Buffy - Book 3, We're Having a Crisis Here! Options

[macole]

Mazoga, there couldn't be a more fitting hero than Mazoga. Really did like this one. Martin's words were truly inspiring.

[SubRosa]

Martin is calling Dagon out into the street at high noon!

Your positioning of Buffy on the wall gives her (and us) and excellent position to observe what is happening in the fight. Buffy and the rest of Parwen's charges are clearly the heavy artillery/air support, decimating the enemy before they can reach the line. While the infantry are, well, the poor bloody infantry aren't they? It is actually much like my Pillars of Eternity battles went.


“Fire at will!” commanded Parwen.
Poor Will, everyone is always shooting at him!


The grim situation and my exhaustion provided fertile soil for the poisonous vines of doubt and fear that insidiously tugged at my resolve.
The poisonous vines of doubt and fear was a wonderful turn of phrase.

Huzzah for the Orcs! One does not often see fantasy fiction where the Orcs save the day from the Dark Lord's evil hordes.

Buffy reminds me of Apollo now. Archer and healer. She has the power to both take lives and save them.

[ghastley]

Either the gates would close and we would win. . . or a siege crawler would emerge and we would likely perish

It only got through to me now, that the outcome of the crawler being half-way out, and getting destroyed by the process is the optimal third alternative. We never know if Dagon only has the one, and this is that same one from Kvatch, in which case Buffy has some extra satisfaction in revenge. It would certainly account for no further attempts.

I was glad to see you actually describe the battle outside. I note that Hazmick has chickened out, and let Haa-Rei go in.

[Renee]

"Self-replenishing quiver".... that seems to be an Elder Scrolls Online reference! Unless you had a mod in your Oblivion days.

Good lord, this is more like Game of Thrones, with all these waves of enemies coming through. Even so, it's surprising that eventually they do run short of replenishment Daedra.

Wait, why isn't she going in to the Great Gate? Oh I get it. Those orcs are going in. Dang, I was hoping Buffy would save the world. One of my characters perished inside the Great Gate by the way, and I did not reload. Her game was infected by the A-bomb, and there was a door which would not open. Clock ticking down.... etc.

[haute ecole rider]

Ahh, the quandary we writers face when dealing with the conflict between the scope of a massive battle like that for Bruma and the limited perspective of our own characters. I have to admit when I wrote my version, I was strongly influenced by the Deeds of Paksenarrion and how Paks never knew what was going on except for the small slice of reality directly in front of her. That is why I had Martin designate her his sergeant of sorts, directing the distribution of troops, etc.

I had suspected your use of “attrite” was military jargon, and consistent with both the character uttering it and the context of the situation. I just wanted to confirm that it was so, and thank you for that confirmation.

I also liked that you told this battle from the outside, instead of from the inside. Having our glass cannon on the walls through out makes perfect sense.

I look forward to the healing/recovery sessions - I find them both a joy to write because they give us further insight into our characters, but also a grueling process, because our characters are in pain and grief. I wonder how Buffy will handle it. Probably better than Julian did!

[Lopov]

Wow, what a tense episode that was! So riders from the north were the Knights of the White Stallion! Quite a contingent arrived to battle against the Daedra!

This episode was one of those that you just must read at once from the beginning to the end, because it makes you too curious what would happen next.

All hail Mazoga and Agronak, the Heroes of Bruma!

[Acadian]

Previously- The arrival of Martin’s full army in Bruma, along with a taunting challenge issued to Mehrunes Dagon, worked as intended. Several Oblivion Gates, followed by a Great Gate opened. The desperate battle that followed was finally ended as Sirs Mazoga and Agronak successfully closed the Great Gate, emerging with their objective – a great sigil stone. Buffy headed for the chapel-turned-hospital to join healers and priests dealing with the casualties.

*

macole- You are right that Mazoga makes for an imposing hero. One often admires and envies that which one can never aspire to attain. So it is with the mutual affection between Mazoga the intrepid warrior and Buffy the clever but frail mystic archer.

SubRosa- Buffy’s role during the actual battle seemed a natural for her skillset but you are right; it gave her a great vantage from which to share a fairly complete picture of events as they unfolded.

ghastley- Interesting theory that Dagon may only have one siege crawler and this one was reused from Kvatch. I do like to think that the big delay between Kvatch and the crisis really kicking off was that Dagon used that time to amass a large supply of sigil stones before kicking things into high gear.

