The adventures of Arthago chapter III, A Province united Options

[Agent Griff]

So let's kick this chapter off shall we? A small bit of info at what's to come further in the series: At the end of this chapter, Arthago will move to a whole new province and I think many of you already know which province it is. Anyway, let's enjoy Hammerfell while it lasts shall we?

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After the defeat of Lord Vhosek's rebellion, things went back to normal in all of Hammerfell. Some local kings and rulers however, seeing that Lord Vhosek managed to battle the King and even defeat him, albeit for a short time, started a fight against King Lhotun's rule as well. Since I was one of the highest ranking knights in Sentinel, with the exception of Marshal Daron and a few other senior knights of the order, I was often sent to these small kingdoms to stop the rebellions. The first kingdom to revolt, a few years after Vhosek's uprising, was the small kingdom of Santaki which was close to the Dragontail mountains. I was sent there, together with a few other knights below my rank, to stop the rebellion.

We arrived there after a few days ride. The capital of the small kingdom was the town with the same name, Santaki. The kingdom, albeit small, had its own knightly order, the order of the Hawk. That meant that the Kingdom had some importance in the politics of Hammerfell but it also meant that other smaller kingdoms may gather around Santaki and fight against Sentinel. I never really understood why Redguards or men in general fight eachother if there's no other foe to fight against. Maybe to heighten their skills? No, the answer was quite simple really. For Power. Once a man got ahold of better, he never could really let go of it. The more power you have the more power you crave. King Lhotun obviously had too much power for the regional kingdoms to bear, so they rebelled against him. Quite simple if you look at it from a political point of view.

The capital was a rather big town. It was quite smaller than Sentinel though but bigger than any other town I had seen before. The seal of the order that was etched on my cuirass was concealed by a cloak and so were the seals of the knights under my command. I didn't want someone to see that knights from Sentinel had arrived to settle affairs with Santaki. The palace was not a big or tall building, it was merely three storeys high. I could see an open balcony leading to the throne room at the last floor. There were also knights of the Hawk standing guard near the palace. Even though they came from an issolated kingdom such as Santaki those knights looked fierce.

Once we reached the gate of the palace, a knight stopped us to ask us of our business with their king. I didn't exactly think of an excuse on the way so I had to improvise.
"We come from Sentinel to bring word on King Lhotun's movements." I said in an official tone.

"Sentinel eh? Why do you have to bring the news to the King personally? I thought that sir Greklith was in charge of intelligence." the knight said with a suspicious voice. He was also constantly looking at my knights who were behind me.

"Our duties are to transmit this information to his Majesty personally." I said, trying to keep the lie going. He seemed to believe me.

"Very well then. If the King specificaly required that you meet him I won't interfere. Carry on!" the guard said as he opened the gate. How polite of him! I'm sure that he will be pounding his head after I slay his treacherous king.

A few minutes later we were standing in front of the king of Santaki. He was a man close to old age with a small beard and long, flowing, hair. He looked at me and my men with his brown eyes and asked what my business was in Santaki. He seemed confused and I felt sorry to slay him because he looked like an innocent man.

"What is your business in Santaki, travellers?" the king asked.

"We come from Sentinel with news and counsel." I said, with a soft tone that calmed him down a little.

"Counsel? What counsel? I think I can handle my own kingdom, despite my advancing age." the king said with a hostile voice. Alright so he didn't like advice. It wasn't as if he had much choice when it came to the advice I was about to give him.

"King Lhotun of Sentinel advises you to lay down your outrageous claims and slanders against him. He also advises you that uprisings are very dangerous for men of advanced age such as your fine self." I said in a cold voice.

"Men as myself? King Lhotun now mocks me! I will not lay down my just claims! Hammerfell must be free!" the old king shouted.

"The king of Ephesus had the same opinion regarding the King's counsel. He dissapeared shortly after he made his opinions public and his cousin now peacefuly rules the kingdom. I would not want the same happening to yourself." I said, trying to scare the old king.

"I know why you're here. Lhotun sent his assassins after me. He is a coward not to face me in just battle!" the old king shouted.

"Neither I nor his Majesty see a brave, young King fighting against an old man as a just battle. I think you will agree with our opinions." I said with a sarcastic tone. This man was really pushing my indulgence to the very limit.

