Legacy, Book II of the Corruption Trilogy Options

[Zalphon]

Prologue
4E 512

My ebony long sword danced into the flesh of the heretics. It would slide itself into one, and then tear into another. I noticed each of the heretics cower as Lord-Templar Draconis walked forward. We all kneeled as he strode to the middle of the battle-field.

“You dare defy the word of Kalian Broodikus, Heretics?” he shouted. “The Inquisitors ‘may’ show mercy if you accept the error of your ways.” It was rumored that Lord-Templar Draconis had traveled with Kalian himself. Apparently his aura of fear intimidated most of the heretics and they dropped their weapons.

A fair-haired woman with snowy skin shouted, “You may break our bodies, but Kalian is long-gone. He is no god.” Each of the heretics, who had surrendered, picked up their weapons and charged.

“Troopers of Kalian follow the Templar into war,” I cried out. “Their attempts to defile Kalian’s Valor will go unsuccessful.” I watched as the chain-mail clad troopers charged into battle behind us templar.

Lord-Templar Draconis shouted out a prayer, “Lord Kalian, please bless me with the ability to control holy fire!” Suddenly a long, thin serpent of flame was conjured and it was commanded by the Lord-Templar. Within moments, the battle-field had the stench of charred flesh. The stench of heretic charred flesh arose from each of the blackened corpses.

“Templar, lead your troops back to Skingrad,” the Lord-Templar ordered. “Templar Ashur, report to me in Castle Skingrad.” The grassy plains were stained with blood and ash. It was the price of war. Lord-Templar Draconis wished to speak to me, but why?

We began marching to Skingrad. Well over forty miles, we’d likely arrive in two days. However, what did Lord-Templar Draconis want of me? Had I done something wrong? Few earned the Lord-Templar’s attention without either impressing or angering him.

After two eventless days of marching, we saw the bustling city of Skingrad. The sermons had just ended and children were out playing. Men and women alike were working. When they saw us marching, they applauded. We were the Templar and the Troopers of Kalian and their protectors.

The soldiers slowly drifted off to perform their own affairs, but I found myself walking towards Castle Skingrad. Civilians and Troopers saluted me alike. Across Tamriel, any Templar was revered. Finally I reached the large, double doors of Castle Skingrad and the troopers opened them.

I nervously walked towards the throne room. Sitting on it was Lord-Templar Draconis in his armor. We both were. Templar always wore their armor except when they bathed or slept. I pulled off my helmet, “Lord-Templar, you asked for me to come?”

“Templar Ashur, you rallied the troopers,” he slowly explained as he pulled his helmet off. His white skin, icy blue eyes, and jet-black hair made him look even more intimidating. Those eyes followed me and I could feel them searching me for fear.

“I did, Lord-Templar,” I replied honestly. “It’s my duty as a Templar to unite them under my word. I am a Champion of Kalian’s Will.” My voice was sincere, proud, and afraid all at once. I couldn’t tell if he was angry or impressed yet.

“Templar Ashur, I’ve watched you for some time,” the Lord-Templar nodded. “Kalian and I were once friends. We fought side-by-side and once against each other. I wish for you to bring me someone…actually somebody of much importance to me and to Kalian.”

“Who do you refer to Lord-Templar?” I questioned.

“His native name is Sar-Kura or as he is called in Tamrielic, Quick-Strike,” he explained. “Quick-Strike was one who trained Kalian, as I did as well. However, I taught him in the Ways of the Old Religion.”

“What is the Old Religion?” I wasn’t sure if it was worship of the Aedra or the Daedra. Or if it was worship of some ‘god’ that wasn’t either of them.

“The old religion is worship of the Aedric Deities. Many followed them before Kalian saved Mundus and became a god.”

“Sar-Kura, is he dangerous?” I knew the answer to that. If he taught Kalian anything he was likely a master of his trade.

“He once bested me in combat before I could draw my sword.” I gulped. The Lord-Templar of Cyrodiil was the most powerful of the Lord-Templar. He was second only to Kalian and he only answered to the Templar-Emperor out of respect, not fear.

“And you seek for me to bring him to you, Lord-Templar?”

