So let's kick this chapter off shall we? A small bit of info at what's to come further in the series: At the end of this chapter, Arthago will move to a whole new province and I think many of you already know which province it is. Anyway, let's enjoy Hammerfell while it lasts shall we?

~~~
After the defeat of Lord Vhosek's rebellion, things went back to normal in all of Hammerfell. Some local kings and rulers however, seeing that Lord Vhosek managed to battle the King and even defeat him, albeit for a short time, started a fight against King Lhotun's rule as well. Since I was one of the highest ranking knights in Sentinel, with the exception of Marshal Daron and a few other senior knights of the order, I was often sent to these small kingdoms to stop the rebellions. The first kingdom to revolt, a few years after Vhosek's uprising, was the small kingdom of Santaki which was close to the Dragontail mountains. I was sent there, together with a few other knights below my rank, to stop the rebellion.

We arrived there after a few days ride. The capital of the small kingdom was the town with the same name, Santaki. The kingdom, albeit small, had its own knightly order, the order of the Hawk. That meant that the Kingdom had some importance in the politics of Hammerfell but it also meant that other smaller kingdoms may gather around Santaki and fight against Sentinel. I never really understood why Redguards or men in general fight eachother if there's no other foe to fight against. Maybe to heighten their skills? No, the answer was quite simple really. For Power. Once a man got ahold of better, he never could really let go of it. The more power you have the more power you crave. King Lhotun obviously had too much power for the regional kingdoms to bear, so they rebelled against him. Quite simple if you look at it from a political point of view.

The capital was a rather big town. It was quite smaller than Sentinel though but bigger than any other town I had seen before. The seal of the order that was etched on my cuirass was concealed by a cloak and so were the seals of the knights under my command. I didn't want someone to see that knights from Sentinel had arrived to settle affairs with Santaki. The palace was not a big or tall building, it was merely three storeys high. I could see an open balcony leading to the throne room at the last floor. There were also knights of the Hawk standing guard near the palace. Even though they came from an issolated kingdom such as Santaki those knights looked fierce.

Once we reached the gate of the palace, a knight stopped us to ask us of our business with their king. I didn't exactly think of an excuse on the way so I had to improvise.
"We come from Sentinel to bring word on King Lhotun's movements." I said in an official tone.

"Sentinel eh? Why do you have to bring the news to the King personally? I thought that sir Greklith was in charge of intelligence." the knight said with a suspicious voice. He was also constantly looking at my knights who were behind me.

"Our duties are to transmit this information to his Majesty personally." I said, trying to keep the lie going. He seemed to believe me.

"Very well then. If the King specificaly required that you meet him I won't interfere. Carry on!" the guard said as he opened the gate. How polite of him! I'm sure that he will be pounding his head after I slay his treacherous king.

A few minutes later we were standing in front of the king of Santaki. He was a man close to old age with a small beard and long, flowing, hair. He looked at me and my men with his brown eyes and asked what my business was in Santaki. He seemed confused and I felt sorry to slay him because he looked like an innocent man.

"What is your business in Santaki, travellers?" the king asked.

"We come from Sentinel with news and counsel." I said, with a soft tone that calmed him down a little.

"Counsel? What counsel? I think I can handle my own kingdom, despite my advancing age." the king said with a hostile voice. Alright so he didn't like advice. It wasn't as if he had much choice when it came to the advice I was about to give him.

"King Lhotun of Sentinel advises you to lay down your outrageous claims and slanders against him. He also advises you that uprisings are very dangerous for men of advanced age such as your fine self." I said in a cold voice.

"Men as myself? King Lhotun now mocks me! I will not lay down my just claims! Hammerfell must be free!" the old king shouted.

"The king of Ephesus had the same opinion regarding the King's counsel. He dissapeared shortly after he made his opinions public and his cousin now peacefuly rules the kingdom. I would not want the same happening to yourself." I said, trying to scare the old king.

"I know why you're here. Lhotun sent his assassins after me. He is a coward not to face me in just battle!" the old king shouted.

"Neither I nor his Majesty see a brave, young King fighting against an old man as a just battle. I think you will agree with our opinions." I said with a sarcastic tone. This man was really pushing my indulgence to the very limit.

"Your king is a filthy coward! And so are his men!" the old man shouted.

Before the old king could say another word he fell down on the floor. His throat was pierced by a small dart. Blood started flowing shortly until it reached our feet. Our job was done! Slaying old men with darts really wasn't my style but at least it payed well, well enough to manage the estate that Lord Vhosek left me. Before the guards could react we were already outside the palace and into the crowded streets of the city.

Once we reached the gatehouse, one of the knights under my command entered as the others, myself included, exited the city. Shortly after, the guard inside the gathehouse fell out of a small window. The knight inside had done his job well. He was more lightly armoured than the rest of us and he was adept in sneaking around and stabbing people when they weren't looking. He then fired a flaming arrow into the sky. The army waiting for us outside soon stormed the town with the gates open. The town guards and even the knights of the Hawk surrendered once they saw what was pouring through their open gates. The King would be pleased to hear of my actions, conquering a town without any loses and slaying a king without anyone noticing. Being an assassin though, didn't quite fit me. I lusted for the thrill of battle again. I had not fought anyone since Vhosek's rebellion. I had to return to Sentinel to report my deeds and receive my rewards anyway. I wonder what Marshal Daron has to say? I had not spoken with him since the days of the rebellion and I was anxious to speak with him again.


~~~
That's it for the start of the chapter! I've followed advice and have used spaces between dialogue lines, tell me if you like it how it is now or if you liked it more the way it was before.

M_mm....I liked it.

And interestign start, and I cant wait for more...please give us more when you see fit...(that means NOW...)

Thanks for starting on another chapter.

I can tell you that Arathor of Athay will appear in this chapter too since you seemed to like the little guy. He was the Bosmer pirate from captain Thassad's ship for those who can't remember. I hope you'll continue to like the following updates.

It's a good start. So Arthago doesn't quite like his current job, well I can't blame him. I would hate this myself. But then, I am a big coward.

Very good Griffie! I really like you to write like that with more space between dialogue lines! Makes it much easier to read for an old Wise Woman like me!

Very good beginning of chapter 3!

Very Interesting! I expect you to write somemore (or else an invasion of will begin) Lol, good writing!

Great work here Griff, this part was well written and easier to read with more spacing.

The way the old man was dealt with was rather harsh and also amusing at the same time. Very interesting so keep it up Griff.

Sorry for not writing in some time. School has begun anew so I will be busy in the future. Here's the update anyway!


~~~
After a few days of travel, the walls of Sentinel rose before me like mountains out of the desert. After I entered the city the first thing I had in mind was to pay Marshal Daron a visit. We had not spoken in a long time. His house was, as ever, in its state of disrepair and the Marshal didn't seem to care about it much. I knocked on his door.

"Who goes there?" a rough voice asked through the door.

"Arthago of Vulnim Gate." I said in an official tone. The door soon opened to reveal the Marshal. His beard was unshaven and he seemed tired.

"Ah, Arthago! It's a pleasure to see you again. I haven't seen you since the Rebellion. By the gods, I thought you died. Come in!" Marshal Daron said as his face lightened up.

"So how goes it Marshal?" I asked after I entered his house. I sat down on a wooden chair near his table. He did the same.

"Things have been going as they always have been. I have some good news and some bad news for you though. Tomorrow is your 24th birthday is it not?" Marshal Daron asked. I wonder what bad news he had in mind?

"Yes, as a matter of fact, it is tomorrow. What's the news then?" I asked.

"I have talked with Grandmaster K'avar and you will be advanced to the rank of Marshal in the order, as a gift for your birthday." the Marshal said.

"That is excellent news Marshal! But, wasn't the order allowed to have just one Marshal? How can there be two?" I asked in a confused voice. Marshal Daron started looking out the window.

"All my life I have served this fine Kingdom. I have served King Camaron, Queen Akorithi and their son, King Lhotun. I have spilt blood for my Kingdom and my King. I think I have had enough of this life. It is time for others to take my place. You have been my greatest pupil Arthago. I remember the day you first came to me, a young man with an uncertain future. You have grown up. It is now time for you to take my place as Marshal of the Order. I shall honourably retire from the affairs of the Order." Marshal Daron said, with a slight tear in his eye.

"And what will you do for a living?" I asked with a slight tear as well.

"I have gathered enough money from my wages to create a small establishment. I don't know a great many things except taking the lives of other people so I'm not sure what to do exactly." Marshal Daron said. He was unsure of his future and it was easy to see.

"A butcher's shop perhaps? It's not that hard to hack into the flesh of beasts and alot of people go to butcher shops to buy their food. If you wish I will help you in this business Marshal because I don't wish that veterans like you have nothing to do." I said, trying to help his decision.

"Yes, a butcher's shop will do. I know a few veterans that have also retired from duty and are unsure what to do with their money. I will talk to them and perhaps we will create an association of some sort." the Marshal said with a slight smile.

"You should give cheaper food to veterans like yourselves. That should get more people to come to the store and buy food. Maybe give free food once a month? Who knows? There are alot of ways in which to make your business prosper." I said, trying to give the Marshal advise on what to do.

"Yes that is a great idea, give cheaper food to veterans. Maybe the store will be known as the veteran's store? Why didn't you become a trader Arthago? You seem to have experience in the matter." Marshal Daron said.

"I thought the life of a soldier to be more rewarding than the life of a trader. Not to mention that the life of a trader is dull beyond means of understanding. I have had some friends in the past and they were traders. We would meet at taverns and they would go on about their adventurous trade deals and how they sold all their stock and things like that. Hell, I was only friends with them because they gave out free drinks when they got drunk. I think you understand why I didn't want to become a trader Marshal." I said, explaining my notion of being a trader to the Marshal.

"Yes I understand Arthago. Hmm, seems someone is knocking at the door, I wonder who it might be? I'll go answer it, you make yourself at home. I have alot of questions to ask you, my old aprentice." Marshal Daron said while he got up to answer the door.

"Oh, do I have some stories to tell you! I'll tell you of the time when I went with the King to Daggerfall on a pirate ship!" I said with enthusiasm in my voice.

"It sounds exciting, just let me..." the Marshal stopped talking mid-sentence. I rose up to see what had happened.

I was shocked to see the Marshal fall down with 2 arrows stuck in his stomach. I quickly grabbed my scimitar and prepared to battle whoevever had attacked the Marshal. I had left my armour at my estate since I had doubts of anyone attacking me in the street. I was wrong. A man wearing a black hood came inside to inspect the Marshal. From what I saw he was still breathing and the assassin hadn't seen me. I threw my scimitar at the assassin. It pierced his chest and he fell down. I quickly ran to the body of the assassin to take my scimitar back. I saw one more assassin outside. He ran once he saw me and I raced after him once I grabbed my sword.

The assassin ran with a speed I had never encountered before. After he saw that I could keep up with him he made a huge leap towards the roof of a small house. We had entered one of Sentinel's many little side-streets which featured rows of small houses so the assassin could easily escape. I barged inside one of the small houses and ran to the roof. I saw the assassin easily since he was wearing some black garments and a tail came out of his pants. He was a Khajiit, one of the cat-men from the South. I ran after him as fast as I could but he seamlessly jumped over buildings. In desperation I threw my scimitar towards him when I got closer. It managed to hit him in one of his legs and he fell down. Once I got to him I summarily grabbed his throat.

"Who in Oblivion sent you?" I shouted at the assassin.

"Not Redguard's business! Slay me now so I don't suffer the humiliation!" the Khajiit said. If he wanted to die I would fulfill his wish but he wasn't going to get away easily. I grabbed my scimitar and cut off his tail. The Khajiit screamed in pain.

"Who sent you filth?" I asked once again.

"King Sosscan of Bergama. Please, slay me!" the Khajiit said. I had what I needed so I drived my scimitar through the Khajiit's throat. Blood started gushing everywhere and I threw the Khajiit over the roof.

I made my way back to Marshal Daron quickly...


