26.1

You describe the cold of Sancre Tor and the mountains so well that I had to put on a warmer shirt.

The inspired use of the summoned skeleton to fight his counterpart was a real treat. Using the back side of the katana instead of the edge also shows that this is not Julian’s “first dance.”

26.2

"The klah not only warmed me, it also softened the waybread so I could eat it quickly."

Yep. Just like in the American Civil War. Dip the hardtack in the coffee to soften it- and to drive out the weevils so they could be brushed off.

The fight against that first ghost was wonderfully described- I could see every flash of magic.

"It’s not impossible, Julian. It’ll be just like sparring with Ferrum. But Ferrum isn’t trying to kill you, my sensible side stated flatly."

Please do listen to that sensible side!

26.3

The memory of her early training provided a wonderful insight.

The sword-salute by Rielus was simply magnificent- as was the entire fight.

"A thousand sextets of ants’ feet crawled up my back beneath the fur-lined tunic at his words."

Now THAT is evocative writing!

“I’m no hero,” I answered automatically before I could stop myself. “But I am a Blade sister, and you have but to ask.” A sense of pride moved through me. Yes, I am a Blade sister, and yes, he can ask a favor of me

And that makes me want to stand and cheer.

Nit:

We faced each other for a eternally short moment.

Julian’s concentration caused her to drop an “n” there…

26.4

The atmosphere of Sancre Tor is palpable in your words as Julian carries us toward the next fight. And the training poem was a perfect bit of world-building and background.

Julian’s thought processes add so much depth to the story- they show she IS a veteran- and that she survived for a reason.

Eep! A cliff-hanger ending! Thankfully, slow old doggie that I am, the next part is ready and waiting for me…

26.5

"Daedra Slayer slid beneath his guard and smashed through his pelvis. The curve of his hip bone guided the tip of my katana into the base of his spine. "

Even though Valdemar is a skeleton, that made me cross my legs involuntarily.

And another mystery- Valdemar is twice-cursed it seems…

26.6

"For a moment I forgot another truth as old as war: No operational plan survives contact with the enemy."

Yes- that is why he is called “the enemy.”

And the fighting style description is simply wonderful- and something I had not seen previously.

I would grumble about the cliffie- but it did not hang me…. Someone ought to severely batter the writer who made those cliff-racer- um cliff-hanger endings such a staple. Oh- wait….

26.7

Ah-ha- the great “Frisbee gambit!” Now if only her opponent had been a skeletal border collie…

No words can convey the beauty and heart-stopping magnificence of that fight.

And the poignancy- on both their parts- as Julian speaks with Casnar’s shade…. No more than we have come to expect from you, but wonderful all the same.

“Brother, your cleaver shall hang in a place of honor in the Hall of Blades,” I said to him. And I should recover the old katanas from the others, too. When I’m finished clearing this place I will do so.

Of course she will. This is Julian, after all.

26.8

"Never mind how I feel right now. I have to finish this. Blanco, and Martin Septim, are waiting for me to return."

Good to see she has her priorities right- horse, THEN emperor.

26.9

"Take a cut to break a bone."

Or, as Carbo said- “Sometimes, you must sheathe the blade.”

"Alain regarded me a moment longer. "You will find out someday. I see pain and loss in your past, and in your future. But beyond that, joy and hope awaits. Get through the dark times ahead, and you will find light and freedom."

Powerful and moving.

26.10

The “departure” of the Four was worthy of their lives and their service. And, whether she believes it or not, Julian has proved herself as one of their company. And yes, there was perhaps a suspect bit of moisture in these old eyes, too.

Equally moving was the reunion with Blanco.

This whole chapter is a classic- desperate battles, curses broken at last, a new hero taking her place beside those from long ago.


Nits:

Something went wonky with the numbering here- the forum shows it as 26.5

“After fighting my way out of the Catacombs and wading through ice-cold water to return to the mezzanine, I finally returned to the crypt where the Reman emperors rested in their final sleep.”

The “returns” in close proximity seem to stir my inner thesaurus. Perhaps “…I finally reached…” instead of "returned to"?

An intriguing description of the Sunbird and its mastery of all things dance-related. Followed by more wonderful history of the fab four.

“I haven’t been one of you for long,” I set my mug down on the table next to me. “And I’ve spent more time away than I have here since. But I couldn’t help but consider them my brothers too.”
How very Julian!

And off to Miscarcand. If you were trying to infect your readers with the fear and dread that gripped Julian here, you did a darn fine job of it!

Now Rider. . . um, surely Julian can't go off to such a dangerous ruin on an empty stomach (hint, hint). . . .

Julian's describing the Sunbird Dance by describing the actual sunbirds was an excellent touch! I could see how you were subtly showing the qualities of the bird within the dance long before Julian actually explained it. The Mad Hoosa on the other hand, just sounds icky!

Now it is off to Miscarcand we go! That is one big ruin. It looks like Julian is going to be getting that experience in Ayleid Ruins after all. Maybe she should hire a guide? I hear there's a stringy red-head down in Bravil who knows her way around those places...

Great screenshot of Julian and Martin. Is her hair growing in darker? I enjoyed listening in on this conversation around the fire. I think we have enough information to guess that Julian is a Blademaster, but she is the most qualified to decide. I wonder if the subject will come up again.

I like that Julian is not thrilled about diving into another Ayleid ruin, and Martin is thoughtful about sending her. I guess that was on his mind when he was staring into the fire earlier. Or perhaps he was hoping for a nice hot meal…?

@Olen: Good that you enjoyed the explanation of the Sunbird Dance. I wanted to convey that it is a philosophy of combat, rather than a discipline like tae kwon do. I'm sure it crossed Steffan's mind to offer assistance, but given his responsibilities, he'd probably end up sending someone else in his place, and I'm not sure he's too thrilled with that idea.

@treydoggie: Loved your comments, as always. You have a way of pointing out the humor in serious situations. Both Julian and I had a chuckle over the image of a skeletal border collie jumping for that shield!

@Acadian: Not to worry! Julian cooks herself up a bit of a camp dinner before heading into that ruin. While it's not the repast we typically see at Cloud Ruler Temple, I hope it's sufficient to tide you over until we return to civilization.

@SubRosa: I used my knowledge of animal behavior for that one! As for the Mad Hoosa, I found this really cool website that had images of some of the creatures you might expect to find in Hammerfell(click on Tamriel Rebuilt Artbook link). And isn't Teresa busy enough fighting trolls at the moment?

@Grits: I'm glad you liked the screenie. No, her hair just looks darker because of the lighting. As for whether or not Julian is a Blademaster, I doubt it will come up again before the end of the MQ. Yes, I think Martin was reluctant to ask this of Julian - after all, she's brought back the Mysterium Xarxes, found a daedric artifact, and fought undead in Sancre Tor to bring him an ancient cuirass! What more does she have to do?? Unfortunately, she remains the best woman for the job.

Martin has asked Julian to enter Miscarcand, a vast Ayleid ruin, to find the Great Welkynd Stone. He has already warned her that it ain't gonna be easy! So we find Julian doing a little bit of recon in the rain.

*****************
Chapter 28.1: A New Companion

I crouched in the rain, peering northward toward where I knew the ruins of Miscarcand lay. The downpour kept me from seeing more than a couple of broken arches on the southern fringes of the complex.

Behind me Blanco snorted and pawed at the ground. I glanced at him over my shoulder and shushed him. He dropped his head and nudged my shoulder with his nose, nearly unbalancing me. His dark eye glinted mischievously at me, water trickling down his long nose from his wavy forelock.

Stifling a laugh, I pushed his muzzle away. “Give me a few moments more, friend,” I murmured to him, turning my gaze back to the small part of the Ayleid ruin visible in the grey rain. I wanted to see what inhabited the surface ruins before I approached the underground city.

The bandit camp that overlooked the ruin sprawled across the valley floor below was empty. Hugh Berennus had told me that he had cleared it just the day before, leaving only a dog alive. That dog watched us warily from the shrubs surrounding the camp. For the moment, I ignored him. As long as Blanco was unconcerned about the animal, I wouldn’t worry about him attacking us.

After a few more moments of futile peering through the rain, I gave up and retreated to the small circle of tents. Blanco followed me and waited while I dried the firewood with the flare spell, then stacked them in the firepit. As the flames caught bravely against the rain, I unsaddled Blanco and set the tack inside the largest tent. A trunk, containing little of interest, had more value to me as a saddle rack. I wiped the leather dry, and did the same with the bridle. I looked out again to see Blanco grazing just beyond the ring of tents.

The bandit dog had crept out from the shrubs and alternated his gaze between Blanco and I. A dark brown in color, he had white on his muzzle, on his four feet and the tip of his downcast tail. The firelight flickered on the dark discoloration in his right shoulder. When I stepped out with a slab of mutton to roast over the fire, the dog retreated into the shrubs, his tail down and his right foreleg dragging wet trails in the grass.

He’s hurt. Is that why he hasn’t been so aggressive? He certainly seems afraid, but curious at the same time. Or is he hungry? If he’s unable to hunt with that shoulder, he must be starving by now. I wonder - I didn’t finish the thought, but instead set the mutton on the spit the bandits had so thoughtfully left for me.

With a handful of grain from the saddlebags, fortunately waterproofed against the weather, I whistled to Blanco. He recognized the signal and walked up to me, dropping his nose to my cupped hands. Again the dog crept out from his hiding place as Blanco chewed happily at the sweet feed. When I signaled my empty hands to him, Blanco tossed his head, flipping his forelock from one side of his face to the other, and returned to his grazing. I turned and looked at the dog. In spite of my unthreatening posture, he retreated again out of sight. I sighed and entered the tent again.

Inside its dry interior, I shook out the cloak I had bought in the Imperial City. Made of dark brown wool, velvety soft to the touch, the fabric had lived up to Sergius Verus’s claims. “Repel water it will, keep you dry beneath. Every traveler should not be without one of these.” It had been expensive, but already I appreciated its protection. This will be useful when I get back to Bruma. I just can’t seem to get warm enough there, and it’s not even Evening Star yet! I shook my head. How can the Blades stand it? Especially in that plate armor? I hung it from one of the tent poles near the doorway.

After turning the roasting mutton, I sat on the bedroll just within the tent and unfolded the rough map Martin had given me. “This is from memory," he had said. “It’s been many years since I walked its green avenues. I doubt that it’s very accurate, or even to scale. But it’s a big ruin on the surface, and you could easily lose an entire day looking for the entrance.”

But he had clearly marked it as being located in the northeast star tower. “Star towers are called that because they are taller than the surrounding structures and have walls that radiate outward from them like beams from a star. They can form the central feature of a surface city, or form part of the outer defenses.” Martin’s voice returned to me beneath the pattering of the rain on the tent’s thick canvas. “In the case of Miscarcand, if you head to the northeast corner, you’ll find the entrance within the star tower that stands there.”

I studied the layout of the walls surrounding the entrance. An outer ring wall connected the radiating rays, closing off symmetrical areas between the star walls. These form excellent defenses against attackers. I’ll have to be careful approaching the star tower - there’s plenty of hiding places for hostiles. According to Martin’s map, beyond the radiating star walls that created smaller enclosures surrounding the central tower, two buttressed walls stretched away at ninety degrees to each other, one running south and the other running west. These must mark the city walls. Wonder what they protected, if the bulk of the city was underground? How could they be defensive if the entrance is right on the outer corner? I looked out into the rain, vainly searching for the star tower at the far side of the complex from the camp. Looks like the best way is to come northward along the outside of that eastern wall until I reach the star tower. That will be the easy part. The hard part is making my way to the center of that tower. I’d be vulnerable to ambush, I knew. Mentally I reviewed the detect life spell I had learned so long ago at Edgar Vautrine’s. It doesn’t have much range, but at least it will tell me what’s on the other side of the walls. I can use the walls for cover. I’d have to be very quiet.

The pattering eased considerably, and I glanced outside. Now it was dark, but the only dripping came from the leaves of the great trees overshadowing the camp. In front of the tent, the roasting mutton joint steamed faintly above the fire, which now crackled in freedom from the suppressing rain. Beyond, mist wreathed the southernmost arches of Miscarcand. Moonlight on white vapor and whiter stone reminded me of the late hour.

I can’t do anything now. May as well spend the night here, and head out in the morning. Blanco will be safe here - Hugh Berennus will check on him as he patrols. I headed out to the fire and retrieved the mutton. Its charred exterior cracked open to reveal moist flesh containing just the slightest pink tinge. My stomach growled as the odor of the meat assured me it was ready.

Back in the tent, I tore the meat off the bone. A furtive movement in the corner of my vision drew my attention back outside. The dog froze, torn between the desire to hide and his own hunger. As he shifted his feet, struggling with the useless right foreleg, I shredded a chunk of the roast and tossed it out of the tent. It landed halfway between us. I kept my eyes averted and returned to my meal. After a moment’s indecision, the dog crept forward, his belly brushing the grass. He picked up the cooling roast and turned for cover, but paused. I ignored him, turning my gaze back to the map spread on the bedroll. After a moment, he lay down between me and the fire, his broken leg jutting out at an angle that made me wince, and began tearing mouthfuls from the chunk of mutton.

I didn’t eat all of the meat, only a few handfuls. When I looked up again, the dog started, but bravely remained in his reclining position, his gaze on me. The white tip of his tail twitched once in the darkness. His pricked ears lay flat against his skull in an attitude of submission, and he lowered his chin to the grass, his tongue flickering between his lips.

