Fredas, 19^th Midyear, 4E 202

& Loredas, 20^th Midyear, 4E 202

Rigmor was busy getting a numb arse on her throne, and I had no plans for the day. I decided to sit in the sunshine with some dusty old tomes and just read for relaxation.

After a noisy breakfast in the tavern, I returned to my rooms to select books and suitable wine and cheese.

The wailing of my personal Corb broke the silence. I wandered over to it and knew it was Elisif who wanted attention. My Queen has had a Corb for months, but this was her first use.

I waved my hand over the Corb to initiate contact.

“My Queen, I have only just returned to my rooms. I apologise if you have been trying to contact me.”

“I tried your personal Corb first. I would have tried your household one if you had not answered. I remember the five minutes of training you gave, Sir Wulf.”

“Yes, of course. What can I do for you?”

“A visitor from Morrowind says there is a dangerous criminal loose in Skyrim that only somebody with your skills could safely apprehend. He represents House Hlaalu. Falk and others have reservations about him, which they privately communicated to me. We do a lot of trade with House Hlaalu. Therefore, diplomacy rules. Instead of sitting with other waiting supplicants, he is in the VIP section waiting for your arrival.”

“What is his name?”

“Mandyn Hlaalu.”

“Those bastards, I mean, people of questionable parentage, have had a Grey Writ on me since I ended their plot on Solstheim.”

“Councillor Morvayn’s influence with The Grand Council has greatly increased since you reopened the mine. He seems like an agreeable person in official correspondence. I hope he will soon visit to discuss further trade opportunities.”

“Why does Falk have reservations?”

“He told me that Mandyn moves like a warrior, not a diplomat. I trust Falk’s eyes and expertise on this matter.”

“There are subtle differences that even the most disciplined assassins cannot disguise. I shall be there in twenty minutes and teleport inside the entrance.”

I donned my armour and teleported into The Blue Palace, avoiding scrutiny from spies and snitches outside the building.

Elisif had assigned a guard to greet me and calm the other supplicants. A moving metal mountain that appears out of the ether can startle those not used to it.

“Greetings, Palace Guard Mojidzo.”

“This one is pleased to see Sir Wulf. Her Highness told Khajiit not to delay you with idle chatter.”

“Then I had better skedaddle. I would hate to see your furry head on a spike.”

“This one shall wonder the meaning of skedaddle whilst assuring honoured supplicants that one is not a Daedra.”

Many supplicants sat on either side of the room. Amongst them was my favourite Thalmor spy, Wizard Melaran. He haunts The Blue Palace under the pretence of being Thane Erikur’s servant and, therefore, at hand when needed. Months ago, I informed Elisif, Falk and Sybille Stentor about Melaran’s actual employer and Erikur’s dealings with the Stormcloaks. False information has been leaked to Erikur and Melaran. While useful, they will be tolerated. One day soon, they will be escorted to the cells in handcuffs. Erikur will probably have a date with the chopping block. Sybille will likely invite Melaran to dinner.

I made my way to Elisif, taking note of the relative positions of guards and others as I walked.

I stopped the required distance from the throne and bowed quickly at the waist before standing relaxed.

“My Queen, I am here as summoned.”

“Sir Wulf Welkynd, I desire you to speak to Sera Mandyn Hlaalu of House Hlaalu. He has come to us with a problem that requires your unique skills to resolve.”

Elisif nodded to Falk, who said, “Sera Mandyn, you may approach the throne.”

I turned and watched Mandyn. He wore fine clothes and jewellery, and his legs were hidden. However, I could tell he was well-balanced and likely an unarmed combat expert. He carried no weapon, as was the protocol of Elisif’s court regarding supplicants.

From behind his lectern, Falk announced, “Your Highness, Sir Wulf, I present Sera Mandyn Hlaalu of House Hlaalu.”

• Elisif: Welcome, Sera Mandyn. Please understand that we cannot address your House as a Great House despite our sympathy for its fall from grace. After all, House Hlaalu’s unwavering support for The Empire caused animosity, leading to its demotion.
• Mandyn: I understand, Your Highness. Even here, it would be best if you played the political games of Morrowind.
• Elisif: I am not fond of protocol and pretentious titles. However, with politically sensitive issues, we must be careful even when there are no witnesses to any breaches of protocol. If we do not practice such caution when there are no ears and eyes taking note, we may accidentally offend when there are.
• Mandyn: I understand, and that is a wise policy.
• Elisif: Please speak freely, Sera Mandyn. Why have you sought this audience with Sir Wulf and me?
• Mandyn: I have been tasked with bringing to justice a criminal we believe poses a danger to not just Morrowind but all of Tamriel and maybe even Nirn in its entirety.
• Elisif: That is a heavy burden. How many people are aiding you in the pursuit of this criminal?
• Mandyn: Only I am tracking him in Empire lands. In Morrowind and Solstheim, we have many, but even then, we do not think it would be wise to confront him. His power is such that we are convinced the only person with the skills to bring him to justice is Sir Wulf, The Dragonborn.
• Wulf: You are acting solo and trying to keep track of his whereabouts?
• Mandyn: Correct.
• Wulf: Does The Grand Council officially sanction this manhunt, or is it a House Hlaalu concern?
• Mandyn: This criminal has caused significant damage to House Hlaalu. I am here on my House’s behalf.
• Wulf: Who is this fugitive, and what is so dangerous about him?
• Mandyn: We do not know his name. No one has seen his face. He has been making discreet enquiries and gathering clues about items of the past we should all wish to remain hidden.
• Wulf: There are many such items! Can you tell me precisely what the items are?
• Mandyn: His enquiries have revolved around a new Numidium and Kagrenac’s Tools.
• Wulf: Your Highness, many individuals seek Kagrenac’s Tools. That is only dangerous if the seeker is skilled in other areas, such as magic. This individual seems to pose enough of a threat for me to question him and determine his intentions.
• Elisif: It certainly sounds like something within the jurisdiction of The Order of the Dragon. What about a Numidium?
• Wulf: The existence of a complete Numidium would be detected by gods, both Aedric and Daedric, via the Mantella required to power it. Also, the resources needed to build a Numidium would be massive and would not fail to impact Nirn’s trade. Therefore, I doubt a Numidium has been constructed.
• Elisif: But the danger of Kagrenac’s Tools is real.
• Wulf: Yes, My Queen.
• Elisif: Thank you, Sir Wulf, for clarifying the situation.
• Wulf: Sera Mandyn, why does his search for these things make him a criminal? I agree that they should not resurface into the hands of an unknown. But the desire for something is not a criminal offence.
• Mandyn: Any attempt to apprehend him has resulted in death. It is his willingness to murder that makes him a criminal.
• Wulf: I doubt House Hlaalu has politely asked him to stop searching for these things. Self-defence is not murder. Where should we start our search?
• Mandyn: I tracked him to a small town called Little Vivec. Where he went from there, I do not know. That was two days ago.
• Wulf: I know Little Vivec and have talked to some residents. It is home to Dunmer, all Ahslanders, who could no longer tolerate the racism in Windhelm. They trade with local hunters, fishermen, and one of my estates, Lakeview Manor.
• Elisif: Under Ulfric’s rule, the racism in Windhelm became far worse. That is why High King Torygg agreed to the establishment of Little Vivec.
• Wulf: Sera Mandyn, what ethnicity is this individual? How will I recognise him?
• Mandyn: As mentioned, nobody has seen his face, and gender is assumed by voice alone, for his stature is small. He wears chitin armour of an older sort or, more recently, that of an Indoril Ordinator.
• Wulf: Neither type of armour is a common sight in Skyrim. That will aid me in finding him.
• Mandyn: Then you shall seek him for the sake of both Morrowind and The Empire. I advise not listening to his silvered tongue, but you should cut him down without mercy. He may even be a match for you if challenged to fair combat.
• Elisif: It seems your knowledge of Sir Wulf is poor. Gods have offered him riches beyond measure, so I doubt this individual could morally compromise him.
• Wulf: I will give him every opportunity to tell me his story. Suggesting that I cut him down without doing that courtesy makes me think you are afraid of what he has to say. You know who this man is, and you hope I will be your assassin. That is not going to happen.
• Mandyn: That is your prerogative. I will follow other leads and contact you if I find anything relevant.
• Wulf: My Queen, I will start my search for this man soon. However, there is an important message I must communicate before I do so. I hope you understand.
• Elisif: Of Course, Sir Wulf. You have my permission to withdraw.

