spread the plague but changed their minds when offered the chance of a cure.
• Mortierre: Imagine that. Wayrest, with all its problems, is still more compassionate than this wealthy kingdom.
• Sarah: The people of Wayrest have always been compassionate. Their recent misfortune has made them more so.
• Wulf: Lead the way, Divine Knight Sarah.

We entered the mine, which was poorly lit.

• Wulf: Aha, now is the chance to try my improved lamp!
• Erandur: You have been tinkering with that for months.
• Wulf: I have been trying different fuels and materials for the reflector.
• Rigmor: Does that mean we do not have to stumble in the dark while you use Night Vision?
• Wulf: Perhaps. See what you think.

I lit my lamp, and everybody was impressed with the results.

• Wulf: It has the same problems as Magelight or other similar spells.
• Erandur: The bad guys can see us coming from miles away.
• Rigmor: But it also makes it easier for us to pepper them with arrows.
• Wulf: The lamp is an option when we are not trying to be stealthy.

Sarah exclaimed, “Oh no, a tripwire!”

She deliberately broke the tripwire and laughed as oil burst into flames.

Rigmor whispered, “I think we have a pyromaniac in our midst.”

The bodies of burnt Afflicted suggested Aventurier had been using the mine for discreet murder.

A dead Aventurier suggested they were not immune from retribution.

We entered The Cistern.

Riften’s Ratway is only a bit odorous.

The Cistern smelt like a Legion’s privy after a week. The fumes of noxious pong were visible!

The walkways were solid but covered in a slippery green slime.

I noticed a familiar face in the distance and headed for it.

“Working hard, I see, Byrne Mercell.”

“You made it out of there alive!”

“Nope. I am dead, but it is hard to tell because this place stinks so much it covers the rotting flesh smell.”

“You might be alive, but your sense of humour died long ago.”

“Ol’ Morty was not very thankful for his amulet’s return.”

“Did I ever have a hope of retrieving it?”

“No. The Afflicted Witchmen Werewolf would have torn you apart limb from limb.”

“Oh.”

“That or the Golem would have been your end.”

“Golem?”

“Yeah, it was only a baby one about eight feet tall.”

“I think I will say no to any further bounties offered by Mortifayne.”

“That would be wise, Byrne. Blessings of Mara.”

Sarah pointed to a spiral walkway.

“We must go up that and enter the Skooma den. Do not slip into the water!”

We entered the Skooma den. Its stench was worse than The Cistern’s.

A button lowered some bars to give us access to the exit.

We were soon outside and breathed in the less pongy fresh air.

Sarah said, “The right leads to Evermore City’s other entrance. Tebandra is on the left-hand trail.

A while later, we entered Tebandra and saw Rados sharpening a dagger.

I cast a Mark at the town’s well in case we had to return at some point.

When we approached Rados, he stood to greet us.