Again I tossed another chunk of mutton out, making sure it landed closer to the tent than to him. Beyond the ring of tents, Blanco picked his head up from his grazing and watched as the dog slowly crept toward the mutton. After a moment, the white horse dropped his head back to the wet grass. The sound of his teeth tearing the grass mingled with the slurping as the dog attacked the second morsel of mutton.

Wonder if I can heal that wound in his shoulder. I could see the injury more clearly. Broken ends of bone showed through the morass of blood, mud and hair above his elbow. That has to be painful. No wonder he can’t walk on that leg. I considered approaching him, but decided it would be best if he approached me instead. How to treat that wound? Maybe use Carandial’s refresh spell first to clean it. Then use the convalescence spell. I doubt I can get him to drink a healing potion, and I don’t care to stick my fingers in his mouth.

The dog finished the second morsel and met my gaze for the first time, hope shining in his eyes as he licked the last of the juices away from his lips. Those eyes were bright blue, I noticed. Just like Captain Steffan’s. I blinked the thought away. No, don’t think too much on him. I’ll just drive myself crazy, as I did when I loved Jared.

I had one more piece of mutton, and the bone. Instead of tossing the meat toward him, I held it out. His nose twitched, and his ears shot up briefly before dropping back down. The dog rolled his azure eyes at me, and again his tail flickered briefly behind him. I gestured again with the mutton, inviting him to approach and take it from my fingers.

He looked away as he crept closer. I recognized the signs of submission. He won’t threaten me, unless I scare him. Best not to scare him. I held still as he gingerly took the last bit of meat from my fingers. He remained laying down while he wolfed down the final morsel, and kept his face turned away from me as I regarded him thoughtfully. He was now close enough for me to touch him if I leaned forward. I kept my left hand stretched out to him, and after a moment he turned his head and sniffed my hand. My silent patience was finally rewarded when he licked the juices from my fingers, his tail wagging slowly all the while.

That tail stilled when I reached toward his ears, then started moving more vigorously again when I rubbed the soft fur. He leaned his head into my palm as I dug my fingernails into his thick coat, and his eyes closed on a soft whine when I found an itchy spot.

Again he froze as I slowly moved my left hand down his neck, my fingers quiet and still. I cupped the refresh spell in my left palm and held it until the soft glow hovered over the ugly wound. He tensed but did not move when I released the magic into the shoulder. Bits of blood, mud, and hair fell away, revealing a horrifying gash with shredded muscles and pieces of shattered bone.

Let’s see how well Cirroc taught me. I called up my convalescence spell and mentally reviewed the anatomy of the humerus bone in my mind. It’s not much different in dogs than it is in humans. Holding my hand over the wound without touching the macerated flesh, I closed my eyes and let the magicka guide my awareness into the depths of the injury. I kept my breathing deep, slow and regular, the same when I practiced the Way of the Crane.

I felt the ends of the bone overriding each other beneath the ravaged muscle. Slowly my magicka drew the bone first apart, realigning the broken tips, then eased them together. The bits of bone moved to fill in the gaps, and the shredded muscle began weaving back into itself.

I felt the magicka draining the energy from my own bones, the pain of the broken humerus drifting against the current into my fingers. I fought the impulsion to draw away from the agony. A whimper broke the silence, nearly shattering my concentration. My jaw clenched against the emotion that little sound triggered. Fatigue set in, but the bone was now whole beneath my palm, the muscles knitting back together again. Slowly, patiently, I coaxed new skin to fill in the gap over newly healed flesh. Pain faded away, to be replaced by exhaustion.

A loud sigh opened my eyes. My magicka fizzled over the dog’s brown coat, over the new scar gleaming softly in the firelight. Perspiration lay cold on the back of my neck, and my left hand shook violently as I withdrew my fingers. My spine creaked in protest as I straightened up, leaning back from my canine patient. My shoulders stiff and aching, I lowered my left hand as the dog rose hesitantly to his feet. He wobbled briefly on four legs, then backed away from me, limping slightly on the right foreleg. It did not collapse under his weight, and he stopped in the doorway, his eyes on mine. His ears hesitantly came up, and his eyes softened as the last of the fear left them.

I found myself smiling shakily as he turned and gamboled around the fire, limping only slightly on the healed leg. Not bad for my first try at field healing. In the darkness, his white feet and tip of his tail described glyphs of joy and freedom from pain. I noticed that he held his tail carried above his back in a jaunty curve. He’s got some Skyrim Husky in him. That must be where the curly tail, prick ears and white comes from. That wonderfully expressive attitude he has, too.

Boldly the dog capered up to Blanco and stopped before the white stallion. Blanco touched noses with him, then tossed his head in acceptance. The dog crouched his front end down, his tail high and waving playfully. Blanco snaked his head at the dog, who sprang away and bounced back to the fire. At the sound of my chuckling he froze, his head turned toward the tent, then he trotted back to me. He stopped outside the tent, peering in warily.

I picked up the mutton bone and offered it to him. His eyes sparked as he took it. He flopped down just outside the tent and began gnawing at it, muttering contentedly to himself in the way of happy Skyrim Huskies.

Well, Julian, I regarded the dog silently as I lay back on the bedroll. It seems you’ve rescued a dog instead of a cat this time.

****************
A/N: Initially, I hadn't intended to introduce another companion. But it may not surprise you that it had always bothered me that bandit dogs always attacked the player in the game (at least on the XBox - there are mods that counteract that in the PC version). So when Julian came to this camp, she said to me, I don't want to kill another dog. So I left him alive, and then both of us couldn't let him suffer, especially with my knowledge and her convalescence spell. Before I knew it, my next door neighbor's dog had written himself into the story.

The Dog Next Door

Presley

Don't worry, I have his owner's permission to post these pics online! And though you can't see them too well (it was a hot and muggy day when I took those photos), you can get an idea just how blue his (and Captain Steffan's) eyes are!

The Art of Hammerfell was fantastic! I saved the pdf to my hard drive.

A good touch at the beginning, where Julian takes the time to remove Blanco's tack and dry the leather inside the tent. That is the kind of thing movies always ignore.

I just can’t seem to get warm enough there
Perhaps Captain Steffan might be able to help her there.

Star towers is an excellent name for those corner towers or central hubs you so often see in Ayleid cities. Martin's map of the ruins has given Julian an excellent opportunity to plan out her approach in advance. Lucky her!

I see Julian used the same method of gaining the bandit dog's trust as I use with feral cats. Give them food that is steadily closer and closer to you. Thankfully the dog was not actually wild, just injured and uncertain about a stranger. Then a wonderful description of Julian's healing the dog one bit at a time.

So now our Skyrim husky needs a name. White Fang perhaps? Or Buck?

I love campfire scenes and this one was right up there! Julian and her friends!

'the only dripping came from the leaves of the great trees overshadowing the camp. In front of the tent, the roasting mutton joint steamed faintly above the fire, which now crackled in freedom from the suppressing rain. Beyond, mist wreathed the southernmost arches of Miscarcand. Moonlight on white vapor and whiter stone reminded me of the late hour.'
This was some very fine description that really put us right there into the scene.

I liked how the Husky's eyes reminded Julian of Old Blue Eyes, er, I mean Captain Steffan of the Blades.

'It seems you’ve rescued a dog instead of a cat this time.'
See, old habits die hard, but old dogs can certainly learn new tricks!

Woo hoo, a Skyrim Husky with Captain Steffan’s azure eyes! I know she’s already a hero saving the world, but rescuing a bandit dog would make her one anyway. I loved your description of healing magic. This episode was a great opportunity to see some of the housekeeping that Julian does all of the time, but we don’t read about. Cleaning her tack, drying her cloak, and such. The Skyrim Husky’s behavior was delightful to read, especially the way he flopped happily down at the end with his bone.

27.1



In those two sentences, you do so much- showing us Julian’s wisdom while on campaign- AND what it means to her to be part of something once again.



And there is that wonderfully sneaky Julian humor we all love.

Blanco’s bow to Martin surprised me and then made sense.



As did I, reading that passage….



Excuse me for a moment. Something seems to have caught in my throat- and it is affecting my eyes, as well.

27.2

First of all- WOO HOO! An account of the Four!



More than the cold made me shiver as I read that.



That gallows humor coaxed a guffaw even from me. Fortunately, my tea was well away from me at the time.



Why did I sense a kinship with a fellow by the name of Jerric all of a sudden?



And that received ANOTHER snortle. As did the fact that Steffan actually manages to TEASE Julian! If any doubted the Captain’s bravery- doubt no longer!

The whole summing up was beautifully done- and a quite brilliant way to recap all that Julian experienced during her tour of the counties. And beyond that, Steffan shows why he is an exceptional commander- and an exceptional man.

Nit:

“That’s not without significant cost to yourself, isn’t it?” Steffan asked.

A dreaded triple-negative. And, no, I am NOT someone who thinks math and English usage are the same. But the reason I have an “ear” for these is because I had a geography professor who was notorious for his double-, triple-, and even quadruple-negatives on multiple choice examinations.

Anyway, back to the point- (did I have a point?)- I think “But not without significant cost to yourself, yes?” would scan better…

27.3

Sometimes, a post is just so perfectly executed that saying more would only spoil it.

27.4

A Mad Who-What now?

The discussion of the sunbird was a treat- and I could see how emulating an invisible bird would be a useful combat technique.



“Your reward for doing so well is another nasty job. Congratulations- and don’t forget to update your will…”



And there is Julian the true hero.

I've caught up! I've caught up!

...which was quite a feat given that I've never read this before. Er. You really ought to be ashamed of yourself, because I swear I meant to do something productive yesterday and the day before, but then I went "hey, I've never actually read this one before" and your writing was just so excellent that all of a sudden it was two days later.

Which is to say that this is fantastic and fabulous and a lot of similar words! Julian positively leaps (well, limps) off the page in her realness. It was very refreshing to see a protagonist who's somewhat older, and also very refreshing to see one who at least starts off with a disability, and you handle both excellently.

I cannot possibly comment on everything that has been posted and everything that I thought during this reading. Two things stand out:

One, given that I am not usually one for action scenes, the fact that you had me on the edge of my seat during each of Julian's battles with the four Blades? Kudos, seriously. And even for an action non-afficiando like me, the feel of the fight - Julian up against opponents as strong and skilled as she is and only barely managing to win each time, the different styles and abilities of the four - was riveting.

Two, this is going to be immensely random, but when you had the Imperial Legion eating polenta very early on I had to grin. Polenta! I actually like it (although not in gruel form) but moreover it's been absolutely ubiquitous every time I've been to Northern Italy, so adding in that gave a touch of authenticity and flavour (pun fully intended) to the story given the Cyrodiil-Roman Empire connection.

Oh yes, a three creeps in - reading Julian and her dealings with the Legion and the Blades makes me regret that Adryn is so irrevocably contemptuously anti-Legion! She'll never become a Legionnaire (excuse me I think I just sprained something laughing) but now I'm pondering tossing a few honourable ones her way so that she at least gets a little nuance in her dislike, simply out of respect for Julian.

27.4

It is so strange to hear the four spoken of as historic figures, even though I know they are. I am always dealing with them in the present tense. The image of Rielus as this master swordsman and leader of men is still twenty plus years ahead of the impulsive young man that I know. It really is great to see this take on them. I know I have given my consent for you to use them in Julian’s story, and I know that I have joined the others in heaping praise upon your efforts. But there is one thing that I have left unsaid, and I want to remedy that before we move on.

Thank you.

*BTW I have heard that looking the Mad Hoosa in the eye will turn you to stone.*

28.1

Yes, that dog definitely needs a name (although ‘dog’ does seem to fit him). I have seen the behavior you describe so many times that I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face reading this chapter. Your love of and identification with animals always seems to shine in your writing. Here’s hoping that ‘dog’ doesn’t get the bright idea to accompany Julian through Miscarand.

Hmmm, maybe she should name him Steffan!

@SubRosa: It's nice to remind readers from time to time that traveling (and roughing it) with horses always involves a lot of work. Same is true of traveling with oxen, yaks, camels, and so on. Though you and I are Jack London fans, Julian will choose (in the next post, not this one) a more lore-friendly name for our Skyrim Husky mix. He is turning out to be quite the character, as much as Blanco and Paint in their own ways.

@Acadian: When I played the Miscarcand quest from a save game just before writing this chapter, I was struck once more by how atmospheric the game really is. Mind you, Julian's game isn't as heavily modded as Tallei's, so it's still pretty close to the vanilla version so many of us are familiar with. I rather thought you would like that the dog reminded Julian of Captain Steffan. Of course, now having admitted to herself that he's just her sort of man, she has a hard time not thinking about him. We'll see that again in upcoming posts. I had to laugh at your twist on my subtitles for my threads.

@Grits: It may not surprise you and most readers who know my background that I have a lot of experience watching dogs and the way they behave in many different situations. When my neighbor brings his dog out to hang out on the back patio, I like to watch Presley just being himself. That's what I meant when I said he wrote himself into this story. It's not the first time that's happened, either. I had a cat write herself into a series of stories as a recurring character that's an essential part of the background. And my beloved gelding insisted on being the mount for another of my characters in a different story. My oldest sister's dog goof-balled his way into a family dealing with the loss of their mother. This Skyrim Husky is just the latest.

@Treydog: You know, I always love reading your comments - they're so insightful and humorous (just like the dachshund you are). I'm on the fence about the triple negative you pointed out - it's a part of Steffan's dialogue, and I don't want to make him too perfect, you know? So maybe like that geology professor (I think I had one like that, only in Orgasmic Chemistry), Captain Steffan will have a weakness for multiple negatives. I hope you will forgive me for that decision.