Renee- You are right that Buffy’s self-replenishing quiver is a nod to ESO. Mazoga, like Xena, is a natural hero/champion type. Buffy is more like Gabriel – better suited to supporting the hero.

Rider- I recall Julian’s wonderful rendition of this battle. And who could forget Teresa’s spectacular aerial account? I’m so glad that the choices we made to portray it in Buffy’s story seem to have been effective.

Lopov- Though the Knights of the White Stallion were the lead element of Martin’s army, the bulk of his forces are Legion soldiers assigned from The Imperial City. Augmented of course by Blades, contingents from multiple cities and both guilds. Mazoga and Agronak make quite the pair as Martin’s champions.

* * *

Episode 31

“I’m glad you’re here, Buffy,” welcomed Carahil. The Altmeri guildmagister from Anvil was both an effective leader and skilled healer. She was a perfect choice to coordinate our guild’s healing efforts with those of the city’s priests. Her face was drawn with exhaustion and, rather than an elegant gown, she wore a simple blue guild robe that was liberally stained with the blood of many patients. Her long blond hair, which I was used to seeing stylishly coifed, was simply restrained into a ponytail by a strip of bandage.

“It’s good to see you again, Guildmagister. How can I aid your task here?”

“Cassius Vinipter relayed Boderi’s notes on your abilities to me,” she replied. “I know you’re a skilled healer but I also know that you do so through an empathic bond with your patients. I understand it allows for superb diagnostic accuracy but your actual healing requires channeling a good deal of your patients’ pain into yourself. That type of healing will exhaust or kill you given the magnitude of our patient flow and severity of some of their wounds.” Before I could protest, she continued, “I want to optimize your abilities by having you take over our triage process. Establish your healing bond with a patient and evaluate their injuries. Then, pass along your assessment of the type healing and urgency required and move on to the next patient. I don’t have time to debate this right now, Buffy. Can you do it?”

“I’ll get started right away, Guildmagister.”

After assessing the wounds of several patients, and with more being carried in, I had to agree with Carahil. I was confident in the precision of my diagnoses, but actually healing the number of grievous wounds we were dealing with would have rapidly drained both my magicka and life force to the point of rendering me a liability. Better to let other mages use non-empathic restoration magic (which I had always struggled with) and for the priests to use their Divine-assisted abilities which included the chapel’s healing altar of Talos.

Though we lost some of our patients, we were able to save many more. Once all the wounded had been brought in, evaluated and were being cared for, Carahil allowed me to heal minor wounds and even block pain with illusion magic for some of the terminally injured.

After leaning or kneeling over so many patients, I stood to arch and stretch my back. From behind, a massive gauntleted hand engulfed my shoulder. I turned to look up at Sir Mazoga, her face streaked with soot and blood. She quickly assured me, “Agronak and I are uninjured.”

“You two were magnificent!” I said. “You saved an entire city.”

“We were all magnificent, Buff. Two knights died during the battle.” Mazoga looked around the chapel. “Sir Flavius asked me to check on three others who were wounded.”

“All three will fully recover,” I said. “They’re resting now but should be awake for visitors within an hour or two.”

“Thanks, Buff. Sir Flavius’ll be by to check on them later then. Martin has the final artifact now and can soon open a portal so me and Agronak can enter the domain of Mankar Camoran to retrieve the Amulet of Kings. He’ll then march on The Imperial City to be recognized by the Council and relight the Dragonfires.”

I reached up and touched her face. “Be careful, my friend, and I look forward to seeing you in The Imperial City.”

She stared at me for a moment, then leaned down and gently kissed my forehead before turning and heading for the chapel door.

“Your job here is done, Buffy,” notified Carahil with a tired smile. “Thank you for the help. Your healing is certainly unique but I don’t know anyone who can diagnose injuries as well as you. Please check with Cassius Vinipter since he’s in charge of the guild’s overall effort here.”

“Thank you, Carahil. I’ll do that.”

The battlemage was easy to find near the city’s main gate. “Carahil has released me from the chapel and asked that I to report to you.”

