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]

Thank you very much, Blackie and Dr Planty, I really appreciate your comments, obviously you still have patience with me and my veeeeery long delays, for that I'm so grateful.

Anyway here's another one for ya! And behold, Sethyas is back...(thanks Blackie for letting me use him)

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“Serene, my love, we will have to go to Ebonheart as soon as possible; there are things there that need to be taken care of, serious things!” Athyn sounded worried as he entered my office that early morning. I looked up, somewhat distraught; I was checking up on the progress of the new Library I started some weeks ago.

“What might be the problem?” I asked. Athyn told me that the EEC had problems with the Legion in Ebonheart; it seemed that the High Commander acted way out of his jurisdiction and had put some extra fees and dues on the company, which didn’t exactly improve business. The presence of the Archmaster was urgently needed, it seemed.

“I guess I’ll have to talk to him, then.” I sighed. Athyn declared he was going with me, no matter what. I’d rather have him stay in Ald’ruhn as acting Archmaster while I was gone but he said he’d already spoken to Hlaren Ramoran about that. He also suggested we pay Ilmeni and Sethyas a visit prior to going to Ebonheart; they were currently staying in Ilmeni’s apartment in St Delyn.

“But why, Athyn? They probably are too busy preparing for their wedding.”

“I’d like him to come with us, for safety’s sake,” Athyn answered, avoiding the heart of my question. Now I was really puzzled; what risk could it be to go and talk to the Legion commander of Ebonheart?

“Is there something you are not telling me?” I asked suspiciously.

He didn’t answer.

Sethyas opened the door to our knocking equipped with a broomstick! I had to hide my face behind Athyn’s back. I just couldn’t resist laughing. That was almost the last thing I’d expected of him, to be that domesticated.

“Ah, Sethyas! Are we interrupting something?” Athyn smiled heartily at him. Seth gave me a dark gaze and shook his head.

“No, no, please come in, I was just…ehh cleaning up a little bit, Ilmeni asked me to.” He put away the broomstick, with a great deal of pleasure as I understood.

Don’t you dare laugh at me, you confounded woman; I’m pretty good at this, and there you go!

I nodded; I didn’t trust myself to not burst out in laughter if I spoke. Ilmeni wasn’t at home; she was visiting her father, but Sethyas agreed to company us to Ebonheart at Athyn’s request.

Sethyas proved to be even more domesticated by offering us lunch, which he prepared himself. Athyn, who is an excellent cook, was impressed by his efforts.

“Quite good kwama-omelet, my boy. The addition of scuttle really makes it tasty”

I said nothing; I just concentrated on eating even though my appetite was poor. But the omelet was quite good, I must admit.

“Are you two making a fool of me?” Sethyas burst out, looking pretty offended.

“By all means, no!” Athyn looked at him, shaking his head. “I’m truly impressed; it’s very kind of you to offer us lunch, really it is!”

I couldn’t hold back anymore, with a big laugh I went over to him, giving him a kiss on his cheek;

“Oh, Seth! It’s just that I couldn’t imagine you cleaning the house and making lunch! It’s so far from my experience of Morag Tong Assassins.” Then giving his arm a friendly hug I continued;

“But it’s sweet of you anyway, dear brother, and I think I’m beginning to like the ‘new’ Sethyas.”

After finishing our lunch we were off. I noticed that Athyn became more and more uneasy as we approached Ebonheart. I couldn’t figure out why, so I hurried them a bit, wanting this task to be done as quickly as possible. I had no idea how I should approach the Commander, but I was sure the words would come to me when needed, as usual.

The Commander’s office was on the second floor and I didn’t bother to knock on his door, as I wanted to take him by surprise.

And a surprise it was, but not the way I thought!

The sight of the man behind the desk made all my nightmares come true! It was HE! Varus Vantinius, my uncle, my sworn enemy, the man that deprived me of my life once, in a past that I had fought so hard to overcome and that I had thought long forgotten!

I gasped for breath; the world went dim, then with a hoarse roar he flung himself towards me, unsheathed his sword and thrust at me.

“YOU, you wretched whore, you shall die!”

I was paralyzed.

Then I was abruptly pushed aside, Varus’ sword shimmered in the air, someone let out a cry of pain, and it was not I, because I had slumped to the floor.

“By Zenithar! Are you her damn lackey? Are you willing to shed blood for her? You must be insane, Dunmer,” Varus smirked. He had stepped back a few steps, looking at the tip of his sword, now covered in blood.

Athyn grabbed me at the waist, holding me behind him; Sethyas was facing Varus, blood dripping from his left arm.

“I am merely defending my Archmaster; it’s my duty as a Redoran Councilor.” Seth said calmly.

“Archmaster? Or rather Archmistress… oh my! Who could imagine that slut would end up as that!” Varus laughed evilly. “Besides, you folks show no respect, bursting in on me like this, I am after all the Knight of the Imperial Dragon.”

“Respect? You know nothing of the word. You have some foul business going on with the EEC and you just now tried to attack the Archmaster, and above that you offended her, calling her names!” Sethyas spat

“Ha! I’ve done far more than calling her names…. in the past that is! She’s a witch and murderess, and a dirty whore! I do not recognize her as Archmaster!”

