Redemption, part 2 Options

[jack cloudy]

Click here for Redemption Part 1


Alright, part 2. Still not much redeeming going on but whatever. Now instead of continuing the story, I figured I'd use this post for all the miscellaneous stuff. Things like a character list and the recap for part 1. So be warned that this post CONTAINS SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!


RECAP FOR PART 1 Again SPOILERS!

One night, the palace is breached by unknown assailants. Following standard protocol for such events, the Emperor is secretly transported to the prison by his Blades. The Imperial Battlemage, Ocato, declines to join him, claiming that the situation is under control and that his services aren't needed.

Despite having reached the prison safely, the Emperor soon finds that he is still in danger. It is then that Uriel receives help from an unexpected ally. Angoril Bobardi reveals that the very cell he has inhabited for decades, contains a secret escape route that was built during the simulacrum at the order of Jagar Tharn. With this passage and the considerable magical prowess of Angoril, the Emperor manages to flee the deadly trap.

Also freed from the prison by Angoril is Maorlatta Orgnum, a young (by elf-standards) and somewhat naive girl who was arrested for the crime of sleeping in the park. Once free, she quickly makes herself scarce and eventually finds herself in the shack of an old fisherman who lives on an island in Lake Rumare. The fisherman seeks the help of the thieves guild to rid her of the manacles and prison outfit that would have every Legionnaire arrest her on sight. Unfortunately, the one assigned to pick the locks on the manacles informs Vicente Valtieri instead, who takes a personal interest in the girl’s talent for camouflage. Maorlatta is saved by the Redguard Sorian, a young and rather strange lad who keeps going on and on about something he calls an Ansei. The two team up to go treasure hunting in a nearby Ayleid ruin.

Meanwhile, Angoril returns to the prison. Pretending to be from the palace, he gets a vital clue from the Argonian private investigator Grey-Tongue. The Argonian sends him to Chorrol to find the source of the assassins distinctive red robes. To get to Chorrol, he summons a shiftgate, circumventing days travelling. From Chorrol the trail leads to Kvatch, a city whose precise location he does not know. Unable to summon another shiftgate with reasonable accuracy, Angoril seeks more mundane passage to Kvatch.

While Angoril is travelling, Maorlatta and Sorian hit the Ayleid ruin. After some trouble with a zombie, they strike gold and find an abandoned office with some intact artefacts. They attempt to sell the artefacts in the Imperial city, where they are intercepted by Grey-Tongue and then Vicente Valtieri. Sorian again makes the vampire flee. The next morning Maorlatta wakes up in the Imperial palace with no recollection on how she got there or what happened during her stay at Grey-Tongue’s house. Jauffre interrogates her in the garden at the top of the tower.







Redemption's persons of questionable importance

Main characters:
Angoril Bobardi: An Altmeri sorcerer who inhabited a cell in the Imperial prison, fully aware of the secret escape route. After leaving the prison, he makes it his task to track down the leaders behind the red-robed assassins.

Maorlatta Orgnum: A Maormer from Pyandonea, sent to Tamriel at the command of king Orgnum. Circumstances land her in the same prison as the Altmer. After escaping, she returns to the pursuit of her own goals, one of which is to become filthy rich.

Side characters:
Grey-Tongue: An Argonian private investigator. He is a friend of Hieronymous Lex and has been hired by the guard-captain in the past. Grey-Tongue is hired now as well by the city-guard to investigate the events at the prison and find Uriel’s corpse.
Guard-Captain Hieronymous Lex: Hieronymous Lex is the man put in charge of investigating the massacre at the Imperial Prison. Upon finding that Uriel Septim was seen entering the prison that night, he hires Grey-Tongue to help him uncover the truth.
Sorian: A Redguard who saves Maorlatta from Vicente Valtieri. A simple wandering swordsman with a slight Ansei-obsession.
Rajn Geydar: A Wood Elf who lives in Kvatch. At one point possessed a piece of the Balac-Thurm.