“Welcome news indeed,” Cassius replied. “That must mean all the wounded have been seen and are being treated?”

“Aye. Carahil placed me in charge of the triage process and that’s complete now. We lost a few but saved many more. Some of the wounded will require several days of care and rest in the chapel before they’re ready to fight again.”

He nodded. “Hopefully, we’ve got at least a couple days before Martin’s ready to march south. He’s already asked several units to precede him to The Imperial City to bolster Legion preparations. If Mehrunes Dagon causes more trouble it will likely be there.”

“How can I help, Cassius?”

“Bruma’s guildmagister, Jeanne Frasoric, has already dispatched a magic courier dove to the University to let them know of our success here. I’d like you to head there directly and provide Boderi Farano a more detailed accounting, as well as update her on Martin’s plans.”

I glanced up briefly at the early afternoon sun. “I’ll leave within the hour.”

I stopped at Olav’s Tap and Tack to buy some traveling provisions and have my waterskin filled. While there, the door burst open and over a dozen Knights of the White Stallion strode in.

“Whiskey for my knights and beer for our horses!” boomed the Order’s Knight Commander. Despite the bravado of their entrance, the faces of the knights were grim.

“Well met, Sir Flavius,” I said, “Your knights made a decisive difference today and the three brought to us in the chapel should be ready for duty as early as tomorrow or, more likely, the day after. I’m so very sorry for the two you lost on the field of battle.”

“Your condolences are most welcome, Dame Buffy. I thank you and the other healers for the fine care our wounded received. Will you stay in Bruma long?”

I shook my head. “I’ll ride for the Arcane University within the hour. You?”

“Mazoga and Agronak will remain up in this area until they recover the Amulet of Kings. Martin has asked the rest of us to precede him to The Imperial City as soon as our wounded are ready to ride. He anticipates the next battle will be there.”

“I think he’s right,” I replied.

“Will you join us in a toast to our fallen before you ride?”

I noticed Olav had covered the bar with shot glasses of whiskey. “I’d be honored. Then I must be on my way.”

We all lifted a glass as Flavius loudly announced, “Divines, we entrust to your care the spirits of Sir Keld and Dame Elsbeth. They died with courage and honor that others might live. Ensure they enjoy a well-earned rest.”

“To fallen comrades,” soberly chorused the knights before we all downed our shots.

As I coughed, sputtered and my eyes watered from the whiskey, Flavius gently clapped me on the back a couple times. A chuckle escaped his lips before he could say, “Safe travels, Milady.”

“You as well, Milord,” I managed to hoarsely reply before slipping out the door. Once outside I cast a spell to remove the fire in my throat and forestall the whiskey’s likely effects on the mind of an elf with an otherwise empty stomach and scant body weight of six stone. I quickly recovered then whispered, “Superian, I need you.” The spirit of my precious mare flowed from within and quickly took physical form. After an affectionate greeting, I mounted and we rode out of the city.

We passed a sizable contingent of soldiers also leaving Bruma. They too were headed south, for The Imperial City, they informed me. It was a reminder that, though this battle was behind us, the war would not be over until the Dragonfires in the Temple of the One were relit. At a glance from me, Kitsune teleported herself to her customary spot in front of my lap. I then urged Superian into a sustainable canter and we quickly outdistanced the soldiers. I hoped to make the Arcane University before dark.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jul 19 2020, 05:33 PM

[SubRosa]

Carahil has taken off her elegant gown and gotten down to the dirty business of saving lives I see. One might easily think her a snob from first meeting her. But here you show that there is more to her than rules and creating a pretty picture of elven perfection.

Even as Carahil was reviewing Buffy's healing abilities, I was thinking triage would be ideal for her. And there it was.

It looks like Buffy will be seeing more of Sir Flavius in the Imperial City. I am sure her visit there will be nice and quiet!

Clever of Buffy to have an anti-alcohol spell! January might want to learn one of those some day.

[haute ecole rider]

I loved this episode for the way the aftermath was handled. As a medical professional, I might have handled the chapel scene with Carahil a little bit differently, but well done! Brings to mind scenes of field hospitals from the American Civil War . . .


