Irkngthand was a building, or group of buildings just northeast of Whiterun. It consisted of tall pillars with golden roofs and bridges that connected them all to a larger building that continued underground. The morning was still very young and the sun had yet to show itself on this day. Bandits were guarding the entrance to this ancient place. They were all scattered around the premises waiting for anything to move. Some of them had grown lazy from the lack of action. It was very quiet. All that could be heard were the sounds of nearby wildlife and insects. A bandit sat on the walkway leading up to one of the pillar's platforms. He sat by the fire to keep himself warm as he had a drink. He called out to one of his comrades who was some few yards away.
Bandit 1: Oy! You really think this job is gonna be a game changer for us?
Bandit 2: Mercer sure seems to think so,…I've never seen him this excited about anything!
Bandit 1: I dunno,…I mean how much could these, eyes of his really be worth?
The bandit's words went unanswered. He waited a moment more for a response, only to hear the sound of a blade and the muffled scream of his comrade. He turned to see his fellow bandit's body falling from the bridge above him to the ground below. He immediately stood up and drew his sword. He looked around frantically for the culprit, but no one seemed to be there. He was just about to alert the others when a figure appeared on the bridge before him. It was a man in full grey leather armor with a hood and mask covering his face, and eyes that shined white like two full moons. The man appeared out of a swirling grey mist and began charging at the bandit full speed.
Bandit: Oh no you d-…
Before he could raise his blade, the man disappeared into another swirling cloud. He then reappeared behind the bandit as a humanlike shadow formed by the residual mist seemed to perform the action of slicing the poor sod. The misty figure then dispersed. The bandit was unsure of what had just happened. He looked down to see he had been cut somehow, and the cloaked man was now behind him. Blood immediately shot out of his chest as the pain was starting to set in. He fell to his knees in shock, agony, and confusion.
Bandit: How,…what did you,…?
He then fell completely to the ground, now lifeless in a pool of his own blood. The cloaked man continued on toward the entrance of Irkngthand, cutting down a few more bandits before they could spot him. He was now at the main entrance having culled most of the men guarding the place. The remaining bandits were now alarmed and frantically searching for their attacker. He used this confusion to slip into the door unnoticed. Once inside, he flung back his hood to wipe the sweat from his brow.
Eradros: That went much smoother than I expected.
He then looked down at his hands while walking slowly into the large room.
Eradros: This power,…It's unreal. I've never felt anything quite like it!
His amusement was cut short by the sound of fighting coming from deeper inside the ruins. He heard the clanging of blades against metal, and the battle cries of both Brynjolf and Karliah. He drew his blade yet again and pressed further in. This place seemed to be an ancient Dwarven ruin of some sort. The race itself was extinct, but the remnants of their culture and society could be found scattered all over Skyrim if one knows where to look. He could hear the fighting getting louder. He then entered an open room with large metal pipes that were emitting scorching hot steam. That's when he saw Brynjolf and Karliah up on a high ledge, dodging the bursts of steam while fighting off what looked to be some sort of automaton.
Brynjolf: Ah, you finally decided to join us I see! (Leaps from one platform to another)
Eradros: Had a run in with the welcoming party outside! And what's all this?
He looked around the room for a moment, noticing broken automatons all about. They were much smaller than the attacking automaton, and shaped like spiders with tiny soul gems mounted in the front, which seemed to be used to power them. The larger one had the upper body of a man covered in gilded metal. Its legs were attached to a spherical object that allowed it to move about by means of rolling itself around. The machine noticed him entering the room and immediately trained it's attention on him. It raised it's arm which had a crossbow attached to the end of it and began firing bolts at Eradros. He did not flinch as two bolts wizzed passed his face. A third came directly at him but was knocked away with a swipe of his blade.
Eradros: You'll need to do better than that I'm afraid.
The machine then retracted back into it's sphere and began rolling toward him very fast.
Karliah: Don't underestimate that thing. It's stronger than the others.
Eradros: Noted.
