Fredas, 12^th Hearthfire, 4E 201

to Loredas, 14^th Hearthfire, 4E 201

As I came out of the ether, Sorella came running out of Angi’s shack, saw me and exclaimed, “Rigmor’s back!”

Meeko whined. He knew the truth.

Angi, Sigunn and Baa’Ren came together to hear what I had to say. Sorella joined them. Nexendia and Celestine remained seated before the fire.

Baa’Ren-Dar said, “Dragonborn, we were told you were gravely ill and might die.”

“Gods, and my love for Rigmor, aided my recovery.”

Sigunn asked, “Rigmor! What happened to Rigmor?”

“I am so sorry, Sigunn. The New Order captured Rigmor.”

Sigunn’s face went pale as she exclaimed, “Oh no!”

Sorella’s face hardened, and she yelled, “I hate you! I hate you!”

The little girl ran into Angi’s shack sobbing.

Angi entered her shack to comfort the young girl.

Sigunn asked, “Do you think Rigmor is still alive?”

“Lady Azura thinks they need Rigmor alive but doesn’t know why. I am certain I would know if she died, because part of me would die with her. However, black arts may be involved. Therefore, I cannot say for certain that she is alive.”

I didn’t mention to Sigunn the more likely reason they would keep Rigmor alive. They want to display the ‘Daughter of the Beast of Hammerfell’ and prolong her suffering by re-enacting what happened to Ragnar.

“But why her, Dragonborn? I don’t understand.”

“All I know at the moment is there are forces behind The New Order that reside in Oblivion. From the beginning, I have said their invasion cannot possibly succeed without additional power or forces. We will have to gather more information to understand what that may be.”

“I will continue to believe Rigmor is alive! Now I will join Angi, and together, we might be able to calm Sorella.”

“Before you go, Sigunn, know this.”

I used my Thu’um, and my words would have been heard for miles.

“I WILL DO MY BEST TO RESCUE RIGMOR, AND FEARFUL BE THE GOD OR MAN OR BEAST THAT STANDS IN MY WAY!”

Sigunn gasped at the power of The Voice, which echoed for several seconds. She then nodded before heading for Sorella.

I said, “We need to talk, Baa’Ren.”

“Khajiit suggests we retire to Rigmor’s tent, as some things are better discussed privately. Yes?”

“I will be there soon, Baa’Ren.”

As Baa’Ren headed for Rigmor’s tent, I walked toward the shack, thinking I could help with Sorella. However, I stopped and listened.

• Angi: Don’t cry. Everything is going to be okay.
• Sorella: I hate him!
• Angi: You don’t mean that.
• Sigunn: Sorella, you told me that Wulf loves Rigmor. Is that true?
• Sorella: Yes. They love each other lots!
• Sigunn: Don’t you think he tried to stop them from taking Rigmor?
• Sorella: Yes.
• Angi: We don’t know the whole story, Sorella. Poor Wulf looks sad, and we shouldn’t make him sadder.
• Sigunn: Wulf will find her.
• Sorella: I want Rigmor to come home.
• Sigunn: We all do, Sorella.
• Angi: You heard Wulf say he would try to find her.
• Sorella: I think everybody in Skyrim heard him!
• Angi: Part of the problem, young lady, is you are tired. Off to bed now.

Celestine had been watching me like a hawk. I signalled her to join us in Rigmor’s tent.

• Wulf: Despite Baa’Ren’s warnings, Aedriath outmaneuvered me. He sacrificed people, and that sort of strategy is foreign to me. But I will have to start thinking like my enemies to survive.
• Celestine: You look like death warmed up.
• Baa’Ren: Silah told us you were fighting to return to us from The Void.
• Wulf: Yes, I was in The Void. My love for Rigmor strengthened my will to return. The aid of gods kept me alive long enough to do so.
• Baa’Ren: How close to death was Dragonborn?
• Wulf: A crossbow bolt made from a Black Diamond hit me on the neck. The bolt was covered in Jarrin Root Poison. When that failed to kill me outright, two of Aedriath’s Elite Guards stabbed me through the armpits.
• Celestine: You must be the first mortal to survive Jarrin Root Poison!
• Baa’Ren: How did gods help Dragonborn?
• Wulf: When I was very young, The Nine gave me many blessings. One of those blessings will prevent me from dying in many, but not all, circumstances. It repaired the damage from the swords and the immediate effects of the poison. However, it did not remove the poison. My body expelled that over several days. Lady Azura anchored a small part of my soul to my body as I fought to return from The Void. Two gods spoke to me in The Void. Lord Talos and another whose name I do not know. Their advice helped me summon the willpower to return.
• Baa’Ren: Dragonborn says his love for Rigmor strengthened that one’s will. Did Rigmor and Dragonborn end their confusion?
• Wulf: Yes, Baa’Ren. Rigmor wants to stay with me, no matter what the future holds.
• Baa’Ren: Khajiit does not know much about the workings of the gods. This one does know the power of love, so is heartened to hear you both came to your senses.
• Wulf: I am at a loss as to what to do next. Lady Azura is probably waiting on something from her seers. The Nine will not know. What happens in Oblivion is hidden from them.
• Celestine: Grandmaster, as head Dragonguard Restoration Mage, I order you to rest. If and when further information arrives from Azura or somebody else, you will likely be too busy to rest.
• Wulf: Yes, Dragonguard Celestine. I acknowledge your superior rank in this matter and will rest. Soon.
• Baa’Ren: This one brought Sigunn here because he thought it would be safe. But nowhere is safe.
• Wulf: Read these documents, Baa’Ren. Make sure those who need to see them do so. Let Celestine read them before we continue.

I handed Baa’Ren the letter to Aedriath and his journal. He read them almost as fast as I could. That is a handy skill in the games of politics and espionage. He then handed them to Celestine, who also reads quickly.

A few minutes later, we continued our discussion.

• Bar’Ren: Khajiit would never have believed it. Tamriel is in grave danger!
• Celestine: If a Daedric Prince manifests in Mundus, then everybody on Nirn is in danger.
• Wulf: Until we know what The Entity is, we cannot counter it.
• Baa’Ren: Dragonborn doesn’t think the New Order’s establishment is needed for The Entity to manifest on Nirn.
• Wulf: An army already in a position of power and ready to conquer more territory would be desirable. However, The New Order need not be established for an Oblivion Gate to work. They have constructed one, but I do not know how they will open it.
• Celestine: That usually takes some metaphysical mumbo jumbo disguised as a ritual. I think that is The Revelation the letter mentions.
• Baa’Ren: Is that why The New Order needs Rigmor? Is she important to The Revelation?
• Wulf: I don’t know. The New Order tried very hard to kill us, Baa’Ren.
• Baa’Ren: Khajiit thinks Aedriath had great faith in Dragonborn. That one assumed Dragonborn would make it to where his trap was with a live Rigmor in tow. Aedriath removed you and captured Rigmor. He is as devious as any foe I have encountered.
• Celestine: They wanted to kill you, Wulf, and gambled that Rigmor would be safe until you died.
• Wulf: If they need Rigmor for some ritual, then let’s hope I have time to find her. If Aedriath wants to re-enact Ragnar’s fate with his daughter, as his journal suggests, I have more time to find and rescue her.
• Baa’Ren: This one must travel to Cyrodiil immediately with these documents, so you must stay here and protect the women and child until my return.
• Wulf: I need to find Rigmor!
• Baa’Ren: Dragonborn does not know where to start. This one knows where to find Dragonborn if he remains here. Khajiit thinks that makes sense.
• Celestine: You are no good to anybody without rest!
• Wulf: Yes, you are right, and I am exhausted. Being dead for three days is not the rest my body needs.
• Baa’Ren: Dragonborn must put aside guilt and think straight. Khajiit can see the guilt, so do not deny it.
• Celestine: I was going to say the same thing. Baa’Ren has done the nagging for me.
• Baa’Ren: This one does not nag! Well, not often.
• Wulf: One thing puzzles me, Baa’Ren. Why has Lady Azura taken such interest in Rigmor?
• Baa’Ren: Maybe Azura has seen into Rigmor’s heart like Khajiit and Dragonborn?
• Wulf: You have proven to be a warrior as well as a diplomat. Is bard on your list of previous occupations?
• Baa’Ren: Ask Rigmor when you find her. I was never allowed to sing lullabies.
• Wulf: Travel safely, Bar’Ren.
• Baa’Ren: Oh, Khajiit forgot. His Imperial Majesty has agreed to your terms. Think of it as a field promotion, so Dragonborn is already General Wulf Welkynd. General Tullius requests that Dragonborn take the oath.
• Wulf: I will visit Castle Dour when I can.
• Baa’Ren: Take care of them, Dragonborn. If they find us here…
• Wulf: They will die.
• Celestine: Angi likes her peace. That is why we haven’t stationed more Dragonguard here. But we can summon dozens if required.
• Wulf: I can, if need be, take everybody to the safety of one of my properties. However, you know where most of them are, so we must assume The New Order would also obtain that information.
• Baa’Ren: Khajiit does not know where Dragonborn’s palace is.
• Wulf: There are many people there, and I don’t want to risk involving them. The same goes for Two Moons and Warm Sands. However, they are options.

After exiting the tent, Celestine and I watched Bar’Ren-Dar run out of the compound like a much younger Khajiiti.

I told Celestine, “I shall rest soon. First, I want to talk with Sigunn.”

I quietly entered Angi’s hut. Sigunn was standing near the curtained entrance to the bedroom.

I whispered, “Is Sorella okay?”

Sigunn replied, “She’s asleep. Don’t worry. She’ll be fine.”

“Do you want to discuss what is happening?”

“Yes, please.”

We sat on chairs in front of the fire.

I said, “I am sorry, Sigunn. I was overconfident and should not have pursued Aedriath without others to help.”

“Baa’Ren explained why it was important for Rigmor to confront Aedriath. It is what she wanted and needed to do, Wulf. Do not apologise for risking your life for Rigmor.”

“How are you, Sigunn?”

“Okay, I guess. It’s just weird, you know. After all that time, we are finally reunited. And now Rigmor is gone again. It is like a curse.”

“I will try my hardest to find Rigmor and bring her back, Sigunn.”

“Celestine never questioned your survival. She told me how you found Rigmor when she needed you most. She was a fourteen-year-old girl in those monsters’ hands. It is the same, Wulf. Rigmor has been taken from me once more and is afraid. She is again in those monsters’ hands, and like last time, your love will help you find her.”

I sang,

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

“You have a wonderful voice! Did Rigmor write that?”

“Yes, she sang it to me a few hours before I failed her.”

“Wulf, Rigmor will not think you failed her. She decided to pursue Tilar with you and nobody else.”

“We are a product of our upbringing. I can see you mirrored in Rigmor, Sigunn.”

Sigunn smiled, then said, “Rigmor was such a good little girl. She wanted to be a teacher one day, then a singer the next. I hardly recognised her, you know, at the prison. I feel guilty about that. How could I do such a thing?”

“I suspect that every day, over and over, you replayed conversations and other memories of Rigmor and Ragnar. The last time you saw Rigmor or heard her speak, she was fourteen, had her hair and was probably dressed in some finery. Fourteen is not exactly a little girl, but certainly not the woman you saw in that prison. She is now inches taller, bigger in certain places, wearing a wig and dressed in a suit of armour! But you did recognise her! You knew it was your little girl! Even if you said, ‘Who are you?’ and Rigmor had to tell you, it would have been a special moment!”

“I saw your face and tears and knew Rigmor had found love.”

“I knew how much Rigmor yearned to find you. Yes, the tears were from love, but also relief. I did not know how Rigmor would have reacted to your death or if they had hurt you.”

“You are right about replaying those memories. One special one is when Rigmor was about seven. Ragnar had made her a doll. It was just doweling for arms and legs with a sackcloth dress and string hair. But Rigmor’s face lit up with the biggest smile when Ragnar handed it to her. She wouldn’t go anywhere without it.”

I didn’t want to explain an unnamed being that showed me a similar doll while I floated amongst the dead. If Sigunn saw the temporary shock on my face, she didn’t pursue it.

I coughed, then said, “I bet Rigmor valued that doll more than spoiled rich children value the bedrooms full of toys they have. It was a symbol of Ragnar’s love for his daughter. Please, tell me more about Rigmor.”

“Rigmor would play rough, tumble with the boys, and fight in the snow. They would throw snowballs at guards until they chased them off.”

“No wonder her hands started twitching when we walked through Windhelm!”

Sigunn laughed, and it was an echo of Rigmor’s. Ragnar never stood a chance!

“One day, the doll she called Jenny went missing. One of the boys told her a new neighbour, a Dark Elf girl, had stolen it. I took Rigmor to their house, and the girl’s father apologised and returned the doll. Rigmor saw the little girl hiding behind her father, crying. She handed the doll to the little Dark Elf girl and said, ‘Why don’t you keep it?’ then ran home. Ragnar made her another one, and the girls became inseparable.”

“What was the girl’s name?”

“LoonaShadow. Rigmor called her Loona for short.”

My traitorous eyes teared up. I quickly turned from Sigunn.

I waited a few seconds to compose myself, then faced Sigunn again and said, “That sounds like the Rigmor I know.”

Sigunn continued, “You were right, Wulf. Memories like that kept me alive. I knew that while I was alive, there was a chance that she was alive too. I knew a day could come when we would be together again.”

“Both you and Rigmor have such incredible strength. I am truly in awe.”

“Baa’Ren-Dar explained to me how he rescued her. I am forever in his debt.”

“Rigmor is a fighter. She has been on the brink of death several times and has been too stubborn to die. But people help her and quickly learn to love her. As you have seen with Sorella, Angi, Celestine and others.”

“She didn’t deserve this, Wulf. She deserved a normal, happy life. Little girls grow up to be mothers. The gods have cursed my family and corrupted her innocence. How can she ever have a normal life now?”

“The Thalmor seeking revenge on Ragnar is not the fault of the gods, Sigunn. They did not tell them to rip your family apart. The Nine have sacrificed much to create all you see and continue to do so. No little girl would have a normal life if it weren’t for them and people like me who aid them.”

“Celestine said you are Champion of The Divines.”

“Yes, I am, and I help them stop evil, such as The New Order. I have stopped Alduin, who wanted to enslave all the people of Nirn. But I can understand why you blame the gods. Not everybody gets the same insight as me.”

“Sometimes, I wanted just to give up. Get it over with and see my beloved Ragnar again. But I would always see that little girl playing, trying on dresses, or chasing the boys.”

“Were red dresses a favourite even then?”

“Yes, they were! She was wearing one when they came for us. I tried to hold onto her. She was crying when they wrenched her from me. She kicked and screamed, and I couldn’t do anything. I tried to reassure her. I told her everything would be alright and that she should go with them. I wanted to die.”

In my head, Rigmor’s voice cried out, “Dragonborn! No! No! Dragonborn help! No, please, leave him alone. You have me! Help me! Mercy!”

Sigunn saw my tears streaming and asked, “Wulf, what’s wrong?”

“Rigmor needs me, Sigunn, and I don’t know how to help her. The Nine gave me powers and blessings, and I couldn’t stop the monsters from taking her.”

“Oh, Wulf…”

“Please forgive me. I need to rest.”

I exited and then rushed past Angi. Meeko whined but did not immediately follow me into Rigmor’s tent.

I needed to sleep, but I didn’t need to sit on the chair, for there was no Rigmor to guard. I could not sleep on her bed, as Rigmor’s scent would not allow rest.

I lay on a bedroll and wept until Meeko lay beside me. His presence comforted me, and sleep soon took pity on me and hid me within its depths.

Several hours later, I was woken by a loud knock on the frame of Rigmor’s tent and a frantic, “Wulf, wake up!” from Sigunn.

Meeko was not beside me, but I could hear him frantically barking in the distance.

I stood and said, “Please enter, Sigunn.”

Sigunn entered and looked worried.

I asked, “What is the problem?”

“Sorella is missing! Angi has gone to look for her. Sorella took one of her bows. We think she might have gone to try and find Rigmor.”

“How did she sneak out?”

“We don’t know.”

