A New Sun Rises - Maxical's Adventures, The Truth Behind The Oblivion Crisis Options

[mALX]

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@ Ghastley - Thank you so much for stopping in, and for your help! Both are always greatly appreciated !!

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@ Athynae - Now that's what I love to hear !!! Thank you so much Athynae, your comment made my day!!

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@ Grits - Thank you so much Grits !!! You always seem to hone in on my favorite parts of the chapters, lol That last one you quoted was the first step toward a better understanding between Uriel and Maxical. (and boy will she need that, lol).

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@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !! I'm really glad Maxical's hero worship of Hannibal came through! It was kind of a blatant reminder to Uriel of how young she still is, lol. I am thrilled by your great memory and following the plot - you knew right away Maxical was talking about duping vampire juices !!! That tickled me that you caught that !!

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@ King Coin - Lol, yeah - that gave Uriel a clear view of what he's dealing with in Maxical. She'll def need more maturing, but getting a glimpse of himself as a youth (in her) may help change the dislike he has for her. (hopefully, lol).

The Lord’s Manor is going to be full of Khajiit now

Poor Ocato, ROFL !!! Thank you so much, KC !!!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB !!! That anyone likes the characters means a lot to me, I so appreciate your kind words !!

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@ Foxy - I want you to carefully reread the last part of your comment, you have only yourself to blame for this next chapter !!! ROFL !! Thank you so much Foxy, and for letting me use Damien in my story. He has added some great storyline !!!

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[mALX]

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Chapter 122: Timing Is Everything



“Is that man your father?” Nisaba pointed toward Uriel’s back.

“My father! No, I was adopted by the Blademaster from the orphanage.”

“I know…I meant is he your real father.”

“Of course not! Well, technically I don’t know, since I’m a mix. But what made you think that?”

“You called him ‘Sire.’”

“Oh, you mean like because I’m beast species, that kind of sire?”

Nisaba’s cheeks flushed red, but she nodded.

“You don’t know who he is? Nisaba, that is the Emperor. And he has ord…er…invited us to stay in his Palace.” Eight pairs of Khajiit eyes goggled at me.

“Why?” Nisaba’s suspicious look spread rapidly amongst the other women. “How did he know my name?”

“I told him about you, about the vow we made as children, Nisaba. That night in the cave I remembered us swearing a vow together, I think it was right before I left the orphanage. I only remember that we were crying…and that’s all I can remember about it. I’m sorry, Nisaba. I’d give anything if I could remember what I promised. I don’t know why I can’t remember anything…or anybody from back then. And I know if you have to tell me what it was that it will be an insult added to the injury of me not fulfilling my vow. I told him that I had to make up to you the vow I didn’t keep as a child. He is a good man, Nisaba. Honorable. He understood.”

Nisaba’s eyes followed Uriel’s progress across the quad toward the mansion I had seen Jak the bird enter. I barely heard what she said. She whispered so quietly, I don’t think she even knew she spoke aloud.

“He was in my dream last night…”

“You’ve seen him before?” I had an eerie feeling in the pit of my stomach as Nisaba shook her head no, like the gods were moving pieces into place…but dear gods, for what?

A chill went down my spine. Akatosh and Mehrunes Dagon…and me and Nisaba. And suddenly I had an overwhelming sensation that it had been us for eras in time, like our destinies had crossed lifetimes ago, or maybe our paths were ordained to cross from the beginning of time.

“Did you feel that too, Nissy?” I could see on her face she did, read it in her eyes. Nisaba suddenly looked so vulnerable.

“In my dream, a dragon said that you and I were time, and the one you called Sire was destiny, but that soon we would…become the destiny and Sire would become time.“

“It had to be Akatosh, he is the dragon god of time. I‘m scared, Nissy.” It was just barely a whisper.

“Me too.”

We clung to each other tightly, as if somehow it could stop whatever was happening. She pulled back suddenly and pointed at the mansion. “What are they doing?”

The men were shimmying up the side of the mansion like the monkeys had done that day in the Arena. And then it struck me that these women would defend Malan with their life if they saw him getting attacked.

“Come on, we’ve got to go right away.” I pulled Nisaba by the hand and shoved the gate open, hurrying through.









******* Malan as Jakben Imbel (after entering Imbel Manor Dome as Jak the bird - Chapter 116).


Jak was fuming as he climbed down through the trapdoor from his dome. He was only a few steps down into his quarters when he spotted Janus Hassildor standing by his dining table pouring a glass of wine into a stemmed glass.

“What the hell…what are you doing here, lad? Did you know your chosen is out there right now, wandering the streets in a city full of ancient vampires?”

“She gave her word she would stay sealed in the Bloodworks…“ Janus broke off at Jak’s roar.

“ARGH! Ain’t you got a nose that told you she’d left it?”

“Of course I…but…er…she told me not to come back without Fathis. I need your help finding him.”

Jak gaped at Janus. “You plan on bringing her husband on your honeymoon? Tell me the truth, lad. Are you a little…backwards?”

“Of course not! She made me swear a vow I’d bring him back safe or vowed me as her enemy for eternity! I followed his scent to Skingrad, he’s there…the scent is strong, but I can’t tell where it is coming from.”

Jak felt the hold on his temper slipping as he gawked at Janus, sputtering and shaking his head. “I can’t believe this! You got a ring in your nose, lad? Good gods, all those years of waiting…and finally you leave your lair…for this!”

“…Huh? …What?”

“You want to know what? I’ll tell you what! I wish I’d never set eyes on you, Hassildor. You’re a waste of that beautiful Immortal bloodline you carry. Fifty years, and you couldn’t even make one! Now rescuing the husband of your chosen instead of burying your blade in him? Not to mention…you’re a jinx, lad! You’ve brought trouble like I’ve never seen in centuries! A lifetime of building armies…ruined! In just weeks you’ve destroyed centuries of planning!”






