@ Thomas Kaira - You are exactly right on all counts, she had the nerves of the upcoming interview with Fathis eating away at her insides and making that red-headed temper worse than usual. All that guilt and the fear that she was making a mistake she would regret her whole life - and suddenly realizing how naive she had been to think they could remain friends through it as Gils waltzed off with her.

Oddly enough, my spell check didn't catch that nit !! I went back to correct it on the draft and it was not showing in red !! I will have to get on the spell-check and remove the miss-spelling, I guess (if that can be done, lol).

Thank you so much TK !!! (and the battle scenes you have been seeking will be coming with a vengeance very soon !!) -

***
@ King Coin - You are right, lol. The Imperial City is coming down like the Arcane and the Arena ... or worse ... in short order. The build-up of tensions through the different factions is coming to a head, and all H will break out when it does. Thank you so much King Coin !!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !!!! You really captured the essence of that chapter in your comment, right up to her short attention span!! I appreciate so much your fave chapters being Maxical centered ones, that means tons - you have followed her through about 200 chapters now - You ROCK !!!! Thank you again, Acadian !!!

I'm totally confused, which mean that I'm identifying with Maxical too much.

So I clutch at the trivia, just like she does to take her mind out of the maelstrom. You have a tense glitch here
"He could not have said it better, the sky would be rend rent and the void would swallow him…"

Fixed it, thank you so much for the help !!! I wavered between the two, not really sure which was the correct term to use here - even after looking it up in the dictionary, lol. Thank you so much - and for the reading too !!

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 18 2011, 07:12 PM

Maxical, don't be too prideful!

Thank you so much Zalphon !!! Don't worry, she won't; her nerves are on edge, that's all. Thanks so much for stopping by, Zalphon !!!

*
There is a cameo appearance of Foxy's character, Damien "Foxy" Reynard in this chapter. Foxy has graciously agreed to allow Damien to participate, and has either written or approved all scenes for Damien.



Chapter 95: The Beginnings Of War


Directly below us on the mezzanine the shout was being picked up. People were leaping up, grabbing the railings; either to see or trying to pull themselves up into Jack’s private box. Like wildfire spreading the crowds around the Arena began climbing on their seats straining to see up into Jack’s box, screaming and flagging their arms forward in the Arena signal to ‘Finish Him’.

The combatants on the Arena floor had ground their fight to a halt and instead stood side by side, their wounds forgotten in trying to see what the crowd was pointing at.

Jack seemed frozen in his vantage chair, his face an expressionless mask as he watched his balcony erupt into a seething mob; stomping their feet in cadenced rhythm, fists shaking in the air and shouting the chant, “URIEL’S LAW! URIEL’S LAW!�

The sound was oddly out of synch with the gaping mouths; reverberating off the wall behind us in an eerie echo of angry voices and contrasted by a terrible screaming cry, one that sickeningly imaged a parent seeing its child murdered emitting from the large bird that was making ever-lowering circles and swoops over our heads. Jak, the bird I had accused the Immortal of harming.

A raging bull would have been less terrifying than Azzan in his relentless charge, his face twisted in an expression of sheer hatred…what so many vampires saw as their last image before his silver longsword cut them down.

The sudden realization struck me…I did this. I caused what was happening to this man, someone I had befriended that reminded me so much of Hannibal. Even the bird I had been defending was screaming to stop this. Dear gods what had I done?

I heard my scream before I knew it was me, “NOOOOO! MAKE IT STOP, FATHIS!� Through the blur of my tears I saw Fathis had already raised his shield that clearly proclaimed him a Court Official and was stepping in front of the Immortal, blocking Azzan’s attack. Without looking behind him he walked backwards, pushing the Immortal back to the corner wall so he couldn’t be flanked if someone burst through Jack’s office.

I scrambled into the flank position and raised my shield, my sword drawn but pointed down.

“DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY! STEP BACK! THIS MAN HAS DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY!� Fathis shouted.

