Prologue
4E 512

My ebony long sword danced into the flesh of the heretics. It would slide itself into one, and then tear into another. I noticed each of the heretics cower as Lord-Templar Draconis walked forward. We all kneeled as he strode to the middle of the battle-field.

�You dare defy the word of Kalian Broodikus, Heretics?� he shouted. �The Inquisitors �may� show mercy if you accept the error of your ways.� It was rumored that Lord-Templar Draconis had traveled with Kalian himself. Apparently his aura of fear intimidated most of the heretics and they dropped their weapons.

A fair-haired woman with snowy skin shouted, �You may break our bodies, but Kalian is long-gone. He is no god.� Each of the heretics, who had surrendered, picked up their weapons and charged.

�Troopers of Kalian follow the Templar into war,� I cried out. �Their attempts to defile Kalian�s Valor will go unsuccessful.� I watched as the chain-mail clad troopers charged into battle behind us templar.

Lord-Templar Draconis shouted out a prayer, �Lord Kalian, please bless me with the ability to control holy fire!� Suddenly a long, thin serpent of flame was conjured and it was commanded by the Lord-Templar. Within moments, the battle-field had the stench of charred flesh. The stench of heretic charred flesh arose from each of the blackened corpses.

�Templar, lead your troops back to Skingrad,� the Lord-Templar ordered. �Templar Ashur, report to me in Castle Skingrad.� The grassy plains were stained with blood and ash. It was the price of war. Lord-Templar Draconis wished to speak to me, but why?

We began marching to Skingrad. Well over forty miles, we�d likely arrive in two days. However, what did Lord-Templar Draconis want of me? Had I done something wrong? Few earned the Lord-Templar�s attention without either impressing or angering him.

After two eventless days of marching, we saw the bustling city of Skingrad. The sermons had just ended and children were out playing. Men and women alike were working. When they saw us marching, they applauded. We were the Templar and the Troopers of Kalian and their protectors.

The soldiers slowly drifted off to perform their own affairs, but I found myself walking towards Castle Skingrad. Civilians and Troopers saluted me alike. Across Tamriel, any Templar was revered. Finally I reached the large, double doors of Castle Skingrad and the troopers opened them.

I nervously walked towards the throne room. Sitting on it was Lord-Templar Draconis in his armor. We both were. Templar always wore their armor except when they bathed or slept. I pulled off my helmet, �Lord-Templar, you asked for me to come?�

�Templar Ashur, you rallied the troopers,� he slowly explained as he pulled his helmet off. His white skin, icy blue eyes, and jet-black hair made him look even more intimidating. Those eyes followed me and I could feel them searching me for fear.

�I did, Lord-Templar,� I replied honestly. �It�s my duty as a Templar to unite them under my word. I am a Champion of Kalian�s Will.� My voice was sincere, proud, and afraid all at once. I couldn�t tell if he was angry or impressed yet.

�Templar Ashur, I�ve watched you for some time,� the Lord-Templar nodded. �Kalian and I were once friends. We fought side-by-side and once against each other. I wish for you to bring me someone�actually somebody of much importance to me and to Kalian.�

�Who do you refer to Lord-Templar?� I questioned.

�His native name is Sar-Kura or as he is called in Tamrielic, Quick-Strike,� he explained. �Quick-Strike was one who trained Kalian, as I did as well. However, I taught him in the Ways of the Old Religion.�

�What is the Old Religion?� I wasn�t sure if it was worship of the Aedra or the Daedra. Or if it was worship of some �god� that wasn�t either of them.

�The old religion is worship of the Aedric Deities. Many followed them before Kalian saved Mundus and became a god.�

�Sar-Kura, is he dangerous?� I knew the answer to that. If he taught Kalian anything he was likely a master of his trade.

�He once bested me in combat before I could draw my sword.� I gulped. The Lord-Templar of Cyrodiil was the most powerful of the Lord-Templar. He was second only to Kalian and he only answered to the Templar-Emperor out of respect, not fear.

�And you seek for me to bring him to you, Lord-Templar?�

�Kalian will guide your blade and ward you from Sar-Kura,� Lord-Templar Draconis nodded. �After Kalian became a god, Sar-Kura betrayed his pupil and refused to acknowledge that Kalian was the only deity worthy of worship.�
�He betrayed his own apprentice? Who could do that to their own pupil?� I heard the words of betrayal to Kalian. But how could one who taught him and fought with him betray him?

�The Argonian assassin did it to Kalian. Also, �J�skooma� or �Ra�Kyre� is a Khajiit Wizard who was extremely loyal to Sar-Kura while I traveled with him.� The cold breeze of the castle winds forced me to shiver, but I simply nodded acknowledging what he said.

�The last time I spoke to Sar-Kura was twelve years ago right below the top of the White-Gold Tower,� he explained. �He�ll likely find you before you find him, Templar Ashur.� Those words sent ice up my spine.

�Yes sir, when may I leave?� I asked curiously. �And may I take some other Templar or some troopers with me?�

�You�re to go alone,� the Lord-Templar stated. �Let your equipment be your shield and your faith be your weapon. Sar-Kura and Ra�Kyre must pay for their treacherous actions.� I slowly bobbed my head to show acknowledgement and I grabbed my helmet. As I walked out, my black cloak flowing softly behind me.

