Nora and company moved their gear to the Blue Palace after she returned. She had taken the counter potion and now looked like her old self. They had a late dinner with Elisif and Sybille, all the rest of the staff already gone to beds or their homes. Elisif had waited up, wanting to know what her friend was up to, while for Sybille this was the middle of the workday.

 

“So that's my story,” said Nora, then taking in a forkful of very rich cake.

 

“That's, horrible,” said a wide eyed Elisif. “So the Thalmor don't want to stop with dominating everything. They want to unmake this world. We can't let them do that.”

 

“No, my Jarl,” said Stentor, shocked as well. “We can't. But what can we do?”

 

“Well, Nora made sure that the Thalmor no longer have access to the Eye of Magnus, so that's out for them.”

 

“If the Psijics don't use it themselves.”

 

“I don't think so, Court Mage,” said Eldawyn, shaking her head. “The Psijic's are diametrically opposed to the Thalmor. They're individualists, and the Thalmor hate them for having power that the Aldmeri Dominion can't access. I think the Eye is in as safe a place as it can be. And they gave Nora the secret of Teleportation. Not something you give to someone whose objectives you oppose.”

 

“And that's wonderful,” said Elisif, clapping her hands. “Now you can visit whenever you want.”

 

“Well, once I achieve master and unlock the highest level spell, I can visit you for dinner, then sleep in my own bed in Valkyrja.”

 

“You have progressed so far, Dragonborn,” said Sybille, nodding. “I dare say you will soon outstrip all the mages in Skyrim.”

 

Nora wasn't all that certain about that. Unlike J'Zargo, she didn't see competition for its own sake as always a good thing. She wanted to be powerful enough to defeat her enemies. If some other mages, ones that weren't her opponents, were more powerful, she could live with it.

 

“Since you have a home outside of Whiterun now, I was wondering if you could do me a big favor?”

 

“Name it, my Jarl,” said Nora with a smile.

 

“I made offerings to all the Gods for Torygg's soul. Except for Talos. Torygg worshiped the God, as did his father. I would like you to lay his favorite warhorn on the shrine in the mountains to the east of Whiterun.”

 

“The Thalmor might be watching that shrine, my Jarl,” cautioned Sybille. “It could be dangerous.”

 

“Yes,” said Nora, smiling. “For them. I would be glad to lay the horn at Talos' shrine, and receive the blessing of the God myself.”

 

“Good,” said a smiling Elisif.

 

“And I have a message for you from Falion,” said Sybille. “I wanted to let you tell the Jarl your story first, before she combusted from her raging curiosity.”

 

Elisif gave Sybille a light punch in the shoulder, laughing. Nora gave Sybille a questioning look.

 

“Oh, yes. She knows.”

 

“That Sybille is a blood sucking demon,” said Elisif, still smiling. “Yes. But she's my blood sucking demon mage, and as long as she slakes her thirst in approved ways, and doesn't create more vampires, I'm okay with it.”

 

Nora was happy to hear that. Sybille was a good person at heart, inflicted with a condition she didn't ask for, and doing everything in her power to make things right. The elephant in the room had always been the Jarl not knowing. Now that wasn't a problem.”

 

“So, what did Falion have to say?”

 

“One phrase. I've found it.”

 

Nora sat up straight in her chair. She looked over at Eldawyn, who had a surprised look on her face. Then back at Elisif, who had a questioning expression on hers.

 

“Can I tell them?” she asked Eldawyn.

 

“Why not,” said the Altmer. “It seems half the mages in Skyrim know already, so why not your close friend the Jarl.”

 

So Nora told Elisif about Eldewyn's condition, and the Dragonborn's quest to find the cure.

 

“That is so awful,” said Elisif, holding her hands together in front of her face. “To be trapped like that. But you may have found a way to free her.” Elisif reached over and took Elda's hands in hers. “May it be true.”

 

“We don't know that yet, Jarl Elisif,” said Eldawyn, tears in her eyes. “But thank you for the sentiment.”

