Full Version: The Eldest Councilor
Yes, it was good. The nightmare was scary. And like everyone, I really enjoyed his guilty conscience.
Chapter 4: A Meeting with the Past...
As I regained consciousness once again I bounced up and down atop a few bags of grain in the back of an old wooden wagon. I tried to move my hands but they had been bound tightly with thick ropes just as my feet had been tied in the same way. I took a few deep breaths as I stared up at the trees around the road, it was near dark. One of the men sat beside me to make sure I didn't escape and the other sat at the front of the wagon, turning the horses.
"Wakin' up are ya?" The man beside me said with a smile
I tried to curse and say something witty but the thick piece of cloth in my mouth hindered my ability to speak. All that emerged from behind the gag was a series of angry, inaudible mumbles.
"Whats that? I can't understand you...why don't you spit that thing out and talk to me proper?" he said mockingly
He slowly removed the cloth from my mouth so I could speak.
"Do you know who I am?" I asked angrily
"Do I know who you are? Hah! Everyone knows who you are...I mean a bandit like you can't just wander off into the woods and expect for people not to hunt you." He said
"You're after me because I'm a bandit?" I said as things started to make since for the first time since my capture
"Yes bandit now shut up and stay that way." He said as he wrapped the cloth around the back of my neck and pushed a portion of it into my mouth once again before tightening it
These men did not know about my work for Quin, the killing I'd done in his name...they only knew me as a bandit that had plagued the roads of Cyrodiil not so long ago. I'd nearly forgotten about my bounty here for the crimes I'd committed and when they captured me my mind feared the worst, that I'd been discovered as an assassin and was being brought for trial.
For those of you who don't know, if you are discovered operating as an assassin in Dark Brotherhood turf, you're as good as dead unless you have important political friends...like the Black Diamonds had and apparrently still have.
As night came we stopped to make camp for the night, after my captors built a fire they picked me up by the arms and legs then threw me off the side of the wagon. The stiff impact on the ground knocked the wind out of me but as I struggled to breathe again I saw a man in dark clothes and a hooded face peering around a tree at the fire the mercenaries had just created. He held a finger in front of his mouth, signaling for me to stay silent and then dissappeared back into the darkness.
I remained calm and quiet, acting as if I hadn't seen him. Though I wondered who he was, his demeanor told me that he was with me, that he was going to help me. I kept an eye on the forest around us and it became even more apparent that the man was not alone, there were several others around the camp as well.
Urlyn and Aspen enjoyed their meals and chatted merrily, oblivious to the fact that their camp was not so secure as they thought. I looked to the tree as a man swung from a rope and dropped down in the dust not ten feet away from the mercenaries, a cloud of dust formed around his feet but quickly receded.
"Release the prisoner to us, or there's gonna be trouble..." The man said in a completely calm voice, as if he was sure of his safety
Urlyn stood and drew his blade swiftly and Aspen tried to draw his blade as well but he struggled to get it out of the sheath because it was hung on his belt.
"Need some help with that?" The man said, nearly laughing
The man seemed so familiar, his voice, his personality...like someone I'd knew but I couldn't see who because the majority of his face was masked by the hood over his head and the shadow it cast upon his face.
"I tell you what, you give us half your money and your equipment...we'll let you live." Urlyn said in a sinister voice
"I have a better idea." The hooded man said and seemed to pause for a moment
At least twelve men revealed themselves by stepping from the darkness, most of which with bows pointed toward my captors, a few others with swords. Urlyn and Aspen looked incredibly uneasy now, they glanced nervously around them at the armed men with the tips of their swords following the direction of their eyes.
"You give us all your money, release your prisoner to us, and join us...and in return we'll let you live, while sharing any profit we might make." The man continued
Urlyn stood with a depressed look on his face for a moment then made a quick hand motion to his partner. Aspen sighed before walking over to me, he then cut my binds, removed the cloth from my mouth, and helped me to my feet.
"Who are you people?" Aspen asked before pushing me toward the men
"We call ourselves the Band of Brothers...and Deagan is our founder." he said
A numb feeling surrounded me, finally I understood who these people were...the bandits I'd worked with before my service to Quin. I smiled and walked over to the masked men. I shook hands with my old friends and they led me, along with my former captors, back to their new hideout in an old Ayleid ruin less than a mile from the road.
Teris led the way through the ruin, there were several traps set near the entrance that he pointed out and warned us of as we navigated through the place. It was large, with strange glowing objects all around, mixed with torches that the bandits had brought in. There were many more bandits inside, I hadn't seen their full force outside at the camp.
"Alright men, take the two mercenaries and show them around, set up an initiation mission for them...Deagan, you come with me." He said
He led me into his office and sat down, it was exquisitely decorated with silverware and all sorts of expensive brandy.
"Like what I've done with our legacy?" He said humorously
"Its amazing what you've done in the last few months." I replied, still somewhat entranced by how the small bandit operation I'd created had progressed
"We now have a base in Morrowind as well, the drug trade is much more profitable there." He told me
"How did you get so many to come?" I asked
"Money...we're bringing in alot of gold now that we have more members. We all pool our profits and split them among everyone...I call it, organized crime." He said as the look on his face showed that he'd accomplished a dream
"How much are you making?" I asked in a somewhat astonished voice
"Alot...I can reinstate you as my second in command if you like...gods know you have the experience...I mean think of all the people we robbed together...which reminds me...where have you been?" He asked
"Its a long story on where I've been mate, alot of fighting and killing behind me now...and some ahead of me still. On your offer of reinstating me, I'm afraid that I must decline at the moment...there are still many matters that I must attend to. I must be off soon." I said
"Of course, if there is anything I can do to help you then don't hesitate to let me know. My offer will still stand if you should choose to return to us." Teris told me
"Thank you Teris, may business be profitable and your luck be with you. I must be going now." I said
He shook my hand and led me back to the entrance where I waved farewell to him. He handed me a bag of gold, it was only a small amount of what he'd made. I could tell that he was dissapointed that I was leaving but I still had a few things to do before I would set off to kill Tamira, the path to restoring honor to Quin was nearly at its end now...or so I believed at the time. For now I would head to the nearby town to get the latest gossip and catch up on events...perhaps a visit to the tavern as well...these past months had taken their toll on me and a few glasses of liquor would do me good.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alright everyone here's the next bit, shakes things up a little and sets up for the next part. Keep in mind that this has not been edited in any way so there is a large chance that there are many errors within it. Anyways comments are welcome, thanks to those of you who comment when you can, and I hope you all enjoy.
As I regained consciousness once again I bounced up and down atop a few bags of grain in the back of an old wooden wagon. I tried to move my hands but they had been bound tightly with thick ropes just as my feet had been tied in the same way. I took a few deep breaths as I stared up at the trees around the road, it was near dark. One of the men sat beside me to make sure I didn't escape and the other sat at the front of the wagon, turning the horses.
"Wakin' up are ya?" The man beside me said with a smile
I tried to curse and say something witty but the thick piece of cloth in my mouth hindered my ability to speak. All that emerged from behind the gag was a series of angry, inaudible mumbles.
"Whats that? I can't understand you...why don't you spit that thing out and talk to me proper?" he said mockingly
He slowly removed the cloth from my mouth so I could speak.
"Do you know who I am?" I asked angrily
"Do I know who you are? Hah! Everyone knows who you are...I mean a bandit like you can't just wander off into the woods and expect for people not to hunt you." He said
"You're after me because I'm a bandit?" I said as things started to make since for the first time since my capture
"Yes bandit now shut up and stay that way." He said as he wrapped the cloth around the back of my neck and pushed a portion of it into my mouth once again before tightening it
These men did not know about my work for Quin, the killing I'd done in his name...they only knew me as a bandit that had plagued the roads of Cyrodiil not so long ago. I'd nearly forgotten about my bounty here for the crimes I'd committed and when they captured me my mind feared the worst, that I'd been discovered as an assassin and was being brought for trial.
