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 THIRTEEN


I didn’t answer his question, but I’m not even sure that would be possible if I tried. My back was in excruciating pain from the contact I made with Alf while flying through the air. And now, trickling down from my nose and into my open mouth was blood. I felt my nose with the most delicate touch and immediately I screamed out in pain, for my nose was broken. I had landed on my face hard on the ground and my nose paid the price for it.

Then I felt a huge hand grab me by the collar and raise me from the ground. I was now dangling about three or four feet off the ground, facing Mankar. No doubt the treacherous Nord was holding me with one of his massive hands.

“You just don’t learn, do you Rayden?” Mankar asked. “You would think one would learn from his mistakes, but I guess that only applies for intelligent beings. Your race never was too bright. It’s too bad you and your Dunmer cousins can’t take away from how Altmer act. Our civilized manor is a bit too different from your…ways. I never did figure out why my father would mate with such an ugly race such as the Bosmer. I am, I admit, very shamed that I have to suffer the consequences of bearing the blood of both an Altmer and a wood elf, but alas there is nothing I can do about it.”

He raised a hand and pointing at me while looking at Lex. Then the Imperial traitor walked over and searched my body for any weapons. He found my sword and dagger. Other than that I was empty.

“Good, Lex, now take those to the armory and store them there. I don’t think he’ll be needing those; not for now at least,” Mankar said to Lex while looking at me smiling.

Lex walked away and the two Mythic Dawn bodyguards stepped up beside Mankar, who had now turned his attention back to me.

“So, Rayden, I’m sure you are curious as to why “Alf” would betray you, am I correct? Well, of course I am. Let me tell you who he really is. His real name is Alfhedil…”

Alf then interrupted him, “Yes, master, I told him that,” he said with an evil laugh, “and he was stupid enough to believe me!”

“Yes, Alfhedil, you’ve played your role better than I ever could have imagined. Now, where was I? Oh yes, Alfhedil’s lie. He was no prisoner, Rayden. That was all set up just for you. You see, when Lex was dragging you to the Dungeon I placed Alfhedil in the same cell as you on purpose. I thought to myself, ‘if this Bosmer was able to infiltrate into my city this far, then he must have a specific purpose.’ I knew it wasn’t a simple search and rescue for a lost relative or friend, but rather something more. I do not know why exactly, but I somehow knew you posed a threat to my plans. So in comes Alfhedil, my prize scholar. I found him dumbly wondering the frozen wastelands of Solstheim long ago. I was there studying the ancient ruins, for those were my earlier days of course. I took Alfhedil into my possession and have taught him all I know, or I have at least tried. It’s amazing how his skills have raised since then. Granted they are certainly unpolished, but I am nothing less than pleased with his fast progression,” he paused while admiring Alfhedil’s ability to accomplish whatever sick mission Mankar set for him.

“Alfhedil’s job was only to make friends with you and follow you throughout your little journey. Of course he had to kill a few of my men in the process, but that was something I knew would happen. I didn’t want any of my men to die, but it’s a sacrifice that was beneficial as you can see. Alfhedil has led you here to me, and now your cause is all over Rayden. You have failed and I have won. It’s as simple as that.”

What I still couldn’t figure out was where everyone was. The Count, the soldiers, the civilians….

“Where is everyone? Why is the city so empty?” I barely muttered. I didn’t even want to talk about Alf, or I guess I should say Alfhedil. I was so angry.

“We were willingly let in by Count Ormellius Goldwine himself. Fortunately for me he saw the way, for his mind is more intelligent than the other rulers of Cyrodiil. As you know, all have died except for Count Hassildor of Skingrad and Countess Carvain of Bruma. Countess Umbranox of Anvil is still alive of course, but not for long…”

“What do you mean?”

“Goldwine and his troops are marching to Anvil as I speak. They will overtake the city, leaving only Bruma left. In case you didn’t know, half of my men turned around and went back to Skingrad, where one of my inside informants will let them into the city where everyone will be witness to my fury!”

“What about Adamus Phillida and the Legion troops?”

“The blasted Imperial got away with about ten of his men when one of his soldiers caught wind of what was going on. Apparently a soldier of his caught one of my informers talking with a Kvatch soldier about our plans. My men and I were only a few minutes from the castle when this happened, and he took off faster than ever. A small battle between Kvatch soldiers and Legions took place while Adamus escaped, and all the Legion soldiers were killed.”

“Where did he fell to?”