“It sounds like Meeko has her scent. He could track Sorella halfway across Tamriel. You will be safe here with Celestine and Nexendia. I shall go now.”

I ran outside and quickly explained to Nexendia what I was doing.

I then ran along the path to Angi’s and soon found Meeko.

“Woof!”

“It is not your fault, Meeko. You were comforting me. Do you have Sorella’s scent?”

“Woof.”

“Well then, let’s get going!”

A few minutes later, we spotted Angi’s horse.

Not far from her horse was Angi, looking for Sorella from raised terrain.

Meeko yipped, and Angi waited for us to speak.

• Wulf: Meeko has Sorella’s scent.
• Angi: That is good. Hunter couldn’t track her far in the snow.
• Meeko: Woof.
• Angi: Yes, I know it is not Hunter’s fault and that you are not a dog.
• Wulf: Have you been following her tracks?
• Angi: Yes, but she is light, and the footprints were shallow. A recent snowstorm has obscured them. This hill is as far as I got.
• Wulf: Come, time is of the essence.

Angi mounted her horse. She and Hunter then followed Meeko and me.

I think Angi was surprised by how fast I could run.

An abandoned Imperial fort came into view. Enemies were atop it, preparing to attack.

I told Angi, “There are enemies ahead. I shall take care of them.”

I Blinked onto the roof and killed three vampire thralls.

 I then jumped down and walked over to Angi, who stood before the fort’s entrance.

• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: Sorella has walked into a vampire den. This place is known as The Bloodlet Throne.
• Angi: Oh no! Then we must hurry!
• Wulf: Meeko and I shall take care of any vampires, Angi. It would be best if you didn’t get in front of me.
• Angi: Why?
• Wulf: I will use The Voice to kill vampires and their mortal guards. If you get in my way, my Thu’um could kill you.
• Meeko: Woof.
• Wulf: As Meeko said, I am immune to their Blood Magic, and they will waste time trying to harm me if I am seen as the major threat. You can use your bow and not be at risk from the vampires or me.
• Angi: Why are you immune to Blood Magic?
• Wulf: I have Dragon Blood and a Dragon Soul.
• Angi: Ahh… okay. Are you sure you can kill vampires?
• Wulf: I have killed thousands of enemies. There is also one big advantage when fighting vampires.
• Angi: What?
• Wulf: They burn like lamp oil.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: Yes, fleabag, I know you hate their taste. Angi, send Hunter home. He can do no good inside and may get in the way.

Angi told Hunter to head home, and then we entered The Bloodlet Throne.

Before Angi could ask, “What is that?”, I killed a Banekin with Dragonfire. That also set off a bear trap.

 “What was that?”

“It was a type of Daedra called Banekin. They are minions of Molag Bal and usually attack in packs using shock spells.”

“How did you make that fire?”

“It was Dragonfire, the same as dragons use. My Thu’um, The Voice, allows me to create it. Dragonfire is hot enough to melt armour, so Banekin, vampires and thralls stand no chance of surviving.”

A bit further in, I eliminated a pack of Banekin and a couple of vampires.

Then we heard the unmistakable scream of a child followed by the sounds of a wolf pack fighting something.

• Angi: Sorella!
• Wulf: Your only hope of survival is to stay with us. We will get to Sorella and slaughter anything that gets in our way. But I don’t want to lose you, too. Rigmor was enough!
• Meeko: Woof.
• Angi: Yes, Sorella told me about that Wolf Friend nonsense.
• Meeko: Woof?
• Angi: How can a Nord ignore their own folklore? Easily, when you realise that much of it is nonsense.
• Wulf: Meeko just told you that the wolves are defending Sorella. If we hurry, you will see the truth.

Angi nodded, and we moved quickly. My anger was great.

As we approached a pair of gargoyles, I warned Angi, “Get ready.”

“For what?”

A gargoyle came to life and attacked. Angi yelled, “Fuck!”

I cut the gargoyle down, then Angi asked, “What was that?”

“A gargoyle. Another Daedric minion courtesy of Molag Bal.”

“Why isn’t the other one attacking?”

“Sometimes, they are just statues.”

“I hate this place!”

We continued without pause. Meeko, Angi, and I dispatched all enemies.

We found a newly killed victim. Standing close by was a wolf.

• Angi: Did the wolf kill him?
• Wulf: No, his throat was cut. See the knife on the dresser?
• Meeko: Woof.
• Angi: The wolf is not attacking us because of Kyne’s Peace? What is that?
• Wulf: It is a blessing from Lady Kynareth. Most animals will not attack me or those with me.
• Angi: That is useful.
• Wulf: It is also a burden, as the animals will often attack my enemies, resulting in their death.
• Angi: I understand. I kill for food and fur, not for sport. I do not like to see animals suffer.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Angi: The fighting has stopped!
• Wulf: Come on, let’s find Sorella.

We soon came to a raised portcullis. On the other side, Sorella was surrounded by many dead wolves, and one live one. Half a dozen dead vampires and thralls were also scattered about. One live vampire was staring at Sorella, obviously wary of the remaining wolf.

I pulled a chain to let us into the pit.

A vampire sitting on a throne demanded, “Who dares intrude? No matter, the fools will be the show’s next act.”

Other vampires and thralls surrounded him.

I kept an eye on the vampires and spoke to Sorella from a distance.

“Hi, Sorella. It seems your friends are keeping the bad guys away.”

“Yeah, they were supposed to eat me but didn’t.”

“Probably because you are smelly and need a bath. That is how Meeko found you!”

“Hey, that’s not true! I am a Wolf Friend, and that is why they didn’t eat me.”

“Yeah, you are right. Now, you need to get close to Angi and Meeko. Then we shall leave this horrible place.”

“You won’t hurt the wolves, will you?”

“No, Sorella, they are your friends, so they are also mine.”

“Okay.”

As Sorella approached Angi, the vampire leader said, “How far do you think she will get? The Broodmother has chosen the child.”

“Did The Broodmother want a live child, or were you supposed to deliver her as wolf droppings?”

Sorella giggled, while that question stumped the leader vampire and produced much murmuring amongst the others.

I continued, “Lady Kyne and I, The Dragonborn, protect the child. She will get very far, and your Broodmother will die if she persists in hunting children.”

“You are weak and alone. Prepare to die, you fool!”

“Didn’t you hear the part about me being The Dragonborn? The Dragonguard and I have been destroying covens quite regularly. I know worthwhile, ethical vampires. However, vampires like this coven are cockroaches, and I will crush you every time you show up.”

The vampire leader yelled, “Kill them all except the little girl. I had better send her on her way to Broodmother.”

I yelled, “Angi, Meeko, protect Sorella!”

Dragonfire incinerated many of those who had been watching the show. I don’t think they enjoyed the entertainment.

Other vampires and thralls leapt down and attacked.

Seconds later, one vampire was left.

I laughed as she cast spells and used Blood Magic on me.

Angi said, “Fuck this!” and an arrow thumped into the vampire’s chest, killing her instantly.

I laughed when Sorella told Angi off for cursing.

• Sorella: Mommy, that was a rude word!
• Angi: Forgive me, Sorella. These bad guys made me very angry!
• Wulf: You have been brave, Sorella. However, there may be more bad guys here, so you must hurry and leave.
• Sorella: That was so cool how you burnt the bad guys and then chopped others up.
• Wulf: Killing is never cool, and I am sorry you witnessed it.
• Sorella: Watching the wolves tear the bad guys up was violent, too.
• Meeko: Woof.
• Sorella: Okay, Meeko, you and Mommy can talk to me about it if it will make you feel better.
• Angi: We are hoping to make you feel better about it.
• Sorella: Yeah, I know. I was joking.
• Meeko: Woof?
• Sorella: No, I don’t think I caught the bad-joke disease from Wulf.
• Wulf: Leave now. I can hear other bad guys.
• Angi: Come, Sorella.

As they left, I examined the vampires. They were a mixture of Cyrodiilic and Volkihar. I have never heard of a coven with those two types combined. They often attack each other.

On the ‘Master’ vampire, I found a note that read,

“To the Master of The Bloodlet Throne.

Word is a vengeful Redguard has been seen close to your coven. Be wary of strangers and keep the wolves loose. They will at least warn you of any impending danger. Do not underestimate this woman, for she is the mother of the girl who died when she fell into the pit.

She carries a cursed bow and a ring of protection. Do not touch these items! The bow is fused with the bones and ash of our brothers and sisters, and to touch it brings death. The ring will cause any vampire who wears it to descend into madness.

I don’t need to impress upon you the importance of maintaining absolute secrecy in our activities, and remember, I need them alive. Once or two more will suffice.

M.S.”

M.S. might be the Broodmother or just another member of the coven. It seems the ‘Master of The Bloodlet Throne’ chose entertainment over delivering a live child to the Broodmother.

Weapons and spells had killed several Death Hounds. They also sided with Sorella.

I was losing control. Darkness was building. Wiping out a vampire coven was my only outlet, and I intended to do it with maximum violence. Let my dragon loose!

A few rooms later, I discovered the body of a Redguard woman dressed in Alik’r attire.

She was the vampire hunter woman mentioned in the letter. It seems they used wolves to kill her. I don’t think she was a member of the Ash’abah tribe but a mother searching for her daughter.

Hunting undead of any sort makes you a pariah in Redguard society. They have a tribe, the Ash’abah, who deal with the undead. They do this for all Redguards and are shunned for their service.

Any Redguard who is a Dragonguard would be shunned for helping me kill undead.

I searched the body and found her vampire-hunting bow, a Ring of Mind Protection, and a journal.

The dweomer on the ring was protection against mind attacks. Similar to how I protect myself, but usable by those not trained in such things.

The woman’s name is Nemiel Flarnta. The journal was written in Tamrielic.

“The Calling invades our children’s dreams. In a stupor of nightmares, they disappear into the night. Hammerfell has cried rivers of tears for the lost. One day you wake up to find they are gone. That is what happened to Xenia.

I have made it my life’s work to search, hoping I might find her and hunt down the monsters responsible. The Vampires take the little ones into the depths of Hammerfell. I will find them, and I will bring them death.

My bow will burn them and cleanse their evil souls in the hellfire, and my silver arrows will drive into their black hearts. Xenia’s Wrath shall never rest until the last demon is naught but a pile of ash.

My ring will keep them from my dreams and protect me from their sorcery. Finding Xenia’s necklace will let me know. I cannot rest until I find it, so I continue the hunt.

I have tracked them down to their lair, The Bloodlet Throne. Here is the coven of witch devils infesting Hammerfell. Here is where they operate at the behest of their masters.

Here is where they will meet their death and forever burn in the fires of Oblivion.

I have found their place of abomination, their table, and I am close to their resting place. I can feel it in my bones.

Once the job is done and I have found you, we will be reunited.

Not long now, Xenia, not long now, my love.”

I said over the body, “If I find Xenia’s necklace, Nemiel, I will bring it to you. It will confirm she was here, but she died accidentally, and they did not corrupt her soul.”

There is at least one other coven in Hammerfell, and I would not be surprised to find other provinces have them.

I wondered how long Xenia’s mother had pursued the vampires. How many years had they been gathering children via The Calling? How many children never made it to the Broodmother as they fell victim to the many dangers of travel?”

I have no idea why they want children. Perhaps they are turning them, but that can be done anywhere, so why send them to Hammerfell to be turned? I might ask Keeper Carcette to investigate for me.

The Vigilants of Stendarr in Skyrim are not what they are supposed to be. Instead of actively exterminating covens such as this one, they spend their time harassing citizens and threatening them if they dare worship a Daedric Prince. Luckily for them, they do not harass those whose religion includes Daedric Princes, such as the Khajiiti. But Daedra worship is not banned in The Empire, so they have no legal right to harass anybody.

Keeper Carcette is trying to bring them into line so they earn the respect they enjoy in High Rock and Cyrodiil. The previous Keeper was demoted and brought back to Cyrodiil.

Xenia’s Bow has a strong dweomer that caused extra damage to vampires. It had another dweomer that would kill most vampires that touched it. I sent it to Cethnelor along with a quiver of silver arrows.

Near Nemiel’s body was a badly hidden secret door. It seems this coven learned espionage skills from the same place as Delphine.

After entering through the ‘secret’ door, I heard many vampires talking. I did not listen to what they were saying. My Dragon wanted to kill.

On the way to kill, I came across a pit of victims.

I tamed my Dragon long enough to do Arkay’s Rite.

I found many vampires and thralls gathered around a feasting table.

Dragonfire ended their existence.

Other vampires and thralls came running from different tunnels. They all perished in seconds.

I was certain no vampires or thralls were left in The Bloodlet Throne.

While searching for more information on the Broodmother, I found a necklace. Assuming it was Xenia’s, I took it to Nemiel.

I held out the amulet as I approached.

Xenia’s and Nemiel’s spirits appeared.

They embraced, then walked toward a barred door, where they turned and waited for me.

I stood before them, and Nemiel said, “Valdr, your mother fights for the victims of The Calling.”

Xenia added, “I am helping Perrif and the children. I am not trapped like the others. Thank you for helping us, Valdr.”

The only other person I have heard call my mother Perrif is Father. Before I could ask any questions, Xenia waved goodbye, and the spirits vanished.

I opened the barred door to make sure it did not lead to another hidden place. It didn’t, so I teleported to Angi’s camp.

My Dragon was appeased. The darkness lessened, but my anxiety over Rigmor was mounting.

I hugged Meeko. No words were needed. He did as Meeko has always done when he found and rescued Sorella. His empathy and compassion are limitless.

Sigunn watched Meeko and me and laughed.                                                                         

I asked, “Sigunn, how is Sorella?”

“Angi and Celestine are with her. The little girl is terrified! Poor thing.”

“Is she hearing voices?”

“Yes, terrible voices inside her head.”

“I have something that will help her.”

“Thank the gods!”

I entered the hut and said, “Celestine, I have been informed of something that we must discuss. But first, let me speak to Sorella. Here, read this journal.”

I handed Celestine the journal, and she left the hut to read it.

Angi then excused herself, saying she had some scrubbing of gore covered fur to do.

I sat on a chair and faced Sorella.

I told her, “Sorella, you are the bravest little girl I have ever met!”

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to find Rigmor.”

“I know you did. That is the sort of thing you do for the people you love. And everybody loves Rigmor.”

“I know you do. Lots!”

“And that is why I will try hard to find Rigmor and bring her back to her friends and family.”

“I don’t hate you, Wulf.”

“Sometimes we say things we don’t mean when upset and angry. I understand, Sorella, so please, do not worry about that.”

“Okay.”

“How did you sneak past the adults?”

“Well, Meeko was with you, so he was not going to tell on me.”

“He knew I was very sad about Rigmor and comforted me.”

“Yeah, he is good at that. The grown-ups were talking together inside the hut, so I went outside, took a bow and arrows and climbed the cliff.”

“That was brave of you to climb the cliff.”

“It was easy with many hand and foot holds.”

“Then what happened?”

“I was concentrating on looking for footprints when voices told me where to go, and that I would find something good there.”

“And you thought that good thing was going to be Rigmor.”

“Yep. But there was no good thing, just those bad guys.”

“Are you feeling alright?”

“Yeah, I think so. Will the bad guys come to hurt me?”

“None of the ones there will ever hurt anybody ever again.”

“I won’t run away again, I promise.”

“Nobody is mad at you, Sorella. We were just worried.”

“Like I was worried about Rigmor?”

“Exactly. Now we must talk about what happened in that horrible place.”

“HmmHm!”

“So, you walked into that place thinking Rigmor was in there?”

“Yes, and then a nice woman saw me and asked what I was doing. She said Rigmor was hurt and recovering inside a room. I believed her, but she was a vampire’s thrall and led me to that pit full of wolves and those ugly dogs with lots of teeth.”

“Did Celestine tell you what thralls are?”

“Yep. Celestine told me thralls are mortals who work with vampires.”

“Some of the thralls are volunteers, but many are enthralled. That means magic was used to enslave them and make them obey. I want to be able to distinguish between the two, but I can’t, so I have to kill all of them when attacked.”

“You don’t like killing things. Meeko told me that.”

“I don’t like it, but I have to so innocent people like you can live a happy and normal life.”