 

“So, we're off to Morthal day after tomorrow. I would also like to ask Jarl Idgrod a question, and she won't be back until then at the soonest.”

 

“Good,” said Elisif. “Then you'll stay here. I'm guessing you don't want too much fanfare with what went on at the Thalmor Embassy.”

 

“No, that would be best,” said a now somber Nora.

 

“There is a play at the city theater tomorrow,” said an excited Elisif. “I have a private box and you're invited.”

 

“Accepted with gratitude,” said Nora. She would get a chance to see some of the cultured side of Solitude. Not that she was expecting much.

 

*     *     *

 

Nora had been surprised at how good the play had been. The playhouse had not been anything like she had expected. Not as large as the theaters she had frequented in pre-war Boston, it had seated maybe five or six hundred. Reminiscent of the theaters of Shakespeare's time, it had a raised stage and a series of boxes on the second floor, including the luxurious section for the Jarl. There were four acts, performed by graduates of the Bard's College, who acted and sang both. It was sort of like a play, sort of like an opera, a blending of the two. Telling the story of Saint Alessia, a warrior queen who had freed the humans from the Altmer masters, the play had struck a chord with Nora.

 

“Where is Master Falion?” she asked the little girl, Agni, his adopted daughter.

 

“Da went into the swamp to look for alchemy ingredients,” said the adorable child. “He'll be back by tomorrow.”

 

“Let's go take care of a word wall,” said Nora to her people.

 

She had a day to kill, and didn't want to waste it completely. They teleported up the road in a couple of jumps, then rode the horses up the mountain path to Eldersblood Peak. It took almost three hours to get up there, escorted by the resident dragon the last hour. The dragon fell to ranged attacks and landed dead on the road ahead. After absorbing the soul and taking readily accessible bones, they skirted the corpse and continued up. Nora was worried they might run into more of the shouting bone things that had caused them so much trouble at Skyborn Altar, but there was nothing guarding the word wall or the treasure chest. She ran toward the singing wall, seeing the word highlighted in blue as she drew near.

 

She learned a word from Disarm, the ability to strip the weapon from an enemy's grasp with a shout. She wasn't sure if it would be of any use, but she had the souls to spare, and so unlocked it in her mind. The trip back was much faster since they could teleport, which left the entire afternoon before them.

 

“We could try Folgunthur,” said Lydia, looking at the map. “Three hours to the north through the swamp.”

 

“Let's do it,” said Nora.

 

It was more like four hours, since they couldn't push the horses at full speed through the marsh. Part of the way they had to walk the horses, and Lydia filled a bag with alchemy ingredients; deathbell, nightshade, fungal pods and many other useful things. And then they stumbled across the Conjuration Shrine. All of the mages prayed at it, extending the time of their conjurations, then moved on.

 

They finally reached the imposing ruin of Folgunthur and went in, leaving Sofia and Valdimar to guard the mounts. The ruin was like many others, with the exception of the abandoned camp outside. Someone had already gone in, and from the looks of the camp they had not come out, and probably never would.

 

They found the bodies of five adventurers along the way into the crypt, along with many slain Draugrs. The adventurers had done a service for the party in clearing the way, at least in part. Still, Nora said a quick prayer for people who were trying to do much of what she did, but weren't as well prepared. They found the leader of the expedition last, along with an Ivory Dragon Claw and some notes. They continued in after Nora looked over the note, now encountering the standard Draugr and traps. Nora easily made it through the traps, and the Draugr stood not a chance against her formidable party. She opened the gate with the claw and led the way into the final chamber.

