Oblivion's Edge, Book I of the Corruption Trilogy Options

[Zalphon]

Prologue

Five hundred years after the Oblivion Crisis...

Many years ago, the Champion of Cyrodiil stopped the Daedra from invading. The hordes of infernal Dremora and vicious daedroth. When he left Mankar Camaron's Paradise, people viewed him as a hero. However, he had become much darker.

He then went to the Shivering Isles in search of power. When he returned, any traces of humanity had left him. In his demented rage, he slaughtered the Blades, and began a crusade of crimes. However, an Argonian assassin stopped him.

After that, the Argonian and his Khajiiti companion came to the ruins of Morrowind to regain their thoughts. For after they killed the Champion, their long-lost Dunmeri friend arrived in a new-found body of a lich. They killed him and ever since held a deep sense of remorse.

For some time they stayed in the blackened remnants of the Dunmeri homeland, but left. The despair that filled their hearts from seeing the remains of where they met their friend caused them to leave. They were never seen again.

There is rumor in the streets of the Imperial City of a Daedric cult with the power to weaken, or even destroy the seal from our world and theirs. The Champion of Cyrodiil rose up before, I must rise up now. After the Mede Empire fell, a Daedra-worshipper conquered Tamriel.

When I was a squire, they taught me the skills of swordplay, etiquette, archery, and restoration. Now I guess I'll have to put my skills to the test. I must walk in his footsteps, but I must remember the teachings of the Dunmer, the Argonian, and the Khajiit.

The time is near, I must stop time from repeating itself...

[Zalphon]

Chapter Four: The Daedric Pilgrimage

The sun was beginning to rise as we reached the doors of the Imperial City. The guards wore ebony armor with closed helms and held ebony long swords. "Halt," the one on the right said. "You're to be searched for contraband, such as Skooma or Moonsugar."

They scanned through our bags and found nothing and then they allowed us to pass. The Vampire hastily made a retreat to the sewers and shouted, "After dusk, I'll meet you at this gate."

I just nodded and continued walking towards the Explorers' Guild. They were renowned for going where no one had gone before and collecting artifacts. Surely they had a map at their guild-hall here. No one is quite certain where the real headquarters is.

In the Elven Plaza, I found it. A large guild-hall with banners on each side of the door with a map and a quill crossed perpendicular and a sword beneath parallel to the bottom of the map. I walked inside and there were a wide variety of people in here. Men and women dressed in fine clothing or expensive armors, mostly ebony, glass, or Daedric.

The guild-hall was standard architecture used in the Cyrodiil Guild-Halls over five-hundred years ago. However, stone-work was well-done and the book-cases were lined with books that were centuries old. The Saryoni Sermons, the 2920 Series, the Poison Song series, the thirty-six lessons of Vivec, Vampires of Vvardenfell. To say the least, I was impressed. Saryoni Sermons and the Thirty-Six Lessons of Vivec were thought to be destroyed when Red Mountain erupted.

A lich stood by me and bowed. "Victor Mystblood, welcome to the Explorers' Guild. Are you here to join or for a map?" he asked.

"I would like to talk to the local head of the guild, please."

Down the intricate, wooden stairs came a man in a suit of Daedric armor with a strange black sword with a purple glow to it in hand. He wore no helmet, revealing his dark-gray skin and red-Dunmeri eyes. "Hail, High Explorer of the Imperial City," Victor said loudly.

"Are you the leader?" I asked this 'High Explorer'.

"High Explorer Fathis Hlaalu," he growled. "I am the local High Explorer, so I schedule the artifact raids and guild-exploration. Members are allowed to free-lance, but they must give ten-percent of all treasure to the guild. So, what do you need?"

"A map," I calmly explained. "A map of the Daedric shrines, not the temples, but the shrines to the individual Daedric Princes’ Shrines. I need a map of the ones in Cyrodiil."

"The Shrines of the Daedra, you do know the Temple of the Daedra is in the Temple-District, correct?" he asked with acid dripping in his voice. "Or are you an N'wah raised in a pauper-house?"

"Yes, I do," I hissed. "But I want to show my reverence, by going to each one."

"One-thousand Drakes," the High Explorer barked. "No more, no less."

I pulled out my bag and handed it to him. "One-thousand drakes, now give me the map."

Fathis Hlaalu headed into a door behind the front desk which he stood at. Out he came with a rolled up scroll. "The map will show you where each of them is." I opened the map. The nearest shrine was Molag Bal's, west of the Imperial City and south of the Ruined City, that was once known as Chorrol.

