CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The rest of the way to Bruma was spent talking with our new friends. Most of them didn’t have much to say simply because they were worn out from all the fighting. But Alusan was quite the talker, as was the Imperial who first recognized Janus. It also appeared that the two loved to argue with one another as well.
“If you ask me, I’m surprised we haven’t received any help from the other provinces. Where are they at in our time of desperate need,” said the Imperial man who recognized Janus.
“Come on, Malpen, you of all people should know the answer to that. You’re the one always complaining about how the other provinces don’t show the Empire any respect.”
“That’s right, Alusan, especially you Redguards from Hammerfell!” Malpen said with a chuckle.
“Hammerfell isn’t anything like Cyrodiil. I’ve explained that to you several times, but of course you haven’t listened to me. Our province is not one kingdom united under one Emperor. There are numerous Kings and Queens, all vying for power. The province itself is split up into different regions and areas. And the eastern part is still trying to re-conquer lands taken by Skyrim. They have their own war too you know…..the War of Bend’r-Mahk.”
“Yes, yes, you’ve told me that hundreds of times. I know, I know.”
“Then stop complaining that my province isn’t aiding us at this time. We do not have a grand army like the Empire has.”
“Neither does the Empire anymore,” Malpen replied back, and he had an excellent point.
We finally arrived in Bruma some two hours later and I could almost feel the heat coming from the many torches that were just visible through the heavy downfall of snow. They were the torches of nearly one hundred soldiers guarding the walls of Bruma, which had drastically changed since the last I visited the small city. Hassildor was right when he said Bruma’s defenses were top notch. Somehow in a short amount of time they had successfully built a seemingly fifty yard stone wall around the entire city. At the top of the walls were many archers ready to shoot on sight at any enemy, and there were also towers at four corners, allowing scouts to see out into the land, even though it was difficult because of the snow. The shape of the defensive wall resembled a rectangle, but not totally straight.
“Finally we are here!” claimed Janus.
All of us walked up to a large iron gate that had built into the wall, and a Bruma guard dressed in their traditional yellow uniform asked us who we were and what we wanted. I thought it was a rather stupid question because the Count of Skingrad was with us. I guess he couldn’t make out Janus’s face, but once we got closer the guard immediately knew who he was.
“Count Hassildor! I am so sorry! I did not know it was you! Hurry, open the gate! The Count of Skingrad has arrived!”
The soldiers around began coming over to shake hands with Janus and the gate slowly ascended upward, revealing the other side of the wall.
“This way, my lord, I will show you to Captain Burd,” said the guard while leading us into the area between the defensive wall and the actual city.
The space in between was rather large itself, at least one-hundred yards. Most of the area was used for the pitched tents that were likely set up for the soldiers whenever they got too cold. But there were also defensive machines and other things. There were several catapults, many barrels of spears, shields, swords and arrows, as well as some kind of mechanism that was holding what looked like a thousand or so long steel arrows.
“Excuse me, guard, but what is that for?” Hassildor said pointing the weird looking machine. Apparently it caught his attention too.
“That, my lord, is one of our most prized possessions. We call it the ‘Uriel Urinater’ in honor of our fallen Emperor,” he said with one of the biggest laughs I had seen in a long time.
“And why is it called that?” Hassildor asked.
“Because when you pull down that lever on the side, the machine shoots the arrows high into the air, and then they fall down on however we please. It’s very handy and also extremely effective. We’ve already tested it out on some dummies. The machine is incredibly accurate.”
“Don’t you think that’s a bit rude calling it that? I’d say it’s a bit disrespectful to the Emperor,” Alusan commented.
“I wouldn’t say so, friend. Anything that helps the men’s spirits can’t hurt can it?”
“I suppose so, but I still don’t think it is right. Your captain has allowed this name?”
“Well, it’s actually an “unofficial” name. We don’t really talk about it around the captain for the reasons you have mentioned.”
“But I thought you said there was no harm in it,” Alusan slyly said.
“Yes, but ever since the Countess’s downfall Captain Burd has been very stressed out. He’s become a lot more stern than he used to. Sort of an ‘all work and no play’ kind of guy. Obviously you want your soldiers to be disciplined and all that, but he’s been taking that too far lately.”
“What do you mean? Is something wrong with Narina?” Hassildor was extremely worried that something terrible had happened to the Countess. Fortunately it appeared that she was not dead or anything, but something bad had indeed happened.