The machine rolled up to Eradros attempting to run him over. Before it got too close he stuck his foot out and stopped it in it's tracks. The machine then came out of its shell to attack him with it's blade arm. It took a swing at him, but there was only a misty figure where he once stood. Eradros then appeared behind the automaton, stabbing it in the back with his blade. The sword completely shattered the soul gem inside of the machine, causing it go lifeless and crumble to floor before it could attack again. Karliah and Brynjolf then came down to join Eradros as he was removing his sword from the machine's back.
Karliah: I see you've gotten acquainted with your new abilities. Faster than I expected at that.
Eradros: I must say,…this power is amazing. It's feels like I'm fighting side by side with myself.
Brynjolf: It seems our abilities work differently according to our strengths. Might be why our capes are different from one another.
Karliah: I'm gad you two are learning how to use your gifts. We will need them in order to take down Mercer.
Eradros: And judging from the mercs outside, he's definitely here.
Brynjolf: Let's not dally then. The sooner this is over the better.
The trio continued further into the ruins after Mercer. The entire place was like a working machine with traps and automatons all about. They did their best to avoid unnecessary battles as they made their way through. The deeper they went in, the more things began to change. They were noticing signs that someone or something was inhabiting the deeper areas of the ruins. There were large man made holes coming out of the walls that looked to be connected to some sort of tunnel system. There was even a torcher room that appeared to have been in use recently.
Brynjolf: I don't like this. Why do I feel like we're not alone?
Eradros: It's because we aren't.
Right after speaking those words, Eradros heard noises coming from the tunnels on the walls.
Eradros: Get ready!
Suddenly a creature jumped out of the hole swinging a sword at them and growling viciously. Brynjolf parried the attack and used his shoulder to push the creature away. Then another came from the next room with a spiked mask covering its face. It pointed at them and screamed very loudly.
Brynjolf: What are these things?
Karliah: Falmer. A feral race of elves that dwell in places like these,…and they don't like visitors.
The masked falmer began charging an ice spell as another emerged from the hole in the wall. There were now three falmer standing in their way. The first charged at them again with it's sword high. It was charging right at Brynjolf who was firmly planted and ready to block. Eradros stepped in front and stomped on the ground, causing the grey mist to shoot out from under his foot. It swirled into the shape of a figure that then stabbed the falmer in the chest before it could get close. The creature fell to the ground as the other two became enraged.
Brynjolf: You trying to upstage me now?
Eradros: Sorry,…moved without thinking…
Karliah: Focus you two!
The masked falmer launched a consistent blast of ice as the other began to run at them with its weapon. Karliah jumped in front of the blast and spread her arms out, creating a shield out of the swirling mist to block the ice.
Karliah: Brynjolf!
Brynjolf: Already on it luv!
He then kneeled down while pulling out daggers from behind his cloak. At the same time, the grey mist formed two more arms above him that were also holding knives. He launched all four of them at the charging falmer, hitting it in several places. The creature fell to the ground unable to move. This angered the masked falmer even more. It began charging up a lightning spell and launched it at Karliah's shield. The lightning broke through the shield and continued on to strike the wall behind them, but it failed to hit her. Karliah had disappeared in the blink of an eye. The creature looked around for her while growing more enraged. It could not find her. It then turned to Eradros and Brynjolf and began screaming at them very loudly. The scream was abruptly cut short by an arrow that had pierced the creature threw its mouth from behind. It then began to cough up blood as it fell to the ground gripping it's neck. Karliah stepped over the body while walking back over to Eradros and Brynjolf.
Eradros: Wow,…that was,…
Karliah: Amazing,…I know. Now let us press on.
The three of them continued on. They eventually came to a vast room that had a golden gate separating them from the rest of it. They all walked up to the gate as Karliah looked through to survey the area.
Brynjolf: Well,…what do you see?
Karliah: It's Mercer. We're catching up to him.