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“I didn’t cause this, it was Malan! I was this close to him, would have killed him if I‘d been free…” Janus held his hands up to indicate the distance as Jak slumped down on into a chair, trying to get control of his tongue. He immediately flew back up as if he’d been bitten.

“YOOWWW!”

“What is it? Jak, are you all right? Ew, what are you doing?” Janus gawked at him.

Jak ignored him, digging his hand deeply into the back of his pants and loincloth. Janus snatched a cloth napkin from the table and held it over his mouth.

“Er…hey, you probably want me to give you some privacy…”

Jak’s hand came out with a small black lump in it. “GAAAAH! You see this lad? You see what you‘ve done to me?”

“Dear gods, don’t show me your turd!” Janus backed toward the door, waving the napkin like a flag at Jak.

“It’s not a turd, you idiot! It’s a black fox! A statue! Look!” Jak held it out to Janus.

“GAAAAH! I’m not touching that thing, you just pulled it out of your butt!”

“I did not!”

“I saw you!”

Jak ignored that, thinking rapidly. “This means he’s been close enough to me to plant it without me knowing. I have to leave town, Hassildor. Remember, you gave your seal on it that I’d be welcome at your castle.” Jak patted his breast pocket to indicate the invitation Janus had signed and sealed with his signet ring.

“Who was close to you? Are you talking about Malan? And what about helping me find Fathis? You know I can‘t go back there without my chosen, nor will she go with me, unless I show her Fathis first.”

“Where’s your head at, Hassildor? You should be wanting to kill the man, not save him! You should be driven to keep those ancients out there from drinking her blood, not in here drinking my wine!”

“I was waiting for you, I can’t keep her safe and find him, nor come back without him.”

“Then tell her you need her with you to rescue him and for the gods sake take the smell of her blood away from here before it’s too late! Were you were dropped on your head as a child?”






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Janus paused, his face brightening. “That’s a good idea, Jak. And no, I‘m not addled. Just not used to all this…subterfuge.”

Jak snorted. “Your vampire nature is, if you’d just let it out! It would know exactly how to handle your chosen. Nothing compares to the feel of this hunt. It brings out everything within you, powers you never knew you had…you are a god staking claim on her, bringing her to your lair. You don’t deserve the experience if you’re not going to live it. You do know the vampire has to be out when you bring her into your lair? ”

“I know that.” Janis scoffed, but the look on his face showed surprise.

“Hadn’t thought of that, did you? You’ll let it out in the bedroom too, if you’re smart. Not even a Dunmer can compare to what our nature gives us.”

“What?”

“Good gods, don’t tell me you were idiot enough…are you saying you never used your nature to please even the prostitutes you paid? Oh, lad. You’d better let me come visit, you obviously need me calling instructions in your ear when the time comes.”

“I’m sure I know how to handle my business without help! …Er, but of course you’re welcome to come. …Although I hope you wash your hands before you go.”

“I didn’t dig in my butt!”

“I saw you! Didn’t you just say she was right outside? I don’t smell her close at all.”

“She shrieked like a banshee and bolted for the Palace district when she saw the bird. Odd, that. She liked it fine earlier, stroked me all over. Not sure what scared her…what are you glaring at?”

“Don’t ask what you already know. And how dare you spy on and disrupt my romantic interlude…”

“Romantic! Is that what you call it? Looked more like two schoolchildren scrapping in the playground! I’ll give your ancient line a lot of credit for picking a chosen that is as interested in rats breeding as you are.”

“It is not about rats breeding, only their libido…”

Jak held his hand up to stop him. “I heard the whole thing while I was eavesdropping. Listen, lad. I’ll do you a favor. I doubt you’ve got what it takes to get her out of this city, better let me do it. I’ll bring her to you, just wait for me at the Inn in Weye.”

Jak leaned over and banged on the wall. Gemellus Axius hurried in.

“My Lord? Did you call me?”

“Yes, Gemellus. Pack Hassildor’s and my things for a long trip, and make it fast.”

“I’ll pack my own.” Janus said stiffly.

Jak scowled, but didn‘t argue. “You’d better be fast, something tells me this mansion won’t be safe for either of us much longer.


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** The black fox statuette was placed in Malan's diaper loincloth in the "Sneakers" Update section of (Chapter 101, page 49)

** The invitation for Jak to visit Castle Skingrad that Janus wrote and sealed was from (Chaper 85, page 37)

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This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 8 2012, 06:01 PM

[D.Foxy]

I shall now go and take a two-hour shower. I will need it, after coming out of the Malan butt...


Strange...


Normally I come INTO butts - or wait a minute, shouldn't that be 'abnormally'???




What? You'all a-looking at me AGAIN????

I meant I came into being the butt of JOKES normally! Really! You'all need to have your brains washed....

[King Coin]

Poor Ocato, ROFL !!! Thank you so much, KC !!!

I somehow don’t feel too bad for him.

I love the interaction with Nisaba! She’s been locked away all her life, so of course she wouldn’t know who the emperor is!

What a dream Nissy had! Makes me wonder if she's involved in the MQ when it rolls around.

Janus, Malan, and the statuette!!

[Athynae]

Did he, no, wait...right now we are experiencing the silent pause, stunned silence I believe it's called, before everyone erupts into uncontrollable laughter....

mALX this one was...well, perfectly perfect. The way you played the whole Foxy scene was breathtakingly hilarious.

And playing Janus as a virginal vampire either that or he was dropped on his head.....priceless

A little fear inducing with the whole Nisaba/Max part but equally as awesome.

And once again Foxy pops his HEAD in, leaves a giggling statue in our butt, then disappears like he had planned it all along.

I'll be laughing for the rest of the day you two, thanks Max!! And Foxy, you jest ain't rite!!!

