Sangreal

Chapter 4 - Sacrifice

Sangreal-Chapter 4-Sacrifice

Upon going to a fellow watch captain for an issued leave, Cedric was also granted a small dispatch of the Imperial Legion, and he set off with Sirai for Bruma, the host city of the Cloud Ruler Temple. They traveled past caves, Ayleid ruins and various forts. Creatures and bandits attacked them from all sides but the Imperial escort quickly stopped their threats. The group passed through Bruma and up the Ferall Mountains until they came to the temple hosted by the Blades.

Cloud Ruler Temple had been the sanctuary that kept Martin safe while Sirai had quested for the answers to close the oblivion gates. It held many memories for the Hero of Kvatch

The leader of the Blades, Jauffre, had received word of Sirai's arrival and stood on the snowy steps of the temple. He was a graying old man and wore his mole brown, monk robes with dignity. He had been a monk at Weynon Priory, secretly keeping control over the blades until the need to find Martin arose.

"Welcome Sister Do Sirai," He said open armed and peaceful looking. Cedric turned towards Sirai as they rode towards Jauffre and asked, "Do?" Sirai laughed. "It is a traditional Khajiit title given to warriors or masters of Goutfang, Whispering Claw, and Rawlith Khaj, the Khajiiti martial arts." Cedric nodded in understanding.

Sirai struggled to get off of Shadowmere, her midnight black, red-eyed horse given to her by Lucien Lachance, the Dark Brotherhood's former listener. No one knew that Sirai was the new listener of the Black Hand, and no one knew that Shadowmere was "affiliated" with the Dark brotherhood assassin community. Except for Martin that is. Sirai couldn't bring herself to lie to him.

Jauffre helped her off of the horse and Sirai said cheerfully, "So nice to see you Brother Jauffre." The gentleman smiled and nodded and bent at the waist before introducing himself to Cedric and leading everyone into the temple.

As the Imperial escorts turned into the bunks, resting their battle stricken bodies, Jauffre, Cedric, and Sirai seated themselves in the main hall. Remnants from the oblivion portal that Martin had opened for Sirai were still etched into the floor. They were yet another reminder of what had happened over half a year before.

"Did you receive a message from Martin, Brother Jauffre?" Sirai asked quietly and urgently, as they all sat nervously around the table. It was worn smooth from its countless years of use. On top of it sat mugs of ale along with Surilie Brothers patented bottles of wine, plates of bread, venison, fruits, vegetables, and cheese. It was a miniature feast.

Jauffre laced his hands together and took a deep breath. He looked deeply into Sirai's eyes. "Yes, Martin did speak with me. There is a way to bring him back." Sirai gasped as a hand flew to her mouth in excitement. She shook her head as she felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Can it be true?" She asked quietly. Jauffre nodded and stood from his chair to take out a folded piece of paper he had stowed in his robes. "There aren't many objects we must retrieve," he began, "but their uniqueness is what makes them rather challenging to come by. Are you ready?" Sirai looked at Cedric and he nodded, "Where you go, I will follow." Sirai smiled and nodded to Jauffre.

The old Blade cleared his throat and looked upon the two gravely, beginning with, "Three objects are all we must retrieve. Alone they do nothing, but according to Martin, together they can almost do anything. First, are the waters of Kynareth, found beneath the city of Anvil. Next, the root of Nirn upon Red Mountain. And lastly, the bloodshed of a willing soul."

A chill rippled through the room upon the last requirement. If anything would be challenging to obtain, a sacrifice would be it. Jauffre sensed the unrest and calmly stated, "Do not fret. The nine have always and will always provide." The words seemed to settle the high emotions around him.

Sirai spoke up, "Brother Jauffre, I believe it would be best if we all spent the rest of the day here then, getting ready for our important hunt. I do know my body has taken a toll from traveling and I am not nearly ready to leave once again." Jauffre bowed to her and replied, "That would be fine m'lady. Preparedness never hurt anyone."

"One other thing. If I may be so bold as to suggest this, but the trip to Anvil will be far enough away for me, let alone venturing to Morrowind. If I may take the Imperial escort with me, I would much rather wish you and Cedric take a small dispatch of the Blades to the volcano."

"Whatever you wish."

"Then it shall be"

Sirai excused herself from the table, and both Jauffre and Cedric bowed as she left the room. Jauffre turned towards his younger and exclaimed, "Well then Captain Cedric. Would you do me the honor of helping me plan our route to Vvardenfell?" "With pleasure!" Cedric laughed and the two set off to seek out a map and atlas.