Agents of the Queen Part 18: An Elder Scrolls Online tale

  • Unveiling the Veiled Heritance

     

     

    Ian S. McClure

     

     

    I woke up today early. Taking care to not awaken my sleeping Bosmer partner, I got dressed, and made for the door. Unfortunately, I was apparently not silent enough.

     

     

    Morning, Ardolan.” Elereth said sleepily, sitting up, not caring that she was still undressed. “Where you going?”

     

     

    I blinked, then focused my attention to her face. “I have to find Razum-dar, remember? Eyes of the Queen and all that?”

     

     

    Right.” she said, standing and starting to get dressed as well. “Mind if I go with you?”

     

     

    By all means.” I said, waiting for her to put on her breeches and unlocking the door. “He should be at the palace, along with the Queen and various nobles. Including the Kinlady, Estre.”

     

     

    Oh, we met her. At Tanzelwil, right? Prince Naemon's wife?” Elereth asked, as we walked downstairs. “Piece of work, she was.”

     

     

    I snorted. “Very few Altmeri nobles are nice people. I should know.”

     

     

    Elereth laughed as we stepped outside into the crisp morning air. “That's true.” I smiled, glad to see her in higher spirits—even if it was, perhaps, only temporary.

     

     

     

    The aforementioned Kinlady was conversing with Queen Ayrenn as we entered the massive manor. Signaling wordlessly to Elereth, we waited a fair distance away, to not bother the nobles. Estre was seemingly agitated, though Queen Ayrenn remained composed and calm as ever. I looked around the manor, noting various nobles—all of them Altmer—idling about. One in particular caught my eye—a lithe, bearded mer, observing me intently. After a little bit, I turned my vision away, back to the Queen.

     

     

    I can assure you, Your Majesty, that if the Heritance scum are in Skywatch, the Guard will root them out.” Estre said, crossing her arms.

     

     

    Queen Ayrenn smiled softly. “And I believe you, Estre. But my forces will aid yours. I have to be certain, I'm afraid.”

     

     

    The Kinlady sighed. “Very well, very well. May I be excused? I have issues to attend to.”

     

     

    Of course, of course.” the Queen replied. As Estre left, Elereth and I finally approached. Elereth followed my lead as I sunk into a bow. She turned to us, slightly amused. “Oh! I didn't know my newest Eyes were in Skywatch. You may rise.”

     

     

    As we did so, I asked, “Your Majesty, I'm seeking Razum-dar. Would you know his whereabouts?”

     

     

    She hummed. “I do not, no. But I'm sure he's around here—just look around a bit, he'll come to you.” she said, seeming distracted. “Forgive me, but, like Estre, I have matters to attend to. Good luck, you two.”

     

     

    As she left, the bearded noble approached. “Excuse th-me.” he said—shockingly, he had a Khajiiti accent.

     

     

    Curious, I turned to him. “Yes? May I help you?” I asked politely.

     

     

    Come with me. Razum-dar would like to speak to you.” he said, before striding off. Checking that my blade was at my hip, Elereth and I followed. We reached a lone room, before the noble closed the door. He removed an earring—barely noticeable before this—and suddenly transformed! In his place stood none other than Raz himself, a sly grin on his face.

     

     

    And here I thought I'd seen enough polymorphing for one lifetime.” I said, more impressed than anything else. “How'd you do that?”

     

     

    An enchanted earring does wonders for disguise, no? Though Raz prefers more 'ordinary' methods.” he said, shaking our hands.

     

     

    Elereth smirked at me, no doubt recalling my time under the Daedric curse. I cleared my throat. “So, Razum-dar. Do you have a plan as to finding if the Heritance is here?”

     

     

    Oh, they're here, all right.” Razum-dar said. “And we are the plan, my friends. We must find who their Veiled Queen is.”

     

     

    Veiled Queen? Their leader, you mean?” Elereth asked.