Others:
Guard-Captain Argelius: A colleague of Hieronymous Lex who describes him as the man to call when you need subtlety.
Bannon: A merchant who travelled with Angoril from Chorrol to Kvatch
Baleni: Daughter of Rajn Geydar
Doruk: The Bouncer who worked at Rajn Geydar's restaurant. Deceased.
Penald Baurus: Blade and bodyguard of Uriel Septim.
Berius: Lord Protector and Head of the palaceguard in the Imperial City.
Valen Dreth: A Dunmeri prisoner. Not the most pleasant sort.
Jennifer Renault: Blade, recently promoted to captain.
Glenroy: Blade and bodyguard of Uriel Septim.

Fenasim: A member of the emperor's Palace guard.
Mankar Camoran: The father of both Raven and Ruma. He is the leader of the Mythic Dawn and its prophet.
Raven Camoran: The ‘Hand’ of the Mythic Dawn, an organization with an unknown purpose. What is certain however, is that the Dawn wants Uriel Septim dead.
Ruma Camoran: The sister of Raven, she serves the Mythic Dawn as Priestess. In the same night that the attempt on the emperor’s life is made, she infiltrates the vaults beneath the Imperial palace to steal two artefacts.
Harrow: A member of the Dawn, Harrow used to be an Armiger stationed in Vvardenfell.

Ludius Bester: Member of Bester and Bester, the Kvatch Hall of Mercantile Interests. He runs the office in lower Kvatch.
Aelwin Merowald: An old fisherman who lost most of his leg to Slaughterfish. Friend of Delmar Tunius.
Rajn Geydar: Owner of the Eight Provinces, a restaurant in Kvatch.
Ra’Jezhr: A Khajiiti lockpicker in the employ of the Thieves Guild, Ra’Jezhr is also coerced into serving the Dark Brotherhood’s interests.
Simanuel Rosendorf IV: The owner of a silk-plantation near Chorrol

Umbacano: An Altmer who lives in the capital city. A well-known collector of Ayleid artefacts.
Uriel Septim VII: The Emperor of Tamriel.
Brother Tanner: A priest who serves in the Kvatch-temple. Looks like a Septim.
Delmar Tunius: An old fisherman who lives on a small island in lake Nibenay.
Vicente Valtieri: A member of the Dark Brotherhood, he takes interest in Maorlatta’s talents at stealth, and desires to make her an assassin, with or without her cooperation.

Latta’s evergrowing list of people only she knows:
Levvelyn of Glashorn: The hero of a popular series who spends most of his books saving the world, slaying vicious monsters, duelling devious Altmeri warlords and chasing the girl.
Irrillys: A fictional princess of Pyandonea, she is Levvelyn’s love interest. Posesses an unfortunate talent for being kidnapped by devious Altmeri warlords.
Mettildi: The Maormer that taught Maorlatta how to fight, though his methods traumatized her to the point where she is mentally incapable of defending herself.
Master Zelthir: Another Maormer put in charge of educating Maorlatta. Master Zelthir is a well-known and highly respected healer.

This post has been edited by jack cloudy: Sep 22 2013, 07:36 PM

[jack cloudy]

McBadgere: Heh, maybe just a little. To be honest, I like to just vent about random things from time to time. The only problem is that my rants end up competing with the actual update in length.

And perhaps it is about time that someone tells Latta their age. I did some math and (if the emperor didn't age those ten years he was banished by Tharn), she stands a good chance of actually being older than Uriel Septim. Which is kind of ironic, given how she measures the respect someone is due by how much older than her they are.

mALX: I'll stop using excuses. Glad you like it at least. And you're not the only one who at first thought that Raven was Mankar. I admit that I aimed for that by not giving his name right of the bat.


The hardest part of the flash-back chapter was probably figuring out how to play the Blades and the Dawn against each other. Both had to look competent, but I couldn't have them guess each other's plans so perfectly you'd think they're reading the story. Also hard were the fight....OK, no excuses! I just want to say that writing a fight between 'normal' people is different than writing one with vastly 'superhuman' combatants. For one, any real injury turns into an instant fight-stopper and movement is restricted much more by obstacles, the relative placement of the fighters and even plain old gravity.