For those of you who don't know, if you are discovered operating as an assassin in Dark Brotherhood turf, you're as good as dead unless you have important political friends...like the Black Diamonds had and apparrently still have.
As night came we stopped to make camp for the night, after my captors built a fire they picked me up by the arms and legs then threw me off the side of the wagon. The stiff impact on the ground knocked the wind out of me but as I struggled to breathe again I saw a man in dark clothes and a hooded face peering around a tree at the fire the mercenaries had just created. He held a finger in front of his mouth, signaling for me to stay silent and then dissappeared back into the darkness.
I remained calm and quiet, acting as if I hadn't seen him. Though I wondered who he was, his demeanor told me that he was with me, that he was going to help me. I kept an eye on the forest around us and it became even more apparent that the man was not alone, there were several others around the camp as well.
Urlyn and Aspen enjoyed their meals and chatted merrily, oblivious to the fact that their camp was not so secure as they thought. I looked to the tree as a man swung from a rope and dropped down in the dust not ten feet away from the mercenaries, a cloud of dust formed around his feet but quickly receded.
"Release the prisoner to us, or there's gonna be trouble..." The man said in a completely calm voice, as if he was sure of his safety
Urlyn stood and drew his blade swiftly and Aspen tried to draw his blade as well but he struggled to get it out of the sheath because it was hung on his belt.
"Need some help with that?" The man said, nearly laughing
The man seemed so familiar, his voice, his personality...like someone I'd knew but I couldn't see who because the majority of his face was masked by the hood over his head and the shadow it cast upon his face.
"I tell you what, you give us half your money and your equipment...we'll let you live." Urlyn said in a sinister voice
"I have a better idea." The hooded man said and seemed to pause for a moment
At least twelve men revealed themselves by stepping from the darkness, most of which with bows pointed toward my captors, a few others with swords. Urlyn and Aspen looked incredibly uneasy now, they glanced nervously around them at the armed men with the tips of their swords following the direction of their eyes.
"You give us all your money, release your prisoner to us, and join us...and in return we'll let you live, while sharing any profit we might make." The man continued
Urlyn stood with a depressed look on his face for a moment then made a quick hand motion to his partner. Aspen sighed before walking over to me, he then cut my binds, removed the cloth from my mouth, and helped me to my feet.
"Who are you people?" Aspen asked before pushing me toward the men
"We call ourselves the Band of Brothers...and Deagan is our founder." he said
A numb feeling surrounded me, finally I understood who these people were...the bandits I'd worked with before my service to Quin. I smiled and walked over to the masked men. I shook hands with my old friends and they led me, along with my former captors, back to their new hideout in an old Ayleid ruin less than a mile from the road.
Teris led the way through the ruin, there were several traps set near the entrance that he pointed out and warned us of as we navigated through the place. It was large, with strange glowing objects all around, mixed with torches that the bandits had brought in. There were many more bandits inside, I hadn't seen their full force outside at the camp.
"Alright men, take the two mercenaries and show them around, set up an initiation mission for them...Deagan, you come with me." He said
He led me into his office and sat down, it was exquisitely decorated with silverware and all sorts of expensive brandy.
"Like what I've done with our legacy?" He said humorously
"Its amazing what you've done in the last few months." I replied, still somewhat entranced by how the small bandit operation I'd created had progressed
"We now have a base in Morrowind as well, the drug trade is much more profitable there." He told me
"How did you get so many to come?" I asked
"Money...we're bringing in alot of gold now that we have more members. We all pool our profits and split them among everyone...I call it, organized crime." He said as the look on his face showed that he'd accomplished a dream
"How much are you making?" I asked in a somewhat astonished voice
"Alot...I can reinstate you as my second in command if you like...gods know you have the experience...I mean think of all the people we robbed together...which reminds me...where have you been?" He asked
"Its a long story on where I've been mate, alot of fighting and killing behind me now...and some ahead of me still. On your offer of reinstating me, I'm afraid that I must decline at the moment...there are still many matters that I must attend to. I must be off soon." I said
"Of course, if there is anything I can do to help you then don't hesitate to let me know. My offer will still stand if you should choose to return to us." Teris told me
"Thank you Teris, may business be profitable and your luck be with you. I must be going now." I said
He shook my hand and led me back to the entrance where I waved farewell to him. He handed me a bag of gold, it was only a small amount of what he'd made. I could tell that he was dissapointed that I was leaving but I still had a few things to do before I would set off to kill Tamira, the path to restoring honor to Quin was nearly at its end now...or so I believed at the time. For now I would head to the nearby town to get the latest gossip and catch up on events...perhaps a visit to the tavern as well...these past months had taken their toll on me and a few glasses of liquor would do me good.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alright everyone here's the next bit, shakes things up a little and sets up for the next part. Keep in mind that this has not been edited in any way so there is a large chance that there are many errors within it. Anyways comments are welcome, thanks to those of you who comment when you can, and I hope you all enjoy.
It's good to have friends. Somehow I have the distinct feeling that Deagan is going to cash in a favour someday. Maybe Tamira is bad for bussiness and it would pay to attack the baddie's place in full force? Feel free to continue.
Definitely enjoyed this one, it's nice to see that Deagan still has friends on the outside, despite their unlawful ways. I hope Deagan doesn't run into any snags in his mission, but he'll likely will. Ohwell, I'm sure it will be fun to read 
As I walked through the woods leading to the Imperial city my mind was tainted with thoughts of where my life had gone wrong. In my younger years I never would've thought that I might end up doing any killing...causing the death of another was the last thing I ever would have expected back then, yet so much had changed. I guess things don't always work out as you'd expect but the best you can hope for is that the path you take leads you where you want to go.
The city gates were in sight now, the giant wall made me feel incredibly small and insignifigant, even more so than I'd been feeling of late. I approached the guards outside the gate, they stood silently staring straight ahead.
Knowing that I was wanted made me rather uneasy about approaching them directly so I followed the road away from the city to seek out a carriage. I would pay them to help me enter the city without causing trouble with the guards.
A small carriage came in my direction slowly, guarded by armored men on horseback. I stood in the path and held up a hand in order to signal for them to stop. I approached slowly with my hands visible...I didn't want to cause any suspicion among the guards.
"Hello good sir, my name is Deagan and I seek your help." I said boldly to the noble man inside the carriage
He slid across the seat and hung an arm out the window.
"I'm not sure that I can help the likes of you..." He said nervously
"I see my reputation precedes me...I assure you that I intend you no harm." I replied
"What do you ask of me, knave?" He said
"I seek passage into the Imperial city by way of your carriage. I'm sure we can come to some sort of mutual agreement." I said, flashing the bag of gold Teris had given me
He stared at the gold for a moment, considering it briefly before speaking with the guard inside the carriage with him. The man stepped out and stood before me.
"My liege wishes that you surrender your weapons as a symbol of your good faith. They will be returned to you once we've entered the city and his payment has been recieved." The armored man before me said
I thought carefully of this proposition weighing the possible outcomes. I didn't want to hand over my weapons but perhaps it was the only way that I would gain entry to the city. If there was trouble I could use the dagger I had hidden in my boot.
Against my better judgement, I handed over all my weapons other than my boot knife and then looked to the noble once again.
"Alright sir, now what?" I said
"Arrest him." He said plainly
I had noticed the guard trying to sneak around behind me but hadn't thought anything of it before. He grabbed me and put a blade to my neck as his partner tied my hands in front of me. They then tied me to the back of the carriage and took off again slowly. Two guards walked at my sides making sure I wouldn't be able to escape.
We stopped in front of the gates and the guards there approached the carriage. I could hear them talking to the noble inside.
