@Captain Hammer- Even though they are supposedly of Scots-Irish descent, I have found that Southern women have certain… Nordish tendencies, also. And yes, I wanted to give them more personality than the game dialogue allows. And Garnas was one of those characters who just asserted himself.

@haute- Good to know that Julian has Athlain’s back… Oh- and the “relatives” actually only have one eyebrow between them- they are conjoined quintuplets- attached at the eyebrow.

@SubRosa- My thanks for your endorsement of my attempt to add humor and personality to what is a rather bland “quest” in-game.

@Acadian- I have learned so much from your ability to populate Buffy’s world with living, breathing people- and I hope I have applied it with some of the same success. And this one has more Athynae references- perhaps a good thing, as the young lady herself has chosen to grace us with her presence (gulp!) The scene you paint shows why you have no need to “write like me.” Your style and grace and humanity (hu- MER- ity?) are an inspiration to all who have been fortunate enough to read your words.

@Olen- Thank you my friend. The only benefit I can possibly construe from having been away from the keyboard for so long is that I was determined to make Athlain’s return worthwhile for my faithful readers. And I so love the use others have made of world-specific figures of speech- so I decided to give it a try. And I am so pleased that it worked. Yes- spring and warm weather are a great tonic to cure writer’s block. Threats from a certain redhead may also have something to do with it….

@mALX- And another wonderful compliment from another writer whose characters not only leap off the page, but raid our refrigerators, sit in our chairs- and hog the remote! Thank you so much!

@Grits- Welcome to my stories! I have been following Jerric, and am glad that you find my attempts at humor pleasing. And Athynae is certainly special in many ways- especially since her appearance was originally intended to be quite brief…. My hope has been to show Athlain growing and learning- your kind words indicate that I am making good on that hope. Your poem was a wonderful tribute and I cannot express how much it means to me.

@Athynae- Oh my. I have already spoken below about what happens when your characters not only come to life, but start whacking you in the back of the head and insisting that you “GET ON WITH IT!” I promise that you will not be languishing at Indarys Manor much longer…

@D. Foxy- Have no fear. This story will not die- and a redhead has already been fulminating about a sequel… Thank you as always for your humor, your loyalty, and your words.

------------------------------------------------------

There was a story there with Garnas, but his expression did not invite questions. Nor was it within the scope of my assignment to discover the dark secrets that had brought each individual to this remote and deadly island. If the Dunmer felt the need to explain himself, he would do so. Until then, he was a guard- one with the skills Falco needed. And it was well that the three I had found were experienced, for they were the only ones willing to become guards. Some of the refusals were understandable- men or elves who had families and saw no reason to take on additional risk. Others had never learned the arts of war and had no interest in starting now. But there were a few who caused me to wonder. I had spent the last year and more surrounded by those to whom the use of weapons was as natural as breathing, and I knew how they moved. Some of the “colonists” had the same characteristics, but acted as if the idea of using arms and armor was as alien as flying to Masser or Secunda.

In the spirit of fairness- and because I had observed her ability when she used the late Elberoth’s saber- I also approached Mistress Apronia Alfena. She stared at me wide-eyed and then burst out:

“A guard? What a foolish question! Why would I want to be a guard? Go around in all that smelly armor? It would ruin my clothes! And besides- no one would be able to tell it was me in all that metal. And my hair! Just imagine what a helmet would do to my hair! Not that the cold and damp in this place have been all that good for it. But still…. And what about my hats? How ridiculous would that be, trying to wear a hat with a helmet? It’s all very well for you men- with your short hair and those brown tunics and trousers. But a girl has to make the most of ALL her assets-” she placed her hands on her hips, “not hide them under a pile of rusty iron and creaky leather.”

If she had given me an opportunity, I might have mentioned at least ONE girl I knew whose… assets were quite nicely complimented by her armor. Instead, I simply stuttered an apology and left her as soon as I could.

As the day drew to its close, I reported to the colony manager, hoping that the three I had found would be enough. Rather than express concern over the number, Falco asked me who I had hired. When I gave him the list of names, he almost smiled.

“Excellent! That is actually better than I had hoped. I will see to ordering equipment for them, which will take a few days. I am glad you got Garnas involved. He keeps to himself, has a reputation as a hard worker, even though he hasn’t been here long. It was too bad about his brother, though.”

When he did not seem prepared to explain further, I prompted him:

“His brother?”

Falco nodded and then continued, “Yes. Bralyn- a younger brother, I believe. Mining is dangerous work and he was killed in a rock fall. Bad business, but there was nothing for it.”

Casually, I asked, “Who reported the accident? Was it a man named Nasios, by chance?”

