Aftermath

(Nyxalinth)

I stared at Kriella, not daring to believe my ears. "You--he does? You would be willing to help me, just like that?"

Kriella nodded. "You demonstrated great skill and courage in dealing with that fiend. You are deserving of our help." She smiled reassuringly. "You need not have feared I would think ill of you for having been the toy of a Daedra Lord. I could see in your eyes that you fear it." She patted my arm. "It was not of your choosing, and you are no coward for having given in. Cowardice would have been killing yourself to escape him, and leaving your lover to Emerald Vex's whims."

I nodded, for there was truth in her words. "I am glad that you understand. For now, let us return to the inn. I must make ready to travel to Oblivion!"

Kriella's next words put a dent in my armour, as the saying went. "Hold, friend. My husband will not return from his mission for some time. We must wait for him for he knows how to travel there, not I."

I sighed deeply. "It's been this long. I suppose I can wait a little longer."

"Fear not, Nyx. We will help your beloved. And if not," her mouth formed a grim line, "Emerald Vex will pay most dearly."

During the two hours it took to return to the Angry Porcupine, I regaled Kriella with chatter about Zerith. "He's a mage scholar, as I said, but he knows how to fight. Zerith has always thought it important to be able to use swordplay in addition to magic."

"A prudent decision," Kriella agreed. 'Is your beloved handsome? My Tenaka is, and no one can come close to him, but I would hear of your Zerith."

I smiled brightly. "To me, he is, in a thoughtful, scholarly way. He's actually half dark elf, and half high elf, so he has auburn hair and dark blue eyes. He still has the dusky skin, though." I clicked the reins so the horse would pull my rented cart a bit faster.

"I could open another Window," Kriella suggested.

"No, I'm enjoying the countryside, unless you feel a need to hurry," I told her. She shook her head, and I continued. "He's not big, like a warrior, but he has a wiry, muscular build, like a dancer, I guess you could say. And I love him very much."

"You must, to go through all this for him."

"I do. Look, we're almost back to town! Having someone to chat with other than myself has made this trip more than tolerable."

Kriella smiled. "I'm glad we met, Nyxalinth."

I grinned crookedly. "So am I, friend."

I returned the cart to the stable I rented it from, and we walked the rest of the way to the Angry Porcupine. "I'll buy you a drink," I told her as we walked in the door.

"Sounds good to me. But I buy the next round."

"Hey, no complaints here!"

Eyes followed us as we crossed the room. The admiring glances were for both of us, for different reasons: I was tall and voluptuous, while Kriella was tall and muscular. We took a seat by the fire.

A barmaid took our order and departed. "I should tell you about two friends of mine," I began. "They strike me as rather odd, and I need to know if I'm on the right road with this, or if I'm just paranoid."

"Go right ahead," she told me.

"Well, they day after I got here, I met two adventurers, a Spellsword and a ranger. Their names are Jeren and Kestral." I looked around to make sure no one was close by, then said, "I told you how Red and Blackie are stalking me in human guise?"

The barmaid returned and served us our ale. When she had departed, I had a sip, then went on. "I think that Kestral and Jeren might be Red and Blackie."

"What makes you say that?" Kriella asked. "I'm not doubting your claim, I just want to know what led you to that decision."

"I understand. Well, most of it's plain old intuition. I knew Red and Blackie very well--too well, you could say."

"Gods, I pity you."

I nodded. "Yeah. Well, it might be coincidence, but Kestral has reddish-auburn hair, and Jeren has raven black hair. And Red and Blackie didn't get their nicknames because they're chess pieces."

Kriella grinned, and I returned the smile. I went on. "Also, spider Daedra, as you no doubt saw, have very pronounced fangs, almost like a vampire's. They're quite venomous. They have a rather nasty paralysis poison. I have a story about that, but that's for later." I sipped more ale. "Anyway, when I first met Jeren and Kestral, I noticed that both of them have rather pronounced eye-teeth. I did consider the possibility of them being vamps or loupes, but it didn't add up."

"I see. I don't think you're crazy. Maybe a little eccentric," she teased.

"You don't have to be crazy to be an adventurer, but it helps," I said, and we laughed. "The last of it is, right before I went on my little visit to Mr. Spider, they gave me a hug." I shuddered at the memory. "It gave me the creeps. It felt very familiar, feeling them next to me like that. Familiar in a very unpleasant way."

Kriella was about to comment when a familiar voice called, "Ah, the lovely lady returns! And she has a friend."

The dark elf raised a brow at me. I nodded as Kestral and Jeren joined us at the table.

Back At The Inn

(Nyxalinth)

I considered telling Jeren and Kestral to buzz off, that this was a private conversation, but a look from Kriella stayed my tongue. she wanted to see what bothered me for herself, and that suited me just fine.

Kestral grinned, giving me a fine view of his teeth. "We're glad to see that you made it back in one piece, my dear."

"Might we join you?" Jeren asked. He too grinned, exposing those sharp eye-teeth.

I nodded. "Of course. Just let me get up and make room"

"No need," Jeren told me. He plopped cheerfully down in the booth next to me, trapping me against the wall. Kestral eased in next to Kriella. The Dark Elven Dreadknight gave him a sharp look.

"You are welcome to sit by me, but I am spoken for, and will tolerate no shenanigans," she told him.