"What do we have here sir?" The guard asked
"We've captured Deagan and request entrance into the city to collect the reward." He said
The guards looked me over and then opened the gates. I should've known better than to trust the nobles. My mind assumed the worst given the circumstances and I began to plot my escape, carefully planning all the ways that I might be able to get away.
The carriage navigated carefully through the city then turned off into an alley and the noble stepped out slowly. After a moment he walked over beside me and flashed a faint smile before taking a dagger from under his belt.
"You looked a little worried back there, one thing I always do is keep my word." He said as he cut me loose with the dagger
I knew then that I had not been betrayed at all and for that I was thankful.
"I wanted it to seem as real as possible and obviously with the look on your face how could they have known that I planned to release you? Betrayal is as common as thievery in these parts Deagan, you'll do well to remember that. Now about that payment..." He said with a soft, lucid voice
"I will pay as we agreed...how about one hundred septims?" I asked as if I was bartering
"It is a dangerous crime to bring a man such as yourself into the city...perhaps two hundred septims would suffice." He said
"150?" I asked
"180." He said without missing a beat
"Will you accept 165?" I asked
"That will do, Alsen, retrieve his weapons." The noble ordered
After a few moments we shook hands and concluded our transaction, now a hundred and sixty-five gold pieces lighter, I returned to the road and walked through the town. The cobblestone streets glowed with an almost angelic look as I inched closer to the tavern. As I entered a drunk man fell through the door, grabbing onto me and then continuing on.
I sat and ordered a mug of ale along with a few shots of their finest brandy. Tonight would be a night to remember...or maybe it would be a night not to remember...either way I was going to be drinking again.
I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach about all this, something told me that I would be unable to complete it but I continued to tell myself that nothing could stop me...it was likely my youth that kept me feeling immortal. The task that lay before me would be a troubled one even without taking into consideration the possibility of a failure on my part. It was hard to relax knowing that Tamira was still out there plotting...the details of which I did not yet know. I tried to put these thoughts aside as I took another drink.
After a few hours of drinking the chatting around me meant nothing, even thought it was about the events that had taken place in recent times mattered little to me. I could hear the words but they made no since.
"I've heard that another councilor has been killed." A man said
"Another one? So many unexplained deaths since Quin was killed in that bandit raid on his estate." a woman replied
"Burned his whole castle to the ground they did...then Ocato was killed in that hunting accident..." he said
"Damiscus was killed in a rebellion...then the last of them was killed yesterday...Tamira has called an emergency meeting tomorrow morning in the town square to speak about these issues." She said
"If only the Emperor hadn't been killed he would sort all of this out...everything was fine when he was around."
"I don't think we'll have to worry about this much longer...in times like these its only so long before someone makes a mistake and throws us into civil war...if that happens all bets are off." He stated
The talking continued as I crawled upstairs and entered the room I'd paid for earlier. I laid on the bed and stared at the wall beside me until I drifted to sleep.
My dreams were the clearest they've ever been, I saw myself laying peacefully on a small wooden platform covered in twigs and oil. The open building was atop a grassy hill, many people stood inside and around it as if it were a wedding, but there were no smiles or tears of joy. It was a ceremony dedicated to my death, the burning of a warrior. The priest softly spoke a few words as Quin, Falen, and the servant girl I'd rescued stood in front a crowd of people watching. Everyone around me seemed sad, even the ones I'd never met seemed broken by my death. The priest gracefully dropped a torch onto the wooden platform I rested on and flames surrounded me. As I burned all those around be knelt excluding Quin who stared into the fire, a single tear rolled down his wrinkled face.
As the people dismissed themselves Quin stood quietly as Falen walked away, leading the beautiful girl beside him with his arm. Quin was the last to leave, as my body was consumed by fire he whispered a few words and began a seemingly depressed walk back to town. Guards surrounded him as if to protect him on his walk and he continued along his path.
I could see the town off the mountain, it was bright and people filled the streets as if the entire city were having a party. Their cheers and cries of joy filled the night as people shifted about throughout the city.
I awoke calmly and sat up slowly. It was morning now and there was yelling outside the tavern. I shook off the after effects of the liquor and stumbled downstairs.
"Tamira is in the square making a statement...she's called the entire town to address recent events." A voice said
I walked outside and shielded my eyes from the light, looking to the stone platform in the middle of town where Tamira stood. A large crowd gathered and even more had come, this couldn't be good.
The city gates were in sight now, the giant wall made me feel incredibly small and insignifigant, even more so than I'd been feeling of late. I approached the guards outside the gate, they stood silently staring straight ahead.
Knowing that I was wanted made me rather uneasy about approaching them directly so I followed the road away from the city to seek out a carriage. I would pay them to help me enter the city without causing trouble with the guards.
A small carriage came in my direction slowly, guarded by armored men on horseback. I stood in the path and held up a hand in order to signal for them to stop. I approached slowly with my hands visible...I didn't want to cause any suspicion among the guards.
"Hello good sir, my name is Deagan and I seek your help." I said boldly to the noble man inside the carriage
He slid across the seat and hung an arm out the window.
"I'm not sure that I can help the likes of you..." He said nervously
"I see my reputation precedes me...I assure you that I intend you no harm." I replied
"What do you ask of me, knave?" He said
"I seek passage into the Imperial city by way of your carriage. I'm sure we can come to some sort of mutual agreement." I said, flashing the bag of gold Teris had given me
He stared at the gold for a moment, considering it briefly before speaking with the guard inside the carriage with him. The man stepped out and stood before me.
"My liege wishes that you surrender your weapons as a symbol of your good faith. They will be returned to you once we've entered the city and his payment has been recieved." The armored man before me said
I thought carefully of this proposition weighing the possible outcomes. I didn't want to hand over my weapons but perhaps it was the only way that I would gain entry to the city. If there was trouble I could use the dagger I had hidden in my boot.
Against my better judgement, I handed over all my weapons other than my boot knife and then looked to the noble once again.
"Alright sir, now what?" I said
"Arrest him." He said plainly
I had noticed the guard trying to sneak around behind me but hadn't thought anything of it before. He grabbed me and put a blade to my neck as his partner tied my hands in front of me. They then tied me to the back of the carriage and took off again slowly. Two guards walked at my sides making sure I wouldn't be able to escape.
We stopped in front of the gates and the guards there approached the carriage. I could hear them talking to the noble inside.
"What do we have here sir?" The guard asked
"We've captured Deagan and request entrance into the city to collect the reward." He said
The guards looked me over and then opened the gates. I should've known better than to trust the nobles. My mind assumed the worst given the circumstances and I began to plot my escape, carefully planning all the ways that I might be able to get away.
The carriage navigated carefully through the city then turned off into an alley and the noble stepped out slowly. After a moment he walked over beside me and flashed a faint smile before taking a dagger from under his belt.
"You looked a little worried back there, one thing I always do is keep my word." He said as he cut me loose with the dagger
I knew then that I had not been betrayed at all and for that I was thankful.
"I wanted it to seem as real as possible and obviously with the look on your face how could they have known that I planned to release you? Betrayal is as common as thievery in these parts Deagan, you'll do well to remember that. Now about that payment..." He said with a soft, lucid voice
"I will pay as we agreed...how about one hundred septims?" I asked as if I was bartering
"It is a dangerous crime to bring a man such as yourself into the city...perhaps two hundred septims would suffice." He said
"150?" I asked
"180." He said without missing a beat
"Will you accept 165?" I asked
"That will do, Alsen, retrieve his weapons." The noble ordered
After a few moments we shook hands and concluded our transaction, now a hundred and sixty-five gold pieces lighter, I returned to the road and walked through the town. The cobblestone streets glowed with an almost angelic look as I inched closer to the tavern. As I entered a drunk man fell through the door, grabbing onto me and then continuing on.
I sat and ordered a mug of ale along with a few shots of their finest brandy. Tonight would be a night to remember...or maybe it would be a night not to remember...either way I was going to be drinking again.