The Templar looked at me and saluted with a fist to chest. When I reached the giant, double-doors two troopers pulled them open. I had to begin my search, but where? Who would know anything about them?

So, it's back to Zalphon lore. Plenty of familiar names and a new protagonist is seems?

I'll be interested to see how things go with Q-Stick & J-Cat this time around. They are wonderful and enduring characters!

Nice to have you back and writing!

Have had writer's block. And now I'm starting to write semi-professionally (not enough money to live on, but it lines my pocket). I'll give links to it once I finish. I warn you all, it's sci-fi (that's what the e-magazine editor wanted or fantasy...and I didn't want to give that out).

WOO HOO !! My favorite characters are BACK !!! WOOOOOOT !!!

Chapter One: True Sight (Part I)

With my hands tightly holding the hilt of my blade, I walked through Skingrad. The Troopers and the Citizens saluted with fist-to-heart as I walked by. They knew the Templar were Kalian�s Finest. We modeled ourselves after the Champion of Nirn.

The sun was beginning to set, creating a beautiful horizon. As I walked, I noticed many head back to their homes. The curfew kept people safe from the darker entities of Tamriel. The beautiful colors melded together in the sky, warming my heart slightly.

I turned around, curious to see what eyes were following me. What I found startled me. A Nord in Nordic-Steel Chainmail stood there, watching me ever so curious. He opened his mouth and said, �In the east, I wait��

I went to walk closer to him, but then he faded away in a puff of smoke. What was that? Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me or maybe this was one of the Tribal Shamans put to death for their heresy. I didn�t know which, but I had to investigate. I turned back around and marched east, my eyes forward.

The Troopers moved out of my way. The Templar was a symbol of heroism across Tamriel. To the icy north in Skyrim to the searing deserts of Elsewyr, we were feared and respected. After two troopers pushed open the gates for me, I saw an ethereal, silver wolf sitting. It stood up and started walking further to the East.

What choice did I have, but to follow? Maybe this spirit could lead me to Sar-Kura and Ra�Kyre. Hopefully it would. The bright sky turned from blended colors of yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples to ebon night lit only by the shining lights in the sky and the huge sphere called the moon.

For what seemed like an hour, I walked in the grass-and-dirt land with the spectral creature. It was when we finally reached a cave that it dissapeared. A loud shout echoed on its way out, �Come in, Templar.�

Slowly I unsheathed my sword and stepped in. I muttered a prayer under my breath and my sword burst into holy light. It illuminated the entire cave and there I saw a silver-haired Nord in a suit of Nordic-Steel Chainmail. �Who are you?� I asked slowly. �You�re one of the Nordic Shamen aren�t you?�

�I am Cyril�And I have foreseen your fate, Ashur,� he stated calmly. His pale hair was whiter than the snows of Bruma. I could see the pain in his eyes. Those deep blue eyes told a story of pain, agony, and regret.

�And that is, Heretic?� I asked, my grip tightening. I was nervous, not because I cared what he would say, but because he had the power to lure me here. Few could do that to me.

�The Templar burned my village to the ground. Skaal was once a peaceful place for my people,� he sighed. �When the Templar invaded, we fought them off with all we had. I led the defense, but we weren�t strong enough.� I could see the old man tightening his own grip on the steel mace at his side. However, he released it fast enough.

�Tell me, Heretic,� I asked. �Why shouldn�t I behead you where you stand?� His eyes looked at me glumly as he kneeled. He put his hands behind his back.

�Kill me, Templar. Prove you�re nothing more than the dogs you claim to be above,� Cyril nodded. �I know you seek the ones who stood by Kalian.�

I sheathed my sword, �It is the will of the Lord-Templar they are brought to justice.� My voice was full of pride and duty. Cyril let a glare escape. He said something under his breath. I could tell it wasn�t good.

�Do you ever think for yourself, Ashur? Or only what the Lord-Templar tells you?� he responded after a moment of contemplation. I looked at him and shook my head, but was that the truth? Did I ever think for myself?

So Ashur finds himself with a touch of self-doubt here. Some interesting history. By the way, I quite like the alternate names for our old friends: Sar-Kura and Ra�Kyre - very creative. So perhaps this Nordic Shaman will offer a point in the right direction.

I figured they needed names more fitting than Quick-Strike and J'skooma. I thought it over and decided to give them names with more depth.

The last three paragraphs are outstanding !! Powerful Write, Zalphon !! Sorry it took so long to get over here, had a few VERY hectic days !!!

Chapter One: True Sight (Part II)

I bobbed my head, trying to convince myself more than him. �I do think for myself quite often,� I explained. �Cyril I am a Templar, though. It is my duty to follow their will.� I could see his eyes brighten slightly as he looked back at me. He knew that I was trying to convince myself and made him see something I couldn�t. What, though? Was it weakness?

