I’d like to thank all of my readers who have been following this story of Skyrim.
Sometimes it’s been fun, sometimes it’s been frustrating, and sometimes I’ve wanted to scream at the game and at my computer. You’ve made it worth it.
Although the tale of Tel’kiira Kethrina and Tervesa Kaushad has ended, the tales of Skyrim have not.
I promise that soon I will begin a new tale in a new blog. Once I do, I will post a link of it here.
Again, I thank you.
2nd of First Seed, 4E 202
To General Tullius:
Windhelm has mostly recovered from the attack on the city. There are still those who still miss Ulfric Stormcloak, including those residing in exile in the Palace of Kings. Honestly, I don’t know how Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter puts up with them. Nevertheless, the townspeople have managed to return to their lives.
Regarding your personal request, Legate Tervesa Kaushad is doing well for the most part. Last month she purchased Hjerim here in the city after a dragon burned down her house near Riverwood. Neither of us should be surprised, she grew up here.
She has now made Windhelm her permanent home. She often spends her evenings in the New Gnisis Cornerclub, talking amiably with Ambarys and entertaining the patrons. I’ve heard she’s become their resident bard.
She brings in this talking “space ball” from time to time. It seems to be very popular, until someone threatens to hit it with a hammer. I think it’s hilarious myself.
Every so often Tervesa travels around Skyrim, playing in many taverns and inns, hunting the occasional dragon, and helping those in need. Because of her reputation, she’s frequently inundated with requests for help … and marriage proposals.
This war was difficult for all of us, we have all lost friends, but thanks in part to Tervesa, we will recover.
As ordered, I will travel to the Dominion and attempt to gather intelligence on the Thalmor. From what we know of them, I suspect in time the Dragonborn will be called again to fight for the Empire.
Sincerely,
A.
Antonius
19th of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
I wish I knew where Ambarys was, I wish I knew if he was all right.
We fought the Stormcloaks in the city. We took Windhelm, burned through the barricades, and reached Ulfric and his housecarl Galmar in the Palace of Kings.
They would not surrender. I focused my fire attacks on Galmar first, then when he went down assisted General Tullius and Rikke in defeating Ulfric.
Ulfric had one request before dying. He wanted me, the Dragonborn, to deliver the final blow.
Out of respect for him, I did so. General Tullius lent me his daedric sword to do the deed.
I whispered a prayer to Talos for Ulfric the moment the blade pierced his heart.
General Tullius delivered a succinct speech to his troops. Amidst their cheering, I heard him say “I hate giving speeches.” I had to admit, I found myself smiling.
And then the officers went about assigning troops to put out fires, begin clean up, and repair the damages.
Gods be thanked, the war is over. For now, I will lend my healing spells to help the wounded. After that, I’ll find Ambarys and share a few drinks.
I hope he’s all right.
(This letter was delivered magically, dropping onto the bar. The Cornerclub was empty at the time.)
We’ve taken Fort Amol. If you haven’t left or taken shelter yet, do it now!
Tervesa
(This letter was delivered magically, dropping onto the bar during the busiest time of the night. Its arrival nearly caused a panic when it was read.)
17th of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
Dear Ambarys,
I know you’ve been preparing. I hope it’s enough.
I’m heading to the Imperial camp in Eastmarch. Soon we will attack Windhelm. Get everyone you can either out of the city or into the best possible shelter, but do it as discreetly as possible!
Good luck.
Sincerely yours,
Tervesa
17th of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
We attacked Fort Sungard in the darkest of hours, yet the fort was lit brilliantly with mage lights.
By those lights, I saw who I had both dreaded and expected to see, Tel’kiira Kethrina, standing on the battlements above the gate. She was wearing Stormcloak armor, sans the helmet, and the mage lights reflected from her golden eyes. The other soldiers were giving her a wide berth.
Our eyes met, and we both knew the time had finally come.
I ordered the Legion soldiers to stay away from Kethrina and focus on the regular troops while I dealt with her. From the expressions on their faces, they were only too happy to comply.
The legionnaires rushed into the fort while I waited outside. Kethrina calmly descended the stairs and met me before the gate. We nodded respectfully to each other, and then we dueled.
We fought for hours. She had gained considerable power from vampirism, while I had cleansed myself of lycanthropy before arranging the peace conference. My magic skills were greater than hers, her melee skills were greater than mine.
But I had the the Thu’um. Her mastery of the Thu’um extended only as far as her basic education and what Ulfric could share with her. I, on the other hand, had been given instruction by the Greybeards, Paarthurnax, and the three great warriors of the first Dragon War.
That was then I did something I had never done except against dragons and their draugr servants, I used the Thu’um to fight, and I didn’t spare anything.
Even so, the duel was a difficult one, Kethrina was the most powerful and the most dangerous foe I had ever faced. It was only when I had called Odahviing and the valiant of Sovngarde that I was finally able to overpower her.
The sun’s rays were just beginning to rise when I looked down upon Kethrina’s broken body. She had sustained wounds that would have killed five men, yet she still lived, barely.
I knelt by her side and asked if she had any final requests. She whispered to me that she wanted to be buried next to Charlotte. I promised her that I would make that happen.
I then asked if she had any last words. She said she had none, save that she had no regrets. I nodded, promised I would see her in Sovngarde, then ended her life quickly with a stab to her heart.
I rose to my feet and looked around at the legionnaires who had been watching our duel with awe. I don’t think any had any idea just how powerful a Dragonborn was. All of them looked at me with fear.
I ordered two of them to prepare Kethrina’s body for transport and to treat it with respect. They quickly complied. Odahviing, who was still there, agreed to carry her and me to Solitude where Charlotte was buried, and I expressed grateful thanks.
It has been a long night, and a longer day. Styrr helped me make the arrangements, and now Tel’kiira Kethrina and Charlotte Corday lie side by side in death.
Alduin is dead. Kethrina is dead. The Reach is ours again. Ulfric is isolated in his hold.
I have no time to rest. General Tullius needs me to help prepare for the final battle and finally end this war forever.
14th of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
Rays of the setting sun are drawing lines on the wall in my room. I watched them lazily as I bathed.
Now, with a goblet of wine in my hand and some bread and cheese at my elbow, I’m finally able to record the phenomenal events from over the past few days.
The conference went much as Balgruuf and Arngeir predicted. Ulfric demanded Markarth, and at this point in the war, he only had Winterhold to trade. He was receiving a major hold in exchange for a minor one, and he still insisted it wasn’t enough. If it weren’t for Esbern, he would’ve walked out of the room.
While I disdain Esbern’s and Delphine’s insistence that I kill Paarthurnax, I respect Esbern for what he did for me that day. The day ended with the Stormcloak possessing Markarth and the Imperials possessing Winterhold.
Esbern then taught me how to lure a dragon to Dragonsreach. He knew the names of many dragons, and taught me one of them: Odahviing. What I didn’t realize before then, but should have, was that each dragon’s name is a shout made up of three words.
With that knowledge, and Jarl Balgruuf’s preparations, we were able to call and capture Odahviing. We conversed for a while, and he politely answered my questions.
To reach Alduin’s portal, I had to be able to fly. Odahviing agreed to let me ride him, as I had proven my Thu’um to him. I took this to mean that I had earned his respect.
As I considered this and whether to free him, Farengar introduced himself to Odahviing. At first I thought the wizard was only going to ask him questions, but then he tried to take some of the dragon’s scales and blood. Idiot!