I have perfected the skill of teleporting without incantation or hand movements. It was something The Psijics refused to teach me. However, I had enough patience and knowledge to figure it out myself. I vanished and hoped that would give Mandyn something to ponder.

I teleported into my rooms and hoped Elisif and Falk got the hint. They did and were waiting by the Corb.

• Wulf: Hello again, Your Highness and Steward Falk.
• Elisif: I found it hard to suppress a giggle when Mandyn was so startled he fell back and onto his arse.
• Wulf: Oh no! I did not mean to scare him!
• Falk: Yeah, and Erikur is loved by one and all.
• Elisif: Your thoughts, Falk?
• Falk: Sir Wulf is correct. Mandyn hopes he will act first and then ask questions later. That is not how he does things.
• Wulf: I think the ‘criminal’ has killed those pursuing him. He is probably as formidable as Mandyn said.
• Elisif: I find it strange that House Hlaalu would ask for Wulf’s help after paying for Grey Writs on him.
• Wulf: Do not let Mandyn that close again. I think he can kill without a weapon.
• Falk: Do you think he is an assassin?
• Wulf: Yes. He might be from House Hlaalu, but his soul belongs to Mephala and his loyalty to The Forester’s Guild.
• Falk: Who is The Forrester’s Guild?
• Elisif: Were you asleep during history lessons, Falk? The Forrester’s Guild is another name for The Morag Tong.
• Falk: Oh.
• Elisif: Experience tells us never to doubt your intuition, Sir Wulf.
• Falk: Who do you think the alleged criminal might be?
• Wulf: Logically, there is only one person it can be. And if it is him, Mandyn was correct again. I do not know if I could beat the ‘criminal’ with weapons. However, he would have no protection against The Voice. We can keep speculating, or I can get busy and stick my nose into other people’s business.
• Falk: You cannot leave me without further clues!
• Wulf: What was that, Steward Falk? Oh no, the connection is lost!

I cut off the Corb connection and summoned my squad for the day: Serana, Sarah, Barendresa and Raightur.

Sara spent time with Serana in Riften’s temple, forming a close bond. Sarah would like to continue her studies and become a Priestess of Mara one day. Until then, she believes she serves Lady Mara best by being a Divine Knight.

I explained the task to the squad. Then I answered their questions.

• Barendresa: Am I in this squad because I am Dunmer, and you are visiting Little Vivec?
• Wulf: No, Barendresa. You four will be a permanent squad, and I wanted Serana to experience and learn more.
• Sarah: Did you tell Her Highness that you recovered Keening some time ago?
• Wulf: No. The fewer people that know that, the better. We have always had replicas of Kagrenac’s Tools on display. Therefore, nothing indicates we have one of the authentic items. But we are still conducting tests, as an excellent copy of Keening is known to exist.
• Serana: I read those tomes concerning your father, but they never said how big The Numidium was.
• Wulf: Every size when activated and about 150 feet high when deactivated.
• Serana: I think ‘every size’ needs some explanation.
• Wulf: Major gobblygook alert!
• Raightur: Followed by a significant headache.
• Wulf: Spatial and temporal laws, as dictated by Convention, do not apply to a Numidium. It could be as small as a mouse or tall enough to reach the moons at the same time.
• Raightur: Ow! That hurt more than brain freeze!
• Serana: You said ‘a Numidium’, implying there could be more than one.
• Wulf: Well, to be precise, there was only one Numidium, but it was simultaneously under the control of different factions during The Warp in the West. When the Jills fixed that Dragon Break, contradictory but correct historical texts mentioned the various owners. I do not think Numidium fought Numidium. One is enough to destroy a province!
• Serana: But they might have, since causality is suspended during a Dragon Break and weaving of the chosen time strands tend to eliminate the contradictions from mortal memory.
• Raightur: What language are they speaking, Sarah?
• Sarah: It sounds like Tamrielic mixed with mumbo-jumbo.
• Wulf: Raightur, what happened to me when Alduin attacked Helgen?
• Raightur: You experienced similar but different sequences of events.
• Wulf: Each sequence was correct, and they happened simultaneously as written. I likely experienced many more sequences but could only remember some of them. When Alduin claimed that we had met in the past, I was presented with a conundrum. I sought an answer, and in doing so, I caused a short Dragon Break. That resulted from the unintended use of the powers of a Dragonborn combined with my affinity for time.
• Serana: The Time Wound made this timeline susceptible to Dragon Breaks.
• Wulf: Correct.
• Raightur: You remembered some parallel timelines, but the people with you did not.
• Serana: Wulf did notice they seemed to experience Déjà vu during the parallel timelines.
• Wulf: What happened during that short Dragon Break is like the events of The Warp in the West.
• Raightur: I understand.
• Sarah: As do I. Thank you for simplifying it for us.
• Wulf: Okay. I will teleport us to Lakeview Manor. Little Vivec is only a short distance from there.

We emerged from the ether and then went to the lake and main road.

A small band of suicidal bandits attacked. We soon eliminated them.

We crossed the main bridge into Little Vivec.

Then we entered its general store.

• Wulf: Greetings, Selyse.
• Selyse: Greetings, Sir Wulf. Your companions are Divine Knights, but I only recognise Sarah from the news sheets.
• Wulf: The others are recent additions to The Order of the Dragon. Divine Knights, please introduce yourselves.
• Serana: I am Serana Harkon, Divine Knight, and Acolyte of Lady Mara.
• Barendresa: I am Divine Knight Barendresa Garvromo.
• Raightur: And I am Divine Knight Raightur Lhagta.
• Selyse: I am honoured to meet all of you. Now, Sir Wulf, to what do I owe this visit?
• Wulf: High Queen Elisif the First has requested we track a visitor’s whereabouts in Skyrim. I assure you that I only wish to speak to this individual.
• Selyse: Would this individual also be sought by a s’wit from House Hlaalu?
• Wulf: If you mean Mandyn, then yes.
• Selyse: I would not trust that is his name, Sir Wulf. He called himself Balyvur Rolthram, but that is a mainlander name, and he was an Ashlander by his accent. A tattoo on his hand told me he was a Hlaalu.
• Wulf: He did not hide his House from myself or Her Highness. But I believe that was to milk any sympathy we may have for our staunchest Morrowind allies.
• Sarah: It did the opposite because Sir Wulf thinks little of House Hlaalu.
• Selyse: Do you know the name of the individual you and the s’wit are hunting?
• Wulf: I am seeking him, not hunting. No name was provided, but he is of short stature and wearing either chitin armour or that of an Indoril Ordinator. You know of whom I speak for I surmise he warned the villagers about Mandyn.
• Selyse: You are correct, Sir Wulf, although I did not speak to the person you seek. Bal-Ran issued a warning on behalf of the stranger. He was the only villager spoken to by the stranger, and he seemed to be in awe of that individual.
• Wulf: The stranger likely watched Little Vivec for some time before entering the village. He would have noticed the Shrine of Azura in Bal-Ran’s tent and how other villagers show reverence to him. As discussed last time we met, Bal-Ran is the true leader of this village, not Belvadyr.
• Selyse: When visiting Little Vivec, Divine Knight Akiho sits down with me and lends me her ears for lengthy rants about Belvadyr.
• Wulf: Whilst sharing some Emberbrand Wine, I hope.
• Selyse: That is too potent for me. Ash-Slake Ale is my choice of beverage. I am surprised Divine Knight Akiho also enjoys it. Most Nords spit it out in disgust.
• Wulf: Divine Knight Akiho is not a Nord. She is from Akavir, as are other Divine Knights.
• Selyse: Does that explain her strangely shaped eyes?
• Wulf: Yes. The eye shape is a racial feature of Akaviri, the race of Man that lives in Akavir. There are five distinct races in Akavir, but none are Mer. That does not prevent racial tensions.
• Selyse: You have much experience with children, Sir Wulf, via your orphanages.
• Wulf: I also host children in my palace and recently adopted one of them. Do you have concerns about Albert?
• Selyse: Is it normal for children to have imaginary friends?
• Wulf: Divine Knights, did you have imaginary friends?
• Sarah: I had many imaginary friends. Who else would attend my make-believe tea parties and balls?
• Raightur: I did not have any imaginary friends.
• Wulf: Did you have other children to play with?
• Raightur: My family was large, and many other children lived in our village.
• Barendresa: Like Divine Knight Raightur, I was surrounded by other children. I had no imaginary friends.
• Serana: Divine Knight Sarah and I have discussed our childhoods in depth. For differing reasons, we were lonely children. So yes, I had imaginary friends.
• Wulf: In answer to your question, Selyse, it is perfectly normal for children to have imaginary friends. Every lonely child will have them. Even those with real children to play with will fall back on imaginary friends when alone. Unfortunately, we choose to forget our imaginary friends when adulthood strikes.
• Selyse: Is it normal for the imaginary friend to be an adult?
• Wulf: Yes. The imaginary adult often represents a mother or father figure, sometimes heroic.
• Selyse: Albert claims his imaginary friend led me to him and that he visits to play games and talk with him and Meat.
• Wulf: Does his imaginary friend have a name?
• Selyse: Albert calls him Wolf. He said that Wolf gave him a lucky coin that he was to gift to somebody special. It looks like a normal, if mint, Septim to me.