In my hands, I felt a faint tingling. Cyril looked behind me and there stood a woman in a black, velvet robe with the hood pulled up. Her eyes met mine. Deep, oceanic blue eyes told a long, sad story. Her face was pale and little bits of brown hair were revealed from the hood.

�Who are you?� I asked. The staff in her right hand was made of ebony and mounted atop it was a hovering, scarlet octahedron surrounded by four smaller ones. Her eyes looked to me, then Cyril.

�I am Evangeline Amelion, once better known as Evangeline Mortalitis or in Aldmeri: �Evangeline the Deathly�,� she replied.

I hastily jumped to my feet and ripped my sword out of sheathe, �You�ll either surrender or die, Necromancer.� She raised a brow at my actions and muttered under her breath. A split-second later I was surrounded by skeletons.

�You�ll bring me no harm, Templar,� she commanded. �If you try, you�ll not succeed. I assure you.� I tried to speak, but Cyril placed his hand over my mouth and nodded. He slowly pulled it back after he was sure I�d be silent.

�Why have you come here, Traitor?� I spit. With a glare, she wiped my saliva off her face with one of her gloved hands. I noticed the grip she had on her staff tightened. It showed rage.

�I am no traitor,� she explained. �I am one of the few people alive preserving this lost art.� The skeletons dropped and the Shaman tightly gripped his weapon. I looked at her as she released her grip slightly.

Her eyes shifted from me to the Shaman and then back. �I know you seek the Argonian and the Khajiit�and I�ve come to help.� What was I to say to that? She could be a useful ally, but she was also a practitioner of the forbidden craft.

�Very well, Necromancer. However, if you dare betray me, I�ll cut you down before you can even say a single spell,� I threatened with sincerity. �I do hope you�re wiser than that.� Would that intimidate her?

�Very well,� she devilishly smiled. �I look forward to meeting Sar-Kura and Ra�Kyre again. It�s been too long since we last spoke.� What did she mean? How would she know them? I wasn�t entirely sure of her intentions, but I knew that she could be of use.

Woot! Evangeline's back! You are really pulling lots of Zalphon lore pieces together here! And now, perhaps, we have a path to Sar-Kura and Ra�Kyre.

We've got friends both old and new...I was wondering if anyone would recognize that name. I like seeing the characters evolve. Obviously her skill in the 'dying art' is much improved to when she traveled with Kalian.

Chapter One: True Sight (Part III)

I looked back at her before I lied down. �The Spirit of the Bear watches over you,� Cyril told me. �It will protect you, should any harm come.� My eyes closed and within minutes I felt sleep take control of my deprived mind.

When I drifted into consciousness, Evangeline was sleeping and Cyril was looking out of the cave. Rain was pelting the ground in heavy drops and thunder echoed with each snap of lightning. I walked over to him and then stood by him.

His eyes were scanning the horizon. �Ashur,� Cyril said as he faced me. �I can see the seeds of doubt in your heart. You know that Kalian wouldn�t ask his followers to butcher the �heretics�.�

�I know you�re right, Shaman,� I responded. �I just wish I knew what he would want. Would he want me to stay or fight the Templar?�

�Kalian would want you to fight,� a voice came from the blackness of the cave. �You are a Templar, but you don�t have to be one of those who blindly follow Merrik Bryne.� It wasn�t Evangeline�s. Cyril and I both turned around.

An Argonian stepped closer. He wore black leather armor. His scales were abnormally dark. �Yes, it is I, Ashur,� he stated. �Quick-Strike is my name or as many now know me, Sar-Kura.�

�Where is Ra�Kyre?� I asked in a surprised state.

The Argonian looked at Cyril, then to me, then to the ground. He put his face in his hand and barely said loud enough for me to hear, �J�skooma�s dead, Ashur. He died at the hands of Raynil Korr.�

�Who is Raynil Korr?�

�He leads a new, sub-faction of the Inquisitors who take a more hands-on approach to �heretics�,� Sar-Kura explained. �This sub-faction, they call themselves the Shadows of Kalian. They operate in complete secrecy and rarely do they ever contact another unless Korr speaks to them.�

�They�re an organization of Witch-Hunters who will hunt down and kill �heretics�,� he continued. �They�re extremely autonomous and skilled at what they do. They�re specialists in interrogation as well.�

Evangeline woke up and saw the Argonian standing there. �It has been a long time, Sar-Kura,� she reminisced. �I do miss the days when we were fighting against Zalphon, not Kalian.�

�We�re not fighting him, we�re fighting Bryne,� the Argonian hastily corrected her. What was happening? I was standing here before three heretics. But why didn�t I want to fight them? Maybe they were right and this really wasn�t what Kalian wanted.

Evangeline looked at me and smiled softly, Quick-Strike nodded, and Cyril just watched me. I was changing. A few days ago I was a Crusader of Bryne, then I was a Templar of Kalian�What a Templar of Kalian should have been...

How neat to see the return of Q-Stick in his black fashionable glory! What a shame that the crazily magical Skooma Cat is no longer with us.

You are building some wonderful doubts and growth into Ashur!