Kestral gave her his most charming grin. "A lucky sod, to be sure." Kriella bristled but said nothing. It was obvious that both of them were making her as uncomfortable as they were making me, especially Jeren. The feel of the Spellsword pressed next to me in the booth gave me a weird crawling feeling, as though bugs were squirming under my skin. It was all I could do not to climb over him and flee.

The Nord Spellsword waved a barmaid over. She was all smiles until she saw the two men. "Ah. Tis you again. Don't make waste Joel's good ale on you again, Master Elf!"

"'Twas but a pinch, lass!" Kestral protested, his grey eyes dancing.

Meghan put her hands on her hips and said, "Aye, and a pinch leads to a tumble later! I'll be having none of it, thank ye." she smiled at me. "Be ye wanting the usual?"

I nodded. "Ale for all of us." I grinned wickedly as I eyed Kestral. "And bring a fifth one, in case our friend needs cooling again!"

Everyone, even Kestral, laughed at this. I thought for a moment that I might have been wrong in my suspicions, but then Kestral's grey eyes narrowed at me, filled with cruel anticipation. 'Just you wait,' those eyes seemed to say.

I swallowed. I was relieved when Jeren changed the subject saying, "So how was your mission? And who's your new friend?" He studied Kriella with great interest, but it was not the interest that a man stared at a beautiful woman with. Rather, he seemed to be sizing her up as a potential opponent.

Kriella smiled coolly. "I am Kriella Khan," she said with equally cool politeness. "And Nyxalinth accorded herself with honour and bravery against the vile spider Daedra."

I smiled, blushing under her praise. "Your illusion was of great help, friend," I told her.

Kestral and Jeren suddenly seemed highly uncomfortable for a moment. Finally the wood elf said, "Well, it's good to see you made it back. We'd hate to know that you perished at the hands of such a fiend."

Kriella shook her head. "Nyxalinth does her job well. Even if I had not been there, I am certain that she would have defeated the beast without difficulty. She is, after all, the Heroine who recovered Battlespire."

"I see." Jeren stood up. "You are most formidable, my ladies. We hate to drink and run, but we just wanted to stop by for a bit.

Kestral stood as well. "Well see you later...we hope." They left the taproom.

"Well?" I asked Kriella.

She nodded. "When Kestral sat next to me, I just wanted to crawl out of my skin. I don't know if they are Red and Blackie, but something is definitely wrong with them."

"Well, at least I don't have that 'bugs crawling under my skin' feeling anymore. And this might sound crazy but when Jeren was sitting next to me, I kept getting this crazy idea that Blackie would come bursting out of Jeren's skin like one of those horrid parasites that live in Black Marsh." I shuddered.

She shook her head. "What are you going to do?"

I quaffed the last of my ale. "I need to make sure--absolutely sure--that my suspicions are correct. I don't want the blood of innocents on my hands, but this has gone on long enough. I'm going to find out who they are, and what they're up to. I'm going to break into their room."

"Would you?" asked Nyx.

"Of course. What are friends for? Besides, I still owe you one for that creature in the cave. Let us await their return and then you can leave. How long do you think that they will be gone?"

"How long do you think two men could stay away from two gorgeous young women like ourselves?" They both laughed.

"I don't know about you," said Kriella when she finally stopped. "But I am not young anymore."

It was not long before the two men returned and Nyx rose and walked over to her friend, Joel. The two men walked to intercept her, but Kriella rose to stand before them. "Come on, boys," she said. "Nyx has to go visit the Mage's Guild again, but I am still here."

"I thought that you were spoken for," said Kestral with a smile. Kriella suddenly found herself agreeing with Nyx again – it was the same smile the Daedra in the cavern had given her when it believed her naked and defenceless.

"I can be flexible," Kriella replied. "I am hardly exclusive." The two men looked at each other and grinned.

(Nyxalinth)

"You want to *what*?"

"Shh, Joel! Keep your voice down!" I glanced around to make sure that no one had overheard us.

He shook his head. "Nyx, no. You're a dear friend, and I want to help, but I can't let you into a paying customer's room!"

"All right, then." Mouth set in a grim line, I grabbed Joel's skinny arm and almost dragged him to the back office. I shut the door behind us.

"Just what are you doing?" he demanded.

"Listen to me, Joel. I'm not doing this for my amusement like I did when I was younger! But if you don't give me the keys, I'll have to break in there myself."

We stared at each other for a long moment: Joel's usually warm brown eyes were cold and flinty, mine no doubt were pleading yet stubborn. I didn't *want* to break in.

But I would if I had to.

At last he relented with a sigh. "All right. I can see it in your eyes. I'll give you the key." He rummaged throughe his apron pockets for the skeleton key he always carried. "But why is this so important to you? Tell me that much, and the key is yours."

"I think that Kestral and Jeren are Red and Blackie."

Joel's ruddy face turned as pale as a midnight moon. "Surely you're mistaken."

I shook my head. "I wish I were." I explained to him everything that had happened. When I finished, he still wasn't quite convinced so I said, "No doubt you've noticed that there a fewer mice about. And then there's the matter of the missing pets."

Joel made a little moue of disgust. "Yes, I see your point. My little terrier, Harry, went missing, and then Meghan's kitten. But I never would have figured..."