Falco considered for a moment or two and then agreed, “That sounds right. I could look up the report if you think it is significant…?”

I certainly believed the information was significant, but I also doubted that the official version of events would have much value. Therefore I made a vague gesture and took my leave. Garnas’ words came back to me- “When I stick Nasios, I want him to SEE it coming.” I had spent my entire life in House Redoran; I knew what it meant to have a debt of honor or blood. If my suspicions about Bralyn’s death were correct, I would help Garnas in any way I could.

And what of my own debts? Almost, I decided to take advantage of the few days that lay ahead of me to travel to Vvardenfell. After all, until I resolved my situation with the East Empire Company, I could get no further with the Skaal. And until Tharsten Heart-Fang decided he was willing to trust me, I could not find Captain Carius. So- perhaps I could go home for a day or two…. Even as I considered it, even as my heart sang with the possibility, something told me that the time was not yet. For a while longer, I was still tied to Solstheim, and I had not been released from that obligation.

At first light the next day, I went back to Falco to tell him about Nasios being locked up in the storage building and what I had seen in the bar. Hoping I had enough influence to ask for a favor, I suggested that the Imperial be deported. The manager nodded and replied:

“Yes. I agree. He has caused trouble before and we have enough problems already. Go ahead and see to it that he gets on board the ore ship.”

I gathered my three guards, wanting to give them an opportunity to take on their new responsibilities, but when we reached the storehouse, the door was hanging open. There was a confused welter of tracks leading out of the settlement, but no other sign of the prisoner. Afer shook his head and told me:

“The slimy creep was always saying that he had ‘friends,’ but I thought it was just talk. Guess not.”

With Nasios gone, I was left with time on my hands and not much to do with it. At first, I wondered how I could fill the days. Sightseeing was not a routine activity on Solstheim- unless one wished to see the inside of a bear or a wolf. Raven Rock disturbed me in a way that I could not quite describe- it simply seemed “wrong.” The fort was my duty station, but I felt guilty when I showed up there with no news of the captain. More to the point, it would be difficult for me to be in such close proximity to Carnius Magius for so long. The inhabitants of Thirsk would welcome me, but it was some distance away- and it held too many memories of Athynae. What was it about the perverse nature of time that allowed it to run so quickly away from us when we were content, and yet caused it to crawl when we waited for something to happen?

But then I realized that my primary responsibility was the welfare of the new guards. For now, that meant spending time with them, learning more about who they were. And I also wanted to get them used to operating as a team. They were going to have to depend on one another and needed to begin forging the bond that would allow them to do so. Mostly, we talked, shared meals, and played dice together. And that allowed me time to study the two men and one elf who had accepted to my offer to become guards.

Afer Flaccus was much as he had appeared- personable, clever, and loyal- as long as you did not happen to be a female he was courting- in which case he was just personable and clever. Gratian was a bit of a surprise; beneath his gruff taciturnity was a wit so dry and razor-sharp that it was usually several minutes after he had employed it before anyone knew they were bleeding. But Garnas was the greatest treasure of all. I had been concerned that he would be aloof and unfriendly, especially to a pair of Imperials. Instead, he quickly became the leader of the trio. And he did it with his quiet certainty and unfailing courtesy. When he spoke, it was clear that he had given thought to what he said. By the same token, he listened carefully to the opinions of the others. I was pleased with the outcome, knowing that I would not always be on hand.

Still, after three days of doing nothing much besides walking the perimeter and talking, we were beginning to grow a little bored. Even Afer’s stories of “life along the Niben” had begun to pall. But on the afternoon of the third day, news arrived with Basks’ courier boat- news and the equipment for the guards. While they were getting outfitted, Falco signaled to me and we found a quiet spot to talk. He was clutching a scrap of parchment in one hand and his normally ruddy complexion was pale. His eyes darted around the colony and he raised a shaking hand to mop the perspiration from his brow. Finally, he thrust the parchment into a pocket and said,

“Things have gotten serious, Athlain. This message is a warning that an attempt is going to be made on my life. Gather the guards, but… stick close by if you would- you are the only person around here I can really trust.”

I forget, has Athlain unloaded that pesky piece of stock yet? Seems like it would have been a grand opportunity, a quick way to slice one into Carnius and then high-tail it from the fort. Ah well, can't have everything in life.



Clearly, quite apart from Athlain's ready counter-example, our dear Apronia has never seen the more flattering forms that a man's armor can take. I also wonder if she's part of the 0.1% of people that might think such things are valuable and useful. Shame she isn't a little more practical minded. She'd probably think bat-nipples were a good idea as well...