This post has been edited by Athynae: Jan 8 2012, 05:43 PM

[treydog]

Chapter 120

What I want to do is quote all of the first 3 paragraphs.... Instead, let us leave it at this- your description makes clear that Uriel is the true heir of Talos, and not Emperor merely by an "accident of birth."

The revelations of Ocato's hidden agenda- combined with his ineptitude.... Were it possible to despise him more, I would. But his treatment of the orphans made him as loathsome as possible already. I have a feeling there will be more about that as time goes along.

[quote]No wonder he was in need of a champion, someone to protect him when his own second in command was the one plotting his downfall! And of all things, to plot with Dagon! Dagon, who removed Mournhold from the maps, leaving naught but dust in its place![/quote]

[quote]But beyond the shock was a terrible wrenching inside, a feeling I was being torn in two. This newfound devotion and pride of my Emperor was now a driving force that my sword be there to protect him in what I now knew he faced…and yet…Dagon? I could barely breathe for the fear that gripped me at even the thought of trying to face down Dagon. How could I be the one? I couldn’t be, surely Akatosh didn’t plan to pit me against Mehrunes Dagon! [/quote]

And the poor kitty begins to get a glimmer of what is expected of her!

[quote]This war I had sworn myself into had nothing to do with the vampires attacking Cyrodiil. It was being staged between the gods and Daedric princes. Dear gods, what had I got myself into?[/quote]

There is a certain half-elven girl in a cave on Solstheim who is asking a similar question just about now.

The fact that Maxical's memory of Malan's origin is the KEY piece of information is simply wonderful.

Chapter 121

[quote]I suddenly realized there is a vast difference between an assassin and a murderer.[/quote]

[quote]Like a soldier taking orders from a general, Hannibal began preparing for his task. I was reeling in shock. Hannibal? I tried to remember the interactions between Hannibal and Damien in the Arena, had they known each other before? Dear gods, had they worked together in the past?[/quote]

[quote]For the second time in my life I realized…there were depths to Hannibal one could not even begin to fathom.[/quote]

“[quote]Are you paying attention?” Damien snapped his fingers in my face to be sure he had my attention.

“Er…yes….er…I heard you.” What had he said?

“Er…yes, I heard all…er…unless you just care to…er…drill it into my brain, so to speak…" I was torn between wishing he would and trying not to look hopeful. I couldn’t have the Emperor think I hadn’t been paying attention at a crucial time.[/quote]

Only YOU, my dear wonderful mALX, could take a council of war from deadly serious to full-on snortling, Mountain Dew-spurting hilarity.

[quote]“If you are to become the ‘Hero of Destiny’, you will need to find your own heroes to emulate. You have chosen well in Fathis and Traven.” He lay his hand on top of my head as the priests in the chapels do when conferring a blessing, resting it there for just a second before turning back to the table.[/quote]

And THEN- to bring it back- to show us, through Uriel’s eyes what Maxical will become… This is simply amazing writing.

The ruse used by Nisaba and her sisters was brilliant and heart-wrenching. And AGAIN you bring us back from the contemplation of the horror of their previous moments with this:

[quote]Damien’s voice floated quietly across the quad as I was walking away. “Uriel, are you sure she said ‘sister‘? I’m quite positive I heard her say ‘sisters‘.“

I looked back to wave at Hannibal and his eyes bulged when he saw the troop of cats at the gate.

He mouthed the words, “Oh no.”[/quote]

Now THAT was an ending to a chapter!

Chapter 122

Nisaba’s understandable and yet hilarious confusion as to who Uriel is adds a perfect bit of reality to the story. And I am unavoidably reminded of the line- “A cat may look at a king.”

[quote]Nisaba’s eyes followed Uriel’s progress across the quad toward the mansion I had seen Jak the bird enter. I barely heard what she said. She whispered so quietly, I don’t think she even knew she spoke aloud.

“He was in my dream last night…”

“In my dream, a dragon said that you and I were time, and the one you called Sire was destiny, but that soon we would…become the destiny and Sire would become time.“[/quote]

Wow- just... wow. I think perhaps one day, I might HOPE to write like that.

[quote]Jak gaped at Janus. “You plan on bringing her husband on your honeymoon? Tell me the truth, lad. Are you a little…backwards?”[/quote]

And then- oh, let me catch my breath. The moment with Jak’s “discovery” of the black fox statue….

Which is of course followed by Jak’s…. ah…. “tutelage” in The Art of Vampiric Love (soon to be a major picture that moves).

Thank you so much for all of the laughter on a dreary day.

This post has been edited by treydog: Jan 8 2012, 07:02 PM

[McBadgere]

...*Sits at keyboard...*...

... *....* ... ...

*Looks left...Then right...*... ...

*Closes mouth*...

Nice one!!... ...

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[Acadian]

Loved the scene with Maxical and Nisaba! I think I have a good idea of what to expect from Akatosh regarding Maxical, but I am becoming more and more intrigued by Nisaba. It seems she is destined to become a big deal in Maxical’s life perhaps. I was captivated by Nisaba’s confusion over ‘Sire’.

’The men were shimmying up the side of the mansion like the monkeys had done that day in the Arena.’
The monkeys on the mansion were neat for several reasons. First, it was just funny. Secondly, it was a wonderful reminder of past Maxical misadventures. Finally, given how the ‘farmed’ Khajiit would protect Jak, it provided the perfect segue for the kitties to make their exit so the bumbling vampires could attend to their buttly business in private and hopefully get taken out by the mansion monkeys. Okay, I'm kidding about the last part since the scenes happened in different chapters.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jan 9 2012, 01:51 AM

[King Coin]

I was captivated by Nisaba’s confusion over ‘Sire’.

I just want to add that I found that section interesting as well. It didn't make it into my other post somehow.

[Grits]

The part that treydog quoted about Nisaba’s dream gave me chills, too. I’m hoping those two get a quiet moment to fill in what Maxical can’t remember. I’m so delighted that it seems Nisaba will continue to be important to Maxical, and in the story.

