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 NINE


The torches could be seen behind us as we kept on towards Weynon Priory. The Imperial City was now on full alert, with everyone scrambling to find the three of us, but of course that wasn’t going to happen. Now that I think about it, Mankar probably knows that I am more than just a petty thief. That has to be the case. Why else would he have the whole city on lockdown? He certainly wouldn’t have done that for low-life peasants.

And then there was Alf. What were we going to do with him? He was obviously large and sort of got in the way in terms of sneaking around, but how could I abandon him when he just saved my neck? That and from what I saw in the prison yards, there was no way I could leave him behind us. His talents were far higher than I ever would have given him credit for. There has to be something he can help us with, I just don’t know what that is yet.

“So let me get this straight,” said Martin with a sigh. “You almost got your killed in there and you didn’t even get the information you were trying to find in the first place? What was the point of that, Rayden? Now we nothing, just like before…”

Martin didn’t understand. All he did was sit outside and wait, like a coward if you ask me. He wasn’t the one who risked his own life; to almost be fried by a spell from one of those cultists. What did he know about bravery?

“How can you talk when all you did was hide behind a rock the entire time? I’m the one who did all doing…”

“Did all the doing? That’s some excellent use of grammar, Rayden, seriously. Let’s stop arguing, it’s not going to do us any good; we still don’t know Mankar’s plans.”

We stopped talking for a few seconds, and that’s when Alf finally chimed in with some heartwarming news.

“Is that what y’all arguin ‘bout? Well, lads, I know what he’s plannin’ fer our dear country. I heard it with me own ears just the other night.”

I looked at Martin and then at Alf with disbelief. Why in the world didn’t he say anything earlier?

“And why are you just now telling me this, Alf?” I asked him.

“Cause I didn’t know that’s what ye wanted, Woody.”

I simply sighed and shook my head. “Will you tell me now please?” I asked impatiently.

“Well it’s quite simple, Woody. He wants that there amulet,” Alf said while pointing at the amulet Martin was holding.

“But what for?” I asked.

“I heard Mankar talkin’ to one of his servants or whatever. He said somethin’ about destroyin’ the dragonfires and becoming the ruler of Cyrodiil. I don’t know…it was all confusin’ to me really.”

I looked at Martin and I could tell he was thinking the same thing. Why would he want the amulet when he knew he couldn’t wear it? He wasn’t part of the Septim bloodline.

“Alf, did he say anything about destroying the amulet?” said Martin.

“Ya, he said somethin’ ‘bout there being one last heir to the throne. Hey, come to think of it, he said his name was Martin. That’s yer name isn’t it?”

Martin put his hands in his face. Alf was already getting on his nerves.

“Yes, I am Martin Septim, son of Uriel Septim. I am the last heir, just as you have already said. It’s all clear now. He wants me dead and the Amulet of Kings destroyed. Then he will have no threats and the country will be his for the taking. As long as I am alive, and the amulet is still intact, he will not be able to take full control of the country. Did he say he knew my location?”

“Ya, he said somethin’ about attacking some city as well. Kvatch I think.”

At that moment Martin and I both looked at each other in disbelief. He was going to attack Kvatch tomorrow evening. Now I know what Mankar was talking about when he told Lex to get ready for a siege.

“We’ve got to get to Kvatch and warn Adamus Phillida and the Count of Mankar’s plans,” Martin yelled.

“But he won’t believe us, Martin. Why would he?” I said.

“It doesn’t matter, we’ll find out when we get there!”

Martin then took off running and Alf and I followed. We steadily jogged for nearly thirty minutes nonstop, which was alright with me, I could probably run for hours if I absolutely had to, but the strange thing was that Martin never broke stride, and perhaps even stranger is that Alf had so far kept up with Martin and I, and obviously the two of us were a bit more agile that the gigantic Nord. But it appeared I had spoken to soon, and Alf began complaining.

“Come on; give an old Nord a break will ya’?” Alf gasped.

Martin then stopped running and stood by a tree with his arms pressed against it while he caught his breath. I was merely a tad winded by the run, and I simply stood there, silently waiting for the other two.

“What are ye, Woody, some kind of freak?” Alf asked in amazement.

“No, just in good shape I guess.”