"Your king is a filthy coward! And so are his men!" the old man shouted.

Before the old king could say another word he fell down on the floor. His throat was pierced by a small dart. Blood started flowing shortly until it reached our feet. Our job was done! Slaying old men with darts really wasn't my style but at least it payed well, well enough to manage the estate that Lord Vhosek left me. Before the guards could react we were already outside the palace and into the crowded streets of the city.

Once we reached the gatehouse, one of the knights under my command entered as the others, myself included, exited the city. Shortly after, the guard inside the gathehouse fell out of a small window. The knight inside had done his job well. He was more lightly armoured than the rest of us and he was adept in sneaking around and stabbing people when they weren't looking. He then fired a flaming arrow into the sky. The army waiting for us outside soon stormed the town with the gates open. The town guards and even the knights of the Hawk surrendered once they saw what was pouring through their open gates. The King would be pleased to hear of my actions, conquering a town without any loses and slaying a king without anyone noticing. Being an assassin though, didn't quite fit me. I lusted for the thrill of battle again. I had not fought anyone since Vhosek's rebellion. I had to return to Sentinel to report my deeds and receive my rewards anyway. I wonder what Marshal Daron has to say? I had not spoken with him since the days of the rebellion and I was anxious to speak with him again.


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That's it for the start of the chapter! I've followed advice and have used spaces between dialogue lines, tell me if you like it how it is now or if you liked it more the way it was before.

[Agent Griff]

An Alpha release of the mod I'm working on and a vacation later, I've returned to my first love. Sorry for the absence, but that mod really takes a lot out of me. If any fans of my writing style want to fully eat up my works, they should download the finished mod or the beta when it's released, I've written tons of books of all kinds, even a 5-volume series based on a historical event. I'm sure you'll love it. But now to get back to serious stuff, here's the latest update which was delayed too much on base of a week-long vacation and other things. Anyway, enjoy!


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I slowly walked up to the guard standing at the gate of the palace. I was fearing he wouldn't remember me and send me off like some common beggar because of my un-knightly demeanor, I actually looked more like some nomad fresh out of the desert with that coat of wind-swept sand on me. I should have washed it off before approaching the palace but it didn't pass my mind. I started a conversation with the guard:

"Um, hello. I'm not sure if you remember me or not but I..." I was interrupted by the guard shortly.

"Remember you? How can't I remember you? You're Arthago the King's knight! I remember you since Lord Vhosek tried to conquer the city and dethrone King Lhotun. You led our company after captain Arneth was slain. Of course I remember you! Go right in!" the guard said in a happy voice.

I entered the palace slightly perplexed and slightly proud of my deeds as a captain. I never knew I could remain in the memory of my men so well. Deeds long past aside, I made my way to the throne room where I wished to receive an audience with the King. A herald introduced me as I entered the Royal hall. The King, upon seeing me, got down from his throne and came to me.

"Arthago! Where have you been?" the King said with a smile as he approached me.

"I'm sorry but..."

"Don't be! I'm glad to see you return to the court. I was afraid something happened to you while you were away. Come on to my study, we can have a more personal disscusion there, away from spying eyes." the King said as he took me slightly by the shoulder to direct me to his study. A herald scurried to the King while he was leading me away.

"Your Majesty, where are you going? You have diplomatic envoys to receive, peace to establish, ambasadors to..." the herald was intrerupted.

"Retire them to their rooms! They can wait until sunset!" the King said as if he didn't care.

As soon as we were in the King's study we both sat down and started talking.

"So, now that were alone, let's talk about your absence. Where have you been? I was almost on the verge of declaring war to a rival king because I thought he had kidnapped you." the King said as the smile from his face slightly faded.

"I was away to...rediscover myself in a...spiritual way." I said with a stutter.

"Well, next time you wish to rediscover yourself, can you do it within the walls of the city? Preferably somewhere where I know you're safe?" the King asked in a sarcastic voice.

"Of course I will my King. Has anything happened in my absence except that near declaration of war?" I asked in a curious voice.

"Nothing much, except I was waiting to receive one of my agents the day you dissapeared, a Dark Elf who went by the name of Alanil, a rather rude fellow. Nobody knows what happened to him to this very day." the King said.

