The Story of Trey- Chapter 12 Options

[treydog]

Although I had decided to approach House Hlaalu first, I still had some reservations. When I had researched the Great Houses, I had learned enough about Hlaalu and its councilors to be wary. In particular, I was concerned about Crassius Curio. Although he wasn’t the acknowledged leader of Hlaalu, the Imperial councilor was one of the powers to be reckoned with. And even if he was peculiar, he was also extremely able. Add to that the fact that he resided in Vivec, which was full of Ordinators, and my problems were multiplied. Sul-Matuul had warned me that the Temple guardians would be likely to try to kill me first and ask questions after if they knew that I had declared myself Nerevarine. Of course, so far as I knew, no one had denounced me to the Temple- yet. Oddly, that fact made choosing to start with Hlaalu a wiser choice. Theirs was the only House most of whose councilors lived in or near the main seat of the Temple. Better to get in and out before word of my claims reached too many ears. The truth was that I wouldn’t have been happy to be obligated to anyone whose motives I didn’t trust, not just Crassius Curio. The fact that he was a decadent Imperial simply made it worse.

Despite my fears, the Hlaalu councilor was as gracious as ever when I asked to speak with him. He invited me to sit and asked how he could be of service to “one of Redoran’s rising stars.” That complimentary title was his way of telling me that he had sources of information and that he knew who I was. Realizing that the best response would be directness, I asked Crassius to tell me how Hlaalu went about naming a Hortator. The councilor explained that the title was largely honorary, but nevertheless required the unanimous support of the House Council. To achieve that support, one would have to demonstrate that there was a need for a war leader- that a true crisis existed. He then provided a description of the Hortator’s role,

“A Hortator is a champion who leads by inspiration. He challenges opposing heroes in single combat. He goes on long, desperate quests. He goes alone into the citadels of the enemy. He confronts the dangers no one else in the House is strong enough... or courageous enough... to face.”

Much as I disliked that summation, it certainly matched the situation Azura had trapped me into, so I asked if I could become Hlaalu Hortator. As I had expected, Crassius asked for a “small consideration” of 1000 drakes for his vote. He was honest enough to point out that Orvas Dren would NOT support me as things currently stood and that a number of the other councilors would not defy Dren. I willingly paid the bribe and asked Curio for any advice on the other councilors. He listed them and their probable reactions- Dram Bero would likely support me- if I could find him. Yngling Half-Troll would probably need to be “removed.” Nevena Ules and Velanda Omani would follow the lead of Orvas Dren. He suggested that it might be possible to trick or bribe Dren- he could be found at the Dren Plantation. Lord Curio then casually mentioned something that took my breath away- Orvas Dren was the head of the Camonna Tong and was rumored to be involved with the Sixth House. Although my initial reaction was to sharpen my blades and take the shortest path to the Dren Plantation, I restrained the impulse. Considering the influence Dren seemed to wield, killing him might very well prevent me from being named Hortator. And, much as I hated to admit it, sometimes duty took precedence over justice. Finally, Curio gave me directions on how to find most of the other councilors and I took my leave.

Although my mind still whirled with the thought that I would have to go ask a favor of the head of the Camonna Tong, there were other councilors closer by who I could hopefully persuade. Yngling Half-Troll lived in a manor house atop the St. Olms canton, and rumor had it that Dram Bero could also be found somewhere in Vivec. As was true of most Hlaalu councilors, Yngling retained an interesting variety of “hired help,” including a Nord, a Bosmer, and an Orc. Whatever else he might be, Yngling certainly wasn’t biased. Although Crassius had suggested that House Hlaalu wouldn’t mind if Yngling just “disappeared,” I saw no reason to handle their internal squabbles for them. If he was willing to listen, I would do my best to convince Yngling to support me out of his own self-interest. After hearing my story, the Nord proved himself to be as direct as those folk usually are-

“Well, tha’s very interestin’, I’m sure. But it will take 2000 drakes if you want my vote.”

That seemed a small price to pay to achieve my goal and to avoid having yet another death on my conscience, so I willingly paid. It was also gratifying to avoid getting entangled in the Hlaalu power struggle. If Crassius wanted Yngling removed, he would just have to find someone else to do the deed.

The thought of finding someone reminded me- I still needed to find Dram Bero. A few careful questions and judiciously spent coins revealed the fact that the elusive Hlaalu councilor was occasionally seen on the St. Olms plaza, the very place where I found myself. Considering how the Hlaalu seemed to prefer to settle disputes, I wasn’t surprised that one of their councilors chose to conceal his whereabouts. It’s hard to assassinate someone if you don’t know how to find him.