"I do miss Chorrol, I stayed there for a few decades about two-hundred and forty years ago. The Second Orc wars about one-hundred and fifty years ago.” Quick-Strike stated. “Orsimer was captured and they surrendered. Warlord was executed, as well as his lieutenants. A lot of orcs died in the war, but Chorrol was one of the biggest blows they dealt. Ever since the Wars, the ruined city has been inhabited by marauders-clans, bandits, fugitives, and the survivors of the Second Orc Wars and their descendents."

"Molag Bal," she sighed in disgust. "The King of Rape as he is called created the vampires."

"I am not fond of him, myself," I grumbled. "Well, let's get some rest."

I marched towards the King and Queen Inn. The Innkeeper muttered, "Rooms are ten Septims each." The old imperial had graying hair. The tavern was sub-par at best. Evangeline put forty drakes on the counter.

He handed her four keys. She handed each of us a key and I went up to my room. For what felt like hours I laid on the bed. Soon after, Evangeline opened the door to my room. She removed her ebon robes and grinned. I returned the smile as she crawled into bed with me. "I know you've noticed how I like you," she giggled.

"I have, and do return the affection," I kissed her. I forgot my troubles for the next few hours with Evangeline...

When we awoke after our tiring ‘exercise’, I saw her smiling face. Evangeline whispered, "We need to get dressed; it's time for us to leave."

"Akatosh has a way of always getting to that time," I grumbled. She slipped on her midnight-black robes, and I donned my armor. Adam opened the door and motioned us out.

"Molag Bal's shrine is about twelve hours away on foot," he said. "We need to get moving." I nodded; my unkempt black hair fell in my eyes. Evangeline pushed it away and kissed me on the lips again; I firmly hugged her.

"A Knight of the Nine with a necromancer?" he asked. "Now I've seen it all." The Vampire stomped out of our way and we quickly made haste. Quick-Strike was nowhere to be seen, J'skooma followed us closely. The night sky was vast and beautiful, the silver moon, the shining lights called 'stars'. However, icy winds blew, during the chilly night.

After hours, the sun began to rise, but we saw the shrine and a house nearby. Molag Bal's shrine had large horns and was aged. There were cracks in the stonework, but it was still easily recognized as the King of Rape. I opened the door to the house, and it was empty. The shoddy wood-work of this hut was enough to protect Adam for the night, but not be comfortable.

The one-room hut was barren. There was a hammock, a rug, and on the rug, a bowl, a spoon, a knife, and a fork. They were all very old items. The knife had much rust, as did the spoon, but the fork was fine. Clean.

Adam growled, "I sense no harm, let us rest." For the rest of my companions, sleep came easily, even for Quick-Strike.

I fell asleep after what felt like days and my dream was of being chained to the ground in an arena. Evangeline grinned at me and took out a dagger. She kissed me and whispered in my ear, "This will only hurt for a little bit, but it'll hurt a lot."

She plunged the blade into my stomach and twisted it. I roared in anguish, and awoke screaming.

Quick-Strike sat with his legs crossed staring at me. "The Shrine of Molag Bal can inspire many things, as can each of the shrines," he explained. "Once I made a pilgrimage to Meridia, I had dreams that night of hunting the undead. I warn you, Vaermina's shrine will leave you a husk of a man if you're not ready. I went their once when I was young. I almost didn't come back from the nightmares."

"I will take the advice, is it night?" I questioned.

"Indeed, I'll wake the others up, you wait outside," Quick-Strike commanded.

Shortly after, they were outside with me. I walked towards the shrine and kneeled, "Molag Bal, King of Rape, I am Sir Kalian Broodikus, and seek to earn your favor in my quest against Mehrunes Dagon and his Master, what must I do?"

An echoing invaded my mind, "Ah, the Champion of Nirn has finally arrived. I will allow you to command one-thousand of my daedroth if you sacrifice one of your companions to Oblivion or yourself."

"I wi--" I tried to say.

"Molag Bal, you inflicted this curse upon me. I will take the place in Oblivion for the crimes I have committed," Adam growled.

He turned aside to us and said, "I have walked Nirn for years, I have been to Akavir, I have been in the depths of Red Mountain, at the top of the mountains of Skyrim, in the deserts of Elsewyr, in the Ayleid Ruins of Cyrodiil, my time has come."

Quick-Strike responded, "I was wrong about you, Adam. You aren't a vampire; you're just in the body of one. You truly are a Knight of the Nine. May Anu watch over you, wherever you travel."

"And may he watch over you," the Vampire bowed deeply. Black flames surrounded him. He was in Coldharbour now. Exactly like Nirn, except all the buildings are in ruin, the sky burns in everlasting flame, and the winds are as cold as Skyrim's mountains.

The echoing voice reappeared in my mind, "When you enter the Deadlands, there will be one-thousand daedroth waiting for you."

