Loredas, 20^th Midyear, 4E 202

& Sundas, 21^st Midyear, 4E 202

After writing my journal entry, I translated ‘Memories of Dorana’ from Dwemeri to Tamrielic. After several drafts, I was pleased with the result. If Rigmor can join me later, I shall read it to her. It sheds new light on Lord Kagrenac. My beloved will find some similarities to us.

While searching in The Arcanaeum’s collection for information on Longwang, I found an ancient Spellbook. It was written in a variation of Aldmeris unlike any other I had seen. Auryen told me it was the language of Maormer, also known as Pyandoneans or Sea Elves. I remember seeing them as a child after one of their ships docked on our island.

It is important to note that spells are learnt via a universal language and diagrams. Native languages are only used for the description. I managed to decipher the description of the spell and thought it might be a solution to an imminent problem. So, I spent a couple of hours learning several variations of it.

I had breakfast in the tavern and then returned to my rooms. Rigmor contacted me soon after via Mara’s Rings.

“So?”

“Ahh…so what?”

“Fill me in. What happened?”

“Do you want to meet The Nerevarine?”

“DUH!”

“Then hurry and get ready.”

“I am already dressed for a day out. Well, half a day. I cannot avoid court later.”

I summoned Rigmor and told her of our travels through Kagremar.

She shook her head and remarked, “How many stupid people go ‘blah blah blah’ before you chop their heads off?”

“I only let them get one blah out before their head rolls.”

“Have you learned any more about Big Dick, I mean Longwang?”

“No, but The Nerevarine said he has some information about Akavir. He might know something.”

“Are you sure it will take three months to reach Akavir?”

“I might be able to speed it up by making wind.”

“Are you going to eat beans and point your arse towards the sails?”

“You would not need the beans. But no, I have a spell to create wind. I also have a Shout that does similar, but I cannot use it because it would give away my identity.”

“So, how much faster would the ship go?”

“I have no idea what kind of ship Endyval has organised. If it is a typical Skyrim trading ship, then we could cut a month off the time to Akavir.”

‘How are we going to have time together?”

“I have a plan. Watch.”

I cast the Replica spell, and another me stood next to Rigmor.

The Replica asked, “What do you think?”

My beloved was shocked and replied, “I will not talk to that thing, Wulf. It is not you, and it scares me.”

“Other mages can control the Replica. For instance, Merlin could make himself invisible and control the Replica. If Merlin summons me, I can quickly replace the Replica if need be.”

“Please, Wulf, get it away from me.”

I moved the Replica away and then stared at it.

Rigmor asked, “Why is it shorter than you?”

“I do not know. Perhaps I have made a mistake with my casting.”

“What can it do?”

“This one can only do what it is instructed to do. It will stand there forever if not dismissed. I can conjure Replicas that will defend me. They will have my fighting ability but no mage or dragonborn powers.”

“You can summon more than one?”

“Yep.”

I dismissed the Replica and then summoned two replacements.

Rigmor remarked, “Both are short but twice as creepy together.”

“I can use a Shout to summon the Replicas of an entire Squad that would fight with their skills. Pretty cool, huh? I have never used it, like most of the Shouts I know. I have used a small fraction of the spells I know.”

“This spell and that Shout is anything but cool, Dragonbum! Please get rid of these things.”

I dismissed the Replicas.

I asked, “Do you want to hear something creepy about Replicas?”

“I will probably regret this, but go ahead.”

“A Telvanni Wizard-Lord named Divayth Fyr has four wives. He calls them his daughters. They are his Replicas. He has turned them into females and given them some intelligence. So, if you told him to fornicate himself, he could honestly say he already has.”

“That is the most disturbing thing you have ever told me!”

“And I bet you cannot wait to tell somebody else.”

“Of course I will!”

“Please sit in front of the fire, and I will make you forget about the creepy Replicas.”

“How?”

“I will read you my translation of Kagrenac’s book.”

Rigmor poured herself some wine, gulped it down, and then refilled her goblet before sitting.

I poured myself a goblet, took a sip, and then sat with the translation on my lap.

“Memories of Dorana by Lord Kagrenac

I am neither a romantic nor a poet. I am a scholar. I am a creator. I am the High Craftlord and Chief Tonal Architect and the one who is tasked with forging a future for our people. One might think that this would put me above emotional bonds and weaknesses. I had thought that, too. Before Dorana, that is.

It was late at night. I was working without sleep, fuelled by pride and frustration. The project itself was trivial. An enchanted ring meant as a gift for one of our allies. Yet, for some reason, the specifics were eluding me. It was maddening. No matter how hard I stared through the dim candlelight, the notes on my desk grew no clearer.

The room brightened, accompanied by clanking footsteps. I turned to find a soldier bearing a lantern. I could not see the face behind the mask, but the short stature told me this was not my usual guard.

“It’s not healthy to work in darkness, My Lord.” said the guard, her voice bright and clear despite the slight muffle caused by her helmet.

She had meant it literally, setting the lantern down on a small table. I offered a grunt of thanks and turned back to my work.

“For all the good it will do. I would need a dozen lanterns to make sense of my thoughts at this rate!” I muttered.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed her head canted to the side, “Shall I go and fetch them, My Lord?”

“I was speaking metaphorically, you…” I turned fully to glower in her direction but hesitated. I could not see her face, but her posture and how she held her hands behind her back as though hiding something stopped me. I could almost see the grin behind the helm! I felt my brow furrow. It would be a feeling I would grow accustomed to. “You are being smart!” I accused her.

She shook her head. “No, no. I hear you are the smart one, My Lord.”

I grimaced, my eyes narrowing. No one had talked to me this way for years. I was too important a man to jest with and had too much important work to be done. I was not sure how to react.

“What is your name?” I asked.

“Dorana, My Lord”, was the response, followed by the slightest bow of her head.

“You are a bit…sunny for a warrior, Dorana.”

She laughed. It was an uninhibited, hearty sound, not the light giggle you usually hear from ladies or female warriors.

“Everyone says that,” she reached over her shoulder and tapped the hilt of her warhammer. “Then I change their mind with my hammer.”

It was one of many conversations in that same room and time every night. Just as my candle would start to burn low, Dorana would arrive with a fresh lantern and some clever quip. They were short encounters at first, and sometimes, they left me stewing. How dare this guard speak to me so informally? I am a High Craftlord and worthy of respect!

Yet I never did anything to stop her. In fact, I started to expect the clanking boots and cheery greeting, glancing at the door as my candlelight faded. The conversations grew longer, my mood less sour, and I even managed to smile now and again.

Months later, I realised I was no longer working late out of ambition. The projects were just an excuse. What I wanted was the conversation, the companionship. I wanted Dorana.

It took more months after that for me to act on it. Such is my nature. I am patient. I am meticulous. I act only at the right moment. And so, eight months after I had learned her name, I asked her to remove her helm.

“My helm?” she repeated, half mockingly. “Such an informal request. Are you feeling all right, My Lord? Suffering any dizziness or fever?”

“No, I am quite well. Better than I have ever been,” I replied.

I stood from my chair and stepped towards her. Even in the armour, I could see her tense.

“I want to see your face, Dorana.”

She hesitated. Dorana never hesitated. “Why, My Lord?”

“Because I can no longer bear the thought of such a beautiful voice coming from behind such an ugly helm.”

“Oh!” she said, stunned into rare speechlessness. She recovered quickly. “I could get another helm.”

I laughed. For the first time in ages, I let myself truly laugh. Dorana’s laughter joined mine, and at that moment, any tenseness or lack of certainty I had faded.

“All right,” she said as the laughter died down. “I will do as you wish, My Lord.”

As she pulled the helmet from her head, tangled brown locks fell about her shoulders, and bright blue eyes opened in my direction. She was not flawless. A faded scar from some blunt impact marred her forehead, and her nose was crooked from multiple breakings. She grinned sheepishly, aware of her unladylike appearance.

“Disappointed?” she asked.

“Never!” I answered.

That is how I will remember Dorana. I will remember her for those late nights in my workshop and her rowdy mischief at formal banquets. I will remember her for her laugh and smile, not the coughs and groans as she struggled in bed for those last two years. Not for her paling skin and teary eyes.