I prepared myself for a long journey, then set Odahviing free. True to his word, he allowed me to ride him. Flying through the skies was the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had in my life.
And fighting the draugr in Skuldafn Temple was the most harrowing battle in my life. Almost all of them were deathlords. As if ordinary draugr weren’t bad enough. At the portal itself was a powerful dragon priest that wouldn’t hold still.
Afterwards though, the vision that greeted me made it worth it.
I’ve heard and read so many stories of Sovngarde, one of them written by Kodlak in his journal. None of them even remotely did justice to the reality. I captured dozens of images, but only one developed clearly.
But paradise was marred by Alduin’s mist, trapping the souls of the fallen, preventing them from reaching Shor’s Hall.
I managed to navigate to that honored hall after passing Tsun’s test of combat. Inside I met many heroes, including the three who banished Alduin, the three whose battle I witnessed: Gormlaith, Hakon, and Felldir. Together we dispersed Alduin’s mist, and then finally defeated the World-Eater himself.
His body incinerated into nothing, and his soul dispersed into Aetherius. I suppose his soul wasn’t meant to be taken. In the end, Tsun taught me a Shout that would allow me to call a hero of Sovngarde, then returned me to the Throat of the World.
I was greeted by a half dozen dragons. I felt humbled as they acknowledged me as the Dragonborn in their own tongue. Paarthurnax was there was well, and he told me he intended to teach the dragons the Way of the Voice. I pray he’s successful.
I am tired. My battle with Alduin left me aching everywhere, but I can not rest yet. General Tullius has ordered me to assist Legate Rikke in regaining the Rift.
The civil war continues.
12th of Sun’s Dawn, 4e 202
Dear Ambarys,
I’m not certain what I can tell you. Yes, I spoke with Kethrina. We both wanted each other to withdraw from the civil war, and neither of us could do that. I asked her to join me in fighting Alduin, but she refused. I still don’t understand why.
We claimed the Rift, although I doubt things will change in the capital. Maven was running things in Riften even before she officially became the Jarl.
We will win this war, but for now I need to concentrate on fighting Alduin. I was able to fight and defeat him at the Throat of the World, but he fled to Sovngarde. There he will hunt and eat the souls of the honored dead, stealing their strength.
To learn where Alduin’s portal is located, I need to capture one of his lieutenants and interrogate him. The best place to do that will be Dragonsreach. To that end, I asked Jarl Balgruuf for help, and he agreed on the condition that I help the Greybeards arrange a truce between the two sides so that his city will be safe from the Stormcloaks while we’re trapping the dragon.
I’ve been trying to arrange a peace conference during the past few days.
General Tullius wasn’t difficult to convince, skeptical as he was.
Jarl Ulfric was more difficult. Being in the Palace of Kings itself was a difficult experience by itself. Skald the Elder, Laila Law-Giver, their families, and stewards were dining at the long table before the throne. All of them were glaring at me, as if I were the sole cause of their problems. Nevertheless, I was able to convince Ulfric to come to the conference.
These will be difficult negotiations. Wish me luck.
Sincerely Yours,
Tervesa
8th of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
Dear Tervesa,
My agent told me what happened during your meeting, what he could tell me anyway. He claimed he couldn’t understand much of what the two of you were saying, but I know that he could have transcribed your conversation phonetically, and I or any other Dunmer agent could have translated it for him. For some reason, he didn’t. I don’t suppose you know why?
What happened in that skooma den?
My patrons and I celebrated when we heard the Legion captured the Rift. Malthyr openly wondered if this means Black-Briar mead will be cheaper. From what you’ve told me about Maven, I’m pretty sure that will never happen.
This just leaves Winterhold and Windhelm doesn’t it? I can’t believe we’re so close to reunifying Skyrim. I wonder if the mages at the College will fight for one side or the other? What do you think?
You know you can always talk to me.
Ambarys
3rd of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
These last hours have felt so surreal.
When I arrived at at the Throat of the World, Paarthurnax instructed me to read the scroll at the “time wound”, the exact point where the banishment ritual took place. I could see it, a circle of air that moved differently from the rest of the mountaintop. It felt strange to step inside it.
I paused for a moment, prayed, and then unfurled the scroll.
I was immediately transported to the past, and yet I wasn’t. I was watching everything through a screen, as if the Elder Scroll had become transparent, with various symbols flying through my vision apparently at random.
Dozens of dragons flew through the skies, their roars surrounding me. A few feet from me, almost close enough to touch, two heroes fought and killed one of the dragons. I was able to hear their names, Gormlaith Golden-Hilt and Hakon One-Eye, faced it bravely even in the face of its fire breath.
Gormlaith delivered the death blow from atop its head, a move I felt was equal parts brave and insane.
After the dragon was dead, the pair were joined by an older Nord, Felldir the Old, who pulled out an Elder Scroll from his Greybeard robes.
Then Alduin himself attacked them, and it was that moment I heard the words of the first Shout created by mortals: Joor, Zah, Frul. It forced Alduin to crash land to the ground.
Alduin was shocked and furious, and I watched the trio bravely fight him, but the effects didn’t last. Alduin grabbed Gormlaith and threw her to the ground like a terrier would a rat, and soon Hakon was crippled.
Finally Felldir used the Elder Scroll to banish Alduin. There was a sphere of green energy around the dragon, then he disappeared, and vision ended.
I was still recovering from the experience when Alduin arrived. Paarthurnax distracted him long enough for me to regain my bearings, saving my life.
The words of power erupted from my throat, and Alduin crashed to the ground in front of me. After that I didn’t waste any time, throwing everything I had against him until he collapsed.
Alduin acknowledged my strength, and then he fled. Paarthurnax told me he went to Sovngarde to devour the souls of the dead and grow stronger, but he didn’t know the location of the portal.
The only way I can follow Alduin is to capture one of his lieutenants and question him. Paarthurnax suggested using Dragonsreach, where Olaf One-Eyed captured and held Numinex.
This will be a challenge. No sane person is going to be eager to have a dragon in his city. Nevertheless, I don’t have a choice but to ask.
First though, General Tullius has ordered me to help regain the Rift, and Legate Rikke has specifically told me that she needs me.
I will assist Rikke, then request leave to ask Jarl Balgruuf to help me capture a dragon.
2nd of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
Our conversation proved meaningless, unsurprisingly. Neither of us was willing to capitulate to the other. She is consumed by her quest for vengeance, and I refused to deter from my duty.
Kethrina left a satchel behind, saying it was a gift. I had no idea what was in it, and I just carried it with me to Riften. I had intended to return to Urag and ask for his advice on where to find an Elder Scroll, but I didn’t feel very optimistic about that.
I waited to open the satchel until I was in my room at the Bee and Barb and certain I wasn’t being watched. I withdrew a leather-wrapped bundle, untied the bounds … and was left in complete shock.
I don’t know how, I’m not sure why, but Kethrina had given me an Elder Scroll!
There’s so much I don’t understand. Kethrina’s helping me for some reason. I wish I had time to ponder this, but I can’t. I have the Elder Scroll I need. I’ll recover my strength in Ivarstead, then climb to the Throat of the World.
1st of Sun’s Dawn, 4E 202
To General Tullius:
Kaushad arrived at the Redwater Den in the pre-dawn hours. There was a moment when I thought her contact would meet her outside, especially when a dragon attacked, but Kaushad defeated it alone.
She then went inside, and I followed moments later. Kaushad purchased a bottle of Skooma and turned towards the booths, but instead of sitting on a bench with one of the addicts, she continued past an open door and sat at a small table.