I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach about all this, something told me that I would be unable to complete it but I continued to tell myself that nothing could stop me...it was likely my youth that kept me feeling immortal. The task that lay before me would be a troubled one even without taking into consideration the possibility of a failure on my part. It was hard to relax knowing that Tamira was still out there plotting...the details of which I did not yet know. I tried to put these thoughts aside as I took another drink.
After a few hours of drinking the chatting around me meant nothing, even thought it was about the events that had taken place in recent times mattered little to me. I could hear the words but they made no since.
"I've heard that another councilor has been killed." A man said
"Another one? So many unexplained deaths since Quin was killed in that bandit raid on his estate." a woman replied
"Burned his whole castle to the ground they did...then Ocato was killed in that hunting accident..." he said
"Damiscus was killed in a rebellion...then the last of them was killed yesterday...Tamira has called an emergency meeting tomorrow morning in the town square to speak about these issues." She said
"If only the Emperor hadn't been killed he would sort all of this out...everything was fine when he was around."
"I don't think we'll have to worry about this much longer...in times like these its only so long before someone makes a mistake and throws us into civil war...if that happens all bets are off." He stated
The talking continued as I crawled upstairs and entered the room I'd paid for earlier. I laid on the bed and stared at the wall beside me until I drifted to sleep.
My dreams were the clearest they've ever been, I saw myself laying peacefully on a small wooden platform covered in twigs and oil. The open building was atop a grassy hill, many people stood inside and around it as if it were a wedding, but there were no smiles or tears of joy. It was a ceremony dedicated to my death, the burning of a warrior. The priest softly spoke a few words as Quin, Falen, and the servant girl I'd rescued stood in front a crowd of people watching. Everyone around me seemed sad, even the ones I'd never met seemed broken by my death. The priest gracefully dropped a torch onto the wooden platform I rested on and flames surrounded me. As I burned all those around be knelt excluding Quin who stared into the fire, a single tear rolled down his wrinkled face.
As the people dismissed themselves Quin stood quietly as Falen walked away, leading the beautiful girl beside him with his arm. Quin was the last to leave, as my body was consumed by fire he whispered a few words and began a seemingly depressed walk back to town. Guards surrounded him as if to protect him on his walk and he continued along his path.
I could see the town off the mountain, it was bright and people filled the streets as if the entire city were having a party. Their cheers and cries of joy filled the night as people shifted about throughout the city.
I awoke calmly and sat up slowly. It was morning now and there was yelling outside the tavern. I shook off the after effects of the liquor and stumbled downstairs.
"Tamira is in the square making a statement...she's called the entire town to address recent events." A voice said
I walked outside and shielded my eyes from the light, looking to the stone platform in the middle of town where Tamira stood. A large crowd gathered and even more had come, this couldn't be good.
Vision, or just a dream. Who knows? Only time will tell. Till then, I shall wait.
Hopefully Deagan won't try anything at this gathering. It would be difficult to do with a thousand eyes that could possibly see you murdering someone. Then again, this announcement isn't looking good....
Oh Mr Oven......my apologises for being a lazy commenter.......So today I´ve been on here reading fanfic till my eyes are bleeding.....
And this story is outstanding as usual......very interesting I´d say and I´m planning to try and be more active in commenting..at least after next weekend!
And this story is outstanding as usual......very interesting I´d say and I´m planning to try and be more active in commenting..at least after next weekend!
Well its been a while since my last update and I doubt that many of you are still interested in this after such a long time but here it is, just doesn't seem right not to continue it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I plotted out every possible way that I might kill her but no matter which scenario I pondered, it always turned out with me being overwhelmed by guards and falling in combat. Though a valiant way to end my life, it was not the most desirable and so I decided to do something I hated doing more than anything...waiting. There was no viable reason for me to sacrifice my own life for the greater good, especially considering everyone would think I was little more than an assassin and I would receive no credit for my efforts. If I were to kill her now without explanation, my cause would be lost.
It was also possible that if I killed her and then died shortly after, she would be replaced by someone as bad if not worse than herself. That is why I would do it carefully, allowing Quin to take her place and let him reveal her dark intentions to rule Tamriel and the evil plans I'd foiled.
I slowly walked toward the platform and pushed my way through the crowd to listen to her speech. Atop the wooden stand that had been assembled next to the fountain was a beautiful woman with long black hair, an extravagantly designed black dress, and a voice like that of an empress, truly one that could sway the people with little more than words. As she spoke I felt nearly entranced, like I'd never felt before.
"My brave citizens of Cyrodiil, we have been through some difficult times as of late, tragedies that will be remembered in our history for years to come. The assassinations of my fellow councilors came as a great surprise to me, and an even greater cost to our beautiful nation. Without leaders like the wise men and women that counseled this place after the emperor fell, I fear that the world we know is in great peril."
She paused, her soft voice washed over the crowd as the ocean washes onto the sand of a beach, the attention of all those within the audience lost at sea. I had heard of public speakers that seemed to have a magical way of grabbing the attention of the people before them but this was amazing even for the most diplomatic Imperial. Such simple words seemed like so much more and even I almost felt like supporting her. After all, she did not look like one that would be willing to kill those around her for power, but the sources of evil worked in strange ways that I could never understand.
"The ways we once knew, of emperors and councilors running the government is gone now...and a new leader must be appointed. A strong leader, both in mind and spirit, to help us through these difficult times. I would like to ask you, the people of cyrodiil, for your permission to take control of this dreadful situation, to right the wrongs in this nation, and to lead us into a brighter future than that which currently lies before us."
The crowd began to clap and cheer after a moment, suddenly starting with one man's applaud and spreading like a plague among the countless others that had gathered there. Among the crowd I noticed a hooded man with an almost familiar look about him...he looked to me and motioned for me to follow him to a nearby building.
I cautiously followed behind the man with my hand near my blade. We entered an old warehouse, lined with crates and dust, seemingly abandoned. He pulled back the hood and before me stood my companion, Falen.
"I was afraid you wouldn't be here...I mean after you disappeared in the woods outside of camp I worried you'd abandoned us." He said
"It wasn't my fault...I was...captured." I stated plainly
"Captured? Well I'm glad you made it here in any case, here's our equipment." He smiled as he picked up a crowbar
We both worked to open the old crate next to us marked "tools" and slowly lifted the lid off of it, revealing our supplies. Among the large amount of hay inside the container were several carefully stashed bottles of poison, a few arrows, and a small silver dagger.
"You take the dagger, I prefer my own." I said calmly
He nodded and took the dagger, putting it through the loop of his belt. We split the arrows and took one bottle of poison each.
"Right, here's what we do...approach Tamira after the ceremony and convince her we're assassins." He stated with a smile
"Shouldn't be too hard..." I said looking at myself in a dusty old mirror nearby
A strange smile crossed my face as I looked at the dark clothes I wore and my sinister appearance. It wasn't likely that Tamira would doubt that I was an assassin, I looked like the worst scum this side of Morrowind...or the best if it served your purpose to hire one such as myself. Hell I wouldn't have trusted myself with a dagger or money back then.
I left the warehouse with Falen at my side, approaching Tamira slowly to avoid angering her personal guards...I knew that walking quickly would cause the guards around her to think I was an assassin, and they would likely attack.
"Excuse me miss." I said calmly
Her guards looked at me uneasily...almost like they wanted me to try something. I bowed to her to show my respect and she motioned for me to follow. We walked toward the edge of the forest nearby, her guards followed but stayed out of earshot, knowing better than to listen in on her private conversations.
One guard split from the rest when we stopped and stood close enough to hear, he was her personal bodyguard...fairly important I suppose.