If only I had worked faster. If only the Tools had been ready sooner. It was all for you, Dorana, the Brass God, the Heart. I wanted to bury the Tools with you here. If they cannot restore your smile, they are of little use. But no, I will keep them with me. One day, they will take me to you.

Without your light, this world is too dark. I do not belong in it.

No one does.”

I knew Rigmor would tear up. She loves romantic novels and cries at fiction, so she has no protection against real romance.

I smiled at her and said, “I always thought of Kagrenac and other Dwemer as unromantic automatons like their machines. I knew they married, but such an expression of love is unique for that race.”

“The only place you have found Dwemer art was in Evermore.”

“Yes, the sculpture of the Dwemer leading a chained Betrayed.”

“Guards and their charges falling in love seems to be quite common.”

“Like my grandparents, Laouig Le Gleau and Mikaela Naner. He was her guard, and they fell in love.”

“The same with Sister Jeanna and Oliver. I am glad her father consented to their marriage.”

“Perhaps they told him Sister Jeanna was already expecting?”

“Was she?”

“I don’t know, but they informed us they were expecting not long after their marriage.”

“If I told her I was pregnant, Mum would probably travel to Skyrim so she could drag you by the ear to Bruma.”

“The orphanage Sister Jeanna runs is trusted, unlike those of King Sigmayne.”

“My Guardian fell in love with me. Perhaps that trait runs in your family?”

“Do you want to change into something warmer? It is likely to be cold at Azura’s shrine.”

“I like this dress, and you forget I am a Nord.”

“Nord or not, sniffling and snoticles are not ladylike.”

“I will be okay, so wriggle your fingers and get us there.”

“For the last time, I do not wriggle my fingers when casting spells!”

“Hahaha. For the last time? Yeah, right. Pffft!”

“I do not have to teleport your clothes. Do you think your Nord blood will be happy in your undergarments in the ice and snow?”

“You would not dare!”

“Hahaha. I would not dare. Yeah, right. Pffft!”

“You probably would, being the nasty person you are.”

I wriggled my fingers, and we came out of the ether and into a biting wind. Despite her Nord blood, I could see Rigmor was not comfortable.

I cast a spell, and the weather turned sunny and quite warm.

“Thank you, my Guardian.”

“You are welcome, my pain in the arse.”

“Is that Aranea up there?”

“Yep. Aranea is wearing her Azura robes, but I placed a dweomer on them like our armours so she is warm.”

The Nerevarine was sitting and probably deep in meditation when we approached.

After a few seconds, he realised we were there and stood.

• Wulf: Nerevarine, I am honoured to introduce Countess Rigmor Ragnarsdottier of Bruma.
• Nerevarine: It is a pleasure to meet you, Daughter of Azura.
• Rigmor: I have not been called that for many months.
• Nerevarine: Nobody has used my real name for hundreds of years.
• Rigmor: Haha. You win on that account.
• Wulf: I will still have my experts examine Kagrenar, but I am confident about its purpose.
• Nerevarine: I have been mulling over that mystery and found no answer.
• Wulf: It was built to protect this book, written by High Craftlord Kagrenac. It was in the possession of the Titan.

I retrieved Kagrenac’s book from my Journal Case and gave it to The Nerevarine. He gasped when he read the cover.

• Nerevarine: We knew he wrote this book, but not where it may be or if it still existed.
• Rigmor: I bet nobody tried searching for it in Skyrim.
• Nerevarine: You are correct, Countess.
• Wulf: Please read it. I am interested in your thoughts. Rigmor and I will enjoy the scenery while you do so.

I looked around, but I knew Rigmor continued to stare at The Nerevarine. He was a mythical figure revered by most, and his struggles parallel mine in many ways.

After a few minutes, he closed the book and returned it to me.

