Serene of Cyrodiil, chapter 7, Comfort is given, Justice is taken... Options

[minque]

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If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
Nicolo Machiavelli


Chapter 7, "Comfort is given, Justice is taken"

After spending a week in the good custody of Lloros Sarano I was back in Sarethi Manor again. Athyn, who had visited me every day while I was in the Temple, was ecstatic at having me back. I was worried about him; he had had too many traumatic things happen to him during the last six months, and now he seemed more exhausted and worn out than ever. In fact what he needed mostly now, and I too, for all that it mattered, was a vacation, a break from the normal struggle. I promised myself that when all this was over with we’d go…somewhere…that was, if I survived…

The prophecy by Sinnamu Mirpal was very clear to me, and it was also confirmed by the recent attempt on my life, because I knew very well who was responsible for that; the amulet I ripped off my would-be assassin was familiar; it belonged to the Venim family. I doubted Bolvyn himself was the one who tried to kill me, but whoever it was, it was on his orders, of that I was certain.

So all I had to do was to challenge Bolvyn Venim to a duel and then end his life, at the Arena in Vivec…?

Of course it was not that simple! I had to ponder a lot how I should let Justice be taken. I had to take active part in the government of House Redoran, to be able to get to know where the loyalties were. I had to know the standpoint of the other councilors and also raise their disposition to me.

Thorough planning was crucial here; otherwise I would be the one who would bite the dust. I also needed to train my sword-skill. I hadn’t used my Katana for a long time and I knew I had to be beyond simply good if I was to defeat a man like the Archmaster. I didn’t even consider another way of fighting him; a duel at the Arena witnessed by the Nobles of my House would be the only honorable way of dealing with this matter.

I discussed my plans with Athyn; naturally he tried to talk me out of it!

“Serene, I don’t like the thought of you being decapitated by Bolvyn Venim, In fact I don’t like the thought of you being decapitated at all. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you!” he said, holding me close to him. “Why not let Sethyas do the fighting instead? He’s very skilled and…and he is a man! Besides, I know you do not like to take lives, even if taking this life would be justified.”

I took his face between my hands, kissed him deeply and sighed;

“I was convinced you would be the first one to stand behind me in this! I’ve told you about the prophecy of Sinnamu Mirpal…I’ve told you about my weird dream…and you know I am protected by Azura! You, Athyn Sarethi, the sun of my life, I love you more than you will ever know, and I beg you to support me now! The life of Bolvyn Venim will be taken by a woman, not a man, and that woman…will be me!”

Tears burned behind my eyelids as I once more kissed him. I was aware of his fear to loose someone dear to him and also the fear of acts of reprisal from the Venim family. But I couldn’t let that stop me; I had to do this once and for all or I’d never get peace at heart again.

Before he made an attempt to answer me I told him about a book Drulene Falen once showed me, “The Hope of the Redoran”. I actually never read the book but Drulene had told me what it was about.

“You for one should know that some things just have to be done,” I said, “If you hadn’t defeated your cousin back then, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all.”

Athyn hesitated for quite some time before answering me. I could see in his face he’d given in to me, that he’d stand by my side all the way…This was of great comfort to me.

“I’ll go with you to Fort Buckmoth,” he said, sounding defeated and tired. “You will have to go through thorough training before you can even think of challenging the Archmaster, because that’s exactly what you’re going to do, right?”

I nodded and he continued;

“Since you are familiar with that confounded book, I think you know the name of the lady who used to train me when I was young? Shardie was the very best trainer to be found. She and I got on very well together and it is because of her that I have the position I have now…But you know all that.” Athyn paused, getting out a bottle of brandy and two glasses.

“We will need some fortification I think,” he said and offered me a glass. We tasted the beverage and he continued;

“Shardie has a daughter, named Shardie-Lee, who now is a master-trainer at Fort Buckmoth. She’s known as just Shardie and she is the one who I’d like to train you. Then you will have the best there is!” Athyn gently stroke my chin. “I care so much for you my love; I do not want to loose you.”

“We’ll be off to Fort Buckmoth, first thing tomorrow,” Athyn concluded. “So let’s spend this evening as nicely as we can, shall we?”

We had far too much brandy, far too much good food and maybe far too much love, but I still remember that evening as maybe the last evening that I still was somewhat innocent.