~~~
That's it for this cliffhanger ending! If you think Arthago is becoming too sadistic please notify me. He killed the Khajiit because of the Marshal so I hope you can understand his rage.

Oh, now I can understand his rage. Rage is what seems to lift quite a few fan fic characters to a new level in the form of power. Nice update.

Hmmm Cat-killer huh? Anyway very good description o the fight, and I do understand why he had to take the Khajiiti´s life, but .....see..I just looove kitties!

Sorry for letting you wait this long but school has been killing me. Anyway, here's the update!


~~~
I raced back to Marshal Daron's house. He may have died while I was chasing the Khajiit assassin. I had to hurry! I felt something I had never felt before, I had been continuously running for almost 10 minutes and I didn't feel tired at all. I actually felt my heart beat faster and I felt much stronger. Should I even mention the lack of pain of fatigue that I experienced? Something had obviously happened inside my body but I didn't quite know why. It was as if the fact that I knew that I was running for Marshal Daron's life made me faster and stronger. Soon enough I reached his house. I found him standing on a chair close to the window.

"Marshal! Are you alright?" I franticly asked.

"A few little darts won't kill me. I'm not that old yet. Take me to a healer..." Marshal Daron said as he fell off the chair. He was unconscious. I quickly mounted him on my shoulder and took him outside.

As soon as I was outside I started running frantricly once again. However, after a few moments I could feel the power to carry on drain out of me. After I lost the power to carry the Marshal I could feel all the acumulated fatigue affect my body and my will. I fell down suddenly and dropped the Marshal to the ground. I didn't have the power to run anymore, I was extremely tired. I needed to rest immediately but the unconscious Marshal laying in the dust next to me was like a message urging me to fight on. I screamed for help. A tall Nord with blonde hair suddenly appeared and took the Marshal on his back. He also helped me up.

"What happened here Redguard?" the Nord asked.

"We were attacked, he needs a healer. Right now. Leave me here, I'll find you later. Here, take these drakes, you'll need them." I said as I pulled out a small bag out of my pocket. I was planning to buy some fine bottles of wine later on but they could wait. The money covered all the expenses a healer would require.

"No, your gratitude and respect is enough. I shall take the elder to safety. Take care of yourself Redguard, we shall meet again." the Nord said as he walked off. There weren't many people like him around so I welcomed the assistance.

I made my way to my home, given to me by Lord Vhosek. It was a big house, fit for a real noble. It was just Lord Vhosek's Sentinel residence however. He had much more houses and estates all over Hammerfell, including a summer palace on the southern coast, close to the old city of Hegathe. The house came with a few servants but I quickly dismissed them since I didn't need the added care to pay their sallaries as well. I made my way to my bedroom upstairs to rest. After a well-deserved sleep I woke up to a knocking on my door. I quickly answered only to find the Nord that helped me with Marshal Daron earlier.

"Quite a house you have Redguard. May I come in?" the Nord politely asked in his own way.

"Sure you can. Since you've been honouring me with the term "Redguard" all this time you can call me Arthago." I said as I showed the Nord in.

"Your hospitality is appreciated Arthago. My name is Joram." the Nord said as he stepped in.

"So can I serve you with anything? I have water, flin, some ale and I even think I've got some Cyrodiilic brandy around here somewhere." I said.

"Some flin would be enough." the Nord said as he took off his funny hat. It was a round cap covered with leather with some hanging fur strapped to the side of it. It made him look quite funny despite his size.

"So, how's Marshal Daron?" I asked as I was pouring some flin into a small goblet.

"The elder? He's alright, he'll get back on his feet soon. Those were some pretty severe wounds he had. I, to be honest, have never seen anyone survive 3 barbed hunting darts with poison on them too so the elder is quite a sturdy man for his age." Joram said.

"Hunting darts?" I asked in a surprised voice.

"Yes. Poisoned hunting darts. They're made to kill large animals from a small distance. The poison acts pretty fast and there's not much time to react. The elder must have had some potion that cures poisons around because the poison ussualy starts taking its toll after a few moments. He was quite lucky." Joram said with unussual calm in his voice.

"And, where is he now? By the way, here's your flin, I hope it's not too much." I said as I handed Joram his drink.

"I left him at my inn room, at the "Thirsty Bandit" inn. Hmm, this flin is very good. I didn't know you Redguards were so talented at making brews. Nothing can beat mead from the old country though." Joram said as he sipped through his flin.

"I've never heard of the "Thirsty Bandit" inn. Where exactly is it?" I asked as I cut the Nord short through his praise of Nord mead.

"At the harbour, close to the docks where the ships unload. There are alot of friendly people there, and women that share their beds for money. Quite strange if you ask me, I've never tried. The inn however is quite nice, there's some fine ale to be had there, almost as good as the Nordic version." Joram said as he made some directions in the air with his hands. As if I didn't know where the harbour was.

"Great, I hope he's comfortable there." I said as I poured myself some flin.

"Oh, I'm sure he is. I bought him one of those women to keep him company. He seemed very happy when he saw her. I couldn't stay more however because I had to make my way to you." Joram calmly said.

"You left him with some cheap woman from the docks? He's an old man! Something might happen to him! She might steal all of your things and anything the Marshal is carrying on him! We have to get there now!" I shouted as I got up and made my way to the door.

"If you say so. I didn't notice any problem though." Joram said as he laid his head down.

"Take your hat. Let's go!" I said as I threw him his furry hat.

After running and a little walking we finally reached the inn. When he went upstairs to find the room some woman emerged from inside. She was walking heavily and appeared drunk. She looked at Joram and muttered something.

"Your friend...like bull..." the woman said as she slowly made her way down the stairs.

"Like bull? what did you do to him?" I asked in an angry voice.

"Nothing!" Joram said as he opened the door.

We saw Marshal Daron laying on the bead and smoking some skooma through a pipe. He seemed pleased with himself and quite relaxed. It was the first time I saw him like that. It was also the first time I saw him taking skooma. There were quite an ammount of surprising things about the Marshal that I was about to find out.

"It was pure bliss Jory! I had the time of my life! I didn't even have to pay! Oh, no. What's he doing here? I was having fun and you bring this sad guy here." Marshal Daron said in a strange voice.

"Why are you taking skooma Marshal? It's a horrible thing! And besides, you're not some furry animal from the south!" I shouted.

"Come on Arthago! I think I know what I'm doing and I also know how to take care of myself. I don't need some nanny!" Marshal Daron shouted as if he was some little child.

"Can't you see yourself Marshal? You're acting like some little child! What about your status amongst the knights of Sentinel?" I said in an annoyed voice.

"Hush boy! We don't want anyone to hear don't we? Ellen and I were having a great time and you pop up. We were doing..."

"I don't think I want to know what you were doing with that cheap woman before I arrived. Now, get dressed and prepare to leave. I see you're in better shape than Joram made you out to be. Come on!" I said as I threw him his shirt.

"I'm no child! You can't boss me around boy!" he said as he threw his shirt towards me. He was really getting annoying.

"Get your damn shirt on before I impale it on you old man!" I shouted as anger accumulated in me. I grasped my scimitar and was ready to lop that drunkard's head off.

"Are you threatening me boy? I made you and I'll kill you! No one else!" he shouted. I got my witts about and understood the situation. He wasn't himself. He was under the effect of skooma and that made him change.

"Just put the shirt on. Let's get out of here." I said as I threw back the shirt.

"Why? Oh, why must you be such a bore? Can't I enjoy myself just once? Can't you live your life outside the Order for once Arthago? Can't you actually live your life like any man of your age? Live the moment! I don't have much time left and I want to make the most out of it. Can't you leave me be?" he asked. Now those words actually hurt my feelings. He really did have a point however. All my life I had fought and spilled blood for the order. I didn't know anything else. I had to live out my life! I wouldn't be young forever. There would come a time when I would have to make a choice what to do with my life. Marshal Daron was right. I really was a bore.

"I can't believe you just said that. Be it as you wish. Die of the skooma! You know you deserve it, you demon of a man." I said as I barged out the door.

I made my way straight for the city gates...


~~~
That's it for this rather groundbreaking update. I wanted to give you something you hadn't experienced in some time. I hope you liked it and I hope I wasn't to over the top.

One huge plot twist and nicely made. I've told Caius a thousand times. The Skooma messes with you like not even an army of Daedra can. If it wasn't for the package, I would think that he imagined himself to be a Blade thanks to the Skooma.

Hehe, I liked your update.

Now that was amazing! Character development is far more interesting then the most epic of battles. When a character makes an enlightened discovery it means that the writer is continually thinking, and wants us to understand the character more. I loved it! Great job as always friend.

Really very good Griffie! As Taillus said charachter development is just so interesting and I actually prefer it to fighting, even though a good description of a fight could be great as well.

This was however really very good!