"Is there something I can help you with sir?" She said in a serene tone
"Me and my partner here are looking for work...we heard you might be the one to talk to." I said, as if I were desperately seeking a job
"I might have something...tell me, what can you do?" She asked
"Well I'm a very talented negotiator...you'll find that I can be quite persuasive when it comes to dealing with stubborn politicians and those...undesirables that might cause trouble for you." I said, trying to be as much like an assassin as I could be
"What is your name?" She asked, seemingly genuinely interested in me
"They call me Deagan." I said truthfully, knowing that it wasn't likely that she would mention me to any of her political friends...after all I was an assassin
"I like your company Deagan, meet with me at my estate and we shall discuss a job I might want you to do...if you truly are interested then you can find your own way." She said in a seductive tone and placed her hand on my shoulder as she walked away behind me
"My lady are you sure you want scum like that coming to your home?" One guard asked quietly, unaware that I could still hear him
"Don't worry about him, I think we'll find a some use for his skills...men offering those types of services are hard to come by." She said in a whisper
Knowing that I'd apparently impressed her, I smiled at Falen as we walked away. We would have a drink at the bar and then go to her estate shortly after. I didn't know when the opportunity to kill her would appear but in case it was soon I would have one last drink at the tavern before heading out...it wasn't likely that I would be able to escape the palace if it was a trap.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I plotted out every possible way that I might kill her but no matter which scenario I pondered, it always turned out with me being overwhelmed by guards and falling in combat. Though a valiant way to end my life, it was not the most desirable and so I decided to do something I hated doing more than anything...waiting. There was no viable reason for me to sacrifice my own life for the greater good, especially considering everyone would think I was little more than an assassin and I would receive no credit for my efforts. If I were to kill her now without explanation, my cause would be lost.
It was also possible that if I killed her and then died shortly after, she would be replaced by someone as bad if not worse than herself. That is why I would do it carefully, allowing Quin to take her place and let him reveal her dark intentions to rule Tamriel and the evil plans I'd foiled.
I slowly walked toward the platform and pushed my way through the crowd to listen to her speech. Atop the wooden stand that had been assembled next to the fountain was a beautiful woman with long black hair, an extravagantly designed black dress, and a voice like that of an empress, truly one that could sway the people with little more than words. As she spoke I felt nearly entranced, like I'd never felt before.
"My brave citizens of Cyrodiil, we have been through some difficult times as of late, tragedies that will be remembered in our history for years to come. The assassinations of my fellow councilors came as a great surprise to me, and an even greater cost to our beautiful nation. Without leaders like the wise men and women that counseled this place after the emperor fell, I fear that the world we know is in great peril."
She paused, her soft voice washed over the crowd as the ocean washes onto the sand of a beach, the attention of all those within the audience lost at sea. I had heard of public speakers that seemed to have a magical way of grabbing the attention of the people before them but this was amazing even for the most diplomatic Imperial. Such simple words seemed like so much more and even I almost felt like supporting her. After all, she did not look like one that would be willing to kill those around her for power, but the sources of evil worked in strange ways that I could never understand.
"The ways we once knew, of emperors and councilors running the government is gone now...and a new leader must be appointed. A strong leader, both in mind and spirit, to help us through these difficult times. I would like to ask you, the people of cyrodiil, for your permission to take control of this dreadful situation, to right the wrongs in this nation, and to lead us into a brighter future than that which currently lies before us."
The crowd began to clap and cheer after a moment, suddenly starting with one man's applaud and spreading like a plague among the countless others that had gathered there. Among the crowd I noticed a hooded man with an almost familiar look about him...he looked to me and motioned for me to follow him to a nearby building.
I cautiously followed behind the man with my hand near my blade. We entered an old warehouse, lined with crates and dust, seemingly abandoned. He pulled back the hood and before me stood my companion, Falen.
"I was afraid you wouldn't be here...I mean after you disappeared in the woods outside of camp I worried you'd abandoned us." He said
"It wasn't my fault...I was...captured." I stated plainly
"Captured? Well I'm glad you made it here in any case, here's our equipment." He smiled as he picked up a crowbar
We both worked to open the old crate next to us marked "tools" and slowly lifted the lid off of it, revealing our supplies. Among the large amount of hay inside the container were several carefully stashed bottles of poison, a few arrows, and a small silver dagger.
"You take the dagger, I prefer my own." I said calmly
He nodded and took the dagger, putting it through the loop of his belt. We split the arrows and took one bottle of poison each.
"Right, here's what we do...approach Tamira after the ceremony and convince her we're assassins." He stated with a smile
"Shouldn't be too hard..." I said looking at myself in a dusty old mirror nearby
A strange smile crossed my face as I looked at the dark clothes I wore and my sinister appearance. It wasn't likely that Tamira would doubt that I was an assassin, I looked like the worst scum this side of Morrowind...or the best if it served your purpose to hire one such as myself. Hell I wouldn't have trusted myself with a dagger or money back then.
I left the warehouse with Falen at my side, approaching Tamira slowly to avoid angering her personal guards...I knew that walking quickly would cause the guards around her to think I was an assassin, and they would likely attack.
"Excuse me miss." I said calmly
Her guards looked at me uneasily...almost like they wanted me to try something. I bowed to her to show my respect and she motioned for me to follow. We walked toward the edge of the forest nearby, her guards followed but stayed out of earshot, knowing better than to listen in on her private conversations.
One guard split from the rest when we stopped and stood close enough to hear, he was her personal bodyguard...fairly important I suppose.
"Is there something I can help you with sir?" She said in a serene tone
"Me and my partner here are looking for work...we heard you might be the one to talk to." I said, as if I were desperately seeking a job
"I might have something...tell me, what can you do?" She asked
"Well I'm a very talented negotiator...you'll find that I can be quite persuasive when it comes to dealing with stubborn politicians and those...undesirables that might cause trouble for you." I said, trying to be as much like an assassin as I could be
"What is your name?" She asked, seemingly genuinely interested in me
"They call me Deagan." I said truthfully, knowing that it wasn't likely that she would mention me to any of her political friends...after all I was an assassin
"I like your company Deagan, meet with me at my estate and we shall discuss a job I might want you to do...if you truly are interested then you can find your own way." She said in a seductive tone and placed her hand on my shoulder as she walked away behind me
"My lady are you sure you want scum like that coming to your home?" One guard asked quietly, unaware that I could still hear him
"Don't worry about him, I think we'll find a some use for his skills...men offering those types of services are hard to come by." She said in a whisper
Knowing that I'd apparently impressed her, I smiled at Falen as we walked away. We would have a drink at the bar and then go to her estate shortly after. I didn't know when the opportunity to kill her would appear but in case it was soon I would have one last drink at the tavern before heading out...it wasn't likely that I would be able to escape the palace if it was a trap.
QUOTE
just doesn't seem right not to continue it.
I couldn't agree more, Kiln. Your stuff is always a great read and with this update we get more good stuff.
It'll be interesting to see what goes down at Tamira's estate, especially given her talent at speaking and seduction. Hopefully our would-be assassins are strong-willed.
I don't think I'll be going anywhere soon, so I'm sure I'll be here the next time you decide to update. Which is totally up to you.
Thank you Kiln for continuing. I am one of the new readers and have just read from beginning to here this fascinating tale. I can't wait to read more 
Woo Hoo- Update! Eh-hem. Sorry- must maintain proper literary decorum. You know, sometimes a story just gets a hold on you and you have to write it. You may think you can walk away- but....
So glad to see more of Deagan. I love your descriptions, the feelings and thoughts of the character, the ambiguity of the plot....
So glad to see more of Deagan. I love your descriptions, the feelings and thoughts of the character, the ambiguity of the plot....
Glad to know I still have a few readers, there are few people that remain on these forums and even fewer that read my writing these days so you all have my thanks for your comments and those of you who do not comment as well just for reading along.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 5: Wrong Place, Wrong Time
Falen and I made our way to one of the many taverns in the city and drank merrily among the other patrons, enjoying ourselves as much as we could before we would set out for Tamira's manor. My mind flowed from one thing to the next and I paid little attention to the things around me. The sounds of singing and laughing filled the air of the place as well as the occasional sound of mead hitting the floor during toasts...it truly was a place to lose your troubles.
