{"id":2232,"date":"2023-02-02T16:01:31","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T23:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=2232"},"modified":"2023-02-11T14:23:46","modified_gmt":"2023-02-11T21:23:46","slug":"chapter-19","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-ii\/part-ii-above-and-beyond\/chapter-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 19"},"content":{"rendered":"
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 <\/p>\n

Dale had been hoping to clean himself thoroughly before running across anyone of importance, but that was not to be. Not ten seconds after he hauled himself up out of the sewer drain, there was a voice behind him.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cYou there,\u201d the person \u2013 a Nord, judging by his accent \u2013 called out. \u201cWho are you and what are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale turned to see who wanted him. It was indeed a Nord vampire, a mage, judging by his attire.<\/p>\n

Either that or he\u2019s had a meal in Winterhold recently and helped himself to the robes.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m new here,\u201d Dale said. \u201cMy name is Ondale Perdeti, and I was just investigating the sewers for Sovrena Tamara.\u201d Perhaps, he thought, dropping names might make life easier for him in the short term.<\/p>\n

The mage nodded. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to have bothered you, in that case. I\u2019m Gabrien Aydril. Of House Aydril, if that isn\u2019t obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh so you\u2019re one of the Nobles?\u201d Dale hadn\u2019t actually met any of them, aside from the Sovrena and her self-important lackey, Nasaris.<\/p>\n

\u201cTechnically, that is correct, although I hardly consider myself a Noble. I am a mage, a scholar focusing in the schools of destruction and alteration.\u201d Gabrien paused and waved around him. \u201cHouse Aydril is the source of all magical might in Coldhaven. Our House helped open and strengthen the passages leading into our city. The magic of House Aydril is infused into the very stones of the Sovrena\u2019s tower \u2013 giving it strength and protection against any attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale nodded. \u201cSo it\u2019s true. I had wondered about that, actually. I use spells, of course, but I don\u2019t consider myself a mage.\u201d Interesting. If the mages did help shape this place, that surely explains some things. But there\u2019s something about this claim that the Tower is immune to attack that sounds more like wishful thinking than reality.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Alright, then,\u201d Gabrien said, turning to walk away.<\/p>\n

Hmm. What was that, an assessment? And I didn\u2019t measure up in some way? No matter.<\/em><\/p>\n

He headed across the roadway toward the Sovrena\u2019s tower and was nearly to its entrance when a Khajiit seated on a bench outside the tower coughed loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cKhajiit thinks that you should bathe before you visit the Sovrena,\u201d he said, bringing Dale to a stop.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cKhajiit is absolutely correct,\u201d Dale responded with a chuckle, turning back to face the Khajiit but trying to keep a respectful distance. \u201cI can\u2019t say that Coldhaven\u2019s sewers are the nicest place I\u2019ve ever been. Ondale Perdeti,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m new here, and I\u2019d offer to shake hands but something tells me you wouldn\u2019t appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Khajiit nodded. \u201cThis one is called Marakar, of House Tarbonnis. We are the thieves and scoundrels of Coldhaven. We see all and know all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale nodded, slowly, trying to gauge how much trouble he would be in if he admitted to knowing members of the Thieves Guild. He decided to keep that to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur House helped build Coldhaven,\u201d Marakar continued. \u201cImradi, as head of the House, advises Sovrena Tamara on the Council. This one prefers to work in the background.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can appreciate that,\u201d Dale said with a grin. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s better not to draw attention to oneself.\u201d Or one risks being at odds with important people, he thought as he recalled the snarl on Brynjolf\u2019s face at their last encounter. \u201cMy current aroma will absolutely make me stand out in a crowd, so I\u2019d best go do something about it. Thank you for reminding me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took his leave of the Khajiit and bounded back up to the Nobles\u2019 plateau. It truly did seem the best course of action to stand in that waterfall, up near the old Dwemer lift.<\/p>\n

It was very cold water. His thoughts raced as he showered, scrubbing his armor with sand from nearby. It seemed to him that the business of having built this place was very important to people here. Thus far, everyone had bragged about it except for the merchants.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I wonder whether this is actually the city Agryn heard of. The pride these people take in having built it make it feel much younger than that. But I have no way to tell. <\/em><\/p>\n

