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 SIXTEEN


The rest of the way to Bruma was spent talking with our new friends. Most of them didn’t have much to say simply because they were worn out from all the fighting. But Alusan was quite the talker, as was the Imperial who first recognized Janus. It also appeared that the two loved to argue with one another as well.

“If you ask me, I’m surprised we haven’t received any help from the other provinces. Where are they at in our time of desperate need,” said the Imperial man who recognized Janus.

“Come on, Malpen, you of all people should know the answer to that. You’re the one always complaining about how the other provinces don’t show the Empire any respect.”

“That’s right, Alusan, especially you Redguards from Hammerfell!” Malpen said with a chuckle.

“Hammerfell isn’t anything like Cyrodiil. I’ve explained that to you several times, but of course you haven’t listened to me. Our province is not one kingdom united under one Emperor. There are numerous Kings and Queens, all vying for power. The province itself is split up into different regions and areas. And the eastern part is still trying to re-conquer lands taken by Skyrim. They have their own war too you know…..the War of Bend’r-Mahk.”

“Yes, yes, you’ve told me that hundreds of times. I know, I know.”

“Then stop complaining that my province isn’t aiding us at this time. We do not have a grand army like the Empire has.”

“Neither does the Empire anymore,” Malpen replied back, and he had an excellent point.




We finally arrived in Bruma some two hours later and I could almost feel the heat coming from the many torches that were just visible through the heavy downfall of snow. They were the torches of nearly one hundred soldiers guarding the walls of Bruma, which had drastically changed since the last I visited the small city. Hassildor was right when he said Bruma’s defenses were top notch. Somehow in a short amount of time they had successfully built a seemingly fifty yard stone wall around the entire city. At the top of the walls were many archers ready to shoot on sight at any enemy, and there were also towers at four corners, allowing scouts to see out into the land, even though it was difficult because of the snow. The shape of the defensive wall resembled a rectangle, but not totally straight.

“Finally we are here!” claimed Janus.

All of us walked up to a large iron gate that had built into the wall, and a Bruma guard dressed in their traditional yellow uniform asked us who we were and what we wanted. I thought it was a rather stupid question because the Count of Skingrad was with us. I guess he couldn’t make out Janus’s face, but once we got closer the guard immediately knew who he was.

“Count Hassildor! I am so sorry! I did not know it was you! Hurry, open the gate! The Count of Skingrad has arrived!”

The soldiers around began coming over to shake hands with Janus and the gate slowly ascended upward, revealing the other side of the wall.

“This way, my lord, I will show you to Captain Burd,” said the guard while leading us into the area between the defensive wall and the actual city.

The space in between was rather large itself, at least one-hundred yards. Most of the area was used for the pitched tents that were likely set up for the soldiers whenever they got too cold. But there were also defensive machines and other things. There were several catapults, many barrels of spears, shields, swords and arrows, as well as some kind of mechanism that was holding what looked like a thousand or so long steel arrows.

“Excuse me, guard, but what is that for?” Hassildor said pointing the weird looking machine. Apparently it caught his attention too.

“That, my lord, is one of our most prized possessions. We call it the ‘Uriel Urinater’ in honor of our fallen Emperor,” he said with one of the biggest laughs I had seen in a long time.

“And why is it called that?” Hassildor asked.

“Because when you pull down that lever on the side, the machine shoots the arrows high into the air, and then they fall down on however we please. It’s very handy and also extremely effective. We’ve already tested it out on some dummies. The machine is incredibly accurate.”

“Don’t you think that’s a bit rude calling it that? I’d say it’s a bit disrespectful to the Emperor,” Alusan commented.

“I wouldn’t say so, friend. Anything that helps the men’s spirits can’t hurt can it?”
“I suppose so, but I still don’t think it is right. Your captain has allowed this name?”

“Well, it’s actually an “unofficial” name. We don’t really talk about it around the captain for the reasons you have mentioned.”

“But I thought you said there was no harm in it,” Alusan slyly said.

“Yes, but ever since the Countess’s downfall Captain Burd has been very stressed out. He’s become a lot more stern than he used to. Sort of an ‘all work and no play’ kind of guy. Obviously you want your soldiers to be disciplined and all that, but he’s been taking that too far lately.”

“What do you mean? Is something wrong with Narina?” Hassildor was extremely worried that something terrible had happened to the Countess. Fortunately it appeared that she was not dead or anything, but something bad had indeed happened.

“Soon after the Mythic Dawn began sacking the cities Countess Carvain went into a depression. At first it wasn’t so bad and she was able to continue with daily activities, but after all the city-sackings she fled into her chambers and hasn’t been seen outside of it since. That was five days ago and since then Captain Burd has taken the role of ‘temporary Count’.”

“Poor child, she must feel awful. Narina is a fine ruler and I can give her the benefit of the doubt because of her relative’s death, but what she is doing now is unacceptable. She wasn’t named Countess for nothing. Her strong will, powerful diplomatic abilities, and leadership have gotten her to the throne. I’ll get her out of this current state.”