[treydog]

A part of me felt guilty for fooling Therana into naming me Hortator. Even though her combination of magic ability and madness made her dangerous, she also struck me as a lonely person, with no family and no friends. Add to that Trerayna Dalen was lurking around Tel Branora just waiting for a chance to kill her…. Perhaps some of my concern came from the fact that I myself was now supposed to be “immortal.” Although I could still be killed by accident or intent, I was proof against disease or the effects of aging. How well would I cope with watching everyone I knew or cared about growing old and dying? In its own way, immortality was a curse more virulent than corprus. Of course, chances were that Dagoth Ur and his minions would solve that little problem for me. Assuming, of course, that I was ever able to confront the head of the Sixth House. And also assuming the Archmagister Gothren and his Dremora Lords didn’t beat Dagoth Ur to it. The scheming House leader was not likely to be terribly thrilled with that fact that I had not only survived meeting with Dratha and Therana, but actually gotten their support, as well. No doubt he had counted on the contrary nature of the Telvanni councilors to prevent any consensus. His reaction to my success was likely to be…unpredictable. I considered consulting Master Aryon again, but he had already made his position clear. And I was inclined to think that he had given what he considered the best advice he could. He had been honest enough to admit that Gothren’s death would be to his benefit, and that made me believe that he had been equally honest regarding the Archmagister’s delaying tactics.

Knowing that Gothren stood squarely in my path did not mean that I should simply rush headlong into a fight with him, though. Challenging an accomplished wizard in his tower was a risky undertaking, and I needed to prepare. Although I could not wait forever, I could at least make some potions to improve the odds. Although I had been chosen by Azura, I preferred to put my faith in something more substantial- like several feet of enchanted metal with a sharp point at one end. Even the most accomplished wizard would have trouble casting spells without a head. With that in mind, I managed to mix some potions of Reflection, as well as a few to protect me against elemental damage. I suppose I could have used some of my soul gems to make some rings or amulets that would protect me. But I did not want to take the time, because I feared that was a commodity which might be in short supply. Then, too, there was the fact that I tended to forget about such items in the heat of combat. The last thing I needed was to be fumbling through a jeweler’s case of rings and amulets while the Archmagister and his Dremoras tried their best to kill me. Better to rely on my speed and my steel. Having done all that I could, I traveled to Tel Aruhn and levitated to the upper tower. Gothren pretended to be surprised to see me, and made me go through the whole story again. Then he attempted his standard delaying tactic, pontificating about the significance of the position and adding,

“I said, I will need some time to reflect and consider, and to confer with the other Telvanni counselors. And I told you to leave me. Don't make me repeat myself.”

Not to be put off, I politely persisted,

“But Archmagister, there is no need for consultations- all of the other councilors have already agreed to give me their votes.”

His politician’s mask slipped at last, and he grated out,

“Very well. I have heard your story. And you are not one of us, so I suppose I'll have to explain. Or you'll just keep annoying me. I have no intention of naming you Hortator of House Telvanni. It is not in Telvanni interests to name an unknown and unreliable outlander and outsider to such an important position. My opinion will not change. If you persist in bothering me, you will regret it. This discussion is over.”

Although his answer irritated my already frayed nerves, I was careful not to challenge him immediately. I still hoped that there might be another way, so I took my leave and went to Tel Vos to consult with Master Aryon. Perhaps, now that I had the support of all the other councilors, there was some means of forcing a conclusion short of killing Gothren.

As I levitated to the balcony outside Master Aryon’s chambers, I took the opportunity to look out over the vista that lay before me. Thus it was that I glimpsed a female figure in Redoran colors disappearing southwest into the Grazelands. I could not be sure, given the distance, but I thought it was the same elusive Imperial woman I had seen before. What would a Redoran woman be doing speaking with Master Aryon? Of course, Athyn Sarethi had told me that Aryon was the most reasonable of the Telvanni, so perhaps this was a similar situation. Perhaps House Redoran was trying to forge closer ties with House Telvanni during this time of crisis. Although the mystery puzzled me, I had more pressing matters to consider and put aside my questions as I entered the tower. I found Turedus, Aryon’s guard captain, in a cheerful mood, whistling a jaunty tune and chuckling. He greeted me in a friendly fashion and then said, almost to himself,

“Potions! Who would have guessed? That young woman will go far!”

Before I could ask what he was talking about, he recovered his professional manner and said,

“Master Aryon will be happy to see you, Trey. Go right up.”

Knowing a dismissal when I heard one, I climbed the steps to Aryon’s work-room and explained my dilemma. Although he was sympathetic, he was not able to offer any alternative.

“The fact that you were able to get as many councilors as you did to agree is impressive. That shows a remarkable resourcefulness and skill- proving to me that I was correct in supporting you. However, I did warn you that Gothren would be difficult. Now that he has plainly stated his position, he will not change it. I fear that my previous advice still stands- you will have to kill him. Do not be concerned about repercussions in House Telvanni- our attitude is that any Master who allows himself to be killed is no longer competent to serve. In other words, if you succeed, no one will be sorry.”

Left unspoken was the corollary- If I failed, no one would be sorry, either.