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Madrar

The Shadow in the Dark.
Last of the Dawn
Chapter One
Skyrim, the Rift
4E 203, 4th of Rains Hand

Fort Dawnguard, Dannick Sholes' home for the past three years, burned. Dannick coughed, choking on thick smoke, and the scent of blood on the air. Figures rushed to and fro through the smoke, shouting battle cries, or orders, or simply screaming, either in pain or fear. Dannick made his way along one of the walls, trying to keep his booted feet from slipping in the puddles of blood, or tripping over the brown and beige armoured bodies. Occasionally, he came across the rotting form of a zombie, or a skeletal figure. Rarely, he spotted the black armoured corpse of a vampire.

He cleared the smoke, and nearly ran into the form of Garvis Hrokirson. The large Nord warrior, wielding a battle axe and shield, and looked far worse for wear than when the battle had started. "Dannick!" He shouted over the sounds of combat. "Good that you're here. Those bloodsucking fiends are making a push for the gatehouse." Without another word, the older warrior, Dannicks mentor and friend, rushed into the hellish combat ahead of them.

The younger Nord took a deep breath, and forged after him, drawing his sword. He'd lost his shield some time ago, and didn't have time to look for it. His approach didn't go unnoticed. A black armoured warrior, dark coloured blade in hand, turned towards him, eyes alight with bloodlust. Dannick parried the first blow, then lunged, his own sword stabbing into the vampires throat. He snarled and fell, dying. The Nord quickly cut down a pair of shambling zombies, the slow, reanimated corpses no match for a warrior of his skill.

He took a moment, and noticed he was approaching the gatehouse. It still stood, defended by the heavily armoured warriors that made up the Dawnguards elite troops. Garvis was perhaps twenty paces from the building, and Dannick perhaps three behind him, when disaster struck. The whole front of the gatehouse buckled, as if a giant had brought a massive warhammer to bear on it. Then pieces of wood and stone blew out in every direction, a fist sized chunk of rock clipping Dannick in the shoulder and throwing him to the walls surface.

Dazed, he looked up to see Garvis struggling to rise, blood streaming from a gash on the side of his head. A group of black armoured figures stalked through the breach, finishing off the stunned, wounded Dawnguard warriors. A vampire stopped in front of Garvis, sword in hand. The Nord attempted to bring his weapon up, but Dannick knew he'd be too slow. The black blade of the vampire descended-

A hand, violently shaking him, brought him out of the memory-nightmare. A Bosmer female stood over him, looking equal parts concerned and irritated. "You were yelling in your sleep. Again."

He sat up, becoming aware of his surroundings. He was in a tent, on a thin bedroll. The ground was cold and hard, and his back was sore, though he'd felt worse in the last two days. Two days had passed since fort Dawnguard had fallen to the vampires. "Sorry. Bad dreams."

Thinking back, Dannick supposed it was as much the Dawnguards fault for becoming complacent as anyones. After the destruction of the Volkihar vampire clan, they'd thought the threat of the nightwalkers gone. Dannick remembered one of his fellow Dawnguard, Derek Starsong, insisting there were more vampires out there. But Isran had dismissed him, claiming that they'd deal with them when they showed themselves. 'And look how that turned out'. He thought cynically. He wondered for a brief moment what had happened to his former commander. Seeing as Isran wasn't one to run from a fight, it was probably safe to assume he was dead. Along with most of his other friends and comrades.

He stretched, now out of the tent, and looked around at the dishevelled group of survivors. There was the Bosmer woman, Beleval, as well as a Nord woman, Taliah Smirnasdaughter. Then there was the Orc, Balrith Tormak, a large, muscular man that had a long scar stretching from beside his right eye down to his muscular neck.Then, of course, there was Dannick himself. A middle aged Nord man, fairly muscular, though not as much as Balrith, with light brown hair, going grey in some areas. Though his face was usually clean shaven, a quick pass of his hand confirmed that stubble was growing back out.

'Maybe a beard isn't such a bad idea.It would certainly make me harder to recognize.' Unlike most Nords, Dannick had never sported a beard. That meant he stood out to some degree among his fellow northerers. Which was now a very bad thing. He glanced at his three companions. Orcs were common enough in Skyrim, either as smiths or mercenaries. Balrith only had to lose his Dawnguard gear, and he'd blend in perfectly. And Nord women fighters were as common as men. She too only needed to lose the equipment that marked her as a Dawnguard.

Dannick and Beleval though...A beard would help, but he knew of no magic that would help him grow a full one in a day or so. The distance to the city of Riften. And wood elves were not a common sight in Skyrim. The topic of splitting up, Beleval and Dannick going one way, Balrith and Taliah the other had already been discussed. Neither the Orc nor the Nord would hear of it. "Come on. The others are already up and waiting for us." Beleval said, leading him towards the small campfire.