• Wulf: High Craftlord Kagrenac lost his heart to a laugh. I know that feeling.
• Rigmor: You loved me long before you heard me laugh.
• Wulf: Apparently, I have loved you since Mundus was created.
• Rigmor: Nerevarine, Wulf, and I have entwined souls. We seek each other every kalpa.
• Nerevarine: Azura told me the bond between you is unique and strong.
• Wulf: Duplicates of the book in Ancient Dwemeri will be made and sent to the various universities and other places of learning in Nirn.
• Nerevarine: Duplicates?
• Wulf: We sourced and repaired a Dwemer machine that reproduces pages so accurately that it is difficult to tell a copy from an original. After binding the pages, we call the finished tome a Duplicate.
• Nerevarine: It is appropriate for a Dwemer invention to share the words of High Craftlord Kagrenac with other scholars.
• Rigmor: When translated, his words will be popular with many people. Romance sells.
• Wulf: Rigmor spends half of Bruma’s funds on romance novels.
• Rigmor: I do not!
• Nerevarine: Kagrenac’s despair at Dorana’s death frightens me. Am I a fool not to have loved so I can avoid such pain?
• Wulf: Love is the most potent force in existence. I have often said that. It brings even Gods to their knees at times. It has saved me from The Void twice and sustained me during my darkest days.
• Nerevarine: But you have written what would happen if an enemy killed Rigmor. You are afraid of becoming another Pelinal Whitestrake and unleashing all the power you have without remorse or pity. That would be a terrible thing to behold, and I might end up the same way if I let myself love.
• Wulf: I cannot say if the love Lord Kagrenac experienced is worth the pain and lack of enthusiasm for living he endured after Dorana’s death.
• Rigmor: We would not be the same people without our love. Wulf would probably have surrendered to his Dovah half before now. He would not be Pelinal Whitestrake, but I doubt he would be somebody you would want to travel with.
• Wulf: You have learned to love the normal mortals you encounter the same as I have. If that sustains you, do not think you are missing out on anything. Continue to express that love by helping where you can. That must bring comfort to you.
• Nerevarine: You are right, but I cannot help but feel such love you two and so many others experience is something I want before I find my way to Moonshadow. The chances of finding an immortal with an irresistible laugh are slim, so I have decided to surrender my immortality.
• Wulf: I have been on the edge of death several times in the last few years. Doing what we do is not conducive to a long lifespan.
• Nerevarine: I have no intention of being an active hero. Along with my immortality, I am shedding that role. Is that not something you desire, Sir Wulf?
• Rigmor: We desire that more than anything, Nerevarine. We have seen a future where that is possible, but there will be many barriers before it becomes a reality.
• Nerevarine: Is an endless darkness one of those barriers?
• Wulf: I wondered if Lady Azura had seen it. Do other Daedric Lords know of it?
• Nerevarine: Azura saw it but did not understand it. I saw it two centuries ago in Akavir.
• Wulf: How?
• Nerevarine: What part of Akavir are you travelling to?
• Wulf: I am going to Tenno Island to investigate a possible reemergence of a being called Phantom of Longwang.
• Nerevarine: Then it has happened again.
• Wulf: What has happened again?
• Nerevarine: I shall explain shortly. Do you know where I was during my absence from Tamriel?
• Wulf: All we know is you travelled to Akavir.
• Nerevarine: I desired to travel where and when I wanted without being directed by Azura. I developed a mind block, like what you have in place, and removed my ring. I could no longer be given visions and instructions.
• Rigmor: I thought your ring made you immortal.
• Nerevarine: It protected me against spells, diseases, poisons, and drowning. It also allowed Azura to contact me when I was not in the presence of a shrine. Do you know how I became immortal, Sir Wulf?
• Wulf: Quoting from several historical tomes, ‘Even as my Master wills, you shall come to him, in his flesh, and of his flesh.’
• Nerevarine: I am pleased some parts of my spoken account have survived translation.
• Wulf: Dagoth Gare, an Ash Ghoul and Priest of Dagoth Ur, cursed you with Corprus Disease when you defeated him in battle. However, Wizard-Lord Divayth Fyr of House Telvanni cured you.
• Rigmor: That pervert with the four Replicas as wives?
• Nerevarine: That change in Wizard-Lord Divayth Fyr occurred long after I had dealings with him. I know he failed to attract the love of at least one woman he was smitten with.
• Wulf: You are too quick to judge Wizard-Lord Divayth Fyr, Rigmor.
• Nerevarine: You learn to accept such eccentricities when dealing with geniuses. Wizard-Lord Divayth has aided many over the years at significant risk to himself. He is not a mortal agent of any god, and his actions are purely altruistic.
• Rigmor: Wulf, you told me the story about his four wives as a lesson!
• Wulf: I told you the story as an outrageous tale for your amusement.
• Nerevarine: Wizard-Lord Divayth’s cure for Corprus Disease worked, but I could no longer age. I would remain in my mid-twenties until death finally found me.
• Rigmor: Like Molag Bal’s curse prevents vampires from aging.
• Wulf: Daughters of Coldharbour age to a certain point. Serana was sixteen when raped by Molag Bal. However, she regards herself as thirty years of age. I met a Cyrodiilic Vampire who was eleven years of age when she was turned. She lived for hundreds of years in a child’s body.
• Nerevarine: Divine Knight Serana was contemplating a cure for her vampirism in your redacted journals. Yesterday, she seemed mortal to me.
• Wulf: Serana is mortal and desires a normal life. She will not seek one but would welcome a partner to share it with.
• Rigmor: Sorry, Nerevarine, for the digression. Wulf has a habit of doing that.
• Nerevarine: I have read a scroll that will allow my body to age. I obtained it from a mage who lived on Tenno Island two centuries ago. I am now as mortal as Divine Knight Serana or you, Countess.
• Rigmor: Wulf is also mortal, which he occasionally seems to forget.
• Wulf: Digressing again!
• Rigmor: See, you cannot help yourself.
• Nerevarine: Tenno Island was the last place I visited on my tour of Akavir. I travelled the length and breadth of Akavir’s mainland and many islands.
• Rigmor: Wulf told me that some provinces do not welcome any race from Tamriel.
• Nerevarine: I did not try to disguise my race. My face was uncovered, and the only province where I experienced instant hostility was Ka’Po’Tun’ The peasants of that land were friendly. Still, it seems their soldiers are taught to hate anything and anybody from Tamriel.
• Rigmor: Did you spend little time there because of the hostility?
• Nerevarine: No, I travelled for months through that province. It was a sport for me. Using my skills to sneak past soldiers, and so on was amusing. In the years I travelled through Akavir, I never bloodied my swords.
• Wulf: Why did you wait so long before travelling to Tenno Island?
• Nerevarine: You would know it has strong magic protecting it from scrying. I thought it would be the riskiest place in Akavir to visit, so I left it alone. Then I started to hear rumours about problems in Tamriel. But that is all they were. I am sure the leaders of the provinces knew what the reality was, but I was in no position to ask them. Plus, I wanted to find out for sure before deciding on returning or not. I learned of a sacred site on Tenno Island that may provide answers.
• Wulf: I assume it provided those answers, which is why you returned to Morrowind.
• Nerevarine: The sacred site contains an ancient relic called The Eye. It is ancient, probably from The Dawn Era, and was created by a people who no longer live anywhere in Akavir. I think it is a Dwemer construction, but I saw nothing that could conclusively prove that theory.
• Wulf: What did The Eye show you?
• Nerevarine: It knew what knowledge I sought but showed me far more. As described in your journals, I glimpsed the past, present, and future as if I were there, like Ethereal Travelling.
• Wulf: Glimpses would not mean much without context.
• Nerevarine: Azura also made that observation. She relies on several reports from her seers to make sense of associated visions. Events since I visited The Eye have slotted into those glimpses. However, some outcomes are different from what I saw. Therefore, I know The Eye’s foresight was like Azura’s peers. Possibilities are presented, not inevitable outcomes.
• Rigmor: You have read Wulf’s redacted journals. His opinions on fate, destiny, foresight, and prophecy are plain. Free will and chance dictate outcomes, not a predetermined sequence of events.
• Nerevarine: And I agree with that stance. However, I know the endless darkness is possible as some of Azura’s seers have also seen it. I believe The Eye showed me things of importance, even if I have yet to understand their context.
• Rigmor: Did The Eye show you The Red Year and The Oblivion Crises?
• Nerevarine: Yes. Six years after I left my homeland, the hordes of Mehrunes Dagon invaded it. Eleven years after I left my homeland, it was devastated by Red Mountain exploding.
• Wulf: The Obscurity is what The Divines call the darkness you saw. Have you asked Lady Azura why she is interested in Rigmor? Her father and herself are devotees of Lord Talos. Her mother worships The Nine. They were never devotees of Lady Azura.
• Nerevarine: Azura is unsure. She knows Rigmor is essential, but not why.
• Wulf: According to Saint Alessia, who is a seer without equal, only Rigmor and myself can prevent The Obscurity. What it is and how we prevent it is unknown.
• Nerevarine: The Eye did not provide any answers, just a glimpse of nothingness that makes The Void seem crowded.
• Wulf: Did The Eye provide clues as to the identity of The Shadow of Longwang?
• Nerevarine:  They were the only visions where I had clarity of events and outcomes. The Shadow of Longwang first appeared not long after I left Akavir. And it will appear every two hundred years unless stopped. A mortal sacrifices their soul to Longwang, becoming an avatar of enormous power. I do not know who stopped its first appearance.
• Wulf: It was likely the priest who acted as my host when I ethereally travelled.
• Nerevarine: Now, two hundred years later, it has returned. You might defeat it, but there is only one way to stop its return in another two hundred years. You must strike the avatar with Keening or a weapon blessed by Azura.
• Wulf: We know Longwang as a benevolent god worshipped by some coastal people in Akavir.
• Nerevarine: He is an Ada, a demigod like Morihaus and Pelinal Whitestrake. When I killed Dagoth Ur, his soul did not travel to an afterlife or get claimed by a god. It travelled The Void until it somehow found and corrupted Longwang. Now, that demigod is Dagoth Ur. He has the power, through his avatar, to control people via dreams as he did in Morrowind. He can also control an individual directly through willpower alone.
• Wulf: The Shadow of Longwang tried to subdue the priest. As you said, it was a battle of willpower. I promised the priest I would avenge him and his people. That can only be considered complete if I prevent the avatar’s return. I will have my sword, Azura’s Bane, blessed rather than seek Kagrenac’s Tools.
• Nerevarine: I cannot tell you the location of The Eye. That information was erased from memory. I know the mage who provided me with the scroll to return aging gave me directions to The Eye. However, I cannot recall his name or location. He may still live because he had artificially elongated his life.
• Wulf: I would not use The Eye unless unavoidable. I do not know how my affinity for time, ethereal travel and Dragonborn powers might interact with that relic.
• Nerevarine: I have suspicions about why Dagoth Ur would interfere with Akavir. What do you suspect, Countess Rigmor?
• Rigmor: Dagoth Ur despises The Empire. I can think of two scenarios. He may want to control the Tsaesci enough to enable another invasion of Tamriel. The other option may be weakening them enough that the Ka’Po’Tun win their seemingly endless war. That would allow Emperor Tosh Raka to invade Tamriel, as his hatred for us equals Dagoth Ur’s. He would have the bonus of Tsaesci or Akaviri troops to bolster his force. The problem with the second scenario is Tosh Raka wants to destroy all of Tamriel, including Morrowind.
• Nerevarine: That was well thought out, Countess.
• Rigmor: Father taught me tactics. He was a renowned leader during and after The Great War.
• Nerevarine: Sir Wulf outlined Ragnar’s story in his redacted journals. It serves as a lesson on how easily history can be manipulated and turned into propaganda.
• Wulf: I feel conflicted as The Nine alter history to remove my involvement in The First Battle for Whiterun.
• Rigmor: You added to that misdirection by referring to The Guardian General as the commander during that battle. You also refrained from using The Voice.
• Nerevarine: I assume the purpose of this deception is to distance yourself from Countess Rigmor.
• Wulf: When I appear in Cyrodiil, it will be to combat a yet unknown adversary. Like happened with The New Order and The Stormcloaks, my involvement will be something the enemy has not planned for. In both instances, mistakes were made as the enemy scrambled to counter me.
• Nerevarine: Like my appearance caught The Tribunal off guard.
• Wulf: It helped that false Nerevarine appeared before you.
• Nerevarine: None of them deliberately misled people. There was more than one prophecy concerning my arrival, and all the false Nerevarine met some criteria of one or more. They died but aided me in death.
• Rigmor: Wulf’s misdirection also protects me from those who want to harm him. However, there is another reason we have yet to get married.
• Wulf: The Coverture Laws of Cyrodiil are idiotic!
• Nerevarine: I agree. I cannot think of another province that has such outdated gender views. Females are allowed to fight and die for The Empire, yet are inferior after marriage.
• Rigmor: Only in Cyrodiil. High Rock and Skyrim are more sensible. Unfortunately, some laws can only be changed by the Emperor or Empress. Coverture Laws are some of them. His Imperial Majesty is juggling the politics of The Empire, and any radical change may tip the balance of cooperation and acceptance. He does not want Morag Tong to be hired by the opposition.
• Wulf: Speaking of Morag Tong, Mandyn Hlaalu was a member, as you advised. He carried a Writ, which in Skyrim is a Grey Writ, naming you his target.
• Rigmor: The idiot attacked Wulf when being arrested.
• Wulf: I could have disabled him, but I do not like the methods used to extract information from stubborn prisoners. Many have warned me that my morals may be a weakness an enemy takes advantage of.
• Nerevarine: You placed Mandyn’s fate in his hands. He chose to die. I have done the same on many occasions. Torture is necessary to keep order, but I will not be responsible for subjecting another mortal to such barbarity. Like you, I desire to protect mortals when I can, even if they are categorised as evil.
• Rigmor: What are you going to do now you are mortal?
• Nerevarine: I will wander around Morrowind and Solstheim, hoping to find a friendly, quiet village where I can retire in relative peace. If love finds me, that will be a bonus and may determine my future residence. Nobody will know my identity if I am careful. If need be, I can be a skilled mage and swordsman who defends my village or town when required. However, my wandering days will be over. I will not look for problems to solve.
• Wulf: What about your need to atone for what you regard as your failings?
• Nerevarine: Since my discussions with you and the Divine Knights, I have concluded my atonement is complete. I am content I have done enough to earn my retirement. I was wrong to blame hubris for my decision to leave Tamriel. I was weary and needed to see Nirn and the mortals I fought for. I did not have time to see much of Nirn, but I saw enough to realise even those who knew nothing of me benefited from my efforts. I was content until visiting The Eye. I am content once more.
• Rigmor: I hope you find what you seek, Nerevarine.
• Nerevarine: Like the mortals I championed, I will live a life of uncertainty and exercise the gift even Azura sometimes rails against, which is mortal free will.
• Wulf: I do not expect any further contact from you, Nerevarine. However, news of your happiness would be more than welcome.
• Nerevarine: That can be arranged. For now, it is goodbye. I will continue to read your redacted journals. Please speak to Azura and Priestess Aranea. Like me, she is embarking on an everyday life after a long period of service.