 

That where all hell broke loose. The entombed master of the crypt, which she had learned from the notes was called Mikrul Gauldurson, another damned ancient warrior sorcerer, rose from his crypt. He called up a legion of extraordinarily strong servants, and suddenly the party was fighting for their lives trying to fend off the servants while the master sent fireballs into them. Lydia was knocked away and out, then Eldawyn. Nora charged toward the master, to get blasted off her feet, consciousness on the edge of fading. She pulled herself back to her feet, shouted Slow Time, and charged as fast as her legs would carry her toward good old Mikrul. She could see another fireball forming on his hand as his sword moved slowly in the air. Nora had no doubt she would be the target, and she sped her pace even more.

 

Dawnbreaker came down on the shoulder of the Draugr, interrupting the casting. The second hit knocked him to his knees, and time came back to normal as Nora spun and took the head off the ancient evil. Every Draugr in the room still on its feet crumbled in on itself, ending the battle. Nora felt the wall calling to her, but she forced herself to ignore it for the moment. Her people needed help, and she went from follower to follower sending healing magic out. Lydia, Eldawyn and Elesia were all in a bad way. J'Zargo and Jordis were hurt but on their feet. After she had everyone stabilized she finished healing Jordis and J'zargo, setting the mage to healing while the Sword Maiden watched their backs. It took several cycles to get everyone back on their feet, and they needed more, but the wall was calling to her insistently and she could no longer ignore it.

 

The word revealed itself in her mind, the third of Frost Breath, making that shout as powerful as it could be. They looted everything of value, made their way out of the crypt, then teleported back to Morthal.

 

The next morning Nora found that both of the people she had come here to talk to had gotten back. Falion was in a deep sleep, so she went to talk to the Jarl. She was not looking forward to talking to Idgrod, but she needed to get this done.

 

“I'm so glad to see you made it out of that den of snakes,” said the old woman. “But I think I will not like what you are about to say. Be careful, Nora, lest my Justice come down on you.”

 

Nora held in her anger, thinking about how she could burn this city to the ground and put every one of Idgrod's men into the ground. Not something she wanted.

 

“Jarl Idgrod. I have come here to ask you to set your daughters free. To bury your dead child and allow the living to go her own way.”

 

“That is none of your business.”

 

“I'm making it my business. Your actions smack of cruelty, and I cannot stand for it. Believe me, though you think you have the power to stop me, you do not. And I am a bad enemy to have.”

 

The Jarl leaned back in her chair, head resting in her hand as she thought. “Very well. I will do what you say, but it has a price.”

 

“What price.”

 

“The sacred Wabbajack. I have seen it in a vision. You will find it. Bring it back to me and I will do as you say.”

 

“And just where is this thing, this Wabbajack.”

 

“In the mind of Pelagius,” said the old woman, a faraway look in her eyes. “In the hands of my Lord Sheogorath, in an abandoned wing of a palace.”

 

Nora left the Jarl not having any idea where this thing was, but determined to get it if it put the tormented soul of one young girl to rest, and relieved the killing visions of the other. It was almost noon by then, and she decided it was time to rouse Falion.

 

“Ah, Agni said you had been by. Where did you go after you talked with her?”

 

“We took care of a couple of word walls,” said Nora, looking into the blue eyes of the Redguard. “A little bit of work, but we got it done.”

 

“Yes. You are incredibly good at getting things done. That's what I like about you.”

 

“But Sybille said you had found something. Concerning my friend?”

 

“Yes,” said Falion, taking a seat and offering one to Nora. “I said there might be a price. And the method I think I've found has a price, but I can't say what it will be.”

 

“Well, that sounds ominous. What are we talking about?”

 

“I think the spirit possessing Eldawyn originally comes from the Shivering Isles. The realm of the Daedric Prince Sheogorath. If you can convince that Daedric Prince to rein him in, I think she will be exorcised. The only problem is contacting Sheogorath. He is very difficult to summon, being a cantankerous old Daedra. And even worse, even his own people don't know where he is. He took off on a vacation over a year ago, though I can't imagine where the Lord of a Realm of Oblivion would go.”

 

“I might have an idea,” said Nora, and related her meeting with Jarl Idgrod to the mage.