“Soon after the Mythic Dawn began sacking the cities Countess Carvain went into a depression. At first it wasn’t so bad and she was able to continue with daily activities, but after all the city-sackings she fled into her chambers and hasn’t been seen outside of it since. That was five days ago and since then Captain Burd has taken the role of ‘temporary Count’.”
“Poor child, she must feel awful. Narina is a fine ruler and I can give her the benefit of the doubt because of her relative’s death, but what she is doing now is unacceptable. She wasn’t named Countess for nothing. Her strong will, powerful diplomatic abilities, and leadership have gotten her to the throne. I’ll get her out of this current state.”
“Good luck with that, my lord.”
We then entered through the city gates and stepped inside the city. Everything was absolutely normal. People were walking the streets, Chapel services were just getting underway, for it was now about ten in the morning, and things were going quite smoothly. If it wasn’t for the fact of all the defensive walls and all of the soldiers lining up outside, I would guess and say that the people knew nothing of the crisis at hand.
The guard took us down a snowy path to the right and towards the castle. It wasn’t anything fancy, and actually it appeared to be smaller than any of the others I have seen. I could be wrong about that however, because it’s been a very long since I’ve last had any sleep.
Inside the castle were several quite a few soldiers standing and walking around the throne. And sitting in that throne was a Nord with black hair, and a little gray on the sides. He was wearing the standard Bruma guard uniform, but without the helmet.
“Janus! How are you, old friend? When did you get here?”
The Nord, who I took to be Captain Burd, stood from his seat and walked over to greet us. He shook Hassildor’s hand and then they both hugged. Apparently they were close friends or something.
“Not very well given the circumstances, you fool! It is awfully nice to see you again, but obviously I am here because of the Mythic Dawn crisis. I see you have taking over command, and your guard here has told me of Narina’s condition. Has it worsened?”
“I am afraid there isn’t anything we can do. After all this Mythic Dawn mess she’s been locked in her room, and only I have been in there. I’ve tried talking sense the woman but she’s lost all of her spirit; she fears Bruma will be next in the Mythic Dawn’s target list. I’m even starting to hear her talk to herself at night. I can hear her plainly through the wooden door. She says things like ‘It will all end soon, darling, just you wait a little longer’ and ‘No, darling, you mustn’t give up now. Just a little longer and they will end your suffering’. It’s really starting to worry me, Janus. I fear she may be contemplating suicide. She just started talking to herself two days ago but it’s really creepy. I wish there was something I could do but nothing ever seems to help. She hasn’t even let me inside her chambers at all yesterday morning and I have not spoken to her since.”
“Let me try and talk some sense into her. We can’t have the Countess of Bruma acting like this, even if the situation is this bad. That doesn’t mean she can seclude herself from the outside world. She’s the Countess for Talos’ sake!”
“You can try, Janus, but I don’t think it’s going to work. She probably won’t even listen to you, given the fact that you angered her quite a bit the last time you visited town.”
“Yes, that’s precisely the reason I haven’t been back since. It’s not my fault; she should not have had her spies looking in on things that don’t concern her. That’s one thing that angers me; when someone puts their nose where it doesn’t belong, but that’s a whole other story. Listen to me ramble on this. Come, Burd, lead me to the Countess!”
Burd guided us up a flight of stairs and into hallway where we came to the entrance to the Countess’s chambers. Of course the door was locked and Burd called to Narina Carvain.
“My lady, Count Hassildor is here to speak with you. May he come inside for a moment?”
There was no response from within and Burd once again asked, “Your highness, the Count of Skingrad has come to talk with you. May I let him in?”
Again there was no answer and Burd knocked on the door loudly. He then tried to open the door but of course it was still locked. He was beginning to panic.
“What if something’s wrong with her, Janus? We have to get the door open!”
“Calm down, Burd, her depression has probably elevated to new heights. It’s quite possible that she has fully separated herself from the world.”
But Burd wasn’t listening. He had already dug his hands in his pocket, obviously looking for something. Then he pulled out a large ring of keys and began fumbling through them. He found one in particular and stuck it into the keyhole of the Countess’s door. The lock made a click noise that I was most familiar with, and the door swung open. Inside the Countess was sitting at her desk with her back turned to us, slumped to the side a bit. I feared the worst.
