Chapter Forty Nine

Water dripped from the cavern ceiling, echoing in the quiet. Pale light shone from a few gaps in the stones that blocked the larger cave entrance. A ship was there, half submerged beneath the cave-in. Auroth looked at the wreck, turning to Gaeolin. “Someone messed up.”

Gaeolin grinned, his bow at the ready. Urmha came to stand next to him. She squinted up the catwalk ahead. “Keep an eye out. I don’t like this.” Indeed, the cave seemed far too quiet. Gaeolin took the lead, climbing the ramp up to the next level. As he reached the ledge he saw a bandit. He was massive, clad in black leather armor. Gaeolin stepped light, his boots leaving no marks in the dust. He stood behind the man with his face half shadowed. He raised his arms, taking hold of the matted hair to rip the head to the side. Before the outlaw could react, Gaeolin’s teeth were fixed on his throat. 

For the first few moments, the bandit fought back. He tried to reach for his dagger, gnawing at the hand Gaeolin had over his mouth. Despite the tenacity of his resistance, it was only a few muffled grunts later that he slipped into the catatonic state the vampire was accustomed to. He lay his victim down with a bit of a retching sound. 

“What? Can’t handle your food?” Urmha quipped.

Gaeolin gestured to the corpse. “You take a taste, and we’ll see if you gag any less.” He looked as though he would have prefered to eat a giant’s toe. “I like my meals clean.”

Inigo sniffed. “He smells like pee and shame…”

“And Elves Ear… He should know better than to smoke on the watch.” Auroth snatched the man’s purse. Urmha knelt beside the body, pulling his shirt down to check his chest. A tattoo of a dagger impaling a heart met their gaze. The heart bled jet black, the pool of blood forming a wicked skull. 

“The Blackbloods. I thought Jaree had scrapped that act.” Urmha drew her dagger. “These guys will be tough… Hargar, Jaree-ra’s third in command is a monster of a Nord. His ship used to be the terror of the Sea of Ghosts. No one’s really sure why he stopped running the trade routes.”

Inigo pointed to the collapse behind them. “If he anchors in here, the cave-in might be an explanation.”

She looked worried. “We can’t take the obvious way in. Hargar will have the most men posted that way. I remember the last time I had men scout this cave. They said there was a path high along the walls. It would be better to follow that, and sweep around behind them. I’ll lea-”

“No, this one will not allow this!” Bai’lira spat. “All we have heard on this venture is what you would like us to do. And then, we only hear the smallest portions of your plans. Bai’lira will lead the way. It is best, lest she accidentally mistake you for one of these cretins.”

Gaeolin was surprised to see Urmha smile. “Very well then, fluffy.” She held her hand out as an invitation. “By all means, get shot first.”

Bai’lira growled. She made her way to the front, taking great care to bash the elf girl in the shoulder as hard as she could. Gaeolin fell in behind her, watching as she rustled through her bag. The sound of a bottle could be heard, an acrid scent stinging the air for a moment before fading. He could have sworn her claws wore a faint glow as she tucked the potion away again. 

They climbed higher along a series of stone arches that crossed the underground lake. The place seemed deserted, save for one man ahead of them. Gaeolin nocked an arrow, but Bai’lira held up a hand. He frowned, but yielded to her. She sneaked forward with her claws ready. As she reached the bandit, she slashed his throat with them. He cried out, clutching the bleeding scratches. His face twisted in rage. “You’ll make a fine rug, cat!” Gaeolin and the others started forward, but slowed at what was happening before them. 

The man had fallen to a knee, looking winded. He looked as though he were about to be sick. Bai’lira stayed just out of his reach. His face contorted, going from puzzled to worried. He clutched his stomach, curling into himself as he began to gasp. “What…. What have you done?”

“Perhaps you know something of Elsweyr, hmm?” She spoke as if it were any other conversation she had before. “Being tropical, the jungles were not free of nuisances.” He began to grunt in pain. He pressed into his gut, the discomfort obviously becoming worse. “Bai’lira finds that some of these nuisances can be turned to great advantage in combat to the creative user.”