@Kazaera: Congratulations! You read the whooole thing in just two days?? I'm both flattered and appalled by your comments about losing so much time. But a good waste of time it was, no? I'm glad there was enough here for a non-action aficionado to enjoy just as much as there is for those who love the slash-n-smash. As we are nearing the end of the Main Quest and of this story, I hope you will stick with us over the next few months as we wrap things up. I understand about your attention span and your passions - I have a little bit of that as well.

@Destri: Your feelings about the fab four are very important to me. I understand how it is to create living, breathing characters that talk to you and sometimes pull you kicking and screaming after them until you write their story, so for you to tell me what a job I've done with - not one, but four of your characters really mean a lot to me. And you're welcome! As for that dog, think he'll stay out of Miscarcand? Don't worry, he'll get a name next week.

The story so far: Julian has arrived at Miscarcand and healed a bandit dog. Now it is time for her to enter the ruins.

*****************************

Chapter 28.2: Into the Underground

The dog ranged ahead of me as I made my way slowly along the tall buttressed wall. The white stone cast a bright glare in the morning sun, and I kept my face turned away from the wall at my left shoulder. Every so often I paused to cast my detect life spell, but the only pink glow belonged to the happy animal sniffing in the bushes.

The sun had just cleared the horizon when I told Blanco to remain at the camp. The dog had looked from the calm stallion to me, then made his decision when I started north. I was surprised that he had chosen to accompany me, but somehow I was pleased. Could he be grateful to me for healing his leg? Or just because I shared my mutton with him last night, he thinks I would be a good source of food? I had felt his ribs beneath the thick coat and knew that the bandits hadn’t fed him particularly well.

I recalled the great war dogs of my first posting. Legio Ten was known for their experience in Valenwood and Elsweyr. Their war dogs were vital to their successes, for these big animals could warn their handlers of hostiles lurking in the thick woods before the soldiers were ambushed. Their thick coats protected them from the scythe-like claws of the Padomay-Raht, as well as the big brown bears common in the mountains. And their bravery in the face of bigger foes verged on legend.

The dog circled back to me, the white tip of his tail waving gaily above his dark brown back. His blue eyes sparkled, his tongue lolling from a laughing mouth. He’s no war dog. But he certainly has a fun spirit. Then my thoughts took a serious turn. How good will he be when I have to face hostiles? Will he run away? Will he attack? Will he get in my way? Or - I recalled a particularly friendly pet dog one of my fellow recruits had adopted in Valenwood - will he lick them to death? I stifled a sigh as we approached the ring wall of the star tower.

The answer to my questions was soon answered when the dog halted in front of me, obstructing my further progress along the buttressed wall. His hackles bristled along his spine, and his head dropped below the level of his back. That curly tail lowered, became straight behind him. His gaze stared ahead and slightly to the left. I followed his stare, but only saw bright white wall.

I cast my detect life spell again and moved forward slowly, drawing Akatosh’s Touch. The blade glimmered in the sunlight with a soft susurrus as it cleared the sheath. Valdemar’s plain katana, enchanted with a shock sigil stone, weighed less and was of better quality than my battered Daedra Slayer.

The dog paced stiff-legged, keeping just ahead of me, as we approached a gap in the wall. He remained silent, his entire posture alert and aggressive. His triangular ears tipped forward, indicating the direction of the still-unseen being. A pink glow became barely visible against the glare of the sunlight on the stones. I paused and scanned my surroundings. No other pink glows other than the dog and this unknown creature appeared, either in the shadows of the forest or elsewhere along the wall.

A chittering sound reached me. I felt the blood leave my face as I recognized the sound from my nightmares. Goblin! Before I could regain control, the dog leaped through the gap and disappeared from my sight. I heard his growl escalate into a throaty roar at the same time the goblin’s voice rattled into a guttural shriek.

Something pulled me through the gap after the dog, and in spite of the old terror I ran toward the two combatants. The dog, his lean body flowing like muddy water, darted toward the goblin to bite at his knees and calves before ducking back out of range of that heavy iron mace. The goblin, his face distorted in rage, spat something in their language as he tried to hit the dog.

Years of training overcame my fear and I leaped toward them. My sword arm rose, then fell, slicing the blade across the goblin’s right shoulder. He spun toward me, screaming in fury and pain from the flickering energy shimmering over his body, and I ducked the mace as it swung toward my head. Before he could recover and backhand the mace back at me, I thrust the tip of my sword deep into his belly. At the same time, a brown and white blur buried his teeth into the goblin’s left thigh from behind, his growling reaching a crescendo.

Akatosh’s Touch sent waves of white energy crackling through the goblin as I twisted my wrist and tore the weapon out the goblin’s right side. The mace fell from his hand and clattered against tumbled stones as he fell to his left side. Before I could deliver the death blow, the dog leaped onto his body and gnashed his teeth into the goblin’s now exposed throat. I stepped back stunned as the dog shook the hostile creature violently, until a snapping sound told me the goblin’s neck had broken.

Gasping against the adrenaline that surged through my body, I watched as the dog released his victim and stepped back, limping slightly on the right foreleg. His legs braced, he looked around, then sat down and met my gaze. His blue eyes blinked in the bright sun spilling past my shoulder as he licked the goblin’s blood from his lips. His tail swept the dried leaves away from the underlying grass and he grinned laughingly at me.

“Thanks for your help,” I whispered to him, still unsure if there were other goblins around. Here in the heart of an Ayleid ruin, a goblin was not something I had quite expected. All the goblins I had met lived in mines, caves, and dungeons, not these graceful, menacing ruins from a long-lost civilization. But why not, Julian? a little voice murmured. You know how adaptable goblins can be - you’ve encountered them everywhere you went during your time in the Legion.

The dog rose and trotted up to me, avoiding the bloodied blade still in my right hand. He nudged my left wrist with his nose as if to say Let’s get on with it.

I considered him a moment longer, then turned my head to glance toward the star tower. Steps led up to its center, passing through one of a ring of soaring arches that came to points high above the ground. Massive roots twisted their way through the tower, and I felt a moment’s doubt. Is the entrance still usable? Or have those roots blocked it?

I took a deep breath and passed the refresh spell along Akatosh’s Touch before sheathing it. Only one way to find out. I turned to face the star tower and cast another detect life spell.

The dog followed me as I moved to the star wall on my left and headed for the stairs, carefully placing one foot before the other. Here leaves had drifted along the base of the wall, and I stayed just out of the brown drift. As I approached the worn stairs, the dog passed me and ran ahead, leaping up the steps and jumping to the top of the gnarled root that draped across the top like a fat snake. He looked down the opposite side, then turned his nose into the breeze that blew up from the southwest. After a moment he turned to face me, his stance still relaxed though alert.

I approached him, making my way up the crumbling stairs and pausing next to the gnarled root. Past its bulk, I could make out a spiral staircase in the center of the tower floor that led down out of sight. That has to be where the entrance is. After a final check of our surroundings for any more hostiles, goblin or otherwise, I cautiously made my way past the root to the top of the steps.

A whine drew my attention back toward the dog. Anxiety was evident in his gaze as he watched me from across the spiral staircase, his mouth closed. He shifted his feet restlessly. He doesn’t want to go down there, but for some reason he wants to stay with me. I recalled how the Legion handlers communicated with their war dogs and lifted my left hand. His eyes brightened as I pointed at him.

“You,” I moved my pointing finger southward, toward Ra’sava Camp beyond the ruins. “Go back home.” His ears drooping against his head, the dog whined again, lowering his head. I snapped my fingers for emphasis. “Go!”

He disappeared behind the root, and I started down the stairs. At the bottom, I encountered a pair of stone doors with a circle embossed in the center, straddling the crack that divided them. I remembered how Mazoga had pressed the center of the circle at Telepe, and did the same. To my surprise, the doors swung back into the darkness with only a slight groan. Has this been used recently?

A glance at the floor just within the entrance revealed fresh arcs in the moldy dirt covering the surface. Looks like it. More goblins? Have they occupied this place? Are they the reason no one has survived?

A chill ran up my spine. The stale air that reached my nostrils took me back more than a few years, back before my addiction to skooma, before my heavy drinking, before the pain -

Stop it, Julian. Even if this place is infested with goblins, you still have to get the Great Stone. Martin - no, Emperor Martin is counting on you. You have a promise to keep to him, and one to keep to his father. I turned my head and looked up at the bright blue above me. You’ll see the sky again. Remember Akatosh is with you.

I drew Akatosh’s Touch. The hilt thrummed softly in my palm as I entered the dark.

Not sure how I missed the last part, but excellent as always.

I liked her contempling stealth at the beginging of 28.1, it's not something she does that much. Hacking foes apart she does with finesse and I'm noticing that she's using magic quite heavily now. Soon she'll be more mage than fighter but thoughts about the stealthy way to do it shows she's really neither. She wants the best result.

Then the part with the dog. I must admit I'm not an animal person (barring cats) but this was a joy to read. With an admirable amount of showing rather than telling you've already given the dog quite a personaility. I suspect your time working with them has helped there. And Julian could always use another travelling companion, or perhaps dog will decide that Cloud Ruler looks like a nice place to live.

The healing showed how her magic has come on too. That sounded like quite a major bit of work that she managed in one go. Great stuff, both in her gradual development and in th description of the healing. I may have to steal draw inspiration from it.

The dog certainly showed its ability with the goblin though, Julian has to meet another past fear too. I suspect in the long term it will be good for her, though I doubt she's relishing it now. You've certainly built up to going into the ruin, I'm excited to see what the inside is like.

Will be back to revise and extend my comments once I have read- but I wanted to say this first:

If anyone should ask "forgiveness," it is I. I forgot a cardinal rule of fiction- The writer should speak precisely and correctly- but the characters should speak like themselves.

And since I come from one of the strongholds of piling negatives one upon the other to indicate STRONG "negativity," I am even more at fault.

("I ain't never done nothing," anyone?)

And Blue (name subject to change) displays that he's got courage! Many dogs don't, and he's to be treasured for it. The dog's immediate post fight behavior certainly rang true for working dogs.

I loved how the dog's courage helped to counter Julian's slight waver as she briefly wrestled with her own goblinish demons. Any time you display her uncertainty and limitations, it enriches her. I had no doubt that any hesitation she had would be quickly put to rest, for she would never leave an engaged ally (four legged or otherwise) unassisted.

You have certainly built a foreboding and tense environment that Julian now enters on behalf of Martin. Gulp!

PS - I've been meaning, but keep forgetting, to mention how much I enjoyed Julian's screenshot (with Martin) that you graced us with a couple episodes ago. It was wonderful!

Julian's new dog was certainly helpful against that goblin. I figured a bandit dog would be pretty good in a fight. Otherwise why would bandits bother keeping it? Still, I am glad she sent him home before venturing within the ruin. I do not think he would fare well against Ayleid traps, not to mention the hordes of critters Julian is likely to find down there.

And Goblins! Julian's own personal boogeyman! It was a good thing that dog was there for the first one, as it forced her to act without thinking about what she was doing. Now she must venture into the underworld to retrieve a boon. Hmm, sounds rather Campbellian does it not?

Wonderful as usual. I LOVE the new companion, my life is not complete without my canines. It's nice to have someone around that listens and does what they are told, hehe.

Their war dogs were vital to their successes, for these big animals could warn their handlers of hostiles lurking in the thick woods before the soldiers were ambushed.

This is what I hoped Blue (name subject to change, thanks Acadian! ) might offer Julian when Blanco gets left behind. A great fight with Blue as an ally, and I noticed that he did stay out of the way of Akatosh’s Touch. He finished the goblin without hesitating, then seemed unruffled by the situation. Yay!

Valdemar’s plain katana, enchanted with a shock sigil stone, weighed less and was of better quality than my battered Daedra Slayer.

Outstanding. Somehow Valdemar’s sword means even more, considering he gave up his trusty mace to carry it. Though I guess Spearman Rielus might have been just as attached to his spear.

Now, into the ruin! Gulp.

Nicely done using Blue (I think your audience has named him for you ) as the focus of Julian’s concern when her courage began to waver. We can all remember her dread where goblins are concerned. It was also nice to see that Blue can hold his own in a fight.

I am so glad that Julian sent him back to the camp rather than risk him braving the unknown depths of Miscarand. Given her fear of what may lie in wait for her in there, one could excuse her for wanting an extra set of fangs at her side. But, true to form, Julian puts the welfare of a new found friend over concerns for her own safety.

Once more into the breach, Hero of Kvatch!

Well, everyone, seems that Acadian's choice of a name for the Skyrim Husky has established itself in the thoughts of Julian's readers. However, I wanted to warn you, 'Blue' is not the name Julian gives him. You'll see come Monday, so don't get into the habit of calling this dog Blue!

Still, Acadian, good choice given what you know about Skyrim Huskies. Those blue eyes are indeed Presley's most striking feature, with his impish personality a close second.

That sense of shared pain is just one of the things that leads to Julian’s bond with “Dog-to-be-Named-Later” (not his real name).



The healing was quite vividly described- showing again how valuable it is to “write what you know.”

And then, the reactions afterward- Julian’s exhaustion and “Dog-to-be-Named-Later’s” joy. That brought quite a smile to me.



That prompted more than a chuckle. What's next- oliphants?

I have always been fascinated by the playful bond between (some) horses and (some) dogs.



I am pleased to say that there is a war dog monument outside Mrs. Treydog’s workplace.