Anyway, back to more Latta.




Chapter 9.6


The proceedings entered the proverbial rapids at that point. As the Tamrielics were obviously unaware of all the intricacies of Pyandonean customs regarding debt bondage and there was no real point in teaching them, we agreed to leave the matter for now and have Jauffre draw up a contract later. I didn’t argue, but I was planning to read it very carefully and not miss even the smallest accidental blotch of ink. To be honest, I just wanted it to be over and done quickly. Not just because of the mental anguish I’d put myself in, but also because the bow I was supposed to maintain throughout the ceremony was far from comfortable. Held too loose, and I’d be insulting the man in the bed. Held too tight, and I would be tearing my muscles. Of the two, ruining my legs was the preferable option. And sometimes, my own thoughts scared me.

“Lady Princess Orgnum, heir to the throne of Pyandonea, are you willing to travel the land on behalf of the Tamriel crown?” The elder asked me. It was a stupid question, even if he couldn’t know. I belonged to him now, in mind and body. If he bade me to walk to Summerset, I would do so. Even if it killed me. My throat squeezed shut and I tried not to think too hard on the knots I’d just pulled.
“If that is Your Grace’s desire, I shall follow all four winds. Though I would request the removal of this leash first.” I said and tapped the cursed band that was strapped to my neck. Still bent over, I craned my head back to look at him. That was permitted, though it only made my stance even more trying.
“It is my desire.” The Septim king answered to me. I was surprised at the strength of his voice. Others might not have noticed, but my eyes shifted across the signs on his body by habit. All of last night’s convulsions were still there, but he forced them down with a self-control I could do nothing but respect. What he was doing wasn’t healthy, but ten lesser men and women couldn’t have done it.
“There are many deeds that must be done and only you, the promised envoy of Pyandonea, can accomplish them.” He continued. More tears tried to break free but I blinked till they went away.
“Don’t think it, Latta. Not now.” I told myself.

“Your Grace, would you permit me knowledge of these deeds?” If I was going to do his bidding, it would be best if I knew exactly what he wanted of me. His House was now my House. I would not bring dishonor to its name.
“In due time.” He said with a slight tremble in his voice. A hand shook beneath the bedcover. That was not a good sign. Yes, it would definitely be for the best if this session was ended as soon as possible.
“I grant you the title of Agent. My Blades will hear my words through your voice. Their ears and eyes are yours, their hands move at your command. You will have need of them.” I couldn’t hide my confusion. What was an agent, and why would I need weapons? Or a private army, if I got the context right. Whatever it was, for the moment I forgot the strain the man was putting himself under.

“Baurus!” The Emperor called. His voice was weakening, but still strong. Beside me, the mudman straightened his back abruptly. I couldn’t help but think I’d already failed him. Did I not bow deeply enough? I tried to make my nose touch my knees again, despite my body’s protests. Little gasps entered his words, but what drew my attention more was the change in tone. It was still recognizably Tamriellic, but different as if it borrowed the intonation of another language.
“My Agent’s journey shall be a dangerous one. Will you be a shield that stands between her and spell and sword?”
“Unto my last breath and beyond I do swear I shall.”
“I have heard your vow, Penald Baurus. May the Divines bear witness and grant you strength and honour in equal measure.”
The back and forth had been quick, obviously rehearsed, and hard to follow, not in the least because the Lord Emperor’s voice broke more and more now. What I did get I didn’t like. I knew I needed a bodyguard and it seemed like I got one. But the open talk about danger made me flush. It had to be a figure of speech, I told myself. Part of this traditional bodyguard ceremony they just performed.

Next up was some business between Uriel and Jauffre about teaching me the symbols of something. But we were at the end now and in the span of a hundred heartbeats the man whispered the words we’d both been waiting for.
“Rise, my hand and voice. Go now and prepare.” Every muscle in my body trembled with relief and I heard the elder sigh as he sank back in his bed.