He studied the Dwemer door again, trying to find any kind of latch he might have missed earlier. There was nothing. But there was definitely a Dwemer ruin down here somewhere. Perhaps this was the city Agryn had heard of, but rather than it being a vampire city it was a dwarven one?<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t know,\u201d he muttered to himself as he did his best to shake and wring the excess water from his clothing. It wasn\u2019t any more comfortable wet than it had been, but at least he didn\u2019t reek any longer. At least he hoped he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

He returned to the Sovrena\u2019s tower and stepped inside, running headlong into a Redguard woman in noble clothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry! I didn\u2019t expect anyone here,\u201d he blurted out, stepping back and trying to recover his composure, hoping he hadn\u2019t permanently offended whoever this was. To his relief, the woman smiled.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings. I\u2019m Imradi Tarbonnis, head of House Tarbonnis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOndale Perdeti,\u201d Dale said, inclining his head. \u201cI\u2019m new here. I met another from your House, just outside. Marakar. A Khajiit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And the fact that you are here means that you\u2019ve probably met the former head of our house as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale frowned. \u201cI\u2019m sure I don\u2019t know who you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBaalric,\u201d she said in a very matter-of-fact way. \u201cThe poor man used to be the head of our House, but his partner, Jollivet, was killed by some Dawnguard and he took it badly. Very badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, Dale thought. That definitely sheds some light on things.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went completely mad for a time,\u201d Imradi continued. \u201cWe had to restrain him after he killed half a town north of Falkreath. Baalric is a powerful vampire. I\u2019d hate to get on his bad side. He still leaves the city to hunt, trying to avenge Jollivet\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale nodded slowly. \u201cI definitely got the impression from him that he hates the Dawnguard. Now it makes sense. And yes, I met him in Ivarstead. That\u2019s how I happened to find this city.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tsk\u2019d. \u201cThis may end up being a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be too concerned,\u201d Dale said quickly. It wouldn\u2019t do to get Baalric in trouble or to make him angry. \u201cI was specifically following up on rumors, so I knew to be on the lookout for another vampire. Nobody else even give him a second glance.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tried to change the subject. \u201cSo what can you tell me about your House?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled. \u201cHouse Tarbonnis is comprised of the greatest thieves Tamriel has ever seen. I am not boasting \u2013 I merely state the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

I can think of several people who might take issue with that.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOur members have, collectively, hundreds of years of experience and expertise. We are masters of our craft.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, I see now. I suppose longevity has its advantages.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe deal in secrets,\u201d she continued \u2013 oddly, to Dale\u2019s thinking, since they barely knew each other \u2013 \u201cand we are the eyes and ears of Sovrena Tamara in this city and throughout the world above.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am pleased to have made your acquaintance,\u201d Dale said, nodding to her and stepping away as quickly as he could. Things were becoming clearer. The telescope on the Sovrena\u2019s balcony had made him suspicious about spying, and now Imradi Tarbonnis had confirmed it. And then there\u2019d been the mage, waiting just outside the sewer grate when he\u2019d come back out. Things here were definitely not what they seemed.<\/p>\n

I really need to be careful. <\/em><\/p>\n

He worked his way through the rest of the nobles, and stepped into the Sovrena\u2019s audience chamber. A woman stood behind the lectern, apparently preparing her notes for a speech. Sovrena Tamara sat on her throne; Dale started toward her but was interrupted by Telorsar Aydril, co-head of the mage\u2019s House. Dale nodded and smiled, his attention wandering as the woman rambled on about how the mages were more a learning community than anything else, and how their sole purpose had been to further their magical talents \u2013 because didn\u2019t all mages say that same thing?<\/p>\n

\u201cThat has changed now with Sovrena Tamara. We realize that we need to band together with the other Nobles and strengthen our city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Dale said as the woman turned to leave. Now that was interesting. Was she suggesting that there has been conflict or disagreement among the Houses? If so it might have created weaknesses, making Sicara potentially wrong to encourage commerce above ground. <\/em>He cast a glance at Tamara and frowned. Or perhaps Tamara just convinced the nobles to be afraid. <\/em><\/p>\n

Dale saw a burly Dunmer vampire with a self-confident air staring from across the room. He considered introducing himself to this person as well, but then thought better of it.<\/p>\n

Warrior. Without a doubt. And I know how they think. They\u2019re probably overjoyed to be Tamara\u2019s muscle. I think it\u2019s more important for me to report to the Sovrena.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