My friends looked shocked. They guessed who Albert’s invisible friend was.

• Wulf: I have never spoken to Albert. Whenever I visit, he is dashing around playing with Meat.
• Selyse: He has his quiet moments.
• Wulf: I will see if Albert wants to talk. I assure you, Selyse, you have nothing to worry about.
• Sarah: Divine Knight Serana and I had invisible friends, and we turned out normal. Well, sort of.
• Serana: We are normal when compared to Sir Wulf.
• Raightur: Square wheels are more normal than Sir Wulf.
• Selyse: Am I being silly to worry over this?
• Wulf: No, Selyse, you are not. You are relatively new at mothering, and your concern shows your deep love for Albert. Have you applied for adoption?
• Selyse: Divine Knight Akiho told me her sister recently adopted two children. She explained the importance of adoption to children. It reassures them they have a new family, not just temporary caregivers.
• Wulf: For many children, that is correct.
• Selyse: Please talk to Albert, but do not tell him I have applied for adoption. They might find some reason to refuse it.
• Wulf: There is no reason, Selyse. High Queen Elisif takes her time to read the circumstances of each case. Since the civil war ended, dozens of applications have arrived each week.
• Selyse: Oh. I did not know that. Skyrim is fortunate to have a caring monarch.
• Wulf: Indeed, it is very fortunate.
• Selyse: Please ask Bal-Ran about the bandits that attacked two days ago. He scared them off with his bow. However, he thinks they were scouts and that a larger group may give us a visit.
• Wulf: Other Divine Knights would have hunted the bandits if he spoke to Divine Knight Akiho.
• Selyse: He knows that, but he is not thinking straight after the stranger visited.

We found Albert trying to skim stones across the lake. He stopped when he saw us approaching.

“Hello there, I am Wulf. What is your name?”

“I am Albert, and this is my best friend, Meat! Say hello, Meat!”

I looked down at Meat, who greeted me with a small bark.

“It is nice to meet you as well, Meat.”

I turned back to Albert.

He asked, “Is your name really Wolf?”

“Yes, it is. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I have a friend called Wolf, but nobody believes me. He comes to visit sometimes, but when I say I have been talking to Wolf, everybody says they never saw him.”

Albert had a strong Northern Skyrim accent. His pronunciation of Wulf sounded like Wolf.

I asked, “Does Wulf have a white beard and messy hair?”

“Yeah!”

“Does he wear bronze or gold-looking armour or a toga?”

“What is a toga?”

“It looks like a long dress.”

“I laughed at his toga and asked if he was a bearded lady.”

“Togas are popular where there is a lot of hot weather. Boys and girls wear them.”

“Wolf explained that to me.”

“Wulf is not imaginary, Albert, but he does not let everybody see him.”

“Do you know him?”

“Yes, I do. Where did you meet Wulf?”

“I lived in Windhelm, and my parents joined the Stormcloaks. They went to fight one day and never returned. None of the other Stormcloaks could tell me what happened, so I left Windhelm to look for them. I had heard other Stormcloaks talking about Falkreath, and I had some gold, so I hired a carriage to take me there. That city was pretty but full of Imperial soldiers, so I did not ask about my parents. Instead, I thought I would look in places near Falkreath. I thought they might hide from the Imperials in the forests, so I entered one and got lost. It was nearly dark when a pack of wolves surrounded me. They looked really hungry, and I picked up a stick to be brave and fight like a Nord should. Then Wolf walked between them and me, and they let him pat them like they were his friends. He looked sad when he told me my parents were now in Sovngarde. I told him not to be sad as they must have died fighting, and that is what Nords are supposed to do. He told me that is not always true and asked if I would like to learn how other races live. When I said yes, he laughed and asked me to stay where I was. He gave me water and dried meat and then walked away. The wolves followed him.”

“And you stayed where he told you to?”

“Yes, but I was cold. It was good I was no longer hungry.”

“You were brave to do as Wulf instructed.”

“I dunno if I was brave. I thought Wolf was so nice that doing as he asked would be polite and respectful. It seemed like forever, and I thought I might turn into a lump of ice. Then Selyse found me. She was returning from visiting friends in Falkreath and had taken a shortcut through the woods. When she heard my story about my parents, she asked if I would like to live somewhere safe. She was an elf, a Grey Skin, I mean Dunmer, but she was not like I was taught. She was nice and kind, and I liked her. So, I said yes, and she brought me here, and now she is like my mum after we finally got a letter saying sorry, but my parents had died fighting bravely in battle.”

“Everybody else in this village is Dunmer.”

“Yeah, but they all treat me nice even if Nords treat them horribly.”

“What does Wulf do when he visits?”

“Wolf talks to me about what I do, like the games I play with Meat, the chores, and so on. He likes to play games like I Spy and Twenty Questions. He finds that stuff interesting, while other grown-ups find it boring. He told me it reminds him of simpler times when his son was my age.”

“Well, he sounds like an excellent friend.”

“He is, even if some of his jokes are terrible. He even gave me a special lucky coin. Do you want to see it?”

“I sure do!”

Albert fished a coin out of his pocket and handed it to me. I could feel Father’s presence emanate from it. I retrieved my coin, which was gifted to me when I was about Albert’s age.

Albert looked wide-eyed when I showed him the coins were identical down to the minutest scratch. No matter what abuse my coin suffered over the years, it never changed.

Albert said, “Wolf told me to give the coin to somebody special. He said I would know who that special person was. I want to give it to you.”

“Thank you, Albert, that is a fine present. Now, I want you to have my coin.”

Albert smiled and placed the coin in his pocket.

I asked, “Do you feel different when you hold the coin?”

“Yeah, the feeling is the same with both coins. I feel luckier when I hold them.”

“You keep that coin safe, Albert. It is a special present.”

“I promise I will.”

“Say hello to Wulf next time he visits.”

“So, I say to Wolf that Wulf said hello. That is a bit strange.”

“You cannot imagine how strange.”

I ruffled Albert’s hair, which all children pretend to hate, but it produced a laugh.

Albert ran off with Meat in pursuit.

I told my squad, “You all have questions. Let the events of the day answer them for you.”

We entered Selyse’s store again. She was standing behind her counter.

