(From: Chapter Four Act Seven: Truth (Patr 1 of 2))

Olivia: You’re just sitting there not ten feet away from someone you killed less than an hour ago! We’re responsible for killing entire cities and you can’t even bother to care!

Olivia: Look around. Look around! We’re not heroes. We’re not doing justice! We’re enforcing the will of corrupt Gods who can’t even be bothered to be here while it happens! We’re wrong! This is wrong!

Gerruck: No. It is you who is wrong, mortal.

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(From: Chapter Four Act Seven: Truth (Patr 1 of 2))

Isabel: Gerruck is being consumed by the soul of Alduin. Before long there won’t be any Gerruck left.

Isabel: I know it’s hard to trust me, but Gerruck cannot fight Alduin without you. Will you please help?

Elyvaea: Absolutely.

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(From: Chapter Four Act Seven: Truth (Patr 1 of 2))

Taeyva: Are you begging? For her life?

Malkor: Yes! Please just save her! I don't care what happens to me!

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(From: Chapter Four Act Seven: Truth (Patr 1 of 2))

Taeyva: I need these chains removed, Carcette.  This is it.

Taeyva: What’s it going to be, everyone? This is your last chance to release me.

Talen: Look… Um, Taeyva… I-

*BOOM!*

Argus: I need the Prophet alone.

Erinye: It’s simple.

The gem levitates above the daedra’s open palm, delicately moving up and down. But its tranquil movements are anything but soothing. In Elyvaea’s current predicament, that black soul gem is a prison; one even more confining than the one she is in now.

Her encounter with Isabel, though brief, offered more insight into her situation than she’s had in a long time. Even more so, if gave Elyvaea an actual path to follow. But no matter how determined she is, there is no escaping the trepidation that tries to hold her back.

Erinye: Once you touch the soul gem, you’ll be captured inside temporarily.

Erinye: I’ll release you once we encounter Gerruck. The Dragonborn.

The daedra pauses and glances at the other woman, mortal in appearance, but with an eerily close resemblance to the daedra. She sits on a large, stone throne and has been smirking ever since Elyvaea and Isabel arrived.

Erinye: It’s up to you convince him to stop. You’re his only chance. If you fail, we’ll have to take other measures.

There isn’t a single sense of urgency in her words. Instead they come out condescendingly, as if she were mocking Elyvaea. Elyvaea decides it’s not worth retorting.

Elyvaea: And what happens after that?

The two women share a look and shrug.

Erinye: We don’t know. A soul has never left Null before. As for Gerruck, we’ll have to see.

The daedra extends her hand, moving the gem along with it.

Erinye: One touch is all it takes. Time is ticking, Elyvaea.

Elyvaea gulps as she stares down the black gem before her. Her fingers reach out for it, while her hand tries to pull away. This may be her only way out, but it is far from an escape.

She glances at Isabel, standing silently beside the throne.

Isabel stares back sternly and gives her a subtle nod. Elyvaea isn’t quite sure why she trusts Isabel so much, but at this point there’s no going back.

With a deep breath, she faces the gem once more and forces her hand forward. She doesn’t even feel her fingers brush the surface as her form is instantly whisked inside.

Erinye smiles and tucks the gem away.

Erinye: Didn’t tell her the truth then? Probably a good idea.

Erinye’s sister lets out a sinister laugh and curls her legs under herself.

Erinye: She wouldn’t have gone if you told her Gerruck would be dying either way, sister.

Erinye: Very true. Well, with that done, it’s time to begin. Keep things in order, will you?

Before her sister can respond, Erinye turns away and vanishes from Null. As she does, her sister ogles Isabel with a devious glare.

Erinye: Even after all your resistance, I still get what I want. I hope you’ve learned that by now.

Erinye: Because the end is upon us.

Erinye: And I’d hate to have to teach you that lesson the hard way.

Fort Dawnguard shudders as another explosion ruptures the outer wall. Hollers and shouts can be heard echoing down the halls alongside the sounds of stone dislodging and smashing into the ground. Following immediately is a roar of footsteps as soldiers fill the center dome.

Dawnguard Soldier: Isran!

Dawnguard Soldier: Daedra sighted in the canyon! They’re bombarding the walls; the Fort won’t hold long!

The urgency is apparent in her quivering voice, yet the soldier remains steadfast over her escalating fear. Isran doesn’t stall, immediately shouting commands.

Isran: Move to engage outside! Before the Fort comes down on top of us! Go!

As Isran sprints from the room, Dennis frantically looks at the rest around him.

Dennis: What are these daedra doing here? Who are they?

Malkor grunts, his displeasure clearly mounting as his situation only grows worse.

Malkor: Molag Bal's. They must have followed Castalia and I here.