Eradros and Brynjolf looked down into the large room to see a man sneaking through it while killing the unsuspecting falmer that lingered about. It was indeed Mercer. He seemed to be aware of their presence. After slitting the throat of yet another falmer, he turned to look up at them. He then gave a devilish smirk as he turned and continued on. Eradros punched the wall next to them in frustration.
Eradros: Dammit! The bastard's toying with us. He's been two steps ahead this whole time.
Brynjolf: Don't let him into your head lad. That's when he wins. Come on,…we need to find a way to get down there.
Eradros: We need a way to open this blasted gate.
Karliah: Or maybe we could just go through there.
She points to a large hole cut out in the wall that looked to lead down into the bigger room.
Eradros: Well now,…that sure worked itself out quickly.
Brynjolf: That's all well and good, but keep your wits about you. It could be crawling with more falmer down there.
They all began entering the tunnel one by one. It was tight, and the only light source were the glowing flora that lined the walls. As they made their way further in, they began to hear the sound of movement coming from the room ahead. They quietly entered and had a look around. The large and dark room was full of falmer and their pets. It seemed they kept large insect-like creatures known as Chaurus as a source for armor, weapons, and other materials.
Brynjolf: Are we really going to fight our way through all of them?
Eradros: I'd rather not. Besides,…this is their home. We're the intruders.
Karliah: So what now? How do you want to go about getting through to the other side?
Eradros took a moment to think as he gazed over the room. Karliah then noticed one of the falmer getting closer. Soon it would notice them and alert the others.
Karliah: Eradros,…whatever you're going to do,…you should hurry.
Eradros: I've got an idea. Quick,…both of you place your hands on my back.
He then kneeled down in the middle and placed both hands on the floor. The approaching falmer was getting closer, with only a small gate keeping them from being spotted. Brynjolf and Karliah both placed a hand on Eradros's back as he commanded. Then the grey mist began to spread from his body onto the floor around them. It then began to creep up their legs and until it covered all three of them.
Brynjolf: I hope you know what you're doin' lad.
Eradros: Quiet,…I need to focus.
As the falmer drew closer, it began to pick up on the presence of intruders. This made it hasten the walk toward their direction. Just as it turned the corner to look for them, Eradros pushed toward the floor, causing the grey mist to completely engulf all three of them. It was as if their bodies sank into the pool of grey smoke on the ground instantly. The falmer turned to see no one. It was confused by this. It searched around the immediate area in frustration as the mist continued along the floor through the room. The three of them were now stealthily traveling through the room via the cover of the mist. As the mist swept the floor, it passed under the feet of the falmer and their pets that were lurking about. Silhouettes of their bodies appeared as it moved. Each one an after image of where they once stood. The falmer were completely unaware of their presence now. It then crept up the stairs at the end and into the next hall. Once safely out of danger, the three of them materialized back to their normal forms.
Brynjolf: That was insanely close my friend.
Eradros: Yeah but it worked.
Karliah: Did you know you could do that?
Eradros: Cant say that I did. I just sort of tapped into Nocturnal's power.
Brynjolf: Well whatever you did,…it was bloody brilliant. Now,…on to the next.
They were now standing in a hallway that led down to a large golden door. It was made of Dwarven metal and appeared to be hiding something valuable inside. They stood in front of the door for a moment to prepare themselves for what may be on the other side.
Karliah: This is it. Mercer can't be much further. I can't stress enough how dangerous he is.
Eradros: Trust me,…we're all aware. Let's just get this over with.
Eradros and Brynjolf began pushing the door open. It was heavy, but with their combined strength, it slowly began to give way. Once opened they saw a pathway that lead to a big room with a large statue inside. Thats when they noticed Mercer at the head of the statue, attempting to pry what looked like a large jewel from the statue's eye sockets.
Karliah: There he is,…and he hasn't noticed us yet. Brynjolf,…watch the door.
Brynjolf: On it. Nothing's getting passed me.
