Challenges

Ch 20 The Holy City of Vivec

“Wake up. We’re here.” A voice nudged Eiryn from her nap on board the strider bound to Vivec, and it seemed she’d only just shut her eyes before Saber poked her in her ribs. Had the time passed so quickly?
Blinking against sleep-blurred vision, she gathered her pack to follow the Dunmer down the strider port. The day was warm and sunny, too warm for cloaks. Eiryn donned a simple cotton shirt with her usual guar-skin breeches, while Saber wore a finer shirt of red silk with a snug vest. His cloak, he kept slung over a shoulder to help pad the heavy backpack slung on an arm. Behind them followed Master Kendari, wearing a blue tunic hemmed in light brown with dark trousers and heavy leather boots. His long sword belted at his side, he settled the pack across broad shoulders better before finally stepping off the ramp.
Eiryn had been surprised that Saber agreed to allow his old master to come along, being the thief had been a loner for most of his quests. Not that he needed either of their help, but she strongly suspected it was because he knew the swordmaster might want to see the largest city in the province of Vvardenfell, and of course, wanted Eiryn by his side.
The scout glanced behind her as she realized the swordmaster had paused in his walking. Merthisan Kendari stood with mouth agape at the huge pyramid structure before them. Standing nearly three levels high, the massive construction was made of marble and carved stonework. Ramps led skyward to the upper levels, with the topmost having a splendid domed ceiling with green glass windows wrapping around the base. Two huge banners of livid colors draped near the bridge that led into the city, with ancient Aldmeri scrawl to indicate direction through the city. Walkways were wide, built with more large stone. One would think entire armies could travel on them with little trouble. In short, the city was awe-inspiring.
Named after one of the living gods of Morrowind, the holy city of Vivec was where Lord Vivec resided in his palace north of the metropolis. It was the largest settlement in the lands of the Dark Elves, comprised of a series of huge structures called cantons, each one a settlement unto itself. Each canton interconnected with bridges made of the same ornate stonework, with water canals flowing between them. Nearly three stories high, the topmost level had the manors and prosperous traders, while the lower levels had the poor and more of the simple merchants and traders.
“By the Nine Divines…” Merthisan breathed in awe. “So this is Vivec City.”
“Part of it.” Saber grinned, nudging Eiryn with an elbow to share in his humor at his old master’s reaction. “This is Foreign Quarter, one of nine cantons you’ll find here.”
“One of nine?” Merthisan gasped, with eyes wide. From where they stood, a morning fog obscured the rest of the city’s buildings.
Saber nodded, motioning them to follow. “I told you it was a big city.”
Eiryn looked skyward, almost dizzy with the height of the slanting walls of the canton. She often come to Vivec for various reasons such as guiding tourists, running messages between merchants, or on occasion to visit a shrine for healing. The city also boasted an impressive arena where gladiators would battle for coin, or the Great Houses would have challengers to fight for honor. Each time, she found the city left her overwhelmed by its size and creative architecture.
Saber led them up the ramp to the higher level of the Foreign Quarter, explaining more as to what to find there. “The Foreign Quarter used to be the only canton ‘outlanders’ were allowed, but recently Lord Vivec has relaxed the laws in regard to that.” He explained, opening a curved door for them to enter into the structure. “In each canton, the higher you go, the more well-to-do you’ll find.”