“Like a soldier.”

“Yes, like a soldier. Were you surprised the wolves and Death Hounds didn’t hurt you in the pit?”

“No, because you and Meeko explained what being a Wolf Friend means.”

“What happened when the wolves and Death Hounds didn’t attack you?”

“The bad guys got angry at them, and they got angry at the bad guys. Two bad guys jumped into the pit and hit the wolves to make them attack me. The wolves killed them, and I screamed because it was horrible. Then more jumped in, and there was a big fight.”

“We heard your scream. That was some time before we found you.”

“The bad guys were arguing about what they should do. Some wanted to send me to something called The Broodmother. The bossiest bad guy said he wanted some entertainment. When he won the argument, he pushed two of those who argued with him into the pit. The wolves soon killed them.”

“Meeko followed your scent. We might still be looking for you if he hadn’t.”

“You and Celestine and Nexendia have all told me Meeko is not really a dog.”

“No, he is a gift from my gods, The Divines or, as some call them, The Nine. I am not sure what he is. He has been my friend since I was younger than you.”

“That is so cool!”

“Are you hearing voices in your head, Sorella?”

“Yes. The voices keep talking and asking me to go somewhere far away.”

“Do you know where the place is they want you to go?”

“No, they will give me directions as I travel.”

“That is what those bad guys do. They talk to children in their heads. Eventually, each child gets tired of the voices and does as they ask. They will not come to get you. They will wait for you to go to them.”

“I am scared of them, Wulf!”

“I am going to give you a very special ring. You are to wear it all the time and never take it off. It will stop those scary voices asking you to go to them. You must wear the ring even when you bathe, sleep, or at any time. Can you promise me you will never take it off?”

“I promise.”

“I will explain the ring to Angi, so she knows its importance.”

I gave Sorella Xenia’s ring, and she slipped it on. A smile of relief crossed her face. Children should only ever have to smile and laugh.

Sorella asked, “Do you want to know something really cool?”

“Okay.”

“When Baa’Ren came to tell us about you and Rigmor, a big Nord warrior was with him.”

“Yngol.”

“Yeah. And when Yngol saw Angi, he got a funny look on his face. And when Angi saw him, she had a funny look. They talked a lot, and Yngol promised to visit again when he can.”

“Rigmor’s father, Ragnar, was one of Yngol’s closest friends. They fought together in many battles. I am sure he was very sad about Rigmor, and I am glad Angi helped him with that sadness.”

“When I asked Angi about him, she turned bright red and told me to collect some firewood, even though we had plenty inside already.”

“Angi probably has a lot of feelings to sort through before she is ready to speak about it.”

“That is what Meeko said.”

“What happened to your white furs?”

“They got covered in bits of vampires, wolves and thralls. Angi doesn’t know if she can clean them. Nexendia vanished and came back with these pinks furs.”

“We can clean them with magic. Our clothes and armour get icky all the time.”

“Icky is a cool word!”

Sigunn came bursting into the hut and said, “Wulf, a tracker with dogs has appeared at the bottom of Angi’s path!”

I replied, “Stay in here with Sorella. Meeko, Celestine and Nexendia will guard you.”

I then made my way outside and told Celestine, “Stay here and guard Sorella and Sigunn. I will summon a squad if I need assistance.”

Celestine replied, “There is an odd Dunmer who wants to talk to you. He says his name is Tendril Sethri.”

I walked over to Tendril and laughed.

He asked, “What is so amusing?”

“You, a devotee of Azura, are wearing the robes of a Tribunal priest.”

“Oh, I did not realise. I just thought the robes looked good.”

“Why are you here? The last thing I need at the moment is bullshit mumbo jumbo!”

“I have important information, Dragonborn.”

“Well, whatever the information is, it will have to wait till I take care of other visitors.”

“Fair enough.”

I stood behind Angi and used Zoom Vision.

Angi turned to me with a worried look.

I told her, “That is a turncoat Imperial Tracker and his dogs. The same type of scum who pursued Rigmor near Riverwood.”

“There’s only one of them. I bet I could take him out from here with my bow.”

“There are likely others with him. Let’s wait and see what we face.”

I told Angi, “A platoon of New Order troops and Orsimer mercenaries are with him. Stay here. They will not last long!”

I Shouted Cyclone.

It roared across the ground and killed many advancing troops.

I then Blinked closer tothe tracker and Shouted Cyclone again.

The rest of the platoon attacked. Dragonfire and Cyclone killed them all.

I searched the body of an officer and found his orders,

“Captain, New Order Security Squad.

It has come to my attention that that accursed Rigmor and her Guardian were given haven at some worthless Huntress camp South of Falkreath. Now that the Guardian is dead and Rigmor is in captivity, we must eliminate loose ends.

Take some trackers and a detachment of my troops, find this camp, and burn it. Execute anyone you find there. Leave no stone unturned.

General Tilar Aedriath.”

I approached Tendril, and my anger must have been evident. He said, “Lady Azura assures me you are nice, sane, and not overly violent towards allies. So, I will assume your anger is directed elsewhere.”

I handed him the order from Aedriath. He quickly read it and then handed it back.

I said, “If Azura has spoken to you, then you must know that rescuing Rigmor is more than a little important to me.”

“Yes, Azura mentioned how you and Rigmor feel for each other. She says it is a special bond. She has never seen such commitment before and is a god!”

“Believe me, Tendril, there are many things the gods have never seen. Now, tell me why you are here. I warn you that if you dare say, ‘All will be revealed,’ I will punch you!”

“Not all will be revealed, but some.”

“Let us start with the important information. Do you know where Rigmor is?”

“Not exactly, but I know a man who does.”

“Tell me what you know.”

“Rigmor is being kept at the same location as an Oblivion Gate. Azura can sense Rigmor is safe at the moment.”

“Do not pass on Azura’s lies and expect me to remain silent, Tendril. To know the health of Rigmor, she would have to sense her soul. To sense her soul, Azura would have to know where she is. However, the assumption that Rigmor is in the same location as the Oblivion Gate is valid, as that is logical, not mystical.”

“Oh…”

“Plus, the term ‘safe’ is meaningless. Safe from rabid skeevers? Safe from the temptation of Sweet Rolls? She is in the hands of her worst nightmare, which is far from safe!”

Tendril showed no reaction to my dismissal of Azura’s lies.

He continued, “Lady Azura said some New Order soldiers are searching the massive evacuation site in Markarth.”

“Well, that is a waste of time. The Dwemer artefact market is flooded! But there are many large excavation sites in Markarth, so a bit of a narrower clue would be appreciated.”

“My Mistress did not know what they were looking for.”

“I will file that information in the useless pile for now.”

“Azura mentioned you were dead for three days.”

“Well, technically, I was alive since my soul did not completely leave my body, thanks to Lady Azura. In The Void, I used my love for Rigmor to empower my will. My willpower, in turn, enabled me to re-enter my body. But I was close enough to dead that it makes little difference.”

“Does the name Jonte Malesam ring a bell?”

“Seer and Mage to Tilar Aedriath. He is another New Order lackey who needs killing.”

“He got cold feet when The New Order desecrated Azura’s Shrine…filthy dogs! So, he legged it and is now in hiding.”

“Is he a source of useful information? That would make a change.”

“Yes, but he won’t spill the beans to me. He says he will only speak to you.”

“Why?”

“Are you for real? You’re the talk of every Stormcloak and Empire camp in Skyrim. I wonder why that is?”

“I am the Nord hero of song and prophecy called The Dragonborn. I very recently saved everybody from Alduin. Walk into any tavern or inn, and you will find I am the talk of every citizen. Even before that, the Dragonguard and I have done many good deeds that endeared us to Skyrim’s citizens.”

“Storm-Blade and Varon were disciplined because all-night drinking parties were held in your and Rigmor’s name.”

“They were not told we were dead.”

“Yes, but everyone assumes you’re dead, including The New Order. But you don’t roll through Diamond Ridge without it getting noticed.”

“Noticed by who, Tendril? Very few people knew of the place, so who would notice? And I didn’t roll through it. I died!”

“Well, they’re so rattled they even sent people to ‘mop up’ a Huntress and some orphan kid out here in the arse end of the world.”

“That has zero to do with being rattled. Aedriath is simply getting rid of loose ends that may come back to bite him on the bum! I bet Malesam wants to meet me in some dim, dark cave miles from pesky guards and patrols. Am I right?”

“Well, Malesam knows you are alive.”

“Seer was part of his title. I bet he is also a disciple of some Daedric Prince. It is so easy to get promoted when people think you have foresight.”

“Ahh, so that is why he would know where the Oblivion Gate is. Find that Dragonborn and you’ll find Rigmor.”

“You are so much like your Mistress and use many superfluous words to make sentences that sometimes make sense. But I have to dig through the refuse to get the information. Please, mark on my map this ‘secret location’ where I am to meet Malesam and where to find the Dwemer dig site.”

Sethri marked my map, and then I had a look and laughed, “Boulderfall Cave is a dim, dark cave miles from pesky guards and patrols! I must be a seer! How much is the pay?”

“You’ll need to convince your newfound family to find greener pastures if I were you.”

“I started thinking about that as soon as this lot appeared. My properties in the cities aren’t ideal, since snitches already watch them. The same with my country properties. I have a secure place only reachable by a portal, but I do not want to compromise it if another option is available.”

“As it happens, I got an old farm where they can stay. It’s a bit derelict, but they could get it in ship-shape in no time.”

“Where is this mansion?”

“Just outside Riften. That kid probably hasn’t seen a summer, a proper tree, or a spring flower. Or even another kid. Ever thought about that one?”

“You have a good heart, Tendril, and I appreciate your help. I think about every child I see. That is why I own several orphanages. I just rescued Sorella from vampires who prey on children. If I could drop everything else right now, I would spend my time hunting them down and wiping them out!”

“For Rigmor’s sake and your own, just do what is needed to get her back.”

“Here is my map once more. Please mark the location of your farm.”

Sethri did that and handed my map back to me. I looked at it and said, “Well, it is not far from Boulderfall Cave. It is Stormcloak territory, so Thalmor, even fake ones who call themselves The New Order, would find it difficult to approach. It is also next to the new town I had built for my Khajiiti friends. Angi and the others will be teleported to your farm. I cannot afford the time needed to escort them there by horse or carriage. Also, many snitches are looking for Rigmor and me. As soon as we come off this mountain, the enemy will know within hours and soon find your farm. I have many enemies, Tendril.”

“Other than The New Order?”

“I am Champion of The Divines. Do you think that makes me popular with some Daedric Princes? I eliminate criminals, vampire covens and other undesirables. That doesn’t endear me to some people.”

“Do you have assassins after you?”

“Many have tried to claim a bounty and died. Baa’Ren-Dar will need to know where we are.”

“Leave that old Khajiiti up to me.”

“Thank you, Tendril. I will get these people settled on your farm as quickly as possible. Then I will meet this Malesam. He was working with the enemy and had better have a good excuse!”

“We are all counting on you to get Rigmor out of wherever she is alive.”

“Believe me, Tendril, nobody is more capable or would try harder than me.”

“That I can believe, and without Azura telling me. I just saw you eliminate a platoon in seconds. I passed through Falkreath on the way here. It is full of New Order troops and Imperial turncoats.”

“Did Azura tell you that I was appointed Rigmor’s guardian by her?”

“Another lie?”

“Yes. By the way, I would not let a Reclamation Priest see you in those robes. They are likely to skin you alive and ask questions later.”

Sethri laughed, handed me a key, and then ran off. I went to tackle Angi.

I walked into Angi’s hut and whispered to Sigunn, “Sigunn, we killed that lot, but The New Order know where we are. We have to leave here before they send more. They want to wipe out anybody who might know their plans, including Sorella.”

“I don’t think Angi is going to like this. If she stays, so will Sorella.”

“I am not going to leave Sorella here. Therefore, Angi will listen if she wants to be with her.”

“Where will we go?”

“There is a farm located near Riften, next to a town of Khajiiti. No Thalmor or New Order troops will dare show their faces in The Rift.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Ask Angi and Sorella to come here, and we will explain the situation. Angi might listen to you and is unlikely to put an arrow in your head.”

Sigunn laughed, then said, “Okay! I will try to talk sense into her.”

Sigunn quickly gathered Angi and Sorella.

• Sigunn: Today, we were attacked and got lucky, but Wulf says more will come.
• Angi: Lucky? I didn’t even get a shot in before all the enemies were killed!
• Sigunn: The enemy is trying to cover its tracks, so we must leave here and move elsewhere.
• Angi: Nah! This place is my home now. Let them come. I am staying!
• Sorella: Yeah! If any bad guys come, we will put arrows in their heads.
• Wulf: More troops are in Falkreath. They will be sent, and if they fail, more will come. Why should my friends and I risk our lives for stubborn pride?
• Sigunn: There is a farm located in The Rift. We will all be safe there. Angi, you and Sorella are in grave danger here, and they won’t stop until…
• Angi: I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I am staying here, and so is Sorella.
• Wulf: Well, that is too bad because you are moving and will discuss it! You do not yet have legal guardianship of Sorella. I will not allow a child’s life to be endangered because of pure stubbornness and stupidity! Please do not make me take her away from you, Angi. This place will still be here after we defeat The New Order.
• Angi: Gah!
• Sigunn: Listen to Wulf. It is a good option, and he has to go and find Rigmor.
• Wulf: Angi, you are moving, and I do not have time to argue over your only choice!
• Angi: So where are we supposed to go?
• Wulf: As Sigunn said, it is a farm in The Rift, not far from Riften and next to a town I own. It is one of the safest places if The New Order invades. It will be safe from Thalmor and New Order patrols and hunting parties. I will increase the number of Dragonguard and maybe ask one of my dragon allies to patrol the area.
• Angi: Okay, but it is only temporary until all this is over. I’ll gather some things, secure the old place, and prepare for the journey.
• Wulf: Wise choice.
• Sorella: Her only choice! And I am sure Yngol will still visit.
• Angi: Sorella!
• Sorella: See, Wulf. Isn’t Angi a nice shade of red?
• Angi: Wulf, could you do something for me?
• Wulf: Rigmor is in danger, and I do not have time for frivolous favours.
• Angi: I promised Sorella I would get her a pony. She will need one for the trip. Mathias in Falkreath has one he is trying to sell.
• Wulf: Sorella, do you know how to ride a horse?
• Sorella: No.
• Wulf: If I get the pony, will you spend time learning to ride while at the farm?
• Sorella: Yes. I have always wanted a horse.
• Wulf: Angi, we will not be travelling by horse. But I planned on visiting Falkreath before we left to see about those additional enemy troops. So, tell me where I will find Mathias.
• Angi: He spends most of his spare time drinking in ‘Dead Man’s Drink.’
• Wulf: Okay, I will see a man about a horse, and you can pack everything up.
•  Angi: I will board this place up, pack Rigmor’s tent and make sure Sorella is prepared.
• Sigunn: How will we get to the farm if not on horseback?
• Wulf: I will ensure guards are in place at the farm, and Dragonguard mages will teleport you there.
• Sorella: What’s teleport?
• Wulf: Mages cast a spell, and you will travel from here to the farm within seconds.
• Sorella: Cool! Like you suddenly appear out of nowhere.
• Angi: No way!
• Wulf: Yes way!
• Sorella: That ends that argument!
• Wulf: It will happen that way, Angi, as it will save me hours and avoid detection. I can use the time saved to find and rescue Rigmor. Of course, you could fly on the back of a dragon instead.

Angi went pale at that suggestion as Sigunn and Sorella laughed.

I went outside and asked Celestine to join me.

I then summoned Silah.

