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Chapter 6: A New Enemy

''Miscarcand... a complete hell hole from the books I've read about it. But do you know anything about it Martin?'' Dragon slumped in his chair as he tossed a book across table and into the grand fireplace. Martin, being too absorbed into a book called 'Lost Histories of Tamriel' to even notice. ''Martin are you deaf?'' Dragon rudely waved his hand across the front of Martin's face.

''Yes... I know a little about the ruins. A large trade city during the age of the Ayleids and the only city that wasn't destroyed by Alessians due to its impregnable defense until a earthquake wasted the area. Due to the large population of Ayleids that died in the quake I suggest you be ready for quite a number of undead inside.''

''Don't worry I believe I know just the right Elf to help me.'' With that Dragon left the main temple hall.

''Where are you going?''

''To the Imperial City. Expect me to return late in the night.''

---

''Knock Knock.'' Dragon kicked down the door and angrily stomped toward Midas' location. The Altmer was stunned a bit at Dragon's rude entrance. He was then lifted up by the collar with an angry Dragon looking at him. ''Can you tell me why the hell did you train an assassin your magic?!'' Midas looked at the Argonian with confusion.

''Well its good to see you but I have no idea what your talking about. The last person to come here and wanted to be trained in my magics was an Argonian who in all accounts wasn't an assassin.'' Midas snapped his fingers, vanishing and then appearing behind Dragon. ''Also I don't train people, I find training others quite stressful. They get their spells by having the correct ingredients and putting them into the Aurum reactor.'' He pointed to a large ebony pot at the far side of the room. ''Here.'' He tossed a large red book decorated with mysterious symbols. ''The Aurum Incantatem. It contains all the spells that I discovered in my researches. However there are more spells than those in the book in other 'areas' if you look in the right place that is. But never mind that now, why is it that you have come?''

''Well I need some holy spells, do you have any?''

''Look inside the Incantatem it has it. Should be in the H section. See the table of contents.'' Sure enough divine/holy spells were listed in the 'H' section of the book. There were two that interested Dragon, a spell that summoned a holy sprite and something called holy burst. The summoning spell required four ingredients, ectoplasm, glowdust, ambrosia, and a gold nugget. The holy burst spell contained a flawless gem, a gold nugget, and a... lesser life essence. Dragon came up to Midas.

''Do you know what is a life essence?''

''Sure its a life essence what do you think it is. You get it from other essences. You'll find them in any sort of plane depending on what that plane is based on.''

''Plane?''

''Sure, a plane is somewhat like a different dimension. Many inhabit the planes though there can be positive and negatives of each plane. Sometimes you'll get an opposite of another plane and so forth. Some transcend the known physical universe.''

''So how do I find this plane which could contain life essence?''

''Not sure. I made a map down stairs though I'm not so sure about the gate.''

''You have a gateway to these planes?''

''Yes. Found it frozen cold in the mountains of Skyrim during an expedition by the Mage's Guild. The guild used it for traveling to other worlds and dimensions though the gate went inactive about the time when Emperor Pelagius IV died. Something about a magical disturbance. Be warned though if you choose to travel in any sort of plane the time it takes to come back to the mortal plane takes about two days. Average.'' Dragon thought about it though he decided he would not travel the planes yet since time was crucial. He guessed he would take only the sprite spell. ''Here's the ingredients.'' Midas took out a bag from his desk containing the ingredients for the spell. ''Put them in the reactor and just cast a spell on them.'' With the items inside the ebony pot, Dragon casted a low leveled flare spell and the pot instantly lit up with a shining glow. Inside was a small yellow item that Dragon couldn't identify but he remembered it from the last time he ate something like that from Midas. Tasted like Olyroy cheese, a cheese that Dragon hated so much he wanted it obliterated from Nirn. He grabbed it and hesitantly put it in his mouth, swallowing and the taste he hated came back to haunt him. He held his face, showing no displeasure from what he recently ate. ''So do you feel its magic surging throughout your body?''

''All I feel is a tingling in my lower abdomen.'' It was actually gas that Dragon held in for a few hours. ''Oh sorry!''

''It's alright, certain people have side effects at times when eating the yellow thing.'' Dragon left with some of the taste still residing in his mouth. He sucked on his tail sucking on it too remove some of the taste though he became obsessed for a brief moment, licking it with ecstasy after apparently remembering a night he spent with a runaway Argonian slave at a small cave in Morrowind. Sure it was a night of pleasurement but unfortunately left Dragon after arriving at Surda. He stopped and pondered about all the good times in Morrowind; the adventure, action, beast women, fame, and joy.