Shame about Nasios. Do we get to find his body ripped up by a snow bear, or a plague wolf? Or possibly stripped by some reavers? Other possibilities abound, but I wonder how long he'll endure unscathed on Solstheim. Though, seeing as how summer's approaching here on Earth, I imagine it might be lovely this time of year...

ROFL !!! They come by that honestly, ask any of my friends what I do when I pop over to their houses. (walks in door, after a brief greeting says, "what you got to eat in here?" Without waiting for answer walks into their kitchen and opens fridge. Scans quickly through, then checks the cupboards. Pours self coffee from their pot, then heads back to their living room talking constantly. Grabs remote and sits in their most comfortable chair. Props feet up on their coffee table or over the arm of the overstuffed chair...) - yeah, and that wasn't necessarily as an invited guest either, ROFL !!!




We are all redheads under the surface, lol.




ROFL !!! I'll bet, lol.

GAAAH !!! A cliffhanger !!! ARGH !!!


Awesome Write !!!! - Even more Awesome, YOU CAME BACK TO US !!!!! WOO HOO !!!! Thanks, Athynae !!!

Another part, and a good one. A few things in this part stuck out as particularly good. First several people refused his offer of guard work, as they would. It adds reality to the background humanity which populate, but don't play a huge part in, the story. Apronia, as ever, added some good humour to the part. Makes me wonder why she stays in Solstheim. Perhaps its for the cut price furs?

I also like that you're taking time to really develop the guards. Athlain could just as well have continued on never seeing them again but he's taking the time to get to know (and let us know) and train them. I suspect three characters like that are going to appear again whether you want them to or not... I certainly hope so, they're a good set.


Again I love the humour of this piece. It's so seamlessly put in without making light of the rest of it.

I look forward to more, I hope you have suffient long spring mornings and coffee/pimms (depending on time/preferance) to write more.

This post has been edited by Olen: May 7 2011, 02:17 PM

I can see Apronia’s point. Helmet-hair would be far worse than frizzy, and armor would irreparably crush the nap of her velvet.

Hurry up and wait seems to be the nature of guard work. Either they’re bored, or someone is trying to kill them. All three guards have distinct personalities already. It’s easy to imagine the days they spent hanging out together.

What a relief to see a mention of Athynae. I was afraid she would goad me into torturing everyone with a Haiku.

Athlain sure is having a lot of fun with his "looking for guards" routine. Too bad that fetcher Nasios disappeared, but I'm not too worried. He'll get sorted soon enough.

Oh dear, looks like Carnius is ready to take things into his own hands once again. I can't really see who else would want Falco dead.

Eagerly awaiting what happens next.

Some of the “colonists” had the same characteristics, but acted as if the idea of using arms and armor was as alien as flying to Masser or Secunda.
If I were the suspicious sort, I might think that they are a fifth column planted by someone who wants the colony to fail...

And how appropriate for Athlain to attempt to recruit Apronia, and how equally like her to refuse!

Raven Rock disturbed me in a way that I could not quite describe- it simply seemed “wrong.”
Perhaps it is the AI pretending to be President of America? or all the Enclave Nazis in powered armor?

Afer Flaccus was much as he had appeared- personable, clever, and loyal- as long as you did not happen to be a female he was courting- in which case he was just personable and clever.
I loved how you described this. I had to actually go back a moment to see that you left out "loyal"!

Given the news from Basks at the end, this appears to have been the momentary calm before the storm! I suspect we will be seeing more of those "colonists" who know nothing of using weapons, not to mention Nasios, very soon!

Yup, Athynae looks yummy in her armor!

'What was it about the perverse nature of time that allowed it to run so quickly away from us when we were content, and yet caused it to crawl when we waited for something to happen?'
Quoted for its elegantly poignant truth.

'Afer Flaccus was much as he had appeared- personable, clever, and loyal- as long as you did not happen to be a female he was courting- in which case he was just personable and clever. Gratian was a bit of a surprise; beneath his gruff taciturnity was a wit so dry and razor-sharp that it was usually several minutes after he had employed it before anyone knew they were bleeding. But Garnas was the greatest treasure of all. I had been concerned that he would be aloof and unfriendly, especially to a pair of Imperials. Instead, he quickly became the leader of the trio. And he did it with his quiet certainty and unfailing courtesy. When he spoke, it was clear that he had given thought to what he said. By the same token, he listened carefully to the opinions of the others. I was pleased with the outcome, knowing that I would not always be on hand.'
And what a delightfully complete and concise insight into the three new guards. Athlain has chosen well!

Welcome back, Trey!