• Wulf: Good morning, Rados. I am Envoy Wulf, visiting Evermore on behalf of His Imperial Majesty.
• Rados: That is very impressive, but there is no discount for The Imperial Army.
• Wulf: Rados, we are not here for your smithing. I have come to see you on behalf of Arnima.
• Rados: Oh, well, it is nice to see you people have not been overrun by plague. However, the moment I hear you cough, our business is done!
• Felix: I thought you would welcome the pox. You could melt metal without all that heat!
• Rados: Haha, a good jest! You were joking…weren’t you?
• Wulf: It is hard to tell with Knight Felix.
• Rados: Well then, go ahead and ask so I can say no once more.
• Wulf: You could help Arnima. No, you could help everybody if you don your grandfather’s armour!
• Rados: Oh, by The Nine, not again! Will my children be expected to become fabled heroes, too?
• Wulf: Do you have a wife and children?
• Rados: Well, I am yet to find a fine lady with whom to share my life.
• Rigmor: She would be marrying you and your mead. I can smell Honningbrew, Black-Briar, and…wow, business must be good…Black-Briar Reserve.
• Rados: Ahh, a connoisseur! Maybe we can talk further and see what stokes your fire?
• Rigmor: Sorry, my heart already belongs to another. He is annoying and picks his nose a lot, but still, he has some good qualities. You must squint a bit and hold your head sideways to see them as they are hidden amongst the dirt.
• Wulf: But he knows how to stoke your fire.
• Rigmor: Yes, but it is a pity his poker is so tiny.
• Wulf: No doubt, Rados, others have sought you out.
• Rados: They have bothered me a dozen times, and my father was also bothered. Each time someone’s horse is stolen, or some Exiles rob a merchant or other emergency that the guards best handle.
• Felix: Not the type of problems Mados would get out of bed to tackle!
• Rados: Exactly! They claim to respect him, yet they put him on display in death. They deny the old man a proper burial!
• Wulf: I will ensure your grandfather is buried. That is not a bribe to get you to agree.
• Rados: Ha, the Priest Circle will not let you.
• Sarah: Have you forgotten His Excellency’s title, Envoy Wulf, and who he represents?
• Erandur: To deny Envoy Wulf is to deny Emperor Titus Mede II.
• Wulf: They say they represent The Nine. Ignoring the basic teachings of Lord Arkay suggests otherwise. They put your grandfather’s soul at risk with that blasphemous display. I shall not allow it to continue.
• Rigmor: Master Smith Baccos, we would not ask if the need was not great.
• Rados: Wow, I have no idea how long it has been since somebody addressed me correctly!
• Rigmor: I can imagine. Rados do this, Rados do that. Anybody would think you wake one morning and magically become a Master Sparksmith.
• Rados: You must be from Cyrodiil to use that archaic name.
• Rigmor: Blacksmith conjures images of soot and ash-covered men who have not seen a bath in at least a month.
• Rados: I know. I at least try to have one every two weeks!
• Wulf: I am a very busy man, Rados, and would not waste my time on something trivial. Arnima and The Kingdom of Evermore are in great peril from many sources. Could you sit and do nothing when your fellow citizens need your help?
• Rados: No, I could not. The last thing I want on my tombstone is ‘Rados was twice as tall and twice the coward of them all.’ I am in, friend. Lead the way.
• Wulf: Not so fast! If you accompany us, you must be able to wield a sword.
• Rados: I served in the Evermore Pikeman Militia and helped with the occupation of Wayrest, so I know how to face down a foe, at least.
• Rigmor: I was tutored on your war with Wayrest. Its brutality has never been doubted, but the exact cause is unknown. The dozens of other inter-kingdom conflicts in High Rock have all had clear reasons for beginning and cessation.
• Rados: Wayrest is a bleeding mess now, but it was a paradise fourteen years ago. That is when Evermore sought brutal revenge for the humiliation of King Sigmayne.
• Rigmor: And how did this humiliation come about?
• Rados: King Barynia had some beautiful daughters. King Sigmayne was quite fond of one of them and showed too much interest, making Barynia uncomfortable. He imprisoned Sigmayne and demanded a ransom. When Sigmayne escaped, he sought revenge and thousands on each side lay dead in a mere two weeks. Such was the war over a princess’ cunny.
• Rigmor: Many a war starts over a beautiful woman.
• Rados: Not when she is only nine years of age!
• Wulf: Divine Knight Eisra was fibbing. We know why the war started, but it seems you do not.
• Erandur: Before you protest, Rados, listening would be wise.
• Wulf: King Barynia was disturbed by King Sigmayne’s interest in his youngest daughter. But he did not imprison him! Instead, he had him escorted across the border. Weeks later, King Sigmayne re-entered Wayrest without permission, bodyguards or diplomatic immunity. Such was his lust for the nine-year-old princess that he lured her to a remote part of Wayrest Palace Gardens and tried to rape her. Lucky for the princess, she was rescued in time. It was then that King Sigmayne was imprisoned. No ransom was asked, and he was held while a trial was arranged. You fought and experienced brutality at the whim of a child rapist.
• Rados: I do not care what grandiose title you have. Such accusations need proof!
• Wulf: Divine Knight Sarah, please tell Rados who you are.

Sarah stood beside Rados and declared, “I was Princess Ardine Severine Bacqure, the owner of that nine-year-old cunny. King Sigmayne did try to rape me. The attack by Evermore weakened Wayrest and led to its downfall. I am sorry he lied to you.”