"The honoured user's dead *cough* I mean I think he's dead, that's what I heard on the street. A tall Dunmer...with a ring in his left ear, a weird tatoo and spiky hair...is that right?" I asked the King, trying not to deconspire the fact that I murdered the Dark Elf in one of my...outbursts.

"Uncanny resemblance. Is that what you heard on the street? It must be true then, the resemblance is spot-on." the King said in a surprised voice.

"And what of Marshal Daron? How is he?" I asked in a curious voice.

"Marshal Daron, you haven't heard the news have you? The day you disappeared we found Marshal Daron wandering the streets of the harbor in a rather strange state of mind. He appeared as if he had taken...something. We took him to the best healer in the whole city yet it was too late, he died this morning. The healer's conclusion was that he had consumed too much of a certain substance yet he couldn't say exactly. A bad substance nonetheless." the King said in a sad voice.

"Then he is...dead?" I asked in a shocked state.

"Yes, I am sorry to say but he is. He has passed from our ranks, to a better world...hopefuly. He did say something about you in his mumblings, a short time before he died. He wished you to advance in rank and become Marshal, taking his place. He would have retired afterwards, but it was not so..." the King said in a sad voice.

"It is all my fault. I shouldn't have visited his house in the first place, that way the assassins wouldn't have attacked me and that way the Marshal would have lived. Why do I have to make these decisions?" I asked in an angry voice, almost shouting.

"Assassins? What assassins?" the King asked, a sparkle appearing in his eyes. He could sense war closing in.

"Assassins sent by a certain king Sosscan from a king called...now what was that name? I can't remember it exactly, it was something like Berana or Bergema." I said, trying to remember the name.

"Bergama?" the King asked with a slight grin.

"Yes, that's the name!" I said.

"Then king Sosscan knows that you killed the former king of Santaki and the former king of Ephesus. That must mean that he tried to eliminate you before I could send you after him, so that also means that he is hiding something from me. This Sosscan then killed Daron. Now this is personal!" King Lhotun said as he jumped from his chair. He was attached to Daron as well.

"When do we leave, I can't wait to show this Sosscan what it means to assassinate a knight of Sentinel!" I said as I rose from my chair as well.

"Find a herald! The Kingdom of Sentinel is going to war!" King Lhotun said.

2 months later, I was standing in front of the gates of Bergama's capital, the city of Sunkeep. The city was quiet, and fear could be sensed all over it. It seemed that the feelings of the treacherous ruler had passed to the populace. King Sosscan knew that his assassins had failed to slay both me and Marshal Daron, thus he was expecting a counter-attack.

King Lhotun decided that I should proceed as I did with the old king of Santaki, enter the city, infiltrate the palace and slay him. It seemed like a simple assassination yet this time it would be different. King Lhotun had decided that we should infiltrate the palace disguised as ambasadors since he was visiting Bergama on a peace envoy, to make up with king Sosscan after the death of Marshal Daron. Sosscan took up the chance immediately, thinking he intimidated King Lhotun. He was so wrong.

As soon as we reached Sosscan's throne room, he greeted us.

"Welcome Lhotun! I am glad to see you have made it so quickly!" Sosscan said as he rose from his chair. He was surrounded by guards, all fully armed and armoured. I was afraid he might try to kill all of us thus I kept my hand firmly on the handle of my blade.

"I am glad to be here also." King Lhotun calmly said.

"I am happy to see you have resorted to reason and laid down your violent ways Lhotun. It is better to be friendly with everyone, rather than to try to rule them." Sosscan said, mocking King Lhotun's plans.

"I am sure the kings of Ephesus and Santaki thought the same thing Sosscan." King Lhotun said with a grin.

"That may be so, but they were old men who did not change with the times, they were destined to be conquered. Now, if you could follow me we shall sign the peace agreement." Sosscan said as he rose from his chair.

"That is not the reason for my visit Sosscan, now sit down." King Lhotun said with an authoritative voice.

"Sit down? You order me in my very castle?" Sosscan asked with an outraged voice.

"Just sit down before you are struck down." King Lhotun said calmly.