Inside the massive building was less than inspiring. No windows meant for a darker environment. Intermittent torches cast warm fireglow and even wafted a pleasant scent of fragrance in the oil they used. The perfume scent took off the edge of cold stone and the moist air from the canals below the building.
Ceilings were low. Hallways were narrow, with everything gathering in the center to a small courtyard. Stone planters held the exotic plants of Morrowind, including the glowing green and purple mushrooms one would find in the Ascadian region. For the most part, however, one might consider the closed in environment rather hemmed in compared to the impressive exterior.
Saber led them directly to the Black Shaulk Cornerclub where a banner had a dark beetle emblazoned on the red cloth. Eiryn saw Merthisan’s quizzical expression. “Shaulk beetles are large insects you find in the Ashlands.” She explained, as he held the door open for her.
“Once we’re settled,” Saber spoke to them, “I need to see if I can find Merhra.” He handed his pack to Merthisan to hold as he turned to the publican behind the bar. Rooms for rent were set at reasonable prices, but, unfortunately, the Black Shaulk had only the one room. They’d have to share.
This didn’t bother the Dunmer in the least bit. “I’m not planning to stay long anyway.” He shrugged, handing the coin over and motioning in the direction to their room. His voice lowered, “And bear in mind that if she can’t be found, I might have to rescue her. That will mean a hasty retreat from the fair city.”
“Rescue?” Eiryn whispered back.
He jerked his chin for her to keep moving down the descending ramp to the rooms below. “I need those lost prophecies. If Milo ended up in the hands of the ordinators, then I believe the next step is finding her and help her escape.”
Merthisan scowled, not liking the sound of it. “Rescue from the Temple Ordinators? Are you insane?”
The elf flashed a mischievous grin. “You have to ask?”
It was Merthisan’s turn to roll eyes at his protégé, which was answer enough. “And what if you are caught?” He countered.
“There’s the challenge!” He gave Eiryn a wink before entering the small room. It was a sparsely decorated room with a large closet for guest’s things, an oversized bed, and a small table with complimentary Sujamma and goblets.
Eiryn had to grimace as she remembering the last experience with the Dunmer whiskey, and the following morning. “No thanks.” She told Saber as he offered her some.
“So what do we do to find this Milo person?” Merthisan asked, tucking his pack in the corner of the room.
The Dunmer scooped Eiryn up in a playful hug, even giving a low growl next to her ear as he pinned her in his arms. “I’ll find Merhra myself. That shouldn’t take too long. Eiryn, meanwhile, will give you a tour of the city.” He announced, adding a quick kiss to the side of her head.
“I will?” Eiryn asked befuddled at what he was telling them.
Merthisan didn’t like the idea. “Wouldn’t it be faster if you had three people looking for her-?”
Saber was already shaking his head. “Not if the Ordinators have her already in custody. We don’t want to bring attention to ourselves. I work better at this type of thing alone. The both of you have the day to explore, and I’ll try to find Merhra.” He told them. “We’ll meet back here for dinner.”
“And if you try to rescue her-?” Merthisan asked him.
“A rescue from the Ministry of Truth will take planning.” Saber assured him. “Believe me, there will be no rescue today. We’ll all meet back here by nightfall.”
Still within the embrace of his arms, Eiryn leaned back against him. “And you won’t get caught, right?”
His deep wine-colored eyes twinkled in silent laughter. “Me? Caught? I wasn’t planning on it.”
“S’wit.” She smacked him playfully.