Rados closed his eyes and sighed. We gave him time to digest the truth.

Sarah moved away. Rados was no longer the cheerful blacksmith. His king’s betrayal hurt him to the core.

• Rados: There were rumours, but nobody dared demand the truth.
• Wulf: We have found that to be a recurring problem in Evermore.
• Rados: Divine Knight Sarah’s tale lends proof to those rumours.
• Wulf: Do you know Jackos?
• Rados: I lived in Arnima for many years. Everybody knows Jackos.
• Wulf: He said one way of gaining knighthood was to bring Sigmayne a girl to gawk at.
• Rados: Is King Sigmayne raping young girls?
• Wulf: I have no proof, but I will easily find the evidence if he harms children. Then, no walls or army will save him or those who aid him.
• Rados: You sound sure of your ability to obtain justice.
• Rigmor: His Excellency is Sir Wulf Welkynd, Dragonborn and Champion of The Divines. Ulfric Stormcloak did not survive his righteous wrath. Neither did Alduin and countless other enemies of mortals, The Divines, and The Empire.
• Wulf: I am not asking you to don Mados’ armour for something immoral. Lady Mara asked me to aid Evermore because it is in peril. Part of that peril is an imminent invasion by Daedra, as happened during The Oblivion Crises. That invasion will start in Arnima.
• Rados: Fighting Witchmen and Exiles is one thing. But you want me to fight monsters from my childhood nightmares?
• Wulf: We will be travelling through Witchmen territory. Come with us and see how you handle Mados’ sword and armour. If I do not think you would survive against Daedra, I will tell you so.
• Rados: I can do that.
• Sarah: Please, Rados, tell me about the invasion of my home. Before it occurred, I was whisked away to the safety of Jehanna and never returned home until after the Corsairs conquered it.
• Rados: King Sigmayne declared war. I was levied three days later, and a week later, the army was well on the move towards Wayrest. Two weeks later, Barynia surrendered. He could not do it before so many men were slaughtered, it seems.
• Wulf: King Barynia surrendered when he saw how many of his people were being massacred by Evermore’s troops. Aventurier destroyed many farms and villages for no tactical or strategic reason. A siege of Wayrest City would have lasted months.
• Rados: We pikemen saw little action and only against soldiers. Even though we outnumbered the defenders six to one, that was brutal enough. By the time my unit had reached the city of Wayrest, the smoke was everywhere, and let me tell you, war is hard enough even when you can breathe.
• Wulf: The defenders were fighting for their homes and families, which made each one worth several invaders.
• Rados: That is a lesson we learnt in pools of blood and piles of entrails.
• Rigmor: His Excellency and many of those he has knighted have fought in numerous significant battles. The massacre of Ulfric’s army outside Whiterun was nowhere near the largest. Therefore, he is aware of the lessons learnt on the battlefield and sympathises.
• Sarah: My father opened the gates to Wayrest City. Why did Evermore’s troops sack it, rape, and kill when the fighting was over?
• Rados: King Barynia may have intended to open the gates, but an inside operative did so before he had the chance. That was enough of an excuse for the excesses, as some did not consider that a surrender. Everyone in my unit remained outside the city walls, and we were appalled by the Evermorin troops’ behaviour.
• Wulf: King Barynia was spared as other Kingdoms threatened retribution if Sigmayne went too far. However, the damage was done, and Wayrest fell in 4E 188.
• Sarah: How did Sigmayne escape?
• Rados: The tale we were told is this. A hand-picked squad of Evermorin Scouts broke out King Sigmayne. They crossed the border wearing burlap robes and posing as pilgrims. One of them, a devout Priest of Mara running an ‘orphanage,’ paid some guards off to ‘see the molester-king and spit in his face.’ They reportedly made quite a scene, and while doing so, the fake priest passed Sigmayne a Scroll of Recall with a mark placed nearby in the woods. Not a single drop of blood was shed.
• Wulf: No, the bloodshed was yet to come. I wonder if Jackos loses sleep after that piece of blasphemy? How many innocents died for Sigmayne’s revenge? How many young girls have had their childhood stolen by that animal?
• Rados: I did not say it was Jackos!
• Wulf: No need, as it is obvious. Any respect I had for that man is gone. Let us get going before I decide to remove a king.
• Rados: It is quite a hike to Arnima. Do you think it will rain?
• Wulf: We are not walking there. Place your hand on my shoulder, and we shall be at Arnima’s entrance in a second.
• Rados: Ahh…how?
• Wulf: Teleportation. It is best you do as I say and not worry about how it works.
• Rados: Okay.