“Whiskey for my knights and beer for our horses!” Indeed! Let's not forget those gallant four legged partners!

My internal editor's broken out of his gimp outfit long enough to complain about

Glancing down at Kitsune, she teleported to her spot in front of my lap.

He insists that this is confusing, as it seems to be first Buffy as the subject, then Kitsune as the subject, in the same sentence. I would diplomatically interject that perhaps you might consider rewriting this as

I glanced down at Kitsune, who teleported herself to her spot in front of my lap.

or perhaps

At a glance from me, Kitsune teleported herself to her customary spot in front of my lap.

Overall, I continue to enjoy Buffy's version of Oblivion Crisis events! It makes me want to get that downloadable copy of Oblivion from the Bethsoft store and get it up and running on my Bootcamp alongside Skyrim!

[Lopov]

Carahil is a good and passionate doctor, especially if she doesn't mind her outfit getting dirty. I wouldn't trust a doc with a too clean uniform.

Looks like that Buffy is very good at triage among others!

Was Lothran at Olav's too? I assume not.

Soon it'll be over for Mankar Camoran and his family, I don't doubt that Mazoga & Agronak will defeat him. Looks like that Buffy will already be in the Imperial City, when Mehrunes himself will visit the Nirn.

[Grits]

Episode 29: My favorite detail in this calm before the storm was that the Oblivion Gates would take care of the sunrise glare problem. I felt I was right there with Buffy and Kitsune throughout.

Episode 30: I love that Buffy forgot Jauffre’s name. After all, a lot has happened in her life since she left his company, none of it having to do with him! Buffy’s position on the wall gave us a great view of the battle, and it made perfect sense for her to be there. I was breathless from Martin’s speech until Sirs Mazoga and Agronak emerged with the stone. I absolutely loved it! Buffy’s poisonous vines of doubt and fear tugged at me as well, though I was pretty sure she would survive. Huzzah! What an episode!

Episode 31: Excellent to see Carahil in work clothes and a ponytail. What she preaches in Anvil, she puts into practice here. Astute of her to keep Buffy from burning herself out. I’m sure Buffy did more for the wounded by moving them through triage than she could have by healing a few herself.

I reached up and touched her face. “Be careful, my friend, and I look forward to seeing you in The Imperial City.”

She stared at me for a moment, then leaned down and gently kissed my forehead before turning and heading for the chapel door.

What a warm and lovely moment, but I can’t help but feel one of those troublesome vines of dread.

Buffy’s sober-up spell is my new favorite! I adore her practical magic. Superian passing the soldiers was the perfect way to end this significant series of events while moving toward what happens next. Wow!

[Acadian]

Previously- After the Battle for Bruma, Buffy performed triage duty in support of the healers and priests at the chapel. Once her tasks there were complete, she was asked to return to the University and update Boderi Farano on the situation in Bruma and Martin’s current plans.

*

SubRosa- It was encouraging to hear that Carahil’s comments about Buffy’s skills successfully foreshadowed her assignment to triage duty. That shot of whiskey would have been quite the shock to Buffy’s small and unaccustomed system without a bit of arcane intervention.

Rider- ‘Whiskey for my knights and beer for our horses’ came to mind when I first created Sir Flavius and his role as White Stallion Knight Commander. It just took this far into the book to find a place where we could work it in. Thank you for your insightful ideas to help clarify that sentence about Kitsune’s positioning – I gratefully used one of your recommended alternatives.

Lopov- As Carahil rather concisely described, the nature of Buffy’s healing is both a blessing and curse. It will quite dramatically take center stage again late in the book.

Grits-As ever, thanks for highlighting some of the details that you found memorable. You are quite astute to note that the tender moment shared by Buffy and Mazoga before they parted does indeed foreshadow a great challenge ahead for all three of them. But it is from just such crucibles that paladins are born.

*

All- Now on to the final six episodes of our book, which will usher in a new era – both for Tamriel and for Buffy.

* * *

~ Part 7 – Dawn of a New Era ~

Episode 32

After a much-needed bath and warm dinner I made my way to the University’s chapel. I knew I would see Boderi the following morning and that she would ask if I had yet declared to the Divines my desire to become a paladin.

