B.M.R. Year 0 Exodus Part 04

  •  

    The small craft, the ‘Spring’ glided through the waters as Nireli guided it southwards so they could circumnavigate the mainland. More rocks protruded the sea’s surface, threatening anyone who wasn’t paying attention or giving the sea the respect it deserved, yet once more displaying the lands savagery to those foolish or unwise to draw their vessels too close to the coastline. Aruzzel had initially thought the captain who brought them from Blackmarsh was just scamming them for more gold by taking them further but now even he understood. These waters gave treachery a whole new meaning.

     

    As they sailed past the southernmost point, Quentarii sat bolt upright. Her attention was seemingly drawn to a few large toadstool like trees which grew on a small secluded shoreline. Between them was what looked like a part of a large shell. She guessed it stood about eight feet high but what really surprised her was the fact that it had a door. She looked back over her shoulder and whispered to Nireli.

    “Tomb?”

     

    The craft slowed down to an almost complete stop, leaving behind only feint ripples to mark the boats passing.

    “Yes Sera, it’s a tomb. Arano Ancestral Tomb. There’s another one nearby, Beran, Beran Ancestral Tomb”.

     

    Aruzzel joined in the conversation as he looked further along the coast for the second tomb.

    “What’s inside?”

     

    Nireli’s posture seemed to change from a calm guide to a much more nervous being. The craft sped up again as she studied the Argonian.

    “The dead. And I don’t mean dead dead either. You stay away from those places. Many have entered to plunder, none return. Daedra walk those passages”.

     

    Soon, the other side of Tel Branora dominated the skyline. Large stems sprang out from all directions and the hollowed pods had windows cut into them. The large ramp could be clearly seen but the smaller pods had ladders and steps so the dwellers could reach them. Through a narrow channel which had large flat ‘stepping stones’ the harbour could be seen along with the huts. The contrast between the city itself and the harbour was extreme to say the least. Quentarii looked over Nireli’s outfit which was of a strange type of leather. It looked cheap and basic.

    “What is this made from? Pardon my intrusion but I’ve not seen armor like it”

     

    Nireli studied her and her own outfit which remarkably seemed to dry out before her very eyes. She picked up an old rusty iron Tanto and held it out for Quentarii to study.

    “Your eyes speak truths Sera, I am far from rich. My armor is Netch leather. You will find them around Morrowind. Some to the north and a few in the swamplands on the west coast. Not all of us here are from great houses. I am, believe it or not, one of the lucky few who ‘do not belong’. Bide your tongue in Tel Vos. Your kind aren’t welcome there. Argonians and Khajiits, most of them are slaves”.

     

    Aruzzel cast what could be described as a funny look as he tilted his head to the side.

    “You said ‘Great Houses’. What are they?”

     

    Nireli tutted at him disapprovingly as if his question caused some minor offence.

    “You had better learn who to say hello to Sera. More importantly who not to say hello to. There are those who consider themselves to be your betters here. There are three you need to be wary of, Redoran, Hlaalu, and Telvanni”.

     

    Vele’nara, who was listening in approached her mother and sat beside her. She tugged on her robe and whispered a question to her. She didn’t know Aruzzel was thinking the same thing.

    “We’re not liked here mother. There’s slaves? Why must we come to such an awful place? Can’t we go home?”

     

    Quentarii sadly shook her head as her mind drifted back to their home which she so quickly abandoned.

    “We can never go home little one. Morrowind is our home now. Sotek, he needs our protection, he has enemies in Blackmarsh. Enemies who will try to kill him. Would you abandon such a helpless hatchling to his fate?”

     

    Vele’nara gingerly rested the palm of her hand on the top of Sotek’s head while he slept after exhausting himself in the water. Her fingers traced over the bone spikes and slithered along his spine to the tip of his tail. The tail had a life of its own and sporadically whipped sideways as it reacted to her touch.

    “No… we can’t can we. He’s not one of us though, is he. Will you turn him?”

     

    Quentarii cautiously eyed the Dunmer while she shushed Vele’nara so she wouldn’t tell of their secrets. Shrugging her shoulders, Quentarii whispered to the young adult.

    “That depends on our lord and master. I know not what lies in store for Sotek here. A she-wolf calls to him. Her cries drift on the wind and he will answer. What form she takes and what form answers I know not. Look after him as I look after you”.

     

    Vele’nara cuddled up tightly against her mother and wriggled under an arm. Her stomach rumbled but it wasn’t from a hunger which could be cured with apples, raw fish or Marshmerrow stalks. She felt Quentarii rest her hand on her belly and looked up to see a warm knowing face glance back at her.

    “I know child. She needs to feed. We all do, they all do. They will feed soon enough”.

     

    The entrance to Beran Ancestral tomb soon came into view along with a rough looking doorway leading into a mine of some sort. Everyone however was transfixed on a dark foreboding tower. It poked out above the brow of a large hill and reeked of Daedra.

    “Almurblarammi Shrine, Dremora infest that place. They’re worse than your basic scamp and Clannfears”.