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

Eiryn watched the Dunmer walk off towards the Temple Library with a conceited swagger in his gait. It looked disproportionate to the costume he bore in the hopes of putting of any suspicions. Forgoing his usual dark leather and clothes, Saber donned a simple robe of homespun green to masquerade as a pilgrim wandering the walkways of the city in search of enlightenment. He disappeared past the Arena canton where he left Eiryn and Merth to explore on his own.
“I still say he should use our help.” Master Kendari murmured behind her.
She only now realized Saber brought them along to the city for company. He never intended of either them to help find this woman Merhra, let alone the lost prophecies. Eiryn wasn’t sure it was a good thing or a bad thing he considered them a hindrance, so instead, she pushed out any thoughts and led the sword master to the ramps leading up to the arena.
“Saber has a point.” She spoke over her shoulder to the man following her now. “Three people looking for this woman might raise suspicions.”
“I suppose.” Merthisan’s tone took on a sullen note.
“C’mon.” She smiled back at him. “You’ll like the arena. The fights will start soon, and we can make some bets.”

********************
The muffled atmosphere of the substantial Vivec library carried an aroma of old books and ink, with the hushed voices of the librarians intermingling with the pilgrims that frequented this place. Here one could find a number of books to peruse, having the massive collection of history and literature from all over Tamriel.
Many books on the Nerevarine prophecy the Temple banned for heresy. Not surprisingly, this included books about the Nerevarine and his ultimate return, as well as any topic the Temple regarded as dangerous to the masses. The whole concept of fulfilling this prophecy flabbergasted Saber. The very idea that the Emperor of Tamriel took this seriously unnerved him enough, but to actually try to comprehend such a mission only served the Dunmer to consider the Emperor as insane.
Saber mulled about the Library long enough to know that Merhra Milo was nowhere to be found. Only a few students, a handful of mages, and the ever-present guard of the city’s Ordinators occupied the Library.
Measuring the assistants for what they might know of the woman’s whereabouts, Saber choose a young Dunmer intent on a heavy book before him. He stood against the lector, engrossed in his work that when Saber coughed to gain his attention, the man jerked back in surprise. His red gaze turning sharp as he realized Saber stood next to him.
“Can I help you?” The Dark Elf asked with annoyance. He obviously didn’t want to be disturbed.
“I was wondering if you might know where I can find Merhra Milo.” Saber murmured to him, being sure that none of the Ordinators guards patrolling the area could hear him.
“Merhra?” The Dunmer said, “If she is not here, she might be in her quarters. You’ll find them near the Canon offices.”
Saber thanked him with a polite bow and headed towards her quarters. I have a bad feeling about this….

**********************
The arena of Vivec City was impressive by any standard, Eiryn mused to herself. Here, gladiators and duelists vied for titles while plays and other amusements would take place, including shows with trained animals or even acrobats. The oval-shaped coliseum filled the topmost level of the canton, having a massive dome with green glass to cast a warm glow over the spectators.
Standing amid the tiered seats, Eiryn sat watching a fierce battle between two equally matched Khajiits. Short swords and small rounded steel shields also equaled their fight, but one was clearly more skilled. Before them, a duel between a Redguard and Nord left many spectators still talking of who lost their bet, and if the Nord had cheated. Merthisan was enjoying himself, gauging his own talents against the combatants, while Eiryn sat back to enjoy the uproar of the audience.
As the fight ended with one a victor, Merthisan asked if they let anyone accept challenges.
“Anyone can setup a duel.” She explained, pointing to where the trap door was the only exit and entrance to the fighting area. “Down below is the dressing rooms and storage area, as well as training rooms for the gladiators. I believe there is an Arena master you speak with to setup a fight. Did you want to fight?”
“Ah, no. I can’t think of wasting time on competition fights.” He laughed, motioning they best head back to the Black Shaulk Inn. The day was waning, and both were getting hungry. “I’m getting too old, and fighting is best for the foolhardy.”
“Well that doesn’t eliminate Saber now does it?” She grinned back at him. Merthisan’s blue eyes sparkled from too much drink and too much laughter. His mood was up, and cheeks ruddy. He also appreciated the joke.
“He’s young.” Merthisan shrugged, seemingly fatherly towards Saber by giving him excuses for being the way he was. “Its that cocky attitude that got him caught the last time and sent to prison.”
“I get the impression its like Saber never grew up.” She smirked.
To her surprise, the old swordsman grew suddenly sober. The creases near his eyes and mouth softened as he scratched his beard in thought. “He never had a childhood.” Merthisan spoke softly, “You should know that he was pretty much on his own by the time most of the rest of us are considering what we want to do with out lives. Perhaps that is why he is the way he is.”
Now curious to Saber’s past, Eiryn walked alongside to question Merthisan further. “What was he like, when he was younger? Like how he is now?”
“Oh no.” Merthisan smiled at the memory. “He was a wild thing back then. Once freed from his former master, he refused to fall under anyone’s authority again. On one hand, he was already very skilled and educated. He knew how to read, and had become accomplished in various studies. But I was surprised at his lack of understanding of people and the world.” An uneasy shifting illustrated the swordsman’s thoughts were troubled. “Nekros had poisoned his mind in many ways.”
“How so?” This was first time she’d heard much about the monster known as Nekros, from someone who knew more about him.
“He told Feryl Dark Elves were evil.” Merthisan lost all humor now, a cloud of darkness over his mood. “Their very nature was that of a killer and they cannot be trusted. He literally secluded the boy from everyone all his life.”
How cruel, Eiryn thought. A young child would know nothing better, would believe what was told to them, or did they. “But he didn’t believe that did he?”
“He did for many years.” The sword master told her. “He still might, though he won’t admit it. I don’t think you can live like that and not carry those lies to heart.”
An uneasy silence fell between them with only the sound of their footsteps guiding them back to the inn. Eiryn felt lost in thoughts of a young Dark Elf boy and what he must have been living through with Nekros as his only means of a guardian. Finally, Merthisan placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, smiling with reassurance. “Saber has a good heart. Don’t doubt that. His instincts are good, and I think he’s meant for greater things.”
A smile pulled the corners of her mouth. “Me too.”


