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 ELEVEN


The man led us through the gates, but the soldiers stayed outside, no doubt protecting the city from intruders. Inside the city, soldiers were everywhere, all ready just in case the Mythic Dawn decided to attack, or so I assumed. I didn’t see any citizens mulling about, but that was because they were likely hiding in their homes from the potential invasion.

“My name is Dion; I am the Captain of the City Guard. And what are your names?” The guard captain asked us this question while we made our way through the crowded streets filled with war-ready soldiers.

“My name is Rayden. This here is Martin and Alf,” I replied, motioning towards my two companions.

“Well, I’ll go ahead and apologize for getting in your face out there,” Dion said to Martin. “With Mankar and his men so close I assumed you were on their side.”

“There is no need for apologies, Captain, it’s quite understandable.”

Then Dion went on to explain where he was taking us. “We’re heading for the castle, where you will speak to Count Janus Hassildor immediately and show him that amulet. If you don’t mind me asking, how did you come into the possession of that?” Dion said pointing to Martin’s pocket where the amulet was resting. Martin nodded at me, because it was I who found it in the first place.

“I was walking through the prison sewers when I saw Uriel Septim and several Blades fighting with Mythic Dawn cultists. There was also a prisoner as well but he died, along with the Blades and Emperor Septim,” I said.

“You mean you were actually there when it all happened? You actually saw Uriel Septim die?” Dion asked bewildered.

“Yes, I saw one a cultist run his sword into Uriel’s chest. There were at least three of them. There was nothing I could have done to save him.”

“Don’t blame yourself, I understand the situation. You did a brave and wondrous task but just getting out alive with the amulet in hand.”

We arrived at the Castle doors and we entered inside, where again, many soldiers were lined up, this time around the Count himself. Hassildor was talking with a soldier, seemingly one with importance. The soldier was probably an officer of some kind.

“Excuse me, my lord, but I think these three have something of interest to you,” Dion said to the Count.

The Count stopped talking to the guard and turned his attention Dion and the rest of us. The entire room quieted down considerably, as all present was curious to see who we were and what we were doing in their city.

“Yes, Dion, what is it that you need? Who are these three you have with you?” Count Hassildor asked.

“My Lord, these three have brought us the Amulet of Kings.”

The room erupted into loud whispering and finger pointing. Count Hassildor’s eyebrows raised and the guard next to him scoffed rather loudly, and then whispered something into the Count’s right ear.

“Can I see the amulet,” said the Count.

Martin brought the amulet from his pocket and handed it to me. Apparently I was going to show it to the Count. Then Dion motioned for me to follow him and I did. We walked up to the throne and I handed Count Hassildor the amulet. He took it in his hands and examined it closely for a few seconds, and then said to me, “You and your two friends need to follow me to my chambers, immediately.”

I waved for Alf and Martin to follow me. The guard next to the Count said to Dion, “Return to your post Dion. You are no longer needed here.” The guard, who I noticed was an Imperial, spoke to Dion very rudely, as if Dion was under him somehow.

“Yes, sir,” Dion grumbled, and then returned to the outside.

Martin, Alf, and I followed Hassildor and the Imperial guard as they led us up a flight of stairs and eventually into an expensively decorated room, the Count’s chambers. The guard closed the door and Hassildor took a seat at a desk, where the guard then walked over and stood by his side.

“Where did you find this?” Hassildor asked while holding up the amulet.

I told the Count my story, and at first I thought he was going to claim my statements false, just Ormellius Goldwine had done. But, fortunately, I was wrong about that. The Count did believe me and actually thanked me for coming.

“You three have done a wise thing by bringing this amulet to me, and for this you have my thanks. I would not trust any other Count or Countess myself. Well, perhaps Narina Carvain of Chorrol, but even she can have a conniving mind at times, although for the most part I think she means well. But, now that you are here, what is there to do? Mankar obviously wants this amulet, but he does not know its possessor, does he?”

I shook my head no.

“Good, then we still have time to plan, but unfortunately I am not sure what we are planning for. Mankar wants this amulet destroyed so that he can clear the threat of another heir to the throne, but that puzzles me greatly. There are no other heirs.”

Right then I looked back at Martin, who nodded at me. He knew what had to be done.

“My Lord, my name is Martin Septim, son of Uriel Septim. I am the last heir.”

Hassildor was stunned and at a loss for words, just as the guard was as well. He looked at the guard, then back at us.

“Preposterous…there’s no way,” Hassildor gasped. “Are you serious? Are you really claiming to be of the Septim bloodline?”

Martin walked up to the Count and requested the amulet. When handed to him, Martin wrapped the amulet around neck, and followed next was a bright display of lights that lit up the room. Martin had proven his point most effectively.