“To Bruma of course! Where else would the coward run off to? He retreated to the one city I am afraid I cannot take just yet. The fortifications of Bruma have certainly been enhanced since I first attacked the Imperial City, according to one of my scouts. Narina Carvain is a very intelligent woman, despite her ignorant Imperial bloodline. I have not the capability of laying siege on Bruma, but that will all change soon.”



“But why are you doing this? I thought the Mythic Dawn was devoted the god Mehrunes Dagon?”

“That we are, Rayden. But I feel the need to take over the lands of Cyrodiil for my own. I mean, why should I not? I have the skill and intelligence to do so. True, I never have had a plethora of men at my disposal, but the world is full of traitors. That is how I have been so successful. I use fear to persuade others to my side. So far it’s worked tremendously.”

“If all you want is the country, then why are you so eager on obtaining the Amulet of Kings?”

“Because, you foolish wood elf, by destroying the amulet I shall destroy the dragonfires. And obviously by doing that I shall open up a whole other world, the gates of Oblivion!”

“The what? You mean the realm of Mehrunes Dagon?”

“Yes, you fool! My master will be more than exuberant when I am finally able to break down the barrier and let him into Tamriel once more. I figured why not take over the lands so that my lord be able to do his bidding immediately.”

“And you need the amulet destroyed so that the dragonfires may diminish, and in return the barrier between Tamriel and Oblivion will fade away?”

“Precisely, my little wood elf prisoner. Now, Alfhedil, throw our guest to the ground before he suffocates.”

I was let go and I landed hard on the ground, with pain shooting up by back in the process. I rolled onto my back and then Mankar kicked me in the side. Then he lifted me with a spell and held me in place.

“Now Alfhedil will tell me of your plans, Rayden. Alfhedil, what is it that our prisoner desires?”

“Rayden has not been working alone, master. He has allied himself with the last heir to the Septim throne. He is of course an Imperial, and his name is Martin Septim.”

Mankar’s merely blinked. “So, his name is Martin. Hmm, I could have sworn one of my informants told me his name started with a ‘G’. Oh well, continue…”

“Martin has the amulet and is now residing in Skingrad, with Count Hassildor and his remaining troops,” Alfhedil said.

“Very good, so the amulet will fall into our hands tonight? Wonderful; everything is going according to plan. Now, Rayden, what do we do with you now that my plans are set and everything shall fall into place?”

I wasn’t even looking at either them. I was simple looking at the ground, hoping this would all end soon. What I feared would happen was seemingly hours away actually being a reality. Anvil would soon be attacked and Bruma would who be Cyrodiil’s last hope.

Martin was going to die, along with Count Hassildor and everyone else in Skingrad; the soldiers, the citizens, the children, everyone was going to perish. And what was to become of Dion, Danus and the Skingrad soldiers that were waiting just outside the city? For a second I thought perhaps Mankar didn’t know about them, but I had foolishly forgotten about the traitor standing a few feet away from me.

“What shall we do with the Skingrad troops outside, master?” Alfhedil asked of Mankar

“Go out and let them in, Alfhedil. Though I’m not sure if they will believe you or not.”

“What should I say if they refuse to believe me?”

“Tell them that the Mythic Dawn army passed up Kvatch and is heading straight for Anvil. Tell them Count Goldwine told you so. Bring about ten of our men dressed in Kvatch armor. That should help.”

Alfhedil left us as well. Then, after he left, a man appeared. He was a Mythic Dawn cultist, but this one had a black cloth covering his face.

“Master, Janus Hassildor and Martin Septim were not found in Skingrad. We entered the city as soon as their army left. They must have learned of what was happening and fled.”

Mankar’s expression turned into absolute anger.

“What shall we do, master?” asked the man with the covered face.

“Search the area extensively. They couldn’t have gotten too far unless they were on horses. And if that’s the case you will find hoof marks and things of that nature. Hurry, time is being wasted!”

“Right away, sir! And what about the prisoner we’ve come into possession of?”

“…Kill them.”

The man left as quick as he had come, leaving me alone with Mankar and his two guards.



“What are you going to do to them, the Kvatch soldiers outside?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

“They will die…just like the rest, Rayden. But enough about them, I think it’s high time we focus on you. What is your role in this pointless struggle against my army?”

“Isn’t it obvious? To stop you from taking over the country…”

“But why risk your life for people you have stolen from for many years?”

“And what makes you think I’m a thief, let alone one for many years?”

“Rayden…look at you. You’re a Bosmer first and foremost. Secondly, there’s simply no doubt that I am correct, especially after seeing what you have been able to accomplish. You infiltrated the Imperial City, you have silently killed several of my guards, you’ve uncovered the secret entrance into this very city, it all adds up.”

