A number of small garden plots surrounded the Sovrena’s tower. Most of them housed a variety of fungi and glowing plants that could thrive in low light. One fenced-off square, though, was filled with above-ground plants like dragon’s tongue, tundra cotton, juniper and snowberry and was lighted by spheres emitting the orange-yellow glow of artificial sunlight. It acted like sunlight too, Dale decided as he approached the open fence gate and felt the spheres’ intense heat. The human slaves tending this garden probably enjoyed being near the small suns, but he was just as glad the fence kept him at a safe distance. Talia’s Arcanum – the magic and alchemy shop – was just beside the garden and across from the Tower, well-placed for both the gathering of ingredients and, he assumed, the steady traffic of magic- and potion-using Nobles passing by on their way to deal with governance.
He took a deep breath before pushing the heavy Tower doors open. Here’s hoping I can be suitably charming. I’ve done well enough in that regard in the past, but I have no idea what to expect inside.
Just inside the doors he stopped, confused. The foyer was so like the mortal-guest alcove in the Chalice and Lancet that he wondered for a moment whether he’d just imagined his stroll out of the inn and down the road. A pair of chairs flanked a small table holding a goblet and some drink bottles; a blue curtain hung to his left. He turned around to verify that the entry doors were still behind him and then shook his head, annoyed that he’d doubted himself. Possibly the curtain here served a similar purpose to the one in the inn. Or maybe it was there to enhance the mystery of the Tower.
Or to keep out drafts. I can’t rule out the completely banal.
Color me intrigued. Let’s see what is beyond. I’m sure I’ll be amused, at the very least.
He parted the curtain and stepped through. Immediately to his left was a barred door that he decided to leave strictly alone. To his right was the audience chamber, so identified by the richly-upholstered throne atop a dais, flanked by two banners. The area nearest Dale had several more nicely-upholstered chairs and a lectern. There was nobody present right then but he could envision a petitioner standing at the lectern with a speech or proposal propped up on it, while the Sovrena listened, seated above her subjects.
Undoubtedly surrounded by guards. I can’t imagine a space this small and this open would be safe for a ruler unless they were surrounded by guards. Even the tiniest of the holds aboveground have housecarls at hand when the Jarl is in court.
He opened the next door to his left and found himself on a balcony with a stunning view of Coldhaven. He blinked in confusion.
I was on the ground floor and now I’m near the roof of the cavern? How…?
From here he almost had to squint down to see the mansions on the Nobles’ plateau. It was so high up, in fact, that there was a spyglass set up at one end of the balcony. Dale frowned.
It’s pointing up right now, as if someone was observing the phosphorescent rocks in the cavern’s roof. But what I see is a tool for watching the movements of citizens below.
Interesting. Another little piece of information to keep in mind.
Deep in thought and still a bit unsettled, he re-entered the tower. A guard had moved into the audience room and stood across from the main entrance, before another blue curtain.
“What is it?” she asked him as he approached.
“I’m hoping to speak with the Sovrena. Is she in?”
To his complete surprise, the guard nodded. “Through the curtain, take a left.”
“Thank you,” he said, smiling at her before proceeding. This part of the circular corridor held a well-stocked alchemy station. Another substantial guard stood against the wall, keeping an eye on the cabinets full of expensive items.
Apparently the Sovrena doesn’t like to spend her coin in the alchemy shop right next door. How amusing.
There was a third person here. A vampire in black hooded robes sat at another small table, just beyond the guard. Dale approached and inclined his head.
“Ondale Perdeti. And you are…?” He could only hope that the man wasn’t offended by his uninvited introduction. As it happened, the vampire merely sniffed in obvious disdain.
“I’m Nasaris, Sovrena Tamara’s personal assistant, scribe, advisor, and lead scholar for Coldhaven. Her will is my command.”
Dale nodded, smiling outside while smirking inside. Another who relishes his titles, I see. “This is my first time in Coldhaven, and I’m very impressed. I just stepped out onto the balcony and, well, let’s just say that the view is spectacular.”
