Middas, 29^th Sun’s Height, 4E 202

Thanks to Inrek-Xhilrin’s excellent map, I knew the slave village of Ayo was not far to the north-east. I think that is where he rescued the grieving mother from other guards.

The jungle was thick, and tropical rain belted down. I could hear nothing over the cacophony of large raindrops hitting leaves and ferns.

The rain eased just as the village came into view.

Shadow Walk was active, so I was not in danger of being seen.

An elderly Akaviri was sitting in the middle of the village. I could hear children but not see them.

I was surprised to see an enslaved Ka’Po’Tun. He was likely captured during one of his nation’s endless battles against the Tsaesci.

I used Zoom Vision to get a closer look. The Ka’Po’Tun had cataracts and was blind! That is the only reason he has remained enslaved. The Tsaesci do not kill Ka’Po’Tun prisoners, but neither do they enslave them. They keep them imprisoned until they can do a prisoner swap. This mutual mercy means that many battles result in surrender rather than a bitter fight to the death. That benefits both sides of a seemingly eternal conflict that the participants do not remember the cause of.

Two guards garrisoned a tower overlooking Ayo. They did not wear Nagamatsu’s red, so they were probably rank-and-file soldiers.

I noticed a young Akaviri boy hiding in the thick foliage. It seems that Hide and Go Seek is popular with children across Nirn. Three others were searching for him.

I wanted the Tsaesci to know I was on Tenno Island. I had no intention of sneaking everywhere unseen. I dismissed Shroud Walk and approached the child. He was not afraid, but curious.

“Hello, my name is Wulf.”

“You are Neh-Tamrilei!”

“That is far more polite than being called gaijin, so thank you for your manners. Now, it would be polite to tell me your name.”

“I am Dykes. Why are you here? Are you playing Hide and Go Seek as well?”

“No, Dykes, I am not playing a game. I want to speak to some people in Ayo about important things.”

“Then you should speak to Roka or Keitaro. They know lots of things, and Keitaro is old and wrinkly. Follow me, I can see Roka and will take you to him.”

I followed Dykes to Roka. The guards had a quick discussion, but neither approached.

Dykes said, “Roka, this is Wulf. He is a Neh-Tamrilei. Bye!”

Dykes ran over to the other three children. He pointed to me and said something. It seems I was not of much interest as the group started another popular game called Tiggy and ran from Dykes, who was It.

Roka looked stunned. I suppose the last thing he expected to see was a large, armed, and armoured Neh-Tamrilei.

Before I could talk to him, an elderly voice behind me said, “Greetings, Master.”

I turned, and kneeling before me was the elderly man I saw sitting on the bench earlier.

I asked, “Are you Keitaro?”

“Yes, I am Keitaro, the village elder. How can I help you, Master?”

“My name is Wulf. I am not your Master, so please, get to your feet, Elder Keitaro.”

I held out my hand, and Keitaro flinched.

I softly said, “I am not going to beat you. I am offering my hand to help you get to your feet.”

Keitaro gripped my hand with surprising strength and got to his feet.

I asked, “Is this Coil-Lord Nagamatu’s land?”

“Yes, and we are Coil-Lord Nagamatu’s people, his enslaved. Do you want to rest? Was your journey easy?”

“I am trying to find information about a Tamrilei ship. It may have passed this way recently.”

“A Tamrilei ship?! Ah…Please, come into my hut, Master.”

“Elder Keitaro, you insult me by calling me Master. I am not your Master, so please, call me Wulf. That is twice I have made that point.”

I joined Keitaro in his humble hut. The only furnishings were a dirty bedroll and an Alchemy Table.

He said, “I beg your pardon. My eyes are not as sharp as they once were. The last time I saw a Neh-Tamrilei, I was half this age. Are you from the Tamrilei ship?”

“Yes, but I fell overboard and am concerned for my shipmates.”

“Are you from there? From the land across the ocean where there is always snow?”

“Some parts of Tamriel have perpetual snow. But there are huge, sandy deserts, vast grasslands, gigantic forests, thick jungles, impassable swamps, and the tallest mountains on Nirn.”

 “Please, do not tell anyone that you were in our village! Otherwise, Nagamatsu’s people will come here!”

“Are those guards Nagamatsu’s?”

“Yes.”

“They are not wearing his clan colours. They know I am here and do not seem concerned.”

“They are soldiers of low rank, so do not wear Nagamatsu’s red.”

“I am aware of Tsaesci protocols. They do not know who I am or what authority I have. They would not want to offend somebody of importance, even if they are Neh-Tamrilei. They will wait for an officer to advise before acting.”

“This is true.”

“Can I expect hostility because I am Neh-Tamrilei?”

“They came to Akavir on their square-sailed ships a long time ago. There was a big war.”

“For that, I am truly sorry. My 1^st Cousin, fifteen times removed, was an idiot. He had no right to invade Akavir.”

“Since then, Tamrilei ships have been regarded as enemies and are not permitted to reach our shores.”

“It could be argued that people from Akavir have invaded Tamriel twice. Peace will never be found if fingers of blame are pointed in all directions.”

“If Coil-Lord Nagamatsu knows you are here, he will send his people, and they will beat someone to death.”

“I will speak to Coil-Lord Nagamatsu. I am not trying to hide from him, Elder Keitaro. He is not my master, and I will go where I choose without his permission.”

“Do not dare! You will not be executed if you obey, but you will not be free.”

“Have you forgotten that Akaviri were once free? Did they meekly submit to enslavement or did they fight for their freedom?”

“I do not know. We are not taught these things.”

“They fought, but the Tsaesci caught them by surprise. The Akaviri did not expect their allies and friends to turn on them so rapidly and with such vigour.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I will ask the villagers if they saw the ship. Then I will go to Mikoi, have a Ji-Haan or two and await an invite from Coil-Lord Nagamatsu.”

“Do you desire to earn the grace of Coil-Lord Nagamatsu and become a Zei-Khai’lan (Trusted-Hand)?”

“No. Your master seems to have poor morals, so I would never be his servant. I want to see what kind of reception I get, and to let him know who I am. I serve my gods, and all people on Nirn, including you.”

“You speak as if you have nothing to fear from our master.”

“Coil-Lord Nagamatsu cannot capture me, enslave me, or kill me. Far more powerful entities than he tried and failed.”

“Are all the people on the ship Neh-Tamrilei? Why are they visiting Akavir?”

“Yes, they are all Neh-Tamrilei. I do not know the true plans of those who sailed with me. I am here on a personal mission. There is an ancient danger on this island that threatens all of you. That includes Tsaesci, Akaviri, and the free and enslaved. I will end this danger, and nobody, including Coil-Lord Nagamatsu, can or will stop me.”

“Few succeed in becoming Zei-Khai’lan. The enslaved never do. I have heard that some regret their promotion. They say that enslavement is an easier life and death. At least we see our master’s face less often than a Zei-Khai’lan.”

“You do not understand freedom, for you have not had it and lost it. To you, it is an abstract concept. I am sure the recently enslaved, such as the Ka’Po’Tun I saw outside, yearn for the freedom they lost. Your master, and those like him, keep you uneducated and ignorant of what is happening in other countries and the Akavir mainland. They exercise total power through senseless beatings and killings as tools to keep you complacent and afraid. But you are well spoken, Elder Keitaro, and not some craven dog that has surrendered to the beatings without question. If a possibility of freedom were presented, you would grasp it no matter the cost.”

“Shh! Do not even think about that! Sometimes I think they can read minds from a distance! My son is already…”

“They cannot read minds. They randomly pick innocents and accuse them of plotting. Then they exact false justice. They instill fear and superstition to keep the enslaved from plotting. It takes a certain type of bravery, or foolishness, to start a slave rebellion like my mother once did.”