Malkor: Erinye tried to kill Castalia already, these must have come to finish the job. We have to protect her!

Carcette stomps aggressively towards him when Taeyva interjects.

Taeyva: Malkor is right, they are dremora of Bal. If he’s right about Castalia, we have to keep her safe.

As Taeyva speaks, a vibrant green essence begins to emanate from her hands. She extends them over Castalia’s body and continues, keeping her eyes focused onto her patient.

Taeyva: I have to keep her stabilized or she will lose her soul; maybe even die. The rest of you need to hold the daedra off.

Carcette: That is not happening.

The Keeper of the Vigilant coils her fist as she shakes her head.

Carcette: I am not leaving you alone in a room with another Prophet. This is what you’ve been waiting for. A chance to turn on us!

At Carcette’s retort, Torund draws his warhammer.

Torund: And I suppose you think you should be the one to stay? This is your chance to turn against us!

Carcette smirks and brandishes her own weapon.

Carcette: I’ve never been on your side to begin with!

Talen: We don’t have time for this!

Dennis: Exactly. I’ll stay with Taeyva, Torund. You have my word; I won’t go against you.

Carcette scoffs, maintaining her glare with Torund.

Carcette: How do I know you won’t go against me, Dennis? Your sympathy for her will-

Taeyva: Enough!

Taeyva: Dennis and Carcette will stay with me. Torund, you take Malkor into the fight.

Torund opens his mouth to interrupt but is immediately stifled by a glare from Taeyva. As his eyes fall onto his now apparent partner, his jaw tightens.

Torund: Fine.

Malkor matches Torund’s glare in silence.

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Taeyva: And Talen.

Talen’s heart skips a beat as Taeyva looks towards him, her eyes narrowed.

Taeyva: After this, I want to hear what you were going to say.

Dawnguard and Vigilant soldiers pour out of Fort Dawnguard as the roar of their footsteps overruns the continuous explosions and shatters.

Not bothering to match the same level of adrenaline, Torund trudges from the room, Malkor in tow.

Davey: Torund! What’s going on? What’s the word?

Torund rests his hammer over his shoulder and, with a heavy huff and a roll of his eyes, faces Davey and Mike.

Torund: Daedra are attacking us. They’re bombarding the Fort, trying to draw us out I bet. Guess it’s working.

Davey: So, we’re just giving into their plan? If we leave the Fort we’re just running to our death.

Mike: We were nearly slaughtered in Riften, and that was with our own plan. This can’t be right.

Another explosion jars the Fort, causing the floor to shift. As the four of them recover their balance, Torund just sighs.

Torund: We don’t have much of a choice. This Fort will come down on top of us if nothing’s done about it.

Torund turns away before he finishes, his arms tense. Malkor continues behind him, not saying a word.

Davey and Mike watch them head towards the gate before glancing at each other simultaneously.

Mike: You thinking what I’m thinking?

Davey: You know it.

Up ahead, the remaining soldiers flee from the fort. The gate slams to a close, brining Torund to a sudden stop. He faces it for a while, his breaths heavy and tense, before glaring at Malkor behind him.

Torund: You’re filth.

Malkor falters.

Malkor:You’ve been holding that one in, huh?

Torund ignores the remark and stomps forward.

Torund: I won’t watch your back out there. We’re not allies nor partners. Especially not friends.

Torund: But I won’t go out of my way to kill you, so there’s that. I expect the same.

Malkor returns a silent nod.

Malkor: I suppose you’ll untie me now?

Torund: Turn around.

Malkor steels himself before exposing his back to this man who’d kill him at a moment’s notice. He has to fight the urge to retaliate as he feels Torund begin to work at the ropes.

Malkor: Out of curiosity, why am I still alive?

Torund grunts.

Torund: Because you showed weakness. Begging is already beneath you, but to beg for the life of another?

Torund trails off as the bindings begin to come loose.

Torund: I’m not merciful, but Taeyva is. She took back the order to kill you and I trust her instincts. You owe her.

The bindings tumble free and Torund turns away.

Malkor rubs his wrists as blood flow returns to his fingers. He doesn’t respond to Torund’s statement, instead calling out:

Malkor: Are you going to give me a weapon?

Torund: No.

Instead of charging out the front gate, Mike and Davey retreated the one of the Fort’s adjoining caves.

Mike: Their whole strategy revolves around getting us out of the Fort, sure. But doesn’t this seem weirdly sudden?

Davey begins bucking his breastplate and nods.

Davey: Yeah, exactly.

Davey: They’re storming a canyon occupied by their enemies which is surrounded by woodlands that are rampant with opposing werewolves.

Mike: You think they’re aware of the werewolves?

Davey: They definitely are, believe me. The werewolves aren’t exactly a secret. I don’t think the goal is slaughter here.

