EDIT: Sorry for clone topic. I'll use this thread for the next section of it. Can someone update it to the title "No shoes, no money, no mercy Part 2 Chapters 1-4"?
Part 2 of No shoes, no money, no mercy
Part 2 Chapter 1: Making Plans
Sylvestor slept through the night, dimly recognizing An-Jar casting healing spells every hour or so on his shoulder. He awoke the next morning feeling well enough to travel.
"Well friends, I've got a feeling that today is the day we find the Slaver, we gained a lot yesterday, and had I not suffered a shoulder wound we probably would have been able to catch him in his
sleep last night. Vanir was as eager as ever to find the slavers. Full of energy, he got all his stuff together and got ready to run. He and An-Jar had talked throughout the night, keeping watch and sharing their experiences. He noticed that An-Jar began to recognize Vanir. He shared what had happened to him the past few years (he basically told An-Jar everything the flashbacks said), and An-Jar told Vanir about some of the contracts, many of which amazed Vanir. The Morag Tong was almost a goverment group of assassins, as they only took out criminals. Some of the ones An-Jar had done Vanir would never be able to accomplish. They also spoke of what would happen in the future, as the Ghostfence was down and Dagoth Ur gone, with the Emporer dying, and even about the wastes of Solstheim. It seems both had been there for one reason or another. Vanir, after seeing the dangers of the place, hoped to never return there. The snowstorms, the terrible winters, the lack of supplies... and the creatures. They talked until Sylvestor woke,, and when he did, they got ready to chase after the slavers. However, one particularily amusing subject came up in the talking: who would kill the lead slaver? The one who wanted to avenge his town, or the one who wanted to fulfill his contract and defeat the criminal.
Nimbok glanced out through the trees and saw that it was the people that he attempted to steal from. He noticed Sylvester's wound. Nimbok didn't know that he did that much to him. He could kill him with a swing of a throwing knife. But that would be impulsive and foolish. He also saw his blood stained dagger sitting on a small tree stump. He wanted it back.
Sylvestor listened to his other two companions talk about the plans for killing the slaver.. before any serious dispute could start, he stated his views on the matter. "There's one good way to go about doing this... Vanir, having a daughter in the group of slaves should probably go after her, as she's a young girl she probably gets better treatment than others, although it would still be terrible treatment. That means she would be in a tent, so while Vanir seeks out his daughter, An-Jar can take out the slaver, he'll be in the nicest looking tent near the center of the encampment.. as for me, i'll take out any other slaver-scum there happens to be, while freeing the rest of the slaves and giving them directions to the nearest inn."
"I dont think it'll be that easy. In my years before a legionnaire, I was a rogue assassin, so I have some skill with sneaking. On top of that, I've had missions like this. However, I've always been alone. This time I've got two skilled assassins helping." The other two grinned. "However, these are dangerous criminals. They killed off five guards and destroyed a village. I like your plan, Sylvestor, but we need more detail," He leaned in closer so nobody but the three of them could hear,"I think we should have have me extract Indalse and and any other slaves I can get, then have Sylvestor positioned to cover if anything goes wrong. Once they're safe, An-Jar will eliminate the leader. Sylvestor will kill off the rest of the slavers while An-Jar gets out of there. After I get the slaves to a safe distance, I will use the hist that I've been collecting in tins along the way. I will pour it on their food supplies, which will probably be in one place. Then I toss a torch in, and you guys watch the explosion while I get the hell away from it," At this point, Vanir smiled slightly, "Then, Sylvestor will kill off as much of the scum as he desires. An-Jar and I will get all the slaves out, and we'll make our way to a safe place, meet up with Sylvestor, and talk about what to do from there. Any survivors will be out of clean water or food, becuase it'll be burned to ash. Hist is great for fueling fires. Any objections?"
Nimbok didn't care if he didn't hear what they said. He already knew they were going after slavers. He still had 300 septims on him from when he left vivec, so he might be able to trade with them. He didn't care for slavers and had no stance on slavery. All he had to do was follow them. But there was still the problem of getting his dagger back. And he would also have to warn the slavers.
