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 SIX


I was about open the gates and enter the city, but before I could do so Martin whispered my name loudly, just enough where I alone could here him.

“Wait, Rayden, feel the back of your robe.”

I swung my right arm around and felt the back of my crimson red gown, and my fingers found there way into a hole and a sticky substance: blood.

How could I have been so stupid? I had killed this robe’s owner with my bow, a shot straight into back causing the obvious tear in the robe, plus the blood that had been spilled as well. I didn’t know what I was going to do now. Obviously I couldn’t just walk into the city like this.

“What now, Martin? I can’t go in there like this!”

“I know, I know. I can’t believe I almost let you walk in like that. What about the Altmer, you know the one whose throat you cut open? What about his robe?”

I looked at Martin his sense of both frustration and stupidity.

“Martin…I slit his throat. Do you really think there’s no blood still pouring from his wound?”

“Yes, that wasn’t a very intelligent question. Umm…well, I’m clean out of ideas. I suppose we could wait until someone else comes out. Then perhaps you can strangle them and then take their robe.”

“Enough with all this killing, Martin. While I don’t mind it a bit, sooner or later I’ll go up against someone that I cannot take. I’m just going to enter the city with what I have on.”

Martin didn’t seem to like that decision. “Are you crazy? You wouldn’t last five minutes in there! Surely you’ll be caught!”

“Well, what else am I supposed to do? I can’t just sit here forever and ponder ideas on how to get a stupid robe. Don’t worry about me; I’m a professional at this kind of stuff.”

“I realize that, Rayden, but how in the world do you expect to get in there unnoticed?”

“I’m still working on that at the moment. Wait…..the Waterfront District! I can get in through there! I cannot believe how stupid I am acting today! Why didn’t we think of this before?”

“To be honest with you, I’ve never been to that part of the city. Isn’t that where the beggars live, or used to live I should say.”

“Yes, it’s where the panhandlers seek out there money. They really aren’t as dangerous as some claim. There’s only a handful that can get aggressive. The others are actually good people who got into some trouble.”

“Seems like you’ve made some friends over there,” Martin replied.

“No, definitely not. I don’t get into friendships. It’s bad for business.”

“What about me?”

“Who said I was your friend?” I said playfully.




So we walked around towards the east, along the walls until we reached the waterfront district. We were standing at the top of a small hill, overlooking the entrance into the Temple District. While perched upon the hill, we spotted many Dawn patrols of course. They were walking about in groups no less than three and seemingly no more than about five or six. I looked up at the lighthouse and I could see a glare. It was likely they had some men up there, and the glare was probably coming from a staff or something. Also I could see movement as well.

“Hey, Martin, look up there,” I whispered while pointing towards the building. “They’ve likely got a unit up there as well. Stay out of the light at all costs.”

“What do you mean? There aren’t any lights around us!”

“I know. I’m just talking for future references.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t plan on moving from this spot. I’ll be waiting for you here.”

I nodded and was about to carefully climb down the hill and finally enter the city, then something amazing, and lucky, happened. A lone cultist had left his group and was walking towards Martin and I, from our left. I had at last found my disguise. I grinned at Martin and then waited for the Dawn member to come past. I was crouched behind a stone, eagerly waiting for my chance to strike. I would let him pass by, and then I clamped by hand on his mouth, silencing him. Then I would strangle him, or maybe her, I’m not sure just yet.

Martin gave me the signal when the figure was closing in, and I quietly stood up, ready to pounce. When the hooded figure walked by I quickly jumped out from my hiding spot and grabbed body. I was able to subdue the cultist in a matter of seconds, and then I looked at their face. It was an Imperial male, and his face was that of a look of complete surprise. Thankfully he was not carrying a source of light, and I was able to do my work in the dark. So I dressed out of my bloody robes in exchange for some cleaner ones. I waved my final goodbye to Martin and at last I was able to enter the city.




When I stepped inside the first thing I spotted were the rather large statues. And in the middle of the Arboretum was the statue of Tiber Septim himself. Truly a master of an artist created these, but I had not the time to gaze, I had a mission to fulfill. I crept along the streets, trying to avoid all the other patrols that were walking around the park. I had feared that I would be stopped by someone, but as of yet I had avoided that. I hoped my success would continue, but it appeared that I had spoken a little bit too soon.

“Hey, you there, where do you think you’re going?”

A rather tall Altmer came walking towards me. I was stunned with fear, not only because I had been spotted, but rather who had spotted me: Mankar Cameron himself.

“Judo…is that you?”

I nodded eagerly, hoping that would be enough.

“Why aren’t you with your unit outside?”

I shrugged my shoulders and grumbled a low “I’m sick. I was told to settle in for the night so that I may be healthy for tomorrow.”

“Well you certainly sound sick. You look rather pale as well and your voice is very croaky. Let me see your face.”

I covered my face with my hood even more than I already was. I was too afraid my true identity might be discovered.

“Please, master, I do not wish for you to catch my sickness. I fear it may be contagious.”

“Yes, Judo, you are probably right. By the fires of Oblivion, I sure don’t want to be sick when tomorrow comes. Get some sleep, tomorrow will be a fun day,” he laughed, and then walked off towards the Waterfront.

Why he was coming from the palace and to the Waterfront I have no idea, but I was about to find out.




I followed him outside and as I did I stayed in the shadows. I didn’t want anyone to see me now that I was following the leader of their cult. Obviously that would be suspicious. We walked all the way to the lighthouse where I had seen the glare from the top before. Mankar entered the structure and closed the door shut. Very carefully and extremely quietly I entered and continued to follow him.





Inside we walked up a flight of stairs, and then Mankar exited through a door at the top. I knew then that he was going to meet with whoever it was outside. Instead of following him I put my right ear up against the keyhole and listened to their conversation:




“Good evening, Mankar.”

“Let’s end with the greetings and get down to business. Are the plans in order?”

“Yes, the table set for your forthcoming, tomorrow night. I assure you all is ready.” The man talking to Mankar sounded as if he were an Imperial, possibly in his mid-forties. “I also want to thank you again for accepting me into your extraordinary group. You made a wise decision in making me your right hand man.”

“You are not my right hand man; you are my puppet and nothing else. You will abide by what I tell you, but I swear, if you double-cross me it’ll be the last thing you ever do,” Mankar said sternly.

“I’m sure you will. I have no intentions of betraying you. What benefits would I receive with such an act? Did I not display my allegiance during the sack of this very city, my liege?”

“Yes, I am thankful for that, you did I splendid job in letting my men in. I have to admit, if it wasn’t for your acts I would have lost hundreds of more men than I did. But let’s not forget what you were before I allowed you to become my…servant.”

A silence fell for about five seconds, and then Mankar spoke again. “Let us leave now and make preparations for tomorrow’s siege. But first I must take care of our visitor.”

All of a sudden I heard a deafening blast outside and suddenly the door busted through, slamming me hard in the face. I rolled down the stairs until I at last laid rest on the cold stone floor. My eyesight was extremely blurry and blood was dripping down my face, but I could just barely make out two figures walking down the stairs. I could tell one of them was Mankar, but I didn’t recognize the other at first, that is until Mankar called him by name.

“What shall we do now, master?” Mankar’s companion asked.

Everything then started getting even more blurry and in a matter of seconds I couldn’t see anything. I think I must have passed out shortly after that, because the last thing I remembered was Mankar saying:

“Throw him in the dungeon, Hieronymus. I’ll talk with him shortly.”