Well that was a quick and ugly disposal of the mythic dawn agent. Spontaneous combustion, what a way to go. When it comes to pure style, it sure beats the old cyanide capsule in the tooth!

I loved the irony of the assassin staying at the same inn as Jerric.

“The fortress is protected from anyone you might inadvertently lead there, though the enemy does not know that. The danger is that you might bring someone inside. Someone, as you said, that you trust.”
Brilliant reasoning here by Baurus. Someone has been on the inside all along, from the Emperor's assassination, to taking the amulet at Weynon. Of course Baurus would be paranoid. After all, they really are out to get him! Perhaps Darnand is really a plant? Or Abiene? The latter would be a very interesting twist.

I like Baurus... ...Verrah verrah cool... ...

Brilliant chapter...

*Feels nostalgic for Oblivion MQ...*... ...

Loved it...And yer story...



A laugh as ever... ...

Nice one!!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

I had to quote these lines for putting your own Awesome spin on this quest - and the second one just for Jerric being Jerric. - Awesome Write !!!

I just found this to be hilarious. You made me spill my drink all over my keyboard, but it was worth it.

And I love the way you portrayed Baurus. I find his in game portrayal to be lacking, you've made him seem much more interesting with his semi-paranoia. All of his talk about trust and what-not makes for an interesting read. Is there a plot twist on the horizon? I can't wait to find out.

Folks, thank you for your patience and encouragement as this story moves forward at a crawl!

ghastley: Baurus is definitely struggling with the Blades’ failure. He still doesn’t know who sold them out to the MD, and he’s had a lot of alone time to dwell on it. I see him as pretty close to a Talos fanatic himself. Glad you liked the change with the book. There will be more.

King Coin: I totally forgot about Luther’s reaction to the smoking bones! I guess the fellas should probably go back with a garbage bag and a shovel, or Baurus is going to lose his security deposit. Yep, Luther was saying that Jerric looked like a heavy drinker, and was unlikely to be surprised by anyone’s mead. Jerric is most worried about Abiene, too.

Acadian: Poor Jerric is just not a super-spy! I’m sure Lildereth would have tracked an agent back to the Dagon shrine by now. Someone should have asked her!! Thank you for spotting the nit, I fixed it. And thank you very much for allowing the Valley of Horses and its guardian imps to grace Jerric’s world!

SubRosa: Abiene as a MD agent would be quite a twist. Perhaps the charismatic Eugal Belette will win her over to the cause while she’s lonely in Chorrol. Lildereth might get some hard looks after Baurus’ remarks, though. I have actually thought of a way to present a sane cultist’s perspective, but I think it will have to be a someday and not in the story exercise.

McBadgere: Glad you liked Luther’s sense of humor. He’s not going to kiss up for tips.

mALX: Thank you, mALX! This quest needed a few tweaks.

TheBrume: Sorry about your keyboard! I have done that myself. I’m glad you like spymaster Baurus.


Where we are: The Imperial City. Jerric and Baurus discovered the first book of Mankar Camoran’s Commentaries. Now Jerric is off the AU to visit Tar-Meena. The Valley of Horses with its trained imps is Acadian’s wonderful creation, and appears with permission.



Chapter 14: The Imperial City, Part Four

The pitcher of water he drank the night before woke Jerric before he wanted to rise, but when he needed to. He left Rilian sleeping. If the Imperial City was anything like Kvatch, kahve carts would line the main street out of a residential district. He would break his fast on the move as he joined the Elven Gardens’ early risers on their walk to work.

The breakfast carts offered an impressive variety. Jerric’s mild hangover made him skip the sweets in favor of a spicy sausage baked into a roll, a slice of egg and ham pie, three small servings of strong kahve downed like shots of whiskey, and a wedge of sharp cheddar followed by an apple to clean his teeth. He brushed the crumbs from his doublet as he passed through the gate into the palace district. Today he wore his best clothing and only one belt knife. And of course the daggers concealed at his back and in his boot, and one more in his daypack with the book. He thought he would be best received by a mage scholar if he presented himself unarmed.

Jerric stood head and shoulders above most of his fellow pedestrians. Only the Imperial Watch guards standing elevated above the crowd would meet his curious gaze. He let his eyes wander over the elaborate monuments and plantings as he passed through Green Emperor Way. The White Gold Tower cast a cold shadow. He looked at its angle to determine which gate led to the Arboretum.