“Very well, that settles it. Before the Duke, and the Imperial Guard, as a Noble of House Redoran, I challenge your Honor! Only a duel in the Arena shall allow you to defend it!” Sethyas retorted.

I had watched this without even breathing; it all happened so fast. I noticed several Imperial guards approaching, attracted by the commotion I guessed. They were standing there gripping their hilts with increased nervousness.

“Seth,” I whispered. “Please, don’t.”

“You have at least some kind of honor. I respect that. And I will grant your request for a duel. Meet me in the Arena at Vivec tomorrow” Varus said with a wicked grin. Then turning to me he added;

“How does it feel to have another man’s blood on your hands?”

I remained silent, looking at Athyn for comfort, and then I understood; he had known we were to meet with Varus. That’s why he was so uneasy and that’s why he wanted Sethyas to accompany us. I noticed Athyn and Sethyas nod at each other in perfect understanding, so I wondered if they had both known.

Seth wouldn’t let me have a look at his arm until we were back at the apartment; he merely sat at the stern of the gondola staring out at the sky. I was still shaken by the meeting with Varus Vantinius; I couldn’t stop trembling, even though Athyn held me in his arms the whole trip.

The wound was deep; in fact Varus’ sword had gone right through Sethyas’ shoulder and he had lost a fair amount of blood. He looked grayish pale as he sat by the fireplace and finally allowed me to heal him. It was not so easy; the depth of the wound and the enchantment of Chrysamere, Varus’ sword, combined with my shakiness made the healing process take longer then I wished. Afterwards I was totally worn out, drenched in cold sweat. I examined my work and was not totally satisfied with it. He would get a nasty scar as a reminiscence of saving my life, because that was what he had done…again.

That night I did not get much sleep. Athyn and I spent the night in St Delyn; Seth had hired the neighboring apartment for us, and in fact it was the one he himself had stayed in when he arrived in Vvardenfell. I tossed and turned in the narrow bed, and finally decided to get up so as not to disturb Athyn too much; he needed his sleep. I sat by the small window all night thinking about the fact that I once again had met the man I hated more than anyone, and that Sethyas, my brother and soul mate, had challenged him to a duel of life and death. He did it, not me, he did it to save my honor and give me my life back

It scared me, not that I for a split second thought that Sethyas would lose the battle, but I was just worried he would get hurt, get hurt because of me!

Sethyas had declared he would fight the duel alone; he didn’t want us to watch; it would distract him, he said. I had no intention of obeying him in this matter though.

The next morning, I followed Seth to the Arena, without his knowing. The last time I was here I had dueled Bolvyn Venim for the benefit of my House, and now my brother was going to restore my personal honor by fighting Varus Vantinius, my kin, my enemy.

As I mentioned, this match was to be a private one; this time there were no throngs of onlookers. I found a spot behind the lowest barrier, where I could watch the fight without being seen by the combatants.

Sethyas exited his gladiator’s pen, and the legionnaire exited his, already wearing full Imperial Armor.

“Ha! No armor? You come unprepared to duel, Dunmer!” Varus laughed, seeing Sethyas still wearing his ritual red robes.

“No, I am quite prepared…after all. You never specified what the rules of the duel were! I am not a Legion lackey, Varus! I am a Morag Tong Assassin! And the rules are these: Do whatever it takes to kill your opponent! Come, let us begin,” Sethyas yelled from across the field, already running toward him.

I smiled as, for the first time, I saw a look of fear in Varus’ eyes.

Varus brought Chrysamere back for an overhand swing, as Seth sailed through the air, both hands with ancient silver daggers ready for a downward thrust. He landed on my hated uncle before he could follow through, and in the small openings of the Lords Mail, underneath the arms, Sethyas stabbed him with the daggers. But before he could send the blades home, Varus sent Seth flying with an upward kick, and with a yell brought the claymore in a wide overhand arc, the tip of the blade landing where Seth’s head might have been, had he not dodged. But his awkward landing forced him to let go of the silver daggers, which fell to the sand of the Arena.

Spinning to his feet, Seth cursed Varus’ luck, and brought out his Black Hand’s dagger. With a quick lunge, he slashed the rogue Legionnaire’s forearm, forcing him to give ground. Knowing that a dagger could not match Chrysamere, he used the moment to switch to a Daedric katana.

For several seconds, Sethyas kept up footwork to avoid the blows from Varus, preferring to dodge, and parrying when he could. Then, finally, with his breath running out, Varus fell to his knees. When Seth’s blade entered his chest, it was almost gentle, despite the power that had to be behind the thrust.

Varus breathed heavily, feeling the life leave him. He looked up, spotting me where I was standing with a look in his eyes that spoke of evil intent;

“Treacherous whore! I should have killed you back then…” he said as he slumped over to die.

Sethyas picked up the bloodied Chrysamere and sheathed it with a grim smile.

I found I hadn’t been breathing during the last minutes and now my body craved oxygen so I gasped heavily, as tears slowly ran down my face.

Sethyas walked over to me, shaking his head;

“You weren’t supposed to watch this, silly woman,” he said, as I fell into his arms.