• Wulf: You can relax, Selyse. The mystery of Albert’s friend is solved.
• Selyse: Mystery? I thought you said it was normal for lonely children to have invisible friends.
• Serana: This one is a bit unusual, as Sir Wulf will explain.
• Wulf: Do you usually take a shortcut through the woods when returning to Little Vivec from Falkreath?
• Selyse: Never! It is a longer journey along the marked paths, but there are usually enough pilgrims with guards to make them relatively safe from wolves and other predators. They are much safer now that regular patrols have resumed.
• Wulf: Why did you risk the shortcut on the night you found Albert?
• Selyse: An Imperial soldier said he heard a child crying out for help, but he could not leave his post. He pointed to where he said the cry came from.
• Wulf: Can you remember what the soldier looked like?
• Selyse: Well, he wore an Imperial uniform, although it looked slightly different. He had a long, white beard and piercing blue eyes like yours.
• Wulf: That was Albert’s imaginary friend.
• Selyse: What?
• Wulf: He is not imaginary, but neither is he flesh and blood. He is an avatar of Lord Talos and has appeared many times to aid mortals in subtle ways.
• Selyse: I find this difficult to believe.
• Sarah: You know Sir Wulf’s reputation, Selyse. He is Champion of The Divines, and to lie about Lord Talos would be blasphemy.
• Selyse: I am sorry. I did not mean to cast doubt on your words, Sir Wulf. But why would a god be interested in Albert?
• Wulf: Albert is one of thousands of children orphaned because of Ulfric Stormcloak’s lies. His parents died thinking that Lord Talos wanted them to fight on his behalf. I tried my hardest to convince people that was not true, but not everybody listened.
• Selyse: Songs about you are unavoidable if you step into an inn or tavern. You are the Nord hero of legend, yet some chose to believe Ulfric over The Dragonborn.
• Wulf: Ulfric was blessed with charisma. He took advantage of the Nord’s hatred for Mer and their devotion to Lord Talos to support his lies. There have been many despots like him in the past.
• Selyse: Okay, Albert is one of thousands of such orphans. Why single him out? What is so special about my son?
• Wulf:  I do not know how many orphans Lord Talos has visited. But I know his motivation. He feels misplaced guilt for what has occurred. Their love for him indirectly led to Albert’s parents’ needless deaths. Like all gods, Aedra and Daedra, Lord Talos has little influence on what mortals do. He relies on Mortal Agents, of which I am one.
• Selyse: And do you feel misplaced guilt, Sir Wulf, because not every Stormcloak believed your words?
• Sarah: Sir Wulf has saved everybody on Nirn from annihilation or enslavement many times. However, like Lord Talos, he falls victim to misplaced guilt.
• Serana: It seems that gods and their Mortal Agents ignore the truth, ‘Everybody is wiser after the facts.’
• Selyse: I think we all do that at times, Divine Knight Serana.
• Wulf: Lord Talos believes that the animosity between Man and Mer is senseless but generational. Albert living amongst Dunmer is a step towards ending that generational animosity. I have several orphanages full of children, and they are proof that racism is taught, not inherited or natural.
• Selyse: Albert has often explained how the Grey Skins of Little Vivec differ from what his parents taught him and other Stormcloaks parroted. When he realised that was a derogatory term, he changed to Dunmer when discussing my race.
• Barendresa: I am curious, Selyse. Why did you trust the words of an Imperial soldier enough to risk the forest?
• Selyse: I could sense his genuine concern and dismissed any notion of dishonesty. Do you believe that The Empire failed our people during The Oblivion Crises?
• Barendresa: No. If you remove yourself from the biased teachings of Morrowind and study the real history, you realise that millions of Imperial troops died battling the invading Daedra. The attrition forced each province to defend itself or perish. Perhaps if more of our people joined Imperial ranks, there would have been more left behind to defend Morrowind and less of a scramble to create our armies.
• Selyse: That is a fair answer. Sir Wulf, did Lord Talos use magic to coerce me?
• Wulf: No. He would never do such a thing. You instinctively trusted him, and your genuine concern for a child in danger decided your action. He did lie, for Albert was not crying out for help. All gods can lie, but some do so for sinister reasons, not altruism.
• Selyse: I passed through a ring of wolves. It was as if they were standing guard over Albert.
• Wulf: Albert was going to be their supper before Lord Talos intervened.
• Selyse: What do I do about Lord Talos?
• Wulf: Do not mention what I have told you about Albert’s imaginary friend’s identity to him or anybody else. Listen to Albert when he talks about Wulf visiting him. Tell others to stop doubting your son, as you called him recently.
• Selyse: He is my son, and I do not need a document to tell me that! Perhaps I should visit one of your orphanages and see if other children could benefit from adoption and make Albert feel less alone.
• Sarah: I warn you, Selyse, that you may want to bring home every child.
• Selyse: It was like that when I asked Albert to choose one puppy from a litter. He was in a bind till Meat chose him.
• Wulf: Has Divine Knight Akiho introduced you to chocolate?
• Selyse: Oh yes! I am going to surprise the other villagers with it in various forms. I shall start with the hot drinks.
• Wulf: You do realise there is a chance of addiction.
• Selyse: I have no doubt, but Divine Knight Akiho said it is harmless apart from expanding waistlines.
• Wulf: We had better continue our pursuit of this dangerous fugitive!
• Selyse: Is Albert’s coin unique?
• Wulf: Lord Talos has handed out identical coins to other mortals. It is a gift from a god, so its value surpasses one Septim. Albert is blessed to have received it.
• Selyse: Oh.

We exited and headed for Bal-Ran. He is a hunter, and I have no doubt he was once a soldier. Like most hunters, a simple tent or shack is all the shelter he needs or desires. He spends most of his time outside, so anything else is superfluous and wasteful.

Bal-Ran pretended to concentrate on his bubbling stew, but I noticed his occasional glance. I decided to play games as well.

I stepped inside his tent and stood before the active Shrine of Azura.

I said loud enough for Bal-Ran to hear, “Lady Azura, I pledge to defend your ancient champion. Starkborn to sire uncertain. Wicked stalk him, righteous curse him. I call him Brother, as he has dedicated his life to the betterment of all at the expense of himself.”

I did not expect a reply from Lady Azura. Perhaps she would have acknowledged my pledge at one of her more prominent shrines where her power is more significant.

Sarah was smiling. She has guessed who we are looking for.

Bal-Ran faced us as we approached.

• Wulf: Greetings, Bal-Ran.
• Bal-Ran: He told me two people would seek him. One was not to be trusted. The other had a warrior’s spirit and was favoured by Azura. I know you as Champion of The Divines, so I am curious why one of The Reclamation should think highly of you.
• Wulf: I take it you have not read my redacted journals. Despite that, you should be aware The Nine have no animosity towards the Daedric Princes. Lady Azura has no animosity towards The Nine.
• Bal-Ran: I have not read your journals, but I know The Nine’s neutrality towards the Daedric Princes. However, my question remains. Why does Lady Azura hold you in high regard?
• Wulf: Yes, I am Champion of the Divines. But I am also Champion of Azura, Boethiah, Clavicus Vile, Hermaeus Mora, Hircine, Malacath, Meridia, Nocturnal, Peryite and Sheogorath. I have dedicated my life to protecting Mundus and all mortals. This task requires cooperation with gods other than The Nine.
• Sarah: Sir Wulf prevented the enslavement of all mortals by a vengeful god. Whilst doing so, he was mortally wounded. Lady Azura helped maintain his soul’s connection to Nirn while Sir Wulf fought to return from The Void. He often champions the Khajiiti, another people beloved by Lady Azura. There are many reasons for Lady Azura’s respect for Sir Wulf, and he is proud to be her Champion.
• Bal-Ran: Please forgive my paranoia, Sir Wulf. The Nerevarine has little to fear from most mortals. However, you are somebody who could harm or even kill him.

Sarah’s smile widened, for her suspicion was proven correct. The other three Divine Knights were shocked.

• Wulf: You are an Ashlander, so meeting The Nerevarine would have been a profound experience.
• Bal-Ran: He did not tell me his identity. But I knew he was Nerevar, born anew. He is the light of Azura made into flesh and a hero to my people and the world.
• Wulf: Any Ashlander who cared to accept the improbable would have recognised him.
• Sarah: Chitin armour might have generated some curiosity. The armour of an Indoril Ordinator is a statement that few could ignore.
• Bal-Ran: The Nerevarine is calm and presents no danger to an observer. Some of my compatriots might recognise his chosen armour, but we value privacy. It would be uncouth to ask a stranger why he dresses as an Ordinator.
• Serana: Did The Nerevarine tell you who he was?
• Bal-Ran: No, for I did not ask. When I was a boy, my mother would sing me to sleep with songs of The Nerevarine. I am not ashamed to say he was my hero. And to have met him is an experience I shall never forget.
• Wulf: Selyse said you were concerned about a bandit gang.
• Bal-Ran: Just before The Nerevarine arrived, half a dozen bandits approached with weapons drawn and sniffing for weakness. They have been plaguing the nearby woods for weeks and likely think we are a soft target.
• Wulf: And you drove them off?
• Bal-Ran: I chose the one I thought to be their leader and bounced an arrow off his helm. The arrow would have penetrated if it had been anything but Orsimer in construction. As it was, it dented the helmet, and he collapsed. The other five decided it was wise to carry their leader away.
• Wulf: If you asked, a squad of Divine Knights would be dispatched to protect this village.
• Bal-Ran: I know, and I ask forgiveness for being distracted.
• Wulf: Do you know where the bandits are encamped?
• Bal-Ran: I know the general area.

I held out my map, and Bal-Ran circled where he thought they camped.

