Aye, I can talk, Serezha finally replied. It took him awhile to answer Stone-Fist as the guard’s latest revelation about Astrata shocked and dismayed the Breton. He certainly did not know what to think of her now. Although he would not put it past Stone-Fist to lie about the baker’s demise, he saw no real reason why he would. Astrata’s reaction and continued sobbing only confirmed her guilt in his eyes.
And what of her guilt? He asked himself. I’m sure she had her reasons for setting the man’s stall ablaze. That’s right, he reminded himself. She was hungry. You’ve done questionable deeds to feed your “hunger,” too. But kill? At this last thought he was ashamed of judging her. You are definitely in no position to judge others.
He was snapped out of his reverie by Stone-Fist loudly clearing his throat. He was so caught up in Astrata’s plight that he simply forgot about the guard, who now looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a very skeptical expression on his face. Are you sure, Volchenkov? You seem to be in your usual state of, hmmm, intoxication, shall we say? Both guards on either side of Stone-Fist chuckled at his last comment, while the lead guard had a foolish-looking smirk plastered across his face. A look that Serezha truly wished he could permanently wipe away with the back of his hand.
The Breton calmly glanced at Stone-Fist, while Astrata’s heavy sobs could still be heard in the background. I said I can talk, he icily replied. Are you deaf? Before he could answer, he continued, And besides, does it truly take three of you to confront a pair of helpless, unarmed, jailed prisoners? Now it was Serezha’s turn to smirk.
Bide your tongue addict, or I’ll run you through right here, right now, Stone-Fist bellowed in reply. After a brief moment, he continued, his voice a bit softer but still with an edge, Are you not the least bit curious as to why we are here? He just stood there, glaring at the prisoner while waiting for an answer.
Not at all, he stated. I could care less at whatever it is you have to tell me, though I’m sure you’ll tell me anyway.
Stone-Fist merely nodded, then said, Aye, that I will, Breton. That I will. And trust me, you will care as to what I’m about to say.
Then spit it out, Serezha snapped. I don’t have all day waiting around for your important news. At this, the man to Stone-Fist’s right snorted, finding it humorous that where else could the inmate possibly go. His snort immediately drew a sharp elbow to the ribs from his leader, eliciting a pained grunt from the guard.
A biting tongue today, eh Volchenkov? Stone-Fist seemed genuinely amused. It’s been a long time that I can remember since you’ve been able to make sense when speaking. He mockingly shook his head. No longer high from your beloved Skooma? Need a fix? Or three? he teased. When his only response from Serezha was a scowl, the guard continued with a deep, belly laugh, then spoke, Good! For what I’m about to tell you, it’s best you have a clear head. If nothing else, so you’ll actually be able to recall what I’ve said later.
Serezha just stood there, staring impatiently at his tormentor. What could he possibly want with me? he thought. Still weeping, he then remembered Astrata, correcting himself, with us? The pig is clearly enjoying himself with whatever secrets he’s withholding.
Now satisfied with making him wait a while, Stone-Fist finally spoke, Ever heard of vampires, Volchenkov? Do you know what they are? Surprisingly to Serezha, his tone was neither insulting nor sarcastic, just even and matter-of-fact. For some reason, he found this troubling, then answered the man’s questions. I’ve heard of them, all the stories and such. Never met one though, so I’m somewhat skeptical about their existence. He looked at Stone-Fist, really not wanting to hear any more, but unable to do anything about it.
Oh, they exist all right, Galmar abruptly replied. And that is where you and the crybaby come in, gesturing with his eyes toward Astrata. See, we have confirmed reports on a coven of them hiding out somewhere in the mountains. To date, they are responsible for the slaughter of 13 of our men. He paused for effect.
Before he could continue, Serezha interrupted, I don’t see how this is our problem. I mean, we’re not trained soldiers or anything remotely close to that.
Stone-Fist stared at him for a moment, then said, But it is, Volchenkov. It most assuredly is your problem. Or it will be if you choose it to be so. With a wave of his right hand, he dismissed the two guards. He stroked his beard, put both hands behind his back, walked in a few small circles, then stopped in front of the addict and met his steely gaze with one of his own. As I’ve already stated, they have killed 13 of our men. Mark my words, they will kill no more.
He waited for a response from Serezha, but when none was forthcoming, he continued, So here’s the deal. You and Kest are to hunt these beasts down and eliminate every last one of them. You do that and you both are free to go on your merry way. We will of course outfit you with armor, weapons, supplies, and even a few Septims to purchase along the way what you may deem necessary. He eyed the convict suspiciously, then just barely above a whisper, said, You may even choose to blow all your coin on Skooma. In the end that won’t help you or Kest. The choice is yours, and hers, once she regains control of herself. Stay here and rot, or accept this mission with a chance to gain your freedom.
Serezha waited for Stone-Fist to continue. When he did not, he let out a huge sigh, then asked, How do we know we can trust you?
The Nord laughed, then replied, You don’t. Look around you, Volchenkov. Do you really want to stay here and die a slow death? This time tomorrow, I shall return for your answer. He turned and headed toward the prison’s exit. Other than Astrata’s sobs, which he noticed weren’t as uncontrollable as before, the only sound he focused on was Stone-Fist’s boots making contact with the cold, hard floor.
Just as he thought the sound would disappear altogether, it started to get louder, as if he were making his way back to his cell. He slowly glanced toward the oncoming clatter of boots on floor, then noticed it was indeed Galmar. When he reached Serezha’s cell, he stopped and leaned in close, with a wicked smile spread across his face. One more thing, he began, just in case your Skooma-addled brain is already scheming for an escape once you two reach the woods and beyond, know this. At least two of my men, possibly more, will be tailing you the whole way. You won’t see them, but know that they are there. They are also not there to assist you in any way, merely there to make sure you carry out the mission.
Again, he paused for effect, then stated, The path to the coven’s hideout is clear. Do not deviate from it in any way. Should you attempt to make a run for it, they are instructed to shoot to kill, or wound if they are so inclined. They are expert hunters and trackers, and very proficient with the bow. Remember, you’ll be in the woods. Many wild animals in the woods. Many hungry wild animals in the woods. A well-placed arrow to the knee, and you’re the prize for whichever beast finds you first.
With that he turned and left. Although this time, instead of the sound his boots made, all Serezha could hear was Stone-Fist’s laughter, as it echoed throughout the prison.
Letting out a deep breath, he made his way toward Astrata. She had removed herself to the far side of her cell, so he couldn’t get too close to her. Still, he attempted to speak to her. Astrata, you okay? Not sure how much of that exchange you heard, if any, but we need to talk. Astrata?