 

“The Blue Palace, huh. That might be a location, since the mad king Pelagius is said to haunt one wing. A mad king would be just the kind of company a mad god would keep.”

 

“What kind of Prince is Sheogorath?” asked Nora. “What can I expect?”

 

“You can't really expect anything from him. He's probably the most unpredictable of the Daedra. One second he could be kind, even generous. Genial as an old uncle. The next he could be pulling your guts out to make a new land in his realm. I will say this though, his realm is beautiful, and his people seem to love him.”

 

“His people? Don't you mean Daedra?”

 

“Oh, he has Daedra. He also has spirits of all kinds, and even living creatures from Nirn. All are welcome in his kingdom. A most unusual God, and one you must watch your tongue around.”

 

“So I just go to this wing of the palace and find him?”

 

“There might be more to it than that. Look around the city and see if there are any strange people around. Maybe one of his subjects, asking for help to find his King.”

 

“Thank you, Falion,” said Nora, grasping the man's forearm.

 

“Be careful, Nora. This world needs you, and it would be a great loss of a fine mage as well.”

 

“I've dealt with Meridia,” she said, standing up and patting the hilt of Dawnbreaker.

 

“Meridia is rational ninety percent of the time. With Sheogorath you’re lucky to get fifty fifty.”

 

Nora teleported her people through the cycles back to Solitude. It was still early afternoon, she thought the sooner she got facing the mad god out of the way, the better.

She didn't so much as find the subject of Sheogorath as he found her. Near the Blue Palace she was accosted by a blind man who eyes looked to have been burned out.

 

“You help people, don't you? That's what you do.”

 

“What do you need help with?”

 

“My master has abandoned us. His people need him, but he stays away. Could you find him and let him know he's needed?”

 

“I'll try,” said Nora, looking at her people. “I need Eldawyn to come with me. The rest of you go find a place to drink. We shouldn't be long.”

 

“We should go with you, my Thane,” said Lydia, Jordis by her side nodding.

 

“With what we're about to face, I don't think an army at my back would be enough. We should be fine. And if not, I wouldn't want the rest of you to be at the mercy of a mad god.”

 

Her people didn't like it, but they obeyed.

 

“Sure you want to go through with this?” asked Eldawyn.

 

“If you give me more time to think about it maybe not. So let's do this.”

 

*     *     *

 

“That's out of the question, Nora,” said Falk when she asked for the key to the wing. “The Ghost of the mad king Pelagius haunts that wing, and people who have gone in there have been known to be driven mad.”

 

“Please, Falk. I need to get in there.”

 

“Let her have the key, Falk,” said Elisif, looking down from her throne. “Is this about helping your friend?”

 

“Yes. It is. And I'm afraid it's dangerous. But I must do this.”

 

Elisif got off her throne, walked to Nora, and gave her a hug. “Come back, please. I expect you for dinner.”

 

Nora nodded and smiled, not sure what to say. She turned around, key in hand, Eldawyn by her side, and walked into the Pelagius wing. The place had definitely seen better days. Cobwebs everywhere, broken furniture, garbage scattered about. And the feel of something wrong. Not exactly evil, but with a taint of something similar. Like, madness.

 

The pair prowled the wing, downstairs, then upstairs. Nora was just about to give up and seek some advice when they stepped forward and the Pelagius wing was no longer around her and Elda. Instead they were standing on soft grass, birds singing in the trees, butterflies flitting from flower to flower. And just ahead was a set table, cheese, biscuits and a fine tea set on the top. Two well-dressed men sitting, talking and sipping their tea.

 

“Ah, we have other guests,” said the distinguished looking man on the far side of the table, smiling. “It's the little hero from another world, and her sidekick.”

 

“And who are you?” asked Nora, already knowing, but wanting to make sure.

 

“I am a part of you, little mortal,” said the man in his lilting accent. “I am a shadow in your subconscious, a blemish on your fragile little psyche. You know me. You just don't know it ... You can call me Ann Marie. But only if you're partial to being flayed alive and having an angry immortal skip rope with your entrails. If not, then call me Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness. Charmed.”