Nasaris gave him a small but knowing smile. “The Tower of the Sovrena was the first building constructed in Coldhaven. Its stones are inscribed with powerful runes and spells of protection.”
Dale snorted – at least in his mind. No they aren’t. I’m not an expert mage but I can at least sense a spell a league away. This is a tower. Any inscriptions on it are simply markings in rock. What it has is a collection of stout guards and experienced magicians.
Unless –
I have no explanation for how I ended up so far above the city from here. Maybe?
“We stand in the center of power in the city,” Nasaris continued, “and we are watched over by Molag Bal himself.”
Or at least a great many shrines to him, of various sizes.
“If you have any needs, you should approach me first; if I deem your request worthy I may bring it to the Sovrena. Or I may not.”
Ah, yes. A grandiose minor functionary. The Jarl’s court magician, so to speak. Entirely convinced of his own importance and unaware of anyone else’s. Well, I can certainly manage to deal with this one. I’m sure he has his uses.
“I thank you, in that case,” Dale said to him, inclining his head again. “I won’t take up any more of your valuable time.”
“Yes, yes. Run along. I have important matters to attend to.”
Nasaris was far too smug for his own good. Dale therefore made a point of lingering in the corridor, examining all of the supplies, flipping open book covers and scanning title pages, and making impressed noises, all before walking toward the door the guard had indicated. Nasaris rose from his chair, tsk’d in disgust and walked away.
Dale grinned at the mage’s retreating back. Not quite as important as all that, are you then?
The Sovrena’s chamber was an absolute cacophony of clashing colors, patterns, and textures. Dale wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or queasy. It certainly reflected wealth, with teal and green blocks at the ceiling and ornate red-and-beige carpets of fine make covering the floor. Dwarven metal busts flanked the door, and a full set of dwarven armor posed nearby as though it held a live person. They were intimidating, to be certain, but he wasn’t sure what purpose they served. In the center of the room was a long table covered in books, goblets, and a map he didn’t recognize.
Of considerably more interest to Dale were the three stained glass insets, each behind a workstation. To the right was a common enchanting table; to the left, what looked like a staff enchanter, though he wasn’t certain; and in the center, just opposite the door, a desk. And there, moving from the desk to the enchanter was a striking, raven-haired woman in blood-red aristocratic robes with golden accents. She undoubtedly knew he was there. She had to have heard the door opening from the outer hallway; and though his boots were well-muffled he did, after all, breathe. She didn’t look up, though, or turn to challenge his presence in her room, and he nodded to himself, impressed at her composure.
This one is very sure of herself. There must be a reason for that. I should tread carefully.
“Excuse me – Sovrena?” he said quietly.
“Do you need something?” she responded, smoothly.
“Let me introduce myself. My name is Ondale Perdeti – Dale, to most.” And Just-Dale to others, sadly. “I’m new to Coldhaven, and while I know it’s presumptuous of me I was hoping I could ask you a few questions about this fascinating place,” he said.
By the Eight. That was awful. I hope I didn’t just overdo it.
The Sovrena, however, didn’t so much as bat an eye. She was undoubtedly an ancient vampire, likely as old as Serana or the other Volkihar nobility, and she would have no reason to fear someone as young as he obviously was.
“Of course,” she said, turning to smile at him. “How can I be of assistance?”
“You’re the ruler here, correct?” As soon as the words left his mouth Dale could feel the flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck – a real accomplishment given his cold skin. What a stupid thing to ask. But I wasn’t prepared for it to be so easy to approach her.
“Of course. I am the Sovrena of Coldhaven. I have freely given knowledge of superior weapons and armor to the people of this city.”
Dale felt his neck tingle once again, but this time with the excitement of discovery. Weapons? Armor? Agryn will undoubtedly be interested to hear that.
“I was supported by all the Noble houses of Coldhaven,” she continued, “and they crowned me Sovrena many years ago. Our city has grown and flourished.”
