The Story of Taillus, Chapter 4 Options

[Taillus]

Chapter 4 – Dead or Alive.

“A twist in the storyline and I assure you it is not in the name of dramatic storytelling. Our two friends had gone their separate ways but not in the way that I would have guessed. But it is true that in Morrowind it is crucial to be able to tell who is legitimately friendly and who would sheath their dagger in your back the second you turn around. Tis the harsh truth of this land. But do not despair; Taillus did not die that day even though some claim that he did. He fell into the darkness that was revealed when the walls crumbled but it was not as drastic a drop as they had both thought.”

“I am very glad that you have decided to listen to me and my story of Taillus. It shows that some people care about the history of our lands and that you are not as willing to accept what is told by the masses. I will continue as long as you continue to listen to the ramblings of this old dunmer man. I promise that this story becomes much more interesting from this point on. And if you will excuse me, I am feeling some dryness of mouth and I am in need of some hot tea…”


Taillus awakens with the familiar feeling of pain that makes his every muscle throb. This was the case more often then not and he would like nothing more then to prevent waking up this way. Truth be told he had no clue as to whether he had died at the hands (or feet rather) of Jiub or not but at least he didn’t get his hands on that treasure.

Seeing that treasure made Taillus sure that he indeed was still among the living. Although the pain in his chest as well as the rest of his body made him wish he was dead. He slowly and very painfully gets to his feet as he looks around.

It seems that he did in fact fall for quite a distance considering that he cannot even see the lighted torch that lit the ledge he was originally on but surprisingly none of his bones were broken. He decided to limp down a small hall and see where it would lead him. Not like he had any choice it was either continue into the unknown or sit by the loot bag and rot.

He decided that, speaking of the loot bag, he should check its contents. Who knows what he might encounter and he had no armor and no weapon. Taillus rummaged through the bag and realized that Jiub was partially truthful. This bag was filled with nothing of use at all. He did manage to find a very weathered short blade and decided that it would have to do as it was better then trying to fist fight one of those flame antronach demons.

Taillus slowly creeps down the hall before him and keeps his back to one of the walls. He slinked along as he sidled the wall still trying not to be caught flat footed. He realized that he had a second chance at life and he was going to suspect everyone of doing something wrong. He promised himself to be much more weary of his surroundings and they people he came across. He would not let any one take him for a ride like what happened with Jiub.

Taillus eventually found himself in the upper level of a very large room. It seems that he had stumbled upon a very well hidden ritual hall that the Daedra worshippers used to contact the Daedric princes of Oblivion. The simple thought of this made Taillus’ skin crawl and sent a violent shiver down his spine. The entire room was made up of the same materials that the outside of the ruin was. A very dark and gloomy looking sort of stone and the architecture was quite similar as well.

He looked around suspiciously and came to realize that there was no one around doing a summoning ritual or anything equally frightening there at the moment so he could eventually drop down from the upper levels of the room and check this place out.

Taillus carefully lowers himself from his hiding place on the top level to the base of the large room and continues his exploration. From what he could tell, it was a shrine devoted to one of the major gods and he decided to gather some literature seeing how the books were the only thing of value. After taking much more then an arm load, Taillus hoists himself back up to the higher level of the room and begins to tap the most powerful resource of all…Knowledge.

[Taillus]

Although the place didn’t seem too friendly, and the patrons were about as shifty as he was, the smells increased in thickness as it carried him down the stairs. He ordered a large meal and waited for it to be ready. While waiting, he noticed that this place reminded him of the place where he met with Jiub in Ald Ruhn. It was inhabited by the same caliber of people. The types that could lift your belongings without you ever noticing.

While he ate, he thought hard about his fate. He was forced into this and there was nothing he could do. He was now the ambassador to Morrowind and he was to Harvest souls for a Daedric prince. It wasn’t like he could just escape. Molag Bal was in his mind and followed him everywhere. Maybe this was just an effect of some sort of Ash disease…But who was he kidding? He hadn’t even really come in contact with that blighted cliffracer. He had a full set of armor on him at the time and he barely touched it. Not like he was kissing it or anything.

Regardless of how it came to be and why the Daedric prince had his eyes on him, he really had little recourse and was without any control of his own destiny. He did manage to gain a mace and a really useful amulet out of the deal but by the sounds of it, he would have to kill an unfathomable amount of people.

“That is correct my son. You will kill and harvest their souls to fuel my power. We will become more powerful then you could ever comprehend. I suggest you get started on the road to mortal soul enslavement. You have a very high total to reach so you may as well start here. No one will miss these sewer rats!” The voice interrupts as Taillus thinks.

“Can you please leave me alone for an age or two?!” Taillus shouts aloud again making the patrons of the cornerclub look at him with confused glances.

“Imaginary friend and I are having a fight; We will try and keep it down.” Taillus replies to the mass of stares from the people around him. He quickly finishes his meal and heads out the door to the awaiting evening sky above.