Tavern Tales: Come on in and Have a Drink! Part III

[WillieSea]

William shook off Shamus and Red’s grip on his arms and rushed into the room. He was not going to loose another friend. He could not!

The blocks had stopped falling from the ceiling and sunlight was pouring in through the holes in the ceiling. Dust swirled in the air and started coating everything in a grey layer as it settled.

William clambered over the loose ceiling blocks to where Grond had vanished. Blocks soon started flying across the room as William dug into the pile.

Sherena held Red and Shamus back with a hand as she shook her head. The three of them watched as William threw block after block away from the spot. He finally reached a broken ceramic pot that had held the fiery beast and the vanished Grond.

William fell to his knees before the broken shards and sand that covered the floor around the pot. He looked down into the sand, not moving for a long while. Sherena motioned for Red and Shamus to leave with her; they would wait in the hall outside the room’s door. The kept themselves busy by discussing their theories on what had happened to Grond. He must have been teleported to where-ever the beast was, or went.

Dazed and confused, William stared into the sand in frustration. Grond had gone somewhere and he would find him. Staring sullenly into the sand, William felt something pull at him. It was almost a yearning for something that was missing, a part of him that was missing.

Picking up a large chunk of broken stone, he examined it for a moment, turning it over and over in his hands. Reaching back with the rock, he threw the stone with all his might at the unstable ceiling.

Red heard a grunt from the room William was in, and then the sound of a rock hitting another rock. Then all hell broke loose at the entire ceiling of the room collapsed down sending a plume of dust billowing into the hallway.

“William!” both Sherena and Red cried as they rushed into the room with Shamus on their heels.

The thick dust made it impossible to see anything for a moment. As the thick mortar dust settled, William was standing in the center of the room holding something above his head, a small shield. His dust covered face peered back at them and a wide smile formed on his face, his white teeth a sharp contrast to the dark grey covering his body.

In a boyish tone, William simply said, “I found a shield!”

Red shook her head. William seemed to be as lucky as she was unlucky lately. “Come on, lets go” Red said as she took William by the arm and lead him from the room. It had been a long day and she was ready to get back to the Tavern.

She then sighed. It would be a short visit since she would have to head right out again. The lava caves would have to be visited again, and something would have to be done with the gemstone. Its curse was making her life more dangerous as time passed. It had to be taken care of soon.

The trip back through the keep to the entry level was mostly uneventful. A few wandering Goblins and a few odd disfigured human’s were no match for the group. They soon had a small group of humans that they saved from their clutches.

Finally exiting the keep, Red saw that the warriors still kept the road to the village safe. They lead the ex-slaves towards the village warriors where they would be safe.

Failan waited with the warriors on the road and watched the group come out of the keep and head towards them. She had been worried when she saw the top of the keep start to fall in as fire enveloping it, and then when it finally collapsed in a cloud of dust. She smiled as they came up to her.

Smiling faces did not greet Failan back. She instantly knew something was wrong. Looking Red in the face, she asked, “Grond?”

Red shook her head and Failan lowered her own head. Red lead Failan away from the group and told her of Gronds disappearance and William’s attempt to find him. Failan looked over at William and nodded.

The four of them stayed the night in the mead hall as guests of honor. A celebration would be held that night in honor of their victory over the dark keep that had placed a shadow of death and loss over the village for too long.

William did not feel like celebrating anything. He walked outside and looked up into the stars. Why did his friends have to die or vanish? It seemed to happen to him a lot. He had never told anyone why he had left the Monastery. His mentor had been killed by a thief who had stolen the Savilla’s Stone from them. He left the temple soon after, depressed and ready to die himself, ready to join his family. He had wandered into the mountains and in a snowstorm, had fallen on the road.

The coldness of that night made him shiver in memory. He had lost consciousness and thought himself finally dead. But he had awakened in a cold tower room with a white bearded Wizard looking over him.

They all died in the end. Every friend, everybody he ever cared about. The Wizard had died in his sleep, and his Dark Brotherhood family had died at his hands, orders from Sithis to cleanse his Sanctuary. He had wandered the land after that, not wishing to start the Sanctuary up again. He wandered for years before finding the Tavern deep in the hills of western Cyrodiil.

All those he ever dared care about were dead and now it seemed to be happening to his new friends. He pondered leaving, disappearing into the night. They would probably be safer without him around.

He started to walk towards the tree line when a voice called softly out to him. “William, where are you running to?”

William looked around with his life sense and saw that nobody else outside with him. He started walking again, and once again the voice called out, “William, you must trust in your friends, for they hold your salvation!”

William stopped again and stood, all alone in the dark, staring into nothing. The voice was almost familiar, but he could not quite place it. Perhaps it was a memory that was lost. Gone like so much of his life into the void when he had died.

Another voice broke the silence, a voice that was familiar. “William? The fires are warm inside and the food filling. Are you going to come back in?” Sherena stared into the darkness, seeing the silhouette of William as he had walked away, stopped, and then started walking again. She had feared that he would leave them all, leave her, when he stopped the last time and stood motionless. She had called to him, almost begging him not to leave her.

Tears streamed down William’s face as he heard Sherena walk up to him. In the darkness she did not notice his tears, but she did notice his shuddering breathing and trembling body. Opening William’s cloak, she embraced him and felt the coldness about him. She knew the loss of Grond had torn at William, a reminder of his loss of Vereta.

Red watched William from one of the windows, and watched as Sherena walked up to him. William seemed to have troubles that he was trying to hide. A shadow seemed to hang over him, ever since he had told them the news of Vereta.

[WillieSea]

William and Sherena stood outside for a while. Time enough for William to recover from the darkness of his mood. Sherena was so accepting of him, and so warm. Out of all the people he had ever known, there seemed to be a special bond between the two. A bond like none William had ever felt before. This night, he knew he would die for this woman, he would never think about leaving her or his new friends again.

The almost familiar voice still that had stopped William haunted him and sent a shiver down his spine. He thought that he should know that voice, but the memory escaped him. If only he had not lost so many of his memories to the void. He held Sherena tightly to himself as they stood there in the darkness, the stars twinkling brightly and the two moons shining their light down on them. Something stirred inside of William.

Sherena had a feeling that she had almost lost William. How could she continue if he left her? Her own fears made her hug William close to her. He was cold but she did not care, she just wanted to be with him. When William hugged her tightly to himself, a tension seemed to release into the night air, a bond seemed to be made between the two. Sherena just wanted to stay there forever, holding on to William in the darkness.

Red watched the two from the window of the Mead Hall. William seemed deeply troubled, but he had always been faithful to his friends, he always seemed to be there when they needed help the most. She feared that William might finally succumb to his fears and run from them. She was glad for Sherena and her calming force in William’s tumultuous life.

Red looked back at Shamus and Echo, who were enjoying themselves at the celebration table. A pretty young warrior maiden seemed to be paying special attention to Echo; the same woman Echo had defended with his life. She then noticed that one of the village warriors was watching her, watching her a bit too closely. Making up her mind, she opened the door to the hall and went outside.

Red walked up to William and Sherena. She caught a few words they whispered to each other on the night winds, before they quieted as she approached. The two seemed to be communicating with a closer bond now. Red smiled to herself; perhaps William would finally find happiness in the world.

A quick frown then crossed Red’s face. She would have to make sure nothing happened to Sherena, or William’s bond to them, to sanity itself would break. That was not something she wanted to be around when it happened. William had grown in power and was becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Who knew what powers he would attain as he found each piece of that amazing suit of armor. She also wondered what price he paid for it. He had seemed happy enough with the discovery of the shield, grinning like a boy in a candy shop. It was almost like there was a guiding hand bringing them to these places, all for the benefit of William fulfilling his destiny. A destiny that seemed far-fetched to Red as she though about it.

“Nice night for a stroll.” Red said as she walked up to them.

Sherena let William go, she had almost felt William’s emotions, his thoughts, and there was another desire that welled in him when Red approached, a desire for friendship.

As Red walked up to William, he released Sherena and surprising Red, placed his hands on either side of her face and gently holding her looked into her eyes. “I will never think about leaving again. You can count on me to be there for you when you need it.” A golden fire burned in William’s eyes, the flames dancing and taking on the shape of a dragon in profile, wings outstretched.

Red stood frozen, taken by surprise from William’s sudden outburst and his mesmerizing eyes. William’s face moved closer to her own and he kissed her on the forehead. Flustered, Red turned a color that matched her namesake. William had never shown such strong emotions before, and certainly not towards her, that she knew of. A thought then came to her, of waking up, her head lying on William’s lap, his face the only thing in her vision, looking down on her. As she thought about it, she remembered that dark circles surrounded his moist eyes, something she did not remember until now.

Sherena was then at William’s side again, nodding in agreement as William backed away from Red. “Come on; let’s join the others in celebration!” William roared into the darkness as he put his arm around a confused Red and accepting Sherena and walked them both back to the mead hall.

William had made a decision, an important decision. He would tell his friends about it soon enough, but he had things to do before that day arrived.

There was also the matter of Vereta’s body back at the Tavern, waiting for them. They would have to have a funeral for him, a final closure for a friend now lost to the mists of time’s passage. There was also the mystery that Vereta left him, someone was in trouble and Vereta had asked on his dieing breath to help her. But William needed a sign, a clue in order to find this person.

Tomorrow, they would travel back to the Tavern. William would follow where life led him, be it good or bad. William had a lifetime to live over thanks to the waters of life in the oubliette. He had been given a second chance and would make the most of it.

[WhoGuru]

The celebration carried on long into the small hours of the morning.  Finally all had found their way to a bed and the Meade Hall was quiet but for the sounds of sleeping.  Into the quiet, Red jerked from sleep with a gasp.  Flames had once more invaded her dreams.  This time, she remembered some of it, seeing the lava chamber where she had found the gemstone, an image of herself wreathed in flame as she stood before the pedestal.

She wiped a sheen of sweat from her face, brought by the vivid dream and looked at her bag on the bed beside her.  The gemstone inside pulsed once through the fabric and went silent.  She tried to remember more of the dream and had a vague memory of a voice, though she could remember nothing of what it had said.  She crawled from the bed resigned.  There would be no more sleep for her this night.

She drew her leathers on against the early morning chill and, taking her bag, quietly left the Meade Hall for the stables.  She found Savior dozing in a stall and sat against his front legs, using him for warmth as she'd done so often in the wilds.  He woke briefly to bump her head with his nose and went back to dozing.

Red took the gem from her pack and turned it in her hands, staring into its facets.  For something so beautiful, it had caused her no end of sorrow.  It's curse was endangering her life more and more frequently and she wondered if soon someone else would pay the price, as Sherena nearly had in the keep on the edge of the pit.  Vereta's face came to her then and she cried, soft tears falling onto the crystal in her hands.  She had failed him in every way, leaving him in that nest of necromancers.

She shook her head at herself.  She'd had no choice.  They certainly could not have taken the infant princess down into the depths of that place.  She would not punish herself with what if's over his death.  She looked up then to find Shamus standing in the open door of the stable.  Red quickly brushed the tears from her cheeks and smiled up at him.  "Morning."

Shamus came to her, kneeling in front of her and studied her tear streaked face.  "You've not slept well."  He said by way of greeting and gestured at the gemstone.  "What are you thinking?"

Red looked down at it and frowned.  "Nothing good."  She replied.  "I want it away from me."