“Your mother was enslaved?”

“As was my fiancé and her mother. They all became high-ranking nobles. But I do not recommend anybody try to rebel before they are certain they have the numbers to succeed.”

“We do not have contact with other enslaved people. Thus, we can never be certain of numbers or cooperate.”

“Oh, you could if somebody like me were to coordinate things. But that is a discussion for another time, perhaps. I wish you well, Elder Keitaro.”

I exited the hut and saw the Ka’Po’Tun near a grindstone. He moved around the village like a sighted person, so he had likely been enslaved in Ayo for several months at least.

He turned to face me as I approached.

I said, “I did not expect to meet a Tiger-Dragon in Ayo. Your colour and markings suggests a close ancestor once met a friendly Khajiiti.”

“I smelt you, stranger, and hoped to meet you.”

“I assume you were captured in battle.”

“That is correct.”

“I thought all Ka’Po’Tun prisoners were swapped for Tsaesci held by Emperor Tosh Raka.”

“All except the invalid, such as me. Tosh Raka does not need a blind soldier.”

“So, you are enslaved instead.”

“That is my fate. You speak Tsaesci well, but there is an accent. You come from far away and are not enslaved.”

“My name is Wulf, and I am a Neh-Tamrilei from Roscrea. That is not in Tamrilei, but the label will suit. I serve no lord of Akavir. An ancient enemy has returned to Tenno Island, and I intend to halt his plans with or without the help of Tsaesci nobles.”

“I am Ru-Ta-Shan. I warn you, Wulf from Roscrea, they will not let you wander this island unaffiliated, if at all.”

“They cannot stop me. Did you lose your sight in battle?”

“Yes. A Fireball landed near me and did more than curl my whiskers.”

“What do you do in Ayo? Do you have a skill they need?”

“Roka and I hunt for the village. My nose and ears are superior to the Akaviri enslaved here.”

“If you were to regain your eyesight, do you think you could fool the guards into believing you are blind?”

“If such an unlikely event were to occur, I could fool the guards. They are not the brightest.”

“Would you run away and rejoin the endless war with the Tsaesci?”

“There seems to be a truce, so no prisoner swaps are occurring. I cannot swim to Ka’Po’Tun.”

“I think you would remain for other reasons.”

“I was a burden at first. I was an extra mouth who contributed little to the prosperity of these people. I was treated with respect and kindness, which motivated me to prove my worth and not wallow in pity. I owe them, Wulf, and would not abandon them. We are different but the same. Why do you insist on asking questions about an ardent wish, not a reality?”

“I do not think the damage to your eyes is irreparable. I can also tell by your movements that you are a formidable warrior. I will restore your eyesight so you can continue to help these people. They need a hunter, but soon they may need a warrior.”

“The guards have let you be as dictated by Tsaesci protocol. Dykes said you carry a fancy katana and wear black and gold armour with dragons emblazoned upon it. You are a noble, even if not a Tsaesci, and they would hesitate to confront you.”

“They would not want to insult or upset a Tal-Ken’Vas (Blade-Who-Stands-Below) or a Ken-Rhaal (Shield-That-Speaks).”

“Neither of those ranks can harm a Tsaesci without consequence. A smart guard would know that. The idiots they send to Ayo are not smart.”

“Magic is banned since the war with the mages. Therefore, I suggest we go where I can cast a spell without them seeing it. Flashing lights might make them grow some balls, then investigate this Neh-Tamrilei.”

“Follow me to my hut, Wulf of Roscrea. I have little faith you can aid me, but I cannot fathom why you would pretend you can. So, a short walk is a small effort to exercise that little faith.”

I followed Ru-Ta-Shan to his hut and examined his eyes. As I suspected, the damage was to the lenses and no worse an infliction than cataracts. Even melted eyeballs can be repaired by a skilled Restoration mage.

I told Ru-Ta-Shan to lie down.

He did as I asked, and then I cast Grand Healing.

Ru-Ta-Shan stood and smiled.

I laughed and said, “Do not forget to trip over things occasionally.”

“I thank you, Wulf of Roscrea, for the gift of sight.”

Ru-Ta-Shan looked me up and down. He stared at my katana and then gasped.

I asked, “Do you recognise the maker?”

“Even my people know of Master Satoru. Not only for his craftsmanship, but also for his bravery. He once refused to make a weapon for a Tsaesci Emperor, and lived to tell the tale.”

“Master Satoru gave me this sword after I beat him in sparring. He was one of my Swordmasters and mentors in katana and anvil.”

“Why would a Tsaesci Swordmaster teach a Neh-Tamrilei?”

“Master Satoru taught me the katana. Swordmaster Shiva of Ka’Po’Tun taught me unarmed and dual-wielding combat. Swordmaster P’Sua of Ka’Po’Tun taught me the kai-katana. I have many friends from Akavir, including Tang Mo and Kamal. I am a Dragonguard and in that capacity, I help all races, here and in Tamriel.”

“You are one of those causing problems on the mainland.”

“It is only a problem for the powerful suppressing the weak.”

“Still, many in Ka’Po’Tun do not speak your name with fondness.”

“You have not spoken to the peasants of your country. They express a different view.”

“Why are you in Ayo?”

“Have the villagers been spoken to by an invisible being?”

“They would be reluctant to admit to such a thing. Lord Nagamatsu’s paranoia would guarantee some unpleasant questioning if he heard of it. Even so, if more than one experienced a ghostly voice, it would become known and spread by gossip. They would regard such spirits as bad omens. Therefore, I assure you, Wulf of Roscrea, that nobody in Ayo has heard a ghost.”

“Do you and Roka hunt along the coast?”

“Yes, but not lately. Nabato may have fished there in the last couple of days.”

“Do you know of the trouble with a woman and a dead baby in Ayo?”

“That was over a week ago. Riaze’s child, a suckling less than a month old, died of fever. She had prepared a grave and was about to bury the infant when seven guards from Mikoi entered this village.”

“And only one guard left.”

“Ahh, you know the sad tale. It seems the one who objected died in vain, as some Guardians caught Riaze. You will see her skeleton hanging near the rice field. At first, they were going to bleed her, which is a relatively painless death. But after the demise of the guards, they dragged her back here and Uncoiled her, slowly and with skill. Then they cut her to pieces but left the tendons so her skeleton remains hanging. That is when I thanked my blindness, but I could not avoid the screams. They made the entire village watch, including the children.”

“Some Imperial torturers use Uncoiling. It is an unfortunate relic of the Tsaesci invasion long ago. Not everything they taught Emperor Reman Cyrodiil’s soldiers was worthy of Dragonguard.”

“They would claim all is acceptable when at war.”

“We know that is not the truth. The Tsaesci have treated Ka’Po’Tun prisoners with respect.”

“Normal Rank and File troops are not spies or people with secrets. I do not doubt they resort to Uncoiling other unfortunates.”

“The guard did not die. He is safe with the Dragonguard on an island far from here. He killed six other guards, which is impressive. However, he expressed great remorse for past actions and desired atonement. That is why I think he might be suitable and may be offered a position within our ranks.”

“Who does this ancient enemy threaten?”

“All of Nirn. Even Tosh Raka would fall to his tyranny.”

“Yet you think you can defeat him?”

“Somebody did it two hundred years ago, but it was not a permanent solution. I doubt this enemy is the most formidable opponent I have faced, and my solution, provided by a god, will be permanent.”

“You are not just a Dragonguard. You are Sir Wulf Welkynd. Tosh Raka is an admirer of yours. To the Tsaesci, you would be revered as much as a god as we revere our Emperor.”

