4E 203, 11th of Rains Hand
Near the sea of ghosts
The ship was nothing outstanding. But it was fast, and it didn't draw much attention. Barghest Yarrowroot stood at the prow, feeling the cold wind skate over his facial scales. From the local villagers that lived near the river, he'd learned that another ship had passed through, just over two days ago. The inquisitor had the scent, and it would take more than fleeing to the water to lose him.
Though the hunt had a fire burning in his veins, he was also eager for it to come to an end. The Dawnguard as a threat were ended. The three he was hunting, plus the girl with them were little more than a diversion. Perhaps there were others outside the Rift. If so, they hadn't been foolish enough to show themselves. He wished to try his skill against the other vampires rumoured to lurk in other parts of Tamriel. Abominations that worshiped Daedra, and hated the Bloodlet throne coven with a passion.
A vibration at his hip drew his attention away from his musings. The dwemer metal sphere that lord Vivarian had handed him was vibrating...surprised, he snatched it off his belt, and lifted it. The bronze sphere was flattened on top, and coloured a pale blue, that glowed slightly. As he ran his thumb over the curious device, he felt a small, metallic stud, based on the center line of the orb. He depressed it, and lord Vivarian appeared on top of the device, in miniature.
Whatever magic powered the communications device, it was capable of duplicating the appearance of whoever was speaking, even if they were only a few inches tall. Barghest inclined his head respectfully. "My lord."
"Inquisitor. I have an additional task for you, in Dawnstar."
The inquisitor felt a twinge of annoyance at the distraction from the hunt. "My lord, I don't think postponing this hunt is wise. Any delay could allow the prey to get away."
Lord Vivarians expression changed subtly. "I was not making a request, inquisitor. And as it happens, I have good information that these escaped Dawnguard are almost certainly heading to Dawnstar as well."
Forcing his impatience down, he said "of course, my lord. Forgive me. What is the task?"
"A local thane of the Pale, thane Melnjor, has been quite...vocal in his support of the Dawnguard. In fact, he's offering safety and an escape from Skyrim to any who can reach him."
Argonian facial expressions were hard to read, Barghest knew, and so, he allowed himself a frown. Then, realizing his lord was awaiting his input, he pointed out "this sounds like a job for the Night Talons. Silence the thane before he can make good on his promises."
Salthars' expression turned to one of scorn. "My brother agrees with you. However, killing Melnjor outright, would make a martyr of him, and raise passions against us in the Pale, and neighbouring holds. If the Inquisitorius, were to come and take him into custody, however, it would send a message, that offering sanctuary to enemies of the Coven will not be tolerated."
Barghest nodded, wondering what lord Kaast would have to say about the situation. But lord Vivarian was the lord of the Coven. "As you command, my lord."
"There's more. Melnjor's no fool. He's petitioned jarl Merilis for protection, and the jarl has agreed. I'm trusting you to use diplomacy, inquisitor. I don't want a bloodbath."
Barghest inclined his head again. "As you wish." The lord of the Covens' miniature disappeared, and the Argonian replaced the sphere on his belt. While he was hardly pleased with being used to resolve such a petty issue, if the prey caught wind of Melnjors' offer, it was almost certain they would make their way there. He made his way to where inquisitor Norne stood behind and to the left of the ships captain.
The captain himself, had been paid a ridiculous amount of gold to transport Barghest, and his forces where they needed to go. The crew referred to themselves as 'privateers' they were little more than glorified pirates. The Argonian inquisitor had told his Breton subordinate to keep a close eye on the man, and the half-elf was doing an admirable, if less than discreet, job of it. "Find Trovenir." Barghest ordered. "Have her head to Dawnstar, and inform the jarl that we'll be arriving soon. Discretely."
The Breton nodded and wandered off to find his elven comrade. The captain turned his head to regard his passenger. "Dawnstar?"
"Yes. We've some business to see to there. Nothing to be concerned about." He said quietly, folding his arms, and looking out across the deck, into the open waters of the sea of ghosts.
4E 203, 11th of Rains Hand
Sea of Ghosts
Dannick was no sailor. But his sense of direction was still fairly good, even on the open sea, with no way of telling direction besides the sun and stars. Which was why, when he awoke on second day of their journey, he knew they were no longer headed to High Rock.
He and the other Dawnguard had spent their time trying to make themselves indistinguishable from the crew. Dannick himself was clothed in a plain tunic and trousers. He'd even replaced his sword with a cutlass, though he hadn't been able to lose his Dawnguard blade overboard. It was wrapped in a blanket, at the foot of his bed.