He knew at the top of the steps that he had guessed correctly. Statues of the eight Aedric Divines ringed a colonnade at the center. In the middle stood a stone Talos, the ninth Divine. Jerric’s feet stalled when he reached the cross-street. He stood before Kynareth and Akatosh. These two were positioned facing Talos like the others, but their heads were turned toward each other. Talos loomed at Jerric’s back.

Here in the city’s calmest district, tension coiled in Jerric’s gut. He could hear quiet conversations all around him. These folk were at leisure, and dressed to indicate they did not engage in physical work. Satins and velvets predominated even at this hour of the morning. Most of the accents were clipped Nibenean and Altmer, or the speakers’ best imitation. Jerric looked between Akatosh and Kynareth, wondering.

Eventually he decided that the statues were not going to speak. In light of his recent congress with daedric princes, perhaps that was for the best. He continued around toward the gate and walkway to the Arcane University.

When Jerric got outside the city walls and onto the bridge, his heart lifted. Sunlight spilled over the mountains and flooded the Valley of Horses. Lake Rumare reflected all the colors of the sky. Grazing horses dotted the valley, guarded by roving imps on patrol. He shaded his eyes until he found Flash, Kip, and Banner. He couldn’t see Ulfe, but even the thought of her brought a smile. The sun, wind, and height delighted him. Still Kyne’s child, he thought. How foolish to look for her in a statue.

Another massive stone wall encircled the Arcane University. The gates stood open. Jerric stepped through and paused to take in the sights.

The Arch-Mage’s Tower rose directly in front of him in the center of a raised, half-circle entry court. A great wall stretched out on either side, restricting access to the University grounds. Arches and columns decorated the facing surface. Jerric wondered what wards might be concealed there. He also wondered if he would be able to read them if he tried. Armored and hooded Imperial Legion Battlemages guarded the metal gates into the University. He decided that was a question to explore after he met with Tar-Meena.

Sunken gardens curved away on either side of the stairs, surrounding the entry court. Robed figures stood or sat in conversation among the plantings. Even in winter this area caught the morning sun. Jerric guessed that he would have some time to spend here while he waited for Tar-Meena. He approached the Imperial Legion Battlemage standing guard at the base of the steps.

“Greetings, citizen,” the man said as Jerric reached him.

“Good morning,” said Jerric. “I’m here to see one of the University mages. I don’t have an appointment.”

“Are you a Guild member?” asked the Battlemage.

“Yeah, but I’m still an Associate.”

The guard gestured toward the tower. “Go through that center door into the lobby of the Arch-Mage’s Tower. They’ll help you at the reception desk.”

“Thanks.”

“Good day, magister.”

“Uh, one more thing. How would I find someone who’s staying here in temporary quarters?”

“Ask at the reception desk.”

“Oh, right. And where’s the hostel? I’d like to find someone there, too.”

The Battlemage executed another crisp gesture. “Associate quarters run under the wall. You’ll find the entries there and there. Best check at reception to find your friend. The Ayleids didn’t build that warren with convenience in mind. Or comfort.”

“Thanks.” Jerric decided he would try to coax Darnand into staying at an inn rather than joining him in the underground hostel.

As Jerric crossed the gardens he noticed red banners bearing the Imperial dragon fluttering from the tower. The Mages Guild emblem was worked in stone on the plaza and in metal on the ornate gates. His mind searched for the significance, but it eluded him.

The lobby was circular, dimly lit, and humming with quiet activity. Display cases stood against the walls. Benches filled the middle, some occupied by mages. One long desk stood near the far wall with a counter behind it. Mages in Apprentice robes sat or stood at work between them. Some of them were writing, some were passing sheets of parchment, and one Altmer bent over a crystal ball wearing a conical hat and a vacant expression. Red velvet rope and polished wooden stanchions indicated whom to approach first.

The Bosmer seated at the end of the desk smiled at him. “May I help you?”

“I’m Jerric. Guild Associate.”

“I’m Apprentice Gwylen,” twinkled the Bosmer, as if she was sharing some delicious secret.

Brown eyes and dimples, thought Jerric. Nice. “Pleased to meet you. I need to see one of the University mages, and I’d like to leave messages for two friends who are staying here. I’ve never been here before. What should I do?”