Sylvestor liked the way Vanir thought about things.. fire was good. "I love it, we'll do it tonight.. sounds brilliant."
They weren't going to leave until night, so Nimbok went from tree to tree for about 30 minutes until he found the slaver camp. He saw a few recently captured slaves being pushed around by some dunmer men. He got down from the trees and one of them saw him. "Hey look, an Imperial this far in the marsh. Tell us what you're doing here or you'll end up as a slave yourself." Nimbok responded "I needed to warn you that 3 trained and deadly assasins are after whoever's in charge. They're going to attack tonight." The slaver responded with "how could three assasins kill a camp full of slavers?". Nimbok said "They're planning on burning the place down." The slaver then replied with "Whatever. Get out of here now!". Nimbok shrugged. It was their loss, after all. He snuck around to the supplies and got a week's worth of food. He climbed back into the trees to watch what was about to happen.
The three friends waited for nightfall around a small fire, too anxious to eat, too excited to sit still, they paced back and forth, sparred half-heartedly and tried to eat before giving up when their stomachs panged with discomfort. There was a lot riding on this night, a loved daughter, a crazed slaver, the lives of countless other slaves.. he needed to blend in the shadows as best he could, he pulled on his full face mask, lifting his hood to cover his ears. He chose an elven shortsword for the operation, a personal favorite of his, coated with poison that would kill almost anything with a single slice. Night came slowly, and they were growing very restless beforehand. Vanir reached into his bag and pulled out something that he had never used or seen anybody use before. It was a special scroll, capable of an explosion with a radius of 200 feet. The heat would destroy anything in range. If anything went wrong, he'd have everyone get out of the area and cast it. It would most likely kill him, but the others would be safe. That is, if anything went wrong. He tossed his spear aside and took his spare Imperial Broadsword back from Sylvestor and slung it on his belt. He usually fought with a single sword or spear, but he was deadly when wielding two swords. He planned to throw his spear, and his knife would be used as a backup weapon. The shield was of no use. He left it at the camp. He tossed his helmet aside, and spun and swung his swords around. Nothing was going to keep him from getting Indalse back. None of the slavers, neither of the assassins, no scroll. He was going to get her out, whether he lived or died. He had been in tougher battles, he had been in life or death situations, he had seen worse sins, but this was his moment. He was ready. He just waited until the others were. Within a few minutes the sun would be completely gone behind the horizon and they could attack. Sylvestor finished tightening his quiver on his back, filled with 10 poisoned arrows, just in case he had to attack from a distance. He swung his elven bow on his back, this weapon was also customized, it weighed a mere 3 pounds, so as to not distract him while creeping through the shadows. He backed into a shadow of a tree and disappeared from Vanir's sight, even though he was a mere ten feet away. He didn't need Illusion spells, he was comfortable with shadows.
"We should leave in another ten minutes, get to the camp and wait for everyone to fall asleep." he spoke softly, almost a whisper. Vanir heard, but didnt reply. He was busy making any last preparations. He set up the camp for when the slaves got back, and set up anything he could as beds.
An-Jar prepared for the attack. He used several soul gems to recharge his short sword and bow, and dipped several of his arrows in the deadly poison of some local plants. As an Argonian, he had no trouble harvesting such dangerous poison for his own use. Sylvestor saw that his companions were ready, he crouched low and sprinted through the bushes, he was very agile and hardly made a noise at all, An-Jar and Vanir were right next to him, they weaved between the plant life for a short period of time before the came upon the camp, they heard it before they saw it. Several of the slavers were still up drinking and laughing loudly, they would fall asleep soon enough, and they would be ready.