• Wulf: We shall have a look. Do you know where The Nerevarine was headed?
• Bal-Ran: He said he was seeking a Dwemer ruin called Kagrenar.
• Wulf: I know of it. It is close to the border with Morrowind. Nobody can enter those ruins due to magical barriers and complex locks.
• Sarah: Perhaps The Nerevarine has a way. After all, he once had possession of Kagrenac’s tools.
• Wulf: Remiel wanted The Explorer’s Guild to dig their way in. She would have been thrilled to be among the first to explore it.
• Bal-Ran: I hear the sadness in your voice, Sir Wulf.
• Wulf: Remiel was one of three friends who recently died defending High Rock from an Aedra invasion.
• Sarah: Remiel’s enthusiasm for Dwemer archaeology was infectious, as was her positive attitude.
• Bal-Ran: I should take notice of what is happening on Nirn. If Aedra were to march into Little Vivec, knowing which member of The House of Troubles they represent would be beneficial.
• Wulf: Okay, Divine Knights, I know of an overlook that will let us see a large area where Bal-Ran thinks the bandits are camped. They might be close to the path leading to Angi’s. I shall place a Mark here.

I cast Mark, and then we headed for the overlook.

We chatted as we walked.

• Serana: I have not visited Windhelm since the 2^nd Era. Even then, they were anti-Mer.
• Wulf: The residents of Little Vivec fled Windhelm due to the rampant racism and poor treatment from the resident Nords. Things have improved since Ulfric was shortened, but removing all traces of ignorant bigotry takes time.
• Serana: What about Lord Talos and the boy?
• Wulf: I do not know how many random people Father has helped.
• Serana: Lord Talos took the time to help a single mortal. And I think placing the son of racist Nords amongst Dunmer, who fled racism, was a strategic move. Albert will be a voice of reason due to his upbringing in Little Vivec. That sounds like something that a Divine who loves mortals would do.
• Sarah: Wulf, Tiber Septim was a renowned strategist. I assume he can come up with quick solutions to the problems presented.
• Wulf: Even if Albert never finds out who Wolf is, he will remember the kindness.
• Jordis: Was Little Vivec protected during the civil war?
• Wulf: Yes. It has no strategic value, and the only reason Stormcloaks would have raided it would be racism. Ulfric relied on many nobles to stay out of the conflict. A display of racism on such a scale would make many neutrals flock to The Empire’s side. Both sides agreed not to attack small villages and towns for that reason.
• Raightur: Imperial troops were disciplined, well-fed, and well-led. Stormcloaks attacked many farms and small communities. Ulfric did not care who donned his uniform.
• Wulf: Even so, attacking Little Vivec would be a step too far. If the Dunmer population of Windhelm revolted, Ulfric would not have had the troops to quell them.
• Barendresa: Some wolves are in the way.
• Wulf: They will ignore us. Kyne’s Peace is in effect.

We reached the overlook I mentioned and saw the corpses of a dozen well-armed bandits. They were scattered around a camp and in a fast-flowing creek.

We clambered down to have a closer look.

Many trunks containing valuables, money, and other sellable items were untouched. Whoever killed the bandits was not after their possessions.

One bandit was encased in ice. The Ice was slowly melting, but it would be weeks before the body fell to the ground.

The bandit leader was wearing a dented Orsimer helm.

Barendresa asked, “What kind of weapon does The Nerevarine use?”

“He is proficient in all weapons, but I think he prefers duel-wielding long-blade swords. He was a Blade, but I do not think he ever used a katana.”

“I never knew he was a Blade!”

“That fact gets overlooked in many historical texts.”

I cast Recall, and we teleported back to Little Vivec.

Bal-Ran was working on his stew again.

I told him, “The Nerevarine disposed of those bandits.”

“I mentioned those bandits to him but did not ask for his aid.”

“Yet he decided to aid Little Vivec anyway.”

“Those poor fools. They would not have stood a chance.”

“They were preying on citizens, and their demise was justified. They were not fools but scum. Now we shall look for The Nerevarine.”

I teleported us to Shor’s Stone. It did not take long to reach Kagremar from there.

Freshly killed trolls and other creatures told us somebody had used the same path less than an hour before us.

As we approached Kagremar’s entrance, Serana said, “Somebody is observing us from the rocks above.”

“Yes, it is Madryn, or whatever his real name is. He likely knew of The Nerevarine’s destination and waited for him, or us, to make an appearance.”

The magical barriers were gone, and the door unlocked.

• Wulf: I have always been curious about this place. Its name suggests it has a connection to the most famous Tonal Architect, but we could find no records to confirm that.
• Raightur: What is a Tonal Architect?
• Serana: Tonal Architecture is a Dwemeri subset of Tonal Magic that allows its user to manipulate elements of the Aurbis by producing particular sounds. A Tonal Architect is like a Master Mage of Tonal Magic.
• Raightur: Did your brain hurt to say that? Because mine hurts after listening to it!
• Wulf: There are several types of Tonal Magic, and the Thu’um is one of them. Tonal Magic is anything that uses sound to manipulate the Aurbis. Aurbis is another word for universe.
• Raightur: I have witnessed Sword Singers who chant battle songs that made them formidable with dual-wielded scimitars.
• Wulf: Yes, that is another form of Tonal Magic. Others include Green Singing, which Bosmer, who follow the Green Pact, can use for ceremonial purposes.
• Sarah: Inigo’s singing is enough to drive people to suicide. Is that a form of Tonal Magic?
• Wulf: Hey, his singing has been much better since he joined The Bard’s College.
• Serana: As Wulf said, this place likely has something to do with Lord Kagrenac, the greatest of the Tonal Architects.
• Wulf: Kagrenac’s Tools are amongst the most potent and sought-after relics. I doubt a new Numidium could be constructed in secret.
• Sarah: Didn’t Kagrenac’s Tools lead to the disappearance of the Dwemer?
• Wulf: Some histories claim that. Whatever the truth, they are designed to manipulate metaphysics, which even the greatest mortal minds cannot decipher. The Nerevarine used them to defeat Dagoth Ur.
• Sarah: Could the tools be in here somewhere?
• Wulf: I doubt it. I have found Keening, but it could be a fake. I have tried to sort facts from fiction regarding Kagrenac’s Tools. I believe they have a signal that travels hundreds of miles and calls on all Dwemer automatons to attack whoever possesses one of the artefacts and return it to some unknown location. Every Dwemer expert, including Madras and Calcelmo, has a disparate theory about their fate and where they are. There is no denying that The Nerevarine once had them, but he never disclosed where he hid them. Sometime after he left for Akavir, they were discovered, but who had discovered them and what happened to them is unknown.
• Barendresa: It seems odd that something important to Dunmer would be hidden in Skyrim.
• Wulf: That is why I doubt they are hidden in here.
• Serana: Are we the first to enter this place since the Dwemer vanished?
• Wulf: The Nerevarine has already entered, so we shall be the first after him.
• Sarah: I will try and keep you awake, Wulf. I know you find Dwemer ruins far from interesting.
• Wulf: I do not mind the odd mechanical construct I have never seen before. But generally, they bore me terribly.

I contacted Rigmor via Mara’s Rings.

“Can you talk, my beloved?”

“I have just finished with a supplicant. Wait a second while I tell Malesam there will be a delay.”

A few seconds later, Rigmor said, “Okay, what have you been doing that is so hectic you did not have time to chat with me earlier?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just hunting The Nerevarine.”

“What?”

“We are about to enter a previously unexplored Dwemer ruin. Inside is The Nerevarine. A Morag Tong assassin has been tracking him and wants me to kill that hero.”

“Is he stupid or what? Why would Azura’s Champion kill one of her previous champions?”

“I do not think Mandyn Hlaalu is aware of that honorific.”

“Hlaalu? Don’t they have a Grey Writ on you for kicking their arses in Solstheim?”

“Yes, which makes the whole thing even more ridiculous.”

“Rediculousler!”

“There is no such….”

“Shush! We have had this discussion before. I have spoken the word. Therefore, that word now exists.”

“Yes, Countess. Forgive me. Anyway, we have been doing a bit of walking, which has chewed up a lot of the day. I do not know how big these Dwemer ruins are, but we had better get moving.”

“Is Serana with you?”

“Yes, and I can see she is getting fatigued. Only the dweomer I placed on her kimono has allowed her to make it this far.”

“Like when I wore that lovely armour set while recovering from my fall. Without it, I would not have made it to Angi’s.”

“We were close to the trail leading to Angi’s a while ago.”

“I know you would visit Angi and Sorella if Yngol weren’t there.”

“I hold no grudge against most of those who called themselves a Stormcloak. He is different. How can somebody who fought beside your father turn on The Empire?”

“The Sons of Talos were not keen on The Empire till I educated them during our travels. When we reached the First Battle of Whiterun, they fought for The Empire again. As far as I know, none of them fought against you in the Second Battle of Whiterun.”

“I saw no evidence of them being there. By then, Vayu and others had eliminated most of Ulfric’s officers.”