Falen sat next to me drinking peacefully and humming along with an age old bar song that every self respecting drinker knew. I remembered it from when I was much younger, my father used to sing it while working in the forge. The song wasn't particularly interesting unless one was incredibly drunk...that is likely why it was so popular.
As I was deep in thought, a large drunken man approached me, pushing me from my stool at the side of the bar with ease. I fell to the floor, grabbing my dagger from my boot, rolling, and getting to my feet as quickly as I could. With a threatening look I pointed my dagger toward the chest of my attacker in anger. The man before me was an incredibly large Nord that was equipped much like a common mercenary but looked twice as strong and ten times as arrogant. Among every amazing bar, was at least one amazingly stupid jerk.
"Stay out of my seat weakling, this is Boryn's place at the bar." He said threateningly
"Watch your tongue Nord, you don't need enemies like me." I barked quickly
"What will you do Imperial? Cut me? With such a short blade? Are you too afraid to fight fair with one like me tiny man?" He asked nearly laughing
I put my blade away and shook off the rage building inside of me, I wasn't about to be bullied by this Nord, but I had no wish to fight him if it could be avoided.
"I have little time for this, Nord. Go about your business and have a drink, on me." I said turning to the bar and taking a drink from my mug
I stood calmly and did not move from in front of the stool. He pushed me angrily, causing me to stumble. People cleared a large circle in the middle of the tavern, knowing what was about to happen...it was likely that this Nord was a regular at the tavern and they all expected that he would start a fight, regardless of what I had said or where I'd chosen to sit.
Without missing a beat I lunged forward after regaining my footing and planted my fist on the left side of his face, turning his head slightly. As he looked back at me he smiled, swinging incredibly hard for my face and missing because of my expert ability to move from the path of danger. I wiped the smile from his face with another quick jab to his chin and followed it with an uppercut to his torso.
His arrogant smile was gone now and he swung wildly trying to hit me but was unable, partly because of his drunken state and partly because of my agility. I sidestepped each swing perfectly with little effort. I was beginning to feel invincible with each hit that I landed on him and each punch I leaned out of. Thats when one of the Nord's friends stepped in and pushed me. Unexpectedly, I fell forward into a dangerous punch that caused me to hit the floor instantly. I saw Falen hit the man that pushed me and they began to fight as well in the background.
The Nord sat on my stomach and grabbed my throat, hitting me repeatedly in the face, each hit causing my vision to become black for a split second. I couldn't allow him to stay on me much longer or I wouldn't be able to remain conscious. A moment later I brought my legs up and wrapped them around his face, bringing the back of his head down to the floor below me with as much power as I could muster. I got to my feet and watched as he slowly pushed himself up and took a knee as if he was in great pain.
I smiled as I drew back to hit him, the hit that would take him to the floor and leave me standing over him as the victor. As I threw my arm forward he moved from the path of my swing, stepped to my side, and landed a devastating blow to the side of my head all in one fluid motion. As I fell to the floor I saw Falen kicking his opponent in the ribs as the man lay on the floor before him. The nord man laughed and kicked me in the side with astonishing strength before sitting down at the edge of the table next to me.
The guards rushed in to stop the disturbance at that time, grabbing Falen and throwing him against the wall. One of the patrons quickly rushed to our aid and explained what had happened, as well as what usually happens when someone sits in Boryn’s seat at the pub.
I was helped to my feet and the Nord was given a hefty fine but little more was done…Imperial officials were easily bribed with money. After a few minutes the Nord left and another man followed him outside. I watched the two pass by a window facing the alleyway right outside the tavern and for some reason decided to investigate.
I motioned for Falen to follow and we left the tavern, slowly making our way to the corner leading into the dark path between the buildings. We warily watched the scene unfold in the alleyway from the edge of the wall. The darkness masked our presence but a glimmer of light from a nearby building allowed us to see the two men clearly.
After a moment the two began to walk away from us together and the smaller man rested his arm on the Nord’s shoulder like a close friend would. Just as I decided that nothing was happening the smaller man wrapped his arm around the Nord’s neck and sliced the man’s throat. The unexpected change from friend to murderer caught me off guard and I snapped.
I pulled my blade and stepped around the corner quickly.
“Hey!” I yelled to get the man's attention
I walked quickly toward him and Falen followed close behind me. With a quick jab I managed to pierce the killer’s arm, covering my blade in blood. He yelled and he kicked me in the stomach, causing me to fall backwards into Falen and then to the ground. During the brief period that I was on the wet, stone floor of the alleyway the killer managed to escape into the darkness.
That was when the “Empire’s finest” arrived in the alley with torches to find me and Falen hovering over Boryn‘s body. It was perfect for the real killer…I mean here I was with blood on my sword next to a dead Nord that I’d just had a fight with a few moments before…after all, who would believe that I had saw someone kill him and then I’d stabbed his murderer before he ran away all in just a few seconds?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 5: Wrong Place, Wrong Time
Falen and I made our way to one of the many taverns in the city and drank merrily among the other patrons, enjoying ourselves as much as we could before we would set out for Tamira's manor. My mind flowed from one thing to the next and I paid little attention to the things around me. The sounds of singing and laughing filled the air of the place as well as the occasional sound of mead hitting the floor during toasts...it truly was a place to lose your troubles.
Falen sat next to me drinking peacefully and humming along with an age old bar song that every self respecting drinker knew. I remembered it from when I was much younger, my father used to sing it while working in the forge. The song wasn't particularly interesting unless one was incredibly drunk...that is likely why it was so popular.
As I was deep in thought, a large drunken man approached me, pushing me from my stool at the side of the bar with ease. I fell to the floor, grabbing my dagger from my boot, rolling, and getting to my feet as quickly as I could. With a threatening look I pointed my dagger toward the chest of my attacker in anger. The man before me was an incredibly large Nord that was equipped much like a common mercenary but looked twice as strong and ten times as arrogant. Among every amazing bar, was at least one amazingly stupid jerk.
"Stay out of my seat weakling, this is Boryn's place at the bar." He said threateningly
"Watch your tongue Nord, you don't need enemies like me." I barked quickly
"What will you do Imperial? Cut me? With such a short blade? Are you too afraid to fight fair with one like me tiny man?" He asked nearly laughing
I put my blade away and shook off the rage building inside of me, I wasn't about to be bullied by this Nord, but I had no wish to fight him if it could be avoided.
"I have little time for this, Nord. Go about your business and have a drink, on me." I said turning to the bar and taking a drink from my mug
I stood calmly and did not move from in front of the stool. He pushed me angrily, causing me to stumble. People cleared a large circle in the middle of the tavern, knowing what was about to happen...it was likely that this Nord was a regular at the tavern and they all expected that he would start a fight, regardless of what I had said or where I'd chosen to sit.
Without missing a beat I lunged forward after regaining my footing and planted my fist on the left side of his face, turning his head slightly. As he looked back at me he smiled, swinging incredibly hard for my face and missing because of my expert ability to move from the path of danger. I wiped the smile from his face with another quick jab to his chin and followed it with an uppercut to his torso.
His arrogant smile was gone now and he swung wildly trying to hit me but was unable, partly because of his drunken state and partly because of my agility. I sidestepped each swing perfectly with little effort. I was beginning to feel invincible with each hit that I landed on him and each punch I leaned out of. Thats when one of the Nord's friends stepped in and pushed me. Unexpectedly, I fell forward into a dangerous punch that caused me to hit the floor instantly. I saw Falen hit the man that pushed me and they began to fight as well in the background.