And why do I think it was more than “training” that propelled Julian through that gap? She will always “march to the sound of the guns,” especially when one of her companions is involved. And I am also glad that “Dog-to-be-Named Later” is not going underground with Julian- this time.



Here, you show your skill as a writer- nothing is more evocative than smell- and yet we often forget that sense when we weave our stories.



And now- I am caught up. And I am very happy- and very sad. It works that way.

Nit:



I think the first “other” can be dropped without loss of meaning.

And here we see that even a great story can be made better by bringing a dog into it! Dogs make everything better...

I remember my dread the first time in Miscarcand. In the first level, you have to take a "leap of faith" without knowing if there's a way back up. I look forward with anticipation (and a bit of worry) to see how Julian handles this frightening dungeon.

And I'm posting again...

LOVE where you're going with everything- your plotline, character development, (including horses and dogs) and settings!!!

Keep it up, as I'm keeping mine up....er...erm....keeping up my EFFORTS is what I meant to say...

@Olen: Actually, Julian has been using stealth throughout the MQ. Back when she was ill and weak and recovering from the world's worst hangover, it was the only way she could survive. If you recall her conversation with the mages in Bravil, she points out that sneaking around in the Deadlands was the best way to survive. It's the reason she's been able to close nineteen Gates at this point. Now that we're inside Miscarcand, I hope we don't let you down!

@Acadian: I'm glad you enjoyed Blue's courage. That (and his behavior post-combat) comes from working with police dogs at the emergency clinic. We had a drug dog spend Christmas weekend with us after he developed life-threatening complications following a major surgery. Thank God for insurance - he had exactly the same benefits as other police officers, and that meant we were able to save his life - six units of whole blood and four units of plasma later he was 'working' again, sniffing out our controlled drugs! The thing I know about Huskies, they are very very protective of their pack members, and as I see it, this dog just adopted Julian and Blanco as his pack.

@SubRosa: Yes, Julian was very glad for the dog's help with that goblin. Else she would have been a shaking mass of wet greaves and tears! Yes, she sent the dog back out of consideration for his welfare. Typical Julian, if you ask me.

@Athynae: It may surprise you that I'm more a cat person than a dog person. But since I grew up with a dachshund (hence my weakness for trey doggie's soulful pleas), and I do enjoy working with the wide spectrum of personalities dogs demonstrate, it's no surprise that you would enjoy this chapter. Actually I enjoy animal-watching, and love to bring my writing skills to other animals, not just the usual dogs, cats and horses. And yes, I agree, they listen better than the other!

@Grits: Most dogs are just pain in the butts when you're trying to kill the other guy. They just get in the way, make a lot of noise, and get themselves hurt. I think Jacki Dice's portrayal of Dolce's behavior in a fight is accurate of most spoiled pets. But trained working dogs are another matter altogether. They are so highly attuned to their environment that they can be downright dangerous. The police dogs that are "perp-chasers" have to be muzzled when they come in, and their handlers can not leave them for one second. That is the reason why we make the exception to "Employees Only Beyond This Point" whenever one of those dogs have to be hospitalized. Otherwise they will bite someone just for waving their arm around while talking. It's seen as a 'threat' by those dogs. Actually I imagine this Skyrim Husky has had some Legion training, though he was never a full Legion war dog. But dogs like him are happiest when they are working.

@Destri: Once again you demonstrate the perception I've come to expect from you. Yes, Julian's motive for sending the Husky mix back to camp was out of concern for his welfare, not because she didn't think he could hold his own in a fight. After losing half her cohort in a goblin dungeon, Julian just doesn't want to be responsible for a comrade's death anymore.

@Treydog: How can I not forgive those dachshund eyes? Don't worry about it, I forget that cardinal rule sometimes! It makes me happy to see how much you enjoyed the introduction of our Skyrim Husky mix into the story. It was one of those happy accidents, and I'm just glad I live next door to him and can watch him interact with his pack. There are more and more of those war dog memorials cropping up around the country, and it's about time! So many soldiers have survived because of these brave creatures who put their 'pack' first and their own welfare second. I wonder how many men kept their courage because of these dogs. I know that I would face dangers that would normally send me running if I had a dog at my side (or running toward the enemy). Your nit has been fixed. Oh, and Blanco's interaction with the Husky comes from my Rose's attitude toward dogs. They would try to herd her or make her run so they could chase her. She always stood her ground, faced them down, and then chased them (never running them down). The spoiled ones always ran in fear from her, but the savvy farm dogs would play with her instead. Then when she was done, she would hit them with a front foot. Game over.

@Glargg: Yes, Miscarcand is a scary place, indeed. I remember the first time I went in there. I was shaking the whole time! I think it is scarier than the Kvatch Great Gate, which is the player's first time in the Deadlands.

@Foxy: Oh, I always know what you mean! I'm happy that you are still enjoying OHDH.

The story thus far: Julian has arrived at Miscarcand, healed a bandit dog, confronted her boogeyman - a goblin - and now she has entered the dark place.

**********************
Chapter 28.3: A War Zone

Ahead of me, a flight of steps dropped down through darkness toward a square chamber lit by a cool blue light. I recognized the light source as the same stone I had seen in Chanel’s studio, only these were crystals embedded high in the stone walls at the bottom of the stairs.

Cautiously I felt my way down the steps, Akatosh’s Touch gleaming a soft argent in the shadows overlying the narrow passage. I reached the bottom safely just as the creaking stone doors shut out the daylight behind me. I jumped as a dark blur highlighted by white streaks drifted past me on padded feet and entered the square chamber.

The dog’s sapphire blue eyes gleamed in the eerie light as he paused beside a dark stain on the floor and glanced back at me. “Damn you, s’wit,” I whispered. “You scared the crap out of me. I could have killed you, you know.”

That white tip flickered only once, then his head turned back to the opposite side of the chamber, tilted to our right. As I slowly approached him, I realized the wall beyond the archway gave way to another flight of stairs that descended into more darkness. I crept silently across the chamber past the dog, who had not moved from his listening pose. I could see the hackles again bristling his topline.

My feet faltered as my gaze fell on the dark stain near the dog’s feet. Blood. Fresh. It streaked toward the second stairway. Something was dragged down the stairs. My right shoulder against the wall, I bobbed my head around the corner for a quick glance down into darkness before ducking back.

That brief glimpse showed me enough. At the bottom of the stairs lay a crumpled form, more dark liquid pooling around it. Next to it a goblin skirmisher paced restlessly. I had seen enough of its movement to know the creature was spooked.

I found myself giving the dog the Legion stay signal, the same signal I had used with Blanco that morning. His gaze shifted from the stairs to me then back again, but he didn’t move otherwise. Crouched against the wall, I laid Touch carefully on the stone floor and unstrapped my strung bow from my pack. Like Touch, it was a new steel-eared bow that Martin had enchanted with one of the stronger Sigil Stones I had brought back from my Grand Tour. Christened Akatosh’s Glance, it caused fire damage from the arrows it loosed.

Stringing it only took a second, then I bobbed my head around the corner for another check. That skittish skirmisher still circled its dead comrade. Mindful of the glow from the stones behind me, I eased my shoulder past the side of the archway and drew aim on the goblin. Glance flickered dimly in the shadow before me as I pulled the string to half-tension. After a moment to pause my breathing and steady my bow hand, I released the steel tipped arrow.

I had another arrow nocked to the string before flames engulfed the spinning skirmisher. He staggered, his mace dropping to the stone floor, before the second one bloomed fire from his abdomen. He dropped beside the dead goblin, his body outlined by the reddish orange fury of Akatosh’s Glance.

Quickly I returned Glance to its hook on my left shoulder and snatched up Touch. The narrow blade glimmered faintly as I waited, listening for other hostiles below. Silence fell heavily on the passageway below, almost audible in its totality.

The dog eased up beside me, his ears still tipped down the stairs. His listening attitude warned me of more, but the smooth hackles told me they must be distant. For now.

Goblins. Why does it have to be goblins? I leaned back against the wall with deep breaths. The dog licked the back of my right hand, his white-tipped tail flickering in the blue light from the crystals high above us. I met his gaze and considered his recent actions. He attacked that goblin as if nothing else was worse than that unfortunate creature. And he broke its neck. It didn’t scare him. Yet he avoided me at first. Was it because he was hurt? Now that he is healed he has his courage back? Could it be he’s just prudent?

The dog returned my gaze steadily, then his blue eyes shifted down the stairs again and his demeanor tensed. There’s more hostiles. Are they coming this way? I was beginning to realize how useful he could be. After a moment’s wait, he relaxed slightly. No, not yet. Better give him a name so I can call him to me.

“Well, what’s your name, dog?” I whispered. His eyes returned to mine. “If you have Skyrim Husky in you,” I continued after a moment, “it’s only fitting I should give you a Skyrim name. But what?” He tipped his head, his ears twitching between what lay down the stairs and my voice. I smiled. “Shall I call you Sai?” The dog shifted his feet eagerly, his eyes sparkling in the shadows cast by the Welkynd stones behind him. “All right, Sai the Lucky it is,” I nodded, reaching out with my left hand and rubbing his ears. “Let’s go, then. Quietly.”

He stayed by my left side as we crept down the stairs. I knelt to examine the dead goblin. His limbs were shattered, ribcage and skull stove in. Sai the Lucky sniffed at the corpse, then growled softly, his hackles rising. He moved ahead on stiff legs, past the charred remains of the skirmisher I had dispatched. He paused in the doorway beyond and turned to stone, his ears pointed to the right and downward.

I studied the corpse a moment longer, trying to assess the cause of those horrific wounds. Some kind of blunt trauma. Powerful, judging by how those bones are shattered. Another goblin tribe? I didn’t hear anything about a goblin war while I was in Skingrad. I crept forward and crouched next to Sai. Beyond the doorway the path opened up onto a wide, well-lit ledge that overlooked an immense chamber to the right. I couldn’t see down to the lower level, but noticed that another passageway continued at the far end of the structure.

Now I could hear what Sai apparently heard - the sounds of fighting goblins and thumping of flesh. Still in a crouch, I took care to stay in the shadows at the near end of the exposed ledge and peered over the edge.

Below, three small fires flickered around the edge of a circle laid in the stone floor at one end of the rectangular chamber. Two goblins crouched near the circle, each drinking potions. Then they ran into an attack, somewhere out of sight to the left of the chamber. Again I heard the sounds of fighting, sounds of metal striking flesh, screams and groans.

Staying well back of the edge, I sidled past the smooth trunk of a broken column that marked the center point of the ledge rim. Using the structure for cover, I looked down at the battle.

Beside me, Sai growled softly in his throat as I caught my breath. Zombies! No wonder that unfortunate goblin had been so shattered. As I watched, the two surviving goblins struggled to smash their weapons into the rotting flesh of their opponents.

In spite of their shambling, disintegrating condition, the magic that held those undead corpses together was stronger than the goblins’ brute strength. The three zombies teamed up and battered the goblins into death. As they staggered around the lower chamber, I eased away from the edge of the ledge.

I moved as silently as I could toward the other passageway, seeking the shadows that marked its door. Here it ended in a cross hallway to the left and right. I glanced right. Likely it goes down to that lower chamber. I’m not going that way. As long as those zombies stay there, I’m not going to attract their attention.

Sai shadowed me as I turned left. An ornate lacework of bronze blocked my way. I reached for the handle, only to have the gate swing back with a screech that sounded loud in my ears. Sai spun around to face behind us, prompting me to follow suit, careful to keep him on my left side away from Touch.

A zombie ran toward us, its decomposing arms stretching ahead of it. As it emerged from the shadows between pools of blue light, Sai leaped toward it. My heart in my mouth, I followed after him. Don’t! It’ll smash you in less than a heartbeat!

But as quick as the zombie was, Sai was even quicker. He darted forward and sank his teeth into a calf, his forward momentum tearing rotting flesh off the bone. The zombie faltered as Sai leaped past it, and I lunged forward beneath those disgusting arms to thrust Touch into the hollow that remained of the zombie’s abdomen. A twist of the wrist demolished what was left of the abdominal organs and tore out the entire left side of the creature.

I stepped back as the zombie wavered. Sai circled around and dove for the other leg. This time the entire lower leg separated at the knee and Sai approached me carrying the severed limb like a stick I had thrown for him to retrieve. Behind him the zombie crashed to the ground with a low moan. I swung Touch overhand into its chest. Ribs shattered and collapsed inward beneath the blow, and the undead creature grew limp. A fresh wave of decomposing fragrance assaulted my nostrils before I could withdraw, and I gagged back the bile that burned my throat. I turned in time to see Sai drop his trophy and paw frantically at his mouth.

“Worse than the usual rotten animals you find in the woods?” I whispered to him. I knelt before him and caught his muzzle. Warily I lifted his lips to look at his teeth. To my surprise, he opened his mouth and let me look inside. “Nothing’s jammed in there, just a bad taste,” I murmured as I rubbed the top of his nose. “Now, let’s see what’s on the other side of that gate.”

Snakes Goblins. Why does it have to be snakes goblins?
I just could not stop from having an Indiana Jones movement here. I really do love that just like our beloved Indy, Julian has her own achilles heel, that makes her toes curl in terror.

Julian's new companion is certainly proving his worth. Just like IRL, his senses are as good as radar, giving Julian the edge of early detection in the dark passages beneath Nirn.

Sai the Lucky? I had to look that one up. Very appropriate, in more ways than one. Plus he plays zombie stick!

So it is zombies vs. goblins vs. Champions of Cyrodiil? I always did love those three ways you can get in the game. Thankfully that group of goblins softened up the zombies for Julian. Taking on three of them at full strength would have been tough, even with her new helper.


nits:
Two goblins crouched near the circle, each drinking at potions
I think the at is probably a leftover from a previous edit?