Azzan’s rage at Fathis’s words contorted his face. “Step aside, Aren. Uriel’s Law!�

“You see my shield, Azzan. Diplomatic Immunity. Step back.� Fathis’s voice was calm and somehow soothing in contrast with the shouts and tensions seething around him.






***


Azzan faltered, his face reflecting the struggle to regain control. “That’s bull [censored] Aren! How can you protect him knowing what he is?� His voice was ragged with frustration, his weapon stayed pointed.

“Not this one Azzan, and not here. Lower your weapon, lad. You know what this shield stands for, don’t get yourself in trouble now. Come on, lad. You know you aren’t going to attack me, and I‘m duty bound to protect this man.�

Authority mixed with respect, Fathis gave it…and shockingly to me, Azzan returned it, stepping off and pointing his sword to the floor. Velus followed his lead, looking nervous. He shot Fathis an apologetic look before speaking.

“Er…sorry Fathis. Didn’t mean anything against you. Don’t like his type around, that’s all. Thought I’d get to use that Peacemaker you gave me.�

Fathis gave him a brief nod. “You two best return to your seats now. Jack will ban us all for drawing weapons in his box.�

Velus sheathed his sword immediately, but stood shifting his weight uncomfortably; obviously waiting for Azzan’s decision.

It was an uneasy stalemate. Azzan kept his weapon drawn, but pointed to the ground. He remained standing there, glaring.

As silent as a snake the Blademaster in the black velvet mask dropped from the musician’s deck onto the railing, agile as any cat. In seconds he had leaped across the tops of the seats toward us. Surprisingly, Jack saw him entering his private box and made no move to stop him…in fact, looked pleased he had arrived. Who was that man?

Fathis’s hand poised, ready to cast; watching both the newcomer and Azzan at the same time. “HALT!“

The man in black velvet gave some kind of signal that Fathis recognized before he approached. He moved to Fathis’s other side and leaned in close to speak. His voice was silky and quiet, meant only for Fathis‘s ears but I heard.

“Hannibal is on his way, the immunity may be in question.�

“Until it is removed, I am duty bound to protect this man.� Fathis barely whispered.

“This is all my fault, Fathis…please don’t let it happen by my doing, please!� I turned to the Immortal and looked into his cowl so he could see the truth in my eyes. “I never meant this to happen, I am so very sorry to have brought this trouble on your head.�

Jack had signaled Wes and the announcement was made to begin clearing the Arena. Hassiri made a sign to his brothers and they left, followed by everyone but Azzan. Velus reluctantly followed the others, grasping Azzan’s shoulder as he passed him.








***


“You got this under control Fathis?� Jack…his usual calm voice as if nothing had just happened.

Fathis nodded his head towards Azzan.

“Come on, Hero. Time for us to leave. Traven’s on the way to handle this.� Jack slapped Azzan on the back.

Reluctantly Azzan left with Jack, not sheathing his sword even then. Hassiri stayed behind, as did the man in the velvet mask.

Most of the crowds on the mezzanine were beginning to filter toward the exits, I noticed some were instead moving to the railing and either staring up into Jack’s box or watching the bird circling. Jak the bird was swooping down along the mezzanine, his squawking now sounding like a battle cry…or a call to arms.

Just then my eyes caught sight of another man in a cloak and cowl standing on the opposite mezzanine, and from the position of his head it seemed he was staring directly at me. Something seemed…familiar about him.


Is that another vampire? Oh dear gods…it’s Vicente!


The Immortal’s head swiveled with a jerk in the direction I was looking, both cowls seemed to lock onto each other. I glanced at the Immortal, his aura was suddenly giving off tension…alertness.

Then suddenly, and with a feeling of shock I realized the man standing next to Vicente was Gils. Why had my vision not been drawn to him? Why was there no moon sugar on my tongue?

My eyes darted to Fathis quickly, but he hadn’t noticed Gils. Fathis’s eyes were alert on the stranger in black velvet and the door to Jack’s office. Without looking at me he spoke in Khajiit. “Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, you need to return to the Bloodworks. We’ll talk later.�

As I turned to leave I scanned the other mezzanine, Vicente was gone. The Arena Bloodworks gates were both locked now, I would have to walk outside…alone. My sword was not silver, I would have no defense against Vicente...but I couldn’t ask Fathis to abandon his guest and escort me.