“They once bent their knees to Reman Cyrodiil. However, he was not a student of The Way of the Ascending Coil. Neither am I. We did not gain our Dragon Souls through effort and ritual. For that reason, Tsaesci could manipulate religious doctrine to denounce me. I am sure some Tsaesci Dragonborn would find me offensive and lose their lives challenging my Thu’um.”

“I will confess, I have never understood The Way of the Ascending Coil. Yet it is the primary reason my people fight the Tsaesci.”

“It is the Tsaesci zealots who perpetuate the war. They respect dragons but do not worship them. They spent centuries slaying them or absorbing their souls. Tosh Raka is a wild dragon, thus a symbol of chaos, unrestrained ambition, and power without discipline. They cannot allow wild dragons to exist. If Tosh Raka were to fall, they would leave your people alone until another Ka’Po’Tun ascended to Dragon Form.”

“I had better get back to my duties, Sir Wulf. I take up the slack caused by Elder Keitaro’s reduced abilities due to his advanced age.”

“Keep your ears open, Ru-Ta-Shan. There may be rebellion or senseless purging soon.”

 “Caused by you?”

“Caused by me doing what is needed to defeat the ancient enemy.”

When I continued reconnaissance of the village, Roka was working hard, pushing the grindstone.   

I used Zoom Vision.

Only one guard was atop the tower, looking outside of Ayo. I did not see where the other guard was.

Five people were working in the rice paddies.

Their scarecrows amused me.

One of the women had clothes that were fine once. I think she was a Zei-Khai’lan who had been returned to enslavement.

“Greetings, I am Wulf.”

“A stranger?! Oh, forgive my impoliteness. I am Emiko. How can I help you?”

“I was wondering how long Ayo has been here.”

“Ayo has stood here since Elder Keitaro’s father’s father was a child. More people used to live here.”

“What happened to the other people?”

“One day, an Ayo villager angered our master. I do not know what he did. Our master ordered the entire village burned and each fifth person killed, be it man, woman or child. Elder Keitaro was lucky, but his mother was not.”

“Coil-Lord Nagamatsu is an evil piece of cowardly shit!”

“You cannot say such things! If anyone hears you, they will cut off your head!”

“Coil-Lord Nagamatsu is an evil piece of cowardly shit. Oh, I repeated it, so apparently, I can say such things. And look. Nobody has cut my head off!”

“What brings you to us?”

“I am on Tenno Island to find and defeat an ancient enemy.”

“Really? Does someone care about us so much? I never imagined such nonsense. No one is interested in our lives, not even our masters.”

“You are wrong, Emiko. I care and was sent by others who care. But honestly, the enemy is a danger to everyone on every land, not just Tsaesci and Akaviri.”

“And you will fight this enemy?”

“Yes. That is what I do. I find evil, fight and defeat it.”

“You are a strange person, Wulf.”

“Why? Because I am Neh-Tamrilei?”

“No. You are confident and not afraid. That is strange in this land of the frightened enslaved.”

“Many enslaved are confident and not afraid. When there are enough of them, rebellion will happen.”

“What?! Do not say that! If anyone hears you…”

“…they will cut off my head. Yeah, we already discussed that unlikely scenario.”

Emiko stared at me like I had two heads, not one in danger of being removed. I laughed and moved to the next person.

“Hello, I am Wulf.”

“Greetings, Wulf. I am Mia. May the sky be clear over you!”

“Have you heard anything about other Neh-Tamrilei or a Tamrilei ship?”

“Thank the gods, no one saw anything. It is said that Neh-Tamrilei bring bad luck!”

“Oh no! You have spoken to me and are now cursed with bad luck!”

“You are making fun of me.”

“No, I am making fun of a silly superstition. How can somebody, who is not a god, change the luck of another?”

“Forgive me, but we must blame something for our misfortune. Those without children live an easy life. Take Emiko, for example.”

“What is wrong with Emiko?”

“She is an upstart and always trying to be better than me! I do not know where she lived, but there were no calluses on her hands when she came here!”

“Like you, Emiko is now enslaved. She seems to work this rice paddy as hard as you. So, Mia, does it matter where she came from?”

“What about her efforts to be better than me?”

“If you whine and complain instead of improving yourself, then Emiko is better than you.”

“How dare you?”

“You have badmouthed another villager to a stranger. How dare you, Mia?”

“Well…”

“As for children. They are not a burden but a blessing. Childless people are less fortunate than you.”

“Umm…”

“May the sky be clear over you instead of pissing down like it is at the moment.”

I walked over to the next villager, who seemed to have grown taller than his hair.

“Hello, I am Wulf.”

“I am Nabato, the village fisherman.”

“Have you been to the beach lately?”

“Yes, Master! The fish were happy to be caught the day before yesterday. Maybe you would like some?”

“I am not your master, Nabato. I thank you for your offer, but this village needs food more than I do. Have you seen any Tamrilei ships when at the beach?”

“No. Until today, I thought Tamrilei ships were fiction.”

“There are fewer villagers than I expected in Ayo.”

“There is my wife, Kameko, and two of our children. There is a po-tun named Ru-Ta-Shan and an old woman called Haruna. Emiko and Maya are unmarried girls, and there is me. Oh, and Roca, he hunts with po-tun.”

“Until recently, there was also Riaze.”

“The list would be much longer if I mentioned those who have recently died.”

“I noticed four children. Who are the parents of the other two?”

“They are orphans purchased by our master. They are now part of the village, and we encourage them to think of us all as family.”

“Why is there a shortage of healthy men? I thought your master would like all women to marry for profit’s sake.”

“You speak our language well enough to make your true thoughts evident. You do not think much of trading people like cattle.”

“Enslavement is an abomination.”

“Many men have been taken from Ayo to work in the mines until they die. That is why Kamiko and Maya remain lonely. But why love somebody if the master can take them away or kill them at whim?”

“You look fit, as does Roca. Are you in danger of being taken to the mines?”

“They said I am too skinny, and I try to stay that way. Roca was not here when they last recruited miners. He and Emiko are recent additions to Ayo.”

“I have heard rumours of villagers speaking to Neh-Tamrilei, who live in Tamrilei.”

“How can you talk at a distance? Only magicians can do that, and there are no magicians among the enslaved.”

“I am aware of the restrictions placed on magic on this island.”

“Even Tsaesci must ask their Zei’ko-Kaliin (Warden of the Inner Spiral or Coil-Lord) for permission to cast spells.”

“The reason for the war against Mages on Tenno Island is unknown to Neh-Tamrilei.”

“We do not know. We are taught nothing and learn little. However, there are a lot of ruins and some house magicians who can turn you into ash as soon as they see you.”

“I am one of the most powerful magicians on Nirn, Nabato. They would be surprised if they attempted to turn me into ash. Many have tried and died for their ignorance. However, I thank you for your warning.”

“You are going to be a problem for our master. I do not know if I should be pleased, for he is quick to express his anger on those he owns.”

“I will talk with Coil-Lord Nagamatu and advise him to leave Ayo and its people alone. He will listen.”

“You are confident of that. So, I will believe you.”

“Was the father of Riaze’s child taken to the mines?”

“A Tsaesci guard raped her. Even if her child had lived, it would have been taken away. She was excited to have a child despite that likely outcome.”

“I was not told the child was Neh-Kalein (‘Coiled Other’ or ‘Worthy Not-of-Coil’). They have a better life than those who are enslaved, but still, they are not considered Tsaesci. Is it forbidden for guards to rape Akaviri?”

“Yes. The guard boasted of his conquest. Long before Riaze hung on the frame, her rapist suffered the same fate.”

“I understand more of why the guards were upset at the infant’s death. I thank you for your candor, Nabato. Keep skinny, Ayo needs your skills.”

“Haha.”