I had to look up Sai, too, what a great name!

A new bow, fantastic. I love fire damage.

Poor, Sai, I can just see him trying to scrape zombie from his tongue. At least the zombies might distract Julian from her goblin horror. But now she has to deal with the zombies. And she’s not even through the first gate!

Sai it is! Truthfully, I was holding out for Barbas, but of course Sai is far more appropriate. Does that make Julian his daughter (silver hair, cornflower blue eyes)?

Julian continues to show us what a true hero is. Not someone blessed with an absence of fear, but someone who faces their greatest fear to venture into the dark tunnel because that’s what needs to be done. I know that her protective instinct would rather see Sai safe at the camp with Blanco, but she has to be glad of the company, especially since that company can FIGHT!

I'm glad Sai has chosen to join her, too. We've already seen that the dog's sense of smell, and possibly hearing too, has more range than Julian's detect life.

Of course Zombies can probably be detected by smell by Julian, too.

It just remains to be seen if the dog can learn when not to attack. The bad taste of Mort Flesh may help.

'I recognized the light source as the same stone I had seen in Chanel’s studio, only these were crystals embedded high in the stone walls at the bottom of the stairs.'
I like this for several reasons. It's a nice game friendly description that makes sense. It reminds us of Julian's trip to Chorrol. It also reminds us that much of Julian's 'dungeon diving' has focused on Oblivion Gates. She is understandably not that familiar with Ayleid ruins and has been just a little too busy to study a whole lot about them - no parchment princess here!

Sai is a much better name than Blue! What a dramatic change in tactics he generates with a whole slew of considerations ranging from how to best use him to how to keep him alive. He does seem pretty clever. I chuckled as he spit out the zombie leg. Perhaps had it been a rotten bird, he would have loved it - they do have such odd palettes when it comes to that kind of thing. I will be very interested to see if Julian focuses Sai on watching Blanco in the future or takes him into dark places some more.

I both love and hate the effect produced in-game by a fire bow. On one hand, the flame is very neat looking when it erupts on strike. On the other hand it obscures the target too much for my liking. I ended up, early on, changing Slayer's elemental damage to shock. Fire's a fun choice though!

Ewww. That can't have tasted pleasant. No wonder he spat it out, I just hope he doesn't catch anything.

I can see an extra pair of eyes (not to mention ears and nose) could be useful in that ruin. Perhaps Julian will be glad Sai didn't leave soon, I suspect he might see more of the inside of places, though perhaps not oblivion gates. Certainly it keeps it fresh with new tactics, I liked her trying to skirt round the zombies, it makes sense if she didn't know the gate was noisy. Will she give up a good firing spot again to risk a gate?


I liked this, it made me smile.

@SubRosa: Thanks for catching the Indy Jones reference! The way Julian reacted to the presence of goblins in that place, I just couldn't resist! And it sounds just as real coming out of her as it did coming out of Indy's mouth. Since Sai the Lucky is still an unknown quality in combat, Julian wasn't taking any chances!

Grits: I was looking for something similar to Loki, the Norse God of Trouble. I figured that if I could find a TES equivalent, that was going to be the Lucky's name. Sai the Lucky was just perfect! And with Julian's experiences in Skyrim, I felt it was something she was already familiar with.

@Destri: After her unpleasant experience with Sheogorath, why would Julian name the dog after a Daedric Lord's hound? Clavicus Vile's hound at that?? No, a Skyrim name for a Skyrim Husky mix. Speaking of which, Presley was out with his owner this morning when I came back from my walk. He was playful as always. They went into their house just as my mom and her friend Kathleen came walking up. Before I knew it, Presley was streaking out of the house and running up to the two ladies. He was jumping around and licking Kathleen's hand and just begging them to play! I thought to myself, that's how fast Sai the Lucky ran back into the ruin behind Julian!

@ghastley: Yes, I think Julian can smell them coming if they're slow enough. Still, Sai can sniff 'em out from a greater distance than she can. After all, he has over 220 million olfactory receptors in that pointy nose of his, while she only has 5 million in hers! The only thing she does better than him is see colors! I don't think Sai is going to stop being so quick to attack, as we'll see at the end of the chapter (in a few weeks at this rate).

@Acadian: It may actually surprise you that Julian is one of those scholar-warriors. She spent a fair bit of her down time in the Legion reading everything she could get her hands on, including a lot of materials along Sun Tzu's Art of War and Clausewitz's Vom Kriege. This is the reason for her well-developed vocabulary and sometimes unusual choice of words (I think someone once commented on her use of the term verdigris). I did want to emphasize that even though dogs love rotting corpses, zombies are too foul for even those wonderful scavengers! Pthew!

@Olen: Yes, that was an awesome sniping spot on that ledge there. Julian decided against it because she didn't want to call more attention to herself than she already had. If she could sneak past those guys, that's more than a few arrows she saved for more immediate threats. That zombie that attacked them at the gate was already in the upper passageway, it had nothing to do with the ones down in the lower room. And yes, I hope Sai doesn't catch anything!

The story so far: Julian has entered Miscarcand and learned that it is infested with goblins, her boogeymen. Just at the last minute, the bandit dog joined her, and earned the name Sai the Lucky as a result. He certainly didn't waste the opportunity to demonstrate his value in combat. Now they move deeper into what will be the first level of three.

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Chapter 28.4 Bones and Goblins

At the bottom of the narrow flight of stairs Sai and I found ourselves on a high stone ledge wending its way through a shadowed chamber. The place was so immense I couldn't see the far side, and its ceiling disappeared into darkness. To the left of the doglegging path a cool bluish green glow indicated the presence of more Welkynd stones. A faint reddish flicker gleamed past the first bend in the path ahead of us, its source invisible below the edge of the stone.

The first part of the pathway had no railing, but ahead, where the ledge bent left around a corner, I could see the low stone coping of a rough banister lining either side of the ledge. Stone structures reached down to the narrow pathway from the shadowed ceiling above, embracing the path with squared columns around the second corner, which bent back right toward the opposite wall.

Fighting the feeling of exposure, I crept across the open part of the ledge and paused beneath the edge of the overhead structure. Suspicious of traps, I scanned the ancient stone for spiked balls, stacked logs, and other booby traps common to goblin settlements. Seeing nothing but dusty cobwebs and lumpy mold, I moved to the stone rail in front of me and peered over its top. Far below, on a worn stone floor, a small fire burned weakly, sending up a thin trail of dark smoke.

There's not much fresh air here to help it burn, I thought to myself, casting my gaze into the surrounding shadows. I could see a couple of chests, and several piles of refuse. There was movement in the darkness below, away from the fire and past me along the side of the ledge. As I looked back, I realized that the open space Sai and I had just crossed was actually a bridge, giving access between the two sides of the chamber that was otherwise divided by the ledge.

My blood ran chill once again as the sound of chittering floated up to me from the darkness. More goblins? Beside me, Sai stiffened, his hackles rising beneath my left fingers. By the way his nose pointed, I knew the creatures were moving beneath the bridge behind us.

The dog's blue eyes flashed toward me in the dimness as I held my left fingers to my lips in a gesture of silence. As I started around the first corner and crept to the left, he padded silently ahead to the next corner and stopped, peering through the rail. Taking cover behind the broad column that braced the corner, I turned my gaze toward the blue-green glow beyond. Four truncated columns, each topped with a Welkynd stone, marked the four corners of a low dais. Three skeletons, two with maces and shields, one with a bow that glimmered faintly with a soft sheen that my own steel bow lacked, alerted to the charging approach of three goblins.

Great. Undead bones and goblins? I watched as the goblins ran into the eerie glow and engaged with the skeletons. One was a lightly armored skirmisher, while the other two bore the ram skull helms of the berserker class.

The skeleton archer made swift work of the lone skirmisher, bringing him down with a few well-placed arrows. The berserkers engaged with the two melee bones, the clashing of metal drifting up to us as they crossed maces and banged on shields. The goblins were as quick and agile as I remembered them, but ultimately they were no match for the skeletons.

I eyed the victors thoughtfully. As long as I stay up here, those two can't get me. But that archer might try to shoot me or Sai down. I can't risk it. My decision made, I unshouldered Glance and notched an arrow. Sai dropped behind me as I raised the bow into the firing position. The archer retreated into the shadows at the far side of the chamber, while the two melee skeletons remained beside the dead goblins. Now.

The twanging of my bowstring was deafening in the silence as I released the arrow. The projectile flew true, and the archer was engulfed in flames. The two melee fighters alerted to my presence and ran to the foot of the ledge directly below my hiding point. Silently I retreated from the edge and waited. Maces struck shields in challenges that I let go unanswered.

After a few moments, silence resumed its reign over the dark chamber, and I turned toward the far end of the path. To my dismay, I found a large bronze gate, wrought in a pattern similar to the petals of a dahlia radiating out from an open circle in the center. Sai watched as I pushed and pulled on the gate. The metal portal would not budge. I scanned the surrounding jamb and walls for a way to open the gate without success.

His tail wagged as I turned back to look at Sai. "Well, any ideas, lucky boy?" I whispered. He leaped to his feet and padded back along the ledge to the first corner. I followed him, back to that shadowy area between the ledge and the end wall. The tilt of his nose pointed me toward a small archway below us. The narrow passage curved out of sight to the right beyond the entrance.

"Another way out of this room?" I looked around for a way down, but found no stairs. I'll have to jump down. Those skeletons are still looking for me, I'll wager. I glanced behind us at the other half of the chamber, the half containing the stone dais and two very angry skeletons. Once I jump down there, I can't get back up. And can Sai jump down that far?

My decision made, I moved back to the larger side of the chamber. The skeletons did not see me, but they still prowled around the dais restlessly. Again I used Glance on them. They each took two burning arrows to die. I glanced at my quiver. Not many left. I'll have to use Touch as much as I can.

After a final scan of the chamber revealed no more enemies, I moved to the edge of the ledge and peered over the side. What's the best way down? The sides of the ledge were fluted, with the wall flaring out near the bottom, about a meter off the floor. If I slide down the wall, I can land on that buttress, then hop down to the floor. I decided to jump down on the side of the ledge where the goblins had built their feeble fire.

With my weapons secured at my back, I lowered myself over the edge until I dangled from my hands. A glance between my feet showed the flared bottom of the wall still an uncomfortable distance below. If I slide down facing the wall, I'll fall backwards when I hit that buttress on the bottom. Better go down facing out. Slowly I released my right hand from the edge, hanging by my stronger hand. Careful not to swing too much or move too violently, I pivoted around my left hand until my back and left shoulder were against the wall, and my toes pointed out toward the fire.

A glance back up showed Sai standing at the edge, his ears a double-pointed silhouette against the slightly less dark shadows above. He whined softly, and I heard his lips smacking nervously. Here goes nothing. I released my grip on the ledge and slid down the wall. When my feet hit the curved slope of the buttress, I bent my knees to absorb the shock and to keep my back against the wall.

Balanced on the slope, my ankles complaining about the impact, I put my right hand on the damp stone and swung my feet to the floor. I took a couple of tentative steps. All in one piece. That's good.

A whine brought my gaze back up to the ledge. Sai fidgeted anxiously, his front feet testing the rim. How best to get him down? If I make him wait up there, will he stay? Will I regret my decision to make him stay there? Will I be able to find him on my way out? How much does he weigh? I recalled the Legion Ten soldiers catching their war dogs on long drops. He can't weigh as much as those beasts.

I whistled softly. "Come, Sai," I held my hands out. Akatosh, let him not weigh too much! The dog didn't hesitate, but leaped unerringly into my arms. His weight impacted my chest as I staggered backwards, my arms wrapping around his body. As I struggled to keep my balance, he twisted out of my grip and dropped to the floor. As soon as his feet hit the chill stone, he was off quartering the small alcove where the goblins had apparently encamped. He paused near one of the two chests and glanced back at me, the white tip of his waving tail beckoning like a beacon. I picked up a burning brand from the fire and approached the trunk. The wooden lid swung back with a loud groan. Inside, among jumbled bits and pieces of moldy fabric and rusted metal, I found a small vial, its stopper still sealed tight. Restore energy, the tiny script read. I slipped it into my belt pouch. I glanced at Sai, who had resumed his search of the alcove. The other trunk contained little of interest, but I did find some copper drakes and a couple of gold septims, which I pocketed.

Sai insisted on searching the other side of the chamber, so while he nosed among the dead, I studied the Welkynd stones. Unlike the ones I had seen before, these were mounted in metal filigree that secured them to the tops of the square plinths. I managed to reach one by standing on top of the dais and rising up on my toes. My fingers couldn't wrap around the stone, but it did knock the filigree off the column. As it hit the floor, the metal broke, but the stone did not shatter. I knelt down and picked it up. As long as my hand, and barely wider, it thrummed softly. After a moment, I slid it into my back pack. I looked at the others, but left them alone. One's enough for now. Until I find out what it's good for, other than light that is.

I looked up in time to see Sai trotting over to me, a dried out femur in his mouth. He grinned at me around his newest trophy and dropped to his belly. As he started to gnaw on it, the bone shattered into small fragments, leaving a bewildered look on his face. I chuckled. "Those bones have been down here a long time, boy," I said softly. "I doubt there's any marrow left to them." I moved back to the dead goblins. A search of them revealed slaughter fish scales. Recalling something Ardaline had said, I collected the iridescent items and placed them alongside the vial in my belt pouch.