“My lady!”
Burd ran over to the Countess’s chair and swung it around. A dagger was stuck in the chest of Narina Carvain. She truly had committed suicide.
“No!” Burd yelled while checking Narina’s pulse. It was no use of course and soon everything settled into Burd’s head.
“I should have forced myself into the room yesterday. I knew something wasn’t right. It’s my entire fault...I….I should have done more to prevent this!”
Martin and I watched from the doorway as Burd actually began to sob loudly. He was now on his knees and was grasping Narina’s hands. It was kind of pathetic really. I know he feels bad about the Countess, but to see him in his current state was a bit nerve racking; almost as if he was close to becoming just as Narina had become. But Hassildor wasn’t going to have any of that.
“Get up from the floor, Burd! Have some control over yourself!”
Burd slowly got up from the ground and let go of Narina’s hands. I looked at her eyes, which were still open. There was no shock whatsoever; the wound was definitely self-inflicted, that much was for sure. But what was the reason for the drastic decision? Obviously she was stressed at by everything, but could have really been to the point to where she wanted to kill herself. It just didn’t make any sense to me.
“I’m not going to let you turn into what Narina has become; and do you know what that is? Dead, that’s what she has become! Look at her, Burd, do you want to end up like that?”
Burd shook said slowly. He was still crying, but not as loudly as before thankfully.
“I didn’t think so. Now get and alert the guards of what has happened. We’ll have a funeral for her tomorrow evening. This is all so sudden…I just don’t know what to think. This isn’t good, that’s for sure.”
Burd left the room and only the three of us remained.
“What now?” Martin asked Hassildor.
“I don’t know; I never would have thought anything like this could have ever happened. This…..this is a bad time. Bruma is now leaderless and Mankar’s army is certainly marching this way as we speak. We have to make preparations for whatever is to come. We will indeed give Narina Carvain a burial out of respect for her and her people, but as soon as that is over our focus will be the defense of Bruma. The fate of Cyrodiil rests in our hands. You two do know that don’t you?”
Martin and I nodded.
“Good, I’m glad someone is acting normal around here. I just can’t believe it…Narina committing suicide…Burd crying like a child. I know these times are difficult for him but he needs to show some backbone. He is in command of the city now, and the people need a strong willed leader that can give them victory. Burd certainly has the attributes to fill that position, but I might have to work with him. He was very close to Narina.”
“Why don’t you lead the people?” I asked.
“Because they know Burd personally; they don’t know me other than I am the Count. It wouldn’t be a smooth move for me to take control of everything. I will certainly stand back and help Burd. That is why I came here, to help. And as for that amulet there,” he said pointing to Martin’s pocket, “Let’s me have the amulet. It will be safe with me.”
Any other request and I would have been fine, but he just asked to have the Amulet of Kings. Nobody besides Martin and I have held it. Now he was requesting something that I wasn’t sure I was going to let Martin answer.
“Why do you want the amulet? Why can’t Martin have it?” I asked, a little too defensively.
“Because it will remain safe with me. I take it you and Martin are going to help the others fight, am I correct?”
“I will, but I don’t think Martin should. Even if he doesn’t want to be Emperor he is the last Septim. I don’t think it would be smart to send the last heir to battle, do you?”
Hassildor could see right through me. He knew that suddenly I did not trust him. I can’t explain it but ever since Alf’s betrayal I vowed never to let anyone else do the same. I realize Hassildor has been on our side even before that, but he wanting the amulet seemed a little suspicious to me.
“Give me the amulet, Martin,” Hassildor commanded at Martin, but keeping his angry eyes on me.
Martin did not move or say anything.
“I said give me the amulet, Martin. I will not ask you again. I am only doing this for the good of Cyrodiil, I swear it! From what you have told us, Rayden, Mankar thinks Martin has the amulet. It only makes sense to let me have it.”
Martin looked at, then back at Hassildor, then to me once, and then back once again to Hassildor. He was having an incredibly hard time deciding and after several seconds he reluctantly handed over the amulet to Hassildor.
“’I’ll let you cool down for a few minutes, Rayden, but once you’ve cleared your head I want to see you and Martin outside in the courtyard. I will call for Burd and the four of us shall discuss what to do from here,” Hassildor said as he walked out the door, leaving me and Martin by ourselves.