I did a head bow to The Nerevarine. Although I desire to see him succeed in his retirement, my wishes do not influence the randomness that is mortal life.

The Nerevarine returned to sitting as Rigmor, and I approached Azura’s altar.

Rigmor hugged Aranea and then stood beside me.

• Rigmor: Azura’s statue is almost complete. You can soon escape Skyrim’s cold for the sunny weather of Bruma.
• Aranea: The average temperature of Bruma is less than here, Rigmor.
• Wulf: I think Aranea is not used to sarcasm.
• Rigmor: Even if it is colder, you can sit in the warmth of a tent and only leave when a pilgrim requires your assistance or guidance. I know the beds in the temple Wulf had repaired are nice, but nothing beats a double bed with down pillows and silk sheets.
• Wulf: I dunno. I found many of the chairs I slept in near you quite comfy.
• Aranea: There is one significant advantage to me moving to Bruma.
• Rigmor: It may take some time for Sethri to find you.
• Aranea: It will be a test of his commitment. Lady Azura will not tell him where I am, and neither will the other priests and priestesses.
• Rigmor: Does he have a chance of capturing your heart?
• Aranea: He does grow on you.
• Wulf: So do warts.
• Aranea: Your fondness for Sethri is not hidden in your redacted journals, Wulf. And remember, I have read your unredacted ones.
• Rigmor: He is a hero, Aranea. Lady Azura would not look so favourably on Sethri if his morality were questionable.
• Wulf: Lady Azura cannot smell Sethri.  
• Aranea: It has been centuries since I participated in the games of romance. I might find some competition in Bruma to see how Sethri handles that and to practice long-neglected skills.
• Rigmor: That is kinda cruel, but it will be fun to watch!
• Wulf: Be careful not to break his heart. He does not deserve that.
• Aranea: I will rely on Rigmor’s advice on how far I should go with my subterfuge.
• Wulf: Rigmor will use her extensive knowledge of romance novels to provide expert advice.
• Rigmor: I can recommend some novels to help you prepare!
• Wulf: If nothing else, they can be used to stoke the fire in your tent.
• Aranea: Have you thought about Wulf’s proposal for extra mages? They would benefit your people and provide extra protection for you and Bruma.
• Rigmor: I have agreed to allow the use of the old Mage’s Guild building to house three of them.
• Wulf: I have three apprentices in mind who will graduate soon.
• Aranea: Would they be J’zargo, Brelyna and Onmund?
• Wulf: Yes. Not only are they excellent mages but they have formed a strong bond at the College.
• Aranea: All three are different personality-wise, but I found them pleasant and competent.
• Rigmor: I look forward to meeting them.
• Aranea: The arrival of The Nerevarine startled me, to say the least. I no longer receive visions from Lady Azura, but some forewarning would have been nice.
• Rigmor: Like you, Aranea, The Nerevarine deserves a normal life after such lengthy service to Lady Azura.
• Aranea: Let us hope we both achieve that. But as he said, we will experience uncertainty, the normal condition of the mortals we serve.
• Rigmor: Wulf travels to Akavir on the 23^rd. Thanks to The Nerevarine, he is more informed and prepared for what he will face.
• Wulf: It will still be a matter of figuring things out as I go, but at least I understand who my enemy is.
• Rigmor: Wulf does not know who the enemy uses as their soldiers and agents.
• Aranea: That sounds familiar.
• Wulf: Indeed, it is. I am confident of my success because of that familiarity. Figuring out alliances and who I can rely on is a skill I have honed over the years.
• Aranea: Please speak to Lady Azura.

I stood behind Rigmor and Aranea and looked at the statue’s face. I should have changed the weather to something with clouds as Rigmor squinted into the sunlight.

• Azura: Champion and Daughter, it pleases me to see you together.
• Rigmor: It has been too long since I heard your voice, Lady Azura.
• Azura: Your statue and shrine will soon be consecrated.
• Wulf: That means Rigmor can annoy you whenever she wants.
• Azura: Mortal humour is wasted on me, Champion. However, I can recognise it when it misses its mark.
• Wulf: Ouch!
• Azura: It pleases me that The Nerevarine and Priestess Aranea will end their mortal days living like the people they have served. I have avoided any foresight my seers have on the possible outcomes of their new ventures.
• Aranea: I know you well, Lady Azura. A god with your compassion would find it difficult not to interfere.
• Azura: I am merely fulfilling your desire to let the variables of a mortal’s life determine your fate.

I am sure Aranea smiled at that white lie of Azura’s. The god would intervene to protect the mortals she loves.

• Wulf: Lady Azura, I shall visit later today with Azura’s Bain.
• Azura: I will replicate the power of Keening without the need for Wraithguard. I learned the dweomer of High Craftlord Kagrenac when The Nerevarine wielded his Tools. However, as a safeguard, it will be detrimental to any other being who tries to wield the sword.
• Wulf: Then I request the dweomer be removed once its purpose is fulfilled.
• Azura: Agreed. The same warning applies to Moon-and-Star, which I place with you for safekeeping. Even you would die if you wore it.
• Wulf: Why trust me with it?
• Azura: I do not know if there will be a descendant of The Nerevarine. If there is, I do not know if Moon-and-Star will be needed. You have secured many powerful artefacts, and I trust you.
• Wulf: It will be secured, Lady Azura, but not out of reach of one who can wear and needs it. I can devise a lock that will only respond to such a person. A caretaker will be assigned with a succession in case it is required later.
• Azura: That is an acceptable and sensible solution.
• Rigmor: Have your seers had foresight concerning Wulf’s trip to Akavir?
• Azura: Powerful magic on that island prevents the penetration of scrying or foresight. However, seers have reported unease if their foresight gazes upon it.
• Wulf: As did Dragonguard shamans.
• Azura: My sword will sever Dagoth Ur from Longwang. I do not know if the Ada will return to benevolence. Dagoth Ur’s soul will return to The Void. I will not claim it.
• Wulf: My only concern is releasing Longwang and the people of Akavir from Dagoth Ur’s influence. Events outside of my control will decide the future of Dagoth Ur after that.
• Azura: I have faith in you, Champion.
• Wulf: Thank you, Lady Azura.

