"Blasted rain just couldn't wait until I'd gotten to shelter!" Nyxalinth pulled her fur lined cloak more closely about her as she hurried down the street. It had been threatening to storm all day, and she'd hoped that it could hold off a bit longer. It had been a light, drizzling mist when she'd entered Vanshire's east gate, but now, it rained steadily.
"Dammit," she grumbled under her breath. The wind picked up, blowing cold sheets of rain right into her face. All around her the townspeople hurried to shelter from the pouring rain. The lucky ones had horses, and those luckier still rode in fine carriages.
"It could be worse," she told herself with a sigh. "I could still be with Vex." She pushed aside the memories of the Daedra lord. There would be time enough to torment herself with memories later, after she'd found the Angry Porcupine.
At last, soaked to the skin and chilled to the bone, she reached her old hangout. "Perhaps the fond memories I have of this place will chase away my blues."
She opened the door and stepped inside. The inn was much quieter than she had remembered. Usually, on any given night, the place was packed to capacity with adventurers and mercenaries of all stripes. But she only saw a few unfamiliar faces scattered here and there like leaves on a still pond. Sighing, she pushed her hood back. She shook the water from her silver brown curls and moved to the bar.
The barkeep was busy serving one of the patrons. While she waited, Nyx studied herself in the mirror behind the bar. 'I look like the proverbial drowned rat,' she thought with a rueful smile. 'Would you still desire me if you saw me thus, Lord Vex? And what of your spider Daedra minions?' She shook her head, for she knew that it wouldn't deter them in the least. Nyx knew that it wasn't merely her looks that drew Vex to her: it was her. Even so, she had to admit that even soaking wet, she wasn't half bad: long, curly brown hair, turquoise eyes, and intriguing half-Elven features. She was perhaps a bit plump, but pleasingly so, and the leather armour she wore showed her figure to advantage while still offering protection.
"'Pon my soul, you're soaked to the skin!" the innkeeper exclaimed. Nyx grinned ruefully. "Tell me something I don't know, old friend." And they exchanged a hug of greeting. "I feared for your life! Where have you been?" Nyx's smile faded. "I--I, er, it's a long story." "Well, you go and get into some dry clothes, do you hear? Your favourite room is available, so just take it. Then come down and have some dinner, and an ale or two." He shook his head. "You look like you've been to Oblivion and back."
"You'll never know how right you are," she told him, and went upstairs to change.
Nyx went upstairs to her room. It was her favourite because she and Nightshade had spent their first night together here.
She smiled at the memory. She had been so afraid! She'd heard all the stories: girls being seduced into giving up their virginity and being abandoned, girls forced along with their lovers into sword point marriages by angry parents, girls getting pregnant. Worst of all, she had half-feared that Nightshade would be disappointed by her lack of experience. She knew that Nightshade wasn't a bounder, nor would her father be angered. Not that he hadn't cared--far be it. He was simply wise enough to know that his daughter, at the age of seventy-five, was old enough to make her own decisions. And she was smart enough to be careful--she knew the precautions. Still, she had worried.
There had been some pain (something she hadn't considered!) but after the pain, sweetness. It hadn't been as exciting as the romantic stories she'd read made it out to be. Nightshade explained that things like that took time, despite what the stories had said.
"How long?" she'd demanded, full of curiosity and innocent desire.
Nightshade chuckled and pulled her close. "Who knows?" he asked, kissing her nose. "But there's one sure way to find out!"
Nyx grinned a little at the memory. Outside the inn, the wind was whooping it up, and lightning flashed, painting the room with blue-white light. 'Sheogorath's having a time of it,' she thought, grinning a bit wider. If there was anything that the Prince of Madness enjoyed more than storms (other than his one brand of mad mayhem) she couldn't think of it.
The half-Elven shadow walker stripped off her soaking wet clothes and hung them over the chairs to dry. Then she put on suede pants and a jerkin over a bright blue blouse. She untangled her wet curls and put on dry boots. Almost as an afterthought, she pulled a large bottle of some reddish-black liquor out of her pack. Joel, the innkeeper, collected fine liquors, and he was sure to appreciate this one--if Nyx didn't drink it all telling her story. She took one last look around the room, sighed, and went downstairs.
She took a table by the fireplace. A few minutes later the innkeeper brought her a meal: rabbit stew, brown bread, yellow cheese, ale.
"I have Crow watching the bar," Joel told her.
"All right. I brought you a little surprise, old friend." She smiled wryly and put the bottle of reddish-black brandy on the table.
Joel's usually sleepy blue eyes widened. "Is that--?"
"Daedric blackjack? May Sheogorath strike me mad if it isn't," Nyx said with a grin.
Joel grinned back. "It's too late, dear. You've been as mad as a hatter for years," he teased.
"I must be, because I actually like hanging around here," she shot back, and they laughed.
"Eat your lunch before it gets cold," Joel told her.
While Nyx ate, she and Joel made small talk. The innkeeper, like others of his kind, was a wellspring of gossip, news of the land, and amusing anecdotes. Nyx listened attentively, then asked, "So who's the latest crop of fools--I mean adventurers around here? Other than myself, of course."
"Hmmm. Let's see." The slender innkeeper leaned back in his chair. "There's a dark-Elven jake named Balefire." Joel always called any men he met 'jakes'. The women he always called 'janes'. Nyx suspected it was an old habit left over from his mercenary days. "Most I can say for him is, he's an interesting fellow."
Nyx grinned. "Go on."
"There's a couple of janes, too. Two elves, J'layah and Twilight. And a human lady named Mea Culpa." He chuckled. "She and Balefire are sparring partners."
"Ahh. So that's what they're calling it now?" 'In that case,' she thought wryly, 'I'm one of the few mortals who can claim a Daedra lord for a sparring partner.'
Joel leaned forward again. "Something tells me you've got more on your mind than who's who in the tavern."
Nyx sighed. "Yes. It's a long story, and a private one. could we talk elsewhere?" She looked around at the few patrons, then back at Joel. "I don't want this getting around."
In the years he'd known her, Joel had never seen Nyx looking so unhappy...except, of course, when Nightshade's death still weighed on her heavily. He patted her shoulder. "Come on. We'll go to my office."
Nyx nodded, and Joel led her to the small storeroom that doubled as an office.
"Crow, keep the bar!" he called to his beak nosed assistant.
The young man looked up from wiping down the bar. "Right, Joel."