"Well, what did you think spider Daedra did? Send a runner to the restaurant down the street for lamb chops and chips?" I sighed. Foot in mouth strikes again. "I'm sorry, Joel. It doesn't prove anything, but it is awfully suspicious."

He looked down at his feet. "All right," he mumbled. I realised then that this wasn't just the issue of letting me into a customer's room. He believed me, and it was the idea that they could catch me, that they would...well, that bothered him the most. "But do me a favour and take your well-armed friend."

I shook my head. "I like Kriella, but this mission calls for stealth. Besides, she's busy distracting them for me." I smiled wryly. 'I hope they don't push her beyond her tolerance. No...I hope they do. It might be rather amusing. Pity I can't be there to watch.'

"All right," Joel conceded. He patted my hand. "Gods be with you. May you find the answers you seek."

I grinned and left the office.

On my way to the stairs I glanced over at Kriella and her company. She gave me a weary smile and made a throat-slitting gesture. Kestral and Jeren were currently pestering Darya, one of the other barmaids, and were too busy to notice. I grinned at Kriella and went upstairs.

Kestral and Jeren shared room number six. I wasn't too surprised to see that it was across the hall from mine. I looked around to make sure no one was around, then unlocked the door.

I went inside and closed it quietly behind me. I locked it, then called a door jam spell to mind. If they did decide to return, it would buy me some time to hide.

Kriella suddenly gulped on her ale. Jeren and Kestral were still occupied with the maid but a few minutes after Nyx went upstairs, her finely attuned magic picked up something. It had the feeling of a faint sound, but urgent. She looked over at Jeren and Kestral. They had both looked up at the same time – they had clearly felt it too. But she could sense little or no magic from them. Clearly it was an alarm spell, carefully attuned to their minds.

Kriella walked over to Jeren and draped herself on him, hanging from his shoulder. With her other arm she stroked Kestral's back. "Come on, boys," she said. "Leave that maid alone. Would you not prefer someone more mature, like myself." The two of them grinned and allowed the maid to get back to her work.

I took a look around. Two beds, neatly made and comfortable looking dominated the centre of the room. 'I wonder how they like sleeping lying down,' I thought with a grin. There was a small chest of drawers between the beds. A few personal effects--a spare dagger, a scattering of copper coins, and a pink leather bracelet were tossed across the top like some weird runes.

Smiling, I picked up the bracelet. Perhaps the boys had gotten lucky, and it belonged to the wench they'd tumbled. Then I saw that it bore a single, heart-shaped copper charm. Engraved on it was a name--Muffin.

'Meghan will be heart broken,' I thought. Muffin had been her kitten, an adorable ball of black and white fluff. I loved cats, so I sympathised whole-heartedly. 'Speaking of hearts, I'd rip theirs out for eating this poor kitten...if they had any, that is.'

I shoved the collar into my pocket so I could return it to the barmaid. I remembered the look on Kestral's face earlier, and I wondered...

Better not to think of that.

I pushed my morbid thoughts away and searched the drawers. I found nothing out of the ordinary: socks, tunics, underwear. 'I wonder how they like wearing underwear and pants,' I thought and smiled a little.

There was an armoire in the room. I opened it and searched through it. I found cloaks, pants, and boots. 'I'll bet that they hate these, too,' I thought with a grin.

Something light and gossamer fell down over me like a shroud woven of moonbeams. I gave a little shriek and flailed my arms, frantic to remove it. At last I snagged it off.

It floated to the floor and seemed to mock me in silken silence. I recognised it at once as one of Red and Blackie's capture nets.

So I was right. There was no doubt that the silk net was theirs--I recognised their weaving style at once. I Picked it up, amazed at how something so fragile and beautiful could have been made by *them*.

A key rattled in the lock.

Damn, but they're sneaky! I stuffed the silk back into the armoire and hastily closed the door. The click of the brass latch seemed much too loud.

"The lock is sticking," I heard Jeren ('Blackie, it's Blackie and you know it!') saying.

"Let me try it," Kestral (Red! my mind corrected) said, and the key rattled some more.

'Kriella, I thought you were distracting them!' I realised that I still held the kitten's little collar in my pocket. I tossed it at the dresser. It bounced off and fell to the floor.

"It's stuck pretty good," Red said. "If we're going contact Lord Vex before Nyxalinth gets away..."

"She's more clever than we thought," Blackie admitted. "And her friend trying to distract us was a good idea. A nice try, but we're not that dumb."

I scooped up the collar and put it on the dresser. I looked around wildly for a hiding place. The armoire? Knowing my luck today, they'd try and open it. The window? Not without my climbing gear!

The lock clicked open loudly. "Ah, there we go!" Red exclaimed. The doorknob began to turn.

I dove under the nearest bed. The blankets fell into place just as the door swung open.

"What are we going to tell Lord Vex?" I heard Red say.

Blackie sighed. "I don't *even* want to think of it, my brother."

I forced myself to take shallow breaths, for I was fearful that they might hear me. Dust bunnies were scattered under the bed. As I inhaled, this time a little more deeply, one of them made a beeline for my nose. Immediately, my nose began to itch and sting with an incipient sneeze. 'Oh, for the love of Arkay!' I groused silently. 'I'm about to be undone by a literary cliché!'

The urge to sneeze mercifully passed.

