The Shadow Land (An Elder Scrolls Story) [ON HOLD]

Chapter Four

Chapter 4

 

As I awoke, I saw Gailen was still asleep. This will not do. I gathered water and used a frost spell on it; just enough to make it ice cold, but not freeze it. I throw it in his face and he shoots up from the bed. It was funny, but I remained as serious as ever. No smiling upon the time of war. I just gazed at his tired and sleepy expression as I said:

“Get up, we are leaving.”

“What time is it?” he replied in a raspy tone.

“About 4:30 am; Tirdas, 24th of Mid Year 4E 503. Today is Tibedetha in honor of Tiber Septim, or Talos as the people call him these days.” I throw him his armor and belongings. “Bathe, now.”

“Alright,” he said still  half asleep.

Fifteen minutes later he came out. I was already dressed in my Light Armor, my cloak, Agony on my hip and Phantom and her arrows in my back, hanging from her small and comfortable quiver. My hooded cloak covered all the weapons and almost all my appearance. It is not a weak cloak, it is almost like armor and the hood can be adjusted. When it is, it becomes stiff or more lose fitting, if I wish.

Gailen was all set and also hooded. I nod as we depart from the Snowy Palace. Sneaking out of the city is quite easy, it is morning and the city is open. No walls, just nature and a small gate.

It is midday and I can tell this wretch is starving, so I toss him bread. He glares at me with curiosity. I stop suddenly and whisper in his mind: We are being followed. Have your weapon ready, do not draw it. And, say no word, or I will have your tongue for diner.

He just nodded. I believe I scared him. That’s cute.

The strange feeling follows us no more after I casted an Illusion spell. Whoever it was, cannot track us for the rest of the day.

An hour later, I feel another presence; this one being pure, like water from a river. Hmm, ever so fresh, pure and gross; Too much purity is not my style. I listen to a voice saying:

“O’ Lady of the everlasting energies and life, hear my prayer. Take this soul with you, as he is departing so painfully. Lady of the Light, take away his pain and give him a peaceful and honorable death, by your name and your grace. Lady Meridia! When shall you answer my prayers? Ever since I was born, I have been faithful. Now, I run your temple and your priests alone. Lady, please come forth. At least, for this soul, for I have blessed him in your name.”

I come forth and whisper.

“Child of the Doors, I salute you.”

She cries and smiles “You follow the Mistress of Light?”

She was so young and pretty, yet disturbed. She was in a great deal of suffering.

“You could say that.”

“Are my prayers being answered? I found this traveler. Some bandits struck him with an arrow and took his belongings.”

“That is most unfortunate,” I reply. “I don’t think we can do much for him.”

“I was afraid so,” she continues her prayer. “Lady, please… bless this soul.”

The land became silent as a light fell from the heavens.

“Blessed and delivered to the Doors he was, Arav. You have grown to be so beautiful. Yet, where is your will? You have proven yourself quite enough already. I just want to see more of you. I am not your whole life, my child. I am but a part of it. You need to start creating your own, with my blessing and guidance, of course.” Meridia appears in her true form. A beautiful woman made of golden light. “And Moon, how are you?”