The small room was crowded with furniture and cabinets and gods only knew what else. The hearth in the kitchen made it pleasantly warm, but in summer, the heat could be stifling. But now, with the storm raging outside, it was pleasantly warm.
"Have a seat," he told her, clearing a stack of books off a chair next to the desk.
Nyx sat down, and Joel took the chair opposite hers. "I think I'll need a little liquid courage to tell this tale, but not too much, mind you," she told him.
Joel nodded. "A little blackjack, then?"
She smiled. "The irony will be good for my blood, friend."
Joel looked up from pouring. "Eh?"
"You'll understand shortly., Joel." She took the glass he offered her and sipped. She paused before swallowing, savouring the cinnamon-blackberry taste of the liquor. It had been a while since she'd had Daedric blackjack. A thin line of fire ran down her throat to her belly, making her shudder.
"All right," she said at last. "Remember me telling you about my nightmares about that handsome jake with the green hair? The one who would invade my dreams and seduce me?"
Joel nodded. "I do at that, Nyx."
"Well, he's real enough. He's a Daedra lord named Emerald Vex. Or, at least, that's what we call him. Julianos only knows what his true name might be. Anyway, the dreams had a purpose. He was testing me."
"Testing you? For what?"
Nyx blushed, looked away. "He was looking for a consort...a mortal. And I fit his model of what that should be."
Nyx didn't have to see Joel's face to know that he was utterly flummoxed. "Begging your pardon, Nyx, but you hardly seem the type," he said at last. "You're pretty enough...but don't they...I mean don't they usually want someone more, well, worldly and jaded?"
She smiled. wryly. "He'd already had his share of that. And depraved sorceresses, too. He wanted someone more innocent, but with some experience, with intelligence. Someone who wouldn't give in without a fight. And when Zerith said 'If you take her, you have to take me, too', Emerald Vex said 'Fine by me'. And so we were both his captives."
"Gods," Joel said softly.
She drank more blackjack. "Oh it gets better, or worse, depending. He had two very loyal minions--Red, and Blackie. Of course, I doubt that's their truenames anymore than I'm Princess Morgiah. But they'd picked up the names from their hair colour."
"What were they?" he asked.
"They..." She swallowed. "They were spider Daedra."
Joel started. His elbow struck the bottle of blackjack, nearly tipping it over. "Oh, gods...they didn't...I mean, I've heard stories...did he let them..."
Nyx sighed. "I fear so, Joel. Thank the gods that he didn't let them do me any time they wanted, or I would probably be in the looney house right now, instead of chatting with you."
He smiled weakly.
Nyx went on. "Zerith and I finally found a way to escape. There was a summoning here, in the mundus. Vex was going to send one of his lesser minions--a morphoid Daedra, I think--to serve the summoner. Zerith and I were there when it happened." She closed her eyes, summoning up the will to go on. "Zerith shoved me through the portal. He wanted me to come home." Tears ran down her face. "Gods only know what Emerald Vex has done to him!"
Joel patted her back reassuringly, and Nyx took a deep breath.
"So now I'm here. I'm trying to find a way to get Zerith back, if I can. And in the meantime, I know--I just know--that Vex has sent Red and Blackie after me. They'll drag me back to him, but only after they've had their share of fun with me." She sobbed. "But I'd gladly face them, if it meant I could save Zerith!" And Nyx finally broke down in tears.
Joel held her close until the sobs ran their course. When she finished, he gave her his handkerchief.
Nyx blew her nose. "The only good thing is that two spider Daedra will be hard to miss. Red and Blackie are smart, but it's pretty hard to hide eight legs under a cloak." She smiled a little.
Joel smiled back, relieved. "Stay here at the inn for as long as you like. I'll try and help you find some people to help you out with this. The Mage's Guild--"
"Wants more money than I can really afford."
"Ahh. I see. Don't worry, Nyx. We'll think of something."
'Hopefully before those two catch up to me,' she thought, but she only smiled.
The next morning, the rain had not abated a bit. Nyx had slept like a rock, even through the worst of the storm. She chalked it up to the effects of the blackjack and being in a place where she felt safe. She dressed and went downstairs to breakfast.
The door to the Angry Porcupine suddenly flew open and banged against the wall. Startled, Nyx nearly dropped the biscuit she was eating.
"Ware the wind!" Joel scolded the pair coming in. "Tis blowing fit to carry off a dragon!"
"Sorry about that," said the taller of the two men. He grabbed the door and closed it firmly.
Nyx sighed deeply. "I am far too jumpy these days," she mused. 'Maybe I need to lay off the coffee.' She glared at the coffee pot as if it were the cause of all her troubles, then watched the pair cross the room and settle in at a nearby table.
"At least the scenery is nice,' she thought with a wry smile.
The new patrons were both male, and quite attractive. One had long, raven dark hair, amazing blue eyes, and fair skin--a Nord. He wore gleaming Mithril chain mail, and an elegant scimitar was buckled onto his belt.
The other was a High Elf ranger, with rich coppery red hair. He wore mottled green and brown leathers. A fine yew bow was slung across his back. Nyx could see that his eyes were dark and stormy grey, like the skies outside.
'Nice, very nice indeed!' Her heart was still with Zerith, of course. But Nyx knew that had the situation been reversed, and the patrons female, Zerith would've admired them all the same! 'Nothing says I have to be blind, after all.'
Still, thinking of how Zerith was yet under Emerald Vex's thumb while she roamed freely dampened her mood. Every mage's guild she'd spoken with had outright refused to help her, or else had charged such an exorbitant fee that they might as well have said no. She hoped that the mages here in Vanshire would prove more co-operative. She sighed deeply and sipped her coffee.
Outside the storm raged on. They were barely into First Seed, and it poured rain fit to flood the Alik'kir Desert. Usually, it was still a bit blustery and snowy at this time of year.
Thunder exploded from a sharp flash of lightning, making her jump out of her skin. She looked around, blushing, hoping that no one had seen her. She smiled when she saw that the two patrons near her had also been startled witless.
"That was close," the elf told his friend. "We're in for a time of it, Jeren."
The Nord nodded. "That we are." He glared out the window, as if he could stop the storm by staring it down. "I grow weary of this rain, Kestral. Two days of nothing but storms, and it's barely First Seed!"
'My feelings exactly,' Nyx thought. She went to pour another cup of coffee, but the pot was empty.
"You shouldn't be sitting all alone," the elf said to her. Nyx looked at them evenly.