“Fine, what if I am a thief? What does it matter?”

“It matters because I’m finding it incredibly hard to understand why you care so much for people who don’t care about you. This Martin Septim, why help him? Is it not the truth that he would not car whether you were dead or alive? Think about it, Rayden, do you honestly think it would matter that much to him, or any of the people you’re helping? No, it would not.”

“What are getting at?”

“You should not be helping these people, it benefits you none whatsoever. Be honest with me, what were you doing when you came into the possession of the amulet?”

“I…I was inside the prison sewers, outside the Imperial City. I saw your men brutally murder the Emperor and his companions. They killed him while he was lying on the floor with his hands up, totally defenseless!” I said in anger.

“So, like I assumed, you were sneaking around trying to find something to steal, correct?”

I said nothing.

“You’re a wood elf, Rayden, a tree climber. And wood elves are typically thieves, it’s the simple truth. Every one knows this. But, the message that I am trying to send to you is that you’re risking your life for the wrong cause.”

The last sentence caught my attention. Risking my life for the wrong cause? What is he trying to say?

“Rayden, I’ll be frank with you. I do not like you, but you ups greatly outweigh your downs. Yes, you’re a wood elf, but so are several of my own associates. I have learned to put up with their ugly bloodline in order to receive their help. And I am willing to do the same with you…”

I couldn’t believe it. Was he really trying to get me on his side?

“Whoa, hold on a second? Are you actually trying to sway me to your cause?”

Mankar smiled and then chuckled a bit. “Come, Rayden, let us walk while we discuss these matters.”

I really didn’t know what else to do, so I followed him along with his two bodyguards.

“For a minute let’s just pretend and say the Imperials do win back their country.” Mankar began as we strolled through the streets. “What would become of you, my little wood elf? Would you be welcomed as a hero, or would be left out in the cold? Think about this one long and hard.”

I had never really thought about it before. What was to become of me after this struggle has totally slipped my mind. I suppose I figured I would be welcomed into the Empire somehow. But is that really what would happen? Now that I thought about a bit more, I wasn’t really too sure. But I wasn’t about to mention my doubts to Mankar.

“No answer? Well, I’ll give it to you. You would be forgotten, Rayden. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the Imperials would never let a wood elf, let alone a thief, into their ranks. Now I realize I am not an expert in the way Imperials choose their officers and such, but I do know they are ignorant and conceited. They want the world for themselves and no one else’s. If the Imperials were able to defeat me somehow it would be with the help of Narina Carvain and Janus Hassildor. Both are capable leaders in their own right, and they wouldn’t hesitate to take the glory and leave you behind. And this Martin person, does he not want to be the Emperor?”

I shook my head no.

“Well, then, there’s go your chance of gaining anything from this at all. Martin is your companion, and if he wants no part in the Empire then that leaves you all alone. I highly doubt the Imperial would offer you an award or anything. Perhaps a pat on the back is all you would receive, if even that.”

We entered a tower near the entrance to the main city gates. Next we started up a flight of stairs. The place was totally dark, except for a lone torch that was dimly lit, resting on the wall. So Mankar transmitted some kind of spell that lit up the room brightly.

“Rayden, if you fight me you will die. But, if you decide what is best for you, both beneficially and intelligently, you will become somebody. No longer will you be the unknown thief, who has to fight through life just to get by. Your name will be known throughout Tamriel and you will earn the respect of everyone. I have a feeling my men won’t find Martin or Hassildor. Track them down and bring them to me. They still believe you are one of them.

“No, you’re nothing but a liar! You’ll only kill me once I find Martin and the Count!”

“Are you sure about that, Rayden? Think about it, you are not an Imperial and you really hold no significance anymore. Martin has the amulet, and now that he is with Hassildor they will likely head for Bruma, where their defenses shall shield them from my army, for now. They will not travel to Anvil, for Hassildor is too wise to believe the city cannot be overrun. Face it, Rayden; they do not care for you.”

What if Mankar was right? I know I want to believe that I actually mean something, but perhaps he’s right. I mean, I really don’t even know why I’m helping the Empire. I suppose only because I do not want to be ruled by the Mythic Dawn, but if what Mankar says is true…maybe I would be something more. No…what am I thinking? It’s not true. Mankar is the enemy and he always will be…

“I assume by your silence that you are pondering my offer? I hope that is the case because if not you will be killed, Rayden,” he said while we were now walking through a door and out into a balcony of the building. We must have been in the guard tower.

“Look at it, Rayden,” he said while pointing out into early morning. The sun was now rising and it really was a beautiful sight. We had an excellent view of a wide area of land. Everything seemed so peaceful, even if it really wasn’t.