Distracting the villagers from their work risked punishment from the guards. They might not confront me, but they would feel justified exercising their power over others when I leave. Therefore, I decided that Roka would be the last one I spoke to. He was chopping wood but stopped when he saw me approaching.

“Greeting, Hunter Roka. I am Wulf.”

“I know who you are, Sir Wulf Welkynd, and what you did for Ru-Ta-Shan. I have suggested he wear a bandage over his eyes to hide their repair and aid his mimicry of blindness.”

“That is a wise idea, and I should have thought of it.”

“I am sure you have many things on your mind, Sir Wulf.”

“Just Wulf will do. Tell me, why must you and Ru-Ta-Shan hunt and Nabato fish? Does Coil-Lord Nagamatu starve you on purpose?”

“I do not know. It seems counterproductive. Nagamatu does not enslave us as a hobby, but for financial gain. I do not know how he would operate his mines if the only people left are malnourished and sickly.”

“Perhaps I will ask him. It may concern the evil I am here to investigate and end.”

“You are going to force a meeting with him. That is why you are not hiding your identity.”

“Yes. I do not expect the low-ranked guards here to do anything. However, if I wander around Mikoi long enough, Coil-Lord Nagamatu will invite me into his palace.”

“You may not like the way he invites you.”

“I expect he will send some of his thugs to intimidate me. I hope he does, because that would allow a first lesson before I meet him.”

“I hope we hear of the outcome. As you know, we are kept in the dark here.”

“You are mushrooms. Kept in the dark and fed bullshit.”

“Hahaha. So true.”

“You and Ru-Ta-Shan are competent warriors. Do not deny it, for I am an expert on measuring an opponent’s capabilities. You hunt and will claim that only bamboo weapons are used. I know any piece of wood can be a dangerous weapon in the hands of those who know how to wield it, but the danger is increased. You will have at least one katana and other weapons hidden in the jungle, not out of self-preservation but a desire to aid Ayo’s people. You will return with carcasses and bloodied bamboo spears so the guards do not question your success.”

“Fortunately, they are not as smart as The Dragonborn.”

“Let me speculate more. You were either Tal-Ken’Vas or even Ken-Rhaal. Emiko was likely Zei-Khai’lan, hence her lack of calluses when arriving in Ayo. You have kept this past secret from the other villagers because they would have the same pressing questions. How did you earn the wrath of their Coil-Lord and get demoted to enslaved? Maybe you are an agent of their master and sent to spy. If one of those ranks, what did you do to earn the position?”

“Your skill in speculation is to be admired, but you are wrong. We were free Akaviri in Ka’Po’Tun. I had worked my way through the ranks of their army. Emiko was an assistant to what you term Restoration Mages. We were captured in a battle different from Ru-Ta-Shan’s but suffered the same fate. We were not to be part of a prisoner swap but were too valuable to waste. Coil-Lord Nagamatu purchased us as a pair and sent us to Ayo. He outbid several nobles who thought we would be tasty additions to their Blood Farms.”

“Then you would yearn for freedom. That is something few born to enslavement possess. However, it takes a certain percentage of enslaved people willing to risk death before a rebellion can have hope of succeeding. You know of those who plan such a thing. That is why you have real weapons hidden in the jungle.”

“It would be easier if your Dragonguard assisted us.”

“Our headquarters on the mainland was discovered, and many were killed. Powerful allies now hide the survivors. We are still trying to discover the identity of those who attacked and how they found us. I might find those answers on Tenno Island, but they are not my priority. Finding and stopping the ancient enemy is my focus. Rebellion may result from my actions, so be prepared.”

“Does this enemy have a name?”

“The Phantom of Longwang.”

“An ominous name, but I know nothing of who or what that may be.”

“Very few do, for history has been obscured. That is a common tactic with gods and powerful mortals. If people forget the past, they cannot protect against it repeating. Often, a false history is inserted to aid in the concealment of the truth. This ancient enemy first appeared here two hundred years ago. However, he has been plotting against mortals for millennia, and this is his latest scheme.”

“You have not asked who supplied us with weapons.”

“It is best I do not know for now. Although confident of my strength, I am yet to encounter my adversary. If I do not know something, it cannot be found through questioning or other means.”

“Something tells me this is not the last time I hear from you.”

“If rebellion is required or triggered, I will not let it fail. You know what the Dragonguard have accomplished on the mainland and Tamriel. However, I think the enslaved Akaviri must earn freedom for it to have value. So, we would assist, not accept the entire burden.”

 “I do not know who the rebels are, but they must have been watching us, for we found the weapons along one of our favourite game trails with a note that said, ‘A present to make the killing of animals, two and four legged, easier.’”

“Perhaps they should have included slithering amongst the animal types, although few Tsaesci keep their reptilian form.”

“I assume that has something to do with The Way of the Ascending Coil. Like my furry friend, that is a mystery to me.”

“Yes, it involves Tsaesci religious beliefs and their willingness to adapt. When they invaded Tamriel, they found the serpent form less than ideal. They had not encountered cavalry before and could not control war horses like bipeds can. They have always had difficulty adapting armour to that form, and Tamriel’s defenders took advantage of unarmoured flesh. Those and several other reasons have made the serpent form less desirable. I am writing a treatise on Tsaesci to banish, once and for all, the misconceptions rampant in Tamriel concerning the race. The unpopularity of the serpent form will have many pages dedicated to the explanation.”

“Are there many free Akaviri amongst the Dragonguard?”

“To avoid complaints from The Dominion, the Dragonguard in Tamriel are now called Divine Knights. Several Akaviri nobles are Divine Knights.”

“That would make some Tsaesci seethe with anger.”

“The Way of the Ascending Coil provides a convenient excuse for their betrayal of Akaviri. My Tsaesci comrades saw through the hypocrisy, so they became Dragonguard. Anyway, I must get going. The longer I stay in Ayo, the greater the chance the guards will grow backbones and cause problems.”

Roka bowed the same way Ka’Po’Tun do. I smiled and returned the honour.

I stood before the remains of Riaze, and for the first time since arriving on Tenno Island, I let my anger surface.

Rigmor contacted me via Mara’s Rings.

“Wulf, I expected your anger to flare before now.”

“I have let it loose for a bit. I am looking at the remains of a villager tortured to death. Her only crime was giving birth to a sickly baby that died. She wanted to bury the infant, as per the custom of the Akaviri.”

“I used my Corb to annoy Vayu for information. That is why I have not bothered you till now. However, this is a development he is yet to hear.”

“Yes. I will report to Vayu later. I am using the tactic of surprise. I am not hiding who I am. However, I will fly invisibly and appear elsewhere quite rapidly. That should concern any potential adversary.”

“Tell me about the dead woman.”

“Her name is Riaze. She was raped by one of the guards. These hybrids are called Neh-Kalein, which means Coiled-Other or Worthy-Not-of-Coil.”

“Like Atheris. She is, like many of the Divine Knights, a lovely person. Only recently have you been discussing Tsaesci religion and culture in depth. Atheris said that it is due to its complexity and many nuances.”

“I am trying to summarise it in a treatise. Hopefully, it will dispel the many myths and spark an interest in further study by competent scholars.”

“Is it the injustice of Riaze’s death that upsets you?”

“No, it is the method of execution. If a Tsaesci fails to fulfil The Way of the Ascending Coil, they are Unbound. That means they have not obtained their potential and are considered failures. To most Tsaesci, it would be a fate worse than death. They invented a form of torture and execution that physically represents their inner coil unravelling. A small incision is made in a person’s abdomen. Then a hook is used to pull the intestines out, slowly. They call it Uncoiling, and they did this to Riaze and made all the villagers watch, including the children. They then sliced off all her flesh, leaving her skeleton hanging.”