• Silah: Your father is so relieved, Valdr.
• Wulf: I do not mean to avoid him, Silah.
• Silah: He understands.
• Celestine: Greeting, Silah.
• Silah: Hello, Celestine. I do not suppose being in this remote place allows for much gossip?
• Celestine: I am afraid not. The barracks and inn of Aetheron are my primary sources of gossip.
• Wulf: I know what Mother is fighting Molag Bal over.
• Silah: What? How?
• Wulf: Sorella was ensorceled by a large vampire coven. They somehow get into a child’s head and convince them to travel to particular places. Somebody they call Broodmother collects these children.
• Celestine: Is that who you just rescued Sorella from?
• Wulf: Yes. And while clearing out the coven, I reunited the souls of a mother and daughter. The mother was a Redguard who tracked the coven from Hammerfell to here to rescue her daughter.
• Celestine: And she died in that attempt.
• Wulf: Yes. Her daughter was also dead, but by accident, so Molag Bal had no claim on her soul.
• Silah: And when you reunited them, they provided information about Saint Alessia.
• Wulf: Yes. Nemiel, the mother, said, ‘Valdr, your mother fights for the victims of The Calling.’
• Celestine: Is The Calling what they have called the gathering of the children?
• Wulf: Yes, and I think it is occurring across several provinces with their base somewhere in Hammerfell.
• Silah: What are they doing with the children?
• Wulf: I do not know. The girl is Xenia, and she said, ‘I am helping Perrif and the children. I am not trapped like the others. Thank you for helping us, Valdr.’
• Silah: They knew your real name!
• Wulf: Yes, and Father is the only other being I have heard refer to Mother as Perrif.
• Celestine: Xenia is a free soul tainted by The Calling but not Molag Bal. The other children must be dead. Saint Alessia is battling Molag Bal for those children’s souls and has been talking to Xenia.
• Wulf: That is what I concluded.
• Silah: What does Molag Bal want with the souls of children?
• Wulf: I do not know, and I doubt Xenia does. Mother may have some idea, but Bal is the master of deception. She may be fighting for their souls without fully knowing their intended purpose.
• Silah: Lord Talos does not know how Saint Alessia discovered the souls in peril.
• Wulf: I think she had one of her visions and acted on it without time to explain. She is a god, but not a Divine. She does not have infinite simultaneous thoughts.
• Celestine: A member of the coven must see a child and talk to them or cast a spell. It is not possible to ensorcel people from a distance.
• Wulf: Miraak?
• Celestine: Okay, he is an exception.
• Wulf: Sorella spoke to a nice lady. She was a coven member. The method of ensorcellment is not important. We know what it does, and now Sorella is under its influence. I have given her a ring to block the compulsion.
• Silah: I will discuss this with your father, Valdr, but you know the limitations of their powers. You will need to investigate and find the covens and Broodmother.
• Wulf: Father will at least know what Mother is fighting for.
• Silah: Yes, that is a consolation.
• Wulf: He risked a lot by speaking to me in The Void.
• Silah: Certain beings would have been aware of his presence and hunted him. He left before they found him.
• Celestine: When you have the chance, sit and talk to me about your experience in The Void. I want to know out of curiosity, but it is also knowledge that our shamans and knowledge mages would benefit from.
• Wulf: I shall, but we are moving house now. Speak to Sigunn for the details. I have to make a trip to Falkreath and buy a pony.
• Celestine: What about Rigmor?
• Wulf: Tendril told me of somebody who knows where she is. I shall visit that person after the move.
• Silah: As always, trust your instincts, Valdr. If that is your priority, then others must accept that decision.

Silah vanished.

I asked Celestine to summon another mage. They would bring Sigunn to the farm. Angi would be more comfortable with Celestine. Sorella would be comfortable with Nexendia. When I summoned them from the farm, the hands-on-shoulders method should allow all of them to respond.

I then summoned Hashire.

“So, you are not dead then?”

“I am, but I thought you might want to go for a ride before I get all rotten and smelly.”

“I am sure The Void was boring. Perhaps you now have some idea what it is like to talk to you.”

“I am about to collect a pony for Sorella, then we are moving everybody to a farm near Warm Sands. You will need to convince all the horses to accept your summons.”

“I can do that.”

“I know you can. That is why I am asking you.”

“Does Sorella know how to ride?”

“No, but I am sure a smart, handsome Unicorn such as yourself can help teach her.”

“Why don’t you just ask instead of buttering me up with false praise?”

“Because, my dear Hashire, your ego is only exceeded by that of Nahfahlaar.”

“True.”

“I have a lead on Rigmor’s whereabouts. I will pursue that after the move. Ask Celestine why the move is necessary.”

I then summoned Dae and his squad.

I told them, “We are going to Falkreath to see a man about a horse. There may be New Order troops there.”

We teleported to Falkreath’s outskirts, which startled a young guard who stomped away in a huff.

I approached another guard and asked, “Is there a problem that needs so many guards at one gate?”

“The other gates are just as crowded, Lord Welkynd. Some of us are not on duty, but the inn contains Thalmor and Imperial arse lickers. I greatly respect Legionnaires, but the lot in there are scum.”

“You would rather stand in the cold with your fellow guards?”

“Yep.”

“Do you fear violence if you visit the inn?”

“It would be inevitable. But our Jarl is too beholden to his Imperial masters to kick them out.”

“We are quite thirsty, so I think a visit to Dead Man’s Drink is in order.”

“Well, enjoy your drinks.”

“Be prepared to remove several bodies. We don’t want people slipping on the blood.”

“Oh.”

“They are traitors to The Empire and The Dominion.”

“A group of them left Falkreath a few hours ago. Can we expect them to return any time soon?”

“Not unless they become undead.”

“Oh.”

As we walked to Dead Man’s Drink, I explained to the squad what had happened.

We entered the inn, and one of life’s great mysteries occurred.

I have been wearing the same armour for months. My likeness has been in the news sheets countless times. The New Order know I am associated with Rigmor. Yet the Imperial traitors and New Order troops did not react to my presence.

I told the Dragonguard to mingle.

As I approached the bar, three Legionnaires were hassling any female of any race that caught their eye. They were crude, unfunny and a disgrace to their uniform. Although I would have liked to punch their lights out, I had more important things to do.

Bard Delacourt recognised me, waved, and then sang “Tale of The Tongues.”

• Alduin’s wings, they did darken the sky.
• His roar, fury’s fire and his scales sharpened scythes.
• Men ran, and they cowered, and they fought, and they died.
• They burned, and they bled as they issued their cries.
• Dovahkiin Dovahkiin naal ok zin los vahriin
• Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal
• Ahrk fin norok paal graan fod nust hon zindro zaan
• Dovahkiin fah hin kogaan mu draal
• We need saviours to free us from Alduin’s rage.
• Heroes on the field of this new war to wage.
• And if Alduin wins, mortals are gone from this world.
• Lost in the shadow of the black wings unfurled.
• But then came The Tongues on that terrible day.
• Steadfast as winter, they entered the fray.
• And all heard the music of Alduin’s doom.
• The sweet song of Skyrim, sky-shattering Thu’um.
• And so, the Tongues freed us from Alduin’s rage.
• Gave the gift of the Voice, ushered in a new Age.
• If Alduin is eternal, then eternity is done.
• For his story is over, and the dragons… are gone.
• And so, the Tongues freed us from Alduin’s rage.
• Gave the gift of the Voice, ushered in a new Age.
• If Alduin is eternal, then eternity is done.
• For his story is over, and the dragons… are gone.

That song is inaccurate. I will have to write a corrected version!

I walked over to the bar. Valga, the barkeep, greeted me, “Lord Welkynd, it is an honour to have you visit my inn. Can I get you a drink?”

“Maybe later, Barkeep Valga. I am looking for Mathias. Is he here, perchance?”

“He is standing to your right. His arse is usually nailed to the stool, but I think he is nervous. Thalmor are not liked much, and those Imperials are not endearing themselves.”

“They might not be a nuisance for much longer. I apologise in advance for any broken furniture, blood stains and body parts that may, or may not, make an appearance.”

“That would be a shame.”

Two empty mugs sat beside Mathias. He wore one of the latest fashions farmhands, farmers, and other labourers now wear when trying to impress the ladies.

“Good evening, Mathias.”

“Well met, Lord Welkynd. Have you come to wet a parched throat?”

“I am here on business. I am looking after a small child who wants a pony.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place. My brother recently brought his young daughter a pony. But before my niece knew about it, she fell gravely ill. She cannot ride any horse for quite some time, so my brother has decided to sell it. Any money will help him and his wife, Indara, pay for my niece’s medication.”

I brought out my gem bag and found a good-sized emerald worth at least five hundred septims. Way more than the pony is worth.

“Will this do? It is worth at least five hundred septims if you sell it to one of the Khajiiti caravans.”

“There is one that parks just outside the front gates, but that is far more than the pony is worth.”

“I didn’t hear that last part properly. I thought you said, ‘You are robbing us blind, only offering five hundred septims for that fine mount. But I will take it, you evil bastard!’”

“Yeah, right. That is what I said!”

“It is a deal then. Can you take me to it?”

“Sure, follow me. It is just around the corner at the back of the tavern.”

“Before we go, do you mind answering some questions for me?”

“Sure. What do you want to know?”

“What is with all the Thalmor and Imperials?”

“The Imperials are a bunch of drunks on leave. They think they are above the law! They’ve been drinking all day, bragging, and hassling the womenfolk.”

“I know some excellent people in the Legion. That lot is a disgrace to the uniform!”

“The Thalmor are Special Squad Officers. There should be five of them, but one has gone into the mountains. He took a detachment of troops to deal with some terrorists.”

“Terrorists? That is amusing.”

“I hope the one who went up the mountains returns soon. Once they leave, Falkreath can get back to normal. It feels kind of edgy with all these soldiers here. Like a tinderbox ready to explode.”

‘He and those travelling with him won’t return, Mathias.”

“Oh. Is that tinderbox about to go up in flames?”

“If they are foolish, yes. It might be a good idea for you to lead me to the pony and remove yourself from danger.”

“Sure, follow me.”

Svena, a tavern maid, was trying to sweep up some of the mess the three idiots had made. She became a target of their idiocy.

The lead drunk said, “Nice dress, but I bet you look better without it.”

Svena stared at him and replied, “I do, but I like to know my lover’s name before peeling it away.”

“Oh, I am Hreidur Flat-Beard. Sergeant Hreidur Flat-Beard.”

“If you speak to me again, Sergeant Hreidur Flat-Beard, I will shove this broom up your arse!”

Svena’s stare spoke of instant and great violence, and Hreidur wisely shut his mouth.

Svena moved away to the applause of several patrons.

Desperately looking for some way to save face, Hreidur picked Mathias as his next target.

• Hreidur: Hey, you! I don’t suppose you know where the mountain girl they’re looking for is? Me and the boys want to get reacquainted. Hahaha!
• Drunk 2: Hell yeah! Put up one hell of a fight. Lucky for her, she got away. Hahaha!
• Mathias: I’m sorry. I don’t know what you’re on about. Mountain girl?
• Hreidur: Yeah, you do! The crazy lady who lives in the mountains, harbouring those terrorists.
• Drunk 3: Had a bit of fun with her back in Helgen a couple of years ago, didn’t we, boys?
• Hreidur: I’ve still got her necklace as a souvenir.

When Mathias didn’t answer, Hreidur turned his attention to me and asked, “I don’t suppose you know anything about her, friend?”

I replied, “You are not my friend. But yes, I know of her. I heard Imperial drunks murdered her family.”

“Yeah, well, she was resisting arrest, and they got in the way.”

I leaned forward, then whispered into Hreidur’s ear, “Don’t you mean they refused to stand by and watch her get raped by a pack of degenerate morons? We protect Angi and those with her. We killed the first platoon sent to murder her and a little girl.”

Hreidur stood with his mouth opening and closing like a landed fish.

The inn had gone quiet as the patrons sensed the tension rise. All eyes turned towards Hreidur and me.

An Imperial Captain yelled, “By the Eight. That is Rigmor’s Guardian!”

I used my Thu’um, and the inn shook.

“I AM GENERAL WULF WELKYND, DRAGONBORN AND CHAMPION OF THE NINE DIVINES. THE DRAGONGUARD PROTECT ANGI, SIGUNN AND A LITTLE GIRL NAMED SORELLA. I RESCUED SORELLA FROM THE DOMINION TRAITORS YOU HAVE JOINED. THEY WERE GOING TO KILL SORELLA BACK THEN. THEY TORTURED HER PARENTS TO DEATH. THEY WERE GOING TO KILL HER LESS THAN AN HOUR AGO WHEN THEY ATTACKED ANGI’S CAMP. AN INNOCENT, SWEET EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRL! YOU ARE A TRAITOR, AS ARE THESE THREE COWARDS. THEY RAPED A YOUNG WOMAN AND KILLED HER FAMILY WHEN THEY TRIED TO INTERVENE. THAT IS WHO YOU LEAD, CAPTAIN. I ORDER YOU TO DROP YOUR WEAPONS, AND YOU SHALL GET A FAIR COURT-MARTIAL. DRAW YOUR WEAPON, AND YOU WILL DIE!”

Delacourt started to sing, and most of the inn’s clients joined by the second line.

• Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honour, is sworn,
• To keep evil forever at bay!
• And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout,
• Dragonborn, for your blessing, we pray!

The inn fell deadly quiet once again. I saw the captain reaching for his weapon.

Again, my Thu’um rattled the inn with its power.

“AS GENERAL OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY AND ON BEHALF OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, EMPEROR TITUS MEDE II, I HEREBY PLACE ALL LEGIONNAIRES IN THE DEAD MAN’S DRINK UNDER ARREST. THE CHARGE IS SEDITION. I ADVISE YOU TO SURRENDER.”

Somebody yelled, “What about the Thalmor?”

“THEY ARE NOT THALMOR AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE DOMINION. THEY ARE TERRORISTS WANTED BY THE DOMINION AND ARE ALSO UNDER ARREST.”

I drew my sword and told Hreidur, “I will not kill you. I will watch as the people of Falkreath and the Dragonguard cut you all down like the cowardly traitors you are.”

The New Order officer yelled, “Kill the Dragonborn!”

They were the last words he ever said. The Imperial traitors and New Order troops soon died as dozens of patrons swarmed them.

Absolute silence followed. I think some people were shocked that they could kill.

I didn’t use The Voice but shouted, “Nobody should feel guilt for what just happened. The Legionnaires were traitors. The Altmer were terrorists. You have defended your family, friends, and country.”

I didn’t search the corpses except for Hreidur’s. From him, I retrieved Angi’s necklace. It was a locket, and inside were portraits of who I assumed were her parents. An inscription indicated it was a coming-of-age present.

Mathias had wisely made himself scarce after the bloodshed.

I tossed a bag of coins to Valga, saying, “That should compensate for the mess.”

After exiting the inn, I approached a Falkreath Guard.

“Guardsman, the bodies of Dominion and Empire traitors are littering Dead Man’s Drink. Send them to the Hall of the Dead. The Priest of Arkay will know what to do with them. Collect their identity tags and send them to General Tullius and the Dominion Embassy. The Imperial Army will mark them as traitors in their service records. I have no idea what the Dominion will do.”

“Understood, Lord Welkynd.”

As we headed for Mathias, Dae said, “You never mentioned the General bit!”

“It was only confirmed to me a while ago.”

“So, you are going to lead the combined army.”

“Yes. It should be fun!”

Mathias had changed clothes.

I approached him and said, “I am sorry you had to witness such violence, Mathias.”

“I got covered in blood and bits of people! But one ruined set of clothes was worth watching our citizens defend you.”

“They were all traitors, Mathias, and their deaths were legal, self-defense.”

“Rigmor’s Guardian is also The Dragonborn! Who would have believed it? I take it you ran into the troops on the mountain.”

“They are dead, as are hundreds of others who have tried to harm Rigmor, Angi and Sorella.”

“So, it was Angi’s camp they were looking for? Don’t worry. Everybody around here knows about Angi.”

“Angi likes Falkreath but says the Jarl is an arse.”

“She has been quite the talk of the city recently, but we didn’t know about Sorella.”

“That is the type of enemy that has been hunting Rigmor. They would have no qualms about killing a little girl. Rigmor’s mother is also living with Angi. We rescued her from those bastards a few days ago. She had been enslaved for four years!”

“There are Stormcloak sympathisers in this Hold. They will point to those Legionnaires and say that is why we need to leave The Empire.”

“The people of Falkreath are not stupid. They know that most Legionnaires are willing to die to protect them and their families.”

“I hope Sorella enjoys the pony.”