After eating at the Merchant's Inn, and getting a new weapon, a damage enchanted sword made of something called shadesteel. It was like a regular fine steel longsword except it was darker than usual. The blacksmith said the metal is far superb to that of dwarven weapons and only surpassed by ebony. It came from a place called Ravenpride castle way high in the mountains north. Dragon left the Imperial City returning back to Cloud Ruler Temple late at night. The Temple was silent as a graveyard with only the guards patrolling the walls. It began snowing. Dragon didn't know about snow until he traveled to Solstheim since it rarely snowed in Morrowind and at those times Dragon was not present. Martin was still in the main hall but now sitting in front of the fire place reading his book. Dragon approached. ''Well I kinda got what I wanted and I guess I'm up for the ruins now.'' Martin peered from his book to the lizard above him.

''Alright then but first you'll need one more thing.'' Martin threw at Dragon a ancient scroll written in a early form of Ayleid. In the middle showed a picture of people worshiping a stag of sorts.

''So what will this do?''

''I don't know. Never knew what it was. I found it among my 'step-father's' things when he died with a note that has the Imperial seal on it. It was to be given to me once I became older though I may never get to use it, you may.''

''You sure this won't kill me?''

''It had the Imperial Seal on it, why would it be something that would kill you?''

''Well how would I use this piece of paper?''

''That's the challenge. It'll be something for you to figure out.'' Dragon left but not before saying good bye to everyone just in case if he died. The ride to Miscarcand since it was in the West Weald, on horseback would take atleast six hours. Dismounting his horse he rested at an abandoned camp, laying against a tree watching the rising of the dawn. He fell asleep and in his dreams he received a vision from Hekem.

''Dragon you best not sleep too long! Once you reach Miscarcand then be careful for there are others who are not servants of Dagon that have come to the ruins to slow down your progress.'' In his dream self Dragon responded confusedly.

''Others? So the Mythic Dawn isn't the only enemy I have to face?''

''Yes. They are not undead but humans, best if you avoid combat with them as they are masters at the use of the sword. You'll recognize them easily but for now... WAKE UP!!!'' Dragon awoke, sweat on his face. The sun was no longer at the dawn but beginning to hit the middle of the sky. He hurried and mounted his horse racing toward the West Weald. By the time it was noon when he reached Skingrad and then the West Weald, a grassy plain. Last time he came here was the time he headed for Kvatch and he did spot something out of his eye when he passed by the area. Large ruined white columns. Searching the area, taking atleast an hour and a half he found it. The only ruins seen for miles. As he approached the ruins he heard talking and rode his horse around a nearby rock to listen. He saw two men coming out of the ruins. One of them was somewhat rotund and fat while the other was the opposite, lean and somewhat muscular. They both wore some sort of heavy armor Dragon had never seen in Tamriel. A black suited armor accompanied by capes featuring a something that looked like a crown. Their helms circular, encased their heads except for two holes at the eyes so that the person may see and a rectangular shape composed of smaller holes at the mouth for the person to breath. Dragon sneaked around so that he became closer to the men, listening to their conversation.

''So how much longer does the master want us here?'' The rotund one asked in a Breton accent to the other man.

''He wants us here for as long as that lizard thing is alive. Once it's dead, we'll head back to the fortress.'' Replied the man in a deep voice.

''We've been here for over five months now! Already the undead follow the master, the stone as the focal point for his magic in the ruins, and now we have to kill this lizard man or whatever if he ever comes!''

''Listen you fat old fool! The master is wise and powerful, he foresaw the coming of the lizard thing. It will come! Lest the master want to decorate the ruins with your insides, Kal.''

''Like he will! I am his captain! Now I am going straight to him right now and convince him for us to go back to the fortress!'' Kal pushed aside the man, marching toward the ruins but was stopped as the man rushed toward Kal's front, unsheathing his sword and pointing it under his chin.

''Move and I'll gut you like a pig! We have orders not to go inside and guard the entrance till midnight!'' Kal quickly pulled out his sword and both men began their fight. While they did Dragon sneaked through the ruins, managing to dodge the guards and head toward the stone entrance. Quietly he opened the door and slid right through without making a sound. Darkness engulfed Dragon and he used his hands to try to feel for anything in the darkness that might help. He felt a torch and lit it with his fire breath. He then began his journey into the ruins. He walked across a balcony of sorts with arched windows and rusted grates in between. Looking down into the room below he saw an enormous room filled with ruined pillars and men... men in the same armor as the two Dragon saw at the entrance patrolling the area along with tents and camp fires. The warning Hekem sent ringed in his mind, 'best if you avoid combat with them as they are masters at the use of the sword.' Ironically the stairs at the end of the balcony led to the room below, making it nearly impossible for Dragon to avoid a fight. Quietly he extinguished his torch and sneaked downstairs but then received a vision. A man wearing a crown-like helm and black robes spoke to him. They seemed like whispers at first but then turned into words. In a deep and chilling voice he spoke.