“Will I get to meet The Nerevarine?”

“I do not know what the rest of the day holds. We shall see.”

“Remiel is on your mind, isn’t she?”

“I continue to miss all three, but I cannot help but imagine how excited Remiel would be to enter these ruins. Meeting The Nerevarine would pale into insignificance.”

“Talk to me when you exit unless it is early morning. If you wake me, Morag Tong assassins will be the least of your problems!”

After we entered, I cast a spell to lock the doors magically. I did not want Madryn or anybody else following us inside Kagremar.

We entered the first large chamber, and broken Dwemer automatons were spread over the floor. Some were still sparking and smoking, which indicated that they were very recently destroyed.

On a pedestal was the strangest-looking Dwemer Gyro I have ever seen. I placed it into my Journal Case.

On stone tables near the Dwemer Gyro were superb replicas of Wraithguard, Sunder and Keening. They are the three artefacts known as Kagrenac’s Tools. They joined the Dwemer Gyro in my Journal Case.

The next room we entered had a firmly closed door with no visible lock.

None of us had any idea as to the purpose of the ghostly projection of Keening.

On a table next to a Dwemer chest was a book. Its title was in ancient Dwemer glyphs, but somebody had written underneath, ‘The First Question.’

I opened it, and it only had a single page, also written in ancient Dwemer glyphs. As with the cover, somebody had written a translation in Tamrielic.

• Wulf: I can read Dwemer, but it takes time to ensure an accurate translation. It seems The Nerevarine has translated the text to Tamrielic for us.
• Sarah: He expects us to be the ones following him. He would not leave a translation for Madryn or another enemy.
• Wulf: It is good you used logic because a riddle needs answering to open the door.
• Raightur: Why is it never something I am good at, like smacking something hard with a weapon?
• Wulf: The book’s title is ‘The First Question.’
• Sarah: That means there will be other riddles. Isn’t that great, Raightur?
• Raightur: Yippee!
• Wulf: The riddle is, ‘Powerful magic that has been given form. Two souls, it binds with an ancient force.’
• Sarah: As Wulf often says, Love is the most potent force.
• Wulf: There is no doubt that true love binds two souls.
• Serana: Different people display their devotion to each other in different ways. For instance, most people in The Empire use wedding bands as a sign of commitment. The wedding bands could be regarded as love in a given form.
• Barendresa: That makes sense!
• Raightur: It makes more sense than manipulating elements of the Aurbis by farting or some other noise.
• Wulf: It does not have to make sense for you to help me. I need something that signifies marriage. Then we shall place it in this Dwemer Chest and hope that door opens.
• Sarah: What happens if we put the wrong thing in the chest?
• Wulf: Something unpleasant, no doubt.
• Sarah: Of course. Silly of me to ask!
• Wulf: I shall take the book. We do not want anybody who might find their way in here getting any further.

I placed the book in my Journal Case, and we started to examine the items on tables and shelves.

Raightur said, “Ahh, one of these pendants is missing. I have no idea what they are, but the remaining ones are not dusty, and the lid is open. That suggests the pendant was recently removed.”

I went over to see what Raightur had found.

Sarah also looked and said, “Remiel told me that one of her favourite finds was a Dwemer Marriage Pendant. They were exchanged in place of rings in the Dwemer marriage ceremony.”

I replied, “Yes, and although many think of the Dwemer as loveless beings obsessed with science and magic, they were also blessed by Lady Mara’s gift to mortals. However, I doubt they walked hand in hand down their boring corridors or showed any other forms of affection in public.”

I picked up a pendant and walked over to the Dwemer Chest.

I warned, “Do not hesitate to walk through the door. We do not know how long it will remain open.”

My friends stood close to the door while I placed the pendant in the chest and closed it.

An aqua light emanated from the chest and travelled to the door, which swung open.

The squad followed me as we made our way to the next part of Kagrenar. As we did so, we heard the door behind us clang shut.

In the next puzzle room, we were greeted by a Dwemer Spectre and two Automatons.

I Shouted Whirlwind Sprint to close on the Dwemer Spectre. They can be very powerful, and their appearance cannot be used to estimate their strength.

I cut the Dwemer Spectre down and joined the others in disposing of the Automatons.

Another of Kagrenac’s Tools, Sunder, was displayed as a transparent projection.

As with the earlier room, there was a closed door without a lock or lever to open it.

As with the other room, a riddle and a Dwemer Chest awaited our answer.

I read ‘The Second Question’ to The Sentinels.

“The mightiest weapon in all creation. With it, mortals become gods. For only it can slay time.”

• Barendresa: I know the answer to that one!
• Raightur: Can you give me a chance to figure it out? I just so happen to like riddles.
• Wulf: Is that so? Okay, we will give you a couple of minutes.
• Raightur: No need. I have not the slightest idea.
• Wulf: I can give you a clue.
• Raightur: Okay. Hit me with one!

I whacked Raightur over the head with the riddle book.

• Raightur: Hey, what was that for?
• Serana: You asked Wulf to hit you with a clue.
• Raightur: Well, that book does contain a clue.
• Sarah: What is inside a book?
• Raightur: I told you that one contains a clue.
• Sarah: How did the clue get inside the book?
• Raightur: Somebody wrote it. Duh!
• Sarah: Is the person who wrote it still alive?
• Raightur: I dunno. How can you tell?
• Sarah: Is Kagrenac still alive?
• Raightur: Nope.
• Sarah: But we know some of Kagrenac’s thoughts because they are within books and scrolls.
• Raightur: His thoughts, in words, have outlived him. They have conquered death and time!
• Sarah: That was well done. It took a bit of prompting, but you solved the riddle.
• Raightur: So, Wulf, place a book in the Dwemer Chest and open that door!
• Wulf: No, Raightur. Books and scrolls can be used for purposes other than storing people’s thoughts. Ledgers and Attendance Rolls, for instance. Many of them only contain illustrations.
• Raightur: We should look for something to do with writing but not illustrations.
• Wulf: Yes.

We let Raightur search, for his enthusiasm was high. We wanted him to gain confidence in his intelligence, which he thinks is inferior to other Divine Knights.

A while later, he handed me a quill.

I asked, “On the same table were parchment and ink, which are also used to write down a person’s thoughts. Why did you choose a quill?”

“I know people draw with quills, but not like the one I handed you. Its point is ideal for writing. Finer ones are used for illustrations.”

I smiled at Raightur and saw he took pride in his deduction.

My friends gathered near the door as I placed the quill in the Dwemer Chest and closed it.

An aqua light emanated from the chest and travelled to the door, which swung open.

The squad followed me as we made our way to the next part of Kagrenar. As we did so, we heard the door behind us clang shut.

Predictably, the next puzzle room had a closed door without a lock, a transparent projection of Wraithguard, a riddle book and Dwemer Chest.

The room also contained a dormant Dwemer Centurion.

I read ‘The Third Question’ to the Divine Knights.

“When cold, it destroys. When hot, it creates. Let it encase your heart for what lies ahead.”

• Raightur: Apart from the mages, Divine Knights wear armour. The armour is made of metal, and so are our weapons. Our weapons are cold and deadly, but the metal had to be hot to make them. The metal had to be hot to make our armour. We are looking for metal!
• Wulf: In ore form?
• Barendresa: No, because the ore does nothing when cold and makes ingots when hot. We are looking for metal ingots!
• Wulf: Any type of metal ingot? I can see many kinds of ingots on shelves and tables from here.
• Serana: Logically, it would be a Dwemer Metal ingot since we are in a Dwemer building.
• Wulf: The centurion will attack us if we are wrong, and we may lose our only chance to open that door.
• Serana: Do you think there is a flaw in my logic?
• Wulf: Not at all, for all Dwemer armour is made from Dwemer Metal. Intuition tells me we should use a steel ingot.
• Serana: Defy logic and rely on a gut feeling.
• Wulf: Intuition has kept me and everybody else on Nirn alive and free. So that is what I shall do.

I placed a steel ingot in the Dwemer Chest and closed it.

An aqua light emanated from the chest and travelled to the door, which swung open. We also heard another door nearby open.

Soon after exiting the room, the door clanged shut behind us. However, another door remained open.

Inside a small room was a pedestal upon which lay a key.

I took the key, and we continued. The second door closed after a few seconds.

A corridor led to a Dwemer Lift.

When everybody was on the platform, I pulled the lever, and we travelled upwards.