     

    Aruzzel stood up and peered across the water to try and see the tower clearer in an attempt to spot one but Quentarii slapped him in the back and pointed to his seat.

    “Don’t stand up, you’ll have us all in the water. Once is enough thank you”.

     

    He did as he was asked but he couldn’t take his gaze off the Daedric black stones. With a hypnotized gawping stare, he asked Nireli about them.

    “Clannfears? What they look like?”

     

    Without thinking she bluntly replied.

    “Think of skinny Argonians with large finned heads and you won’t go far wrong… Sorry. Think of reptiles, Dremora reptiles… yes…”

     

    An uneasy silence smothered the boat like a thick fog. Even the three young Argonian girls sat in silence. The only sounds were the distant cries of Morrowind’s animals and the light splashes of water as the ‘Spring’ headed further northwards.

     

    The landscape was desolate and void of life in all its forms. The rocks were bare of plants and even the water below lay undisturbed. Sotek’s eyes flicked open and he cried out in a high pitch screech. Quentarii quickly pulled back the fur to see two green tired eyes peering back at her. He fell silent after the initial screech and turned his head around to see what was about.

     

    He cried out again in the same high pitch tone then his mouth slammed shut. Vele’nara called out to her mother, curious as to what ailed her younger brother.

    “Is he ok?”

     

    Quentarii tutted slightly and lifted the hatchling up so he could look around. He seemed content to sit on her lap and make ‘clicking’ noises while his tail swung side to side. Quentarii tittered and nodded to her oldest daughter.

    “Yes, he yawned, that’s all”.

     

    Her attention was taken by Sotek but when she eventually looked back at Vele’nara, she saw the young adult sitting there with her mouth wide open. Her eyes were transfixed and her hands hung loosely by her sides.

    “Whatever is it child? What is she gawping at? Oh my!!” She turned in the direction of Vele'nara’s gaze and saw it for herself.

     

    Towards the west, on top of one of the highest cliffs overlooking the sea was a 100ft tall Daedra statue of Azura. She was depicted as a woman with her arms stretched out to her sides and in her hands were two symbols, a moon and a star. Quentarii recognised the star for what it actually was symbolic of and couldn’t help but gasp.

    “Oh… Azura!! That… in her hand?”

     

    Nireli looked up in surprise due to Quentarii’s reaction. She gazed across the landscape and openly dismissed the wondrous statue.

    “Yes, it’s Azura. She’s holding the moon and sun”.

     

    Quentarii shook her head slowly in awe. She knew what she was looking at and it escaped Nireli’s eyes. She whispered to herself, asking her own soul the question.

    “That’s not the sun. It’s the star. Azura’s Star… Can it be here?”

     

    “No!”

    She turned her head around in shock to see Aruzzel bearing over her. He slapped the back of her head to the amusement of the girls, not because Quentarii was struck but for the thought of what she would do to Aruzzel in revenge. Quentarii herself was flabbergasted at his nerves. He held his ground though and angrily waved his finger in her face.

    “You’re not going there. You stay away from it. The star's not there and even if it is, it’s damn well staying there. Are you listening?”

     

    Quentarii pointed to the shrine and openly argued back as best as she could. She felt so sure she was on to something but he wouldn’t budge.

    “It’s there… look at it. Aruzzel! Aruzzel? My slithery serpent, Aruzzel… take a look”.

     

    Aruzzel started to melt as he felt her hands slowly slide across his chest. He gazed up at the shrine and almost broke but his resilient nature overcome her seductive tactics.

    “No… damn it girl, you can’t call me that and charm me with your feminine ways. No! Three years you had me trooping across Blackmarsh for the spear. It’s not there! The star isn’t here. No!”

     

    Quentarii hissed back at him then moved away to sit by herself. She glanced over shoulder at him and muttered to herself.

    “It’s here, I can feel it. And the spear… it’s in Blackmarsh. I know it is. One day, you will see…”

     

    The surrounding landscape became barren once more as the hills blotted out the land beyond. Soon all they could see was the statue of Azura fade behind them and a multitude of rocks which threatened to sink them should their transport strike one. Nireli however was skilled in her craft and she expertly guided the vessel through, safely avoiding the rocks.

     

    After what seemed an age, an archipelago of small barren islands filled the surrounding sea. Hovering over one was a large globular floating jelly like creature with six large tentacles hanging down. It drifted across the island and seemed to home in on them. Vele’nara drew her short bow and grabbed a quiver of arrows but Quentarii held her hand up to stop her.

    “No! Don’t shoot… don’t shoot. Hold your ground, it’s curious about us. It won’t attack. Trust me, lower your bow”.

     

    She did as she was told and the creature drifted across the vessel and hovered above it while the tendrils slithered over the occupants almost like it was touching the Argonians to learn about them.

     

    Nireli slowed the boat so the large bloated animal wouldn’t be nervous while to her surprise, Quentarii told the girls about it.