“We’ll eat first.” My new bodyguard muttered. I’d sneaked in a few bites of half-raw meats and vegetables while cooking, but was still hungry myself. Renault had put me on finishing breakfast so she could go do the paperwork. It had been a lot though, enough for a dozen or more men. The man took me to a large hall I hadn’t seen yet. A fire blazed on both ends of a long table and swords were hung up on the wall like some obscene decoration. I tried to count the curved pieces of metal and estimate their value, but gave up after I lost count a few times.

The meal I’d prepared was mostly gone already. All that remained of the juicy meatstrips and boiled red and green plantstuff were dirty plates. The dark man spread what was left on two clean plates and had us sit down close to one of the fires. He also poured from a karaff a golden liquid. It was like that mead-drink Sorian bought me. Sweet and lightly alcoholic.
“I’m not sure what exactly I was given, but I take it was something important? The false priest didn’t look happy about it.” I said while we ate. No matter how much I thought on it, I still had no idea just what it meant to be an agent. Only that Jauffre didn’t like it.
“Jauffre? Umm, what should I call you?” He was chewing even while talking. Disgusting.
“Lady Princess Orgnum….No, you may use lady Orgnum instead. From what I was taught that is a neutral form acceptable to most stations and situations.” I said. Lady Princess felt rather short and informal to me, but I knew better than letting him proclaim who I was to everyone on the street. So like I allowed Sorian, I would let my new bodyguard simply address me as lady. Maybe I should change my name as well. Didn’t Levvelyn do that when he infiltrated the staff of maester Braxxin, in ‘Levvelyn and the Iron Mines of Yokuda’?”
“Lady Orgnum it is then. I’m Penald Baurus, just call me Penald or call me Baurus. Whatever you like.” He told me. I still had to tell myself that they did things backwards. So I would have to use Baurus. Using Penald would be far too intimate.

He still had his mouth full while explaining. I looked away cause it made me feel sick.
“And of course the Grandmaster was upset. He’s not used to being overruled, even by the emperor. And as Agent, well you basically just got given carte blanche over all the spies.” Spies? I didn’t know that word either. If I had been taught, I couldn’t remember it right now. So I simply asked him.
“Pardon me, but what is a spies? Are you one?”

“A spy is a…well how to explain. The Blades are made up of two branches. There is the arms-bearing one of which I’m a member. We protect the emperor and his chosen dignitaries, such as you, from any that would wish them harm. The other branch sits in the shadows. They serve as emperor Uriel’s eyes and ears, and sometimes his poison. Jauffre is their grandmaster and Lord Protector Berius is mine. Was that clear?” He mumbled amidst bits of roasted meat. His explanation could have been clearer, but I thought I understood the core of it.
“The spies learn what the Lord Emperor must know, but Jauffre decides what he hears. Am I right?” Which would make him arguably the most powerful man on the continent. And of course he didn’t like me.
“You got it in one. Now as Agent, you are a special kind of spy. Jauffre holds no authority over either your actions or your goals. You are completely free to pursue your mission in any way you see fit. Blackmail, trespassing, thievery and even murder are the tools which you are permitted to use.” Four tools I did not want to use, ever. Actually, I was relieved and quite sure I didn’t have to. Who would trust me, a stranger from far away lands, with such powers? It was really just a ploy to get me out of Jauffre’s grasp. And for that, I was grateful.

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Cyrodiil

Since the departure of Grey-Tongue, the investigation in the Imperial city had ground to a halt. The lost of the Argonian’s razorsharp mind wasn’t the only cause. Another was active opposition from his superiors. They didn’t admit it of course, but Heironymous Lex saw the words of the Elder Council echoed in them. And he bet the Council was parroting the wishes of the Blades who had refused to tell him what had happened at the vaults. Which reminded him of what his friend had said. Something had been stolen from the vaults and the Blades were now torn between the need to apprehend the suspects and retrieve whatever they’d taken, and the desire to not let anyone know they’d failed in their duties.

