The Story of Trey- Chapter 8 Options

[treydog]

Chapter 8

Physically, the return to Ald'ruhn was easy- simply a matter of casting Recall. Emotionally, it was more difficult. My life had been saved, but it had also been profoundly changed. I needed to talk to someone- but what I had to say would lead to more questions and more explanations. There was only one person I could talk to, and that was Athyn Sarethi. When I first sought his sponsorship, there was a great deal about my past that I had not told him. Now, I believed the time had come to remedy that situation. And yet my fear of doing so was in equal measure to the respect I felt for Athyn. The rescue of Delyna Mandas presented no difficulty- it was in keeping with the values of House Redoran. But I would also need to explain much more, such as how I came to be at Tel Fyr. And what of the Nerevarine prophecies business? Although I still wasn't certain that I believed in the prophecies, let alone that they had anything to do with me, that was the sort of thing that would put the Temple into an uproar. And, as my mentor and friend, Athyn Sarethi was likely to be harmed by the resulting inquiry. Again I was reminded of the consequences of becoming known, of gaining prominence and position. It wasn't just about power and privilege- there was also responsibility. Perhaps I had been spending too much time around the Redorans- I was beginning to consider the ramifications of my actions instead of rushing blindly ahead.

Before going to my friend, I gave myself the luxury of a day to rest and consider. Unsure of his reaction, I also packed up my gear so I could leave on short notice if that became necessary. When I found Athyn in his accustomed spot in Sarethi Manor, he greeted me warmly and expressed his pleasure at seeing me again. I wondered if he would still feel that way when I finished what I had to say. After the exchange of pleasantries, I cleared my throat and said, "There are some matters and events concerning me that you should be aware of. You have treated me as family and it is not right for me to keep this knowledge from you."

And then I explained how I had been "recruited" by the Blades, the duties I had carried out, how I had been afflicted with corprus, and how Divayth Fyr had cured me. All that I held back was the story of my arrest and imprisonment and the insane scheme to have me named Nerevarine. The first I omitted because I felt that it had been the result of Imperial intrigues rather than my own actions. As to the Nerevarine foolishness, I refused to burden this honorable man with such a dilemma. Duty would force him to denounce me to the Temple, whatever his heart might tell him. And I would be locked up for something I didn't even believe. Throughout the telling of my story he remained silent, other than asking a servant to fetch wine when my throat grew dry. At the end of my long recitation, he clasped my arm and said, "It is good that you have told me of these things. I sense that there is more that you have left unsaid, but we will let that be. If I believed your secrets would harm Redoran, that would be a different matter, but I trust in your loyalty to your House."

Then he paused, poured more wine, and took a thoughtful sip. "As to the Blades, you must take your own counsel. The fact that you were forcibly made a member is balanced by the fact that you have since taken assignments willingly. If you had discharged the messenger duty and refused further service, there would be no question of honor. As it is...you have as much as given your word to perform loyal service and you cannot renege simply because the duty has become onerous."

He smiled to rob his words of any sting and added, "Do not misunderstand me- I do not doubt your courage. I am perhaps more aware of your deeds than you know. When you asked me for sponsorship, I sought what information could be found regarding 'Trey of High Rock.' You are better-known and more highly thought-of than you may realize- at least among those whose opinions I respect. As to the corprus, its progress is arrested and you are not contagious; it is a wonder and a miracle. I see no evil or ill-intent in this. A word of caution, though- best to keep this knowledge close- not everyone will be so understanding."

A distant look came to his eyes and tears glistened in them as he continued, "You have been of great service to my family- you brought my son back to me and saw to it that he was cleared of the murder charge. You protected me from the Morag Tong assassins at great risk to yourself. And you have been valuable to House Redoran. Nothing you have told me causes me to regret my sponsorship- on the contrary, you have made me proud. If there ever comes a time when you fear that your duties for the Blades will bring harm to your House, speak to me and we will decide how best to proceed. Now, as to Arethan Mandas...let me consider that. Meanwhile there is a matter of concern regarding Ondres Nerano's slanders of Bolvyn Venim."