I found a bench with the best view possible and pretended to drink skooma for several minutes, during which Kaushad sat alone quietly.
Eventually another person approached her from behind. The person appeared to be female and shorter than Kaushad, but she wore a robe with a hood, obscuring everything else.
They spoke softly in Dunmeris, a language I only barely speak. Because of that and the surrounding noise, I could only understand some of their conversation.
Kaushad wanted the woman to join her in fighting the dragons, but the woman refused. Her tone suggested regret.
The woman tried to convince Kaushad to leave Skyrim and stay out of her way, Kaushad replied she couldn’t do that as long as Alduin and the dragons threatened Skyrim. The woman was displeased, but seemed to grudgingly acknowledge the point.
They went back and forth like this for some time. They seemed to be trying to negotiate a way to avoid killing each other in the future, but neither seemed willing to budge on her position.
Eventually the two realized they were at a standstill. The woman rose, drank an invisibility potion, and left in the direction she came, but she left behind a satchel. I was unable to follow her.
Kaushad remained for a time, sipping wine thoughtfully and staring pensively at the satchel. Then she rose, took the satchel, and left the den.
Kaushad is currently staying at Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead and has been staying there for the past day.
I will continue to update you regarding the situation as I learn more.
Sincerely,
A.
29th of Morning Star, 4E 202
Dear Ambarys,
I need a favor.
I know you have several covert agents stationed near you. I need to borrow one of them as quickly as possible, immediately if you can manage it.
I’ve been asked to talk with someone important on very short notice, but I want someone to observe the meeting and record it if possible.
Send whoever you can spare to the Bee and Barb in Riften as soon as possible.
I can’t explain everything now, but I promise I will when I can.
Thanks old friend. I owe you for this.
Sincerely Yours,
Tervesa
28th of Morning Star, 4E 202
To Tervesa Kaushad, Dragonborn:
I have no doubt you’ve learned much about me, and I have learned just as much about you.
I’d like to meet you, I want to talk. You and I are on a course that will inevitably lead us to fight each other, perhaps kill each other.
I want us to avoid that if we can. We may be on different sides, but a fight between us would only benefit Alduin and his dragon legions. Would you be willing to talk with me?
If so, meet me at the Redwater Den, west of Autumnshade Clearing. I will have a lantern burning by the entrance.
I realize you’re not likely to trust me, but I will agree to a temporary truce for the duration of our meeting and for one hour afterward. This I promise, from one Dragonborn to another.
Tel’kiira Kethrina
27th of Morning Star, 4E 202
I had no idea what Ambarys was trying to accomplish by sending me these fragments, but it wasn’t as if I had anything else to do.
Working on this puzzle gives me a headache too, and I have no idea why, but when Ambarys told me this was a document I got an idea to take it to Urag gro-Shub at the College. I’m surprised Kethrina never thought of that.
Urag seemed disinterested at first, but something in the pieces caught his curiosity. We worked together to assemble them, and after several hours we made a remarkable discovery.
It’s an Elder Scroll!
Urag was ecstatic and demanded to know how I obtained these pieces. I told him the truth, how they were recovered from a Memory Crystal belonging to Kethrina, then produced the journal entry where she described finding them. I decided the more information I gave him, the more he would help me.
Urag listened rapturously every moment, constantly taking notes. He theorized that this may have been originally taken by the Dwemer in an attempt to read an Elder Scroll without experiencing the effects on the sight or the mind. I have a feeling he’s going to write a treatise on this one day.
It’s extremely corrupted though, so I doubt Paarthurnax would be able to use it. As fun as this puzzle was, it really isn’t useful to me.
I’m afraid I will have to contact Delvin in the guild, but I really don’t want to go that route. Maybe Legate Rikke will have some advice, or perhaps she can convince General Tullius of my need for this.
26th of Morning Star, 4E 202
Dear Tervesa,
I’m not sure how you can get out of this quandary. Trust the government to make things harder and more complicated than they have to be. I’ve contacted some people I know in the Legion, but so far I’m getting the same roadblocks as you. I’ll let you know the moment anything changes.
I’d get in trouble for saying this, but you might consider hiring the Thieves Guild to steal it.
There’s something else you might want to look at. Do you remember those image fragments Kethrina had? I’ve been working with them in my spare time. It hasn’t been easy. My head hurts whenever I work on these things for any length of time, but I think I’ve discovered something.
This isn’t just an image, someone tried to copy a document. I’m sending you all of the fragments and the progress I’ve made in this puzzle. I don’t know why, but I think it might help you with something. Good luck.
Ambarys
24th of Morning Star, 4E 202
A major regret I have about becoming a werewolf is that I never have truly restful sleep. It makes it considerably more difficult to deal with stress.
Delphine asked me to find her colleague Esbern, who had been hiding in the Ratway Warrens. I had to fight through perhaps a dozen Thalmor to find him. It was a colossal headache to convince him that I wasn’t a Thalmor agent about to kill him. Stars and stones, and I thought Pelagius was paranoid.
Once I broke through his paranoia and fatalism though, he turned out to be a fascinating man. I enjoyed conversing with him about Akaviri history on the way to Riverwood. I just wish he had been willing to wear some armor during our journey.
Once Esbern and Delphine were reunited, we traveled together to find Sky Haven Temple, and ancient Blades base inside Karthspire cavern.
Somehow, I doubt the appearance of a dragon outside of Karthspire was a coincidence. As if the Forsworn weren’t enough.
Inside were more Forsworn and booby-trap puzzles, ending in a blood seal only the blood of a Dragonborn could unlock.
As Esbern predicted, inside the temple was Alduin’s Wall, a large stone relief depicting the history and prophecy of Alduin and the Dragonborn. To Delphine’s chagrin, we learned the Tongues used an unknown Shout to defeat the World-Eater.
I didn’t see a problem with asking Arngeir about this Shout, but Delphine certainly did. She believes the Greybeards refrain from using their power because they’re afraid of that power. She also claimed they were afraid of me.
I wish I knew what led her to feel so bitter towards the Greybeards, but I’m willing to speculate that it was similar to what led Arngeir to feel bitter towards the Blades. Just when I thought I found someone without a bias or an agenda.
By the time I convinced Arngeir that I needed this Shout to stop Alduin, I was ready to thrust my head into a snowdrift to ease the throbbing pain. He taught me the Clear Skies Shout, and with it I ascended the mountain and met the leader of the Greybeards, Paarthurnax. In retrospect, I should’ve know he was a dragon. Delphine isn’t going to like this.
Paarthurnax told me that he didn’t know the Shout, called Dragonrend, but there was a way I could learn it. It’ll require me to find an Elder Scroll, which he’ll use to cast me back to when Alduin was first defeated, allowing me to speak with the three Tongues who first used Dragonrend.
And that has led me to my current bureaucratic absurdity. Kethrina found an Elder Scroll five months ago, which she left at the Blue Palace. I know for a fact that the Legion has possession of that scroll. I personally asked General Tullius to borrow it, and I fully explained why I need it, but he refused to allow me to have it.
Shor’s bones, what I am supposed to do now?
20th of Morning Star, 4E 202
Dear Ambarys,
Thanks for the information. Recently I had a long talk with Isran, the head of the Dawnguard. I’ve been a member for some time, although Isran understands that my duties as Prefect (yes, I’ve been promoted) take precedence. We both know that this civil war is only making it easier for vampires to operate in Skyrim.