"Maybe I like being alone." In truth, she didn't. She desperately wanted to have company. Even though Joel had told her last night that enjoying herself once in a while would do no harm, Nyx wasn't so sure.
"You don't look like you do," Jeren added. "In fact, you look very unhappy."
"I--I just have some things on my mind," she said softly. She didn't wish to be rude, but she really wasn't in a good mood. She stared down at her empty cup, hoping that they'd give it up.
Silence. Then came the sound of chairs being pulled back, and footsteps. And then they took the booth seat across from her.
She tried her best to glare at them, but it was no use. Already, she could feel her mood lifting.
Kestral smiled. "You may have things on your mind, dear, but moping isn't going to fix them. So you might as well enjoy yourself."
Nyx was about to protest when Jeren added, "And if you can't enjoy yourself, enjoy us!" He winked.
She felt a grin coming on and tried to hold it back. She'd almost succeeded when Kestral added, "In case you haven't noticed, we're flirting with you!"
They laughed when a big (and, Nyx was sure, a most certainly dopey) grin split her face. "All right. I'm a sucker for blatant honesty. You're right. Moping isn't going to solve a thing. I"m Nyxalinth, but call me Nyx."
Jeren smiled. His teeth were dazzling white, and, Nyx noticed, a little strange. The eye-teeth were a bit sharper looking than she'd seen before. 'Vampires? Werewolves, maybe? Well, as long as I don't let them get me alone, I'll be fine.' She considered. 'No, not vamps. They can't stand daylight, and storm or no, it's morning out there.'
"My name is Jeren," he told her. "I'm a Spellsword out of Wayrest. My friend is Kestral, a ranger from Sumerset Isle."
Kestral grinned. He too had rather pronounced eye-teeth. Nyx made a mental note to definitely not let them get her alone. "Now that we're properly introduced," the elf said, "would you care to join us in a glass of sherry?"
Nyx grinned, and the words fell out of her mouth before she could stop them. "I'm not sure that we'd all fit!"
To her delight, the pair laughed. She blushed when Jeren said, "Well, you could sit on my lap!"
"And where would Kestral sit?" she asked, playing along. Perhaps Joel was right. This was the most fun she'd had in days!
Jeren grinned. "He could sit on your lap! Elves don't take up much space."
Kestral grinned. "We take up enough, my friend."
Nyx understand the double entendre at once. "Oh, my!" She buried her blushing face in her hands, giggling. They laughed with her.
"I take it that's a yes," Jeren said. His blue eyes danced.
"To the sherry, yes," she said archly. "But to anything else, I am quite taken."
"Just our luck," Kestral said, his grey eyes bright. "They prettiest woman we've seen in days is taken."
"Lucky bastard," Jeren added.
The barmaid returned and set the brimming glasses on the table, then departed.
"A toast," said Kestral.
They raised their glasses. "To Nyx, the loveliest lady here. She's made being cooped up during a storm so much nicer!"
Nyx laughed. "And here's to Kestral and Jeren, for making me smile"
Perhaps the storm wasn't so bad after all!
The storm cleared the very next day. Almost immediately, the weather resumed its normal pattern for early First Seed: an almost bone-numbing cold.
Although finely crushed gravel had been scattered over Vanshire's cobblestone streets, Nyx had very nearly slipped and fell twice on her way to the Mage's Guild.
The message to meet with the Archmagistress had come early that morning. Nyx had eaten a quick breakfast then put on her very best clothes: a blue velvet day gown and a blue cloak lined with black fur. The only weapon she carried was the small bodkin tucked into the bodice of her dress. With Red and Blackie out there, searching for her, it was better to be safe than sorry. And a dagger was better than nothing.
Nyx made it to the guild without incident. Had it not been for the mages of all races and types coming in and out the door, Nyx would've mistaken the place for a large, comfortable looking house.
She was about to open the door when Jeren and Kestral came out. Their faces lit up when they saw her in fine clothes.
"Well, look who's here!" Jeren exclaimed, grinning.
'If his smile gets any bigger,' Nyx thought, amused, 'the top of his head will fall right off!' "Hello, Kestral, Jeren. What brings you here?"
"Jeren and I were seeing if the Guild had any new missions to offer. We have a job to go and find some rampaging atronach. I think it was a fire atronach?" He looked to Kestral, who nodded.
Kestral looked me over, smiling. "Might I say that you look very lovely?"
"Why thank you." Even as she said it, she blushed. "Well, good luck with your adventure. When do you leave?"
Jeren smiled wickedly. Again, Nyx was struck by his eye-teeth, and how long they were. "We leave the day after tomorrow. Perhaps you'd like to come with us?"
'Not a good idea,' Nyx told herself firmly. Jeren and Kestral were handsome, charming, and fun to chat with, but she wasn't sure she trusted them. It wasn't just the eye-teeth. Something about them made them seem...a little too fun. A little too perfect. As if they were actors performing a carefully rehearsed role.
Still, there was no need to alienate them needlessly. After all, Nyx had been wrong before, and she could be wrong now. She grinned. "I'm afraid that I'll be very busy for the next few days. But maybe I'll help you celebrate your victory."
"What could be more important than spending time with friends?" Kestral asked. "Come on, Nyx. Meet us back at the Porcupine for some brandy."
Her smile faded. "My business is far more important than you can imagine," she said softly. "I'll see you later." She opened the door.
Jeren touched her arm. For some reason, the touch of his gloved hand made her shiver. It wasn't entirely unpleasant. "Is there any chance that we might be able to help?"
Nyx shook her head, tears welling in her turquoise eyes. "Pray for me, my friends. Ask Mara to have mercy on my beloved." She went into the Guild. closing the door firmly behind her.
She had to pause then as her sadness overwhelmed her. She leaned heavily against a stone column as the tears trickled slowly down her face. Nyx pressed her lips together to stifle a sob. 'Blessed Mara, let this be the day! You are goddess of love, let my beloved return to my side!'
"Missstresss? Are you unwell?"
With a start, Nyx opened her eyes. Standing before her was a young Argonian apprentice, a female. From what Nyx knew of the Argonian people, the females were smaller and duller in colour than the males. That and the obviously feminine jewellery the creature wore gave it away.
"I--um...yes. I mean, no. I'm not unwell." Nyx swiped hastily at her tears and smiled at the apprentice.
She wasn't fooled. "Isss there anything I can do for you? Sssome refreshmentsss, perhapsss?"
Nyx shook her head. "No, but thank you. I'm here to see the Archmagistress."