Nit: �I looked back at her before I lied down.�
Lay versus lie is a mind numbing study into transitive and intransitive verbs, but one well-worth learning for a writer. The short answer is that you want �lay� here instead of lied (or laid). The longer answer is best learned by googling �lay vs lie� and review such sites as this one: http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/diffi...ies/laylie.html You need to wrestle through the differences between the simlar words that relate to someone reclining, placing something or telling an untruth. Lied is actually the past participle of telling an untruth.

Chapter one (True Sight Part II) was an Awesome write - one of your best writes IMHO. Really great display of detail in the actions of the people involved that furthered and fit the scene perfectly !! Awesome Job, Zalphon !!!! Now to the next chapter, I am so sorry I haven't had time to get over here before now.



(Part III) - Acadian said it right, "you are building some wonderful doubts and growth into Ashur." The quote below brings us through the turmoil in his own mind as he faces what he was, what he is becoming.




Awesome Write, Zalphon !! Your time away has given you a fresh outlook for your story that is wonderful !!

I like Ashur. Just as I liked Kalian. They're both very unique characters. Kalian never wanted to be a grand hero, but as you can see, he ended up becoming one.

Ashur always viewed the Doctrines that Merrik Bryne and the Inquisitors preached as the only way. However, he's slowly evolving to see the world isn't so black and white.

I love the new names given to Q-Strike and Skooma kitty! I am also quite impressed with Ashur (tell me, did you lift that name from Spartacus on Starz?). His inner conflict is playing out nicely in this story.


I wanted to quote this sentence for two reasons. First because it is a truly excellent descriptive passage, one of the best of yours that I have read to date. But I also feel the need to point out that there are two moons that light the skies above Nirn. I take it that what Ashur is looking at is a full Masser new Secunda, like this.

I forgot about the two moons. And I got it, because the dark elves tend to have Assyrian names and it means "War" in Assyrian. I'd hardly call Templar Ashur and Slave Ashur similar.

One's essentially a paladin, the other is a two-faced, lying (albeit brilliant) scum bag!

Chapter One: True Sight (Final Part)

Sar-Kura looked at me and stated, �Let me ask you, do you remember the time before Bryne ruled?�

I nodded my head, I was a child, but I did. �The days when people still held faith in the Nine,� I replied calmly. �The days before the Arch Lich conquered. Back when the name Zalphon meant nothing.�

�The days when I was still a young dabbler in the arts, not a master,� Evangeline mumbled. �That seems like so long ago, doesn�t it?� The Argonian gave her an annoyed glare alerting her to be silent.

�Ashur, those were the days when Tamriel knew peace. However, nothing stays golden forever.�

�I know what you mean, Argonian. Nothing truly does stay golden forever, but where is this conversation going?�

He walked out of the cave and pointed what I thought was north. �We head for Skyrim. It is there where Bryne�s influence is weakest, save for the Summerset Isles and Argonia.�

�Home,� the Shaman looked back. �Skaal, the one place I ever felt was home.�

�We�re going to the Caves of Fjalding. It is there that Ashur can become more than a Templar,� Quick-Strike planned. �It is there, that we�ll each become ready for the upcoming war against Bryne.�

�The Caves of Fjalding,� Cyril nodded. �Many young warriors would go there, speaking of how they would bring glory to themselves by slaying the Draugr. None returned from the Caves of Fjalding, at least not in my life. Do you honestly believe the Templar can handle them?�

�What�s a Draugr?� I asked curiously.

Cyril looked me in the eyes, �Nords who have feasted upon their own kind. As a punishment, the All-Maker turned them into flesh-hungry undead.� The question was, what would Kalian seek of me? Would he want me to aid these people or turn them into the law?

I looked to Cyril and said nervously, �When do we leave for Skyrim?� For the first time, I thought I saw the Shaman smile. Evangeline grinned and pulled back her hood to reveal a beautiful mane of dark, brown hair. Quick-Strike nodded and we began to walk north.

The path we took was rarely traveled from the looks of it. The forest had reclaimed it for the most part. There were little remnants of civilized life on this road save for our footprints.

Evangeline had an entourage of skeletons following her. Each clad in conjured armor and holding conjured weapons. As night slowly faded to day, Sar-Kura led us to a dark series of caverns.

Inside, stalactites dripped to the stalagmites below. However, in the center of a circle of them was a puddle. As I crept closer, I pulled my helmet off and looked into it. Mid-length black hair, ashen-grey skin, and scarlet-red eyes were what stared back at me. What was different from when I looked in the mirror in my quarters?

I was different. The person I saw looking back at me wasn�t the person I knew, he was someone else. Someone I was becoming. I had no idea if it was for good or bad, just that I had changed. I knew one thing, I wasn�t turning back now...

Ashur is really changing. Even he can see it.

I loved Evangeline's undead entourage!

Chapter Two: The Trials of the North (Part I)

I looked outward to the opening. Light was beginning to make its way into the cave. Slowly, I removed my armor and laid down. The uneven, rough dirt made it uncomfortable, but that was what my life was becoming. I wasn�t always going to enjoy the luxuries of comfort anymore.