Mercer manage to the pry the jewels from each eye socket and placed then in his satchel. He then dropped down onto the large book that was in the statues hand. It served as large platform. There were falmer bodies laying about the room and blood stains everywhere. Once the jewels were free the entire room began to shake as water began pouring into it.
Mercer: When will you learn Karliah? You could never get the drop on me sweetheart!
Eradros: Dammit,…so he did know we were here.
Mercer: Dont look so shocked Era my boy. This could only end with one of us at the end of the other's blade. But three on one,…now that's just plain unfair. Why don't we even the odds hm?
He began charging a black mist around his hand and then shot it in their direction. This pushed Karliah and Brynjolf back into the hallway from wince they came. The room began to shake even more, causing rocks to fall from the roof as more water poured in. Eradros looked up to see rocks falling right above him. He rolled out of the way as the rocks fell in front of the doorway, blocking entry or exit for anyone. The rock formation left a hole open allowing Eradros to see into the hall. Brynjolf and Karliah ran back to the doorway attempting to move the rocks.
Karliah: Eradros! Help us move the rocks! You shouldn't fight him alone.
Brynjolf: They won't budge,…dammit! He's separated us. Can you move the rocks from your side lad?
Eradros did not respond. He looked at them for a moment as they struggled to move the rocks.
Karliah: What are you waiting for? Help us damn you!
Eradros turned his back to them as he drew his blade from his back.
Eradros: Sorry guys,…
Brynjolf: What are you saying lad? You don't mean to fight him by yourself?
Eradros: It's better this way,…trust me.
Karliah: You can't be serious Eradros!
Eradros: I know this might be selfish of me,…(flourishes sword) But he's mine. You two shouldn't stain your hands with filth like him.
Karliah: We all agreed to take him down together. That was the plan!
Eradros: Well plans change. For now,…you two sit back and enjoy the show.
Brynjolf: Dont do this lad,…It's not just your burden to bear.
Eradros did not respond. He began slowly making his way into the room that was now slowly filling with water. At this point the floor was completely flooded, leaving only the large book as a place to stand. Soon Mercer and Eradros stood face to face on the platform with their weapons drawn.
Mercer: You've grown mighty confident since we last saw each other. Guess that good ol' Nocturnal blessing'll do that. I was sure I'd delivered a fatal blow that day. I must have that wench Karliah to thank for having to see your mug again.
Eradros: That you do,…and now you're going to pay,…for everything. I have to admit though,…you picked one hell of a place to die I'll give you that.
Mercer: You lot still don't get it do you? Is Nocturnal turning to brainwashing these days? Surely you can't be this daft. You can't win!
Eradros: Why bother explaining that to me? (Gets into battle stance) When you could just prove it.
Mercer then pulls out two blades and lowers his stands. Water was now at their feet as they squared off. Rocks continued to fall into the water around the platform while they stood still facing each other.
Mercer: You really think you're on my level huh? Fine! Let's see if you can keep up.
Mercer then jumped back unto the stairs behind him that ran up along the wall. He then covered himself in the corrupted black mist and disappeared completely from sight. His voice and movements could still be heard echoing through the chamber. Eradros did not move. He only turned his head as he heard Mercers laughter bouncing off of the walls.
Mercer: And now my friend,…THE REAL GAMES BEGIN!
Suddenly the water on the ground began to splash up from Mercer's footsteps. Eradros stood still and readied his blade as the splashes grew nearer and more rapid. He then ducked as the air above him was sliced though. He raised his sword immediately after to block an incoming attack. He was fighting an invisible foe as if he could see him clear as day. Mercer took more swings at him, with only the splashing of the water around his feet to be a sign of his movements. Eradros parried and dodged every single attack while delivering some of his own. It appeared as if he was fighting no one, but the sparks from their blades meeting were clear and bright. Mercer took another swing at Eradros but he quickly parried it while spinning around. He then used his leg to sweep Mercer off of his feet. For a split second his body became visible as his back landed in the shallow water. Eradros then went to drive his sword down into him but Mercer quickly jumped to his feet and disappeared once more. He continued his assault immediately after. Eradros was unfazed by Mercer's tricks. He stood calmly as he clashed blades with an invisible enemy. Karliah and Brynjolf watched as they did battle on the platform. All that could be seen of Mercer's movements were the splashes of water and the streams of air created from his sword swings.
