Chapter 10: Invasion In Two Fronts
“Oh, come now, Caranthir. Let us be civil about this. Follow me downstairs, if you would.” Ancano said.
“Just let her go.”
“Tut tut. You get her back when we come to an arrangement. Now then, the basement.”
I begrudgingly headed down into the cellar.
“Door on your left.” I entered.
Erissa was gagged, forced on her knees by Justiciars. One held a knife to her throat.
“Stop this madness! Let her go, damnit!”
“Would you shut your mouth? Now then, down to business. You will help me to convince Aren to surrender control of the College, or your precious wife will be killed.”
I stayed quiet.
“If you insist. Start with her unborn child.” The Justiciar with the knife began to move it down to her abdomen.
“Stop. Caranthir, I will give you one last chance. Is it your help or your child?”
“I have no choice.”
“Ah, good.” Ancano replied, smiling slightly. “Release her.” They untied the gag and allowed her to stand. She immediately ran over to me, putting her head against my shoulder, sobbing.
“It's okay. It’s alright. Nobody will hurt you, okay?”
She mumbled something that was made inaudible by her sobs.
“Now then. You shall come with me to Aren’s office when I call upon you. There, you shall strongly recommend he signs the documents. If still he refuses, or you attempt to shirk this duty, a large Dominion force will be ready to invade the premises and slaughter any who tries to prevent it. Is this understood?” He asked.
I nodded.
“You may leave.” Ancano sat down and put his feet up on a table.
I took a shaking Erissa back upstairs, trying to soothe her as I went. I sat her on the bed, myself beside her, slowly rocking her. She was obviously traumatized by the ordeal. She clung onto me the rest of the day.
The next we went back to Winterhold. Father and Viranirn spent an extra day in Riften before leaving back through Cyrodiil. Erissa was understandably silent throughout the ride.
We both slept in my quarters, partly because of our marriage, partly because of her fear. One day, Ancano returned.
“Caranthir, it appears there are some complications of my plan. I shall not be needing you for quite some time. If you still wish to leave the College you may do so, but remember; nobody escapes the Thalmor.” Without another word, he left.
Erissa had now been convinced on leaving the College. Ancano remained a threat to us if we remained in Winterhold.
We packed our personal belongings, said our goodbyes, and left for Whiterun.
As we passed Windhelm, we noticed a large force gathering on the bridge, the city closed. Every few rows flew a standard with a bear painted on it. Soldiers stood at attention, ready to receive orders from somebody near the gates. A line of guards at the steps to the bridge glared at us as we rode past.
We were able to rent a room in the Bannered Mare, and I set out for work.
A Temple of Kynereth stood near the center of town. I entered the building and was greeted by a priestess. I offered my healing services and agreed on a wage. It wouldn't be enough to fully support us so I continued to look for a second job.
Not far from the Temple stood a building on a hill, the roof made out of a boat. It was Jorrvaskr, the mead hall of the Companions. As it turned out, they were in need of a resident healer as well. Most were skilled enough to not be wounded in battle, but many did dumb things while drunk.
With these wages and hours combined, I was able to support us. You, Tandano, and your brother were born unto us and I had saved enough to purchase a property in the city.
The Jarl gladly accepted our coin for the house and furniture, and we made it our home. It was here we lived for a few more months, before our lives were interrupted by Ancano once more.
A disguised Thalmor agent came knocking on our door, informing me of Ancano’s need for my aid. I managed to convince Vilkas, a Companion, to look after Erissa and the two children while I was gone.
My leaving was yet another fatal mistake in my life. If only I had taken the three of you with me as I rode to Winterhold.
Ancano stood impatiently at the gates of the College, awaiting my arrival. He quickly reminded me of the consequences of trying to get away from it as we ascended the familiar stone steps to Savos’ office.
“Ah Ancano, I've been meaning to speak with you about… Caranthir? What are you doing here?”
I cleared my throat.
“I believe you should sign over control to the Dominion.”
“Oh? And why is that, sera?”
“The Thalmor have much greater funding. The College would be able to afford better and more resources as well as the knowledge of many Altmeri scholars. It would provide a superior environ for the College.”
Aren sighed. It sounded forced and we all knew it, but it was my only hope of saving my family.
“Very well.”
He fished the documents from a desk drawer and signed them, handing the stack to Ancano.
“Take these back to your, and now my, superiors.”
I left the office without another word to either of them.
When I returned to Whiterun the city was in a state of panic. Rebel forces had been spotted nearby and were on their way to the city. The women and children locked their doors as the men were called to defend the city. While I was away, the Jarl had rejected Ulfric’s claim to power, making the city the largest target in Skyrim.
I had mere moments to prepare. Donning my armor and picking up my sword, I briefly embraced the three of you. I was stationed just before the drawbridge, the last line of defense. An Imperial Legate tried to inspire us into battle, though we were badly outnumbered.
“Feel the darkness well in your hearts, but know that all men on this field today suffer from it as well. Accept this fact, and find peace. May the Gods grant us delivery from harm as we defend our city, our families, and our homes! Soldiers, to arms!”
All his speech accomplished was instilling more dread.
The Stormcloaks began their attack from the hills with a very unexpected maneuver; catapults bombarded the city. Some soldiers at the gates entered the city and began to relocate citizens into the basement of Dragonsreach.
The main force of the Rebels charged the main gates. The Imperial Legion held them off for an impressive amount of time, but their numbers were too great. As they made their last stand, we retreated back into the city.
The stone walls contained fires, screams, and clashing steel. The Stormcloaks had made it into the city undetected by the main force. My division turned left, into the Wind District, and saw them streaming in from the Hall of the Dead. We turned back the way we came, and I stumbled upon a sickening sight; the door to my home was opened.
“Erissa!” I yelled, sprinting into the main room.
Neither she nor you and your brother were in the main room. I looked all throughout the bottom floor and found nothing. Smoke began pouring in from outside and stung my eyes, but I pressed upstairs. Still no sign of life or death.
The hallway was also devoid of anyone, so I continued into the bedroom, and fell to my knees.
Erissa swung from a roof beam, the noose tied tightly around her neck. A note was pinned to her sleeve.
“Filthy High Elf. The Thalmor’ll have the same fate.”
The Nords; heartless Nords. With no mercy, they lynched Erissa in her own home.
I took her down and cradled her body, crying like a young babe. After a long while, I laid her gently down on the bed, looking around for our children. Apparently she had known of the imminent home invasion and had hidden you in our closet, putting you gently to sleep. For that, Tandano, I must thank the Gods.
I picked up the cradle and took one last glance at Erissa, our home, and Whiterun. I knew of a place in the wall where I could climb over and escape the city with what little I had left.
I hopped over the wall, but what of Erissa’s body? I couldn't simply leave it there. I wiped the tears from my eyes and climbed back into the city, hiding you in a small crevice.
The battle was dying down in the Plains District, and I had little conflict as I retrieved her body.
I made my way back to the crevice and grabbed the cradle, looping around to the stables. The cart driver had been killed, but the horse still lived. I undid the hitching and loaded Erissa in the back, placing the cradle in the seat next to the drivers, and set off for Solitude, fighting back sobs.
Comments
Wonder what Caranthir is going to do now.