An intoxicating scent seemed to be filling the air suddenly. I breathed it in and felt it moving within me…it made my head feel like it was swimming.

“No. We must escort her. The vampire Vicente is out there, she won’t be safe walking alone.� The Immortal spoke for the first time since the incident began. His voice rumbled deeply like low thunder.

Surprised by the sound, I spun around and gasped aloud. The Immortal had grown larger than life, his proportions changing before my eyes till he stood as a giant…towering over even the stranger in the black velvet mask, who had dwarfed both Hassiri and Jack.

Fathis appeared unconcerned over the change unless one knew him well. His expression remained the same, but a muscle in his lower jaw rippled with tension as it did when he prepared for battle…what battle? What was going on?

“The mezzanine!“ Hassiri’s growl was blood chilling and his fur was spiked fully out as he kicked his shoes off.

I had never seen Hassiri frightened before. Instantly my own fur spiked in response to that fear in him…and then from what I saw on the mezzanine. A sea of giants…like the Immortal…moving like a silent slithering army of snakes towards Jack’s box.

Fathis was facing the Immortal now, looking deceptively casual…but I know his every stance, he had his spells loaded and was ready to cast. What was going on?






***


Jack’s office door slammed suddenly followed by the sound of the bolt sliding across. The stranger in the black velvet mask stepped into the open area, his hand on his sword hilt. Hassiri was crouching to pounce, I half expected to see a puddle forming below him.

Fathis and the Immortal hadn’t moved position at all, seeming like statues frozen in a perpetual face-off. The tension in the air was strangling, I couldn’t inhale or exhale and my knees suddenly felt made of jelly…I found my own self struggling not to leave a puddle.

With relief I heard Hannibal’s voice before he even appeared on the balcony…he would make sense of what was going on. He didn’t. Instead his words seemed to charge the atmosphere to explosion.

“Stop! We need him…Malan’s army has activated, they’re storming the Arena following some giant bird. Stop! Fathis, we need the Immortal. Go to Damien quickly, he’ll make sure you‘re clear of hypnosis.�

“Do Ma'Thjizzrini Qa first. She needs to be escorted to safety, and Vicente is below.� Fathis spoke as if I wasn’t there.

The Immortal spun, his cowl gawking at Fathis. “You tricked me…set me up!� His voice reflected shock…and rage.

Fathis’s expression was of a man who knew he may be facing the gallows. His life was in danger…and he knew it. What could have happened? The cowled head was honed in on Fathis as if he were prey. I surged forward till I was standing between them, facing the Immortal.

“Are you angry at Fathis? I’ll not step out if you intend harm to him.� I glanced at Fathis…was I misreading everything?

For a brief second I saw the tender look flicker across Fathis’s face…the one that had always melted my heart no matter the circumstance…still could. It suddenly struck me that I may never see it again after today...no, it was more than that. With a sickening dread I suddenly realized I may never see him again…period.

As if a part of me tore loose and looked down from the sky I suddenly saw everyone’s stances, their positioning…the stranger in the black velvet mask, Hassiri, Azzan stepping back out of Jack’s office…all looking like cats ready to spring into action; every movement deliberate…establishing strategic positions surrounding…nae, trapping the Immortal against the high wall that Fathis had pushed him against when he was protecting him from Azzan…or was he? I suddenly realized Fathis hadn’t backed him there for his protection, but for his defeat, to trap him…he really had tricked him!

The musician’s platform the stranger had dropped from was now lined with men in black leather stealth suits…spell casters like I’d never seen at the Arcane; taking up positions for attack. Dear gods, this was a battlefront…and Fathis was the lead man in front!