He stormed out of the small cabin the smugglers had provided him with, dodging crew members. He made his way to the command deck, noting that Balrith and Alanna were already there. The Orc looked concerned, but the girl seemed a far sight happier than she'd been since their last meeting.
Captain Ilmir took one look at Dannicks face and grimaced. Clearly, the reason for the ships change of direction wasn't one he'd be happy about. "What's going on?" The Nord demanded, his glare sweeping over the three of them. The girl jutted her chin out stubbornly, but it was the captain who replied.
"We're headed to Dawnstar. Consider it payment for Kaeless' help."
Dannick scowled. The dark elf hadn't said anything about payment, to him, at least. "Payment? I don't owe Kaeless anything."
Ilmir frowned. "Then consider at fulfilling his last wish. Kaeless is dead. The vampires caught up with him a day ago."
Dannick tried and failed to conceal his shock. "Dead?" Though he probably shouldn't have been surprised, he couldn't wrap his mind around the fact that the resourceful arms dealer was dead. Though, like everyone else, the Dunmers' luck was bound to run out at some point.
"I'm sorry." Ilmir said, sympathy on his rugged features. " He must have been a good friend."
"He was." The former Dawnguard replied through numb lips. Alanna's defiantly triumphant expression caught his curiosity. "What was his last wish?"
The captain sighed. "To help as many Dawnguard get out of Skyrim as we can."
"
What ?" Dannick nearly shouted. "How could he-"
"Calm down. It's not as risky as it sounds. Not this time, anyways."
The nord shifted his gaze from the captain to Alanna. Now he knew why she was acting so superior. "Mind explaining that to me?"
Ilmir nodded. "We're headed to Dawnstar. There's a thane there who's been offering sanctuary to any Dawnguard that escaped. He contacted Kaeless a few days ago. He wants us to swing by and pick up a group of your comrades. A quick and easy job. In and out."
Dannick considered. If they could get more of the Dawnguard out of Skyrim, it increased their chances of eventually reforming. He nodded, sweeping his gaze over Alanna and Balrith, both disguised as smugglers, like he was. "Okay. But we," he gestured to the former Dawnguard around him, "will be the ones' to do the pickup."
The captain shrugged. "Fine. But I'm sending one of my men with you, since he's the only one who'll actually recognize Melnjor. Go get what you need. We'll be at Dawnstar in a few hours. And the wind's in our sails. If our luck holds, we won't even need to stay docked for that long."
4E 203, 11th of Rains' Hand
Dawnstar, The Pale
It didn't take long for the three former Dawnguard to prepare. By the time the docks of Dawnstar were in site, they were ready on the main deck, dressed as smugglers, complete with cutlasses and clothing. The fourth and final member of their group, was an Imperial smuggler, named Eros. The blonde haired man knew thane Melnjor and would introduced him to the former vampire hunters. "Remember, play it casual." The smuggler said. " Melnjor will be nervous enough with vampires looking for you guys. We don't need you messing it up by announcing yourselves."
"Don't worry about us." Balrith grumbled. "Just get us to him, so we can get out of here." The Orc looked rather out of place in a vest and plain trousers. He was most comfortable in armour, and his posture reflected that. The
Wind Dancer arrived at the port, and docked. The crew lowered the gangplank, allowing the three former dawnguard, and the smuggler off the ship.
"Come on. It's this way to the jarls hall." Eros called over his shoulder, leading the way. A crowd of miners and sailors glanced at them as they went on their way, showing mild curiousity. However, most of their attention was directed towards the center of the city. Dannick could hear raised voices, though the group was still too far away for them to make out what was being said.
Beleval had her head cocked to one side, listening intently. "I don't know what that's about, but it doesn't sound like they're singing the jarls' praises."
"Yeah..." Eros said, leading them down a side street. "Merilis isn't exactly popular with the Nords. Shoulda seen when it was Skald the Elder in charge. He was a real piece of work, and the locals didn't like him any better."
"Is this going to be a problem?" Dannick asked.
The smuggler shot him a smug glance. "Please. You think Melnjor didn't give me a back way in?"
"That's not a no." Balrith pointed out, casting a glower towards a knot of people who were walking a little too close. They quickly backed off.
"It isn't a 'yes', either." Eros pointed out. "Now come on."