With a tear in my eye, I turned around. Quick-Strike pulled out the map and stated, "Let's head to Sanguine's Shrine first, and then to Clavicus Vile's."

Evangeline hugged me tightly, "I know you cared about him, a lot."

I nodded and wiped the tears off my cheeks. Adam was my friend, a dear one at that. He was one of the only people who knew the old ways. Quick-Strike and I were the only survivors of the Old Code. I began to march, knowing that his sacrifice was not in vain.


We walked slowly towards the Shrine of Sanguine. I was quiet and distant from my companions. Mundus lied on my shoulders, the fate of the gods themselves was my duty, and I had just lost my mentor. After about three-hours of travel, we saw the shrine. It showed a horned man with one foot on a skull and a tankard in one of his hands.

The cracked statue had empty wine-bottles and skeletons around it. "Oh great Sanguine, it is I, the Champion of Nirn," I called out. "We have come to seek out your assistance against Dagon and his 'Master'."

An echoing voice filled my mind, "I will send my finest cultists to your aid, if you Kalian can defeat my High Priestess in a drinking contest." Instantly materializing was a table, two tankards filled with a frothy beverage, two chairs, and in one sat a nude Imperial. Long, brown hair fell to her chest and covered it.

The Imperial snickered, "I've taken on nords who have sailed across the seas, and I’ll easily out-drink you."

I sat down and pulled up the mug. I guzzled down the beverage and slammed it on the table. Instantly it was refilled, and she did the same. For hours this went on, I think Mara was preventing me from the alcohol's worst effects, unconsciousness. Eventually the Imperial's head fell to the table.

"How, how is this possible?" the Voice roared. "Dianna can out-drink Barbas on occasion. Nonetheless, you succeeded, so my cultists will be there. My High Cleric will wield the Sanguine Rose."

"Thanks...hic," I hiccupped. "Now, can I pleash go now?" I tried to walk, but I fell and hit my head on a rock. When I awoke, Evangeline stood over me.

"We're in an abandoned home about a mile away from the Shrine of Sanguine," she explained. "The alcohol you drank would've killed any mortal with a single drop. I don't know what, but you're growing in power."

"I may be lessening my mortality, but I am still a mortal," I responded. "Sanguine proved that when I fell down in drunken stupor."

"J'skooma thinks you need rest," J'skooma purred. "Rest."

I closed my eyes and fell asleep. When I awoke I heard Quick-Strike and J'skooma talking. Evangeline slept next to me on the floor in this abandoned two-story house. The wood-work was well-done, even the floor-boards were carved. "I think he's getting further in his journey," Quick-Strike said. "However, with each passing day, I can sense more of Zalphon in him."

"J'skooma thinks that the Dark One has no grasp on Kalian," the Khajiiti Wizard responded.

"Zalphon is more powerful than either of us had ever dreamed," he riposted. "I just pray his influence isn't affecting Kalian."

"J'skooma thinks you may be right," J'skooma grumbled.

"Remember when he was born. His mother died due to Korvan's treachery. You killed the maddened Dunmer. I held the child and swore an oath to make him my ward," Quick-Strike said at barely more than a whisper. "He'll never know, at least I hope he won't. Kalian will feel as if he owes me, and that simply can't be. The Dunmer may not be my son, but as far as I am concerned he is one of my own."

"I know."

A tear burned my cheeks to know the truth about my family. My father betrayed Quick-Strike and J'skooma. And he has protected me all these years? When my older 'sister' Syra became a Telvanni and tried to kill me, she wasn't heard from again.

It was his secret, and I wasn't going to reveal my knowledge of it. My 'father' was a good man, apparently. Korvan wasn't my father; he was the one that allowed me to be born. My 'father' was Quick-Strike. I wouldn't tell him, but I'd always remember who really cared.

When we left the house, it took us about two hours to reach the Shrine of the Vain Clavicus Vile. The Shrine depicted a horn man with a cane and a dog. It was pristine, unlike the others. I kneeled, "Lord Vile, I am the Champion of Nirn and am here to earn your favor in the war against Dagon and his 'Master'"

An echoing voice intruded my skull, "The Champion of Nirn has come to stop Dagon? My reward shall be the Masque of Clavicus Vile, but you must give me your coffer."

I looked down at the steel coffer I owned, it was a small, steel chest with a lock I could never open. The Coffer was surprisingly weightless, probably an enchantment. It was Korvan's. I gently laid it on the Shrine with a tear in my eye.

"King Orgnum's Coffer, finally mine," the voice echoed. "My masque is in your bags, but I do thank you dearly for this item, the gold it will bring my followers will be put to use." Instantly the chest dissapeared and my bags got a little heavier.