“I can see that,” Dale agreed, making his voice as warm as he could manage. “I’ve got to admit that I am very impressed. In fact, it’s a lot to take in for a newcomer.” And every word of that is true, he thought. This place is beyond my wildest imaginings. The others will agree, I’m certain.
Tamara smiled. “I was not present for the construction of Coldhaven, of course, but I knew the founding members.” She sighed, her smile fading. “Their contributions will not be forgotten.”
“I wonder why I’d never heard of this place before,” Dale murmured. “Perhaps it’s because I’m from Cyrodiil.”
I hope that will prevent any notion that I might be affiliated with the Volkihar. I don’t know what their relationship is, and I don’t want to engender any speculation – or suspicion.
“Well, I might be able to help you understand. Coldhaven welcomes traders and merchants from the outside world – as long as they swear to secrecy, of course. We have had to…” She paused as if searching for just the right phrase. “To make examples of some, in the past.”
“I understand, and I certainly will keep that in mind.” Gods. I had best be very careful what I say.
“Good,” the Sovrena said, flashing another attractive smile at Dale. “Our coffers grow rich from the abundance of trade, and from our gold mine. I am happy that vampires have a place to live in total seclusion and safety.”
“I can imagine,” he said, returning the smile. “I will admit that I did not have the luxury of a safe place when I was first changed. Not that I’ve been a vampire all that long, as I’m certain you can tell.” He chuckled, hoping it didn’t sound as insincere as it felt. “So, where are the founding members of Coldhaven? Are they part of your court?”
“No, no. Not a court. A governing body. A council, if you will. I am merely first among equals.”
Of course you are. And I am the Lord of the Volkihar.
“Only one of them remains here in Coldhaven, I am afraid. Sicara refused to listen to reason.”
Oh, she’s the one who was deposed.
The Sovrena frowned, and her voice took on the edge of someone repeating an argument that had never finished to her satisfaction. “I brought Coldhaven new strength and new hope, but Sicara wanted to keep our city open to the world – ‘at peace,’ as she put it.”
She sounds insulted. Maybe even bitter. Perhaps she just expected everyone to fall in line, and they didn’t. That seems to happen often enough with leaders who don’t understand that there can be a variety of viewpoints…
“Hmm.”
“Excuse me?” she snapped.
Dale nearly jumped. “I’m sorry; I hadn’t realized I’d… I’m just interested. There’s a part of me that wonders…”
“You wonder what?” She sounded, and looked, annoyed.
“Well, there’s only one entrance, correct? It just seems as though it might be difficult to defend against a well-planned attack from above, if there’s only one way in or out.” He hoped, desperately, that he hadn’t just made a horrible mistake; but he had no way to know until she responded. If she was annoyed with him, well, he was fairly good with words and light on his feet. But given his assignment from Agryn and Vyctyna he didn’t want to need to be light on his feet.
To his utter relief, the Sovrena nodded. “You understand, then,” she said, sounding vindicated. “Peace will never just happen! We need force, to ensure that it remains! Sicara was voted out by the Noble houses and left her role in shame.” She paused; her voice was much quieter when she spoke again. “My dearest friend, Galain, was another founding member. He enjoyed traveling throughout Skyrim, trying to recruit vampires for our city. He also kept a close eye on the Dawnguard and Vigilants who swear – and have always sworn – to destroy our kind. He was killed one night by one of their patrols.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that,” Dale said. “I’ve had my fair share of close calls at their hands, in just the short time I’ve been a vampire. I suspect it’s simply very good luck that I’ve not ended up under one of their silver bolts.”
She nodded. “It was… difficult to lose him.” She shook her head. “And then there was the last of the founding members. Dalaran. I don’t know where he is. He’s gone missing and it’s been… months? Years now, since we’ve seen him? He was obsessed with the Dwemer. You’ve seen the artifacts around Coldhaven – even those here in my tower. Researching them was his passion. His disappearance was sudden and, I have to admit, disconcerting.”