One of them flopped heavily down onto the bed I was hiding under. The springs sagged dangerously low, but that wasn't the worst of it. The dust bunnies were stirred up on the current of air.

This time I couldn't stop myself.

"Ahhh-choo!"

"Did you hear that?" Red asked.

"Yes, and it came from under the bed."

I'd never used my recall spell to return from Vorumax caverns. Now was the time. I caught a look of surprise on Blackie's face as he looked under the bed....

Just as I reappeared in the tap room below.

Kriella's eyes opened. As soon as Jeren and Kestral had walked away towards the stairs she had allowed her spirit to leave her body. She had tried to reach Nyx, to warn her of their approach, if all else failed to merely look at the room so that she could open a Window to allow Nyx to escape. But she had been unable to get past the shield that had constructed itself around the door when the alarm went off. She realised that she should have volunteered to go herself, but her abilities in Spirit Form were not as accomplished as those of many of the other Dreadmasters – not close to those of her husband who was even capable of capturing other bodies for a short time. She knew that she would not have had time to see everything that would need to be seen.

She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw that Nyx was sat next to her, with a worried look of her own in her eyes. She was clearly not familiar with Spirit Walking, or Astral Travel as it was once know. They were of course very different procedures with merely similar results. She opened her mouth to apologise for letting Jeren and Kestral get away but Nyx beat her to it in apologising for leaving her at their mercy. Kriella explained what had happened and then asked the question: "Well?"

"I was right," said Nyx.

Bare Steel!

"They must be killed," said Kriella. "Now."

"I agree that they cannot be allowed to live," answer Nyx. "But does it have to be now?"

"Yes. They clearly realise that we know about them, and they will make no attempt to hide themselves any longer. They will come straight for us as soon as they are finished upstairs. Do you know what they intend to do?"

"Yes. They went to contact Emerald Vex. That should take them no more than a few minutes."

"Then we have but a few minutes to prepare our ambush. Do they have any weakness that we can exploit? You know far more about them than I do."

"Not that I can think of, other than their lust. But Red and Blackie are half breeds. That makes them more intelligent and more in control of their … urges. They will be difficult to defeat."

"I feel a little irony would be appropriate then. Come with me. We can wait in your room."

---------

The two women sat on the floor in the centre of Nyx's room. They both sat in an identical pose, with crossed legs and knees touching and hands raised, palms touching. Nyx was concentrating on the magical trap that the two of them had created outside the door to Red and Blackie's room, Kriella was sat with her eyes closed, concentrating on something entirely different. Suddenly, a mist began to emanate from their raised hands and moved to form a grey square in the air between them. As the mist cleared, the vision of a black helmet could be seen in the air between their faces.

"Dreadmaster Khan," said a voice that seemed to emanate from the vision. "Why dost thou do this?"

"Great Lord, my need is great. I felt that I must confer with you."

"I refer not to the communication but to the presence of another. Speak, Shadow Walker. Who art thou?"

"My name is Nyxalinth, Great Lord." She did not know who this was, but she felt that using the same title Kriella had given was the best idea.

"Very well, Shadow Walker. I have heard tell of your performance within the Battlespire. Thou art worthy to converse with me. What is your request, Dreadmaster?"

"Great Lord," said Kriella. "Soon shall we enter combat with the last two Spider Daedra. I have discovered that these two are here on the work of the Daedra Lord, Emerald Vex. They are half-breeds. Great Lord, we had grave difficulty in defeating one standard Spider Daedra. These are apparently far more dangerous. I would request the use of a number of Dreadknights."

"Your request, Dreadmaster, is a worthy one and shall be granted. Thou art allowed eight Dreadknights from your own Fist. Surely ten should be able to defeat two of anything."

"Thank you, Great Lord."

"One final thing, Dreadmaster."

"Yes, Great Lord?"

"As soon as thou dost locate the Dreadlord, bring the Shadow Walker to his attention. I would have her tested for Knighthood, if she is willing."

"Yes, Great Lord." As Kriella spoke, the mist returned, covering the vision of the Great Lord of War. As soon as it was safe, Kriella dropped her hands and created a Window back to the city. The Great Lord had picked out the eight Dreadknights and they were awaiting her. They five men and three women walked through the Window and Kriella closed it.

"Dreadknights," Kriella said. "This is Shadow Walker Nyxalinth. You shall obey her as you would me."

"Yes, Dreadmaster," the eight replied in unison.

"You know that you are here to battle the Spider Daedra?"

"Yes, Dreadmaster. We have been briefed by Dreadmaster Venor." This time only one of them, the most senior Kriella recognised, spoke.

"Then let us await our prey." Nyx turned back to the door and concentrated on the spell again.

------

"Here they come," said Nyx.

"Dreadknights, bare steel!" said Kriella. She looked at the eight knights again. All in armour, it seemed that they had been ready for the summons. She tried not to concentrate on that, The fact that the Great Lord knew all, yet still deigned to ask question confused her. The eight knights looked resplendent in their well polished green, Orcish armour and red cloak that was the uniform of a Dreadknight. The eight of them drew their swords and buckled on their shields, all Orcish Longswords and Towers. Kriella did not know why the Dreadknight uniform was green – she had no like of the colour.