Part 2 Chapter 2: Running the plans
Vanir crouched patiently, swords in hands. He was not nervous. He saw that Sylvestor was watching the camp closely. An-Jar was looking for the lead slaver's tent. Vanir had spotted the slave area, and was deciding the best route. They waited for about two hours, but none of the ones awake went to sleep? What was going on? Had they been tipped off? Had they spotted them? Or perhaps they were just on guard like this as always. About half of the moon had shown that night. He looked over to each of them and gave a nod that seemed to say "It's time". Sylvestor, in a fluid motion, flipped backwards and landed without a sound in the shadows. An-Jar cast his chameleon spell and two other spells and went into action. Vanir rolled sideways into the cover and snuck his way around the camp into the slave compound. He saw some slaves sitting, looking tired and hungry. Then he spotted Indalse. She looked just as abused as the other slaves, with bruises and cuts. She was asleep from the fatigue of running. The man who was keeping guard wasnt well armed. Vanir took out his combat knife, tossed it and caught it by the tip of the blade, and threw it at the man. One of the things he remembered from his younger years was knife-throwing. He was exceptionally skilled with it. On top of that, he knew this blade's weight and speed. It hit its mark. He threw it so it went point in, right through the voice box. He heard a soft thump as the slaver fell without a sound. He took the key off the body, unlocked all of the slave bracers on the slaves, and they followed him back to the camp. He carried Indalse over one shoulder, a sword in the free arm. The first stage of the attack was done. He waited for the battle to begin. He would fight his way to Sylvestor's side and they would get to the food supplies. He didnt have time for the hist. He would have to use only the torch and hope for the best.
Upon hearing the signal and casting his spells, An-Jar went into action, firing several arrows in rapid succesion. Three guards dropped instantly, Daedric arrows through their throats. With that, he slipped silently through the gap in the picket lines, quickly and quietly approaching Gadaves' tent, Shadowbane at the ready.
Vanir set Indalse on a bed, and showed the others to the beds. He recognized many of them. They were grateful, and sat around the fire eating some of the food. Sylvestor and An-Jar would undersand, he thought. He ran back to join Sylvestor in the battle, to find three of the guards already dead and the others only now beginning to notice the deaths.
Sylvestor was crouched low to the ground and nealry sprinting through the shadows, he got up right behind one of the more quiet men around the fire, strategically thrust his blade down his back, while propping his head up so no one would notice his death, he took a deep breath, let the man fall and rolled to the side again. There was a small commotion and Sylvestor used it to his advantage, he took off another two men at the back of the group before anyone noticed a thing, and now he just backed away and finished the rest with arrows, they never knew what hit them, he stood anxiously around looking for progress on An-Jar and Vanir's part.
Part 2 Chapter 3: Dark Brotherhood, We Deliver
Six months later
The boat had just arrived in Morrowind in the small port of Seyda Neen, and Vanir's home. Vanir got off the boat and wondered at how quickly it was built back together. It looked as if there had never been an attack. It was heavily raining, so everybody but the guards were inside. He covered Indalse with his robe sleeve, and let the water pour down on his head. He led An-Jar and Sylvestor to his house, and directed the others to the tradehouse. Arille happily took care of the freed slaves. Many of them, however, returned to their homes. Vanir opened the door to find Indrilas reading near the fire (for those of you that played MW, its Eldafire's house with a little room expansion and two extra beds). She looked at him, got up, and jumped into his arms. They pulled apart and she blushed. She hadn't noticed the other two at first. She led Indalse to rest in the bed and have some hot soup (she was cold from the storm), and invited the two guests to eat and have some wine. Vanir went into the other room to change and rest. He hadnt slept since they arrived in Mournhold and stayed at that inn (he found the beds very comfortable at the Winged Guar). Indrilas stayed to speak to An-Jar and Sylvestor. Sylvestor told their story and then mentioned Vanir's offer.
Six months had past since Nimbok got out of the hellish swamp. When the party he was following got to Morrowind he bought himself a horse and traveled to Cyrodiil. He eventually joined the Dark Brotherhood when he killed a drunk Nord in a bar fight. A Dark brotherhood member must have seen him use his throwing knives. For about 2 months he was doing contract after contract until he got a contract that required him to kill A khajiit named Sylvester for unknown reasons. Nimbok remembered the name with clarity. He remembered hearing that he was going to live in Seyda Neen. He finally got a chance to go to Vvardenfell and settle everything with the Camona Tong.