Isran confirmed my worst fears. Kethrina is a vampire lord. Several weeks ago a squad of our vampire hunters discovered her and attempted to kill her. We’re not sure exactly what happened, as none of the squad survived. All we do have is a log book a squad member kept, apparently to keep track of how many vampires he killed.
However, the log book clearly states that Kethrina showed all the signs of being a vampire, and at one point she transformed into a monstrous figure with wings. No “thin-blooded” vampire can transform in such a way, and you can’t accidentally become a vampire lord either. She would have needed to actively seek this out.
I won’t lie to you Ambarys, I’m frightened. It’s one thing to side with the Stormcloaks, it’s another to willingly embrace the blessings of Molag Bal.
I feel like we’re both assembling resources to fight each other. She has the Stormcloaks, I the Legion. She has the Volkihar vampire clan, I have the Dawnguard. She’s a vampire lord, and I’m a werewolf. And both of us are Dragonborn, killing dragons and stealing their power.
We have both become very powerful. If it comes to a battle between us, who would win? And what would become of the field on which we fought?
I’m sorry to burden you with my fears. I just don’t know who else I can talk to. It’s not as if there’s another friendly Dragonborn out there. And everyone else I could speak to, Rikke, Delphine, Arngeir, either have no true understanding of this or have their own agenda they want to force onto me.
You’re one of the oldest friends I have, and the one I can rely on to be both down to earth and impartial. Thank you.
Sincerely Yours,
Tervesa
19th of Morning Star, 4E 202
Dear Tervesa,
I can’t believe you’re Harbringer. Is it true Kodlak was a werewolf? That all of the Companions are werewolves? Wait, does that mean you’re one too?
I’ve heard you’ve retaken the Pale. Most of my patrons are quietly optimistic about the Legion’s success, but of course no one’s saying it publically. I’m surprised Kethrina wasn’t fighting at Fort Dunstad or at Dawnstar itself. Unfortunately I have no idea where she is or what she’s doing, and my friend at the palace told me Ulfric doesn’t know either.
What is the Legion’s next target? Winterhold? The Rift? Let me know when you plan to attack Windhelm. I want to get as many of my people as I can either out of the city or hiding in basements by then.
I’ll send you an update as soon as I know anything about Kethrina.
Ambarys
16th of Morning Star, 4E 202
We have retaken the Pale and removed a foolish jarl from power. Legate Brina Merilis holds power here now. I’ve been told that Skald the Elder is now living in exile at the Palace of Kings. Gods be thanked, no one in town was hurt or killed. I would like to hope that we’ll fare just as well in the other holds, but I doubt it.
I decided to do a few jobs for the Companions and gain some more training at Jorrvaskr before reporting to Legate Rikke at Rift Imperial Camp. Aela tasked me to clear out a Silver Hand hideout, and later Vilkas had me rescue an elderly man who had been kidnapped by vampires.
Kodlak had learned of Aela’s crusade by the time I returned from rescuing the old man and asked to see me. I decided to be honest with him, which he seemed to appreciate, even though our actions saddened him. He then told me the history of our lycanthropy and how he could be cured. I agreed to help.
I spent the next day or so killing the Glenmoril witches and harvesting their heads, but when I returned, I discovered the Silver Hand had attacked Jorrvaskr. Several of my brothers had been injured, and Kodlak had been killed.
Vilkas and I are trekking to Driftshade Refuge. The Silver Hand are about realize they’ve just kicked a giant hornet’s nest.
14th of Morning Star, 4E 202
This is becoming surreal.
Ten days ago, Skjor initiated me into the Circle, and now I carry the blood of the beast. I’m a werewolf, and no one notices the fact, although some of the guards have remarked that I have hair growing out of my ears. I’ve had to regularly pluck those hairs with a pair of tweezers, which stings much more than it should.
Now Ambarys has told me Kethrina now has glowing gold eyes. The Legion’s profile describes her as having blue-gray eyes. If I add that to the rumors I’ve heard … I’m not sure I want to think about it, not yet, not until I know more facts.
Legate Rikke ordered me to obtain orders from a Stormcloak courier, which she intended to use to create a forgery.
It wasn’t hard to find the courier. I originally thought I would be forced to kill him, but a frost troll did it for me moments after I found him. Rest in peace, son of Skyrim. 
At the moment, I’m eating a bowl of nearly burnt stew while sitting beside the fire. The Pale may not be Winterhold, but it’s still wretchedly cold.
It sounds like Rikke has finished the forgery. Time to change out of my imperial robes and into my charcoal leather armor.
12th of Morning Star, 4E 202
Dear Tervesa,
I’m sorry I couldn’t reply to you sooner, but it took some time to obtain the information you asked for.
It’s true, Kethrina has joined the Stormcloaks. It’s not official yet, but it’s an open secret here in Windhelm. I guess it’s hard to hide you have a Dragonborn fighting on your side.
From what I’ve been able to dig up, Kethrina enlisted nearly two weeks ago, close to the same time you “officially” became the Dragonborn. She’s been at the palace a few times, and a Nord friend of mine who’s a servant there has listened in to some of their conversations.
Tervesa, they’ve been talking about you. Ulfric wanted Kethrina to counter you in their battles, and Kethrina wanted Ulfric’s forces to support her in her fight to exterminate the Thalmor.
My friend told me something else too, something strange. He was serving them mead when he looked into Kethrina’s face and saw she had golden eyes. He told me looking into those eyes disturbed him greatly, and he quickly had to turn away.
Be careful, my friend. I don’t know what this means.
Ambarys
6th of Morning Star, 4E 202
Dear Ambarys,
I need you to look into something for me. Legate Rikke has had me intercept couriers from Windhelm (I can’t disclose the reasons, but you can probably guess). I’ve read some of these documents, and one of them implied that Kethrina has joined the Stormcloaks.
If this is true, then we’re in trouble. Before now, our intelligence told us she was targeting only the Thalmor. If she has joined the rebels, then she could unleash infernos on our camps and forts.
If you do confirm that she’s joined the Stormcloaks, can you also try to learn why she’s done so? Kethrina is nearly a one woman army. Why would she even need the Stormcloaks at her back?
Thanks.
Sincerely Yours,
Tervesa
4th of Morning Star, 4E 202
I decided to expand my fighting skills, rather than become more powerful in magic. I will train more in the Voice, but not now.
I recently joined the Companions. The jobs they offer mean little to me, except that they provide the means to pay for training, specifically in light armor and one-handed skills. Even if I never face Kethrina in battle, they will be useful. I know I’ve exhausted my magicka in a few intense battles before now, and these new skills will provide me with new options.
I’m specializing in dual weapon dagger attacks, and practicing to achieve a quick transition from daggers to Grand Healing and back. Farkas says I’m progressing well at it. I will never cease to be amused at his reaction when I first used that healing spell on us. I believe he said, “What … hey! That felt … good!” I had to struggle very hard to stop myself from laughing.
I’ve crafted some light armor for myself. In the close-combat situations I’m putting myself in, my imperial robes just won’t suffice.
Eventually, I want to be able to combine magic and melee abilities. I’ve heard that Kethrina can do the same thing, even though she prefers straight magic. By mastering these new skills, not only will I be able to match her techniques, but also hopefully predict them.
It’s possible I may be doing all of this for nothing. I know I’ve thought that a few times while repairing my armor (and wondering why Eorlund doesn’t have an armor workbench at the Skyforge), and then I remember the female figure silhouetted against the flames.