When the lift stopped, we heard a battle. A Dwemer Centurion already lay defeated. The sound of metal on metal and another Centurion echoed as we ran towards the fight with weapons and spells ready.

We turned the corner just in time to see another Centurion fall. The diminutive figure that felled it sheathed his swords and remained where he was.

I said, “Divine Knights, sheath weapons and cancel spells. The Nerevarine is our ally.”

I strolled toward The Nerevarine and stopped out of the reach of his and my weapons.

I tower over most mortals. The Nerevarine was shorter than Olette yet exuded a sense of confidence and promise of swift violence even when standing still.

I bowed deeply, then stood with my hand far from my sword.

• Wulf: I am honoured to meet The Nerevarine.
• Nerevarine: At last, you arrive, Sir Wulf Welkynd, Dragonborn and Champion of The Divines. I am equally honoured to meet you and the Divine Knights.
• Wulf: Did Lady Azura tell you of this meeting?
• Nerevarine: Yes. Azura gave me a vision of our meeting, though I did not know where it would occur. I heard your progress through the puzzle rooms and knew it could not be the coward who hunts me.
• Wulf: Is he Morag Tong?
• Nerevarine: Yes, and Mandyn Hlaalu is his real name. He is one of their better assassins but not too bright.
• Wulf: House Hlaalu have had Grey Writs against me since I foiled their plans in Solstheim. Yet he thought I would aid his House without questioning his motives.
• Nerevarine: I know of your exploits in Solstheim and elsewhere. In a way, I know you better than anyone else, Sir Wulf. The weight of destiny lies heavily on your shoulders. I can see it in your stride. I carried it myself once, long ago. At first, it was easy. It even felt empowering to be so crucial to so many. But time passed, and I grew tired.
• Wulf: I carry the burden of expectations and responsibilities. I may be at the mercy of the troubles presented to me, but I choose my courses of action. My destiny is unknown and is not enforced, foretold or a burden. I have never felt empowered. I chose my path when presented with options. Perhaps you do not know me as well as you think, Nerevarine?
• Nerevarine: I apologise for my presumptions. They were products of my experiences, not yours.
• Wulf: I assume Lady Azura has informed you of my actions. Well, those that she is aware of.
• Nerevarine: Yes, and she admitted that much remains a mystery.
• Sarah: Did you go to Akavir?
• Nerevarine: Yes, Divine Knight Sarah. Over two hundred years ago, I left on an expedition to Akavir.
• Sarah: You know my name?
• Nerevarine: I read a lot before embarking on this trip to Skyrim. Sir Wulf and his friends have dominated the news sheets for many months. I was also privileged to read Sir Wulf’s redacted journals. The redactions are what perplex Azura.
• Serana: Why did you go to Akavir?
• Nerevarine: A thirst for adventure… and no small amount of hubris. After I defeated Hircine in Solstheim, Tamriel felt so empty. I had beaten a Dark Lord. Nothing else could challenge me, and I was weary, so I left.
• Wulf: I do not regard my tasks as challenges. They are part of the duties I accepted when agreeing to be Champion of the Divines. I achieve as much satisfaction helping a single mortal as I do the entirety of Nirn.
• Sarah: Sir Wulf does not value glory or undertake a task as a challenge! He does it because he has a deep-rooted need to help the people of Nirn. The values he holds are products of an upbringing where his parents taught by example, not empty lectures.
• Wulf: I could never turn my back on the people of Nirn. I think your values have changed, which is why you returned.
• Nerevarine: Yes, you are correct once more. I arrived back in Tamriel around two hundred years ago. And no one knew about it because I willed it so.
• Raightur: Why keep your return a secret?
• Nerevarine: I cannot bring myself to face any false heraldry. Not after what I have done!
• Raightur: Why would it be false heraldry, and what have you done?
• Nerevarine: I was absent when needed. When the Red Mountain ravaged Morrowind and when Daedra invaded all of Tamriel, where was I? Where was the mighty Nerevarine? Thousands were slain, heroes and friends amongst them, and all because I had to satisfy my ego.
• Wulf: Unique skills to resolve a problem and the willingness to risk life and soul are what make a hero. I do not know if I could survive Hircine’s Wild Hunt. You could not have done what Martin Septim did to raise a new Liminal Barrier, nor could you have defeated Alduin. You said you were weary. That is because you are not a god! You did your duty until you could do it no more. The gods cannot ask for any more than that!
• Serana: Nerevarine, does that ring you wear make you immortal?
• Nerevarine: Yes, it was a gift from Azura.
• Serana: It is unfair that you feel that you should attend to problems after your time. You deserved the peace of quiet retirement and to join Azura in Moonshadow when your days were over.
• Nerevarine: Unfair or not, the guilt is real. Hoping to atone, I have wandered Tamriel secretly, helping where I can. I may never erase my failures, but perhaps I can overshadow them with new successes.
• Wulf: Many of my allies seek atonement. Like you, only they can decide when atonement is required and when it has been reached. If we can aid your pursuit of atonement, we shall. Tell us why you are here.
• Nerevarine: That answer to that lies in the name of these ruins.
• Wulf: They are named after Lord Kagrenac. Do you think his tools are hidden in these ruins?
• Nerevarine: I do not think so, for they would call to me. I hope never to see them again. I do not want to test myself against the temptation they would subject me to. It was hard enough to resist when I was more confident in my actions.
• Wulf: Then why are you here?
• Nerevarine: When Tiber Septim united Tamriel, he did so by using one of Kagrenac’s weapons.
• Wulf: The Numidium was not designed primarily as a weapon. It was supposed to be a god. But yes, Tiber Septim did set it loose, although the souls in the Mantella decided its actions, not he.
• Nerevarine: I destroyed a second Numidium two hundred years ago. Recently, I heard rumours that a third lay dormant in this very ruin.
• Wulf: I doubt there is one, for Imperial agents would note the resources needed and the magic involved. However, it would be foolish to ignore the possibility.
• Nerevarine: I thought you would come to the same conclusion. So, are you willing to help me discover the truth and, if one exists, help with its destruction?
• Wulf: You have our aid, Nerevarine.
• Nerevarine: I am glad to have all of you assist me. If there is a Numidium and it awakens, let me draw its attention, then attack it with everything you have from afar.
• Wulf: That is wise advice, Divine Knights if you are facing a Numidium. If it is something lesser, make your judgement.
• Nerevarine: Follow me! I have already retrieved the keys needed to search the rest of this complex. That is why our metal friends disliked me.

We followed The Nerevarine to some gates that he quickly opened with his retrieved keys.

A while later, we entered a large cavern.

We did not face a Numidium but a Dwemer Titan. I knew what it was even though I had never seen one. They are amongst the rarest of Dwemer Automatons and are an oversized Centurion.

I yelled, “Divine Knights, that is not a Numidium. It is a Dwemer Titan. I think it is invulnerable while the Magicka flows through the Dwemer Dynamos. Perhaps you can damage it quicker than it regenerates. I will investigate the machinery and see what is required to make it vulnerable.”

Four warriors attacked the Titan with weapons. Serana cast powerful Destruction spells.

The Dwemer Dynamos were positioned between columns, one above and another below. There were levers on each column.

I said, “You are barely scratching it, and I do not want to waste time trying to solve a puzzle of levers. I will use Lightning to destroy the source of Magicka.”

The Nerevarine replied, “That is a wise move.”

Serana added, “I shall administer Restoration magic if needed, Wulf. Concentrate on the Magicka source.”

There were three streams of Magicka. A magical barrier protected the machinery for each stream. Not many mages can cast Destruction spells that match mine in strength.

I cast two Lightning spells at a machine. The first bolt lowered the barrier. The second bolt destroyed the machinery.

Sarah yelled, “We are starting to inflict more damage. However, this thing is still regenerating at a great rate.”

I ran to the second machine and repeated the process.

It took three bolts to lower the barrier and destroy the machinery this time.

I ran past the skirmish and saw that nobody was injured or worse.

The last barrier and machine only required two bolts.

When I turned around, the last blows were administered, and the Dwemer Titan fell with a clang.

My friends rushed towards me, not knowing if I was okay because each machine had exploded violently.

I told them, “I am unharmed. Well done, for that was a formidable opponent.”

We approached The Nerevarine.