Then the whole Jak and Janus scene was just hilarious! I was rolling the entire time. The part where Janus tries to explain that they were not talking about rat breeding during their “romantic interlude,” but specifically about rat libido made me laugh about that scene with Maxical all over again. Oh, Janus!

[mALX]

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@ Foxy - You can only blame yourself for that chapter, lol. You know in bringing up gas my warped sense of humor would carry it into the story, ROFL !! The Black Fox in the butt was your idea to begin with, so it was fitting that you inspired the chapter where it "came out," lol. Thank you so very much, Foxy. You are an Awesome inspiration !!

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@ King Coin - I so appreciate your comment and have to give you credit for Nissy's expanded role in the story. What changed her cameo into an integral role was your enthusiasm for her. Thank you so much, KC !!

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@ Athynae - Thank you so much Athynae !! I blame Foxy entirely for that scene with the Fox, he had me laughing so hard imagining him having laughing gas at 35,000 feet...what else could I do? ROFL !!

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@ Treydog - It meant a lot to hear your opinion of those three chapters. Sometimes in writing the stories you are inspired as much by the readers as the subject itself. Imagining you spraying Ice Tea on your monitor is always a big inspiration to me, lol. (truth). Thank you so much Treydog, you are appreciated!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you, Thank you McB !! It meant a lot to hear your translation of that cryptic comment, ROFL !! Thanks !!

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@ Acadian - ROFL !! You had me rolling with the second half of your comment !! Thank you so much, Acadian, I always appreciate your kind words and support !!!

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@ Grits -

The part that treydog quoted about Nisaba’s dream gave me chills

That section of the chapter was written directly because of (and inspired by) your comment on January 3 - that meant so much to me when you said that. Thank you so much Grits, your kind words mean more than you know !!!

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[mALX]

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*** D. Foxy has graciously agreed to the use of his characters Damien "Foxy" Reynard and Sneakers in this episode.


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Chapter 123: The Fox Hunt



******* Damien “Foxy” Reynard


Damien waited till the men reached the dome and signaled their readiness before gesturing the mages to enter the front. Within seconds the locked door was breached. Without a sound to alert their presence the mages filed into the mansion, spreading out in different directions inside as if on cue.

Damien counted under his breath till one of the mages on the dome signaled him again.

“Malan can’t be there, that was too soon. Drat!” Uriel exhaled his frustration. “Have your men search everything, see if he’s left any clues behind.“

Damien glanced around as they entered. “There‘s parchment and pads everywhere.” He signaled Sneakers. “Secure every parchment and pad in this house. Keep them separated by the floor you found them on, and mark the sack for upstairs. Make sure you handle them with care.”

He turned to Uriel. “Imbel had a manservant here, a man named Gemellus Axius. If he’s here I’ll have to question him. You do realize what I’m saying?”

“Do you know if he is a vampire?“

Damien shrugged. “Does it matter?”

“I can’t approve any coercion if he is a citizen, Foxy.”

Sneakers’ cackling laugh could be heard the whole way down the steps as he returned with the sack full of parchments.

“Boss, look what I found in his private quarters upstairs!” He plopped the sack of parchments down on the table and then held up a small black statuette of a fox. “I stuck this in his drawers at the Palace when he was impersonating Fathis Aren.”

“You’ve just earned yourself a bonus, Sneakers.” Damien grinned.

Uriel glanced through the bulging sack Sneakers lay on the table. “The man has brought blank papers!”

“Blank to the naked eye. If they lay beneath another parchment as it was being written on, they may contain indentations which can be read using the right tools.” Damien pointed at two of his mages dragging a struggling man down the steps. “As to whether he is a vampire, we will soon find out.”






***


Damien’s agents shuffled up, pushing Gemellus Axius into a chair and holding him tightly down. “There’s no one here but this guy, Boss. We searched the whole place.”

Damien grabbed a handful of Gemellus’s hair, pulling his head back with it and carefully inspecting his eyes. His lips twitched as he glanced over to Uriel and found he had turned away and was carefully inspecting an empty display case.

“He doesn’t appear to be a vampire, of course if he is Malan‘s they can hide their nature.”

Uriel waved his hand to proceed, but retained his rapt inspection of the empty case.

Damien gave a quirked grin as he turned back to Gemellus.

“Where is your master, Gemellus Axius?”

“What do you mean by breaking in here, ransacking the Master’s home! He’ll have you arrested! I should call the guards!“

“Yes, but you won’t, will you Gemellus? Your Master wouldn’t like the Legion to find out his secrets…not with Uriel’s Law declared. I repeat, where is your master?”

“Sir! Tell your men to stop manhandling me! The Master will have you all thrown in jail! Tell me what you require and I‘ll pass the message…” Gemellus’s attempt to bluff ground to a halt as Damien’s blade poked into his neck.

Gemellus turned a pleading glance in Uriel’s direction, but he was now stooped over the empty case and appeared to be minutely inspecting a mote of thread through the glass.

Gemellus’s mouth clamped shut, but he cowered, trembling. Damien drew the blade up and held it in front of Gemellus’s face, the curved blade of the dagger still stained with dried blood.

“I think you know what kind of a blade this is, don’t you.” It wasn‘t a question, but Gemellus nodded briefly.

Damien leaned over and pushed the sharp blade against his neck again. “Then you know what my line of work is, and that I’ll have no qualms in slitting the throat of someone keeping me from completing my mission. Now I‘ll ask you one last time, where is your master?”

Gemellus’s voice wavered, the pitch of it raised to almost girlish tones. “I don’t know! Please, Sir! He didn’t say. He and the other gentleman packed for a long trip, I swear to you that’s all I know.”








***


Another agent stepped into the room from a doorway under the stairwell. “Boss, there’s a boarded up place in the basement. We couldn’t force it open.”