Balrith crouched beside it, poking at the embers with a stick. He glanced up at Dannick, and handed him a bit of venison. "How much further to Riften?" The Orc asked, "we're running low on supplies."
"Not long. Another day at the most" Taliah replied, fastening her armour, and sword belt.
"We'd best get going then. We can dump our gear and get some peasant outfits at one of the villages along our path." The four of them extinguished their campfire, collected what remained of their gear, and headed towards the capital of the Rift.

XXX

They'd travelled some distance, and though not all of them were happy about it, they stashed their armour and weapons outside a small village of Tillsville. They bought some ragged clothing that made them appear as peasants. It by no means guaranteed their safety. The news they'd heard in the village indicated that the vampires had hired mercenary groups to hunt down and capture Dawnguard members.
Then, being captured and escaping later was better than being cut down because of their distinctive armour. Night was beginning to fall when they were finally found. Beleval heard them first. "Someone's coming!" She hissed. Dannick glanced around, desperately seeking a place to hide. To throw off suspicion, they'd agreed to travel along the main road. Which had a dismaying lack of cover around it.

"Can you see who it is?" Taliah asked from the rear of the group.

Beleval shielded her eyes from the setting sun, and stared down the road. Dannick watched as her face fell. "Icehammer mercenaries. And they've seen us."

A moment after the Bosmer archer announced that, shouts rang out, and the sound of horse hooves thundering upon the cobble stone road became apparent. "We knew this was a possibility. Offer no resistance. Once we reach wherever it is they're going to take us, escape and regroup. Good luck." Dannick spoke quickly and quietly.

By the time he'd finished, the mercenaries were upon them. "Well, well,well. What do we 'ave here, lads?" One of the mercs said, eyes roaming over the group.

"Just travellers. We're trying to get to Riften before dark. If you'd be so kind as to let us go" Dannick said, trying to sound humble and slightly frightened.

"Riften, eh?" The mercenary leader rubbed his beard, apparently thinking. "Just so happens we're headed that way." He glanced up at one of his companions. Dannick noticed the man incline his head ever so slightly. "Why don't you come along with us?"

Dannick cursed to himself. Either one of them had been recognised, even in the near darkness, or the mercenaries were randomly abducting people. "That won't be-"

"Actually, we insist. Take 'em!" In an instant, they were surrounded by dozens of mercenaries. They were seized, their hands bound by coarse rope, and shoved into a group of fellow prisoners. Some of them looked like actual peasants, frightened and miserable, while others looked like warriors, more angry than scared. For his part, Dannick tried to imitate the peasants, and look like he posed no threat at all. The less of a threat his captors believed him to be, the easier his escape would be.

Fort Dawnguard, the Rift
4E 203, 5th of Rains' Hand

Barghest Yarrowroot stood among the ruins of what had once been the home of the revered Dawnguard. Smoke still rose from the air in some areas, and he breathed it in, savouring the scent of charred flesh and burnt wood. He was an Argonian, with crimson scales, that darkened to an almost black near his eyes and the end of his snout. His eyes, like most of his kind, were a pale yellow, and because of his vampirism, flicked with red.

He hadn't taken part in the initial assault on the fort. However, he'd been summoned by none other than lord Salthar Vivarian. Barghest wasn't alone, however. Two of his fellow inquisitors had accompanied him from the Bloodlet throne. The Breton, Adan Norne, and an Altmer woman, Aylin Trovenir. Both he and the others wore deep violet robes. Under those, they wore heavy darksteel plate armour protecting their torsos.

Barghests' attention was drawn by an approaching vampire, in the plain darksteel armour of the covens soldiers. The man saluted, "inquisitor Yarrowroot. Lord Vivarian will see you now. This way, please." Barghest followed the man towards the keep itself. Much of its outer wall had been destroyed, exposing the interior to the elements. The keeps main gates had been blasted open, one laying on the floor, the other twisted on its hinges, scorched by arcane flame.

He stepped over something that might have, at one time, been a Dawnguard warrior. Most of the body was trapped under a pile of rubble, half as tall as he was. A short staircase, relatively in one piece, that lead up to the second floor of the keep. Salthar Vivarian waited there, arms clasped behind his back. "Inquisitors Yarrowroot. Norne, Trovenir."

Barghest knelt before the leader of the coven, and the rustle of cloth informed him that the others had followed his lead. "What is your will, my lord?" Yarrowroot inquired.