The Argonian bowed. "Ahh, yesss. Come thisss way."
Nyx followed the apprentice down an elegant corridor. The floor was carpeted forest green, the walls were painted sky blue. Nyx found the colours peaceful without being dull. Gleaming brass sconces held enchanted candles that would never burn down. Paintings of mages were hung on the walls every five feet or so. One was of a stunningly beautiful Redguard woman, her silver-streaked ebony hair done in ornate braids.
"The missstresss," Nyx's escort told her.
Nyx nodded. The woman in the painting seemed stern, but there was a kindly gleam in her warm brown eyes. Nyx's hopes rose.
"What is your name?" she asked the Argonian.
The young woman smiled, revealing sharp white teeth. "I am K'ltyssa." She extended her hand. Nyx noticed that the green palm was as smooth as her own.
She laid her palm atop the K'lthyssa's. "My name is Nyxalinth." She smiled a little. "I will mention your kindness to the Archmagistress."
The apprentice smiled again. They stopped before a brass bound oak door. 'All this brass must keep the apprentices busy,' Nyx thought wryly, remembering her own apprenticeship days. K'lthyssa knocked on the door with a delicate, green scaled hand.
"Enter." The voice was deep yet unmistakably feminine.
K'lthyssa opened the door and bowed low to her mistress, then gestured for Nyx to go on. The apprentice closed the door behind the shadow walker and departed.
"Thank you, madam, for taking the time to see me today," Nyx told her.
The Archmagistress extended a dark, slender hand. Nyx touched her forehead to the ring of office the woman wore. "please, sit down my dear," The lady told her.
The Archmagistress extended a dark, slender hand. Nyx touched her forehead to the ring of office the woman wore. "please, sit down my dear," The lady told her.
"Thank you, madam." Nyx sat in and overstuffed chair covered in blue velvet.
The office was quite elegant. Blue velvet draperies hid the large picture window behind the desk. Still, a bit of yellow-grey daylight managed to creep in around the edges. Shelves of books lined the walls, and the floor was covered in ornate blue and red rugs. The desk itself was solid mahogany, as was the padded chair behind it. A globe of all Tamriel sat in a golden stand next to the desk. Nyx could see High Rock, Hammerfell, and part of Skyrim on it from where she was sitting.
The Archmagistress was tall and even more lovely in person. She wore elegant flame coloured robes trimmed in blue. The red of the robes made her copper-brown skin seem all the richer. Except for silver wings above each temple and a few streaks running through her elegant braids, there were no signs of her age. "What can I do for you, dear?"
Nyx had fully intended to stay calm in telling her tale. She did very well, even when speaking of Red and Blackie's depravities. And then she came to the part where Zerith had pushed her through the portal.
"We could have both escaped if he had waited!" she sobbed. "We were so close! But he pushed me in, and I found myself in a summoning circle in some town in Alcaire. Every mage's guild I've spoken to has turned me down!"
The Archmagistress gave Nyx a white silk handkerchief. Nyx wiped her eyes with it, then blew her nose. "I'm sorry," she sniffled. "You must think me a whining fool."
"Not at all, dear child. And I would love to help. But this is a small town, and our resources and knowledge are limited."
Nyx sighed. She was being turned down. Again. 'I'm actually getting used to this,' she thought cynically.
"However," the woman went on, "I do know of someone in Aldingbury who can help."
Hope filled Nyx's heart once more. "You do? Oh, madam, thank you!" She jumped to her feet.
The Archmagistress held up her hand. "Hold, if you please. the sage I am sending you to is on expedition, as yet. He won't be returning for a few weeks."
"If at all," Nyx mumbled.
"Have no fear, Nyxalinth. I have known Aloysius for many years." she smiled. "He's not what you would expect from a sage. He is also a Spellsword, and he's perfectly capable of taking care of himself. You will find him at the Baron's palace there."
Nyx nodded. "Then I will go to him a few weeks hence."
"In the meantime" the Archmagistress continued, "perhaps you could do us a small favour."
"Of course," Nyx said without hesitation. After all, this was a great boon that she'd been granted. Red and Blackie were out there, in mortal guise, no doubt, tracking her down. And when they found her, they would return her to Emerald Vex. But first, they would exhaust all the possible yet unspeakable pleasures that they could get from her. "It's a small price to pay," she added, and she meant it.
"One of our apprentices bit off more than he could chew recently." She toyed with a jewelled seal breaker as she spoke. "He had just completed his course on Daedrology. His instructor had said that the lad was particularly gifted, especially in the summoning arts. Bright, curious, always asking questions." She shook her head. "We should have seen it coming."
"What happened?" But Nyx thought that she knew.
The Archmagistress sighed. "He took it upon himself to try his hand at summoning. The particulars are not important, but the end result is."
'He summoned a Daedra," Nyx concluded. "And I assume that he didn't just get a scamp."
"It was a spider Daedra."
Nyx cringed as a shudder ran down her back and up again. "What--what of the boy?" 'I can guess what happened,' she thought, cringing again. 'Ahh, the poor lad.'
"We found his partially eaten remains. The rest was thrown around the chamber, making quite a mess. We had to use magicka to get that room cleaned up."
"How--how did you know that it was a spider Daedra?" Nyx asked.
The Archmagistress made a face. "Other than certain...particulars that I'm sure you don't want to know, several witnesses saw the creature as it fled the Guild. Apparently it was more interested in leaving the area than in causing more chaos." She paused, looking over the seal breaker. "It departed town and we think it's taken up a lair in the Zorumax caverns. And there you have it." She tossed the seal breaker back onto the desk.
'A seal breaker,' Nyx thought wildly. She bit the insides of her cheeks. "I'll do it," she said. "It's only a day's ride from here. When should I go?"
"As soon as you can, dear. DiBella knows we don't need that vile creature roaming freely." She stood up.
Nyx got to her feet as well. "Thank you, madam."
The Archmagistress smiled. "It is my pleasure. I wish you luck in everything, child."
Nyx met with Jeren and Kestral back at the Angry Porcupine.
"You certainly look happy," Kestral noted. He scooted over in the booth to make room for her.
Nyx sat down next to him. "I'm very happy. I've a mission of my own now." And I'm one step closer to bringing Zerith home,' she thought, and smiled.
"Have you made contact with your prey, Shaard?"
The red-haired spider Daedra shifted uneasily. He longed to have his true form returned to him--two legs was getting rather cramped--but he nodded. "Aye, my lord. Azdreth and I have seen her. But we don't dare play our hand yet."