“I’m sorry Rayden, but he has a point you know…”
I was so furious with Martin. It was almost as if he betrayed me with his actions. I couldn’t even begin to describe how angry I was.
“How long have we known Janus, Martin? Two days, maybe? How can you hand him the Amulet of Kings and not think you’re doing something wrong?”
“How long have you known me, Rayden?” Martin pleaded. “You’ve barely known me for long and already you’ve put all your trust in me. Things like this happen, Rayden. I know you’re still sour from what Alfhedil did, but that’s different. It’s hard to trust someone once you’ve been betrayed, but that’s life! Sometimes you’ve got to let things go and move on!”
“I can’t, Martin. How am I supposed to do that with everything that’s happened? It was hard enough making friends with you and trusting you! I’ve been on my own for as long as I can remember. I am a loner, I don’t make friends or trusts, it’s just the way I am!”
“Well get over yourself! I’m tired of taking your side every time something doesn’t go your way! By Talos, I can’t even begin to describe how selfish you are sometimes. Don’t you think Hassildor wants what’s best for Cyrodiil? You can’t see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice? He is on our side, Rayden; OUR side! The sooner you learn that the better…..”
Martin stormed past me and left the room. I was now the only person in the room other than Narina’s body. I felt totally awful at the moment, like I was the lowest person in all of Tamriel. Martin was right; I was too caught up in my image and reputation to fully see what’s going on. He’s right, Hassildor is not the enemy; he is probably our greatest ally. It’s high time I start listening to everyone else and stop acting like such a brat. Granted I am still not going to trust every person I come across, but…it is time for me to change. I am no loner a petty thief so I’d better stop acting like one. If I don’t I am afraid nobody will trust me, and then I’ll taste some of my own medicine. That’s something I definitely don’t want.
“Excuse me, sir, but we need to move the Countess’s body,” A guard told me, who was accompanied by five others.
“Of course, let me get out of your way.”
The guards entered the room with a long wooden plank. I suspected that they would place the body on the wood and then they would likely take her to the Chapel undercroft where she would be dressed for the burial, not there I go again assuming things.
I left the soldiers to their work and exited the room. I had some apologies to announce…
On to the next chapter
The rest of the way to Bruma was spent talking with our new friends. Most of them didn’t have much to say simply because they were worn out from all the fighting. But Alusan was quite the talker, as was the Imperial who first recognized Janus. It also appeared that the two loved to argue with one another as well.
“If you ask me, I’m surprised we haven’t received any help from the other provinces. Where are they at in our time of desperate need,” said the Imperial man who recognized Janus.
“Come on, Malpen, you of all people should know the answer to that. You’re the one always complaining about how the other provinces don’t show the Empire any respect.”
“That’s right, Alusan, especially you Redguards from Hammerfell!” Malpen said with a chuckle.
“Hammerfell isn’t anything like Cyrodiil. I’ve explained that to you several times, but of course you haven’t listened to me. Our province is not one kingdom united under one Emperor. There are numerous Kings and Queens, all vying for power. The province itself is split up into different regions and areas. And the eastern part is still trying to re-conquer lands taken by Skyrim. They have their own war too you know…..the War of Bend’r-Mahk.”
“Yes, yes, you’ve told me that hundreds of times. I know, I know.”
“Then stop complaining that my province isn’t aiding us at this time. We do not have a grand army like the Empire has.”
“Neither does the Empire anymore,” Malpen replied back, and he had an excellent point.
We finally arrived in Bruma some two hours later and I could almost feel the heat coming from the many torches that were just visible through the heavy downfall of snow. They were the torches of nearly one hundred soldiers guarding the walls of Bruma, which had drastically changed since the last I visited the small city. Hassildor was right when he said Bruma’s defenses were top notch. Somehow in a short amount of time they had successfully built a seemingly fifty yard stone wall around the entire city. At the top of the walls were many archers ready to shoot on sight at any enemy, and there were also towers at four corners, allowing scouts to see out into the land, even though it was difficult because of the snow. The shape of the defensive wall resembled a rectangle, but not totally straight.
“Finally we are here!” claimed Janus.
All of us walked up to a large iron gate that had built into the wall, and a Bruma guard dressed in their traditional yellow uniform asked us who we were and what we wanted. I thought it was a rather stupid question because the Count of Skingrad was with us. I guess he couldn’t make out Janus’s face, but once we got closer the guard immediately knew who he was.