Shamus nodded, holding out his hand.  Red placed the gem in his open hand and watched him study it, turning it this way and that in effort to divine its purpose.  He was an archaist and the idea of the thing fascinated him as it scared him for Red's sake.  In the room beside hers, he had heard her wake and leave.  She was suffering for these new gifts of hers even as William was flourishing.

He felt there was some connection between the two and added to his worry for the thief.  The resurrection of his friend had troubled him since the day it happened.  Even more as Red seemed to weaken daily.  His understanding of the necromantic arts told him an exchange of life force was required for the likes of that which William had experienced.  At the time, he had been sure some other divine means had been employed.  Now, he was not so sure.  Red had been holding him when he returned and had only recently acquired her new abilities.  The timing bothered him and he thought there had been a price for Will's return none of them had yet realised.

He handed the gem back to her and she took it with a grimace, quickly stowing it in her pack.  Shamus rose and to his surprise, Red held a hand out to him for help up.  With a smile, he took it, pulling her to her feet.  "Alright?"  He asked.

She nodded.  "Yes.  Just a bit lost this morning I think."  She snorted at herself and patted Savior's sturdy neck.  "I know what we return to the Tavern to do today."  Now she touched her head to Savior's and sighed.  "I'm not ready for this, Shamus.  I'm not ready to have him be gone."

Shamus rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.  "Neither am I."  

That was how William, Sherena and Echo found them moments later.  Solemn and reflecting on the sad duty that awaited them on their return.

[WillieSea]

William saw the sadness on his friends faces. The ride back to the Tavern would take several leisurely days. There would be no hurry, as Vereta was sealed in flames at the Tavern.

None of them knew of a cemetery near the Tavern. William had scouted the lands around the Tavern when he had first arrived and remembered a hill that overlooked the valley below with a view all the way to the Imperial City. It was a grand view and worthy of friends lost to them. The others agreed it would be a fine place.

The ride back was mostly silent, each thinking about Vereta as he had been in life and how he had touched their lives as well as how he had frustrated them at times.

Each had a story to tell. Some were funny and everyone laughed. Some were serious and were met with comments. The topic of Vereta’s final moments finally came up and everyone looked at the suddenly quiet William.

They rode on in silence for a few minutes. William thought back to that day, not so long ago.

William remembered regaining consciousness and seeing the blade of the Master descending towards his neck in a death blow. And then Vereta was there, the blade cutting through him, emerging through his back and spraying blood onto William’s face.

The blade that was meant for William had taken Vereta down. There was no way William could repay Vereta’s self sacrifice. The blade also disintegrated giving William a chance at killing the Master. He had not told anyone of this just that Vereta had died fighting the Master. William sighed heavily, it was time he told them all what had really happened.

Stopping his horse and getting down, William motioned a stop for lunch. They all silently prepared the meal, knowing something was troubling William. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts as they thought about where they were when Vereta had passed. And why they were not there for him.

William finally told his story of the last fight. Of Vereta’s sacrifice and his own having to deal with the dark reality of that sacrifice.

With the meal finished, they returned to the road, the road back to the Tavern and what awaited them there.

[WhoGuru]

The party of friends spent another two days on the road, heading ever closer to the Tavern.  They fell into silence as they approached the last turn on the road.  When the Tavern came into sight finally, it was with mixed feelings of homecoming and sadness.  They stopped in the yard, giving their horses over to the grooms and entered the building as one.

Red stopped abruptly in the door and stifled a sob.  A fiery cocoon sat serenely by the hearth.  Vereta's body encased within.  She went to it slowly, oblivious to everything.  She placed her hands within the flames and touched the surface beneath.  Will took Shamus' arm when he would have stopped Red.  William shook his head.  He knew the flames would not harm her.  Save himself, he realized she was carrying a weight of guilt at least equal to his own.

Red stared down and cried silent tears.  Faced now with the reality, she felt a piece of her break.  "I'm sorry."  She whispered.  She remembered her last sight of him, entering that damned tree and not for the first time, wondered if they would be here now if she and Rider had never left the tree.

She felt Will's hand on her shoulder then and he gave her what solace he could.  "This wasn't your fault."  He said softly to her and took some for himself as well.  "Nor mine, though I feel as if it were."  He drew her gently away until her hands left the spellfire.  She nodded, tears still coursing down her face.

Shamus stepped up beside Red, Echo under his arm and, like her, his face shone with tears.  Sherena too stood beside them, remembering the brave boy who had saved her beloved William.

William placed his hands above Vereta's remains and the glowing coffin rose slightly.  He motioned toward the door and it preceded him out of the Tavern.  He led a solemn procession across the Valley behind the Tavern and atop the hill at it's edge.  A gnarled old Oak tree stood silent sentry and it was here William stopped them.  Looking out across the Valley, White Gold Tower stood far in the distance, the sun glinting from it's sides.  

They stood in silence, remembering Vereta and realized, they had already said their eulogies on the road.  Standing there, the moment before them, there was nothing left to say but goodbye.  Each stepped to the cocoon and whispered farewell to a good friend.  Once more, Red placed her hand within the flames, joined this time by William.

Will used his new found powers to lay his friends' soul to rest. With surprise, he felt Red's magic join his and glanced up to find the familiar fires glowing in her eyes, mirroring his own he was sure.  As they watched, the coffin descended to the ground.  For a moment, it rested there and then sank slowly beneath the grassy covering and vanished.  

"Here we lay the soul of Vereta to rest."  Shamus spoke softly into the silence.  "May he watch over the Tavern, and all those who call her home, for all the days to come."

[WindmillTilter]

Shamus looked around at his friends “I had thought to build a marker, but nothing could be more fitting than this oak. I have often thought then why me time here is done I’d like to rest beneath an oak tree.” Looking around the clearing Shamus walked over to the edge and crouching emptied a bag of salt from his pack into the small declivity in a rock. Saying as he stood “It will attract wildlife. I’ll build some birdhouses too. A final resting place need not be somber, there should be life.”

The party walked back down to the Tavern in silence, each taking a seat at the large table near the fireplace. Remembering Vereta’s taste in beverages Shamus brings a round of root beer to the table. Raising his mug he says quietly “To Vereta, to all that he taught us and all we taught him. He left this place and us better than he found them through his actions and choices, and we will carry him always in our hearts.”

“I know how much Vereta valued each member of this group” Shamus said settling back into his chair “and how much it bothered him when there was conflict within it. I’ve been thinking on it myself and believe we all share this feeling of strong connection, yet even now Grond and DarkRider are facing challenges alone and perhaps need our help. With that in mind I’d like to suggest something to you all, but you’ll have to bear with me through a bit of history”

William smiled “If you have a tale to tell perhaps we need another drink”. He headed for the bar and returned shortly with honeyed mead for all. Red noticing that he was drinking mead himself smiled questioningly. William quirked an eyebrow and tipped his glass “It seemed fitting” As usual William was holding the glass in his left hand, but Red had difficulty suppressing a smile when she noticed that his right hand was clasping Sherena’s. William really was changing and it wasn’t just his new powers Red mused as she turned her attention back to what Shamus was saying.

"A nomadic tribe used to inhabit the mountains and canyons of southern Cyrodil. They vanished a long time ago leaving no evidence of what befell them, but I've always had a strong interest in their culture. They sometimes stayed in the same location for years and other times moved on after one. The built small dwellings out of glazed mud on canyon walls and were masters of the trap. Some were simple, steps cut into the cliff so that if you started with wrong foot you were stuck halfway across and unable to advance or retreat, and some much more complex. Their magic was quite different from our own tapping into the power of the sun, moon, and earth." Shamus noticed that he was losing the interest of some of his friends and realized he needed to get to the point.

"They also had a very strong warrior element to their society. Children with good coordination were selected young and placed into septs of 8. They trained every day until reaching adulthood and becoming the protectors of their tribe. The bond formed by these septs was very strong like a second family, and each tribe had a magical device that the septs could use. It would allow any member of the sept to call the others for help, and once activated the enchantment would allow the others to track the one in need." Shamus rose and strode to his saddlebags, removing a cloth wrapped bundle he returned and placed it in the center of the table. Pulling the cloth free he revealed a stone disk about a foot in diameter. A circle was inscribed in the center with eight arrows facing out at even intervals.

Shamus continued "To activate it those who wish the enchantment must place a hand on one of the arrow and say “Brothers”. Shrugging he shot a sheepish look at Red and Sherena. "I can teach anyone who wishes how to say it. Once the enchantment is activated what appears to be a small tattoo of the eight arrows will appear on the upper arm. To activate it cover the tattoo with your hand and say “Summon”. The other members of the sept will feel warmth in the tattoo, and an arrow will change from black to red. The arrow will correspond with the one that person placed there hand on. An arrow will also turn green indicating in which direction the friend in need lies. The tracking can only be activated by the person in need, you cannot use it to find someone who hasn't called for help"

Sitting down again Shamus eyed his empty glass. “I must head home for a while and I thought I should suggest this before I did.” Smiling he said “I’ll bring the bird houses with me on my return”.

[WillieSea]

William had difficulty sleeping that night. Getting up, he looked out the window towards Vereta’s final resting place. He looked at the second bed where Sherena lay sleeping soundly. Her breathing was soft and slow, an untroubled sleep. The window opened and William slipped outside, carefully avoiding the traps he had placed there.

William sneaked silently through the back yard of the Tavern. Not even a blade of grass moved as he headed towards the hill. The armor had not only blackened, but seemed to conceal William’s movements in the moonlight.

Sherena opened her eyes and saw the window close, the silhouette of William on the roof outside the window. She watched as he carefully made his way down to the yard and seemingly vanish in the shadows in the yard. A tear fell from her eyes and splashed on the windowsill as she looked outside the Tavern, searching for any sign of William.

She pulled a candle out of a cupboard and placed it in the window and lit it. She continued to gaze out the window, wondering where William was going, she had felt they were making progress. She finally sat in the chair facing William’s bed. The bed had been made before he left. She smiled weakly, he was an odd man, but she loved him just the same. Tears started flowing freely from Sherena’s eyes as she softly cried, holding her arms around herself.

William climbed the ridge line behind the Tavern. He climbed the steep promontory of rock that was on the tallest peak rising high above the other hills. The rough rock climb was easy for William compared to his ability to climb smooth castle walls.

Finally reaching the peak, he looked down the steep cliff, high in the air. He could see the Tavern far below as well as the great oak tree where Vereta lay. The towers of the Imperial City sat on a sparkling lake in the far distance. Looking up the stars shimmered in the clear night sky devoid of either moon.

William thought about Vereta and the last several days. Rider had taken off by himself on a very important mission, Grond had vanished with the creature in the fires at the keep and Vereta had died saving his life. And Red suffered a curse because of him. He then thought about how he had treated his friends and knew he had been obsessive, but there was no way to take back the words or actions once they were free.

From the peak, William could see almost forever in all directions. There were large boulders at the base of the cliff, so far below. A single tear fell away from William as a sudden gust of wind blew at him, sending the tear on the winds to fall on the rocks far below.

A candle burned silently in a window far below, a beacon to lost souls, a guiding light for a loved ones return.

William looked around the cliff. The steep sheer walls were perfect. He raised his arms straight out, and fell forward, over the cliff edge, the wind blowing his hair back as he quickly fell back towards the earth.