This time of night the small chapel was deserted. Nine altars – each with a lamp burning above it – lined the walls. I lowered myself to one knee in the center of the chapel. Remembering what Boderi had told me, I said, “Divines, I hope you can hear my words. Both Acadian and Boderi Farano are your paladins and believe that my path may include such service to you. Azura concurs, and has lifted her spiritual warding that my heart will be open to you. I am but a small wood elf and no stranger to fears and self-doubts. Yet I believe I know the difference between good and evil and which of those sides I’m on. If called by you to serve as a paladin, I will embrace and try to live up to the role.”

Though subtle, it was unmistakable – all nine lamps briefly brightened. They had heard me! For the first time in my life, certainty about the Nine entered my heart. That was enough for now.

The following morning, after a hearty breakfast of porridge and sausage in the University’s dining room, I joined Boderi in her parlor and we shared a pot of bergamot tea. I provided details of what had occurred in Bruma and told her what I knew of Martin’s plans.

After she asked, and I answered, her questions regarding utilization and performance of our mages, she changed the subject. “Have you notified the Nine of your willingness to serve as a paladin if called?”

“Yes, just last night in our chapel here. Their response was subtle but I know they heard me!”

Boderi smiled approvingly. “Should there come a time when they decide to bestow the powers of a paladin upon you, be assured there will be nothing subtle about it and no doubt in your mind that you have been called.”

“Boderi, what are our plans should Dagon interfere with Martin relighting the Dragonfires?”

“The guild’s contingent under Cassius Vinipter that served in Bruma remains in direct support of Martin until he is recognized as Emperor by the Council and relights the Dragonfires. You are assigned to me for now. Our task, along with the rest of the staff here, is to protect the University, its students, and our priceless archives that contain the written wisdom of mages dating back to Vanus Galerion, Shalador and beyond. Not to mention the Orrery and dangerous artifacts we store. The damage our relics and resources could wreak in the hands of Dremora mages and Mythic Dawn cultists is unimaginable.” Boderi then stood. “Well, I’m sure we both have arrangements to make. Then the waiting begins.”

My next stop was the guild’s bank. I had been sending proceeds to my account there from trinkets or artifacts that I had sold – most notably the sigil stones that I had pulled from Oblivion Gates. Surprised at how large my balance had become, I made arrangements to send over half of it to Countess Odalys Goldwine in Kvatch. The fellow widow had provided both kindness and wise counsel after my loss of Savlian and I liked to think that the time we spent together sharing our grief was of some benefit to her as well. I knew the materials and artisans needed to finish rebuilding her city required plenty of gold.

Returning to the chapel, I spent some time with the University’s Priest of the Nine, learning more about each of the Divines. As far as who I hoped might sponsor me should I be chosen as a paladin, I had my own ideas but figured they knew the best fit better than I.

I then joined Superian down in the Valley of Horses. After a leisurely ride in the valley, I groomed my mare while briefing Thernd on the situation and potential threat to the city.

After a thoughtful draw from his pipe the old stablemaster said, “Though this valley o’ horses be the love o’ me life, I figure it be o’ little interest to a Lord o’ the Daedra. Leastaways I be hopin’ so.”

“I’m sure you’re right, Thernd,” I replied while checking the last of my mare’s hooves. “Nevertheless, I’m going to carry Superian within me as a spirit until this is over. One less horse for you to worry about and if I need to quickly reach the city her speed will be more accessible to me.”

“I’d like ta see just how ye call this mighty mare into such a wee elf – if ye don’t mind me watchin’.”

“Not at all,” I replied with a smile. I nodded my head as a signal to Acadian.

’Vensahliz, I need you,’ was his silent incantation.

Superian evaporated into a pale blue-white vapor that sought my open hand and flowed up my arm. I closed my fingers to finish absorbing her spirit. “She is safely within me now,” I announced.

Thernd let out a low whistle as he stared at me. “I seen some magicks over me decades wi’ the University, lass, but that. . . .” His words trailed off as he slowly shook his head.

“It’s a . . . complicated story but there are times when it certainly comes in handy.”

“Aye. That I can imagine.”

[Lopov]

A calm story, which serves as an interlude, I guess, before the coming storm.