The bandit was no longer listening. His eyes were wide. He tore off his cuirass, ripping his shirt open before starting to scream. His stomach had begun to swell. He clawed at it, falling back into a pool of torchlight. The others watched with identical faces of shock and discomfort. The Bandit’s belly was not only swelling, but moving in a disturbing way. His screams grew louder as his skin stretched. His face glistened with sweat. “Gods! Make it stop! MAKE IT STOP!!!” His screams echoed down the halls of the cave. From farther down the ramp ahead, some pirates approached them. Just as they got close, the effect of Bai’lira’s attack was finally shown.

With a final, blood curdling scream, the man’s stomach tore open. Gaeolin backed away in alarm as three glowing green spiders crawled out of his body. His companions skidded to a stop, watching in horror as the beasts began to feed on him. His screams didn’t stop until one of them cut his throat with their mandibles. The largest of the arachnids caught sight of the other pirates, spitting a stream of steaming venom at them. 

The poison hit, making them cry out as it invaded their flesh. Only seconds later, they too were suffering the same fate their associate had. Bai’lira began to walk past them, her hands now wreathed in emerald flames. Urmha sent her a look that dripped with a mixture of disgust and respect. 

“That is… direct…”

Bai’lira wore the most wicked look any of them had seen from her yet. “Who is the fluffy one now?”

Gaeolin was too unnerved to smile. “Everyone get ready. No point in trying to sneak in now.” He charged down the slope, his bow singing as he cut down three of the pirates with his arrows. Bai’lira threw flames before her, her spiders scurrying toward the bandits with their fangs clicking in anticipation. Auroth drew a rune in the air, a torrent of pale blue light stabbing out toward the line of men. They staggered as it blinded them, recovering in just enough time to fend of a set of ghostly swords. Inigo leapt over the phantoms, impaling Dawnbreaker into the shoulder of one of them. 

From a ship below, arrows flew past them. Archers were lined up along the starboard rowing seats. Gaeolin fired, but missed his mark. Urmha grabbed a lantern from a nearby table. She tossed it into the air, her hand twisting as it flew. An orange light spread to the lantern, slowing it’s fall, moving it in a deliberate path. It sailed down to the ship to smash against a barrel of lantern oil on the deck.

The wave of burning oil swept over the archers, their screams drowned out by the roar of the ship’s timber bursting into an inferno. The light from the blaze made the cavern far brighter, enabling the party to see three new bandits joining the fray. These were not, however, just grunts. They emerged from the large building that rose from the docks below, two argonians and a Nord. Hargar, Jaree-Ra, and Deeja.

Urmha ran forward. “Jaree is mine! Everyone else, back off!” Deeja made to intercept her, an ebony arrow bringing her down. Inigo aimed for the Nord next, but the Captain blocked the missile with his shield. Auroth rushed him, his hammer coming down against the man’s buckler with a sickening crunch of wood. Bai’lira sicked her spiders on him, the pests swarming to find an opening in his armor. 

All the while, Urmha fought Jaree-Ra in a duel that would have made quite the spectacle back in Cyrodiil’s arena. She held only her dagger. Jaree-Ra had two short swords, spinning wildly in an attempt to hit his opponent. Somehow, the little elf managed to deflect his weapons. Her face was the picture of fury. Jaree bared his teeth in frustration. “I never thought you’d be bold enough to come here.”

She slashed one of his wrists, making him drop a sword. “And you thought I was going to let you keep it?” She brought her hand across his face with a thunderous crack. “Where is it?!”

He brought his sword around to try and take her head. With an unnatural amount of speed and strength, she blocked the blow with her dagger. Sparks lit her face, the scars catching  the light. The argonian staggered. “You crazy bitch! It’s just a gods damned sword!” He slashed again. Urmha rolled away, grabbing a torch from a nearby post and throwing it. “You seriously dragged people into our hideout, fighting our entire clan for it?”

“My father’s sword is worth it!” She threw her dagger, the steel sinking into a soft place in his ribs. He dropped his weapon, clutching the wound as it began to bleed.

“Hargar! A little back up, for Mara’s sake!” But just as he called for him, Jaree-Ra saw his lieutenant fall to a swarm of fluorescent spiders. Gaeolin had an arrow drawn back, ready to shoot should Urmha need the help. Inigo, Auroth, and Bai’lira stood ready as well, all but the leader of the Marauders dealt with.   