Sherena fell asleep in the chair, a peace seeming to come over her. She dreamed of William, she dreamed of her new friends. She dreamed of a golden dragon, its wings spread over her, over Red, Shamus, Rider, Echo and Grond. The dragon head bent down and looked her in the face. The eyes were green, and reflecting deep within those gigantic eyes were golden flames, golden flames that seemed to dance and finally take shape. The dragon spoke to her, “Have faith”.

Sherena gasped in surprise and woke up. She was sweating and breathing hard, her heart beating quickly in her chest. The vision had startled her, she had seen William in the dragons eyes, in the flames. She threw open the window and screamed into the darkness, “WILLIAM!”

The wind blew refreshingly past William’s face as he fell to the earth below. The great boulders came closer and closer until the view of the stars swung into his view. The great blackness of the heavens opened before him, a blackness as dark as the void itself.

A flame burned brightly in the darkness. The flame burned at the rock wall of the cliff face melting the rock in places, the molten rock falling down to the boulders below. The flame etched letters into the rock, forming words.

If anyone had been present to witness the phenomenon, they would have seen these words inscribed in flame before cooling back into the black rock.

[align=center]Vereta

Gone but not forgotten

May he rest in peace[/align]

Sherena watched as a golden star shot across the black night sky as the first hint of color started to lighten the eastern skies.

[WillieSea]

The landscape below blurred by, the hills and lakes, villages and towns raced quickly underneath the flight of the golden dragon as it flew into the sunrise. A ruined fort came into the dragon’s keen eyesight and zoomed in, a barred window became the focus of its full attention.

A dream remembered burned into its mind, a cell lay within. In that cell was the object of Vereta’s last request, and a promise that William had given. The final task would finally release William’s debt to Vereta, a dept he would fulfill with his life if necessary. A mighty screech echoed on the winds and startled the wildlife below as they ran in fear from the great winged creature flying overhead.

The great dragon scanned the ruins as he approached them. There were skeleton archers on the ramparts and more skeletons down below patrolling the grounds being lead by a lich. The flames burned brightly in the dragons eyes as he flew in from up high.

The first pass over the ruins witnessed great gouts of flame pour down from the heavens onto the fort’s upper defenders. The flames blackened the bones of the skeletons and shattered them. Arrows flew after the quickly ascending dragon as it veered around in a tight circle preparing for another run on the tower.

Balls of fire flew upward from the tower, two liches aiming their magic at the quickly descending dragon. Staying on target the fire balls exploded harmlessly on the dragon’s hide as it aimed towards the liches and the remaining skeleton archers. Arrows bounced off the toughened hide as it flew in close, belching flames at the skeletons and grabbing the liches in its mighty claws.

Flying straight up, the dragon released the struggling creatures at the apex of its climb where they fell, end over end, to crash onto the stone ruins below with a double thud!

With the tower defenders cleared, the dragon homed in on the remaining lich on the ground. Lightning bolts shot up from the lich while the dragon banked left and right to avoid the deadly bursts. A lucky bolt hit the dragon at the shoulder, causing the wings to stop functioning for a moment, sending the bulk of the beast crashing into the earth, smashing the lich into a gooey smear on the ground.

As the dragon recovered from the violent landing, the skeletons ran up and started hacking with their swords at the impervious scales of the beast, looking for a weak spot. Regaining its feet, it lashed at the skeletons, each clawed fist smashing them to pieces. Another roar echoed through the landscape startling birds into flight from nearby trees.

Looking around, the dragon searched for a certain window. Catching sight of it, he walked over to it and blew white hot fire onto the bars.

The woman woke up when she thought she had heard a screech as if from a giant beast. Regaining consciousness slowly, she wondered if she had been dreaming again. She dreamed regularly of Akatosh rescuing her from the chains of the necromancers cell. It would make the same screech sound that would echo around the prison cell for a short while. There was a commotion going on outside as the patrolling skeletons would hiss violently and then she would hear then clack past the only window in the cell across from hers.

A short while later, she heard it again, that same screeching noise, the one from her dreams. She was sure she was not hallucinating, the time had finally come. “Thank you Vereta” she hoarsely whispered into the darkness. She could never have believed that Akatosh himself would come for her to free her from the bonds. She hoped beyond all hope that it was true though. She stared at her cell door in anticipation of what was to come.

Great footsteps were soon heard approaching the grounds outside the tower. The door opened and a necromancer in red robes and hood stood before her, a sword in its hand and an evil purpose in his eyes.

Through the open door, the necromancer seemed to be suddenly illuminated from behind by a bright light. Reaching the shackled woman, he raised his sword for the killing blow. The woman closed her eyes. Finally death would release her from the pain and suffering of life.

After a moment, the blade having not struck her, she looked up and saw the necromancer frozen in place, his sword held high. A smoke seemed to swirl around him and then the sword fell to the ground with a clang followed by the necromancer, a smoking hole burned in his back.

The prison wall behind the woman shuddered as a great crashing noise was heard from the cell across from hers, and then the sound of falling stones hitting something solid as part of the tower wall collapsed. Fear suddenly gripped the chained woman as her thoughts turned to what may be coming through the wall.

There was the sound of more blocks falling and then the screeching noise of metal bending and being torn from the stonework. It was the cell across from hers, what ever it was; it was coming through the wall and would be in her cell in a moment.

And then she saw giant golden eyes in the darkness across the hall. They came closer and the head of a great golden dragon came into view and entered her cell. Fear momentarily gripped her as she came face to face with that of Akatosh!

She quickly recovered; she had already seen it in her dreams. In a deep and resonant voice, the creature uttered one word, “VERETA”. A smile formed on her face as she raised her shackles above her head. A thin flame quickly cut the shackles from her wrists and ankles.

The woman tried to stand and wobbled on her unused legs. She felt herself falling forward and was surprised to find she had landed on snout of the dragon. She held on to the curiously soft hide of the dragon and was soon outside the prison, outside the fort.

Once outside, she slid off the creature’s snout and with help of the wing claws, clambered onto its shoulders. Shouts could be heard from within the jail cell through the gaping hole in the wall. A burst of flame quieted them. Flames licked at the tower and smoke billowed into the sky as a new day dawned on a dragon and a mysterious lady riding on its back as they winged towards the west, towards the Tavern.

The woman held on as tight as she could in her weakened state. As she held tightly, a refreshing sensation seemed to wash through her. She watched her right wrist, bloodied and sore, heal before her eyes. Strength seemed to return to her as the sunlight warmed her back. She knew not where she was going, but if Vereta had sent the creature, she would trust it to deliver her to a safe place.

Sherena rushed downstairs and out into the Tavern yard. The golden star was gone, lost in the light of the sunrise. The others came down, wondering what the commotion was. Sherena explained to them that William was gone.

Red felt the fear in Sherena and put her arm around her, leading her back into the Tavern. The two of them went to a corner table and talked while the others milled around outside for a few minutes. They finally came inside and ordered breakfast. The day seemed to start earlier than any of them had wanted it to as they rubbed the hangover out of their eyes. Sherena and Red stayed in the corner table, the others respecting their private conversation.

After breakfast, they gathered in a group to discuss what had happened. William had left in the night on some purpose, and he left stealthily, not a good sign. They were trying to decide what to do next when the flapping of a great creature was soon heard outside in the Tavern yard.

Rushing outside, they found a heavily breathing William and a black haired woman. There was a look of utter surprise on the woman’s face as she looked at William.

William smiled at his friend who looked at him in surprise and said with a sheepish grin on his face, “I found her!”

[WhoGuru]

"Vereta's girl?"  Sherena breathed in surprise.  She went to William then, wrapping her arms quickly around him.  He was moved by the depth of emotion he felt from her and held her while smiling sheepishly at those gathered in the yard.  Red shook her head with a laugh and went to the rescued woman.

"Trust you to do nothing by halves."  Red put an arm over her painfully thin shoulders.  "Come inside by the fire and let us feed you.  What's your name?"

The girl was still in shock from her escape, the dragons' sudden transformation and her warm welcome by these strangers.  She had been imprisoned for so long, her voice felt rough from disuse.  "Sharon."  She managed finally.  She allowed herself to be led inside and sat by the roaring fire in the hearth.

There was much made of her.  Blankets were brought and she was wrapped in them.  Even as she ate, her eyes followed William as he and Sherena settled across from her.  She was still unsure of her surroundings, still waiting for the dream to end, to wake and find herself once more in her cell.

"You are free."  William said quietly to her, seeming to see her thoughts.  "I swear it."  Sharon nodded after a moment and took a breath, seeming to relax finally.  She looked carefully around the room, holding a cup of warmed mead in her hands.  From her seat by the door, Red could almost see her asking 'Where is Vereta?' and cringed from it.  Regardless of what Will had said to her, she knew she was in some small way responsible for his death.

Seeing that knowledge on the face of this girl was more than she could stand to contemplate.  While the others focused on their new arrival, Red slipped silently and unseen through the doors and outside.

She told herself she was not being a coward, simply avoiding an unpleasant situation.  She almost believed herself and snorted at her own weakness.  She reached the stable doors, untenanted but by their mounts at this hour and suddenly realised she had left the Tavern without her bag.  In all the excitement, she had left it in her room.  Shaking her head at her own idiocy, she retraced her steps.

As she approached the front of the Tavern, she heard Sharon's now stronger voice ring out.  "Where is Vereta?"  She stopped.  This was not a question she wanted to enter on.  She turned, heading for the back of the Tavern and the kitchens.  She'd scale the gutter to her room for her bag and give Sharon time to hear everything and adjust before she saw her again.

Red rounded the corner of the building and ran into a hooded man leaning against the wall.

"Hey!"  She gasped, startled.  "Who are you?"  The man showed darkened eyes to her and touched her arm.  Red jerked away but not before feeling the spell take her.  It was subtle and not deadly.  She felt a vast lethargy over take her and fell forward into him, feeling him toss her over his shoulder.  She managed to curse herself for leaving her bag behind before oblivion took her.

---------

Red came slowly back to the world.  The world was bumpy, creaked a lot and had a hard floor.  She opened her eyes finally to see the bottom of a tarp stretched above her.  Turning her head, she found she was bound, and quite securely, in what looked like wagon bed.  A gag cut across her mouth and she was aching for water.  Her throat a parched wasteland from the spell.

She heard voices then and craned her head to where she thought the front of the wagon was.  Two men, it sounded like, discussing the immense payment they would receive upon delivering her.  She couldn't imagine who had put out a contract for her abduction.  The kind of people she had irritated lately were more likely to wish her death.  The wagon bumped to a halt and she thanked the nine. Her back was a misery from the jostling.

She heard her captors come round the side and felt the bed shift as they climbed inside.  The tarp was pulled away and the two men, Bosmer both, gasped with looks of comic distress on their faces.  The shorter of the two slapped the other on the arm.

"That's not the right girl!"  He yelled.  "Agarond you idiot!"

"What do you mean not the right girl!  Of course it is!"  Agarond pulled painfully at Red's hair, showing it to the other.  "See?  Flame red hair.  That's what you said!"

"This one's not even Dunmer you fool!"

"Dunmer?"  Agarond stared at him and then down at Red.  "When did you say anything about Dunmer?  Don't blame me Glaun if you neglected to mention that little detail!"

The other, Glaum, swung out at Agarond, knocking him backwards off the wagon bed with a screech.  "Well now what do we do with you?"  He said, glaring angrily down at Red.  She mumbled around the cloth in her mouth.  "I can't understand you."  He said and with a sigh, finally pulled the gag free.