Damien paused. “I didn’t see any sewer access to this building on your map, Uriel. Check it again.”

Uriel spread the map out on the table, keeping his back to Gemellus. “You are correct, there is no sewer access.”

Damien slapped his hand loudly on the table, causing Gemellus to jump. “We may have just found that cave we were planning to search for.” He pressed the blade against Gemellus’s neck and leaned over him. “What’s behind the boards in the basement, Gemellus?”

“…Basement? I don’t go there, my duties don‘t…”

Damien stepped back from him and without saying a word pointed at two of the other agents that had gathered in the room. The two men holding Gemellus stood him up and the other two agents began searching him, emptying his pockets. One handed Damien three keys.

“NO!” Gemellus struggled against the agents holding him.

Uriel shifted his weight, catching Damien’s eye. “No killing.“ He mouthed. Damien gave a brief nod.

“Watch him. The rest of you come with me.” He turned to Uriel. “This may not be a sight you’ll want to see, Uriel. You‘re free to go if you‘d like, my men can handle this from here.”

Uriel shook his head. “If the cave is there, I want to see how those children lived.“






***


“Stand back, Sire. This is no ordinary lock, it may be trapped.” Damien went carefully over the whole area around the door looking for triggers. “Here’s one.” He followed the wire across the doorway and up a wall, then pointed to a spot on the ceiling. He and Uriel stepped back into the corridor while two mages carefully dismantled the heavy mace and removed it.

Damien returned to his inspection of the area when the men had finished. He waved Uriel back again. The opposite wall had regularly spaced holes in it. Damien ran a finger inside each hole, feeling the angle of it, then walked the path the darts would fly based on that angle. “These are holes for poison darts, Sire. Stand back till I find the trigger…it will have to be near the keyhole since that‘s where the holes are aimed…ah!”

He slid the false facing up on the lock plating and found a second keyhole. One key fit the upper keyhole and one fit the lower. Damien carefully removed the upper key, then moved back beside Uriel and signaled Sneakers to open the door.

The key turned easily in the ancient lock as if it had been kept well oiled or well used. An overwhelming stench of urine and feces met their noses.

The first three rooms of the cave had obvious signs of recent use. There were boxes in each of ragged children’s dresses, straw beds with human hairs still attached. Several cave walls had rudimentary pictures scratched into the clay. A stack of dirty plates was piled by the door next to an open crate with a few rotting apples in it.

Uriel kneeled down beside each box of clothing and fingered through them, lifting each to note the size. A look of horror worsened with each one he raised, but he continued till he’d seen all.

Uriel rose slowly, his eyes held Damien's. “I want him dead. I order it. Any bounty you ask will be paid, Foxy. The sheer number of children who’ve suffered here…the ages…I‘ve seen enough.”

An agent entered the small room of the cave, but hesitated when he saw Uriel’s expression. Damien signaled him to speak.

“Boss, there is a hidden trap door at the back of this tunnel.”

Damien put his hand on Uriel’s shoulder. “I’ll make record of anything I find. You don’t need to stay longer.”

Uriel gave a brief nod and turned to leave. “Bring me your report as soon as you are done here. I‘ll carry those sacks of parchments back with me.”

“Handle them with extreme care.” Damien called before following his agent down the tunnel.






***


Immediately after the first mages dropped through the trap door the sounds of battle erupted below. Damien signaled the rest of the men to the trap door and followed closely behind them.

Malan’s giants filled the tunnels below. Their enormous height had grown instantly for combat, forcing them to stoop and move in crab-like sprints to avoid the melon-sized fire balls being cast by Damien’s mages. In spite of their strength, their attacks were hindered in the close corridors.

It wasn’t a long battle, Damien’s mages had the advantage of easy movement and fire burning a long trail before them as they cleared each room. In the end, only the first man down the ladder was lost. Damien signaled two men to carry his body out before carefully inspecting the rest of the cave.

This section had not housed the children, instead each cell of the lower cave held several coffins. The mages cautiously inspected each, then torched them along with the vampire bodies.

At the very end of the long corridor was another boarded doorway. The third key Gemellus had been carrying opened the ancient latch with ease. Inside was a large ornate coffin.

Damien signaled caution before his mages opened it. To everyone’s surprise it was empty, other than a pair of boots and a journal.

“It can’t be…he wouldn‘t have this much security for a few minions.“ Damien scanned the journal. “Well now this is interesting, the real Jakben Imbel is actually Springheel Jack!” He handed the boots and journal to one of the mages. “Hold these.”

Damien pulled out his pad and a quill, scribbling a quick note as he called orders to his men. “Check that bier, the coffin, the walls…everything. There has to be a reason he had this much security down here.”

“There’s nothing, Boss.”

“There has to be, keep looking.” Damien tucked the pad into his pocket and reached down into the coffin himself, tearing the elaborate satin bedding out with several hard tugs. There was a false bottom on the coffin, the trap of it was obvious but not the mechanism to open it. He pointed at a trap door in the bottom of the coffin.

“That is what I’m talking about, now find the spring that opens it.”

“Maybe it’s on the other side.” Sneakers piped up.

“In which case you would do what?” Damien’s voice mocked.

“Yes, Boss.”

Using their swords as pries, they wedged the wooden panel till it splintered, pulling the pieces out to reveal a stairway into a small round room with a transporter. Damien’s eyes gleamed.

“Sneakers, you’re coming with me. The rest of you wait for me at the Palace. Tell Uriel I am on Malan’s trail, and make yourselves useful to him if he needs you. I‘m not sure how long I‘ll be.”







***


“Follow me closely and quietly.“ Damien whispered. He stepped onto one side of the portal, Sneakers mounted it beside him. In practiced sequence they cast life detect, then chameleon. Both drew their weapons simultaneously.