“Kalian will guide your blade and ward you from Sar-Kura,” Lord-Templar Draconis nodded. “After Kalian became a god, Sar-Kura betrayed his pupil and refused to acknowledge that Kalian was the only deity worthy of worship.”
“He betrayed his own apprentice? Who could do that to their own pupil?” I heard the words of betrayal to Kalian. But how could one who taught him and fought with him betray him?

“The Argonian assassin did it to Kalian. Also, ‘J’skooma’ or ‘Ra’Kyre’ is a Khajiit Wizard who was extremely loyal to Sar-Kura while I traveled with him.” The cold breeze of the castle winds forced me to shiver, but I simply nodded acknowledging what he said.

“The last time I spoke to Sar-Kura was twelve years ago right below the top of the White-Gold Tower,” he explained. “He’ll likely find you before you find him, Templar Ashur.” Those words sent ice up my spine.

“Yes sir, when may I leave?” I asked curiously. “And may I take some other Templar or some troopers with me?”

“You’re to go alone,” the Lord-Templar stated. “Let your equipment be your shield and your faith be your weapon. Sar-Kura and Ra’Kyre must pay for their treacherous actions.” I slowly bobbed my head to show acknowledgement and I grabbed my helmet. As I walked out, my black cloak flowing softly behind me.

The Templar looked at me and saluted with a fist to chest. When I reached the giant, double-doors two troopers pulled them open. I had to begin my search, but where? Who would know anything about them?

[Zalphon]

Chapter Two: The Trials of the North (Part I)

I looked outward to the opening. Light was beginning to make its way into the cave. Slowly, I removed my armor and laid down. The uneven, rough dirt made it uncomfortable, but that was what my life was becoming. I wasn’t always going to enjoy the luxuries of comfort anymore.

A long, restless, dreamless sleep followed after I was fell victim to it. When I opened my eyes, the light was gone. However, I could make out a shadowy figure standing in the mouth of the cave.

It stepped closer. A Khajiit in steel platemail with a silver claymore strapped to his back looked at me. The heavily armored humanoid looked to the back of the cave. His deep, commanding voice echoed, “Sar-Kura, do you remember who I am?”

“Ri’Skar. You’ve grown since Ra’Kyre and I left the dunes of Elsewyr,” The Argonian replied. “If you’re seeking your father, he’s gone.” I could see that Quick-Strike was still hurting over not stopping his friend as he stepped closer.

Ri’Skar nodded, “I know. I also know it was Bryne’s Empire that brought him this death. I’ve been searching for you for the past ten years, ever since the Templar came to Elsewyr.” The icy winds blew into the cave, but I did my best to hide the fact that it made me shiver.

“You were only a boy then,” Sar-Kura responded curiously.

“And now I am a warrior. Sar-Kura, the people of Elsewyr are little more than slaves,” the Khajiit explained. “The people get to eat very little, while the soldiers live like kings. I want to ask you to help me stop Bryne.”

“I am Ashur Selos, a true Templar of Kalian. I’d like you to join us in our mutual goal,” I interrupted as I got to my feet. “Kalian wasn’t a man who believed in hunting down all who disagreed with his ideals.” I did my best to sound confident, but I wasn’t sure I did as I spoke.

“I do not trust you, Templar. However, it seems I have little choice.”

I extended my own gauntlet-covered hand. He grabbed it and we shook hands, “Ri’Skar, we will take back Tamriel. Or die trying. We’re headed to the Caves of Fjalding in Solstheim, off the coast of Skyrim.”

“Very well, when do we leave?”

“Now,” Sar-Kura blurted out before I could speak. The Khajiit nodded and we began to walk. Ri’Skar was now one of my growing group of companions. We each had our own goals, our own desires, but we all had a mutual goal.

The question was simple, would this be enough? I couldn’t say as we walked under the cloak of night. I looked up and saw what appeared to be mountains, “We’re close to the borders of Skyrim.”

Quick-Strike responded, “Meaning we’re even closer to Bruma.” That thought made my heart skip a beat. We were close to a city. And that meant we were even closer to the patrols that would come from the city.