The investigation was further crippled when the guard-captain himself was attacked. The healer’s guild sent inquiry after inquiry and demand after demand his way. The law obligated him to admit that he’d allowed an unregistered healer to practice on him and law obligated him to help apprehend this rogue healer. An unregistered healer was an uneducated one and therefore a direct threat to anyone he or she chose to administer, so said the guild. To Hieronymous it was just another unneeded distraction. He’d argued that his injuries had been treated to satisfaction, and that the healer had been educated outside Tamriel. Impossible, the guild claimed. Only the education and certificates given by the guild were suitable proof of expertise. Anything given by an outsider was by definition inferior. Hieronymous had given up at that point. Hearing about the very real of family-trained and effective healers found in every small settlement was the last thing the guild wanted.

Their complaints were so severe and forceful that he saw the hand of the Blades in it again. No, the Guard-Captain decided it would be an exercize in futility to further fight the demands. He went through the motions of searching for the hedgehealer in his district, despite already knowing that she was nowhere near the city. After a few days of that and ever further setbacks and obstructions to his real mission, he’d had enough. He formally requested leave for an undetermined period, using his knee as an excuse. As quick as the guild of healers had been to protest when he continued his duties, so quick was it now to suggest to his superiors that leave and fresh air were indeed what he needed.




He’d begun to pack for his wagon-ride the next day. Now clothing, a few books and personal effects were strewn across his office. His sword also lay ready to be packed, though he opted to leave his armour behind. If he did have to perform his duties as an officer of the guard, he would use the brocaded desk-uniform instead. It was far more comfortable to travel in.
The door behind him opened and someone spoke.
“This place is a mess. You definitely need a woman.”
Hieronymous sighed but did not turn around. “Julius, you shouldn’t be here.” He said.
“I am a grown man now. It is my right to choose who to see.” Julius protested.
“And what profession to follow. I know. Ah, I would be a poor father and a liar if I said I wasn’t happy to see you, my son.” Hieronymous said and embraced the younger man. They didn’t look much alike. Julius took more after Martha, sharing her brown locks and wide ears. But he was like his father in other ways, more than his mother liked.

“I heard you were injured, but my mentors wouldn’t let me leave before week’s end. I even took it up with Hannibal.” His son explained. He was still wearing the smudged apprentice-robes students at the Arcane University wore, showing that he’d come the minute he’d finished his lessons. Hieronymous shook his head at that. Yes, Julius was like him in some ways. He had that same stubborn streak to do what he felt was right, though the talent in magic could not be attributed to either parent.
“And darn right he was. The profession of a mage isn’t an easy one. If the students could go out whoring whenever they pleased, not that I accuse you of that, it would take attention away from their studies. You may resent them now, but nobody likes a sloppy mage.” He scolded his son, only half-serious. Julius laughed. The day he’d visit the Dibellans would be the day he gave up on his future as a battlemage in the legions and from there slip into the city-watch. And a Lex never gave up.
“So I’ve been told a thousand times.”

For a short moment both men were silent. Hieronymous picked up stray pair of pants and tried to fit them in a trunk while his son watched, unsuccessfully. Julius tried not to laugh, and broke the silence before he could.
“But enough about me. I heard rumors, the next worse than the last. But if I see you now, you look to be in perfect health.” He observed with a wry grin. The pants were balled up and tossed into a corner.
“Which is just what I’ve had to say to the damn healers a thousand times. But no, all they care for is that someone threatened their monopoly. Do you want to hear all about the troubles of a lawman?” The older Lex said and chuckled despite his earlier frustrations. Looking at it from an outsider’s point of view, it was sort of funny. Julius did not answer, but the look in his eyes said enough.
“Alright, I’ll tell you. It’s better that you know before you sneak yourself into the footsteps of your old man, thinking its all glory and grateful maidens. But under one condition. You help me pack all this junk.”
“Deal.”

This post has been edited by jack cloudy: Feb 24 2013, 03:27 PM