"Let's go check out that passageway, Sai," I adjusted the pack straps over my shoulders. "Let's be very quiet now."

When I first looked at the title I thought "Dr. McCoy is joining the cast!" Sorry, I just cannot help it. I used to watch the original Star Trek all the time as a kid. Now that it is on Netflix's instant viewing, I am back at them again!

So Julian got in another three-way? and finished off the bones with one Glance .

That slide down the wall made me think of the early Julian. That would have snapped her knee for certain! How far she has come since those old days!

The image of Sai with the bone is just priceless! Dogs will be dogs!

I love how Sai goes from being almost eerily clever - sensing enemies, finding loot for Julian - to the scene with the bone. He may be smart, but he's definitely still a dog! (And poor Sai. Thought he had something nice to gnaw on and then *blecch*. Undead should take better care of their femurs!)

You paint some wonderfully rich atmosphere inside this ruin. Very vivid indeed.

Julian the Dogcatcher.

Something tells me that Julian and Sai still have a ways to go down here. Gulp.

Nit? 'There were movement in the darkness below,'
This seems to be mixing plural (were) and singular (movement) to me. I would use 'was movement' or 'were movements', but movement is an odd word I suppose and you may not agree.

My blood ran chill once again as the sound of chittering floated up to me from the darkness. More goblins? Beside me, Sai stiffened, his hackles rising beneath my left fingers. By the way his nose pointed, I knew the creatures were moving beneath the bridge behind us.

Eep! After Julian’s careful assessment of her surrounding, I found this especially chilling!

One was a lightly armored skirmisher, while the other two bore the ram skull helms of the berserker class.

I know about Julian's past goblin horror, but this detail brings it very close again. It makes me remember how she has had the chance to see them while she was captive.

A whine brought my gaze back up to the ledge. Sai fidgeted at the edge, his front feet testing the edge.

This description is so vivid, I can hear the whine. I thoroughly enjoyed Sai’s behavior throughout. The trusting leap is another favorite Sai moment. I’m looking forward to more!

‘The dog didn’t hesitate.’ That was an elegant way to show us the trust that Sai now has for Julian. It seems that she has made a friend for life.

Like the others said, the scene with the bone is priceless. Sai definitely knows how to reward himself when he perceives that the work has been done. Too bad the stupid bone didn’t cooperate.

A small nit:

The second sentence was a little jarring to me with the repetition of the word ‘edge’, especially coming after ending the previous sentence with ‘ledge.’

@SubRosa: Yes, I remember sitting in that oversized Naugahyde recliner with my two older sisters and watching the original Star Trek. We loved to clutch each other and scream every time the Enterprise zoomed across the screen during the opening credits. I'm surprised our vulpine friend didn't pick up on your three-way comment. I certainly did! And as for the scene with Sai and that old bone, it practically wrote itself. He's one of those characters, indeed.

@Kazaera: Sai certainly agrees with you! Being dead for hundreds of years is no excuse for brittle bones!

@Acadian: Yes, Julian and Sai still have a ways to go in that ruin. This Dogcatcher is the best kind indeed! Thanks for the nit!

@Grits: I really wanted to bring attention to just what those goblins mean to Julian. They are indeed her achilles' heel, the source of her addiction and her fall from grace (so to speak). Encountering them again just brings back memories and feelings she would rather not confront again. Sai is being unusually quiet for a Skyrim Husky here, but he knows the difference between camp and a goblin- and undead-infested ruin.

@Destri: Sai is smart enough to know he can trust the human who healed his leg and took his pain away. Yes, Julian definitely has a friend for life. And I'm glad that everyone has noticed the scene with Sai and the brittle bone. I've witnessed that same look all too often on dogs' faces when their 'treats' don't turn out quite the way they expected. Thanks for the nit - that sentence kept bothering me. I finally figured out how to rewrite it so it flows better.

The story so far: Julian and Sai have progressed deep into the first level of Miscarcand. It only gets better. . .

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Chapter 28.5 A New Kind of Stone

Sai stiffened at my side as the door, marked with a winter tree limned in meteoric iron, slid shut behind us with a soft groan. Before us, stairs dropped down to the lower level of Miscarcand. He shadowed me closely as we made our way cautiously down the damp steps.

Through the archway ahead of us, I spotted a tall plinth in the center of a large room. A dome-like structure, draped in a rotting cloth, topped the column. A faint glow seeped beneath the lower edges of the covering, casting argent light over the floor. Around it stood eight stone slabs, radiating out like the rays of a star. Shadows hid the edges of the room and obscured the arched ceiling above.

Silence greeted my ears as my eyes attempted vainly to penetrate the shadows. The room was too large for the limited range of my detect life spell. Still, I was tempted to use it, but restrained myself since my position in the archway was too exposed. Casting the spell would give away our presence to any nearby enemies.

I moved to enter the large space, but Sai blocked me with his body. I reached down to move him aside, but stopped when my fingers felt his raised hackles. His ears were tipped into the room, and his head was below the level of his shoulders. I recognized the stalking posture and looked back into the room.

A shadow flitted past the archway, so close I could smell the fishy odor and the dirty leather of another goblin. Chittering in rage, he disappeared into the darkness to my right. I bit back the involuntary scream and dropped to a crouch against the left side of the archway.

Two more lanky figures darted across the center of the room, the soft glow from the column briefly highlighting the shimmer of leather armor and the glitter of iron weapons. The twanging of a bowstring warned me of an archer somewhere off to my right. My heart began hammering in my chest when a bolt of lightning crackled out of the darkness from the opposite side.

Shaman! If she sees me - I ducked behind the archway just as my knees gave way. Huddled against the wall, I listened with growing panic to the chittering and snarling as the goblins continued fighting their as yet unseen foes. Sai stood between me and the archway, his ears tipped forward as his eyes tracked the battle.

I could still see a sliver of the right side of the chamber through the archway. Something gleamed in the shadows, then the glow from the plinth picked out the round dome of a grinning skull. The rest of the undead bones appeared, a drawn bow in its hands. The silver arrow head flashed briefly as it released the string.

A scream from the left side of the room echoed around the chamber, and the lightning bolts flickered wildly about the room before stopping altogether. The skeleton archer then turned toward the battle still ongoing behind it.

A few twangs of the bowstring later, silence returned to the cavernous chamber. The skeleton lowered its bow and relaxed its stance, gently rocking its weight from one foot to the other.

I couldn't still the shaking in my body or the hammering of my pulse. Sai turned to me and nosed my shoulder gently. When I didn't respond to him, he pawed at my knee. After a moment, he sat down before me and tipped his head to one side.

What is happening to me? That shaman who tortured me is dead - has been for years. Florian made certain of it when he rescued me. But I still couldn't shake the afterimages of the shock spell from my vision, the tingling coursing through my bones, the silver fire that traced along my nerves and weakened my muscles. Breath came short and fast through clenched teeth.

Touch clattered softly against the stone floor next to my hip as my shaking hand released the hilt. This is too much like that dungeon in Skyrim. I'm going to come face to face with a shaman, and I will lose. I can't go through another round of magical torture.

I closed my eyes and held my hands to my face. I can't go any further in this place. It's full of zombies and undead bones and goblins everywhere. I'll have to go back to Cloud Ruler Temple and tell Emperor Martin that this can only be done with a contingent of Blades or Legion soldiers.

But there are not enough Blades. The Dragonguard was decimated when the old Emperor was assassinated. Only Baurus remains of it. The garrison at Cloud Ruler can't be divided any further - every man and woman is needed there to guard the Emperor. And I can't go to the Legion - they can't spare the men for Bruma's defense, how can they spare a contingent for an Ayleid ruin?

No, I have only two choices. Do this alone, or go back to Martin and let him down. I forced myself to take deep breaths. If you go back without the Great Welkynd stone, are you worthy of being Casnar’s Blade Sister? Valdemar? Alain and Rielus? I rubbed the perspiration from my skin. No, it's going to get better, Julian. You know there's only one shaman in each goblin tribe. And the only one here in Miscarcand is already dead, thanks to these skeletons. And you know how to fight skeletons. Use the back of your blade to batter their bones and let Touch's magic do the rest for you.

As my heart slowed down and my shaking eased, Sai turned his head from me and gazed out through the archway. His ears pointed to the right side of the room, which suggested to me that all of the surviving foes were clustered there. How many skeletons? Are there any other fighters? Zombies? What else will I find here in this Aedra-forsaken place?

Slowly I regained my feet, silently recovering Touch from the floor. I moved to the opposite side of the archway and peered through. Movement in the shadows revealed five skeletons. Ducking back behind cover, I cast the detect life spell. Three glows shimmered into visibility, indicating their closeness to my hiding place.

This time Sai let me pass him as I glided through the archway into the deep shadows to the right. I could feel his presence at my left side as we approached the pink-limned glows. One stood off by itself, apart from its companions. I could see movement betraying the remaining two skeletons at the far side of the room.

As I crept toward the single skeleton, Sai made the first move. Without a sound, he darted toward another of the undead, swift and silent on padded feet. The spell faded in time for me to see the white of his tail and feet as he attacked. I paused, my heart in my mouth, but apparently Sai knew what he was doing. Before I could realize his actions, he seized hold of the skeleton's left shinbone and raced away with it, bringing the collection of undead bones crashing to the floor.

The skeleton in front of me spun around, as did the others. I seized the opportunity and struck, using the back of Touch's blade to smash several of the skeleton's ribs and detach its right arm from the rest of it. That silver axe flailed toward my head, but I had already ghosted back into the shadows against the wall, scanning the darkness for my next victim. The other three left their collapsed comrade and ran to join the one I had disarmed.

I spotted the archer, standing back from the others, sweeping the area for a foe it could not see. Have to take that one out first. An arrow at the wrong time can really put a damper in things. As I silently worked toward the sniper, a swift form detached itself from the shadows and leaped for the skeleton, snatching away a humerus bone, effectively disrupting any shot that creature may have had at me. As Sai faded again into the blackness, I turned toward the nearest skeleton and darted Touch at its knee. Another one bites the dust, I thought as the collection of bones dropped to the floor in a cloud of white fragments.

The remaining skeletons, two disarmed ones and two intact melee fighters, looked around in confusion. I ducked behind a nearby column and called on Old Bones to help even the odds a bit more. He materialized in a cloud of violet vapor beside me and ran flat footed toward one of the intact fighters. As they began trading blows, bone dust flying around them, I searched the shadows for Sai.

Once again the dog proved his value as a fighting companion, attacking the other skeleton. This one was more resilient to Sai's flying attacks. Though the dog snatched at the bone's shin, the joints did not disintegrate. The skeleton spun with the impact of Sai's onslaught, but kept its balance. The heavy axe rose high in the gloom.

Trusting in Old Bones's ability to keep the others at bay, I ran toward Sai and his foe. I threw myself forward, Touch reaching toward that weapon. "Sai, down!" The dog dropped to his belly as the axe struck my blade. Overextended, I couldn't stop the momentum of the bones's axe, but Touch deflected it. Sparks flew as the heavy weapon struck the floor a hair's breadth away from Sai's side. Lightning exploded between us, sending Sai rolling away with startled yips and flinging the skeleton back.

I tripped over something solid before I could regain my feet. Ignoring the object on the floor, I glanced back for the skeleton that had tried to kill Sai. Nothing remained of it but a scatter of white pieces. Old Bones tangled with one of the one-armed foes, while the other stumbled toward me, its skeletal hand clenched into a fist.

From pure reflex I ducked its killing blow and backhanded Touch into its spine. The impact and enchantment combined to scatter its bones in a broad arc among those of its fallen comrades. The whoosh of the dissipating spell warned me of Old Bones’s departure. I glanced around for his foe, but found nothing but skeletal fragments and dark forms.

At my feet the contorted grimace of a goblin berserker greeted my glance. Reflexively I jumped back, barely stifling a gasp. Easy Julian, he’s dead. They’re all dead here. Sai! I gazed into the shadows with some desperation. I couldn’t tell which of the dark forms scattered about the floor was goblin and which was dog. “Sai?” I whispered into the darkness.

One of the forms stirred, and blue eyes reflected the soft glow from the plinth in the center of the room. I made my way cautiously toward those eyes and knelt beside Sai. He whimpered and licked my fingers as I reached my left hand toward him. I could feel the muscles twitching beneath his bristling coat. “Can you stand, boy?” I murmured to him, running my hand over his body. I could only feel the remaining energy from Touch coursing through him, occasionally sparking beneath my hand. He struggled to his feet and stood wavering.

I recalled how Paint had been so shaky after the will-o-wisp attack and closed my eyes, keeping my hand over Sai’s ribs. Beneath my palm, I could sense his heartbeat, sputtering erratically. That’s what the shock enchantment does to you, boy. It prevents your magicka from flowing smoothly. Let’s see if I - my thoughts trailed off as my soul’s hand caressed that irregular pulse, soothing away the sparks and restoring a regular rhythm that soon matched mine.

Sai took a deep breath and let it out with a loud sigh that broke my concentration. I opened my eyes in time to feel his wet tongue swipe across my cheek. I chuckled in relief, let go of all the fear and panic of the last few moments and buried my face in the ruff of his neck. The dog’s muscles no longer twitched, and I could feel his strength returning by the moment.

After a few moments I sat back, breathing deeply of the clammy air. My gaze was drawn to the central plinth. What is beneath that cage-like structure? Is it a Welkynd Stone? But the light is different - whiter, not so bluish. At the far side of the room, buried deep in the shadows, I did see a bluish glimmer. Another crystal set into the wall? It’s barely visible at this distance. I rose to my feet, Sai falling in beside me. Together we crossed the room toward the bluish glimmer. Sai soon lost interest, but I regarded the small crystal. It was set into a larger stone block that jutted out from the wall.

