The Accounts of Rayden Options

[redsrock]

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story takes place just nine days after Uriel Septim's assassination, with a unique twist. I am taking the Main Quest and I am remaking it with my own version. What would have happened if both the main-character and Uriel Septim died in the sewers, along with all of the Blades officers? What would have happened if the Amulet of Kings fell into the hand of an "innocent" but hidden bystander?


The Accounts of Rayden


CHAPTER ONE


I wouldn't even have been able to get into the sewers if it wasn't for that foolish Imperial Guard, who, after a few too many bottles of ale, carelessly dropped his heavy set of iron keys lying so temptingly upon the hard wood floor. I was sitting in the tavern, minding my own business. I had planned on settling in for the night, but when I saw that gleaming shine coming from the keys, I knew my night had only just begun.




My name is Rayden, Bosmer and freelance thief of the Imperial City. I am a mere twenty-seven years of age, yet I am capable of many things even veteran thieves cannot accomplish. What, do you think of me as a boastful young brat? I will not argue with you, I am indeed confident of my abilities, but I guess I'll have to prove that to you. Don't worry, you'll learn soon enough.




When I first saw the keys I assumed someone else would pick them up and hand them back to the officer as a sign of good will, possibly a way to kiss up to the Imperials, just like everyone seemed to be so keen of doing. But alas, my inner prayers were answered and nobody but I witnessed the keys fall to the floor. So I left my seat and walked out the door, slyly scooping down to pick the keys up on my way.

At first I wasn't sure what to do with them. There were so many keys hanging from the iron ring, more than fifteen in fact. There were hundreds of places I thought about going to in order to get my hands on whatever I wanted, but one place stood out more than any other: the sewers under the prison. I had heard many a story about how there was a secret passageway to hidden chambers, were rooms were filled with lost and hidden treasures. From my understanding the sewer was not guarded by one soul, meaning it was probably my safest option, as well as my most prosperous.

I left the tavern and headed straight for the sewers entrance, which was just a bit northeast from the city. There, I fumbled through the keys, and thankfully, just as I had originally hoped, one of them opened the large-barred gate that was standing between me and my soon to be treasures.

I stepped inside the damp sewers and walked around for a few minutes, trying to find my way to the secret chambers. The rats were making things difficult, not to mention the goblins. They were extremely difficult to sneak around. After not finding anything of interest for an hour I was beginning to think that the stories must have been false, but then I faintly heard a metal door opening to the west, and the sound seemed as if it was not too far from where I was standing.

I quietly ran to where I heard the sound, and sure enough a door had been opened, and you won't even begin to believe who I saw. The Emperor himself, Uriel Septim, was being led by a Redguard Blade, and some other person who looked to be an inmate of the prison itself. I made that assumption because he was wearing raggedy clothes, and his wrists had irons on them. But the inmate was too far in the back, making it impossible to see what race he was. Obviously the Emperor was an Imperial, everyone knows that. And the Redguard's race was certainly visible thanks to obvious circumstances. As for the inmate, I never did get a look at his face. What happened next went so fast I'm still a bit dazed...

No more than ten seconds after spotting the three, a rustled noise came from their right side. Suddenly men and women wearing scarlet red robes and hoods appeared almost out of nowhere, and for whatever reason a small battle immediately commenced.

It was all so confusing and wild. I didn't know what to do, so I simple hid around a corner, but carefully peeking my head out so that I could see all the action. The Redguard was taking on two opponents at once, and the inmate had already been slain by one of the red-robed.

Uriel Septim had attempted to run away but one of the robed shot a spell his way, hitting him square in the back. A humongous cloud of magic surfaced through the air, and somehow a necklace flew from the Emperor's body, hitting the wall right next my face. I assumed the necklace was a simple, but expensive, piece of jewelry. But, when I picked the item up, I realized it was none other than the Amulet of Kings, THE Amulet of Kings!

I looked back, expecting to see the robed men running towards me, but instead they were running towards the fallen body of the Emperor. The Redguard had taken down his own opponents, and was then rushing over to the Emperor to protect him from the two remaining opponents.

