The struggle against the blizzard weakened his efforts to chase the assassin down. The assassin who was trying flee from him. But Teldryn’s determination burned bright. He’d see to it that the assassin would suffer, but the older mer hadn’t thought about what he’d actually do to him. First, he needed to catch up with him.
He could see that the assassin was in a panic, with hasty steps and he stumbled and did not want to face him. Oh, he should be afraid of him. Just wait when I get my hands on you, scum, Teldryn thought as he kept his eyes on the assassin ahead of him. He’d need to get to him before nightfall which was around the corner.
Teldryn didn’t know if the prayer had worked or not. He could only hope that someone heard it even if it sounded crazy to him. He never had prayed so it was a gamble. A deep sigh escaped from his lips.
Ciel’nn… I don’t know if you’re alive or not, but I’ll find you. No matter what.
The assassin stumbled again. Teldryn hastened his pace. Just a few more strides and the mer would be within his reach.
Escape. I need to escape. Methas dragged himself in the snow. He had no idea where he would try to escape. He didn’t want to die at the hands of a mercenary, but his legs felt like lead and were almost going numb. The mer considered to give in to the weather. It would be better a death than the other option, he thought.
Soon returning home didn’t seem possible, and a dark and cold slumber was calling him. Methas took one more step when the darkness embraced him.
“S’wit!” Teldryn cursed as he reached out and grabbed the assassin by his cloak. The mer in his grasp was out cold. It wouldn’t be long before he’d die from the cold. He glanced around for a cave. If I’m not mistaken… Tightening his grip on the mer’s cloak, Teldryn began to drag the assassin down the hill.
The older mer’s memory did not fail him, for Teldryn indeed had found a cave near the Headwaters of Harstrad. Thank Azura, he thought as he was making a small campfire to keep himself and the assassin warm. He still hadn’t made a plan about what to do with the mer. He shot a grim look on the sleeping and tied up assassin. He wanted so much to kill him here and now, but something told him he’d need the assassin yet. The older mer frowned at that.
Be alive Ciel’nn, please…
The Fire Atronach kept watch for some hours while Teldryn slept. Though his sleep was restless and he didn’t dream. It was all a black slumber through to the early morning.
Teldryn marched on with the whimpering assassin in front of him. The morning wind felt harsh on his face as he had taken the course to the South. The damned blizzard hadn’t beaten him yet. As long as they’d go south and reach the ash wastes within a day. The older mer wanted to hurry, but his hostage was slow. He pushed the mer. “Move faster!”
Methas struggled to keep his balance. “Why?” He glanced over his shoulder. “Why don’t you just kill me?” He couldn’t fathom why the mercenary kept him alive.
“Keep walking.” The older mer growled with a dangerous glint in his eyes.
The assassin was quiet for a moment. He’s a fool, Methas though. A hopeless fool. “Why bother? Your friend is gone. Do you understand? Whatever you’re planning it won’t bring him back.” He said with a pressing tone.
This time Teldryn grabbed the assassin and spun him around, then smacked the mer. He watched him fall in the snow, holding his face. Taking a step closer to his hostage, and with an intimidating snarl he said, “I said keep walking and shut the fuck up!”
“But he’s already dead!” Methas groaned. “If the fall won’t kill him, the poison will! It He’s dead before he hits the ground - if there’s one!” He winced at the pain. The punch had been brutish. He was a lucky mer that his cheekbone was still intact. Still, he’d rather die than be one’s punching sack. The mercenary came closer to him. “Not the face!” The mer whimpered and tried to cover his face. “Please..”
Teldryn growled and kicked between the assassin’s legs. “Your face looks like you’re ready to eat someone’s ass.” He growled. A pathetic assassin. “Get up! And quit whining. We still have a way to go.” He shouldn’t waste time, but for his plan he needed the assassin alive. A plan that had formed up during his waking hours back in the cave. He had a clear goal for the day.
And even if the assassin was certain of his partner’s death, Teldryn believed otherwise. The poison though, worried him to no end. Keep believing in the Tribunal, Ciel’nn’s words echoed in his mind. The older mer sighed, I’m doing my best to find you, love.
They reached Thirsk Mead Hall when the last lights of evening faded out. Teldryn surveyed the area briefly and pushed the assassin toward the door. It seemed that the Rieklings hadn’t retaken the Hall yet. It was like they had vanished altogether. Whatever the case may be, Teldryn wanted to go inside the Hall and see if there was enough wood to make a fire to warm up. Otherwise it’d be a cold night ahead, he thought.
“Open the door and get in, s’wit.” The older mer hissed.
At dawn, they set out again. Teldryn had tied the assassin’s hands with a rope and warned him not speak out of stupidity. They would reach his destination sometime in the afternoon. He marched down the hill, knowing that he was close to his goal, and he kept Ciel’nn in his thoughts. Occasionally he sent a silent prayer to the Tribunal until the assassin interrupted him.
“Where are we going?” The assassin asked in a weak tone.
Teldryn was quiet for a moment and then said, “Tel Mithryn."
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