"As you know, the leadership of the Dawnguard has been destroyed.However, some of its members have escaped in the chaos." He paced in a small circle. "If they are not all hunted down and killed, they'll cause no end of trouble. It is your mission to hunt down these...insurgents, and eliminate them. Consider this your test. Lord inquisitor Kaast vouches for your dependability, but I'd like to see a demonstration of your skills."

Barghest nodded, understanding, and accepting the task. "It would be our pleasure, my lord. Where were these Dawnguard last seen?"

"Our men spotted several fleeing from the fort after the battle. Best guess is that they'll head to Riften, or at least stop over there. I dispatched the Icehammers to hunt them down. They should be arriving at the city shortly. We have a description of several fugitives." He motioned the inquisitors to stand, and handed Barghest a piece of parchment. "Take this as well." He removed a bronze orb, lined with pale blue stone, and dropped it into the Argonian vampires outstretched palm. "It requires little effort to use, and will allow you to communicate with me or anyone else. Simply depress the small panel on the side, and speak the name of whom you wish to speak. If they're in possession of another sphere, you'll be able to speak with them."

"Thank you, my lord. We won't disappoint you." Barghest said

"I trust that you won't. In any case, I'm sending a platoon of men with you. Captain Locke is waiting for you downstairs."

Sensing the meeting was over, Barghest bowed, turned on his heel and headed down the stairs. He opened the door, stepped outside, aware of Norne and Trovenir on his heels. A group of coven soldiers stood at attention, perhaps twenty. A Nord captain stood slightly to the left of the group, his armour marked with red. The man saluted. "Inquisitors. Captain Avis Locke, at your service."

"Come along, captain." Barghest said, heading towards the city of Riften. "We have work to do."
 

Madrar

The Shadow in the Dark.
Docks outside of Riften.
4E 203, 7th of Rains Hand
Surprisingly, they hadn't been treated as badly as Dannick had assumed they would be. They'd been roughed up a bit, then tossed in a dark, damp warehouse for the past two days. Their fates probably would have been worse if the mercenaries realized they'd captured four Dawnguard. Finally, the guards came for them, yelling for Dannick, his companions, and the rest of the prisoners to get on their feet.

"Where are all Riftens guards?" Beleval managed to ask, barely moving her lips.

"I don't know. Could be they've been bribed to look the other way." He whispered back. Then something, or rather, someone, caught his eye. A young girl, not older than fourteen, walked ahead of him. Her hair was a dark blonde, and she was fair skinned, and though he couldn't see her face, he recognized her from somewhere. He discreetly nudged Beleval. "Who does that look like to you?"

The woodelf narrowed her eyes, then they widened in surprise. "Starsongs daughter?" She gasped. "What would she be doing out here?"

"She wasn't at the fort when the attack happened. Maybe she was going to see Derek?" He suggested. Derek Starsong was one of the Dawnguards senior members, and only slightly older than Dannick. He hadn't had much of a chance to speak with the man, but he'd seemed very dedicated to the group.

None of them had seen Derek escape the battle. That his daughter had been captured on the way to the fort was not unbelievable. Taliah and Balrith made their way to them, careful not to draw the attention of the guards. "Is that-" the Orc started to ask.

"Yes."

The mercenaries led them to a large square, which, most likely, was used for assembling goods before shipping them out. They began assembling them in rows, facing the pier, and the waters of lake Honrich. A boat was approaching. Nothing so large as a battle or transport ship, but big enough to hold a fair amount of individuals. Dannick could barely make out figures moving about on board. There were only a few torches on the mast of the ship, and along the sides. As the ship approached, several mercenaries moved onto the pier, accepting ropes thrown to them by the figures on board the ship.

The vessel came to a stop, and a ramp lowered. "Who do you think they are?" Balrith asked.

"Slavers?"

Figures started down the ramp. In dark armour. His mouth suddenly dry, Dannic replied "they're not slavers." He counted twenty vampires, in their dark armour, filing down the ramp, and marching towards the square. Some of the mercenaries appeared nervous, but they moved aside to let the vampires forwards. Once the dark armoured soldiers had formed a line facing the prisoners, they parted, allowing a trio of robed figures through their ranks.

Two of the robed vampires stopped among the soldiers, but the third, an Argonian, with unusual crimson scales and lacking the skull horns or frill of most of his kind, continued forwards. One of the mercenaries, Dannick guessed he was the commander, stepped forwards to meet him. "We were expecting the employer. Y'know. The elf with the spikes an' axes."

Dannick didn't know who that referred to, but the Argonian didn't seem the slightest bit put off by the mans casual disregard for him. "You will deal with me, instead." He gestured, and a pair of vampires stepped forwards, carrying a chest between them. "You have completed your task?"