I really liked the scene as Buffy addressed the Divines, and all lamps briefly brightened. I hope that the Divine(s) will sponsor her before the upcoming battle.

[SubRosa]

Well there it is, Buffy made the plunge into Paladin territory. Now it is just a matter of the Divines fighting it out to see who gets to make her their paladin. Well, maybe not quite. But I do suspect that Kynareth and Mara both have a vested interest in her. My money is on Kyne, as Buffy seems more intent upon preserving the lives that currently exist, rather than making new ones.

Now we see the plans of Buffy and the Mages Guild. It is nice to see that in your writing - unlike in the game - they and Martin are expecting Dagon to make one last throw of the die before Martin can relight the dragonfires.

January wishes she could absorb her motorcycle into her!

[Renee]

I see. Unlike Gabrielle, Buffy wouldn't disobey orders. If Mazoga or Xena told Buffy "stay here, do NOT follow" Buffy would probably comply. Unlike Gabby, who'd always be getting into trouble as she refused to follow Xena's directions.

Buffy's process for healing others is similar to Blood Raven's in SubRosa's story, eh? She takes their pain, and releases it. It's what she tried to do when she met Aravi, right?

I don’t have time to debate this right now, Buffy. Can you do it?”

I love that. "I don't have time to debate... " maybe Buffy doesn't always follow orders so succinctly as I thought. In fact, thinking of her personality, there are times she'll follow her own guidance, I'd imagine. Not for something so serious as the aftermath of battle, though.

She casts a spell to clear her whisky burn. That would be nice.


[quote]Though subtle, it was unmistakable – all nine lamps briefly brightened[/quote ]

That is nice, too. It's something which (if it happened on Earth) would be known only to the praying. You can't prove it to anyone else who wasn't there.

That's good she is giving money to Kvatch. It's funny how money works in these games. Lady Saga for instance, she's always saving it with her horse, and then eventually she takes what she can back to her village in Valenwood. She never puts it in Cyrodiil's bank. Renee Gade III on the other hand, has most of her money in the bank. It's never more than 20,000 or so. She's constantly running highs and lows, black, then red, as she's the one in charge of upkeep of her party's gear, paying taxes on her homes, buying some fancy new armor at Goddess Store, or an expensive new sword which she MUST have, and so on. Eventually she has some sort of crisis, and next thing I know she's removing thousands from her savings-gained-from-interest. But it sounds like Buffy is doing better than any of mine.

Superian removed from this world via magic. I wonder how the fight with Dagon shall play out.

[ghastley]

Hmm ...

The evidence so far points to "Paladin of the Nine". After all, if they can have Temples of the Nine, why not?

Or is this a case, of "you choose" "No, you choose"?

At least we know it's not Mehrunes Dagon.

[macole]

Paladin of the Nine does have a nice ring of authority to it. Maybe enough to put all the Valandrus Abor's in their place.

[Grits]

That quiet moment in the chapel feels like the dawn of a new era for Buffy as she has her first un-Azura-warded chat with the Nine. The door is open now, I wonder who will step through it.

I hope Thernd is right! It was nice to see the Mages Guild anticipating the next fight. They do have a lot of neat artifacts in their vaults, including Buffy’s various contributions. I guess some daedra might want their stuff back!

[Acadian]

Previously- After returning to the University, Buffy declared to the Divines her desire to become a paladin. The following morning, she and Boderi discussed the guild’s plan to deal with possible interference by Mehrunes Dagon during Martin’s anticipated coronation and relighting of the Dragonfires. While a sizable contingent of mages remains in direct support of Martin, Buffy’s tasking is to help Boderi and the school’s remaining staff protect the University, its relics and students.

*

Lopov- Yes, now that Buffy has declared her intent, she hopes Azura’s trust that the Nine would ‘step up to the task’ happens sooner rather than later. Thanks for noting the lamps brightening; I thought it was a nice, tangible sign that the Divines heard Buffy as well as a reference to the Order of the Lamp.

SubRosa- As at Kvatch and Bruma, Buffy is an essential but supporting character operating on the periphery. In this case, part of the University’s defense plans. Mara or Kynareth as a sponsor for Buffy is a tough choice but, fortunately, either Divine would suit her well. Though Buffy can indeed absorb Superian, January can pick the Stormcycle up and carry it around!