A few seconds later, we exited the ether.

• Rados: That was interesting and only a bit terrifying!
• Rigmor: You did well, Rados. There are usually a few curses thrown after somebody’s first teleport.
• Rados: Ahh, what is that floating ship?
• Wulf: My airship, Rava. The name means freedom in the Khajiiti language.
• Erandur: We have been using it to scout for trouble heading Arnima’s way.
• Rados: It was not called Arnima when I lived here.
• Sarah: It was called Raven Spring.
• Rados: Some might disagree, but I appreciate the name change. This way, the Raven Spring I knew has remained unspoiled.
• Wulf: Arnima is an anagram of Namira. That is who will open an Oblivion Gate and invade this city. If we save it from destruction, I am positive it will be named Raven Spring again.
• Rados: Can you save the city?
• Rigmor: We saved Solitude and Morthal from Daedric invasions. We saved many places from dragon attacks. We will do our best, Rados.
• Erandur: Our best is quite impressive.

We made our way to the temple and Matthew.

• Wulf: Priest Matthew, Master Smith Baccos is here. Can you direct him to his grandfather’s gear?
• Rados: No need, I know where it is.
• Felix: Come, Rados, I will help you with it.
• Rados: Thank you.

 I chatted with Priestess Aranea while waiting for Rados to be ready.

• Wulf: Do you have any news, Priestess?
• Aranea: Priest Matthew and others are concerned about a gathering of Witchmen to the north. They are in some form of communion, and nothing previous has been quite like it.
• Rigmor: Their scouts could only get that close because we have killed most of the Witchmen.
• Wulf: There was a giant portal to Scuttling Void and many religious totems near the Dwemer ruins, where we retrieved Mados’ gauntlets. We dispensed with many Witchmen and saw a large ruin of ancient Nord design and a cave entrance. As discussed in our meeting with the mages, I believe the Hagraven Matron resides in one or the other.
• Aranea: Missionary Reamonn knows their location and has spoken to Jackos about the situation.
• Wulf: Is there any word on Sigmayne or Merosa confronting Mortifayne?
• Aranea: No.
• Rigmor: I would not put it past Matthew to know of such and keep it from us.
• Aranea: He has been discussing things with those two knights but in whispers and away from where I am.
• Rigmor: Do not hesitate to kill either of them if they endanger you, Priestess.
• Aranea: Do not worry about me, Rigmor. I am more than they can handle.
• Erandur: Has anybody noticed the difference since I activated Lady Mara’s shrine?
• Aranea: Many who have come for solace no longer kneel and beg for the Goddesses’ aid. I was pretty disturbed to see that behaviour when I first arrived.
• Rigmor: Shhh! Do not tell Wulf, but Ladies Azura and Mara are my favourite gods.
• Aranea: Yet you wear Talos’ amulet.
• Rigmor: Because the Thalmor say I am not allowed to.
• Aranea: Oh, so it is a form of protest.
• Wulf: I have only heard you invoke Lord Talos’ name in battle.
• Erandur: I have never heard Rigmor say, “In Mara’s name!” before cleaving an opponent in two.
• Rigmor: Lady Mara’s domain is love, not cleaving opponents asunder.
• Aranea: Do you worship your father, Wulf?
• Wulf: No more than any child worships their parent. If I pray, it is to Lord Akatosh or Saint Alessia. However, my mind turns to Lady Mara for aid in Evermore. I am unsure how much she can help, but she will try.
• Aranea: I find this experience both educational and intriguing. I suspect Priest Matthew knows more than he has revealed and will have to outwit him to find what that is.
• Rigmor: Wulf could hold him upside down and shake to see what falls to the floor.
• Aranea: That would not be very diplomatic.
• Wulf: But it would be enjoyable.
• Erandur: I will make a prediction. The Priest Circle wants to take credit for our discovery of Lady Namira’s connection to Lord Mortifayne. Although Priest Matthew has been warned not to discuss the matter with other priests, he will have done so.
• Sarah: I was thinking the same.
• Rigmor: So was I. If Mortifayne is deposed, Priest Matthew will want to remain as the Priest for whoever replaces the insane lord.
• Sarah: He would risk Mortifayne triggering the Oblivion Gate if he thinks informing the Bishop and King Sigmayne of our findings is beneficial.
• Wulf: Perhaps there are people capable of such betrayal, but I am not convinced Priest Matthew is such a person.
• Aranea: Let us hope you are correct for his sake, Wulf.
• Rigmor: Any pretence of diplomacy would be abandoned if it turns out our suspicions are founded.
• Wulf: Let us deal with what we know before drowning in speculation.