Dale’s mind raced.
Yes, this is a vampire city. It could potentially be exactly what Agryn is looking for, especially given how little is known about it elsewhere.
But this political situation is fascinating. The former Sovrena wanted Coldhaven to be open to the rest of the world. The current Sovrena doesn’t trust that and wants to keep the city safe by keeping it secret – and well-armed. I know nothing about these weapons but I could probably find out. Both sides of this issue might well appeal to Agryn. I know he leans toward the old Cyrodiilic idea of working from within society – as the old Sovrena wanted. He also mistrusts the existing vampire hierarchy in Skyrim and is looking for a safe place, as the new Sovrena wants.
I don’t know how to direct my own efforts on his behalf, but I know he will have an opinion. I should go report before I make another move here.
“I can only imagine,” he murmured, forcing his attention back to the present. “I am sorry to have taken up so much of your time, Sovrena, but am extremely grateful to you for having given it to me. I’m delighted to have made your acquaintance. If I may?”
He bowed, taking one of her hands in his and lifting her fingers to his mouth in a brief kiss. But he did not look at her face, the way he had done with Qaralana. He was too far below her station to dare make eye contact; and yet he felt certain she would appreciate the courtly gesture.
“You are entirely welcome, Dale Perdeti,” she said warmly. “Please, make yourself at home in our city and feel free to visit again.” She cleared her throat. “Preferably, at court and not here in my private quarters. We wouldn’t want to create gossip.”
Oh by all the gods. No we wouldn’t. You’re a handsome woman, Madame, but at the very least several centuries older than I am, if not many more. I’d sooner be with… no, I wouldn’t. Serana may have been taken with my father at first but the feeling is decidedly not mutual for me, either.
“Of course. Thank you again,” he said, hoping that his inner workings weren’t showing on his face. He turned to make his escape, and thought that he heard the tiniest chuckle behind him as he stepped out into the hallway.
He grimaced. How appalling. Then he looked to his left and almost jumped in surprise.
He hadn’t noticed that the hallway was a ring around the Sovrena’s central chamber. That was interesting all on its own. But of more – and more shocking – interest was the draugr, sprawled out on the floor in front of an open sarcophagus that shimmered with vertical bands of magic. Stepping gingerly over the draugr to look at the wall, he saw a framed portrait. A woman. An archer, with a fierce and determined look about her. It was nobody he knew nor had any reason to know, but if this was her desiccated corpse beneath his feet he felt something akin to grief that she’d fallen to the floor this way. And yet, it was not his place to pick the corpse back up, nor did he dare approach the magical forces in the sarcophagus.
He made his way around the circuit. There were five more draugr, all women, each splayed out on the floor before a coffin bearing the portrait of a woman in life. Dale shuddered as he left the Tower.
I don’t know what that signifies. Did the Sovrena kill them all? Have they been there since days gone by and she simply hasn’t bothered to move them? Whatever the story, it’s an unsettling thing to see.
Maybe that’s exactly why she leaves them there.
It doesn’t matter. I need to go find Agryn.
It was very late when Dale found Agryn and Vyctyna. He’d been just about to bypass Riften entirely when it occurred to him that at this hour they might well be feeding or doing other things in the city itself. So he slipped past the guard and through the gates, and made his quiet way across the marketplace to the Bee & Barb.
He wasn’t terribly surprised to see Agryn and Vyctyna chatting with someone in the inn. There were one or two other people moving about, as well: an older man with no hair atop his head but plenty on the sides, pulled back into a very long tail; and a Breton mage who clearly thought nobody noticed his attempts to listen in.
What did surprise Dale was that the third person in their conversation was Brynjolf. It was a ridiculous hour for a mortal to be awake, much less dressed in finery and leaning up against the wall as though he had some business to attend to. He was staring, blankly, at some spot between the two vampires. The barest hint of a smile played about the corners of his mouth. Dale heard Vyctyna tsk loudly, turning as though she was about to walk away from the man in disgust.
