A NoteEdit
You are allowed to edit this page for grammer and spelling issues, but anything physically modifying the story is not allowed and will be reverted. Please note that this story is a work in progress. This half of the story is from the Divine Crusader's point of view, so it will be in a first person view.
PrologueEdit
This ancient book was found by a man named Harka Dram while he was exploring the ruins of a chapel in the woods. He found the book next to a full armor stand in the basement of the church.
Chapter 1Edit
Life is boring. I thought as I sat in the chapel in the Priory Of The Nine. Ever since the Oblivion Crisis ended, I have had nothing to do but pray and practice my sword skills. You would think being a Divine Crusader would be exciting. It isn't. I got up and started heading to the basement of the priory to practice with my sword. On the way, Sir Carodus stopped me.
"Divine Crusader, A message has arrived from Countess Narina Carvain in Bruma." Said Sir Carodus.
"Let me see it then." I said.
"Certianly, Divine Crusader." He handed me the message. I unsealed it and read it. It said the following.
"Dear Divine Crusader, I hope you are not busy, as I have a task for you. I have recently gotten a report of a remaining Oblivion gate a couple miles outside the city walls. It appears that there are quite a few dremora soliders outside the gate, and are setting up camp. There are too many for the guard to defeat, so I am hoping that you can come to our aid and close that gate before they attempt to lay siege to Bruma. Please, come quickly. I fear there is little time remaining before they attack. From, Narina Carvain"
My heart lept! I couldn't believe my eyes. Something to do at last! I quickly handed the note back to Carodus and started looking for Sir Areldur.
"Sir Areldur?" I asked him when I found him by the stables tending to his horse's wounded leg.
"Yes, Divine Crusader?" He asked.
"I recieved a message from Countess Narina Carvain in Bruma. She said a remaining Oblivion gate had been spotted outside the walls, and that there were a lot of dremora outside of it, setting up camp. She said that there were too many for the guards to handle, and that i should come and help them close the gate. I plan to head to Bruma as soon as possible." I explained.
"But who will lead us while you are gone?" He asked.
"I am putting you in charge while I am gone." I told him.
"I shall try my best to command the knights." He promised me.
"Then I shall go. Farewell, my friend. May the Eight and One guide your steps." I said. I then mounted my horse, and set off.
Chapter 2Edit
As I arrived at Bruma, a guard ran up to me.
"Thank goodness you are here! I must escort you to the castle immediately!" He said. I followed him to the castle, and went inside. The Countess was waiting there.
"Hello, Divine Crusader.” She said.
"Hello, Countess of Bruma.” I responded.
"I assume you got my letter. Follow me to the city walls. From atop them I shall show you where the gate is." She told me. I followed her to the top of the walls. It was not a very long climb at all.
"There,” She pointed.
"That oblivion gate over there has had dremora coming out of it all week long. It is only a matter of time before the dremora try to take over Bruma." She said. “I’m on it.” I responded as I walked down the steps and proceeded to the gate. I hid behind a tree a mile away and then waited for it to be night. I silently crept past the guards by the oblivion gate and entered. I immediately felt the temperature increase greatly, and I saw 3 scamps by a cave entrance. I slayed the beasts and proceeded to walk down the bridge near the cave and found my path barred by a gigantic gate. I then backtracked and went into the cave. I slayed the beasts in there, and exited the cave. I found myself in a completely different are of the place, and proceeded along a path filled with dremora and clannfear.
Eventually, I reached a large tower, and entered. I found myself in a round room that went up as far as I could see. There was a big beam of light going from the floor up to the ceiling. I went into one of the side passages that lead to the next floor, which had another side passage, which lead to the next floor, and so on, until I got to the third to last floor. There were two ramps on each side of the room. I went up one and ran into a daedroth. I killed it quickly and found another set of ramps, these looking like stairs made of blood-covered bones. I went up those and found a platform with a Sigil Stone at one end. I quickly killed the daedra on the platform and took the Sigil Stone. Then everything went white.
I found myself outside the ruins of the gate, with all the dremora and guards fighting nearby. I quickly joined in the fight, and the guards came out victorious. I returned to the countess and reported that the dremora were dead and the gate was closed.
“Your deeds will always be rememberd, Divine Crusader.” She told me.
“Thank you, Countess. I shall return to the priory shortly.”I said. I went to the stables and mounted my horse.