The mercenary leader looked insulted that the Argonian vampire would ask such a thing. "Of course." He turned and waved his own men forwards. A group of them stepped forwards, carrying bodies. It didn't take long for Dannick to identify the tan and brown armoured corpses as Dawnguard soldiers. The mercenaries dropped the corpses in front of the vampire without ceremony.

Dannick heard Taliah cursing the mercenaries and the vampires quietly. He edged over to her, while keeping an eye on their captors. Beleval and Balrith followed. "Were you keeping the bodies for posterity?" The Argonian was asking. "I only required to see the heads."

"Any particular way you want 'em disposed of?"

"Throw them in the lake, for all I care. Your payment awaits."

"What do you want done with them?" The mercenary nodded towards the waiting prisoners.

"Load them onto the ship. There's more gold waiting for you, and a trip to a less accommodating prison waiting for them at Darkwater crossing."

He caught sight of Starsongs daughter, slightly ahead of him, and to the right. "We can't let the vampires get a hold of the girl."

"How do we get to her?" Beleval asked.

"Leave it to me." Taliah said, reaching down and tearing a strip off of the peasant dress she'd been wearing. Then she stepped forwards, snatching a sword from the sheathe of a nearby mercenary. Before he had a chance to grab the Nord woman, or otherwise dissuade her, she'd cleared the crowd of prisoners.

"You'll not be taking them anywhere, nightspawn!"

Immediately, the line of vampires drew their weapons, but before they could advance, the Argonian waved them to hold their positions. "Amusing. You think sacrificing yourself will spare these people?"

"I only wish to remove you from the equation." With that, Taliah rushed forwards, her sword carving an arc through the air, towards the vampires head. In an instant, the Argonian vampire had his own weapon, a darksteel longsword out, the hilt elongated, and allowing it to be gripped with both hands. Which the vampire did now, blocking her first assault easily, and retreating a step.

The vampires style seemed reserved, almost cautious in his attacks. Taliah, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of attacks, her sword striking the vampires blade with furious speed. It didn't take long for Dannick to realise the vampire was toying with her. He grabbed the girls shoulder and pulled her backwards. She managed a squeak of surprise before Dannick clamped his hand over her mouth. "We're friends of your father. Come on."

The girl stopped trying to speak, and Dannick released her. Balrith and Beleval had already made their way to the edge of the crowd. Some of the prisoners were trying to get a closer look at the duel, while others started edging away. Mercenaries and soldiers started to form a perimeter, and Dannick knew it was time to go. He joined the others with Alanna, and they started walking towards the wilderness. He looked over his shoulder, and the crowd parted to show Taliah on one knee, blood sheeting from a wound in her side. The Argonian lifted his sword and with a single blow, removed her head.

Clenching his jaw, he turned and lead his companions away from the dock. No one cried out, and no arrows struck him in the back. "What now?" Balrith asked.

"The city. I have a friend there who can help us."
XXX
Riften

"How much further?" Alanna asked as they made their way through Riftens winding isles. It was well past midnight, though Dannick was confident that his friend would still be awake. If not happy to see him. They were in the cities warehouse district, and guardsmen were sparse. His friend, a Dumner weapons merchant, owned and lived in a small warehouse near the city harbour.

"Not too far. Kaeless' place is just...there." He pointed to a building with a lantern outside. A small flame flickered in it. "Let's go." The five of them were nearly at the door when he felt a tug on his tunic sleeve. Alanna stood at his side, looking concerned. "What?"

"How do we know we can trust this guy?" She asked. "I've never heard of any friends of the Dawnguard in the city."

"That's because he's not a friend of the Dawnguard. He's one of my friends." He retorted. "Which reminds me- what were you doing in the Rift, anyways?"

"I was going to meet my father. That was before...before-" she broke off, leaving the sentence unfinished.

"Okay, I get it." Dannick said, patting the girl on the shoulder, awkwardly. He hadn't known her father very well, but Derek had been a good soldier, from what he did know about him. Hopefully, he wasn't dead. The girl didn't deserve to grow up without a father.

He lifted his hand and hammered on the door of the warehouse. He didn't miss the thin wooden slot set into the door. He didn't have to wait long before the slot opened, and a pair of ruby eyes stared at him. "Password?"

"Cut it out, Sorek. You know me. Or your boss does anyways."

"Wait." The slot in the door slammed shut, and the sounds of chains and deadbolt locks being disengaged could be heard. A moment later, the door opened revealing a short Dunmer man with a mace on his belt. "Well, well, well. Looks who we've got here. Dannick Shole." The elf waved him and his friends inside. "What brings you here?"