"I said, "  Red took a second to try and wet her mouth.  "I said, you can let me go."  She coughed, trying to will moisture onto a tongue that was nearly stuck to the roof of her mouth.  "No harm.  No foul.  I'll tell no one, I swear."

Agarond had recovered from the hit and climbed into the wagon once more.  "Aye, Glaum, we could let her go.  She don't know nothing."

Glaum snorted at him.  "She knows our names now, don't she?"  He looked down at her once more.  "Gonna have to keep you I think.  Must be someone what will pay to have you back, eh?"  Red glared at him.

"You have no idea the mess you'll be inviting if you don't let me go."  She willed them to free her and was disappointed when Glaum reached down and pushed the gag back into her mouth.

"No, sorry."  He looked to Agarond once more.  "We'll just have to take her with us and go find the right girl.  Must be somewhere around here."

Agarond was clearly upset at this.  He looked down at Red with an appraising look and she looked daggers back at him.  He shook his head.  "I don't like it, Glaum.  Could be trouble."  He grunted when Glaum punched him once more.

"No more than we're in already with 'him' if we don't come back with the right girl."  He jumped from the wagon.  "Cover her back up, we're moving on."  Agarond smiled down at Red.

"Sorry, miss."  He tossed the tarp back over her and soon, they were moving again.  Red was caught somewhere between panic and amusement.  They were obviously novices at this sort of thing and under other circumstances, would have enjoyed the task of freeing herself and escaping.  Now however, she knew time was against her.  Her bag was who knew how far away back at the Tavern in her room, the gemstone she so needed to survive too far away to sustain her.  Sooner rather than later, she would begin to feel it's effects.  They seemed to come faster each time she was separated from it.

She began to wriggle beneath the tarp, trying to find some give in the ropes binding her and was forced to snort a laugh at the two idiots still arguing about whether or not Glaum had said the girl was Dunmer.  Of all the ways she'd seen her death come to her, this had not been one of them.  Wasting away in the hands of imbecile Bosmer who couldn't tell a Dunmer from an Imperial.

She wished now she had returned to the Tavern and faced the accusation she would surely see in Sharon's eyes.

[Vereta]

“Where is Vereta?”

A deathly silence followed the simple question as it sprung from her chapped lips. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned their heads away from her. Only Vereta’s best friends turned their heads to her and gazed at her solemnly. There was no sadness but a set look in each one of their eyes. No one spoke for the longest minute.

Sharon gazed out at them through her long bangs with a neutral exp​ression on her face. She did not like their reaction at all. Suddenly she had butterflies in her stomach and she felt herself look down at her pale hands, which sat on her lap, even though she couldn’t see. She felt their mixed emotions flow through her, feelings of grief, sorrow, and acceptance. She raised her head and stared up at them.

“He’s dead, isn’t he?”

No one said anything.

She looked out the window with mixed emotions. They watched her carefully, as if she was going to do something unexpected or dangerous. She stood up and walked out the door.

[WillieSea]

William watched as Sharon left the tavern. He got up and followed her out into the Tavern yard. He felt he needed to tell her about Vereta’s death and self sacrifice.

William called softly to Sharon. She stopped and looked at William, still wondering what kind of creature he was; a dragon of Akatosh or a Breton. She felt she could at least trust this one of all of them since he did rescue her from the necromancer’s prison.

William told Sharon of Vereta’s attempts to find and rescue her, about his selfless act of taking the blade meant for William, and about his last words. She had been the last thoughts on Vereta’s mind.

Sharon just stood there in the yard, not sure what to do. Sherena invited her to stay as long as she wished here at the Tavern. William would pay the barkeep for her room and board so she did not need to worry about that. After 20 years in the Dark Brotherhood, gold was not a problem for William. Sherena would bring her into town to purchase new clothes and a weapon if she desired.

William looked around, trying to find Red. Her horse was still in the stable but she was nowhere to be found. As Sherena talked with Sharon, William scouted the Tavern premises for Red.

Following her prints in the dust, there appeared to have been a scuffle in the back yard. A strange set of prints, quite heavy, then trailed into the woods. William went back inside to get his traveling supplies and looked in Red’s room just to make sure. The door was unlocked, something that the thief Red never did when she was away.

On the dresser was her pack. And inside would be the gem. William grabbed the pack and went downstairs to let the others know he was heading out in search of Red. Sherena would stay with Sharon to make sure she was alright.

Back in the yard, William summoned Thunder and together they rode into the forest following the trail in their search for Red. William was not in a charitable mood, and when he found those that had taken Red, they would pay, and pay dearly. Thunder sensed William’s mood and almost flew through the forest and onto a dirt road as they closed in on their prey.

[WhoGuru]

Red spent what felt like over an hour in the back of the wagon, squirming and wriggling in an effort to free her hands.  Though her captors were fools at kidnapping, they seemed to be experts at tying knots.  As she lay, trying to free herself, she felt a familiar weakness begin to steal over her body.  The gemstone was beginning to pull at her.  She redoubled her efforts and finally, managed to wiggle one of her feet free of the loops.

The wagon stopped then and she stilled, waiting.  She heard the two climb down and Glaum telling Agarond to untie the horses.  The tarp was whipped off her once more and Glaum climbed into the back of the wagon.  Red waited until he was close enough and then kicked out with both feet, catching the erstwhile kidnapper in the chest and throwing him from the wagon.  She rolled to her side and pushed to her feet, scrambling for the side of the wagon.  She had one leg over when two arms wrapped about her from behind and tossed her over the side to the ground.

She landed with a grunt, losing her breath and tried to find her feet again.  Glaum landed beside her then and used the ropes at her back to haul her up.

"That was not a smart thing to do."  He was beet read and out of breath and extremely pissed.  "What'd you wanna go and do a fool thing like that for?"  Red was about to take out one of his knees when Agarond appeared round the front of the wagon.  She bided her time instead.  Without the use of her arms, she couldn't take them both.  Glaum gave her a hard shake, rattling her head and passed her to Agarond.  "Hold on to her while I finish with the horses.  And re-tie her legs!"  

He strode away and Agarond held Red for a moment before pulling a length of rope from his belt.  "Sorry miss."  He said again.  "Now, if you kick me, Glaum's just gonna chase you down and be even more mad."  

Red looked up to where Glaum was freeing the horses from their harnesses and saw he was still watching her.  She stayed still while Agarond retied her feet, though she was twitching with the urge to kick in his head and run for it.  As he started to wind the rope about her ankles, she realized she was twitching.  Shaking in fact and groaned, closing her eyes.  The gem's effects were progressing on schedule.  Soon she wouldn't be able to manage any kind of escape.  Deciding to take her chances, she did kick out at Agarond, taking him in the temple and sending him reeling.  

She was off like a shot into the trees.  She heard Glaums roar behind her and soon two sets of booted feet pounding after her.  She ran, making her chest burn with the effort.  It wasn't easy to sprint with your arms tied behind your back.  She bounced off the occasional tree but didn't slow, trying to put some distance between them.  Her body was tiring faster than it should and she fell, stumbling over a dip in the earth and rolling to a stop against a tree.  

She panted for breath and knew she was not far enough ahead.  Red could hear them in the trees and seconds later, Agarond appeared, face burning from the effort of chasing her.

"Found her!"  He bellowed and Glaum was there as well.

"That's gonna cost ya."  He said and made to step down to her, but his foot missed the dip that had tripped up Red and, with a pinwheel of his arms, he fell into the hollow face first, smacking his head into the tree before landing painfully on Red.  She kicked at him in a fit of bad temper and soon found her legs held tightly and felt ropes once more going round her ankles.  How she wished the gag were gone, she had many choice words to spew at them.

She was shaking with anger now and struggled as Glaum dragged her to her feet.  He held her, staring angrily into her face and she snorted out a laugh at him. A massive bump and purpling bruise was growing on his forehead while the front of his shirt was decorated with an imprint of her boot.  With a growl, he tossed her up and over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.  Red was trembling on his back, she couldn't stop it and felt the effects of being separated from the gemstone worsen.

"So scared she's shaking."  Glaum said with a laugh.  Red saw Agarond behind them shaking his head sadly at her.  She was desperate now.  Soon, she would be unconscious and she couldn't even explain to these louts how much she needed to return home because of the gag.

"What are we going to do with her, Glaum?"  Agarond asked again.  "We can't just keep carrying her around.  What if someone's looking for her?"

"Stop whining.  No one saw us."  Glaum stomped into the trees, bouncing Red painfully against his shoulder.  "Even if they do find she's missing, what they gonna do about it?"

"Could come after us."  Agarond said and Red widened her eyes when he pulled her Dread blade from the back of his belt.  "This aint no ordinary dagger now is it?  What if her friends have more like this?"

"Don't do no good whining about it."  Glaum said.  "They want her back they can pay for her, same as him."

"He's gonna be in a fit he finds out we grabbed the wrong girl."  Agarond said, putting the blade away again.  "Though she is one pretty girl."  Agarond paced Glaum and lifted Red's hair to peer at her face.  She tried to glare at him but her eyes crossed and she felt herself slipping under, the exhaustion pulling at her like a weight.  "She don't look so good Glaum."  Agarond said.

"Looks like a pain in my arse is what."  Glaum snorted, then stopped suddenly.  "Which way back to the wagon?"  

Agarond looked around at the forest, trying to find where they'd come from but all the trees looked the same to him.  "Well...we came that way didn't we?"  He pointed randomly into the trees.  Glaum looked that way, then another, turning in circles and finally aimed a kick at his companion.

"Idiot!"  he yelled.  "We're lost!"

[grond]

Entangled by many biting snakes he fell.  Caught within a numbing embrace: once fiery hot, now cold and clammy, horribly strong.  They fought together, grasping and twisting.  He felt the sharp teeth at the ends of the tentacles bite him in many places.  He was weaponless.  His head swam from the poison which filled him.  He felt his death coming.

Then calm returned, and there was no more pain.  There was nothing.  All was dark and silent.

In the silence Grond seemed to see Failan, standing alone, holding the reins of two horses. She swept her dark hair away from her face, and gazed upward, and that which she looked upon cast a bright red glow upon her.  “The others have gone on without me,” she said, without a glance in Grond’s direction. “My hamlet is safe now, for you and they have made it so.”

“And you?” asked Grond.  “Why do you tarry?”  He turned then toward that which Failan watched, but there his vision seemed blurred, so that he saw naught but a crimson smear, as of paint on a canvas.  Then the silence was slowly broken by the hum of the beating wings of some great insect.  He found that he could not turn away from the ruby glow.  It seemed to envelope him.  But with a great effort, finally he managed to turn to face Failan, and saw anger and sadness in her caramel eyes.  As a needle pierces cloth, Failan’s voice came to him clearly, through the strange hum which now filled his ears.  

“I?” said she. “Tarry?  Nay, I do not.  We have left that place, Grond.  Only you remain.”

And then Grond was suddenly swept away.  The Nord felt nothing holding him, yet he was sucked up and into the sky above her.  He watched Failan’s shape dwindle to a tiny point among the mountain paths. Finally the vision left him, and he drifted along the high airs, in a waking sleep.  He felt neither his body nor the wind.  He knew not whether he flew or fell.  His very existence seemed to him a dream, or a series of images, woven as it were into a tapestry one might hang on a wall.  Feeling nothing, hearing only the whining hum, Grond remembered fleetingly her soft warm flesh as it pressed against his.  Then that memory changed – the warm flesh grew burning hot – and suddenly Grond remembered his short battle with the one called Darina, and the wild madness which possessed him as he sprang back into the fiery chamber.  Perhaps he had heard a call – perhaps he had been summoned before the statue.  He did not know.  But Grond was certain of one thing.  