“Lad, that there’s more than just bein’ in good shape. Somethin’s wrong with ye…”

Another five minutes or so and we continued along, but at a walk rather than a run. We figured we were far enough to walk. After all, it was still late in the night, and surely Mankar and his troops would leave somewhere around ten o’clock in the morning.

“What do you plan on telling Adamus, Martin? I can’t even begin to imagine him taking us seriously. No offence or anything, but you probably aren’t the best of sources, given your past I mean.”

I was afraid Martin would take my words the wrong way, but it was only the truth, no matter how you looked at it. After what Martin said he did, I doubt many trust him now. I remembered how shocked the Dunmer lady in Kvatch was when I asked her of Martin’s location. She treated the subject as if he was some kind of disease or something.

“No, I understand, Rayden. You’re right, Adamus will probably not believe me, but that is a chance we’ll have to take.”

“And if that doesn’t work, I suppose we could just talk to the Count himself,” Alf offered, although Martin didn’t seem to agree with the statement.

“Sorry, Alf, but it won’t be that easy. The people…they don’t trust me, just as Rayden has already mentioned. The Count especially, he doesn’t much care for the mages as it is. After what happened with me and my friends, he pretty much despises anyone from the Mages Guild now.”

That got me thinking. What ever happened to the guilds? The Thieves Guild, the Fighters Guild, the Mages Guild, even that mercenary group called the Blackwood Company. Where were they in Cyrodiil’s time of need? We could certainly use their help now.

“Hey, what over happen to the guilds anyway?” I asked Martin.

“Well, the Mages Guild has pretty much set up base in Bruma. I don’t why, but they feel safest up there. Obviously with Mankar’s magic abilities, and rumored necromancy, the Mages Guild once him dead. But of course they are very undermanned, especially after most of their numbers were eliminated during the battle in the Imperial City. As far as the Fighters Guild goes, their leader died of natural causes and the group basically disbanded, oddly enough. I can’t think of the leaders name right now, sorry. And of course the Thieves Guild is a myth, although I certainly believe in them.”

“What about the Blackwood Company? You know…that group of mercenaries in Leyawiin?”

“Ah yes, I almost forgot about them. If I’m not mistaken they sided with Mankar before he even invaded Leyawiin. Now that I think about I believe it is they who let the Mythic Dawn into the city in the first place. I’m sure the fear led to them to betray the country. The last I heard they were going to serve as a special “hunter” organization for Mankar; hunting down whoever Mankar pleases and such…”

“So the Empire is on it’s own against Mankar?”

“That’s the way it looks I’m afraid. Surely the Council is doing something at the moment, but if you really think about it, there’s not much they can do. If I was to make a guess I’d say they’re most likely attempting to gain the allegiance of other countries, but what do I know…”

The situation wasn’t looking good for Cyrodiil or Martin in fact, but of course I wasn’t going to express my doubts. If what Martin was saying was true, then he was dead where he stood at this very moment. The Blackwood Company is a bunch of professional mercenaries. It was only a matter of time until they would finally catch up with Martin, and unfortunately I’ll probably be there when he’s found by them. And then a fight will ensue, and who knows, maybe I’ll die. Of course with Alf by our side we definitely stand a chance. Everything just looks so bad right now. The Empire is greatly outnumbered, with only four cities in their possession. I just can’t see how the Mythic Dawn won’t win this war, especially if they ally themselves with another group. I wouldn’t think another province would join their cause, but I guess I’ve seen stranger things.




We arrived in Kvatch just before the sun was about to come up, and the Legion soldiers were just now making their morning patrols around the surrounding area, searching for enemies. We walked inside the city, and just as I thought Alf attracted many stares. It was something I thought about while marching from the Imperial City. Maybe if we let the Nord talk to Adamus then he’d believe us, since he’s been a prisoner there. But then again letting Alf speak at all might not be the smartest decision. You never really can tell what’s going to come out of his mouth.

When asked where Adamus was, a lone Kvatch soldier replied, “The last time I saw him he was speaking with the Count,” which was perfect because now we could kill two birds with one stone. The two people we needed to meet with where at the same location, or so we hoped at least. It would certainly make things easer for us.

So we walked through the streets until we came upon the castle, where two Legion soldiers were standing guard, not moving in an inch when we asked to enter the citadel. “Unless you have an appointment you are not allowed to enter the castle. I am sorry but times are too dangerous for the Count to let just anyone inside his home,” replied one of the guards, at least with a tone of some compassion.