“This can all be yours along with mine, only if you side with me. So, what shall it be, Rayden? Will you accept my offer…or will you instead accept death?”

I didn’t want to die. And now that I was being threatened of that certain fate, many things were running through my head. Maybe he was right after all. I have to admit I cannot remember Martin ever telling me thanks for anything, not one thing. But on the other hand, how could I betray his trust? I would be no better than Alfhedil. Boy, were things so confusing…

“Think of it this way, Rayden. You can either fight what is ultimately to come, or you can embrace what cannot be stopped. The time for a new age is now, and nothing can stop this forthcoming. Not Martin, not you, not Hassildor, no one.”

I…I didn’t know what to say. I suppose his offer was a little tempting at least. And maybe…wait…no, I can’t think that way. Mankar is nothing but a treacherous snake; one that will wrap around its prey and never let go. He’s a sneaky Altmer, I’ll give him that. I almost actually believed what he was saying, but it’s all lies.

“No, I will not aid you, you filthy animal. You won’t win this war, Mankar. No matter what happens to me, here today, you will lose.”

His reaction was rather normal, nothing exceptional. “Fine, Rayden, do as you wish. It’s too bad you don’t see things my way. You would have made a good mage with some practice I think. Guards…kill him.”

Mankar stood aside while his guards unsheathed their blades and started walking slowly towards me. The room space at the tower was rather cramped. It was circular and about ten yards all the way around. I back up against the wall while they came. I had no weapons available, only my fists, which were nothing against a pair of metal blades.

Closer they came, now within a few yards of me. Then, when I looked over the edge of the wall, I saw a large bale of high at the ground level. You can probably guess what I’m thinking now, I was wondering whether to jump or not. I was up fairly high up, about eight stories since we were in a tower. If I landed wrong I would die, but if I stayed here I would die as well. I just didn’t know if jumping was my final option, but there was only one way to find out.

So I took a leap of faith and jumped from the tower and to the ground. It was the sensational feeling I had ever come to face in my life; flying down towards the hard dirt ground, not knowing if you are going to die or survive. It was absolutely mystifying in a way. Time passed quickly, which was exactly the opposite if what I imagined would happen, and luckily I landed smack dab in the middle of the pile, though not without injury. My back, which was still sore, didn’t feel any better from the impact, even if it was hay.

I quickly, but painfully, got up from the ground and brushed the hay off of me. I looked up and could just barely see Mankar looking at me from above. He screamed something but I couldn’t make out the words. Then a burst of light appeared from the tower, and the next thing I knew two bodies were falling. They were the bodyguards and they hit the ground with a thud, and obviously they were now dead. Before anyone could spot me I was about to run away, but before I did that I grabbed a dagger from one of the guards’ belt. It was sort of bent in a way but it was better than nothing. I looked into the distance and saw that the field was lying with bodies. I scurried over to look for any survivors, and found only one: Dion.

His chest was barely moving. Two arrows were sticking out from his right side and blood was all over his face. If it wasn’t for his dark complexion I probably wouldn’t have recognized him.

“Dion, are you okay?”

I don’t know why I asked him that. Obviously he wasn’t.

“What do you think? I’ve got two arrows sticking from my body and I’ve lost a lot of blood. I’m not going to last long, but tell me, what happened in there?”

“Alf, or Alfhedil I guess, betrayed us. He’s been working with Mankar the entire time. I never would have guessed.”

“Yes, I already know that. He came out here with about ten men dressed in Kvatch armor. We thought they were friendly Kvatch soldiers, but we were wrong.”

“What happened out here, Dion?”

They struck when Danus started asking too many questions. A fight ensued and suddenly hundreds of spells came from within the forest behind us. Apparently they had following us the whole time. We didn’t stand a chance. There were cultists, a few Kvatch soldiers, even a large group of mercenaries from the Blackwood Company. It all ended in a matter of minutes. But, they took Danus into the city for questioning. You better get out of here quick, before they see you.”

I wanted nothing more than to get out of here, but I couldn’t leave Danus here to die, even if he is a rude person. He’s actually a good soldier, according to Dion. I would need his help.

“Come on, I’ll help you up and…”

“No, Rayden, it’s too late for me. Just leave before they come! Wait…where are you going now?”

“I can’t leave Danus in there to die. I’ll need him…”

“But he’s likely dead as we speak!” He yelled, but I did not wait. I had to get inside. I didn’t really believe going back into the city was the smartest of decisions, but it was a necessary one in my mind…