She smiled as he stepped near, and spoke quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI found what was left of Dalaran in the sewers. As you feared, he\u2019s dead \u2013 but only very recently based on the state of him.\u201d He passed her the ring he\u2019d taken from Dalaran\u2019s body, as proof of his discovery.<\/p>\n

She frowned, her gaze settling on the ring. \u201cDamn it. I suspected as much, but I guess that it\u2019s better now that we know for sure.\u201d She tsk\u2019d. \u201cWhy was he down in the sewers, anyway?\u201d She looked directly at Dale again and continued speaking. \u201cThe people of Coldhaven are grateful for your help. There will be a time to mourn Dalaran and in the end we will emerge stronger than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale felt the hair on his neck prickle.<\/p>\n

What an odd thing to say. Almost an \u201coh well\u201d rather than a heartfelt reaction to the loss of one of the founders. And what\u2019s this about emerging stronger? How could his explorations have weakened\u2026?<\/em><\/p>\n

His thoughts ground to a halt as the Sovrena began speaking again. \u201cAlthough it pains me somewhat, I\u2019d like to reward you with this key to Lamae\u2019s Rest. The house once belonged to Galain, but it\u2019s yours now.\u201d She shook her head. \u201cI would like to know what Dalaran was up to, though. If you find out anything else, can you please return to me with the details? Oh, and here. Keep this. It\u2019s a handsome ring but it would bother me to wear it.\u201d She pressed Dalaran\u2019s ring into his palm; with that, she turned toward her court and Dale knew he\u2019d been dismissed.<\/p>\n

On his way back out of the audience room Dale stopped to speak to the large Dunmer. He was Yurilas Quarra, the head of House Quarra, and as Dale had expected was a man very much enamored of the strength he and his House had, especially compared with the others. Though the mages were powerful, he said, without their magic they were nothing. He sneered at the thieves, suggesting that Imradi Tarbonnis had poisoned her predecessor. When Yurilas began bragging about the weakest member of his<\/em> House being able to defeat any foe naked and unarmed, Dale excused himself.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d wager you might think differently about that if you\u2019d fought Potema.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As he walked slowly toward the stairs up to the Noble\u2019s Plateau, Dale\u2019s mind raced with all he\u2019d learned. So there was still conflict and mistrust among the nobility, as there was in any court. But the Sovrena\u2019s reaction to Dalaran\u2019s death had his thoughts whirling. It had been so matter-of-fact, almost as though she\u2019d rehearsed what to say.<\/p>\n

Almost as though she knew he was going to die down there, and was asking the question about his actions to cover for herself. She hadn\u2019t even bothered to search for him. And when will that time to mourn be, exactly? After I\u2019ve found what Dalaran was looking for, or die in the attempt?<\/em><\/p>\n

Something about all of this smells, and it\u2019s not just my armor.<\/em><\/p>\n

He shuddered as he used the key to open Lamae\u2019s Rest. He was being paranoid. That\u2019s all there was to it. It wasn\u2019t his job to interpret all this information; it was his job to report to Agryn.<\/p>\n

It was a delightful house. It had everything and seemed suited for either a vampire or a mortal. There were cooking areas for \u201cnormal\u201d food as well as blood potions stored on the table and nearby shelves. Behind a door was a lavish alchemy laboratory, filled to the brim with ingredients and stacks of books. Those he gathered up, as there was a perfectly good but empty bookcase in the great room.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know why I feel compelled to neaten up. I\u2019m not likely to use this house. <\/em><\/p>\n

The upper level held a small bedchamber on the left and a much larger and better-appointed master room to the right. This must have been Dalaran\u2019s room, he thought, and then shook his head. No, the Sovrena said this was Galain\u2019s home. She\u2019d clearly been very fond of and invested in Galain \u2013 so why had she just given a complete stranger his home?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not as though it\u2019s the only reward she could have given me. It makes no sense.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There were a great many books scattered about, and he decided to organize them, too. The first in the pile was titled \u201cThe Founding of Coldhaven\u201d by Sovrena Sicara.<\/p>\n

\u201cOho,\u201d he said aloud, and sank down into the nearby chair to read.<\/p>\n

