Ancient Blood Chapter 3
A Stranger Comes
Making their way towards Riverwood, Sebastian and Jenassa still cannot believe what they witnessed at Helgen. “A dragon.” She says, “A real live dragon.” Sebastian nods, “Indeed. Never thought I would see another one of those damned things again.” She looks back at him, “You have seen them before?” “Many” he replies, “A long time ago… Take it from me, girl, that is as close to one as you ever want to come. Few things are more deadly than Dragon’s fire.”
Sebastian stops suddenly, “Wait…” Jenassa turns, “What is it, Master? Is something wrong?” Sebastian looks towards a path leading up a hill away from the cobblestone road, “I sense… some kind of magic… it is faint, but there is definitely a mage up there… Finally.” He proceeds up the path and comes to the entrance of a mine tucked within the shade of pine trees. A guard stands watch and draws his weapon on sight of the approaching strangers, “That’s close enough.” Sebastian’s hand begins to glow a bright green as he waves it in the direction of the guard. “What’s wrong?” Sebastian smiles, “Don’t you recognize me? I’m your old childhood friend, come to visit.” The guard lowers his weapon, “My… Friend… Yes, of course.”
Sebastian draws ever closer to the guard. Clearly a highwayman from his cheaply made armor and weapon. He wields an iron sword, hide boots, a studded leather cuirass, and worn gloves. No guard of good standing would arm themselves in such shoddy equipment. “Tell me, old friend, is there a mage inside the mine?” Sebastian asks. The bandit nods and answers in a monotone voice, “Yes... Don’t know why we need a blasted mage. Can never trust them, but she’s the boss’ sister.” Sebastian’s smile grows slightly, “Well, what can you do? Family is family, right? Tell me, is she powerful?” The guard shrugs, “I guess. She heals us when we are hurt on a raid. She’s not completely useless. Sometimes she lights campfires and throws flames around to scare off folks.” Sebastian looks towards the door to the mine, “And how many people are inside?” The bandit moans and blinks, “ugh.. I’m so tired..” After a silent moment he sluggishly answers, “I’m sorry, friend... There are nine of us in all.” Sebastian gently places his hand under the bandit's chin, “Thank you, old friend.” Then his smile fades as he grabs the bandit’s jaw and with a sharp swift twist of the bandit’s head, snaps his neck.
Sebastian drags the body into the mine entrance. Grateful to be out of the sun, he breathes a sigh of relief then looks to his undead follower, “You stay here, no one gets in that door.” The zombie groans and draws his enchanted axe. Jenassa raises an eyebrow, “... I guess that’s a yes… And what of me, Master?” Looking down the tunnel, Sebastian says “Stay with me. Kill the bandits as we find them, but the mage girl is mine!” She draws her bow, “As you wish, Master.” “Mind your footing. There is a pressure plate ahead. A trap of some kind.” He says. Moving around the trap, they stick to the shadows as they proceed into the dimly lit tunnels.
Rounding the first corner, Sebastian puts out torches lighting the tunnel with a minor frost spell. “Master... Voices… at least two.” Jenassa says. She waits in the darkened tunnel for a clean shot. After some light banter between the poorly armored men, one of the bandits lays down near a campfire and the other returns to his patrol. Once the patrolman is far enough away from the other bandit, Jenassa takes aim and fires. The steel arrow finds its mark. She smiles “Ha… Headshot.” and the bandit faceplants in the dirt. She puts her bow away, “Can’t get a good angle on the other one from here…” She draws her dagger and Sebastian watches as she creeps across a wooden bridge connecting two elevated tunnels from the lower section. She doesn’t make a single sound as she moves. Once she reaches the sleeping bandit, she gently mounts him, kneeling with her thighs on either side of his waist, and whispers “Wake up… wake up, sleepy head… It’s time…” The Bandit groans, “Ugh… What are you talking about, woman.” She smiles and whispers in his ear, “It’s time to die.” When his eyes open she drives the blade into his heart and watches the expression of shock fade from his face. She pulls the blade from her prey and turns him over on his side. If anyone comes they will assume he is just sleeping. Sebastian grins thinking to himself, “That’s my girl.”