“Good luck with that, my lord.”

We then entered through the city gates and stepped inside the city. Everything was absolutely normal. People were walking the streets, Chapel services were just getting underway, for it was now about ten in the morning, and things were going quite smoothly. If it wasn’t for the fact of all the defensive walls and all of the soldiers lining up outside, I would guess and say that the people knew nothing of the crisis at hand.

The guard took us down a snowy path to the right and towards the castle. It wasn’t anything fancy, and actually it appeared to be smaller than any of the others I have seen. I could be wrong about that however, because it’s been a very long since I’ve last had any sleep.

Inside the castle were several quite a few soldiers standing and walking around the throne. And sitting in that throne was a Nord with black hair, and a little gray on the sides. He was wearing the standard Bruma guard uniform, but without the helmet.

“Janus! How are you, old friend? When did you get here?”

The Nord, who I took to be Captain Burd, stood from his seat and walked over to greet us. He shook Hassildor’s hand and then they both hugged. Apparently they were close friends or something.

“Not very well given the circumstances, you fool! It is awfully nice to see you again, but obviously I am here because of the Mythic Dawn crisis. I see you have taking over command, and your guard here has told me of Narina’s condition. Has it worsened?”

“I am afraid there isn’t anything we can do. After all this Mythic Dawn mess she’s been locked in her room, and only I have been in there. I’ve tried talking sense the woman but she’s lost all of her spirit; she fears Bruma will be next in the Mythic Dawn’s target list. I’m even starting to hear her talk to herself at night. I can hear her plainly through the wooden door. She says things like ‘It will all end soon, darling, just you wait a little longer’ and ‘No, darling, you mustn’t give up now. Just a little longer and they will end your suffering’. It’s really starting to worry me, Janus. I fear she may be contemplating suicide. She just started talking to herself two days ago but it’s really creepy. I wish there was something I could do but nothing ever seems to help. She hasn’t even let me inside her chambers at all yesterday morning and I have not spoken to her since.”

“Let me try and talk some sense into her. We can’t have the Countess of Bruma acting like this, even if the situation is this bad. That doesn’t mean she can seclude herself from the outside world. She’s the Countess for Talos’ sake!”

“You can try, Janus, but I don’t think it’s going to work. She probably won’t even listen to you, given the fact that you angered her quite a bit the last time you visited town.”

“Yes, that’s precisely the reason I haven’t been back since. It’s not my fault; she should not have had her spies looking in on things that don’t concern her. That’s one thing that angers me; when someone puts their nose where it doesn’t belong, but that’s a whole other story. Listen to me ramble on this. Come, Burd, lead me to the Countess!”

Burd guided us up a flight of stairs and into hallway where we came to the entrance to the Countess’s chambers. Of course the door was locked and Burd called to Narina Carvain.

“My lady, Count Hassildor is here to speak with you. May he come inside for a moment?”

There was no response from within and Burd once again asked, “Your highness, the Count of Skingrad has come to talk with you. May I let him in?”

Again there was no answer and Burd knocked on the door loudly. He then tried to open the door but of course it was still locked. He was beginning to panic.

“What if something’s wrong with her, Janus? We have to get the door open!”

“Calm down, Burd, her depression has probably elevated to new heights. It’s quite possible that she has fully separated herself from the world.”

But Burd wasn’t listening. He had already dug his hands in his pocket, obviously looking for something. Then he pulled out a large ring of keys and began fumbling through them. He found one in particular and stuck it into the keyhole of the Countess’s door. The lock made a click noise that I was most familiar with, and the door swung open. Inside the Countess was sitting at her desk with her back turned to us, slumped to the side a bit. I feared the worst.

“My lady!”

Burd ran over to the Countess’s chair and swung it around. A dagger was stuck in the chest of Narina Carvain. She truly had committed suicide.

“No!” Burd yelled while checking Narina’s pulse. It was no use of course and soon everything settled into Burd’s head.

“I should have forced myself into the room yesterday. I knew something wasn’t right. It’s my entire fault...I….I should have done more to prevent this!”

Martin and I watched from the doorway as Burd actually began to sob loudly. He was now on his knees and was grasping Narina’s hands. It was kind of pathetic really. I know he feels bad about the Countess, but to see him in his current state was a bit nerve racking; almost as if he was close to becoming just as Narina had become. But Hassildor wasn’t going to have any of that.

“Get up from the floor, Burd! Have some control over yourself!”

Burd slowly got up from the ground and let go of Narina’s hands. I looked at her eyes, which were still open. There was no shock whatsoever; the wound was definitely self-inflicted, that much was for sure. But what was the reason for the drastic decision? Obviously she was stressed at by everything, but could have really been to the point to where she wanted to kill herself. It just didn’t make any sense to me.

“I’m not going to let you turn into what Narina has become; and do you know what that is? Dead, that’s what she has become! Look at her, Burd, do you want to end up like that?”

Burd shook said slowly. He was still crying, but not as loudly as before thankfully.