Then Alf commented, “Well isn’t this whole area his home?” Alf said, pointing to the entire city behind him. “And if that’s the case, he has already allowed us into his home, don’t ya’ agree? So why don’t ya’ jus let us in this particular home, since we’re already in “this” home,” Alf said, again pointing to the city behind us.

The guard was very confused with Alf’s statement, just as I was. Martin sighed and simply shook his head, and then offered a more intelligent comment. “Please, sir, it is very urgent. We have information on Mankar that the Count must hear at once.”

“Do you know how many times we’ve heard that before? More than enough, that’s how many. I’m sorry, but we just cannot let you enter. Now please, leave now before Commander Phillida comes out. He’s doesn’t take kindly to visitors.”

Rather than stand and argue the three of us walked over and sat on a stone ledge, just under the shade of a tall tree. Martin’s plan was to simply wait for either the Count or the Commander to leave the castle. Sooner or later one of them would show themselves, but unfortunately that time wouldn’t come as quick we had hoped it would.

We waited for nearly three hours under the shade of the tree, and for the most part it was spent in silence. Martin was seemingly doing his best to stay out of everyone’s sight, and Alf was having his self a noisy nap. I say noisy because his snoring was the loudest I have heard in my life, and I’ve crept into many a house in my time as a thief. But finally, just a few minutes before noon, Adamus Phillida appeared from the castle, with three soldiers by his side. I poked Alf as Martin got up to meet with Adamus. When he saw the three of us coming towards him I could tell he recognized me from earlier. And at that exact moment I also remembered the guard yelling at us when Martin and I had stolen those horses a couple days ago. I hope the guard didn’t give Adamus our description that night, it was awfully dark out then.

“Excuse me you three but I can’t talk right now,” Adamus said quickly, apparently already aware that we were about to ask him something.

“But sir, we need to speak with you and the Count immediately,” Martin said, which proved to be a terrible mistake.

“I’ve already heard about you from the Count, “brother” Martin. I don’t speak with the likes of you. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Adamus said rather rudely. But Alf wasn’t going to let him pass so easily. He stepped in front of the Legion Commander, blocking both his way and the sunlight.

“We’ve marched all the way from the Imperial City and have waited here since eight o’clock. We have done nothing wrong and you will give us a few minutes to explain what we have to say,” he said angrily.

I had expected the Commander to show some shock and perhaps a little fear, given Alf’s enormous size, but alas the Legion officer was unfazed by Alf’s words.

“Do you think you strike fear in me just because you’re two feet taller than I am? Well let me tell you, I’ve fought beasts both taller and more fearsome than you could ever dream of. So the next time you want to act tough, save it for someone else.”

He stepped to the side and walked around Alf, who I thought was going to go after the officer. That is before I grabbed his arm and held him back. Although I don’t at all think it was my strength that held him back, only Alf’s own good judgment.

“What now?” I asked Martin as the three of us watched Adamus go on his daily route.

“How about you just do what you do best, Rayden?”

“Sorry, I’m not following you…”, I said confused as ever.

“Sneak into the castle.”

“And how in the world am I going to do that with those two guards over there?” I whispered, just low enough for only us three to hear.

“Alf and I will distract them. We’ll pretend to get in a tussle, and while the guards come to break us up, you can make your way into the castle. When the guards inside see you walk in they’ll have to just assume you were let in. Find Count Goldwine and inform him of what is happening. If he doesn’t at first believe you then keep on at it. Sooner or later he’ll have to at least think about it.”

“Or throw me in jail…”

“Just do it Rayden. Let’s go, Alf.”

“Wait, Martin. What if you two are thrown in jail? What then?” Of course Martin paid no attention to my questions and suddenly he and Alf were “arguing” with one another, on the other side of the castle. When Alf picked up Martin by the shirt collar the two guards ran over to “cool them down” and I took my chances and bolted for the door. Luckily I think everyone was focusing on the entire ruckus, and I was able to safely make my way into the castle. I closed the door shut and turned around. The count was sitting on his throne, staring me down with his two eyes. I could tell I was sweating, probably shaking. I was actually nervous, something I’m not exactly accustomed to. Before anyone could stop me I started towards the throne to speak with the Count…