It seemed that Sicara had been the one initially searching out Dwemer artifacts. She\u2019d discovered a cave and enlisted the help of \u201chundreds of Falmer workers\u201d to clear passage down to the caverns in which Coldhaven was built. Both she and Galain had put aside their research into the Dwemer while they built a safe haven for vampires. Dalaran, though, had been intent on learning magic, studying the Dwemer, and keeping an eye on mortal conflicts above-ground. Sicara had welcomed traders, but sparingly, attempting to keep the place a closely-held secret even from other vampires.<\/p>\n

Of particular interest to Dale was a note in a different hand, scribbled at the bottom of the page. \u201cThis seems a bit \u2026 gaudy. It\u2019s not the whole story but it certainly makes Sicara seem more heroic\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder which of them added that,\u201d Dale murmured to himself. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t seem likely that it would have been either of Sicara\u2019s companions.\u201d He rose slowly, adding the book to the others in his arms, pondering. \u201cAnd when did Tamara come into the picture? That\u2019s the piece that puzzles me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He moved around the room, picking up items and putting some of them back down again. Then he spotted another text. This one had him on high alert \u2013 it was marked \u201cGalain\u2019s Personal Journal.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was clearly written later than the other volume, as Galain spoke of missing Tamara. He also declared that while admirable, Tamara\u2019s conviction to use special weapons to protect Coldhaven was \u201ca bit over-zealous at times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hmm. Were they more than just friends? That\u2019s the impression I got from her, to be certain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Galain had tried to recruit other vampires from around Skyrim and had met with very little interest. He\u2019d had a run-in with the Vigilants near Winterhold, and had reported it to Sicara, who had done nothing.<\/p>\n

And that, Dale decided, was when the trouble had started. Galain staunchly sided with Tamara\u2019s determination to defend the city, and maybe even extend their influence to Ivarstead, but Sicara hadn\u2019t agreed. Galain had decided to travel, looking for Tamara \u2013 and had ended up a casualty of the Dawnguard instead.<\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, Dalaran had many texts about the Dwemer, including some that Dale had never heard of before. Perhaps he\u2019d read those at some point, but for the moment he was looking for any clues as to what led Dalaran into the sewers.<\/p>\n

Once he\u2019d stowed the books he wandered back down the stairs, mentally noting all the items displayed on shelves. A flash of red in his peripheral vision drew his attention to the wall, where he found a red button. Intrigued, he pushed it \u2013 and then jumped aside in surprise as the short table in the center of the room flipped over and a cage with a young woman inside rose from the floor. He walked around to its front and realized that this was another thrall, like the others in the worker\u2019s hovels but cleaner and more attractive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a fan of surprises, but for you I\u2019ll make an exception,\u201d he said, grinning at the mostly-unresponsive girl. \u201cYou\u2019re in luck. I\u2019m not hungry. But what a fine convenience this is! Every bit as nice as the cages in Agryn and Vyctyna\u2019s cave.\u201d He pushed the button again, admiring the ingenuity of the mechanisms involved as the cage lowered once more into the floor. There was a folded note on the small table between the chairs; this mentioned a \u201csuspension field\u201d in a \u201cblood tank\u201d to keep the mortals fresh. He had no idea what that meant, but the whole setup was incomparably clever.<\/p>\n

And with that, he was stymied. He made another pass through the home, carefully searching in all of the cabinets and cupboards, and found nothing remotely like a clue. Frustrated, he placed his hands on his hips but jumped at feeling an odd lump in his pocket. Reaching inside, he found the ring that the Sovrena had given back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. Forgot all about this. That\u2019s another odd thing about her. Why would she not want a memento of a dear friend? I don\u2019t understand.\u201d He looked at the ring more closely. It was an attractive piece; and while he didn\u2019t use jewelry as adornment it wouldn\u2019t hurt to try it on. He slipped the ring onto a finger to admire it.<\/p>\n

Everything went dark.<\/p>\n

Dale panicked.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t often panic. He had, once, when the horrifying, icy hand of terror had sunk its claws into his heart, realizing that his mother was gone. She\u2019d been the only real anchor he\u2019d had in life, and without her he simply didn\u2019t know what to do. The panic had only lasted moments; of course<\/em> he would go on. There was nothing else he could do, really. He would find a way out of sheer necessity. But for that one moment he\u2019d been caught in a free-fall of unimaginable terror.<\/p>\n