“If you’re on official Guild business, you can have Vanildil use the crystal ball. No? Well, let’s start with the University mage. Whom do you need to see?”

“Tar-Meena. I don’t have an appointment.”

“Step down to Perien, and he’ll send a message to the Mystic Archives for you. Then you come back to me if there’s a line, or just ask Perien to direct your other messages if there’s no one else around. Oh! And don’t talk to Vanildil while she’s wearing her Cone of Silence.” Gwylen rolled her eyes.

“Right,” said Jerric, grinning. “Thanks, Gwylen.”

Perien had overheard Gwylen’s remarks. He sat with a blank stone in front of him and a stylus in his hand. A glance along the line showed that the other Apprentices were similarly equipped. Except for Vanildil. She sat with a stack of parchment and a charcoal pencil.

“Ready,” said Perien.

“Uh,” said Jerric.

The Breton gave Jerric a wink. “Just tell me your message, I’ll write it down, and it comes out at the Mystic Archives just like that.” He tipped his head to indicate the hassled-looking woman at the counter behind him. She had several stone tablets in front of her, each with a sheet of parchment lying on it. Words appeared on the pages as if written by invisible hands. As Jerric watched she snatched one up, rolled and tied it with string, sealed it with a stamp, scrawled a word beside the seal, then tossed it into a basket.

“Uh,” Jerric said again. “How does that work?”

“I’m not in Applied Magic,” the Breton told him. “But I do know how to write a message. My station is linked to the Mystic Archives. What’ll it be?”

Jerric thought for a moment. He had to convince a scholar to leave her books and come talk to a stranger. What had Baurus said about her? She’s one of the egg heads over at the University. That seemed like a rude thing to call an Argonian. He filed it away for future use.

“All right,” said Jerric. “Here’s the message. Dear Tar-Meena. I have a very rare book. Our mutual friend said you would like to see it. Will you meet with me? From Jerric. Uh, the Associate of the Mages Guild. Wait! Don’t put the ‘Uh.’”

No words appeared on the tablet as Perien wrote with the stylus. Jerric guessed that only Apprentices with good handwriting got this post. “There,” said Perien. “Someone is rolling up your message at the archives even as we speak. Are you going to wait for an answer? Tar-Meena is very good about prompt replies.”

“Yeah, and I have some more business.” Jerric glanced over to find two people waiting to speak with Gwylen. “I guess I’ll get back in line.”

Dispatching a message to Lildereth took only moments. He was told where he might find Darnand. The Associates’ hostel did not have a message service. Jerric debated his next action. There was a good chance he would find Darnand still asleep after a late night of being a mage, or even just now retiring. Then again, Tar-Meena’s reply might be that she could see him immediately, and he would hate to miss it.

A shimmer of magicka caught his eye. He walked over to investigate. Misty tendrils rose from a raised disc on the floor. Runes and arcane symbols glowed on its surface. As his mind formed the words “teleportation pad,” an elaborately gowned Altmer materialized before his startled eyes. She glared at Jerric for a moment before sweeping out one of the side doors. The air shimmered again, and this time an Imperial stepped down. He took in Jerric’s expression and smiled.

“Greetings! I am Raminus Polus, Consul for the Mages Guild.”

Jerric choked back a laugh while he considered the man’s meaning. A member of the Council of Mages? Gods help him. “I’m Jerric,” he managed. “Pleased to meet you.”

To Jerric’s surprise, Raminus seized his hand and shook it with both of his. “Jerric of Kvatch and Anvil! I have received your recommendation from Carahil. What a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the Arcane University!”

“Thank you, uh…”

“Raminus, please.”

Jerric bit the inside of his cheek. His struggle did not go unnoticed.

“Go ahead,” sighed Raminus. “I do not know which is worse, when people laugh or when they do not.” The Imperial’s face shone with good humor.

Jerric composed himself. “Is that a family name?”

Raminus shook his head. “Alas, no. There was much about rearing a child that my parents did not anticipate; my name was only the beginning. I cannot imagine what they were thinking. Ah, Tar-Meena! How nice to see you. May I present our Associate battlemage, Jerric? Jerric, Master-Wizard Tar-Meena is the Keeper of the Mystic Archives.”