Fear like I’d never known welled up inside me…afraid to leave his side if that was the case. If anything ever happened to him…I don’t know that I’d be able to stand it, he’d always been part of me. I wanted to grasp every minute movement, every sound…replay it over and over in my mind till something would stand out…tell me what was happening, what I should do. I wanted to take Fathis’s hand in both mine and rub it on my cheek…for the last time, but couldn‘t.

“Fathis…�

“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa...you’ll have my heart forever. This gentleman must remove the spells from you…Azzan is going to escort you to the Bloodworks. All will be fine, you’ll see. Go now.�


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 8 2016, 09:13 AM

Holy bat guano!

Talk about a nail biting edge of the seat experience!

The mystery and tension and action you wove throughout was amazing. This icing on the cake was knowing what Maxical was thinking the whole time. My head is spinning as much as hers (in a good way). Fathis, Gils, Fathis. Argh! If you wanted to paint Fathis as heroic here, you surely accomplished that. I may be wrong, but if Fathis and Maxical make it out of this, I think our kitty is going to be rethinking who she wants to be bound to. Don't keep us waiting too long before you bring us some relief to this cliff hanger.

Always fun seeing dear Damien of course.

So much emotion here! Very powerful indeed.

Why does part of me feel that Fathis is not going to survive this?

You had me pinned to the edge of my seat with that one. The army is risen, Jak in the lead, and the Arena appears to be in terrible danger.

And the fate of the Immortal... Fathis is incredibly brave to try a stunt such as that. If he feels this is the only way to protect our kitten from the intoxicating beast within the cloak, I do hope it turns out okay.

Then again, he is the Immortal. I wonder how the next couple of scenes will play out for Maxical's love life? Part of me (probably the same part fearing for Fathis's life) feels that her hand is soon going to be forced in some way. Only time will tell where, though.

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Feb 22 2011, 03:28 AM

mALX, this was absolutely superb. Allow me to second what Acadian said -- after reading this, my head too is spinning. We are reminded why Maxical first fell for Fathis, and just how much of a mistake it might have been to make her choice while angry and before knowing the full facts.
I cannot help but wish Fathis luck, that somehow Janus can be destroyed or imprisoned, even though I, like Thomas Kaira, wonder if he'll make it out of this alive. So all I can say is, please post more quickly!!!

Ho-ly Whack.

Good luck Fathis. You'll need it.

<--- is all I can say right now!

The drama, the action, the emotions! And this is only The Beginnings of War!! When Fathis got Azzan to stop his attack, I was just stunned. I could really feel Maxical’s terror and confusion. Her desperate wish to do something paralyzed by not knowing what to do, arrrrgh! Tremendous, mALX!! I’m on the edge of my seat, and staying there!

@ Acadian - Thank You, Thank You, Acadian !!! It means a lot to hear that from you - in fact, your comment was AWESOME !!!

***
@ Thomas Kaira - Thank you so much TK !!! That chapter was the beginning of the end, it is all going to start hitting the fan now - Fathis thinks fast on his feet, he won't go down without a fight. I would back Fathis over Hassildor any day, but against Jak...I don't know about that. Thanks again, TK !!!

***
@ Rachel - You can always nail the plots and subplots to a T - Thank You so very much Rachel !!! I personally am rooting for Fathis too, but you know how it is when you sit down to write - sometimes things just happen ... like the protagonist being murdered in chapter 50 of a 110 chapter story, lol. Thank you again, Rachel - you are so very appreciated !!!


***
@ King Coin - Zalphon is rooting for Fathis too, I should put a poll in to see "Who Should Survive" when all this goes down, lol. Thank you so much King Coin !!!

***
@ Jacki Dice - Uh Oh, speechless...I hope that is a good thing, lol. Thank you so much Jacki !!!

***
@ Grits - Yeah !!! That means a lot to hear from you - especially after reading the emotions you infused into the Battle for Kvatch in your story - Thank you so much, Grits !!! Your comment really made my day !!!

You kill Fathis, Malx and I swear by Boethia that I'll hunt Maxical down and skin her alive!

GAAAAAH !!! A white fur rug ???? GAAAAAH !!!! Thank you so much Zalphon !!!