Mike: You think they’re after something else?

Davey: Yeah. Emptying the Fort is a distraction.

Mike: Then sounds like we have to stop that distraction.

Davey finishes donning his armor and picks up his helmet. The polished metal gleams in the fire light as he slides it over his head.

Davey: You ready?

Mike: You know it!

Davey and Mike: Let’s do this!

Olivia: W-who are you?

Olivia begins stepping away as the man she thought to be Gerruck slowly approaches her. His form is stiff, back rigid. Every motion appears forced, as is his limbs were wooden beams. The one clear eye gouges into her with a deep glare while the other, dark and empty, seems to fall into a deeper black.

Gerruck: Unfamiliar mortal priestess. A life devoted to our worship has been wasted it seems.

As she retreats, Olivia can’t tear her eyes away. She has to keep reminding herself to breath as her chest grows tight.

Olivia: O-okay… So, you’re from the divines. I meant no disrespect, I swear.

It isn’t until her arms raise in self defense that Olivia notices how much she shakes. She’s stared down the eyes of dragons and spoken to a daedric prophet, but the fear then is miniscule to now. It’s as if the fear doesn’t come from herself, but from Gerruck. An aura emits from him, one of destruction, of malice…

…one of hunger.

Gerruck: Your intentions have already been made clear. If faith has fled you, then your subservience has as well.

Olivia’s slow retreat begins to speed up as her steps become more rapid.

Olivia: I-I haven’t lost my faith. No. I-

In her haste, she doesn’t notice the crate until her heel clips against it.

It topples over, sending Olivia sprawling to the floor.

Olivia: Ah!

She slams into the floor with a painful thud and her fear immediately escalates into a panic.

Olivia: Gods no. Please. Gerruck!

Olivia: I know you’re in there! Help me! He- Ack!

Her futile cries are stifled by calloused fingers coiling around her neck. As her breath is cut off, her feet slip from the floor.

Olivia: Guh-uh… Ack!

Olivia’s windpipe seals as Gerruck tightens his grip, causing her to struggle and squirm. Olivia desperately clings to the sliver of air left in her lungs as her body starts convulsing.

Her desperate shakes and pleading coughs are heard by deaf ears. Unwavering, emotionless eyes stare into Olivia’s own of horror and despair.

She watches it begin to fade as the edges of her vision start to blur. The firelight besides her disappears in a black void that encompasses her sight. The man killing her doesn’t even blink.

But he does gasp.

Gerruck: Wha-

His grip releases and Olivia crashes into the floor, wheezing. His brows fold in anger as he takes hold of one wrist and begins to scream.

Gerruck: No! You won’t take her life too!

His blood vessels begin to bulge across his hands as Gerruck squeezes his wrist so tight it might snap.

As he begins battling with himself, Olivia coughs and sputters on the ground, barely managing to recover her breath.

Gerruck: I said no!

Gerruck: This is my body you worm! You will not take control! Never!

Olivia: Gerruck? Are you okay?

Her words don’t seem to reach him as Gerruck’s cries morph into groans. He releases his hand, pressing it to his head as his body to doubles over.

Gerruck: Grrr… Gah!

Olivia: Come on, Gerruck. You can fight this!

Olivia manages to return to a stand just as Gerruck suddenly collapses.

Olivia: Gerruck!

Gerruck: Nnngh… G… Rrrr… Go…

Olivia can barely make out his words against the strained groans. She gulps, taking an instinctive step back, but forces herself to stay put.

Olivia: W-what? I can’t leave y-

Gerruck: Go! He’ll kill you!

Olivia hesitates as reality sinks in. She watches Gerruck writhe on the floor and realizes that he won’t win this fight. And he knows this.

She gulps as a tear slides down her cheek.

Olivia: Okay.

She pulls herself away and sprints from the inn, leaving behind his cries of pain and anger.

Gerruck: Graaaaah!

Yanking the door open, the cold air hits her for just a moment, immediately replaced by a blast of hot breath.

Olivia: Wha-

Kriivahtharn: Hi los faas. Why do you flee, priestess?

Olivia freezes. She stares down the maw of the dragon before her, slightly agape, exposing an array of sharpened fangs. From behind the door she can barely hears Gerruck’s muffled screams.

Olivia: I… I just needed some air.

Olivia keeps her body pressed against the side of the inn as she begins to inch across the porch. Her eyes never leave the dragon’s steady, suspicious glare.

Olivia: That’s all.

Kriivahtharn: Hi lo. Why?

Its voice is a deep rumble that permeates through the air and into her skull. It would be horrifying enough without the strange language it speaks.

Olivia: I-I don’t understand… I’ll just, uh, be right back.