Nyx drew her own weapon and slammed open the door. Before her, she could see Red and Blackie at the doorway, seemingly about to knock. When they saw the ten armed warriors inside they grimaced and the illusion of their form was dropped. Before the ten fighters stood two true Spider Daedra, one with jet black hair and one red as a sunrise. The two of them stormed into the room. Their two usual enemies had become ten. Red gave Blackie a serious look. He had wanted to kill Kriella when they had the chance. He wanted to make up for this mistake and dived at the Dreadmaster, two Daedric Katanas gleaming in the light of the single lantern hanging from the wall. Blackie jumped at Nyx.

The eight Dreadknights split into two groups, the three women and one man going to assist Kriella and the remaining four men walking towards Nyx. Kriella had only moments to take all of this in, however, before she was battling for her life. Every blow that the Dreadmaster or her Knights gave, the beast managed to dodge or parry. Red was quick. She did not know about Blackie, but she assumed that the Shadow Walker and her four Knights were having similar difficulties. Only then did an idea strike her.

Shouting orders to the Knights under her command, Kriella moved slowly back until the creature was surrounded by the four Knights. It could no longer get at her and this gave her the chance to strike. Quickly she opened a Window that she could see also opening behind the Daedric beast. As soon as it was large enough, she plunged her two blades into the hole in space and smiled as she felt them pierce the Spider Daedra's flesh. It screamed and Blackie turned to see his brother die as Kriella removed her swords and closed the Window. As her four Dreadknights began to hack at the dying body, Nyx took advantage of Blackie's distracted state to plunge her own sword into his back. The second brother screamed and the other four Dreadknights also went at it. The battle was over.

The eight Dreadknights each wiped their swords on a piece of cloth they carried for the purpose and kissed the blades in the ritual of victory. The senior Knight spoke up. "An honour to serve, Dreadmaster. An honour to serve, Shadow Walker." Kriella nodded and Nyx mimicked her. The Dreadmaster opened a Window and the eight returned to the city to continue their training. They dragged the two bodies back with them.

"Nyx," said Kriella.

"Yes?" she replied.

"I believe that you have to inform Joel that he now has an empty room."

Victory Defeated

(Nyxalinth)

I stood and stared around me for a moment, shaking as the strength of battle left me abruptly. I leaned against the wall, panting a little. "They're gone," I said flatly. I'd seen it with my own eyes, and yet, I couldn't believe it. I'd even participated, and I couldn't believe it.

Kriella nodded. "They're gone, Nyx." She smiled reassuringly.

"Not forever though." I hitched in a sigh. "Did you know that Daedra never truly die? Their spirits are cast into the Darkness for a while. And after a time--months, years, sometimes centuries, they come back." I swallowed the lump of lead in my throat. "They always come back." My voice, on the verge of tears, broke, and I wept.

Kriella was uncertain of what to do. She was a warrior, not a priest, and words of comfort did not come easily. Then she realised that words were not needed. Heedless of the mob of curious patrons rushing up the steps, she embraced her friend.

I accepted Kriella's hug gratefully. I'd been carrying this around for months, not daring to let it go, lest I weaken myself. But now that Red and Blackie were gone, I could let it out. "He's coming for me, you know," I told her. "Vex."

She nodded. "When he gets here, we'll deal with him, too," she assured me.

I shook my head. "I barely survived the Daedra lords I encountered serving Dagon. And Vex's power far outdoes theirs. Rumour has it--" I broke off, hearing what sounded like the entire town guard stomping up the steps.

It was a mixed mob of bar patrons, guards, and one or two mages led by Joel. Remembering Kriella's words, I smiled weakly and said, "You have a vacancy, Joel."

He looked around. "What in Oblivion happened in here? It sounded like a battle!"

Kriella and I looked at each other. "Joel, the guards and the mages may stay. So can you. As for the patrons--" I gave the barkeep a handful of coins. "The drinks are on me."

The curious patrons whooped their thanks and tromped back down the steps.

The guard sergeant looked at us curiously. "Ladies, I received word that there was a fight going on up here. Would you care to explain?"

We took turns explaining a cleaned up version of the battle. I didn't want any one else to know of my shame, and Kriella respected that. The guards nodded then departed, satisfied.

Joel sighed. "I'm glad that they're no longer a threat, Nyx."

I nodded. "So am I. But you might wish to--"

Kriella looked at me closely. "Nyx? What's wrong?"

"We have to get out of here!" I cried. "He's coming--I can feel him!"

"Who?" Kriella asked, but the look in her eyes told me she knew.

"Emerald Vex. He--" And suddenly, the floor vanished beneath me. I had time to let out one choked scream, then all went dark. Lord Vex's ominous laugh followed me into the void.

Kriella couldn't believe her eyes. "Nyx!" She rushed for the hole, meaning to follow, but it sealed up neatly, revealing no trace of where it had been. "NO!" She fell to her knees and though in her mind she knew it was futile she tried to pry the boards apart with her hands.

"Lady," Joel said softly. "Naught can be done from here."

One of the mages said, "It was a gate into Oblivion. And we haven't the power to help, for we are but apprentices."

"I am sorry," said the other, and they departed.

Kriella struggled not to weep. she had saved Nyx from Red and Blackie, only to have their master take her instead. Finally, she got herself back under control. "I have to wonder," she said through gritted teeth, "why he simply did not do that to begin with!"