Lady Azura’s presence faded. I opened a small casket and retrieved Moon-and-Star.

After inspecting the ring, I returned it to the casket. I placed the casket in my Journal Case.

Rigmor asked, “What now, Dragonbum?”

“We must visit the museum, but first, I should talk to Shije and Vayu.”

“I have never met Shije.”

“Shije is a good person but had to survive the horrors of The Frost Atronach realm of Oblivion. So, if he seems abrupt at times, be patient.”

As soon as we appeared in my rooms, I summoned Vayu and Shije.

Shije appeared out of the ether a fraction later than Vayu. The discussion was telepathic.

• Wulf: Good morning, Shije and Vayu.
• Vayu: Greetings, Wulf, Shije and Rigmor.
• Rigmor: I am pleased to meet you, Mage Shije.
• Shije: Likewise, Countess.
• Rigmor: Why are we being telepathetic?
• Vayu: There is no such word as telepathetic.
• Wulf: The Countess has said the word. Therefore, the word now exists!
• Rigmor: Well done, my Dragonborn. Your training is going well.
• Shije: Two legs have difficulty with Alfiq’s high-pitched voices. My crystalline form exacerbates the problem. That is why we are being telepathetic.
• Wulf: Rigmor and I just had an interesting discussion with The Nerevarine.
• Rigmor: The Shadow of Longwang is an avatar of Longwang controlled by Dagoth Ur.
• Shije: I am not surprised Wulf and The Nerevarine finally crossed paths. He has been lurking around Tamriel for the last two hundred years. I am even less surprised that Dagoth Ur has re-emerged.
• Wulf: Longwang is an Ada. His powers are limited, but he aids Fishermen via weather control and the location of large schools of fish.
• Vayu: That is what we discovered when investigating his religion and followers.
• Wulf: Dagoth Ur managed to find and ensorcel Longwang from The Void. The Shadow of Longwang is Dagoth Ur’s avatar. A mortal must hand control of their soul to Dagoth Ur, who can take over their form when desired.
• Vayu: You witnessed that priest turn into the avatar.
• Wulf: The avatar first appeared on Tennos Island shortly after The Nerevarine returned to Tamriel. He knows the details of Dagoth Ur and Longwang due to foresight from an ancient relic called The Eye.
• Vayu: The Eye is something that has fascinated many shamans. Nobody could locate it, but we had no doubt it existed.
• Shije: I have looked and cannot penetrate whatever magic hides it. It is likely Dawn Magic that few, if any, mortals learned.
• Rigmor: The Nerevarine was given many visions by The Eye of past, present, and future. Some events have transpired as the visions showed. Some have had different outcomes.
• Vayu: That is common for any vision, no matter the source.
• Shije: It would be unwise for you to use The Eye, Wulf.
• Wulf: I would only use it if a need arises. We cannot speculate what will occur once I reach Tenno Island.
• Vayu: Now we know what you witnessed on Tenno Island occurred two hundred years ago.
• Wulf: Yes, and I think the priest that hosted my Ethereal Travel found a way to defeat The Shadow of Longwang.
• Rigmor: But it has returned and will do so every two hundred years unless Dagoth Ur is removed from Longwang.
• Wulf: The Nerevarine said that striking the avatar with Keening, or a sword blessed by Azura, will send Dagoth Ur’s soul back to The Void.
• Rigmor: Lady Azura will bless Azura’s Bane.
• Wulf: Lady Azura learnt Lord Kagrenac’s dweomer when The Nerevarine wielded the Tools.
• Shije: What powers does The Shadow of Longwang have?
• Wulf: He can recruit followers through dreams and directly through willpower.
• Vayu: He tried to overpower your Ethereal Travel host.
• Shije: What do we think Dagoth Ur’s intention is?
• Wulf: I think he still wants to destroy The Empire and cleanse Morrowind of foreigners. How he will achieve this is unknown.
• Shije: Where did you meet The Nerevarine?
• Wulf: A House Hlaalu diplomat wanted me to hunt and kill a dangerous fugitive. We tracked the fugitive to a previously unexplored Dwemer ruin called Kagremar. I had already guessed the ‘dangerous fugitive’ was The Nerevarine, so we were not surprised to encounter him.
• Rigmor: The diplomat was a Morag Tong assassin.
• Wulf: I ended up killing him and recovered the Grey Writ.
• Shije: I will inform the Grandmaster and others of this development.
• Vayu: I will tell the other Divine Knights.

Vayu headed to Aurane’s living quarters. Shije vanished.

Rigmor commented, “Shije seemed quite polite.”

“Yes, he can be. I am used to his mood swings, which do not bother me.”

“Are we going to the museum now?”

“Yes, and then I will take you home.”

“Oh, goody!”

We teleported into the Museum. A guard told us Auryen was conducting a tour and would be in the library.

We stopped to admire a recent acquisition as we walked to the library.

“Oh, I like that! Please tell me about it.”

“It is called ‘Reflection of a Girl’ and was carved by Relgor Dondrin in 4E 49. He made other more valuable pieces, but I like the story behind this one.”

“Who is the girl?”

“That is Farana. She was Relgor’s fiancé, and he carved this sculpture from red cedar. It was a present for his soon-to-be in-laws. They adored it and the scuplture took pride in place in their home’s entry hall until they died decades later. Relgor’s son inherited it, but the sculpture was sold as part of a deceased estate when he died fighting in The Great War. Ri’saad saw it on display in Morthal. He obtained it, knowing I would like it.”

“And sold to you at a fair price!”

“Yep.”

We entered the library but did not interfere with Auryen’s lecture.

Rigmor asked, “Why are the yuletide lights and tree still up?”

“I suppose nobody has thought about taking them down.”

“Well, I like them, so I will not complain.”

I noticed Madras and made my way to him.

“Madras, please stay here. I have something interesting to tell you and Auryen.”

“Is it Dwemer related, Guild Master?”

“Indeed, it is, Madras.”

Auryen finished his tour and was about to exit the library. We intercepted him.

• Wulf: Auryen, how would you like a book written in Ancient Dwemeri by Lord Kagrenac?
• Auryen: In his handwriting?
• Wulf: Yes. It is the often mentioned but never found ‘Memories of Dorana’
• Auryen: Oh my! Where did you find that?
• Wulf: Inside Kagrenar. I think the entire structure was built to store and protect the book.
• Madras: How did you get inside Kagrenar?
• Wulf: The Nerevarine dismissed the barrier and unlocked the doors.

Rigmor laughed as both scholars’ mouths dropped open.

• Wulf: I also have keys to Kagrenar’s lift, some replicas of Kagrenac’s Tools, books in Ancient Dwemeri that The Nerevarine had translated to Tamrielic, a weird-looking Dynamo Core and something else I can’t quite remember.
• Rigmor: I think it is called Moon-and-Star, with hyphens.
• Wulf: Oh yeah, that is it!
• Auryen: How did you get The Nerevarine’s ring?
• Rigmor: Lady Azura left it in Wulf’s care after The Nerevarine removed it. He no longer wants to be immortal.
• Wulf: I will allow one of our artists to sketch it so a replica can be made. But nobody is to touch it! If any part of a finger enters the band, death will follow. Even I have no protection against the dweomer.
• Auryen: I assume there is a lengthy tale to your meeting with The Nerevarine.
• Wulf: Yes, you can read my journal entry before I head for Akavir.
• Madras: Can we investigate Kagrenar?
• Wulf: Most of it involves puzzles. They are not of much interest. Enter via the lift, and you can avoid them. Very complex machinery and an inactive Dwemer Titan are in the main chamber. Serana and her squad fought beside The Nerevarine to bring it down.
• Madras: I have never seen a Titan!
• Wulf: Ask one of the squads in the Safe House to accompany you. You must enter the front door and answer the puzzles to explore the entire structure. I have placed a simple lock spell on the front door that any Divine Knight mage can remove. I am positive you can answer the three puzzles.
• Auryen: And you think the entire structure was to protect the book?
• Wulf: Yes. The Titan had it.
• Auryen: Other scholars and universities should have Duplicates of the book!
• Rigmor: Wulf told The Nerevarine that would be done.
• Wulf: I will leave it to you, Auryen, to decide who and what institutions receive a Duplicate. Charge a minimal fee.
• Rigmor: Translations would sell well and provide income for the Museum, and they would cover more than the costs of distributing duplicates.
• Auryen: That is an excellent idea!
• Wulf: Please arrange for one of the artists to be here in an hour.