Half an hour went by before Rados returned with Felix.

• Rados: I look skinnier in this tin can!
• Wulf: Silver and ebony are not tin, Rados. The armour has many dweomer. One makes the armour a uniform size no matter who wears it. Affluent noble ladies have similar dweomer placed on garments to avoid the use of girdles.
• Rigmor: There is a sheath for your sword.
• Rados: I will carry it unsheathed. I do not want to be skewered by something nasty while struggling to unsheathe it.
• Wulf: We do not need to use the Soul Stone. Place your hand on my shoulder again, Rados, and we shall teleport close to the cave we seek.

We emerged from the ether and headed for the cave.

Several Witchmen were conducting a ceremony involving burning the second wooden figure.

I ran forward and killed their shaman with Unrelenting Force.

I then disposed of an adult Golem whilst the others disposed of half a dozen other Witchmen.

• Rados: I never got a swing in before they were all dead!
• Wulf: We are very efficient killers, Rados.
• Rados: Was that The Voice?
• Wulf: Yes. I must warn you never to get before me until I physically engage the enemy.
• Rigmor: His Excellency’s Thu’um will kill you as quickly as it does foes.
• Rados: Oh, well, that is good to know.
• Erandur: What is the significance of the ceremony we just interrupted?
• Wulf: Intuition tells me it is a step required to open a portal. Whether the one close by or the Oblivion Gate, I do not know.
• Rados: Is there a portal to Oblivion close by?
• Rigmor: Yes. It is Lady Namira’s birth canal.
• Rados: What?
• Rigmor: His Excellency saw Namira’s baby gestating in Oblivion. He believes it will arrive on Nirn via the nearby portal.
• Rados: A baby?
• Wulf: A Gorgon, which is a Daedric Dragon.
• Rados: Ahhh….
• Sarah: Accept the strange, Rados. We cannot explain the gobblygook.
• Rados: Gobbly what?
• Sarah: When we encounter something that we know exists but cannot explain, we call it gobblygook.
• Erandur: Gobblygook is a handy word that helps us maintain some semblance of sanity.
• Rigmor: It does not mean that His Excellency does not have an explanation. It means we have decided to accept something without explanation.
• Rados: Okay, gobblygook it is then.

We approached the cave entrance.

• Wulf: We shall use stealth. That means no torches or lanterns.
• Rigmor: His Excellency has the eyesight of a dragon. He can see in the dark and detect body heat through rock and walls.
• Rados: We might be surrounded by darkness, but Sir Wulf will know where we are and detect any traps and enemies.
• Erandur: Most of the time.
• Rados: Thanks for the encouragement.
• Erandur: You are welcome.
• Rados: Why stealth?
• Wulf: If the Witchmen’s matron is inside, I do not want her to flee.
• Rigmor: You might not get to bloody your sword, Rados.
• Erandur: His Excellency often clears an area of all enemies without them ever knowing he was stalking them.
• Wulf: Did you learn standard infantry hand signals, Rados?
• Erandur: Yes, and I think I can remember them.
• Wulf: I will use simple ones to denote the number of enemies I detect.
• Erandur: Okay.
• Wulf: Mados’ armour has dweomer to make you move silently, so do not be overly concerned about how sneaky you are.