My head was aching and I could hardly stand the bright sunshine the following morning as Athyn and I were heading towards Fort Buckmoth. He, too, obviously suffered from last night’s events because he walked by my side silently with his head somewhat down. The sun was warm and I was drenched in sweat under my full Imperial Armor. Athyn had to take off his robe and carry it; the heat, or maybe last night, took its tribute out of him, and his face was a tad more grayish than usual, with beads of sweat forming on his forehead and he had to stop a few times to regain strength. I was carrying a small satchel with a few shirts and an extra pair of trousers together with my usual herbs and plants; nothing much really but it felt as heavy as if I’d had stones in it.

We found Shardie-Lee sitting in the shadows in a corner of the courtyard when we arrived, her brown skin glistened with perspiration and she was drinking from a large jug. Four young soldiers were scattered on the ground, totally exhausted, apparently from the hard training.

When Athyn presented himself and me her eyes widened; “I’ve heard about you, Serjo Sarethi, from my mother!” she exclaimed with a smile, “Nice to finally get the opportunity to meet you!”

I let Athyn do the talking, for my stomach was in uproar and I merely felt like vomiting; the heat and last night affected me severely. I sat down in the shadows, taking a sip of water, thinking ruefully that I’d have big trouble getting to my feet again…armor is just not meant to wear sitting down…

[minque]

Last update until end of August! I'm going on vacation tomorrow!.


I think you need to have it in you to be a good leader. To put it another way, you have to be born to it. Some people develop that skill and do become excellent kings or Archmasters; others just never make it. As the time went by I discovered I had it, I just had it! It felt natural for me to make decisions, to judge wisely in matters of dispute. It’s mostly about common sense and the ability to listen and to really hear what they’re trying to tell you. I had good advisors in the Councilors, especially Athyn, who knew the Redoran Community so well. Also it’s important to recognize people who are under you in rank, to tell them they’re doing a great job, even if they sometimes don’t.

I was good at that! I treated my people as I treated my servants, with courtesy and kindness, but also with a steady hand. I didn’t take any guarshit, or lies. I won respect from my council and from my staff. And I started to really enjoy being Archmaster of Great House Redoran.

I knew the time would come when I had to encounter the leaders of the other houses. I must admit I feared that. They had all experience and knowledge, which I lacked. Instead I had a heart, compassion, but that might not be enough.

I did as I planned; I went on a trip to the cities on my list, starting with Seyda Neen. By doing this I unfortunately missed the appointment to make Trey of High Rock Redoran Hortator, but Athyn performed that ceremony with greatest finesse.

Seyda Neen hadn’t changed much since I had lived there at the time of my arrival in Vvardenfell, except for the small sign outside Arrille’s telling he was offering rooms for rent. I smiled, and went inside. Arrille didn’t recognize me; maybe because it was a long time since we last met, or maybe because I had made great efforts to disguise myself prior to this trip, completely on purpose.

I had cut off my waist-long hair to shoulder length and washed it several times with a mixture I made myself; crushed heather and willow anther flowers mixed with a bit of fire-salt and ash-yam. This made it darker than it was before, with a distinct nuance of red-violet. I also borrowed clothes from Varvur’s closet; a pair of baggy black trousers and a worn brown shirt. Atop it I wore a dark grey robe with a hood. I did not want anyone to be aware of who I was because then I wouldn’t be able to get the information I wanted. After all, there was a murder case to solve here.

“Afternoon, what can I do for you Sera?” Arrille didn’t look healthy; in fact he had gained so much weight he barely could move without getting short of breath. Maybe the obvious improvement of business wasn’t all that good for him.

“I’d like a room, please, for three nights,” I said and tried not to stare at him.

After freshening up I went to see Thavere. The beauty of the lighthouse stunned me; it had undergone a total restoration since I was here last. I could very well guess who paid for that!

Thavere on the other hand turned out to be just as Elone told me; she really looked terrible, her red hair was dirty and disheveled, her skin had an unhealthy grayish tone and her eyes were dull and sad.

Upon recognizing me she immediately fell to her knees.

“Oh, Sera, Archmaster!” she stuttered. I took her hand pulled her to her feet and looked right in the eyes;

“Thavere! For you I am Serene, just Serene, nothing else! And I’ve come to see that justice is done here.” I embraced her warmly, she was, after all my first real friend in Vvardenfell.