The Daedra lord reflected in the mirror scowled, twisting his handsome features. "And why is that, might I ask?"
Azdreth broke in at this point. He too was growing impatient with this mortal-seeming form, and eager to be rid of it. Two legs were so grotesque, not to mention clumsy! "She is in a town, my lord. It seems not a minute goes by that she isn't surrounded by some fools or others." Sensing his lord's impatience, he added, "You yourself told us not to grab her, lest we be seen by those who know her story, and know who has done it."
The lord's eyes--far greener than any mortal's could ever be--narrowed as he considered his minion's words. "You are correct, of course," he told the raven-haired Daedra. Then he smiled, a smile that was both razor-sharp and charming at once. "And I take it that you enjoy the chase."
Shaard answered with a wicked grin. "But of course, my lord Vex."
Azdreth's own smile was cruel. "And we look forward to taking our reward once we have her, as you promised."
"I ask only two things of you, my friends," Lord Vex said in a dangerously silky voice. "I want her physically intact--no missing parts, no broken bones, no nasty scars. And secondly, I want her with sanity intact. The two of you could drive Sheogorath to sanity!"
The spider Daedra snickered lewdly as they contemplated all that they could do with her. "As you wish it, my lord," Azdreth told him.
"It had best be that way," Vex warned them. "The last time you disobeyed me was very painful for you, was it not? I will not hesitate to remove all your legs again if you disobey me. And again, I will start with the ninth legs that you are both so pleased with!" And he grinned cruelly as he watched them turn pale and shuddering.
"We hear, Lord Vex, and will obey," Shaard said in a trembling voice.
"Very good. I do dislike to harm you, for you are my favourites. Now go, I will be waiting." The image faded from the mirror.
Shaard regarded his brother. "Let us be done with this!" he hissed. "I grow impatient with this awkward form, and I grow impatient to sate myself with her body!"
Azdreth nodded. "As do I, brother, but we must be patient. I thank Sanguine that we are half-breeds, and not so impatient as our lesser brethren, for we would have surely failed in this!" His smile was more of a leer. "But I agree, and the memories of what we enjoyed with her before torment me! Let us be off, now, and see what we can do to move this along."
"Maybe we can find a wench to satisfy us in the meantime, eh, brother?"
"Maybe, but will be a poor substitute indeed..."
No sooner had Nyx sat down with Jeren and Kestral than the barmaid brought over three glasses of brandy. Nyx smiled wryly at her companions. "Now there's self-confidence bordering on arrogance," she remarked to the barmaid. "I told them that I *might* be returning for a drink with them."
The barmaid laughed. "And a cheeky pair they are, too! Meghan told me that the other night, she had to give this one--" She pointed to Kestral "--a good cooling off when he wouldn't stop pinching her bottom!"
"And a lovely plump one it was, too!" Kestral told her.
Nyx couldn't resist asking, "So what did she do?"
Jeren laughed. "She said, 'Methinks ye need cooling off, my fine Elflord.' And she dumped an entire tankard of ale over his head!"
Nyx laughed heartily. The idea of the Elven ranger soaking wet with ale made for quite a picture in her mind. "Well, you did deserve it," she remarked to Kestral, who was scowling.
"Maybe. Worst of all, your bartender friend didn't even say boo to her!"
"Joel isn't for scolding his employees in the open," Nyx told him. "But I'm sure you at least got free drinks. The last time something like that happened, Joel said that the drinks were on him."
"Actually, the drinks were on me!" Kestral said with a small smile. Everyone broke up laughing again.
"Will there be anything else?" the barmaid inquired, smiling.
"You, upstairs with me later?" Jeren teased.
She shook her head. "Sorry, sir. I've a man of me own." And she walked off, hips swaying.
They watched her depart, then turned their attention back to Nyx. "A poor substitute at best," Jeren said, "for the lovely lady in our midst."
Nyx blushed. "I think Annie is quite pretty. Prettier than me, for sure."
"It isn't always pretty, my dear," Kestral added. "We're also drawn to your spirit, what makes you who you are."
Nyx smiled. "Well, enjoy it while you can. I've a long, rough mission ahead of me."
"What will you be doing?" Jeren asked. He sipped his brandy.
She sighed. 'Should I tell them any of it? I guess it can't hurt to at least tell them what I'll be doing, if not where I'm going.' "The Mage's Guild wants me to hunt down a spider Daedra that escaped a summoning. The person summoning shouldn't have been doing it, but when was the last time that stopped anyone?"
Jeren started, nearly knocking over his brandy. 'De ja vu,' Nyx thought. 'That was Joel's reaction.' Kestral's grey eyes widened.
"What-"
"You're going-"
"One at a time!" Nyx said. "Yes, you heard me. It's not like I haven't dealt with them before. I had to deal with two at once, so one will be easy enough." Seeing their expressions, she teased, "Oh, come on. It's not what you think." 'Actually it *was* what they think, but damned if I'm going to tell them that!'
Kestral looked at her in awe. "Two, and you yet leave to tell of it?"
She nodded. "I didn't kick their butts so much as I escaped. And with those two, that counts for as much of a victory for me." She shuddered.
Jeren nodded. "My. Do tell us more. We've never met any, you see."
"Be glad of it. You both are quite good looking, and they'd have found you both very appealing. I'm sure you know about their...urges."
"We've heard stories," Kestral said dryly.
"Were you afraid of them?" Jeren asked.
Nyx nodded. "I'd have to be insane not to be," she told him. "Although I wasn't sure what I feared more, being their dinner, or being their dessert, if you get my meaning."
Kestral smiled. "I think we do."
"What was worse is that I found out that they were half-bloods--spider Daedra-mortal crossbreeds." She shuddered.
"Why is that worse?" Jeren asked her. His eyes were glued to her face, absorbing every word.
Nyx drank her brandy. "Well, they're smarter--not that spider Daedra are stupid to begin with. And they're more stable, more focused, and they have greater patience. And that makes them very dangerous. Fortunately, those crossbreeds are rare. Thank Mara!" She closed her eyes. "If you don't mind, I'd rather not discuss it further right now."
"Fine by me," Jeren said.
"We didn't mean to torture you with old, unpleasant memories," Kestral told her. He cleared his throat. "Might we come with you tomorrow? We've never encountered one."
Nyx began to say no, but stopped herself. She knew that if she refused, they would keep at her till she changed her mind. Nyx sensed a stubborn streak to these two. So she said, "I'll give it some thought, and I'll let you know in the morning." She stood up.