Damien rested his hand on the activation button. “Ready?” Sneakers nodded.

Before the portal released them into the next room, the smell of gas was permeating the air around them. “Don’t breathe, Sneakers.” Damien spoke without releasing any of his own breath.

“What’d you say, Boss? GAAAaaaaah urk.”

Damien’s lungs expanded painfully as he forced them to hold the air in. Was the transporter itself a trap? With relief he felt himself falling free of the transporter, but the relief was short-lived as the freefall continued. He counted rapidly in his mind, gauging the distance of his fall while struggling to tuck his head into his chest and shield it with his arms.

Malan and his minions could fly, that was a good indication he was on the right trail to find him…if he survived the fall.

The impact came suddenly, somehow unexpected in spite of knowing it had to occur. The force of it knocked the air from Damien’s lungs in a burst. He’d held his breath too long, it had long since ceased to be oxygen. Blackness fringed his eyesight and a high-pitched ringing sounded in his ears. Even knowing thick gases filled the room he had to breath.

Immediately as he inhaled the sound of hissing gas dulled in Damien’s ears, and his vision began blurring. There was a quick impression of cell bars in a long row...Sneakers laying in a crumpled bloody heap. Without looking he knew his own invisibility would be gone as well, and he wouldn’t be able to heal Sneakers or himself. Prison bars remove all spells and magic. The portal was a trap...a major one.

Damien fought the heaviness pulling his eyes shut, jerking his head roughly to the side as if the movement would jar his eyes into responding. Through closing slits he saw a naked Dunmer in the next cell peering through the fog of gas around him…Fathis Aren.

Malan had taken Fathis from the Arena…that meant this prison was in Malan’s lair. He’d found it…he’d finally found it.



***


The feel of air moving against his skin brought an instant alertness to Damien’s mind. His clothes were gone, just as Fathis‘s had been. Damien’s eyes opened a bare slit, carefully surveying his situation before moving.

He saw a familiar black velvet shoe at his eye level and opened his eyes a little wider. There, standing in front of the cell looking in at him was…himself. The black mask obscured the face, but it was his chin…his jaw and cheeks. Since Jagar Tharn’s death there was only one capable of that magnitude of illusion…Malan.

A shiver of ice went down Damien‘s back as the imposter…in Damien’s own voice and intonations… leaned toward him grinning.

“Sir Damien Reynard! To use your own words, we meet again…Foxy.”



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 11 2012, 07:49 PM

[Athynae]

HOLY MUSCATOLLY!!!!

And what do you mean "sorry"? Whether anyone else does or not I appreciate that you did double post! What a way to satisfy a middle of the night hunger pain.

That was awesome mALX! Dramatically intense without going to far.

"Foxy don't go through that portal! It's a trap! Oops too late." Just like one of those girls in a horror flick they never listen either.

I don't know that I could or would want to take on the endeavor of writing Foxy into a story. It would be too hard to keep the character so serious knowing the truth behind the mask....laughing gas at 35,000 feet yes, and the list goes on and on and on. Tell another tale while swishing your tail Foxy...

Great stuff my dear, simply maaavelous! If I'm the one voting you may double...or triple post if you want.

This post has been edited by Athynae: Jan 11 2012, 11:08 AM

[King Coin]

Uriel isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. I’m happy he took it upon himself to view the living area for the virgin farm.

Now we know how Malan and Janus got out of the city.

Whoa, that’s a twist! Poor Sneakers! He found the lair all right, as a prisoner. Damn, now Malan will have so many opportunities wearing Foxy’s face.

Maybe Janus' vow to Maxical will help Fathis and Foxy escape...

[Acadian]

This was tense and quick paced! Wow. Wonderful imagery and gimmicks in Jak’s house and the trapped portal – and below. Oh noes! Two Foxy’s!

I loved how Uriel kept himself above the unpleasantness of interrogation by so carefully inspecting an empty piece of furniture – that was so well done and easy to envision!

[Grits]

Oh, this is such a cool episode! Uriel looking through the little dresses and the drawings on the wall were so sad.

These parts made me go :

Malan and his minions could fly, that was a good indication he was on the right trail to find him…if he survived the fall.

And

Malan had taken Fathis from the Arena…that meant this prison was in Malan’s lair. He’d found it…he’d finally found it.

These thoughts going through his mind while he’s falling through open space and passing out next to a naked imprisoned Fathis?! Damien is pure awesome.

Malan wearing Foxy’s voice and appearance is frightening indeed. I am holding my breath now!!

Oh, and Sneakers!! Oh no! Double

[McBadgere]

Wow...Flipping gosh darned WOW...Absolutely brilliant stuff...Blinking marvellous...

Fairly dues, Sir Damien is pretty cool is he not?...He should have been a Knight... ...

Absolutely amazing chapter and I applaud it heartily...

*Applauds heartily*...

See... ...

Nice one...

*Wonders how Sir Damien and bloodied Sneakers will get out of this one...*... ...

[mALX]

*

@ Athynae - Thank you so much, Athynae !!! And you are right about that. The hardest part is trying to think like someone who has spent their lifetime in the field of intelligence, ROFL !!! Kind of hard to come up with intelligent stuff when my brain is more along the lines of Maxical's, lol. Thanks again, Athynae!

*
@ King Coin - I'm glad you caught that Uriel wanted to personally inspect and get an idea of what the women's lives had been like. He was dismissive with Maxical when she told him about it, but I doubt he'll be able to push it out of his mind after seeing that cave firsthand. Before Uriel meets his end, there is going to be a few things revealed to him that occurred under his rule, so hopefully he can make changes and not be remembered for the lack. Thank you so much, KC !!!