A long, restless, dreamless sleep followed after I was fell victim to it. When I opened my eyes, the light was gone. However, I could make out a shadowy figure standing in the mouth of the cave.

It stepped closer. A Khajiit in steel platemail with a silver claymore strapped to his back looked at me. The heavily armored humanoid looked to the back of the cave. His deep, commanding voice echoed, �Sar-Kura, do you remember who I am?�

�Ri�Skar. You�ve grown since Ra�Kyre and I left the dunes of Elsewyr,� The Argonian replied. �If you�re seeking your father, he�s gone.� I could see that Quick-Strike was still hurting over not stopping his friend as he stepped closer.

Ri�Skar nodded, �I know. I also know it was Bryne�s Empire that brought him this death. I�ve been searching for you for the past ten years, ever since the Templar came to Elsewyr.� The icy winds blew into the cave, but I did my best to hide the fact that it made me shiver.

�You were only a boy then,� Sar-Kura responded curiously.

�And now I am a warrior. Sar-Kura, the people of Elsewyr are little more than slaves,� the Khajiit explained. �The people get to eat very little, while the soldiers live like kings. I want to ask you to help me stop Bryne.�

�I am Ashur Selos, a true Templar of Kalian. I�d like you to join us in our mutual goal,� I interrupted as I got to my feet. �Kalian wasn�t a man who believed in hunting down all who disagreed with his ideals.� I did my best to sound confident, but I wasn�t sure I did as I spoke.

�I do not trust you, Templar. However, it seems I have little choice.�

I extended my own gauntlet-covered hand. He grabbed it and we shook hands, �Ri�Skar, we will take back Tamriel. Or die trying. We�re headed to the Caves of Fjalding in Solstheim, off the coast of Skyrim.�

�Very well, when do we leave?�

�Now,� Sar-Kura blurted out before I could speak. The Khajiit nodded and we began to walk. Ri�Skar was now one of my growing group of companions. We each had our own goals, our own desires, but we all had a mutual goal.

The question was simple, would this be enough? I couldn�t say as we walked under the cloak of night. I looked up and saw what appeared to be mountains, �We�re close to the borders of Skyrim.�

Quick-Strike responded, �Meaning we�re even closer to Bruma.� That thought made my heart skip a beat. We were close to a city. And that meant we were even closer to the patrols that would come from the city.

Another companion!

Ashur and QS and Ri'Skar set off for Skyrim. I'm guessing Evangeline came with them? How about the Nordic shamen?

Of course they did!

You are great at ending your chapters with a powerful cliffie !!! Awesome write Zalphon !!!

Not even a single comment on J'skooma having a son. *Whimper*

I apologize for the lack of updates lately, I've just been so swamped with work that I've had no time. I'll try to get one up as soon as possible.

Chapter Two: Trials of the North (Part II)

The Shaman pointed out to a large, monstrous flame. The weather was in a blizzard so it was surprising we could even see five feet past our faces. We walked closer to the light. The closer I got, the clearer it looked. It was Bruma set ablaze. But who would commit such an atrocity to the Nordic Peoples?

Sar-Kura held me close and whispered, �Let me scout it out first. So that I know what exactly caused this.� The others seemed to have heard, because they stood motionless as he sprinted off into the soon-to-be ruins of Bruma. What felt like hours passed as I watched the Shaman whispering into the blizzard and a strange feeling of warmth filling me.

When he returned, the Argonian looked me in the eye and said, �Take off your armor. The only way into Skyrim from Cyrodiil is through the pass which a company of troops led by a Templar are in control of.�

�And I need to take off my armor, why?� I asked obliviously. �They won�t recognize me.�

�Draconis will.�

�Adamus is here?� Evangeline exclaimed in surprise. �I haven�t seen him since�Back when we were still with Kalian.�

�He�s changed, Necromancer. When Merrik Bryne carved out the Bryne Empire in the Imperial City, Draconis was one of the first to aid him.�

�I never did trust that vampire.�

�He�s the Lord-Templar of Cyrodiil and I heard his voice addressing orders to a Templar.� I followed the Argonian�s orders, albeit grudgingly. I took off my armor and he handed me a folded up, hooded black robe. Obediently, I put on the robe and tied the sash around with the hood pulled up.

As soon as I entered through the splintered city gate, I heard a cold voice intruding my mind, �I knew you�d bring yourself and Sar-Kura to me. Although I am pleased to see Evangeline again, watching her head roll will be most pleasing.� Everyone looked at everyone else and then at me. Sar-Kura gravely nodded. We were discovered.

Great stuff, Zalphon !!

Removed by Author.

First blood. And Ashur is on a path to vengeance.

Nice job and welcome back, Z!

Yay, an update! But oh no, Bruma! I�m rooting for vengeance.

I don't know if their is a stigma with this, but that part of the chapter without a doubt in my mind needs to be reworked. I don't want it to be so fast-paced. Don't worry, the overarching story will still be there just with more meat on the bones, so-to-speak.

ARGH !!

Chapter Two: Trials of the North (Part III)

The Templar would lead squads of Troopers into homes; I could hear the screams of agony. There she was, the fair-haired woman from the battle; with sword in hand, we locked eyes and time felt like it stopped. For some reason, we both knew the other was an enemy of the Templar.