As soon as she finds the stairs, Olivia spins around and scrambles down them. Her feet hit the snow as she immediately dives into a sprint.

Kriivahtharn: Drog. Uth?

Gerruck: She is no longer with us, Kriivahtharn.

Gerruck: She has chosen her fate.

Olivia’s form stands out against the white, contrasting snow as she flees the city. The frigid expanse of the Pale will claim her before long. If the cold doesn’t do it, then the wildlife will. But that wouldn’t be fitting for her betrayal. There is only one outcome for her now.

Gerruck: Death.

The bitter air bites against her skin as Olivia stumbles over the crumbling stone path. The loosely packed snow snatches her boots with every step like clinging fingers, threatening to trip her. Her breaths materialize before her like a ghost.

Her heavy pants and fearful steps are all she can hear over the thudding of her own heart. Until the flapping of wings bellows louder than them all.

Olivia: No no no no. No!

Her cries slip out pathetically. They fade into the empty air, dismissed by the roar of the dragon behind her.

Kriivahtharn: Fent ni filok!

Olivia dares to turn as a choked gasp escapes her lips. Her eyes begin to well as tears build on their surface.

Olivia: I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean it. I’ll follow the divines! I’ll worship them! I swear it! Please spare me! Ple-

The world goes silent to Olivia as the sound of a deep inhale fills her ears.

Olivia: Noooooo!

Olivia: Aaaahhhhh!

And then it goes still.

Talen: Hey! I want to talk.

Talen cautiously inches into the upper bedroom, keeping his hand pressed firmly against the center stone pillar. As the rest of the fort charged into battle, determined and fueled for victory, Talen was wrought with dread. The memory of Riften still fresh in his mind, he knows there is no chance of victory without outside help.

Talen: Sheogorath? Hello?

Talen pauses to wait for an answer. Nothing.

Talen: Do you want me to trust your or not? I need your help!

Sheogorath: Ugh. Fine. What?

Talen lurches around as Sheogorath suddenly materializes behind him.

Sheogorath: Who are you again? I’m just kidding. What do you need?

Talen fumbles for a moment, bewildered by Sheogorath’s odd complacency.

Talen: I think it’s pretty obvious! We’re under attack.

Talen: You killed Ellia last time. Can’t you do something similar again?

Sheogorath starts to rub his chin in an exaggerated manner, humming loudly as if deep in thought.

Sheogorath: Hmmmm…

Torund: Fall back! Fall back!

Orc: There are too many!

Sheogorath: No.

The daedric lord responds curtly, with a sinister smirk.

Talen: Excuse me?

Sheogorath chuckles as Talen’s fists start to tighten.

Sheogorath: I don’t really feel like it. Why end all the commotion? This battle is pure chaotic bloodshed.

Sheogorath laughs wickedly as he concludes, as if trying to goad Talen even further.

Talen: We can’t win this. You said you wanted my trust. This is your chance to earn it!

Sheogorath: What if I do this instead?

He extends his hand, pointing out a single finger, flickering to life a small magical shape.

Talen: What is that? What are you doing?

Vigilant: No! Carter!

Vigilant: Gah!

Sheogorath: Oh, just spreading chaos. Killing someone here, another someone there.

Talen: What do you mean? Who are you killing?

Malkor: Nnngh!

Sheogorath: Whoever I want, Talen.

Talen: Stop! Don’t kill them!

Sheogorath: A little death here, a little death there…

Malkor: Come… on…

Isran: Hrah!

Sheogorath: Pure chaos and blood! I revel in it! I love it! I-

Talen: I said stop!

Sheogorath: Oof!

Malkor twists his arm, prying the sword free, lurching himself around just as another daedra descends on him.

The sword cleaves through its armor, gouging the neck and sending the daedra sprawling into the dirt. The daedra previously holding the blade trips from the momentum and collapses.

Malkor swiftly spins the weapon around and rams into downwards, piercing the spine of the fallen daedra.

Malkor: Hrah!

He immediately yanks the blade free and descends into battle once more and the sounds of battle and death roar around him.

Talen quickly yanks back his arm as his body freezes. He watches Sheogorath, bent over, coughing roughly, in absolute dismay.

Talen: I… I didn’t mean to do that…

The daedric lord begins to chuckle softly.

Sheogorath: Heheheh…

Sheogorath: Ah! Hahahaha! I didn’t think you had it in you!

As the chuckle morphs into a hearty laugh, Talen’s nerves recede slightly. His body still tense, he starts to awkwardly laugh alongside Sheogorath’s manic cackling.

Talen: Hehehe… Glad you’re not angry…

Sheogorath: Hoo! Hahahaha! Angry?

Sheogorath picks himself up, his laughter gradually receding.