I pulled a helmet out of my knapsack. It was a closed-face steel helmet. The visor looked like a face, and the helmet part of it looked like an intricately engraved helmet with horns. I put it on; it covered my skull and molded to fit me perfectly. "We must head to Meridia's Shrine," Quick-Strike stated.

Evangeline started to shake in fear, "M-M-Meridia hates necromancers, sh-she'll kill me."

I held her tightly and whispered, "She won't harm you. You're more important than some petty necromancer, Evangeline."

She nodded at me. We were about two miles away from the Shrine of Meridia and night was coming. I decided to set up camp, and the others agreed. By time we finished, ate some roasted venison I hunted, and finished talking, the moon was already high in the sky.

Evangeline and I decided to head to bed, the Argonian and the Khajiit decided to stay up. I was hastily consumed by the sleep. A few hours later, I awoke and began to eavesdrop again. "Do you remember Akavir, J'skooma?" Quick-Strike said calmly.

"J'skooma remembers the vampire snake men who almost ate Quick-Strike."

"I do miss the Nerevarine. It's a shame the Imperial Settlers were attacked by the Tscaesci."

"J'skooma thinks Nerevar was good. Nerevar saved us from Demented Imperial Legion Soldiers. He wanted to stay there for reasons J'skooma doesn't know," J'skooma remembered.

"Maybe after Zalphon is slain or redeemed we'll go back to Akavir for a few more decades," Quick-Strike explained. "I'm sure Nerevar misses us. Remember he gave us Hopesfire after we infiltrated the Tscaesci Temple. Nice blade, I when the Tscaesci were coming for his home he asked for it back. I must say, he did use those two blades with elegance."

"J'skooma thinks Kalian should come, too," J'skooma pleaded.

"Of course he can come, I'm sure Nerevar will be honored to meet the Champion of Nirn," Quick-Strike replied. "I just hope he can handle the boat-ride, you remember, it took us a few months to reach Akavir."

Quick-Strike and J'skooma knew the Nerevarine? They actually fought the Tscaesci? What wondrous lives they've lived. If I do live after Dagon and his Master are gone, I do look forward to going to Akavir. The Imperial Explorers never did return, their conversation explained a lot.

J'skooma yawned, "J'skooma thinks it's time for rest."

The Argonian agreed, "Let's get some sleep. We best not wake the others up."

Sleep quickly filled my mind as I heard their footsteps. Sweet, blissful sleep.

When we awoke, we feasted on the remnants of the venison. After an hour we arrived at the Shrine of Meridia. It depicted a woman with her hands held together. It was mossy, cracked, and showed obvious signs of aging. "Meridia, what may I do to earn your favor in the war against Dagon and his master," I questioned.

"The Champion of Nirn, you seem to misunderstand," the echoing voice invaded. "You are the Champion of Nirn and Guardian of Mundus; you have already earned my favor by pledging yourself to this quest to protect Nirn and Mundus from Dagon and Zalphon." A golden ring appeared on my finger, it also had an oval-ruby. I hastily took it off.

"Thank you, Meridia," I bowed. "I am honored that I have your favor." I began to step away, the others followed me. Suddenly Evangeline fell to the ground and couldn't stand up.

"Help me," she screamed. "Please!"

The Voice of Meridia filled our minds, "The Necromancer shall suffer for her crimes." Instantly, in rainbow flame, Evangeline was gone. I fell to my knees and threw off the Masque of Clavicus Vile.

"NO!" I screamed. Tears rolled down my cheeks, she was in the Coloured Rooms. She was...gone. Forever. J'skooma picked up the Masque and the last thing I remember is trying to run to the statue and a blunt force hitting me on my head.

When I awoke, Quick-Strike stood over me, "She's gone, Kalian. We had no choice. You were going to defile her shrine and go to the same realm of Oblivion as Evangeline."

"I'll kill you, you N'wah!" I hissed. He shook his head and sighed as I drew my sword. We were in a clearing in the woods. As I slashed at him, he dodged. I continued slashing, lunging, and chopping at him, but each time I missed.

"We had no choice," The Argonian glumly said. "I didn't want to leave her, but we needed to sacrifice her."

"Fine," I growled. "I won't forget this though."

"J'skooma thinks we should go to the Shrine of Malacath, which is nearest," the Khajiit butted in.

We started walking. I didn't speak the entire way. Finally we reached some hut a few miles out from the Shrine of Malacath. The Khajiit entered, and I followed. My feet made me walk over to the bedroll, where I laid down and was engulfed by the blankets. Sleep soon followed.

Again, I awoke and began to eavesdrop.

"Evangeline will be sorely missed," Quick-Strike grumbled. "I cared a lot about her, I liked her."