Kethrina hates the Thalmor like a mother bird hates the cat that kills and eats her babies.
She also has reason to hate the Legion.
The Legion is currently cooperating with the Thalmor.
There may come a time when I will be in her way.
I’ve also been hearing some strange rumors about her lately. Some say she’s gained access to a forbidden power. Others claim she’s learned the ability to change form. Still others whisper she’s stealing power from others.
Stars and stones, if I concentrate too much on this now I’ll drive myself insane. I need to set this aside and work on becoming stronger.
Skjor wants me to meet him at the Underforge tonight. I wish I knew why, what test or mission would require such secrecy?
2nd of Morning Star, 4E 202
The dragon attacks have become more and more frequent. That colossal black dragon that attacked Helgen is somehow resurrecting them. It explains how after I killed all of the dragons at their lairs, new ones replaced them weeks later.
One of them attacked Riverwood moments after I returned there from the Thalmor Embassy. I’ve had greater challenges than fighting a dragon while I was wearing a long slim gown and a delicate pair of lady’s shoes, but not many.
The local children are now playing on the skeleton.
If this keeps up, every fireplace in Whiterun will be able to have a dragon skull hanging above it.
I’ve been trying to meditate, using a technique the Greybeards taught me. I noticed something strange after I left the embassy, and I’m uncertain what to do about it.
I was trying to protect Malborn, so I didn’t see the embassy get destroyed, but after the explosion I turned and saw a single figure, silhouetted against the fire. It looked female, and I think it was shorter than average.
My instinct is telling me it was Kethrina trying to take another shot at Elenwen, but I can’t prove it. It’s disturbing if it’s true. The embassy was full of innocent people. I haven’t heard of anyone being hurt yet, but I’m troubled that someone was willing to endanger innocent lives in such a way.
Technically, I no longer have the mission to find Kethrina. Technically, she isn’t my problem anymore. However, she is a Dragonborn and a powerful mage who has mastered the destruction school. Whatever her motives, she is incredibly dangerous.
If she becomes involved in either the Legion or the Blades, I could be in trouble. I may be a battlemage, but I don’t possess the degree of power required to destroy a building.
It was always a possibility that I would have to face Kethrina directly, but if it came to a fight of power versus power, I would most likely lose.
So … do I gain greater magical power? Do I increase the strength of my Voice? Or do I become stronger another way?
2nd of Morning Star, 4E 201
Dear Ambarys,
Happy New Year to you too friend. I’m glad you convinced me to go too. I needed to be reminded of my duty, to both the Empire and the people I serve.
Not only am I actively working in the Legion, I’m also working for Delphine, a member of the Blades. I remember reading about them, but I had no idea any of them still existed. She’s trying to return to the Blades’ roots, becoming a dragon slayer. She suspected the Thalmor were behind the return of the dragons, but I doubted it.
She’s very resourceful though. She managed to obtain an invitation to one of Elenwen’s parties so that I find proof the Thalmor were behind the dragons.
I was amazed at the guests at that party. Every jarl who supported the Empire was in attendance, as was Maven Black-Briar, Ondolemar from Markarth, Orthus Endario who heads the Windhelm branch of the East Empire Company, and Victoria Vici (the emperor’s cousin). There were also the two thanes of Haafingar, and a number of stewards and housecarls. Even though I’m a thane of seven holds, I felt rather out of place.
I convinced Orthus to start a distraction for me, allowing Malborn to help me escape deeper into the embassy (I wish you could’ve been there. Orthus’s act was masterful, and very funny). It was probably the first time I felt grateful to the Thieves Guild for my sneak training (and a dozen invisibility potions).
Once I found the information Delphine needed, I escaped the embassy with Malborn (who had been caught) and a tortured prisoner named Etienne.
To answer your question, no I don’t know anything about the destruction of the embassy. That happened after I left, and I don’t know who was responsible. It did resemble the description of how Kethrina destroyed it the last time. It makes me wonder.
Both the Legion and Delphine are keeping me busy, but I’ll visit as soon as I can.
Sincerely Yours,
Tervesa
1st of Morning Star, 4E 202
Dear Tervesa,
Happy New Year old friend. I hear you’ve been busy being the Dragonborn.
I’m glad you decided to go to High Hrothgar and learn from the Greybeards, and that you came clean with Legate Rikke. I hear you’re taking a much more active role in the war now.
It’s also nice to not have to encode our letters anymore. I swear it’s a headache every time. Now that I’m no longer your contact, we can just talk as friends.
Do you think you could bring that space ball in from time to time? I know I said it was annoying, but now my customers miss it. I’m finding it hard to believe, especially since Malthyr once threatened to hack it to pieces with an axe if it didn’t shut up.
I heard the Thalmor Embassy was destroyed again. Do you have any idea what happened there?
Is it true you found the Jagged Crown for the Imperials? I thought that was only a legend. I hope you can visit soon and tell me all about it.
Ambarys
29th of Evening Star, 4E 201
It’s been about five months since Ulfric’s rebellion began. Now, in the twilight of the year, I wonder if it will ever end.
I may not be able to do much of anything about the civil war, but at least now I know what I can do regarding the dragons.
Ascending the mountain to High Hrothgar was one of the most exhilarating, and the most terrifying, experiences in my life.
Ambarys convinced me to go after a very long talk (frequently interrupted by the space sphere, annoying contraption). I wasn’t even certain I would be allowed inside, let alone permitted to speak with the Greybeards, and yet I was.
After they taught me what I needed to know, and I retrieved Jurgen Windcaller’s horn, Arngeir explained his theory for why I had become a Dragonborn.
He told me there are people in this world with dormant gifts, he described them as sleeping dragons in their souls, and that I was one such person. Akatosh gave the gift of the Voice to Kethrina because he needed someone who would protect mortalkind from the dragons. When Kethrina abandoned that destiny, Akatosh needed a new champion.
I can see how that could be. These dragons have killed many people, and left many others homeless. Someone has to face them. As much as I hate fighting, as much as I’m tired of killing, I’m realistic enough to know that these giant talking lizards aren’t just going to go away.
Still I wonder, why me?
The following letter has been decoded:
25th of Evening Star, 4E 201
Dear Ambarys,
This has been a head-splitting affair. I’ve provided the full details in the enclosed report, but in short I am now the leader of the Thieves Guild and a member of the Nightingale Trinity. It involved swearing an oath to Nocturnal, which I did not want, but I had no other choice in order to complete my goals.
My report contains everything I’ve learned about the guild. Hopefully when the war is over, the Legion can use that information to eradicate it.
Thank you for providing me with the information I requested. I was able to find the mage locks expert thanks to your help, and he taught me what I needed to know.
Yesterday I was able to break into Kethrina’s house, using the lakeside entrance while Iona was away (the guild thinks I was searching for clues regarding her location and fate, which is ironically true). It wasn’t easy. Kethrina didn’t have just mage locks, she also had wards (think of them as a magical trap) that would, at minimum, have knocked me into the lake.
I made some interesting discoveries inside. Nearly all of the various weapons, armors, artifacts, tomes, jewelry, gems, and other valuables we knew she had were still there, either stored in various chests or mounted on plaques and racks. A single strongbox contained over fifty thousand in gold, and she had simply left all of it behind.
The same could be said for a large supply of alchemical ingredients, soul gems, and other crafting materials. However, there were no journals, no notes, no captured images, and no letters whatsoever. I even searched for wall safes and similar hiding places, there was nothing. If there was anything of a personal nature in that house, she took it with her.