“By the way, I’m a little surprised you recognized me.”

“Those eyes of yours…Once you see them you never forget them. Serene, you can never disguise yourself to people who know you.” Thavere put her hands around my face and slowly shook her head.

“You were the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen, and now you’re even more beautiful. I’m so glad you’re here” Thavere couldn’t hold back her tears anymore and we fell into another’s embrace.

I don’t know for how long we stood there embracing each other, but I eventually asked Thavere if she could make us some tea.

“We need to talk, Thavere. I need to ask you some questions, and I must warn you they may tear it all up again, because I’m here to investigate the tragic death of your fiancée.”

She nodded. “I’m out of tea, but I do have some comberry-wine, I could warm some up for us, it’s a very nice drink”

It was, in fact it was quite delicious and I decided to remember that for the future.

“He had spent almost a week here with me, back about two or three months ago. We had such a good time; he said he was successful, that the Seyda-Neen-ers were good honest people, they paid their taxes in time, except for…” Thavere stopped; she took a deep breath, wiped away a couple of tears and continued;

“They had an argument people say, Processus and that rude fisherman who lives by the waterfront, Foryn Gilnith. I didn’t know; I was here, cooking supper!”

I took Thavere’s hand. This was painful to her, to try to remember what happened, but I had to know.

“The local tax-collector! He’s not very liked here, he’s going to end up beheaded one of these days.”

Eldafire’s words on the very day I arrived in Seyda Neen. That prophecy had in fact come true. Even if the poor man did not get beheaded, he certainly was not amongst the living anymore.

I decided it was time for me take a walk around town to see what could be found out. Thavere asked me to come back in the evening.

“I’ll make you dinner, my dear. You’re far too skinny,” she smiled at me.

I headed first to the Census and Excise office. Socucius Ergalla did in fact not recognize me at first, but when he did, he was exalted with joy to see me again, so I spent about half an hour talking to him. He was very interested in what I had been up to during the years and oddly enough he hadn’t heard I’d become Redoran Archmaster. I did not tell him; I didn’t like the way people changed behaviour when they found out.

He was worried about the tax collector’s death; a murder in little Seyda Neen was not a thing that happened every day.

“Yes, yes he was murdered all right, his throat was cut from side to side, there’s no doubt about it,” he answered my question about how the man actually died.

I also asked carefully how his relations were with the citizens, well except for Thavere of course. It turned out Processus Vitellius wouldn’t win any prize in a popularity competition, but in general people endured him, knowing his job was necessary, yet not pleasant. When I asked about the argument he might have had with the fisherman Gilnith, Ergalla just shook his head;

“Oh I don’t know anything about that, I’m afraid.”

Of course, nobody would tell Ergalla about it if it were true. I realized I would probably have to question someone else. My mind slipped to Eldafire, or perhaps Fargoth, that was, if I could find them and if they would wish to speak to me!

Eldafire was rather reserved as I approached her outside her house and I didn’t blame her, the Altmers didn’t usually speak to a complete stranger, especially not if that stranger is an outlander. I decided to reveal myself to her.

She looked both surprised and happy when I told her I was the same girl who had tea with her that stormy evening quite some years ago.

“But? Aye, ye look good, lassie, but…but, ain’t ye the…Archm….” I put my hand over her mouth, giving her a sign to shut up.

“Yes! But please, don’t say anything. Could we go inside and talk?” I whispered, as I grabbed her hand trying to prevent her from kneeling in front of me.

“No! Please don’t,” I hissed.

Inside the house Eldafire started fussing around trying to find something to offer me. I had to stop her; it was a talk with her I wanted, not food or drink. Finally she got hold of a bottle of comberry wine and we could be seated. I never say no to comberry wine, it’s delicious and it also loosen one’s tongue…

“Yes, they ‘ad an argument, Foryn and the fine tax collector. That fishin’ man is bad news, e’s so rude and he ‘ave such a bad temper, I saw them go inside ‘is old shack, oh aye I did.”

“Did you see Processus leave Foryn’s home? And did you hear anything strange? Some noise or anything?”

Eldafire shook her head. Apparently she had just seen the two men arguing, and then going inside Gilnith’s shack. After that…nothing.

I sighed. It was time to narrow the search, it was time to confront Foryn Gilnith, and I did not at all look forward to doing that.