Without hesitating I picked up the necklace and ran away, but before I did that I took one last glance at the battle. The Redguard was on the ground with an axe sticking from the side of his head, and the Emperor was lying unprotected on the hard stoned floor, with both of his frail hands in the air, shielding himself from the two remaining robed men.

"Tell us where the Amulet is!" Yelled one of the robed men. When the Emperor did not respond to their commands they simply stuck a sword through his chest and into his heart, ending the long lived life of Cyrodiil's leader. I watched in horror as Uriel's hands fell to the ground and slammed against the floor. The robed men began searching the area, and that's when I finally left the place.

Now, nine days later, I stand here in an old worn-out cabin, deep in the woods west of Cheydinhal. I sit here with the Amulet of Kings in hand, and I'm trying to figure out what to do. It only took one day for a total transformation of the Empire to take place. After what took place in the sewers, thousands of red-robed figures showed up in the Imperial City, led by an Altmer who called himself "Mankar Camoran". He claimed to be the leader of the cult he called "The Mythic Dawn".

I was in that same tavern where I found the keys when Mankar and his cultists arrived. The death of the Emperor had not yet been spread, since I was the only witness to the deaths, and I surely was too afraid to tell anyone. I was trying to keep myself out of trouble, but then again that would impossible as long as I had the Amulet of Kings still in my possession.

A fight broke out in the city. The guards and citizens banded together to fight the Mythic Dawn, but it was of no use. Apparently Mankar had several men inside the Imperial City who were working for him. That and the fact that the Imperial Legion was greatly outnumbered benefited to the Mythic Dawn's easy victory. Since then Mankar has taken the throne, and his men are looking for the Amulet, which I of course have in hand.

I had left the city before I was rounded up by Mankar's men, and like I told you before, I am now residing in my hidden cabin. It is not hidden by magical powers, but the trees certainly provide help in hiding from the outside world.

I was looking at the amulet closely, examining every last detail of the famed jewel. It was rather heavy for a piece of jewelry, seemingly a little over 1 pound in weight. The gold chain was supposed to wrap around the wearer's neck, and in the middle of the amulet itself was a gigantic, red, ruby-like gem, which was absolutely stunning. Around that gem were eight smaller jewels, all different colors. The amulet was truly a magnificent item, but unfortunately it had some magical powers conjured in it as well.

I say this because when I tried to put the amulet on my own neck, it simply fell off. It never would stay on and I was getting quite furious about the whole situation. That's when I paid a "visit" to the bookstore in the Imperial City, after-hours if you know what I mean. While there I discovered a book about the Amulet of Kings, and in its contents I learned that only a legitimate heir to the Septim bloodline may wear the amulet.

And now, again I say for the third time, here I am sitting in my cabin trying to figure out what to do with my new found treasure. For a while I had thought about giving the jewel to Mankar, for I had foolishly thought he might have given me a hundred heaps of gold for it. But after thinking a bit more clearly, I came to my senses and realized the elf was way too cunning. He would never have given me anything in return; he would have simply tricked me somehow. I do not know the man personally, but I could just tell what kind of man he was by looking at the way he talked.

Ever since the Mythic Dawn's battle was won in the Imperial City, I've been here in my cabin, for fear of my life. I do not want to give the amulet up anymore, I've made that decision. To be honest with you I don't really care about anyone else, but I do not want to see Cyrodiil run by a bunch of cult members and their fanatic leader. Obviously they want the amulet for something, but I'm just not sure what. Right now I'm trying to think of who might be able to help me. Perhaps there is someone who can help me destroy the gem, or perhaps destroying the item isn't what I should do. Back in the bookstore, I read something about that the Amulet of Kings light the Dragonfires, whatever that meant. I don't know what to make of all this, but surely there is someone in this land that can help me; someone who is wiser that I in that sort of business.

At that moment I remembered hearing about an old Breton who lived in a priory south of Chorrol. I knew not his occupation, but only that he had something to do with the Empire. His identity was supposed to have been kept a secret from all, but thankfully for me I was a nosey little thief. I decided that paying this man a visit would definitely help my cause, but of course I really didn't what my cause was at the moment...