''Come, come to the chamber where the welkynd stone is held. I will be waiting there for you. Come.'' Dragon came back to his senses. He felt cold... really cold for some reason. Also he felt fear. His heart was beating rapidly. Somehow that man made Dragon in the first time of his life, scared, worried, and weak at the same time. Not like what he felt when he faced Lord Mha but a whole new level of fear. He felt an intent in his mind to reach the Great Welkynd Stone chamber now for some reason. Sure it was his goal but he felt that he really needed to go there. But it all went away when someone saw him.

''Intruder!'' All the men patrolling or near the campfires unsheathed their swords and ran towards the stairs. They came from behind as well. Dragon drew his sword and charged, doing an upward slash as he came to the first man he met, knocking him to the floor. He then came down upon the man with his sword killing him. One of the men who looked like an Altmer commanded the others to attack. They all went for Dragon and outnumbered him. Parrying most of their attacks he was able to fight his way through the crowd. These men were indeed sword masters for they all knew how to block Dragon's attacks. Once out of the crowd he ran through the giant room, dodging using the pillars as obstacles. They caught up to him but as one man tried to attack, Dragon countered it and used his sword to stab the man through the stomach. He kept running and at times fighting too but then stopped when he came upon firing range of archers. The men behind came up and knocked Dragon out cold.

Dragon slowly opened his eyes, seeing nothing but a blur at first but then a bright light. The light originated from a large teal stone floating from a Ayleid well. It was the Great Welkynd Stone. He then saw a man. A man wearing a crown-like helm, dressed in fearsome pitch black armor and black tattered robes underneath. On it the cuirass was the face of a evil looking man with sharp teeth. Other faces covered the greaves, arms, and shoulders. He carried a long sharp sword, the longest Dragon had seen in his life. It was as long as the man itself! And he was a bit taller than Dragon. On the sword was etched strange letters unknown to Dragon. The man slowly turned and faced him. Unfortunately the chamber was too dark with the exception from the glow of the stone to see the man's face. As the room appeared to Dragon he saw that he was laying on a bridge that led to the stone. Underneath it was an abyss of darkness. The walls of the room showed sparkling pictures of the Ayleids but most were covered with moss or vines. ''My soldiers brought you here... found you sneaking around the stairs at the entrance.'' The voice, the tone, Dragon recognized it. This man, was the man who spoke to Dragon in that vision before being knocked out. ''You must be Dragon...'' Dragon then replied timidly as he felt the man's presence. It was strong and terrible with power.

''Yes... I am. If you'll excuse me I need that stone please.'' The man then did a beckoning motion but Dragon realized it was not for him but for the hundreds of undead behind him. Kept at bay by only a rusted door. They banged on the door but it was fruitless. Some sort of magic was placed on it.

''That cannot be done... The stone is mine. As well as your soul!'' He then waved his hand and the door opened causing the undead to rush into the bridge. Dragon didn't know what to do but only to stare and watch as he was about to die within minutes. ''I know all about you Dragon and even your special gift... I will control that gift...'' As the undead charged he drew he regained his thoughts, ignoring the man and fought the undead with feral speed. The man's voice echoed in his head. ''You cannot fight forever in life. Only in death...'' Skeletons shot their arrows and attacked with their swords, zombies tried to eat any part of Dragon they could grab. Four arrows pierced Dragon's armor and neck. His tail cut and sword broken. He bled heavily. The man approached Dragon as the undead stopped and surrounded him. ''Now die...'' The man raised up his sword high preparing to strike but stopped. ''What sorcery is this!'' A bright light appeared behind him and there stood Hekem. His hand clenched and raised as if he was holding something but nothing was there. Then he began to clench his fist harder and harder until he was bleeding. The man's sword was cracking. But then the man tugged on the sword causing Hekem's hand to bleed rapidly with the expression of pain on his face. The sword was tugged again and this time the man gained control of his sword back. Hekem fell back at the sudden break. ''So the last Magus comes to me at last! I bet you miss your friends and parents don't you...'' Hekem showed anger on his face as the man continued. ''Did you know that your parents died before they could even bleed...'' At that moment Hekem in his anger charged at the man with his fists but the man simply raised an open hand to him and a ray of dark magic blasted Hekem away. He laid there injured, looking at the man with anger that had the intention to kill. He approached the injured Argonian, kneeling down to him. ''Ironic. I remember once that I had once eliminated a powerful kingdom of man causing the survivors to divide into smaller groups and almost to the edge of extinction. Now the last of the Magus servants falls before me... now you will die...'' He reached for Hekem's face with his hand which began to flare with dark powers but was stopped before delivering the final blow.

