Challenges

Ch 29 Embracing the Dark

“Wretched, arrogant Dunmer!“ Valos spat antagonism, hitting the whip against Saber’s bare back with each word. The whip must have been soaked in brine or some form of poison, leaving streaks of fire across exposed flesh. Saber flinched against the sting, choking off any sound. He refused to give this bastard the satisfaction of hearing him scream.
“Worthless, elves!” Each word punctuated with another vicious snap. Saber clenched teeth so hard he felt they’d break, and the noticeable trickle of either sweat or blood from a number of open wounds left him shaking.
How long had he been tortured? There was no telling of time in this place, no windows that would show day to night, and being they offered no food or water, Saber could only guess he’d been there for only a few hours, maybe a day or two. The metal shackles bit into wrists, now rubbed raw and bleeding, as his weight further agonized joints. He’d hoped to pass out, but Valos knew exactly how to keep a man awake and alive. Using potions and spells in his inventory, a victim would regain consciousness only to face more pain repeatedly.
Saber watched in dismay as the man rifled through items laid out on the table in clear view. All manner of metal tools glowed in firelight, tools for only one service- to cause pain. Also in full view was what was left of Fargoth hanging on the wall in front of him. He hadn’t recognized him before, but now it was difficult not to notice the body. The tiny form twitched now and then, giving semblance of being alive. Saber wasn’t sure. So maimed, he doubted anyone could be so badly broken and live.
Valos had cut off Fargoth’s ears, stripped skin off his body, and subsequently removed fingers and toes. Bones were broken, or worse, pulled out of joint. A bloodied cloth covered the empty sockets where once his eyes had been. Beneath the body, a large basin captured any blood that might fall to feed the vampire clan.
Valos knew the presentation of his tools and the hapless victims would only add to the growing fear that gnawed at courage. It worked beautifully. Fargoth was a livid reminder of what Valos could just as well do to him if not for Nekros’ order to leave no serious damage. The ever-present brands, bodkins, and curving blades also sat a grim foreshadowing of what was to come.
So far, the Imperial was venting. Whipping with an interment punch to the face was all he’d done so far. He hated elves, particularly Dark Elves. It galled him he could do no serious damage to this one. There were other bodies strung up on the far walls showed far more injury, but they were thankfully dead and unmoving. Even mangled as they were, Saber noted some were Ashlanders, others were Bosmer or Altmer. They were most likely explorers in the area that had fallen victim to Kogoruhn’s new inhabitants. They, like him, had warranted Valos’ intense hatred simply by being elven.
Apparently left to his own devices for too long, Valos was discovered torturing prisoners by his superiors. The Legion considered him unhinged, and dismissed him to his disgrace. Now he took the matter personally, and every elf he saw was reason for his contempt. At the time of discovery, he was torturing a Dark Elf, so Dunmer in particular he detested.
The Imperial stepped up to his current victim, glaring white hate. Blue eyes were soulless, the finely boned face taut in seething hatred. “I spent ten glorious years serving the Emperor…that is, before I was sent to this gods forsaken rat hole.” He reached up, gripped Saber by the throat, and cut off his breath. The Dunmer struggled against the constriction, feeling as though his lungs would burst. “And you want to know why?”
Saber thrashed in futility, feeling his lungs burn for air, and the hold threatened to break his neck. His body bucked against the chains, shuddering within the fierce grip before the grip released suddenly. Gulping air, Saber could barely hear his incensed words.
“I was dismissed because of a worthless dark elf!” He sneered, lifting his hand once again to punch his chained quarry.
Saber reeled, coughing on blood that filled his mouth. The man was furious, driving that hate with every blow he struck. “Oblivion take you all!” He was shouting now, the voice bouncing wildly against the stone walls. Saber hoped he’d at least hit hard enough to knock him out.
As suddenly as he raged, Valos went as calm before a storm. He clenched bloodied fists while taking in a long, deep breath. “It would seem my superiors couldn’t appreciate my …skills in drawing information. You see, one of my duties was to question criminals.” His voice grew unnervingly calm in light of his previous rage. “I had a flair for magick and alchemy, so mixing the two proved to be quite…effective.”
He moved towards a far table where bottles sat in a line consisting of various contents. Some liquids Saber already knew were healing potions. A victim beaten senseless would be then healed to undergo the process all over again. When Valos brought an unknown flask, the Dunmer drew back.
“Open your mouth.” The Imperial hissed. As Saber hesitated, the tone grew thick and menacing. “Or I will break your jaw and pour it down your throat.”
As Saber tentatively did as ordered, the contents splashed back his throat. An acrid bitter taste filled his senses, soon followed by an odd sensation enveloping his body. Skin grew sensitive, senses heightened.