*
@ Acadian - Thank you, Thank you !! That means a lot to hear, as you know spy stuff, intelligent stuff, and battle - not my forte, lol. That may have been the hardest chapter I've ever tried to write, so it means a lot that you liked it !!! Thanks again, Acadian !!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so much Grits! I am so sorry to hear about your back! You are always so bubbly, I could feel the difference. Bless your heart, I hope knowing what the problem is will help your doctors do something to ease it. <3

*
@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB !! That chapter was a strain on my brain, so your kind words mean a LOT to hear !!!

[mALX]

*
@ EVERYONE - This will come out in a few chapters, but I thought I'd let everyone know now that there was a specific purpose in Damien calling the Emperor "Uriel" (instead of "Sire") in front of Gemellus - and in revealing himself as an assassin to Gemellus.

Uriel told Damien that he could not be a party to coercion if Gemellus was a citizen. Since they couldn't be sure if he was or wasn't, they didn't want to take a chance (especially not knowing whether he had any involvement or not)

Someone of Gemellus's status (a servant) would never have seen the Emperor up close, or armored and bloody. The resemblance to the Septim line and the name Uriel could very easily be assumed to be one of the Emperor's bastards, which are known to litter the country.

If Damien had called him "Sire" in front of Gemellus, there would be no doubt it was the Emperor watching him get coerced.

By calling him "Uriel," and admitting himself as an assassin, Damien ensured that Gemellus would never suspect it was the Emperor, who would never have allowed a thug/assassin to call him by his first name.



** Also, it has been alluded to in the story, but not really explained well enough (I believe)

Damien Reynard (Foxy) is a retired Assassin and spy. He can get info on almost anyone, has a network of spies/agents all across Tamriel.

Uriel has used Damien's services since just after the Imperial Simulacrum for protection, to spy on those closest to him, he wanted to know who his enemies were after the Jagar Tharn incident.

(That is how Uriel found out that Ocato is a traitor).



***


*


** There is a mention of King Coin’s Awesome character Aravi in this chapter.



Chapter 124: Cats In The Palace



“Why are you staring at me like that, Nissy? Do I have something on my face?” She had been staring hard at me since we’d left the Talos Plaza.

Nisaba’s expression suddenly changed to one of studied nonchalance and her tone when she answered was flippant. “You used to call me Nissy, you probably don’t remember that.”

It was like she had raised a shield to protect herself from the hurt she knew my answer would bring. Should I lie? No. She’d see right through it. I just shook my head, not wanting to say the words. But I made a silent vow to call her Nissy from now on, maybe that would help me remember her.

“No big deal.” She shrugged her shoulder as if shaking off the whole conversation.

After a minute walking she stopped, turning to face me as she untied what looked like a filthy rag from her waist. “Oh, hey. Here, this is yours.“ Nisaba handed it to me.

“Er…what’s this…” Then with a sinking feeling I recognized it. The pillowcase I had taken from Falanu‘s shop. “Oh, I don’t need that…urk.” The pillowcase moved. “You brought the mouse?”

“Yeah, he had some kind of fit after you left him there. I brought him in case we ran into you.”

“Oh no! He can’t come to the Palace! I‘ll let him out here in the greenway.”

Nisaba stopped me from untying the sack. “You can’t, not out here. Vampires will drink his blood.”

“What? Dear gods, why would they want a mouse? Oh, you mean the feral vampires, right?”

Nisaba shrugged. “I only know vampires, no names.”

Janus said emphatically that he wouldn’t eat rat meat. Probably ancient vampires didn‘t drink mouse blood, she must be talking about feral vampires…but the explosion in the sewers had driven the feral vampires up into the city. I couldn’t leave the little mouse to die.

“He’ll have to stay really well hidden if we bring him.”

A nervous twitching started in my stomach. There was no doubt in my mind Uriel had misunderstood me when I said ‘sisters’. He expected Nissy and one other. It was going to be hard to slip six more Khajiit in as it was. Now a mouse too? Dear gods…but what else could I do? Leaving the sisters unprotected out here was not an option. I turned back to face them, trying to think how to say it without causing offense.

“Listen, there is something important I have to explain. I’m not sure the Emperor realized how many sisters Nissy had when he invited you. It may be best, just till I can explain it to him…to er…kind of stay out of sight as much as possible. If you have to be seen, make sure there are no more than two of you seen together at one time.”

They nodded in instant understanding. I got the feeling they were used to not being welcome.







***


Ocato’s horse was standing outside the Palace entrance, his head dropped low to the ground and blowing hard. His sides were heaving and foamy with sweat.

“That swine! Ocato should have given his horse to a courier to walk, it shouldn’t be standing still when it’s that hot!“ I fumed. Then suddenly another thought struck me and I gasped. “Will vampires kill horses for their blood too?”

“If they can catch them. That one is too tired to run.” The eldest sister spoke, and the others nodded agreement.

“We can’t leave it out here alone then, and it has to be walked.” I looked around for a Legion to hail.

“Coo, that’s sure the longest tail I’ve ever seen. We’d get rich selling it for wigs.” The eldest sister pointed at the black stallion’s extremely thick and long tail draping the ground.

“We better not do anything to get into trouble right away.” I countered quickly.

It suddenly occurred to me that all these women made a living as bandits. The twitching in my stomach became a knot. My stomach had never been upset before when I was doing something wrong, but right now it felt like acid burning a hole in me.

Even though Uriel was the one that actually invited them, and I specifically remember telling him they may steal…somehow I knew the blame for anything that happened would reflect on me.

It was much more than just not wanting Uriel mad at me. Vowing my sword to his service today…I stood among his peers…his friends. True, he didn’t treat me with the same camaraderie, but…it still made me feel something inside to be there in the circle of his trusted.

There were some times growing up that I wanted to behave, people I wanted to be good for…Hannibal was one. I tried hard, but never succeeded. This time had to be different, it had to be. I was determined not to do anything wrong.

The women were carrying on as if I hadn’t even spoken.