I rode back to the priory and found that another letter had arrived. Sir Carodus handed me the letter. It said the following:
To the Divine Crusader and Champion of Cyrodiil. The Empire is leaderless; until there is an Emperor or at least a half-competent High Chancellor, there will be no aid for you in Tamriel save your fledging Order of Knights. When last invaded, you barely made it through. Only the Amulet of Kings saved you and your corrupt Empire from total destruction, and now it is gone. The Gates to Oblivion cannot be completely sealed; that is simply against Divine Mandate. And now the Amulet of Kings is gone, the Dragonfires dark, and the "Eight and One" have no conduit with which to aid you. And so, you are left with only you Knights and military. If you miraculously manage to bring Tamriel to your aid, it will do you now good. With no way to close every Gates to Oblivion, you and your forces shall be trampled underfoot by the countless Daedra which shall issue forth from the gates. You have one year to stop this, Champion. Should you actually manage to defeat me, I shall yeild to you and become your servant (or be killed, whatever the Divine Crusader's will may be). But if I win, I shall have no sway over your judgement or Mundus; I do this not for personal glory or power. Like Mankar Camoran, I serve a Higher Power, only many of them and on a much larger scale. May the Princes have mercy on your soul.
I was confused. Who had sent this confusing letter? I decided to rest and hope that I will awake with the answer.
Chapter 3Edit
After I awoke, I decided to contact Sir Avita about the letter. I found her in the first floor of the priory reading The Adabal-a. She looked up from her book and greeted me.
“Good morning, Mage. I hope you slept well.” She said.
“Yes, I truly did.” I responded.
“Is there something you wish of me?” She asked.
“Yes, I acquired this letter after I closed that Oblivion gate by Bruma. Can you possibly examine it for me and see if you can identify the handwriting?” I asked her. I handed her the letter. She examined the letter for a few moments and then handed it back.
“Strange, very strange.” She mumbled.
“Hmm? Did you say anything?” I asked.
“This handwriting is Ayleid. I have never seen anything like it before. The only known Ayleid city that is still inhabited is Mallarisel, and that is in Morrowind.” She said.
“If there is evil afoot, I must stop it. It is my duty.” I responded.
“If you say so. I suggest you find a guide however. You have never been to Morrowind, so you may get lost quite a bit if you go without a guide.” She suggested.
“I will take your advice. I shall head to Bruma and seek a guide there. May the Eight and One guide your steps.” I said. I then proceeded to my room to pack for the trip.
Chapter 4Edit
As I arrived in Bruma, I sought out Olav’s Tap and Tack. I knew this place to be a reliable source for information, when the guests are not drunk, and they are usually drunk. I entered the tavern, and immediately smelled the distinct scent of beer and drunk citizens. I was careful to step over the loudly snoring man sprawled on the ground and walked over to the bartender, keeping as far away from Ongar the World-Weary as possible. I knew him to be a pickpocket.
“The Divine Crusader! I am honored! What can I do to serve you?” He asked.
“I am looking for a guide to help me on my quest that will take me to Morrowind. Do you know where I might find one?” I asked.
“Aye,” He said and pointed at a man sitting with a bottle of wine in hand. “That would be Gran, one of the people here who spend less time drinking then talking. He can scout out a wolf’s tracks in the dead of night in a snowstorm. I think he should be able to help you.” He told me.
“Thanks. Take this for the information.” I handed him 20 gold coins. He thanked me and so I walked over to the man.
He wore a red and blue colored tunic, and had a bow on his back along with a quiver. He had no beard, and looked about 30.
“Excuse me, but I am Mage, and I am looking for a guide to show me around Morrowind. I plan to head there. Can you help me?” I asked the man.
“Well, how about we negotiate prices before we start heading anywhere.” He told me.
“How about 50 gold coins after the trip.” I told him.
“I want the gold now. Then I will go.” He responded.
“If I give you the gold now, how do I know the first night you won’t abandon me?” I told him. He chuckled.
“Good point. Alright. 50 gold coins after the trip.” The man named Gran agreed.
We set out tomorrow at first light.
As we were on our way to the Imperial City, a blizzard struck.
We found a cave and hid in it, but we were not the only ones in there.
“Hey, I thought I saw someone’s shadow.” Gran told me. “Let me check if we are the only ones here.” With that, he walked farther back into the cave.
I heard something that sounded like a fight. I ran deeper into the cave and saw Gran and a woman fighting. She knocked Gran out with one punch, and turned on me. I quickly unsheathed my sword.
“Who are you, and why have you attacked my friend?” I asked, sword at the ready.
“I was merely defending myself, thank you very much. Now, if you could just sheath that sword, we could introduce each other.” She responded.
I pulled out some logs and tinder out of my horse’s saddlebag, and started a campfire. I dragged Gran near it. The woman sat down near the fire.
“My name is Ada. I am a mercenary for hire. My prices are high, but the job always gets done.” Ada said.
“I am Mage, and the man you knocked out is named Gran.” I told Ada.
“Now then, how about we see to your friend of yours?” She suggested.
Chapter 5Edit
Two hours later, Gran awoke.
“What happened? I was fighting with someone, and then blackness.” Gran asked.