Athyn Sarethi would need some time to locate Arethan Mandas- Vvardenfell was still largely unsettled, and most of House Redoran's people were scattered across the frontier. Meanwhile, there was another problem that required delicate handling. Athyn was aware that I preferred to handle things with persuasion whenever possible- an inclination that suited the Redoran sense of honor. Specifically, a Hlaalu by the name of Ondres Nerano was doing his best to spread a story about the head of Redoran, Bolvyn Venim. The story was that Venim was involved in an affair with the wife of another Redoran councilor. Because this story brought dishonor on the House, Athyn wanted me to convince Nerano to stop spreading it. He asked that I be careful not to attack Nerano without provocation- however, if he challenged me to a duel, that would be acceptable. There was a strange twist to Athyn Sarethi's mouth as he referred to Nerano's "slander." It was as if he tasted something bitter, but was manfully trying to swallow it. He seemed to be trying to convince himself even more than me when he said, "It is for the good of House Redoran."

That was the first time I had ever seen him appear doubtful. Yet, when I asked him if there was a problem, he said, "Please- do not question your assignment. We must act for the good of the House, even when we find it personally distasteful. I trust you to carry out your orders in a way that will not dishonor us. Unlike some who call themselves Redoran, you understand that rank should be accompanied by responsibility."
He would not say more, and even as I wondered to whom he referred, I vowed that I would not disappoint him.

Ondres Nerano was easy to find- he lived in one of the largest houses in Balmora. When I asked him about the rumors he had been spreading, he looked at me incredulously. "Are all you Redorans stupid? It isn't a rumor, it's a fact. Everyone knows it is true."

Remembering Athyn Sarethi's anguished face, I began to doubt. But then, I also remembered what he had said about the "good of the House." Therefore I responded, "Regardless of the truth or falsity, Hlaalu, it is none of your concern. You will speak respectfully of Redoran, or I will teach you better manners. It is not meet that scum such as you should defile the name of my House with your words."

As I had anticipated, that angered Nerano, who sputtered, "Very well, if it's a duel you want, you've got one," and slapped me.

When I had left High Rock, I had promised myself that no man would ever again lay hands on me without retribution. It took all of the restraint I possessed to keep from running Nerano through on the spot. But the words of Athyn Sarethi echoed in my head- "Do not dishonor your House." And so I found myself in unarmed combat with Ondres Nerano. Anyone walking in would have been confronted with an amusing sight- a Breton and a dark elf, both swinging with all their might and unable to hit anything. For whatever reason, I had never developed my unarmed combat skills, and it was apparent that Nerano hadn't either. Additionally, my superior speed and agility allowed me to dodge most of his clumsy punches. Unfortunately, my own understanding of actual offensive hand-to-hand fighting was nil- I had only ever been on the receiving end of punches and kicks as I grew up.

So we danced and dodged up and down the room, flailing away at one another like two fish-wives fighting over the last good vegetables in the market. As was my way, I fought silently, not wanting to waste my breath on useless exclamations. Nerano, however, maintained a constant stream of taunts and threats- all of which were ludicrous, considering that he couldn't even touch me, let alone land a decisive blow. At last, I grew tired of this nonsense and drew my sword. My intent, though, was to weaken my opponent, not to kill him. Therefore, instead of swinging the sword in sweeping cuts, I used the point and the edges as delicately as a surgeon. A feint to the eyes, diverted at the last minute to slice his cheek. A jab toward the throat, turned to nick his earlobe. Finally, I simply began to beat his ribs and thighs with the flat of the blade. It was humiliation, pure and simple- for it was clear that I could easily kill him at any time. Bleeding from half-a-dozen irritating wounds, battered and bruised, he soon yielded.

"You have defeated me. I withdraw what I said and will speak of it no more."

And so, honor was satisfied, even if I wasn't. Don't misunderstand, I was very happy that I had not been forced to kill him. Still, the whole thing left me with the same bad taste in my mouth that seemed to have afflicted Athyn Sarethi. How can it be honorable to beat someone, even an enemy, for telling the truth? Much as it pained me to admit it, the thought came to me that House Redoran needed to be set in order. And hard on its heels came another- who would be capable of accomplishing that task?

[treydog]

Aythn Sarethi had asked me to handle the problem of Arethan Mandas, who had set himself up in the Milk cavern and was robbing travelers. Mandas was no ordinary outlaw, though, having once been an important figure in House Redoran. Therefore, it would be better if I could discover the cause of his madness and find some way to cure the affliction. In hopes of achieving that goal, I made my way to Ebonheart, where the madman's father could be found. Llerar Mandas, I was told, was in the Grand Council Chamber, so I made my way there. Llerar was an impressive figure, dressed in a nearly complete suit of Dwemer armor. Despite the great weight of that outfit, he moved with grace and ease. Here then, was an elf who had physical as well as political power. It would be well for me to approach him carefully, and avoid giving offense.