Jerric turned to find a slender, dark-scaled Argonian gazing up at him. Her nondescript blue robe was similar to Raminus.’ She wore an arrangement of short veils hanging from rings over her pale head spines. Jerric folded his hands in imitation of her Altmer-style greeting. “Pleased to meet you.”

Tar-Meena smiled. Her short snout and low jaw made the expression look quite human. “You must be the one I got the message about. How can I help you?”

“I will leave you to it,” Raminus announced, giving both of their upper arms a squeeze. He strode out one of the doors, nodding and greeting as he went. Jerric appreciated the good will, but he wondered if it represented a disconnection from current events. A visit to any necromancer lair might be enlightening to a member of the Mages Guild Council.

Jerric turned his attention back to Tar-Meena. “I found a book,” he said.

Excellent!!!...

Loves me Jerric does I... ...

This made me laugh...



Oh, I can just imagine it... ...

Another excellent chapter...

Nice one!!... ...

*Applauds heartily*...

I like Jerric's version of skipping breakfast. Calories don't count if you're standing up?

Excellent. As usual.


I like this ending. It's simple. I mean, what else is there to say?
I look forward to the next installment.

*




ROFL !!! Yeah, Jerric is def from ETN !!! ROFL !!!




Really effective lines! Also loved your description of Equestria !!




SPEW !!!

I absolutely LOVE what you did with the Arcane, that so reminded me of Harry Potter's first impression of Hogwarts ... er ... is Raminus ... Hagrid? Urk !!

AWESOME Write !!!

*

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 8 2012, 12:36 AM

Jerric ate well while on the move. Lol.

Holy crap Jerric’s packin’ !

I like Jerric’s discomfort in the Arboretum. He’s out of his element there. He knows what to expect and what is expected of him in a bar, or at the docks. This is just weird with all these proper people everywhere.

Oh, I like the description of the hostel. No cozy quarters for the lowly associates.

Raminus has quite the personality.

I liked the ending. “I found a book.” No, REALLY? that’s Jerric!

When does he not? They'll have to pack his grave with sandwiches when he dies, lol.

Amazing!

I love this chapter, and I love your witty sense of humour; it makes this such a delight to read!

“I’m Apprentice Gwylen,” twinkled the Bosmer, as if she was sharing some delicious secret

This was brilliantly worded and strangely enticing!

I also love your characterization of dear Raminus. I don't thik Tara ever remember's him beeing that awesome and surprisingly hand shakey

Looking forward to more

When I saw you use the abbreviation of AU in your notes above, the first thing I thought was: gold. Wow, that was a blast from high school chemistry!

I love Jerric's idea of 'unarmed', as in four hidden daggers. It reminds me of the Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, when Max was taking out all his weapons at the entrance of the city.

Eventually he decided that the statues were not going to speak. In light of his recent congress with daedric princes, perhaps that was for the best.
This was a delightful passage.

Still Kyne’s child, he thought. How foolish to look for her in a statue.
This was even better though. There is no better place to find divinity then in the world itself.

Wonderful description of the Arcane University. Especially the Cone of Silence! Where are Max and Agent 99? The stone tablet intercom system was a brilliant invention!

I am guessing that elegantly glaring Altmer was Caranya? So nice to see that Raminus was a much friendlier person. Teresa certainly liked him.

“I found a book,” he said.
And you are hoping someone will read it for you? I am sorry, I can just so easily imagine that reply. Especially if it was from Druja!

What a glorious breakfast! Yum, and just what I needed. Thank you!

’The White Gold Tower cast a cold shadow. He looked at its angle to determine which gate led to the Arboretum.’
A great way to navigate (and beautifully phrased) in the confusing wagon wheel of the IC. Then I loved Jerric's statuesque ponderings among the Nine in the Arboretum. Thank you for your beautiful rendering of the Valley of the Horses. It made me feel right at home!

What fun, the way you presented the University. The descriptions were just right and you gave a great feel for the bustle inside the lobby. And a wonderful communication system! Of course the University would have a hostel for visitors and I liked how you pointed that out. I enjoyed your interpretation of the good natured Raminus and elegant Tar-Meena as well. I quite like both NPCs and see them similarly.

Jerric is doing pretty good with this spy stuff! I hope Tar-Meena can help him with the book he carries.

I pretty much agree with everything here!