“Ada here knocked you out with one punch to the head. She thought you were trying to attack her.” I explained.
“Sorry about that. I thought you were a highwayman camped out in here.” Ada apologized.
“A girl?” Gran exclaimed. “I was beaten by a girl! I should be asha-“
At this point, Ada slapped him.
“Ow! That hurt!” Gran complained.
“How about you change your tone? Do you need another slap?” She ordered.
“No, thank you very much!” Gran quickly said.
“Alright, before you two fight again, I think we should start packing. The blizzard seems to have stopped.” I said.
We all mounted again after we packed and head out. Several hours later, we came to a crossroads.
“What was that?” Ada asked.
“Everyone, step off of your horses and set your weapons on the ground!” An unknown voice called out.
7 people dressed in furs and iron armor came out of hiding with weapons drawn.
“I say we fight back. We can handle them.” Ada whispered in my ear. “Judging by your name, you are a magic user, yes? If so, you could throw some fireballs or something along those lines at them. At least, I think so.”
“Alright. Attack on the count of three.” I told her. “Gran, get ready to fight on the count of three.” I told Gran.
“One, Two, Three!” I yelled.
Almost instantly, Gran had his bow out and his hands were almost a blur due to how fast he was firing.
Ada was already off of her horse, ran up to two of the highwaymen, and punched one in the gut, causing him to double over in pain, and kicked the other in the head causing him to fall down, and then, in seconds she broke the neck of the first and smashed the second’s neck with her foot.
I raised my hand and caused a beam of lightning to erupt from my palm, electrocuting 3 of them and killing them instantly.
Gran shot two arrows at the 2 remaining highwaymen and they both hit in the neck.
“Now then, why don’t we loot these bandits and get on with our adventure, shall we?” Ada suggested.
Chapter 6Edit
As we arrived in the grand Imperial City, I decided to look for some lodgings for the night. I decided on the Merchant’s Inn. As we entered, I talked to the bartender about a room for us. He said they had one room with 3 beds in it, but the rest were filled. I sent Gran and Ada to make sure the room was ok. I saw a woman reciting a part of The Adabal-a.
Her hair was bright red, and she looked around 20 years of age. She had a smile on her face, and her freckles showed visibly.
“And in the blood-floored throne room of White-Gold, the severed head of Pelinal spoke to the winged-bull, Morihaus, demigod lover of Al-Esh, saying, ‘Our enemies have undone me, and spread my body into hiding. In mockery of divine purpose, the Ayleids cut me into eighths, for they are obsessed with this number.’” She recited.
I approached the woman.
“Excuse me, my lady, but I am Mage, and I have been looking for a historian to answer some questions for me.” I asked her.
“My, what a strange name. What is it that you wish to know?” She asked.
“Is there such a place as Mallarisel?” I asked her.
“I have heard of such a place. Why is it that you wish to go there?” She asked.
I told her about the letter.
“I myself wonder if the place exists. Do you mind if I accompany you on this quest?” She asked.
“Can you hold your own in a fight?” I asked.
“Yes. My ability to summon beasts can help you on your quest. If you let me come along, though.” She answered.
“Then it is settled. We set out tomorrow.” I told her.
“Where are my manners? My name is Dawn.” She said.
“I will see you tomorrow morning, Dawn.” I told her.
Chapter 7Edit
We were next to the border of Morrowind, about to cross when we heard a sound.
“What was that?” Gran asked.
“Maybe it’s more bandits.” Ada suggested.
But it was not.
An Ayleid stepped out from inside some bushes behind us. He looked similar to Umaril the Unfeathered.
“By the gods, it’s an Ayleid!” Screamed Dawn.
I drew my sword. “What business do you have with us, Ayleid?” I asked it, sword at the ready.
Dawn started mumbling strange words, and then, she was in a full set of armor that appeared to be made of glass. She pulled out a quarterstaff and said more strange words, and what appeared to be an angel appeared in a beam of light, sword drawn and ready to fight.
“I seek only to speak with you, Divine Crusader.” It said. “It has come to my attention that you are seeking to find Mallarisel. I come to warn you that you cannot do that.”
“Why should we trust the words of this foreigner?” Ada said, almost snarling.
“Because, my lady, I am the great Kalis Agea, Ayleid Lord of Mallarisel. All Ayleids bow to me, if they wish to keep their heads, that is. Most of them prefer the bowing.” The Ayleid explained.
“Sounds like a good plan, if you ask me.” Agreed Gran.
“How do I know you are not one of Umaril’s remaining soldiers?” I asked Kalis.
“Umaril? That moron? I could smite him with the raise of my hand. He is much lesser then me.” Kalis said.
“How about you show us the way to Mallarisel willingly or we’re going to make you show us.” Ada ordered.
Kalis raised his hand. Ada’s eyes went wide.
