Northbound Pilgrimage II

Chapter CV - A Daring Escape

"I'm sorry."

Aeyrin read out loud, clutching the letter in her hand. It was the only thing they found there when they had finally left that field. Erandur was gone. There was nothing but that small note on the ground, right in the middle of the hall and hard to miss.

"I'm sure you must know the truth by now," she continued. "I ran from the miasma, brought up the barrier and then I made the potion for myself. But I couldn't get through. Despite my magic, I couldn't face the invasion when it happened and I couldn't face it when it lingered in the miasma. So I left. Even stuck there, outside Dreamstride, my brothers were with our Dark Lady in spirit and body. That is our purpose. And one day, a champion of Vaermina would return for the Skull when the time came. I came back to Dawnstar on a whim and only then I learned about the effects on the town. I'm sorry. We didn't mean to hurt anyone. I had to make things right again, so I asked for help."

Bishop's scowl only kept deepening as she read on.

"I know you will help make things right. But you have seen how dangerous the Skull can be. I implore you, do not keep it. It can be dangerous for the wielder as well. Leave it there in the empty fort, where it can't hurt anyone anymore. It will be a fitting grave for it. And thank you. I know you will not fail."

Aeyrin lowered her hand down, signaling that she was done with the letter. Her expression was rather blank though. She didn't look too impressed by Erandur's apology letter.

"So, let me get this straight," Bishop snarled, shifting a little with the menacing staff fastened on his back. At least that one was 'here and there' too, so he could actually pin it to his equipment. "He didn't want to tell the guard or the Vigilants, because obviously they would arrest or kill him for this shit. Too many fucking people my ass! They would just not leave him here waiting alone so that he could escape like he did escape us," he scoffed. So fucking typical. "And now he wants us to just... 'leave the Skull'. Because yeah, I'm sure he's not gonna try to come back to get his fucking overlord's artifact. How fucking stupid does he think we are?"

Aeyrin nodded as she stepped closer to him, looking at the Skull all the while intently. It did look quite terrifying. And very creepy. Its jaw was closed shut, but she had no doubt that whenever it opened again, it would mean nothing good for anyone. And she was still a little wary of Bishop constantly having that thing touch him. He was probably right and it was probably irrational, but she couldn't help it.

"Thank the Eight that the Vigilants are just behind the passes. I wouldn't really want you to march through the town with that on your back," Aeyrin sighed. Sure, mostly people didn't really pay any attention to anyone's weapons, but this one just screamed 'evil'. "They'll know how to keep it safe. And they'll know whether it's a good idea to even... tell anyone what happened here."

"You don't wanna tell people? But we might get paid!" Bishop raised his brows. They could get something out of this ordeal at least. The Jarl was sure to be grateful.

"I know, but... I don't know," she shook her head. "This temple is still here. With all the... lore and the altar and... I don't even know. Word will spread and people will get curious."

"They might torch the place," Bishop scoffed. Nords would definitely torch the place.

"Some might use it. Erandur might be back. I just think... the Vigilants will know best. They have the numbers to explore and keep this place safe from everyone."

"You trust those fucking paladins too much," Bishop scowled. "You think they're impervious to temptation? I think we've seen enough evidence of the opposite, doesn't matter what fucking order they're in."