I handed the books to Auryen. Everything else, except the ring, I handed to Madras.

I then took Rigmor home but only stayed long enough for a goodbye kiss.

I teleported into Aurane and took Azura’s Bane from its display plaque.

The Nerevarine was no longer at Azura’s Shrine. He had embarked on his new journey as a mortal.

Aranea told me he had changed into non-descript brown robes. He looked no different than any other pilgrim.

I placed Azura’s Bane on the altar.

Azura said nothing, but there was a flash, and colours were confused for a second before everything returned to normal.

I picked up the sword and could detect a new dweomer, but I had no idea what it did.

I returned to the Museum and supervised one of our artists who sketched Moon-and-Star from several angles. I then placed the ring in one of the chests in my Aetherius Room. It was safe there until I could arrange something else.

When I returned to Aurane, I engaged in two-handed sword sparring with several Divine Knights. If I am to fight The Phantom of Longwang with Azura’s Bane, my skills need sharpening. Rigmor joined us late afternoon and showed how much improvement was possible. Her cackling echoed as she proceeded to humiliate me.

After an hour, I started to get the better of her. The cackling stopped, and she used all the formidable skills she possessed. A large audience oohed and aahed as we battled back and forth. Rigmor eventually won, but it was a far closer contest than ever before.

After a well-deserved spa, we joined the others for dinner in Aurane’s tavern.

I took Rigmor home again the following day, had breakfast with everybody and then retired to a quiet corner of Aurane’s gardens.

I was concentrating hard as I studied an esoteric book on teleportation theories when voices penetrated the quiet.

Derkeethus called out, “Wulf. We need to talk to you!”

Derkeethus has always been unflappable. Even when I rescued him from the pit, surrounded by angry Betrayed, he was calm and did not panic when we were chased for miles through dark tunnels. Therefore, the urgency in his voice immediately triggered a sense of dread.

Derkeethus and Lights-the-Way had become close and were supposed to be starting a vacation in Urdarbrunnr, the largest of my two houses in Winterhold.

I got out of my seat and approached the couple. Argonians have very expressive faces, and sadness was etched in theirs.

• Wulf: I can see something has upset you.
• Lights-the-Way: The front door of Urdarbrunnr was not locked.
• Derkeethus: We were unconcerned, as we thought Lailda was still cleaning the house after the last guests.
• Lights-the-Way: We had hardly stepped inside when three Dunmer in good quality leather armour attacked us.
• Derkeethus: Even though they had the jump on us, I managed to parry their attacks while Lights-the-Way prepared a spell. They were skilled but not warriors. I knew straight away they were assassins.
• Lights-the-Way: I hit them with Chain Lightning. That stunned them, and we used our katanas to end them.
• Derkeethus: We searched their bodies. Every one of them carried this Grey Writ.

Derkeethus handed me the Grey Writ, which read,

“Honourable Writ of Execution: Sir Wulf Welkynd

The aforementioned personage has been marked for honourable execution in accordance with the lawful tradition and practice of the Morag Tong Guild. The Bearer of this non-disputable document has an officially sanctioned license to kill the aforementioned personage.”

• Wulf: This is not the first time I have been the subject of a Grey Writ. However, hiding inside one of my properties is new and unproductive.
• Derkeethus: We had a look around the house and…and…
• Lights-the-Way: We found Lailda with her throat slit in the kitchen.
• Wulf: WHAT? That is not what Morag Tong assassins are supposed to do!
• Lights-the-Way: Margird and Erkr lay dead beside their mother. Their throats were also cut.

Killing a defenceless woman was unacceptable. Killing two children, eight and ten years of age, was an evil that could not go unpunished. My Dovah wanted to come forward. I told him to wait, for I needed more information.

• Wulf: Did any of the Grey Writs mention the slaughter of innocents?
• Lights-the-Way: All the Grey Writs are identical to the one Derkeethus handed you.
• Derkeethus: On a hunch, we went to Hvergelmir and burst in.
• Lights-the-Way: We killed two more Morag Tong in the same armour as the previous three.
• Derkeethus: The armour would not attract much attention. It is of high-quality, but many merchant guards wear similar.
• Wulf: The Morag Tong would not know what house I might visit. Therefore, there are likely assassins in each one.
• Derkeethus: The properties with Stewards are well guarded. I doubt they could infiltrate those.
• Wulf: I want you to use the Corb in Aurane and contact each Steward. Tell them what happened.
• Lights-the-Way: What are you going to do?
• Wulf: I will check each house and eliminate any Morag Tong. Then, I shall find one of their nests and avenge the innocents.
• Derkeethus: Please take a squad with you.
• Wulf: No, Derkeethus. I want the Morag Tong to experience my wrath. I want them to think twice before accepting a contract on my life. I want them to fear me. I want to avenge Lailda, Margird and Erkr. I want to kill every fucking one of them!

I let my Dovah take over. The time for talk was over.

I teleported into my rooms and quickly donned my armour. I spoke to Rigmor via Mara’s Rings as I dressed.

“Wulf, what is wrong? Why is your Dovah in charge?”

“In each city, I have hired widows with children to clean my houses after guests have left.”

“They are all widows of soldiers who died in the civil war. They also clean other properties because of your endorsement.”

“In Winterhold, Morag Tong assassins killed Lailda and her two children. Erkr was a fine boy, only eight years of age. His big sister, Margird, was ten and wanted to be a seamstress. Derkeethus and Lights-the-Way killed three assassins in the larger house, Urdarbrunnr and another two in Hvergelmir, the pretty cottage next to the sea.”

“Oh my!”

“They all carried Grey Writs. They were supposed to kill me!”

“How would they know what house you might visit? You hardly ever use them.”

“They did not know. I suspect they are hiding inside every one of them.”

“I understand why you are upset, Wulf. But why let your Dovah come forth?”

“Because I am going to visit each house and kill the bastards. Then, I am going to Solstheim to ask Neloth where many Morag Tong can be found. The pile of bodies I leave in my wake will be a lesson the Morag Tong will understand.”

“You cannot do this by yourself!”

“I can and must. The Morag Tong are not warriors, Rigmor. Their specialty is stealth kills. They will have no defence against my Dance of Death, and terror will make them weaker opponents. They might beg for mercy or cower in a corner. My Dovah will show the same mercy Lailda and the children received.”

“Please, Wulf. Let me come to you. Let Our Quiet give you some perspective. I understand you are angry and upset, but this is not the way to avenge their deaths.”

“No, Rigmor. You slaughtered everybody in Bruma’s Dominion Embassy. Tell me that was not justified vengeance.”

“I have regrets. You know that.”

“But was it justified?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me be. I have made up my mind.”

Rigmor pleaded for me to discuss it further. I ignored her pleas and teleported to the basement of Proudspire Manor.

Heat Vision shows me two assassins waiting upstairs.

My beloved was still pleading as I silently made my way upstairs. Even her sobbing did not affect my Dovah’s rage.

The last words she said were, “I love you, Wulf. Even with your Dovah controlling your actions, you will regret this. Summon me when it is over. Let me help you when the darkness descends.”

I stabbed the first Morag Tong in the back.

A lazy backhand sliced the throat of the second arsehole.

As I told Rigmor, I am not facing warriors. Most guardsmen could best them in a melee.

Their outfits were of superb quality and would not attract undue attention. Both were equipped with an Imperial gladius. Both carried the same Grey Writ. Both corpses were still twitching as I teleported into Breezehome.

Two assassins were caught off guard when I exited the ether. They reacted quickly.

I decapitated one.

The second died screaming as my katana entered his shoulder and made its way to his intestines. It destroyed organs and bones and ended his life before he could even draw his sword.

The only sound that could be heard over his scream was my growl.

Logically, Morag Tong assassins had little chance of avoiding detection at properties with Stewards and guards. My Dovah had no time for logic, so I teleported to Heljarchen Hall.