We entered the ice-covered cave, and I signalled one enemy around the corner. Rados nodded that he understood.

I drew my bow, nocked an arrow, and crept ahead. Rados moved as silently as the rest of us.

I turned the corner, aimed, and released.

The arrow flew true and killed the sentry.

That is how we proceeded through the cave complex. I would see the enemies with Heat Vision sneak into the firing position and kill swiftly and silently.

We came to a Nord Totem puzzle that irritated me, but I solved it without comment.

Further on, I whispered, “There are two enemies ahead. One of them is a Hagraven. I doubt it is The Matron.”

I quickly disposed of the Hagraven and the attending Briarheart.

We continued undetected as my kill count increased.

At the end of a long corridor was a trip wire. I whispered, “There are a few Witchmen in a room nearby. I will trigger a trap and hopefully lure them into the corridor.”

I triggered the trap, and four Witchmen conveniently ran into the corridor and died.

Not much further on, we discovered many Oblivion Vines and dirt piles from The Scuttling Void.

I used Night Vision and Zoom Vision to look beyond a raised portcullis.

• Wulf: The Hagraven Matron is ahead. I see no guards but plenty of closed coffins. I expect Draugr will emerge to defend her.
• Rigmor: Why would Draugr defend a minion of Namira?
• Wulf: Did you notice the Nord architecture buried in the ice? We have seen several bodies on tables as we travelled through these caverns. They are not fresh and are not being used for Flesh Sculptures. They are Draugr being turned into Daedric minions.
• Erandur: Will they be stronger than regular Draugr?
• Wulf: I do not think they will have the weapon skills of regular Draugr. We shall soon find out, as I must attack with speed, not stealth. You are to concentrate on any minions while I dispose of The Matron.

For some inexplicable reason, a twist-handle to raise the portcullis existed on our side.

When the portcullis rose, I hit the matron with Unrelenting Force.

I then Blinked to her location.

She was injured by Unrelenting Force but had raised an impenetrable shield. I needed to dispose of several translucent copies of the Hagraven before I could deal with her.

After disposing of The Matron, I watched the squad and Rados battle Draugr and an adult Golem.

Rados was holding his own but could not dispose of the enemies as rapidly as we could.

When all enemies had been eliminated, I dragged The Matron’s corpse to the top of the stairs to examine it.

I quipped, “Sorry, Rados, she might have made a fine wife and mother.”

He replied, “I can only imagine what mother-in-law would have looked like. Was she powerful?”

“She had extra protections but nothing out of the ordinary. Other minions we have encountered were far more dangerous.”

“At least I got to swing my sword at something.”

“You did well enough. It is up to you if you want to tackle the Daedra in Arnima.”

I inspected a bone sculpture erected above an active Shrine of Namira.

• Wulf: This abomination insults Lady Mara even if not deliberately made to do so.
• Rigmor: Rados, that bone sculpture is the Witchmen representation of Lady Namira. Can you see how she is straddling the shrine?
• Rados: Yes.
• Rigmor: The bone sculpture represents Lady Namira giving birth.
• Rados: Oh, I can see that now it has been explained. That is an insult to Lady Mara!
• Wulf: Without getting into complex metaphysics, the wheel held in one hand represents the separation of Oblivion from Mundus. Its burning signifies Lady Namira’s desire to eliminate that separation.
• Rados: Would that be bad?
• Wulf: It is what Molag Bal has tried to do several times. It is what Mehrunes Dagon attempted during The Oblivion Crises. So yes, Rados, it would be bad.
• Rados: What about the glowing gem held in the other hand?
• Wulf: I do not know. Some Witchmen symbolism is not easily decoded.
• Rados: What are those funny-looking tree roots?
• Wulf: They are Oblivion Vines. Those are conduits to Namira’s domain called Scuttling Void.
• Rados: What is next?
• Wulf: I like to find all the entry points of a complex like this. So, we shall explore the corridors we passed on the way here.

We travelled half a dozen unexplored corridors. I disposed of a few Draugr before we exited close to the portal. Jackos, the knights, and several scouts were fighting the Witchmen but were not doing well.

I warned, “The portal is partly open. Stay away from it while helping the helpless.”