I patted the petite horse and asked, “Does she have a name?”

“The horse master my brother purchased her from named her Svinnr.”

“That is Old Nord for swift and wise, and an excellent name! Now, Svinnr, follow me. Hashire wants to meet you.”

I moved away from Mathias, and Svinnr followed.

I summoned Hashire.

“Hashire, meet Svinnr. Gain her confidence, and I shall try summoning you in a while”

Hashire replied, “She is a fine-looking horse. I am sure Sorella will love her.”

We teleported into Angi’s camp.

Dae and his squad would remain as extra guards while I made my way to the farm.

Everybody then gathered around to hear my instructions.

• Wulf: Dae and the Dragonguard will remain here while I travel to the farm. Vayu will also remain, as he will help teleport you to the farm.
• Sorella: Were there other bad guys in Falkreath?
• Wulf: Yes, Sorella. I gave them a chance to surrender, but they fought instead.
• Sorella: Are they dead?
• Wulf: Yes.
• Sorella: Angi showed me my new bow. I will put arrows in their heads if any more try to hurt us!
• Wulf: Sorella, you do not want to kill other people. It is not fun! Once you do, you will be a different Sorella.
• Angi: Listen to Wulf. Killing people is not a game.
• Sorella: But can I carry my bow at the farm?
• Wulf: Angi will carry Xenia’s Wrath for now. You can use it while she trains you.
• Sorella: Okay.
• Wulf: Have you explained to Angi how important the ring is?
• Sorella: Yes, and she said she would be mad at me if I ever take it off.
• Wulf: I know this must be hard for you, Angi.
• Angi: We don’t have much choice now, do we?
• Wulf: No, we don’t. Is everybody ready to move out? It will not take me long to reach the farm.
• Angi: We are ready, Wulf.
• Sigunn: How are the horses going to get to the farm?
• Wulf: Hashire talked to them and is currently talking to Svinnr, Sorella’s pony. I will summon Hashire in a minute, and he will summon Svinnr. When I reach the farm, I will summon Hashire, and he will summon the horses.
• Angi: Celestine explained how the summoning works. It doesn’t sound too bad.
• Sorella: If horses can do it, so can we! Although Hashire is not a horse.
• Sigunn: Sorella says that Hashire is a unicorn.
• Wulf: That is true. He is one of the last unicorns alive. He will help guard the farm along with Celestine, Nexendia, Meeko, other ladies and a dragon.
• Sigunn: I should accept some things I thought impossible.
• Wulf: Many people didn’t believe in dragons until they attacked cities and towns. Anyway, I want to get moving. I need to do this move and then start looking for Rigmor. I am to meet somebody who knows where she is. So, keep warm, and I will summon the mages soon.

I summoned Hashire, and he summoned Svinnr. As soon as Sorella saw her pony, she ran over and hugged her.

Vayu said, “Celestine has filled me in. Moving these people is wise, Wulf. Get them safe and then find Rigmor.”

I teleported into my Warm Sand’s mansion.

As soon as I stepped outside, I cast Silathalor and took to the air. Night Vision made it appear mid-afternoon.

The farm was just across the river from Warm Sands.

I landed and placed a Mark. Then I looked around.

In the river opposite the farm, a Hagraven had created a crude hut. Not all of them are aggressive, so I approached with weapons sheathed.

The Hagraven had a Skeletal Warrior guard.

I clambered onto the decking and said, “Good evening.”

The Hagraven turned, smacked her lips and said, “Kin-Leech Eufrida will feast on your brain, seasoned with herbs and troll fat!”

Her guard aimed a bow at me.

I drew my katana and cut Kin-Leech Eufrida down. Her guard collapsed into a pile of bones.

I made my way back to the farm and summoned the mages. They appeared with ladies and Sorella.

I summoned Hashire, and he successfully summoned the horses.

I pointed to the brightly lit village across the river and said, “That is Warm Sands. I had it built to house some Khajiiti friends. Any supplies required will be obtained from there at no cost.”

I dismissed Dae and his squad. Celestine summoned Lydia and Seiko. Along with Nexendia, they would be the permanent guards.

As soon as I unlocked the front door and opened it, Sorella rushed past me.

The others entered at a more sedate pace.

Sigunn said, “This isn’t so bad. It could use a little decoration, though.”

Angi grumbled, “Gah! It has potential. I’ll take a look outside and see what needs doing.”

I walked into the room Sorella occupied.

She said, “This is my and Rigmor’s room!”

“No way!”

“Yeah, way!”

“I am going to go look for Rigmor now. Please remember and never take that special ring off. Okay?”

“Angi said if she sees me without it, she will tie me to my bed so I can’t go to the bad people.”

“Do you think Angi would do that?”

“HmmHm!”

“When you ride Svinnr, do not go far. Make sure grownups can see you.”

“I will. Svinnr is very pretty.”

“Svinnr means swift and wise. Hashire will teach you to ride her. ”

“Can he talk to me like Meeko?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think I could ride him?”

“You can always ask him.”

“Cool!”

“He might even show you his unicorn form.”

“Cool!”

“I will see you soon, Sorella.”

“Wulf, when you find Rigmor, tell her how much you love her.”

“HmmHm!”

“Grownups are weird sometimes.”

“Rigmor thinks I am weird all the time.”

“No way!”

“Yeah, way!”

I exited the bedroom talked to Sigunn again.

“I will look for Rigmor now.”

“Are we safe here?”

“You are safe from New Order people. However, some bandits might try their luck, thinking a group of women are easy pickings. Meeko, Hashire and a dragon will give plenty of warning, and the bandits will die if they get too close.”

“This place needs a few things. There are some vegetables for a stew, but they are not the freshest.”

“Talk to Celestine in the morning. She will escort you to the village, and anything purchased will be billed to me.”

“Okay.”

“I don’t know how long it will take me to find Rigmor and bring her home.”

“We all know you love her dearly. Angi, Sorella, Baa’Ren-Dar, and everybody else told me that Rigmor loves you as much.”

“I am sorry for my breakdown at Angi’s. Your story of how they dragged Rigmor away from you and how helpless you felt reminded me…”

“Hush, dear Wulf. I understand.”

“Rigmor is very proud of Ragnar. She never believed the lies written about him.”

“Baa’Ren-Dar said she met Yngol and Casius. They were good and loyal men.”

“They told Rigmor some stories of their time with Ragnar. That helped her understand her father a bit better. She now knows why he never spoke about his war experiences.”

“Ragnar told me once that only others who have experienced battle can fully understand.”

“I have experienced battles, Sigunn. I sympathise with retired soldiers who will sit drinking in groups while telling tales of their battles and wars but not mention a thing to their family.”

“Is Rigmor good with the sword? She practiced so often with her father, and he pushed her more than I thought he should sometimes.”

“I have never seen better with a greatsword! But I hope she can put her sword away forever when The New Order is dealt with.”

“Do you and Rigmor have any plans?”

“Yes. Rigmor has expressed the desire to stay with me, no matter what I have to do in the future. She will be like a soldier’s wife, waiting for her husband to return and not knowing if or when he will. The difference is that I will always have enemies, and I doubt Rigmor could put her sword away. She would be in danger simply because of who I am.”

“Can’t you have any sort of normal life?”

“I don’t know, Sigunn. Right now, I am reacting to events and can’t plan. I know of tasks I must do once we defeat The New Order, but who knows what other tasks will arise? Rigmor would have to endure constant uncertainty and danger if she lived with me. And as shown a few days ago, I am a mortal. I have faced and will face things far more dangerous than Tilar Aedriath and The New Order.”

“Baa’Ren-Dar said The Nine sent you to help all mortals, even those who hate you or are evil.”

“Yes, they have prepared me for the tasks ahead. I have no right to judge the worth of another mortal’s life.”

“Then surely The Nine will aid you.”

“They and other gods will be my allies. Some other gods will be my enemies. But as I suggested at Angi’s, you can’t blame everything on the actions of gods. The gods did not cause The Great War. Ragnar did not have to help defend Hammerfell because the gods caused problems there. The gods are not to blame for the civil war. Ysgramor and his murderers did not wipe out the Snow Elves because a god asked them to. Tragic as your family’s fate was, imagine that happening to hundreds of millions of families. That was the legacy of Ysgramor. The same happened to the Nedic, the Ayleid, the Minotaur and others. None of that slaughter and misery was the fault of gods.”

“Will such things ever end?”

“I have an ability called foresight. I saw a possible future where such things are no more. Rigmor was with me in that possible future. So yes, such injustice and terror may be no more. But I have no idea how that would be achieved.”

“Did you choose this path, Wulf?”

“Yes. The Nine did not force me to accept this role. Like Ragnar and The Sons of Talos who crossed into Hammerfell, I volunteered, as it was right. Rigmor is much the same, Sigunn. Her sense of duty, empathy and compassion is extraordinary. I told her the nobility your family was awarded is the truest kind. It was earned by Ragnar placing the welfare of others before himself. Nirn would be better if all nobles practiced the same simple philosophy.”

“Ragnar had to kill for peace.”

“As I do. Yet with The New Order and others, we will face foes who kill for greed, hatred, and other base reasons.”

“Go now. I have taken up enough time that you could be spending searching for Rigmor.”

“It was not wasted time, Sigunn. It is enlightening and heart-warming. When I speak to you, I see where Rigmor’s values originated. I only wish I could have met Ragnar.”

“And your parents? They must have taught you your values.”

“I am of noble blood, Sigunn, and my parents practiced the true nobility I admire. They taught by living the Ten Commandments of The Nine Divines. They did not preach them without conviction.”

As I left the farmhouse, Sigunn looked thoughtfully at the man who loved her daughter.

I approached Angi, who had been inspecting the property.

I asked, “Well, what do you think of the place?”

“Yeah, it’s good. We can grow crops and possibly get some livestock and chickens. It will do until it’s safe to return to my home in the mountains.”

I held out the necklace and said, “Angi, I believe this belongs to you.”

She took it from me and then gasped, “My necklace. Where did you get it? Oh, no!”

“They were feral animals and were put down.”

“Those bastards!”

“They were part of the same New Order squad who found us. They would have been in the next group who attacked. All of them are now dead. Your family can rest in peace now.”

“Don’t tell anyone, please…I…”

“I swear on The Divines I will not mention what they did to anybody, not even Rigmor. You have nothing to be ashamed of, but it is up to you who knows the facts.”

“You killed them, but it will never be over! And once this stupid war is over, I shall be going home, and Sorella is coming with me…and no one had better try and stop us.”

As Angi started to weep, I headed for Jonte Malesam.

When I landed in front of the cave’s entrance, several bandits attacked.

I killed them, but left a Necromancer alone as she had not shown any aggression.

When I entered the cave, two Skeletal Warriors attacked.

I cut them down and headed further in. Two necromancers ignored me, so I let them be.

Standing next to a table was a scrawny Altmer. A young female Breton Master of Restoration stood behind him.

As I approached, the Altmer sat, then said, “Ah! Just as I suspected. Rigmor’s Guardian alive and well.”

I sat and studied Jonte.

“Are you Jonte Malesam?”

“Yes.”

“You were told I was alive and to wait for me here. Do not pretend to be more than what you are, Jonte.”

I did not read his soul but detected his negligible Magicka.

I told him, “You, Jonte Malesam, are not a mage or necromancer. I detect very little Magicka in you.”

I looked at the young mage whose eyebrows rose when I said I couldn’t detect much Magicka in Malesam. Magicka divination is not a common skill.

I asked, “Master Mage, what is your name?”

“Cerys.”

“Mage Cerys, I was trained by the Psijic Order. I know much that has been lost to The College of Winterhold.”

“That is unusual!”

“It is unique. The Psijic had their reasons for training me, but they aren’t relevant. Are you Jonte’s bodyguard?”

“No, I am his daughter.”

“You have my condolences.”

Cerys giggled. Malesam stared at me angrily.

I stared back and asked, “Malesam, are you here independently or ordered to do so by a superior?”

“I was asked to do this by my Mistress.”

“As I thought. I will listen to you, but don’t try to boost your importance in the scheme of things. You are a messenger passing on information and nothing more.”

I smiled as Jonte fought with his temper.

I laughed, then said, “Perhaps you have been trained only to answer questions, so let’s try the important one first. Where is Rigmor?”

“Only my Mistress knows where she is, but don’t worry, Rigmor is unharmed.”

“I can’t summon Rigmor, which means she is unconscious or in another plane. Being dragged by Tilar Aedriath into a dingy cell in some dark dungeon is Rigmor’s worst nightmare come true. That animal had her whipped so often and so viciously that the scars will not heal. Yet you sit there and say she is unharmed! Once again, you parrot what you are told with zero first-hand knowledge. I demand to speak to your mistress, not her lackey!”

“What will I do if I don’t obey your demand? Kill me, and you’ll never see her again.”

“Look into my eyes, Jonte.”

I have found people obey that simple suggestion every time.

So Jonte looked into my eyes, and I showed him the power contained within my soul. He recoiled and then went rigid. A green miasma surrounded him. Cerys looked unperturbed.

I told her, “Mage Cerys, Jonte has not been harmed, despite your protection dweomer being triggered. While his subconscious deals with what I revealed, it has immobilised him. He will return to normal in a few seconds.”

After ten seconds, Jonte could move, and he stared at me with fear evident.

I explained, “I have not threatened you, Jonte. You think of me as Rigmor’s Guardian, a title I am proud of. However, I wonder if your mistress told you of my other titles?”

“No.”

“Mage Cerys, can you help your father?”

She replied, “Yes. You are Lord Welkynd, The Dragonborn.”

“Yes, I am The Dragonborn and Champion of The Divines. I am also the Champion of Azura and Hermaeus Mora. I am General of the Imperial Army and will command the defence of Skyrim. Didn’t you know that, Jonte?”

Jonte’s stupefied expression was all the answer I needed.

“Neither you, Jonte, nor your mistress cares about Rigmor. However, you probably care for Cerys. She will die if I don’t stop The New Order, but not at my hands. So how about you save her life by passing on the information.”

“If you spent less time belittling me, we would get to the message quicker.”

“Jonte, your delusion of significance triggered my sarcasm.”

Cerys coughed to cover another giggle.

I continued, “You may have been working for your mistress at the Black Diamond mine, but that involved aiding the enemy.”

Jonte took a deep breath and said, “Yes, we have a vested interest, you and I. What The New Order is trying to establish is madness. They are blind fools trying to restore Tamriel to an ancient time long gone by.”

“The New Order hope to kill all Talos worshippers and erase him from history. This erasure will aid the quest they share with the Thalmor. They desire the destruction of The Nine and linear time. They hope to become immortal, free spirits in the Aurbis, as they believe they once were. Aedriath should have been more careful about what he wrote in his journal. But everyone who looks behind the ‘Man cannot ascend to god’ argument knows that their desire to destroy The Wheel is the reason for the Thalmor hatred of Talos. By replacing Lord Shor in The Wheel, he strengthened its metaphysical strength. The New Order think they have a quicker way to reach that desired outcome than the Thalmor.”

Jonte looked surprised. Cerys smiled.

I explained, “I am not just a killing machine, Jonte!”

Jonte continued, “Then you would not be surprised that only the upper echelons of The New Order know what is going on. They have bided their time for decades planning this so-called Restoration. Once I knew they were attempting to construct an Oblivion Gate, I informed my Mistress.”

“You are fortunate not to have been there when we came visiting. I would not have known you were a spy or cared before I killed you.”

“I serve my Mistress as Sethri serves his.”

“As I serve The Nine and all mortals of Nirn. That is why I am willing to deal with your mistress. I assume she is a Daedric Prince and wants The Dragonborn to do something none of her devotees can do in exchange for the whereabouts of Rigmor. The histories are full of such bargains.”

“Yes, my Mistress requires your services, Guardian.”

“My name is Wulf.”

“Before The Entity can enter as a living God-King, he must own Scourge.”

“Malacath’s wonderful mace? That truly was a useful gift he created!”

“Its power will subdue the Daedra, and The New Order will be free to cleanse Tamriel as they see fit.”