*

** Foxy has graciously agreed to employ his character Damien "Foxy" Reynard in this chapter. Foxy has either written or approved all scenes for Damien.




Chapter 96: The Fox Lays A Trap



Hannibal rounded on Fathis. “I know everything the Immortal has done; he’s used no deadly force! This is tantamount to an attack on him…a Noble, Fathis! The Mages Guild will not even consider removing his immunity for that spell he put on you. You must stop this action now!�

“Spell?“ I spun toward the Immortal. “You assaulted Fathis? Why? Lord Umbranox, Fathis trusted you…has spoken only highly of you!� I know the shock was evident in my voice.

“Umbranox! What?� Hannibal was staring at me like an owl.

“It’s okay…I know…I figured it out.� I shrugged apologetically at Hannibal.

“An attack on the representative from the Mages Guild is a breach…� Fathis began without taking his eyes from the Immortal. Hannibal cut him off.

“You were negligent in your duties or he would not have been able to do it. Your position is the one in danger, for this.� Hannibal spread his arms to encompass the battlegrounds. “You are forcing a fight on him!�

I gasped audibly; Hannibal turning on Fathis over the Immortal?

“Aye, I was negligent that he got the spell on me, but I’ve forced no fight on him. Protocol only forbids any overtly aggressive acts to initiate battle. I have shown him no aggression. If he is insulted by this then by the gods, let him act.� Fathis’s eyes held a challenge as he looked directly into the cowl, it was clear to me he was hoping the Immortal would act…egging him.

“I’m flattered you thought it would take an army to capture me.� The deep rumble of the Immortal’s voice could not camouflage the mocking tone of his words.

“How DAST you mock Fathis!� I rounded on the Immortal. “He doesn’t need an army! If he called their presence here, it would be as witnesses to verify you acted against him so it could not be disputed. He protected you from assault, do you forget that?� I turned back to Hannibal, still angry and shocked that he had turned on Fathis. “Fathis defended the Immortal using himself as a shield against the attackers, I witnessed it myself, Hannibal.�

“Tell him the truth about what the Immortal came for, Tra-ven!� Azzan shouted from the doorway, drawling out Hannibal’s name and pointing his still-unsheathed sword at the Immortal.






***


“Stay out of this, Azzan! We have no proof…� Hannibal sputtered. I gaped at him. I’ve known Hannibal almost as long as I’ve known Fathis, he was lying. One glance at Fathis confirmed that he knew Hannibal had lied as well.

Without taking his eyes off the Immortal Fathis slid his hand into his inner pocket and withdrew an aged, richly thick parchment sealed with a golden crown and crimson crest. “This has Septim’s official seal on it, dated the same year I took this post. Uriel was concerned one person in charge left the door open to bribery or being put under the Immortal’s power…that you may be reluctant to terminate his diplomatic immunity even when shown clear evidence the Immortal was acting on his nature. As in now, Traven. The Immortal placed a spell on me while in my capacity as liaison; assaulted me with paralysis spells; and used his power over me to stalk a virgin. That is several violations of his agreement, he is clearly acting on his nature.� Fathis’s eyes never left the Immortal as he spoke.

“He is not stalking a virgin! Ask Azzan, he’ll tell you. He is here for his chosen. He’s not touched a drop of blood, that is fact. The man he roomed with since his arrival confirmed both of these, swore his oath by them…� Hannibal fumed.

Fathis looked stunned, reeling. I leaped between him and the Immortal so he couldn’t take advantage of Fathis while his guard was down.

“It’s true, Fathis. He told me blood sickens him…that he was here for his bride. He said the reason he met with me today was as a wedding gift because you told him it was a fond wish of mine. He couldn’t possibly know I was still intact…that you did not fulfill your vows last night. He wished you well in your choice…�

Rage consumed Fathis’s features till I was afraid his head may pop off his shoulders. I didn‘t know if he ignored my words or didn‘t hear them, because he cut me off to roar at Hannibal.

“How long have you known this, that you didn’t see fit to advise me? Speak Traven!� Fathis spat the words, I had to wipe my face.