     

     

    Yes, yes. The Veiled Queen and her council run these terrorists. And now, of all times, it is imperative we stop their plans.” Raz said, growing more serious. “The Queen, you see, plans to elevate Kinlady Estre to a higher position. Theatrics, really. But this one fears for their safety if the Heritance were to attack. We must find their base of operations, and for that, we must infiltrate them.”

     

     

    But...”I said, thinking. “Surely they know our faces by now? Especially after my stunt at Mathiisen.”

     

     

    Raz chuckled a bit. “Actually, they think you are dead.”

     

     

    How'd they get that idea?” Elereth asked, confused.

     

     

    A bit of misinformation spread by the Eyes of the Queen. It helps that they never learned your name.” he explained. “Though this one is afraid you will have to work alone for a while.”

     

     

    I hummed. “I understand the Heritance wouldn't want to deal with Suhr or Elereth, but what about Lilinastre? She's an Altmer, too.”

     

     

    No. Two hopefuls at once could be seen as suspicious.” Razum-dar explained. “But don't worry, you are a capable warrior, yes? And Raz has something to help you out.” He procured a blue stone then, which shone in the light. “This is a portal stone. Use it, and your companions can come to assist you, regardless of where you may be. One use only, however, so do be careful, yes?”

     

     

    I took the stone, nodding. “Alright. So, do we have any leads?” I asked, serious.

     

     

    Yes. The Heritance like to recruit at an inn in Skywatch. They use the phrase: 'the wine is made with Alik'r grapes' to identify potential newcomers to their organization. Use the phrase, and find a recruiter. Beyond that, you must act for yourself. Find their headquarters, and destroy their leadership.” Raz said. He them inclined his head. “Now, this one has matters to attend to… But one more thing.” He looked me in the eye, and continued: “You are a fine agent, Ardolan. Even without the usual training. And so Raz hopes you make it back. Do not disappoint, hrm?” And with that, he put on the earring, becoming the Altmer noble again, and walked away to continue his work.

     

     

     

    A little while afterwards, Elereth, Suhr and Lili had all assembled, all in their respective combat gear. I myself was in my armor. I explained Raz's plan to the newcomers, and Suhr sighed. “So. This is it, then. We will remain watchful for your portal, Ardolan. When you open it, we will go through and finish this.” he explained.

     

     

    Lili nodded, unusually serious. “Yeah. Just—be careful. Don't go endangering yourself for this mission.” she warned.

     

     

    Elereth nodded. “Don't know what we'd do—what I'd do—if we lost you.” she said, in a low voice.

     

     

    I kissed my Bosmer companion. “Don't worry.” I said, smiling reassuringly. “It'll take more than the Veiled Heritance to defeat me.”

     

     

    She nodded. “I suppose so… Still, what Lili said. Be careful.”

     

     

    I went to the inn after this, observing the patrons there. Most where conversing or drinking, and nobody really seemed like a possible terrorist. But then, they never do. I went to a lone woman, who was drinking heavily. She looked at me with heavy-lidded eyes. “Do… Do I know you…?” she half-mumbled.

     

     

    Probably not.” I said. “I just wanted to know—is the wine here made with Alik'r grapes?”

     

     

    Stars, you're cute. But, no idea what you're talking about.” the woman said with a sigh.

     

     

    Excuse me.” the innkeeper said, walking over. “You may want to speak to Palomir, over there. He's also a wine connoisseur, and has asked the same thing.” she said.

     

     

    Ah, truly? Thank you.” I replied, looking at the mer. He was lightly armored and stern-faced. I walked over, my armor clinking.

     

     

    Not many come to inns in heavy armor.” he said, eyeing me suspiciously.

     

     

    Ah, I've just come from a long trip.” I said, smiling. “Say. Is the wine here made with Alik'r grapes?”

     

     

    Suddenly, his face lit up. “Ah! A patriot! Sit down, sit down, let me get a look at you.” he said cheerfully. As I did, he nodded. “You've definitely got potential. Maybe even officer potential. By Auri-El, we could use more like you.”

     

     

    I'm happy to serve. That's why I'm here, after all.” I replied.

     

     

    Good. But before you join the cause, there's a test you must take.” Palomir explained, growing serious again. “The city guards are bothersome—in our way. Kill one, take their weapon as proof.”

