City of Stone

"Release her. Now!" I demanded, my right hand on the hilt of my sword, ready to draw.

Isran's eyes moved from my own to my hand, then back to my eyes. I noticed the surprise in them. "What?" he asked, completely flabbergasted by my reaction.

"I said release her now." I didn't move my hand but I made sure he understood my tone.

"It's a vampire. It…"

I partially drew my sword. "I don't care what she is. She isn't dangerous. I won't ask again." He was paranoid and suspicious about everyone, vampires above all, but he knew I was deadly serious, actually taking a step back though I could see the anger in his own eyes building. 'Better defuse this and fast.' I lowered my sword fully into its sheathe and moved my hand away, holding it up. "Listen, I've just killed Alduin. You think I'd let a vampire get the jump on me? But, trust me, she's a friend."

He snorted. "A friend?"

"Yes." I held out my hand. "Give me the keys. I'll handle this. You should wait downstairs." I paused. "Please," I added kindly.

"You think I'm going to…"

"It's best that you do," I suggested, "Just in case."

He waited a few seconds before he handed them over. "It's a good thing I know you're not a vampire."

"Trust me. Everything will be fine."

"It gets loose and harms anyone, I'll have you both killed." He pointed at her. "That, because of what it is." Then he pointed at me. "You, because you're clearly an idiot."

I just nodded and smiled. "Fine."

I waited until he'd disappeared around the corner before I walked towards the cage, opening it to see Serana sat on the ground, her hands shackled above her head. My eyes couldn't help but be drawn to her face. It was clear she'd been hit. And hit hard. I quickly unshackled her hands and then attempted to try and wake her, shaking her gently. She woke up quickly and I was left wondering if she was even asleep. 'Did she just hear my conversation, if you can call it that, with Isran?'

She smiled as she looked at me. "Nice to see a friendly face around here. I bet you weren't expecting to see me again."

"Are you insane, Serana? What are you doing here?"

"I needed to talk to you. I was hoping you were here. Your… colleagues were not happy at my arrival. I don't remember too much after walking through the canyon." She put a hand to her face, pressing down on her cheek and winced. "How bad is it?"

"Probably feels worse than it looks." I offered my hand, ignoring the coolness of her touch as I helped her up and out of the cage. "You should have sent a letter to Whiterun. I would have eventually received it and found a better way to organising meeting up."

Another smile. I won't tell you how fast my heart was beating. It was quite pathetic, glad I wasn't at least tongue-tied when I wanted to say something. "I'm still surprised by your concern, Ragnar." I shrugged. "As for coming here, I had to leave the castle. My father is… Well, it's one of the reasons why I needed to see you. Trust me, I wouldn't be here if I wasn't concerned."

"Okay." I looked down and realised I was still holding her hand. I cleared my throat as I let it go and jerked my head backwards. "We should head downstairs and speak to Isran. He'll probably want to hear whatever you have to say. Well, I hope he does."

"He'll definitely want to hear what I have to say."

"Just get to the point. He's not a patient man."

"I won't give him any other reason to kill me, other than the fact I'm a vampire."

I turned ready to depart when she grabbed my hand. I turned back, seeing a curious look in her eyes. "There's something different about you, Ragnar."

"What do you mean?"

She sniffed. Then she smiled. "You're cured."

I returned the smile. "I'm clean. I'll have a lot to tell you later."

"I look forward to it."

We met Isran downstairs, gathering around a table in the kitchen, Isran telling everyone else to clear off for the time being. I purposely sat next to Serana as Isran simply fixed her with a hard stare. I know he wanted to kill her and it was takin every fibre of his being to keep his hands away from the weapon sitting on his back. He crossed his arms across his broad chest and stared. "So, I guess you have a reason for coming here. I'll give you one opportunity to share whatever it is you have to. But don't give me a reason to put you down."

Serana nodded. "Very well." She took the Scroll from her back and placed it on the table, far enough away from Isran that he couldn't grab it, keeping hold of it just in case too. "There is something you all need to know about me. And this Elder Scroll that I was buried with."

"What's so special about the Scroll?" Isran asked.

"There was a specific reason why I and it were buried down there in the crypt you found me in," she replied, looking at me for a moment, the slightest of smiles, before returning her attention to Isran, "It all comes back to my father."

"What does your father have to do with anything?"

"Ragnar had the opportunity to meet him and would know that he's not exactly a good person, even by vampire standards."

"That's putting it mildly," I stated, unable to stop the chuckle, still wondering how I managed to walk out of the castle without becoming a vampire against my will.