This post has been edited by redsrock: Dec 5 2007, 08:23 PM

[redsrock]

CHAPTER THREE


As I walked down the stairs and out the entrance I began to rethink what I was doing. Before, back in my cabin, I had persuaded myself that the Mythic Dawn could be easily outwitted and fooled, but now I know I was terribly wrong.

Embarrassingly I must admit that I had once taken this situation lightly, and I blame my foolish youth and overconfidence for that. Until today I figured I would not run into any problems; that I would be able to fix this catastrophic dilemma unscathed. But after my run-in with the two Dawn members, and of course the grisly scene I had just witnessed, I have now been able to fully grasp what dangerous of a situation I am in.

One small mishap by me could easily lead to an untimely death, and ultimately possibly the destruction of Cyrodiil. I used to not think about that kind of stuff, but now my pride for my country is at its highest level. I have a new found respect for Cyrodiil, and I am not about to let the Dawn take it away from me.

In order to succeed with my plans, I have to be smarter about what I do. The Dawn is truly a major threat and should be taken lightly. And I also know that my victory against those two Dawn members back at inn was luck, and nothing else. The Dawn is certainly more cunning that I had originally thought, and it’s high time I start acting more mature. I can still be confident in my abilities, but not to the extent of believing I can conquer anything.

I’ll also admit that I’m worried about what Jauffre said about this Martin person and me; that the two of us alone were Cyrodiil’s only hope. I would like to think that somebody else would be able to give us aid in our mission, whatever that may be. I’m still not exactly sure what I’m doing, other than NOT destroying the amulet. Jauffre certainly made that clear.




When I left the priory it was early the evening and the sun was starting to fade away for the night. The air was rather brisk for this time of the year and it was chilling me to the bones because I wasn’t wearing a jacket, simply because I didn’t think I’d need one. I thought about going back to grab a robe of one of the fallen, but then again I didn’t want where something with blood splattered all over it. It would be both disgusting and suspicious. Imagine what you would do if you saw someone wearing a robe with blood all over themselves…

So I braved the night, not stopping except to rest my legs once and a while, which wasn’t often because I wanted to get to Kvatch as quick as possible. It’s kind of ironic that I was now traveling to this particular city, because this place marked the beginning of my “career”.

As a young Bosmer growing up in a log cabin just west of Kvatch, my mother and I made many trips back and forth between our home and the city. I really sort of bonded with Kvatch in a way, though I can’t really describe it. I was just an amazing place to live at. The locals were more than friendly; there were plenty of shops and tons of entertainment. Even the Count, Ormellius Goldwine, was an honest man, something I can’t say about too many other counts and Countesses.

But that was nine years ago. Ever since I turned eighteen I’ve been on my own, and I put most of the blame on the shoulders of my vindictive father. When he wasn’t asleep, drunk on the floor, he was either cursing at me or beating me, most of time both. He was definitely a disliked man, both by men and the city of Kvatch. Many times he’d travel there just to get drunk, for he claimed Kvatch had the best ale in the land.

I still can’t figure out what my mother saw in that fool of a man, but it doesn’t matter anymore. He finally got up and left when I was around seventeen years of age. I doubt he’s still alive, but given my current position I guess I can say stranger things have happened.

After my father left my mother’s attitude and demeanor changed for the worst. Even though he was so abusive, my mother absolutely adored my father. For whatever reasons, my mother was always trying to keep him as happy as possible, and for him that simply met give him beer and a place to sleep. That seemed to be the only two things he was interested in. He never worked and money was always scarce around the house. If it wasn’t for my mother’s ability to weave baskets there’s no doubt my mind we would’ve been sleeping in a cave somewhere.

When he left my mother stopped traveling to Kvatch, as if she were embarrassed by my father’s departure. She blamed herself for him leaving, though I have no clue why she would even think that. Her attitude towards me also changed. Though she never hit me physically, she played the psychological game. She’d claim how much of a burden I was to her and how she realized why my father hated me. It hurt me deep, it really did, but thankfully I only had to endure the mental punishment for about a year. Once I turned eighteen I hit the road, never turning back.

I haven’t returned to home since I left. Nine years it’s been since I last spoke with my mother, and as far as I’m concerned it can stay that way for all I care. I don’t want anything to do with her anymore.