The Nord sat on my stomach and grabbed my throat, hitting me repeatedly in the face, each hit causing my vision to become black for a split second. I couldn't allow him to stay on me much longer or I wouldn't be able to remain conscious. A moment later I brought my legs up and wrapped them around his face, bringing the back of his head down to the floor below me with as much power as I could muster. I got to my feet and watched as he slowly pushed himself up and took a knee as if he was in great pain.
I smiled as I drew back to hit him, the hit that would take him to the floor and leave me standing over him as the victor. As I threw my arm forward he moved from the path of my swing, stepped to my side, and landed a devastating blow to the side of my head all in one fluid motion. As I fell to the floor I saw Falen kicking his opponent in the ribs as the man lay on the floor before him. The nord man laughed and kicked me in the side with astonishing strength before sitting down at the edge of the table next to me.
The guards rushed in to stop the disturbance at that time, grabbing Falen and throwing him against the wall. One of the patrons quickly rushed to our aid and explained what had happened, as well as what usually happens when someone sits in Boryn’s seat at the pub.
I was helped to my feet and the Nord was given a hefty fine but little more was done…Imperial officials were easily bribed with money. After a few minutes the Nord left and another man followed him outside. I watched the two pass by a window facing the alleyway right outside the tavern and for some reason decided to investigate.
I motioned for Falen to follow and we left the tavern, slowly making our way to the corner leading into the dark path between the buildings. We warily watched the scene unfold in the alleyway from the edge of the wall. The darkness masked our presence but a glimmer of light from a nearby building allowed us to see the two men clearly.
After a moment the two began to walk away from us together and the smaller man rested his arm on the Nord’s shoulder like a close friend would. Just as I decided that nothing was happening the smaller man wrapped his arm around the Nord’s neck and sliced the man’s throat. The unexpected change from friend to murderer caught me off guard and I snapped.
I pulled my blade and stepped around the corner quickly.
“Hey!” I yelled to get the man's attention
I walked quickly toward him and Falen followed close behind me. With a quick jab I managed to pierce the killer’s arm, covering my blade in blood. He yelled and he kicked me in the stomach, causing me to fall backwards into Falen and then to the ground. During the brief period that I was on the wet, stone floor of the alleyway the killer managed to escape into the darkness.
That was when the “Empire’s finest” arrived in the alley with torches to find me and Falen hovering over Boryn‘s body. It was perfect for the real killer…I mean here I was with blood on my sword next to a dead Nord that I’d just had a fight with a few moments before…after all, who would believe that I had saw someone kill him and then I’d stabbed his murderer before he ran away all in just a few seconds?
"The wrong place at the wrong time" indeed. It seems almost certain that they will believe he did the killing, so I'm very curious to see what happens next.
Thanks for giving us another update. I have tried to comment regularly, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. I just wanted to make sure that you knew that I still look forward to every update.
Thanks for giving us another update. I have tried to comment regularly, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. I just wanted to make sure that you knew that I still look forward to every update.
I love reading the fanfiction. Awsome stuff Kiln!
Excellent bar fight Kiln. I could follow each swing effortlessly, which is good!
I, too, am curious to find out what's going to happen to Deagan now with the Imperial Guard finding standing by a dead body. This situation does not bode well in my books...
I, too, am curious to find out what's going to happen to Deagan now with the Imperial Guard finding standing by a dead body. This situation does not bode well in my books...
From the frying pan into the fire. This is not his lucky day.
The Good - Having a nice drink in a bar.
The Bad - Getting into a fistfight in said bar with a hardy Nord.
The Ugly - Getting framed for the murder of the man that cleaned your clock.
I actually winced in pain when the Guards showed up to see the situation. I wonder how this will turn out and will wait, eager to read the next update. Great job Kiln, very well done!
The Bad - Getting into a fistfight in said bar with a hardy Nord.
The Ugly - Getting framed for the murder of the man that cleaned your clock.
I actually winced in pain when the Guards showed up to see the situation. I wonder how this will turn out and will wait, eager to read the next update. Great job Kiln, very well done!
QUOTE(Taillus @ Nov 16 2006, 01:53 AM) 
The Good - Having a nice drink in a bar.
The Bad - Getting into a fistfight in said bar with a hardy Nord.
The Ugly - Getting framed for the murder of the man that cleaned your clock.
I actually winced in pain when the Guards showed up to see the situation. I wonder how this will turn out and will wait, eager to read the next update. Great job Kiln, very well done!
What he said! A tribute to Mr Oven
Well here's the next part. Enjoy...or don't its your choice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next thing I knew the guard had yelled for backup and there was an alley full of legion soldiers before me, in such a small city it didn't take long for all of them to arrive. The light from all the torches was blinding in the darkness and I slowly walked backwards. Falen and I were backed up against the wall of the alleyway, swords drawn...there was no way out, both possible exits had been blocked by guards.
"Drop your weapons!" A guard yelled
I pointed my blade at him quickly, shaking with anticipation of what would happen and fear. I took a deep breath, swallowed what felt like razor blades, and looked to Falen. He stood bravely beside me, seemingly unshaken by recent events...ready to fight beside me, ready to die beside me. I looked to my sword and then back to the mass of soldiers before us. There was no way I could take all of these guards, not even with Falen at my side. No going out in a blaze of glory for me...not today at least.
I slowly lowered my steel sword and let the tip touch the ground before releasing the hilt. Falen looked surprised by my actions but he did the same. It wasn't an easy decision for me to surrender but fighting all of them was not an option.
"Good choice kid...now kick your weapons toward us and raise your hands into the air." The guard said in a persuasive tone
I reluctantly kicked the blade away and slowly lifted my hands into the air. Falen did the same and two of the guards grabbed us, tying our arms together behind our backs and leading us toward the prison. The men were surprisingly calm and didn't use much force...then again I didn't give them reason to. I cooperated fully as we walked the short distance to the local prison. The streets were empty, none of the citizens were outside and the city had a much different feel to it when you were walking toward a prison.
I didn't admire the street lamps, nor did I think of the beauty of the wet stones beneath my feet. The only thought that crossed my mind was the fact that I was going to be locked up without a way out. Perhaps never to see the light of day again.
Once there I was sat in a small stone room and tied down tightly to a chair that was bolted to the floor. This place was the typical interrogation room...it was dark, dirty, and smelled like a mixture of urine, old blood, and body odor. As I began to wonder what was taking so long a large man emerged from the steel door, closing it quickly behind him and then slowly hobbled over to the chair across the table. He placed a large book before him and opened it quickly.
"Well my friend it seems that you have been charged with the murder of one 'Boryn Gray-Locks' and are sentenced to death on this day of the following week." He said as he read from the book
"But I didn't even..." I started but he cut me off before I could get another word in
"It has been confirmed that you fought with him just moments before inside the bar, that was your motive for murdering him." He said
If I'd known that I was going to be blamed for his murder I would've just killed the honoured user in the bar fight and saved my dignity.
"What is your name?" He asked
I hesitated for a moment and then told him. As I tried to explain the truth of what had happened he interrupted me once again. I was beginning to get rather impatient with him and even a bit angry.
"I care little for your excuses Deagan, in all my years working at the prison none of the murderers have ever been guilty according to their accounts and I don't expect that you are much different...you are scum that would do anything to escape the punishment you deserve. Accept your fate murderer."
I understood at that point that no matter what I said he would still find me guilty and I would be killed next week. I decided that I was done cooperating since nothing I told him would have any effect on my sentencing. In the Imperial City I would've gotten a real trial but in a small town like this I got the local executioner.
"What were you doing in the alleyway behind the Northern Light Inn?" He asked
I sat silently for a moment before he stood up and leaned toward me threateningly.
"Answer the question." He said angrily
"I was waiting for someone." I stammered
"Who were you waiting for?" He asked
"Well you see...a while back your mother and I met at a local market...every since we've been meeting outside the Inn for..." I started with a smile but the guard caught on to where the conversation was going and planted his fist between my nose and mouth, hitting both due to the size of his hand
As a steady stream of blood ran into my mouth I winced in pain as I realised that my nose was broken and a large gash had opened within my mouth. I spat the blood building inside of my mouth onto the floor and looked back to the man. He wiped my blood onto his pants and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.