“The stupidity of that statement is beyond belief. But if your mistress tells you that, it must be true! The New Order is searching for it in Morthal. But which dig site, as there is plenty in that area?”

“Officially, it’s an archaeological excavation, but they are looking for the mace unofficially. However, they are digging in the wrong place, and fortunately for you, they believe you are dead.”

“Why would my death make the slightest difference to their search for Scourge? And why would their mistaken belief in my demise be fortunate?”

Malesam’s brow furrowed as he tried to come up with plausible answers.

I sighed and said, “Forget Scourge for a minute. Explain to me how Rigmor fits in with their plans.”

“Before The Entity can enter the realm of mortals, it must transform. But a sacrifice must be made for it to do so. The Nordling girl Rigmor is to be sacrificed on the ‘Altar of Restoration’ so The Entity can enter the mortal realm as a living God-King.”

I growled, “Rigmor is not a girl nor a Nordling. She is a Nord Swordmaiden of unequalled skill and bravery! She fought beside me against Alduin!”

Malesam flinched. I think he expects me to rip his head off. That won’t happen, but fear is a valuable tool.

I asked, “What changed? They have been trying hard to kill her, and she suddenly becomes crucial to their plans. Plans your mistress claims have been in place for decades.”

“At first, yes. The New Order had found another potential…replacement for Rigmor…another child of noble birth.”

“Rigmor is no child, so age has nothing to do with her importance. As for her nobility, there are thousands of offspring of those whose noble status has been bestowed, not inherited. What makes the ‘potential replacement’ and Rigmor different from all the others?”

“Let me tell you a little story.”

“If it is facts about Rigmor, then go ahead. Otherwise, no thanks.”

“Many years ago, a little girl was born in Bruma. She was the only daughter of a Nord War Chief and a schoolteacher. Most would have thought nothing unusual there, but this little girl was special. So special that it would cause gods to vest their interests in her well-being, not only for her but also for themselves. The New Order has a very powerful master that orchestrates everything. The Daedric Princes do not know who their master is and call it The Entity. But my mistress knows its identity.”

“I assume your mistress is a Daedric Prince. Therefore, you should have said, ‘The other Daedric Princes….’ Bad grammar and grooming in one ugly package!”

Cerys giggled again.

I continued, “Who is The Entity?”

“Alas. I am not at liberty to discuss that further.”

“Oh no, that would be exercising your mortal free will, and bad things might happen!”

“A once-in-a-millennium scheme was about to unfold. Azura took it upon herself to protect the child but, in doing so, would ultimately put herself at risk. The Entity’s first strike was the whereabouts of the Black Diamonds. He entrusted Tumrenen Kaeuseus, a killer, bandit, and thief, to travel all of Tamriel searching for them. Anyone who possessed them was tortured to ascertain the vein’s location. They were then killed, and the diamonds were forged into armour. You probably know that the diamonds are linked to Azura’s power. It was a cynical plot to weaken that power. It worked well until Kaeuseus murdered Casius Varon’s family. Casius tracked him down and killed him. That was not something The Entity had foreseen.”

“So, you know the gender of the Entity or should you have referred to them as ‘They’? Whatever, the Entity sounds like a complete moron. Why not capture a few of Azura’s disciples or seers and torture them? Or what about the jewellers who made items such as Casius’ mother’s necklace? That would make more sense than targeting the ignorant recipients of such gifts. I have a bag full of gems. Am I supposed to know where they were mined?”

“All of this was enough to distract Azura, and The New Order struck. Ragnar was arrested, and his family was kept as hostages. He was extracted to Alinor in chains and executed. They needed him dead. They feared him. But the girl child Rigmor? She has noble blood dating back some two hundred years. All the pieces were in the right place. Ragnar was executed, and the child was kept under close guard for the sacrifice of noble virgin blood. But Aedriath slipped up, and the sentimental Khajiiti whisked her away. Hahaha!”

“The Dominion wanted Ragnar arrested, not The New Order! Rigmor was protected by Diplomatic Immunity until she came of age. Then she slaughtered everybody in the Bruma embassy, so the hunt began, and a huge bounty was offered. How idiotic was it to hunt to kill when a hunt to capture made much more sense? They would not have to scramble for a replacement, would they?”

“Near the completion of the Oblivion Gate, the boy child, unfortunately, perished in an unforeseen accident. The New Order was running out of time and now needed Rigmor alive.”

“Yes, and I fell for Aedriath’s trap. I figured that out. I handed them Rigmor and got killed for my service.”

“You have caused him so much distress that maniac Aedriath was foaming at the mouth in apoplectic rage. Hahaha!”

“Laugh once more, and I will make you soil your pants. Tell me where to get Scourge!”

“Before he could unleash ‘The Great Anguish,’ Mehrunes Dagon had it taken to a temple carved into the mountain rocks near Markarth. But the entrance is not beneath Markarth, as the New Order thinks. Markarth is beneath the entrance. You will need to climb the rock face to the right of the city’s main doors. Eventually, you will come to a pass. Follow the stream until you can see the city below you. There you will find the entrance.”

“So, it is where Tendril Sethri said. Why do you think The Entity needs Scourge?”

“If The Entity has Scourge, it will be free to unleash its frenzy. Nothing will stop it, not even the Daedric Princes.”

“What do I do with Scourge after I have recovered it?”

“Bring it to the nearby shrine of my mistress. In return, she will give you the location of your beloved Rigmor.”

“Which of the Daedric Princes is your mistress?”

“Boethia.”

“Anything else?”

“If you save the girl, bring her to The College of Winterhold. She needs to learn some things about her past. I’ll be there waiting.”

“To which Shrine of Boethia do I take Scourge?”

“Give me your map, and I shall circle the correct one.”

I handed Malesam my map, and he circled a Boethia shrine near the farm.

He handed it back. Then I said, “Thank you, Jonte. Now for something you need to hear. You are ignorant of what gods can do on Nirn! What is The Liminal Barrier?”

Silence.

“Mage Cerys, would you like to educate your father?”

Cerys explained, “Lord Akatosh created The Liminal Barrier at the request of Saint Alessia. She was tired of the Daedric Princes being able to manifest on Nirn when Aedra could not. This ability increased the appeal of Daedric Princes to those seeking power. It is why the Ayleid abandoned the Aedra for the Dark Lords. When Daedric Lords did manifest, they caused great destruction and killed many.”

“Correct. Due to the sacrifices of the et-Ada, who created Nirn and Mundus, their powers were reduced. Because of the metaphysics involved, they have not been able to manifest on their creation since Convention. When Mehrunes Dagon manifested on Nirn, Lord Akatosh’s avatar, a transformed Emperor Martin Septim, battled him. The Dragonfires first maintained The Liminal Barrier in The Imperial City. It was made permanent by Martin Septim’s sacrifice and the release of power held within The Amulet of Kings. If Daedric Princes had the abilities you and Tendril Sethri claim, they would not need mortal agents such as me, The Hero of Kvatch, The Nerevarine or many others.”

Cerys nodded. I wondered if she could teach her father, or was expected to remain silent. She stood behind him like a servant instead of at the table with equals.

“The Daedric Princes, like Aedra, have avatars and aspects that can appear on Nirn. However, only through certain elements, such as Black Diamonds, can limited powers be utilised by the gods on the mortal plane. Lady Kynareth uses the very air we breathe and the winds as another example. Lady Azura could not prevent Ragnar’s arrest unless she had prior knowledge via her seers and had mortal agents capable of thwarting a legal arrest approved by His Imperial Majesty!”

“You deny the power of the gods.”

“I have spent time amongst gods, and some of them were my teachers. Azura never protected Rigmor from harm! She does not have that power. She struggled within her seat of power on Nirn to keep part of my soul within my body. I aided Rigmor when she was being whipped to death at Tilar’s whim when she was fourteen years old. Emissary Baa’Ren-Dar rescued her and took her to his Torval property. A huntress called Angi aided a badly injured Rigmor a few months ago. Myself and others saved Rigmor’s life recently when she was badly injured again. Mortals, not gods, have aided Rigmor!”

Cerys continued to nod as I spoke. She was probably tired of Jonte ignoring his better-educated daughter.

I continued, “Jonte, you allocate omnipotence to these gods yet claim Azura was distracted. Gods have infinite and parallel thought processes. They have no trouble rubbing their belly and patting their head simultaneously. They don’t concentrate solely on one thing and can’t be distracted!”

Malesam looked uncomfortable.

“I could cut your head off, and Boethia could not stop me. I could walk over to her shrine and blast it into rubble with my Thu’um and Magicka, and she could not stop me. The same as other mere mortals desecrated Azura’s. You believe The Entity would be unstoppable, but does it have more power and followers than Mehrunes Dagon, Molag Bal, or Boethia herself? They all failed to usurp the mortal realm, and no doubt many ignorant morons like you screamed, ‘They are unstoppable!’ Lord Umbriel had hundreds of thousands, if not over a million, troops and a flying city, but was stopped! With the aid of other mortals, I stopped Alduin, a demigod capable of destroying Mundus.”

My anger was growing, and I did not want it to diminish.

“If Scourge is such a fantastic weapon, why did Mehrunes Dagon not use it?”

“Umm…I thought Dagon did use it.”

“He did not use it. Scourge returns struck Daedra to their originating realm. The Dark Lords can invade each other’s realms in Oblivion, but The Entity will be down here, reborn as a living God-King. Boethia and other Dark Lords could not appear on Nirn to fight The Entity. Therefore, the war would be against mortals, which means Scourge would be useless!”

I held little hope of getting through to Jonte. He is like all religious fanatics. They will always believe the bullshit of their chosen deity rather than straightforward logic and indisputable facts.

“Boethia lied to you, Jonte. She does not want Scourge for the reason you think. It is just something she wants, and a mortal capable of getting it is handy. You have been manipulated! I will fetch Scourge even though she has not sworn to me to uphold the bargain you parroted like the good, mindless devotee you are. But she will tell me where Rigmor is because The Entity threatens her, and she will want me to stop it. That is why mortals like The Nerevarine and me exist. Gods are powerless on Nirn and rely on their champions to do their tasks!”

Cerys nodded. I doubt she is under Boethia’s spell.

I continued, “Aedriath wanted Rigmor dead even after the little noble boy had his ‘accident’! We killed dozens of well-armed opponents to get to The Forge via the mine. The enemy was not trying to capture Rigmor! We killed many more formidable opponents as we made our way through The Forge. Aedriath had no idea we would have allies to accomplish that, and once again, the intent was to kill Rigmor, not capture her! Aedriath did not know Rigmor would turn up with Azura’s Bane or that my skills and sword would negate their fancy new armour. They tried to kill Rigmor, not capture her! Only when he failed to kill her but managed to kill me did Aedriath bother capturing Rigmor. Her love for me and fear of Aedriath made her vulnerable when she saw me collapse with a bolt in my neck. She could have easily killed the remaining Elite Guards and Aedriath if she had fought back. So yes, Aedriath planned to kill me, but he did not think that would hand him Rigmor alive! At the last second, he decided to obey the wishes of the senior members of The New Order. That is how evil always loses. People like Aedriath always have ego and pride that get in the way of the best plans. I bet Boethia told you none of this. You know what she wants you to know and nothing more!”

Jonte didn’t try to refute what I was saying. He knew it was the truth.

My voice rose with my temper as I explained, “Surely even an ignorant git like you has heard of The Culling! When you do as Boethia asks, it is unlike Sethri obeying Azura. Boethia has tried to do the same as The Entity, Molag Bal, Lord Umbriel and Mehrunes Dagon. She has tried to bypass or destroy The Liminal Barrier and harm the mortals I am sworn to protect. Azura has never tried to harm the mortals of this world!”

I raised my voice further but did not use my Thu’um. The cave was too fragile!

“Listen well, Jonte Malesam! If your mistress asked you to do something harmful to Rigmor, you would do so! Once I have saved Rigmor, you must tread carefully, or I will kill you without hesitation. I, Wulf, Champion of The Divines, now swear this on all I hold sacred!”

I stood and addressed Cerys in a softer voice.

I said, “Cerys, your father claimed Rigmor is unharmed. The New Order think they need a virgin for their sacrifice. How did they reassure themselves that Rigmor is, in fact, a virgin? If they did nothing else to her, how would Rigmor feel about that intimate invasion of privacy by monsters from her worst nightmares? She also saw me drowning in my blood and being stabbed. Rigmor is far from unharmed!”

I Recalled to the Mark I left at the farm and spoke to Celestine.

I told her, “Celestine, I am going to Markarth to retrieve Scourge. Boethia will swap it for the location of Rigmor and an Oblivion Gate.”

“I assume it isn’t just sitting out in the open.”

“No, it is in some ancient ruins that are undoubtedly well-defended.”

“That sounds like a typical Dark Lord bargain.”

“I need some information. How well do you know Arch-Mage Savos Aren?”

“Very well, but I haven’t spoken to him since returning to Tamriel.”

“Rigmor has noble blood by birth, not from the title her father was awarded. It goes back two hundred years. The person I met, Jonte Malesam, has some connection to The College of Winterhold. His daughter, Cerys, is a Master Mage and was with him.”

“Oh, I know Cerys. She is among the kindest and most softly spoken people I know. I never met her father.”

“Please, find out about Malesam and the connection between The College of Winterhold and Rigmor.”

“Okay, I will head for Winterhold in the morning. I will ask Jin to replace me while I am gone.”

“Tell Savos the information is for The Dragonborn and His Imperial Majesty. Tell him I will join the college when I can and share what Psijic stuff I can disseminate, plus help them study The Voice. Malesam wants me to visit the college to tell Rigmor about her history. I would rather tell her beforehand.”

“I agree you should tell Rigmor of her family history and not somebody she doesn’t know.”

“We don’t know how she will be when we find her. My summoning spell can’t reach her. It is as if she is dead.”

“You know there are many reasons that may happen. Don’t think the worst, Wulf. The love you share with Rigmor will aid her survival and recovery.”

“Okay, I will probably return briefly on my way to Boethia’s shrine. Then I will probably be gone till I have Rigmor.”

“You are not going to try and recover Scourge by yourself!”

“No, I shall summon a squad before I enter the fort or dungeon or temple or whatever the place is.”

I teleported to Markarth’s stables and headed for the path Tendril and Jonte had marked on my map.

I could see flags and boardwalks. I decided to save time by flying rather than climbing.

I soon found the river that Jonte mentioned and followed it.

I stood on a cliff edge and looked out over Markarth. It is not my favourite city. I find its Dwemer architecture boring. However, its citizens are friendly, and there is no evidence of racism.

Near the cliff edge was a suspicious-looking, boarded-up drain. A skeleton lay embedded in rocks beside it. Dagon’s devotees might as well have painted a big arrow with a sign saying, “Scourge, this way!”

I summoned Raikou and his squad.

• Raikou: And the dead Dragonborn summons the handsome Kamal!
• Ko’rassa: I think Raikou needs his eyes checked.
• Wulf: We are retrieving a relic called Scourge. Lady Boethia wants it. In return, she shall tell me where Rigmor is.
• Raikou: Did you make the deal with her?
• Wulf: Not directly, no. One of her devotees asked on her behalf.
• Raikou: The Dark Lord is not compelled to honour the agreement!
• Atheris: I think Wulf is aware of that, Raikou. He has nagged us for years about how to deal with Daedric Princes.
• Wulf: I do not nag!
• Kogo: Those who think that Wulf nags, raise your hand. Oh look, all four of us have raised our hands.
• Wulf: Who would like Wulf to remember this month’s stipend?
• Kogo: Hey!
• Wulf: Oh no, only four voted, and it must be unanimous. Pity.
• Raikou: Does Boethia know who or what The Entity is?
• Wulf: According to her puppet, yes, but he was not at liberty to tell me.
• Raikou: She will probably want another favour done in exchange for that information.
• Wulf: That is likely. However, I think The Entity might be a threat to her followers, so she cannot drive too hard a bargain.
• Atheris: Does she know who you are?
• Wulf: Her spokesperson didn’t, so she either kept that from him or has no idea. However, I think I was given this task because she believes I can succeed. She may have sent others to their death trying to retrieve Scourge.
• Raikou: Who placed Scourge here and when?
• Wulf: According to Boethia’s minion, Mehrunes Dagon had it hidden in this place. If I remember correctly, Divayth Fyr had it in his collection in the Tel Fyr tower. It would not have been easy to steal from him.
• Raikou: He is over four thousand years of age, and like Wulf, was a student of the Psijic Order.
• Atheris: Wulf, you claim to be the only outsider to be trained by the Psijic Order.
• Wulf: I did not join the Psijic Order. Divayth Fyr did, so he cannot be called an outsider.
• Atheris: Oh.
• Wulf: Divayth Fyr has four daughters, but they were not born.
• Kogo: Huh?
• Wulf: He grew them in his laboratory. They are clones, but with lady bits. Reports say they are quite attractive.
• Ko’rassa: Kogo likes women with deep voices.
• Kogo: But not beards or mustaches!
• Wulf: One of his daughters, Alfe Tyre, lives in Skyrim.
• Atheris: If she can see or smell, Kogo has no chance.
• Wulf: This place will likely be full of Thu’um-using Draugr, so be careful.