Renee- Buffy’s nature is more follower than leader and she’ll readily support a good leader. When faced with a poor leader, she has gotten rather skillful about tactfully coaxing things in a direction more to her liking. When working closely with Savlian Matius, she observed firsthand the heavy mantle of leadership he carried and gained an appreciation for how important good followers are to help reduce that burden.

ghastley- I do suspect at this point there are some interesting discussions among the Nine about what to do with the little would-be paladin. I know I have certainly wrestled mightily with the decision. Fortunately, there are two really superb matches and either would be a good call.

macole- I guess a Paladin of the Nine would be about the same thing as the Knights of the Nine. A most worthy concept; alas, Buffy will only get one sponsor.

Grits- I’m glad the need to prevent the University’s arcane relics from falling into the hands of Dagon’s minions came through well. Thanks for mentioning that many of those relics were provided to the University by Buffy. During drafting of that part I toyed with mentioning it and am glad you were thinking along the same lines. Which Divine will answer Azura’s challenge and step through the door that Buffy has opened will soon dominate the last few episodes of this book.

* * *

Episode 33

The following morning, Arch Mage Traven called a meeting with the University’s senior staff and instructors in his office. When Boderi emerged, she pulled me aside. “We just received word from Bruma’s guildmagister via magical courier dove that Martin and his army began their march to The Imperial City last night. We expect their arrival within a few hours. The Arch Mage has dispatched an apprentice to the Imperial Council chambers to serve as our eyes and ears. By using the direct portal between the Arch Mage’s quarters and the Council chambers, that apprentice will be able to keep us informed in a timely manner of any significant developments within the city.”

“Remember,” I said hopefully, “I have a fast horse that I can magically recall and quickly reach anywhere in the city where my bow, spells or even a scouting report may be needed.”

Boderi replied patiently, “Buffy, I know you want to be in the middle of things alongside Sirs Mazoga and Agronak, but Martin is well-protected and I need you here. I will bear your offer and capabilities in mind as things develop though.”

I sighed. “As you say, Boderi.”

The waiting began.

Everyone was on edge – unsure what to expect but hoping we were ready for anything. It would certainly be no surprise if Mehrunes Dagon attempted to somehow thwart Martin’s plans. I paced uneasily atop the University’s front wall.

A clerk finally came by passing the word. “Martin’s just entered the city. He’s on his way to the Imperial Council chambers.”

I looked toward The Imperial City, even though its southern wall obscured my view of the districts within. I knew Martin’s plan was to obtain Council recognition as Emperor by donning the Amulet of Kings, then proceed to the Temple of the One and relight the Dragonfires.

My thoughts were interrupted as a streak of red lightening ripped across the sky, passing close to the White Gold Tower. A moment later the sound of thunder reached my long ears. Soon, more jagged spears of red light angrily crisscrossed the darkening sky. I knew an Oblivion sky when I saw it and was not surprised to see a small orange glow rise above the walls which likely meant an Oblivion Gate had opened within the city. I was surprised, however, to see that first glow joined by three more. Then rapidly several more!

“Boderi be damned!” I whispered aloud. “I’m a skilled Daedra fighter and need to be in that city alongside Mazoga and Agronak!” My feet had barely begun to move when the ground shook and an Oblivion Gate opened right behind me inside the University’s outer courtyard. One hand dove into the mage pouch at my waist and emerged with bow and quiver. I was grateful to be up on the wall. The gate was less than a stone’s throw from me and I could feel waves of dry heat rippling up from its fiery maw. As the portal brightened somewhat, I cast a swirl of emerald magic to greet the first wave of Daedra. Several scamps and a clannfear viciously turned on each other. By the time I congratulated the last standing Daedra with a mortal arrow, I had been joined by a pair of battlemages.

Another Oblivion Gate opened beyond the Arch Mage’s lobby - within the inner courtyard. Other mages would have to deal with that one, but I was confident that the small group of us here could manage this one. I felt a pang of guilt for doubting Boderi’s wisdom as I cast another illusion to greet the next wave of Daedra. This time I had help from the battlemages. As our foes battled each other below, waves of frost slowed their movement and bolts of arcane lightning speeded their demise.