I was relieved to see Hroar exiting the house.

I entered and spoke to Oriella.

She said, “Sir Wulf, when Lights-the-Way contacted us via Corb, Divine Knight Tsubaki was already wary of two Dunmer visitors sitting at our outside bar. They claimed to be looking for work as guards for traders or pilgrims, but their armour was immaculate and showed no signs of wear and tear.”

“All three sisters are superb judges of character. They received excellent training as princesses in a volatile environment.”

“After receiving the Corb message, Divine Knight Tsubaki demanded that the two Dunmer allow themselves to be searched. They responded by drawing their weapons. She cut them down and found Grey Writs upon their corpses. She thoroughly searched the buildings and is now checking the perimeter.”

“Thank you, Oriella. Tell her I visited.”

My rampage continued as I teleported into each property and either eliminated assassins or checked on my Stewards. Only Heljarchen Hall reported Morag Tong visitors.

It did not matter if I faced two, three or five Morag Tong. Each skirmish was brief, and the outcome was inevitable. I said nothing as I killed, but I saw fear in the faces of many opponents as I growled and stared with cold eyes while delivering justice.

The only house where the Morag Tong wore traditional armour was Severin Manor. The five in there were better fighters than the others, but still no match for me.

I did not visit Tundra Homestead, Aonghus or any other property after Severin Manor. I was eager to inflict real pain on the Morag Tong and trusted my Stewards would deal with any assassins.

I teleported to Tel Mithryn and then entered Neloth’s abode.

Neloth was reading when I approached him but soon put the book down.

“Master Wulf, I could sense your anger across the room.”

“Master Wulf?”

“Last week, I visited Vvandenfell for the first time since The Red Year. I went there for one purpose, which was to officially enter you into our records as a Wizard Lord of House Telvanni. Hence, you are now Master Wulf.”

“Forgive me for my lack of civility, but my Dovah does not care about titles.”

“Ahh, that explains much. I sensed the anger of a dragon. What has brought him out of hiding?”

“The Morag Tong infiltrated my properties in the hope of ambushing me. An innocent family, including children, were murdered by them. I have let the Morag Tong get away with Grey Writs against me. But I will not allow this to go unpunished.”

“Do you want my help with information on where to find them?”

“Yes. If I destroy a Morag Tong Guild Hall, they might get the message to leave me well alone.”

“I know House Hlaalu hired the Morag Tong after you thwarted their plans in Solstheim. Who do you think is behind this hiring?”

“I have no doubt it was House Hlaalu. They wanted me to kill a friend of yours, The Nerevarine, but I refused to do so and killed one of their assassins, Mandyn Hlaalu.”

“The Mages Guild asked The Nerevarine to kill me.”

“But he did not kill you. He returned to Tamriel during The Red Year and has not slaughtered you, so he is your friend.”

“I cannot argue with that logic. The Nerevarine has done well to hide his return all these years.”

“So, can you tell me where I can inflict more pain on the Morag Tong?”

“Despite the solid arguments of Councillor Morvayn, The Grand Council decided to allow a new Morag Tong Guild Hall to be created on Solstheim. Can you guess where their nest is located?”

“Ashfallow Citadel.”

“Correct. I have survived Morrowind’s political games by employing spies everywhere, including Raven Rock’s port. I estimate around a hundred assassins now populate Ashfallow Citadel.”

“That place cannot be defended against The Voice. Narrow corridors amplify the power of my Thu’um.”

“I doubt you will use anything but your sword, Master Wulf. Your dragon would not be satisfied with long-distance kills.”

“You have been curious about my dual identities and surmised much. I have killed several dozen assassins as I visited my properties. The fear in their eyes and screams were exquisite!”

“It is a fascinating transition. Mind you, I have never got close enough to a dragon to allow a comparison of attitude and behaviour.”

“The big difference is I will not squash your mushroom or set fire to your residents.”

“Still droll, so that has not changed. Anyway, there is a bonus you may enjoy. Grandmaster Nisik Sailon arrived from the mainland this morning. Exalted Master Vanilath Avalone is a rival of Grandmaster Nisik and is the leader of the Solstheim Morag Tong. There has been bad blood between the two for decades, and I believe, quite rightly, that Grandmaster Nisik has not been pleased with the Brothers under Exalted Master Vanilath’s command. Killing innocents not on a Writ will have dire consequences for Exalted Master Vanilath if the Brothers were members of the Solstheim Guild Hall. Their life would have been forfeit on return, and so would Exalted Master Vanilath’s.”

“I will not kill the Grandmaster. He is the perfect messenger to relay my warning.”

“If You killed the Nerevarine, the Ashlanders would have bayed for your blood. As it is, the mention of Grey Writs to kill you and The Nerevarine will cause House Hlaalu to lose what little favour they had gained over the last decade or so.”

“House Hlaalu needs something more immediate and costly to act as a future deterrent.”

“All Houses were told of your adoption into Great House Telvanni. I take it as an affront that so many Brothers of the Morag Tong were sent to Skyrim to kill you. That would have cost House Hlaalu a fortune. Therefore, any lesson must cost them as much if not more than the Morag Tong fees.”

“I do not want innocents killed, Master Neloth.”

“Leave it to me, Master Wulf. I know two Hlaalu ships currently loaded with expensive cargo in Vvandenfell. I assure you that all sailors and dock workers will flee once I arrive and announce my intention. The ships will burn, and House Hlaalu will pay the price for their attack on Great House Telvanni.”

“No deaths!”

“It is fascinating that even when dominated by your dragon, you care for innocents.”

“No deaths!”

“You have my word that there will be no deaths, Master Wulf. Just burning profits.”

I teleported to The Sun Stone.

An Ash Storm reduced visibility and reduced the need for me to travel invisibly. I soon reached Ashfallow Citadel. 

Heat Vision showed the location of six external sentries.

I did not hide but stood in the open to kill the sentries with my bow.

All six died outside. No alarm was triggered.

Heat Vision showed the entrance to be devoid of Brothers.

I entered and listened. Dozens of voices sounded like any group of friends and colleagues. Laypeople think that assassins must always be serious and discuss nothing but murder and infiltration.

I snuck further into the complex and arrived at the living and training quarters.

I could have stood where I was and used my Thu’um to kill, but Neloth was right. That was not what my Dovah desired.

Heat Vision showed at least ten Brothers in the first sleeping quarters on the right.

I ran into the room, and my Dance of Death began.

I was used to fighting in confined spaces with uneven floors and obstacles. The assassins had no time to plan a defence and faced me one or two at a time. I killed so swiftly that those in the back ranks still had little time to prepare.

My Thu’um amplified my snarls and curses. I had no doubt everybody in Ashfallow Citadel soon realised who was visiting them.

Another dozen assassins entered the room but found progress slow as they tripped and stumbled over piled corpses.

I leapt on and over beds and the heads of my opponents. I killed many before landing behind the pack. In seconds, the second group of Morag Tong were eliminated.

Heat Vision showed no other enemies approaching. It was time to turn the assassins against each other.

My anger echoed as The Voice shook the building.

“I AM SIR WULF WELKYND, DRAGONBORN AND CHAMPION OF THE DIVINES. HOUSE HLAALU HIRED THE MORAG TONG TO KILL ME AFTER I STOPPED THEIR PLANS ON SOLSTHEIM. THAT WAS A MINOR INCONVENIENCE, AND THREE OF YOUR BROTHERS DIED WITHOUT EVER SPOTTING THEIR TARGET. MANDYN HLAALU WAS HIRED TO KILL THE NEREVARINE BUT KNEW HE HAD NO CHANCE. SO, HE TRIED TO TRICK ME INTO DOING SO. I AM ALSO THE CHAMPION OF AZURA. WHY WOULD I KILL HER PREVIOUS CHAMPION, WHO IS NOT A CRIMINAL AND HAS DONE ME NO HARM? MANDYN ATTACKED ME AND DIED. THIS MORNING, SEVERAL DOZEN BROTHERS HID OR TRIED TO HIDE IN VARIOUS PROPERTIES I OWN IN SKYRIM. AS A RESULT, AN INNOCENT WOMAN AND HER CHILDREN WERE MURDERED BY MORAG TONG SCUM. I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY CAME FROM THIS GUILD HALL, AND I DO NOT CARE. YOU WILL ALL DIE AS PAYMENT FOR THE MURDERS OF THREE INNOCENTS.”