Karliah: Mercer's completely cloaked himself. I can't even track his movements. Has his power really grown so much that he can hide from even our eyes?
Brynjolf: It looks like it. I only hope Eradros can keep this up.
Mercer attacked Eradros rapidly but couldn't seem to land a hit. He attempted to thrust his sword into Eradros's abdomen, but the blade never made contact. Instead it was met by a grey misty shadow. Eradros then appeared out of the mist behind Mercer and delivered a slash to Mercer's back. He immediately disappeared again, leaving another shadow of himself behind as he appeared beside Mercer. He quickly delivered a jumping spin kick to Mercer's chest, sending him sliding back to the edge of the platform. He was now visible again. It seemed he could only maintain the spell so long as he didn't get hit.
Mercer: This,…this shouldn't be possible! There's no way you can see my movements with my cloaking spell.
Eradros: You're right,…I can't. But there is something I can see.
Mercer: What are you on about?
Eradros: I may not be able to see your movements,…but I can see something much more intimate. The fear and greed that drives every attack you throw. It's like a giant warning sign every time you swing your blade. You're afraid aren't you Mercer?
Mercer: You don't scare me,…no one does. Not even that manipulative bitch Nocturnal can get to me now. That's why she sent you three. She knows I'm no longer under her control,…and there's nothing she can do about it.
Eradros: Tell yourself whatever you need to. It makes no difference. (lowers stance) You die,…today.
Mercer grabbed both of his blades as he picked himself up and began to turn invisible once more.
Mercer: Keep telling yourself that. It'll only make it harder on you when you LOSE!
He began charging at Eradros, kicking up water as he ran toward him. Eradros watched the water closely, waiting for his time to strike. Mercer took a violent swing at him, only to hit yet another misty shadow. Eradros appeared behind him with his blade drawn back. Mercer quickly turned and parried. Immediately after the clash, Eradros teleported again. This time it was several shadows moving in to attack Mercer. Each one dashed at him with demon like speed, attempting to cut him down. Mercer was able to defend against the assault but just barely. Each shadow would disperse into mist as another emerged from it immediately after. Mercer countered and parried as much as he could until one of his blades was knocked out of his hand into the waters below. He quickly raised his other sword to attack, but the arm holding the blade was swiftly sliced off before he could swing it. The hand went flipping into the distance still holding the sword tightly as Mercer stood in shock. He held his arm up in front of him as he slowly fell to his knees with an expression of horror and pain on his face. Eradros then appeared out of a mist cloud right in front of him with his blade extended outward.
Eradros: Do you get it now? I'm not here because you betrayed the guild,…or because Nocturnal wished it so. ( Begins to walk slowly toward Mercer. ) My only role here,…is to be your undertaker.
Mercer: Wait wait,…(scoots back away from Eradros still holding his arm.) If you want we can split the treasure. Maybe put all this guild stuff behind us huh.
Eradros did not say anything in response. He simply continued to move closer to Mercer with his blade out. Mercer was in great pain from losing an arm, and could only watch as his enemy drew nearer.
Mercer: Seriously you don't have to do this! We can both be rich beyond our wildest dreams.
Eradros: Quit your begging and die with some dignity.
Mercer: No no Wait-
Eradros swiftly raised his sword and disappeared. He simultaneously appeared out of the mist behind Mercer, delivering a fatal slash to the back of his neck, and completely beheading him. His head then rolled to the edge of the platform before falling off into the waters below as the body slowly slinked to the ground. Eradros swiped his blade to rid it of the blood and then sheathed it. He then went to retrieve the Eyes of the Falmer from Mercer's pouch. They were very large pink crystals that could barely fit in ones palm. He summoned the grey mist to engulf the jewels and made them disappear. He then retrieved to skeleton key from Mercer's pockets. In the very next moment, the room began to shake violently. More rocks fell from the roof causing more and more water to pour in. The rocks that blocked the the entrance began to move away due to the rising water pressure. This allowed Karliah and Brynjolf to swim up into the room. Once on the platform they saw Eradros standing next to Mercer's corpse.