"I know not, lady," Joel said. His voice was thick with unshed tears. "Nyx once told me that powerful Daedra, such as the lords, prefer not to use their powers when they can send minions."

"And when his minions failed...Damn! But that Tenaka were here! He could take me into Oblivion!" 'For I have not the power to do it myself.'

A New Hope

Kriella looked around Nyx's room after Joel left. It was dirty from the battle with the two Daedra, but Nyx would not have minded. Her disappearance had had a startling effect on Kriella. For the first time in decades, she felt truly alone. The last time she had felt this way was when she was tested in the Labyrinth, but after that she had lived in a city with a population of several tens of thousands, and growing all the time. Her friend's abduction must be rectified.

But there was nothing that she could do. She had never been to Oblivion and could therefore not open a Window to get there. It was a completely different dimension so she could not use her Spirit Walking to go there for a look first. She would have to wait for Tenaka, but by then it could easily be too late. She felt a pang of regret that Vex had not taken her too. Together they could have triumphed – Kriella knew that. Besides, she had helped defeat the Daedra.

She turned at a squeak from behind her. The closet was opening. Silently groaning that there was more combat to be done, she quickly drew her two blades. Her surprise was great when she saw what appeared to be a Scamp walking out. It had its hands in the air, but Kriella could see a small, steel spear in the corner of the room.

"Who are you?" Kriella asked.

"Me Skudge," said the small Scamp. "Skudge friend of Nyx."

"Really. Well Skudge, I am Kriella. I am also a friend of Nyx. What are you doing in there?"

"Skudge hide. Skudge not like Spider Daedra."

"How long have you been in there, Skudge?"

"Long time. Skudge watch fight. Before fight, Skudge watch Daedra leave note."

"What note?"

"Daedra leave note on chest. Skudge not read note."

Kriella practically ran over to the chest where she could now see a note that nobody had noticed before. Of course, earlier they had been somewhat distracted, but that was hardly the point. It was the principle of the thing. She picked up the piece of paper and unfolded it. It was a short message and appeared to make no sense whatsoever – it would seem that Nyx had not revealed all when they were talking. She ran her eyes over the note again:

'Nyxalinth,

Know that the gratitude of the Dremora is unending. We are aware of your problems with Emerald Vex and one shall be sent to aid you.

Imago Storm, Prince Regent.'

Clearly Nyx had at some point helped out the Dremora, but what she had done, Kriella did not know. Probably something that had gone on in the Battlespire. There was only one problem.

If the Dremora were sending help, it would be a Daedra. The problem was that Kriella, like all of the Dreadarmies, was the sworn enemy of all Daedra. Skudge could, of course be an exception (he was hardly a threat), but something powerful enough to help against Vex certainly would be. There would be a clash. Her duty to her Lord, or her duty to her friend.

The Tale Unfolded

Kriella felt a tug on her cloak. When she looked down, she saw Skudge looking up at her with serious, beady red eyes.

"What note say?" he asked her. "You look like you not like."

Kriella shook her head. "No. I not like--I mean, I don't like it. Not at all. Someone named Imago Storm is sending a Dremora to help Nyx. Something about she did them a favour." Kriella fixed the scamp with a sharp gaze. "Do you know anything about this?"

Skudge said, "Nyx only do favour for one Dremora, as far as Skudge know. Favour made her walk funny. She say Rathine was 'a horny bastard'. Skudge not fully understand, but have good idea."

"So do I," Kriella answered grimly. Her tone must have alarmed the scamp, for he said, "She not want to, no! But she do, else Rathine hurt me, and not let her save brother."

Kriella sighed. Poor Nyx had something about her that made her a magnet for the more lecherous Daedra, it seemed.

Skudge tugged at her cloak once more. "Skudge know Nyx wrote in book. Book have story of all adventures. We find book, maybe it have whose story, too?"

Kriella considered. The scamp's words had merit, and she was surprised. She'd always heard that scamps were cute but dim-witted little clowns. "All right. Let's have a look around."

It didn't take them long to find the journal. It was in the trunk that the Dremora's note had been on. Kriella opened the trunk and sifted through clothes, extra weapons, and armour. The book was at the bottom. she opened it and began to read.

"What book say?" Skudge asked.

Kriella turned the page. "Well, she mentions finding you being attacked by several other scamps, about being fireballed by a Dremora, and..." She continued reading.

Several hours later, Kriella knew the whole story. She closed the book and replaced it in the trunk. Never had she read such an astounding story--Nyx had risked life, limb, and even her soul to free her half brother Josian from Mehrunes Dagon. She'd done things that Kriella would never have considered doing, such as trading her body to Rathine for Skudge's life. But Nyx was not a warrior, she was a Shadow Walker, and so different tactics for survival were called for. Reading it didn't make Kriella respect Nyx any less--in fact, she respected her friend all the more. To endure shame, pain, and sorrow to save those who were innocent, to avenge the mages, that was honour no less than what she herself possessed.

The Nobility Of The Daedra?

Kriella leafed through Nyx's journal some more. Amongst all the strange and wondrous--occasionally horrifying--entries about her adventures at Battlespire were Nyx's drawings. Here was a sketch of Skudge, steel spear in hand. A spider Daedra, leering and vicious. A horned male with striking violet eyes and an arrogant good looks--that had to be Rathine. Now she came across a Daedra female--not a seducer, but her striking beauty and sad expression were hard to miss. Deinarya Katrice, the notes read.