Sheogorath: Haha, I’m not angry.

Sheogorath: I’m furious.

Talen barely begins to feel the fear mount once again when a sharp pain pierces his back.

Talen: Guh…

Blood splatters onto the stone floor as his legs start to give away. His mouth tumbles agape as his eyes move from Sheogorath to the massive sword suddenly protruding from his stomach.

Talen collapses to his knees as a soft breath expels from his lungs. Every attempt to breath is met with a sharp pain. Control over his body recedes as it succumbs to shock. He tries to look Sheogorath in the eye as he begins to laugh, but even that is unbearable.

Sheogorath: That looks painful.

Sheogorath: But don’t worry, I don’t think you’ll die. I mean, I can’t be sure. I did just summon a sword in your gut. But listen up!

Sheogorath saunters behind Talen, swinging his hips in an almost childlike manner. He wraps his hands around the sword handle and starts to wiggle the blade.

Sheogorath: Ewww, that sounds sickening.

The grotesque squishing of his insides causes Talen to gag. And when Sheogorath yanks the sword out, he nearly pukes.

The daedric lord skips back in front and plops down to his knees, casually swinging the sword over his shoulder.

Sheogorath: I think you’ve greatly misunderstood our relationship.

Talen coughs a out a speckle of blood before managing to croak out a response.

Talen: You said… you needed our… help… for that realm…

Sheogorath: Yes. It’s called Null, by the way. Thing is, I don’t really need your help. You’re just a bargaining chip.

Talen: Wh-what?

Sheogorath laughs once more and grins wickedly.

Sheogorath: That’s right, Talen. You’re not the special one.

Sheogorath: Your wife is.

On the outer edge of the canyon, werewolves and daedra clash. The beasts charged into the canyon, attempting to slaughter the daedra from the rear, but were immediately impeded by a garrison in waiting.

The wolves’ charge was immediately halted as they were butchered in their attempts to force their way through.

With the daedra managing to hold their ground, the wolves had no choice but to engage them head on.

The tide has since shifted from a slaughter to a stalemate as the near endless assault of werewolves is met by a seemingly impenetrable force of daedra.

But the daedra’s numbers are already thinning.

In order to protect the other half of their army that is engaged with the Dawnguard and Vigilant, most of the artillery forces were diverted to maintain the front.

But even just one daedra is enough to bring down the walls.

Davey: Aim carefully.

Davey: One miss is all it takes to screw this up.

Davey and Mike peer through the slits of the southern tower, watching the bloody carnage below. Mike insisted on taking the shot. After the mistake in Riften, he didn’t even have to ask. Davey understood Mike’s yearning for vengeance.

Mike: I know. Just give me a second.

Davey: Their armor is weak at the neck and under the arms. Pierce her just below the helm and it should be an instant kill.

Mike: Got it. I- Wait.

Mike: She’s looking up, I think-

Mike gasps as the sphere of lightning in the daedra’s hands sparks erratically.

Mike: Look out!

An ear-splitting boom ruptures their ears as the tower wall suddenly explodes with a burst of lightning.

Mike: Ah!

Davey: Woah!

The blast sends Mike flying backwards as debris is launched into the air around them.

Davey manages to sidestep at the last moment and instinctively shields his face.

The explosion soon dissipates as the destroyed stone scatters across the tower floor.

Mike’s body slumps against a hale bale that managed to cushion his fall, but not enough to keep him conscious.

Davey: Ugh… Fuck.

Davey drops to his knees as his ears ring. His helmet was knocked sideways, just enough to block his vision from the daedric portal that suddenly materializes in front of him.

Davey: Why can’t our plans ever work?

As Davey readjusts his helmet, the portal shifts and ripples. A small shockwave erupts out of it as a daedra appears in its place, weapon drawn and charging.

Davey: Shit!

*CLANG!*

Before he can even get to his feet, Davey yanks his axe free just as the daedra slashes with its blade.

As the weapons clash, the daedra forces its blade downwards into Davey’s precarious position. Forced on his knees, Davey struggles to force the daedra back.

Davey: Fuck… You’re strong.

His arms begin to shake under the rapidly mounting weight of the daedra. The sword begins to fall closer as Davey’s positioning overcomes him.

Davey: Grrr… That’s it!

Before his arms give out, Davey dives to the side, keeping his axe against the sword as long as possible. The blade scrapes down the wooden handle, shredding parts of it to splinters, before it loses grip and clashes against the stone floor.

Davey: Woah! Ha!

Daedra: Grrrr!

The daedra snarls at Davey with ill effect. With their positions reset, they each spring to their feet. Davey manages to get up a split second faster and slashes out with his axe.

In the midst of it coming to a stand, the daedra arches its back. Davey’s axe flies through the air, barely missing the daedra’s chest.