Sylvestor walked in the comfortable house and greeted the Vanir's wife. Vanir showed him where he could sleep and put his things. Sylvestor didn't have a lot, but he unloaded his gear and put it in the chests and dresser provided. It was kind of late, so Sylvestor would wait until tomorrow before he went to meet Ahnassi.
Nimbok Finally made it to Vvardenfell. He stepped off the boat and onto Seyda Neen's docks. He was about to enter Arrile's tradehouse when two Camona Tong members surprised him."You've got alot of nerve coming here Nimbok!" The first one charged at Nimbok, but he sidesteped, stabbed him, then threw him of the boardwalk, and threw a knife at the other. He bought some Chitin throwing knives. He went to what he thought was Vanir's house. He pulled up his scarf, conceiling his mouth and nose, and knocked on the door.
Vanir answered the door. He wore a white sleeveless tunic and black pants. A dagger hung at his waist.
"Hello... may I help you? By the way, its summer, so why are you wearing a scarf?" He looked confused. From Nimbok's view in the house, he could see Sylvestor, Indalse, and Indrilas sitting and eating. An-Jar was not in sight.
Nimbok could see Sylvester quite clearly and he could make a good shot with a throwing knife. He pulled out a throwing knife and said "I've come to finish the job, Sylvester!" He aimed the knife then threw it in Sylvester's direction. Sylvestor saw the knife coming, ducked and pulled the tablecloth in front if his face. The cloth was thick and it caught the knife before it could do too much damage. Sylvestor grabbed the knife and pounced at Nimbok, he stabbed the knife into his shoulder, right where he had put the same dagger so many months ago. Sylvestor ducked down after this and slammed the door shut, barring it closed with the heavy table. he dashed around the house closing all the windows and locking them. He knew this was the sissy way out but he didn't wish to kill anyone tonight, and there was no way he was about to get in a fight without getting hurt himself. Vanir climbed up the trap door onto the roof and jumped down, yelling for the guards. But he was already gone. He jumped back up and returned inside. Indalse was in Indrilas' arms. Vanir was worried about how much Nimbok's combat had improved. Months before, he was weak. He seemed trained... and quick. They would have to be careful from now on.
"Sylvestor, go to Pelagiad. Meet with Ahnassi and tell her I sent you." Vanir scribbled something onto a paper," Give this note to her," He handed a note to him describing what had happened.
Sylvestor dawned his new assasin's armor, it was blacker than the deepest shadow, pefect for blending in at night. He had made it himself from leather, specially treated with dye. He pulled on a full-face mask and went on the roof. He jumped down to the ground, and sprinted quickly to the trail, staying in the bushes. He started his journey at midnight, and got to pelagiad near dawn. He talked to the guard near the gate and asked where Ahnassi lived. He went to her house and was let in immediately. He gave her the note and her face turned serious.
Ahnassi opened the door. A figure gave her a note. She read it and learned of the trouble. Then she looked up at the figure. It had removed its mask, and standing in the doorway was a handsome, strong Kajiit.
"Come in, come in! Ahnassi welcomes you." She purred, "Ahnassi knows smooth moves when she sees them. Are you a thief? That is Ahnassi's proffession. She sees your smooth moves and wonders... Forgive her for chattering on. You are welcome in my home, as Vanir requested. Vanir and I are friends. She must ask: would you give Ahnassi the gift of friendship?"
Sylvestor glanced over Ahnassi as she read the note, she was indeed very beautiful, and just as young as him. She asked a few questions and he responded "I'm more of an assassin, killed more people than you've probably talked to. But i've done a fair amount of thieving as well, i got to get food somehow. and yes, I'd love to be your friend.. what do we do now?" Ahnassi was very attracted to this new male. Her last mate had been terrible, and was now a skooma addict.
