"Fort Dawnguard. Impressive, isn't it?
Rykon and Ariem had travelled for the better part of the day to reach the Dawnguard's fortress. Ariem seemed to have recovered, and Rykon was enthusiastic as ever to be on the road again.
"It is beautiful... looks nearly impregnable too," Ariem said, looking at the polished stone and high walls in wonder.
"Come on, I ran a few jobs with these men and women a few years ago. I know a few people that knew Marcellus personally; they should be able to help us."
The pair wound through Dayspring Canyon, and were stopped at a gatehouse by a Nord man in the distinctive coat of plates of the Dawnguard.
"State your business here!"
"My friend and I are vampires here to destroy your organisation and take over Tamriel! Come on, Alfur, don't you recognise me?" Rykon asked.
"Ah, it's been too long my friend! I still need to check you two, can't be too sure."
Alfur's hands pulsed bright white and the Dawnguard symbol on the gatehouse lit up, illuminating Rykon and Ariem with blinding light.
"Well you didn't just die in horrible agony so it looks like you're safe. Come right on in; the rest of them are up at the fort, practising.
The portcullis slid open, revealing the Fort's courtyard, and the tall double doors on the other side. In the center stood a statue of a man thrusting a slender sword through the chest of a vampire lord. Rykon nodded towards it.
"That's our man. Dawnguard had it built after the Challenger slew the Vampire Lord Harkon in 201. Supposedly he was the biggest vampire threat ever to plague Tamriel, ended by him and a vampire named Serana."
"Perhaps this Serana could help us."
"I'm sure some of the Dawnguard will know. Some of them were around back then."
Entering the fortress, they were greeted by an older Nord man - from his fine armor and weapon it was clear he was the leader of the vampire hunters. He and Rykon shook hands.
"Rykon! Good to see you again. Finally decided to join us for good?"
"You wish, Gunmar. Me and a friend of mine are here on business."
"Come on. We'll head up to my quarters and discuss this. The men are on a short break from combat training."
Ariem and Rykon followed Gunmar up the winding staircase to the commander's quarters. They seated themselves in front of Gunmar's fine oaken desk. Gunmar was the first to speak.
"How long do I have to wait for you to introduce your friend here, Rykon?"
"This is Ariem, a scholar - " he was cut off abruptly by Ariem, who stood to shake Gunmar's hand.
"Ariem Sorelann, Scholar and Wizard of Summerset Isle."
"Gunmar, Commander of the Dawnguard. We could use someone of your talents, you know," Gunmar replied.
"We aren't here to be recruited into your group of vampire hunters," Rykon replied. "Ariem and I were hoping you could help us."
"We're looking for the Challenger," Ariem interjected. As she continued Gunmar's eyes widened a little. "I'm told you knew him personally. Purely in academic interest of course."
"I haven't seen him for over 20 years." Rykon and Ariem were visibly dissapointed. "He told me he was heading west, heard some of Harkon's ilk were hiding in the Reach. Haven't seen him since - but I do know someone that could help you." He motioned for them to follow.
Leading them over to the training area in the fort, Gunmar pointed to the two men practising. Both wielding wooden weapons, one was clad in Dawnguard leathers with a shield and axe, and the other in a black robe with a sword. The robed man was a fearsome fighter effortlessly parrying and landing blows with superhuman ability. He seemed to have the Dawnguard on the defensive, raining blows down on his shield with relative impunity. During a pirouette, Rykon caught a glimpse of his golden eyes.
"First trolls, now trained vampires, is it? How does he help us find someone who was sworn to destroy them?"
"Isran was blinded by his hatred for vampires. Their powers can be... useful, at times. And besides, I believe you two have already met."
With a flourish the vampire disarmed the Dawnguard member, pinned the shield to his chest and went to bite his neck, before backing off.
"Better, but you'd still be dead! Remember that your shield is a weapon too; punctuate a flurry of slashes with strikes from your shield, giving your foe no room to retaliate! Now, again! I want your axe to my throat this time!"
"Hold it, hold it!" Gunmar interrupted. "Trainee, catch a breather. Stalker, we've got a visitor you need to see."
Gunmar went to talk to the trainees, and the vampire walked over and threw off his hood. "Ah, Rykon. It's been some time."
"Celann? You're a vampire?"
"Aye, nasty accident during a raid. Turns out it's more useful in my line of work than you might think, plus I get to call myself a vampire vampire hunter."
"Hmmm.... infiltration, training, I see..."
"I don't suppose you came here to discuss my vampirism - Gunmar said you needed to see me?"
"Gunmar tells us that you could help my associate here, Ariem - " Celann smiled and nodded " - with tracking down the Challenger."
"Well, Gunmar was right. I assume you're wondering why I'm not hiding in a cave preying on townsfolk and travellers?"
"I'm sure it's a very interesting story, but that's not what Rykon asked," said Ariem.
"Patience, my friends. Let me ask another question - have either of you heard of Lady Serana?"
"Blast it, Celann!" Rykon said. "Some of us aren't immortal you know!"
"Oh, shut up and answer my question."
Ariem and Rykon shrugged.
"Serana is an ancient vampire and daughter of Lord Harkon; she's over 1000 years old. She helped Marcellus stop the vampire menace - she was with him every step of the way."
The two of them seemed puzzled.
"She learned to control her bloodthirst and see the bigger picture - and she's now one of the Dawnguard's greatest allies."
"She sounds like one to ask. I don't suppose you know where she is now?"
"She resides in Castle Volkihar, her former home. There she teaches vampires to control their bloodthirst - I stayed there for a time. The last mage who knew how to cure vampirism died decades ago, and now Serana researches a new cure as well."
"I don't suppose she'll just let anyone in?"
"It's mainly Dawnguard members in botched raids that aren't cured in time, and occassionally adventurers seek refuge there as well. I'm sure she'd be willing to help you; tell the watchman at the gate that 'there is still light to be found in the darkness.'"
"Thank you, Celann." Ariem said. "You've been very helpful."
"I hope you find what you're looking for; I wouldn't mind finding out as well..."
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