“I didn’t think so. Now get and alert the guards of what has happened. We’ll have a funeral for her tomorrow evening. This is all so sudden…I just don’t know what to think. This isn’t good, that’s for sure.”

Burd left the room and only the three of us remained.

“What now?” Martin asked Hassildor.

“I don’t know; I never would have thought anything like this could have ever happened. This…..this is a bad time. Bruma is now leaderless and Mankar’s army is certainly marching this way as we speak. We have to make preparations for whatever is to come. We will indeed give Narina Carvain a burial out of respect for her and her people, but as soon as that is over our focus will be the defense of Bruma. The fate of Cyrodiil rests in our hands. You two do know that don’t you?”

Martin and I nodded.

“Good, I’m glad someone is acting normal around here. I just can’t believe it…Narina committing suicide…Burd crying like a child. I know these times are difficult for him but he needs to show some backbone. He is in command of the city now, and the people need a strong willed leader that can give them victory. Burd certainly has the attributes to fill that position, but I might have to work with him. He was very close to Narina.”

“Why don’t you lead the people?” I asked.

“Because they know Burd personally; they don’t know me other than I am the Count. It wouldn’t be a smooth move for me to take control of everything. I will certainly stand back and help Burd. That is why I came here, to help. And as for that amulet there,” he said pointing to Martin’s pocket, “Let’s me have the amulet. It will be safe with me.”

Any other request and I would have been fine, but he just asked to have the Amulet of Kings. Nobody besides Martin and I have held it. Now he was requesting something that I wasn’t sure I was going to let Martin answer.

“Why do you want the amulet? Why can’t Martin have it?” I asked, a little too defensively.

“Because it will remain safe with me. I take it you and Martin are going to help the others fight, am I correct?”

“I will, but I don’t think Martin should. Even if he doesn’t want to be Emperor he is the last Septim. I don’t think it would be smart to send the last heir to battle, do you?”

Hassildor could see right through me. He knew that suddenly I did not trust him. I can’t explain it but ever since Alf’s betrayal I vowed never to let anyone else do the same. I realize Hassildor has been on our side even before that, but he wanting the amulet seemed a little suspicious to me.

“Give me the amulet, Martin,” Hassildor commanded at Martin, but keeping his angry eyes on me.

Martin did not move or say anything.

“I said give me the amulet, Martin. I will not ask you again. I am only doing this for the good of Cyrodiil, I swear it! From what you have told us, Rayden, Mankar thinks Martin has the amulet. It only makes sense to let me have it.”

Martin looked at, then back at Hassildor, then to me once, and then back once again to Hassildor. He was having an incredibly hard time deciding and after several seconds he reluctantly handed over the amulet to Hassildor.

“’I’ll let you cool down for a few minutes, Rayden, but once you’ve cleared your head I want to see you and Martin outside in the courtyard. I will call for Burd and the four of us shall discuss what to do from here,” Hassildor said as he walked out the door, leaving me and Martin by ourselves.




“I’m sorry Rayden, but he has a point you know…”

I was so furious with Martin. It was almost as if he betrayed me with his actions. I couldn’t even begin to describe how angry I was.

“How long have we known Janus, Martin? Two days, maybe? How can you hand him the Amulet of Kings and not think you’re doing something wrong?”

“How long have you known me, Rayden?” Martin pleaded. “You’ve barely known me for long and already you’ve put all your trust in me. Things like this happen, Rayden. I know you’re still sour from what Alfhedil did, but that’s different. It’s hard to trust someone once you’ve been betrayed, but that’s life! Sometimes you’ve got to let things go and move on!”

“I can’t, Martin. How am I supposed to do that with everything that’s happened? It was hard enough making friends with you and trusting you! I’ve been on my own for as long as I can remember. I am a loner, I don’t make friends or trusts, it’s just the way I am!”

“Well get over yourself! I’m tired of taking your side every time something doesn’t go your way! By Talos, I can’t even begin to describe how selfish you are sometimes. Don’t you think Hassildor wants what’s best for Cyrodiil? You can’t see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice? He is on our side, Rayden; OUR side! The sooner you learn that the better…..”

Martin stormed past me and left the room. I was now the only person in the room other than Narina’s body. I felt totally awful at the moment, like I was the lowest person in all of Tamriel. Martin was right; I was too caught up in my image and reputation to fully see what’s going on. He’s right, Hassildor is not the enemy; he is probably our greatest ally. It’s high time I start listening to everyone else and stop acting like such a brat. Granted I am still not going to trust every person I come across, but…it is time for me to change. I am no loner a petty thief so I’d better stop acting like one. If I don’t I am afraid nobody will trust me, and then I’ll taste some of my own medicine. That’s something I definitely don’t want.

“Excuse me, sir, but we need to move the Countess’s body,” A guard told me, who was accompanied by five others.

“Of course, let me get out of your way.”

The guards entered the room with a long wooden plank. I suspected that they would place the body on the wood and then they would likely take her to the Chapel undercroft where she would be dressed for the burial, not there I go again assuming things.

I left the soldiers to their work and exited the room. I had some apologies to announce…