They made their way through the streets of Dawnstar, drawing steadily closer to the jarls dwelling. Eventually, the hall came into view, and the smuggler lead them around to the rear of the building. A door was hidden from easy view, and the smuggler knocked a certain code against the wood. A moment later, the door was opened, revealing a Breton in a mages robe. The woman waved them inside, closing the door behind the group. "Jarl Merilis is expecting you."
"Nice to see you too. What about Melnjor?" Eros asked.
"He's inside. Come." The mage replied.
The four of them reached the main hall, where a group of Pale hold guards waited, along with a man in the rich, deep green, fur lined tunic that denoted his rank as a thane. The jarl herself, an Imperial woman with white hair and a pleasant expression sat in the throne. "Welcome to Dawnstar." She said, before looking to the thane, who'd risen from his own seat. "These are the people you're expecting?"
The man nodded, stepping forwards to shake the hands of Eros and the others. "They are. Sorry you had to see this place at a time of unrest. It's usually quite calm." Melnjor had a rich, deep voice, and eyes that nearly matched his tunic. His hair was a short, dark brown, and he had a neatly trimmed beard, though their was a certain 'hunted' air about him.
"What's the problem outside?" Dannick asked. The thane and the jarl exchanged glances.
"Nothing good." The jarl said quietly. "There's something you should know. I received...an emissary from the Bloodlet Throne just before you arrived. The vampires are coming here."
"What?" Exclaimed Beleval and Balrith at the same time.
"How could they have known we were coming here, now?" Dannick demanded, casting a suspicious glance at Eros. If the smugglers had betrayed them...
"They don't." Melnjor explained. "They're here for me. It was only a matter of time, really." He sighed, a faint grin on his face. "You can only avoid attention for so long when helping the Dawnguard."
"You're here under my protection, Torgir. I will speak with the vampires. Perhaps they can persuaded to leave peacefully." She turned her attention to the three Dawnguard. "I'll stall them as long as I can. You, get to your comrades, and back to your ship."
"Thank you, my jarl" Dannick replied, looking to the thane.
"This way." Torgir said, leading them towards another door. "Your fellow Dawnguard are this way."
"You assume we still
are Dawnguard."
The thane inclined his head. "Forgive me. I know better than most what assumptions cost. This way, please."
He lead the four of them down a small corridor, going deeper into the jarls longhouse. Eventually, Dannick began to hear voices, one deep, and several other, lighter ones. It seemed thane Melnjor
had rescued quite a few of his former comrades. "How long have they been here?"
"Long enough to get the Covens' attention." The thane replied, stopping at a door. "Here we are." He knocked a pattern against the heavy portal. Silence descended, and a moment later, the door opened. An Orcish face peered out, taking in the newcomers with dawning surprise. The door was flung wide, and the Orc, even taller than Dannick had believed at first, held his arms out wide, as if ready to receive an embrace.
Alanna, who'd been quiet for most of the trip, suddenly squealed with excitement, and launched herself into those arms. The Orc chuckled, and patted the girls head. "Graal! I knew you weren't dead!"
" 'Course not. It'll take more than a pack of mangy vampires to kill me." The Orc replied.
"You're not Dawnguard." Dannick pointed out.
The Orc, a warrior, probably, as he had a large mace of Orcish make on his hip, met the Nords eyes. "No, I'm not. But I am a friend of her father, Derek Starsong. Know him?"
"Barely. We didn't talk much." Dannick replied. "Were you at fort Dawnguard when the vampires attacked?"
"No, but I was nearby. I came across some survivors as I was heading to the fort to search for Alannas' father. They were being chased by a group of vampires. I helped fend them off." Dannick looked past the Orc, to the survivors he'd mentioned. There were three of them. Two males, one an elf, the other an Imperial, and a redguard woman.
"Graal? My father, did you..." Alanna trailed off, but her worried expression said the rest.
The large Orc shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alanna. I saw no signs of your father. "
"But that doesn't mean he's-"
"No, it doesn't. If I know Derek, he's holed up somewhere, and is waiting for a chance to come for you."
"Touching as this reunion is, we should get moving." Eros said. "The captain won't like it if we keep him waiting much longer."
"Run away?" Demanded the Imperial Dawnguard. "I'm tired of running! We've got two more of us here now. I say we let the bloodsuckers come to us."
"We're not Dawnguard. Not anymore." Corrected Dannick, gesturing to his clothing. "And we're here to get you someplace far from here."
"So that's it then?" The man sneered. "We lose one battle, and we run off with our tails between our legs?"