“Just since yesterday…there isn’t time for this now! Listen to me, Fathis...what’s this?�

Fathis’s eyes looked like bubbling lava boring into the cowl of the Immortal as he flung what looked to be an official document at Hannibal.

“That is my official resignation as liaison. Your rules of protocol put Ma'Thjizzrini Qa at risk…tied my hands from protecting her and myself. You know where you can shove this post.�






***


“Fathis, you can’t just quit! I need notice…what are you doing?�

Still keeping his eyes on the Immortal, Fathis had taken a step back from him and tossed the aged parchment with the Septim seal on it toward the stranger in the black velvet mask…Damien caught it deftly.

While the Immortal’s attention was caught by those actions, Fathis made the slightest movement with his hand. Magic darted from the tips of his fingers with a speed I‘ve never seen before.

Conjured shackles to inhibit magic like they use in the prisons snapped onto the Immortal’s wrists and ankles with a loud clang, glowing instantly on closing. The Immortal struggled ineffectually against them, roaring…he was bound completely. Damien spoke then.

“Well, Traven; with this document Fathis has empowered my men to act against the Immortal at his command, and authorized by Uriel Septim. My orders come from a higher source than Ocato’s diplomatic immunity. Your Immortal has some explaining to do…�

“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa should not hear this. I want her cleared of hypnosis and removed from here first.� Fathis interrupted in a tone that would brook no negative response.

“I understand, and agree.� Damien gave a grimace, his eyes glittering through the holes in the mask.

Hannibal nearly plastered himself onto the front of the Immortal, shielding him as if the spells may start flying any second. “Is no one listening? Malan’s army is on the move, we need his help!�

“And if I agree to give this help, what of that document and these shackles?� The Immortal’s voice was like a booming clap of thunder.

“Damien…� Hannibal pleaded.

“I am merely an agent performing a service. Fathis is the one you need to speak with.� Damien’s voice cut like ice through the air. With a sudden clarity I knew without a doubt he was an assassin.

“Fathis, please! We can‘t fight Malan without him, the city is at risk…all Cyrodiil is!� Hannibal’s voice raised to a shout.

“Fathis, he’s using his mind, calling in aid! GAAAAAAH!� I pointed to the musician’s balcony above us where a flock of the giant birds was landing behind Damien’s men. As they landed their forms shimmered into giant men…vampires.

“I’m taking her to safety!� Fathis had to shout to be heard over the battle beginning on the balcony above us. He jammed his silver sword in my hands and pulled me to the balcony edge. “Come on, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa!�








***


Malan’s giants were swarming the mezzanine deck below us. “Load Delphine’s spell!“ Fathis shouted, then grabbed my hand, shoving it down past the stone floor of the deck we were on. The huge explosion shook the floor beneath us, followed by the horrible hissing and snarling death screams of the vampires as the liquid fire combusted. The stench of seared flesh drafted up my nostrils.

“Come on, hurry!� Fathis dropped off the balcony first and began rapidly casting fire into the remaining crowd of vampires below, setting them aflame and alternately conjuring Fire Atronachs with his other hand.

Looking first for a vantage spot, I dropped down and steadied my legs, readying Fathis’s sword.

“NO! Keep going! Go to the pit!� Fathis shouted, never slowing his casting.

Pieces of body parts decorated the mezzanine from the explosion, gore everywhere. More of the giant vampires were running up the ramp toward us making a horrid snarling sound, their fangs like ivory daggers jutting from their mouths. The stench of burned flesh was overcoming my stomach, leaving me weaving; dizzy and staring dumbly at the carnage in front of me.

Fathis grabbed my shoulder with one hand, shaking me hard. “THEY’RE ANCIENTS! THEY SMELL YOUR BLOOD! NOW GO! Get to the pit!� Fathis pushed me toward the edge of the mezzanine, shaking me out of the mental paralysis that held me.

Being a cat, the drop to the top of the gates was easily accomplished. I dropped from there to the Arena floor and ran…was halfway across the Arena floor before I realized Fathis was not following me.