“You see my skill is knowing where the prisoner’s greatest weakness lay.” Valos explained with satisfaction. “Dunmer you see have very high resistance to fire.” He proffered the empty flask. “Given a potion that lowers that resistance, and the prisoner learns a new form of severe pain.”
Saber felt his skin was alive with sensitivity to touch. He realized in horror what Valos intended, as the soulless gaze glided to the firebrands in the brazier. The ends were red hot and carrying the scent of smelt.
Valos took note of the prisoner’s reaction and grinned. “For Argonians, I’d affect their natural resistances to poison and disease. For snooty High Elves, I’d affect the resistances to magick.” His gaze wandered to the body of Fargoth. “Bosmer are a bit tricky, being they have no real resistances other than disease. But as you can see, I can be very creative.”
Saber shuddered, feeling terribly sick.
“Don’t worry,” Valos assured him, fingering several of the branding irons. “Nekros said no permanent damage.”
“Valos-“ A familiar and ragged voice interrupted them, and Saber nearly strangled on relief. He saw Nekros stroll in the room, clearly pleased by what he found of Valos’ work. The corners of his mouth curled into a pleasant smile as if viewing works of art. “I see you’ve been enjoying yourself.”
Saber hung his head, hoping and praying that this would end soon. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to submit, however, but he was more than ready to die.
The Butcher stiffened, annoyed at the interruption. “He’s nowhere near ready to yield, my lord.” Saber was too weak to answer for himself.
Nekros stepped forward, again too close for Saber’s taste. The vampire’s eyes dilated with the heady scent of blood in the air, and his throat worked at seeing the bleeding wounds. Mustering control, he simply smiled amiably. “For now I am content with his punishment.” He said, “Bring a vial of healing for him. Perhaps a few words among old friends might convince him, if pain isn’t enough.”
Valos did as ordered, giving just enough to heal the bleeding and salve wounds. Weakness remained, and exhaustion.
The Dunmer gritted teeth as Valos lowered him to the floor, leaving him like a broken puppet on the stone. Weak and shaking, even the weight of the chains was almost too much. He knew there wasn’t much hope of attacking anyone in his condition. All he had were words now. “Friends eh?” he grunted as shoulders hurt in an attempt of moving upright. “Are you losing your touch, Nekros? Having others do your dirty work now?”
The vampire couldn’t help but become distracted by the bleeding, or what he considered the Dunmer as groveling. Again, he controlled himself, letting Valos provide a healing potion before continuing. “Valos is an expert in his profession. He excels my own skills when it comes to causing pain. Who better to administer punishment?” He said, and then crouched closer the kneeling elf. “But you assume this is all about revenge, and I assure you revenge is only a small part. You must bear in mind, I had ten years to hate what you did to me.”
Saber felt the vampire’s hand snap out to grab him by a fistful of hair and force his head back, demanding him to look at the wound to the vampire’s throat. The man was still angry, one might say even livid, yet the tone remained neutral.
“The poison, you see, had done the damage.” The vampire explained coldly. “It incapacitated me enough for you to attack, otherwise I would’ve simply ripped your throat out to heal this injury. Too weakened however, leaving me helpless as you dragged me to the river, and dumped me there.”
Saber thought he saw something close to emotional pain in the creature’s eyes now. Did Nekros feel betrayed perhaps? Was he insulted he was thrown into the river like garbage? “You were found…” Saber remembered, the city guards nearly rejoicing upon finding the body two days later.
“The damage was rather extensive.” Nekros seethed now. “It took me years to become a hunter again.”
“Feeding on rats?” Saber tried to imagine the vampire struggling to survive on whatever he could. The ‘rats’ reference hit too close to the truth, apparently. He saw the insane anger sparkle in the vampire’s face, almost like a flush as the teeth bared menacingly. There was some satisfaction of pushing Nekros to lose his temper. Maybe he’d kill him outright now. Unfortunately, Nekros merely bristled at the words, dropping Saber back to the floor.
“I must admit, I don’t like the cocky attitude you’ve developed.” The vampire commented. “Is that what Master Kendari taught you?”
“Nope.” Saber forced a smile he didn’t feel as he looked up at his old master. “That just came naturally.”
Yellow eyes narrowed dangerously. “Well, let’s discuss something closer to home, shall we?” He drew out something from his pocket, to let it drop from a length of gold chain. A bauble sparkled in the torchlight, spinning brightly before his face. Saber blinked, taking several moments to recognize the locket he’d given Lyra years ago.
Lyra-!
He looked up to find the vampire calmed and pleased by his reaction. “Didn’t Master Kendari tell you?” He asked, crouching again to face him closer. He swung the locket enticingly before him. “The Blue Lady was engulfed in flames not long ago. Arson, I believe, was the cause.”
Saber felt his chest seize, his head began to shake in denial. “No… You’re lying.”