Balrith snarled and took a step forward, but Dannick stopped him with an outstretched hand. "If it means the survival of the Dawnguard? Then yes."
The Imperial spat on the floor, but the elf, and Altmer with darker skin than most and a fresh gash down one side of his face stepped forwards and placed a hand on his arm. "Crassus, we spoke of this. Our numbers are too few. We must gather our strength before we strike back."
Crassus shook the elfs' hand off, and scowled, but the defiance had melted from his expression. "Fine." He grumbled, making his way towards the door. The Redguard, Orc, and elf fell in behind Dannick and the others. "Where's this ship of yours?"
"Waiting at the docks." Eros put in. They were headed out the same way the mage had lead them in.
"But we've gotta hurry," he said, pushing the door open. "Before it's-"
"Too late." Snapped Dannick, pointing. A new ship had joined the others at the dock, and dark armoured figures were marching ashore.
"What do we do?" Alanna hissed.
"Stay calm." Eros commanded. "We can slip through the crowd while the vampires are searching for us."
"Let's go. Stay together." Dannick ordered, motioning for the smuggler to take the lead.
4E 203, 11th of Rains Hand
Dawnstar
Barghest took in the crowd assembled around the jarls longhouse. The soldiers had formed a perimeter, weapons drawn, but the crowd wasn't coming any closer. Not yet, anyways. His subordinates and captain Locke stayed near him, keeping their eyes on the miners and peasants that made up the bulk of the crowd. The city guards were keeping a close eye on things, but they'd made no effort to break up the assembled townspeople.
The jarl and a small group were hurrying towards the inquisitor, and he was content to wait for her. Once the woman and her companions had reached them, he gestured to the increasingly agitated crowd. "What's the meaning of this, jarl?" He grumbled ominously.
The woman took in the crowd, then directed her gaze back to Barghest. " My people are not pleased with the Covens' presence in Dawnstar."
"I do not care whether they are pleased or displeased." The Argonian said. "Where is thane Melnjor?"
There was slight hesitation in the womans voice as she replied. "Thane Melnjor had requested sanctuary in Dawnstar, and I have granted it."
"That was not yours to grant, jarl. Surrender Melnjor to me, now, and this need not escalate."
" Any of my subjects may request protection from me, and I may grant it, as is my right as jarl." The leader of Dawnstar stated defiantly.
"Perhaps." Barghest allowed, willing himself to remain patient. "But not, when said subject has been harbouring wanted individuals from the Coven."
"Interesting" Brelina said, "and have you any proof thane Melnjor is guilty of harbouring anyone?"
"Enough!" Snapped Barghest, taking a step forwards, and gaining a measure of satisfaction from seeing the woman flinch back. "You will surrender the thane! Now!"
A sly satisfaction came to the humans features. "Unfortunately, that's no longer possible. A group of smugglers took him from my longhouse shortly before you arrived."
Barghest snarled as he realized what she meant. The Dawnguard he'd been tracking were indeed in Dawnstar. And they'd beaten him to the thane. "Spread out!" He ordered. " They do not leave this city!" The soldiers and inquisitors rushed to carry out his commands. He was aware of captain Locke sticking by his side as he strode through the crowd, telekinetically blasting individuals out of his way.
Being taller than most of the assembled humans, he had a fairly clear view over their heads. Because of that, he spotted the group breaking away from the crowd and running for the docks. One of which, wore rich clothing, reminiscent of what the jarl had been adorned in. "There!" He hissed, breaking into a run. He could hear Locke bellowing orders, but he paid no mind to them. His prey was in sight, and he was about to complete both of his objectives in one move.
He saw black armoured soldiers, Lockes men, racing to meet the Dawnguard. The fastest soldier was mere meters from the group when one, a Redguard female, turned and lifted something. The soldier stumbled, fell to the snow covered street, and didn't move again. Barghest got a clearer view of the crossbow the Redguard clutched as she turned to rejoin her companions. They were close to their ship now, and the crew were rushing forwards, firing bows and crossbows at the vampires.
The Argonian inquisitor put on a burst of speed, gaining on the others, even as the soldiers slowed and hefted their shields in response to the assault. However, even as he closed on the group, he knew he would be too late. They were simply too close to the ship for him to reach them before they boarded. He wrenched his sword from its sheathe, and with a howl of frustration, he hurled the blade at the back of the retreating thane Melnjor. Then, almost not beleiving it would work, he reached towards the spinning weapon, adjusting its' course ever so slightly with his alteration magic.