Serana shrugged. "He wasn't always like that. He used to be a kind father and husband. But he turned. He stumbled onto this obscure prophecy and just kind of lost himself in it."

I groaned. "Another prophecy," I mumbled. Isran cocked an eyebrow my way, I just waved away his glance, "What sort of prophecy?" I asked.

"It's pointless and vague, like all prophecies."

"The one involving me was quite explicit."

Serana just looked at me and I couldn't help but smirk. "Anyway, the part he latched onto said that vampires would no longer need to fear the sun," she added.

"So he's after a way to control the sun?" Isran asked.

"Exactly. If he controls the sun, then vampires would control the world."

"So how are you mixed up in all of this?" I asked, realising straight away that I might not want to know the answer.

"Simple, really. My mother and I didn't particularly want to start a war with the rest of Tamriel, and probably everyone else who lives on this world, so we tried to stop him. That's why I was sealed away with the Scroll."

Cryptic, and we shared a look and I just knew there was more to it. I know she definitely wouldn't have trusted Isran, but figured she may trust me enough to tell me the whole truth. Isran leaned forward, as if judging Serana and her word. Then he looked at me. "Is there a reason why I should believe this bloodsucking fiend and not put it down right now?"

I groaned. Serana did too. "Did you not hear a word she just said, Isran?" I asked.

"Stories about prophecies and vampires trying to put out the sun? Fairy tales or simple lies, take your pick. The sort of things to scare children into behaving. Are you seriously telling me that you believed a single thing that came out of its mouth?"

"Her mouth, Isran. She's clearly a woman."

He glared at me, then Serana, before looking at me again. "The thing's a vampire. I'm still waiting to hear a reason not to kill it."

"By Talos, Isran, Serana came here of her own free will to share her concerns about her father. She's practically risked her life and," I gestured to her bruised cheek, "Already has evidence of the thanks she received."

"So you believe it?"

"Yes. If you'd met her father, you'd understand her concern."

He remained quiet for at least a few minutes, obviously mulling over his options. Then he leaned back and crossed his arms again. "Fine. It can stay for the moment as maybe it can help us. But I'm holding you responsible. Keep it on a leash, Ragnar. It so much as steps an inch out of line and I will put it down without hesitation." He looked at Serana. "Consider that a favour as you're nothing to me otherwise. Maybe a resource. Maybe an asset. But you're not human. You're not one of us. And I won't let you forget it."

"Thanks."

"Don't thank me yet. And I would suggest you don't make me regret this sudden outburst of tolerance and generosity, because if you do, your friend here is going to pay for it."

I looked between them and noticed Serana smirk. "Thank you for your kindness. I'll remember that next time I'm hungry."

I almost groaned as Isran simply snorted and I noticed a modicum of respect appear on his face for the briefest of seconds before it disappeared, he got to his feet and walked away. I looked at Serana, her own face a sign of smug satisfaction, before it disappeared and she met my eyes. "You know he's serious," I warned.

"I know what I am. I just don't like being talked to in that way." She paused, before holding the Scroll up in both hands. "Whatever this says, it will have something that can help us stop my father."

"I sense a but here…"

She smiled at me again. "Of course there is a 'but'. I've lived long enough to know there is always a 'but'. Can you read an Elder Scroll?" I shook my head. "Neither can I."

"We could head to the Throat of the World to the Time-Wound."

"The what?"

"I read a Scroll there."

"Describe it for me." So I did. Explained my journey to obtain the Scroll then what I had to do to read it. Once I'd finished, Serana shook her head. "No, I don't think that will work. Reason being that the 'Time-Wound' there would only relate to the Scroll that caused Alduin to be sent forward in time. I don't think reading my Scroll there would work."

"Well, then I have no idea who can read a Scroll. We could ask the College?"

She smiled. Maybe smirked. Whatever it was, I figured she had a better answer. "Ever heard of a Moth Priest?" I shook my head again. I had a feeling I didn't know a lot, particularly compared to Serana. 'Another reason to lo… Don't think that. Don't think that. It'll never work. You're a vampire hun…' "Ragnar?"

I blinked rapidly, noticing her eyes peering into mine. "What?"

"Are you still listening?"

I tried very hard not to blush, clearing my throat again. "Yes, you were saying…"

I noticed she gave me a quizzical look before continuing. "As far as I know, Moth Priests are the only ones I've heard who can read a Scroll. The only problem is that they have to spend years training and preparing before they can start reading."

"Okay, Moth Priests sound helpful. Where are they?"

"Cyrodil."

"Damn."