Whatever is motivating her now, it’s not greed.
I promise I will visit Windhelm and collect the space sphere soon. When I do, there’s a personal matter I’d like to discuss with you.
Tervesa
21st of Evening Star, 4E 201
I’m going to have a nasty scar where Mercer stabbed me. The wound has ached constantly since Karliah stitched it closed.
Yesterday Mercer ordered me to accompany him to Snow Falls Sanctum. He wanted to find and kill Karliah, and he had me lead the way. I didn’t understand why until later.
I had suspected that he was hiding something for some time, but I couldn’t discover what it was in time.
I was shot by an arrow, and suddenly I couldn’t move. I watched a conversation between Mercer and Karliah, then Karliah fled, and Mercer stabbed me in the chest as casually as he might take out the garbage. I managed to capture a few images before the world went black, hoping that whoever found my corpse would use them to find my murderer.
I awoke later, to my immense surprise, alive but in considerable pain. Karliah shot me deliberately, her arrow tipped with a paralytic poison that slowed my heart beat. It was the only reason I lived.
Karliah told me the truth of some things, that Mercer had killed Gallus. She didn’t tell me the reason, but from their conversation I suspect greed was a factor.
Now I’m running myself ragged again. Gallus had a journal that Karliah believes holds answers, but it’s in the Falmer language. It’s beautiful to look at it, but neither of us could read it.
Karliah sent me to visit Enthir at the College. I knew he was somewhat duplicitous, but even I was surprised by his connection to the Thieves Guild. I shouldn’t have been. He directed me to Calcelmo in Markarth. A little sweet talking earned me a key to his museum, and from there I infiltrated his laboratory and found his research.
At the moment I’m trying to relax near the blacksmith. The fragrance of pine is a soothing tonic, as is the sound of the rushing water below. The morning is cool, and fog still wreaths the mountains in the distance.
None of them are able to help solve my dilemma. Ambarys’s list of Kethrina sightings are all places I’ve been. I was afraid of this. I normally wouldn’t mind being mistaken for Kethrina, if I wasn’t also tasked with finding her.
And sooner or later, someone will notice their dragon slayer is a Dunmer, not a Bosmer. What will I do then?
The following letter has been decoded:
14th of Evening Star, 4E 201
Dear Tervesa,
I’ve been hearing rumors in the club that Kethrina has returned and is killing dragons again. I hope that’s true.
In case it is, I’ve enclosed a list of the places she’s been sighted. Hopefully it’ll help you find her, and you can leave the Thieves Guild. I know how much you hate being a thief.
As for this Karliah you asked me to look into, I haven’t been able to find much about her. However, a friend of mine somehow managed to find a pair of books you may find interesting.
They are simply titled The Nightingales and are authored by Gallus Desidenius, who you’ve told me was the former guildmaster. They’re badly damaged, but there’s still some information you might find useful, especially the second volume which mentions Karliah by name.
Good luck.
Ambarys
10th of Evening Star, 4E 201
I am still staring at its corpse.
I was passing Rockwallow Mine on the way to Morthal. The miners had finished work for the day and were lounging around their campfire. I could immediately they were tense, frightened.
Then I heard the beating of wings.
The miners were terrified, running chaotically when they should have fled for the safety of the mine, and the dragon was pursuing them like a terrier chasing after rats.
I could not stand there and do nothing. I cast a fireball at the dragon, drawing its attention. At the same time I yelled at the people to run for the mine.
Eventually one of them gathered the others and helped them get to safety, leaving me alone with the dragon. Its wing beats blew snow and dirt into my face, and every time it landed I staggered. Its breath seemed to borrow a blizzard’s winds, as if it could freeze me solid.
I was casting magic almost constantly, fireballs in one hand and healing in the other, praying to any god listening that I would survive the battle.
Then, it suddenly crashed to the ground and lay still. I couldn’t believe that it was dead. I couldn’t believe that I had killed it.
Its body self-combusted, leaving only bones. Then the smoke from those flames twisted around me like a whirlwind. I felt like every fiber of my being was on fire at once.
And then it was over, and I was left chilling in the freezing air and snow.
I don’t understand any of this. What has happened to me?
The miners have yet to emerge from the mine. I doubt anyone saw what happened.
It would best if I leave before they come outside and begin to ask questions I can’t answer.
The following letter has been decoded:
4th of Evening Star, 4E 201
Dear Tervesa,
I’m beginning to regret asking you leave that space ball with me. I thought it’d be entertaining to have around the Cornerclub, and it was at first, but now it’s annoying. You were right, it never shuts up.
The next time you visit, could you please take it back?
I’ve forwarded your progress with the Thieves Guild to our superior. It sounds like you’ve been doing a lot of special jobs for them lately. I can’t believe a crazy wizard was creating a plague of rats in the Honningbrew Meadery. It’s just as well you poisoned the vats.
I was also able to learn more about that expert on mage locks you asked about. I’ve enclosed what I know, hopefully it’ll help you find him and learn how to break into Kethrina’s house.
Good luck.
Ambarys
The following letter has been decoded:
1st of Evening Star, 4E 201
Dear Ambarys,
The Thieves Guild is slowly beginning to respect me. I’ve lost count how much money I’ve made them, and money is all they care about. The fence Tonilia told me that outright. It’s hardly a unique attitude, but at least they’re honest about it.
I’ll probably visit Windhelm again soon. Delvin has been dropping hints that a special assignment will be available there soon. Yes, I will play for the Cornerclub when I arrive.
I recently found something strange that I would like your input on. I was traveling south of Whiterun, near the Western Watchtower, when something plummeted from the sky.
I carefully approached the ruined shack where it crashed and found this white talking sphere, apparently unharmed.
My first assumption was that the Dwemer had managed to launch something into the sky centuries ago, but the style is completely different.
I’ve repeatedly tried to talk to it, but it never answers my questions. It only speaks seemingly random things about “space”, which I suspect is Aetherius. It obviously wants to return to space, and if I knew how to bring that about I would. It never stops talking, ever. I’ve been forced to stuff it into a chest just to sleep at night.
Perhaps I’ll bring it with me when I visit.
Tervesa
30th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
The pain has been, slowly, fading, but it hasn’t disappeared altogether yet. As much as I would prefer to lie in bed with the curtains drawn and a pillow over my ears, I need to work.
My superior has ordered me to learn whatever I can regarding Kethrina’s whereabouts. One possible source of information will be her fellow members in the Thieves Guild. Another may exist in her house in Riften. For both, I need to gain a high level of trust in the guild.
To that end, I joined the guild and have been running myself ragged doing their side jobs. With the help of the teleportation spells I purchased in the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I can accomplish at least six of these jobs a day.
My superior is fully aware what I’m doing. He has given his tacit consent to my thieving, but made it clear that he will disavow my existence should I ever be caught. How lovely.
The following letter has been decoded:
27th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
Dear Tervesa,
I’m sorry to hear you’re still in pain. I was able to get my hands on some ice wraith teeth and send them to you. I know a merchant in Riften who uses them to keep food cold and fresh, so hopefully they’ll let you make cold packs when you can’t find any snow.
I’ve also sent you the names of some contacts I have in the Thieves Guild. One of them should help you gain membership, especially if you’re still as good at lockpicking as I remember.