She grabbed a broadsword a Trooper was using and shouted, �To Castle Bruma, Tharsk is dead. Now we don�t rest until we can drink mead from their hollowed out skulls.� Her voice was fierce and I saw some Nordic men come out of their homes fully armored in everything from furs to Nordic Steel. Most, if not all carried battle axes.

I looked at Cyril and the rest of my companions, �If we can save these people, when we return ready to declare war on Bryne, we�ll have a much stronger force.�

Sar-Kura nodded, �Ri�Skar, you�re a warrior. Cyril, these are your people. Evangeline, I know you�ll be staying with us.�

The old Nord looked around for a moment. He looked at us and said with a breath, �The spirits have guided us here. Now we must do their will by stopping the Templar.�

�Leave no Templar alive!� Ri�Skar shouted. His voice inspired a lot of Nords to come out and fight off the Templar. Even in the bitter cold, he was a beacon of warmth and hope.

About one-hundred Nords were all-together with us not counting Cyril or the woman. �We must fight back the Templar and the Troopers. We all come from different walks of life, but here we must unite or die,� I howled. �I want each of you to make sure not a single follower of Bryne is left alive. If they survive, you�ll die.�

�That�s an order from Kirsten the Immortal,� The woman added, �I will join these adventurers as they advance into the castle. It is the gods and the spirits on our side!� I saw a sea of battle-axes rise and fall in cheer. Then they scattered.

�Kirsten the Immortal, do you have any armor for me to use?�

�Listen,� The woman looked at me and pushed her hair back. �We may be fighting on the same side this time, but don�t think I�ll forget where your old loyalties were.� Her voice was bitter and sincere.

I looked at the dead Templar, Troopers and Nords as I marched towards Castle Bruma. A lot of pointless deaths that never needed to occur had happened. Evangeline rested her hand on my shoulder and whispered, �My magic�s not working. Someone has a ward against it here.�

The huge, wood-and-iron double doors of Castle Bruma were guarded by two dead Troopers. I pulled one open and walked in to see Templar standing with their swords drawn. �Bring no harm to him,� a raspy voice shouted from the throne. �Ashur, do you recognize me?�

I walked closer and then I heard his voice echo, �Come alone.� My companions looked at me and I simply nodded. As I stepped closer, I began to make out that the individual was a Dunmer.

I finally realized who it was. Someone I hadn�t seen in years since I was forced to join the Templar or watch my people die. �I do recognize one of my Gulakhans and my dear friend, Kaushad.�

�Templar-Lord Dralor is what I am now addressed by. Why have you betrayed your oath?� Kaushad questioned. �Do you realize what you�ve done? You need to die, �Templar Selos�.�

�Have you forgotten when we were of the Urshilaku Tribe? When I considered you my brother?�

�It was Kalian�s will that you, the other gulakhans and I be ascended into his service.�

�Kaushad, don�t make me kill you. We are of the same tribe, but I can�t allow you to do this. Bryne must be stopped.�

�You�re wrong, Ashur. It is through his will that we have law and order, instead of chaos.� He truly believed what he was saying. Kaushad had always been head-strong and thick-skulled, but not like this.

�Kaushad, I challenge you to a duel. No armor, no magic. Do you accept?�

He nodded and two Troopers came to help him take off his armor. I tossed my robes out of the way. The Troopers brought Kaushad an ebony long-sword and they offered me a weapon. I shook my head.

�Are you surrendering?� he questioned sincerely.

�No. I do not need a weapon to defeat you, Kaushad.�

�We will see.�

So a battle at Bruma is joined. Kirsten the Immortal sounds cool! And Evangeline�s magic is cursed in this place. Old friends now meet as foes. Nice descriptions and build up. Interesting choice for Ashur to turn down a sword for this duel. Looking forward to more!

Chapter Two: Trials of the North (Part IV)

His sword performed a crescent moon strike, nearly striking me in the gut. �Do you remember, Kaushad? When we were just boys and we would act like the Nerevarine against Dagoth Ur from the stories?�

As the sword lunged towards me with a jump I evaded. �I do, Ashur. You were always stronger than me, so you�d be the Nerevarine.� As he spoke, the sword slashed at my torso leaving an incision an inch deep from my right shoulder to my left hip.

�I thought you could beat me?� he taunted. With a small whisper to my ancestors, I performed a snap kick to his face. In disorientation he fell back a few steps, leaving an opportunity for me to throw a blow to his jaw.

He groaned as my fist connected, but he looked me in the eye. His eyes were burning coals trying to intimidate me. Blood was dripping from his mouth. I could see the anguish on his face.

�You�re dead, Ashur.� I glanced at my companions who had swords to their throats to prevent them from intervening. My heart started to pump as I somersaulted towards him hoping that I could get an advantage.

The flat of his sword slapped my back sending echoes of pain reverberating throughout my body. I yelped in pain, �Kaushad, don�t do this. We�re friends. Or were�� The icy winds of Bruma made the open wound hurt worse than it already did, but I forced myself to jump up.