“Vayu told me about the Tsaesci guard who killed six of his colleagues because they wanted to bleed Riaze.”

“Yes. Bleeding is relatively painless and quick. The Tsaesci tie you to a raised cross, cut some arteries and collect the blood for consumption. Riaze ran away from just punishment, so she suffered Uncoiling instead when caught.”

“I must not judge all Tsaesci based on what you describe.”

“Many honourable Tsaesci live on the mainland, and I am positive I will find some on Tenno Island. As a race, they share the guilt of betraying the Akaviri. A desire to atone for that betrayal will motivate many Tsaesci to assist if opportunity arises.”

 “What are you doing for the rest of today?”

“I will visit a city called Mikoi and hope Coil-Lord Nagamatu invites me to parley. He is an arsehole, but there are worse than him dotted around the island. I expect to make a spectacle in his presence, thus spreading the news of my arrival on Tenno Island.”

“Would this spectacle involve headless people?”

“If he were to break parley, yes. But I do not want to kill him. Not yet. I must decipher the current political climate before killing high-level nobles.”

 “I know you dislike politics, but you treat such intrigues as puzzles.”

“Puzzles that might prove unsolvable because I am missing pieces. Similarly, my pieces might not fit together as I think they do.”

“Have you seen any children?”

“There are four running around Ayo. They are no different from the ones we see in Skyrim. They are carefree and enjoying the simple things. I do not know what age they are expected to work beside the adults.”

“Keep to the commitment you made with Olette. Come home and recover if darkness threatens to overwhelm you.”

“I shall, my expert nagger.”

“Nagging is an effective method of expressing love.”

“If you say so.”

“Who am I?”

“Countess Rigmor Ragnarsdottier, so what you say is irrefutably true.”

“Well done.”

“I am about to say hello to some guards. This will be fun!”

“Behave!”

“It is too early to start lopping off heads. Perhaps later. I want to scare these.”

“Talk to me before retiring for the night.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

As I approached the guard tower, I overheard a conversation.

“Relax, Migu. We will be out of here in two weeks.”

“We might run out of the rice ration Nagamatu gave us by then. Why can’t we take some of the village’s produce?”

“You know that every grain of rice and vegetable belongs to him. Besides, these wolves look tasty.”

“Do you know how to gut and prepare them, Nennu?”

“We can ask the hunter. Perhaps bargain, some of the meat for the butchering.”

“What is the world coming to when honest guards like us have to bargain with the enslaved?”

“They are the rules.”

“Besides, why would they want wolf meat when they brought back a big stag and boar a few days ago?”

“Have you noticed how well the eldest girl has matured over the last few months?”

“Yes, of course I have. A lack of good food and warm women heightens the senses.”

“After the unfortunate incident with the woman they Decoiled, Nagamatu forbade us to touch them.”

“Yeah, but he did not say anything about the children. She is too young to get pregnant.”

“But not too young to squeal. The poor thing might fall victim to the numerous wolves in the area.”

“You are a cold bastard.”

“Nah, I am a horny bastard.”

I made some noise so the guards knew I was close.

The guard below was Nennu. Migu peered over the side. I looked Nennu up and down.

• Nennu: I am not a statue to be admired. Get out of here!
• Wulf: Speak to me like that again, and I shall open you from belly to throat.
• Nennu: Pah! Neh-Tamrilei are barbarians! You are afraid of animals, bandits, and Tsaesci!
• Wulf: Soldier Migu, you are witness to my challenge.
• Migu: What?
• Wulf: Did you witness Soldier Nennu insulting me?
• Migu: Well. Umm…
• Wulf: Answer truthfully, Migu, or suffer the same fate as Nennu.
• Migu: Well then, ahh, yeah, I suppose Nennu insulted you and all Neh-Tamrilei.
• Wulf: You get to pick the weapon, Nennu. What will it be?
• Nennu: Please, Master, I beg your forgiveness and mercy.
• Wulf: I should gut both of you for insulting Coil-Lord Nagamatu.
• Migu: Forgive us, Master. We are loyal soldiers and were talking nonsense.
• Wulf: We will need all our soldiers for the upcoming battles.
• Migu: Yes! It would be a waste to kill us now!
• Wulf: Your useless carcasses might stop arrows from hitting more critical people.
• Nennu: But only if we are alive and mobile, Master.
• Wulf: You have my mercy. However, if I hear of any children in Ayo being molested or dying, I will return.
• Nennu: Ahh, we were only kidding around.
• Wulf: I will return and make you choke on your balls. Do you understand?
• Nennu: Yes, Master.
• Migu: Like Nennu said. We were only joking.
• Wulf: Do you understand, Migu?
• Migu: Yes, Master.

I headed for the jungle.

When out of sight, I cast Shadow Walk and then Shouted Volar.

I flew over Ayo and headed for Nagamatu’s palace.

The heavy rain made it hard to make out details using Zoom Vision.

I arrived at the palace and had a quick look around.

There were a few Guardians of the Nagamatsu Clan, their official title, outside the main building. Even if there were dozens inside, it would be easy for me to escape.

 It is a pity that Nagamatu has chosen the same clan colours we use for The Divine Knights. I might hesitate for a split second before slaughtering his clan members.

After my quick perusal of Nagamatu’s palace, I headed for Mikoi.

I dismissed Volar and Shadow Walk in the jungle near the city.

Two Guardians of the Nagamatsu Clan watched me approach Mikoi’s stables.

I approached a Guardian who said, “Move along. But remember, I will be watching you.”

I replied, “Do you want me to wiggle my arse?” The shock on the Guardian’s face made me laugh. He is probably used to boot lickers.

I was surprised to see a Tsaesci beggar. He wore rags no better than the enslaved of Ayo. He was ill. Most likely Greenill. Greenill is a Tsaesci-specific virus that can affect mental acuity. Infected feel severe pain at the slightest touch.

“I am Wulf. Why do you need to beg?”

“Call me Speckled, for I lost my hatching name after I became Unbound.”

“What led to you becoming Unbound?”

“I had a thriving Apothecary that I ran with a longtime friend. He fled with most of our funds, and then I was infected with Greenill.”

“You seem healthier than others I have seen with Greenill.”

“For weeks, I stumbled around like I was dead. And contact on my skin felt like a thousand stab wounds. I used my skills to create a remedy. So now I am well, but have no income and no way to distribute the cure.”

“You are not Unbound, just unfortunate. What you have done is embrace your skills, not abandon them.”

“This is like any other city. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. I doubt your words will change my fortune.”

“You can surrender to entropy, a direct path to becoming Unbound. Alternatively, you can hope and do something to change your circumstances. That is up to you.”

I handed Speckled 10 Xhiatal (Xhiatal means Imperial Metal. They are gold coins with a slightly larger diameter than a Septim but are heavier by 50%. So, 10 Xhiatal is equivalent, in gold value, to 15 Septims.)

Speckled tried to give me some potions.

I explained, “I require nothing in return, Speckled. Charity is one of those barbaric things that Neh-Tamrilei do. The coins are a gift.”

I left another Tsaesci confused. It seems everything I do amongst the citizens of Tenno Island is incomprehensible. My sudden appearance amongst them is spreading the chaos I desire. I have caught them off guard.

The Tsaesci Horse Master was well dressed. His katana was of superb quality. His horses were not the small breed native to Akavir. They were descendants of Imperial Warhorses.

“Greetings, Horse Master. I am Wulf.”

“Call me Konishi, as I prefer informality when trading.”

“Oh, I do not need to purchase a horse, although they look like fine descendants of Tamrilei Warhorses from here.”

“You can tell?”

“Their throat latch, chest, barrel, and cannon are distinctive. Whiterun Whites are similar but a hand or two shorter.”