Stepping out onto the bridge, he looks to a raised drawbridge blocking the way from the rest of the mine, “Well, there must be some way to get this down...” He looks to a platform higher up, “Ah… there. A lever. See if you can reach it.” After searching the bodies for a few Septims and retrieving her arrow, Jenassa follows the tunnel and pulls the lever. When it drops, the bridge falls with a hard and loud thud. Sebastian sees another pair of bandits approach with their weapons drawn, a Nord and an Imperial. An odd pairing as Skyrim and the Empire are in the midst of a civil war. Sebastian quickly casts an invisibility spell and quietly retreats back down the tunnel he came from.
“Why is this bridge down?!” The Nord bandit exclaims. The Imperial replies, “I thought we had a guard posted outside.” The Nord looks around the chamber, “We did! You go that way, I’ll check the entrance.” They split up and when the Imperial is in reach, Jenassa makes quick and quiet work of the thug with an arrow to the heart. When the Nord is close enough, Sebastian grabs the brute by the neck, lifting him off the ground. The bandit struggles against the invisible force gripping him. Sebastian’s spell lapses and reveals him to the mortal in his grasp. The Nord tries to stab Sebastian with his Iron sword, but an arrow strikes his shoulder destroying the joint. His arm is rendered useless as the bandit cries out in pain.
Sebastian glares at the Nord, “Where is the mage girl? Answer me, boy! Or another arrow will find its way to your other shoulder, then your knees and your hip next… point being, you are going to be in a tremendous amount of pain before you die if you don’t answer me…. WHERE!?!?” The bandit squirms and grunts, “You bastard… She’s… She’s in the main chamber... in the back of the mine. Now release me!” Sebastian smiles, “Of course. Of course...” With that, Sebastian digs his claws into the Nords neck and with a quick jerk tears his throat out. The bandit falls to the ground gripping what’s left of his neck as his lifeblood rushes out of him. Sebastian looks down, “A waste of blood, but you are not the one I came for… Lucky you.” Sebastian drops the bloody flesh and goes to meet up with Jenassa leaving the bandit to bleed to death and they continue on.
Carefully, they traverse the tunnels killing bandits and dousing torches as they move deeper into the mine, until reaching a large cavern. Looking around, Jenassa whispers “The Bandits have set up a well equipped hideout. A smithy and a freshwater source. Hmm… this place could be useful. If these bandits knew the first thing about defending a position, this place could withstand an army...” Sebastian says, “Perhaps… Now, where is… AH! She is off to the left, up there. Kill the rest of these fools. Leave the girl to me.” Jenassa slips around to a good vantage point and quickly fires several arrows silently killing the bandits in sight. Sebastian creeps his way up to the mage. Feeling someone's gaze upon her, the woman turns to see the shadowy visage of a hooded man with glowing red eyes standing before her. She leaps from her chair and raises her hands preparing to cast a fire spell, but Sebastian closes the distance too fast and grabs her forearms then pins her arms behind her back. Calmly he says, “Look into my eyes…” She struggles against him, but a glimpse is all it takes. She becomes lost in the crimson light of his gaze. Looking intensely into her eyes, he ensnares her mind projecting an image of a field of flowers on a warm summer night. The moons, Masser and Secunda, full in the sky. A memory from his years in Highrock. Her body relaxes and she smiles as the flames in her palms die out. “That’s right.” Sebastian says, “Isn’t it a lovely night.” “Where… where am I?” She mutters. Sebastian smiles, “It doesn’t matter. We are together. And we will be… forever.” He turns her head to the side and sinks his fangs into her neck.