    “It’s a Bull Netch, a male and a big one too. The Betty Netches are the females and they are far more hostile but if they are feeling placid then you can approach them. Smaller than the Bull Netches, they are bright blue where as these are duller. Mind you, if they are a mating pair then you stay clear because they will both attack you. You don’t want that…”

     

    When she felt a tentacle slide across her leg, Kat’rini screamed and hid under a fur for protection.

    “It’s slimy! Wahhh!!”

     

    This unnerved Kut’ara and she quickly joined her somewhat younger sister.

    The two girls hugged each other tightly as they shook in fear. Sotek also jumped from the scream and his lip started quivering while the hatchling’s tail whipped against Quentarii’s side. A tendril draped over Quentarii’s shoulder and flopped onto the pile of furs which Sotek was wrapped up in.

     

    Quentarii’s eyes opened wide in horror as she saw two rows of spikey teeth lunge forwards to bite the offending tendril. She quickly knocked it away, disturbing the Bull Netch. Taking offence to this blow, its tentacles slashed down at the boat, rocking it to the starboard side, making Nireli and the others crouch down so they wouldn’t fall overboard.

     

    Having extracted its revenge, the Bull Netch soared upwards away from the boat before heading off to a small island. The boat settled as Nireli used a long pole to help steady the craft.

     

    Quentarii rested her hand to her chest and looked down at the hatchling who seemed somewhat upset at missing the tentacle. She picked him up despite the angry hissing’s which seemed to be directed at her. She tapped him on the nose, making his eyes blink in quick succession.

    “That’s enough from you, you little biscuit… Boy’s… you’re going to be trouble aren’t you hmm?”

     

    Nireli checked the boat for damage while Aruzzel made sure all the ropes were taught and secure. Once the Dunmer was satisfied, the ‘Spring’ set off once more and glided between the various different sized islands.

     

    Within the hour, the castle of Sadrith Mora loomed over them. The boat snaked its way through narrow channels and slowly passed the fort and its impressive towers of thick grey stone. As they approached the harbour, Sadrith Mora itself came into view. Once again large wooden tree like branches twisted upwards forming the city.

     

    Shortly after the ‘Spring’ berthed alongside a second boat, Quentarii, Aruzzel and the three girls along with a bundle of wriggling furs, were once again standing at the quayside. In the distance yet another city consisting of giant twisting wood could be seen across the water. The City of Tel Aruhn.

     

    As Quentarii sat by the water’s edge, she looked at the small craft that would hopefully take them to their next port of call, Tel Mora. Her feet hurt and she felt cramped. The girls were all restless and moral was low. She tried to plot the next move but she couldn’t, she was tired, they all were.

     

    Aruzzel had enough too. He wasn’t one for boats and he was at the edge of his limit. Looking at the three girls and Quentarii, who was now starting to struggle with the hatchling let alone the three youngsters, he decided enough was enough. Climbing wearily to his feet he clumsily staggered past the boats moorings and glanced across the water.

     

    All he could see was water and small islands. Even Tel Aruhn had islands between it and Sadrith Mora. They were set out like stepping stones for the gods to tread. As he gazed at them, a plan started to form in his mind. Below him, in the sea, a slaughterfish swam past. It's tail slipped above the surface of the water and splashed before the fish dived below, leaving a ripple behind it.

     

     

Comments

26 Comments   |   Molicha and 2 others like this.
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  July 17, 2018
    Ah. More Argonian werewolves, right? Spear of Bitter Mercy. But why such interest in Azura's Star? And yeah, I wouldn't want to be an Argonian and go visit the Telvanni. 
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  March 19, 2016
    Britney Spear? Oh for howling out loud......
  • Idesto
    Idesto   ·  March 19, 2016
    It's Britney Spear isnt it?
    Sorry...
  • Idesto
    Idesto   ·  March 19, 2016
    That Sotek: he's trouble! He shows lots of personally even as a hatchling. 
    Great encounter with the Bull Netch, and looks like a lot of good set-up for future chapters. I enjoyed this; well written. 
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  February 5, 2016
    Ahh Azura's Star, nice.
    I have to admit I had some concerns with them spending too much time on the boats. Next chapter breaking away from them but there's still a fair way to go before they get 'home'.
     
  • Exuro
    Exuro   ·  February 5, 2016
    I like stories with lots of traveling
    Going to a Telvanni owned island is an interesting choice for a boat of Argonians...
    That would be cool if Morrowind had a mod like Tourable Carriages. Azura's Star is actually the next quest for my toked ...  more
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  February 5, 2016
    Thanks for the feedback Lyall, I'm glad this chapter was so enjoyable.
  • Lyall
    Lyall   ·  February 4, 2016
    Wow, this is good. The first few, to be honest, didn't suck me in, but this one really did! Also, I have a feeling some bad things are in store for them, involving slaughter fish.
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  February 4, 2016
    Fixed them all. Thanks for pointing them out Ebonslayer.
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  February 4, 2016
    Yep, then again I did say I'll bite myself harder than anyone else.
    Certainly feeling it...