He was not alone, he knew.  Something or someone flew, or fell, with him.  They had become intertwined, together in the strange space through which he/they fell/flew.  Perhaps this being guided his flight/fall.  Perhaps it was his enemy, and it had devoured him.  He was unsure, but just then, oddly, he felt safe.

After a long time – eons it seemed to him, and yet also only an instant – Grond felt something under his back.  Solid ground.  

DO NOT BELIEVE THE WOODMAN.  YOU ARE MY SON.  YOU ARE FORGIVING.  YOU ARE A PROTECTOR.  SHOWING MERCY, YOU PLEASE ME.  DEFENDING THE WEAK, YOU ARE LIKE THE DEAD ONE CALLED TSUN.  YOU HAVE MY RESPECT.  THEREFORE, I DEEM YOU WORTHY OF MY INTERCESSION.  YOU SHALL FIND MY GIFT WHEN YOUR NEED IS DIRE.

The words slapped him like driving rain.  Then he opened his eyes.

[WillieSea]

William followed the tracks which quickly came to the dirt road that lead away from the Tavern. Ruts in the side of the road indicated a wagon had been parked there and used to haul Red away, pulled by two horses. Those that had abducted Red must have been some very powerful mercenaries to have overpowered Red so quickly without a fight.

William and Thunder started down the road following the wheel tracks in the dust. William cringed as it seemed the wagon wheels seemed to find every pothole and rut to bounce through. Red would be very sore from this ride.

William soon came to a wagon pulled by two horses and driven by two Bosmer’s coming down the road towards him. As William approached the wagon, one of the arguing Bosmer’s clapped the other one on the back of the head with such force that it sent him forward between the two horses. He had grabbed the leg of the one that slapped him, pulling him down to the ground in front of the wagon and on top of him.

They both pushed at each other, causing the wagon to run over various parts of their body with exclamations of “Oof!” and “Ungh!” as the horses plodded along the road oblivious to their masters condition. The two appeared behind the wagon and ran to catch up with it as William came up to them. One of them had obviously rolled in some horse dung as he tried to brush it from his tunic and run at the same time.

As they were about to climb onto the wagon, they noticed a Knight in strange golden armor astride a jet black horse with golden spots and a golden horn. They froze in startled fright and the wagon wheels bounced over their feet amid more cursing from them. They then quickly jumped back into the wagon and continued on their way, casting worried glances at the strange Knight and horse.

“Have you seen a wagon going the other way?” William asked the Bosmer’s. Looking startled, one of them answered “No” while the other one said “Yes”. The yes Bosmer clapped the other one on the back of the head and smiled at William.

“There was a wagon that passed us not long ago, nearly ran us off the road they was going so fast!” the Bosmer said. The other Bosmer started to say something and got another smack to the back of the head, quieting him.

William thanked them and headed down the road once again, he had a wagon to catch up to. He carefully followed the tracks, and after some time, the tracks made a wide u-turn in the road and went back the way they had come.

William cursed out loud to no one in particular sending birds to flight from the nearby trees. The Bosmer’s must be the ones that took Red! And he had not even stopped to check their wagon; they had seemed like such bumbling idiots. He wondered how they had managed to take the feisty Red so easily. William and Thunder raced down the road raising a huge trail of dust behind them.

Red was getting bumped around quite a bit from the rough ride. She fell in and out of consciousness as they traveled down the dirt road. She could feel herself growing weaker by the moment. She even though she had heard William’s voice once. She rested as she tried to think of a plan before she hadn’t the energy to fight left in her.

William raced down the road searching for the Bosmer’s wagon. They could not have gone too far! He soon came to the wagon in the middle of the road and the Bosmer’s were gone. The tarp that was in the back of the wagon was lying in the road. William quickly got down from Thunder and searched the road and saw there was a struggle. Tracks lead off into the woods.

It looked like Red had escaped her captors! William raced into the wood, following the trail as Thunder faded in a puff of purple smoke, back to his own realm of existence. The trail was easy to follow as it had been made in speed, not stealth.

[WhoGuru]

Glaum stomped through the woodland once more, a dejected and now bruised Agarond following behind.  He had a disturbing habit of stroking Red's hair as he followed.  She was passing in and out of consciousness now and could not even muster enough energy to sneer at the Bosmer.

Glaum was picking directions at random and finally, gave a yell.  "Here's our trail!"  He said triumphantly, pointing at the disturbed grass before him.  Agarond gave him a wide berth as he came to look, still stinging from the kicks he had taken when they'd found they were lost.

"You sure, Glaum?"  Agarond asked, not convinced.  "Could be we're just crossing our own trail here."

"Like you would know.  Here, you take her."  Glaum tipped Red off his shoulders and she hit the ground with a thud, grunting in pain.  She rolled to her back, fighting to stay coherent and glared up at them.  Agarond had an eager look on his face and went to pick her up.  Red mustered the last of her strength and managed a fair kick at his knee.  Agarond stumbled backwards, howling in pain to Glaum's laughter.

Glaum then answered her kick with one of his own, knocking the wind from her before pulling her up.  "That'll teach you to stop kicking us.  Stand up!"  He yelled.

"She can't."  Said a voice from behind them.  It was soft and full of menace.  Glaum turned with Red held before him and found the golden rider from the road.  "Put her down."

William barely contained his temper.  He had seen the thug toss Red to the ground and then deliver a kick.  He ruthlessly curbed the urge to slaughter the two fools where they stood.

Glaum seemed to choke for a moment, then drew a knife and placed it at Red's throat.  She struggled to raise her head.  Once more, she thought she'd heard William's voice.  Cracking her heavy eyes, she did see him finally and hope found her once more.

William saw the gag cutting across her face and felt his sword grow from his armor into his hand.  The Bosmers eyes widened in shock, staring at the newly formed weapon as if they were lambs ready for the slaughter.  "Release her and you walk from here whole of body."  He said, once more in that soft, dangerous voice.  Red's head dropped once more.  He was now desperate to get to her, to get the gem to her.  She surely could not have much time left, so far gone as she already was.

"No!"  Glaum said with a shaky voice.  "You want her, you have to pay."  

"Glaum!"  Agarond hissed at him from the ground.  "Don't be foolish!  Look at him!"

Glaum spit back at his companion.  "Don't care.  We're not walking away from this with nothing.  Not after all the trouble she's been."  He hefted Red, trying to force her to stand but she was dead weight now.  'So...you pay."  He finished, nodding his head as if delivering an irrefutable judgment.  William stared at him, then at his friend, still on the ground holding his knee and began to chuckle, then laugh.  "What are you laughing at?"  Glaum asked, now even more ill at ease.  

"You really think you can slit her throat before I skewer you with this blade?"  Will pointed the sword at Glaum and began to stalk towards him slowly.  The laughter faded as he advanced.  "I think you know should your blade draw her blood your insides will see daylight soon after."  He stopped, the tip of his sword quivering at Glaum's jaw.

Will flicked his eyes to Agarond and saw the man actually wet himself before scrambling to his feet and heading off into the trees at a limping run.

"Agarond!"  Glaum yelled after him, then turned his attention to the incredibly scary man threatening his life.  "Um..."  He stuttered, staring down the length of Will's sword and finally nodded.  "She's all yours.  Didn't want her anymore anyway, too much trouble."  With that, he released his hold on Red, dropping her to the ground and ran after Agarond, screaming for the idiot as he went.

William caught Red as she fell.  He'd thought her near gone already but she managed to mumble something through the gag.  "Red."  William laid her down then and quickly removed the ropes binding her.  He supported her with one arm and called Thunder to him.  The demon steed appeared with his customary puff of purple smoke and Will pulled Red's bag open on his saddle, drawing out the gem.  "Red, take it."  He said, but she was beyond his hearing now.  He settled to the ground and freed both his hands to wrap hers around the crystal.  "Come back, Red."  He breathed, holding her hands about the glowing facets.  He felt a warmth come from the crystal and then Red began to strengthen in his arms.  He felt her breathing easier.  He rested his cheek on her head as relief swamped him.

Red came slowly back, fighting for every inch and felt William's hand on her face, removing the gag from her mouth.  She coughed in response, croaking his name with a dry mouth.  She was holding the gem on her own now.  Will picked her up.  "Keep hold of it."  He said and gently lifted her into Thunder's saddle.  He mounted behind her, pulling free his water bottle and holding it to her lips.  She drank greedily and rested against him.

Finally, she spoke.  "Idiots."  She managed in a faint voice.  William began to laugh and kneed Thunder into a canter, heading back to the Tavern.

[WillieSea]

William watched as the two Bosmer’s had stopped to look back at him, perhaps reconsidering. After Red took hold of the gem, William strode after the abductors and changed into the golden dragon. With wings spread wide, he screeched loudly and sent a column of flames at the Bosmers.

With eyes as wide as dinner plates the Bosmer’s tripped over each other trying to escape the giant dragon that was suddenly before them. They crashed through tree branches smacking them in the face and then a patch of thorny blackberry bushes cutting their skin and clothing. They emerged from that to slip on some mushrooms growing on the ground and ended up sliding down a dirt embankment and off a cliff.

“Aaaaah!” they yelled as they fell through the air and luckily landed in a lake with a giant splash! They came up from the just melted ice water with a blue tinge to their skin screaming from the cold. Their wild flailing in the water attracted a school of slaughterfish that had not eaten in a while.

William turned back to Red who was just starting to regain her senses. She was sure she had heard the screech of some large beast. She shook her head and allowed William to help her mount Thunder. They headed back to the Tavern with Red sitting in front of William.

Red wondered at the strange armor that William wore. It looked as tough as steel but felt as soft as silk to her face as she rested her head on his chest. She could hear his heart beating as they rode through the woods, the birds singing in the trees overhead. The sun would shine through the trees on occasion and sparkle golden on the armor.

A light breeze would send the smell of flowers wafting over the two as they rode slowly through the forest; William’s strong arms ensured that she did not fall from the horse. She felt her bruises and soreness melt away from her as she rested against William. She thought to herself that he was healing her again, taking the pain onto himself before it could be healed by his own strange powers.

Sherena was waiting in the yard when William and Red rode up to the Tavern atop Thunder. She helped Red down from Thunder and William carried Red into the Tavern and up to her room. On the way through, he ordered food and drink for Red in her room. Sherena and William stayed with her until she had regained her strength. A nap would do her a world of good after her ordeal. She held the gem tightly and hated it at the same time. She had to get to the lava caves soon.

[Vereta]

Sharon sat on a chair with a mirror sitting in her lap and her hand resting over its handle as Sherena cut her hair so that her bangs only reached the top of her eyes and her hair only reached her shoulders. Her face was neutral as she stared forward, impenetrable. Sherena could not read her face at all. She snipped at one last strand of hair and stepped back with a smile.

“All done.” She announced cheerfully.

Sharon brought the hand held mirror to her face and smile softly.

“Thank you…” She said softly.

“No trouble at all.” Sherena replied, beaming at Sharon’s reaction.