     

     

    I blinked, but nodded, forming a plan. “Aye. Leave it to me.”

     

     

     

    The Bosmer woman was heavily-armored, keeping a stern watch near the city temple. I approached her. “Yes, citizen? May I help you?” she asked. I procured a token, which I handed the woman. Her eyes widened. “Eyes of the Queen… Ah—sir, how can I be of assistance?” she asked, growing nervous.

     

     

    I need your weapon.” I explained. “Don't worry, I'll make sure you get an identical one. But, I need it for a cover story. Confidential, I'm afraid, but it's very important. Lives are at stake.”

     

     

    Of… of course, sir.” she said, unhooking her sword and handing it to me. “I wouldn't question an agent of Queen Ayrenn.”

     

     

    Thank you. As I said, I'll make sure you're reimbursed with a new blade.” I said to her.

     

     

    As I turned to leave, I was interrupted. “Whatever it is you're doing, I wish you luck, sir.” the guard said.

     

     

    I nodded, smiling at her, before resuming my trek back to the inn. I was internally thankful that it had been so easy to procure a weapon. The streets were emptier now, for it was still early in the morning and the Defiance Festival had ended. Eventually, I reached my destination, and found Palomir again, presenting him the sword.

     

     

    Hah! Knew you'd be up for the task.” he said, offering me a mug. “Have a drink on me.”

     

     

    I knew before I drank the mug that it was spiked, laced with some substance. But, I did not want to tip my hand just yet, and I was fairly certain that Palomir was not trying to kill me. Yet. And so I took the mug, smiled, and drank the contents. My suspicions were quickly proven correct, for irresistible sleep was quick to wash over me.

     

     

     

    I awoke in an unfamiliar place, the sounds of the surf nearby bringing me to my senses. I grunted, and got to my feet. “It's about time,” Palomir said, looking at me. “That damn armor is heavy, you know.” He chuckled at his jest. “In any event, welcome to the Veiled Isle, off the coast of Skywatch. You've been chosen as an officer of the Heritance.”

     

     

    Excellent.” I said, choosing not to mention the fact that I was poisoned and knocked unconscious.

     

     

    But first...” he continued, pulling out a black soul gem. “Place your hand on it. You're going to take an oath of loyalty—your very soul will be pledged to the Veiled Queen. Be sure you want this.”

     

     

    "Aha!" I thought, "So that's how the ensure loyalty. Never thought being soulless would be a good thing." Aloud, I said, “I am sure. Tell me what I need to say.”

     

     

    Repeat after me: I pledge my life and soul to the Heritance, and the Veiled Queen.” he said.

     

     

    I pledge my life and soul to the Heritance, and the Veiled Queen.” I repeated. I noted the gem tugging at something within me, but I was an empty vessel, and it found nothing to take.

     

     

    Palomir laughed, clapping me on the arm. “Hah! I knew you'd be up for it! Congratulations, welcome to the cause. You're in luck, too! The Veiled Queen herself is making a speech. You'll be able to meet her!”

     

     

    Truly? I am lucky, then.” I said, smiling.

     

     

    Aye. Go to the ruins in the center of the island. You'll find her and the Council over there. May Xarxes guard your words.” he said, walking off.

     

     

     

    This is the perfect opportunity! When in the ruins, I will place the portal stone. This will be the end of the Veiled Heritance! I will write once again when the deed is done. Until then…

     

     

    -Ardolan Larethbinder 

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Comments

2 Comments   |   Karver the Lorc and 2 others like this.
  • Tenebrous
    Tenebrous   ·  December 1, 2016
    There's a scene later in the game where that same problem with Raz's speech is played to comedic effect. As to the whole soul thing, I hadn't really thought of that. Anyways, thanks for reading!
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  December 1, 2016
    Ha! Have you ever wondered that Raz actually makes a bad spy when it comes to inpersonating someone else? Specificaly other races because of his speech? 
    Also, that part with soul and pledge always made me think. What would happen if you wouldn...  more