I spared a glance back over one shoulder toward the White Gold Tower and could see numerous pillars of ember-laden smoke rising from the city. I imagined Martin and his forces – including my dear orcish friends – were battling their way to the Temple of the One in order to light the Dragonfires and close all these gates in a desperate race against time.

The glow of numerous types of spells from the inner courtyard assured me that the threat there was being capably addressed. My position was joined by an instructor and his small class of students who were eager to use their new staves and spells. The quartermaster sent water, magicka potions and soul gems.

I considered entering the portal below me to close it, but just as quickly rejected the idea. We could hold our own for now but there were just too many open gates across the city to close each one individually. If Martin could not seal Nirn from Oblivion, thereby closing them all at once, it would remain a standoff that favored our foes – for Dagon could summon endless hordes of Daedra. Just how many sigil stones had he been able to amass since Savlian and I closed that first gate at Kvatch?

As another emerald swirl left my hand to welcome our next wave of foes, the portal’s flame and its emerging Daedra, were suddenly pulled back into the Deadlands and the gate collapsed. My spell passed harmlessly into the pile of stone teeth now on the ground. The lack of an orange glow above the inner courtyard’s wall indicated that gate had closed as well. I wheeled toward the city. Indeed, I could see plenty of rising residual smoke but no telltale glows indicating open gates. My hopes were confirmed as growing patches of brilliant blue quickly banished the dark Oblivion sky.

A cheer of relief rose up. We then began healing minor wounds, recharging weapons and wondering what exactly had transpired inside the city.

I moved down into the outer courtyard. There I met Boderi Farano just as she approached from the Arch Mage’s lobby. She announced loudly for all nearby to hear, “The portal in the Arch Mage’s quarters has gone dim. That means its counterpart inside the Imperial Council chambers is either damaged or destroyed. It also explains why we’ve not heard from the apprentice stationed there to keep us apprised.”

“Boderi,” I said, “if it will help, I can recall my mare and quickly find out what’s going on in the city.”

As she was evaluating my suggestion, a mage still atop the front wall cried out, “A rider approaches!”

Imperial battlemages opened the gate. A lathered bay horse and its Legion rider entered the courtyard and drew to a stop.

Before the rider could speak, I heard a nearby voice. “I’m Raminus Polus, Headmaster of the University. What news do you bring?” I hadn’t noticed him arrive.

I quietly asked a student to fetch a bucket of water for the exhausted bay, then offered my waterskin to the rider.

The soldier waved off my offer and breathlessly reported, “Martin turned into the giant dragon of Akatosh himself, defeated Mehrunes Dagon then turned to stone – still in the form of a dragon! The Dragonfires are not lit, yet all the Oblivion Gates closed when Dagon fell. The Imperial Council is in emergency session trying to figure out what all that means for the Empire.”

After a few seconds of silence, as everyone tried to make sense of the soldier’s incredulous report, I could hold my tongue no longer. “Have you news of the pair of orcish knights escorting Martin?”

“Aye,” the rider replied. “Without them, Martin never would have made it to the Temple of the One and all would have been lost. Those two orcs led the attack against Mehrunes Dagon and actually held off the Lord of Destruction long enough for Martin to join with Akatosh and finish the battle! Sir Mazoga seemed uninjured but Sir Agronak suffered grievous wounds. They’re both still at the Temple.”

I immediately recalled Superian and glanced at Boderi as I mounted. Though she could not have deterred me, I was relieved to see a nod of concurrence.

[haute ecole rider]

Oh no! Is Sir Mazoga doomed to suffer the same fate as Buffy? I hope not, once is enough!

Though to be fair, in war there are dozens, if not hundreds, such fates . . .

I really enjoyed this perspective of the ultimate showdown in the IC - just as I had the one in the TF (which still stands in my mind as one of the highlights of that tale). It was a wise call making our glass cannon NOT the Champion of Cyrodiil, but letting the outstanding secondary NPC's that litter the landscape of Cyrodiil have their moment in the light.

Likewise, it was excellent pointing out that there was no point in exhausting oneself closing this one Gate when there are so many others, and more opening besides.

I'd be very interested in seeing how you handle the aftermath of this. I have no doubt it will be as well done as your version of Bruma.