Suddenly the sound of slow, rhythmic horse footsteps could be heard outside and Sherena made her way out the door. The smile slipped off of Sharon’s face slowly and she stared after Sherena. She got up from the chair and made her way to the room William had offered her and sat on the bed. She ran her hand along the hide of the buckskin blanket and her eyelids slid half way down her eyes. She almost felt like she had left her body and her senses had gone wild. She heard the wind running against the Tavern’s walls in an even flow and she felt herself pulled along with it. She breathed out and opened her eyes to the door.

Everything breathed life around her and everything had a purpose, except her. She had no purpose. She stood up and walked to the window. The leaves were dyed shades of reds and yellow and they fell off the trees were they roosted all their lives to be taken by the cool breeze. How she wish she could float with them. Life was easy as a leaf. She sighed and sat on the window sill.

She felt their emotions. They were all tied together in a great big knot, a knot she was not a part of and Vereta…

“Oh, Aaron…” She choked out as a single flawless tear ran down her pale skin.

She slowly collapsed into herself and sobbed silently.

[WhoGuru]

Red woke from the now usual dream of the lava cavern and the voice who's words she could never hold onto and sat up, rubbing her face.  The dream came each time she slept now, becoming more and more insistent.  She swung her legs off the bed and sighed.  The remnants of her dinner sat on the table and her bag was tucked carefully beside her.  She remembered Sherena placing it there when she had begun to doze off, so tired she could barely keep her eyes open, and William adding an extra blanket to the bed.  In truth, it all felt a bit parental and she was unsure how to respond to that, having never had anything for comparison.

She suddenly felt stifled in the room and decided to go spend some time with Savior.  He always settled her.  She pulled her bag from the bed with a resigned sigh and slipped it over her head.  She wouldn't make the mistake she'd made yesterday again and leave without it.

She headed down the stairs into the quiet tavern room and to the doors.  Red stopped still in the act of pushing the Tavern door open.  She stood there, her hands splayed on the door and then backed away, disgusted with herself.  She turned back to the room and found Sharon sitting by the fire, watching her with a curious exp​ression on her pale face.

Sharon had descended the stairs early in the morning, before the sun had even risen, needing the fire to warm the chill from her spirit.  She'd felt lost in the room all on her own.  Looking at the woman before her, she saw a similar feeling of being lost written across her face.

"Are you all right?"  Sharon asked her.  Red stared at the floor, then snorted out a laugh and went to sit by her.

"I'm cursed."  Red said bluntly and laughed at herself again.  "I admit, every time I've set foot out those doors on my own recently, something bad has befallen me."  She flopped back in the chair.  "I find this morning I don't have the courage to feed my own horse alone."

Sharon still watched her, as if trying to divine something of Red's soul from her face.  "You were Vereta's friend."  She said finally, in a soft voice.  Red winced inwardly.  Finally the conversation she had been dreading.

"I was."  She nodded.  "I didn't know him long but...he was a good person.  I miss him."  

"He shouldn't be gone."  Sharon said softly into the silence and Red felt another punch to her heart.

"I know."  She replied, equally as soft.  She almost told the girl about the morning they had left Vereta in the tree and then decided against it.  She would only be salving her own guilt.  Nothing that could come of that conversation could possibly help her.  "I'm sorry."  Red said finally.  Rising, she pressed Sharon's small arm for a moment and then headed for the door.

"What about your curse?"  Sharon asked.  Red stopped once more at the door and shrugged.

"I'll take my chances.  Savior needs his feed."  She went through the doors then quickly and out to the stables.  She admitted to herself she had fairly run from Sharon.  She honestly didn't know what to say to the girl.  That she was crushed by what had happened was obvious.  Red had no idea how to begin to console her.

She shifted her bag, adjusting the cross strap with the weight of the gemstone and her thoughts turned to her own predicament.  She would have to return to the lava cave and soon.  She had the feeling she would not survive many more of the dangers constantly being thrown in her path.

She found Savior already munching at a feed bucket one of the grooms had left and went to him, wrapping an arm around his neck as he ate.  "I wish Rider were here."  She said softly.  She felt as though her brother had gone into the wilds and she had no idea when she would see him again.  The distance hurt, an unfamiliar pain to her.  She briefly considered heading out on her own again and then, as before, decided not to.  She was only standing here to debate the issue because her friends had been their numerous times to help her.

She was unaccustomed to being dependent on anyone and found she was unsure if she liked the feeling.  Things had been much simpler as an assassin.  You only had yourself to rely on or worry about.  Lately her life had become very complicated with people who mattered.  She shook her head at herself.  Her life had also been lonelier.  Now, she had friends to turn to, to speak to and trust in.  They had shown their depth of feeling for her so many times.  She was a bit overwhelmed by it.

With Sharon now free, Vereta gone and Rider off into the West Weald, she wondered if now was the right time to brooch the subject of a return to the cave.  She felt uncomfortable asking for help in this instance but somehow knew going alone would be the end of her.  Shaking her head once more, she grabbed a brush and set to the calming task of grooming her horse while she thought.

[DarkRider]

The ground was shaking. For a moment, Red thought it was in her mind, but Savior had begun to dance about nervously, his ears pricked high, he bellowed a warning whinny that pulled Red from her thoughts. Voices were carrying on the wind; deep, sounding voices raised in song accompanied by a thundering caravan that quaked the very earth as it moved:

"When dragon's breath sears cross the sky; and maidens fair do weep; we shoulder arms and give the cry; and monsters we to reap!"

"Battles' gore and blood will shower; on armor plate with scale; The beast will see our strength and cower; 'ere we have him by the tail."

Red secured Savior in his stall and hurried outside. Even her imagination could not prepare her for what she beheld driving into the tavern yard. A big burly Nord rode on a heavy bay colored draft horse at the lead of a small army. Sunlight gleaned off his aged silver pauldrons, his tawny hair fell over his shoulders and down his back like a mane, and though his features were handsome, his exp​ression was set in a grim determination. At his knee a mighty war hammer hung to his saddle by custom leather sheathing. Two other Nords were mounted on similar draft horses behind him, with armor just as glint and weapons just as foreboding. And behind them a wagon followed, with Redguards marching alongside in time to the tune they were all singing; the Redguards armor was made of greenish leather the thief had never seen before. Her eyes fell behind the wagon, where four more Nordsmen mounted on draft horses, towed a heavy wooden cart with a strange contraption nestled within its wooden maw.

The lead Nord roared out, "To Victory!"

And the rest of the caravan continued to sing:

"To victory we raise our glass; and sing, we all of stories brave; and make we then to home and pass;

with mothers', wives and babes"

Shamus, Sharon, William, Sherena, and even the tavern cooks and keeps had found their way into the tavern yard, drawn by the sudden commotion. The big Nord in the lead raised his fist as their song ended to halt his companions. Red crossed the yard and came to stand in front of the traveler, his long shadow cast over her as he shifted and leaned forward in his saddle. He was aware of everyone watching him and took a long moment to weigh the scene before him.

William's jaw clenched. A glimmer of his former assassin instincts whispered to him of danger. The tavern was their sheltered hideaway. What could have brought this army to their door and why did Red always have to put herself in the forefront of danger?

"My men," the big Nord said finally, his voice was deep and etched by gravel, "have traveled a long way. We seek to drink our fill and be on our way."

"You are most welcome, Sir," Shamus said, smiling genuinely. He saw armor and weaponry, but the archaist knew they were not the quarry of this army, for once.

"Good," a glance back to his men and they immediately began to dismount and secure their caravan before making their way into the tavern. The lead man kept his eyes trained on Red, "My name is Garulf," he introduced himself, stepping down from the saddle of his high mount with the ease of stepping off a single stair.

"I'm Red," she replied. She felt a stirring inside herself in this man's presence; lost somewhere in the endless blue of his eyes. It wasn't a romantic stirring, but a wave of something she had been missing. This Nord carried with him the spirit of true adventuring. She could see he was a man unburdened, free to answer the call of his adventuring heart, and she longed to taste that freedom.

"Red," Garulf repeated, "And tell me Red, are you the lady of this tavern?"

Red actually felt herself blush and shook her head with vigor, "No, there is no lady here, nor lord, we are all free and you are welcome to your fill of what is ours."

"We are in your debt," The Nord replied, only breaking his gaze, and entering the tavern when the last of his men had gone inside. Red looked up at the others to find her friends were all staring at her. William's face looked a strange cross of severity and confusion. Shamus seemed bemused and followed Garulf.

"Garulf was it?" Shamus could be heard inquiring as he followed, "Wonderful horses, may I ask their breed?"

The others followed leaving Red and William standing outside alone for a moment. Inside the tavern erupted with life and joyful chatter as the tavern residents fell into hearty merry making with the new arrivals.

"Are you feeling better?" William asked, still concerned she may be weakened from her recent exploits and the cursed gem that loomed over her always. To his surprise Red smiled in a genuine way she had not in a long time.

"Quite," she replied heading inside. William followed, but with purpose. The tavern was a hideaway for those who befriend anonymity. So, what had brought this army of mercenaries to their doorstep?

William entered the tavern and found Shamus, Garulf, Red, and one of the other Nords gathered at the bar. He stepped up and joined them when Shamus made room for him. The barkeep hurried to pour the ale and keep the mugs full.

"Quite the little burrow you've got here," the lead Nord said, drawing the back of his hand across his mouth after taking a long draw off his ale.

"Indeed," William answered spotting an opportunity to question the lead mercenary, "I'm surprised you were able to find us. What brings you and your men so far out this way?"

Garulf took another swig of ale, "Dragons."

William caught a worried look Sherena sent him from across the bar, "Dragons?" William asked, remaining non-chalant, "There haven't been dragons in this part of Cyrodiil in 400 years."

"Not so," Garulf disagreed.

"Aye," his fellow Nord chimed in, "We had one in our sights naught but yesterday. A big golden bastard with fire in his eyes! You can smell the stink off him for miles around!" the other dragon hunters cheered their agreement, "We would have had him too, except when we got down to the valley he'd vanished like smoke."

Garulf was not as moved as his compatriots, "There have been a number of sightings of this same golden beast. We've been following the stories of peasants and Legion riders. Actually," the Nord's eyes narrowed on William, "we were rather surprised to find this place here at all. Many have claimed they saw the beast leaving and returning to this hollow. Thought for certain we'd find him in his den."

"You must be mistaken," William began.

"No," Garulf halted him, "I'm never mistaken about dragons. There's one around here calling this part of the world home and we will not rest until its head is crushed beneath my hammer and its hide skinned upon my wall!"

The big Nord clapped him on the shoulder and rejoiced as his mug was filled again to the brim. The conversation at the bar soon turned to one of past adventures. William smiled politely, but inside the cold truth was ringing within him. He had been foolish. Though he had taken care to keep his transformations away from his friends, he had overlooked the fact that others would see him. He chided himself inwardly; he had been reckless and now he had a price on his head once more.

[WhoGuru]

Garulf seemed to have an eye for Red and kept close to her elbow, telling stories and laughing loudly at his own jokes as those around him cheered and shook their heads.  He was indeed a breath of fresh air to Red who had forgotten what it felt like to live that free.  She felt unusually drawn to this Nord and his dazzling blue eyes.  

"Have you ever been to Skyrim?"  He asked her.  "For I'm sure one such as you has walked the peaks of our home at least once."

"I've been to Solstheim once."  Red said and smiled.  "For...business."  A contract actually, but she wouldn't mention that.

"Aye and what did you think?"  Garulf grinned at her.