"J'skooma will miss the necromancer," the Khajiit replied.

"I wonder if we should contact the Order. Do you remember long ago, when we were recruited to the Watcher’s Council. One day, Kalian will join. In the Prophecy of the Black Dawn, it spoke of a champion to unite the Aedra and the Daedra," The Argonian reminisced. "The High Council would be very happy to finally hear from us after what happened in Thras."

"J'skooma remembers Thras, nearly died when the Sload tried to kill J'skooma for burning the Codex of Necromancy," the Khajiit chuckled. "Remember Pyandonea?"

"Yes, I remember when the Maormer let us ride the sea serpents after we stopped the traitor," Quick-Strike laughed. "I'll say that sea serpents are far more interesting than any mundane horse."

I rolled over and managed to sleep. However, I managed to think about how much they were hiding from me. Obviously a lot.

After I went to sleep that night, all I saw was Evangeline being tormented by Aurorans. They were just cackling maniacally. I tried to help her, but it was as if a spell were cast on me to keep me paralyzed. The tears rolling down her cheeks, like the Niben River.

Quick-Strike awoke me. "We must continue walking," he commanded. "It is important." Obediently, I put on my armor and we started walking towards the Shrine of Malacath. The head of the shrine was gone, so it depicted only a cracked, gray humanoid with a hammer.

I knelt, "What must I do to earn your favor, Trinimac."

"That is a name I haven't been called by in eons," the Echoing Voice laughed. "The Champion of Nirn, wow I am impressed. If you succeed in my duty, I will send one-thousand Ogrim titans to assist you in the Deadlands."

"What is the test?" I asked.

"You are a Dunmer," he growled. "Defeat my Ogrim Titan with only your hands and you shall have my favor."

A giant, green, bloated ogre-like creature came from behind the shrine. I threw down my sword and punched at it. It sent ripples through the fat of the creature and I looked up. A fist came into my face. The blinding-blow left me just that, blinded and stunned. I wildly kicked and to my surprise, hit it in the groin.

"Me kill," the Ogrim Titan roared. "Me kill pointy-ears." I jabbed at its chest. I whispered a prayer to Stendarr as I punched. When I pulled back, I saw a hole through the Ogrim's chest. It grabbed where its heart should've been and fell to its knees.

"You're the strongest Dunmer I've met since the Nerevarine," Malacath said in amazement. "The ogrim titans will be waiting."

I nodded respectfully and bowed. "The nearest shrine is about a week's travel, it's Hircine's," Quick-Strike said. J'skooma and I nodded. By time we stopped, we saw the Serpent in the sky. We stopped in a forest-clearing. My mind was soon victim to sleep. Then I awoke and heard them talking.

"J'skooma, do not worry," Quick-Strike calmed his friend down. "Kalian grows stronger with each passing day. He will need not fear Dagon by time the Trials of the Champion are complete. I can sense his power growing."

"J'skooma can hear movement," the Khajiit warned. "Be ready." I looked around and saw a Breton in torn, black robes and dirty hair.

With haste I stood up and hugged the female Breton. "Evangeline," I exclaimed with joy."

"How did you escape?" Quick-Strike inquisitively probed. "The Auroran Guardians are very powerful."

"I learned secrets of mysticism I never thought possible." she replied. "How long was I gone?"

"A few days," I answered. Tears streamed down my face. Tears of joy, she was back.

"Only a few days?" Evangeline asked. "It has been years, I was beaten by the Aurorans for fifteen or more years." She lit a torch and showed her face. Her hair was graying; her skin showed more signs of age, she had dark circles and bags around her eyes.

"E-E-Evangeline," I whispered. "How did they do that to you."

"Kalian," she smiled. "For fifteen years I have suffered. I am free. My bones have been shattered, my skin has been sliced open and I have lived on rats for years."

"J'skooma thinks Evangeline needs to rest," J'skooma blurted. "She looks tired."

"In a bed?" She asked enthusiastically. "Or on the soft grass. I have slept on cold-stone for over a decade, anything would be an improvement."

"The grass," Quick-Strike stated. "It's very soft."

The aged Evangeline looked to have aged thirty or more years. The intensity of her age must have been done by the stress. Finally, she lied down on the grass. I tried to say, "Good night." However, she was already asleep.

I lied down next to her with a tear in my eye. They owed me a blood vendetta. They changed Evangeline from the meek girl I fell in love with, to the strong and enduring woman she is now. The love I felt for Evangeline was gone. I was no longer 'in love' with her, rather I 'loved' her, but there was a severe difference.

Sleep filled my mind again.