I'm glad you all liked this chapter and I'm glad you all liked character development. Well, for your knowledge, the next updates are gonna be full of it. Enjoy!

~~~
I was extremely angry, like I had never been before in my whole life. I felt insulted and ashamed by what the Marshal had said of me. Skooma or no skooma, he did a horrible thing by his own will. Skooma doesn't take you that far as to insult your own friends, or does it? Well, I never took skooma in my whole life. Too degrading for me you see. Still, the only thing I had on my mind in that moment was to chop something apart to vent out the anger. I tried to exit the city before doing this though, I didn't want to hurt anyone. As I quickly made my way across the streets, a Dark Elf bumped into me.

"Watch where you're going, fetcher." the Dark Elf hissed.

"What did you just call me?" I asked as I grasped the hilt of scimitar.

"Fetcher. Leave me alone now you scrib-sucker." the Dark Elf said as he turned around. I don't even know what scrib-sucker means but that was the last straw. He was asking for it.

"Turn around and beg forgivness scum!" I shouted at the Dark Elf.

"To you? Out of my sights, you son of a Hammerfellian..." he couldn't complete his sentence. My scimitar stuck in his neck stopped him mid-sentence.

I quickly sheathed my scimitar and ran to the city gates. Damn! What I loathed just happened. All thanks to the Marshal. On the cover of the setting sun I exited the city. I was now a murderer. Hopefully, no one had seen me do it but hope was a resource that couldn't be relied upon. Once I was out of the city, I didn't quite know where to go. To the sea to drown myself? Perhaps to the Alik'r to starve to death? Or, home? Home, my home. Yes, I would go to Vulnim Gate and revisit the place where I was born. The journey would also help me meditate on what I had done. Yes, to Vulnim Gate then!

Before that though, I needed a way of transportation. Walking on foot wasn't exactly the best way to go. I looked around but there was nothing to be seen. Perhaps I could find something as I walked towards Vulnim? I tried just that. A few days later I discovered that relying on chance wasn't the best way to go. I soon found myself laying on the ground and thinking of what I had done. It was folly to travel so great a distance on foot through that harsh a climate. I desperately needed water and food. I practically set off into the desert with nothing but my scimitar and the clothes on my back. As time passed, I found myself drifting through a state of conciousness and a state of sleep. The latter soon took complete hold of me as the cold desert night made me want to sleep. I slowly felt my lower limbs numbing completely under the cold. I soon felt completely asleep, a slumber of death and cold. At least sleep would ease the latter.

Strangely, I had a dream. I was in front of a ruined city and the sky was blood-red. Behind me were a few soldiers, bearing the head of a black wolf on their tunics. In front of me was a strange gate made of black marble. The gate was a blood-red portal, but to what? I shouted at the soldier but they stood still. I tried walking away but as soon as I passed the soldier I hit some kind of barrier that sent m straight back to where I found myself in the first place. Since there was no other place to go, I decided to enter the portal. As soon as I entered I could feel the light of day opening my eyes. Before I could wake up, a horned figure appeared in front of me. He started whispering some words which I could hear with an eerie clearness:

"You cannot die here manling. Fate has another destiny in store for you. Wake up. Wake up and see to your destiny. Do not let others cloud you for you will be greater than them. Greater than all! Wake up!"

As soon as the voice spoke its last word I woke up on a bedroll. I was in a tent and the light of day entered the tent through a hole in the canvass. Someone soon came in. He was a Redguard but he was old. He was also dressed in tattered white robes, the sign that he was a dune-dweller.

"Ah, the outsider has awakened. What is your name outsider?" the old man asked.

"Arthago. Where am I?" I asked in a confused voice.

"You are at our camp. Two hunters found you unconcious in the desert as they were returning from their hunt. You were quite lucky outsider. Come, I have prepared you a meal." the old man said as he left the tent.

"Wait! Who are you?" I asked as I got up.

"I am Khalev, elder of the clan. Come, get on your feet and walk. I assure you that the meal is very good." Khalev said as he bobbed his head back into the tent.

I did as he said and got up. Outside my tent were another 20 or so tents, some bigger than the others. For some reason all the people were outside and gathered around a ring of some sort. At the middle of the ring, two people were fighting. Khalev showed me to my meal. It was on a large table that had 12 chairs to each side of it. I sat down and looked at my meal. It was some sort of meat drenched in a red sauce. I was kind of squeamish.

"Eat it. It's very good." Khalev said as he encouraged me.

"Um, I will but why are those two men fighting eachother?" I inquired.

"You have arrived during the Festival of Blades. Our people are celebrating the victory of the first Redguards against the giant goblins, when our people first came on these shores. It is a fine festival and everyone enjoys it. The two men that are fighting are the two hunters that rescued you, they are re-enacting Frandar Hunding's first battle against one of the savage goblins. The one wearing the tunic is Frandar Hunding and the one covered in sand and wielding a club is the goblin." Khalev said as he explained the festival.

"It sounds very interesting. What did you say this meal was made off?" I asked, changing the subject to the food.

"The meat is Wharbuck beef and the red sauce around it is boiled Wharbuck blood. It's very good and it is also very refreshing." Khalev said.

"Um, no thanks, I'm not very hungry. Maybe some other time. Let's go watch the festival shall we? I'm keen on seeing who wins." I suggested, changing the topic once more.

"Be it as you wish. You can even participate in the festival if you wish." Khalev suggested as we walked to the sand ring.

"Me? But I'm not of your tribe." I said.

"You don't have to be. You can participate in the bigger re-enactment that takes place later this day. The men of the tribe will re-enact the first great battle against the goblins. If you are good with the blade you can come." Khalev said.

"The blade as in the real blade? Aren't these thing done with wooden swords only? Can't people get hurt while fighting with real blades?" I asked in a fearful voice.

"That is another of the festival's purposes, to demonstrate one's skill with the blade. If you aren't good enough, just watch with the women and children. If you think yourself a skilled warrior, then participate. This festival is as much a demonstration of skill as it is a festival that commemorates the victory against the goblins." Khalev said in a serious tone.

"I understand. Perhaps I will participate later this day in the bigger re-enactment." I said in an understanding tone.

"There are smaller re-enactments leading up to the bigger one so if you'd like to see how the battles are like you can participate in these smaller battles. You'd have to be a goblin though, only members of the tribe can participate as Redguards." Khalev said.

"I will gladly be a goblin, it's not a problem. So, when will these smaller battles you speak off start?" I asked in a curious voice.

"Hmm, it seems this one has ended. You can go in there right now." Khalev said as he looked on to the sand arena.

"Right now? Isn't it a little too soon?" I asked.

"If you have skill it's never too soon. Get some sand on you and get in there." Khalev said as he made a sign towards the sand with his hands.

"Alright, just let me get my scimitar." I said as I made my way to the tent in which I woke up.

"THE OUTSIDER IS PARTICIPATING!!!" Khalev shouted as I found my sword.

I then made my way to the sand arena, ready to fight as a goblin against one of the dune-dwellers. I had heard that these men were masters of the blade. I was ready to put this knowledge to the test...

~~~
That's it for this update that strangely derived into a tribal adventure. I think you know this already but I've said that I write as I think so this update really took a strange turn. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it.

Heh, when that old guy first showed up, I thought Arthago had suddenly arrived on Arrakis, also known as Dune with a Fremen.
Anyway, an interesting update. I wonder what those Redguards will think when the goblin wins?

Yeah, it was kinda strange. Anyway, I think you already know where the part with the blood-red sky and the crumbling city comes from. It was just a taste of things to come. And how did you guess that the goblin was going to win? I'll make sure to make the battle a good one, like the one between King Lhotun and Lord Vhosek.

You asked and you shall receive.
About the goblin part, well I just have complete confidence in Arthago. Despite his anger problems, he is a decent guy and good with a sword.

NOW GET BACK TO WORK, YOU LAZY BUM! (Don't worry, I'm just kidding. But an update would surely be nice.)

That last bit was rather different from what I expected but then again I wasn't sure what to expect.

Very well done, very interesting chapter so far so go ahead and get to the fight will ya?

Thanks for the comments guys. School really takes its toll on you after a while and I'm ussualy off homework at 9:30 pm and I consider that pretty late to write. Anyway, for your reading pleasure, here's the update!


~~~
As soon as I was all smeared in sand I entered the arena. All the people of the tribe formed a circle around me and my oponent. I wonder what these people would do to me if I lost? I wasn't going to wait and see though, I was going to win. I wasn't a senior knight of Sentinel for nothings was I? I decided to see the fighting style of my enemy before properly engaging in combat, these dune-dwellers had a funny style of combat. I could see it when the two hunters fought before. A very acrobatic style of fighting in little to no armour at all.

A man who looked like the leader of the tribe gave the signal that the battle could begin. My oponent approached me with slow steps. He was obviously sizing me up like some animal. I let him make the first move and stepped back slowly. It was as a signal to him that I was hesitating. He took the bait and attacked me with all he had. Pretty flamboyant way of fighting if you ask me. See the enemy's weakness, then strike it with all you have. Lord Bridwell fought like that. Lord Bridwell is dead. Pretty good sign of how effective that strategy is isn't it?

Strategies and tactics aside, my oponent lunged at me with his sword aiming for my chest. I quickly dodged by spinning to the side. While I spinned, sand flew off me and hit my oponent in his eyes. I decided to be honourable and let him recouver before continuing the fight. He got angered and threw some sand at me with his feet. Some of it hit me in the eyes and I staggered to get it off. He didn't want to fight fair eh? Well neither did I then!

I stepped towards him and tried the old tactic of the bluff hit to the right and the real hit to the left. My oponent was very skilled when it came to these tactics. He parried my feinted strike when it approached him then quickly changed his stance to parry my second blow. After he parried my second blow, he pushed my blade back to me then advanced to attack me. He came at me with a series of powerful slashes and overhead strikes. I parried and dodged all of them as I ran back. He ran after me, swinging his sword like a mad-man all the time. After he started showing signs of being tired, I deflected one of his blows then pushed into him with my shoulder. He staggered from the impact but I decided to hold my ground and rest from the tiring run. No point keeping on the attack if I myself got tired in the process.

My oponent quickly recovered and stopped for a few moments. It seemed he started thinking for a while.

"I am Frandar Hunding and I shall slay you goblin!" he shouted as he came at me once again. It seemed he really took this stuff seriously.

He came at me with a diagonal slash aiming for the neck but I quickly deflected his blade to the side. He quickly attacked me with another low slash to the feet. I decided to play it acrobatic since I didn't have any armour so I jumped and avoided his blow. He seemed pretty bewildered when that happened.

He soon snapped out of it then attacked me with an overhead strike. I blocked his blade right above my head but he then surprised me. He jumped in the air, almost doing a backflip, and kicked me in the face with his leg. As soon as he fell down, he quickly got up again yet, to his surprise, he had dropped his sword while doing that move. It was close to him so he knelt to grab it. I hit the blade of his sword with all my force and managed to break it. He, however, grabbed it. I laughed. He then came close to me, about the distance of his sword's broken blade. He raised the remains of his sword, the shaft and the hilt, then pointed it towards my neck. I better grasped the hilt of my scimitar, not knowing what the dune-dweller would do next.

I was completely surprised when out of the broken hilt of his sword, a surreal blade came out and just about reached my neck. It was glowing wildly like it was a pure enchantment.

"What summoned blade is this?" I asked, bewildered, as I raised my hands and dropped my scimitar.

"It is no summoned blade outsider, we do not use your trickeries. It is the Shehai, the blade that only the purest can have the will to summon. It is of higher essence than any of your blades." the dune-dweller said as he kept the blade to my neck.

"Enough Akbar! You have proven the outsider your skill. MAY THE NEXT FIGHT BEGIN!!!" Khalev yelled as he jumped between us, pushing the ghostly blade away like it was but a mere illusion. He took my hand and guided me out of the sand ring, back to the tent in which I woke up.

"What in Oblivion was that?" I asked in a confused voice.

"It was as Akbar said, the Shehai." Khalev said like it was the simplest thing in the world.

"But what exactly is a Shehai?" I asked, still confused.

"It is hard to explain to one who is not of the order. A Shehai is a sword made with sheer willpower. In a way, like the bound weapons that the mages use. The Shehai is stronger than that. It can be summoned at will if the summoner is skilled enough. Strong emotions are enough to summon the Shehai and it will form out of anything. A master of the Shehai can summon it whenever he pleases, even when he is sleeping." Khalev said as he explained.

"The part with the Shehai I now understand, but who are you people?" I asked, these people weren't dune-dwellers, that was for sure.

"I will have to confess. We are not dune-dwellers. I urge you to keep this a secret if you care for us. We are Ansei, wielders of the Shehai and keepers of the ancient art. We keep our secret safe with us, and teach it to any willing to listen. Please, do not tell of us, it would only bring us trouble and pain." Khalev said with pain in his voice. It was obviously hard for him to confess.

"So you are Ansei? Sword Singers? I knew that the Ansei could be found in their mountain temples, not in the desert. How did you get here?" I inquired. This was sure an interesting find. These people were great warriors, perhaps I could persuade them to join the cause of Sentinel.

"We are a more different group of Ansei. We value our safety and our secrecy, travelling around the desert as if we were a tribe of dune-dwellers is better than staying in those mountains where anyone can find you. Akbar is one of the more proud Ansei in our small camp. I told him countless times not to use the Ansei when outsiders are in the camp. When he feels he is losing a battle, he doesn't hesitate to call the Shehai. You won the battle, Akbar was not allowed to use his Shehai against you. With your proven skill, you can join us and become an Ansei if you wish so." Khalev said.

"I would be honoured to join your order but I have things to do, things to put in order. I have run away from my city like a spoiled child in its time of need and the King most probably has need of me." I said, trying to find an excuse to leave. I really didn't feel ready to abandon all I had achieved and become an Ansei.

"If you so wish. You will never find this camp again so if you wish to become an Ansei, it is now or never. It is, however, your choice and we cannot hold a man against his will. You are free to return to your King and do your duty to him any time you wish. You have also won the right to stay with us if you wish and become an Ansei." Khalev said with slight sadness in his voice. He was dissapointed to see me leave. I had to go back to my city and do my duty to it.

"I am deeply sorry Khalev, but I cannot abandon all that I have achieved. I have to return to my city, and help my Kingdom." I said as I rose.

"We will wish you on your way home Arthago. You have won your place among us and we shall justly remember you." Khalev said as he also got up.

After taking my farewells from everyone, I was on my way through the desert. The harsh and never-ending desert. At first I advanced with a good pace. At some parts in the journey I even started running to get back to Sentinel quicker. As night began to fall, I could see the truth however. I had most probably went on the wrong way and got lost. Just my luck. I slowly trudged through the sand as I felt more tired with each passing step. I needed to sleep but I had to get to Sentinel! I looked around for any landmarks, nothing! I slowly laid down on the sand and started looking at the stars. I could even make out some signs, like the Mage or the Atronach. At one point, the stars even started moving. It was beautiful. I soon realised that I was halucinating because of fatigue. Without my will, I fell asleep like a rock.

The next day, I was awoken by the harsh sun. I could however see some mountains north of my position. I decided to head in the direction of the mountains. Sentinel was close to some mountains, in a hilly area on the coast. I figured that if I'd follow the path to the mountains I'd find Sentinel. It seemed like a good plan. As the mid-day sun hovered across me, I could feel that it was everything but a good plan. The mountains seemed to run from me as the sun scroched my skin. Why did I have to leave the Ansei camp? I was perfectly well there. I could have even become an Ansei myself! I had to leave. Marshall Daron was right. I really am a bore, too afraid to live the moment and try any new things. I should have left my past behind me then and there. I didn't and the scorching sun reminded me of this constantly.

It would be a long way back to Sentinel...