There was a cleared throat, both of us looking across the table to see an Orc. Durak. "I may have some information to help you find a Moth Priest." I gestured for him to continue. "On my travels I see all manner of people. And I know enough to recognise an Imperial scholar when I see one. I have no idea where he was headed, as he simply passed by where I was busy recruiting, but he was friendly enough to stop and have a quick chat."

"He didn't tell you where he was going?"

"No. But there may be those out there who may know."

It was as subtle a suggestion as a brick to the face. I turned to Serana. "Sounds like we have some investigating to do. Are you up to that?"

"I'm willing if you'd like the company."

I couldn't exactly share I wanted to do cartwheels or jump around like a lunatic. "That would be nice," I finally said.

Neither of us had to really prepare so were just going to wander out of the fort when Isran called for us to stop. "While you're off doing whatever it is you're going to do, I was hoping you could help recruit more members, Ragnar."

I scratched my beard. "I thought recruiting was Durak's job."

"Yes, for foot soldiers. But I need experts. I have three people in mind. I was hoping you can find the first two for me?"

I looked at Serana, who shrugged. "Fair enough. Who am I looking for?"

"A Breton thief by the name of Sorine Jurard. She's absolutely fascinated by the Dwemer and specialises in building crossbows. We need her. You'll find her out in the Reach, no doubt looking for Dwemer treasure."

"And the chances of her joining us?"

Isran looked uncomfortable for a brief moment. "A little persuasion should see her joining us."

'Okay, so he's fallen out with her so it will take some delicate negotiation.' "And the second person?"

"Big Nord brute of a man by the name of Gunmar. For a Nord, he actually called Markarth home. Doubt you'll actually find him there but ask around and you may be told his location."

"And the third?"

"Recruit Sorine and Gunmar. I'm not quite sure where the third person is. I'm not even sure we'll need them. And the chances of them joining us is… less than the other two. And I'll need to speak to the other two first anyway."

"Never been to Markarth before," I stated, "And the chances of Gunmar joining?"

"Same as Jorine. But if they hear we're fighting vampires, they should be easily enough persuaded."

*****

"Definitely Dwemer."

"What was that?"

"The city. Definitely Dwemer." She gestured up and around. "Look at it. Built right into the mountainside. I bet this on the outside is nothing compared to what is within the mountain or underground."

If the inside was anything as impressive as the outside, then this must have been, or could still be, a magnificent city. The fact it was once Dwemer was a testament to their building prowess as it still appeared completely solid, much like the ruins I'd seen before. We stabled our horses, still surprised the horse I'd purchased for her wasn't skittish at her presence, before we climbed the steps leading into Markarth. My stomach did drop as the two guards sidled across to stand in front of us before we could walk through the gates. I thought they recognised Serana as to what she was and readied to attack, albeit subtly. But they made no move to unsheathe their weapons so wondered what they wanted.

"What brings you to Markarth?" one of them asked.

"I'm with the Dawnguard."

"Dawnguard eh?" The guard nodded to himself. "Think I've seen an Orc around here before trying to recruit. Are you here to recruit too?"

"No, I'm looking for someone."

"Have you been to Markarth before?" We both shook our heads. "Take my advice, then. You see anything, don't get involved. The city guard will take care of it."

I shared a glance with Serana, who I noticed grimaced from behind the hood that hid her face. I turned back to the guard. "What do you mean? Is there some sort of trouble here?"

The guard sighed, looking at his colleague, who simply shook his head and tutted. "You see, there you go, getting involved. Listen, you seem like a smart guy so take the advice I'm giving you. Don't ask too many questions in Markarth. Simply do whatever it is you need to do then be on your way. Safer for everyone that way."

"Anything else?" I asked, trying to keep my sarcasm at bay.

"No. Keep your nose clean and you won't have any problems with us."

The guards moved out of the way and gestured that we could enter the city. The gates opened to reveal a thoroughfare leading ahead, a stream running down the middle of the road, the water far cleaner than I expected it, thinking it probably wasn't a gutter or sewer. There was a small but crowded marketplace immediately ahead of us while buildings towered over us. It was certainly impressive if not a little imposing.

A commotion to my right captured my attention. There was a shout and I saw sunlight reflect off a small blade. Perhaps a dagger. Before I could even move, Serana summoned an ice spike and fired it through the crowd towards the person holding the dagger. The crowd parted as a man then ran towards us, dagger held high, screaming something about the Forsworn. I simply took the crossbow I now carried from my back and fired. The bolt went straight into the centre of his chest, causing him to stagger backwards from the force.

But he didn't go down. Even with blood running down his white shirt, he looked ready to continue his attack. Before I could fire again, or he could even move, town guard descended upon the crowd, swords swinging as the man disappeared. The guards disappeared as quickly as they appeared, leaving a bloodied corpse on the ground.