Thanks for sending the updated map with the latest camp locations. The Legion’s having trouble sending me information out here. The Stormcloaks inspect every delivery that comes into the city. It’s infuriating Orthus at the East Empire Company, and I’m hearing he’s applying for some kind of exception. If he gets it, we might be able to send letters through their shipments.
Let me know if you need anything.
Ambarys
25th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
My head still aches from the surgery. The moment I reported to Legate Rikke in Castle Dour, I was ordered to visit the healers, who implanted the remote device for the Memory Crystal into my head.
I was strapped onto a bed, my head and neck immobilized. Then a healer firmly thrust a strange rod the width of a quill tip into my right nostril. He then did … something to his end of it, and suddenly I felt like my right eye would explode from its socket. There was no anesthesia. I remember screaming the worst profanities I knew, then I lost consciousness.
For two days afterward, the healers confined me to bed. Several times a day one of them would examine my head, nose, and eye and then pour some undoubtedly sewage-based potion down my throat in an attempt to ease the pain and prevent infection. I felt like my sense of taste would putrefy.
Someone then taught me how to use the Crystal. I’ve been told it’s the same kind Kethrina had, and that (with it being Dwemer technology) it’s awfully rare. I am uncertain whether to appreciate the honor. I wonder how Kethrina contended with this?
A healer gave me several pain killing potions before I left, but they’ve been mostly ineffective. A snow pack seems to be helping somewhat though. I truly hope the pain will dissipate within a week like the healers promised, it’s virtually impossible to concentrate with a throbbing headache that won’t go away.
How am I supposed to do my work with this?
To Ambarys Rendar:
This letter is to inform you that you have been assigned a new agent.
She is Tervesa Kaushad, one of the veterans who was recalled due to the impact the current state of the war and the dragon attacks have had on our forces.
I believe you already know each other, but to refamiliarize you: She is a native of Windhelm, born 4E 129. She was a battlemage during the Great War, and then was trained to be a covert agent in Skyrim. She assumed the cover of a traveling bard, which I believe she will use again (she achieved this by being a talented musician and singer, as well as a full member of the Bards College).
Kaushad should report to you in one or two days. She, as well as several other agents who will also report to you, will have two ongoing assignments:
1st: She is to monitor the activities of the Stormcloaks. So long as she does not appear to take a side, she should be able to survey their camps under the guise of entertaining them.
2nd: She is to search for Tel’kiira Kethrina. The dragon attacks have been steadily increasing since her disappearance, and the Dragonborn is the only one who can defeat them. She must be found and convinced to join our side. Kaushad is to use peaceful means if at all possible, but if not I authorize the use of force.
I have enclosed copies of Kethrina’s journals, including the images she captured using the Memory Crystal. Further details of her mission are enclosed in the sealed envelope.
Legate Rikke
Legate Rikke,
I’ve been observing Honeyside and the housecarl Iona since arriving in Riften. I have not seen Kethrina return home even once, either by conventional means or by teleportation. It is unknown whether she could teleport directly into her house, but it does not appear she has.
We’re not the only ones inquiring either. Iona has been harassed about Kethrina virtually every moment she’s out of the house. She tells everyone the same thing, that Kethrina isn’t there, and she doesn’t know when she’ll return.
Several of those who asked are clearly outsiders. I’ve recognized agents from the Alik’r, the Thalmor, the Stormcloaks, the Thieves Guild, the College of Winterhold, the Synod, and members of the anti-Thalmor resistance in Valenwood.
I tried entering the house, but the locks on the doors and windows are some kind of mage lock, and I can’t open them. The Thieves Guild refuses to enter her house as well, as Kethrina is a member.
I fear that for now, the search here is at a standstill.
Legate Rikke,
To date, there have been no sightings of Tel’kiira Kethrina. There have likewise been no sightings of her unique spectral horse.
Two days after the incident at the Thalmor Embassy, a large parcel was found sitting on Jarl Elisif’s throne at Castle Dour. The parcel contained several items, most notably an Elder Scroll. There were also numerous documents, including all of Kethrina’s journals. There were also journals belonging to someone named Gerrick, who we believe was the Thalmor agent whose body was recently found in Ironbind Barrow, north of Whiterun.
Finally, we found a Memory Crystal device (what elves call an “Enyalie Palantir”). What is strange about this is that the remote for this device, which is normally implanted inside a person’s head, was also included. Our records show that Kethrina had such a device, but we currently do not know how she was able to safely remove the remote. A strong residue of magic was found on the remote, so it’s quite likely magic was involved in removing it.
Reports from my spies indicate that Kethrina has not returned to her house in Riften, even to retrieve her belongings stored there. The city is controlled by the Stormcloaks, so it will be difficult to gain access.
20th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
To General Tullius:
As you most likely know, the Thalmor Embassy was destroyed during the night. I’m aware that First Emissary Elenwen has stonewalled you regarding the details, but I was there to witness what occurred.
I was outside, chopping wood for the kitchen fire, when I heard shouts at the front, then a massive roar of white-hot fire bombarded the gates! I have witnessed spell fire on a number of occasions, but never hot enough to melt metal bars as this did. I swear to you General, a single assailant melted the gates!
With the gates melted, the assailant walked casually inside, as if she had been invited to one of the First Emissary’s parties.
Every Thalmor soldier and wizard who blocked her way died, burned to mounds of charred meat.
The assailant, who by now I was able to identify as Tel’kiira Kethrina, the Dragonborn, then simply blasted open the embassy’s front door and strode inside.
I ran inside as quickly as I could, and I could not believe the scene of mayhem! Kethrina had inundated the air with fireballs and explosions, so many that the air was too hot to breathe. It was as if she had opened a gate to Oblivion.
The two guards lay dead on the floor, their armor red hot, the carpet beneath them burning. It was as if she had cooked them inside their own armor. I do not know what kind of rage would be needed for such intense flames, but I would never want to be on the receiving end of it.
That sight was nothing compared to what I saw next. Elenwen was kneeling on the floor, gravely wounded, burns all over her body, the stone floor charred and cracked.
And, standing above her, was Kethrina. There was absolutely no expression on her face, not anger or rage like I expected, not determination, not grief, not even insane glee, nothing.
That was when I decided to escape from there. All of the guards were dead, and the other servants had either fled or had died. I felt it best to be among the living.
Less than half a mile from the embassy, a thunderous explosion knocked me to the snow. I got to my feet, turned around and, to my horror, the entire embassy had been leveled, as if a giant meteor had crashed into it. I do not know whether that was the result of magic or the thu’um, and if I may be honest, I do not want to know.
I am afraid I did not see what happened to either Kethrina or Elenwen. Obviously Elenwen survived somehow, although she is not seeing visitors.
As for Kethrina, I know nothing. She has not been seen since last night. I find rumors suggesting she died in the explosion to be doubtful as best, especially considering the events at Northwatch Keep.
Whatever the case, whatever the reason, it is clear that Kethrina has greatly decreased the Thalmor’s influence in this region and destroyed all records being held there.
I will continue to update you regarding the situation as I learn more.
Sincerely,
A.
17th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
To Elenwen:
From the plethora of Gerrick’s letters to you, I believe you recognize my handwriting, but to be certain there is no doubt, I am Tel’kiira Kethrina.
Gerrick is dead, as is the team he assembled to kill me. As is every Justiciar you have ever sent to kill me.
Antonius, Loki, Charlotte, and I have been running from you for much of our lives. Now, they are all dead. Now, I am Dovahkiin.
Today, I stop running.
I sincerely hope this letter reaches you soon. I will be following close behind it.