Well, it's about time, good timing on your part as I was in the process of getting the words "just right" for the Balding Spell....And then of course you have to throw in a butter me up line in reference to how I look in my own armor. But I will simply be gracious and say "thank you".

And thank you for banishing the curse on that wonderful pen, as I knew you were fully capable of doing, you simply needed a little incentive. And of course, encouragement from friends, wonderful, talented friends. Thank you all for lending me aide, had I been on the attack alone my success might have been a bit more delayed...but doubt not that I would have succeeded as there was no other acceptable outcome. This story must be told to completion. The idea of another to follow, well, we'll have to wait and see how that one plays out.

Trey, you have saved yourself...and your hair for now, just don't keep us waiting for more as the spell is on the verge of perfection and can be cast at any moment.

Love to all,
Athynae

@Captain Hammer- No- he still has it. But I think I hear opportunity knocking. Apronia has been another one of those happy accidents- a character who suddenly insisted on a much larger role than the original “escort mission.” Nasios is gone- but not forgotten.

@mALX- Thank you so much- for your loyalty to my story and for putting up with my long absences- and cliff-racer--- ah, hanger endings.

@Olen- You are a reliable gauge for me as to whether I have “gotten it right” in terms of tone and detail. You have no idea how helpful that is to me- and how much I appreciate it. The mystery of Apronia may get some resolution by the end of the chapter… One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from other writers- and tried to apply to this story- is to give more life to more of the characters. And I think inspiration (or fear of being whacked in the head) has finally opened the logjam.

@Grits- Have I said how happy I am to know you are reading my story? Consider it said. Hmmm- Athynae Haiku….? Eyes begin to glaze over…

Soft falls the white snow
Her footstep blesses the path
Tracks fill, my heart glows

@Thomas Kaira- Your patience in re Nasios will be rewarded. And yes- the guard search was more fun to write than to do… “You want to be a guard?” “No.” “OK then.”

@SubRosa- Yep. It seemed to me that with the stakes involved, the “opposition” would want some help on hand. Apronia is just so much fun to write- as a result, she will have more to say before it is over. Yes- Athlain keeps having these visions of vertibirds and mushroom clouds- and he hasn’t had any skooma in months! Thank you for catching one of my own favorite lines about Afer.

@Acadian- Well, we all know how I- um, I mean how Athlain feels about Athynae. Thank you for again picking out a couple of the passages I liked best. One of valuable lessons I have gained from reading you and SubRosa and Haute and mALX and Destri and… is that spending a few words to make “supporting” characters live and breathe is well worth the time.

@Athynae- My Muse, my inspiration, my dear sorceress who threatens my hair.... Thank you for your help in getting me and my story back on track. It has languished far too long, and it is a testament to the kindness of my audience that they are willing to put up with these long absences and read my humble offerings.

ALL- Oh dear. One result of being away for too long (and being threatened with forcible depilation- ahem!) is that I forgot my manners. A special thanks to haute ecole rider for her gracious permission to have Julian appear in my story. Such a strong character will never have a "small role" in anything!
-----------------------------------------------------

Pilus Prior Julian interrupted to ask, “So, you decided not to drill or work on tactics with the guards? Was there some reason for that?”

Her green eyes held neither condemnation nor judgment. She might just as well have been asking me why I had decided on fish instead of fowl for dinner. Since the question did not enter into an area about which I was concerned, it should have been easy to answer. But- here was a professional soldier asking me about a decision I had made in what amounted to my first command. For a moment, I struggled to find the right answer. But then I realized that the simple truth was the only answer I could give.

“They were not Legion, Pilus Prior. They were volunteers- and they volunteered as much because it was me who asked them as because of the extra pay. Besides that, all four of us were used to working alone, rather than as part of a larger unit. I was training guards, who were going to be operating individually or in pairs. It seemed that learning to trust each other was more important than marching in step or reciting the ‘nomenclature of the spear, Imperial Legion issue; enemies, for the impaling of; one each.’”

Just for a moment, Julian’s impassive eyes seemed to glint, but it might have been a trick of the light, for her expression never changed as she said,

“I see. Please continue.”



Afer, Gratian, and Garnas answered my whistled command to “rally to me” with gratifying speed, even as they finished buckling into their armor and weapons. I looked them over and felt better immediately. They weren’t polished and they showed neither an interest in nor ability to stand in formation, but their eyes were bright and they handled their swords like they knew how to use them. I sketched the little that I knew and then told them:

“Our priority is to protect Falco, but keep an eye out for other trouble, as well. This might be a ruse to distract us from something else. But he believes his source is reliable, so we have to take the threat seriously. You three stay close while I move around. If it is an assassination, they’ll probably use bows for a start. So keep your shields ready and your eyes moving. Most of all, talk to each other! If you even think you see something- SAY SO! Don’t assume anyone else has noticed it. Questions?”