~~~
That's it for this scorching update! I seem to have something with being alone in the desert don't I? I hope you liked it anyway.

Very nice update and a nice fight. Hmm, this Shehai thing reminds me of Aureus' sword, except that my old vampire's one isn't summoned or pure willpower, but a bit of exotic metal merged with his soul. Sounds interesting, a band of Redguards who spent their times in the middle of nowhere to practise their swords of willpower.

Excellent! Once again you prove the worth of SheHai!

Ahhh the Shehai....wonderful, it reminds me of our first amazing RP, the AMU, where Jonacin the great hero was using this kinda thing.....Ahhhhh

Great updates Griffie....great...

Kudos....as Mazelure usually says...

Kudos indeed... by the way I really like the shehai thing... it's very cool... I kinda have an idea like that but with a little twist... you will probaly get to see it in the future... anyways

Kudos Agent Griff... Kudos

I've finally decided to continue my fan fiction. I think it's fallen from the charts long enough, it's time "the adventures of Arthago" reaserted itself into the preference charts of all the readers on these fine forums. Here goes, I hope you enjoy it.


~~~
As I neared the mountains I saw earlier, I felt like a whole week had passed. In this scorching heat, a mere hour felt like a whole day. If there was paradise on Tamriel then there had to be hell too, and I was right into the middle of it. I hadn't drunk anything since I left the Sword Singer camp.

The heat was taking its toll on me, I could see ghostly images in the desert. To my left, a man was sitting on the sand, he was slowly decaying, his very flesh falling off his rotten bones. I looked away from the horrible figure, imagining myself in his position. To my right was a man that was slowly turning into something...unnatural. His clothes were being ripped apart from the inside and he was slowly bending over. His hands were becoming longer, and his fingernails were turning into wolf-like claws. His spine grew, and under its weight the man bended over even more. His face was becoming more narower and his nose was growing longer. His eyes turned, they became of a strange colour. The man then looked at me with his eyes and I felt he looked right through me. I looked away, in front of me.

Suddenly, another ghostly figure came at me from the front. It knocked me over. I could even feel it with my hands. I looked at its face. It was a regular man, an Imperial. He looked at me too.

"Where in the name of Akatosh did you come from?" the Imperial said with a surprised voice.

"Water...I want...water." I slowly said. My lips were so dried up that I could hardly move them. My throat was also burning.

"Here, take this." the Imperial said as he pulled out a small vial from his pocket. I drank it without thinking. It was cold water, taken from a stream most probably. I could feel every extremity of my body being refreshed, and I could even talk again. Truth be told, I didn't care if it was poison or water.

"I feel much..." I was intrerupted by my friend.

"I'm glad, get on your feet now, we're geting out of here!" the Imperial said as he pulled me up.

"Where are we going, and why such a hurry?" I asked in a confused voice.

"Let's just say something is following us. Quickly now! I don't know if it likes Redguard meat, but I wouldn't risk it." the Imperial said as he started running in the direction from which I came.

"But there's just barren desert in that direction!" I screamed. The Imperial didn't answer. I stopped for a moment to think my of my options. I had my scimitar with me, I could fight whatever was coming. I had no armour though. My thinking process was stopped when I heard a low rumble. A big creature was coming by the sound of it. I decided to follow my new friend.

After a bit of running, I was soon beside the Imperial. I decide to question him a bit.

"What's following you?" I screamed as I runned as fast as I could.

"Trust me, you wouldn't want to know." the Imperial said as he quickened the pace.

"Trust me, I do!" I screamed.

"Then look behind you!" the Imperial said as he started running even faster. I quickly turned my head to look but before I could see anything, the Imperial grabbed me and screamed some words.

I woke up in a strange place. It was a small room with a bedroll and a little stool on which the Imperial was standing beside me. I felt sick, as if my stomach and all my other body parts had been moved. I felt as if I was ready to throw up, yet my empty stomach didn't have what to throw up.

"Most people don't recover that well from a Recall spell, they ussually throw up all the food they have inside them. They also can't wake up for a day or two after their first recall." the Imperial said with a grin.

"Lucky me. Where in Stendar's name are we?" I asked, bewildered.

"We're in Sentinel." my face grew as I heard the Imperial's words and a big grin sprouted up on my face. "We're quite safe where we are now, and with what I have in my pocked we're quite rich too." the Imperial said as he put his hand on his pocket.

"Who are you? And where's the we in this?" I asked in a slightly annoyed voice.

"I am Atius Volenus, and I think you are in debt to me because I saved your life. I could have left you in the desert if I so wished it." the Imperial said.

"Alright I understand, I owe you my life. Wait a moment, so you say Atius Volenus is your name? Did you live in the town of Rhogusa for a while? You knew a certain, Jomic didn't you?" I asked the Imperial. I remembered him from my first quest for the Order, the quest to slay Jomic and find what he had stolen from the coffers of the Order. Atius had helped me by providing the location of Jomic but I had never thanked him.

"Yes, I did. Oh, wait! I remember you! You were that young Redguard who came to me asking the location of Jomic! Arthago was your name wasn't it?" Atius asked in a kind voice.

"Yes, indeed I am." I said.

"Arthago! It's great to see you again! You killed Jomic afterall didn't you?" Atius said in a heart-warming voice, as if he was meeting an old friend.

"Kind of, but those are things of the past. I never got to thank you for giving me Jomic's location though." I said with a grin.

"No need, old friend! I am glad to see you again, I never would have though that I could meet you in the middle of the Alik'r. What the hell brought you there?" Atius asked.

"Let's just say that I went there trying to re-discover my true self." I said in a slightly embarassed voice.

"If you would have lingered around without water for any longer, the eagles would have discovered your true self, after they pecked away your flesh." Atius said with a grin.

"I have one question though Atius, what will make us very rich?" I asked.

"Oh, you'll see Arthago. I will interest myself if there any buyers for it first though, I'm sure there are more than a couple of kings which are interested in this little item." Atius said mysteriously.

"If that be the case then I'll let you interest in any eventual buyers. I'll be on my own way now if you don't mind, I have some bussiness to take care off." I said as I rose from the bedroll.

"I understand Arthago, be on your way then. I'll anounce you when I find a buyer." Atius said as he also rose up.

A short walk later, I would present myself in front of King Lhotun and explain my prolonged absence...


~~~
That's it for this rather short update. Still, I hope you liked it.

Wohoo...more Arthago, I liked the update, and your return is a most welcome one.

Ah, more Arthago. Yes, this is very appreciated. Keep it up!