He felt that again, now, in the utter blackness that enveloped him.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The next thing he was aware of was an active, clanking Dwemer spider halfway up a winding staircase just in front of him. He had a split second to take in his surroundings \u2013 a narrow tower, a coffin in the corner, and the sturdy wooden steps \u2013 before he was fully engaged with stopping the spider before it stopped him. And it certainly was trying to do that. Not only did it emit sparks and shocks when he struck it, but it also spat flames. He struck with both blades, fell back out of its range, and then struck again before finally separating two of its legs from its center, dismantling it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy Sithis, that was the worst<\/em> surprise ever!\u201d he growled. His heart continued beating wildly for a moment or two more before he managed to compose himself. It wasn\u2019t so much the spider construct that had been the issue. It had been the utterly unexpected plunge into what felt like the Void that had nearly unhinged him.<\/p>\n

Finally, he managed to look around himself with a clearer head and take stock of the mess created by the spider\u2019s explosion. There wasn\u2019t anything out of the ordinary for a vampire\u2019s tower: bones, books, and several soul gems alongside containers stained with blood. There was a chest tucked in under the steps; it had a few items of minor interest inside, but nothing worth stealing. Instead, he spent a few moments restoring the soul gems and potion flasks to their shelves. It was possibly an absurd activity but he found it calming. Once finished, he walked up into the tower itself.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He felt confident this room had been Dalaran\u2019s study, even though Galain and Sicara had also been interested in the Dwemer. There were two upright bookcases crammed full of esoteric tomes. He scanned a few that he\u2019d not read before, but was far too rattled, still, to really study them. He mindlessly picked up copies of other books about the Dwemer and the mythical Aetherium Forge and put everything neatly back in the cabinet.<\/p>\n

There was an enchanting station here, and on it a crumbling journal written in what Dale thought might be Dwemeris script. It might be important somehow, but would do nobody any good here in this study. He gingerly slid it into a pouch and turned to the next pile of clutter, this one on a desk.<\/p>\n

The topmost item in the pile was another journal, this one neat and fairly recent. As he flipped it open his heart started galloping again, but this time out of excitement. He\u2019d stumbled across Dalaran\u2019s research notes. Once again he lowered himself onto the nearest chair and started reading.<\/p>\n

Dalaran and others had found several hundred pounds of Dwemer scrap while clearing tunnels. He\u2019d also found parts of a Centurion down in the sewers.<\/p>\n

Well that is one reason he might have been back down there, though it\u2019s been a long while since he excavated tunnels. Probably he\u2019s been exploring down there for years. I\u2019m sure the potential for reconstructing an inactive Dwemer Centurion might have piqued my interest as well.<\/em><\/p>\n

As he read, Dale\u2019s eyes grew wide. It seemed that Dalaran had translated as much of the ancient Dwemer volume as he could. Written by someone named Sthoren, it described experiments on vampires that were, in Dalaran\u2019s words, \u201cto permanently transfer life essence from one being to another.\u201d It had something to do with the Heart of Lorkhan, he thought.<\/p>\n

Dale shook his head in disbelief, and then turned to the last page. And there it was. Dalaran had found an old key, probably Dwemeri, but hadn\u2019t found the thing it unlocked. He\u2019d given the key to Sovrena Tamara and had then expanded his search for whatever that key opened.<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018\u2026and I will check the sewers in more detail.\u2019 Poor fool didn\u2019t know he was going on his last expedition,\u201d Dale murmured aloud. He rose from the chair and slipped the journal into his back with the other.<\/p>\n

Beneath the journal, Dalaran had placed a map of the sewers. Dale recognized it, for it was the same as the one he\u2019d seen in the barracks with one exception: Dalaran had marked the area around the bridge as well as the entrance to the flooded tunnel where Dale had fought the Argonian. Scribbles at the bottom of the map said that\u2019s where the man had intended to go next. At the bottom of the pile was another of Dalaran\u2019s journals, this one confirming what Dale had already suspected. Dalaran had been frustrated in his attempts to get the Centurion working, and decided to finish his explorations in spite of sleeping very little and becoming bored with killing the skeletons.<\/p>\n

\u201cLack of sleep will kill you every time, Dalaran,\u201d Dale muttered. \u201cEven if you\u2019re a vampire. You can\u2019t afford to be sloppy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale then realized he had no idea how to leave the tower.<\/p>\n