******* Janus


The musicians balcony above them erupted in blasts of fire and lightning, battle cries and screams, the clashing of weapons and scuffling thumps. Traven stood frozen, an agony of shock and terror reflecting in his eyes as his worst nightmare unfolded before him. It would be easy to enlist his aid.

“Take these shackles from me if you want my help Traven. Aren has gone mad, you must see that.� Janus couldn’t keep the edge of hatred from rumbling in his deep voice.

Hannibal started forward; till Damien’s voice cut across the balcony sharply. “Think carefully before you act, Traven. Recall that I am witness to your movements.�

“We need his help, Damien! We don’t have the manpower, without him we will all fall!�

“Panic is ruling you, Traven. You will be held responsible for his actions, face charges if he harms Fathis…or has him harmed.“

“You must swear you’ll fight by our side, and Fathis must not be harmed…I must have your word.� Hannibal’s eyes pleaded for the words of assurance.

Janus struggled to sound calm. “Of course I am angry at being trussed like a chicken, Traven. Don’t expect miracles, you won’t find them here. If I am released and that document destroyed you will have my support. Otherwise I have no reason to give it. I won’t harm Aren, I understand he is just protecting his wife, you think I don’t know that Traven?�

Hannibal started forward, once again stopped by Damien’s voice.

“What assurance do you have he speaks truth, Traven?” Damien’s voice was an icicle that seemed to prick Traven’s conscience, he faltered to a stop

“He’s a gentleman, a Noble…over fifty years he has never acted. His roommate vouched for his actions, swore on it…� Hannibal sounded like he was convincing himself.

“And what of the chosen?� Damien cut him off.

“We didn’t suit, I’m sure you saw that.� Janus responded quickly, knowing Damien had been eavesdropping from the musician‘s balcony.

“I like assurances from someone who has proven themselves untrustworthy. Whether you help Traven or not is not my concern, Fathis hired me. This document will remain on my person till you have returned to your castle…without Maxical. Fathis must be alive and in good health…and your Orc decoy must either be dead or leave with you. Those are my terms. Whatever Traven decides, he has no power over me or this document. And don‘t think to call your birds onto me, Hassildor. That’s right, Hassildor. I do know exactly who you are. Should anything happen to me…or this document…my agent is standing in Uriel Septim’s chambers as we speak…with a full disclosure of all your actions since you left your castle, including your visit to Crowhaven, the Merchants Inn, Jakben Imbel‘s lair, and your slightly sordid visit with a skooma addicted prostitute…but most importantly your actions against Fathis Aren. And Traven…Uriel Septim will wonder why you released him with diplomatic immunity under those circumstance. I suggest you weigh your decisions carefully here. Your position as Arch Mage can be revoked just as Count Skingrad can lose his position…and freedom.�



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 8 2016, 09:15 AM

Well, things have definitely hit the fan now. Traven has an ultimatum, and Hassildor's plans have completely unraveled...

Well, not completely. There's still one of weak mind he could easily command. I hope Traven considers all sides of the argument before bending to Hassildor's will. There are other avenues by which Malan's army can be defeated. I think Maxical proved a good point with that. Just fire some 'splosions at them!

Finally, Fathis has eloped with the kitty who eloped with Gils. This is going to be an awkward reunion...

Now we're getting some action.

And I won't hunt down Maxical if Fathis goes down, but I'll be very displeased....

Agreed! Fathis is coming across as one of the most nobleminded characters in the entire story...and that's frightening me, because I know what a plotweaver it is who writes this story!!
It's time, methinks, to roast some vampires -- and Janus may be immortal, but it would be interesting to see what a silver stake through his heart would do...

Mankor Camoran's Paradise gives us a better option - the perpetual roast dipped into lava in a cage. I've never been a vampire at that point in the MQ, but with the extra weakness to fire from the Bands of the Chosen, it could be seriously not fun.

mALX has already mentioned the perpetual imprisonment option for punishing an immortal, the lava is just garnish.