“Count Hassildor! I am so sorry! I did not know it was you! Hurry, open the gate! The Count of Skingrad has arrived!”
The soldiers around began coming over to shake hands with Janus and the gate slowly ascended upward, revealing the other side of the wall.
“This way, my lord, I will show you to Captain Burd,” said the guard while leading us into the area between the defensive wall and the actual city.
The space in between was rather large itself, at least one-hundred yards. Most of the area was used for the pitched tents that were likely set up for the soldiers whenever they got too cold. But there were also defensive machines and other things. There were several catapults, many barrels of spears, shields, swords and arrows, as well as some kind of mechanism that was holding what looked like a thousand or so long steel arrows.
“Excuse me, guard, but what is that for?” Hassildor said pointing the weird looking machine. Apparently it caught his attention too.
“That, my lord, is one of our most prized possessions. We call it the ‘Uriel Urinater’ in honor of our fallen Emperor,” he said with one of the biggest laughs I had seen in a long time.
“And why is it called that?” Hassildor asked.
“Because when you pull down that lever on the side, the machine shoots the arrows high into the air, and then they fall down on however we please. It’s very handy and also extremely effective. We’ve already tested it out on some dummies. The machine is incredibly accurate.”
“Don’t you think that’s a bit rude calling it that? I’d say it’s a bit disrespectful to the Emperor,” Alusan commented.
“I wouldn’t say so, friend. Anything that helps the men’s spirits can’t hurt can it?”
“I suppose so, but I still don’t think it is right. Your captain has allowed this name?”
“Well, it’s actually an “unofficial” name. We don’t really talk about it around the captain for the reasons you have mentioned.”
“But I thought you said there was no harm in it,” Alusan slyly said.
“Yes, but ever since the Countess’s downfall Captain Burd has been very stressed out. He’s become a lot more stern than he used to. Sort of an ‘all work and no play’ kind of guy. Obviously you want your soldiers to be disciplined and all that, but he’s been taking that too far lately.”
“What do you mean? Is something wrong with Narina?” Hassildor was extremely worried that something terrible had happened to the Countess. Fortunately it appeared that she was not dead or anything, but something bad had indeed happened.
“Soon after the Mythic Dawn began sacking the cities Countess Carvain went into a depression. At first it wasn’t so bad and she was able to continue with daily activities, but after all the city-sackings she fled into her chambers and hasn’t been seen outside of it since. That was five days ago and since then Captain Burd has taken the role of ‘temporary Count’.”
“Poor child, she must feel awful. Narina is a fine ruler and I can give her the benefit of the doubt because of her relative’s death, but what she is doing now is unacceptable. She wasn’t named Countess for nothing. Her strong will, powerful diplomatic abilities, and leadership have gotten her to the throne. I’ll get her out of this current state.”
“Good luck with that, my lord.”
We then entered through the city gates and stepped inside the city. Everything was absolutely normal. People were walking the streets, Chapel services were just getting underway, for it was now about ten in the morning, and things were going quite smoothly. If it wasn’t for the fact of all the defensive walls and all of the soldiers lining up outside, I would guess and say that the people knew nothing of the crisis at hand.
The guard took us down a snowy path to the right and towards the castle. It wasn’t anything fancy, and actually it appeared to be smaller than any of the others I have seen. I could be wrong about that however, because it’s been a very long since I’ve last had any sleep.
Inside the castle were several quite a few soldiers standing and walking around the throne. And sitting in that throne was a Nord with black hair, and a little gray on the sides. He was wearing the standard Bruma guard uniform, but without the helmet.
“Janus! How are you, old friend? When did you get here?”
The Nord, who I took to be Captain Burd, stood from his seat and walked over to greet us. He shook Hassildor’s hand and then they both hugged. Apparently they were close friends or something.
“Not very well given the circumstances, you fool! It is awfully nice to see you again, but obviously I am here because of the Mythic Dawn crisis. I see you have taking over command, and your guard here has told me of Narina’s condition. Has it worsened?”