"Where are you going, lady?" Jeren asked her.
"You just got here!" Kestral protested.
Nyx smiled, shaking her head. "I have things to do before tomorrow, so I have to go."
For an instant, Nyx thought she saw a crafty gleam in Kestral's grey eyes as he said, "Well, could we at least get a thank you for the brandy? Maybe a hug?" But the look was gone as quickly as it was there.
'I must have imagined it,' she thought as she let Kestral wrap his arms about her. She hugged him back, even as a shudder rippled down her back. 'He seems familiar somehow, especially the way he holds me.'
Kestral released her, and she hugged Jeren. The Spellsword also seemed familiar in some vague, almost unpleasant way that sent a shudder down her spine. 'If he tries to kiss me, he's gonna get a big surprise,' she thought grimly.
But he didn't. In fact, they both had behaved like perfect gentlemen.
"Well," said Nyx, still trembling a little, "Thanks for the brandy. If you see me tomorrow after dawn, it means I decided to take you along."
Before they could reply, Nyx picked up her cloak and left the inn. For the first time since she had met them, Nyx wanted to put as much space between herself and the handsome pair as she could.
"Remember, cause and effect. If you are scared, the horse will be too!"
Kriella Khan looked at the Dreadknights before her. For the past few hours they had been jousting to improve their horsemanship, but none of them seemed to understand that the horse had feelings of its own. Similar to magic, if the horse did not want to do something, nothing would happen. And if you were scared of whatever you were running at, the horse would not run.
Kriella turned as she sensed someone walk up to her. It was a Dreadknight from one of the other Fists. She didn't know what he wanted, but it was clear he was awaiting her permission to speak. She nodded at him.
"Dreadmaster Khan," he started breathlessly. "You are summoned to stand before the Master!" She dismissed the man and then looked at the knights in her own Fist. They would need another lesson. At least. She picked out one of the more promising students and told him to continue the lesson. She turned and walked towards the Tower.
Very rarely did the Great Lord call upon his subjects. For most, the only time they ever met him was when they first left the Labyrinth. A few met him a second time, to be promoted to Dreadmaster. Even rarer were the ones who saw him more than that. More than twice usually meant promotion to Dreadlord, but Kriella could not imagine Tenaka having been killed whilst on recruitment. She would not marry someone weak.
Entering the Tower she felt the familiar draining of Magic from her. It had been the same the other two times she had entered. As a Dreadmaster, she had been required to touch the jewel that drained the magic from occupants when she was promoted. A deep blue, the Breath of Heaven was slightly cold to the touch. She did not know how it worked. She did not really care.
She waited outside the Great Lord's chamber. The large, ornate, double doors loomed over her whilst she awaited the courage to knock. Eventually she did and she heard His voice in her mind. 'Enter'. At the sound, the two doors swung open, seemingly of their own accord. She braced herself and then walked into the room.
"Dreadmaster," said the figure sat on his throne before her. "I have a mission for thou. Dost thou accept?"
"Of course, Great Lord," she replied. She silently thanked all of the gods that her husband was not dead.
"It has come to my attention that a large number of Spider Daedra have escaped into Tamriel. Thus far three have been counted, but there may be more. Thou art to hunt these three down and do whatever thou canst to discover why so many are suddenly surfacing. If thou hast the time, also inquire as to the Dreadlord's whereabouts!"
"Of course, Great Lord."
"The first of the three has been tracked to Vorumax Caverns in Minevia. I shalt open a Window for thou. Stand ready!"
Kriella stood back. Where she had stood, a window in space appeared. Through it she could see the entrance to the cavern in question. She could have constructed the Window herself – it was an ability given to all Dreadknights – but for the fact that she had never been to the place before. The Great Lord did not have this problem. He was in every place at every time. She tried not to think about that (the paradox always confused her) as she stepped through the Window.
(Nyxalinth)
The caverns were a few mile's ride outside of town. I'd left shortly before dawn and I reached the caverns by midmorning.
Outside the smallish mouth of the limestone cave was a confused tangle of vines, weeds, and spider webbing. "He's here, all right," I muttered, and pulled out my little handaxe.
Spider Daedra didn't weave webs per se, but they could weave nets and snares to trap their victims if they wished. This one had used his webbing to cover the mouth of the cave. Then he had taken advantage of the natural ground cover to hide his handiwork.
"Clever bastard," I said with grudging admiration. I began chopping up the tangle of webs and weeds. The webbing wasn't sticky, but it did have the annoying habit of getting wrapped around my handaxe.
Though the day was coolly overcast, I soon worked up a sweat. The webbing and weeds didn't just extend across the cavern mouth, they went into it for almost an entire foot. I would have burned my way through, but I didn't want the smell to alert the Daedra. Of course, he might have already known I was there, but why take chances?
At last I cleared it all away. the entrance to the cave was dark and so jagged that I almost hesitated to go inside. I shook my head. "You're an adventurer, not some superstitious peasant. It doesn't matter if the cave mouth looks like a dragon's mouth, an orc's mouth, or a rat's mouth. You're going in there.'
But it wasn't the cave itself that bothered me, it was what was waiting for me inside the cave. I'd had just about enough of spider Daedra to last me several lifetimes. I'd dealt with Red and Blackie, and an area of Battlespire, The Caitiff, had been infested with them. And then, of course, was Vorn, their self appointed master, who--
I wouldn't think of that right now.
'Still,' I thought, peering into the tenebrous cavern ahead, 'if those adventurers that Joel was always yapping about were here, this would be much easier!'
I sighed and pulled a glowstone from a pouch on my belt. the yellowish gem flared with soft golden light. It was my first attempt at creating my own magical item, and I was still quite proud of it. My Mithril sabre, potent against Daedra of all kinds, had been created shortly before I entered Battlespire.
I ducked into the cave opening. Once inside, I discovered that someone had attempted to do some mining here at one time. the walls and ceiling were shored up by old, decaying timbers. Even as I looked at them, a sprinkle of dust and small rocks showered down. Oh, lovely. If the spider Daedra doesn't get me, the cave in will.
The timbers were laced with delicate webs belonging to large, but perfectly normal spiders A large black one stared at me from a web littered with the corpses of unfortunate cave insects.
A tunnel branched off to the west. Rocks and bits of Silver, too small to be of value, littered the floor.
I detested mapping, so I was glad that I had set a recall spell back at the Angry Porcupine. I'd set it for just inside the taproom, just in case I was injured or captured. That way, I could escape to safety if need be.