"Lets try this again..." He said in an almost sinister voice
The interrogation went on for hours and I gave him nothing...there was nothing for me to tell since I didn't even kill the damn Nord. Even if I had known something I wouldn't have told this man. He continued to beat me until I was barely conscious and then called for the other guards to drag me to my cell. My feet barely dragged the ground as I was carried to my cell and thrown inside.
My limp body hit the floor and I crawled to the center of the room onto a small bedroll. I sprawled out on the bedroll trying to picture myself somewhere else to take my mind off the pain but there was no escape. I laid there for several minutes before I crawled a few feet and pushed myself up against the wall of the room.
I gently touched my nose and found where the bone had separated. My body tensed up and shook in anticipation of the agony that was about to come when I grabbed my nose and pushed broken bone back into position. My eyes watered and a dull cry of pain escaped my mouth as I tried to move my left shoulder...it had been purposefully dislocated by the executioner.
I always secretly wanted to see what it was like in prison but from my experience I think it would've been better to wonder what it was like. I curled up on the bedroll and stared at the stone wall next to me, not even attempting to sleep...it wasn't possible.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next thing I knew the guard had yelled for backup and there was an alley full of legion soldiers before me, in such a small city it didn't take long for all of them to arrive. The light from all the torches was blinding in the darkness and I slowly walked backwards. Falen and I were backed up against the wall of the alleyway, swords drawn...there was no way out, both possible exits had been blocked by guards.
"Drop your weapons!" A guard yelled
I pointed my blade at him quickly, shaking with anticipation of what would happen and fear. I took a deep breath, swallowed what felt like razor blades, and looked to Falen. He stood bravely beside me, seemingly unshaken by recent events...ready to fight beside me, ready to die beside me. I looked to my sword and then back to the mass of soldiers before us. There was no way I could take all of these guards, not even with Falen at my side. No going out in a blaze of glory for me...not today at least.
I slowly lowered my steel sword and let the tip touch the ground before releasing the hilt. Falen looked surprised by my actions but he did the same. It wasn't an easy decision for me to surrender but fighting all of them was not an option.
"Good choice kid...now kick your weapons toward us and raise your hands into the air." The guard said in a persuasive tone
I reluctantly kicked the blade away and slowly lifted my hands into the air. Falen did the same and two of the guards grabbed us, tying our arms together behind our backs and leading us toward the prison. The men were surprisingly calm and didn't use much force...then again I didn't give them reason to. I cooperated fully as we walked the short distance to the local prison. The streets were empty, none of the citizens were outside and the city had a much different feel to it when you were walking toward a prison.
I didn't admire the street lamps, nor did I think of the beauty of the wet stones beneath my feet. The only thought that crossed my mind was the fact that I was going to be locked up without a way out. Perhaps never to see the light of day again.
Once there I was sat in a small stone room and tied down tightly to a chair that was bolted to the floor. This place was the typical interrogation room...it was dark, dirty, and smelled like a mixture of urine, old blood, and body odor. As I began to wonder what was taking so long a large man emerged from the steel door, closing it quickly behind him and then slowly hobbled over to the chair across the table. He placed a large book before him and opened it quickly.
"Well my friend it seems that you have been charged with the murder of one 'Boryn Gray-Locks' and are sentenced to death on this day of the following week." He said as he read from the book
"But I didn't even..." I started but he cut me off before I could get another word in
"It has been confirmed that you fought with him just moments before inside the bar, that was your motive for murdering him." He said
If I'd known that I was going to be blamed for his murder I would've just killed the honoured user in the bar fight and saved my dignity.
"What is your name?" He asked
I hesitated for a moment and then told him. As I tried to explain the truth of what had happened he interrupted me once again. I was beginning to get rather impatient with him and even a bit angry.
"I care little for your excuses Deagan, in all my years working at the prison none of the murderers have ever been guilty according to their accounts and I don't expect that you are much different...you are scum that would do anything to escape the punishment you deserve. Accept your fate murderer."
I understood at that point that no matter what I said he would still find me guilty and I would be killed next week. I decided that I was done cooperating since nothing I told him would have any effect on my sentencing. In the Imperial City I would've gotten a real trial but in a small town like this I got the local executioner.
"What were you doing in the alleyway behind the Northern Light Inn?" He asked
I sat silently for a moment before he stood up and leaned toward me threateningly.
"Answer the question." He said angrily
"I was waiting for someone." I stammered
"Who were you waiting for?" He asked
"Well you see...a while back your mother and I met at a local market...every since we've been meeting outside the Inn for..." I started with a smile but the guard caught on to where the conversation was going and planted his fist between my nose and mouth, hitting both due to the size of his hand
As a steady stream of blood ran into my mouth I winced in pain as I realised that my nose was broken and a large gash had opened within my mouth. I spat the blood building inside of my mouth onto the floor and looked back to the man. He wiped my blood onto his pants and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.
"Lets try this again..." He said in an almost sinister voice
The interrogation went on for hours and I gave him nothing...there was nothing for me to tell since I didn't even kill the damn Nord. Even if I had known something I wouldn't have told this man. He continued to beat me until I was barely conscious and then called for the other guards to drag me to my cell. My feet barely dragged the ground as I was carried to my cell and thrown inside.
My limp body hit the floor and I crawled to the center of the room onto a small bedroll. I sprawled out on the bedroll trying to picture myself somewhere else to take my mind off the pain but there was no escape. I laid there for several minutes before I crawled a few feet and pushed myself up against the wall of the room.
I gently touched my nose and found where the bone had separated. My body tensed up and shook in anticipation of the agony that was about to come when I grabbed my nose and pushed broken bone back into position. My eyes watered and a dull cry of pain escaped my mouth as I tried to move my left shoulder...it had been purposefully dislocated by the executioner.
I always secretly wanted to see what it was like in prison but from my experience I think it would've been better to wonder what it was like. I curled up on the bedroll and stared at the stone wall next to me, not even attempting to sleep...it wasn't possible.
Poor Deagan, he's stuck in a very difficult posistion at the moment. Hopefully he can figure out a way to get out of it. He only has a week! Eeek!
You're making this into a nail biter Kiln!
You're making this into a nail biter Kiln!
You've done an excellent job of making us feel very bad for Deagan. I hope the guards don't treat him like this every day.
I must inform you all that I will no longer be continuing this story as I no longer have the time to do so. I hope you've enjoyed it to this point but I just don't have the time to continue, this is the first I've been able to log on in quite some time and I doubt I'm going to be able to do so very often.
That's unfortunate, Kiln, but understandable. I did enjoy reading this story up to this point. You are an excellent writer.
Hopefully in the near future, you're real life will cool down a little bit to at least allow to visit us every now and then. Heck, maybe you'll have enough time on your hands to ressurrect this story. But that might just be wishful thinking on my part.
Anyways, good luck with your future endeavors! Stop by every once and a wile and say hi!
Hopefully in the near future, you're real life will cool down a little bit to at least allow to visit us every now and then. Heck, maybe you'll have enough time on your hands to ressurrect this story. But that might just be wishful thinking on my part.
Anyways, good luck with your future endeavors! Stop by every once and a wile and say hi!
I´m so sorry to hear that Mr Oven, but I do understand that life sometimes take turns that we can´t rule over. I´ve enjoyed it and I´ve enjoyed you being around, so I do hope you´ll pop in here sometimes and say hello!
Good Luck to you anyway and may you achieve what you have afore you!
Good Luck to you anyway and may you achieve what you have afore you!
I am also sad to hear that, but I completely understand. I haven't been able to spend as much time here as I would like either; RL just gets too busy sometimes.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.