"Too damn cold by half.  I prefer warmer climbs."  She toasted him and drank.  "Hard to sing when your throat is frozen over."

"Sing is it?"  Garulf took her arm then, staring deeply into her eyes.  "Then warmth I shall give you."  He pulled her from the bar with a laugh as she indeed began to feel warmer.  "Come!  Sit by the fire and give us a song."  He led her to the hearth and one of his Redguards kindly moved to give her his seat.

"A song!"  The others cheered, banging their mugs on the tables.  William stood by the stairs, his arm around Sherena and considered how dangerous this situation could become for everyone.  Dragon Hunters in the hollow and they could only have come for him.  It seemed he must learn to be more judicious with the use of his new powers.  He was concerned also that Red was becoming too friendly too fast with the leader of this motley bunch.

Perhaps it was a reaction to how often she had faced death recently.  Even if it were, he did not like the reckless attitude she was adopting.  It could be unhealthy.  How much did they really know about these so called hunters?

Shamus seemed to sense Will's discomfort and clapped him on the shoulder.  "Be at ease, William.  They mean no harm to us and ours."  He grinned at the man and, hefting his tankard, headed to the hearth to better hear Red's song.  

I wait for you, my sailor love

and sit here by our tree

I watch the shores and ships come in

but yours I never see.

You left that day with dawn's first light

and kissed me softly love

and gave to me this ring to hold

while your banner flew above

Your ship left port to omens grim

you laughed and bid me wait

For you I waved till far at sea

your sails passed far too late.

Where have you gone, my love my own

to leave me here in tears?

What fate has kept you far from me

and brought to life my fears?

I wait for you, for all my days

this hope I'll ne'er let go

To see your sails cross sky once more

and bring you safely home.

While the room cheered, clapping and banging mugs, Garulf wiped a tear from his eye and draped an arm across her shoulders.  "Thank ye lass!  My dear Da, rest his soul, was a sailor and a drunkard."  The room erupted in laughter as he raised his tankard in a toast.   "Aye, a fine song indeed."

[DarkRider]

Garulf stood and left Red’s side, striding across the tavern in only a few steps. He set his mug on the bar and cast a look around at his men. The color had returned to their cheeks, they’re spirits were restored, and it was time to return to hunting their ever elusive prey.

“Stevyen,” Garulf said to the nearest Nordsman, “I believe we’ve had our share of ale and rest, let’s get moving again. Our prey will be twenty miles from here by sun’s rising if we linger.”

“Aye, Garulf,” Stevyen answered, “Arms!” The Nord ordered, abandoning his mug on the bar and carrying Garulf’s order on to the men. The dragon hunters’ faces drew serious once more and each one stood and headed outside. They moved not with the scattered disorganization of a Sundas militia, but with the form and purpose of a war hardened regiment; certainly a force to reckon with for any dragon.

Garulf simply stood before the bar; his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest, watching his men file out of the tavern and bid their thanks to their hosts. He could feel eyes on him and turned his head only slightly to see William watching him from across the tavern. He nodded his head slightly, then lowered his arms and headed for the door. For a moment, it appeared he would leave with the last of his men, but he paused at William’s table.

“You there, boy,” Garulf said evenly, “Walk with me to my horse.”

For a moment William sat, feeling his mouth fall slightly agape. It had been an eternity since someone had called him boy. But he stifled a grin to realize that to the veteran dragon slayer, that must be exactly how he appeared; naught but a youth with still so much to learn about the world. William decided to humor the Nord, though followed cautiously; he would not be an easy mark for treachery.

The two men stepped out into the cool night outside. The stars twinkled brightly in the sky overhead and the last traces of daylight had long been faded on the horizon. Garulf stood on the front stoop of the tavern and pulled his gauntlets from his belt, pulling them on as he began to walk. William followed.

“I remember well the first time I ever saw a dragon,” the Nord shared, “twas in Skyriim and I was naught but a lad of your year then. My brother and I were separated on a hunt and as dark came on, I found m’self alone in an ancient wood. The nights in Skyriim are as hard as the ice rocked ground and I was tryin’ like the devil to light m’self a fire or freeze to death in the night. And then I suddenly knew I wasn’t alone.”

Garulf stopped in the center of the yard where his draft mount was waiting. The two men stood facing one another and Garulf eyed William for a long moment before speaking again, “A dragon can move without a sound,” he said finally, “Tis not sound that warns ye of a dragon nearing. It’s the smell. The stink of aged days long passed and dead men rotting. Then you feel the heat of their vile breath ready to set to flame. The dragon is right atop you before you even hear its wings or see its scaly hide. They are not glorious; they are ancient devils, magical yes, and mysterious yes, but devils, boy.”

William stared back at the Nord silently.

“Tell me William,” Garulf asked taking a hold of his horse’s saddle and leaning to the former assassin, “Are you a devil?”

“No,” he answered evenly.

Garulf snorted, “I know it. You see dragons do not soar like golden glory through the air only to vanish in minutes. A dragon can be tracked and not only by the trail of horse tracks he leaves behind. From the moment I saw you, I knew.”

William’s hand fell reflexively on his belt as if he was preparing to draw down on the dragon slayer, “You knew what?”

“Twas not a dragon we chased here,” Garulf answered with certainty, “Twas you, William, in another form,” the Nord noticed William’s eyes grow wider, “Stay your hand, you have nothing to fear from me shape-shifter.”

“How did you know?” William barely recognized his own voice as he relaxed. It was the first time he had spoken aloud about his gift and it was here with this stranger.

“I’ve seen many more dragons since that night in Skyriim. You might look like one in the flesh, but ye don’t have the feel of a dragon, you don’t have the heart of one,” Garulf answered in a tone that sounded kind, “When I saw the sheen of that scale armor, and the gold of your hair I knew you were the golden beast we saw flying low over the valley,” he saw William’s eyes drift to where Stevyen and the others were mounting up, “Don’t worry, they don’t suspect you, and your secret is safe with me,” Garulf assured him.

The big Nord stepped up into his saddle as easily as he had stepped down earlier that day. He adjusted himself comfortably, taking the reins in his hand as he leaned forward over the horn of his saddle to speak lowly to the former assassin, “I’ve seen a great many things in my years. I tell you William, one law always stays true, great power brings great responsibility…and it also brings great consequences even if at first they are not apparent. Today you brought dragon hunters to your home. What will you bring tomorrow?”

“Nothing,” William said surely, “You’re right…I was careless, and I have brought attention to this place. It won’t happen again.”

Garulf smiled, “Then you are as I thought, a good man, and you care for your little family a great deal,” the Nord looked around the yard to see his troupe was nearly set to go at the ready. He extended a hand to William, which he shook readily, “Farewell William.”

Red appeared in the yard from the tavern carrying a small satchel. William walked away as she approached Garulf and passed the satchel up to him, “Food for your journey,” she explained, “I wish we could offer more.”

“Ah, m’lady,” Garulf said accepting the satchel, “you’ve given us more than we deserve. Tis a lovely place, a sanctuary in a world that is seldom kind to folks who have seen the things we have,” he smiled at her and Red felt herself blushing once more as she lost herself to his eyes. He held a hand out to her and she took it, imagining for a moment she was swept onto his horse and riding away with him.

“Will you come back?” she asked pulling her head out of the clouds.

Garulf seemed to consider it, “Only if returning means I could hear another one of your songs,” he said genuinely, “and that I might share the company of the good people here.”

“You are welcome here any time,” Red replied, withdrawing her hand from the lingering hold, “Safe journey, Garulf…and,” she hesitated for a moment, but then forced herself to for once say how she felt, “Come back soon.”

“Aye,” he said sitting up in his saddle, “I just will at that.”

With that, Garulf nudged his mount forward toward the road. The rest of the dragon hunters followed him without question, waving farewell to those still in the tavern yard. As they headed off into the night the sounds of voices singing once again filled the air.

[WillieSea]

Red and William watched as Garulf and his troupe disappeared over the rise in the road. Sherena held William’s hand. She looked at the ring on her other hand, a golden hued metal reminiscent of the same metal as William’s armor. She felt the twin to her ring on William’s hand. She smiled and squeezed his hand and looked him in the eyes, then walked towards the tavern and stopped, motioning in Red’s direction to William.

Red had walked over to the stall where her horse Savior ate hay. Until the whole situation with the cursed gem was taken care of William worried about Red’s safety. She was so much like his sister before she met her untimely end that it made William’s heart ache at the memory. Out of all of his siblings he was the closest to his red haired sister and it had been the hardest thing to accept her death.

William wondered if the concern he showed for her was being misinterpreted. He shrugged his shoulders and sighed heavily, he would have to talk to Red.

Everyone else had returned to the Tavern leaving William in the yard and Red in the horse stall. Sherena stood near the Tavern entrance. William quietly walked up to the stall and rested his arms on the top post and laid his head in them.

“Red?” William said into the silence. Startled, Red looked up from brushing her horse and saw William looking at her.

William continued, “Something has to be done about that gems curse.” He paused, trying to muster the courage and strength to continue.

“You remind me of my sister so much Red. I don’t like to see you suffer as much as that dambable gem makes you.” Red’s eyes widened slightly, she had never heard the quiet and reserved William use such a sharp word before and with such emotion. And there was something else; he had not looked away during the conversation, focusing in on her eyes. He had always fidgeted or looked away when he talked to her before, but something had changed.

It was then that she finally noticed the new ring on William’s finger. She raised an eyebrow at the suddenly confident man who stood before her. She thought to her self that William was right. Things were getting worse, but she had made a solemn promise to Rider that he would travel with her to the lava caves and return the gem. She was not sure she could wait any longer; Rider had been gone for so long.

William continued, “We share the burden of the flame, Red. I understand some of what you are going through but you must understand, this curse will only get worse the longer you wait until one day you are too weak to make the trip. I cannot stand to loose you like I did my sister. I think Rider will understand if you go without him, as long as someone goes in his place.”

Again, William paused. “I would be honored to go in his stead, back to the lava caves to see about returning the gem.” William sighed and continued, “Being an assassin teaches you to depend on yourself. If you wish to truly leave that life behind you, then you must put your faith, your trust in others. That is the lesson I had to learn before I could go forward with my life.”

William continued in a solemn tone, “The sept that Shamus suggested to us would bind us together as a family. I would like to call you sister, Red, as I would call our other friends brother and sister. I lost my family a long time ago, and I will not lose this one too! I will fight for it until my death!”

On the last statement, William put his hand to his chest above his heart. It was then that Red was able to break free from William’s gaze to see Sherena standing off to one side of William. Looking down, Red noticed the same ring adorned Sherena’s hand. Red could not help but smile at the two of them. They made a perfect couple she though.

Red wondered how much different things would have been if Sherena had died in the tree with Vereta. The pale scar on Sherena’s neck gave silent testament to the struggle they went through. She was such a balancing force in William’s life. Without her, who knew what would have happened to the depressive William.

Noticing that both William and Sherena were still watching her, she replied, “In the morning we can discuss it. Let’s sleep on it tonight.”

William looked sharply at Red, “Promise me you will not head out on your own. Rider was clear on that topic, and I trust his judgment. Allow me to accompany you in his place to the lava caves.”

Red smiled back at William, he was right. “I promise to not leave without you, and you might as well bring your betrothed with you!” Red grinned from ear to ear as both William and Sherena looked back at her, eyes wide and mouths agape. They then all laughed as they headed back into the Tavern to rest up for the big day on the morrow.