'Daeinarya, I can't!' I said.

'You must, mortal. It is the only way to rouse my lady Jaciel from her apathy!' The Daedra subaltern smiled sadly. 'It is not my wish to be cast into the Void. Truly there is no other way. And the fact that you would mourn my passing marks you as a friend, be you mortal or no.' She gave me the soul dagger...

Kriella looked up, blinking back tears Deinarya Katrice had been a Daedra serving Nocturnal, the same Princess that Skudge served. But she had been--Kriella struggled for the right word--noble. She had been noble. Moreso, the Dreadmaster reluctantly admitted, than many mortals she'd known. And then Nyx had presented the soul dagger to Jaciel Morgen, and Jaciel had responded with as much fury and grief as any mortal would, calling her a murderer, threatening dire punishments. All that had saved Nyx was her calm and wits. In the end, however, Jaciel took her friend's point and admitted Nyx to the next section of Shade Perilous. But before she did, she honoured Nyx by making her an Oathsister of the Nocturnal Clan.

The Dreadmaster continued reading. Now a parchment dropped out of the journal. It had been carefully folded and stashed between the pages. Nyx had been told by a Dremora that Dagon had captured her friend, and that she herself would be diverted to a special Hunt--with her as the prey. The Dremora also said that they would help her, when and if they could. And when Nyx passed into the realm of the Hunt, she found a note waiting for her.

Below this in a different hand was written, I wish you luck, dear Nyxalinth, for it would please me to see you again. We have a great deal of catching up to do--Dremora Rathine

Kriella made a wry face. "The Dremora have such a way with words."

"Skudge not like Dremora, specially Dremora Rathine."

Kriella smiled, shaking her head. The scamp, much to her dismay, was starting to grow on her a little. She supposed it had a lot to do with his loyalty to Nyx that bordered on ferocity. "Poor Nyx, I hate to think what that must have been like for her." She folded the note and tucked it back into the journal.

the journal went on about the Hunt, in which she defeated the Hunter in spite of his perfidy, and progressed to the next location. She met and spoke with Imago Storm, the Lord Regent of all Dremora and Dagon's Grand Vizier. Storm told Nyx how most of Clan Dremora, including Rathine, had grown displeased with Dagon. Imago storm also gave her the means to defeat him.

'And when it was over, and I held my injured brother in my arms, I was once again approached by Imago Storm.

"We Dremora are in your debt, mortal. Should you have need of it, one of us will come to your aid. You have earned the respect of Clan Dremora."'

Kriella set the book aside. It was so much more clear now. She didn't care to work with a Dremora, honourable or not. But she would do what she had to, at least until a better option presented itself.

"Kriella? You have food? Skudge hungry."

She shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't. But I'm hungry too. I'll have lunch, and bring something up for you."

Kriella had lunch and as promised brought back some things she thought that the scamp might like. "Skudge? I'm back."

The scamp was no where to be seen. The closet door was ajar once more. Why was he hiding again? Then she saw a tall, cloaked figure leafing through Nyx's journal.

"Just who in Oblivion are you?" Kriella demanded, her hand on her blade.

The figure turned to face her. He held the picture of Rathine up to his face. "An excellent likeness, no?" He cast back his hood and regarded her with cold violet eyes. "I am Dremora Rathine. I believe that you were expecting me."

Emerald Vex

(Nyxalinth)

"Ahh, gods, oh my head," I moaned softly.

Slowly, I forced my eyes to open. I wasn't entirely surprised to see that I was once again in the opulent bedchamber I'd occupied when I'd been Emerald Vex's captive.

I rubbed my head and slowly, the pain subsided. I remembered everything--the battle with Red and Blackie, then Emerald Vex dragging me back to his demesne in Oblivion. I smiled grimly at the memory of Kriella and I slaying Red and Blackie, but my smile faded as I considered Lord Vex's reaction. They had been his favourite minions, and he would not look kindly upon their deaths.

I pulled back the covers and I wasn't a bit surprised to discover that I didn't have a stitch on. Emerald Vex no doubt had confiscated everything, leaving me with not so much as a hairpin. I wrapped the silken bedclothes around me and shivered.

I didn't have long to wait before the door opened and the Daedra lord who'd haunted me for so long stalked into the room. His handsome features were arrogant and smug as he said, "Welcome home, sweetness."

"This is hardly my home, Lord Vex."

He only smiled, his green eyes alight. "I have missed your sweet presence terribly. Did you not miss me?" He caressed my cheek.

I smiled mirthlessly. "I missed Zerith, My Lord."

His full lips quirked. "Ahh, yes. Zerith. He is well, and shall remain so as long as I have your...full co-operation." The sensual light in his green eyes left me with no doubts about his meaning. I shuddered, and much to my shame, it was not entirely from fear.

He brushed his mouth lightly over my lips. Before I could stop myself I responded to him. He laughed wickedly and drew away. "But that is for later. We will get...reacquainted later, my lost love." His smile was cruel, and this time I shuddered in genuine fear. "Right now," he continued, there's someone who would like to say hello to you."

Zerith, oh please let it be Zerith, I pleaded silently.

Still smiling, Emerald Vex opened the door.