I peered down the tunnel and saw more of the same: beams, dust, rocks and spiders. 'If this was a story, the reader would die of boredom,' I thought with a grin. 'But right now, boredom suits me just fine.'
The light from my glowstone cast murky shadows. They danced along the wall like darksome imps, following me and mimicking my every move. The light did little to chase away the surrounding gloom, but I could see enough to go on.
I moved down the tunnel as silently as I could. The light gleamed off delicate veins of silver embedded in the walls. It was too little to be worth much, but it was pretty to look at.
It was cold and damp, even with the thick woollen cloak I was wearing. I shivered and moved on, wishing I could have worn more. But heavier armour would've made too much noise.
Air currents whispered and chased each other, adding to my disquiet. My keen ears caught snatches of words: "--come find me...before I find you..." I shuddered, then shook my head. "I didn't hear that," I told myself. "I'm just nervous, is all. and why not? None of my encounters with these creeps have been pleasant."
A wicked chuckle echoed down the tunnel from the darkness ahead. "Mortal." He said this in the teasing, singsong way that a bratty child might torment a younger, weaker sibling. "Come and play with me, mortal. Don't worry...I won't eat you. I've already had my lunch!" There was a lewd giggle. "But you'll make a nice dessert!"
"Fat chance, spider boy!"
Silence.
I forced myself to relax. Even so, the sabre in my hands rattled lice teeth in a tin cup. With great force of will, I forced myself to stop shaking. I took a deep breath, and got moving again. "All right," I told myself. as I moved on. "I'll be fine. I have to be fine. Zerith needs me." I nodded to myself. I was still trembling, but thinking of Zerith helped. There was nothing that I wouldn't do for my beloved. 'Oh, love, how I wish you were here!'
Something dark and glistening on the mine floor caught my eye. I didn't want to look, for I was pretty sure that I knew what it was. But some masochistic urge made me kneel down and confirm my suspicions. I touched a finger to the slick stone. It came away wet and tacky, smelling strongly of copper. It was blood.
I cursed in dark Elven, Tamrielic, and a little Daedric thrown in to boot. Some poor misguided fool had wandered too close to the cave, or perhaps it had been some hapless animal. Either way, the spider Daedra had been telling the truth: he'd had his lunch.
I sighed raggedly. "Don't worry, you twisted bastard," I growled. "I *am* for you. And I'll knock your ass so far into Oblivion that when you come back, your clothes will be out of date!"
"Do you always talk to yourself?"
I leapt to my feet and drew my sabre in one fluid motion. I lowered it, but didn't put it away, when I saw the speaker.
In spite of the heavy black armour of a Dreadmaster, I could tell the speaker was female. Ruby red eyes regarded me through the slits in her helm, and she carried two Daedric Katanas. They were beautiful weapons. I knew that her group? were an honourable, if warlike bunch. I smiled crookedly. "Not as a matter of course. Most often when there's no one about." I sheathed my sabre and extended my hand. "Well met. I am Nyxalinth, of the Shadow Walkers."
She clasped my hand in greeting, then released it. "I am Kriella Khan, Dreadmaster" She pushed up her visor, and eyed me a tad suspiciously. "To be honest, I didn't expect to see another person here."
Kriella was quite pretty in the exotic way that dark elves have. I smiled and said, "That makes two of us. We seek the same quarry, I think. Might we work together?"
The Dreadmaster was about to answer when the spider Daedra giggled from somewhere in the darkness. "Oh, it must be my lucky day!" he yelled out cheerfully. "Two mortals to play with! Find me if you can, ladies, I have a *big* surprise for you!"
"I'll just bet you do," I grumbled.
"I have a surprise for that fiend," Kriella growled. "Two Daedric Katanas!"
Apparently, the fiend heard her, for he giggled and said, "And I have a Daedric Dai-Katana to show you, girls!" His lecherous giggle left no doubt in our minds as to what he meant.
"And I'll cut it off!" I snarled.
Kriella grinned for the first time. "You'd have to get in line, I fear. Let's move on. I think his taunts come from this direction."
The two women stalked into the cavern. Kriella was surprised that there was another with the same mission as her. Of course, their partnership would probably end as soon as they left the cave – Nyxalinth's interests were probably far from her own as far as her husband was concerned. What had surprised her the most was that their had been a glimmer of recognition in the Shadow Walker's eyes when they had first met – few had heard or would recognise one of the Dreadarmies. She was either very well educated or had been offered membership at some time. If time allowed she would inquire into this.
Nyxalinth's glowstone lit the way well and they could see much on the floors of the cavern. Not that there was much to see – mostly bones of some half-eaten creature and a few that looked decidedly too human for Kriella's tastes. This beast must indeed have had many meals here. Behind her she heard a faint sound and turned. There was nothing there and she was about to put it down to her overactive imagination (she had not been in Tamriel for years – not since first entering the Labyrinth) but then she saw that Nyx had also turned. There had been something there.
Steeling themselves they walked on. They did not speak to each other as even though it was clear that their quarry knew that they were here, it was likely that it was not the only thing inside this place. The few skittering sounds she heard from the distance did nothing to lessen her suspicions. She would have thought that the Daedra would have eaten all of its neighbours by now.
Kriella suddenly noticed that the cave was getting hotter and realised that they must be heading down. As they walked on she removed her helmet and held it under one arm while she wiped her sweating brow with the other hand. Feeling no need for the helmet anymore, she quickly placed her hand within her cloak and opened a small Window back to her rooms in her Master's city. Placing her helmet on the bed, she reached out and her hand grabbed two round objects. Smiling, she withdrew her hand and closed the Window. Handing one of the two apples to Nyx, she crunched hard on the other.
They were still going downwards. Ever downwards. And the heat was still increasing. She knew only little about Spider Daedra, but it would be hard to fight in this heat. Perhaps the Daedra liked it, but she knew that it was this way. From the moment they had first set off after hearing the creature's boasts and threats there had been no turnings. Not a single one. This cavern seemed very unnatural, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why.
Suddenly the noises all stopped. There was no change to the feeling of the place, just the sudden silence. She silently cast a spell to detect any creatures in the vicinity, and found nothing. Feeling this a good time to begin to get to know her new companion better she voiced a question.
"So, Nyxalinth. Tell me a little about yourself. Judging by the atmosphere of this cave, we could be together for a while."
