40: Vampire hunter
The Telvanni do not like me, and they are not trying to disguise that fact. Walking openly through Sadrith Mora I was tense and on my guard. The house guards either looked away, or glared defiantly through the visors of their cephalopod helms. I renewed my papers. The petty functionary, while filling out the 'purpose of visit' section, had the temerity to say "overthrowing the house?" I would have laughed, but the two glowering guards were clearly not amused.
"No. I'm actually visiting an Ashlander camp. Apparently there is a problem with a vampire. Their traditions don't allow for them to appeal to the house Dunmer for assistance, but as mages for hire my guild may be acceptable, so I am here to negotiate. A simple transaction, nothing more."
One of the guards grated, "Your 'address' to the council has not been forgotten, outlander."
"I'm sure you know that I've spoken to your Archmagister, and that matter is now in his hands. I am waiting for his response, and I assume the Telvanni guard will wait also. Or do you want to assume some personal responsibility in the matter?" I kept any tone of active threat out of my voice, but my meaning was obvious. His partner put a restraining hand on his shoulder.
"We follow orders, outlander," said the cooler headed guard. "The Archmagister has not decided your fate. Just be aware that it is his decision, and if you choose to spend time in Telvanni territory your very life is in his hands. Should he order your death we would gladly carry it out."
I smiled. "Well, let us hope no such order comes along. I don't know who might end up being carried out, but I'm in no hurry to find out." I picked up my completed papers. "Good day, gentlemen."
I left Sadrith Mora behind, gladly. In the open grazelands I could relax somewhat. Not that there are no dangerous creatures to contend with, but a wary eye scanning ahead makes them avoidable. The snares and affairs of men are far more subtle.
As the sun set the shadow of Red Mountain flooded the grazelands. I made camp atop a low roll of a hill. I have not yet found the Nerano tomb, but I should be close. Not a comforting thought, knowing that the tomb I seek has become home to a vampire. There is no point to continuing the search through the night, but I shall not be resting. The wild beasts will avoid my campfire, but if Calvario is on the hunt it will likely draw him to me. If he finds me I will be ready. If he doesn't, in the morning I will find him.
I hope my escorts are being cautious as well. Though they have stayed out of sight I'm sure they are out there. Even the stoutest of Telvanni guards will be wary out here among the Ashlanders. Of course being assigned to follow the Archmage of the guild, given my reputation, should keep them on their toes anyway, but I did my best to stress that this is a vampire hunt. Since I won't be sleeping I can listen for their screams.
9 Comments:
HAHA! YES! silly telvanni guards. nothing more than blood sacks.
I like my stories the way i like my coffee. Dark and full of icky things! wait, that sounds like bad coffee.
Teehee......killing.....heh.
-Noozooroo
Go Arvil! It's your birthday, were gonna party like it's your birthday!
Sounds like some intense fighting is about to happen, Yay!
Loved the overthrowing of the house joke!
That last line was the best. Arvil is so wickedly sharp. The suspense of what happens next is killing me.
I loved the last line! The pace is hotting up.....
- Angela
The telvanni stand a chance aginst the wicked creatures but they will sleep eventually, and when they do, Arvil shall kill them himself.
And Tim begins to leave behind his "Robert Jordan" phase and move into more action heavy stuff. I'm excited.
-Nivekclough
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