"*You!*" I cried, terror and horror overcoming me. "No! You're dead! You have to be!"

"Who told you that, lovey?" Red asked as he and Blackie moved into the room.

"We killed you!" I cried. I moved to the centre of the bed, shaking all over.

Blackie smirked. "Reports of our deaths have been wildly exaggerated," he taunted me. He turned to face his master. "Amazing the things that magicka can accomplish, yes, my Lord Vex?"

Emerald Vex smirked. "Indeed. You see, sweetness, Red and Blackie informed me of what was going on. I couldn't very well just leave them there to be hacked to bits by those tin-suited iron for brains warriors, now could I? So I removed them back to my realm and sent two magically disguised Vermai in their place."

Red nodded. "We would never be as stupid as to let anyone get behind us, least of all a Shadow Walker," he said.

Emerald Vex said, "Well, I leave you now to spend a little quality time with your old friends." He spoke next to Red and Blackie. "Enjoy her as you will. But I want no scars, no broken bones, and no insanity. You know the penalty."

"Yes, my lord. Aye, Lord Vex."

Emerald Vex smirked at me. "Fear not. I will return to comfort you." and he departed the room.

Red and Blackie closed in on me. Well, they wouldn't get me without a fight! I hooked one hand into claws and dug them viciously into Red's face, drawing his bluish-black ichor. The other hand I tangled into Blackie's hair and yanked it. Hard.

"OWWW!" screeched Red. "You'll pay, you little--" The rest was drowned out by Blackie snarling in wordless pain.

The black haired spider Daedra slapped me hard upside the head, so hard that my ears rang. I cried out in pain of my own and let go.

They pounced on me, knocking me out of the bed and onto the floor. I fought and struggled madly but to no avail. 'Some Dreadknight I'd make,' I thought wryly as they pinned me to the floor.

"You'll pay now, pretty one," Blackie growled.

Red leaned forward, exposing his venomous fangs. He sank them into my shoulder and as the paralysis overtook me, I snarled, "Do your worst!"

Red laughed viciously. "Oh, don't worry, lovey. We plan on it."

A Great Deal Of Catching Up

(Nyxalinth)

after Red and Blackie finally left me alone I wrapped myself up in the bed covers and tried not to weep. I felt as I always did after they had 'enjoyed my company'--like I wanted to die.

But as always, I settled for sleep. Sleep always helped. I wasn't a quitter, and I wouldn't let Zerith down.

I slept for gods only know how long. When I awoke, there was a tray of food waiting for me. I ate it, even though the food tasted like ashes in my mouth. I had to keep my strength up if I was going to deal with Red, Blackie, and Emerald Vex.

I knew the routine well. I finished eating, then walked through the archway into the bath chamber. It was the same as before--satisfy every dark passion emerald Vex had, sleep like a log, eat, then bathe. And it would begin anew. I moved stiffly, as I was quite sore and bruise. They'd never been quite this rough with me before. The water would restore me--it always did. Gods forbid that anything interfere with His Lordship's pleasure, I thought sullenly.

I glanced at my body in the mirror and gasped. There wasn't an inch of me that wasn't marked with bruises or love bites. I smirked wryly. Love bites, indeed. "They love me, all right. And if they loved me anymore, they'd love me to death!"

I bathed, and while the water healed my battered and bitten body it didn't make me feel *clean*. 'I'd have to be flayed alive for that,' I thought dryly.

I sighed. The water felt wonderful, but I couldn't sit in the bath forever. Emerald Vex would be here soon, and keeping him waiting wasn't such a hot idea.

I climbed out of the bath and dried off. There were clothes, but it was hardly the sort of thing you'd wear to, say, the Angry Porcupine. It was a black silk robe, the fabric so sheer you could read through it.

Before Zerith had pushed me through the portal, we'd both earned freedoms and privileges. We were allowed to roam Vex's manse unfettered, though there was always the chance that we could run into Red and Blackie. I had on a few occasions, but the few times I'd run into Zerith made it worth it. But now we were once again imprisoned in luxurious cages.

I put on the robe. It didn't surprise me in the least that every curve of my body was clearly visible. 'Zerith would love this on me,' I thought, and sighed. "I wish Zerith were here to see this."

"Perhaps if you accord yourself properly, my sweet, that could be arranged."

I turned, startled. Emerald Vex was lounging in one of the overstuffed chairs. He was wearing flowing green and black robes and a king's ransom in jewelry. His emerald green hair hung loose and shining to his waist. He held out an elegant hand to me, and I went to him.

I sat in his lap, and he kissed me. Against my will, my passions stirred. He chuckled and I gave him a venomous look.

"I have missed you sorely," he murmured. "I especially missed you in my bed."

"I have no doubt of it," I replied with as much respect as I could muster.

He chuckled again and pushed my robe open. "Well, we have a great deal of catching up to do. And if you please me, I'll let you see Zerith."

It took forever, but finally Emerald Vex was satisfied. Once again I was sore and tired, but as always, I had to admit he was talented. I lay in the circle of his arms as he stroked my back. Even afterwards, he couldn't leave me be.

But he said the words I longed to hear. "Tonight, at dinner, my sweet. You will see your beloved. I promise you this." And he smiled, a smile of such dark and sensuous promise that I shuddered.

And not entirely from fear.