Sincerely,
Tel’kiira Kethrina
(This letter was unfinished. The handwriting appears to have been written by a shaky hand, and in some places is illegible.)
To the Esteemed … Emissary …:
I am uncertain how long I have left, or even if I will be able to … but I must try.
Yesterday, Kethrina entered Ironbind … word wall. She had … from “a friend” stating … She emerged … made camp just outside of the entrance.
When I approached … read and copy … was awake and waiting …
… no choice. I had assembled a team of … an emergency, and they … protect me.
They failed. A dozen loyal … mages, three warriors, two … crossbows, all dead.
I am badly wounded, … crawl away … fighting.
I am hiding in the barrow …
16th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
I found Ironbind Barrow north of Whiterun, met a pair of adventurers there, new to the trade. We worked together until we reached the king entombed, then the Argonian tried to kill me. Normally I would’ve been furious at him and sympathetic towards his partner, but right now that doesn’t matter.
In the main chamber I found Loki, his body stuffed in a corner. He was wearing his shrouded armor that all assassins wear. On his body I found written instructions from Astrid:
As instructed, you are to eliminate Charlotte Corday by any means necessary.
We've already received payment for the contract. Failure is not an option.
You will be accompanied by a team of Thalmor soldiers and wizards on this contract. Apparently they want to capture and interrogate her first, so restrain yourself for once!
So Loki was contracted to kill Charlotte. I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s something he would do. However, I don’t see any bodies of the Thalmor. Were they carried away?
Close to the word wall, after I absorbed the word of power, I found what I now know I was trying not to see.
Charlotte.
My Gods … Charlotte.
She had been stripped naked, everything of value taken except for two things. The first was a note, hastily written in her handwriting. It had been tossed aside, and it was a while before I found it. The other was her rapier, the blade I made for her. I remember how she designed it, and how I placed a special enchantment on it. It was meant to act like a shock rune to anyone who touched it, anyone whose blood was not forged into the blade. Looks like it worked, for what little good it did.
She asked me to imprint a rose design onto the knuckle guard. I thought it was silly, but she insisted. I admit, it turned out very nicely. She called her rapier Autumn Damask, said it was a type of rose.
Charlotte moved like a silent wind with that rapier. I remember when I began hearing the rumors of how the fragrance of roses always followed every lethal cut. When I asked her about it, she blushed and admitted that she’d rub rose oil onto the blade before every mission. She could be a silly Breton, but she had style.
I suppose I was no different when it came to melodrama. Rumor said my scimitar had been stained black from the blood of countless Thalmor.
Her final note reads:
For the first time, I am frightened.
I can not walk anymore, my bow is broken, my throwing knives are gone, and I am out of potions. All I have left is my rapier, and I can not even stand to wield it.
I can hear voices speaking Altmeris. I know the language well enough to understand the gist of what they are saying. They think they have cornered me, and they have. I led them into this tomb in the hopes that the spiders and draugr here would fight them, allowing me to escape, but one of them shot an arrow into my spine. Now my legs are useless.
I can not let them capture me. They will torture me until I tell them where to find the others, so that they can capture and kill Antonius and Tel'kiira. Not only that, but each of us has secrets that must not fall into the hands of the Dominion.
I should have saved a bottle of poison for this, but I am out of that too. All I have left is my blade.
She was frightened … and she was alone. I should have been here. Why couldn’t I have come here sooner?!
I’m so sorry, Charlotte. I’m so sorry.
I love you.
16th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
Kethrina has gone inside Ironbind Barrow now. For all that I pride myself on knowing things, learning things, I have have no idea what she will find.
I was not here when Tragrim and several Justiciars went inside with Loki Black-Scar to find Charlotte Corday. She had led them here, probably to leave them fighting draugr while she escaped out the back door the barrows often have.
I remember when I discovered Tragrim had performed the Black Sacrament. I could not believe his audacity. However, since he had already done it, I intended to use it. Kethrina had disappeared, and although my reputation had recovered, I believed I would only benefit if I could claim responsibility for Corday’s capture.
Black-Scar accepted the contract, as I suspected he would, and with my forged letter he lured her to Skyrim. I made a deal with Tragrim, that we would split the credit for capturing the two of them if we succeeded.
But Tragrim failed. Corday committed suicide, and Tragrim killed Black-Scar in his rage at his failure. Tragrim claimed he took all necessary precautions. I should not have believed him.
Ironbind Barrow is not a large tomb, Kethrina will find whatever there is to find in only a few hours. My team will not be able to assemble here until tonight. I will have to wait until nightfall, until Kethrina makes camp.
Perhaps I will lucky, and she will find nothing but another word of power.
16th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
I was hoping I would have more time. I was hoping my team would have had better mastery of their spells and crossbows.
Damn you Tragrim!
Did he have the bodies destroyed? Why didn’t I check for myself?! Damn it all! And damn that woman! Why couldn’t this aggravating Bosmer have stayed in one place long enough for me to have time to check?!
I’ll never get there before she does, her wretched horse runs too fast.
I have no choice now. There are no more choices left.
16th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201
The dragons seem to follow me.
One of them attacked several students on the steps of the College about a week ago. I fought it, though the bloody bastard kept hovering above the tower. I fixed that problem by rushing up to the roof via the Archmage’s quarters. Archmage Savos Aren was pretty indigent that I burst through his private rooms, but once he followed me to the roof and realized what was going on, he helped me bring the dragon down.
It crashed to the ground like a tremendous thunderbolt, its head finally resting in front of Magnus’s statue, like a supplicant kneeling before the god of magic.
Some of the mages and students were thrilled once it was dead, they had a chance to study a dragon’s skeleton. Others, the more sensible ones I think, were afraid. This was the second dragon to attack Winterhold.
I’ve lost count of how many have appeared in the skies. I hate having to fight them, even when it’s to save my own life. They are so beautiful, their bodies cut from the very fabric of Aetherius and shaped by the hands of the gods. It feels sad to look at their skeletal bodies when they die, bereft of everything that made them beautiful.
Maybe I also hate to fight dragons because I’m so damned tired of fighting. I had my fill of it during the Great War. After that ended, I went back to adventuring because it was all I knew how to do, but what I really wanted was to retire somewhere and be left the hell alone. Not that the Thalmor will ever let that happen.
I went to Whiterun to visit Elrindir yesterday. I promised him I’d show him one of the Dawnguard’s crossbows. If he was interested, I’d talk to Isran about letting him make more for us. Sorine’s good at making them, but we’re growing too large for her to supply us by herself.
I was chatting with him in his shop when I heard the flapping of wings outside. I remember cursing, then running out with the crossbow in my hands. Like I expected, a dragon was just outside the city gates, dammit.
I fought the creature alongside a handful of guards, but this one was more powerful than the others I fought before. Soon the guards laid at my feet, and I was barely standing.
My magicka was spent, and my left arm was broken in two places. My crossbow was laying on the ground, useless. I didn’t want to use the thu’um, especially so close to the city, but I didn’t have any choice.
The words ripped themselves from my throat: Gaan, Lah, Haas. Their power shook the ground where I stood, sending me to my knees. I watched the air ripple, the dragon lurch, then it fell dead in front of me. I could feel hot tears in my eyes as its soul merged with my own.
Gods, I hate doing this!
A few hours later, I was resting in the Temple of Kynareth, letting a priest tend to my arm, when a courier arrived with a letter for me. It reads:
Lovely, another word wall. I’ve been sent a handful of these, wish I knew from who.