Many assassins were huddled in a small alcove to the right. The living quarters to my left were empty. That is where the second lot of Morag Tong came from.

The people in the alcove were discussing tactics. The consensus was to fight me in the narrow confines and not enter the hall.

The idiots soon realised their mistake as I let each one attack me in sequence. I tried to instruct them as I went.

“Hold your sword up higher!” “No, no, your balance is too far forward!” “Well done with the parry, but katanas have a speed advantage.” “Wild swings like that leave you open to a thrust to the kidneys like this.” 

Seconds later, I was the only one alive in the small alcove.

At least a dozen Morag Tong waited for me in their training room. They thought they had more chance if they surrounded me.

I did not bother with lessons and returned to snarling and laughter.

As with the other rooms, the fight was short and brutal.

I had to raise a portcullis to reach the leaders. That involved operating several pull chains and twist handles. As I did so, violence broke out between Grandmaster Nisik and Exalted Master Vanilath. Both had guards who were busy killing each other as their leaders fought.

I took my time and listened to the fighting and shouting. The number of live combatants was dwindling.

I heard, “We are well matched with swords, Vanilath. However, I am also a mage. Burn!”

I ran into the same room where I had killed Mirri, Vendel and Tilisu months earlier. At the time, I thought they were too incompetent to be Morag Tong and were impersonating them. It turned out they were recent recruits.

I saw one guard watching the fight between the two senior assassins. Half a dozen other Morag Tong lay dead.

I ran over and disposed of the burning, screaming Exalted Master Vanilath.

I parried Nisik’s sword, knocked his shield aside and cut him across the midriff. It was not my intention to disembowel him, but to end any desire he had to continue fighting.

As Nisik groaned and an impressive amount of blood spurted from his wound, I looked over to the surviving guard. He wisely sheathed his sword and sat on a ledge.

I growled, “Stand, Grandmaster Nisik Sailon. Your wound is not fatal if you get stitches or healing soon.”

Nisik staggered to his feet, then held his stomach as if his guts were in danger of spilling.

“Were the scum in Skyrim members of this Guild Hall?”

“Yes. Vanilath was an idiot to accept the Writs of House Hlaalu. Killing The Nerevarine would have spelled our doom. Sending amateurs to kill you will invoke the wrath of The Empire. Killing innocents goes against our tenets, and Vanilath would have died for that transgression.”

“Listen and learn. I have saved everybody from enslavement or death on numerous occasions. I am the only one who can save Nirn from a future threat foreseen by The Divines, The Nerevarine and Lady Azura. Killing me would spell the doom of all mortals. Therefore, I swear on all I hold sacred that if I must deal with any future Grey Writ, I will destroy every Morag Tong Guild Hall and its members. You will become as extinct as The Dark Brotherhood. You cannot hide from me, The Divine Knights or my Dovah allies. Do you understand, Grandmaster Nisik Sailon?”

“Yes. Yes, I understand.”

I walked over to the guard.

“Can you assist the Grandmaster?”

“Yes, I carry many healing potions.”

“Then do so.”

I used Magicka to clean the gore off me, my armour, and my weapons. I then teleported to Raven Rock as my Dovah receded into the back of my mind.

I approached the guard outside of Morvayn Manor.

He said, “Go right in, Sera Welkynd. The Councillor’s door is open to all supplicants.”

Lleril looked surprised as I approached.

I stopped at the expected distance and waited for him to speak first.

“Greetings, Sera Wulf, or is it Master Wulf? I find it hard to keep up with your myriad titles. Anyway, to what do I owe this visit?”

“Just Wulf will do, Councillor. You owe my visit to the Morag Tong. You will be pleased to know the Solstheim Guild Hall no longer exists. Several dozens of its members died in Skyrim. I just eliminated a hundred or so assassins at Ashfallow Citadel.”

“The Grand Council will demand to know why you have done this. What shall I tell them?”

“House Hlaalu hired the Morag Tong to kill The Nerevarine. When they realised they were incapable, Mandyn Hlaalu tried to convince me Nerevar-born-Again was a dangerous criminal. When I refused to harm The Nerevarine, Mandyn attacked me and died. He had lied to me and High Queen Elisif. He was carrying a Grey Writ. His actions insulted me, my Queen, all Ashlanders and Lady Azura. But that is not why I eliminated the Solstheim Guild Hall.”

“How many Morag Tong have you killed because you aided me?”

“Three who carried Grey Writs undoubtedly resulting from House Hlaalu seeking revenge.”

“What brought about the elimination of dozens in Skyrim and the local Guild Hall?”

“I have many properties in Skyrim. Divine Knights, friends and staff members use them for holidays and other reasons. I hire local widows with children to clean the premises between guest visits. My recommendations also ensure they get other paying jobs in their districts. Morag Tong waited inside many of those properties, hoping I would enter and get caught by surprise. A widow and two of her children entered one of my properties in Winterhold to clean it and were murdered by the Morag Tong. Myself and Divine Knights killed them and dozens more hiding in or around my properties. That was not enough of a lesson. I learnt about the new Guild Hall in Solstheim and decided to impress upon Grandmaster Nisik Sailon the stupidity of accepting Writs on me or those I protect.”

“What makes you think he will listen?”

“He was in Solstheim’s Guild Hall. I spared his life so he would remember my warning and act upon it. He does not want the Morag Tong to become as extinct as The Dark Brotherhood. I doubt the loss of well over a hundred members in a day is a minor inconvenience.”

“House Hlaalu are fools. They would not survive the wrath of the Ashlanders if The Nerevarine were harmed at their request.”

“They will also be taught a lesson. Expect to hear of expensive shipments going up in flames. They will be given sufficient warning so no innocents will be harmed.”

“I did not know The Nerevarine had returned.”

“The Nerevarine returned to Tamriel during The Red Year and has aided countless people. He was, and still is, a hero to all mortals. I was honoured to meet him.”

“I was also ignorant of Grandmaster Nisik Sailon’s visit. The Morag Tong is usually strict about protocol, and he should have visited me before the Guild Hall.”

“I think he was livid with Exalted Master Vanilath. Perhaps he knew of the stupid decisions made by him. The Morag Tong in Skyrim and the five I killed in Severin Manor came from the Solstheim Guild Hall.”

“There were five of them in Severin Manor?”

“It is fortunate Widow Menyla had not entered to clean it.”

“The Morag Tong will try to keep this incident quiet. I will not let them. I want to hear about Grandmaster Nisik squirming in front of The Grand Council. It is time they restricted their activities to internal matters. Grey Writs must be outlawed by us and not just The Empire.”

 “Good luck with that, Councillor. I hope to see you again under more pleasant circumstances.”

I had struggled to keep my composure when speaking to Lleril. However, I surrendered to the darkness after teleporting to my rooms.

I tore off my armour and dropped my weapons before falling to my knees and weeping.

Rigmor begged via Mara’s Rings, “Wulf, summon me! Let me help you!”

I ignored her. I did not want to dull the guilt. I unnecessarily risked my life for vengeance. That risked the lives and freedom of the mortals I am sworn to protect. I could have killed with less risk, but I chose to fight with a sword and bow. It did not dull the sadness I felt for Lailda and her children. It did satisfy my Dovah’s need for battle and violence. I would have shown no mercy and did not need to be a dragon to deliver justice. I have no logical or moral reason for allowing my Dovah to surface.

I was so absorbed in self-pity that I do not know how long Rigmor pleaded before giving up.

I do not know how long I knelt, confused, ashamed, and alone.

My weeping had stopped, and my tears had dried when my beloved entered the room and knelt before me.

“Wulf, I used my Corb and asked to be summoned. Celestine did so. Nobody has entered your rooms because they thought I would be here to aid you. Now, they are confused as to why I was not. But that does not matter, for I am here now, and we can talk.”

“People die because they are unlucky enough to know me. Lashing out with more violence will not bring them back. I cannot kill all my enemies! I cannot protect everybody! Please, tell me, what do I do?”

My tears started again, and my beloved Rigmor held me. Her tears flowed with mine, and soon, a third joined the weeping as Olette vainly tried to hug both of us. We enveloped her instead.