• Nerevarine: As you said, that was not a Numidium but a Dwemer Titan
• Wulf: It is the first one I have encountered in dozens of Dwemer sites I have traversed.
• Nerevarine: They are only used as guardians for the most important sites. Perhaps this place has some personal significance to Lord Kagrenac if it does not contain his Tools. I cannot say for sure.
• Wulf: We shall try to figure it out. I have many resources that I can bring here to aid with that.
• Sarah: Nerevarine, the Divine Knights are pleased and honoured we could help you.
• Nerevarine: And help you did! The Divine Knights and Sir Wulf are an impressive team. It has been too long since I could fight back-to-back with others I could call my equal.
• Wulf: Are you curious about the purpose of this place?
• Nerevarine: Yes, and if you find out, I will be at the Shrine of Azura near Winterhold for some time. In a less stressful environment, I want to talk to you, Champion of Azura, and Countess Rigmor Ragnarsdottier of Bruma. I have advice on Akavir that you may find of use, and I am fascinated by somebody titled ‘Daughter of Azura.’
• Wulf: I am not surprised Lady Azura knows of my impending trip. It is early morning, and I must attend to other matters, including Mandyn Hlaalu. I shall visit before midday with Countess Rigmor if her courtly duties allow.
• Nerevarine: Mandyn is a hired assassin who also represents his House. Dispose of him, and House Hlaalu will hire more assassins. Why they are fixated on me, I do not know.
• Sarah: Mandyn lied to High Queen Elisif and Wulf. That deserves a chained and very public escort out of Imperial territory.
• Nerevarine: Public humiliation is any House of Morrowind’s worst punishment.
• Wulf: Divines be with you, Nerevarine.
• Nerevarine: And Azura’s blessings to you, Dragonborn and Divine Knights. I shall inform Bal-Ran that I am safe.

The Nerevarine cast a different and overly spectacular form of teleport spell.

I had a look around the room and then searched the Titan. From it, I recovered a book and a key.

The book’s title was handwritten in Ancient Dwemeri glyphs. It was called ‘Memories of Dorana.’

I gently opened it, hoping it was Kagrenac’s account of his beloved.

It was, and I had no doubt his handwriting filled the pages!

I walked in a daze as I quickly translated the first few paragraphs. A concerned group of friends stopped my wandering.

• Serana: Are you okay, Wulf?
• Wulf: Yes, I am okay. Remiel would have kittens over this!
• Serana: Can you interpret that Roscrean into Tamrielic for me, Sarah?
• Sarah: It means Remiel would have been very excited.
• Serana: What would make Remiel give birth to another species?
• Wulf: This book is an account handwritten by Kagrenac about his beloved wife, Dorana.
• Barendresa: Are you sure Kagrenac wrote it?
• Wulf: I am sure. He wrote a few scrolls we collected for the museum, and I am familiar with his handwriting.
• Barendresa: Can you read it to us?
• Wulf: It will take some time to translate. Dwemeri is a complex language, even though its glyphs are not very different from those of some other Mer languages. I will need to make several draft translations before arriving at something accurate.
• Serana: Was Dorana a Dwemer noble?
• Wulf: She was a peasant soldier. It is impressive she worked her way through the ranks to the prestigious position of guard to Lord Kagrenac. Some historians claim Kagrenac fell in love with her before seeing her face because her charm and wit were remarkable. Hopefully, his own words will tell if that is true.
• Raightur: Dorana probably whistled and ensorceled poor Kagrenac with Tonal Magic.
• Sarah: Some unfortunate woman or man will pierce your bachelor’s heart one day, Raightur. Then, you will appreciate Lady Mara’s gift and tales of true love.
• Raightur: That is why I encase myself in steel.
• Serana: We have already established that love is the strongest of forces. Your armour will not protect you.
• Barendresa: Was this entire complex created to protect that book?
• Wulf: I do not know. We shall bring our Dwemer experts here, who can try deciphering all this machinery.
• Raightur:  There was another book in the room where we met The Nerevarine.
• Wulf: Then we had better see what it is.

We backtracked to the earlier room. The book was in front of an unlocked Dwemer Chest.

It has no title, and unlike the previous books, it does not have a translation.

I read it and quickly translated for the squad, “Take the keys that lay within. You will need them for the path ahead.”

There were no keys in the Dwemer Chest.

• Sarah: Did The Nerevarine take them?
• Wulf: Yes. I think they combined with an earlier key to open the gates. The Centurions tested somebody’s worthiness before the final confrontation with the Titan.
• Sarah: I have never seen you in awe of anybody or anything. You seemed to be in awe of The Nerevarine.
• Wulf: What he has accomplished is worthy of my awe. To defeat Hircine and survive The Wild Hunt is likely beyond my capability.
• Barendresa: What next?
• Wulf: I will take this squad home to eat and rest. If I need to travel again today, I will use another squad. I must inform High Queen Elisif of the deception via Corb, and she will request that The Penitus Oculatus find and arrest Mandyn.
• Serana: You gathered two keys you have not used. What are they for?
• Wulf: The key from the small alcove was to unlock the gates that The Nerevarine opened. He would have had an identical key after answering the three riddles. The keys from this chest were also needed to open the gates. There is another door in the corner of the Titan’s room. I assume the key from the Titan is to open that one.

The key from the Titan provided access to another Dwemer Lift.

Everybody clambered onto the platform, and I pulled the lever.

We travelled upward for some time before the lift stopped. We exited to a snow-covered plateau. Mandyn Hlaalu was waiting for us.

I took a step towards him. The Divine Knights were silent behind me.

I remarked, “You did a poor job following us, Mandyn. Were you surprised I locked the door behind us?”

“I was worried you would never leave that place.”

“We had to fight a Dwemer Titan, but it was not much of a challenge.”

“Did you dispose of the criminal?”

“The Nerevarine is not a criminal even if he did arrive in Vvardenfell in chains centuries ago. That was a ploy by The Blades to put him on the path of completing The Seven Tasks. But you know that and are not concerned about his legal status. As usual, your disgraced House is seeking revenge for some perceived insult. Just like the Hlaalu morons I slaughtered in Solstheim. Like The Nerevarine, I find Morag Tong assassins more of an annoyance than a danger.”

“It is a pity. Whatever lay in those ruins must have taken its toll on your mind and body. Now, it is up to me to dispose of you.”

My friends started to laugh. I put my hand up to silence them.

I growled, “How are you going to kill me? You are not wearing boots, so perhaps you think an unarmed attack is possible. Or will you draw your weapon? You did not think you could kill The Nerevarine, but you thought I could. Therefore, you know I am a far superior warrior than you. And what of the four Divine Knights behind me? Any one of them could kill you in seconds. Are you going to defeat all five of us?”

Mandyn remained silent.

I said, “Mandyn Hlaalu, I believe you carry a Grey Writ for the execution of The Nerevarine. You also threatened the life of an Imperial noble, namely me. You lied to my sovereign and likely committed other offences inside Imperial borders. Therefore, as Thane of this hold and Divine Knight, I hereby arrest you. Be wise and live. Be foolish and die. The choice is yours.”

Mandyn drew his weapon and attacked.

He was swift and probably thought he had a chance since my hand was not on my katana. He was surprised how swiftly I unsheathed my sword and brought my shield to bear.

He lifted his shield in defence. I casually knocked it out of the way with my shield, which unbalanced him.

He watched my sword start its arc but could not prevent its progress.

His eyes continued to stare ahead after I decapitated him.

I searched the still-twitching corpse and recovered the expected Grey Writ.

I read it to the squad.

“Honourable Writ of Execution: The Nerevarine.

The aforementioned personage has been marked for honourable execution in accordance with the lawful tradition and practices of the Morag Tong Guild.

The bearer of this non-disputable document has an official sanctioned licence to kill the aforementioned personage.”

• Barendresa: Madryn seemed particularly stupid. Did he think he could kill you?
• Wulf: I have lost count of how many opponents have boasted about how they will kill me just before their demise.
• Sarah: Madryn was a special kind of stupid. I cannot kill A. You can. Oh, you did not kill A. That means I will have to kill you.
• Raightur: While ignoring the other four knights bristling with spells and weapons.
• Wulf: Okay, time to go home. I advise you four to get some food and then sleep.
• Serana: What about you?
• Wulf: I have many things to do before meeting The Nerevarine.
• Sarah: Wulf does not physically fatigue as quickly as us.
• Wulf: Mental fatigue is my weakness. Rigmor will aid with that.
• Raightur: Because love is the most powerful force known.
• Sarah: Raightur! There is hope for you yet.

When we exited the ether, my four friends headed for the tavern.

It was too early in the morning to bother Elisif or Rigmor. Therefore, I wrote my journal.

House Hlaalu is a nuisance, and something must be done to end their illegal activities inside The Empire. Perhaps Master Neloth may have a suggestion or two.