"Trouble." He said, looking around the warehouse. Chests were shoved against the walls, a closed door, that Dannick knew from past lead to Kaeless' office,and a set of stairs were near the back of the place. A taller, better dressed Dunmer was making his down said stairs. Kaeless Giorthen had been a weapons dealer for as long as Dannick had known him. The Nord had saved the dark elf from an angry squad of guardsmen when he'd been on leave from fort Dawnguard two years ago. The pair had been friends ever since.

"Dannick, you scoundrel!" He called, arms out, as if to embrace the Nord. Instead, he placed his hands on Dannicks shoulders, his expression becoming sympathetic. "I heard about what happened."

"Then you know we need help." Dannick said, waving to his companions, who stood just inside, grouped together. When doubt showed on the elfs face, he continued; "I know it's a lot to ask on short notice-"

"It's not that." Kaeless insisted. He turned towards his office, motioning Dannick to follow. Once both of them were inside, the Dunmer closed the door and turned to him, his expression grim. "After the attack on fort Dawnguard, the vampires put out a massive bounty on any survivors. You're being hunted. And if anyone's on your trail, you'll lead them straight to me. Be associated with the Dawnguard right now isn't just bad for business right now. It's dangerous."

Dannick wasn't surprised to hear they were being hunted. The Icehammer mercenaries being in the Rift pretty much guaranteed that. He was surprised that the vampires were resorting to hiring bounty hunters. Perhaps he'd underestimated how much they wanted the Dawnguard wiped out. "You know I wouldn't ask if I had any other options."

Kaeless nodded. "I know. I can't help you.But, I have a Bosmer friend who just so happens to be making a shipment outside of Skyrim tonight. Ilmir. Tell him Kaeless sent you. He'll be at the docks, usually on his ship. The Wave dancer"

"Thank you. This means...it means a lot, Kaeless."

"I know. Stay safe, Dannick. Keep your head down, and you'll be alright."

XXX
The docks were quite, except for a few watchmen and guards at the gates. "Looks all clear." Dannick muttered. "Come on." He spotted the ship that Kaeless had mentioned. A large merchant ship, with crewmen milling about on the deck. A Bosmer male stood on the dock. When he saw the four of them, he waved them over. "Ilmir?" Dannick asked.

"Yeah. Kaeless told me to expect a 'special' cargo. I guess that's you four?"

"Cargo?" Balrith rumbled, taking a step forwards.

"His man probably didn't think saying 'surviving Dawnguard members' out loud was a good idea."

Captain Ilmir said coolly. "So yes, cargo."

"You know we're Dawnguard?" Beleval asked. "How?"

The Bosmer smirked. "You don't look like criminals. You move like soldiers, but last I checked, the Legion wasn't accepting little girls. So Dawnguard."

"And you're just willing to take us along?" Dannick asked.

Ilmir shrugged. "I owe Kaeless a few favours. If he says he needs some special cargo quietly smuggled out of Skyrim, I'll do it, but we've got to leave..." the elfs voice trailed off as he glanced towards the gates. "Now. Those robed fellows wouldn't be friends of yours, would they?" Heart sinking, Dannick followed the Bosmers gaze. He immediately recognized the tall, robed Argonian.

"Everyone on board. Now!" He hissed. Ilmir stepped back to allow them aboard, and followed in their wake.

"Make ready to cast off, lads! Full sail." The captain called as the Argonian started walking towards them. Dannick rushed up to where the helmsan was standing at the wheel. It gave him the best view as the Argonian and an Altmer woman rushed towards the ship, even as it began to leave the dock behind.

4E 203, 7th of Rains Hand
Barghest watched the peasants as they were loaded onto the ship he and his forces had arrived on. They'd be taken to one of the mines the coven had taken, and put to work. For whatever remained of their short, miserable, lives. The last of the peasants had been put on board, and the mercenaries were just loading their chests of gold when captain Locke approached, expression distinctly unhappy.

"Is there a problem, captain?" Barghest asked.

The Nord vampire nodded. " The prisoner headcount. There were thirty when we arrived. There's only twenty five, now. We included the woman you killed earlier, but that still leaves four unaccounted for."

The Argonian felt a thrill run through his veins. The hunt was on. "The Dawnguard...they must have been swept up with the peasantry. Clever of them to disguise themselves."

"Do you want me to deploy the men, sir? They can't have gone far." Locke asked.