"By Ysmir, what was all that about?" I asked no-one in particular as I placed the crossbow back in place.

"No idea. But I worry about what we've just walked into. It's best to remain incognito considering… Well, you know."

I nodded as I looked around, noticing the town guard were holding discussions among themselves, as plenty of townsfolk were now gathering around. Through the crowd, a Nord female approached us. She was looking rather pale and frightened. "By the gods, that man nearly killed me. You saved my life. Thank you."

"Thank Serana. She saw what was happening before me."

"It wasn't just me, Ragnar."

"Thank you, both of you."

"You're welcome."

"Please, I'm staying at the Silver-Blood Inn," pointing to a doorway behind her, the sign above stating an inn, "Come see me when you have the chance. Just ask for Margret. I must give you something for…"

I held up a hand. "You don't…"

"I insist," she near pleaded, "Please."

I shrugged. "Okay."

The town guard descended upon the crowd, pushing every back and away from the body, leading to yells of anger and screams of fright as they were herded into a corner. They came toward us, gesturing for Serana and I to join the rest of the crowd. I was ready to resist, Serana grabbing my hand and beckoning on me to submit for the moment. Once we were all in place, one of the other guards raised both his hands and shouted for us to shut up. "People! People! Everyone quiet!" The guard waited until silence descended. "Very good. Now, I don't know what you think you just saw but everyone stays clear of the body as we contain this situation. And I'm not sure what you've heard but the Markarth city guard have all of this under control. And I can assure you that there are definitely no Forsworn in the city."

"Pffftt. Could have fooled me," stated someone from behind me in the crowd.

"Looked like a Forsworn attack to me!" someone else yelled.

"Are you idiots deaf? I will repeat myself. There are no Forsworn in Markarth. Not now. Not ever. Got it?"

There were still murmurs of discontent but everyone eventually agreed and the guards finally let us go. The crowd slowly dispersed, a trio of guard standing around the body of the attacker, their posture suggesting we and everyone else should go anywhere but to hang around the marketplace. Serana grabbed my hand and beckoned me to move off. I was still, I guess you could say, in a state of shock from everything that had happened. Not because I was frightened. I'd certainly dealt with worse things in my life. Mostly because it had all happened so fast. And I thought the same as the townsfolk. Something stank. And it wasn't the air. It's a cover up. But why?

Walking towards the inn, a man bumped into me. I don't know why he bumped into me, he should have seen me coming, though he was extremely apologetic immediately afterwards.

"I'm sorry. I guess I'm still in shock about the attack," he stated, glancing around nervously.

"It certainly happened very quickly. Are you okay?" He looked jumpy, an air of nervousness about him.

"Did you see what happened?" he asked.

"Not clearly. Just remember seeing sunlight in the blade and then Serana," gesturing towards her, "Used some magic while I used my crossbow. At least the woman who was apparently attacked survived. I have no idea if it was her he was after but she seemed to think he was after her."

The other man nodded. "That's something, I guess. Still, for the Forsworn to attack right here in Markarth."

I glanced at Serana, who shrugged. 'No surprise she wouldn't know about them.' "What do you know about them?" I asked.

"Me. Nothing really. Just that they live out in the hills. Bunch of daedra-worshipping savages, or so I've heard others say." He shrugged. "Well, at least you're both okay." Then he bent down for a moment before standing up, handing me a note. "Oh, I think you dropped this. Some kind of note. Looks important."

"Huh?"

"Is that yours, Ragnar?" Serana asked.

I looked towards her as I replied "No." I looked back at the man, who had already turned and walked away. I shrugged as Serana suggested I should at least read the note. 'Meet at the Shrine of Talos.' "Markarth still has a Shrine of Talos? Surprising."

"Talos?" Serana asked, sounding confused.

"You don't know who he is?"

She smiled, even appearing a little embarrassed. "I'm very old and slept for a long time, remember?"

I just returned her smile. "It's just unusual to meet anyone who hasn't heard of Talos. Er… So, quick history lesson, from what I know. He was known as Tiber Septim. But he was a Nord, or at least most of us think he was, considering he was born in our ancient homeland of Atmora, where he was known as Talos. He unified all of Tamriel to begin the Third Empire. His descendants ruled Tamriel for hundreds of years until the Oblivion Crisis, which ended the Septim Dynasty. Anyway, upon his death, his spirt ascended to the heavens and he became the Ninth Divine."

"So why is a shrine to him still a surprise?"

"Because of the bloody elves," I growled, "Or, more to the point, the Thalmor."