The three shook their heads with grim determination and I nodded once in return.

Just as I was about to suggest that we would all be safer indoors, Garnas shouted:

“ ‘Ware archers! North of the tavern!”

His words were punctuated by the thrum of bowstrings and the snap of arrows whipping past us. The Dunmer tapped Gratian on the arm, and they charged after the shooter he had spotted. I looked at the arrows that had embedded themselves in the building behind us and saw a spray of viscous green liquid. Poison, of course. We were dealing with assassins. With the first archer engaged, Afer and I raised our shields and formed up around Falco. A second archer appeared from behind the building housing the mine entrance, and a swordsman rushed up from the direction of the dock. Falco drew his short sword and blocked a vicious cut aimed at his neck. I told Afer to drive in on the bowman while I aided Falco. A few swings from Athynae’s Gift and one assassin was accounted for. I looked for Afer just in time to see an arrow glance off of his helmet. The near miss seemed to energize him; he swung a side-arm blow that cut through the hireling’s bow, armor, and ribs. Shouts from beyond the tavern led Falco and I to the other guards, who were standing over the body of what I hoped was the last killer.

Rather than wait to see, I said, “Everyone into the tavern! Now! Garnas, you go first and signal if it’s clear. At Garnas’ sign, I want it to be Serjo Falco, then Afer, then me. Got it? Then MOVE!”

The operation went off flawlessly, almost as if we had rehearsed it. I made a note to myself that one sure way to motivate guards- or soldiers- was to suggest that they go into a bar.

Once we were inside, I took a couple of vials from my field kit and directed, “Check each other for wounds, even something as small as a scratch. They were using poison. With all the excitement and the adrenaline flowing, you might not know you’re hurt until it’s too late. If you see anything, put this antidote on it.”

None of us had taken the slightest hurt, and Falco even managed to joke:

“Well, I don’t guess I’m going to be assassinated- today.”

We waited in silence for several minutes, then I went to the door and opened it just enough to peer out. When no arrows greeted my appearance, I waved to Garnas, who joined me. Quietly, I said,

“The two of us are going to scout the colony. The rest of you stay here until we come back. If we DON’T come back- stay here, anyway. Right now this is the safest place in the settlement. If any assassins try to burn it down, the miners will take care of them for us. They might not care who the manager is, but they’ll fight to preserve the only watering hole this side of the mainland.”

The bodies lay where we had left them and nothing moved except the wind in the trees. The colonists who had not been down in the mine had wisely gone into their homes as soon as the trouble started. A circuit of the entire colony did not turn up anything more than the three dead men, so we laid the bodies in a row outside the tavern. I noticed that they were all dressed in black armor, much like the woman who had tried to kill Graring. Another thing they had in common with Coventina Celata- besides being dead- was that they had freshly-struck 100 septim coins in their pockets. Beyond that, there was nothing to indicate who they were. Garnas waited while I went to fetch Falco.

The rest of us kept a watchful eye on the surrounding buildings and trees while the colony manager examined the corpses. When he was finished, he stood up, shaking his head.

“One of them is Cimber Valerius. He hired on as a miner a few weeks ago. I have never seen the others before.”

He then turned to the guards and shook their hands one by one, thanking them for saving his life. He also told them that they had earned a bonus of 500 septims each. I added my own praise for their quick thinking and the way they had responded to the threat. When I was finished, Falco grasped my forearm and said,

“I know these fellows didn’t do what they did for me- or for the money. They did it because you asked them to. Good work deserves compensation, and you will take the 1000 septims I am going to give you. Beyond that,” he stopped long enough to signal an assistant, who darted into the general store and came out carrying a large object wrapped in cloth. “Beyond that, I want you to have this. As far as I know, there is not another one like it.”

He took the object from his assistant and presented it to me. When I stripped away the cloth, I beheld a beautifully made medium shield. It was rectangular in shape, with silvered steel forming a frame around a center that seemed to have been made of ice. But, by some combination of magic and the smith’s art, the ice was stronger than steel. Even so, the whole shield was light and handy, seeming to weigh almost nothing when I strapped it on. It suddenly came to me that the shield was made of stahlrim and must be worth a fortune. I mumbled my thanks, embarrassed by the princely gift.

And then it seemed to me it was time to have a serious talk with Falco, so I asked the others to give me a few moments. They did not salute, but as they walked away, I could see pride in the way they carried themselves. When they were out of hearing, I turned to the colony manager and said,

“We both know who was behind this. Unless you can think of anyone besides Carnius who wants you dead?”