That’s funny, I touched the block’s rough surface, so unlike the ground smoothness of the rest of the wall. It’s not sticking out because of age or deterioration, it’s meant to stick out. I peered closer at the crystal. Not big enough to provide a light source. So what is its purpose?

My fingertips brushed the rounded surface of the crystal. I jumped back as a low grumbling emanated from the wall before me as the block sank into the wall. Behind me Sai yipped softly at the clanking sound. Carved detailing emerged from the smooth surface before me, and I realized that the ambient light level had increased. Now my own shadow became clearly visible on the wall, which turned a paler shade.

Sai returned to my side and leaned against my leg as I turned around. Argent light, brighter than any spell, gleamed freely from the top of the plinth. I raised my hand to block the glare from my eyes. Now I noticed the cage swinging gently above the plinth, its now-visible ancient bronze chain creaking softly. I inhaled sharply. Is that the Great Welkynd Stone? But where is its guardian? I searched the diminished shadows for more enemies.

Once again Sai’s actions told me we were still alone in the chamber. I could see two passageways emanating off of the chamber to each side of me where I stood next to the depressed block. One was obstructed by the same kind of wrought iron grating we had encountered before, and the other disappeared into darkness. I looked around for another floor switch much like the one we had found upstairs on the first level, but none were visible.

Slowly I walked toward the plinth. Can it really be so easy to find the Great Stone? But it doesn’t make sense. If that is the Great Welkynd Stone, it would have been looted a long time ago, like the others. And the light is different. Wouldn’t the Great Welkynd stone have the same glow that the others do?

The light coalesced into a long, narrow crystal mounted in a filigreed black metal frame that embraced its waist. The stone tapered to slender points at both ends. I stopped beside the plinth, regarding the crystal thoughtfully. It’s some kind of stone. Wonder what it is. I held up my left hand to it, but couldn’t quite reach the mounting. Even with my height, the tips of my fingers barely brushed the top edge of the plinth as I stood on tiptoe.

After a moment’s study, I sheathed Touch and extended the enchanted katana towards the stone, holding it near the tip of its scabbarded blade. The leather-wrapped hilt easily knocked the stone and its mounting off the top of the plinth toward my waiting left hand. I caught it easily, but nearly fumbled it as the cold metal slipped through my fingers. Only by cupping it against my mailed breast did I keep it from dropping to the floor.

The stone, in spite of its argent glow, was cold to my touch. The blood in my palm tingled as it came into contact with the crystal and reminded me of the trapped souls in the sigil stones. Shadows flickered around us when I closed my fingers around it. Almost as long as my forearm, it felt solid yet light, and I wondered how best to carry it. Don’t want it coming in contact with my weapons until I understand what that tingling does.

Kneeling beside the plinth, I laid Touch down and unshouldered my pack. Inside, the Welkynd stone gleamed through its wrapping - one of my shirts. Would it be safe to put these two stones together? Would they interact with each other? Would it be dangerous? I decided to treat the new crystal as another sigil stone, and found another shirt to wrap it in. I’m running out of civilian clothes. Better save one for the Great Welkynd stone. I have no idea how large that will be.

With the pack returned to its place alongside Glance, I rose to my feet and looked down at Sai. The chamber was now dark with the open passage only a slightly lighter shadow in the blackness. I waited for a few more moments to let my vision adjust to the low light level. When I could see Sai’s blue eyes gleaming softly beside me, I brushed my fingers over his prick ears. “Well, Sai, let’s see what else is in this dump.”

Yet another three-way! (I am surprised that Foxy has not mentioned them, he is slipping... ) I am starting to think that these goblins might have come in handy at Sancre Tor!

Uh oh, Julian's worst fears have just come true. A goblin shaman. I don't blame her for feeling her knees turn to water. I liked how she talked herself through her fears, and finally found her courage once more by comparing herself to Casnar. That was an excellent way of showing the effect that the four Blades in Sancre Tor had on her.

Aedra-forsaken place?
An excellent setting-friendly phrase!

Before I could realize his actions, he seized hold of the skeleton's left shinbone and raced away with it, bringing the collection of undead bones crashing to the floor.
This made me grin! Kind obvious really, with a dog against a skeleton. I hope Sai likes his new bone!

Another gripping battle, a very near thing for both Sai and Julian. Then a varla stone! Well, no one will say that Julian lacks stones now...

A shadow flitted past the archway, so close I could smell the fishy odor and the dirty leather of another goblin. Chittering in rage, he disappeared into the darkness to my right. I bit back the involuntary scream and dropped to a crouch against the left side of the archway.

Yikes, that even made me jump!


The Dragonguard was decimated when the old Emperor was assassinated. Only Baurus remains of it.

I like that the bodyguards are the Dragonguard. It’s what I’ve always called them, but if it’s in the game I missed it. I’ve also thought that Baurus should get a little more recognition, or at least a little mention of how he achieved his position in the Blades.


And you know how to fight skeletons. Use the back of your blade to batter their bones and let Touch's magic do the rest for you.

I think this is my favorite line. I couldn’t imagine Julian hacking away at a skeleton with her katana, but it makes perfect sense for her to preserve the edge and use it as a magicka delivery system.


“Well, Sai, let’s see what else is in this dump.”

Yes, let’s!

At first I took this to mean that Sai disappeared into the darkness! But then I realized that Sai doesn’t ‘Chitter’. Whew!

This chapter really brings into focus my favorite thing about Julian. Here she is, Hero of Kvatch, someone who doesn’t hesitate in taking the fight to the daedra on their own turf. Yet the sight of a Goblin Shaman is still enough to paralyze her with fear. I echo what 'Rosa said about Julian finding strength in the memory of her brother Blades. I know that they were right there with her, willing their own strength into her sword arm . . . and into Sai’s flashing teeth.

More background on Julian’s fear of goblins. As heroic as Julian is, that touch of vulnerability really contributes to her overall character.

Julian’s internal fears and debating was so nicely done! A great summation of the magnitude of her task. I love how she got inspiration from her Blade Brothers.

Cut ‘em off at the knees! The skellie fightin’ was very neat – and creative!

Wonderful description how Julian healed Sai

It just dawned on me that the best tactics for Miscarcand are to let the Goblins and undead kill each other, and there's nothing more effective for making one hang back than a vulnerable companion. Julian can't know that in advance, and nor could Sai, but it's still working in their favor.

The last level doesn't have any Goblins, though. Just the zombies and the Lich. I wonder what parts of a Lich come off?

Sorry for the slow reply, RL has been hectic.

Two good parts, I's have more quotes I'm sure but I was enjoying reading it too much to remember any position of good ones. I like Miscarcand, it's put Julian off balance, she can do daedra (well I suspect there's a challenge in her future, but) and seeing her have to deal with different foes is refreshing, as is the presence of a fighting companion. Especially one with a sense of comedy (running away with the skeliton's leg was genius).

Her fear of goblins is well done too, it feels natural and realistic. It also appears facing up to a shaman is something she will have to do another day (if ever - maybe in LAMQ?). Having the issue appear then not be resolved works well in showing that she is not perfect and indestructable.


I liked the humour so soon after her being in terror of the goblins. It's another good observation of the sort which brings things to life, stress does sometimes relieve itself through humour. Disarmed really made me laugh, quite literal.

@SubRosa: I don't think Sai found this bone much better than the last one . . .

@Grits: I'm glad you jumped at the right place! I'm not sure where the "Dragonguard" came from, but I liked it enough to use it here.

@Destri: Julian hasn't gotten too über yet. Those goblins and especially that shaman will haunt her for a long time coming.

@Acadian: Those four Blades will stick with Julian for a good long time.

@ghastley: Which parts of a Lich come off? I guess we'll find out!

@Olen: I think Julian would prefer it if she never saw another goblin again! And Sai is quite the clown- when he's not busy fighting. And yes, the humor that surfaces during her battle with the skeletons is relief at not having to deal with the goblins after all. She's actually almost grateful to those skeletons!

The story so far: Julian has moved into the second level of Miscarcand in search of the Great Welkynd stone. And deeper yet we go . . .

*******************************************
Chapter 28.6: The Great Welkynd Stone - Definitely

Sai whined as we crept down the crypt-lined corridor. I glanced down at him to see his attention oriented to our right. His tongue flickered nervously over drawn lips in the gloomy silence. I paused to listen, but heard nothing. My weak detect life spell picked up nothing but the two of us.

"What is it, boy?" I reached down to him and brushed my fingers over his pricked ears. After another intense moment, Sai turned his head and licked my palm. Again he whined.

I knelt beside him and ran my hands over his body. I could find nothing beyond bruises inflicted by the zombies we had encountered on this third level of Miscarcand. Once more I let my healing magicka wash over him, trying to ease the soreness I assumed he must feel. The white tip of his tail wavered uncertainly in the darkness that oozed out of the open crypts on either side of us.

"It just gets scarier and scarier the further we go, doesn't it?" I whispered to Sai. "At least we haven't met any more goblins." Though the zombies are worse in their own way, with their rotting flesh and moldy fluids and the stink that one can't quite clear out of one's nostrils.

Again Sai pawed at his mouth. I smiled in the dimness. "Yes, those zombies taste much worse than the goblins, I'm certain. I know I wouldn't want to taste one of those!" I thought of the refresh spell I had used to clean my blade. I wonder if that would work on Sai's mouth? Would it help?

"Sit for me, Sai," I gave him the signal I had seen the Legion dog handlers use for the command. He seemed to understand and lowered his haunches to the stone floor. I set Touch softly beside my right knee and rubbed his nose as reassuringly as I could with my left hand.

Magic brightened the gloom around us as it filled my right hand. I cupped my left palm over the top of Sai's muzzle and inserted my fingers and thumb behind his fangs on either side. Obediently he opened his mouth in response to my pressure, and I aimed the spell onto his tongue. The soft light swirled around his teeth and washed over his palate before dissipating.

Sai's blue eyes blinked in mild confusion as I released my hold on his muzzle. "Taste any better?" I whispered. Though we were alone, with no sign of any enemies, there was still the sense of being watched by malevolent eyes. In response to my question, Sai nudged my hands with his cold, wet nose and whimpered again. I wasn't certain if it was a yes or no. He's just as jumpy in this place as I am. There are no goblins on this level, only zombies.

We had encountered no more goblins once we passed the chamber where I had found the strange silvery-white stone. Somehow I wasn't surprised. My prior experiences indicated that shamans usually occupied the lowest rooms of their settlements. The fact that the shaman was present on the second level of this ruin tells me that this goblin tribe has not succeeded in infiltrating the deeper recesses of Miscarcand. I know all too well their cunning and intelligence, their toughness and determination when it comes to occupying old ruins and abandoned mines. These zombies were tougher than the goblins, as were the skeletons, but they were few in numbers. Yet the goblins had not succeeded in infiltrating further than halfway through the second level, as indicated by the numbers of dead bodies in varying stages of decomposition Sai and I found throughout the second level. There has to be something else, something more powerful and sinister than the enemies we had encountered so far.

My mind retraced our steps back to the entrance into the third level. We had found ourselves on a balcony enclosed by a wrought iron grating composed of elaborate curlicues and delicate patterns. Through the grating I could see an immense chamber falling away below into darkness. At the center of the space a brilliant cyan glow drew my eyes toward it. I knew its source had to be the Great Welkynd stone - its light had the same blue-green quality to it as the small one in my pack.

I tested the grating. In spite of its advanced age and state of neglect, it was still solidly attached to the stone of the balcony. There was no way I would be able to break through that wrought iron. I knew I would have to find another way to the center of that chamber.

I studied as much of the shadowed interior as I could. It had the feel of an audience hall, much like those in the county castles I had seen on my travels around Cyrodiil. Only this one was far, far more immense and intimidating in its scale. While the floor of the room lay far below, the Great Welkynd stone stood suspended in the center of the space. I realized that a metal framework much like the ones that held the smaller stones atop their plinths cradled this larger stone. A narrow dais, rising halfway to the dark arches overhead, caught the light from the Great Welkynd stone and carried it back to an opening in the rear wall.

There has to be a way to get onto that dais. I looked around once more and decided to follow the passageway, which led in that general direction. Sai shadowed me as we crept along the balcony, feeling exposed to watching eyes whenever we crossed a pool of light cast by another of those ubiquitous crystals.

As it turned out, my intuition regarding the path to the Great Welkynd stone seemed to be accurate. It can't be much further now. My internal compass suggested that it lay somewhere to the left around the corner ahead of us.

With a stifled sigh, I picked up Touch and rose to my feet. Sai brushed against my knee as I started toward the corner. I kept to a crouch and moved as silently as I could, pleased that I couldn't hear Sai's padded feet on the stone floor beside me. He didn't pant or whine anymore, but I could feel his stiffness and tension.

Immense silence and that brilliant glow greeted my gaze as I peered around the corner. The great stone gleamed at the end of the narrow dais, its light a beacon to my weariness. This is it, I thought. The reason I even entered this place. But where are the guardians? Or were those three zombies Sai and I had destroyed all of them? Somehow I couldn't convince myself that it could have been this easy. If those were all of the guardians, the Great Welkynd stone would have been stolen long ago.

No, there's something still here, something watching us, waiting. I couldn't shake the feeling that the stone was the bait in a trap, and as soon as I touched it, the ambush would be sprung.