“The windows, unfortunately, had been nailed shut.” The vampire continued relentlessly, “And the doors had been sealed by bars across the latches.” His face twisted into pretended sorrow. “I’m afraid the girls didn’t make it. Not one of them.” He dangled the locket once again before his face. “I thought you might want this as a keepsake.” It dropped to the floor in front of him.
Saber stared at the golden necklace numb with shock. No, not Lyra…not the girls. “You’re lying.” He whispered, gently taking the token to open the oval casing. Within was the etched writing “Always carry my heart”. She can’t be gone! Merthisan would’ve said something…?
“Am I?” Nekros asked him, moving to his feet. “We’ll ask Master Kendari then.” He motioned towards some guards at the door, as they brought Merthisan and Eiryn into the room. Disheveled, covered in dust, hands bound behind them. Cloth gags covered mouths leaving only muffled sounds of protest from both. Wide eyed and visibly confused, Saber could only watch in horror as their captors forced both to kneel inside the room.
“No!” Saber tried to get to his feet but chains and weakness prevented him, forcing him back to his knees.
“Valos…” Nekros spoke softer now. He strode close to Eiryn to touch her cheek lightly. She jerked back, making a frightened sound in her throat. “You never mentioned how lovely the woman was.”
“My apologies, my lord.” Valos smiled back. “I believe Fargoth failed to mention this to me, otherwise I would have made plans to handle her more…delicately.”
Eiryn’s unbound hair partially obscured her face yet hid nothing of her fear. The green eyes were wide and looking about the room at the torturous devices. He heard the whimper come from her as she saw what remained of Fargoth on the wall.
“Eiryn…” He said, suddenly unable to find the words- He focused on Nekros. “Nekros…please-“
“Please?” The vampire’s damaged voice was incredulous. “Please? I don’t believe I ever heard that word come out of your mouth.”
“Don’t…”
“Don’t what?” The creature snapped in sudden anger, standing too close to Eiryn now as he stroked her cheek tenderly with fingers. “Hurt her? Is that what you’re going to ask me?” She visibly trembled, looking back at Saber with pleading eyes.
“Don’t! Please. I’ll join you.” Saber blurted out. “I’ll do whatever you want!”
“Join me? Is it so easy to just change allegiance?” Disappointment was thick in his tone. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten that last lesson I tried to teach you. Do you remember?”
Saber felt overwhelmed with helplessness. He rode the wave of memories so long ago. Nekros had captured Lyra, had meant to kill her before him in order to teach him a lesson about the dangers of relationships. They are a hindrance, not a boon. Such emotional ties would only serve to be impediment. Surely, if he had no connections to Lyra or Master Kendari, then Nekros could hardly use them against the young elf!
The assassin had preached a solitary life. “No connection to friends or family is our protection. Anonymity is our shelter.” He’d often tell his young apprentice. “No one to betray you, and no one to be used against you.”
Nekros was like stone, eyes unblinking and unmoving. He barely moved when Eiryn made a pathetic whimper as he took hold of her hair to draw her head back. He never took his gaze off his strong-willed apprentice as his hand flashed quickly and with determination. The knife flashed, and with a flick of his wrist, caused Eiryn to slump forward. Blood pooled around her head, and Saber could only stare in frozen despair. Nekros killed her with the same method as killing Nekros. Revenge was final.
“No!” A scream finally tore from his throat as he fought against his restraints. Chains rattled but held firm, as he had to watch in added horror to Nekros moving towards Merthisan. “Please…! Anything! I will do anything!”
He screamed, protested, writhed in anguish against Nekros’ evil, but all the while knowing there was nothing that would change the inevitable. Nekros had always been cruel and calculating. This was their sole purpose for being here, to die in front of his eyes.
Merthisan struggled, trying to get to his feet as Nekros descending upon him. Again the dagger flashed, catching the swordmaster in the chest. Breath and life dissipated in a low groan before he also fell on the cold floor. Their bodies were motionless, and all Saber could think of No, this isn’t happening. They can’t be gone!
Nekros turned his attention to Saber who continued to stare at the bodies of his friends…of Eiryn with hair splayed amid a pool of blood. Merthisan’s eyes stared back a glassy blue.
“I’m all you have left, Feryl.” The vampire murmured softly. Something was different in the tone now, gentle yet urging. Vaguely Saber sensed Nekros using some form of magick on him. “You have nothing to live for now, and everything to die for.”
Saber felt the hot tears stream down his face, yet too paralyzed from shock to cry out loud. Walking closer, Nekros crouched beside him, gently pushing a strand of hair from his sweat-covered brow. “I can take all the pain away, Feryl.” He spoke tenderly, “I can free you from your mortality, and give you powers beyond your wildest dreams! You cannot imagine the gift I’m offering you.”