We rushed to Jackos’ aid and quickly disposed of the enemy. I saw Rigmor save one of the knights from a dual-wielding Witchmen.

During the brief melee, a scout became ensorcelled and slowly walked towards the portal.

It was too late to save him.

I yelled, “Get ready! That scout’s Lifeforce will finish opening the portal. Something approaches from Oblivion.”

It was no use trying to reach the ensorcelled scout or warn him. He leapt into the portal, and as I surmised, his Lifeforce was used to complete the portal’s opening.

Whisper emerged and said, “We meet again, Little Wolf.”

I replied, “So Lady Namira found a substitute soul. You have fewer feathers than before but are not as ugly. You only experienced a fraction of my power the last time we met.”

I hit Whisper with Unrelenting Force twice, which was sufficient to end its short tenure on Nirn.

I inspected the corpse. One of Rigmor’s arrows jutted from Whisper’s neck. Not long ago, she could not hit a mammoth from ten paces.

I then approached Jackos, who stood with his mouth ajar and a dazed look.

I growled, “Get a grip on yourself, Jackos. It is dead, and you still live.”

Jackos closed his mouth and shook his head.

• Wulf: What is my least favourite orphanage owner doing here?
• Jackos: Oh, you know of that folly.
• Wulf: That was more than a folly, Jackos. You have allowed your king to continue molesting children and caused the downfall of Wayrest.
• Jackos: I did my duty.
• Wulf: I have killed thousands who would claim they were doing their duty. Only Divine Knight Sarah’s moral code prevents her from gutting you for personal reasons.
• Jackos: Oh…
• Wulf: Why are you here, Jackos? We certainly did not need your help!
• Jackos: We came through the Soul Stone at Priest Matthew’s request. He said you would be here and probably find out what the Witchmen were up to. He wanted to know what that was. He disclosed some concerning information about Lord Mortifayne and Namira. Sek and Nek confirmed that information on the way here.
• Wulf: Who else knows?
• Jackos: The Priest Circle informed King Sigmayne. A force is on its way to remove Lord Mortifayne before he does any more harm.
• Wulf: Do not bother reporting what occurred here to Priest Matthew. I will tell him myself before I run my sword through his belly. Return to Arnima and prepare for an Oblivion Gate to open and Daedra to swarm the city streets.
• Jackos: I do not understand.
• Wulf: Mortifayne’s favourite knights were with you, but notice they are no longer here. They have returned to the Soul Stone, and Arnima to tell ol’ Morty what occurred here. They know the moment the Oblivion Gate opens that their lives are forfeit.
• Jackos: Many within those walls are still tragically loyal to that madman.
• Wulf: Priest Matthew has ensured that what we were trying to prevent would occur. He does not care for the people of Arnima but wants to maintain his position as Priest to Mortifayne’s replacement. The Oblivion Gate would have opened without Priest Matthew’s breach of trust. That still does not negate his guilt.
• Jackos: What happens now?
• Wulf: We will need every person who can swing a sword in Namira. You had better head back there.
• Jackos: We will return as soon as the Lowland Ustase detachment arrives.
• Wulf: Those generate mercenaries? Why would they be sent here?
• Jackos: It is better to avoid asking them directly. I would advise you not to engage them at all. Otherwise, you may land yourself in very hot water.
• Rigmor: If the Ustase were to disrespect His Imperial Majesty’s Envoy, they would be showing disrespect to His Imperial Majesty. If the Ustase desire the retention of their heads, they would be wise to kiss the Envoy’s big rosy arse cheeks.
• Rados: His Excellency just killed that flying thing in seconds. I do not think all the Ustase combined would stand much chance!
• Jackos: Is that you Rados? They finally dragged you into that armour!
• Wulf: It is time to go, Rados. Place your hand on my shoulder.

Rados did not hesitate. He wanted away from the Witchmen and nightmare creatures.

I teleported us to Arnima’s entrance and then headed for the temple. Rados walked faster than me, and I knew he would soon be praying to Lady Mara.

I stormed over to Priest Matthew.

He turned, and his smugness almost cost him his head.

“You told the Priest Circle!”