Sebastian drains the girl slowly, savoring the moment. As he drinks, he can feel the power in her blood flowing from her amplifying his own. Once drained, he lets her fall to the ground. She continues to smile as the glimmer of life fades from her eyes. Sebastian wipes his mouth, “Mmmm… Much better. But I will need more if I am to regain my full strength… Jenassa! Search the tunnels. Make sure there are no more of those fools around.” She does as commanded and cautiously creeps into the back of the mine. Finding the tunnels to be empty, she returns shortly after. Reentering the main chamber of the mine, she sees that Sebastian has summoned his undead “Mule” and is loading what potions and valuables he could find into the supply pack. “Don’t think I can fit much more in here. The bandits had a large chest in one of the alcoves we passed. Their ‘Loot Stash’ I assume… Found you a dagger with a frost enchantment.” He holds it out to her. “Here.” “If that is what you wish.” She says, then spins and flips the blade around in her hand, “Well balanced…” Sebastian points towards a stack of barrels, “There is a good stock of food in there… Doubt it’s fresh, but they might have something edible for you. We can get you a proper meal in Riverwood.” Jenassa nods and begins looking around the bandit’s stock pile of food.
Sebastian walks over to the bandits forge and sits at the workbench. Pulling out his journal, he writes:
17th of Last Seed, 4E 201,
Made it to Skyrim. There is, indeed, a civil war being waged here. Imperial soldiers brought Stormcloak prisoners to Helgen for execution. I do not know, nor do I particularly care, who these Stormcloaks are. The company they keep is of interest though. One of the prisoners did not seem to fit with the rest. I could sense a power coming from him. An old power. A power I dare not give voice to now. What transpired next is the true marvel.
A dragon. A solid black Dragon attacked the town. It’s wings had to spread a good 10 meters, at least. It used a Thu’Um I have not seen before, calling down flaming stones from the sky. In my weakened state, I stand no chance against such a beast. Jenassa and I fled the town and watched as the monster destroyed Helgen. That a dragon lives is trouble enough, but could it have been drawn to the town by the man in rags? Dragons have always been drawn to power, but his was so underdeveloped. A coincidence? I have lived too long to believe in coincidence.
Jenassa and I have taken shelter from the sun in an iron mine. The inhabitants of which were easily dispatched. Bandits of a sort. One, a mage. With my phylacteries lost, her blood was most refreshing, but more is needed. I doubt anyone will investigate their deaths. Wonder if there is a bounty for them? Skyrim still makes use of bounty hunters I assume. Perhaps I will ask in the next town we come to…
Sebastian sketches out the face of the best outfitted of the bandits, assuming it to be the leader or at least someone a guard would find of note. He dusts off then lays on one of the bandits bedrolls to sleep the day away. Jenassa cooks herself a venison chop and selects a cheap Nord mead that’s not too stale. She looks to the undead thrall, “You are beginning to smell… You know, I thought about becoming a bandit once, but I decided I liked clean clothes and fresh mead.” The thrall just groans. “You are not much of a conversationalist are you?” She says. She finishes her meal and searches the tunnels for any more riches she can pocket. Returning to the main chamber, she uses the bandits smithy to sharpen her steel sword and enchanted steel dagger then makes some adjustments to her leather armor. Once done, she looks to Sebastian, yawns, then goes to lay by her Master’s side. She wipes some blood from the corner of his mouth and whispers, “Sleep well, Master.”
As night falls, they rise to find the thrall has turned to ash. “Figures.” Sebastian says, “Search these bandits and find a strong one.” With a yawn, Jenassa gets up and starts turning over bodies, “How about this one, Master?” she asks. Looking the body over, “No. Look at his weapon and armor. Simple furs and a dull iron sword. They did not think much of this one.” He says. The pickings are slim, but settle on one of the Nords near the exit. “This one will do, I suppose. A good sized Orc would be better, but... Oh well. At least he has a decent weapon. A leather Cuirass and boots… The armor is probably stolen.” He prepares to raise the poor bastard, “Check to see if the exit is clear.” He commands. Jenassa goes to the cave’s back opening and looks out. She sees a small pack of wolves, but a few arrows and they are down. She calls back through the tunnel, “Clear, Master!“ They exit the mine and make their way through the woods to Riverwood.