A long week's travel followed that night. Quick-Strike told me how I was distant, Evangeline also noticed it. J'skooma was even gloomy during our travels. He had no amusing conversations with cheese as we walked through the forests, instead he argued with himself.

When we reached the shrine, it was cracked, moss was growing, and it depicted a stag-headed man with a spear in his right hand and a dog in the other. "Hircine, it I, the Champion of Nirn," I called out. "What must I do to earn your favor?"

"Prove your skill in the hunt," his echoing voice invaded. "The most powerful prey, is the one with reason. Evangeline is your target. If you succeed, then I will send one-thousand were-beasts to aid you. As well as give you something else."

"Evangeline," I whimpered. "You h-have to die."

The woman walked towards me and kneeled. I was about to behead her, but for some reason I missed. I tried and tried, but every time had the same results. "Sanctuary spells," she girlishly giggled. "You'll not be killing me."

With a tear in my eye, I said a prayer to Arkay. My sword hit her neck, perfectly. The blow was a clean kill. "Impressive, I found that kill to be with a true hunter’s ferocity" Hircine’s voice flattered. "My werewolves will aid you, but Kalian... Beware. I fought Zalphon hundreds of years ago. He almost banished me, but I used my werebears and werewolves. Remember, Kalian... You are the Champion of Nirn, but you are still semi-mortal." On the shrine appeared a furry-cuirass. The Savior's Hide, a mythical tunic rumored to be the god’s own skin.

I took off my breast-plate, chain-mail shirt, and cloth shirt. I put it on, took off the cloth shirt, put on the chain-mail shirt, and finally the breast-plate. A little itchy, but it would protect me from the spell-casters of Nirn. "The nearest shrine is that of Sheogorath," Quick-Strike insightfully added. "The Mad God can do amazing things."

I nodded. Night came when we found the abandoned city of Border Watch. Legend said that a plague of rats came, the sheep died, and flaming dogs fell from the sky. Being this close to the Shrine of Sheogorath makes sense that strange events would occur.

I headed for the inn and took a bed. Sleep came hastily, yet I awoke in the middle of the night to hear Quick-Strike and J'skooma downstairs.

"The High Watcher will want to meet us here at sun-rise," Quick-Strike sighed. "In the letter I received, he was most pleased about Kalian's progress."

"We should probably rest," J'skooma replied. "We needn't irritate the High Watcher." I let sleep consume me. When I awoke, the sun shined in my face. I heard three voices. I walked to the staircase. My two friends stood with a man in black clothing, from his boots to his robes.

"High Watcher," Quick-Strike deeply bowed. "We are most sorry for this foul residence."

"J'skooma is deeply sorry," J'skooma said. "Forgive J'skooma."

"All is forgiven, Watchers," the Dark-Clothed Man nodded. "I would like to say how well you've done with Kalian. I figured he wasn't the one of the prophecy. I do believe it's almost time to induct young Kalian into the Watchers."

"The Watchers hold many secrets," the Argonian verbally riposted. "He must complete the tasks set before him, first."

"Indeed, but perhaps I should give infuse his blood with the fraction so small of the power of Aetherius. It would vastly improve his arcane ability."

"That may help," Quick-Strike agreed. "He should be asleep."

"He's not. I can sense his energy. He is up the stairs watching us," the High Watcher pointed. "Come down, Kalian."

Obediently, I came down. "What is thou will," I asked. "I will serve you until my dying breath, and even after if you so choose."

He pulled an eight-sided shard of his pocket. It had a blindingly bright blue glow. The High Watcher put it to my chest and instantly I fell to the ground, unconscious.


When I awoke, Quick-Strike stood over me. All I could think about was Evangeline. That eight-sided, blue crystal did something to me, but my mind was on my fallen friend. A girlish giggle was heard, "Kalian, the High Watcher gave me a present." The soft-sweet voice was...Evangeline's.

The young Breton smiled. "The High Watcher ripped my soul back from the Dreamsleeve and gave me back my old body," she hugged me. "I don't remember much of the events of the Coloured Rooms, but I suppose that's for the best."

My heart rushed, we were hugging so tightly, I couldn't tell if it was my heart or hers beating. "Syrabane presented you with a gift, Kalian," Quick-Strike warned. "He did infuse your very essence with that of Aetherius; there may be side-effects. However, your power over magicka will be a fraction of J'skooma's, more than most of the greatest wizards alive can say."

"A question," I asked. "You said you were recruited to the Watchers"

"That wasn't entirely true," J'skooma shook his head. "J'skooma and Quick-Strike helped found it with Talos in 4E 97 during the Altmeri Revolution, when Mannimarco led the necromancers of the Summerset Isles against the Empire. Talos is the High-Watcher, and we are the Master-Watchers."

"What title do I hold?" I asked.