An Alpha release of the mod I'm working on and a vacation later, I've returned to my first love. Sorry for the absence, but that mod really takes a lot out of me. If any fans of my writing style want to fully eat up my works, they should download the finished mod or the beta when it's released, I've written tons of books of all kinds, even a 5-volume series based on a historical event. I'm sure you'll love it. But now to get back to serious stuff, here's the latest update which was delayed too much on base of a week-long vacation and other things. Anyway, enjoy!


~~~
I slowly walked up to the guard standing at the gate of the palace. I was fearing he wouldn't remember me and send me off like some common beggar because of my un-knightly demeanor, I actually looked more like some nomad fresh out of the desert with that coat of wind-swept sand on me. I should have washed it off before approaching the palace but it didn't pass my mind. I started a conversation with the guard:

"Um, hello. I'm not sure if you remember me or not but I..." I was interrupted by the guard shortly.

"Remember you? How can't I remember you? You're Arthago the King's knight! I remember you since Lord Vhosek tried to conquer the city and dethrone King Lhotun. You led our company after captain Arneth was slain. Of course I remember you! Go right in!" the guard said in a happy voice.

I entered the palace slightly perplexed and slightly proud of my deeds as a captain. I never knew I could remain in the memory of my men so well. Deeds long past aside, I made my way to the throne room where I wished to receive an audience with the King. A herald introduced me as I entered the Royal hall. The King, upon seeing me, got down from his throne and came to me.

"Arthago! Where have you been?" the King said with a smile as he approached me.

"I'm sorry but..."

"Don't be! I'm glad to see you return to the court. I was afraid something happened to you while you were away. Come on to my study, we can have a more personal disscusion there, away from spying eyes." the King said as he took me slightly by the shoulder to direct me to his study. A herald scurried to the King while he was leading me away.

"Your Majesty, where are you going? You have diplomatic envoys to receive, peace to establish, ambasadors to..." the herald was intrerupted.

"Retire them to their rooms! They can wait until sunset!" the King said as if he didn't care.

As soon as we were in the King's study we both sat down and started talking.

"So, now that were alone, let's talk about your absence. Where have you been? I was almost on the verge of declaring war to a rival king because I thought he had kidnapped you." the King said as the smile from his face slightly faded.

"I was away to...rediscover myself in a...spiritual way." I said with a stutter.

"Well, next time you wish to rediscover yourself, can you do it within the walls of the city? Preferably somewhere where I know you're safe?" the King asked in a sarcastic voice.

"Of course I will my King. Has anything happened in my absence except that near declaration of war?" I asked in a curious voice.

"Nothing much, except I was waiting to receive one of my agents the day you dissapeared, a Dark Elf who went by the name of Alanil, a rather rude fellow. Nobody knows what happened to him to this very day." the King said.

"The honoured user's dead *cough* I mean I think he's dead, that's what I heard on the street. A tall Dunmer...with a ring in his left ear, a weird tatoo and spiky hair...is that right?" I asked the King, trying not to deconspire the fact that I murdered the Dark Elf in one of my...outbursts.

"Uncanny resemblance. Is that what you heard on the street? It must be true then, the resemblance is spot-on." the King said in a surprised voice.

"And what of Marshal Daron? How is he?" I asked in a curious voice.

"Marshal Daron, you haven't heard the news have you? The day you disappeared we found Marshal Daron wandering the streets of the harbor in a rather strange state of mind. He appeared as if he had taken...something. We took him to the best healer in the whole city yet it was too late, he died this morning. The healer's conclusion was that he had consumed too much of a certain substance yet he couldn't say exactly. A bad substance nonetheless." the King said in a sad voice.

"Then he is...dead?" I asked in a shocked state.

"Yes, I am sorry to say but he is. He has passed from our ranks, to a better world...hopefuly. He did say something about you in his mumblings, a short time before he died. He wished you to advance in rank and become Marshal, taking his place. He would have retired afterwards, but it was not so..." the King said in a sad voice.

"It is all my fault. I shouldn't have visited his house in the first place, that way the assassins wouldn't have attacked me and that way the Marshal would have lived. Why do I have to make these decisions?" I asked in an angry voice, almost shouting.

"Assassins? What assassins?" the King asked, a sparkle appearing in his eyes. He could sense war closing in.

"Assassins sent by a certain king Sosscan from a king called...now what was that name? I can't remember it exactly, it was something like Berana or Bergema." I said, trying to remember the name.

"Bergama?" the King asked with a slight grin.

"Yes, that's the name!" I said.

"Then king Sosscan knows that you killed the former king of Santaki and the former king of Ephesus. That must mean that he tried to eliminate you before I could send you after him, so that also means that he is hiding something from me. This Sosscan then killed Daron. Now this is personal!" King Lhotun said as he jumped from his chair. He was attached to Daron as well.

"When do we leave, I can't wait to show this Sosscan what it means to assassinate a knight of Sentinel!" I said as I rose from my chair as well.

"Find a herald! The Kingdom of Sentinel is going to war!" King Lhotun said.

2 months later, I was standing in front of the gates of Bergama's capital, the city of Sunkeep. The city was quiet, and fear could be sensed all over it. It seemed that the feelings of the treacherous ruler had passed to the populace. King Sosscan knew that his assassins had failed to slay both me and Marshal Daron, thus he was expecting a counter-attack.

King Lhotun decided that I should proceed as I did with the old king of Santaki, enter the city, infiltrate the palace and slay him. It seemed like a simple assassination yet this time it would be different. King Lhotun had decided that we should infiltrate the palace disguised as ambasadors since he was visiting Bergama on a peace envoy, to make up with king Sosscan after the death of Marshal Daron. Sosscan took up the chance immediately, thinking he intimidated King Lhotun. He was so wrong.

As soon as we reached Sosscan's throne room, he greeted us.

"Welcome Lhotun! I am glad to see you have made it so quickly!" Sosscan said as he rose from his chair. He was surrounded by guards, all fully armed and armoured. I was afraid he might try to kill all of us thus I kept my hand firmly on the handle of my blade.

"I am glad to be here also." King Lhotun calmly said.

"I am happy to see you have resorted to reason and laid down your violent ways Lhotun. It is better to be friendly with everyone, rather than to try to rule them." Sosscan said, mocking King Lhotun's plans.

"I am sure the kings of Ephesus and Santaki thought the same thing Sosscan." King Lhotun said with a grin.

"That may be so, but they were old men who did not change with the times, they were destined to be conquered. Now, if you could follow me we shall sign the peace agreement." Sosscan said as he rose from his chair.

"That is not the reason for my visit Sosscan, now sit down." King Lhotun said with an authoritative voice.

"Sit down? You order me in my very castle?" Sosscan asked with an outraged voice.

"Just sit down before you are struck down." King Lhotun said calmly.

"I see you have gotten bold since you slew the old men of Ephesus and Santaki, Lhotun. Do you already consider yourself my ruler? I do not bow to tyrants." Sosscan firmly said. I prepared to draw my sword as I watched Sosscan's guards nervously.

"If you do not bow to "tyrants" as myself, do you bow to cowards who try to assassinate old men as they eat?" King Lhotun asked Sosscan.

"What do you mean by this Lhotun? Do not mistake me with your own murderous self!" Sosscan said arrogantly.

"I know what you attempted Sosscan and I know that you failed! Arthago, take your hood off! I believe you have heard the name Arthago before, and I am sure you know who Arthago is very well." King Lhotun said as I revealed my face, previously covered by a black hood.

"Arthago? He is...here?" Sosscan asked as he slowly backed away to his chair.

"I can feel your fear Sosscan. I know what you did, you tried to assassinate Arthago and his dear friend Daron. Instead of slaying Arthago you slayed an old man like some common coward, and that old man was very, very dear to me. I want revenge, and I want it now, enough talking!" Lhotun shouted at Sosscan with a voice that thundered across the room.

"You have such arrogance Lhotun. You come here to try to kill me with five men while I have over four dozen to guard me? Your arrogance will bring your downfall Lhotun. Seize him!" Sosscan shouted at his guards.

They all drew their swords and I did the same, ready to fight for the life of the King and of my own. Sosscan's guards however all turned towards him and captured him, throwing him down the stairs that led to his throne which was set on a pedestal. Soon enough, Sosscan was at our feet and begging for his life.

"The best you can hope for now is a quick death, and you won't be getting it. Take him to the dungeons, Arthago will do whatever he wants with him." King Lhotun then turned to me. "Do this for Daron, avenge him!" King Lhotun whispered in my ear.

I did as I was told, and took the king of Bergama to his own dungeons where I fixed my mind on torturing him in the most painful way which was humanly possible. I wished his death and I wished it badly. Because of him, I had lost my mentor and good friend, I had lost the man who introduced me to this world. I wasn't going to let this pass easily, despite any of Daron's flaws.

As soon as I reached the torture chambers, I ordered Sosscan to be tied to a chair and afterwards I ordered four daggers to be brought to me. As soon as I received what I asked, I ordered the torturer to thrust the daggers into each of Sosscan's leg, two on each one.

After he started yelling as hard as he could, I ordered a sharp shortsword to be brought to me. I decided to personally make him regret his order the rest of his life, however short it may be. I grasped the shortsword personally and felt how anger gathered in every extremity of my body. I had a great temptation to slay him on the spot yet I resisted the urge. Instead I used the shortsword to hack off one of Sosscan's ears.

"Is the pleasure too much for you? Can you hear me? This is what you get for ordering the death of my friend, this is how much it hurt me to hear he was dead. This is how much!" I shouted as I thrusted the shortsword hard into Sosscan's arm. I could almost feel his pain because of how much he was yelling.

"Take him to the highest balcony in his castle, then chuck him over. Let him get acquainted with the pavement." I said with a cold voice. Sosscan was soon dragged off to the highest balcony of his own castle and I quickly scurried towards the street to see the death of my hated foe.

As soon as I got outside I looked for the highest balcony of Sosscan's castle. It wasn't hard to see and it was really high because Sosscan's castle was placed on a hill, thus allowing any viewer to see far away from that very balcony. As I looked above I could sense an urge to take the life of Sosscan myself. I started shouting franticaly for a mage as crowds gathered to see what all the commotion was about. An old Breton soon came forth and I asked him to levitate Sosscan down to the ground so I could strike the decisive blow.

He did as I told him so as soon as Sosscan started plummeting towards the ground, he magicaly stopped and was brought down safely by the mage. I quickly ran up to him with my scimitar drawn. I ran with the tip of my blade pointed at his stomach. As I ran as fast as I could I impaled him on my blade. I quickly pulled the blade out then put him on his knees. I whispered in his ear:

"Are you sorry for what you've done?" I asked with a cold voice in Sosscan's remaining ear.

"Yes..." he slowly mumbled.

"I'm glad." I said as I raised my scimitar. His head soon rolled across the pavement and his bloodied body finally fell.

Marshal Daron was avenged...

~~~
This is the end of this rather brutal update. I hope I wasn't too violent for your preferences though.

Oh, good to see that you're back. Don't worry, we're getting used to the sudden love for red stuff that has appeared here. It looks like Arthago is really angry about it all. Maybe some time away to calm down would be good. (He just came back, but he still looks like he could use a vacation.)

Now that was quick.

Anyway, Arthago is turning out like a villain. Kinda like Taillus, at first a good guy then a bad guy. His sadistic outbursts are becoming more and more frequent yet I say you should watch carefuly for his future, one never knows how it might turn out with an oportunistic guy like Lhotun guiding a naive' young man like Arthago through his destiny. Who knows, maybe Arthago will fight back?

Well I hope he does. he doesn't seem to notice that Lhotun is doing just about the same things as the 'bad' kings. Though on the other hand, having a bad guy as the main character is interesting. Maybe I have to try it myself someday.

I'm excited to see this back and running again. Arthago is quite a character. He shows flaws, and that makes him believable, believable characters are the generally the best characters out there. Them and the sadistic ones it seems, and since Arthago is starting to display some sadistic tendencies it makes him all the better.

And I don't really mind the increased amount of violence either. The violence in my fic is fairly descriptive and the moderators have yet to suggest some editing. I don't think you need to worry about what you have in yours.

Again, it's great to see Arthago posts again!

Here's another update to everyone's favourite mediocre story! The adventures of Arthago! I hope this was quicker than the last update. Anyway, enjoy!


~~~
As I stood in my house, lying down on a chair and just thinking of what had happened the past days, I heard a knock on my door. Quick to answer, I jumped to the door to open it. It was no other than Atius, my old friend. I welcomed him into my house:
"Welcome Atius, I wondered when you'd come. Come in, what will you be drinking?" I asked Atius as I invited him into my house.

"An ale would be enough." he calmly said as he entered. As soon as we both sat down the conversation re-began.

"So, what brings you here Atius?" I asked in an anxious voice.

"I have found a buyer for my "wares" but I don't want to meet him alone so I want you to come with me." Atius said.

"A buyer, you say? Who is he?" I asked.

"A very powerful man who would like to gain even more power, I'm sure you know him." Atius said.

"Well then, if I know him would you stop being mysterious and tell me his name?" I asked in a determined tone.

"I'll tell you, but promise that you will tell no one of our business venture." Atius said.

"Now you know I won't tell anyone, tell me his name already Atius." I said.

"Alright, he is king Lhotun the ruler of Sentinel." he said. I was rather surprised by his reply, the King dealing with one such as Atius?

"And what exactly are these wares for which you risked your life?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise.

"These wares are actually only one object, an ancient artifact I found in a wind-swept tomb in the middle of the Alik'r. It has the rather interesting ability of creating a corrupted copy of whomever you choose. It works on whole armies as well, imagine going to battle with an army much smaller than your foe's then creating a whole army of dopelgangers to match his own army. That's exactly why this Lhotun wants it. He wants it badly actually so he's arranged a meeting between me and him on the waterfront. I'm afraid of going alone, who knows what this Lhotun character may do to me?" Atius said in a rather nervous voice.

"King Lhotun of Sentinel? You shouldn't be afraid of him, he's an honourable man." I said, trying to reassure Atius.

"Honourable? Where have you heard that? I'm guessing the king of Bergama wouldn't agree more gathering what Lhotun did to him, his head was lopped off in the very street. Can you believe that? Someone should do something against this Lhotun before he starts a war with the Empire itself." Atius said in a despicable tone.

"Watch your words! I mean...you shouldn't judge someone as a tyrant before you know his reasons. Perhaps he has a good reason for all of these things?" I said, loosing my temper for a moment.

"I'm sure he has a very good reason, all of these tyrants have the same one: the thirst for power. The fact that he desires my merchandise just shows that he wants even more power." Atius said, trying to slander King Lhotun's reputation.

"I should..." I was interrupted by a knocking at the door. I made my way to answer. I only found a note at the foot of the door. I picked it up and started reading it. It read:

There is a very despicable man in the city. He seeks to conquer the city by using a malefical artifact of Oblivion. Seek him out and slay him before it is too late for the city and the Kingdom. Make sure to recover the artifact so that no one comes forth and takes it to use it against us.

Signed,
King Lhotun


So Atius wasn't actually an adventurer seeking to sell off his loot. He was actually here to take over the city. His first, most probable step, was to take out King Lhotun in that meeting on the Waterfront. Afterwards, taking down the city's defenses would be easy with a tool like that in his possesion. I had to stop him before he got out of my house and on to the streets.

"So Atius, where did you say that your merchandise was? I am rather worried that this despicable Lhotun character might try and steal it." I said, trying to trick the conspirator.

"Oh, I have it with me. It's quite easy to carry along with you, you see? It has the shape of a normal-sized human skull yet it is...darker and gives you a feeling of imense power. So you agree to come along to the meeting?" Atius asked me anxiously.

"Come along to the meeting? Well, before I answer that question here's something that I'll bring along. Protection you see?" I said as I left the room and went upstairs to get my scimitar. I had to take care of this menace.

Later, after I had returned: "Oh, great. That's just what we need. In case that Lhotun tries anything funny with us at the docks." Atius said in a rather relieved voice. He must really trust me to say that.

"Oh, but the best part is yet to come. Look over your shoulder." I softly said to Atius, directing him to look behind him.

As he turned his back, I raised my scimitar, intent on leaving this malitious schemer without his foul head. As Atius looked behind I tried to fell the blade upon his head, but I just couldn't. This man had helped me very much, he had even saved my life once. I couldn't just repay him by lopping off his head. If he would die, his death would not come by me. I am not a murderer, and when I kill, I do so with reason.

"What was there? I couldn't see anything except an empty wall." Atius said, rather dissapointed. He didn't know how lucky he was.

"Oh nothing. I was planing on showing you something but I've decided against it." I said in a rather bored voice, trying to mask my former intentions.

"Oh well. I forgot to tell you something. The meeting with Lhotun is tonight and there's not much time left! We should hurry." Atius said as he got up from my chair. I did the same.

Soon enough we were on the streets, on our way to the docks to meet the King. As we past through the empty streets, we went past a few market stalls which were emptied for the night. Atius started giggling for no apparent reason. After some time passed, I asked him why he was giggling as we past those stalls.

"Oh, I just remembered one time when I was walking through the market and I heard a little disscusion between a merchant who was selling dogs and one of his customer. The customer, after settling to buy a specific dog, asked the merchant if the dog had a family tree. The merchant responded: He can pee on any tree sir.
I just burst into laughing when I heard that. It's rather nice to remember past episodes like this one. It brings back fond memories." Atius said as he weaved a story and a joke in his words.

We both started laughing after he told of his memories. I exchanged some of mine in turn. Yet the time for niceties and jokes was soon coming to an end. We were nearing the docks, and I would have to tell the King why I can't slay Atius.

As we reached the meeting place, I could see the King was already there together with two other men. Atius was outnumbered heavily. I knew that he would not survive the night one way or another. King Lhotun greeted us as we approached.

"Greetings Atius! I am glad to see you have made it on time. Hm, who is your friend?" King Lhotun asked in a slightly suspicious voice.

"A friend of mine, Arthago of Vulnim Gate. Nobody important." Atius said in a calm voice.

"Arthago?! Arthago, is that you?" King Lhotun asked in a perplexed voice.

"Yes, sire. I am sorry to..." I was interrupted by the King.

"Don't be sorry Arthago. So you say you've befriended this petty thief? You're even more talented than I expected Arthago, perhaps you should focus your talents elsewhere than in the career of a knight. Now that we have him here, slay him Arthago." the King said with a slight grin.

"I am sorry Sire, but that was what I was meaning to tell your Highness. I can't kill him. He has saved my life and helped me greatly in the past. This is no way to repay his efforts." I said in an honest voice. Atius was looking at all of this in a very surprised way.

"Who do you trust more Arthago? Me? Or this petty tomb-raider? He means to destroy the city with his wicked artifact! He means to destroy everything you know and love!" King Lhotun said, slightly shouting.

"Destroy the city? What rubbish has this man been stuffing into your head Arthago? You know very well that he wants to buy the artifact and use it for himself! He only wishes to kill me so he doesn't have to pay any drakes out of his pocket!" Atius said at me with a certain desperation in his voice. He didn't want to die. Yet, what he said all made sense. The fact that the King wanted me to recover the artifact and take it to him. It all linked up. Perhaps the King had other thoughts than the ones of peace that he showed.

"He's trying to turn you against me Arthago! Who made you what you are today? Who? I did! If it weren't for me, you'd still be a petty squire by now! I liked you Arthago, I saw your potential! Why throw it all away in such a time? You're at the middle of the road now Arthago, will you go forwards or will you turn back?" King Lhotun asked me.

"Can't you see he's using you Arthago? Can't you see you're just a tool in his eyes? He fears you Arthago, that's why he wants you in his service, and not by your own. He fears your potential. If you stay with him any longer, you'll soon end up like me, or countless others, at the edge of a pier ready to be thrown into the water. What will you do Arthago? He's right when he says you're at the middle of the road, you can go either go forward and leave Lhotun's service or you can go back and remain his hired killer. What will you choose Arthago?" Atius asked me in almost the same way.

Things had gotten so confusing. I didn't know why I didn't just kill Atius, I didn't know why I didn't obey the King's wishes. I started feeling different towards the King, I started seeing his true face. He wanted power, no matter the consequence, no matter the reason. I saw it in his eyes that he delighted when I told him about the assassins from Bergama, it was clear, he had an excuse for war. Perhaps, with the death of Atius he might say that some king from say, Daggerfall, sent Atius here to conquer the city. This was just one great chain, one evil leading to another. Would I choose to continue, or would I choose to break it?
~~~
DUN DUN DUN DUNNN!!! Stay tuned for the next update!