“You are the first Neh-Tamrilei I have met. Therefore, thank you for sending over such fine steeds for us to claim as spoils of war. Their bloodline is pure, so perhaps they surpass those in Tamrilei.”

“The Imperial Legion Horse Masters also claim a pure bloodline for their horses, so they are likely of equal quality.”

I entered Mikoi through the main gate, aware that every Guardian of the Nagamatsu Clan stared at me.

The architecture was typical Tsaesci and not pretty like Akashima. It was an improvement on Markarth and Windhelm. Mind you, a dunghill is more attractive than those two cities.

The public notice board in Evermore provided helpful information. So, I headed for Mikoi’s.

Public notices had not been placed for some time. Instead, there was a moth-chewed list of local laws and bylaws.

I could see several taverns. I will sit in one, enjoy some booze, and wait for an invitation from Nagamatsu. I have no doubt several Guardians have run to his palace to tell of the large, well-armed Neh-Tamrilei that dares walk Mikoi’s streets.

Like public notice boards, Taverns are also an excellent information source.

I walked past the Firefly Tavern. It smelled bad, and a cacophony of drunkenness emanated from it. It was likely a place to find a fight and not helpful information.

The Jolly Drum seemed a far better proposition. It even had a resident beggar out the front, just like Skyrim!

I stood in front of the beggar and waited for his banter.

“Master, I have valuable knowledge. Just one Xhiatal per pearl of wisdom.”

“That is a steep price. Here, have 15 Xhiatal and talk till you run out of pearls. What is your name?”

The beggar stared at the unexpected bounty. Then he snatched it and tucked the coins in a pouch inside his trousers, near his groin. You would need a strong stomach to search that area!

“I am called Zygrej.”

“Why are you reduced to selling information, Zygrej?”

“I have sold everything, bit by bit, to pay the price the Blood Farms charge.”

“Is it only Coil-Lord Nagamatsu’s farms charging exorbitant prices?”

“I do not know. I lack permission to travel to other clan territories.”

“Do you know of Tsaesci that have only ever consumed animal blood?”

“There are isolated pockets. Generally, we treat them with pity and suspicion. More zealous types kill them.”

“The beast’s blood is without direction. It coils in place, lost and low. To drink of it is to Unbound oneself into the dirt.”

“You know The Way of the Ascending Coil. Do all Neh-Tamrilei have such knowledge?”

“No, Zygrej. There is much about Tsaesci lost in translation and muddied by scholars who rely on speculation, not logic and facts. I am trying to remedy that, for we should understand your people better.”

“We tried to impart wisdom and knowledge when last we visited Tamrilei.”

“We returned the favour by invading Akavir. That was not very polite and idiotic.”

“Ha, it is refreshing to hear you admit it, Wulf.”

“How does Coil-Lord Nagamatsu justify the price increase?”

“He claims that the Blood Farm enslaved people are dying faster than they can be captured or bred. Therefore, there is a shortage, and it is a seller’s market.”

“That is interesting and does not correlate with what I have witnessed. But I have only been on Tenno Island briefly, so perhaps there is some truth in what he says.”

“Questioning our master is a shortcut…”

“…to having my head cut off. I do not fear that and will continue speaking the truth. Do you remember the time before the Tsaesci betrayed the Akaviri?”

“Yes. I once visited the Emperor’s palace. An Akaviri sat on the throne, and we all bowed to him. There were Coil-Lords and servants, but no enslaved people. Blood was obtained like any other product. A fair price was asked for and paid to those who voluntarily gave it. Zealots of The Way of the Ascending Coil gained enough power to instigate the betrayal. Our nation has been poorer for it.”

“What do you remember of Emperor Uriel’s invasion?”

“I was living in a village near the sea when Tamrilei ships burnt it to the ground. They did not land near that village, and I saw no sense in what they did.”

“None of it made sense. Emperor Uriel was an idiot.”

“I also remember the day when I saw another ship. The Tamrilei ships had large, square sails, which I thought was a poor design. This one was sleeker and had both square and triangular sails. To our surprise, only one person disembarked. He had grey skin and sharp ears. He came from Morro-vir or Varo-nir or something similar. His Tsaesci was not as fluent as yours.”

“That was The Nerevarine, a great hero from Morrowind. I spoke to him just before sailing here.”

“I cannot remember if that was before or after your idiotic Emperor came here.”

“It was before, Zygrej.”

“Yes, it was. Sometimes it is hard to place so many memories in order.”

“What is your honest opinion of Coil-Lord Nagamatsu? I do not serve him and would not betray your trust.”

“You are here for an important reason, even if I am ignorant of what that is. You seem not to care that my ‘master” will target you. I trust you, so I am not hesitant to say that the Nagamatsu Clan is the vilest on this island, if not all of Akavir!”

“That seems accurate.”

“Some people say Tsaesci have forked tongues and cannot be trusted. That is a rather crude generalisation. However, to use that metaphor, I would say that every Nagamatsu noble has several forked tongues!”

“You are knowledgeable and well spoken. You mentioned being in the presence of the Emperor. You were and are a scholar. You are not Unbound and fulfil your role, even if destitute.”

“That is true.”

“I will enter this tavern, Zygrej, and await some Guardians of the Nagamatsu Clan to collect me. If they appear, make yourself scarce. They might be stupid and try to arrest me instead of asking politely to accompany them.”

“I shall watch from a safe distance. I need a good laugh. You do not carry a masterpiece of Satoru without earning it.”

“He was a good friend and teacher. This katana has great monetary worth, but as a gift to me from Satoru, it is priceless. My fiancé wears the kai-katana twin.”

I entered The Jolly Drum, and to my relief, no off-tune bard played a drum.

A Tsaesci Shu-Kalein (Unbound Coil) was speaking to the barkeep.

“Barkeep, I am Kondo Isami, a private investigator from Edogama. I am looking for a woman named Arizu and have been informed she was recently seen here.”

“Please, call me Mika. I remember Arizu.”

“Try to remember if she said where she was going.”

“Do you intend her harm?”

“By the Coil the binds me, I intend her no harm.”

“You are an Unbound Coil.”

“True. So, I swear by no Master but truth, I intend her no harm.”

“I will trust you, Kondo Isami. Arizu was heading for the mountains. Where, I do not know. She had two enslaved porters with her.”

“Two enslaved porters suggest she has brought supplies for the long journey.”

“Or she was going to stay somewhere for a long time.”

“Yes, that is another possibility. I thank you for your help, Mika.”

Kondo stared at me as I stepped aside and let him exit.

An Akaviri said, “Come, stranger, let us share Ji-Haan.”

I approached, and as is my habit when in Akavir, I studied his katana. He would not carry such a fine blade even if he were a Zei-Tal-Ken (Bound-Silence-Blade) or Kah-Lei-Vas (One-Who-Coils-With-Purpose). He would wear traditional armour if a Sei’kuro (Holy-Blade). His movements when he sat demonstrated balance and promised swift violence. He studied me just as closely, and although he tried not to, his surprise at my katana was shown.

I was intrigued and showed equal grace as I sat, a commendable feat since I wore armour.

The game of cat and mouse began.

He said, “They have great Ji-Haan today. I advise you try it.”

I poured a measure of Ji-Haan (Serpent’s-Breath) and sculled it. It was not ceremonial Ji-Haan (True-Brew) but common Ji-Haan known as Coil-Brew. Any bar caught serving True-Brew would likely be burnt to the ground, and its owners would likely be executed. Coil-Brew is weaker and not likely to cause a trance or enable an Empathetic Link. However, it is still potent. My Dragonblood prevents intoxication, but I have seen Vayu and others become slurring drunks after two measures.