“We have to protect our noble charges as is our sacred duty. You were taking too long, as proven by your claim that the Oblivion Gate would open without Mortifayne doing so.”

“That came about as you and the other fake priests did nothing for twenty years!”

“How convenient having others to blame for your incompetence.”

“You lying piece of shit. You hope to claim credit for discovering Mortifayne’s connection to Lady Namira. You want to keep your position when Mortifayne is replaced.”

“You have no proof of what you claim, and I am tired of your baseless accusations.”

I backhanded Matthew using a fraction of my strength.

He stumbled to the floor, scrambled to his feet and tried to escape my anger.

I cornered him and drew my sword. He stared at it with fear etched on his face.

I growled, “This sword has taken the lives of thousands of those who endangered the mortals I protect. You will answer my questions or feel its blade slice you from belly to throat!”

“Please, put it away. I shall answer your questions.”

I sheathed my sword and asked, “Is there a force on the way here to remove Lord Mortifayne?”

“Yes. It should arrive soon.”

“How big a force?”

“A few dozen soldiers. Sir Horustair and Governor Merosa and a siege engine or two.”

“Merosa swore before witnesses and attached her seal to a command not to act against Lord Mortifayne. You are guilty of lying and a lack of morality. Merosa is guilty of both as well as treason. Her fate is sealed no matter what occurs today.”

“She sent an envoy several days ago. Lord Mortifayne threatened the envoy, and I had to intervene, at great risk, to prevent the envoy’s death. I realised Lord Mortifayne was beyond reason and sent a message to Arch-Bishop Berlf Acnis informing him of the connection to Namira. Coincidentally, Merosa arrived in Evermore City to ask for the removal of Lord Mortifayne.”

“The Arch-Bishop and Merosa gave King Sigmayne the excuse he needed to remove Mortifayne. He no longer needed approval from The Council.”

“Correct.”

“I gave you a chance for redemption, which you have turned your back upon. I can spare no more time trying to save your black soul. I have a city full of people who need me far more than a lowlife piece of shit.”

Rados looked my way and said, “I will do what I can, Envoy Wulf. I would like to see my childhood home survive, and if it does, it may regain its glory.”

“Remember what I said about those defending their homes and families.”

“They are each worth several attackers.”

“Do not be afraid of the horrors that appear. They bleed and die.”

“Is there any particular strategy I should employ?”

“Keep chopping and stabbing till they stop moving.”

“Ha, I think I can manage that.”

I summoned Celestine.

“A small army will soon appear from the direction of Evermore City.”

“Are we going to stop them?”

“No, we just witnessed the last ceremony to enable Lady Namira to open the Oblivion Gate. If she does not do it, Lord Mortifayne will, as he will know that step has been taken. We shall let King Sigmayne’s soldiers arrive, and hopefully, they will help defend Arnima.”

“We shall be in position within minutes.”

“If inquisitive locals ask what all the armed strangers are doing, they are to be told we are Knights from Skyrim who have come to protect Arnima from an imminent Witchmen attack. Advise them to remain inside their home if they hear fighting.”

“That will produce less panic than telling them an Oblivion Gate is about to open.”

“Hopefully, it will reduce the numbers of civilians on the streets when it happens. Tell the Legion commander they are to enter and move to their chosen areas.”

“We shall be ready, Wulf.”

“I tried my best, Celestine. But the corruption is too deep, and the use of diplomacy a waste of time.”

“We shall discuss all of that later. For now, concentrate on the task at hand.”

Celestine vanished, and I walked over to Aranea.

“The College Masters of Restoration will soon be here.”

“As Celestine said, we shall be ready.”

Rigmor approached from behind, and Our Quiet helped soothe my anger.

My beloved said, “Come and eat and drink. We have time before the shit hits the fan.”

“I want to visit each squad when they are in place.”

“We will have time. Now come and sit with me near Lady Mara’s shrine.”

My Rigmor took me by the hand and dragged me to the shrine. She then thrust food and drink at me and commanded me to sit, shut up and eat. I did as I was told.

A young woman entered the temple with her frazzled bodyguard in tow.

She asked, “Am I too late to help?”

Erandur stood before her and said, “No, Sister Jeanna, you have arrived just in time.”