Falco looked down at the bodies and then raised his eyes to mine. His expression was grim as he replied:

“Yes- we ‘know’- but what can we prove? We have three dead men who attacked the colony and who have a quite a bit of coin. Maybe they were trying to kill you. Maybe kill one of the others. Maybe they were planning to rob the mine.”

He looked at me steadily before concluding, “Athlain, for now, do nothing. That is an order, if you like. And it is also a plea. Until we have proof- DO NOTHING!”

This post has been edited by treydog: May 9 2011, 04:27 AM

Well that was quick! Not only the next post, but also the attack hot on the heels of Athlain's warning of archer's beginning an attack!

one sure way to motivate guards- or soldiers- was to suggest that they go into a bar.
As ever Athlain keeps his sense of humor! I also loved his rationale for why it was the safest place in the colony!

It was rectangular in shape, with silvered steel forming a frame around a center that seemed to have been made of ice. But, by some combination of magic and the smith’s art, the ice was stronger than steel.
Is that Stalhrim? If so, would not Athlain recognize it after his previous meeting with the Nords who could forge it?

Carnius failed, this time. But we can bet he will be back again, and with more bad guys. One thing is for certain, things are headed to an explosive conclusion with the EEC!


nits:
Once we were inside, I took a couple of vials from my field kit and directed,

“Check each other for wounds, even something as small as a scratch. They were using poison. With all the excitement and the adrenaline flowing, you might not know you’re hurt until it’s too late. If you see anything, put this antidote on it.”
I am not sure what is going on here. I think this is supposed to be a single paragraph, and the forum put a manual line break in the middle?

Athlain and his crew handled the archer attack very well, working smoothly together.

'The bodies lay where we had left them and nothing moved except the wind in the trees.'
Just a beautifully 'treydog' passage that paints so much with so few words.

Wow! What a shield!

And the frustration, it seems, of knowing who's behind the attack but being but unable to prove it.

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 9 2011, 01:58 AM

As usual, superb and subtle writing, with no superflous wordsmithing.

I have only one small nit to pick - a swing which can cut through bow, armour, and the ribs underneath needs either an axe, or a very, VERY heavy and sharp sword. And that sword will definitely need the attentions of a swordsmith afterwards, for it will almost certainly be nicked.

This was riveting, right up to the last conversation with Falco. Athlain chose well in the men he selected. These sentences proved that, and were indicative of the respect the men had for Athlain himself :




Awesome Write !!!

And here is yet another example of why I could not sit idly by while Athlain and I simply sat, waiting for the next words to fall. Not only are you true to form Trey but you continue to give me reasons to feel the way I do about my man. I am near shaking with anticipation to see what happens next and, of course, readying all I will need to join Athlain at the first sign that he is in need of my presence.

It did occur to me that I might need to find a spell that would prevent someone from casting any kind of "block" spell again. So that is what I will work on while I wait for your words to bring me back into the folds of the story.

Athynae

Oh Athynae! Can you ever forgive me? When you were a small child I started to write down the story of Me, Serene, so you could learn your backstory and maybe understand who you really are....

No sweet child, I haven't finished it by far, and so it's my fault everything is my fault...

Clearly Carnius should have hired out for this one. Though I wonder if that was presented as an adequate option. One illegal assassin society is probably still trying to make a comeback in mainland Morrowind after one certain legionary's father got through with them, and the legitimate guild wouldn't exactly jump at the chance to take this job.

I wonder, though, would the Morag Tong have accepted a contract in Solstheim with a rather high fee for their services, or simply refused outright? I lean towards the former, with Carnius being too cheap to try it, since Solstheim is technically part of Morrowind, but that's another issue.

You do a great job of not following the strict A.I. of the game by keeping one of the guards back with Falco and Athlain, and I appreciate that. It always pissed me off to no end watching my three guards charge after the distraction while I got stuck in a two-on-two battle. I hate having fair odds when I could be the favored to win. Still, beats being the underdog.

After all, the underdog is probably the dog underneath the tray! Ba-da-buum!!

Mother the time will come that finishing your story is not only imperative but also not an option. I have learned that when the writing spell is cast, you have no choice but to give in to it's power. I do not desire to have you struck by a spell, as any spell can go awry, however I feel that if you postpone much longer the overseers will be forced to extend a helping hand. Know this though, I will not hesitate to cast a spell, or threaten to cast a spell on Trey, he has suffered my hand for the better part of eternity, but I would never cast a spell on you.

Athynae

Well others seem to have gotten to all the good bits already.