"Who are the Thalmor?"

"Altmer bastards who should be…" I took a deep breath and waited a few seconds, not wanting to share my absolutely true thoughts, because I'd sound like a madman if I did, "We effectively lost a war against them. One of the conditions was that the worshipping of Talos was outlawed. A slap in the face to all Nords. It's why there is a civil war in Skyrim right now."

"So I guess you don't like the Thalmor?"

"I've seen things during my time in Skyrim that would eventually make most people kill any Thalmor they came across."

She must have noticed I was getting angry. I didn't like getting angry and not a lot of things did that, but the Thalmor certainly did. She tried to change the subject. "So, the note. What do you think?"

"I'll admit, I'm a little intrigued. But why don't we try the inn first? We can get some information on Gunmar and talk to the lady who was attacked. She may be able to explain one or two things."

Serana and I enjoyed a tankard of mead in the inn as we conversed with Kleppr, the man who ran but did not own the inn, something he was rather eager to share. Nonetheless, he was also full of information about Markarth, who ran Markarth, who the important people were, what jobs were available and could also answer one or two questions about Gunmar. He was actually the one who gave Gunmar the job about clearing out a couple of bears in a nearby cave.

Still intrigued by what happened in the market, I asked him about Margret. He didn't know much, if anything, about her, but pointed the way to her room. Once Serana and I had finished our drinks, I knocked lightly on the door to Margret's room. She opened it quickly, not appearing surprised by our presence, moving to the side and letting us in before she closed and locked the door behind us. She took a seat on the only bed in the room, gesturing to a couple of empty chairs, waiting until we'd sat down before speaking.

"I must thank you for saving me again."

"You're welcome." Then I got straight to the point. "But why did he want to attack you? Do you know who he was?"

She shrugged. "I have no idea why or who he was. I've only been in town a few days."

I shared a glance with Serana. She wasn't stupid. Neither was I. "Bollocks. While I know there are random attacks, the fact he shouted about the Forsworn suggests a reason why. I'm not looking to get involved, but there's more here than you're telling. So, why don't you level with me and perhaps we can sort this out?"

She was silent for a few moments before finally sighing. "I didn't think this was going to be easy but had no idea someone would try and murder me in broad daylight." She glanced between us. "I guess that's why I was so thankful. My job is dangerous but I think that's the first time I've looked death in the eyes."

"What do you mean?"

"What I'm about to tell you cannot leave this room. And I'm trusting you enough to share with you that you won't say a thing. But I want your word."

"You have it," I said.

"Mine too," Serana added.

"You're obviously aware of the war," she started, not waiting for our agreement if we knew or not, "But I'm an agent of the Empire. General Tullius sent me here only days after arriving in Skyrim to investigate the Treasury House and the Silver-Blood family."

"Why?" I asked. I figured it was a simple question.

"Two reasons. One. The Silver-Bloods are known to be supporters of the Stormcloaks and they are doing everything they can, apart from open rebellion, to support Ulfric. Two. The Silver-Bloods own Cidhna Mine, one of the toughest jails in Skyrim and also its largest producer of silver."

"So why were you sent here?"

"To buy or steal the deed to the mine. But, well, it hasn't been that easy."

"Okay, so the attack in the marketplace. Do you think someone knows your real identity?" Serana asked.

"I'm sure of it, though I'm not exactly sure how. But I can assure you that Thonar Silver-Blood was behind it."

"Who is he? And, before you ask, we've never been here, so don't know the politics of this town," I stated.

"He is the patriarch of the Silver-Blood family, despite what his older brother Thongvor might think. He is the brains, Thongvor is the brawn. But Thongvor also has the ear of the Jarl and the family is virtually untouchable."

"So the chances of buying the deed?"

"Are practically zero. I've sent the General the same messages but he wants me to keep at it. I know why, but if it's going to get me killed…"

I pulled the letter from my pocket, glancing at Serana, who simply looked at it before nodding. Margret looked at the letter and appeared intrigued. "There's nothing on it except to meet someone at the Shrine of Talos. But… I think this might be linked to everything too. There's obviously something big going on here. Bigger than a deed to a mine. Bigger than an attempted murder in the marketplace. Something that involves the Forsworn and… who knows who or what else." I turned to Serana. "Think we should put finding Gunmar on the backburner for now? I'll admit, this sounds like a damned good mystery to unravel. I'm no detective but I think we can help out."

"It's your choice, Ragnar."

I turned back to Margret. "Tell me everything, I mean absolutely everything, you know. From start to finish. Then I'll head to the shrine and see if we can figure all this out."

Margret smiled. Nodded. Then told us everything.