We entered, and unlike most other places, the fighting involved all of us.

Dozens of Thu’um-using Draugr attacked in an endless stream that slowed progress. My friends were often tossed through the air and usually landed with some grace, but not always!

I still killed most of them, but every Dragonguard contributed.

We eventually found Scourge.

I picked it up and studied it closely. Its balance was excellent, and I could wield it well, but its weight slowed it compared to a katana. The dweomer on it was powerful, and I could replicate it if I had time to study it further. I sent it to Cethnelor.

I looked down at Ko’rassa studying a spider.

• Wulf: Taking a present home for Inigo, Ko’rassa?
• Ko’rassa: It is a bit big to carry. Besides, he is living at that weedy seer’s place.
• Wulf: Langley will probably drive Inigo insane.
• Kogo: Don’t you mean, more insane?
• Wulf: Raikou, you and the squad can return home, and I thank you all for the assistance.
• Raikou: We got to bloody our weapons and cast spells!
• Wulf: And that means I might have had great difficulty making my way alone.
• Kogo: Why did the Draugr attack you? I thought they would be kin since you returned from The Void.
• Wulf: Celestine and Nexendia can fill you in on what I have discovered about Mother and other things. We moved Sigunn and the others to a farm opposite Warm Sands. They should have set up a Welkorith by now.
• Kogo: A what-o-rith?
• Ko’rassa: A CORB.
• Raikou: What are you doing next?
• Wulf: I will deliver Scourge to Boethia. What happens after that depends on how the Prince of Plots and I get along.

Raikou and his squad teleported to Aetheron. I teleported to the farm. I no longer needed Mark and Recall for this now-familiar location.

I waved hello to the ladies. It was a strategic decision not to have males guarding Angi.

Meeko was also guarding the farm.

“How do you like this place?”

“Woof!”

“Oh, there are plenty of fat rabbits around here. Therefore, it gets you approval.”

“Woof.”

“Thank you for being with me in the tent. The darkness fled from your farts!”

“Grrr!”

I gave Meeko a good ear scratch, then started flying towards Boethia’s shrine.

As I did so, I imagined Rigmor commenting on the Aspens. They weren’t golden yet, but soon they would be.

A devotee was at the shrine and was offended when I landed.

He said, “Begone and do not sully my Mistress with your presence!”

“Lady Boethia wants something I have. So, if you continue to sully her with your presence, I may be forced to kill you. You are a mage of little strength, so do not think you could harm me.”

The mage moved away, but not far.

Boethia tried to get inside my head and failed. So it was the booming-voice trick again.

“Come forward, mortal. Do you have the mace?”

I retrieved Scourge from Cethnelor and placed it on the altar.

I answered, “As you can see, Lady Boethia, I had Scourge and have placed it on your altar as a symbol of trust.”

Scourge vanished, then Boethia started with the insults.

“So, you are Azura’s little toy.”

“I am no toy of a Daedric Prince. Surely the Great and Mighty Boethia should know who I am with her omnipotence?”

Boethia doesn’t know who I am. That is why she couldn’t tell Malesam. For the same reason Boethia did not recognise my soul, the Daedric Princes would not know about Rigmor’s noble blood at her birth. They don’t have that ability. Perhaps she should read more news sheets?

After a few seconds of silence, Boethia asked, “What does Azura know of the ‘Restoration’?”

“All she knows is that an entity wants to enter Mundus from Oblivion.”

“Hahaha! You have served me well, mortal, but are you worthy of my gratitude?”

“I did not serve you and care nothing for your gratitude.”

“Do you love this girl?”

“The woman’s name is Rigmor, and I love her more than life.”

“Then you must be prepared to go to any lengths to save her.”

“Yes, I will even listen to drivel from a Daedric Prince.”

“Why should it concern me if she lives or dies?”

“The Entity poses a threat to your devotees and probably yourself. You know I am the only one who can stop The Restoration. Play your mind games with somebody else! Tell me where Rigmor is so I can save her and end the threat.”

“We have made no bargain, mortal!”

“True, you didn’t personally give me your word that you would provide the information I need in exchange for Scourge. Therefore, you are not bound to do so. The logical thing is to make a contract with me, Lady Boethia.”

“But the sacrifice would suit me well, for I can battle with The Entity and devour it. It would cause me great pleasure. The girl is worth more to me dead than alive.”

“More lies! The Entity would be on the mortal plane, and you can’t get here. Therefore, you could not battle and devour it! I swear by The Divines that if you withhold the information and Rigmor dies, I will destroy every single temple of yours that I can find! I am a Son of Akatosh, and you could not stop me! Alduin couldn’t!”

“You are a Dragonborn? Then I suggest a contract. You must prove your worth as a warrior before me. Defeat my champions. Do this, and I will tell you Rigmor’s location.”

“Do you want me to defeat your champions in Skyrim or travel to your proving grounds?”

“The latter.”

“Do you give your word that if I defeat your champions, the whereabouts of Rigmor and the identity of The Entity will be revealed to me?”

“I give you, Son of Akatosh, my word.”

“Then the contract is agreed to. I hope you are not fond of any of your champions.”

Boethia laughed then, “This I have got to see. Accept my summons!”

I accepted Boethia’s summons and was in the indescribable cold of the ether for a split second before appearing in the pocket plane of Oblivion called ‘Boethia’s Proving Grounds.’

Boethia sent ten champions in total. At first, one, then two, then three and finally a group of four. I made sure I was was a silhouette against flames and they had to search for me while they stood out like dog gonads.

None of them lasted long. It was over in less than a minute and made for a boring spectacle. However, Boethia seemed pleased as her laughter echoed during the combat.

When her last ‘champion’ fell, Boethia appeared and walked towards me. I know her traditions, so I am now her champion.

When Boethia stopped, I approached to show I wasn’t afraid. She was at least twice my height. Goldbrand, the original made by Nahfahlaar for the Nord hero, Sivdur, who used it to defend dragons, not hunt them. The Battle-Born clan of Whiterun are descended from Sivdur.

I laughed, because whenever Goldbrand is mentioned near Nahfahlaar, he bemoans how he used some of his precious gold to create the katana, only for ‘The Bitch’ to get her hands on it.

Such were the thoughts of Valdr Septim as he faced a Daedric Lord in her plane.

Boethia said, “I can sense her heartbeat, mortal. I can sense her love for you. How cruel a joke it is then that your love is untrue. It is a false love.”

“You can sense no such thing and once again assume I am ignorant of what your powers in Mundus allow. Nonetheless, what would you know about love? Lady Mara, who gifted the power of love to mortals at Convention, knows the strength of our love and marvels at it. My despair shows your accusation to be baseless.”

“Do you not have the same feelings for her as she does for you?”

“Yes, and Rigmor knows it. Why persist with this charade? Fulfill your part of the contract!”

“Hahaha. Rigmor is now near death because you failed her. You abandoned her when she needed you the most. Isn’t this true, mortal?”

“Yes, I failed to protect her, but never abandoned her. I dragged myself back from The Void using the power of our love so I could rescue her. You need me to stop The Entity, and your word is sacrosanct. No more games!”

“Hahaha! The Entity? There is no entity, mortal. It is Malacath.”

“An entity is something with a distinct and independent existence. We knew something existed, but not what it was. Therefore, it is and was an entity. Stop talking nonsense.”

“The Entity is Malacath, the spurned fool! Malacath wants to be transformed into a God-King reborn as Trinimac.”

“That does not explain his willingness to side with Altmer and abandon his devoted Orsimer.”

“Would you sacrifice yourself on the Altar of Trinimac for this girl?”

I yelled, “Yes, I would sacrifice myself to save Rigmor. She deserves to live and find happiness, even if I am not there to share it. I would smile from Aetherius, and The Divines would have to find another mortal champion!”

Boethia turned and walked towards her statue.

She stopped and turned her side to me.

In a less condescending tone, she said, “There are many acolytes, mortal. She is floating on her tears in a sea of writhing darkness and will awaken when her bosom bursts at the points of ten blades. Goblets ready so they might drink away her Lifeforce at the whim of a usurper. To get to the dais, you will need help, for you cannot do it alone. And once she is saved from the black pit of the abyss, you must go into Oblivion and strike the Sigil Stone with Azura’s Bane. Only then will Nirn be saved. Destroy the gate, or it will all have been for nothing.”

“I do not need help. I will enter the nest of enemies alone and kill all I encounter. I will enter The Ash Pit and destroy Malacath’s minions and the Oblivion Gate. If The New Order persist with their invasion, Rigmor and I will fight together, and all enemies will be slain!”

“Then go and save your beloved mortal, asleep on the dais awaiting her fate. A fate only you can decide.”

The laughter of Boethia faded as the cold of the ether was followed by the warmth of The Rift.

Jonte Malesam was there, but Cerys was not.

He flinched when I drew my katana.

The mage devotee had taken offence for some reason and decided to die by dragonborn.

I cut him down, then returned to the shaking messenger.

I demanded, “Tell me where Rigmor is, Jonte!”

“They have taken her to an isolated island stronghold off the northern coast. It is, of course, heavily guarded. I hope you have some friends who might come to your aid in this time of need.”

“Have you been so busy crawling up New Order arses that you haven’t heard how the Dragonguard have fought beside me for months? Not to mention my dragon allies. And I could call upon Lord Shor’s avatar and the Ancient Tongues.”

“Your attitude doesn’t help!”                                                                                                                        

“Oh, thank you for saving me from Alduin and that mage who just attacked. Here, let me mark the island’s location on your map.”

Malesam marked my map. The island was about five miles north of Dawnstar.

Malesam continued, “There is a boat for you to use in Dawnstar. I have also marked its location, as it is not amongst the normal jetties. I would advise…”

“I need no advice from you. Your mistress did not know I was Dragonborn. Ask yourself how she or any other Dark Lord could know of Rigmor’s noble blood if they could not detect what I am. And I do not need a boat. I can fly. Oh, one more thing.”

“Yes.”

“Am I being arrogant enough for Lady Boethia’s new Champion, or do I have to step it up a bit?”

“Champion?”

“Well, I just defeated her ten best warriors.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t squeal!”

“Wha…”

I teleported before Jonte finished, and I am positive he squealed.

As soon as I exited the ether, I started my flight to The New Order’s island.

The sky was relatively clear. Millions of stars murmured to me, and the floating ice had a beauty that did not need Rigmor to point out. However, I would love to hear her describe that beauty in words that escape me.

Many boats designed for coastal and river passage crisscrossed this part of The Sea of Ghosts. Large trading vessels and war galleys were restricted to very narrow passages of deeper water. Floating ice often blocked their passage.

When the island came into view, I cast Shroudwalk and approached the old imperial coastal fort that The New Order occupied.

Night Vision allowed me to see the sentries clearly.

Once again, I decided not to give my enemies a chance to fight back. Still invisible, I landed in the fort’s courtyard and Shouted Storm Call.

Was I allowing darkness to dictate my actions? Probably, but I would debate that with myself later.

Simultaneous peals of thunder and associated lightning bolts killed dozens in seconds. With Night Vision enabled, it was a whiteout for those seconds.

I let the storm rage. It would mask any sounds I made. Some Shouts are much quieter than others, but even Unrelenting Force would be blamed on the thunderstorm.

I burst in and incinerated three soldiers who were discussing the newly arrived storm.

I walked past cells but refused to look hard. Any sign of Rigmor having occupied one was likely to bring my dragon to the fore, and I needed some control.

My bow was as useful as my Thu’um as I quickly, quietly and methodically eliminated New Order troops.

I passed through a door and could hear ritual chanting in Aldmeri. I was not interested in what they said.

Where the chanting originated, the enemy was in convenient rows. They were asking to be killed all at once with a single Shout.

I burst into the chamber, but not one acolyte turned, and the three Priests of Trinimac continued their bullshit ritual and chanting.

Rigmor was lying on the sacrificial altar on a raised platform. Behind her was the Oblivion Gate. It was not yet open.

I could not risk a Shout with her in its cone of effect. Therefore, I Blinked to the raised platform.

I then positioned myself so that a single burst of Dragonfire would kill the acolytes.

Fire appeared from where I stood, but would appear to originate from nothing.

As the acolytes screamed and burned, the priests stood stunned, unable to comprehend what was happening.

They died still wondering as something invisible removed their heads from their necks.

The Oblivion Gate opened, but Malacath could not pass through because Rigmor still lived and he soul was not prepared for the transfer.

The Trinimac Priests’ presence so close to Rigmor offended me. I threw their torsos and other body parts into the middle of the still smouldering acolytes.

The priests had assembled embalming and torture equipment. They were holding them when they died, and now they were scattered on the floor. Only an embalming hook remained on the altar.

They were not going to plunge ten knives into Rigmor. They were going to subject her to an excruciating death! She would have woken screaming but not die quickly. I picked up two jewel-encrusted goblets and threw them into the fires of Oblivion. They would have drunk Rigmor’s blood as a symbolic feast of her Lifeforce.

I needed to maintain control. I would do Rigmor no service by letting anger dictate my actions.

I summoned Vayu and his squad. Dhali was replacing Seiko as she guarded the farm.

I asked, “Vayu, has Celestine told you what we are facing?”

“Yes, Wulf.”

“I am going to be entering this Oblivion Gate and shut it down. But first, let me assess Rigmor.”

I knelt near Rigmor’s head.

• Wulf: They have given Rigmor something that leaves her on the brink of death. She is not sleeping.
• Vayu: Many concoctions can do that. Shamans use them to go into a trance.
• Wulf: It has altered the relationship between body and Terraen. They do this to make it possible for another Consciousness to displace hers.
• Vayu: When we shamans do it, we allow ancestors or others to possess our body.
• Shouken: Ahh, can you explain that for us non-mage types?
• Vayu: Terraen is the Ayleidoon name for a person’s unique identity. When we summon someone, we aren’t calling out their name across the ethereal plane. We summon their Terraen. What makes them unique. That is why, until we learn somebody’s Terraen, we rely on physical contact to teleport them.
• Wulf: Once trained, it is not a conscious thing we do. Speaking to and observing somebody is enough to register their Terraen.
• Vayu: These priests planned to swap Rigmor’s Terraen with Malacath’s.
• Wulf: Her body would not suddenly change to a tusked Orsimer’s. For some time, Malacath would be a God-King in a petite, eighteen-year-old female form. He would need to gather enough Creatia to change physically, which is difficult in the mortal plane.
• Vayu: If Rigmor’s soul were not destroyed, her Consciousness would be trapped in The Ash Pit, Malacath’s part of Oblivion.
• Wulf: The miasma around her is connected to Malacath. It must not be disturbed, as that will trigger the next part of the soul transfer. That may prevent Rigmor from waking with her soul intact.
• Dhali: Were they going to use the equipment scattered around?
• Wulf: Yes. They intended to torture Rigmor. Not because they were sadists.
• Vayu: The objective wasn’t to make Rigmor hurt because pain powers magic. It was to drive her to a precise boundary between life and death while draining the Lifeforce maintaining her mortal occupation of the body.
• Wulf: As you can see, the Oblivion Gate is open. Rigmor’s death was not needed to open it. Her slow sacrifice prepared her body for the Consciousness transfer.
• Dhali: Was that the state you were in?
• Wulf: Yes, but I do not think Rigmor’s Consciousness is wandering The Void, angry at the lack of Sweetrolls and bacon and eggs. Metaphorically, it is hovering next to the Liminal Barrier, waiting for a hole to be poked in the barrier so the swap can occur.

