Skryim III: The Dawnguard Wars.

Part Four: Isran.

Dayspring Canyon was beautiful. Being part of the Rift, where it was always as warm as the Autumn air and the trees were always in colors such as reds, oranges and brown. I lead Allie's lead in my hands. Sinding was behind me leading Uriel. The third member of our party, Fennorian, stayed hidden near the entrance. It was agreed that he would come, but he would stay away  from the Dawnguard and whoever would mistake him for an evil vampire. Aela was staying in the Tundra Homestead with Lucia, Lydia and Malborn, to make sure everything was alright in our absence. As we moved out of the tunnel, a young man stood a few feet in front of us. He was blonde, and skinny and seemed anxious. He whipped his head around just as Sinding and I stepped into the clearing, leading our horses. "Oh, hello! Are....are you hear to join the Dawnguard too?" I don't respond, so Sinding speaks up. "Why, yes...we were coming to meet with them. Do you know the way?" I smile at my husband, he tends to me much friendly than I. The boy nods aggressively, "Yes, I do, I was hoping I would meet like minded people. I was worried about going there alone, I hear that they are all mighty warriors! My name is Agmaer." Sinding walked beside him, pulling Uriel's reins. I flanked the men behind them with Alsfigir. "I'm Sinding, and my wife Taniiaae." 
"Where did you come from? I'm from Ivarstead. Small little village, nothing like this, I'm sure." Agmaer babbles. 
 I hear Sinding chuckle. "We are from the Whiterun hold. But we have been to Ivarstead, it's a quaint little town." 
"Most people pass through either to get to High Hrothgar, but I hear those Greybeards are nothing but old monks who don't do much of anything but pray. That must be so boring." Agmaer says quietly.  I see Sinding turn back and grin at me, I roll my eyes. This kid clearly had no idea what he was talking about.  The sun started to peak behind the trees, to the middle of the sky. It was warmer here than back in Whiterun. I gasp when I see the peaks of a giant castle in the horizon. I take it this was Fort Dawnguard. And it was huge.  
"Wow, that's bigger than my whole village." Agmaer breathes. A feeling of dread forms in my stomach. What did I just walk into?
    Agmaer went ahead into the fortress while Sinding and I tethered the horses. As we walk up the steps, I can see Durak, the orc who had spoken at court in Whiterun, practicing with his crossbow. He was fast as he would shoot the dummy, then put in another bolt and shoot again. He turns as we walk up the stairs. "Ahh, Dragonborn, you finally wizened up to join us? Isran is inside, speaking to Tolan, one of the Vigilents of Stendarr."  He laughed and went back to massacring the dummy. 
I nod and walk up to the entrance, and push the doors open. I say nothing to Sinding. This was alot to take in, for both of us. The hallway from the entrance lead to a big open space. I can see Agmaer's timid form standing in the shadows as two men spoke in the center of the room. One was an older Nord. He was dressed in mage robes and was balding on top, but had thick mutton chops around his cheeks. Across from him though, was a man who looked like he commanded power. He was a tall Redguard, bald, with a long black beard. He was dressed in thick leathers and chain mail and his face was worn, all but his eyes, which were full of life and fire. "Why are you hear, Tolan?" The Redguard said, in a thick, rich voice. "The Vigilantes had made it known that they wanted nothing to do with the me and my Dawnguard." 
I watched as the Nord shook his head, "Isran, I'm here to tell you that everyone is dead. And I'm the only one left. You were right all along, and we were wrong! Is this what you wanted to hear?" The Nord's voice broke and Isran slowly shook his head. "No, I never wanted this. I knew that the vampires had burned down your home before you had arrived. Durak had told me." He puts his hand on the other man's shoulder. "I am sorry, my old friend. I truly am." He slowly turned to my direction as I stepped forth from the shadows. Isran's eyes flickered. "I know who you are." He said in a low voice.
I raise my chin. "And who am I to you?" 
 Isran took a step towards me. "You will be the one who rids this land of the bloodsuckers. You already rid it of the dragons."  I shake my head. "There are still dragons in Skyrim." 
"But Alduin is dead. But where are my manners?" He stuck out his hand, "Isran, leader of the Dawnguard. But I assumed you knew."
I clasped his forearm. "Taniiaae, Dovakiin. But you knew that." I gave him a smirk.  Isran seemed to appreciate it and he nodded to Sinding and Agmaer. "And who are these?" Agmaer stepped forward, trembling. "I'm Agmaer, sir. I actually came here on my own accord and happened to meet these two on the road. I want to help kill vampires." Israen gave a laugh. "So,  you want to help kill vampires? Tell me, boy. Have you ever used a weapon before?" 
Agmaer nods overly quickly. "Well, I've used my pa's axe to help with wood and killing chickens."
"'My pa's axe'?" Isran pinched the bridge of his nose. "Stendar forbid. Here, take this crossbow, this is more effective than anything to kill a vampire." He took his crossbow from his back and put it in boy's hands and directed him towards a dummy. 
Sinding walked up from the shadows to my side. He looked at me, waiting for me to speak. But I say nothing. Isran turned back to face us when Tolan said. "I'm going back to Dimhollow Crypt." Isran shook his head, "Don't be foolish, Tolan. You will die." 
"It is better to die trying then living the rest of my life as a coward. There is something in there that the vampires want. And we need to get it first." Tolan said. 
"And what do they want?" I ask, my voice quiet. 
Isran and Tolan looked at me, and then Isran said softly. "It's believed that something that belongs to Lord Harkon, the Lord of Castle Volkihar. He has sent several of his......rats to do his dirty work. We believe he has something that he greatly values in Dimhollow Crypt." 
I nod, I remember Fennorian talking about the Volkihar family.  "I can go." I say. Isran looked at me in surprise. "Are you sure?" 
I nod, "I'm not afraid of what lies in the darkness."  Tolan shook his head, "No need, I plan to go." he looked at Isran. "I'm sorry, my old friend, but I have to do this. Keep your pet Dragonborn for something else." He steps past Isran and stops to glare at me.  "You aren't wanted by me, Dragonborn. You have messed with things that should of been left alone."  Sinding takes a step closer to me, and I see his hand rest on the hilt of sword. "If you are condemning me for speaking to Hermouas Mora, then do so. Be glad that you do not have to bow down to Miraak." Tolan shook his head. "I can see through you, girl. Both of you." He spat at Sinding and shoved past my shoulder. I look at Isran who bows his head. "My apologies. Tolan might be an old friend, but our relationship has been ruined by time and decisions."
I raise my hand. "Do not apologize. This is war, his choices don't effect mine." Isran smirks. "You definitely seem wiser than your age."  "You aren't the first one to notice that." I say. "Now, tell me where Dimhollow Crypt is, and I will set out to look for this......prize of Harkon's."