"You hold no rank within the Watchers," Quick-Strike explained. "To become a Watcher of Mundus, you must succeed extraordinary tasks. J'skooma and I destroyed the Obsidian Tower and watched Zalphon die. One day you will become a Watcher, but until that day..."

I sighed and donned my armor. It was time we started walking towards the Shrine of Sheogorath. For an hour or two we walked. The Shrine depicted a man in flamboyant clothing with a cane. It was old, cracked, and surprisingly not mossy. When we reached it, an echoing voice called out, "The Duke of Mania."

"J'skooma is here," the Khajiit responded. "J'skooma is here with Kalian."

"My, the Champion of Nirn has come here" Sheogorath awed. “To earn my favor, you must pass the Trials of Mania and the Trials of Dementia."

"Fine," I barked. Evangeline held me tightly.

"Don't worry," I whispered. "With my new-found power, I could easily pass these tests." Light-blue flame surrounded me and I was in a dark room. A short, tan-skinned, Bosmer walked over to me.

"The name is Fargoth," he laughed insanely. "You have seen my ring? It's an engraved ring of healing. Damn guards, they're always stealing it. I hate them so much, don't you?" I noticed on his finger was a lightly-glowing ring that had engravings on it.

"You have it on you," I told him. "The ring is on your finger."

"Liar," he screamed. "For that you'll die." The short elf turned into a blur. Everything faded to black when I saw him stand still. My beating heart still in hand.

chose you," Fargoth cackled. "My mother would be a better champion."

Everything went black. I could feel my blood turn to ice as I fell to my knees. I was gone. I wasn't sure if I was alive... Or dead or worse… in Sheogorath’s dream-world. When I awoke, a golden saint stood in front of me. She wore a golden-scale skirt, with a golden-scale cuirass to match, a pair of boots and gloves, and her wild-blonde mane fell to her shoulders.

"The events in the Trials of Dementia occurred. However, it wasn't your heart he removed, it was the Shard of Aetherius," The Golden Saint stated. "The Trials of Mania wait." We were in a lightly-lit room and I opened the door and took a step.

I fell, but where was I falling? As I fell, I saw Quick-Strike, J'skooma, Adam, and Evangeline, my 'family'... I was falling somewhere, I just didn't know where. I finally hit the ground, it was golden, and the entire room was golden. And there was a ceiling about six feet above my head.

I opened the golden-door and looked at where I was about to step. There was a floor, but it was a thin bridge over a gaping abyss. I took a step on it and saw a platform where a portal stood. It looked to be to Cyrodiil where I was. I slowly made my way there and when I entered...I saw something horrible... Evangeline, J'skooma, Quick-Strike, they were all dismembered. And who stood over them? A tall, ash-skinned Dunmer in a suit of black-and-red Daedric armor stood over their corpses.

"Hello, Kalian," the Dunmer laughed. "Oh, sorry I didn't want guests." I drew my sword.

"I'll kill you, Zalphon," I screamed. "Kill you!" My vision turned into red-haze as I flurried wildly. His laugh was like that of a scamp. It chilled my spine. He just kept laughing and talking about how much they moaned and begged.

I felt a sharp blade against my neck and everything went black... I was dead, at least I hoped so...

When I awoke, I was in a pair of red-silk pants and a red-silk shirt. I wore fine, doe-skin shoes. A Golden-Saint smiled at me. "Finally awake," She giggled. "Well, you passed the Trials of Dementia, now for the Trials of Mania."

"Where am I?" I asked. "The Shivering Isles?" I looked around; I was in a similar, golden, cubic room. The Golden Saint handed me a vial with a bubbling green liquid and small, white pebbles in it.

"Drink up, it's good," She told me. Obediently I wrapped my lips around the vial and let the foul-tasting liquid go down my throat. It tasted worse than roast-scamp. Around me, I saw dancing spoons and singing lutes. A beautiful melody was heard.

I looked down and there was a dirt floor hundreds of feet below me. I just laughed. I had a feeling of euphoria. My body crashed into the ground, but it didn't hurt, instead it actually tickled. Out of thin air appeared a fire atronach. "I have a riddle for you," it stated. "Are you ready?"

"Does mudcrab taste like burnt slaughterfish?" I asked rhetorically. "By the Nine, I'm ready."

"What is dark, but also light, but sometimes even both?" The Fiery Daedroth asked.

What was dark, but also light? My Aunt Kyra after a few bottles of Flin? Or perhaps a Dunmer who got bit by a vampire?

I looked up and thought of the night sky. The moon. “The moon is sometimes light, sometimes dark, and sometimes both,” I eagerly said.