You write your story with such beautifully crafted sentences that it makes the whole thing a joy to read!

Well done!

McBadgere: I had to think of some way to work in a spy reference and a pointy hat. Thank you so much, McB!

ghastley: Jerric’s version of skipping breakfast is similar to the way carrying four blades is unarmed. He wanted more, of course. I drew the line at a mobile stack of pancakes.

TheBrume: Thanks. I always admire other peoples’ snappy endings, and it’s usually the last thing that comes to me before I post.

mALX: It’s so neat that you mentioned Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts. I had that same sense of wonder in mind. Thank you, mALX!

King Coin: You’re right, in the whole city full of people Jerric has the least interest in the leisure class, and that’s who was hanging around in the Arboretum. We might get a closer look at the hostel, if Darnand cooperates. Thank you, KC!

Tábrasa: Thank you! I see Raminus as the personable face of the Council. He sounds so happy in the game when he welcomes you, and he seems to have nothing to do but stand around the lobby and chat.

SubRosa: Yep, you spotted Get Smart and Caranya. I’m afraid if I tried to use a silly spy reference in the same episode as Baurus, I might get a katana through the screen. Jerric is such a physical creature, so it was nice to touch on spiritual matters for a change, even if only lightly. Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: I was so hungry when I wrote that breakfast! Thank you for your kind words about the University. Some of my favorite Buffy episodes have taken place there, and her experience has definitely shaped my vision of how it could be. The statues were a happy surprise, I had never tried to identify them in the game before. They fit Jerric’s situation perfectly.

Rihanae: Thank you, Rihanae! I’m glad you’re back.


Where we are: The lobby of the Arch-Mage’s Tower at the Arcane University. Tar-Meena has joined Jerric. He has informed her that he found a book. In other news (not to give away the ending of this story, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to live ) I have just outlined Book 2.




Chapter 14: The Imperial City, Part Five


“You found a book, you say,” said Tar-Meena.

Jerric handed it over.

“Ah, yesss,” she hissed, delight briefly overwhelming her precise diction. “Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes, wonderful. You have a scholarly interest in daedric cults, then?”

“In Dagon’s cult, yeah. I’d say it’s more of a practical interest.”

“The Mythic Dawn,” said Tar-Meena. “What do you know of them?”

“Let’s assume nothing.”

Tar-Meena gestured for them to seat themselves. Her voice took on a lecturing tone. “The Mythic Dawn is one of the most secretive of all of the daedric cults. Not much is known about them. They worship Mehrunes Dagon according to the teachings of their leader, Mankar Camoran. No one knows how widespread the cult is, or where their shrine to Mehrunes Dagon is located. Mankar Camoran is a shadowy figure in his own right. He is the author of this book you found. The Commentaries are contemporary with Tiber Septim, over four hundred years old. So he is unlikely to still be alive, although you never know. I’ve studied Mankar Camoran’s writings a bit myself, at least those that I could find. It is clear from the text that his Commentaries come in four volumes, but I have only ever seen the first two books.”

“All right,” said Jerric. He needed to get to the point, but he didn’t want Tar-Meena to leave anything out. “I need to find the Mythic Dawn’s stronghold,” he blurted, already wincing at his clumsiness.

The Argonian’s nostrils flared with interest. As she leaned forward her voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “Find them, eh? I won’t poke my nose any further. Official business and all that. I’m used to working with the Blades. Don’t worry, say no more.”

Jerric hoped that Tar-Meena would take her own advice. She was practically winking over the shared secret. He decided that if someone as paranoid as Baurus could trust her, then so could he.

“In any case, finding them won’t be easy,” Tar-Meena continued. “I believe that Camoran’s writings contain hidden clues to the location of the Mythic Dawn’s secret shrine. Those who unlock the hidden path have proven themselves worthy to join the ranks of the Mythic Dawn cult. Finding the shrine is the first test. If you want to find them, you’ll need all four volumes of the Commentaries.”

Excitement surged through Jerric. Finally, something he could do. “Where can I find the other three books?”

Tar-Meena leaned back, resting a thoughtful finger along her jaw. “The library has a copy of Book Two, as do several of my colleagues. As I said, I’ve never even seen the third and fourth volumes. You should try First Edition, over in the Market District. Phintias, the proprietor, caters to specialist collectors. He may have an idea of where to locate those books.”