"No. I know where they've gone, captain. Riften has plenty of ships,most of whom don't care who or what they take aboard, so long as they get paid for it." He looked for his fellow inquisitors, and spotted Trovenir standing nearby. "Inquisitor Trovenir. Secure some horses for yourself, inquisitor Norne and I. Captain, you'll follow behind." The Altmer woman inclined her head and left to acquire some mounts.

Captain Locke was busy marshaling his men, and the mercenaries were preparing to sail off. Barghest now understood why the woman had attacked him. It hadn't been out of some sense of devotion to the peasants. She'd been a distraction, focusing his attention on her so her companions could escape. The mercenaries should have noticed a group of four escaping, but Barghest had never had much respect for hired thugs. Even professional thugs like the Icehammers. And bounty hunters weren't dependable.

"Well played." He murmured to the night air. Though the Dawnguard were like rats, and he and his companions the cats sent to hunt them, he had to respect the guts it took to hide in plain sight. He glanced up to see Trovenir returning with a trio of horses in tow. The three inquisitors mounted their horses and rode for Riften. While they rode, he turned his attention to his fellow inquisitors. "Norne. When captain Locke and his men arrive, stop anyone from coming into the harbour area. Don't engage the guards, but keep the place locked down."

Norne acknowledged his orders, and they continued on their way. They reached Riften in good time, and a small bribe had them inside the city. The three inquisitors made their way to the harbour. The Breton inquisitor remained by the gates, much to the curiousity of the pair of guardsmen. The vampire and Nords watched each other warily, but none of the three seemed eager to attack each other.

Barghest looked around. The docks were mostly abandoned, save for a few men that were on watch duty. However, one ship looked like it was making ready to leave. It struck him as a more than a little odd that a ship would be preparing to set sail at this hour. Especially if it was a legitimate merchant ship. Five people stood near the boarding ramp. One, a Bosmer caught sight of him, and the other four confirmed his suspicions by racing up the ramp.

Barghest didn't need to speak. Both he and Trovenir raced towards the ship, but already he knew it was unlikely he'd be able to catch the ship before it left the harbour. By the time he and the Altmer inquisitor reached the end of the dock, the ship was nearly out in the open waters of lake Hienrich. The Argonian extended a hand, calling on his alteration magics. He attempted to telekinetically pull the ship back towards him, or at least damage it in some way.

But the wind was in the ships sails. He focused more magic, attempting to tear apart the underside of the ship, when Trovenir cried out. Several of the ships crew had begun to fire arrows at them. With a frustrated snarl, he diverted the magic, and sent the arrows hissing into the waters of the lake. The sound of boots behind him drew his attention, and he turned to see captain Locke and his men spreading out on the docks, some of then knocking arrows and taking aim at the ship.

"Hold your fire!" He called, and the soldiers lowered their bows. Shooting now would be pointless, and it might provoke the guards. He turned and returned to Norne and Locke. "Spread out. Question the guards and anyone else who might be out at this time. Someone helped those Dawnguard get out of the city. I want to know who it was. I'm very interested in talking with them."
 

Madrar

The Shadow in the Dark.
4E 203, 7th of Rains Hand
Riften, Kaeless' warehouse

Kaeless had been in the smuggling and arms dealing business a long time. Long enough, so that the Dunmer smuggler knew that as soon as Dannick Shole had appeared at his door with a ragtag band of Dawnguard, his days in Riften were finished. Perhaps, even his days in Skyrim. Vampires from the Bloodlet throne coven had come through days ago, spreading news of grand rewards for any news of surviving Dawnguard members.

He had to admire the thoroughness of the coven. According to all reports, the Dawnguard had been wiped out within the space of a week. From their outposts scattered throughout Falkreath hold, to their base here in the Rift. Now, though, that thoroughness spelled trouble for Kaeless and his people.

Footsteps announced the arrival of Sorek, his second in command. The other Dunmer stopped just inside the office. "Shole and his friends are away on the Wind Dancer. Vampires were close on their heels, too."

Kaeless nodded, not terribly surprised. He'd guessed that the vampires would be in close pursuit. Or their hired thugs, at least. "Start packing up the weapons and other equipment. It's time we bid Riften farewell." Sorek nodded and departed to carry out his orders. Kaeless sat back in his chair, and took a good look at his office. Probably for the last time. Coming back to Riften after tonights activities would be exceedingly foolish.

It wasn't long before another of his men, this time a Breton man, named Mikael, entered his office. "Sir, the vampires are coming. They'll be here in the next few minutes, maybe less." That had taken even less time than he'd anticipated. It was likely one of the lowlifes on the dock, or nearby streets had ratted him out. That was unfortunate, but there was nothing he could do about it.