Brynjolf: You did it lad. I'm a little angry you did it alone,…but you did it none the less.
Karliah: I can't believe it. It's all finally over.
Eradros: Not just yet. This room's about to be completely flooded. We've got to find another way out of here.
The water was beginning to rise more and more quickly. The three of them soon found themselves neck deep in it. They did their best to keep their heads above water as it rose to the top of the room.
Brynjolf: This isn't good. I don't see another way out.
By this time the water was nearing to the very top of the room. Soon the entire place would be underwater, and they would soon run out of air and drown. They all looked around desperately for an exit but all that could be seen were the stone walls of the chamber. They were trapped, and inches away from being completely encased in water. Suddenly a formation of rock right above them broke of into the water revealing a tunnel.
Eradros: Up there! Quickly now!
They all swam up into the path made by the falling rocks. They climbed up out of the water and into the narrow pathway that seemed to lead out into Skyrim. They were all safe now. They stopped to catch their breath for a moment. They were exhausted from swimming for their lives.
Brynjolf: That was,…a close one,…I can't believe we made it out in just the last second.
Eradros: (Cough) I was this close to losing consiousness before those rocks fell.
Karliah: It's done. Mercer's gone,…and we even got the key and both eyes in the process. Gallus can finally have peace.
She slowly approached Eradros who was leaning against the wall still coughing up water.
Karliah: Thank you,…Eradros. You've help me finally get closure to all of this. I don't know if I could've done this without you.
Eradros: Don't (Cough) Mention it. Oh and I believe these belong to the guild now.
He held out his hands as the mist began swirling around them. Then both eyes of the falmer appeared, one in each hand.
Brynjolf: I'll take those. We can finally put the guild back to it's rightful state with these. Nice work lad.
Karliah: But tell me,…that day when you spoke of a person who needed you. Who did you mean?
Brynjolf: Let me take a wild guess. The redguard boy that burned up the stables some years ago. Am I right?
Eradros: How,…how did you know?
Brynjolf: Let's just say I've been looking into the matter ever since it happened. But what I don't understand,…is why the lad's so important to you.
Eradros: He's the son of a close friend. A late close friend. He asked me to look after the boy,…because he's special. I'm sure you all have heard by now, but dragons are returning to Skyrim. And the lad might be the only thing we have to stop them. He's dragonborn.
Brynjolf: A real live dragonborn? Wow,…now that is a juicy tidbit of information.
Eradros: Until now,…the thought of going up against those things seemed daunting. I hated myself for pushing the lad to do it with no way to protect him. But now,…I think I'm finally up to the task.
Karliah: I get it now. This is the drive Nocturnal saw in you, and why she allowed you to take on her blessing. Here. I want you to take this. I noticed the broken one in your bag on the way to Riften.
Karliah took her bow off of her shoulder and handed it to Eradros. He stared at it in disbelief. It was an odd looking bow made of oak with intricate silver engravings all over it. Eradros slowly reached out to grab it but paused for a moment.
Eradros: Your Nightingale bow,…are you certain?
Karliah: I don't need it anymore. But if it would aid in helping the young dragonborn, it would bring me much joy.
Eradros took the bow from her and threw it over his shoulder.
Eradros: I don't know what to say Karliah.
Brynjolf: Say thank you and lets get the hell out of this place. I've got a guild to run if you two recall.
Brynjolf began walking toward the exit with both jewels in his arms. His step was merry and full of life. Karliah and Eradros watched him for a moment with smiles on their faces before following behind him. It was all over now, and Eradros could finally focus being Kin's shield in the upcoming war against the dragons.
Chapter End -