 

This was the Daedra she had been looking for. He seemed mostly reasonable, except for the crack about using her entrails to skip rope.

 

“And you know who I am?”

 

“Nora Jane Adams, not of Nirn,” said the smiling God. “Come here on a mission to help that elf beside you. I might be able to help, if you can convince me to.”

 

“And what must I do for you to be convinced.”

 

“I must say,” said Sheogorath, picking up a piece of cheese. “I really enjoy seeing you in the bedroom. Such a saber cat. You really enjoy it, don't you?”

 

Nora felt herself blushing, thinking of this God watching her have sex, but decided to be straightforward. “Of course I enjoy it. What's not to enjoy. Men, women, they both have their good points, and I enjoy it all.”

 

The Daedra Lord laughed, a jolly sound. “You're a woman after my own heart, Nora. I have a hankering to bring you to my realm and make you my sex slave.”

 

“I don't think I would enjoy that.”

 

“No, you probably wouldn't. But what is this request you have?”

 

“Several really. But first off, what is this place?”

 

“You are in the mind of Pelagius, my friend. That's right. You're in the dead mind of a mad king. How about that. Now, your first request.”

 

“One of your subjects requested that I come here and ask you to come home.”

“Was it Molag? No, no... Little Tim, the toymaker's son? The ghost of King Lysandus? Or was it... Yes! Stanley, that talking grapefruit from Passwall.”

 

Nora realized that this deity liked his fun, and she had to play along. “I think it was Stanley.”

 

“Oh, I like you. I might just let you leave without turning you into a chicken and having you for dinner. Well? Spit it out, mortal. I haven't got an eternity!” The God laughed. “Well, actually I do. So was it Devernin?”

 

“I think so. He had a message and...”

 

“Oh, pardon me. Were you saying something? I do apologize, it's just that I find myself suddenly and irrevocably... Bored.”

 

“Well...”

 

 “I mean, really. Here you stand, before Sheogorath himself, Daedric Prince of Madness, and all you deem fit to do is... deliver a message? How sad.”

 

“Can I please finish,” cried Nora, realizing at the last moment that she might not have wanted to do that.

 

“Very well. I realize you have hero stuff to do, and not waste time talking with two old men. So, I will tell you what. Help to heal the mind of the mad king and I will let you go home.”

 

“And my other requests?”

 

“Yes, yes. I will hear them and decide. Now, go do what I told you. And I know what you’re thinking. How can you do anything without your weapons and armor?”

 

Nora noticed then that she was in fine clothes, as was Eldawyn, and they didn't have a weapon between them. Except..

 

“Or maybe your spells. You could try. But instead you could use, wait for it, wait for it, the Wabbajack. Bet you didn't see that coming.”

 

Nora found herself holding a strange staff that radiated an unusual power.

 

“Now get to it, little mortal. There are three tasks, so you better hop to it.”

 

Nora noted the three aches that framed paths that led away. She chose the one to the left, and followed it as Sheogorath laughed and gave a running commentary. The place she came to was an arena, Pelagius sitting on the other side with two body guards, and several creatures fighting in the pit. Nora triggered the staff, hitting the creatures in the pit. Nothing happened, and she stopped for a moment to think, then shot a bolt from the staff at one of the bodyguards, who disappeared in a puff of smoke. She destroyed the other as well, and Sheogorath laughed once again.

 

“Good job. You have a head on you girl.”

 

Nora and Eldawyn jogged out and down the central path, to find a sleeping Pelagius being tormented by night terrors. Again she used the staff, converting the horrific images into those of a harmless nature. That done she went down the last path, to find a small Pelagius fighting a large man while two other versions of the king taunted him. This was more difficult that the last two, and she had to grow the king and shrink his tormentors many times before Pelagius stood alone.

 

“Oh, very good. And now it's time for Pelagius to go. And time for me to go as well.”