“Your sister is dead. So is your third in command. Your men are burned or disemboweled, and you are out of options.” Urmha grabbed his sword, backing him against the wood of the shack. The blade’s tip met the scales of his throat. “I will ask you one… last… time…” The sword pressed so hard that a tiny stream of blood oozed down its heart. “Where is Ohmret?” An arrow shuddered into the wall, quivering just inches from the lizard’s head. Urmha sent Gaeolin a furious glance. Inigo turned to his friend, amazed at the uncharacteristic mistake. “What did I say about killing him?” Urmha shouted.

Gaeolin was staring at her. His bow fell from his loose grip, clattering to the ground. His face was slack in disbelief. His voice was almost lost amid the background noise of the nearby forge fire. “S-sorry… What did you just say?”

She rolled her eyes, never letting go of Jaree’s armor. “Ohmret? My father’s sword? The whole reason I even came with you to this worm’s fetid hole? The sword I named to honor his memory, where is it?!” She slammed Jaree-Ra back against the wall with so much force that the timber began to splinter.

“T-the chest…. In Hargar’s room. We were going to roll dice to see who got it… Take it! Take whatever you want! Just let me live!” He shivered under her gaze. She stayed there a moment, seeming almost to let him go. 

She turned, then cut off his head in one stroke. The blood rained upward from his neck, splattering her face in a crimson warpaint. She panted as his body fell to the earth. She tossed the sword onto him with a huff. “Thank you, slimy pest…” She was about to head into the hut when a hand gripped her arm. “What the hell?!”

Gaeolin had a grip like a vise. “Look at me.” 

She tried to pry his fingers from her. “Let go of me! What in the name of Sheogorath has come over-”

“Look at me!” Gaeolin drug her into the light of a nearby torch. For the first time, she wore a fearful expression. He was strong, and something about his tone made her unsure of his motive. He stared, his face going from shock to something she could not understand. His eyes glittered with so many feelings. Sorrow, joy, surprise. She tried to push away as he moved closer. She tried to shield her neck, fearing a bite.

But his head never turned. Instead, she felt the cold of his skin on her cheek. His arms wrapped around her, holding her in an embrace that made her lock up. It was a gesture of comfort, familiarity… He whispered in her ear as he shook.

“Why didn’t you tell me? You silly girl…” He coughed as his voice caught in his throat. He pulled back, a sad smile on his face. “Your father, Ohmret?” His lip trembled. “Ohmret was my brother…”

She said nothing. She squinted at his face, recognition deepening the longer they looked at each other. Gaeolin’s smile grew. Inigo pointed from one to the other, his mouth falling open. “You two are family?”

Auroth cocked an eyebrow. “I don’t see how. I thought your brother was younger than you.”

Urmha turned to him with a shrug. “He was young. Mother must have been into younger men.” She smirked, punching Gaeolin in the shoulder. “Come on, wipe that look off your face. Let’s get what we came here for.”

The hut had boxes upon boxes of loot, all stacked precariously along the walls. A large chest stood near a double bed, just before a ramp down to the docks. Gaeolin knelt down, probing the lock with finesse. Bai’lira scoured the bags and crates, sniffing the containers. “Inigo, check the boxes over there. Bai’lira cannot check all of these herself. Bloodgrass is pungent, and smells like drying blood after being cut.” She found a pouch of grapes, popping one into her mouth before resuming her search. Auroth pilfered through a few open lockboxes, occasionally looking over to the elves and their progress on the chest.

A satisfying click marked Gaeolin’s success. He lifted the lid, Urmha reaching in before it was fully open. “At last…” She held the blade, an open smile on her lips. “I thought I might have actually lost you.”

Auroth inspected the weapon over her shoulder. “Ayleid. Is that varla stone in the hilt?”

She nodded. “I never had the heart to enchant it though. It always did fine for me without that.” 

Gaeolin had to admit that it was beautiful. The blade was a deep, earthy color. To the layman, it might have seemed rusted. But at the heart and on the hilt, the meteoric iron was polished to an off golden color. “He must have had some amazing adventures of his own, then.” He mused. He nearly cracked his skull when Bai’lira let out a triumphant shout.

“Wonderful! The stinking sea rats didn’t spoil the herbs!” She held up a sack, at the opening of which protruded several sharp spikes of bloodgrass. Gaeolin covered his mouth, the smell of the herbs making him salivate. 

“I see why it’s called bloodgrass now…” 

Inigo grinned. “But at last, we can finally say we have them. Now all we need to do is get the ashes, and you can be cured.”