“You need to be more careful, boss,” she said, quietly but in a tone that held a real edge.
Oh? Trouble? This could be interesting.
Dale took a good look at Brynjolf as he approached them. The man seemed different, somehow.
Gaunt. Distracted. What has he done to himself?
It wasn’t a surprise, really, given that the two of them were facing each other, but it still startled Dale when Brynjolf ‘s gaze rose from whatever he’d been staring at and connected with his. Dale thought he saw the man wince, just slightly, before turning his attention back to Vyctyna.
“Aye, lass,” he said in just above a whisper. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
Agryn snorted. “You don’t think so? Brynjolf, remember that we’ve been around a lot longer than you have. In my case, a great deal longer. We’ve seen this play out time and again. And I’m telling you the same thing she is. Be careful.”
Brynjolf nodded. “I know. And thank you both for caring. But you don’t need to worry about me.”
Dale decided that it would be altogether too obvious that he was eavesdropping if he didn’t say something. He cleared his throat and took a step closer.
“Um, Agryn?”
Agryn looked at him and smiled. “Dale. Good to see you. You have news for us?”
“I do. Can we speak?”
“Of course. Go find a table.” Agryn turned back to Brynjolf. “We have some other business to deal with, but I meant what I said.”
“And so did I,” Tyna agreed, turning to follow Dale toward one of the empty tables.
“Aye. I will keep it in mind,” Brynjolf said. Interestingly, he didn’t move from his spot near the doorway. He did close his eyes for a moment, though, and then stared up toward the ceiling as if he heard something there. Dale was certain that he didn’t. If someone had been moving about, all the vampires in the room would have heard it as well.
Once Agryn joined them, Dale began to share what he had learned. “I found it,” he whispered, “and it’s bigger and better than I could have imagined. Hand me your map, Tyna, and I’ll mark where the entrance is.” He didn’t want to take the chance that any of the three other people in the place would overhear him if he stated Coldhaven’s exact position aloud. They trust Brynjolf, I know that. But I don’t. And I’m not willing to risk it.
“That’s exciting, Ondale!” Agryn said, leaning forward to look at Vyctyna’s map. “So, tell us about it. Is it what we’ve been looking for?”
Dale nodded. “I think so, Agryn. But the politics are… complicated, let’s say. That’s why I came back so soon. I want to know what the two of you think.”
He then spent some time describing the size of Coldhaven, its general layout, the hierarchy of rule there from the Noble houses to the enslaved Falmer and mortal slaves, and the fact that there were things going on that he hadn’t figured out quite yet. That there were two Sovrenas in Coldhaven, the current ruler and the deposed one, and that they had very different ideas of how the place should be run.
“Hmm,” Tyna murmured. “It’s the old story.”
“What story is that?”
“I suspect Tyna is talking about that inevitable problem. To live among the mortals as equals, or to hide away and defend against them.”
Dale nodded. “There’s only one entrance, and that makes it somewhat vulnerable – which makes the need for defense really obvious, at least to me. But, oddly enough, the current Sovrena – the one who wants them armed and strong and the place secret – also wants the business they have with the outside world, which is the same thing the old Sovrena wanted. I’m not sure I understand how it can be working but it does seem to be a thriving place. So I want to know how you would like me to proceed.” Then he sighed as an unwelcome thought occurred to him. “And if she finds out I’ve spoken to anyone at all about all of this, I’m a dead man.”
“More dead,” Vyctyna giggled.
Agryn rolled his eyes at her and then turned to face Dale. “What I want you to do, Ondale, is to go back. Continue helping the Sovrena, but do so with an eye to finding out what’s what and how we might be able to fit into the picture. If you have an opportunity to meet the other, do so. Get the story from both sides. But don’t do anything that will back you into a corner.” He rubbed his chin. “Handle it the same way you did Solitude, basically.”
“This is really exciting, Dale,” Tyna said, grinning at him. “Maybe we’ll be able to do what Aggie wants, after all!”
Dale smiled back at her. “I hope so.”
