Heartless

Chapter 25 - Part 35

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Karliah

'So there's enough for one shot in this?'

'Yes. Now please tell me you're ready to do this necromatic ritual and raise the dragur you butchered.'

'Uh, Yeah. Yeah I'm ready.'

Shadow stood and scooped her hand into the bright white Eternal flame she had brought with her, and walked to the centre of the large purple summoning circle she had drawn on the floor. The slim Khajiit looked terrifying in the light of the white flames, her eyes glowing purple as she stepped into the centre of the circle.

'By the Eternal Flame, you are reborn'

Whispered the master assassin, slamming her hand into the ground, causing a massive shockwave to ripple throughout the ruins as the sounds of a hundred dragur awakening echoed in the distance. Shadow turned to me, grinning in triumph as she listened to her new legion of dragur awaken, ready to hold off Mercer Frey's bloodlust while I got into position.

Shadow

Before long, we could hear the clanging of blade on blade as more and more of my dragur army fell once again to Mercer's Blades. He was drawing nearer and nearer to the freshly sealed Nordic puzzle door, which would soon lead him straight into our trap. By the sound of it, he was alone, but I wouldn't be surprised if he had the rest of the damn guild outside the back entrance, waiting for us.

'Do you honestly think your arrow will reach me before my blade finds your heart?' Sneered the guildmaster, facing off against Karliah.

'Give me a reason to try.' Hissed Karliah.

'You're a clever girl, Karliah. Funding Honningbrew Meadery and buying Goldenglow Estate was inspired.'

'"To ensure an enemy's defeat, you must first undermine his allies" the first lesson Gallus ever taught us.'

'You and Shadow were always quick studies.'

'Not quick enough, otherwise Gallus would still be alive.' Spat Karliah bitterly.

'Gallus had wealth, and he had Shadow. All he had to do was look the other way.' Stated Mercer, making my blood boil.

'Did you forget the oath we took as Nightingales?' Whispered Karliah.

'Did you expect him to simply ignore your methods?' I spat, stepping from the shadows.

'Enough of this mindless banter!' Barked Brynjolf, also stepping from the shadows.

'Come, Shadow. It's time for you and Gallus to become reunited!'

'I'm no fool, Mercer. Crossing blades with you would be a death sentence. But I can promise the next time we meet, it will be your undoing.' I snarled, snapping my fingers and signalling for Karliah to pop an invisibility potion for her exit so I could distract Mercer.

The guildmaster was too fast, and slashed Karliah with his glittering sword as Brynjolf seized my arms from behind.

'How interesting. It seems Gallus' history has repeated itself. Shadow has provided me with a means to be rid of you, and this ancient tomb becomes your final resting place.' Mercer turned to me. 'Do you know what intrigued me the most? The fact that this was all possible because of you.' The twisted man turned back to Karliah. 'Farewell. I'll be certain to send Ash your regards.'

Mercer drove his sword through Karliah, just as I wriggled free from Brynjolf's grasp and drew my own bow, pulling a paralysis arrow from my quiver and shooting at Karliah. My arrow found it's mark at the base of her throat, spreading paralysis poison through her bloodstream and slowing her heart so she wouldn't bleed out.

Brynjolf drew both of his daggers and charged at me as I slung my bow over my back and drew my own daggers, charging to meet him and taking off a good chunk of his arm, satisfaction sweeping through me as blood gushed from the deep wound. The hefty Nord stopped in his tracks and grasped his arm in pain, glaring at me.

'You'll... die... for that...' he grunted.

'I look forward to it.' I snapped back, carefully lifting Karliah from the ground and making my escape.