Gaeolin sighed. “Let’s just get back to Solitude. I’ve had my fill of this place.” He offered his hand to Urmha. “I’m sure you’re ready to have a drink or two after this.”

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

The sky was obscured by thick clouds when the party entered the Solitude market. Gaeolin walked with a new light hearted gait. The group was about to turn into the Skeever when Urmha stopped Auroth. “Hey, you’re coming with me.” She grabbed his collar, leading him further into the city.

“Uh, wait…” He looked back at the others, bewildered. “Where are we…”

“It’s been a long trip, and I’ve decided I like you. Just come with me.” She shot him a smirk. “You won’t regret it.”

He once again looked to Gaeolin for help, but had little choice but to acquiesce. Inigo sent Gaeolin a worried look. “Should we go after them?”

Gaeolin tried his best to keep a straight face. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.” He opened the door, leading them into the Inn. They found a seat by the fireplace, ordering a few plates of food. Bai’lira made sure to keep the Bloodgrass tightly sealed in her bag. She poured them all a glass of the Kha’jay Da’khe. To their sorrow, it was the last of her supply. 

“Apparently, this one will need to make more when she returns home. She had no idea it would be so well received.” 

“While you’re at it, “ Gaeolin interjected, “I would like to put in an order for a few bottles for home.” He handed her a small pouch of coins. 

She smiled, pocketing the coins. “Generous of you, but I feel that soon you will hardly have thought the payment necessary.” As if she had been expecting it, the door opened from the street. She smiled, seeing a courier approach.

“Milady Bai’lira?” He bowed. “I have a delivery for you from the Office of Imports and Excise. Master Malcaeus sends his apologies for the loss of your goods, and hopes that this will allow you to order a replacement for the shipment.” He swung his sack down to retrieve the gold. Gaeolin nearly jumped in alarm as the man placed not one, nor two, but no less than three enormous sacks of Septims on the table. Bai’lira nodded, giving the man a warm smile.

“Tell your master that Morthal appreciates his hard work. This will indeed allow this one to procure the necessary goods. A fine day to you.” As soon as the courier left, she slid two of the bags across to Gaeolin and Inigo. “You may divide that between yourselves and the High Elf. She has no need for all of this coin.”

Gaeolin eyed her with suspicion. “This is a bit more than I remember us spending…”

She smiled. “Bai’lira knows people. She made a request that certain changes be made to the shipment records.” She tucked the sack of gold away. “Let us just say that according to the government, we had ordered many crates of goods.” They talked for a while about the events that had unfolded over the past few days, all agreeing that they would be glad when they could relax for a few days. It was a few hours later that the door opened again. 

Auroth walked in, his armor bundled and slung over his shoulder. He wore a set of brown pants and a grey shirt. He had not taken the time to lace it properly, his chest slightly bared as he came to sit with them. His hair was upset, what looked like a few future bruises adorning his neck. He didn’t speak, having a distant stare on his face.

“Gods, what did she do to you?” Inigo asked.

“Everything…” He sat for a moment, coughing as he snapped out of his stupor. “It was rather nice-”

Gaeolin cut him off. “She’s my niece… I’d rather not hear about it.”

The next morning, the group was getting ready to head back to Morthal. Urmha showed up, Ohmret in her hands. She held it out to Gaeolin, who took it with a questioning look.

“I’ve thought about it all night.” She wore a sweet expression. “I think you should have this.”

Gaeolin looked at the sword, shaking his head. “Urmha… I couldn’t. Not after all you did to get it back.”

She put a finger to his lips. “I have my memories of him. I knew him my whole life.” She pressed the weapon into his arms. “You lost that. It might not make the loss any easier, but at least now you have more to remember him by than fading memories of childhood.” She backed away from him. “You all take care on the road. I’m sorry if I was brusque, but you are all fine fighters. Stop by Dawnstar if you ever need a job.”

Gaeolin looked up in alarm. “You’re not coming with us?”

“Gaeolin,” she spoke firmly, “we can’t just start acting like a family. I have my life, and you need to get yours back. I am glad to have met you, but if you think I’m going to turn into a landlubber and come live with you and your kid, I have to disappoint.” She smirked. “But who knows, maybe we’ll see each other again.” She made her way to Auroth. She reached up, running a nail along his neck. “And you…” She pulled him down, putting his ear by her face. “I had better hear from you again. I have a few more techniques I think you’d find interesting.”