Knowing that direct questions about Arethan might be considered rude, I instead asked Llerar about his background and profession. He explained that he was a House Brother in Redoran and a crusader, as well. He had devoted himself to hunting down necromancers, witches, and bandits. The goods he recovered from them allowed him to live comfortably and to equip himself lavishly. That certainly explained the Dwemer armor, but it sounded like a difficult and dangerous life. After my handful of experiences with tombs and smugglers caves, I was more than happy to let the outlaws and undead keep their loot. Of course, that reminded me of my real purpose, to find out more about the so-called "Lord of West Gash." Seeking to establish a greater rapport, I noted that I was also in House Redoran and added that Athyn Sarethi had asked me to seek out Llerar. He smiled fondly and said, "Ah, Athyn. The 'Hope of the Redoran,' he is called. A great warrior- one who should have been leader of our House, and would have been, if not for politics and his sense of honor. What can I do for Athyn?"

When I explained my purpose, Llerar acknowledged that his son had indeed gone mad and that it was a result of the news that Delyna had been captured. When I showed Llerar the locket that Delyna had entrusted to me, he wept with joy. When he had recovered, he gave me a princely gift- an ebony helm. Because of the expense of the raw material and the difficulty of working with it, there were only a handful of these helms in all of Vvardenfell. Even more valuable then the helm were the words he spoke, telling me that I had "earned an ally in House Redoran." My time with Athyn Sarethi and my growing awareness of the political divisions within my House gave me reason to know that such an alliance might prove crucial. Before we parted, Llerar asked me to convey Delyna's locket to his son.

"As word of Delyna's capture caused his madness, perhaps news of her rescue will restore his sanity. Be careful, though, for not all who are with him will be prepared to give up a life of banditry."

Unfortunately, those words proved to be prophetic- upon entering the cavern, I found myself immediately confronted by fierce and well-armed opponents, who attacked me on sight. Despite my stealth and attempts to bypass the guards, I was forced into one fight after another. A great deal of blood was spilled as I delved deeper into the cave, and much of it was my own. Time and again, all that saved me was my stock of healing potions. It was fortunate that I met most of my adversaries singly- if two or more had attacked at once, I do not believe I would have survived. One of the worst was a battlemage who summoned greater bonewalkers. Those powerful undead damaged my strength and endurance, as well as my health, while the mage battered me with spells and a warhammer. At last, a Scroll of Elemental Burst: Frost brought down the last summoned creature and the mage. The problem was, I had not come here to fight, I only sought Arethan Mandas. The guards and outlaws never gave me the opportunity to explain, though. By the time the battlemage crumpled to the floor, I was heartily sick of the irony of having to carve a path of destruction while on a mission of mercy.

At last, deep in the cavern, I found a noble-looking Dunmer clad in ebony armor. As that sort of apparel was generally reserved for the wealthiest and most powerful, I believed that this must be the elf I needed to find. I approached cautiously, for his eyes were wild and he was muttering to himself. For a wonder, he didn't attack me- a unique experience in that gods-forsaken cave. When I got close enough, I could make out the words "Delyna" and "locket" among the nonsense phrases and rhymes he was speaking. This then was Arethan Mandas, the "Mad Lord of Milk." Slowly, moving with infinite care, I pulled Delyna's locket over my head and handed it to the grieving elf. His eyes cleared and the lines on his face seemed to smooth as I watched.

"She's safe...safe. Thank you, Trey. I will stop now. The attacks on the road. Tell Athyn to visit."

He then promised me that his guards would allow me safe passage back to the entrance. That was scant comfort as I bitterly wished something as simple as an order could bring back the five who had fallen to my blade. But at least Delyna was safe, for now. And Arethan was somewhat better, if not completely cured of his madness. As I made my weary way back to Ald'ruhn, I thought long about the price one paid to be part of a family. Along with the love and the sense of belonging came the constant fear of loss. Being alone might be hard, but at that moment it seemed a thousand times easier than being a parent.