A flicker of his red eyes brought life back to the Dunmer. He seemed to be listening, at least no longer staring at the remains of his friends.
“I know I seemed cruel…” He continued, “But everything I did was to mold you into a man. You were lost and alone on the streets of the Imperial City, starving in fact. I took you in…gave you a home.” He paused, gauging the effect of his words. Saber was motionless. “I trained you, taught you everything I know. Even your murdering me, I am willing to forgive.”
Saber swayed, too lost in grief and loss to feel any anger. Eiryn…gone. Merthisan….Lyra… Everyone I ever loved… Shutting his eyes, he couldn’t bear to see their lifeless bodies on the floor. Nekros’ voice was only a whisper, but something in the jagged tone was alluring, tugging at his senses.
“I promise…you won’t feel any more pain, Feryl.” The vampire was telling him. A cold hand brushed aside hair to expose his neck, leaving Saber to shiver slightly. The touch of the vampire’s hand on his nape was oddly comforting, promising to end the grief he felt engulfing him now. “I’m all that you have left. Join me, and you’ll never have want for anything.“
Dazed, Saber felt that something had died within him. He’d never be free, and even if Nekros didn’t claim him, the Tamriel Emperor would. Closing his eyes, he tilted his head slightly exposing his throat and waited.
Nekros hand tightened, and lips drew very close to skin. “Tell me what you want, Feryl.” He growled softly.
Just get it over with! “Do it. Take my pain…” He whispered.
The bite was nothing more than a sharp prick before another sensation began to flood his senses. Saber gasped, instinctively trying to pull away once Nekros began to drink his blood. His grip was like iron, and the chains pulled taut keeping his hands low to the floor. An arm snaked around his shoulders to hold him tightly, as his mouth latched onto the soft tissue of his throat. His body thrashed, unable to break free from the vice-like grip of the vampire. Saber could hear his heart thundering his chest, his panicked gasps gradually slowing to low inaudible breath.
He could hear the vampire swallowing, but also felt Nekros’ touch soften as his body weakened. Sensing his victim’s declining strength, the grip loosened to being almost tender. “No, don’t.” Why is my voice like a whisper? Saber didn’t want gentle touches from this monster. He could take anything but this mockery of compassion.
Nekros drew back, cradling Saber now in his arms. Fingernails scraped over his forehead as the vampire brushed hair aside. “Shhh….its almost over.” He murmured with his thick voice.
Saber felt something touch his lips, realizing he must now drink the blood of a vampire. Without thought, he refused, disgust and rising fear preventing him to accept.
“Drink.” The command compelled him to so do, and Saber tasted the thick warmth of Nekros’ blood fill his mouth. His throat worked as several mouthfuls were swallowed and darkness began to enfold around his consciousness. “Now sleep…”
The world faded and Saber was lost into the darkness.


xxxxxxx
Valos the Butcher couldn’t help but feel disgust upon watching the embracing of the Dunmer wretch. The scene was almost what one might consider erotic if not for the fear and blood that went with it. He’d watched the others as they accepted the embrace, and the vampire had not shown as much tenderness as he did for this one. There was no doubt, somewhere in that black heart of his, the vampire had some sort of fixation with the Dunmer.
Moreover, for all his spouting about choice, Nekros still relied on a command spell to change his allegiance. The Imperial took small satisfaction in that. For all the vampire’s desire for having the elf come willingly, he still resorted to backhanded tricks didn’t he? Even his lies were convincing!
Eying the corpses that now stained his floor, Valos motioned to two of his henchmen to remove the bodies. No longer holding the appearances of Feryl’s beloved friends, the male was now nothing but a portly merchant, while the woman was his homely daughter. They had the misfortune of encountering Valos’ men on the roads outside of Maar Gan. With no further word about the Breton woman and swordmaster, Nekros no longer wished to wait. Their deaths were to be Feryl’s undoing. The art of illusion Nekros mastered was impressive. How else could he survive amid mortals for so long without exposed as a bloodsucking leech?
The vampire continued to hold the unconscious elf for too long before finally placing him gently to the floor. “Clean him up and put him in the cage for now. I want to be certain he’s transformed before unchaining him.”
“You do not trust him then?” Valos asked innocently, trying without much success to hide the smirk.
“I trust no one.” Nekros told him flatly. The gleaming eyes now watched his Butcher with interest. “I underestimated him once before. We won’t do so again.”
“And how will you explain his friends still among the living?” Valos wondered out loud.
“By the time he finds out, he will no longer care.” The vampire insisted. “In fact, his beloved Eiryn Acques and Master Kendari will be nothing but tasty meals to him then. Delicious is it not?”
Valos had to admit, there was something very intriguing how he contrived revenge.