The daedra swiftly arches its back the opposite direction and plunges down with its blade before Davey can prepare.

He manages to skip backwards on his heel, narrowly avoiding the blade. But the hasty dodge forces him off balance.

 As he staggers backwards, the daedra capitalizes. It curls its free fist and fires it straight into the underside of Davey’s chin.

The blow rings out as the gauntlet strikes the metal helm; it's enough to send Davey tumbling to the floor.

Davey: Oof!

Davey is unable to recover in time as the daedra stomps towards him and takes hold of his armor.

Davey: Ah, shit…

He doesn’t even get the chance to blink. With a single motion, the daedra lurches around and chucks Davey over the edge.

Daedra: Grah!

Davey: Shiiiiiiit!

As he tumbles through the air, he manages to arc his body just enough to catch a glimpse of the shattered stone edge. Before gravity can fully take him, Davey makes on desperate reach and clings onto the tower wall.

Davey: Shit shit shit…

The tower edge has been destroyed enough to form a rough stone, making it easy for Davey to keep his grip. But his reach was desperate, locking his elbows.

Even if he could pull himself up quick enough, he can hear the daedra advancing. All it’d take is a simple shove to send him over the edge again. And this time he doubts he’ll be able to hold on.

Davey: This isn’t good.

Mike: But it’s about to be!

Davey hears the click of a crossbow trigger just before he sees the daedra stumble with the sound of splitting metal.

Daedra: Argh!

Mike returns to his feet and tosses the crossbow aside. Taking up his own axe, he charges at the daedra.

Mike: This isn’t over yet!

With the bolt jutting out from the daedra’s chest, it struggles to move as swiftly. Impeded by the pain, it makes a choreographed swing just as Mike gets close.

Easily seeing it coming, Mike dips low, sliding against ground. As the blade spars over his head, he raises his axe, catching the jagged blade in its crux.

The daedra tries to yank the sword free, but it doesn’t budge.

Daedra: Grah!

It continues to yank, desperately trying to recover control. Just as it does, Mike suddenly releases his axe. The daedra, caught off guard, stumbles off balance as it tries to yank its blade free against the expected resistance.

Mike immediately fires a curled fist into the daedra’s chin, knocking even further backwards and towards the edge.

Mike: Ha! Take that!

As its heels slip off the tower, the daedra juts out its arm and grasps hold of Mike’s wrist.

Mike: Woah! Shit!

In the split second before they each tumble off the edge, Mike gives a desperate, heavy tug to attempt to come free to no avail.

Mike: Hey! Hey! Hey! Wait!

It isn’t until he’s over the edge that his wrist comes free.

And all he can do is watch the daedra fall below him…

…and collide into the ground with a splatter of blood.

Davey: What. The. Fuck.

Davey: That was not okay.

Davey: You’re fucking crazy, Mike!

Davey swings in the wind, dangling from the tower by one hand. His other clutches tightly to Mike’s forearm.

Mike: All part of the plan, yeah?

Even in their precarious situation, Davey manages to laugh.

Davey: Ha! Believe me, this was not part of the plan.

Mike: Just hold me still will you?

 Davey grunts as he tightens his unstable grip.

Davey: I’m doing the best I can, man. You might want to hurry though…

Davey: …that thing will have another spell ready soon. And we won’t be able to dodge this time.

Mike exhales slowly. Carefully resting his axe in his grip, he closes one eye and peers down the handle, towards the daedra charging another spell.

Mike: Don’t worry. All it takes is…

Mike: … one…

Mike: … good…

He steadily pulls the axe back over his shoulder.

Mike:… throw.

Inside the Fort, a different battle has been taking place. Taeyva focuses on Castalia silently, utilizing what little of her power is available.

Castalia is on death’s door. The curse inflicted on her is more like a poison, spreading in both her body and soul. It’s so far gone, Taeyva can’t even tell if a second soul remains. The worst part of that though isn’t the loss, it’s the possibility of which has survived.

The daedric soul of a prophet is an outright horrifying thing. Without a mortal one to keep it in check, a prophet will descend into madness. It’s something both she and Torund experienced firsthand on Solstheim. When… if… Taeyva has the chains removed and Castalia awakes, she can only hope that is Castalia returns to life with one soul, it’s her mortal one.

But for her to worry about that is step two. First, she needs her power back.

Carcette: No, Dennis!

Carcette: She is too great a risk! She’ll slaughter us all with a wave of her hand should we give her the chance!

Carcette and Dennis have been stuck in heated debate since the battle began. As soon as the room was cleared, Dennis began insisting on Taeyva’s release, only to be met by Carcette’s narrow minded, adamant refusal.