I decided to see if my new drinking buddy has a sense of humour.

I poured another measure and said, “Let the flame twirl through my blood…”

He smiled and replied, “…and may my twirl never untwirl.”

We just mimicked a sacred toast used when drinking True-Brew. We used twirl instead of coil. If he were a religious zealot, he would have been offended.

This test told me two things. He was a nimble thinker and knowledgeable concerning Tsaesci ceremonies.

I sculled the second measure of Coil-Brew. He sipped his.

“Indeed, this Ji-Haan is fine! My name is Wulf.”

“Ji-Haan is the best thing to help relax after a long journey. Do you agree?”

He was being cautious and did not give me his name.

I replied, “It is better than Skyrim’s mead. However, Colovian Brandy is my preferred brew. I always have many bottles of various vintages available at my palace and other properties. However, Ka’sho, I find talking in a tavern the best form of relaxation.”

I will call the stranger Ka’sho, which means one who walks nearby. It is a common term used amongst friends.

I just let him know I was wealthy and where I was from. Ka’sho smiled broadly. He was enjoying the game of secrets and revelations.

Ka’sho remarked, “No matter how hard and long a journey may be, never lose the ability or time to relax.”

“If you cannot relax, you have likely lost everything.”

If Ka’sho wanted to test my knowledge of Tsaesci proverbs, he would have to dig deep to find one I do not know.

“It is an honour to share Ji-Haan with you, Wulf.”

“You recognise who and what I am, Ka’sho. However, you do not know if I will be arrested and tortured. I do not blame you for your caution.”

“I mean no harm to you.”

“But we do not know Coil-Lord Nagamatsu’s intentions. I have been waiting for his invitation.”

“You were detected before you set foot in The Jolly Drum. Guardians will be waiting for you outside. They dislike arresting people in taverns as it is tradition that their Coil-Lord pay any damages that might result.”

“Do you think they detected me? I thought being taller than everybody else and wearing expensive armour would make me inconspicuous.”

“Haha.”

“I have held Sha’Voth (The-Still-Coil, a Tsaesci form of parley) with those on the mainland. I am still learning the politics of Tenno Island. How likely is Coil-Lord Nagamatu to obey Sha’Voth?”

“If he regards you as a prisoner, then he has no obligation to do so. If you are allowed to enter his presence bearing arms, then he declared Sha’Voth. He has not demonstrated strict adherence to religious norms in the past.”

“Thank you for your candor. You have shown some trust, but I understand the hesitance.”

“If I were you, I would not make the Guardians wait long. Keep calm and remember, the person who can be broken can also bend.”

“I think I will chat with Mika before saying hello to my escorts.”

“You would never break, would you?”

“No, and I very rarely bend.”

“Coil-Lord Nagamatu has no idea what he will invite into his palace.”

“He will learn, and hopefully the news will spread rapidly.”

“Why are you here, Wulf?”

“I am going to protect Nirn against the Phantom of Longwang.”

Ka’sho’s façade dropped, and all jocularity vanished.

He said, “I am….”

“Do not tell me. If we can assist each other, we shall meet again.”

If he told me who he was, an obligation would be implied. I did not want such complications so early in my investigation.

I wandered over to Mika.

“Hello, Mika, I am Wulf. Your tavern has an interesting name.”

“A Neh-Tamrilei in my tavern! That will generate a lot of gossip, dry throats, and Ji-Haan consumption!”

“I am pleased to add to your profits.”

“I am going to change the name. It was called The Jolly Drum in honour of my ex-husband. He used to play the drum here and attracted many clients. However, he liked Ji-Haan too much, so we are no longer married.”

“I hope he was not guilty of Thar’Nul (Soul-Poisoning. That is usually in the form of verbal or physical abuse).”

“Fortunately for him, he was not. Zin’Rok-Kei was determined, and our marriage was annulled.” (Zin’Rok-Kei means Corruption-Of-Flame. It includes anything that causes spiritual imbalance between the couple.)

“Were you fond of him?”

“At first. But now I have a different life and do not feel sorry for him. It was his fault. The name of my tavern remains in memory of his talent. But I will change it, eventually.”

“It is a pity you cannot hire a Sha’Lin-Sin (Flame-Binder. A bard who does not always sing to educate or for ceremony).”

“Singing for entertainment is frowned upon. Many people quietly question the rules surrounding Sha’Lin-Zhei (The-Coiling-Voice). My old husband did not sing, so he was left alone. Perhaps more musicians with sealed lips might be the answer.”

“You have another husband?”

“Yes, and he also enjoys Ji-Haan, but not to excess.”

“It has been a pleasure speaking to you, Mika. However, Guardians are waiting for me to exit to try to arrest me. I should not keep them waiting.”

“Please do not get blood all over my bamboo mats.”

“I shall move away from the doorway.”

“Thank you. I never did believe that all Neh-Tamrilei are mindless barbarians.”

I stepped outside and was greeted by two Guardians.

• Isakai: Hey you! Coil-Lord Nagamatu wants to speak with you.
• Nagao: He is as big as they said, Isakai.
• Wulf: I do not need a guard of honour. But since you are here, I will allow you the privilege.
• Nagao: Was that an insult? I get confused sometimes.
• Isakai: Yes, Nagao, that was an insult. This Neh-Tamrilei thinks he is important enough to have an honour guard.
• Nagao: That is not insulting.
• Isakai: He suggested that we are of such lowly rank that we would be his honour guards.
• Nagao: He deserves Uncoiling for that. But we must take him to our master alive.
• Isakai: Our master will not object to a few bruises. Teach this barbarian some manners!
• Nagao: How hard can you hit Neh-Tamrilei before they cry?
• Isakai: You might have to experiment a bit.

Nagao came running at me with a raised bamboo shoot. It would have something inside to make it heavier. It was quite capable of breaking bones and knocking somebody out.

I stepped around Nagao easily. His momentum placed him further away than where he started.

I snatched his club off him and tossed it aside. I noticed Zygrej watching with a huge grin.

Another Guardsman was told to move on by Isakai. He still thought he had the situation under control.

Nagao has good unarmed combat skills, but I easily blocked each attack while smiling at him.

After ten seconds, I ended the farce before more Guardians got involved. I blocked a last flurry of punches and kicks, and then the flat of my hand hit Nagao in the breadbasket. He doubled over, gasping for breath. Zygrej clapped.

As Nagao rolled on the ground, gasping and regretting his career choice, I approached Isakai.

I asked, “Are you ready to escort me to Coil-Lord Nagamatu now?”

“Nagao is our best at Shēi’Khan (The-Coiled-Hand)! You made him look foolish.”

“You can either escort me and save some dignity, or join Nagao on the ground.”

“Come then, but at least allow me to walk behind you with drawn katana.”

“Make sure you have a grimace and give me the occasional shove while calling me names.”

“The standard march of the condemned, then?”

“Yeah. Let us not keep your master waiting.”

“Will Nagao survive?”

“He might piss blood for a week but will recover.”

“Other Guardians are coming over. They can take care of him. Now, scum, move along!”

Isakai enjoyed his role. It probably looked impressive how he bullied a much larger Neh-Tamrilei and cast stinging insults. I had to whisper a few suggestions when he ran out of disparaging names and questions about my virility.

I counted the guards and soldiers and noted their locations as we walked through Nagamatsu’s palace grounds and climbed three floors to his throne room. I will call it a throne room even though it only has sitting mats.

Two unarmoured Guardians were in the throne room. Heat Vision showed another four on the other side of bamboo screens.

Isakai announced, “As ordered, Master, I have brought the Neh-Tamrilei to face judgment.”

“Where is Nagao?”

“He…ahh…fell ill. He will be okay.”