"When they get here, give them whatever they want. Whatever you do, don't try to fight them." The people in his group weren't strangers to violence, but mostly they fought off bandits, not professional soldiers. Especially not professional, vampiric soldiers. Mikael nodded and left, and the Dunmer arms dealer did his best to compose himself. Perhaps the vampires were merely checking all the local areas, covering all their bases. There was nothing that explicitly tied Kaeless to the Dawnguard. It wasn't as if he'd helped them before. Openly, at least.

Voices drifted up from the street, through his open office window. Not long after, footsteps approached the door to the office. Kaeless stood, straightening his tunic, and casting a quick glance around the room. Even though he was meeting with vampires, treating them different than any other potential client would raise suspicions. He pasted a pleasant smile on his face, and clasped his hands behind his back.

In walked perhaps the tallest Argonian Kaeless had ever seen. He lacked the horns or feather like growths of most of his kin, but he did have a row of triangular, bonelike growths on each side of his jaw. If anything, they made him look quite vicious. "Kaeless Giorthen at your service, my friend. What can I do for you?"

The Argonian mirrored Kaeless, clasping his arms behind his back, purple,black bordered robes, flowing around him. He strolled around the room, yellow eyes scanning the rare weapons and artifacts on the walls. He stopped near a finely crafted elven blade, and unclasped his hands, picking it up. "This is a fine blade." He commented in a deep voice, turning the blade, examining it from all angles.

"It's yours if you want it." Kaeless said, keeping his tone pleasant, businesslike.

The Argonian finally looked directly at the dark elf. "What I want," he said slowly, "is the location of a group of Dawnguard that left the docks little more than an hour ago."

Kaeless felt a shiver of icy fear run up his spine. "What would I know of a group of fugitives?" He asked. "I may be an arms dealer, but I do try to cooperate with the law."

"Indeed?" The vampire drawled. " You wouldn't lie to me, would you, Kaeless?"

He was about to assure the Argonian that he would do no such thing when his voice caught. He suddenly felt an compulsion to blurt out the truth. The details of Dannicks visit and the names of his ship. It took him the better part of a minute to realize the vampire had just cast some sort of spell on him. With an effort, he forced the words back and continued with his planned denial "I'd do no such thing. I've heard bad things happen to those who get on the wrong side of the coven."

Kaeless had little experience reading Argonian facial expressions, but he could have sworn he was frowning. "Yes..." he rumbled. Then his eyes flickered back to the blade, still in has hands. "You have quite a few weapons in the warehouse below. The war's over. Who are you supplying?"

The Dunmer allowed himself a smile. He'd managed to turn the Argonian vampires attention from Dannick and his companions, to the various weapons downstairs. "There are always groups that are willing to pay for top quality weapons. Especially those that don't have access to them under normal circumstances."

"Criminals."

"That's a point of view. To my organization, they're paying clients."

"The coven frowns on arming criminal groups." The vampire said coldly.

"To some in Skyrim, the Bloodlet throne is a criminal group." Kaeless said. He knew he was pushing his luck, but he was keeping the vampires' attention off Dannick.

The Argonians eyes narrowed. Then he turned towards the door, "thank you for your time." He said, "I can show myself out."

Less than a minute later, Sorek was back in the office. "That could have gone worse."

"Are they gone?"

"Yes. They're heading out of the city."

"Good. Get the stuff that's ready to go on the boats. Leave the rest. I have a feeling that's not the last we've seen of our vampire friends."

4E 203, 7th of Rains Hand
Riften
Barghest left the weapon dealers warehouse and rejoined the group of vampires outside. Captain Locke fell into step behind him, "do you want us to take the smugglers into custody, inquisitor?" The Argonian glanced over his shoulder. The Nord captain was gripping the hilt of his sword, as were the vampires around him. While capturing the dark elf and his associates for interrogation would be simple, it might also draw the attention of the Riften guard.

"No. They're nervous enough to do something foolish. Attracting more attention than we have already is not a good idea. Take your men back to the docks, and secure a ship. Preferably a fast one. If you see inquisitors Norne or Trovenir on your way, instruct them to meet me at the Bee and Barb in, near the center of town."

Locke inclined his head. "As you wish, inquisitor." The soldiers departed for the docks, leaving Barghest to make his way to the center of the town on his own. Despite the late hour, there were still people in the tavern. He took a seat in the corner and waited. It wasn't long before the other inquisitors arrived. Trevinir waved away the Argonian inn keep, and took a seat beside Norne, facing Barghest.

"Your findings?"

The Altmer spoke up first, "the ship the Dawnguard escaped on is called the Wind Runner, captained by a Bosmer smuggler. Ilmir. "

Norne was next. "I spoke with the guard. The Dawnguard came into the city and headed into the warehouse district."