"Forgive Ahnassi if she purrs, for she is so happy! Please, my house is your house until you are safe. Take what you need, and there is a bed downstairs that you can use. There is plenty of food around. Also, I share secrets with my special friends. This will be no secret soon, but a friend has told Ahnassi that a gate to Oblivion has opened in Cyrodiil. Very scary. She is glad none have opened up in Morrowind. Sylvestor smiled at the hospitality.
"I'm actually half-starved, i've been running without food for awhile now. Would you care to have a meal with me?". Before waiting for her answer he wandered to the room that resembled a kitchen and started setting out plates and glasses. He searched the cupboards and brought out food and set it out, making a nice medley of fruits and breads. He poured some of her fine wine, promising to get her a replacement as soon as he could go into town. Sylvestor pulled out her seat, being the gentleman of course. Once she was seated he sat across from her and started eating delicately.. even though he was nearly ready to pass out from hunger. "I've been looking to join the Morag Tong, perhaps there is a headquarters near here?"
Ahnassi sat down and thanked him. She sat down and ate, noticing how little he ate
"Please, eat. I'm not low in food supplies, you may eat as much as you want. About the Morag Tong, Ahnassi knows of the headquarters," She leaned over the table and whispered the location in Sylvestor's ear, "Vivec Arena Canalworks, look in the storage." She leaned back over the table and smiled.
Meanwhile, Vanir was preparing to go to Ald Ruhn. A gate to Oblivion was opened outside it, and he was being called away. He had Indrilas send a note telling Sylvestor what was going on. He had no time to waste, and quickly donned his Legion armor. He took a Silt Strider to Balmora, and then Ald Ruhn. When he arrived, the city guard were overwhelmed already. He gathered whatever fighters he could and rushed in to stop them. He was angry. Just after one crisis, he's called out to another. He just hoped the news would get to Sylvestor in time.
Sylvestor thanked Ahnassi for her help and hospitality, it was getting near noon and there was a sudden knock at the door. Fearing that it was Nimbok he cast an invisibility spell on himself and told Ahnassi to open the door. It was not Nimbok, it was a man dressed extravagantly holding a note. "i've got a note here for a Khajiit named Sylvestor, told he was here." Ahnassi grabbed the note and closed the door. She handed it to Sylvestor who was now visible. Sylvestor grabbed the note and read it quickly, it was from Vanir. He was heading to an oblivion gate in ald-ruhn. Sylvestor had to help. "Ahnassi, I've got to leave. An oblivion gate has been opened in Ald-Ruhn, i've got to help. Thankyou for everything, I shall return once it is closed." He grabbed his bow and other supplies and headed to the door. He had to reach Ald-Ruhn as fast as he could. He got outside and got on the Silt Strieder. He reached Balmora, then finally Ald-Ruhn came into view, he saw the flaming edifice of the gate and rushed inside to find Vanir cornered by Daedra, he pulled his bow and loosed five arrows. Five daedra fell dead and Vanir finished off the last two.
Nimbok needed to buy poisons from a Dark Brotherhood member he knew in Ald-Ruhn. When he made it he saw the whole place under attack by Daedra. He made it through the gates to see a imperial soldiers fighting off Daedra. Among them was Vanir and Sylvester. He approached them with a throwing knife in hand. Sylvestor saw Nimbok coming.
"Walking up to your contract isnt a very good way to take him down!" He had to yell his taunts over the sounds of the battle. He killed two more Daedra and turned back to the assassin. Nimbok was here to finish the job. He threw his knife at Sylvester then pulled out his sword. Sylvestor saw the knife coming and caught in his hand, he suffered a minor cut, but it didn't really matter, he threw the knife in the ground and walked towards Nimbok and Vanir. He pulled out his Elven Longsword and snarled at the Imperial. "Do you really think you can take on both of us at the same time?" Nimbok threw 3 more throwing stars at Sylvester then poured some poison of paralyze over his dwarven shortsword. Sylvestor caught one of the three stars in his chest, but his armor took most of the blow. He slashed his sword at Nimboks hand, nearly ripping it to shreds. He was tired of the attempted assasinations, so he thought he might just end everything now.