Again I considered the immense chamber. The floor was a long, long way down - too far to safely jump down should I need to escape. The only way out was back along the dais. But its narrow length would be easy to block with just a few zombies or skeletons.

With so little room to dance, I knew I had to keep any ambushers far away from me. Perhaps I should string Glance and get it ready. Its fire damage would help against the zombies, but I would have to count on the impact of the strong steel arrowheads to knock any skeletons back.

Tactics set firmly in my mind, I unshouldered Glance and strung the bow. With it in my left hand, and Touch ready in my right, I crept toward the far-off glow at the end of the long dais. I paused frequently to listen and scan the shadows. Each time I stopped, Sai would stand slightly in front of me, his feet braced and his hackles bristling.

The chamber remained silent as we stopped before the Great Welkynd Stone. Once again I surveyed the hall, once again I failed to see any threat. But my sixth sense, honed from years of hunting goblins in caves, still tingled. Someone’s out there, watching us. Waiting. Waiting for what? For me to take this stone from its cradle? Beside me Sai still bristled with tension, his body thrumming against my leg.

With my left hand raised to block the glare from my eyes, I studied the floor around us again. The black metal cradle stood on a round marble plinth with stepped sides. The stone itself, longer than my forearm, rose taller than me. It stood at the very end of the narrow dais.

This is it. I considered the stone a moment longer. Then I moved to the far side of it and knelt, lowering my pack to the floor. After a moment’s rummaging within its depths, I made a space for the stone between the smaller Welkynd stone and the other silvery-white stone that still thrummed its magic. I should be able to slip the Great Welkynd stone in, shrug on my pack and be ready for any trap. Again I glanced around. I’ll stay here, on the far side. No one can come up behind me, and I’ll face any ambushers. Still the long drop behind me made the skin crawl beneath my padded tunic. My fingers twitched as I reluctantly sheathed Touch to free my right hand.

Sai watched beside the pack as I stepped onto the dais and stood before the Great Welkynd stone. I reached my hand cautiously toward it, expecting some kind of magical reaction. Wait. I need to be ready for any attack. I slid an arrow out of my hip quiver and notched it to the bowstring, using my left hand to hold it in place against the bow stave, ready to draw.

The tall stone remained inert as I lifted it out of its cradle, its glow outlining my fingers and sending shafts stabbing into the darkness. Beams of light whirled around the chamber while I stepped back and turned to slip it into the waiting pack. Darkness fell like silent thunder as I closed the flap.

My goodness, the stage is set for one heck of a trap and Julian knows it! Gulp. You really built up the tension as Julian evaluated things and made her plans. I’d say this ranks way up there as a cliff hanger.

Love her interaction with Sai. I know she’s both worried about him and glad for his company.

Jauffre says of Cloud Ruler Temple, “This place was built by Reman Cyrodiil's Akaviri Dragonguard, at the founding of the second Empire.”

"It just gets scarier and scarier the further we go, doesn't it?" I whispered to Sai.

Yes! Reading this alone in the dark, I am extremely creeped out. I need a Skyrim husky to comfort me!!

It had the feel of an audience hall, much like those in the county castles I had seen on my travels around Cyrodiil.

What a neat observation. I think there might be some stray italics in these paragraphs.

Immense silence and that brilliant glow greeted my gaze as I peered around the corner.

I really like “immense silence” here. Yeah, I’m going to turn on some lights.

Yeah, Julian would need Touch to cut through the suspense that you have created in this chapter. I have no problem with Clannfear, Dremora, or any form of Atronach but there is just something about a dark ruin filled with zombies (Vilverin comes to mind) that really creeps me out!

Who knew that the refresh spell would be such a cure all? I am sure that Sai greatly appreciates not tasting zombie a$$ anymore. His tension drives this chapter and made me turn on the light right along with Grits.

Great tension, as has been said, there's something uniquely unsettling about knowing there's a danger but not what it is and walking into a trap knowing fine well that's what's happening. You caught it brilliantly, I might hazard another guess why the stone is still there, with tension like that I think most adventurers might have gone for safer pickings


I loved this line, it's so evocative. Makes me think of the darkness as like a shoggoth or some other lovecraftian horror.

You'll have to get cliff down from there though. It's far to tense to be doing things like that.

"What is it, boy?"
I hate to say this, but thanks to a certain other story set in Solstheim, I immediately thought: "Timmy fell down the well?"

It was nice to see Julian put her Refresh spell to use on Sai. I always love to see real-world applications of magic.

I couldn't shake the feeling that the stone was the bait in a trap, and as soon as I touched it, the ambush would be sprung.
Sounds like Julian has played Doom, or any other first person shooter game! Now comes the trap! At least Julian is prepared for it. At least as best as she can be.



nits:
But my sixth sense, honed from years of hunting Goblins in caves
You have been using goblins in lowercase everywhere else, so I suspect this uppercase example slipped through your style sheet.

@Acadian: The first time I did this quest, I knew something BIG was going to happen the second I took that stone off the pedestal. If my own danger sense was klanging that much, what about Julian's own very well-developed danger sense? Yes, the tension was thick, and I had to keep telling myself "It's only a game!!" It looks like that sensation came across well.

@Grits: We made you turn on the lights? Wish it was that easy down there on the third level of Miscarcand! Most Skyrim Huskies would probably be yelping "Get me outta here!" by the first Goblin! Remember Sai's a mixed breed, so there's something else there that makes him stick with Julian through it all.

@Destri: Well, it was the refresh spell or being slobber-kissed by zombie breath! Julian's just glad it worked. Me, I wish it was that easy to clean dogs' (and cats') mouths! No anesthesia needed! That's the thing about exploring with an animal, especially one as trained as Julian is finding out Sai is. They are great at telling you where danger is. The only thing missing is the robot from Lost In Space: "Danger, Julian! Danger!" *retractable arms twirling*

@Olen: Yes, it's time, but I'm sure Cliff doesn't want to come down until it's all over and that Lich King is good and dead! Thanks for comparing this to Lovecraft - that was the feel I was going for there. I remember reading him in seventh grade and being totally creeped out by his stuff - yes, I had to keep the lights on!

@SubRosa: I thought exactly the same thing as I was writing it! If there was a Timmy in this story, I would have! Maybe in the future . . . Thanks for catching that nit, it's been fixed.

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Chapter 28.7 The Undead King

When I picked up the pack, the pavers beneath my feet rumbled. My eyes, still dazzled by the brilliant gleam of the stone, strained in the darkness for ambushers. The noise resounded around the immense chamber, making it difficult for me to locate its source.

A grey light slowly brightened at the far end of the dais, where the passageway Sai and I had traversed ended. I realized that a door was slowly lifting at the place where the passageway turned the corner onto the dais. I lowered the pack to the floor, took a deep breath and drew the bowstring to half-tension, aiming the arrow over the empty cradle toward the dark silhouette at the far end.

Sai growled at my back, and threads of ice ran up my spine and into my hands when I recognized the groaning of zombies behind me. The rumbling reached a crescendo as I struggled to keep my focus on the shambling figure that stepped onto the ledge, cutting off our escape. It carried a mage’s staff, and now that gnarled tip dipped toward me. I let the arrow fly. Without waiting to see its effect on that thing, and without taking my eyes off of it, I pulled another arrow out as the zombies drew nearer behind me.

The staff’s shock bolt passed my first arrow as it zipped toward me. I managed to duck behind the cradle, letting the black metal absorb most of the shock. My hair now stood on end beneath my ponytail, and I could feel the tingle of dissipating energy. At the same time, fire engulfed the lanky form, outlining the spiked shape of a crown.

The last King of Miscarcand! No wonder no one survived to take his treasure! I had heard of liches - suspected to be long-dead Wild Elves kept animate thanks to their magical powers. So that’s the guardian of the Great Welkynd stone. I let the second arrow fly at him before crouching down again behind the cradle.

The rumbling came to a grinding halt and the stones beneath my feet stilled. I glanced past my right shoulder to find a zombie stepping up over the rim of the dais behind me, arms raised for a crippling blow. I suppressed a gagging shudder at the fetid wave that struck me and ducked away, staying close to the cradle. Touch leaped into my right hand and flew toward the headless corpse. Its powerful enchantment staggered the undead being and sent it spinning away over the edge.

Movement to my left warned me of another enemy. My nose and mouth still full of the rotting smell, I squinted toward the shadow approaching me. Another zombie. I ignored the shock bolts still flying from the undead King and moved to parry the zombie’s descending arms with Touch. Behind me, Sai’s snarls grew into a roaring bark that drowned out the groaning of yet another soulless corpse.

One of the King’s deadly bolts washed over me, most of its force dissipated by the now glowing metal cradle. I fell to my knees as the zombie in front of me staggered back. It recovered before my nerves stopped tingling, and stumbled toward me, its handless arms hammering into my back. Matius’s cuirass saved me yet again, absorbing the impact and protecting my bones from that shattering blow. Still the zombie’s attack knocked the breath out of me. I rolled away into the pain, swinging my argent blade backhanded toward its legs. Touch bit into the bone above the left knee, then I felt something crack. The leg disintegrated beneath the zombie, sending him pitching over the edge into the blackness beyond.

A yelp reminded me of Sai and the third zombie. I struggled to my knees and threw my glance to the opposite side of the dais. The dog’s brown body rolled against me, the walking corpse following after him. I managed to free my right arm and darted Touch toward it. Again its shock enchantment sizzled, sending a fresh wave of rotten and burnt stench washing through my nose and down my throat. The zombie staggered briefly, but kept coming. The next blow from my katana lacked the force of the previous strikes, and I realized it was now out of magicka. Desperately I dropped Glance and flung fire into the zombie’s hollow abdomen. The creature stopped, then turned and bolted, disappearing over the edge of the dais trailing flames behind it like a comet’s tail.

That lich! I recovered Glance and nocked another arrow, peering over the top of the round plinth that supported the cradle. That frightening figure was much closer to me now, its left leg dragging as it brought that staff to bear on me once more. My third arrow staggered its aim, and the bolt flew wide. I didn’t wait for Akatosh’s fire to die down, but fitted another arrow to the bowstring, aimed and released quickly. Again it paused, then began limping toward me once more, flames devouring centuries-old mummified flesh. Again that staff swiveled toward me, the gnarled branches of its head glowing with argent fire.

Hastily I let the fifth arrow fly and ducked. My muscles screamed and my heart stopped as the malignant energy blew through the cradle and washed over Sai and me. My vision turned black.

Pain returned with a vengeance. My lungs burned as I drew breath, and my heartbeat hammered behind my eyes. I lay on my right side, gasping and shuddering. My left hand still clutched Glance in a painful spasm. The pinpoint stars that whirled around me slowly subsided toward a grey darkness. This is it. I can’t fight anymore. I’m sorry, Emperor Martin. I’ve failed you. I waited for the death blow that never came.

Instead a furry body crept alongside me with a whimper. Wetness swiped across my cheek, chasing the cold sweat from my skin. Finally I blinked and forced my fingers to let go of the bow. As the stave dropped across our bodies, I reached out and buried my hand in Sai’s fur. I felt his muscles flinch, and he whimpered again. I eased my grip and ran my palm along his back. Silence crouched over us in the dimness, lit only by the glowing crystals set into the faraway walls.

Easing Glance to the floor, I struggled to a seated position and strained to look over the cradle back toward the far end of the dais. There was no sign of the lich. My heartbeat slowed down, became quieter as I gathered the last of my magicka and cast a detect life spell. There were no signs of life other than Sai’s flickering shape and myself.

Weakness overwhelmed me and I fell back beside Sai. He laid his head on his forepaws. His sigh echoed mine. Akatosh! That was close! Those shock bolts from that staff were all too familiar to me. If my hair hadn’t already gone white, it would be now! I could still feel the last vestiges of that enchantment trailing silver pain along my nerves.

Finally my muscles stopped cramping, and my lungs no longer burned. Those faint stars disappeared altogether. I could feel the magicka slowly returning, and sat up again, still fighting the protests from my body. I can’t stay here. There may be more. At least the King is finished. It was too dark for me to see where my weapons and the pack lay. I tested my magicka, and green light swirled around me, picking out the surface of the dais, glinting off the metal cradle and the exposed blade of Touch. Glance still lay where I had dropped it. On the stepped sides of the plinth that supported the cradle, the pack made a darker shadow against the pale stone, now turned emerald by my starlight spell.

With a stifled groan, I gained my feet and picked up Touch. With the depleted weapon ready, I rounded the plinth and approached the dark form that sprawled over the stones beyond. My foot struck something which clattered away, loud in the stillness. I dropped to a crouch and froze, but only heavy silence greeted me. I looked down, and saw the straight line of the staff. Carefully I rounded it and approached the lich. It did not move, and I poked at it with Touch, lifting its tattered robes away from its desiccated body.

Something glittering clinked against the stones as it slid from the frayed fabric. I hesitated, wary of one last trap. Let’s be certain. I drove the point of Touch into the undead’s ribcage, feeling bones shatter and crumble away from the cold steel. My booted foot kicked the skull, which detached from the neck with a tearing of gristle that sounded loud in the silent chamber. The ancient crown rolled away from the dried pate, scant grey hairs drifting from its leathery scalp.

Now certain that this undead being was indeed - dead, what else to call it? Inanimate? - I knelt down and picked up the glittering thing. A key. To what? The way out of here? I scanned the chamber again, peering beyond the halo of emerald that surrounded me. I needed no key to get this far. Then there is another way out of here, a way that is kept locked? Would it lead me deeper into this place? Or would it lead me out? Or into another trap?