"I see you have gotten bold since you slew the old men of Ephesus and Santaki, Lhotun. Do you already consider yourself my ruler? I do not bow to tyrants." Sosscan firmly said. I prepared to draw my sword as I watched Sosscan's guards nervously.

"If you do not bow to "tyrants" as myself, do you bow to cowards who try to assassinate old men as they eat?" King Lhotun asked Sosscan.

"What do you mean by this Lhotun? Do not mistake me with your own murderous self!" Sosscan said arrogantly.

"I know what you attempted Sosscan and I know that you failed! Arthago, take your hood off! I believe you have heard the name Arthago before, and I am sure you know who Arthago is very well." King Lhotun said as I revealed my face, previously covered by a black hood.

"Arthago? He is...here?" Sosscan asked as he slowly backed away to his chair.

"I can feel your fear Sosscan. I know what you did, you tried to assassinate Arthago and his dear friend Daron. Instead of slaying Arthago you slayed an old man like some common coward, and that old man was very, very dear to me. I want revenge, and I want it now, enough talking!" Lhotun shouted at Sosscan with a voice that thundered across the room.

"You have such arrogance Lhotun. You come here to try to kill me with five men while I have over four dozen to guard me? Your arrogance will bring your downfall Lhotun. Seize him!" Sosscan shouted at his guards.

They all drew their swords and I did the same, ready to fight for the life of the King and of my own. Sosscan's guards however all turned towards him and captured him, throwing him down the stairs that led to his throne which was set on a pedestal. Soon enough, Sosscan was at our feet and begging for his life.

"The best you can hope for now is a quick death, and you won't be getting it. Take him to the dungeons, Arthago will do whatever he wants with him." King Lhotun then turned to me. "Do this for Daron, avenge him!" King Lhotun whispered in my ear.

I did as I was told, and took the king of Bergama to his own dungeons where I fixed my mind on torturing him in the most painful way which was humanly possible. I wished his death and I wished it badly. Because of him, I had lost my mentor and good friend, I had lost the man who introduced me to this world. I wasn't going to let this pass easily, despite any of Daron's flaws.

As soon as I reached the torture chambers, I ordered Sosscan to be tied to a chair and afterwards I ordered four daggers to be brought to me. As soon as I received what I asked, I ordered the torturer to thrust the daggers into each of Sosscan's leg, two on each one.

After he started yelling as hard as he could, I ordered a sharp shortsword to be brought to me. I decided to personally make him regret his order the rest of his life, however short it may be. I grasped the shortsword personally and felt how anger gathered in every extremity of my body. I had a great temptation to slay him on the spot yet I resisted the urge. Instead I used the shortsword to hack off one of Sosscan's ears.

"Is the pleasure too much for you? Can you hear me? This is what you get for ordering the death of my friend, this is how much it hurt me to hear he was dead. This is how much!" I shouted as I thrusted the shortsword hard into Sosscan's arm. I could almost feel his pain because of how much he was yelling.

"Take him to the highest balcony in his castle, then chuck him over. Let him get acquainted with the pavement." I said with a cold voice. Sosscan was soon dragged off to the highest balcony of his own castle and I quickly scurried towards the street to see the death of my hated foe.

As soon as I got outside I looked for the highest balcony of Sosscan's castle. It wasn't hard to see and it was really high because Sosscan's castle was placed on a hill, thus allowing any viewer to see far away from that very balcony. As I looked above I could sense an urge to take the life of Sosscan myself. I started shouting franticaly for a mage as crowds gathered to see what all the commotion was about. An old Breton soon came forth and I asked him to levitate Sosscan down to the ground so I could strike the decisive blow.

He did as I told him so as soon as Sosscan started plummeting towards the ground, he magicaly stopped and was brought down safely by the mage. I quickly ran up to him with my scimitar drawn. I ran with the tip of my blade pointed at his stomach. As I ran as fast as I could I impaled him on my blade. I quickly pulled the blade out then put him on his knees. I whispered in his ear:

"Are you sorry for what you've done?" I asked with a cold voice in Sosscan's remaining ear.

"Yes..." he slowly mumbled.

"I'm glad." I said as I raised my scimitar. His head soon rolled across the pavement and his bloodied body finally fell.

Marshal Daron was avenged...

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This is the end of this rather brutal update. I hope I wasn't too violent for your preferences though.