Nimboks hand was nearly cut off, Which made him furious. He pulled out his poison and dripped it on his knives. He threw every single throwing star and knife he could at Sylvester. Sylvestor laughed at Nimbok's persistence, Vanir could finish him off any time he wanted but instead he let Sylvestor fight the battle. He turned and sprinted behind nearby rock outcropping and summoned a Daedroth. The Daedroth ran at Nimbok snapping his jaws at the air. Sylvestor merely stood by casting healing potions on the beast while he did his job. The Daedroth had gotten a few bites on him, but hisd sword was still poisoned with paralyze. He slashed the daedroth and watched him fall on the ground and then he finished him off. He put more poison on his sword. He wasn't as untrained as he was. Just as reckless, but he still had more experiance then before. His Daedroth was useless now, he finished it off and brought his flame spell into his arsenal, he cast it on Nimbok, encasing him in fire.. the damned Imperial was persistent to an extreme... though the bites and burns should be enough to discourage him. Nimbok cast fire shield just before the spell hit him. Sylvestor was tired of this ridiculous fight, he grabbed Vanir and sprinted towards the spire, they had to get the sigil stone and close this gate fast... if Nimbok could survive the Daedra... he might be able to pursue them.
Part 2 Chapter 4: The Great Gate
As An-Jar approached Ald-Ruhn, he saw a giant red and black edifice suddenly appear - and worse, daedra attacking. Great, yet another problem for me to take care of... I better get paid for this. An-Jar slashed his way through the nearest Dremora in order to access the gate, then stepped through. To his utter amazement, he found himself on the plane of Oblivion. This should not be possible, An-Jar thought to himself, remembering his mentor's teachings. The plane of Oblivion should not be able to connect to Mundus unless... He was jolted out of his thoughts by a charging Daedroth, which he dispatched with an arrow through the eye. I'll think about this later - for now, I need to find a way to close this gate!
Nimbok ran after them as they ran toward the spire. He tried to pursue them killing of scamps here and there, and the occasional throwing knife at them. When the finally entered the spire, he pulled out his poisoned sword and ran straight towards Sylvester. Sylvestor parried Nimbok's swing and jabbed at him in return. Sylvestor had much more experience with blades and decided to just mess with Nimbok until he was warn out. There was a great pillar of fire in the middle of the room that he might be able to throw Nimbok into. No flame-shield spell would work here, he rolled so Nimbok was now between him and the fire. He repeatedly swung his sword forcing Nimbok back. In a few seconds he had Nimbok to the very edge of the fire, he grabbed his throat and pushed his head back, the heat was intense and he could feel his hair singing. He let go and rolled backwards. It was time for Nimbok to die.
An-Jar had no first-hand experience in Oblivion prior to this, but he remembered the lessons the priests of Mephala had given him. Spotting a large tower, he headed towards it. If I remember correctly, there should be some sort of anchoring stone there. All I need to do is fight my way to the top and grab it, and the gate should dissolve.
Sylvestor turned and saw An-Jar come through the door. "Glad you could make it, we could use your help, there are tons of Daedra pouring in here." He continued his fight with Nimbok. Nimbok knew what Sylvester's intentions were. He grabbed the Sigil Stone out of the pillar so he make another escape.
Vanir circled around the two, his back to them, driving off any Daedra that tried to interfere. He hadnt seen An-Jar since Seyda Neen, and was glad to have him back. He turned just in time to see Nimbok grab the Sigil Stone. Vanir slashed at Nimbok. They got out of the Oblivion Gate, but not before Nimbok fell right into the pillar. Outside of the gate, they saw him. He was a terrible sight, hand nearly severed, hair singed, and in flames. He somehow put the fire out, but then they saw something that was bigger than Nimbok's assassination attempts. Two huge spikes erupted from the ground, going almost to the height of the Skar. They connected. Then fire burst out between the two pillars.
The Great Gate had opened.