“Very good,” Agryn said. “You’ve got excellent instincts. I thought as much when we recruited you, but it’s always gratifying to have that confirmed.” He paused, looking thoughtful. “I have to admit that I’m itching to know how they’ve managed to keep this place hidden for so long.”
“I’ll do my best to find out,” Dale said, rising from his chair to leave and realizing that his body was arguing with him about doing so. He couldn’t quite contain a small groan.
“Dale?” Vyctyna asked quietly.
“What?”
When he saw her brows lower he realized that his tone had been sharp, bordering on brusque. And that would not do. He especially didn’t want to anger Agryn, and disrespecting his partner was the fastest way to do that. As much as he liked his mentors, he had a healthy respect for them and maybe a bit of fear following the outburst when he’d found Brynjolf in their home.
“Is everything alright?” she responded calmly, even while frowning at him in obvious annoyance.
“Yes,” he said quickly. “Well, no. I’m really tired. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to be short with you. I haven’t had a chance for a good sleep in several days and it’s taking its toll, I think.”
Tyna nodded, and then exchanged a glance with Agryn and smiled. “In that case why don’t you borrow the coffin at our house? We don’t use it and you’ll get a good rest.”
Dale swapped a glance with Agryn, who also nodded. It was more than a little bit tempting; he always slept better in the master coffin in his own home, too. “Well if you’re certain, I’d be more than happy to take you up on the offer. Then I’ll be fresh to speak to the Sovrena again.”
“Do so, Dale,” Agryn said. “We have business to take care of here, and we usually sleep in the other bedroom anyway.” He grinned at Vyctyna. The sparkle in her eyes told Dale that two probably fit better in one of the Crypt’s standard beds than they did in the coffin.
“Alright. I’ll get some sleep and get back to work soon.”
When he turned to leave, he saw Brynjolf staring in their direction. I wonder how sharp his hearing is, even after turning mortal again. It would not be good if he overheard any part of that.
I wonder why they were telling him to be careful.
Before he had a chance to stop himself, he had walked across the room to stand before the older man. Brynjolf didn’t so much as move a muscle, but he did make very firm and unwavering eye contact.
“So you decided it would be a good time to torment me, eh lad?”
Torment? So he really was enamored of my father, and I look enough like the man to make Brynjolf squirm. I shouldn’t take advantage of this, but…
“Of course. How often do I get such a perfect opportunity?” He looked around. “And in a less-confined space, as well. I have more room to make a quick escape.” He knew he was smirking at Brynjolf, but he couldn’t help himself. Tormenting was exactly what he was doing. And at that he thought he saw a flash of anger in the older man’s eyes.
“Don’t underestimate me,” Brynjolf said quietly, his voice nearly a growl. “I may not have the reflexes I did at one time but I’m still light on my feet. And there’s more to me than you’re aware of.”
Dale snickered. “Yes, perhaps, but somehow I imagine my father was aware of it.” I expect that was a bit too much on my part, but it’s too late to second-guess myself now.
Brynjolf’s eyes truly flared with rage at that. “Yes he was, as it happens,” the man growled. “And you’d best think a bit harder before carrying on this way or you’ll become aware of it as well.”
Dale was startled, but he didn’t want to show it. Obviously Brynjolf means something other than what I meant. I don’t know that I want to learn what he’s talking about.
He was about to make some flippant response before he left, but a sudden wince from Brynjolf startled him. The older man did an admirable job covering it up, acting as though nothing had happened, but it had still been a wince.
That’s the second one since I’ve been here. I assumed it was just my presence, upsetting him. But it’s not that. There’s something wrong with him. I don’t know him well enough to even guess what it might be, but there’s obviously something wrong. But that’s a problem for another day. I need to get moving.
“Apologies,” he said, grinning at the redhead. “I’ll just be on my way, then.” He was nearly to the door when he turned and saw Brynjolf staring at him.
“Be careful,” he mouthed, laughing inside as Brynjolf got the message and snarled.