You could almost hear the air get bisected as his sword moved in a blur towards my face. Swoosh. Barely had it missed, likely due to an ancestor shoving it a mere tenth of an inch away from my face. His eyes were full of ferocity and rage.

I kicked at him again, but he grabbed my leg and flipped me off my balance. I fell to the cold, stone floor. �Ashur, this is where you die,� Kaushad hissed as his hand wrapped around my throat. �That voice you heard wasn�t Lord-Templar Draconis�, but my own.�

Kaushad released his grip a little so I could breathe and then he unleashed a powerful punch to my face. I whispered, �Killing me won�t change anything, Dralor. So go ahead, do it.�

He tightened his grip and held his sword over my throat. With the adrenaline surging throughout my body, I shoved him off of me. Kaushad dropped the weapon and I hastily grabbed it. �Please,� he begged. �Don�t kill me.�

He lay there riveted in fear. With the sword in hand, I plunged it into his heart. The life drifted out of his eyes, like watching a pond darken as the sun goes down. I pulled the blade out of his chest and knelt down beside him for a moment. After, I looked towards the Templar with my companions who released them.

One of the Templar looked at me. I hissed, �Recall your troops to the Imperial City, tell them that Ashur Selos killed Lord-Templar Dralor.�

Kirsten looked in my direction, �Thank you. You may have my spear as thanks for your actions here.�

�Thank you,� I responded as I firmly gripped the spear. When I held it, I felt full of vigor. Strangely it felt weightless in my hands. I swung it around a little bit and it felt familiar. The spear felt as if I had been using it my entire life.

�One more thing, Hero,� Kirsten requested. �May I join you in your quest to the Caves of Fjalding?�

Sar-Kura looked at me and nodded. Evangeline soon did after. Cyril looked at me and coughed, �Ashur. I can�t make it any further. I can feel my time coming. You have to stop Bryne without me.�

�What do you mean, Shaman?�

�My time is coming. It is time for my spirit to join the rest.�

�What do you mean?�

�It�s time for me to rest. I�ve lived a long life and fought a great many battles. My saga has come to an end, whereas yours is just beginning.�

�Farewell,� Kirsten the Immortal saluted, �It�s been an honor, Cyril.�

Cyril walked out into the cold streets of Bruma. I wished him one thing: peace. He was one of the people I owed everything to for opening my eyes. Cyril was my friend. And he always would be, no matter where he walked.

Ri�Skar commented, �We should probably make haste for the Caves of Fjalding, Ashur. The Templar may return in stronger numbers.�

�How did you know I was going to the Caves of Fjalding?� I asked Kirsten.

She responded after choosing her words carefully, �Cyril is a Shaman of Skaal. It is where men became heroes in Skaal culture.�

Sar-Kura pointed to the doors, �Let�s go.� I walked outside, followed by my companions. Kirsten knelt down and took the Nordic-Steel Chainmail from a corpse and told me to don it. Surprisingly, it fit well.

The fires were extinguished and the one Templar spread word to the others and retreat occurred. The snow had stopped, but the fires were extinguished. Kirsten shouted, �To Ashur Selos, Slayer of the Lord-Templar!� Throughout the broken city, mourning could be seen, but so could celebration. The Templar were finally expelled from Bruma.

�Dunmer, I�m impressed, but this is just the beginning,� Kirsten smiled momentarily, then frowned. �Hopefully Bryne�s men won�t follow us into Skyrim.� She was right. I knew this was only the beginning. However, I knew I had to keep hope or Merrik had already won.

I marched north with my companions: Sar-Kura, Ri�Skar, Evangeline and Kirsten the Immortal. The question was simple: Would we be enough to make it to Solstheim or would we crumble along the way?

A tense duel, and victory for Ashur. And a new companion! I like Kirsten.

That�s gonna be a long cold hike from Bruma to Solstheim.

Ashur had a tough fight, and even though he won, he has to be upset about killing his old friend. Now he has some new gear and a new companion. And they�re marching north. Brr.

Holy Cow, Zalphon! This is some riveting stuff you have here! I am intrigued by the spear feeling familiar in his hands, there has to be a story to the past or a use in the future for that spear - very intriguing !! Also, your attention to detail rocked this chapter, even more than the improvements you made on the chapter before it! Awesome Write !!!

Thanks guys. I'm glad to hear the good news. Lately, I've been unable to get on (due to Power-Supply issues with my computer). I'm using my dad's computer at the moment (before he wakes up) to check out responses and I'm glad to see everyone liked it.

Chapter Two: Trials of the North (Final Part)

Time passed slowly as we traversed the mountainous boundary. The cold bit into my flesh like a snake. Sar-Kura advised, �The sun shall be setting soon, we need to find shelter.� He was right. It would be far colder at night than now. Within a few minutes, we found a cave to sleep in.