I'll wait...please Griffie, dont let it be so long til next time....I just love Arthago, ....give us more exellent updates like this.

Oh it won't be long until next time. Well, until I find an idea of what Arthago will do I won't post anything. I'm not very sure what to do, make him into a bad guy or into a good guy. I'm gonna have to meditate on this one.

Hmm, let's see. Knowing Lhotun, disobeying him will lead to violence. Now we already know that he isn't the most wimpiest fellow in the land. On top of that, he's got two bodyguards with him and I seriously doubt he would take anything less than the best available. Arthago is not a mage, so uber spells of doom are out of the question. It doesn't look like Arthago can win a fight here.

Tricky situation indeed. The path to the dark side is easier and quicker while the path of the good side is harder.

Edit: Wait, maybe he goes berserk and busts out one of those Shehai thingies? That would be cool.

Ahhh......nice to see this one´s continuing.....as said above, I also like Arthago and I´m looking forward to read more about him.

Godd work Griffie!....Good work!

Dun dun dunnnn indeed. I eagerly anticipate the next post. I personally can't tell which side Arthago will take, he's shown tendencies for both good and evil. Hopefully no mind control will be involved... that could be cheesy

The conclusion to this controversial chapter and to cool down the presure, here's what happens:

~~~
Violent images quickly passed throughout my head. A man attacking me with a dagger, then a fall, then cold water, then darkness took hold. I woke up in a bed covered with warm furs. I was in a rectangular room with a high ceiling and a big stained-glass window in front of me. I woke out of the bed and saw my scimitar lying on a small table which was next to the bed. A man entered the room and looked at me.

"Ah, he has woken. He has woken Sire!" the man shouted to someone. King Lhotun soon walked in the room.

"Arthago! I'm glad to see you have recovered so quickly." King Lhotun said in a pleased voice.

"Um, what happened? Where's Atius? How in the name of Sheogorath did I end up here?" I asked, bewildered.

"Ah, so you do not remember? Very well then, I shall inform you with what has happened if you do not remember. After that worm of a man tried to poison your mind one last time I decided to take things into my own hands and deprive you of his evil influence. He pulled out his artifact and pointed it at me. A dopelganger soon appeared but I quickly slew the beast with a quick thrust of my dagger. Afterwards, after he saw that his dopelgangers weren't of any effect, he drew a dagger and held it at your neck then started backing away. I kept approaching him though. At that moment you panicked and somehow broke his arm then you pushed him backwards. As you pushed him with all of your strength you both fell into the water. You started screaming franticly but my men managed to get you out of the water and on land. By the time we got you on land you had swallowed too much water so we had to get you to a healer of some sort. After we took you to a healer you fell asleep because of the effort so we took you here. You're in the palace now." King Lhotun said, trying to soothe me.

"Now I understand why I'm here, but what happened to Atius?" I asked in a curious voice.

"Since you had broken his arm he couldn't swim. My guards tried to rescue him but it was already too late. He sadly drowned and was lost to the sea." King Lhotun said.

I think I understand what the King's notion of drowning is when it's about his enemies. Being held under water until you drowned would be a better way to say it. I started fearing Lhotun. I knew what he was capable of and I knew what he did when someone betrayed him. For the moment I would at least have to keep the appearance of loyalty if I wanted to keep my head.

"Now, to change the subject. My dream of a united Hammerfell is almost complete. The Kingdom of Sentinel has most of the lands of northern Hammerfell under its rule. The only ones who opose our rule are the southern kingdoms of Taneth and Rihad and the North-Eastern city states. For the moment, our atention will be turned towards the southern kingdoms. If we can take them without much hardship then we can shift our vision towards the north-eastern states." King Lhotun said in a scheming tone.

"Perhaps we should be content with what we have Sire. The Empire has not acted until now, perhaps they know yet they are turning a blind eye or perhaps they don't yet they are searching for oportunities of retribution. The old Emperor wants peace in his lands, not hardship. We shouldn't test his patience Sire." I said to Lhotun, trying to calm him down.

"The Emperor is old! He is a weak and senile old man, hell I don't know if he's even sane any more. He isn't in contact with his people. All of the Imperial generals have one eye on independent conquests and one eye on the Dragon Throne. The legions are loyal only to their own general, and the legions that aren't loyal are bought at the highest bidder by various nobles. Hard times are coming Arthago, the Kingdom of Sentinel must be strong. Once one Imperial general proves strong enough he will surely come for Hammerfell. If Hammerfell is divided into petty kingdoms, it will not outlast the onslaught. If Hammerfell can unite around one powerful kingdom, it has a chance of surviving and even taking the attack to Cyrodiil. Will you help me fulfill my dream, Arthago?" King Lhotun asked me with a sincere voice.

I could see now that even though King Lhotun may have appeared as an evil tyrant at times, he had an honourable objective. He loved Hammerfell and he wanted what was best for it, regardless what it took to get there. King Lhotun knew very well what was going to happen in the Imperial Province, all out civil war. Once Cyrodiil was at war, the other provinces would break out into war too, Hammerfell included. If Hammerfell wasn't united from the start, it would break apart into a lot of meager kingdoms which would be easy prey for the surviving Imperial legions. Only a miracle could stop the war that was to come with the death of the Emperor.

"I will, my King." I said, as I bowed down in front of Lhotun.

"Very well. Rise now Arthago. I do not know how much I can trust others yet I trust you the most. You have proven to me your worth thus far, and you have made me very proud. The first step into complete unification has been taken, Sentinel has conquered all nearby kingdoms to form one bigger and much stronger kingdom. Lainlyn, Ephesus, Santaki and Bergama all belong to us. The second step is unification between Reguard culture. The Crowns and the Forebears have been at war for too long, something must be done. The Crowns are too extreme when it comes to keeping their own culture, yet the Forebears love the Empire too much. A middle faction must exist, one to keep Redguard culture and value yet to respect the Empire in the same measure. This faction shall be called...yes, the Lhotunic. And I know just who is going to lead it." King Lhotun said.

"Who?" I asked in a somewhat anxious tone.

"You Arthago. You are just the person. I know that I can trust you more than others and I know that you have natural abilities when it comes to commanding others around you." King Lhotun said.

"It is an honour for me to lead your faction, Sire." I said.

"It is not my faction Arthago, it is our faction. Who knows, perhaps one day you might become the ruler of your own lands, free of me and Sentinel. That day would truly be a great one for both Hammerfell and for me." King Lhotun said.

"You know what the plan to succes is Sire? Make a plan and stick with it. Now that we have a plan, we should see that the phases are done accordingly. First thing we have to do is to officialy establish the Lhotunic. We should approach both Crowns and Forebears alike to see if they would wish to join our faction. After the Lhotunic is a strong faction we see to it that Sentinel has a strong army for times to come. If the odds favour us, we should take the southern cities, for they are the richest in Hammerfell and their people are just merchants, they pay others to fight their battles. We have an advantage over them there. After we take over the southern cities, we see to it that our borders are well defended against any future attack from the Imperials. Then, we wait." I said, weaving a plan.

"Excellent plan Arthago. I agree with your notion. We should put this plan into action right away. We are acting against time, and it is of the essence. The Emperor might die any day now, this day, this month, this year." King Lhotun said.

With this disscusion over, the conquest of Hammerfell was ready to begin. If the Imperials think they could defeat the Redguards as they did in the past, they have another thing coming to them...
~~~
This is the end of this rather short update. Sorry for the length but there was really nothing to talk about anymore. I hope the next update will be longer.

Lhotunic? That Lhotun is a lunatic. Geez, he should have called it the neutrals or something. This is just too much for his ego. I like the update though I personally would skip Hammerfell at the first opportunity.

It might come as a surprise to you but the Lhotunic actually exists in the lore, I didn't make it up. It's really the middle faction between the Forebears and the Crowns. And, yes, Arthago will eventually leave Hammerfell or another province, but I'm not telling which one.