Dennis: You don’t pity her, I get that. But how else will we cure the other prophet? You agree that she could be an immense boon for us.

Carcette: It’s a slim possibility. Not a guarantee!

Dennis: We have to take a chance, Carcette. Besides, Taeyva is on our side, whether you like her or-

Taeyva’s sense snap alert to sudden pulse of daedric energy. She pulls her eyes away from Castalia, barely able to get out a yell.

Taeyva: Look out!

Dennis is unable to react as an explosion of blue flame erupts behind him. His body arcs backward, into the air, as a jagged blade pierces his back.

Dennis: Guh!

Argus: Grah!

Carcette: Dennis! No!

The fire vanishes in an instant as Dennis flops onto the floor. Blood seeps through his tunic and stains the stones below him as he sputters multiple desperate breaths.

As Argus yanks his weapon free, Carcette leaps towards him, swinging her Warhammer behind her back.

Carcette: You fucking daedra!

She arcs her hammer over her shoulder, shoving her entire body into a single, powerful swing. Her burst of speed forces Argus on the defensive.

As her Warhammer crashes down he narrowly blocks the blow with his shield, causing him to stagger backwards.

Taeyva’s eyes dart between the ensuing fight and Castalia. Carcette doesn’t stand a chance by herself.

But the distraction causes her concentration to slip. In that one brief second, Castalia’s life force decreases immensely. She won’t last long without aid. Taeyva curses under her breath and returns to focusing on stabilizing her. She’ll just have to trust Carcette is capable enough.

Argus digs his heel into the ground as Carcette pulls back for another swing. Before she can arc back around, Argus shoves forward, lashing out with his sword and shield.

Argus: Hrah!

Carcette: Woah!

Underneath their clash, Dennis slowly crawls out of the way. Each movement met with a strained grunt as a trail of blood dripples from the wound in this chest.

Dennis: Nnhg… Come on…

The sudden shove forces Carcette into the stagger, exposing her chest. She hastily swings out her hammer in defense, but Argus immediately capitalizes on her vulnerability.

Carcette: Gah!

Argus’ blade slices deep into Carcette’s shoulder. The force of the blow knocks her further off balance and throws her backwards.

Dennis: T-Taeyva…

Taeyva: Dennis, just hang on! I-I can help you soon.

Dennis coughs, inching himself towards the table.

Dennis: No… I’m too… too hurt…

Argus: Hrah!

Carcette barely manages to shield her torso from Argus’ shield, blocking the blow with the bottom end of her war hammer.

Carcette grunts as she maintains her grip on the handle, shaking against the force as Argus continues shoving his shield towards her.

Carcette: You’ll die this day… Daedra…

Argus: Oh Keeper… I’ve waited for this chance far too long.

Taeyva: Dennis! Stop! You’re losing too much blood!

Dennis forces himself up on a trembling arm. His body begs him to collapse as he reaches a trembling hand over to Taeyva.

Dennis: I… don’t… care…

Carcette: Take this!

Carcette musters her remaining strength, shoving her entire body forward, she shoves Argus back. As she does, she twists her torso around, lurching her war hammer down as Argus stumbles back.

Her swing careens past him as Argus ducks to the side. In the middle of his dodge he raises his blade over his shoulder and laughs.

Argus: You messed up!

She can’t possibly recover before Argus lashes his blade around. It gouges through Carcette’s armor and chest, forcing her through the air.

Carcette: Ah!

Her body thuds into the stone floor with a loud snap. Her head twitches before her eyes soon fall closed.

Argus: Grahaha! You’re no match, Vigilant.

Argus stomps to his fallen foe, brandishing his sword in glee.

Argus: This war is over for yo-

*CLANG!*

Argus lurches around at the ringing of cluttering metal.

Argus: No…

Argus: Surely not…

His heart pounds heavily in his chest. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The Vigilant are supposed to be against her.

She was going to betray them. She had to! After all they've done to daedric kind?

Taeyva doesn’t say a word, staring incredulously at her open palm, now swirling with an aura of potent, magical energy. Argus doesn’t waste a second, immediately snatching Carcette’s unconscious body. He lifts her into the air rapidly, as his heartbeat escalates.

Argus: Taeyva!

Argus dangles Carcette before him like a doll, her limp body swaying lifelessly. He gulps, taking deep, nervous breaths as Taeyva’s eyes lock onto his.

Argus: This is your foe! Not me!

Taeyva spreads her arms, igniting the magical energy further.

Argus: This war belongs to the daedra. The Vigilant have no place in our battle! I give you Carcette as a peace offering.

Argus: Claim her life however you wish. Enact your revenge!

Argus takes a deep swallow as he finishes, waiting on edge for Taeyva to respond.

She scoffs.

Taeyva: You’re pathetic.