Red congratulated Sherena and William and asked when it had happened. Sherena smiled and said, “Just this day.” William blushed and said he had not had a chance to tell everyone with Garulf and his troupe here. The announcement of William and Sherena’s engagement to wed was soon announced to all those present in the Tavern.

[WhoGuru]

The Meade flowed freely that night in the Tavern as they celebrated William and Sherena's engagement.  The couple was clearly embarrassed by all the attention but bore it gracefully with smiles and laughter.  As the evening wore on, Red spent more and more time considering what William had said in the stables.  He was right.  She was getting weaker.  Even now, she could feel it and the gem where it weighed upon her shoulder.

Much as she wished to wait for Rider's return, she could no longer afford to do so.  Her adventures of the previous day had shown her that.  She replayed Will's words in her head, how he looked on her as a sister once lost and felt for him.  Part of her felt bereft with Rider gone, as for a brother, and she had never known that feeling before.  She went to Will then, leaning between him and Sherena.  

"Tomorrow."  She said.  "We go tomorrow, if you're willing."  Sherena smiled up at her, nodding.  William clasped her shoulder briefly.

"Good.  I am glad you will not wait."  Will looked round at those in the Tavern, noting the missing faces, Grond, Rider and Vereta.  He looked back to Red.  "I don't think I could handle another missing face around here and I fear that's what will happen if we do not deal with that thing."

Red nodded and straightened.  "I know.  I'm for bed then for I mean to leave early."  She wished them well again and went upstairs to her room.  William watched after her then turned to his bride to be.  She was stunning, all the more so in his eyes for saving him.  For she surely had, with her kindness and patience, her quiet acceptance and understanding and most of all with her love.  His heart swelled with the love of her and he saw that emotion reflected back to him in her eyes.

He rose then, pulling Sherena with him, and waved with a laugh at the others as they 'wooed' at the two on their way to the stairs.  Like Red, they too would need sleep before once more entering the lava caves.  

In the morning, in the faint light of dawn, William and Sherena rose.  While William prepared those things he thought they would need, Sherena went to get Red and returned moments later, a worried look on her face.

"She's not in her room, Will."  She said softly.  "You don't think she went ahead without us?"  Will muttered an oath under his breath and packed his bag quickly.  Together, they all but ran down the stairs and out to the stables.  William was planning the tirade he would unleash when they caught up to her and instead skidded to a halt in the stable door.  Red was there, saddling Savior and met William's glare with a crooked grin.

"You wouldn't be thinking I left without you now would you?"  She asked deadpan and laughed when Will scowled at her.

"Don't know why I would think you'd do something so hard headed."  He growled.  Sherena brushed past him with a laugh to greet Savior.

"You gave us both a start."  She said in her quiet voice, scratching the horses ears.  "Are you ready to go?"

Red nodded.  "More than ready to have this thing out of my possession."  She hefted her bag, looping it over her saddle.  "I want to be free of this curse."  Her thoughts turned to a brilliant set of blue eyes and she smiled.  "I'd like to be free to do other things without always worrying about this."

She jumped into Savior's saddle and prodded him out into the yard.  Once outside, William and Sherena summoned their horses and mounted.  As one they set off once more for the lava caves and, Red hoped, her salvation.

[WillieSea]

The trio trotted off into the morning mist, each lost in their own thoughts as they set off on their journey. Red thought about the curse, the flame and its strange powers as well as what Rider was doing and where he was. She worried about him and missed his presence around the Tavern. Sherena was giddy thinking about her upcoming wedding day and making plans in her head.

William saw the frown on Red’s face and the smile on Sherena’s. He could guess what they were thinking about and smiled to himself. The journey to the caves would take the day, perhaps longer. The day’s ride looked to be pleasant enough with the sun shinning down on them.

Danger was always present as they left the lands around the Tavern and headed into the deep wilderness. Since his friends were preoccupied, William kept a sharp eye and ear out for danger. The morning went by uneventful and they started to climb into the steep hills towards the cavern.

Around noon, they stopped for a picnic lunch under a great oak tree with a babbling brook gurgling nearby. William chuckled to himself, Red’s horse Savior certainly had a knack for finding the best place to stop. The three horses ate the green grass near the brook and drank the cool clear water. Savior seemed to enjoy the company of the two otherworldly horses.

After their meal, they headed out again. The trail lead up towards a ridge that followed the valley up into the mountains that separated Cyrodiil from Morrowind. As they traveled along the forested ridge the hairs on the back of William’s neck started to rise. He could swear there was something following them in the trees to the side of the trail.

A glimpse of what appeared to be a person would seemingly appear, but when directly looked at, would turn out to be a tree or a shrub. Something strange was going on, but William was not sure what it was yet.

The armor sensing William’s discomfort and racing heart started to melt and twine over his face and hands. Red happened to witness the almost alive armor cover William’s face and hands, covering all exposed flesh. It grew almost like vines as it covered him from head to foot. She cringed at the thought of something like that around her own body and wondered at the confinement William must feel being trapped in that armor all the time. She enjoyed her freedom and felt a bit sorry for him.

William then spoke and broke both of the girl’s train of though. “Someone is out there watching us!” he whispered to them. Red’s assassin instincts suddenly kicked in and she also paid more attention to her surroundings. Every time she though she saw somebody, upon directly looking at them, would find that they vanished, replaced by a plant or rock of some kind.

Red whispered back, “I can sense it too, but when I look at it, it’s gone.” She silently chided herself for not paying more attention to her surroundings. The cursed gem was starting to affect her mind now as well and she did not like the way it made her feel. It was like her freedom was gone. She then looked at William, knowing what he must feel like with the responsibility of his own inner flame.

William concentrated on his periphery vision, something any master assassin had trained to do. By not looking directly at the entity, he was slowly able to piece together what it was. The image of an old man, long beard, body length robe and a tall pointed hat came into focus. He was about to say as much when a voice boomed from the trees, startling the three.

“Well done William my son, my trust in you has not been misplaced! Wear the armor well for it is a life form that was created by the gods themselves to protect their chosen one from the sharpness of the world. And Red, you have a life changing decision to make, think deeply on it before you give your answer. And Sherena my chosen daughter, use the wisdom I have given you to guide and protect your life mate.”

The three then saw the same wizard they had met so long ago at the Tavern standing on the trail in front of them. The same one that had started them on their first visit to the lava caves. He was no longer in tattered robes with unkempt hair. The horses reared at his sudden appearance and then he was gone with barely audible words lingering on the wind, “Good fortune to you all…”

After the horses were finally calmed, the three companions looked at each other, each pondering the words of the old man who seemed to be much more than a clumsy absent minded wizard. Red noticed that William’s armor had retreated back to its normal state, exposing his head and hands. A slight tingling sensation ran up her spine as she thought about the armor. She felt a little sorry for William, being trapped in his prison, although he did not seem to mind it. A smirk then etched itself onto her face as she thought about how he handled bodily functions.

Red turned her horse up the trail and cried out, “Lets ride!” The three friends then raced up the trail for a while to escape the spooky feeling they felt from the newly named Wizard’s Glen. They laughed at the exhilaration of the wind in their hair as the powerful horses raced along the trail.

Soon they slowed and talked about the wizard’s words and what it meant to them. Each felt a special connection with the other, like they were part of something bigger than themselves. They were part of a family. It was a feeling that both Red and William had little experience with.

[WhoGuru]

“Well done William my son, my trust in you has not been misplaced! Wear the armor well for it is a life form that was created by the gods themselves to protect their chosen one from the sharpness of the world. And Red, you have a life changing decision to make, think deeply on it before you give your answer. And Sherena my chosen daughter, use the wisdom I have given you to guide and protect your life mate.”

-----------------------

They camped that night, once more where Savior led them, on a rise above the cavern.  They chose to make their entry in the morning and take the alternate passage they had used when escaping the place the first time.  William and Sherena lay close by the fire, asleep, while Red held the final watch of the evening.  Her sleep had been plagued by the dreams and finally she had convinced William to sleep in her stead.

She stood staring down where she knew the entrance to be and the old wizard's words ran through her mind.  A choice to make, she thought.  Her life changing decisions to date had not been easy ones.  A chill ran through her and she entertained the thought of simply leaving, trying to live her life with the curse.  She shook her head at that.  Her life would be short indeed and risk the lives of those around her in the process.

She leaned against a tree then and realised she was shaking.  "Damn."  She cursed and turned to glare at her bag by the fire.  Not thirty feet from her and it wasn't close enough.  In a fit of obstinance, she refused to go back for it and instead slid to sit against the tree, arms crossed and glared into the valley below.

A hand on her shoulder startled her and she looked up to find Sherena standing beside her, bag in hand.  She knelt by Red with an understanding smile and handed it to her.

"Are you alright?"  She asked softly.  "You shouldn't leave this behind."

Red scowled at the offending bag and nodded.  "I'm fine."  She snorted then.  "Just stubborn."  Sherena laughed, placing a hand on Red's arm in sympathy before returning to William.  Red dropped her head back to the tree, disgusted that once more she felt the shaking ease.  Looking out, she saw dawn was readying to break over the distant mountains and she rose slowly, stiff and weaker than she should have been.  "Time to go."  She said to herself and went to help Sherena wake William.

--------

An hour later, they stood at the entrance once more.  William took a moment to study Red and found deep shadows beneath her eyes.  He had allowed her the last watch only because he had seen her thrashing through the dreams.  Now he wished he had let her try to sleep.  She looked tired, so far from the Red he had first met what seemed an age ago.  He cursed the gem in his mind once more and clasped her elbow.

"Are you ready?"  He asked with a smile.

"Yes."  Red shifted her bag more comfortably and looked into the maw of the cave.  "Do you suppose more creatures have moved in since we cleared it last?"

Will frowned.  He had not thought of that.  "I am unsure.  We will progress carefully I think."  Sherena came up beside him and nodded.  "Let's begin."

Together they entered the lava caves.  Red took some pleasure in knowing they wouldn't have to cross the lava field again.  This back entry into the crystal chamber was far more direct, though her memory of it was a bit blurred.  She had not been completely lucid when they'd left the first time.  They made their way quickly down the first tunnel, Red alert for any new traps or pitfalls and finding none.

They reached the first chamber and William motioned them to silence.  Stepping ahead, he peered round the edge of the wall and into the cave ahead.  They could hear hissing now and a rhythmic clacking sound.  Will came back to them.  The look on his face was somewhere between grim and amused.  He took Red's arms then, confusing her.

"Spider daedra."  He said quickly and quietly.  He felt her jerk and she closed her eyes mouthing a curse silently, then a soft chuckle at her own misfortune.  "Sorry Red.  You can sit this one out.  Sherena and I will take them."  In truth, he thought that would be best.  He could see she was still weakened and did not wish to worry about her.

Red shook her head.  "I'm going."  She whispered and gave him a lopsided smile.  "I can face my fears, Will.  Thank you though."  She drew free of him and drew her blade.  She still had vivid memories of the massive spider daedra in the oubliette and held of a shudder with difficulty.  She was afraid to face them again but knew she would.  She would not live her life in fear.  Nor would she allow those disgusting daedra to turn her from her task.

Sherena drew her blade and Will prepared his spells, ready to take out the smaller summons to give them all time to defeat the larger daedra.  He nodded to the two women in readiness and led the charge into the cave.