“I don’t believe it. You really are the heir to the throne. This is magnificent, stupendous! Don’t you know what this means?” Hassildor had jumped from his seat and was wild with giddy happiness. “You are the future Emperor of Cyrodiil! Once Mankar and his minions are forever defeated you shall take your seat as the rightful leader of the country!”

The Count’s envisions were certainly high for Martin, but unfortunately he didn’t seem to agree with Hassildor. “My Lord, I do not wish to be Emperor. I only want peace for Cyrodiil, nothing more.”

“But you have an opportunity to become what most only dream of! The Septim bloodline has lasted for many years, and now you want to end it yourself? Surely you just haven’t thought about it yet, maybe if…”

“No,” Martin said sternly, “I have thought about it for the past several days. I do not want to be Emperor. That is enough of that, please.”

He seemed agitated, but Hassildor grudgingly dropped the subject. “Very, well, I see you are blinded by what honor should be passed to you. But I see you want no part in that, and so because of this I shall hold my tongue, my now at least. But, what to do with this amulet…”

“We must defeat Mankar and his troops, my lord. I don’t see any other way,” the guard said.

“Yes, Danus, but we need more men. The army of the Mythic Dawn is much larger than ours. They control over half the country for crying out loud!”

“Your honor, Mankar is now heading for Kvatch. My friend here, Alf, heard this with his own ears. And as you saw with the passing of the Mythic Dawn shortly ago, this is true. He is going to attack Kvatch. You should send your army to aid the city. Defeat Mankar and this war will end. But if you do not send your army, another city will be destroyed and we will be that much closer from defeat.”

Hassildor pondered my small speech for a few seconds, and then gave word to his guard, “Danus, assemble the troops. We leave in one hour for Kvatch.”

The guard left the room and it just the four of us left.

“Preparations will be set and the army will be on its way in no time. Of course, out of the thirty-five hundred men at my disposal, I will keep one thousand just in case the city is attacked.

“Yes, sir, I am glad to see you are wiser than that of the Count of Kvatch,” Martin said. “And I suppose we are now under your command, so what shall we do to help?”

“Can the three of you fight?”

Alf and I nodded.

“Very well, it is decided then. You two shall join my troops in battle. As for you Martin, you will stay here with me. I was not going to send you to battle anyhow. Not with your importance.”

“Yes, my lord,” Martin said.

I was a bit surprised that Hassildor would decide so fast on sending his troops to battle, but I guess I shouldn’t complain. The Count then instructed us to meet with Dion, who would lead the back half of the troops on the battlefield. Danus, the guard who was with Hassildor, would lead the front line. When Alf and I arrived outside where the guards were lining up, Dion was instructing them on what to expect once the fighting started. When Alf and I arrived he greeted us warmly.

“Great, I’m glad to have you two fighting with us! We shall stay in the back of the lines, away from the first wave of Mythic Dawn troops. But don’t worry, we’ll get our action!”

Dion was ready for the battle, which was good thing. Confidence was an excellent tool. I asked Dion to speak with Alf and me in private, and so we walked away where only the three of us could hear each other.

“Who is that?” I asked, pointing to Danus, who was talking with his troops.

“That’s Danus Artellian, Captain of the Castle Guard. He totes his rank around arrogantly. I’ve come to despise him, even if he’s a valiant warrior.”

“Skills in battle sometimes lead to a big head,” I said. “It’s unfortunate he has to act that way. I saw how you treated you in the throne room.”

“He treats me so low, just because I’m the City Captain and he’s the Castle Captain. I realize his sole role his mainly protecting the Count and leading the Count’s personal bodyguard unit, which is obviously important, but he shouldn’t act the way does. It doesn’t matter thought, I’ve come to get used to it.”

Dion then walked over to his men and said a few more words before Danus walked over to inform us we would be leaving shortly. Then he walked over to Alf and I.

“I just wanted you know I do not want you with me on this mission. I can lead my men perfectly without the help of a lowly Bosmer and a dumb oaf of a Nord. You’re lucky Count Hassildor wishes for you to come. Otherwise your sorry lives would have stay here in the city,” he turned and walked away.

I was very surprised to see Danus act this way. Here we were, risking our own lives to help him and his men, and he didn’t even appreciate it.

“I don’t appreciate your tone, Captain. We’re only trying to help you and your men. There’s really no reason to cop an attitude with us,” I yelled at him.

He immediately turned back around and walked right up to me. He was of course taller than me since I’m a Bosmer, and he looked down upon me while I looked up. But I showed no fear.

“You pathetic Bosmer, you think I care what you say or do? Well I could care less about you or your dumb friend. Just make sure to stay out of my way on the battlefield,” and said and walked off for the last time.

“What a jerk, isn’t he, Woody?”

“Yes, Alf, he certainly is. We’ll have to keep a watch on him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d attack us by “accident”.”

“Aye, lad. That I will do.”

“I’m sorry you two had to witness his wraith as well,” Dion said, smiling just a bit.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve dealt with others like him before. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”