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]

The dry, ash-laden air of Ald’ruhn smelled better to me than that of any sun-drenched beach. Sweeter still were the shell-like buildings and the Redoran guards who greeted me so warmly.

“House Father! It is good to see you!”

How different it was from the sneers and insults I had encountered in Sadrith Mora. The sight of the Emperor Crab, Skar, brought a tear to my eyes. Whatever might happen, these people were my people, made so by bonds stronger than blood. When I entered Sarethi Manor and saw Athyn, his face etched with new lines of grief and care, I felt both better and worse. Better, because I knew him to be my friend, my mentor, my father, in every way that mattered. Worse, because I had stayed away for so long, taking counsel of my fears. The normally reserved Dunmer embraced me so powerfully I feared my ribs would crack, then held me at arm’s length to look over my outfit.

“So, Trey. Have you become an Armiger, then? No, of course not. I would have heard. Your arms and armor and these new scars tell me that you have been following your destiny into dark and deadly places. Such is the lot of all true members of House Redoran. But we will not speak of darkness or sorrow now, for you have come home and a celebration is in order.”

When he spoke of “sorrows,” I imagined that I saw a shadow cross his face, as of fresh pain, still tender to the touch. But he turned away and called for wine and food before I could ask.

As we waited, his keen eyes took in the Ashlander jewelry and the tokens of the Telvanni and Hlaalu that I wore. What he might have guessed or deduced, he kept to himself, filling the time with stories of Redoran champions from long ago. After the wine had been poured and we had toasted the ancestors, I cleared my throat and hesitantly began,

“Father Athyn, again I find myself in need of your counsel and your support. I have not brought this matter to you before, because I did not wish to put you in a false position, a place where you would find your loyalties in conflict. Yet I now realize that my fears were groundless. Here is what you need to know.”

And so I described all that had occurred since I had come to Morrowind- the prophecies; my time among the Ashlanders; my growing conviction that, through Azura’s influence, I was Nerevar reborn. And therefore, if that were so, that I must become Hortator of the three Great Houses of Vvardenfell. When I had finished, he laid his hands on my shoulders and gently shook me.

“Trey, I feel somewhat responsible for your fear that Redoran honor was the same as stiff-necked pride and inability to adapt. It is true that we have tried to follow the Tribunal Temple, for they have provided guidance and protection against Dagoth Ur. But if a warrior’s shield proves to be flawed, should he not be allowed to take up another? And if the Temple’s counsel proves false, should we not look to the teachings of the ancestors for truth? Before there was a Tribunal, there were the ancestors. And we do not forget. Sometimes, finding the right path is a matter of choosing that which is less wrong. But not in this case. I need no priest to ascertain the state of your soul. You rescued my son. Words cannot express my gratitude. Therefore, I name you Hortator of House Redoran. I also promise that I will use my influence with the other councilors of House Redoran. It is a remarkable story... but, if you truly are the Nerevarine, worse is yet come. Much worse. But truly, I believe in you. I think you have the strength to undertake this quest, and the courage and passion to see it through. I name you, Trey, Hero and Hortator of House Redoran. I am sure the other councilors will agree.”

As I stumbled over my thanks and unsuccessfully fought back my tears, Athyn laughed and told me,

“Actually, I must admit that I was rather relieved that you wish to become Hortator and not Archmaster of House Redoran. You will be an outstanding war leader for the three Houses and we desperately need you in that role. And you would also be a fine leader of House Redoran, but…. let me speak plainly- as the Nerevarine, you must be free to lead all of the Houses, not just one. If you become Archmaster of Redoran, it will be that much harder to persuade the councilors of Telvanni and Hlaalu. Now, I will tell you that Bolvyn Venim will never agree to naming an outlander as Hortator. He is tyrannical and unjust, as evidenced when he kidnapped my son. He is harsh on his servants. There are other crimes I am honor-bound to keep secret. I believe there is another who would make a better Archmaster than Venim. I now ask you to trust me and not to question what I tell you. The situation in our House is balanced on the edge of a knife; there are events of which you are unaware. If you would follow my counsel, go to the other leaders of House Redoran and secure their votes for Hortator. When you have done so, let me know, then go to your stronghold at Bal Isra and wait. I promise you that the problem of Bolvyn Venim will be solved.”