But this line was so good I'm going to quote it again anyway. Bang on with the humour.

I enjoyed the little section with Julian at the begining. I'd considered the question myself and assumed a similar answer, certainly the Raven Rock guards are rather more irregular then most. However you went on to show that that was exactly what is needed in such a fronteir colony. They dealt well with the assassins which further shows them to be a decent force now.

Falco is a hidden gem in this story, although he has no huge traits or sudden developments he is a really strong character and very measured. His relationship with Athlain is an interesting one. His balanced approach (as shown so well at the end compared to Athlain's anger) could have made him almost a father figure, but instead he is more a friend. He seems to understand Athlain very well though, I sense he may have a future in this story after the Bloodmoon affair is done with...

Having played the game... well lets just say I can't wait for the coming parts...

@SubRosa- Threats from all over! Which apparently have a salutary effect on my writing… Could not help the thought that- “Quick men, into the bar!” was an order that would be obeyed. Yes- stahlrim- and he would know- so I added a bit. Conclusion to the chapter that seemed as if it would never end may be in sight!

Nit noted and fixed.

@Acadian- Thank you my friend- I keep learning- “less is more.” And I hope to post a screen-shot of Athlain with the Ice-Shield. Have no fear- proof will FINALLY arrive- just- not yet.

@D.Foxy- My thanks, as always. And your point about the “wrong way” to use a sword has been turned to narrative purposes- which I think you will find satisfying.

@mALX- As you so often do- you illustrate one of the most important passages (at least to me). Athlain has been a soldier for a while- but he is now learning to be a leader.

@Athynae- Oh dear. Praise- and more threats. How could I possibly fail to respond- to both? And most of all, thank you for reading- for writing- for being my Muse.

@minque- It is really you! Welcome back my dear friend! It appears that Athynae is about to inspire another writer to pick up a pen once more. And I will do all I can to encourage that event!

@Captain Hammer- Yes- it appears Carnius went for cheap rather than good. Most likely, a certain “King” stepped firmly on any appearance of the DB coming even close to attacking Trey’s son. And yes, the Morag Tong probably would have been willing- for a price. But Carnius is perhaps not only too cheap- but too “cosmopolitan” to hire “locally.”

Yes- one thing I REALLY hoped Oblivion would have fixed was the “CHARGE!” mentality of “helpers” in MW. “Tray” groan!

@Olen- Thank you so much, my friend. Yes, as Athlain answers Julian, he has to think instead of simply react. And you highlight yet another one of those “accidents” that seem to crop up so often in this tale- Falco. If the player chooses the “good” path, there should be a reason beyond simple preference. To me, Falco is the key to that decision as much as “morality.”

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Just because we had foiled one attack did not make me complacent. The bodies were buried but not forgotten. There was a palpable atmosphere of tension in the colony. Miners reported strange lights that flickered and disappeared in the forest, and Garnas and I saw a number of tracks that indicated someone was scouting Raven Rock. But we never caught sight of anyone, even though we varied our routine and did not fall into a regular pattern of patrols. The only constant was that Falco was always accompanied by at least one guard.

On the third day following the attack, the colony manager came to me, his face mottled with rage.

“Carnius has gone too far this time! His other plots were just business- even if he did try to kill me. But this… I didn’t think even he would stoop so low.”

He glared at the world in general, since the object of his rage was not handy. I waited patiently for him to explain what had happened, but he just fumed silently until I finally decided I would have to ask.

“What exactly has he done? It must be something special for you to be this angry.”

Falco made a visible effort to shake off his dark mood and explained:

“When I asked you to hire guards and said that I would pay to equip them, I wanted to be sure they could face whatever threats Solstheim might pose. So I included a request for silver longswords for the guards. As you know, what we got was steel. And that’s fine- as long as all we have to deal with are normal dangers- bears, wolves, the occasional hired killer.”

He grinned at that last bit of understatement, but then became serious again.

“I just found out that the silver weapons were delivered to Fort Frostmoth, but Carnius refuses to send them to me. Says they ‘must be given directly to a representative of the Company.’ The worst of it is- he’s right- at least technically. I hate to ask you this, but- could you go to the fort and get them?”

I had known for some time that a confrontation with Carnius lay in my future, but I had hoped to have more time to prepare. But- this was about more than just me. Absently, I touched a finger to one of the silver spikes on Athynae’s Gift and thought how different things might have been if I had not had it when the werewolf attacked. Yes, my men needed those silver weapons- and I would do what was necessary to obtain them.