Jerric did not intend to leave the Arcane University without their copy of Book Two, but he needed more time to think of a plan. “What’s the Mysterium Xarxes?” he asked.

“The holy book of the Mythic Dawn,” said Tar-Meena. Jerric recognized the glint in her eye. He supposed that an Argonian scholar was much like a Breton scholar, despite the spines, scales, and tail. “It was supposedly written by Mehrunes Dagon himself. If it exists, it would be an artifact of great – and evil – power.”

Jerric dried his hands on his trousers. “Tar-Meena. I need your copy of the second book.”

Tar-Meena held her palm up in objection. “Perhaps I could give you temporary access to the Archives, but—”

“Wait,” Jerric interrupted. “Hear me out. You know Baurus, right? I mean, he must have been the one who sent you the message about me.”

“Yesss,” the Argonian said warily.

“Does he seem like a fellow who gives up or one who gets things done? You have to believe that he’ll find the other books or die trying. You know what this is about, right?”

Tar-Meena slowly nodded.

“You can have the books when we’re done with them. All four volumes.” Jerric held his breath.

The Argonian’s eyes narrowed to slits. Jerric glanced away to give her a moment of private thought. He saw one of the doors open, and the light from outside silhouetted a slight figure accompanied by a giant dog. His eyes adjusted when the door closed behind them. Lildereth and Ulfe!

“You may have the library’s copy of Book Two,” said Tar-Meena, regaining his attention. Jerric’s heart leaped again. “Treat it gently, if you please. I will retrieve it now, if you will wait.”

Jerric jumped to his feet. “Thank you,” he gasped, seizing her clawed hands to squeeze them. “Thank you. I will. Treat it gently. And I’ll wait.” He realized that he was looming over the archivist so he stepped back, nearly tripping over a bench. “You won’t be sorry.” He grinned across at Lildereth. “I see the friend I was looking for. Maybe she’ll wait with me.”

Tar-Meena followed his glance. The corners of her narrow lips curled up in a smile. “Lildereth,” she called. “A timely meeting. I suppose even a wolf familiar needs the occasional walk outside.”

Ulfe leaped over the bench and offered Jerric a joyful greeting. He grabbed her head to prevent the “conjured familiar” from rooting enthusiastically in his crotch.

Tar-Meena took her leave. Lildereth stood in her place, looking completely at ease among the mages. She wore the green dress that hugged her top. Jerric recalled that under the full skirt, her bottom was also nicely round. Her hair was smoothly contained in some feminine arrangement. Jerric tugged at his trousers. He should probably have indulged himself at the brothel instead of just waiting for Rilian.

“A wolf?” he said. “You have got to be jesting.”

Lildereth gave him a crooked smile. “You should see the atronachs and dremora wandering around in there. Tar-Meena is just relieved that Ulfe can’t set fire to her books.”

Jerric bent down to scratch Ulfe’s chest and give her a kiss. She slapped him with far too much tongue for his liking. “Ugh! Ulfe! Honestly, how do you get away with these things, Lildereth? There’s no such thing as a yellow wolf.”

“Look around you,” said Lildereth. “Who else would know?”

Jerric straightened and looked her over again. “It’s good to see you, elf.”

“I got your message,” Lildereth told him. “And of course I was listening to what Tar-Meena said. I’ll wait with you. Let’s go into the public side of the garden.” She took his arm. “See, I’m making you look civilized. Now the mages won’t think that you’re an ogre thrall.”

“Wait, what if…” Jerric glanced worriedly back toward the door.

Lildereth gave him one of her angled brow looks. “You’re a Nord with a tan, and I’m a wood elf. I think the Master-Wizard will deduce that we stepped outside.”

There were several empty stone benches in the garden. Lildereth ignored them in favor of a patch of angled sun under a tree. She tucked her skirt neatly while Jerric and Ulfe lolled and sprawled.

“So you’ve been in the archives?” Jerric asked her. “I guess that’s a different kind of hunting.”

“It is,” said Lildereth. “It’s the same thing you’ve heard me asking folk. Strange creatures, unusual monsters, where and when they’ve been encountered.” She must have seen Jerric’s questions bubbling up. She changed the subject. “What are you here hunting for?”