They come to a quaint little village, but Sebastian cannot sense any trace of magic from the lot of the townsfolk. He scoffs, “Worthless… Let’s check the shops. With the gold and valuables we took off those bandits, we should be able to buy some better gear and privisons.” Riverwood doesn’t have much. A blacksmith, a general store, and an Inn. They get Jenassa a new Elven bow and some more arrows from the smith and some enchanted jewelry from the general store. An amulet of mending and a ring of recovery for Sebastian to lessen the weakening effects of daylight. A necklace of the squire and copper circlet of archery for Jenassa to compliment her combat prowess. The enchantments are all fairly weak, but worth having until Sebastian can forge something better himself. Once outside they turn to the side of the store to get out of sight. Sebastian removes the zombie’s cuirass revealing the hole from Jenassa’s arrow. “This won’t hurt a bit…” he says, “Now if you were alive it would be excruciating…” Jenassa asks, “That merchant said something about a theft… What are you doing, Master?” Sebastian pulls a small soul gem, glowing a gentle violet hue, from his satchel, “Got this inside. A greater gem would work better, but this petty gem was the only filled one he had. Should sustain this fellow for a couple days at least.” He pushes the gem into the zombie’s chest, and then replaces the cuirass. “There.” he says, “Isn’t that better? Come, let’s see what gossip we can find from the inn.”
At the Sleeping Giant Inn, they hear exaggerated tales of the dragon attack and a stranger that came through town soon after. Sebastian asks a few of the drunkards about the direction the stranger went when he left Riverwood. They point him towards the northern bridge out of town. After a gulp from a flagon of mead, one of the men says, “I figure he was headed to Whiterun. Think he was sent to tell the Jarl about the dragon. Get us some proper soldiers out here. We’re farmers and loggers, not dragon slayers!” Jenassa walks over from the bar and sits beside Sebastian, “The bartender only told me of a love triangle in town. He didn’t seem to know much about Helgen or the dragon… Why the interest in this stranger, Master? Do you think he was the man from Helgen?” Sebastian shrugs, “Not sure, but this is the closest place he could have come to recover. I doubt the Imperials would come looking for him. I believe I heard one of the guards say he was not on their -list-… Finish your stew, we leave for Whiterun. It’s only a few miles North of here, if memory serves. We should be able to make it before morning. I want to know more about this… Stranger. If he is what I suspect… he may be the only thing that can kill that dragon.” Jenassa takes a bite of her beef stew before she replies, “Are you sure, Master? He didn’t seem anything special to me. How could one man bring down such a monster?” Sebastian drinks the last of his Alto wine, “I’ll tell you on the way to Whiterun. It’s a long tale.” He glances out the corner of his eye, “Besides, that innkeeper has been staring at me for far too long.” Jenassa looks over to the side of the bar and sees a blonde Breton woman with her eyes locked on Sebastian. She returns to her stew and finishes it quickly then they begin the journey to the capital of Whiterun Hold.
The Story So Far:
Ancient Blood Ch 1 Ancient Blood Ch 2 Ancient Blood Ch 3 Ancient Blood Ch 4 Ancient Blood Ch 5 Ancient Blood Ch 6 Ancient Blood Ch 7 Ancient Blood Ch 8 Ancient Blood Ch 9 Ancient Blood Ch 10 Ancient Blood Ch 11 Ancient Blood Ch 12 Ancient Blood Ch 13 Ancient Blood Ch 14 Ancient Blood Ch 15 Ancient Blood Ch 16 Ancient Blood Ch 17 Ancient Blood Ch 18 Ancient Blood Ch 19 Ancient Blood Ch 20 Ancient Blood Ch 21