He vaguely remembered seeing a door below when he\u2019d been putting the lower level back in order. Perhaps that would lead back out to somewhere he recognized.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When he opened the door and stepped through, he knew where he was. He\u2019d seen the balcony on which he stood from the Noble\u2019s Plateau. It was atop a very tall tower hovering more or less over the human workers\u2019 encampment where he\u2019d found an entrance to the sewers.<\/p>\n

And they have the nerve to talk about Sicara living apart from the others. By the gods, what would you call this if not isolated?<\/em><\/p>\n

But he couldn\u2019t very well jump down from this dizzying height, and he\u2019d seen no trap doors, stairs, or ladders down. He looked down at the ring on his hand. If the ring had brought him here to the tower, he could only hope that it would also<\/em> take him back if he took it off and put it back on again. As terrifying as it had been to be transported without warning, this time he\u2019d be prepared.<\/p>\n

The world went black again; in spite of being prepared he had a moment of perfect dread, wondering where he would end up. He squeezed his eyes shut and waited for the faint sounds of magic to fade; when it was quiet once more he opened his eyes again and found himself back in the main living area of Lamae\u2019s Rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d he said to himself. \u201cWorks as expected. Now then. There\u2019s no time to waste \u2013 I need to go report to Tamara. Though I fear it will mean another trip into the sewers.\u201d He looked down at his armor and sighed. \u201cI\u2019m glad I still have the old set of armor stowed away in Solitude. This set is doomed.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the way down from Lamae\u2019s Rest to the Sovrena\u2019s Tower he discovered something intriguing. The pool at the edge of the Noble\u2019s Plateau \u2013 which he\u2019d seen but not really examined before \u2013 was full of hot water, not cold. The steam rising beneath the trickle from a narrow pipe in the stone surround was actually hot steam, not cold mist. He grinned. There would be no more cold showers under the waterfall for him.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Of course it\u2019s hot. We\u2019re over a Dwemer ruin!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Sovrena was on her throne when he arrived in the Tower, and he waited respectfully until she waved him closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve returned,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Is that a hint of disappointment once again, Madame Sovrena? I\u2019m sorry about that.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I believe I\u2019ve discovered what Dalaran was researching. He found an ancient Dwemer journal that seems to have described experiments being conducted on vampires. I believe he went into the sewers to investigate two areas and only got to one of them \u2013 the one where I found him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once again she surprised him with her reaction. \u201cHe really thought the ancient Dwemer were doing experiments on vampires somewhere around here? That sounds ridiculous. It\u2019s true that we\u2019ve found a great many Dwemer trinkets and scrap metal, a few weapons and even parts of animunculi, but nothing has led me to believe these old theories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh so you already knew about the theories? He spoke to you about them at some point and you didn\u2019t think to mention that to me before I went to search for him? Once again you leave me wondering where the truth lies, Madame.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook her head. \u201cBut Dalaran was convinced, wasn\u2019t he? I respected the man and I can\u2019t so easily discount what he concluded. Perhaps he was on to something after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Dale said, trying to think ahead so as not to arouse suspicions. \u201cHe mentioned finding an old key, and I wonder if it might open something important in the sewers. There\u2019s at least one place I didn\u2019t search and I don\u2019t believe he did, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, yes, he did give me a key, in fact. You can have it if you like; I assume you\u2019ll continue his research. It seems foolhardy, but here, take it. And good luck to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

She handed him a heavy key, clearly ancient, tarnished but solid. He gave her a bow, in return: a solid bow from the waist. He wanted to give no hint whatsoever that he didn\u2019t trust her.<\/p>\n

But, he thought as he left the Tower and walked reluctantly toward the stairs to the plateau, the fact is that I don\u2019t. I just don\u2019t trust her. There\u2019s something wrong about all this and\u2026<\/p>\n

A huge yawn caught him by surprise. He thought hard about it and realized that he hadn\u2019t had any sleep since the night in Agryn and Vyctyna\u2019s cave. He\u2019d been about to head for the sewers again, but there was an almost luxurious house with a comfortable-looking coffin just up the stairs from him.<\/p>\n

The sewers would wait.<\/p>\n

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Home Previous \/ Next   Dale had been hoping to clean himself thoroughly before running across anyone of importance, but that was not to be. Not ten seconds after he hauled himself up out of the sewer drain, there was a voice behind him. \u201cYou there,\u201d the person \u2013 a Nord, judging by his accent … <\/p>\n

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