When I left home nine years ago I went straight for Kvatch, where I immediately found a job at the local bakery. The owner of the place, whose name I have forgotten over the years, wasn’t particularly friendly, but he did provide me with food and a home. I don’t think he liked elves very much, and for that I blame his Imperial back round. The Imperial’s stubbornness cause them to fear anything that didn’t look or act like them.

After a few months working I was beginning to get tired of everything. I was busting my chops for the baker, and in spite of my hard work ethic, I was barely paid five septims a week. One night I decided enough was enough and I left Kvatch, also for good. I have not been back since I left there as well.

Ever since then I’ve been in that cabin I told you about. When I found it, it was already desolate and I don’t think anyone had been there for years. That’s when my life as a thief started, and I can’t complain. I love what I do, and I don’t really care what anyone thinks. I believe firmly that a thief must have no conscience, just as I’ve told you before. I definitely fall under that heading.









At around six o’clock in the evening, after climbing a large hill, I arrived at the city to see many troops stationed outside. I had expected to see many Dawn members, but the strange part was that they were Imperial Legion soldiers. Perhaps not all was yet lost? Maybe had not been totaled destroyed as of yet?

I started walking towards the group, but then I stopped right in my tracks. Surely if I were to walk through the crowd and into the city the soldiers would first search me. Why would they let a total stranger into the city without questioning him or her beforehand? And if that were to happen, they would obviously find the amulet, and that is something I couldn’t let happen. Even though they were the good guys I didn’t want anyone but Martin to know about it.

Before I entered the city I placed the amulet under behind a large rock, and then I placed dirt over top of it to conceal it from view. I knew this was a risky chance, for anyone could happen to come across this path and step on the amulet, but it was a risk I had to take. I really didn’t see any other way.

When I walked near the troops they shifted their complete attention to me, just as I had assumed they were.

“Halt, Bosmer.”

I stopped just as the officer said, and he motioned for one of his men to search.

“These are some trying times, and I’m sorry but we must search you before you can go inside. Cyrodiil obviously isn’t what it used to be I’ afraid,” the officer said.

“Not a problem, officer, I totally understand. But I must confess, I’m surprised to see the Legion is still intact. In Cheydinhal the place is overrun by the Dawn.” I figured now was a good time to gather some information.

“Yes, the entire south is controlled by the Dawn. Kvatch, Anvil, Skingrad and Bruma are the only cities under Legion control. That is to say for now at least. Who knows what will happen in the coming days,” the officer said depressingly.

“So the Counts and Countess are no longer in charge of their cities? The Legion has taken complete control over the four remaining?”

“No, they still have the same powers as usual, but now our Legion has been divided to the four cities so that the city guard can have some extra help. The majority of our troops are stationed in Anvil and Bruma. I think controlling the only sea-port city, and the city by the Jerall Mountains, is most important strategically. Unfortunately I, Adamus Phillida, am the only remaining Legion officer left after the battle in the Imperial City. I have to admit times are not easy, but we’ll deal with it somehow. We won’t let Mankar and his cultists take our land from us!”

I wanted to believe the old man, but I didn’t agree with him at all. We are greatly outnumbered as it is, and from the looks of it we’ve got a bunch of inexperienced soldiers running the Legion. That doesn’t spell success if you ask me, but only time will tell I guess.

“Of course we will. Have a good evening officer.”

Adamus nodded and I walked through the city gates and into the city. Just as I had imagined, the streets were flocking with people. It was just like I had remembered, in that it was always packed with people, whether they are gossiping near the statue of Antus Pinder, or if they are simply going to and from work. It was absolutely magnificent, and I was now in some sort of trance. It was so strange being back here. I felt so weird, but at the same time it all felt normal.

I stood there in the middle of the street for nearly ten minutes before a nearby Dunmer lady ask me, “Are you okay elf? You look like you’re in a fantasy world or something?”

“Ma’am, if you only knew,” I said laughing.