Argus doesn’t even get to respond as Taeyva flicks her arms over her head, conjuring two shimmering, blue portals on either side of him.

Immediately the spirits of wolves begin to pour out of them. The charge towards Argus, forcing him to toss Carcette away and draw his blade.

Argus: Grah! Damn it!

As Argus begins to curse, Taeyva leaps from her bench and begins spinning trails of radiant magic over Dennis.

A loud gasp escapes his lips as life surges through him.

Dennis: Guh! Wha-

Taeyva: You’re not dying today, Dennis!

Dennis stumbles to his feet, his expression rapidly shifting between shock, joy, and fury.

He draws his mace, panting, as wolves continue to rush and overwhelm Argus. At the same time, Taeyva dashes around the table, trails of magic dissipating in her wake.

Carcette: What the…

Carcette’s eyes snap open as consciousness returns to her. The whoosh of magical bursts and clangs of clashing metal greet her return, fueling her stunned bewilderment.

She looks up, speechless as she sees Taeyva weaving her hands around the bright magical light hat coils over her body, invigorating her.

Taeyva: Get up! This isn’t over yet!

Carcette doesn’t have to be told twice. Fueled by a fresh surge of magical energy, Carcette reaffirms her grip on her war hammer as Taeyva and Dennis move into position.

]

Carcette: Charge!

Taeyva leaps onto the table, summoning move wolves to spring from the portals. Dennis sprints forward, mace poised to strike.

Argus can barely look up, forced to defend against the onslaught of wolf spirit assaulting him.

Carcette: Yeeaaaaa!

Dennis: Hraaaaaaaaah!

Taeyva: Finish him!

Argus: No!

Argus desperately tries to cut through the wolves hindering him, lashing out with wild swings of his sword and frenzied bashes of his shield. But it isn’t enough.

As everyone descends on him, he feebly raises his shield as the simultaneous blows send him flying.

Argus: Argh!

His armor cracks from the hit, snapping his spine with a gruesome snap. As he crashes into the flames, his scream cuts off, and his body begins to smolder as blood pools beneath.

The wolf spirits instantly fizzle away. Carcette and Dennis huff side by side, ogling the dead daedra before them.

Carcette: I… can’t believe it…

Dennis: We did it.

They hear Taeyva grunt behind them, followed by a soft thud.

Dennis: Taeyva! Are you alright?

She sits atop the table, pressing her hand to her chest. The strain is apparent in her expression, yet she forces a smile.

She pants for a moment before responding.

Taeyva: Yeah… It’s just been a while…

Carcette: Taeyva… I…

Carcette takes a step forward then stops as Taeyva’s eyes snap to hers.

Taeyva: Don’t bother, Carcette.

Carcette swallows audibly as her shoulders sag.

Carcette: No. Listen.

Carcette: I… I was wrong.

Taeyva turns away from her and clambers back to the side of the table.

Carcette: I would never have expected you to heal me… I heard what Argus tried to do. You had your chance to kill me and… I’m… I’m sor-

Taeyva shakes her head, cutting Carcette off.

Taeyva: Save your apology. You won’t receive any forgiveness.

Carcette falters, speechless as Taeyva continues.

Taeyva: If you really are sorry though, you’ll give this Prophet the chance you never gave me. Deal?

Carcette nods immediately, forming a faint smile.

Carcette: You have my word.

Taeyva nods but doesn’t return the smile. She faces Castalia once more and sucks in a breath.

Taeyva: Good.

Taeyva: Because we’re going to need all the help we can get.

End of Chapter Four.

Alright, you know the deal! End of the chapter so here comes the emotion!

 

Thank you all! Seriously. It boggles my mind how far I've come and it would never have been possible if not for this blog and you readers. Not only has this story grown beyond my wildest expectations, but so have I. I feel like my writing is constantly improving, my ability to make mods has developed immensely, and the friendships I've made warms my heart. To those of you on Discord, I hope to talk soon. If you haven't noticed, I've been pretty inactive. For the past few works I've been working full time while also starting my final semester of University. It's bonkers. The amount of free time I have is, well, I barely have any. The next few months are going to be packed and I need to focus all my attention to graduating, working, and job hunting.

 

In the past, I've stressed myself out way too much about being inactive during these times. So for the next three months or so, I'm going to take a step back. I'm not going to stick to any schedule or post informative updates. Instead, I'm just going to post when I can and when I want to. What will I post?

 

Over the summer, I've been hard at work making a lot of mods. I am not going to reveal anything about them, but I'm excited to release them. Unfortunately, this does mean that TFOA won't return until after all this. I can't make any promises, but I'm going to try to get Chapter Five prologue out in December. No later than January. We'll see.

 

I'll see you guys soon! Peace!