(Nyxalinth)
I considered my partner's question, and thought of her affiliations. From what I knew, the Dreadknights were honourable, and so I decided she could be trusted. I decided I didn't care what she thought of my past, for like as not, her lord would call her to other duties. "Well, let's see. My beloved, Zerith, is a mage-scholar. They make it their business to know all things about Tamriel that they can, including various fighting orders. I noticed the look on your face," I explained.
Kriella nodded. "I see. And what brings you here to stalk this Daedra?"
I shrugged. "Typical mage's guild gig. Actually, I asked them for the name of a scholar who could help me in my quest. In return, they asked me to do them this little favour. I've fought these bastards before," I said, my mouth set in a grim line.
Kriella wiped her dusky brow. "Mark my words, but one would think that Zenithar has his forges in here! So, how is that you have fought these beasts?"
I sighed. "I attracted the wrong sort of attention about a year ago. A Daedra Lord named Emerald Vex decided I'd make an entertaining companion. To insure my co-operation, he held my beloved captive as well."
"I see. Continue."
I looked around at our surroundings. It had gotten more shadowy here, in spite of my glowstone, and the heat was unbearable. A small pile of animal bones were piled in an alcove, bound together with webbing. I sighed. "Well, I escaped, with Zerith's help. Had he waited, we could have escaped together. I intended to seek help in saving him immediately, but then I received an invitation to visit my brother, Josian Kaid. He was in training at Battlespire to become an Imperial Battlemage." I was pleased to see that Kriella looked somewhat impressed. "He said that the mages there would be willing to help me, in exchange for the knowledge I had gained. I went, but I didn't expect to see what I found."
"What did you find?" she asked. Her eyes darted to the side, and I knew she had seen the animal bones and webbing, too. An attempt at decorating?
I swallowed at the memory. "Carnage. Daedra had invaded the Battlespire."
Kriella stopped dead in her tracks and peered at me sharply. "Do you mean to say that you are *the* Nyxalinth? The one who defeated Mehrunes Dagon? And that is where you have battled spider Daedra?"
I shrugged, a slow blush creeping over my face. "I did it to save my brother," I said simply.
Her ruby eyes held a glint of admiration. "We have heard of your deeds, Nyxalinth. Many younger Knights--" She suddenly stopped. "Did you hear that?"
I heard nothing at first, but then my ears caught a soft, scuttling sound from behind the bones. It was soft, it was stealthy.
And it was deliberate.
"Back away!" shouted Kriella. She grabbed my arm hard (I would be bruised and sore later) and yanked.
The bones and webbing exploded outward, crashing against the far wall. A large, all too familiar shape scuttled out to meet us.
The spider Daedra, like others of his kind, was a bizarre blend of repulsive spider body and attractive male humanoid upper body. His black hair was in wild disarray, his crimson eyes danced with feral glee. He leered at us almost affectionately before he charged me.
Kriella was shocked at the sight of the Spider Daedra hurtling towards Nyx. Enthralled by her story, and impressed at her accomplishments, she had failed to notice that her detection spell had ended, and thus failed to detect the beast's approach. It seemed to be ignoring her completely, focussing all of it's energies on Nyx – perhaps it too had heard of her.
Kriella drew both her blades silently and began to creep around behind the thing. It still had not noticed her approach. She poised herself, ready for the moment to come. And then it did. The Daedra raised its arms to swing at Nyx, and Kriella leapt forward. Yelling her battle cry of "Carai en Caldazar," she flew towards the beast's unguarded waist. At the last possible moment, her presence seemed to register and the beast turned, absently swiping her out of the way to land in heap at the far corner of the cave.
Nyx had taken the opportunity of the Daedra's distraction to attack it herself. Quickly and silently, she drew her sabre and ran towards the creature. As it turned towards her again, she lunged towards its masculine chest. Unable to bring its arms to bear again so quickly, it reared up on its back four legs and spewed out webbing. Nyx was forced to back off, slashing at the new threat. She then ducked to avoid the fire she saw flaming towards her.
Kriella had managed to rise again and bring her not inconsiderable magic to bear. The fireball she had created had flown straight towards the Daedra, smashing with the force of a galloping horse into it's back. However, the ball turned out to be larger that the Daedra, and the edges had continued on to fly towards Nyx! Kriella saw this threat and quickly opened a Window next to her. Next to Nyx she could see the other side also opening. As soon as it was large enough, she pulled Nyx through the hole in space (much to the Shadow Walker's surprise). Quickly, she closed the Window before any of the fire could lose its way again. "Sorry," she whispered to Nyx. She looked over and smiled. She had injured it. Its back showed scars from the flames.
"Nyxalinth," Kriella continued. "You know how to kill these things. Do so. I will distract it." Nyx nodded at her. She was over the shock of passing through the Window. It appeared that she had known that these existed. Kriella quickly opened a second one and walked to the front of the creature again. As it stared at her, seeming to not have noticed the exchange behind it, it seemed surprised. It did not know where Nyx was. Now was the perfect chance.
As she watched Nyx walk up behind the creature, Kriella wove her magic into an illusion. To the Spider Daedra it appeared that her clothing and armour had disappeared. It gave a smile and walked slowly towards her. That would be its downfall – its own unique appetites. Kriella just hoped that Nyx hurried with what she had to do.
Nyx walked up to the creature, savouring every step. Kriella watched her eyes, not wanting to see what was within the Daedra's. She saw hate in the Shadow Walker's eyes – hate for these creatures, hate for all Daedra. No fear – she had clearly gotten over that long ago – just pure, simple hate. Kriella felt a knot in her stomach. She was glad to have Nyx as a friend. There was nothing more to be feared than an enemy's righteous wrath. It enabled them to do anything, without conscience, without fear that what they may be doing was wrong. Nyx showed righteous wrath in her eyes now.
Nyx raised her blade and held it in both hands, blade pointing down from above her head. Just as the Daedra reached out with its arms to the naked image of Kriella, she plunged the sword down, through the creature's back and into its heart. It gave one scream as Kriella dropped her illusion and it realised that it had been tricked, fell to the floor, shuddered once and died.
Kriella put away her blades and held out her hand to Nyx. "Well done, partner. I am merely glad that you did not leave it too much longer. That thing was getting far too close for comfort. There was something I had intended to tell you before that beast interrupted. My husband is the Dreadlord – I see from your eyes that you know of the title. Like all Dreadlords before him, he was taken to Oblivion for his promotion. He has been there. He can open a Window to there again. He can take you to Oblivion!"