“Please, no! Get it away! Make it go away! Anything! I’ll do anything! Please! Make it go away!” Ada screamed.
“That should teach you to behave, young lady.” Kalis said. He lowered his hand. Trembling, Ada backed away quickly.
“Attack!” I yelled.
The angel, with sword covered in white light, dashed towards Kalis, only to be turned to stone by a beam of grey light emitting from Kalis’s palm. Gran was raised his bow, but I warned him not to attack. Dawn clung to me like a frozen statue.
“Cease your feeble efforts to defeat me, mortal.” He ordered.
10 or 12 fully armed Ayleids surrounded us. They grabbed us and took our weapons away.
“Next stop, my friends, is the dungeon of Mallarisel.” Said Kalis.
Chapter 8Edit
We were blindfolded and knocked out. When I awoke, we were all lying in what appeared to be a prison cell. In a few moments, an Ayleid solider walked to the cell down from a flight of golden stairs.
“Our lord requests your presence.” The Ayleid said.
“What if I refuse?” I told him.
“Then one of your friends will die.” He told me.
“Fine. I shall go with you.” I said.
I was taken to a golden throne room, where Kalis Agea sat impatiently.
“Did you enjoy your little adventure while it lasted?” He asked. “Because, you shall be in those dungeons for the rest of your life.”
“I can assure you that will not happen, my Lord.” I told him.
“What business do you have in my lands, ‘Champion’?” He asked.
“I received a letter with Ayleid handwriting. I wish for you to explain the origin of that letter.” I told him.
“I was merely warning you to not bother to fight me, as you will fail.” He said.
“I think not.” At this point, I raised my hand, and a ball of fire emitted from it.
Kalis simply raised his hand and brushed it away. “Take him to the torture chamber. It should teach him some manners.” He said.
Chapter 9Edit
As I was forced to return to my cell after the very agonizing torture, I found a strange little boy, about 3, that could only say one word, Dawn. Most likely, Dawn had found him in the cell and taught him the word. He had eyes as blue as sapphires, and black hair. He seemed to have an aura of happiness surrounding him.
“Where did this child come from?” I asked Gran.
“He was lying, sleeping in that corner over there when we were taken here.” He said.
At this point, the child walked up to me. He tugged at my clothes, and said, “Dawn.”
“Hello, little one.” I told him.
Then, a man dressed in clothes so maddening, it could only be worn by Sheograth, appeared next to the door of our cell, with 5 Golden Saints and 5 Dark Seducers standing behind him.
“I am Sheograth, the Madgod.” He said. “Because of my grudge against Kalis, I have come to free you. After I free you, I must think of something to eat…Ah! That’s it! Intestines with a topping of brain! Care to donate?” He said.
“No, I do not want to donate.” I said quickly.
One of the Golden Saints busts the door down. We all shuffled out.
“Here is your equipment, my friends.” With that, our gear appeared out of nowhere next to us. We all prepared to leave the area.
We were greeted by 6 Ayleid guards. The Seducers and Saints had killed them within seconds. We reached Kalis’s throne room.
“Oh dear,” Kalis said. He raised his hand. Next thing I know, my entire party and Sheograth were lying next to the point where we were captured.
“My guards are still there! Ah well. I’m sure he will send their heads, Then I can eat brain pie!” Sheograth said. The child walked over to him and hugged him. “What…is it?” Sheograth said scarily, staring down at the child. “I must go. I believe Haskill has something for me.” With that, he vanished, and the boy fell over due to hugging thin air.
Chapter 10Edit
As we were pondering our location, I spotted a man on horseback coming my way. When he approached, I recognized him as Sir Carodus.
“My lord!” He shouted. “The priory was attacked and destroyed! The other eight knights are following back there. We were able to get away, but 25 Ayleids attacked the priory. I’m sorry, but it is destroyed.” He said.
“We must get back to Cyrrodil! The lives of the people there must be in danger!” I said quickly.
“But, my lord, you are in Cyrrodil.” The knight said.
I was confused. How am I in Cyrrodil, when a second ago I was in Morrowind?
“The Priory is just a couple of miles behind us.” The knight said.
An hour later, we arrived at the ruins of the priory. I walked over to the ruins and saw the nine ghosts that were previous Knights of the Nine.
“We tried to guard the priory, but there were too many. A magic using Ayleid used magic and put us to sleep to prevent us from attacking, so we were sleeping while they attacked.” One of the ghosts explained to me.
“It is OK, my friend.” I assured him. I went to my companions and told them to start setting up camp.
The next morning, I awoke and heard Dawn calling out for the child.
“Child! Where are you?” She yelled.
“What is it, Dawn?” I asked her.
“That boy has disappeared! I am looking for him.” She answered.
I went and asked Ada and Gran if they had seen the child that morning. They said no.