 

“Wait. What about my other requests?”

 

“If you must.”

 

“My friend here is possessed by a spirit that I think came from your realm. I would like it cast out of her.”

 

“Interesting,” said the mad God, a gleam in his eye. “Oh, yes. I see that Bernziah is up to his old tricks again. Seeking out the trapped and giving them a bad bargain again, Bernziah. You've been a bad boy.”

 

The Prince waved his fingers and the red form of a harmful spirit was pulled from Eldawyn's body. The elf fainted, and Nora scooped her up just in time.

 

“The elf will be fine. Maybe a little confused for some time. But you, Bernziah, I banish back to the Isles for a thousand years.”

 

The ghost disappeared with a horrific scream, leaving Nora alone with the Daedric Prince.

 

“And I guess you have another request coming, unless you don't know how to properly use plurals.”

 

“I'm looking for a spell tome of Resurrection.”

 

“Are you now. And why would you think I would have such a thing?”

 

“I don't know. Just hoping.”

 

“Well, luckily for you I have one right here,” said the God, a glowing spell tome appearing in his hands. “But before I turn it over, I have to give you the consumer warning,” said the smiling Prince.

“You can only cast resurrection once in a lifetime, little mortal. The Gods jealously guard this power, and don't want a mere mortal running around bringing people back to life willy nilly. And only read the spell when you are ready to cast. Hanging around in the mind can cause madness, and then you're mine. And the spirit of the deceased must be in close proximity. Try to raise someone who's gone to Sovngarde or one of those other dull places, and you have an animated body with no soul. Kind of spoils the fun there.”

 

Sheogorath tossed the tome to Nora, who resisted the urge to look at it.

 

“Oh, and keep the clothes and the Wabbajack. I think I might have more fun watching mortals abuse its power.”

 

The Prince waved his hand again and Devernin appeared.

 

“Master,” said the overjoyed servant. “Does this mean you're coming home?”

 

“Soon enough. You go there before me and prepare my reception.”

 

Another wave of the hand and the servant was gone.

 

“You have brightened my day, mortal. Now go about killing the World Eater before he visits my realm and spoils all the fun.” With that Sheogorath faded from view. Eldawyn woke up, a wide smile on her face.

 

“I'm, I'm free. Finally. Thank you, Nora,” squealed the elf, wrapping Nora in a tight hug. “What in all the realms did I do to deserve a friend like you.”

 

“Well, the way I figure, you now owe me a thousand years of servitude,” said a laughing Nora. “Now, why don't we see about getting out of here.”

 

They walked the path they had come on and were suddenly surrounded by the dirty confines of the Pelagius wing. Nora checked to see that she had her gear back on, the Wabbajack in one hand, the spell tome in the other. She hastily stuffed the tome in her pack, not wanting to chance anyone reading it by accident.

 

“Was your mission a success?” asked an anxious Elisif, Sybille and Falk looking on.

 

“I'm free,” shouted Eldawyn, dancing for joy. “I'm finally free, thanks to my wonderful friend.”

 

Elisif hugged Eldawyn, both women crying for joy. “We will have a small party tonight to celebrate your freedom, my friend.”

 

“And Falk,” said Nora, looking at the steward. “The Pelagius wing is free and clear of ghosts. You might want to have it cleaned out.”

 

“I'll get on that tomorrow,” said the smiling steward.

 

That night the friends sat around the table in the Blue Palace, everyone congratulating Eldawyn for being free. Nora was thinking about her next task, delivering the Wabbajack to Idgrod. And she noticed that Eldawyn was working on a second bottle of wine.

 

“You don't have to drink so much anymore, my dear,” she told her friend.

 

Eldawyn laughed. “Oh, I've always been a drunk,” said Eldawyn. “It just became more of a necessity with that damned spirit in me.”

 

Everyone raised a glass and toasted to drinking, laughing. Eldawyn laughing the loudest of all.