''Stop right there or else I'll send you back to Oblivion...'' Dragon stood up, staggered a bit but in his hand he held the scroll that Martin gave him. The man chuckled a bit and began walking towards Dragon. ''I told you to stop, but ya didn't listen...'' Dragon then opened the scroll and cited the words appearing at the bottom one by one even though he had not seen them before when he opened the scroll back at the Temple. The words began to glow brightly with light, then the scrolls and it lit the entire room. The man hissed and fell back before the light. A shining tag then appeared with a holy aura about it. Dragon pet the tag, rubbing its neck and pointed to the now cowering man. The stag charged at him and when it hit him, it exploded into a burst of light. All the undead behind Dragon fell down dead at the explosion of light. The man lay there on the floor weakened. Hekem rised up and attempted to finish him with his magic but then the man disappeared and an echo followed.

''This isn't over...'' Dragon gave a sigh of relief and went over to Hekem helping him carrying himself.

''You alright?''

''Ya, thanks. Where'd you get that Astral Stag spell?''

''Astral Stag? Well I got it from Martin, said it was among the items of his step father with the Imperial Seal on it.''

''Interesting... Well I haven't seen a Astral Stag in a long time since the time when Magnus took me to the Plane of the Heavens...''

''What's an Astral Stag?''

''It's an Astral creature. It starts out as holy energies that come from spells that benefit mankind and then form into the shape of a stag. It's basically made of holy light. Though I'm not sure why they shape into a stag. Anyway lets get out of here, the Witch-king's men will probably be here any minute.'' Dragon took the Great Welkynd Stone and Hekem then teleported them back to Cloud Ruler Temple.

---

''So... who's the Witch-king?'' Dragon asked Hekem as he ate with the Blades along with Martin in the dining hall. The Blades were all too eager to hear the two's conversation.

''The Witch-king...'' Hekem paused. An emotionless look upon his face. ''Is my enemy... he is the one who caused the disappearance of the other Magus. He is not human nor is he mortal. But he is an ancient undead spirit.''

''Looked like a man to me when I saw him.''

''He does yes. But it was too dark in there to tell... If you looked into that crown of his then there would be no face in there, only darkness. He is a wraith, a ghost, entity, spectral, you name it.''

''Zombie?'' One of the Blades said.

''No... I mean name anything spectral in a sense. Anyway Magnus told me that he came into our world during the second era and caused a lot of trouble. He's a powerful sorcerer but at first he was a weak angry spirit floating around outside Nirn. He had atleast enough power to whisper into someones ear in Nirn. Then through the coercing of others who believed him to be a powerful entity he gained worshipers. He taught his followers dark magic not from this world and they commenced a ritual that allowed the Witch-king to have enough power to enter Nirn. He regained much of the former power he had lost back in the world he was once from. Then he established an a powerful fortress in the northern Jerall Mountains. He created a powerful army and waged war upon Tiber Septim who had just united all of Tamriel under the Empire. He almost won until dragons came and aided Tiber Septim in defeating him. He went into hiding and his fortress was turned into a noble's home which is present-day Ravenpride. He reappeared and was a lesser threat but orchestrated the events leading to the Imperial Simulacrum, convincing Jagar Tharn to overthrow the emperor. Then after the defeat of Dagoth Ur, he caused Almalexia to go insane for power. And now this... But now he seems to be getting ready for something. Already you've seen the army he has. No doubt he has taken his old fortress back. One day... something big's going to happen and it'll be all influenced by the Witch-king...''

''Have any clue what he plans he's got?'' Dragon asked.

''No. I can see into the future but somehow when I try to look into events caused by the Witch-king they get clouded.''

''How's he that powerful?''

''Not sure. Not even Magnus knows. But I guess he probably got more power over the years as he learned and did more dark magic. But he seemed to have taken most of the Great Welkynd Stone's power which is bad though thankfully not enough to turn it dull.''

''What about what he said about your... parents...'' Hekem stood silent at that word. Parents. It was one he had not heard in a long time referring to his own. He stared blankly at his food and said silently.

''I don't want to talk about it...'' Dragon decided to move onto a different subject lest he get Hekem to blow up Cloud Ruler Temple.

''So... the last item we need. A great sigil stone...'' Dragon said attempting a conversation.

''Yes Dragon. the great sigil stone. As I said before the Mythic Dawn will attempt to attack Bruma in some sort of manner using a great Oblivion gate. Once that gate opens you must head for the sigil tower and take the stone within.'' Jauffre responded with his mouth full.

''Did the documents state when the attack was going to be held?''

''They will attack on the day that will change this era to the fourth. Which is three days from now.'' The Blades all had grim looks upon their faces once Jauffre announced the news.

''We'd best get prepared by then shall we?'' Dragon stood up, his plate empty with only a few food remnants. ''I'm going to see if I can get help for Bruma when the attack comes. The other cities in Cyrodiil should be merciful enough to give Bruma some men to defend the city.'' With that Dragon left the dining hall and began his journey for help.

To Be Continued...