In recognition of my service to House Redoran, Athyn Sarethi promoted me to House Brother. He promised to visit Arethan Mandas and added, "He has stopped demanding tribute from travelers. I did not believe it could be done. You have made me proud this day, Trey."

Next, Athyn explained that further advancement in Redoran would require the support of at least two more councilors. He suggested that I speak to Brara Morvayn and Hlaren Ramoran. Each would probably required me to perform some service for them, but it wasn't likely to be anything difficult. In addition, Athyn noted that it was time for me to begin to build a stronghold. That last came as a pleasant surprise to me, so I inquired further as to what was involved. Athyn explained that the highest-ranking members of each House earned the privilege and the responsibility of building a fortified dwelling in some portion of Vvardenfell that had been granted to that House. In the case of Redoran, the next available location was an area called Bal Isra, which was north of Ald'ruhn. To begin construction, I would need to speak to Galsa Gindu, who could be found in the Redoran Council Hall. As Brara Morvayn also had taken residence in the Council Hall, I took my leave of Athyn Sarethi and went to seek the two women. The idea of having a home was very exciting to me- my entire youth had been spent sleeping in the stable or loft and since arriving in Morrowind, I had resided wherever I could. When I joined House Redoran, it had been in the hope of gaining some acceptance in Dunmer society; I had never dreamed that I might one day aspire to having my own home. Galsa Gindu, the Redoran architect, explained that the stronghold had to be built- it would not just be given to me. And, in order to start building, she would need 5000 drakes for labor and materials, as well as a contract from Duke Vedam Dren in Ebonheart. The gold was not a problem; my alchemy skills and the odds and ends I had "acquired" while on various missions had left me with a substantial amount of cash. Galsa explained that the contract was required because of Vvardenfell's history as a Temple preserve- only certain areas were legally open to expansion, and those were granted by the Duke. She noted in passing that the other Houses generally ignored that requirement and built wherever and whenever they felt inclined. This was simply another case where Redoran's scrupulous honesty put them at a disadvantage. Still- it was only a minor inconvenience to go to Ebonheart- after all, I still needed to go there and let Llerar Mandas know that his son had abandoned his harassment of travelers. Even though I was anxious to get started on the building, I was not ready to leave just yet. I still needed to interview Brara Morvayn and find out what would be required to gain her support. I thanked Galsa and promised to return shortly with the necessary papers and gold.

After the loss of Morvayn Manor to blight creatures, Brara had taken living quarters in the Redoran Council Hall. I entered and asked the guards if I might speak with her. They directed me to the sitting room, where I found Brara. She was a relatively young Dunmer, richly dressed in traditional Redoran colors. Her beauty was marred by lines of care and I recalled that she was a widow. When I introduced myself, she indicated that Athyn Sarethi had sent word ahead to let her know I would be calling. She promised that she would support me if I would clear the beasts out of Morvayn Manor. She had been seated on the Council when her husband died defending their home during the attack. As I questioned her further, she informed me that her husband had believed the blight monsters had been drawn to their home by a strange ash statue that they had received several weeks earlier. Here was more evidence of a concerted attack on House Redoran via the malign magical influence of these statues. Brara gave me a key to the house and asked me to retrieve the statue and take it to Lloros Sarano at the Temple and to exterminate the creatures that infested the manor. Once the statue had been destroyed, she would be glad to support me for higher rank.

Morvayn Manor lay just east of Skar in Ald'ruhn. As soon as I entered the house, I felt uneasy. The hair stood up on the back of my neck and I seemed to feel the same taint of evil as I had in Ilunibi. The feeling of "wrongness" was palpable and was only made stronger by the signs of the violent struggle that had raged through the house. Almost unbidden, my sword came to my hand and I moved on cat feet to the door which stood on the right side of the entry chamber. This door gave onto a small bedroom, the simplicity and order of which belied the horror that had taken place elsewhere in the manor. That left the second door, which was secured by a stout lock. As I approached, I could hear the snorting breaths and dragging footsteps of some creature that lurked on the other side of the door. Brara's key fit the lock and the door naturally opened onto a set of steps leading down into the basement. Why was it that I was always having to go into dark, creepy caves and basements? Particularly caves and basements that contained creatures that shuffled and groaned and bumped? Before I had much time to contemplate the unfairness of the universe, a corprus beast loomed up out of the darkness and began to drag itself slowly up the stairs towards me.