*************************
Later that evening, in the Black Shaulk Inn, Eiryn tapped fingernails against the table as impatience grew, and her concern bloomed as the evening was growing late. Their dinners were half eaten already, with Merthisan on his second helping. “He should be here by now.” She muttered to master Kendari next to her. He seemed nonplussed as he ate the Nix Hound stew with crusts of bread.
“Oh Saber can take care of himself.” He told her, not sure if he believed his own words or not. “He told us he wouldn’t try any rescue tonight, and he’s usually a man of his word.”
“Usually?” Eiryn said, her face settling into a frown. She toyed with the stew in front of her, surprised the succulent thick soup didn’t appeal to her. “If he’s caught, how are we to even find out?”
“Easy enough to find out.” A voice interrupted her.
She glanced up to find Saber looking down at her, his face tight with a look of concern. He pulled out a seat to flop down next to her, and throw a scrap of paper on the table before them. “If I were caught, you’d hear the uproar of a false Incarnate captured by the Temple.“ He kept his voice low, not wanting to share this information to those around them. Pointing to the note he added, “Seems Merhra found trouble after all.”
Eiryn’s eyes caught the words on the note;
“Amaya, Sorry I missed you. I had to run some old documents over to the Inquisitor at the Ministry of Truth, and I’m likely to be tied up there for a while. Why don’t you meet me there as soon as you can? Then we can leave together as soon as I’m done. And Amaya, don’t forget to bring me two Divine Intervention scrolls you borrowed. Or, if you used them, buy a couple of new ones for me. I think I’m going need them soon. Janand Maulinie at the Mages Guild in the Foreign Quarter has them in stock. Alvela Sarem is the guard at the entrance, just tell her you’re looking for me, and she’ll let you in. Your Faithful Friend, Mehra
PS: I left a couple of Levitate potions here for you, just in case. I couldn't remember if you knew “
Saber showed his irritation with a scowl. “Most of the note is in code. Amaya is the code word for trouble, and obviously the rest are indications as to how I’m to help her.”
Merthisan looked lost as he scanned the words. He obviously couldn’t read the interpretation, or reference to retrieve magical scrolls to help her escape. “How are you going to do that?”
Shaking his head, Saber waved his hand at him. “Never mind that.” He told them. “I want the two of you to meet me at the Urshilaku camp. I don’t know how long I will be however.”
“Because you’ll be rescuing her.” Eiryn finished.
“And making my own escape.” He nodded. “We need those prophecies. Once I have them, I’ll meet you at the Ashlander camp, to speak with the wisewoman there.”
“But won’t you need our help?” Merthisan asked, handing back the note.
The Dunmer looked dour. “One person trying to get and out will be difficult enough. I can hardly fight my way through so this will take a bit of a delicate touch.” He wiggled fingertips against one another to illustrate. “But in the meantime, the two of you do what you want while I handle this affair. You don’t have to go to the camp if you don’t want to-.”
Eiryn had to admit she didn’t like the idea of breaking into the Ministry of Truth. If he was caught, he’d face the Temple’s wrath, and there was a real danger now of the whole mission being exposed. Being he was agreeing to let them join him in the Ashlands boosted her spirits though. He sounded convinced he’d make it. “Alright. But what if you get caught?”
“I have scrolls of Intervention.” He assured her. The magic would send him quickly away from trouble in a blink of an eye, much like her ring of recall. Except instead of appearing in Balmora, the scrolls provided the closest Imperial Shrine. At least he’d make a quick escape. Getting Mehra free, however, was going to be the real trick.