�You killed your friend, Templar. A sacrifice that had to be made,� Kirsten consoled. �That action freed a lot of people. You�re a hero.�

�Death is never something to be celebrated, Kirsten,� I replied. �I�ve always been taught that slaying �heretics� was a great deed. That wasn�t a great deed, it was murder. Just like it was back there.�

�I disagree, Ashur.�

�Do I look like I care?� I hissed. �I had to put down my friend like an animal. He deserved more than that. Leave me be.� The Nordic woman nodded and walked to another part of the cave as I took off my armor. The sound of the metal rings in her armor colliding scratched at my eardrums. The cacophony reminded me of the sword piercing Kaushad�s cuirass.

I sat down against the rough, stone walls of the cave. Eventually my body shifted into a position where I laid on my back. The cold ground made it hard to sleep, but I drifted into the realm of Vaermina. An uneasy, dreamless sleep consumed my mind.

An uneasy feeling awoke me. The cold winds blew to my back. My eyes scanned the terrain, we were in a forest and in front of me was a cave opening. The Sun was just beginning to rise and most of my companions were asleep. Sar-Kura stood up looking at the rising orb of light.

When I finished pulling the Nordic armor on, I walked over to him. �This is where your trials begin, Ashur. We are at the Caves of Fjalding,� he whispered. �You realize that with this, there is no going back.�

Our eyes met for what was only a second, but it was if we had an entire conversation. We knew exactly what the other thought. He smiled which was something that I never thought I�d see an Argonian do. �How did we get here?� I blurted.

�We got here because of a gift from an old friend.� Ra�Kyre. With a bobbing of my head, I walked into the mouth of the cave with the Ebony Long Sword drawn. This was my test.

You impart a nice, epic feel here as Ashur laments with Kirsten. Then drifting into the realm of Vaermina was a very effective turn of words.

A smiling Argonian, lol. Poor Ashur. It�s always a test.

I feel that conversation had a lot more to it than just what was said.

Well, Argonians rarely show emotion... Now you have a visual why.

This is Awesome, Zalphon !! Poor Ashur, those were some powerful sentiments he expressed - you wrote this chapter extremely well, and it was huge with emotion - AWESOME WRITE !!!!!

Thanks

Zalphon, I found this chapter beautifully and concisely written. Your images were crystal clear, and I could easily infer Ashur's emotional state from his thoughts and conversation.

Thank you, Grits

Caves of Fjalding should be interesting (I plan to take a new twist with it instead of Bloodmoon's "Kill the Draugr!")

Chapter Three: The Caves of Fjalding (Part I)

Behind me, the light slowly faded into nothingness. As I took another step, I fell to a kneeling stance as my skull felt like magma was being poured in. My anguished scream echoed throughout the Caves, but then I looked up.

As my head lifted, I felt an icy grip engulf me. I looked at the Ebon-Clad Dunmer. His eyes met mine and I instantly recognized the face. It was Kalian. In his hand he held a faintly glowing, ebony long-sword. �Stand up, Traitor,� he scowled. �You killed Kaushad and now you will die yourself.�

I got up to my feet and looked him in the eye. �You lived by the codes I presented for so long and then you abandon them?� Kalian asked. �Why? Why do you dishonor me? Ever since you left that worthless tribe, I have protected you��

His sword slashed at my torso. Instinctively, I parried and looked him in the eye. �I do not dishonor you, Kalian,� I replied. �I bring you more honor than the Inquisitors ever will.� His shield flew into my face, knocking me down.

�You betrayed your oath, Ashur,� he barked as his sword lunged for my chest. I managed to roll out of the way�mostly. I felt the blade skin part of my back and an agonizing howl escaped my lips. With a rush of adrenaline, I somersaulted backwards.

�I have not yet begun to fight, Ashur,� Sir Broodikus taunted. �Yet you already languish. This shall be a quick fight.� His voice was dripping with annoyance. It was this that made it clear to me� He had a weakness.

�You�re a coward,� I retorted. �You relied on Sar-Kura and Ra�Kyre. You don�t think I don�t know? You�re a weakling, a worm, a maggot.� I could see his scarlet eyes transmogrify into burning, red-hot coals. He charged at me with fury flowing through his veins.

With a well-timed swing of my own blade, I watched him fade away. Kalian was a mere phantasm, yet the wounds he had caused were very real. The blood had begun to scab and that just meant I�d be less agile. More open to an attack.

I whispered a prayer to Kalian. My sword illuminated in a bright flash of light and then it quickly waned to a more visible level. I heard a low, guttural moaning. What I saw standing in front of me was a Draugr�

The rotting flesh, pallid eyes and deathly stench confirmed my hypothesis. What really worried me was that he was holding a Nordic-Steel Battle-Axe. Covering his torso was a tunic of Nordic-Steel Chainmail. I knew one thing; this was the thing that killed most of the Nordic Warriors.

Ashur did a good job of finding and exploiting a weakness in Kalian. Well done!

This is amazing, Zalphon! I've always been highly impressed by the research you put into your stories, but you really floored me with your history on the Dunmer !! Awesome Write !!

Excellent job!!...

Nice one... ...

Btw...Are the Templars...Y'know...Templars...White crosses, religion, beards, no women and excellent castles...Or are they just called Templars and doing similar stuff?...

Really is excellent stuff though...Well done... ...