As I have shown with Adamus and the Dunmer lady, I am a gentleman. Another annoying cliché people seem to have with thieves is that they are rude and unintelligent. That couldn’t even be further from the truth! By being a respectable person, and an intelligent one for that matter, you can create a wrong impression of yourself, leading people to believe that they can trust you. But then again, I guess you could say I’m more than a thief. I don’t know, I can’t really explain it, but I really am a bit different from most thieves. Most like to do their bidding in the darkness of the night. Me, I’ll do it when I want, where I want, how I want.

Also, most thieves are silent with there words, meaning they rarely talk to people, if at all. They prefer to be loners, where with me it doesn’t really matter. Talking, I can take it or leave it, as long as I get the job done. In the end that’s all that matters anyway.
I looked around the area at all the shops, and to my surprise many of them had stayed in business all this time. Although one store that wasn’t present was the bakery, which really surprised me. We had a lot of business when I worked there, I can’t believe it shut down.

Through all of my joy of walking through Kvatch once more, I almost forgot why I was here in the first place. I had to find Martin, though I had no idea who or what he looked like. I knew neither his location nor his occupation. The Dunmer lady was about to leave, but before she could I stopped her just in time.

“Excuse me, ma’am, I hate to keep you, but can you tell where I can find an Imperial named Martin?”

Hey eyes widened with suspicion. “You mean Brother Martin? You can find him in the chapel, praying every evening at eight o’clock, if that’s what you want to call it. What in the world do you want with him? Talos save his soul,” she said as she walked away.

Well that was certainly strange. I wonder why she gave me such a look when I asked about Martin…

I needed not directions to the chapel, for I knew this city like the back of my hand. It was kind of funny actually, because I had not been around this area for nine years, yet I still knew where everything was. The funniest thing though was that I didn’t recognize anyone just yet. Now that I think about I really didn’t meet with many people when I was here in the first place. Whenever I came shopping with my mother I never talked because I was a shy little boy, and when I worked in the bakery I always worked in the back of the shop, away from people.

So off to the Chapel I was which was located almost smack-dab in the middle of the city. When I entered the building, only two people were present. One was an older Imperial lady, who was actually leaving as soon as I was entering. The other was an Imperial man who looked to be in his mid-thirties, give or take a little. He was praying silently on his knees. I didn’t want to be rude, so rather than interrupt him I instead sat on one of the wooden pews. I waited only about five minutes, and then the man was finished. When he saw me he was a bit startled, for who did not know anyone else besides himself was present.

“Oh, sorry Bosmer but you startled me. I thought I was the only one in here.”

He spoke with a sort depressing voice, like it was him against the world or something. It was kind of irritating, but oh well.

“Sorry for scaring you sir, but I think you are the person I’ve been looking for. Are you Martin?”

Obviously the Imperial confused because he didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. “Yes, I am Martin. But I’m afraid I’m confused. What are you talking about”?

“My name Rayden and I come all the way from Cheydinhal. I have something that will be in your interest: the Amulet of Kings.”

“The Amulet of Kings you say? Well where is it, if you even have it, that is,” he said rather rudely. “You do not have it? Well I am not surprised. Please leave me alone.”

His sudden change of mood was quite surprising. Apparently I had poked at a touchy subject. He clearly did not believe me, and that made me mad. I came all this way and all I get is a rude response? I don’t care how bad of a mood he was in, I wasn’t about to just let him walk away.

“Wait, I am not lying to you. The amulet is lying outside the city, behind a large rock. I couldn’t risk bringing the amulet with me, because as you already know the Legion is searching everyone that enters and leaves the city.”

“Well, you are right about that I suppose, but why me? Why come all the way here to bother me.” He sighed and then continued. “I am not even a good priest. Why I am telling you this I have not a clue, but just listen anyway Bosmer. The gods do not favor me; they’ve shown that throughout the years plenty of times. Why in the world would you come to me claiming you have the Amulet of Kings?”

“Because I just recently spoke with Jauffre, at Weynon Priory.”

At these words Martin’s attitude changed for the better. By telling him I had spoken with Jauffre, he seemed to believe me a little bit more than before.

“Jauffre, but how do you know him?”