"Interesting" Barghest said. " The Dunmer weapons dealer I spoke with in the warehouse district denied knowing anything about the Dawnguard. Or their location. Though he knew they were fugitives."

Trovenir sneered, and Norne scoffed "Surely you don't believe him?"

"Of course not. Stay near his warehouse. When they flee, and they will, catch up to them and find out what they really know. Then dispose of them." Barghest instructed.

As the inquisitors left to carry out his orders, and the Argonian inquisitor made his way out after they'd left. It was time to see what progress captain Locke had made on securing transport.

4E 203, 8th of Rains Hand
The Wind Runner

The deck below Dannicks boots was surprisingly steady. He'd always heard sailors complain about the unpredictable waters of Skyrim. Though, they hadn't reached the sea yet, and so Dannick remained cautious. Though the fact that they were still another days sail from the open waters of the sea of ghosts, they still could had time to decide on their destination. Which was something they couldn't quite agree on. Derek Starsongs daughter, Alanna, wanted to stay in Skyrim, and look for other surviving Dawnguard.

He understood her wanting to stay. She still believed her father was alive, and was determined to find him. Balrith agreed with the girl. Mostly, because he beleived the Dawnguard should regroup and strike back at the vampires. As much as Dannick would have liked to do so, he knew there was no way they'd succeed with the vampires searching for any hint of the Dawnguard.

Beleval and him were of the same mind. Get away from Riften, perhaps from Skyrim altogether, and lay low. He looked across the deck, towards the prow, where the wood elf woman stood. She looked out over the lands of Skyrim and the Wind Runner navigated the river leading out to the sea. Alanna was in her cabin, and Balrith was helping the crew with tasks below decks. As far as the Nord knew. "So." Captain Ilmir said from behind him, "have you decided where you want to go yet?"

Dannick turned towards the Bosmer. "We're a little...divided on that. Are we delaying a delivery of yours, captain?"

The elf shook his head. "Like I said, I owe Kaeless. If that means I carry you lot around for a few weeks, that's fine. But it'd help if you knew where you were going."

He nodded and looked away again. "We need to get out of Skyrim. I hate the idea of leaving any fellow Dawnguard behind, but-"

"Then don't" a challenging voice said from behind him. He turned to see Alanna, arms crossed, a defiant expression on her face. "There's still a chance. We can stop at some of the port cities and villages, ask around. Others must have survived. Now that we have this ship-"

"Whoa, now." Ilmir interrupted. " I said I'd help you. But I don't want my ship becoming a target. My crew isn't equipped to fight vampires, and I won't ask them to."

"You won't be a target. Now that we know how fast your ship is, we can snatch survivors right out from the vampires noses."

Ilmir smirked, "look, girl, I'm flattered, truly. But we got away because the wind was with us. You can't count on that. And do you seriously think the vampires wouldn't catch wind of what you were doing?"

Alanna looked a little less excited. "We'd be careful. We could-"

"Enough." Dannick spoke up. "Are you really so naive that you think the four of us, plus Ilmirs ship, can take on the vampires? Even if we managed to find survivors?"

"We could find a new base, strike from hidden locations, until we'd brought the vampires to their knees."

He shook his head. "No. The Dawnguard is dead. We're not protectors anymore. We're fugitives. On the run. We stop running, we make a mistake, and we're dead. I'm sorry, Alanna."

The girls lip trembled. Dannick cursed quietly as she turned and made her way towards the prow. There wasn't much space for someone to get privacy on a ship, but he wasn't stupid. Chasing after the girl now would bring nothing good. He blew out a sigh. "You had to make a choice. I think you've made the right one, if that matters." Ilmir offered.

"Thanks." Dannick said, wishing he hadn't been so blunt with the girl. Techinically, she wasn't part of the Dawnguard. She'd just been swept up with them because her father had been a member. He made his way down the steps to the main deck, where Beleval was waiting. Balrith stood behind her, glowering. The Orc seemed more upset about the situation in general, rather than angry with Dannick specifically.

"So it's decided." Beleval said. It was a statement, not a question. Either she'd overheard his argument with Alanna, or she'd guessed what it was about.

He blew out a wary sigh. "Yes. We go into hiding. At least until the coven is wiped out. Or forgets about us."

"Where were you thinking?" The Bosmer asked.

"High Rock. Somewhere near the coast." He replied. "It's open there. Plenty of places to disappear. Close enough to the sea so we can run if we need to."

"I don't like it." Balrith said, then he grunted. "But you've kept us alive so far. I'll follow your lead."
 

Madrar

The Shadow in the Dark.
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.
 

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