My friends are not ignorant. They knew my attempt at humour was to control the rage building inside.

• Wulf: The priests surrounded the necessary steps with unneeded mumbo-jumbo. They didn’t need Rigmor or someone of noble blood. Any mortal would have sufficed. They intended to drink her blood as a symbolic act of draining her Lifeforce.
• Vayu: The mumbo-jumbo is used to make the mundane parts of necromancy sound mysterious and attract acolytes, like the dead roasted ones in this chamber.
• Dhali: You are entering a Daedric Prince’s realm where they can use all their power against you. Why won’t Malacath swat you like an annoying fly?
• Wulf: He might. However, logic and intuition tell me he won’t. Boethia did not entirely erase Trinimac. Malacath shares the same moral code as Auri-El’s champion.
• Vayu: The teachings of Trinimac echo in The Code of Mauloch, just worded a bit cruder, with a promise of violence.
• Shouken: Why don’t we have Orsimer Dragonguard?
• Wulf: No reason except I have not met suitable candidates. I have not visited any of their strongholds.
• Vayu: Do you think Malacath will parley?
• Wulf: Eventually. He might see me as a potential ally. I hope I can at least enlighten him that The New Order is lying to him, and that if he does this, he would not be Trinimac in the eyes of Auri-El. The sacrifice of Rigmor and seeking vengeance against people who never wronged him is not something Trinimac would do.
• Vayu: I am sure you have many examples with which to instill doubt in Malacath.
• Wulf: Yes. Now, please let me talk to Rigmor before I enter the gate.

I whispered, “I wish I could caress your face and let you know I am here. Your Dragonborn will not leave you alone in the dark. I am sorry I failed you. Please, forgive me. I love you.”

Dhali said, “You did not fail Rigmor. Use your love to combat the negative thoughts, not feed them!”

“The Oblivion Gate may explode when I destroy the Sigil Stone. Protect Rigmor. Do not get any closer than I am to her.”

Vayu replied, “We shall protect her with magic and shields, Wulf.”

I used a pull chain to lower a portcullis and entered the Oblivion Gate.

For a split second, I was in the cold and dark of the ethereal plane.

Then I was in The Ash Pit.

In the distance was a tower. The Sigil Stone would be at the top of the tower, so that is where I headed.

After a few steps, I felt a familiar pressure. Why do the gods always think they have a right to barge into my head uninvited? I said, “Lord Malacath, you will have to speak, for my mind barriers cannot be breached.”

A booming bass voice declared, “YOU ARE A FOOL TO COME HERE. PREPARE TO DIE, MORTAL!” 

I decided to meet the booming voice with my booming voice.

“I AM NOT YOUR ENEMY, LORD MALACATH! THE PEOPLE OF SKYRIM ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY. THE NEW ORDER ARE NOT YOUR ALLY!”

Scamps and Fire Atronachs were a minor nuisance and quickly succumbed to my Thu’um and Azura’s Bane.

“YOU DO NOT STAND A CHANCE AGAINST MY MINIONS. ONLY DEATH AWAITS YOU HERE.”

“YOUR MINIONS ARE WEAK AND BARELY SLOW MY PROGRESS.”

As I got closer to the tower, Malacath’s desperation grew.

“YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE HERE ALIVE. TURN BACK WHILE YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE.”

“IF I CAN NEVER LEAVE HERE ALIVE, I MIGHT AS WELL KEEP FIGHTING.”

I killed the last enemies.

The power of my Thu’um was evident in the dismembered and partially buried scamps.

As I climbed the steps to the tower’s entrance, Malacath said, “YOU DARE INTERFERE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE GODS, YOU PUNY WEAKLING!”

“LORD MALACATH, YOU ARE THE ONE WHO RECRUITED MORTALS AND MADE IT OUR AFFAIR!”

As soon as I entered the tower, Dremora Lords of different ranks and types attacked.

While Unrelenting Force and Azura’s Bane dispatched them, Malacath continued his inane threats.

“KILL THE MORTAL, CUT OUT HIS HEART AND PLACE IT ON THE BOARD OF MALACATH. I LOOK FORWARD TO DEVOURING IT!”

“I AM NOT YOUR ENEMY, LORD MALACATH!”

As I progressed up winding stairs and ramps, dozens of Dremora Lords and Scamps tried to cut my heart out for Malacath’s supper.

“I WILL SUCK THE LIFE FROM YOUR LOVED ONES AND LEAVE ONLY DRY, EMPTY HUSKS.”

“THEY ARE IN MUNDUS. YOU ARE IN OBLIVION. YOU WILL NEED A VERY LONG STRAW!”

“I WILL FEAST ON THEIR BONES, CRUSH THEIR SOULS AND CAST THEM INTO THE VOID.”

“THAT PESKY LIMINAL BARRIER IS STILL A PROBLEM. BESIDES, YOU CANNOT CRUSH A SOUL.”

“I WILL BATHE IN THE BLOOD OF ALL YOUR ANCESTORS PAST AND FUTURE TO COME.”

“FUTURE REFERS TO SOMETHING THAT IS YET TO COME. THEREFORE, YOU JUST SAID, ‘ALL YOUR ANCESTORS PAST AND YET TO COME TO COME.’”

Returning Malacath’s banality with my own helped me control my anger and darkness.

“I WILL SUCK THE FLESH FROM THE BONES OF YOUR CHILDREN AND DECORATE MY SHRINE WITH THEIR SKULLS.”

“IF I LOVE MY CHILDREN, YOU WOULD ALREADY HAVE SUCKED THE LIFE OUT OF THEM AND LEFT DRY, EMPTY HUSKS. UNLESS I HAVE CHILDREN THAT I DO NOT LOVE, THERE WOULD BE NO FLESH TO SUCK!”

Azura’s Bane was proving quite useful for dismembering Dremora Lords and Scamps.

I especially liked how easily it entered the front and exited the back.

“FOOLS, WHO WILL RID ME OF THIS SLUT’S LACKEY?”

“THERE IS NO SLUT WITH ME. AND I SUGGEST YOU TRY OFFERING A REWARD INSTEAD OF INSULTS!”

 I entered the Sigil Stone chamber.

“MY SISTER CHOSE WELL. YOU HAVE EARNED MY RESPECT, MORTAL.”

“I am not here because Boethia chose me. I am here because I am The Champion of The Divines. You threaten the mortals of Nirn. It is my duty, privilege, and pleasure to stop you. And to be honest, you have been misled, Lord Malacath.”

I stood before the Sigil Stone, and as I had hoped, parley was requested.

“BEFORE YOU STRIKE THE STONE, LISTEN TO THE WORDS OF MALACATH.”

“Trinimac honoured parley. The Code of Mauloch honours parley. There are things you must hear, so let us talk.”

I travelled the ether to a pocket plane within Malacath’s realm.

I walked to where Malacath sat.

As with Boethia, I stood close to him and showed no fear as I looked into his eyes.

He said, “I have waited in the darkness of the Ash Pit for a millennium for this moment to come. The rightful God-King of all Tamriel. Reborn from the ashes, from the devoured remains of a vengeful witch.”

“You were never a king and have not earned the right to rule over Tamriel! You were a warrior of Auri-El, as am I for Lord Akatosh. You were never promised a kingdom, nor did you seek one when you led your armies. That was not your motivation.”

“I am a spurned monster cast in the far reaches of Oblivion. The living abomination of spite itself.”

“And yet you are spurning those who worshipped you as Trinimac and continue to do so as Malacath. The Orsimer would be treated as dung by the victorious Altmer and likely turn to other gods, including Boethia.”

“Would you now cast me down and thwart my rightful destiny?”

“That rightful destiny doesn’t exist. Mortals are not responsible for your predicament. Invade Attribution’s Share if you want revenge!”

“Is the life of a mortal girl so great a thing to choose over the restoration of Tamriel?”

“The conflict between you, Veloth and Boethia happened thousands of years ago. Mortals living today are not responsible for your grievances. There is nothing to restore by conquering them! Your plan would end with Mundus’s destruction! What The New Order wants is to destroy The Nine. They want to unravel what was done at Convention. If they succeed in their ultimate plans, you would have nothing to rule, and Mundus would cease to exist. You are nothing but a means to an end for those who wish for you to manifest on Nirn! Even if you set foot on Tamriel, I would send you back here with Scourge, for I retrieved it for Boethia. But if I failed, The Nine and other gods would create mortal champion after mortal champion, and you would lose like all others who have tried to cross over from Oblivion and conquer Mundus!”

“Strike the stone and a millennium of planning will be undone at your hand.”

“Your ancient enemies were the Mer that sided with Boethia, yet The New Order invades Cyrodiil and Skyrim. Your cause is false and unjust!”

“Then know this. There will be another time, another sacrifice. If not now, then tomorrow.”

“Sacrificing Rigmor and seeking revenge on innocents are not actions Trinimac would perform. What you would become on Nirn is more of a monster than people accuse Malacath of being. Auri-El would not recognise you as his champion, and he would oppose you!”

“The invasion is about to begin. Nothing can stop it now.”

“I suspect Boethia changed your form, but failed to destroy the essence of Trinimac. He championed strength, honour, defence of one’s people, unity, truth, martial courage, order and justice. Is that any different from what is championed in The Code of Mauloch?

The Altmer of The New Order are not your people, Lord Malacath. The Orsimer are! Yet what you propose betrays your people, not defend them. You would face armies of Orsimer who recognise neither Trinimac nor Malacath, but an evil being endangering their tribes.

Boethia humiliated Trinimac. She changed his form and turned his virtues bitter. But she could not make him betray his people. But you can do that and propose to do so!

As for the armies about to land, his Imperial Majesty has twenty-four legions ready to defend The Empire. Is the pathetic New Order going to land enough soldiers to do what the Third Aldmeri Dominion could not manage after five years of war?

They have hired Orsimer mercenaries to boost their numbers!

But it would not just be The Empire that opposes you, Lord Malacath. Elsweyr, Morrowind, Hammerfell and other provinces would field as many soldiers as The Empire.

Then there is Akavir. The combined armies of Tsaesci, Tang Mo, Kamal, Akaviri and Ka’Po’Tun would contain far more troops than Tamriel’s.

And no matter what you do on Nirn, you cannot prevent Lord Akatosh from deciding when the kalpa needs to end. If The New Order present a clear threat to Convention and The Wheel, Alduin would consume all that exists within The Wheel, including you. A new kalpa would be created from the remnants of the previous one.

I am not your enemy, Lord Malacath. Rigmor is not your enemy. The people of Skyrim and Cyrodiil are not your enemy. The Orsimer are your people.

The New Order are not your people or Trinimac’s. They are your enemy, for they do not want you to be Trinimac. They want a weapon to help destroy Convention and The Wheel.”

“Hold your sword, and my promise will be a long life and glorious old age. I give you my word.”

“Seeing children laugh, people free, and sharing my life and love with Rigmor are all the riches I need. Your promise is nothing in comparison to those simple things.”

The brimstone smell and heat of The Ashpit followed the cold of the ether.

Malacath was giving me time to reconsider his offer. But he would also be contemplating what I said. Therefore, instead of immediately attacking me, the last defenders of the Sigil Stone stared as I unsheathed Azura’s Bane.

Having to strike the Sigil Stone with Azura’s Bane was another of those requirements that have no support in history or metaphysics. Any edged or blunt weapon is enough to destroy them.

However, I found some comforting symmetry in ending Malacath’s scheme with another Daedric Prince’s weapon. Will he hate Azura as much as he detests Boethia?

The more the Daedric Princes bicker among themselves, the fewer schemes aimed at Mundus and mortals will be hatched.

I walked slowly towards the Sigil Stone.

In a tone of pure desperation, not anger, Malacath ordered, “STOP HIM!”

I didn’t expect to persuade Malacath, only to get him to contemplate the truths I told. He was undecided, and even if I were defeated, my words would eventually persuade whatever remains of Trinimac that his plan had no moral or factual justification.

I quickly dispatched the final defenders.

I then struck the Sigil Stone with Azura’s Bane.

I was expelled from The Ash Pit and landed hard against the altar.

• Vayu: Are you alright?
• Wulf: I will tell you after my head stops ringing.
• Dhali: We thought you were stuck in Oblivion. The gate exploded thirty seconds ago.
• Wulf: The histories of The Oblivion Crises do not mention how long it takes to be expelled.
• Vayu: The miasma around Rigmor cleared just before the gate went boom.
• Wulf: I think Malacath decided not to transform into a vengeful God-King.
• Shouken: I can’t wait to hear how you persuaded him.
• Wulf: I will take Rigmor to the farm so that Celestine, Sigunn and Angi can help her recover. You, my friends, can go home.

I cast Grand Healing on Rigmor, although I had no doubt Vayu already had.

I asked, “What are the knives and things doing on the altar?”

“Vayu, we collected them from the ground while you were busy enjoying Malacath’s hospitality. I wanted to understand their planned ritual better.”

“Always the curious shaman.”

I lifted Rigmor from the altar and told her, “I am taking you to Sigunn. She is waiting to see you, and her love, combined with mine, will drag you out of the darkness.”

Tears streamed down my face as I turned to my friends.

I declared, “Rigmor will recover, and I will destroy The New Order. The wrath I unleash will be the nightmares of any who think to harm her or the people of Nirn in the future. They will know what awaits them!”

I teleported to the farm.

Angi had her back to me and did not notice.

Celestine came running over.

“Is she okay, Wulf?”

“Tirnileth tells me she is healthy in body. Her mind, however, may take some time to recover.”

“What did they do to her?”

“They gave her a concoction that was more than a sedative. Vayu and I think it was similar to what shamans use to go into a trance.”

“Rigmor will need to purge the concoction.”

“I am sure she will listen to you on that matter.”

“I do not think she will remain unconscious for long.”

“I will take her inside now, so Sigunn can look after her. Please, enter in a few minutes and offer to assist.”

“Okay.”

“I will tell you all about my holiday in Oblivion and the fun discussion with Malacath later.”

Angi entered the house and was still unaware of Rigmor’s return. Meeko did not tell her and remained unusually quiet.

I tapped on the door with my foot.

A few seconds later, Baa’Ren asked, “This one wants to know the knocker’s name.”

“It is Wulf, Baa’Ren, and I am carrying Rigmor.”

Baa’Ren quickly opened the door and then stood next to Sigunn. I entered and closed the door with my foot.

Then I approached Sigunn.

She cried out, “Rigmor! Oh, my baby girl! What have they done to you? Wulf, how can I ever thank you?”

I replied, “Rigmor will live, but she will need her mother’s love to heal fully. I will lay her down so you can attend to her. Please let Celestine examine her in a few minutes.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Where is Angi?”

“Downstairs. Baa’Ren will tell her that Rigmor is back.”

I walked into the bedroom that Sorella had claimed. The child was sitting in a chair and smiled as I approached.

She asked, “Well, did you tell her?”

“Yes, I told Rigmor I love her. I might have to tell her a million times more while she gets better.”

“Is that a lot?”

“More than the number of fleas on Meeko.”

“Wow!”

I lay Rigmor down, and she looked far from well.

When I scanned her soul, her skin turned black.

I asked Sorella, “How does Rigmor look?”

“A bit pale. And what happened to her hair?”

“Rigmor had shaved it all off a while ago. Remember the wanted posters?”

“Yeah. Rigmor wasn’t bald, but almost.”

“Rigmor had been wearing a wig so the bad guys wouldn’t recognise her.”

“Will Rigmor be okay?”

“Vayu and Celestine and I think she will be, and we are healers.”

Sigunn entered the room, and I handed her daughter’s care to her.

Rigmor’s soul was intact and okay. My mind interpreted the residue of the partial soul transference as a stain. I knew it would be purged, along with the concoction.

I hope Rigmor has no recollection of that they did to her.