And I've began reading your X-Scrolls story. I didn't know you were writing it though, it came as a slight surprise to me. I'm gonna comment on it as soon as I get the chance.

Ah...tyrannic honoured user he is....still, he is just as ruthless as you have to be, in order to have what kind of control he have I'll give him that. Exellent update, and I'm glad that Arthago didn't need to chose a side(yet), so I'll be looking forward to thye next update, just make Arthago act carefully around Lhotun ok.

Now I'll go and write another update myself, expect it soon.

Okay, sorry for the long delay but it seems I'm developing a style here. I don't like this style though, but what can a guy do? Here's the latest update, and here's hoping that the next one will come quicker.


~~~
Now that the phases of the plan had been established the plan could be put in motion. All known Crown and Forebear enclaves in the teritory of Sentinel were to be approached with offers to join the Lhotunic. I was very skeptical of the plan's succes rate though, Crowns were famous for their stubborness and their desire to work alone for the salvation of Hammerfell. The Forebears on the other hand, were easily influenced by a well placed bribe...or assassination.

There were a number of Forebear-owned taverns in the city of Sentinel. As our agents were roaming the whole Kingdom looking for other groups of Forebears and Crowns, a few of the remaining agents started looking in Sentinel itself. I decided to go and oversee one of these operations at a Forebear tavern, the "Rusting-Crown". The name of the tavern was a clearly attacking the Crowns. After all these years, the Forebear-Crown hate hadn't dropped significantly. Hate is the most powerful human emotion, more powerful than love, regardless what some might tell you. Hate creates destruction and friendships alike. The saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" is very suited to this statement. Hate is something more permanent than love, you might love someone one day, you might love another one the other, you might even love someone if you were paid to do so. Hate however, is stronger. If you hate someone one day, you can't stop hatting him the other, no matter the situation.

Leaving the philosophical part of things aside, I carefully made my way inside the "Rusting-Crown" with 2 other men beside me. Just in case. The tavern was a rather beat-up place. It was clearly badly cared for, if it was cared for at all that is. There were a few tables in front of an old wooden bar. The bar-tender was an old Redguard with a rather uncared-for beard. I approached the bar, trying not to disturb the other patrons of the tavern. Despite my efforts, everyone was looking at me like I was dinner. The only one who wasn't looking at me was a Bosmer who was sitting at the bar, sipping his drink in a very annoying manner. I took a seat next to the Bosmer at the bar, so did my two companions who were "keeping the peace" by holding the handles of their blades, ready to draw their weapons.

I started a seemingly normal conversation with the Bosmer, if you can call any conversation with a skinny midget normal that is.

"Um, greetings." I said in a rather hesitant voice. All the eyes which were looking directly at me made me rather nervous.

"Greetings friend, where do you hail from?" the Bosmer asked in a rather absent voice.

"Vulnim Gate." I responded with few words.

"You come from Vulnim Gate, do you? Never heard of that city. Regardless. My name is Balfix." the Bosmer said in a merry voice.

"Arthago, pleased to meet you Balfix." I replied.

"So what is your trade, Arthago? I'm a sailor myself. I was just passing by and decided to stop in this fine city." the Bosmer said.

"Ah, my trade? Well, I'm a...messenger boy. Yes, I'm a messenger boy." I said, trying not to draw atention upon myself.

"A messenger boy? And what is a messenger boy doing, running around with two armed guards behind him? You must be carrying a very important message." Balfix said in a rather unassuming voice.

"Well, um...um." I slouched over to Balfix' ear, trying to whisper something to him. "You seem to be a nice Bosmer, I suggest you get out of here before things get ugly between me and these boys." I whispered, trying not to attract atention at the same time.

"Oh, I understand. Well, I'll leave you to your bussiness. I wouldn't want to get in the way of this "package". It was pleasant meeting you, Arthago of Vulnim Gate." Balfix said, as he left the tavern.

"Same here, Balfix." I said as I also got off my chair.

I approached the bar-keeper, which was sitting on a small chair behind the bar, with a question.

"Where is the owner of this fine establishment?" I asked in a serious tone. The bar-keeper looked towards another direction in a strange way, then he turned to me.

"You've come 'ere looking for trouble, 'ave you?" the old Redguard asked.

"I've come here trying to do bussiness. If you are against my good intentions I will be forced to use other methods." I said.

"Other methods such as your sword 'ere? My two 'eaded battleaxe just under the bar doesn't like your behaviour. I suggest you leave, before your blood will decorate the walls." the bar-keeper said, trying to threaten me.

"Was that a threat. I suggest you back off before your blood decorates the walls." I said in a threatening voice.

"We seem to 'ave an 'ero 'ere." the bar-keeper stood up. "Do we 'ave a problem 'ere?" the bar-keeper asked in a threatening tone just as well. As the bar-keeper stood up, so did all the Forebears in the bar. I was clearly in trouble.

"Can I ask you one question, before my blood decorates the walls?" I asked with a seemingly content tone of voice.

"What?" the bar-keeper asked in an annoyed tone.

"Is your leader here?" I asked.

"Yeah, but you won't be meeting 'im." the bar-keeper said.

"Good, I'll beat the information out of your after I'm done with your friends." I said in a calm voice with a slight smile.

"Boys, we 'ave a situation 'ere!" the bar-keeper shouted. The Forebears all drew their various weapons.

"Let's get to work!" I said to the agents following me as I drew my trusty scimitar.

As we all drew weapons, we knew that Oblivion would break loose. I took my scimitar in one hand and jumped on a table, in front of all the Forebears. I didn't manage to count them all, yet I could clearly see that there were at least 8 of them. A fine chalenge I say. As I was on the table, I kicked one of the Forebears in the face, hard. He stumbled into one of his friends who gave him a "friendly" push to the ground. I jumped from the table into the middle of the Forebears, swinging both my sword and my feet as I did so.

As I fell to the ground, so did all the Forebears around, I could see that only 2 were still standing after my jump. With a quick mothing I thrusted my sword into the neck of one Forebear standing on the ground, leaving him there permanently. I chopped off the head of another. After I quickly dispatched these two foes, I quickly stood up. I soon found myself surrounded by 5 angry Forebears. I could see that my agents were ocupied with the bar-keeper who was swinging his battleaxe like a mad-man. The Forebears started approaching me slowly, raising their weapons while they were doing so. I had to get out of there fast and there was only one thing to do.

I raised my scimitar and quickly spinned while I was between the Forebears. My blade passed between them like lightning, yet as I was turning one of them managed to slash my back with a longsword. I got angry because of this yet I could still think clearly and see that I had to get some space if I wanted to defeat my oponent. My spinning attack had slain two of my foes and left another two wounded. I quickly made use of the gap I had made and took some distance between me and my foes. The one Forebear which I didn't wound at all came after me yet he commited one grave mistake, he came after me with his blade raised high. I quickly made use of this. I took my scimitar in one hand then I started running towards him. As I was close to him I grabbed him by his hand and thrusted my scimitar in his stomach. I quickly drew my blade and beheaded him though, I didn't wish to see him suffer, even if he was my opponent.

The other two Forebears were still trying to get up but their wounds were too severe to let them do that. I quickly put them out of their misery with a slash to the neck. The Forebear which I had kicked in the face earlier was getting up, I saw his efforts and quickly raced to stop him. I decided not to kill him though, just hold my blade to his neck and convince him that it would be a better choice if he left the tavern. He agreed with me. Finally, a smart enemy!

As I turned around I could see the bar-keeper standing on his knees with a blade held to his neck by one of my agents. I made my way towards him.

"You were saying?"
~~~
That's the end of this update. I'll write more soon...I hope.

Wow, he's sure turned into one nasty swordfighter. (Even though his opponents were likely in various degrees of drunkeness.)
Heck, maybe he should join the annual 'Sentinel swordfighters competition.' Now that could be fun. (And good propaganda for Lhotun.)

Impressive tavern fight. Wonderfully written so it was easy to understand each movement of the blade.

I do agree (somewhat) agree on the philosophy with hate. I think that people who disagree aren't thinking about the real form of hate in that case. I did wish that love was stronger though. Hopefully for me personally I can make that emotion stronger than hate.

Can't wait to see what else you'll bring us, Griff!

Ohhh......great writing here, you truly have talent for this Griffie!