I approached Jiro Nagamatsu and looked down upon him. He would not regard that as a sign of relative rank or subservience like an Empire noble would. His egg brother, Naoshige, sat behind him and to his right.

I scanned Jiro’s soul. It is as black as soot and shared. Dagoth Ur has his claws in it, and only death would release him from possession. Mind you, Jiro must have volunteered to become Dagoth’s puppet, so I would not feel remorseful killing him.

I must be careful. I do not know enough to provoke Dagoth. I do not want to face his avatar, the Phantom of Longwang, until I know more about what he has done and who else is involved.

I did not bow, show fear or any emotion but amusement as I stood still.

Jiro looked at my sword and then stared at me as if I were incomprehensible.

He asked, “Why, Neh-Tamrilei, do you walk my lands, pretending to be one of us?”

“This would be a poor disguise if I wanted to pretend I was one of you or an Akaviri. I wanted to be noticed so you would invite me to Sha’Voth.”

“It would not matter how hard you tried to be like us. Your barbaric essence is immediately apparent.”

“If I were to be measured by The Way of the Coil, I would surpass you in all aspects. You are speaking to somebody far above your station. Continue to let your arrogance comfort your ignorance. I find it amusing.”

A Guardian started to draw his katana.

I growled, “If you draw that sword, you commit spiritual heresy by dishonouring Sha’Voth. You will be Unbound, and I will kill you.”

Jiro gave a hand signal, and the guard removed his hand from his katana.

Jiro demanded, “How do you know our language? Where did you gain knowledge of The Way of the Coil?”

“I asked your many beggars lots of questions. It cost me a fortune, and some will buy palaces as grand as this one!”

“You are insolent! My hand would not mind unsheathing my sword. But it does not seem like you fear death.”

“I would not welcome it as I have far too much to do on Nirn.”

“I suppose you were not a peasant in your home country. That is none of my concern. Here, you are just a worthless piece of meat.”

“Even here, I am of high nobility. Your lack of courtesy is a stain on Clan Nagamatsu. You are a stain on Clan Nagamatsu!”

I achieved my aim, and Jiro broke Sha’Voth. He gave another hand signal, and the Guardians advanced after issuing a loud whistle. Other Guardians burst into the room.

They were good swordsmen, but that did not stop five of them from dying in as many seconds. Part of their problem was reliance on sword forms that were taught to them. They could not improvise to counter my speed and unorthodox attacks.

As the last head hit the floor, I used my Thu’um, “YOU DARE TO ATTACK A SON OF AKATOSH! CALL OFF YOUR GUARDIANS OR I WILL KILL THEM ALL AND DESTROY CLAN NAGAMATSU!”

I have no doubt I was heard throughout the palace complex.

Jiro, Isakai and Naoshige cowered. None of them had drawn a sword.

To their credit, Jiro and Isakai recovered quickly and stood straight once more. Jiro looked at Isakai and nodded. Isakai whistled, and the sound of approaching Guardians ceased.

I growled, “Now sit and listen without interruption.”

I watched Jiro and Naoshige return to their places. I used Magicka to clean the blood and gore from my sword before sheathing it. The use of magic without permission was another act of defiance.

I resumed my position in front of Jiro.

I said, “You were so busy denigrating me and my people, you never asked my name. It is Sir Wulf Welkynd, Champion of The Divines and other gods. I am Dragonborn! I have the blood and soul of a dragon, but have overcome my instincts for conquest and domination. That is Will Over Flesh, a key tenet. I have many noble titles and am a friend and advisor of Emperor Titus Mede II. Hierarchy Reflects Harmony, another key tenet of The Way of the Coil. I have fought many battles and smaller conflicts. Thousands have fallen to my katana, Thu’um and Magicka. Combat as Revelation is the third tenet I have met. I have studied, meditated, and learnt from masters in many fields. I have made myself more than I was. The fourth tenet states that Metamorphosis is Sacred. So, Coil-Lord Nagamatsu, I am far closer to the Spiral Heavens than you will ever be. You will cease your violence against the enslaved people. If you do not, my wrath will be written in the histories as I avenge them! You may speak.”

“What is your intention? Why are you here?”

“I am here to protect Emperor Temujin and all other mortals from an interloper who has escaped The Void. I will squash anybody and anything interfering with this task. My history shows that it is not an overconfident boast but a promise.”

I knew Dagoth Ur would not show his hand. If the Phantom of Longwang were to appear, all secrecy would be lost. He does not know I have identified his mortal devotee. He thinks he has the upper hand because I have told him who I am and what I intend to do. The formula is the same whether I deal with gods or mortals like Tilar Aedriath or King Sigmayne. I appear unexpectedly, let my identity and purpose be known and wait for the enemy to make mistakes as they scramble for solutions.

I continued, “You broke Sha’Voth and are Unbound. Words are Wounds, but I only spoke the truth. Dents to your ego or insults are not acceptable reasons for breaking Sha’Voth. You may not have drawn your weapon, but you ordered your Guardians to do so. Unfortunately, there is no record made of our words. But you know what was said.”

I walked over to Naoshige.

“You are a witness to what transpired. You did not draw your sword. You did not order others to attack. You are not Unwound.”

I stood in front of Isakai.

“You are a witness to what transpired. You did not draw your sword. You did not order others to attack. You are not Unwound.”

I made my way to the palace courtyard. Guardians and other ranks did not try to stop me.

I remained unmolested as I headed for the main gates.

I knew many eyes were on me. To get more gossip flowing, I did not exit the gates but teleported to my rooms in Aurane.

I then summoned Atheris and Vayu.

• Wulf: Coil-Lord Nagamatsu is Dagoth Ur’s mortal vessel.
• Vayu: That did not take you long to find out.
• Wulf: It was fortunate he was the first Coil-Lord I visited.
• Vayu: It could have been anybody with some semblance of power.
• Atheris: Are you positive the lucky coin your father gave you does not work?
• Wulf: I think my uncanny instincts lead me in the right direction. 
• Atheris: What are you going to do now?
• Wulf: I will bathe, have a good meal and then go to bed.
• Vayu: But you want us to do something.
• Wulf: Go to Akashima and inform our leaders and Inrek-Xhilrin of my progress.
• Atheris: Do you need guidance?
• Wulf: I want to defeat Dagoth Ur using locals if possible. Freedom earned is freedom valued.
• Vayu: We saw the wisdom of that in Evermore. It is difficult to adjust to the new reality, so many of its people whine and complain and yearn for ‘The good old days.’
• Wulf: The same will happen on Tenno Island. Freedom is a foreign concept to the enslaved Akaviri. They cannot value it as they have never experienced or lost it.
• Atheris: You need to know who to contact next.
• Wulf: Yes, and, hopefully, Inrek can provide more recent intelligence than we have gathered. I am sure there is an organised resistance waiting for direction and support.
• Vayu: Okay, I will summon Sinje. I hope his mood is pleasant, or a Fireball enema will be in order.
• Atheris: You did not mention Rigmor or Olette in your list of things to do.
• Wulf: Please ask Olette to join me here for supper. Rigmor is stuck with guests, but I shall talk to her later.
• Vayu: Does being in Akavir bring back fond memories, Wulf?
• Wulf: It has been some time since I had to factor in The Way of the Coil when dealing with people. I cannot say I missed that.
• Vayu: Rigmor will fill us in on more details. That seems to be the way things are lately.
• Atheris: You almost wear out our Corb when Celestine is at the College.
• Vayu: That is the way things are.
• Wulf: I think Atheris whacking you over the head with something heavy will become the way things are.

My friends were chuckling as they left my room.

My day ended with a hot bath, a three course meal with Olette, and a long chat with Rigmor via Mara’s Rings.