“Tie some on that mouse’s head and tell them it’s yer baby. Rich white don‘t look Khajiit in the face, everyone knows that.“ She was pulling a rusty dagger from her waistband. “I cuts from the underside so’s none can tell.”

“That’s truth, may as well be a beggar as a beast.” Another sister agreed.

“Please, don’t. I’ll just keep the mouse in this sack. I…can’t have the Emperor mad at me.” I looked pleadingly at Nisaba, they seemed to listen to her. She looked back at me, perplexed.

“Maxical, we need Septims bad. We’re almost out of the juices.”

“I know, I’m almost out too. But I’ve found a way we can get them free.” I patted my pocket. Eight skeptical eyes stared at me.

“It’s true, I’ll show you when we get inside.”

Nisaba shrugged. “Come on then, let‘s go see.” She circled her arm behind her as if waving the others to follow. I hurried ahead of them into the Palace.






***


“I’ll go slow, just follow in pairs so no one sees more than two cats at one time.” I turned around and I was alone. “Where is everyone?”

A guard patrol was marching up the circular hallway. I flagged him down quickly. “Sir, Ocato needs someone to cool his horse, it’s just outside the entrance.”

The guard snorted sarcastically. “What do you want me to do about it?”

“Er…well, the couriers won’t take orders from Khajiit, but they’d have to from someone of your rank.” I pointed at the blue sash looped around his waist.

“I’ll see it gets done.” He pounded his arm across his chest and turned back the way he had come.

As soon as he rounded the corner the Khajiit seemed to merge from the walls themselves.

“Wow, you really know how to hide!” I marveled…then breathed relief. This may not be as hard as I’d thought if they could hide that well.

We made it two more levels before running across anyone else, this time it was Ocato. I glanced back nervously, but needn’t have. The women had disappeared already.

“YOU!” He shrilled, pointing a finger at me. “You’re not supposed to be above the first floor!”

“The Emperor told me to speak to Evangeline Beanique, I’ve been ordered to wait for him in his quarters.”

Ocato looked like he may spit. It struck me suddenly that he actually didn’t recognize me. The sisters were right, he was not looking me in the face. I was just a Khajiit, that was all he had to see.

“GUARDS!” His falsetto shriek deafeningly echoed off the curved stone walls of the corridor. A marching patrol thundered down from the upper end of the ramp. “Escort this…person to Evangeline.” Ocato stomped away, exiting down to the level we had just left.






***


When the door had closed behind him I turned back to the guards, wondering the best way to rid myself of them so the sisters wouldn’t be stuck in the corridor hiding. I didn’t have to think long, a high-pitched scream outside drew them to the window.

“Look, the little missy is having a fit.” One guard elbowed the other and chuckled. I moved to the window and peered out, then gasped.

“Dear gods, is he…hurt?” Ocato was the ’missy’ they were talking about. He was hopping…literally. Jumping up and down, flagging what looked to be a lacy handkerchief and screaming repeatedly…just screaming over and over again.

“What happened? What is he shrieking about?” I stood on my tip toes and pressed my face against the glass, but couldn’t see anyone near him.

One guard elbowed the other and snorted. “Bet he stepped in horse dung again.“

“You’re on.“

“Would he have a fit like that over just soiling his shoe…wait, he‘s pointing at something…” I turned my head sideways against the glass, trying to see what he was pointing at…and then nearly fainted. It was his horse…it’s long braided mane was now cut short like a plow horse. The tail that had dragged the ground just minutes ago was now bobbed like the draft horses that pulled large wagons. Oh dear gods.

“I’m not going to be handy when he comes back in that mood.” The younger guard pulled back from the window. “It’s time for my break.”

“I’ll bet the vampires did it.” I tried to sound convincing, but was sure I looked as guilty as if I had personally balded the horse. “Er…if you just tell me where to find Evangeline, I have the Emperor’s permission to be here.” I added quickly.

He pointed up the ramp. “Two floors up, mid way up on the left.“ The two scurried like rats through a central door.






***


“Ssst…come on.” I hissed, and turned to run in the direction they had pointed. I didn’t want to be there when Ocato came back either. I was shocked to find Nisaba and the sisters already waiting at the end of the ramp.

“We slipped past while they were looking out the window.” Nisaba explained.

“All of you? I didn’t see or hear anything!” I gaped, stunned.

“We’re cats.” Nisaba grinned.

Maybe it was the feral way they had to live just to survive growing up, living like animals in caves. Maybe that had honed their innate leopard nature. But what about that Khajiit that was fighting outside the Palace; Aravi? Every move was pure cat…survival and wits. There was nothing feral about her, not with that sweet soft accent and cultured speech.

These women were all barefoot, just like Aravi was…so were Sir Damien’s men. It must silence the feet some, but couldn’t be the only reason. I still stomp like a Clydesdale horse whether I’m shod or not. Was it something about the way they moved?

I suddenly realized there was a whole lot about being Khajiit I had never learned…like those sounds Nisaba made. Something in me recognized them…the leopard in me knew them.

They could barely be heard standing right next to her, but the sound traveled all that distance in the cave, brought the others to her aide. Like some kind of communication that reached back through time and evolution.

“Will you teach me, Nissy?”




*

This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 14 2012, 04:25 PM

[McBadgere]

Also, it has been alluded to in the story, but not really explained well enough (I believe)

*Pouts and looks at feet*...'M sooory...*Flutters eyelashes*...Robert est tres desole...

Look, I'm an idjot okay!!... ...Takes me a bit to catch up!... ...

Aaamywho...Excellent chapter...The Khajiit were very cool...I liked the way the newcomers all seemed to act all sneaky and efficient hiding from the guards...And I also liked how much Maxical seemed out of sorts, then finally realising how much she needed to learn...

Oh, the thing about the horse needing to be walked when it was hot after a run...I did not know that ...Tha's just cool that is... ...

Cheers!... ...

*Applauds*...

Nice one!!... ...