“I am afraid there isn’t anything we can do. After all this Mythic Dawn mess she’s been locked in her room, and only I have been in there. I’ve tried talking sense the woman but she’s lost all of her spirit; she fears Bruma will be next in the Mythic Dawn’s target list. I’m even starting to hear her talk to herself at night. I can hear her plainly through the wooden door. She says things like ‘It will all end soon, darling, just you wait a little longer’ and ‘No, darling, you mustn’t give up now. Just a little longer and they will end your suffering’. It’s really starting to worry me, Janus. I fear she may be contemplating suicide. She just started talking to herself two days ago but it’s really creepy. I wish there was something I could do but nothing ever seems to help. She hasn’t even let me inside her chambers at all yesterday morning and I have not spoken to her since.”
“Let me try and talk some sense into her. We can’t have the Countess of Bruma acting like this, even if the situation is this bad. That doesn’t mean she can seclude herself from the outside world. She’s the Countess for Talos’ sake!”
“You can try, Janus, but I don’t think it’s going to work. She probably won’t even listen to you, given the fact that you angered her quite a bit the last time you visited town.”
“Yes, that’s precisely the reason I haven’t been back since. It’s not my fault; she should not have had her spies looking in on things that don’t concern her. That’s one thing that angers me; when someone puts their nose where it doesn’t belong, but that’s a whole other story. Listen to me ramble on this. Come, Burd, lead me to the Countess!”
Burd guided us up a flight of stairs and into hallway where we came to the entrance to the Countess’s chambers. Of course the door was locked and Burd called to Narina Carvain.
“My lady, Count Hassildor is here to speak with you. May he come inside for a moment?”
There was no response from within and Burd once again asked, “Your highness, the Count of Skingrad has come to talk with you. May I let him in?”
Again there was no answer and Burd knocked on the door loudly. He then tried to open the door but of course it was still locked. He was beginning to panic.
“What if something’s wrong with her, Janus? We have to get the door open!”
“Calm down, Burd, her depression has probably elevated to new heights. It’s quite possible that she has fully separated herself from the world.”
But Burd wasn’t listening. He had already dug his hands in his pocket, obviously looking for something. Then he pulled out a large ring of keys and began fumbling through them. He found one in particular and stuck it into the keyhole of the Countess’s door. The lock made a click noise that I was most familiar with, and the door swung open. Inside the Countess was sitting at her desk with her back turned to us, slumped to the side a bit. I feared the worst.
“My lady!”
Burd ran over to the Countess’s chair and swung it around. A dagger was stuck in the chest of Narina Carvain. She truly had committed suicide.
“No!” Burd yelled while checking Narina’s pulse. It was no use of course and soon everything settled into Burd’s head.
“I should have forced myself into the room yesterday. I knew something wasn’t right. It’s my entire fault...I….I should have done more to prevent this!”
Martin and I watched from the doorway as Burd actually began to sob loudly. He was now on his knees and was grasping Narina’s hands. It was kind of pathetic really. I know he feels bad about the Countess, but to see him in his current state was a bit nerve racking; almost as if he was close to becoming just as Narina had become. But Hassildor wasn’t going to have any of that.
“Get up from the floor, Burd! Have some control over yourself!”
Burd slowly got up from the ground and let go of Narina’s hands. I looked at her eyes, which were still open. There was no shock whatsoever; the wound was definitely self-inflicted, that much was for sure. But what was the reason for the drastic decision? Obviously she was stressed at by everything, but could have really been to the point to where she wanted to kill herself. It just didn’t make any sense to me.
“I’m not going to let you turn into what Narina has become; and do you know what that is? Dead, that’s what she has become! Look at her, Burd, do you want to end up like that?”
Burd shook said slowly. He was still crying, but not as loudly as before thankfully.
“I didn’t think so. Now get and alert the guards of what has happened. We’ll have a funeral for her tomorrow evening. This is all so sudden…I just don’t know what to think. This isn’t good, that’s for sure.”
Burd left the room and only the three of us remained.
“What now?” Martin asked Hassildor.
“I don’t know; I never would have thought anything like this could have ever happened. This…..this is a bad time. Bruma is now leaderless and Mankar’s army is certainly marching this way as we speak. We have to make preparations for whatever is to come. We will indeed give Narina Carvain a burial out of respect for her and her people, but as soon as that is over our focus will be the defense of Bruma. The fate of Cyrodiil rests in our hands. You two do know that don’t you?”
Martin and I nodded.