“Well, I don’t really. Listen, I was at the sewers when your father, Uriel Septim was killed. I was out of view and happened to pick up the amulet by chance. I went to Jauffre because I knew he was involved with the Empire somehow. But he is dead now and…”

Martin interrupted me before I could continue. “What do you mean he’s dead? I just talked to him a mere day ago? What in Talos’ name could have happened to him?”

“The Mythic Dawn attacked Weynon Priory yesterday; I guess when Jauffre went home. They demanded to know where the amulet was, and when he told them he did not know, they killed him along with everyone else that was there. I’m sorry.”

He looked at me for several seconds before continuing. “This is all so strange. He came to me claiming that I was the last heir to the Septim bloodline. I didn’t believe him at first, but I’m starting to have second guesses. If what you and Jauffre say is true, I shall be able to wear the amulet. Take me to the amulet. If it is there than I will surely believe you.”

So I took Martin and led him outside the gate, where we were first searched by the guards, just as I had imagined we’d be. Then we walked over to the large rock, and sure enough the amulet was still underneath the dirt, and actually it was still in view even with being covered up. I was a bit mad at myself for that.

Martin did not wait for me, but instead picked up the amulet and held it to his eyes to examine more closely. “Yes, by Talos this is the Amulet of Kings. I…I can’t believe I’m actually holding it right here in front of my eyes.”

He then put the amulet on, something I could not. Several things then happened. Martin now was sure he could trust me, and he was also sure that he was in fact the son of Uriel Septim.

“You were right, Rayden. I’m sorry for ever doubting you, but surely you can understand the confusion that overtook me. Everything thing has happened so fast the past couple of days.”

“Of course, Martin, but now you see that I am right, what do we do next?” I asked him.

“I’m still confused. Am I supposed to help you defeat Mankar Cameron and the Mythic Dawn?”

“Jauffre told me you were could help me because you are knowledgeable with Daedric artifacts and things of that sort. Obviously the Mythic Dawn wants this amulet for something, though we do not know what just yet. Jauffre said you could help me with that as well.”

“Yes, Jayden, I am a sort of expert of the Daedra, but unfortunately that also brings up a past that I usually do not talk about. I don’t really know what to say…fighting against the Mythic Dawn is something I would never have dreamed of doing. You do realize you are asking a lot of me, don’t you?”

“Yes, but don’t you see? You and I are Cyrodiil’s only hope. Just think of it this way, you won’t have to do much, just decipher anything I might need you to, and I’ll do the rest.”

“Rayden, what exactly do you do for a living?”

I didn’t plan on telling him my “profession”, but the situation called for it, and if I wanted him to be honest with me, I’d have to do the same.

“I am a thief, Martin, I cannot lie to you. But do not judge me just because of that, you can trust me, I swear to Talos you can.”

“Well, I never would have guessed you were a thief. But I know I can trust you. As a thief you have not sold the amulet to anyone, and you want to help save Cyrodiil. That alone symbolizes your honesty, and I commend you for that.”

He sighed a bit and then admitted that we were the only hope for Cyrodiil. I think he realized this all along, but was having trouble coming to terms about it.

“Very well, Rayden, I will help you. But not because I want to be Emperor, because I surely don’t, but that I do not want Cyrodiil to fall into the hands of Mankar and the Mythic Dawn.”

“Excellent, I knew you’d see it that way. About your past though, you can also trust me enough to tell me that. I think its better that you get it off your chest.”

“Yes, you are right, but we must find a safe haven before we do anything. I suggest Weynon Priory. The Mythic Dawn has certainly searched it a hundred times and obviously has found nothing. I think that is our safest bet for now.”

“Sounds good, let’s head out.”

As we started to leave Kvatch I remembered one thing that I had once forgotten: My mother.

“Umm…Martin, can I ask of a favor?”

“What is it?”

I told him basically everything about my childhood, and about me leaving my mother when I turned eighteen. I asked if we could visit the home real quick, before setting off towards Weynon Priory. I know I told you I didn’t care about home, or her anymore, but now that I’m close, I’m getting a strange feeling and I just have to see if the house is still there. Who knows, maybe she left a long time ago.

“Of course, Jayden, lead the way.”

We turned to the left and headed down a dirt path that I knew would lead to the place I once called home. I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but I would soon find out.