I decided to continue the Adventures of Arthago since it was a shame to leave such a story unfinished. Quite cowardly on my behalf yet it seems that this is the way I've been treating most of my long-term projects recently, especially my mod project. I'll have to tell the guys there that I don't have the motivation to be their leader anymore. Anyway, let's get back from where we left off! Hopefully I can get my old audience back since this is a TES related story.

~~~
I looked down at the bar keeper and could see a slight cut on his left arm yet by the look of his face, his hate for me was greater than his pain. Fear seemed to be absent from this man all-together and the blades of my men at his neck didn't really impress him. The bar keeper looked at me with great arrogance.

"I believe you were about to tell me where the owner of this formerly fine establishment is, am I right?" I asked in a sarcastic tone. He obviously wasn't impressed.

"I would 'ave lopped your 'ead right where you stood, were it not for yer two 'brave' lackeys over 'ere." the bar keeper arrogantly replied.

"Well, you're not really in the position to argue. Speak quickly!" I said, losing my patience with him.

"Alright, alright. You don't have to be a loremaster to find 'im anyway. He's up stairs, last room at the end of the hallway. He don't like it when he's disturbed so knock before entering. Politely thrusting yer blade through the door should do though." the bar keeper said, mocking me and my men.

"Alright funny man. Tie him up and take away his axe. Keep it as a trophy since you probably won't find a bear his size outside the Dragontail mountains. I'll lead." I said as I started to calmly go up the stairs. My men followed.

As I slowly made my way towards the door at the end of the hall way I decided to send of my men in first, who knew what this Forebear might be planning. The slaughter downstairs just might have allerted him, if he was sharp of hearing that is. My agent calmly opened the door but after a few steps he fell to the ground after receiving a wooden club to the head. I quickly stabbed the arm that held the club then wrestled the arm's owner to the ground. He screamed because of the pain yet he recovered pretty quickly.

"Sorry for your arm, you scared me." I said as an appology. I knew it didn't matter much but it was the least I could do. "Now, if you're done screaming, maybe we can talk business?"

"Aren't you here to kill me on behalf of the Crowns?" the Forebears asked, seemingly confused by the fact that I didn't kill him on the spot.

"No, unless you give me reasons to. I wasn't sent by the Crowns or any other secret organization altogether. I am the representative of a new faction leading the fight for Redguard freedom. You might not have heard of it." I said, calmly explaining to the Forebear about the Lhotunic. I also helped him to his feet.

"Are you some other group of suicidal rebels fighting against the Empire?" the Forebear asked in an almost bored voice. It seemed he had received such offers before.

"No, we come on behalf of King Lhotun of Sentinel himself. I am the leader of a newly established faction named the Lhotunic. We wish to be a blend of both Crown and Forebear alike." I said, looking to see if the expression of the man changed, and it did when I mentioned the Crowns. I quickly added one more thing. "With emphasis on the Forebears of course."

"Hmm...catchy name you have there. But since you mentioned the fact that you are a Forebear-oriented faction, go ahead and name your terms." the Forebear leader said.

"Well, we have sent small 'committees' like this to both Crown and Forebear enclaves alike. We wish all of these squabbling factions, the Forebears, the Crowns and whatever other organizations of this ilk there remain out there, to unite under a common banner. Our King, in all his wisdom, foresees for a dark future for Hammerfell and all Tamriel alike, if we do not unite so as to weather the coming storm." I said in an elevated way, trying to impress the Forebear.

"Fancy words, but all you're meaning to say is that you're muscling in over us. I like it that you go straight to the point though. I've been trying to convince all of my fellow Forebears to unite with the Crowns and leave aside all conflicts, since it is in the interest of Hammerfell that we have peace amongst ourselves. If we don't, then things can go like they did when the Imperials last invaded Hammerfell, and we Forebears betrayed the Crowns, joining the Imperial side. Despicable thing we did back then. Still, I'm willing to join your little union. The Lhotarics, you call yourselves?" The Forebear leader asked. Still, we were getting somewhere.

"The Lhotunic. Anyway good thing that you're so optimistic. Let's hope the rest of your Forebear mates will share your line of thought, as I shudder to think of what would happen to them if they didn't. We'll stay in touch." I said as I left the Forebear leader tending to his arm. By this time my agent had also gotten back on his feet from the wallop he had received to the head.

Now that my part of the task was finished, it was time to give Lhotun my report. After a quick stop by a tavern for a quick bite to eat and some drink, I was ready to go to the palace. I never ate at my home since, as I've said before, I'm not much of a cook. As I made my way to the palace through the winding alleyways, it reminded me of when the city was a battleground and Vhosek's forces littered the streets. It also reminded me of all the brave lives lost in the pointless feud.

As I neared the great plaza in which the palace was situated I could see the spire which held Lhotun's library was still under construction. It had been shattered by a great fireball fired towards the palace by one of K'avar's battlemages. A grim reminder of dark times. I entered the palace and made my way towards the throne-room. There however, I found Lhotun's ever-so-polite messenger waiting for me.

"The King's been waiting for you. What took you so long you lout? A few Forebears too much to handle?" he asked sarcastically. I had long gotten over his way of speech however.

"Where is his Majesty?" I asked.

"In his chambers. He's waiting for you so get a move-on already!" he said, almost shouting at me. Still, his voice was carried as an echo throughout the great hall.

"Farewell to you too." I said, considering his command as a way of saying goodbye.

I eventually made my way to Lhotun's private quarters and there I found him admiring a broken spear which seemed to be the one he had broken in the duel with Lord Vhosek. He had attached it on a steel shield etched with the symbol of a candle in ebony characters, probably the shield he had used in the duel with Vhosek. The shield had been hung on the wall, almost as a trophy. Besides that, the King's private chambers were finely furnished, with furniture made of oak wood and expensive tapestries lining the walls. Lhotun saw me after turning around but he didn't seem startled, almost as if he had known that I was there.

"You bring news of the Forebears I suspect. How have the negotiations gone?" King Lhotun asked.

"Well, they weren't in the mood to negociate at first but after some old-fashioned 'persuasion' methods I managed to get the ear of the enclave's respective leader. Of course, the Forebears are short of a few men after my negotiations." I calmly said, describing the all-out battle I had in the "Rusting-Crown" tavern.

"It was to be expected. I have already received reports from other 'negotiators', so to say, regarding the general attitude of the Forebears and Crowns towards us. The Crowns have generally welcomed our intentions of strengthening Hammerfell so as to better resist an Imperial invasion, yet the Forebears have been aprehensive at best when it came to our proposals. We had to assassinate a few of their leaders until they managed to understand that we are serious about this matter, deadly serious." King Lhotun said in a ruthless way. I had already come to expect such methods from him. Even though his intentions were honourable, his methods were more than questionable. When it comes to matters of state however, you have to be that way if you expect to retain your seat as King. That was the truth of the matter, sadly.

"Understandable. I myself had to dispatch a few disgruntled Forebears until their leader could be open to negotiation. Yet I'm sure it's nothing a well-placed bribe or assassination can't handle." I said confidently.

"Well, unfortunately, the leadership of the Kingdom of Rihad has some very strong Forebear affiliations. Rihad's king himself is a self-declared Forebear supporter. Bribery or assassination won't work there and, worse still, we have no pretexts to invade. But I have been thinking. What if we could turn the situation to our favour? What if we could sow the seeds of discontent among the royalty of Rihad?" King Lhotun asked, almost rhetorically.

"It work in our favour since a civil war could start, as was the situation in Lainlyn. But how could we create malcontent in Rihad, without bribery or war?" I asked, not knowing what the King had in mind.

"That is exactly it Arthago. Since they are all well-established Forebears, sow the seeds of malcontent among them by introducing a Crown presence. Make them turn against eachother and the gears of war will start to turn. And once there are two sides in a civil war, we will be able to support one side against the other, as in Lainlyn." Lhotun said, with a sly smile. I already knew who he was going to send.

"Excellent sire! And I'm sure you already know the man for the job." I said with an unexcited voice.

"Who else? Who is my most trusted agent? Who else has gotten through so many trials before and remained undefeated the whole time? Why, you have Arthago. That is the very reason you are a Marshal of the Knights of the Candle. Yet now, you will once again have to take a more shadowy role. I assure you though, you will get your taste of battle when the time comes." King Lhotun said. When he said I was his most trusted agent I imagined it as if he said his most trusted enforcer, since it would have been a better term. Still, I had to do my part for King and Country.

"Of course, Sire. When do I leave?" With that most fatidical question I was ready to leave for the Kingdom of Rihad, the only place my Hammerfellian travels hadn't taken me before. It was a well known place of lust and revelry, yet it hadn't seen anything the likes of me before.

~~~
With that, ends this update to the Adventures of Arthago. I hope you enjoyed this update!

Hmm, a nice update that was long overdue. Good stuff here.

But I wonder how strong an alliance will be if the majority has been forced into it by threats and violence.

Tis' the next update. Enjoy!

~~~
As I made my way to the city stables I could almost feel my moves being shadowed by another presence though each time I looked back I heard and saw nothing. As I went through the twisting side-alleys, looking for a shortcut and a way to loose my followers, I thought I could play a little trick on whoever was following me. As I went through the small alleys, I suddenly made a right turn to a dead-end then quickly climbed on top of a small homestead. I laid on the roof of the homestead, watching and waiting to see who was following me. I also had my hand on my scimitar's handle in case my "fans" got violent.

As I stood and waited for a few seconds I started thinking that I had only imagined things, and that my paranoia was catching up to me. I prepared to get off the roof, thinking how funny it must have been, seeing a knight in armour on the roof of some house. Before I could get down however I heard talking. I quickly froze still, intent on listening.

"It seems that our coordonator is a smart one." a voice said, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Aye. This one's cunning alright. I don't how cunning he'll be when he gets an axe to the face though." another voice said, replying to the other one.

"Hush now. He's already seen us and all you'll do now is scare him or worse, anger him." the first voice said.

I got up and drew my scimitar, though I had no idea where my enemy could be hiding. From the likes, it was probably a mage with a minion helping him. I had seen their kind before, mages who walked around with hulking brutes on their payroll behind them. For "added protection" they said whenever asked about their companions. I would take care of the mage first then kill the other guy who was proud of his skill with the axe. As I stood however, I felt my joints were frozen in place. My hands couldn't move either. My body was limp like a stuck fish and my eyes were the only part of my body which I could move. The voices started speaking again.

"It seems we have a daring one on our hands. That should take care of him. Now, get him down from there before he falls." the first voice said once more, after seeing me paralyzed.

Before I could be helped down, I felt my whole body falling. I had stood like that for too long and now came the time to take the fall. Couldn't the idiot have paralyzed me while I was lying on the roof, not when I had stood up to face them? I soon felt my body tumbling down, knocking the other guy of his feet as he stood ready to catch me.

"Spoke too soon." the other voice said in an annoyed tone.

After a few hours of what seemed like a painfull comma, I woke up in a bed inside a small room which seemed to be part of a larger building. I had done quite a lot of this waking up in other people's houses business in the past few days, and I had gotten quite sick of it. It was really annoying falling down and not knowing where you'd wake up. My questions were soon answered however when a middle-aged Breton came to check up on me. His face seemed pretty pale and he was starting to have bald patches in his hair. A mage from the looks of it all.

"Ah, you've woken up Arthago." the mage said in a relieved voice.

"How in Oblivion do you know my name Breton?" I asked in an angry voice.

"His Majesty King Lhotun assigned us to work with you. On the Rihad assignment. Remember now?" the Breton asked me with a slight smile on his face. I couldn't resist the urge to strangle him.

"All I remember is that you paralyzed me on the top of a roof last night and that your friend broke my fall. Speaking of friends, where is your companion? Now that you have come out of your hiding places I can finally lay my eyes on you." I said in a displeased tone. It didn't seem to lower the mage's spirits.

"We weren't hiding." he said with a smile. "I had cast an Invisibility spell. That was why you couldn't see us. It was late night you see, and the guards don't take it kindly to people loitering around late at night unless they have important business. But since our affairs are of a rather clandestine nature we don't have papers to certify our presence."

"Who are you people?" I asked, bewildered.

"How rude of me not to present myself! My name is Belwin of Anticlere. I am a Breton as you can see. My companion is a Nord called Beomir, an odd fellow with a great many interests. Stalking out roads and ambushing people being one of them. He didn't really tell me how he came in the service of King Lhotun." Belwin said calmly. I remembered Beomir all too well. He had ambushed me twice while I was travelling to the city of Verkath, when I was caught up in a battle between the Crowns and Forebears over the city. Lhotun sure had acces to the services of a great range of people.

"And how exactly did you come in the service of my King?" I asked. I wasn't as upset as I was before but I was still cranky because of being frozen stiff.

"Well, I was an up and coming mage in Anticlere, affiliated with the Mages Guild, until I received a letter from one interested in my talents and willing to sponsor me. Don't get me wrong, the Mages Guild is wonderful and all but all those quests and all that studying can get tedious. I am talented in the School of Illusion you see, a School popular with those who have...less than legal pursuits." Belwin said. He was quite tedious in his manner of speech. Like most Bretons.

"Thieves you mean." I said.

"Well, if you wish to put it that way, yes. But if you live in High Rock for a long time you will learn that putting an awkward spin to a common term can get you places." Belwin replied.

"Then let's hope I never end up in High Rock. By the way, since we're working together, do you mind telling me where we are?" I asked calmly.

"Oh, not at all. We are in an inn inside Sentinel. I believe Beomir was out buying supplies and the like. He should be back shortly." Belwin said.

"And when do we leave for Rihad?" I asked, once more.

"After Beomir arrives." he responded.

"Well, unless I'm mistaken I see he's here." I said as I saw the tall Nord entering the small inn room. He was just the way I remembered him, except for a few bruises on his forehead and arms.

"Redguard! It seems you've finally woken up. I haven't seen you since..." I interrupted him before he could finish his sentence.

"Since the time you tried to ambush and kill me on the road to Verkath...yeah...happy times alright." I said in a jolly tone and with a big smile. Anyone could see that I was anything but serious though.

"For you at least, I lost eight good men back then to your friends. Taught me not to mess with any knights from Sentinel again." Beomir said with a smile. It seemed commonplace for Nords to talk about near-death encounters as if they were taking about going fishing.

"Well, at least you learned something." I said.

"Now that we are all acquainted, I believe we can leave for Rihad. After you are done suiting up, you can find us downstairs." Belwin said as he left the room.

"Yeah...oh and don't mind the two Imperials lying unconscious near the bar. They chalenged me to a drinking game. You'll never believe who won, Redguard." Beomir said sarcastically as he left as well. The only thing I didn't like was that he called me 'Redguard'.

After they had left, I got up from bed. It felt refreshing to be able to use my hands and legs again. I almost felt like laughing when I walked around the room. I remembered the old saying "Value that which you have before you lose it." since it was all too true. I found my armour neatly packed near my bed with a note beside it, apparently written by Belwin.

Sorry about the sudden acquaintance.

Signed, Belwin

Next to it was also a small crumpled piece of paper which seemed to be another note, written by Beomir this time though.

Sory abot droping you down the stiars

Singed, Bomyr

That explained the bruises...
~~~

With that ends this update of the Adventures of your favourite Redguard.

Glad to see the continuation of this story once again. Arthago's exploits in Hammerfall have always been interesting.

Lots of good stuff as usual. You make politics an interesting read, which is quite commendable. Keep up the good work.