“Good, I’m glad someone is acting normal around here. I just can’t believe it…Narina committing suicide…Burd crying like a child. I know these times are difficult for him but he needs to show some backbone. He is in command of the city now, and the people need a strong willed leader that can give them victory. Burd certainly has the attributes to fill that position, but I might have to work with him. He was very close to Narina.”
“Why don’t you lead the people?” I asked.
“Because they know Burd personally; they don’t know me other than I am the Count. It wouldn’t be a smooth move for me to take control of everything. I will certainly stand back and help Burd. That is why I came here, to help. And as for that amulet there,” he said pointing to Martin’s pocket, “Let’s me have the amulet. It will be safe with me.”
Any other request and I would have been fine, but he just asked to have the Amulet of Kings. Nobody besides Martin and I have held it. Now he was requesting something that I wasn’t sure I was going to let Martin answer.
“Why do you want the amulet? Why can’t Martin have it?” I asked, a little too defensively.
“Because it will remain safe with me. I take it you and Martin are going to help the others fight, am I correct?”
“I will, but I don’t think Martin should. Even if he doesn’t want to be Emperor he is the last Septim. I don’t think it would be smart to send the last heir to battle, do you?”
Hassildor could see right through me. He knew that suddenly I did not trust him. I can’t explain it but ever since Alf’s betrayal I vowed never to let anyone else do the same. I realize Hassildor has been on our side even before that, but he wanting the amulet seemed a little suspicious to me.
“Give me the amulet, Martin,” Hassildor commanded at Martin, but keeping his angry eyes on me.
Martin did not move or say anything.
“I said give me the amulet, Martin. I will not ask you again. I am only doing this for the good of Cyrodiil, I swear it! From what you have told us, Rayden, Mankar thinks Martin has the amulet. It only makes sense to let me have it.”
Martin looked at, then back at Hassildor, then to me once, and then back once again to Hassildor. He was having an incredibly hard time deciding and after several seconds he reluctantly handed over the amulet to Hassildor.
“’I’ll let you cool down for a few minutes, Rayden, but once you’ve cleared your head I want to see you and Martin outside in the courtyard. I will call for Burd and the four of us shall discuss what to do from here,” Hassildor said as he walked out the door, leaving me and Martin by ourselves.
“I’m sorry Rayden, but he has a point you know…”
I was so furious with Martin. It was almost as if he betrayed me with his actions. I couldn’t even begin to describe how angry I was.
“How long have we known Janus, Martin? Two days, maybe? How can you hand him the Amulet of Kings and not think you’re doing something wrong?”
“How long have you known me, Rayden?” Martin pleaded. “You’ve barely known me for long and already you’ve put all your trust in me. Things like this happen, Rayden. I know you’re still sour from what Alfhedil did, but that’s different. It’s hard to trust someone once you’ve been betrayed, but that’s life! Sometimes you’ve got to let things go and move on!”
“I can’t, Martin. How am I supposed to do that with everything that’s happened? It was hard enough making friends with you and trusting you! I’ve been on my own for as long as I can remember. I am a loner, I don’t make friends or trusts, it’s just the way I am!”
“Well get over yourself! I’m tired of taking your side every time something doesn’t go your way! By Talos, I can’t even begin to describe how selfish you are sometimes. Don’t you think Hassildor wants what’s best for Cyrodiil? You can’t see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice? He is on our side, Rayden; OUR side! The sooner you learn that the better…..”
Martin stormed past me and left the room. I was now the only person in the room other than Narina’s body. I felt totally awful at the moment, like I was the lowest person in all of Tamriel. Martin was right; I was too caught up in my image and reputation to fully see what’s going on. He’s right, Hassildor is not the enemy; he is probably our greatest ally. It’s high time I start listening to everyone else and stop acting like such a brat. Granted I am still not going to trust every person I come across, but…it is time for me to change. I am no loner a petty thief so I’d better stop acting like one. If I don’t I am afraid nobody will trust me, and then I’ll taste some of my own medicine. That’s something I definitely don’t want.
“Excuse me, sir, but we need to move the Countess’s body,” A guard told me, who was accompanied by five others.
“Of course, let me get out of your way.”
The guards entered the room with a long wooden plank. I suspected that they would place the body on the wood and then they would likely take her to the Chapel undercroft where she would be dressed for the burial, not there I go again assuming things.
I left the soldiers to their work and exited the room. I had some apologies to announce…
On to the next chapter