4E 203, 11th of Rains' Hand
Dawnstar docks
They were going to make it, Dannick realized as the group drew ever closer to their ship. The crew of the
Wind Runner rushed to the railing, firing arrows and bolts at the vampires chasing them. The boarding ramp had been lowered, and those crew members not firing weapons stood ready to help them aboard.
Dannick slowed as they reached it, letting the others race past him, up the ramp. Melnjor waved him onwards, and the Nord had just placed his foot on the wooden plank, when he heard a wet thud from behind him, and the thanes' gasp of pain and surprise. Dannick spun, hand going to the sabre at his side, thinking a vampire had braved the storm of projectiles to get to them. Melnjor lay on the cold stone of the dock, a darksteel blade through his midsection. The hilt, and a foot of blade could be seen protruding from his back.
The thane was dying, coughing the last of his life out in a bright red spray against the cobblestones. Even if he had been a healer, Dannick doubted he could have done anything for the man. He caught sight of a tall, robed, Argonian, the same from Riften, making his way towards the fallen thane and kneeling Dawnguard.
"Come on!" Captain Ilmir shouted from above, waving frantically at the Nord. With one last look at the thane, he ran up the ramp, and the crewmen hauled it up behind him.
He saw the Argonian staring at him, yellow eyes following his movement across the deck. His attention was drawn to Beleval next, who still clutched her crossbow, a bolt set and ready to fire. Wordlessly, he held his hand out to her, and she handed him the weapon. Carefully, he took aim at the vampires torso, and pulled the trigger.
4E 203, 11th Rains' Hand
Dawnstar docks
Barghest walked up to the dead Nord, watching coldly as the Dawnguard that had been eluding him since Riften ran up to the ramp, and the safety of the smugglers' ship. The human made his way across the deck, and took a crossbow from an elven woman. Then he turned the 'bow on the Argonian, eyes hard, and the inquisitor knew what was coming next. He began forming a ward, designed to stop the steel tipped bolt, when captain Locke leapt forwards, sheild held high. The bolt struck the darksteel surface of it, and skittered away, landing metres from the pair.
Surprised, Barghest turned to the man. "Why did you do that, captain? There was no need for you to put yourself in harms way, and yet you did. With no hesitation."
The ship was retreating, making its' way for open waters, as Locke lowered his shield and turned to face him. "It's my job, sir. " He said, as if the answer should have been obvious. In a sense, it was. But he'd never had another put their lives in danger for in order to save his.
Barghest stepped forwards to retrieve his sword from the dead Nord. The sudden violence had whipped the crowd into a frenzy, and they surged forwards, roaring with outrage. The soldiers stepped forwards, cutting down those foolish enough to get within range of their weapons. "Back to the ship." The Argonian inquisitor ordered, leading turning towards the vessel they'd arrived on. The soldiers kept the crowd at bay, steadily retreating to the ship.
Once aboard, he got the captains attention. "Follow that ship. I want those Dawnguard caught before they get to their destination."
4E 203, 11th of Rains' Hand
Aboard the Wind Runner
Dannick stood at the captains side as the
Wind Runner made its bid for freedom. He could see the crew of the vampires' ship rushing about as well, attempting to stop them. The other ship, dark sailed, slightly smaller than the smugglers vessel, was paralleling the (I) Wind Runner (I)s course. It was also faster. "We'll never get away from the shore in time." Crassus pointed out, and Dannick had to agree. The smaller ship was already angling to intercept the smugglers.
"Aye." Ilmir agreed, expression sour. "I know that ship, and her captain. Girmun Hazen. A pirate, though he refers to himself as a 'privateer'. Sails for the highest bidder."
"Can we outrun them?" Dannick asked.
The elven captain glanced at the sails, billowing in the strong, cold winds, and nodded. "We've got the wind in our sails. If we make a straight run to the south, we'll lose them."
"The south?" Dannick repeated, "but that takes us
away from High Rock!"
"I'm sorry, but I'm not risking my ship for you, or your friends. If we try to reach High Rock, we'll be intercepted and boarded. If you want to take your chances getting their on your own, I won't stop you."
Though he wasn't happy with the captains' decision, he respected it. "I see. I'm sorry, captain. You know what you're doing, and I'll follow your lead."
Ilmir nodded, then gestured him down to the main deck. "The crew'll need your help. We could use those Orcs muscles, if they've got nothing else to do. You and our new passengers can help as well." Dannick nodded, and descended to help the crew make their escape.