Nice try, thought Jerric. I can do that, too. “You know I’m no hunter,” he said, looking up at the sky. “But I used to work with an archer who took me hunting sometimes. Mostly to carry the kills and warm the bedroll. Also to make the kahve, I suspect. Hers was dreadful.” Jerric glanced back over at Lildereth. She seemed thoughtful, and wary.

“Bosmer?” Lildereth asked.

“Dunmer. I’ve never, uh, gone hunting with a wood elf before.”

Lildereth laughed. “Well I’ve never ridden a snow bear, and I don’t plan to. If I ever take you hunting, bring your own bedroll. Mine is plenty warm for me.”

“Yeah,” Jerric grinned. “Wait ’til we get to Bruma. If you decide you want to go that far.”

“We’ll see. I’ll still let you make the kahve, though.” Lildereth smoothed her skirt. “I’m also here seeking training from a Master Illusionist. Martina Floria. She’s asked me to supply her with ten Welkynd stones before she will consider me as a student.” She frowned down at her hands.

“What’s the problem, sprig? You could turn my trousers inside out while I’m wearing them, and I wouldn’t even notice. I’d think you could sneak in somewhere and pick up ten Welkynd stones.”

“Probably. I know several accessible Ayleid ruins where folk will have left stones up in the brackets recharging. But it’s usually conjurers or necromancers who need that kind of power, and they leave their undead and daedra thralls hanging around to guard their stash. Most of my spells don’t work on them. That’s why I need master training. In the last few years a lot of those fetchers have taken their work underground, and moved into the ruins. They use life detection enchantments to keep track of their slaves while they’re home.” She gave her head a quick shake, as if dislodging a bug. “Of course I can do it. I just don’t like the risk.”

“I could watch your back. Stay low unless you called for me. Like in Howling Cave.”

Lildereth burst out laughing. “That was staying low? You blew up the alchemy lab!”

“Well,” said Jerric, “that was my scamp.”

Tar-Meena approached with a book in her hands. Jerric and Lildereth stood up to meet her. Ulfe stayed politely down, her tail thumping the grass.

“Here you go,” Tar-Meena said, handing the volume to Jerric. “It was so nice chatting with you. Be sure to let me know how your hunt for the Mythic Dawn turns out.” She exchanged nods with Lildereth before she turned away.

Jerric stared at Tar-Meena as she walked back toward the tower, her tail swaying with each graceful step. If that was her idea of discretion, Baurus was right to worry. At least he could be more honest with Lildereth now.

Lildereth’s face had turned to ivory. Her eyes gave her the look of a startled deer. “Jerric,” she said. “What the fetch?”

Sixteen hells, thought Jerric. She might not like this. “Uh, yeah. I’m going to, uh, go kill the Mythic Dawn. As soon as I can find them.”

Lildereth seized his arm. Her mouth opened and closed before sounds came out. “What?”

Don’t mention Martin, Jerric told himself. Or the Amulet of Kings. Or Baurus or the Blades. “Well, you’ve heard me talking to Darnand. I’m not just going to wait for them to open more Gates. I’m going to find their shrine, kill them all, and burn it to the ground.” Jerric realized that the last had emerged as a growl. He loosened his death grip on Book Two and tucked it into his daypack. “Want to go get some lunch?”





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This post has been edited by Grits: Feb 17 2012, 02:01 AM

Your rendition of Tar-Meena had me in hysterics throughout the chapter !!!

And the laughter stopped here:



Very powerful ending to that chapter. Ominous. Jerric's attempts to make light of it by suggesting food was very Jerric. This whole paragraph spoke volumes about who Jerric is, of what he is capable of, and of the power that resides within him. Totally Awesome Write !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 16 2012, 05:49 PM

The fact that Lildereth just accepts that Jerric could do that speaks even more! Especially as she knows he's not going to sneak in and pick them off one at a time.

I never even thought of that aspect of it, but you are right. Now THAT makes me wonder if she'll think she'd better go with him and help. Urk!

Tar-Meena is such a delightful character!

Jerric isn’t a total idiot! He just secured the second volume of the commentaries!

“You’re a Nord with a tan, and I’m a wood elf. I think the Master-Wizard will deduce that we stepped outside.”


Remembering Jerric’s scamp in howling cave brought a smile to my face. I guess even someone as accomplished as Lildereth isn’t considered above running errands. Lazy mages.

“Want to go get some lunch?”