Correctly reading my expression, Falco added hastily, “You won’t have to deal directly with Carnius. Just see that toady of his, Constans Atrius. He has the authority to release the weapons, and you are a representative of the Company, at least as long as you still have that stock certificate Carnius gave you.”

A wave of relief washed over me, so much so that I decided to make light of it.

“Afer could certainly use a new sword, considering the way he notched his blade on that archer. He pretty well ruined the edge. I mentioned to him that the point of a sword was a better choice against an armored opponent.”

Despite himself, Falco grinned and asked, “What was his response?”

“He said, ‘Fetcher’s dead isn’t he? And you don’t hear him complaining about whether I used the point or the edge.’ “

Our shared laughter broke the tension we had both felt for many days, especially when I added the postscript:

“So I handed Afer one of those big, heavy smith’s hammers. He said, ‘I don’t know how to repair a sword!’ I told him, ‘No- I want you to use that instead of a sword, since hammering seems to be the only tactic you know.’ “

With the memory of laughter in my mind, I stepped out of the settlement and used an amulet to return to the Imperial Cult shrine at the fort. I could have waited on the ship, but feared what might happen if I did. As it turned out, my concern was justified.

Once the afterimage of the magicka had cleared, I made a donation at the altar, and then sat on a bench in the shrine for a few minutes. I still was not sure what I believed, but I needed whatever help I could get. Beyond that, it would not do to confront Constans- or his boss- without being in full possession of my faculties. With a deep breath, I rose and climbed the spiral stair to the next floor, where I found the Imperial thug loitering in the hallway. That phrase may seem like embellishment, but there was something furtive about Constans Atrius. Even when he was just standing still, he gave the impression of being up to something.

Apparently, he remembered our last meeting, because he put one hand on the back of his head and raised the other in a warding gesture.

“Now you just wait,” he squeaked. “I only have to deal with representatives of or stockholders in the East Empire Company. So you can just clear out before I call the guards!”

Falco had warned me about this bit of pettifogging, so I was ready. I reached inside my tunic- frankly enjoying Constans’ flinch as I did so. But what I drew out was a piece of parchment, rather than a weapon. It was stained and torn, but still quite recognizable. Nevertheless, I made quite a show of examining it as I exclaimed,

“What have we here? Why, it looks like an EEC stock certificate! Signed by,” I squinted at it, “ ‘Crapius Malignus?’ No wait- that’s not it. Oh- signed by ‘Carnius Magius’ himself.”

I looked at Constans with a toothy smile. “So I guess that makes me a stockholder.”

His squinty eyes widened and he grumbled something that I decided to ignore. My smile vanished and I spoke formally:

“As a representative of the East Empire Company, I am here to take delivery of three silver longswords that are designated as equipment for the Raven Rock colony.”

In a pleasant tone, I added:

“I will be happy to sign for them- using your blood, if necessary.”

He stumbled away from me, waving a hand at a crate next to the table.

“There. Just… take them and go. For all the good they’re likely to do you.”

Much as I would have enjoyed baiting Constans further, there was not time. I started to fold the stock certificate and put it away, but a memory came to me. It was something Athynae had said about Carnius-"He only cares about power- and gold. The way to hurt someone like that is to take his money. It’s how he keeps score.”

So with a meaningful glance at Constans, I opened the door to the office without knocking and marched inside. Carnius glared at me from behind his desk and said,

“I have nothing to say to you. Deal with my assistant- or leave. I don’t care which.”

Rather than reply, I placed the ragged stock certificate atop the papers on his desk and pointed at the line that said, Redeemable Upon Demand at Fair Market Value. Carnius’ head whipped up and I thought his eyes were going to pop out. He gobbled incoherently for a few seconds and then said,

“WHAT? You want to turn this in- NOW? But it’s… I… Why now?”

I stood quite still and said crisply, “Why not now? It clearly states that I can sell it back at any time.”

“I read the fine print,“ I added nastily. “Of course, if you don’t have the money, I can take it up with the directors. I’m sure they will be very interested to know how their investment is being spent.”

Carnius started to rise, then fell back into his chair. At last, holding his head in his hands he mumbled,

“The current valuation is 10,000 septims. I can give you a note of hand, or cash.”

The truth is, money never meant much to me. We had always had more than enough, so I had never really thought about it. But the sum stunned even me for just a moment. There was no chance that I would let Carnius see my surprise, however. So I simply said,

“Oh, cash will do nicely. I do love the sound of those coins chuckling together.”

He unlocked a desk drawer and lifted out a cloth bag. I checked the Imperial Bank seal closely and the hand-written notation “10,000 septims in 100 septim coins.” I hefted the bag and left the office, throwing the words over my shoulder:

“A pleasure doing business with you.”