Rangers of the North: Part three ~ The Umalia

  • A man stood at the painting of the first ranger, his cloak, made to look like leaves, billowing around him. 

    My body may grow weary, my heart heavy, but I, and the Rangers will preserve until such a time that the world eater returns, for we are the custodians of peace, the Harbingers of Order, the children of Kyne. Read the inscription, the words of the first as he led the charge against Mehrunes Dagon, on the last day of the third Era.

    'Master, you wish to see us?' said Ulfrin, entering with Betholir, concerned expressions on their faces.

    'We have been around since the last years of the third era, in that time we have stopped many evils in skyrim, but none greater than the Umalia, the order of Mages dedicated to bringing about Alduin's return. We thought we had stopped them one century ago, when we were under the command of Joric, the second Ranger to lead our order, but it now looks as if they are returning... I wanted to be sure I could trust the both of you, Betholir, the court mage of Whiterun was an Umalia, and Ulfrin, you may ask why I can trust you, as I did not send you on a mission, but you will be wise to remember there are other ways in deciding a person's loyalty. Of the order, you are the only ones I can trust, when the Umalia came to power last time, a member of our order fell under their sway, the traitor Melenior, most trusted advisor to Joric... his name was striken from records, and now only the leaders of our order know the truth of Melenior... for he was the one who killed Joric, not the leader of the Umalia as we have you believe, but one of our own' said the head-ranger, a man known as Hervin, his head bowed in sorrow, 'I want the two of you to find out the extent of their power, get your casual clothes on... you go now to Whiterun to find out who is sniffing around the death of the court mage.'

    'Master' the two rangers said, whilst doing the sign of obedience.

    The two rangers departed, leaving Hervin too his thoughts.  We can't outrun the World Eaters return forever, his defeat was merely delay... as is our efforts.