The Daedroth dissapeared and there sat J'skooma. "J'skooma has the final challenge," J'skooma chuckled. "Ready?" Wow, what could this fool challenge me with?

"You should know," I said as I fell to the ground when I tried to walk over to him. "Ask me, you furry bundle of fun."

The khajiit held up his right palm which glowed bright blue. He touched my forehead and blackness entangled my vision. I don't know what happened. However, it couldn't have been good.

I opened my eyes and I was in Cyrodiil. Was it real? Or was this just another game. Quick-Strike asked, "Are you okay, Kalian?"

"Y-yes," I responded. "I was trying to decipher if this was the truth."

Evangeline rushed over and hugged me. "You're okay," she whispered. "Thank the gods."

I nodded and ruffled my hand through my hair. I looked at the map which revealed that Nocturnal's was only a few hours away if we made haste. I alerted Quick-Strike of this news, who agreed. For hours we traveled in silence. I guess I should be happy to see Evangeline, but I couldn’t waste my time.

When we reached the Shrine, a spine-chilling darkness was over us. The Shrine depicted a woman with her arms both in one-hundred eighty-degree angles and ravens on them. "What--?" I was interrupted.

"The Champion of Nirn desires my favor," Her echoing voice laughed. "Perhaps. If you succeed in my quest, I'll give you a suit of Daedric armor that Dremora wear. If you fail, then well..."

"What is the challenge, Mistress of the Night," I asked.

Nocturnal asked, "Quick-Strike?"

"Your majesty," he kneeled. "How may I be of service?"

"You are my most elite assassin," She said. "Champion, thank Quick-Strike for my favor. He has been a loyal ally to me for years, should my purpose be noble..."

"Your majesty," He humbly responded. "I think you over-exaggerate.”

A suit of Daedric armor with a sword and tower-shield appeared on the Shrine. I picked it up and took off my current armor. I put on the new suit of armor and smiled. It was not only Daedric armor, but enchanted. I could sense the life around me, yet this felt as light as a feather. I could feel my wounds regenerating.

"High Assassin Quick-Strike, may the Champion of Nirn enjoy his armor in the Daedric Civil War," She said.

I grinned at Quick-Strike. Even if he couldn't see it, I knew he noticed it. I looked at the map and sighed deeply. The next shrine was the Shrine of Peryite. He was the most pathetic of the Daedric Princes, hardly deserving of the title. I sighed once more and started to walk.

The travel to Peryite’s shrine was short compared to some of the others. When we finally reached it, we noticed that the ground around it had become marsh-like terrain with a miasma of disease about it. “Home,” Quick-Strike commented. “Just like home…”

The Shrine itself was pristine, not a single crack, not a single piece of moss. The dragon was finely carved. It was on a raised area of land. “Mortal,” the Taskmaster’s echoing voice barked. “You come for my favor? I will grant you a shield of power that can help you destroy enemy spellcasters.”

“What must I do,” I asked inquisitively. “Drink a vial of a blighted man’s blood? Organize Mora’s realm?”

“My task will require you prove yourself. You must fight in the Tournament of the Nine Blights. Ash Woe Blight, Ash-Chancre, Black-Heart Blight, Chanthrax Blight, Sanies Lupines, Serpigninous Dementia, Cannibal’s Prion, Scalon Blight,” Peryite explained.

“That’s only eight,” I said. “What is the ninth?”

“Porphyric Hemophilia, the one you will have during the Tournament,” Peryite laughed. “If you survive the Tournament of the Nine Blights, then you’ll receive the prize.”

“When do I go to the Tournament of the Nine Blights?”

“Now,” Peryite cackled. A portal appeared showing an ancient Dunmeri Ancestral Tomb. I entered. Nine vampires were in the dome-shaped room.

“You are our Champion in the Tournament of the Nine Blights?” the Altmeri Female growled. “Nevermind, I am Eldafire, the Ancient of Clan Aundae. I will bless you with the Divine Gift of Vampirism.”

Eldafire grabbed my back. She tore off my helm and bit into my neck. The anguish felt like two small daggers being plunged into my neck. I obediently took it. The Tournament of the Nine Blights would be interesting. Eldafire was basically my caretaker until the Tournament starts.

She let go of me and muttered under his breath. I fell to the ground, asleep before I hit the ground. Eldafire was obviously powerful. She survived the Summerset Wars of 4E 373 when the Summerset Isles tried to declare themselves as their own empire. Now Altmer are as rare as ebony. They can be seen once in a while, but there are very few survivors.

I let the sleep take hold of me. I would need all the energy I could get for the Tournament… Strange dreams haunted me while I slept. They were of me holding a baby who turned to ash in the day-light and blew away in the wind. A vision or a side-effect of the disease?