The Face of the Enemy
As they made their way down the other side of the mountain range, Aela pointed out Ivarstead to Sotek.
“There it is. See the bridge? We’ll be there in about half hour”.
Still feeling angry over his wounded tail which still felt sore, Sotek snapped back at her.
“And?”
She was taken back a bit by his harsh reply, but she just did her best to ignore it.
“Ermm… Nothing”.
“What’s the plan?”
Sotek turned to Kul-et who was just behind him.
“The plan is to lay low throughout the day and hope Aela’s temper don’t fuck us over. We’ll rest up somewhere”.
Sasha increased her pace then walked alongside Sotek, all the while she smiled seductively at Aela, trying deliberately to wind her up.
Aela glared at her then sped up a bit while she cursed herself as she led the others down the steep mountain trail. Soon enough though she stopped then walked straight up to Sotek almost stamping her feet as she did so.
“There’s Shadowscales on the bridge and in Ivarstead. Where the hell are we going?”
Sotek stared coldly back at her then turned to his pack.
“Farkas and Vilkas said there was a troll cave near the bridge. That’s where we’re heading”.
Aela stood there for a few seconds, stunned.
“We can’t stay there! It’s too open. It’s not a cave, just an overhang”.
Sotek found himself getting irritable, he knew he was tired, but he tried to contain his frustration simply because he knew everyone else was as well.
“We’re not staying there, that’s just where we’re heading to. From there, we’ll be climbing the rapids, or at least by the cliff alongside the rapids”.
Aela looked a bit confused.
“But that would lead us to the bridge anyway, or if we were on the other side, to the bear… Oh, sneaky. They will check it out though. We can’t stay there, they will keep an eye on it”.
Kul-et looked across at her.
“Keep an eye on what?”
“There’s a bear cave just on the fringe of Ivarstead where me and Sotek stay every so often. It’s got our camping gear stored on a ledge there. But like I said, the Shadowscales will keep an eye on it”.
Sotek chuckled.
“Yes, I know for a fact that Shadowscales will be watching it. That’s why it will be so safe”.
Aela thought about what he said but she didn’t understand, nor did anyone else. Sotek quietly laughed at the three of them.
“All in good time. Come on, we’ll be at the river in a few minutes”.
They cautiously followed the path until they came to the narrow, worn trail which headed away from the main path to slope downwards towards the river and the troll cave. As they passed the cave which was just like Aela had said, basically just an overhang, Sotek paused to examine the numerous dead bodies and bones.
“Well, the good news is that nothings came back here since they cleared it out. However, we do have a problem”. He pointed to the rocky waterfall as he explained. “We can’t climb the far side, so we’ll have to climb this side then pass under the bridge”.
Sasha looked up at the bridge above them.
“But we’ll be spotted crossing”.
“Not if we stay underwater, then sneak up the bank by the cave. It’s getting light, we’ll have to move fast. Aela, get your ass up there. Kul-et, you’re next. Once you’re up, stay underwater”.
Aela cast a glance at Sasha then moved towards Sotek.
“Look, stop having a go at me. Yes, I screwed up, I’m sorry”.
“Right now, I’m angry. I have a right to be angry. Wouldn’t you be angry? Look, we’re running out of time. Please be a good little she-wolf and climb the bloody waterfall”. Sotek pointed to the rocks as he watched Aela slink off towards them. Within a few minutes they were all at the top except for Sotek who was moments behind. As he reached the top, he studied the two Shadowscales who were watching out from the bridge. Then once he was happy, he slipped into the water unseen then joined the others.
He signaled at Kul-et and told her to start her crossing. Sasha followed behind while Aela had climbed onto Sotek’s back. Then the four of them swam across the river, alongside the rapids where the water was roaring over the rocks. They managed to cross unseen but a few times the current threatened to drag Sasha and Kul-et over the side. It was only the fortune of Sotek managing to grab hold of Kul-et’s arm, making them form a chain, that prevented the swim across from becoming a disaster.
Once they swam to the other side, Aela sneaked up the bank towards the cave. She briskly stopped as she saw a Shadowscale who was guarding the cave from inside the entrance. She silently signaled to Sotek, asking for him to approach. He made his way along the bank to Aela’s location then saw the Shadowscale for himself. The next moment he signaled to Kul-et to take the Shadowscale out. She crept along the bank then stealthily entered the cave.
Within moments of her entering, a dull ‘thud’ sounded out. Sotek almost stood up as he waited for Kul-et to signal that it was clear, but the signal never came.
Guessing something had gone wrong, Sotek cautiously moved towards the entrance and peered inside. He had barely moved his head around the edge when he saw a loaded crossbow pointed straight at his face. Having no choice, he held up his hands as he was pulled inside.
Kul-et was lying prone on her belly, tied and gagged. Her feet were pulled back and tied to her arms making any movement impossible. Her eyes were wide in fear when she saw Sotek walk inside as the Shadowscale’s prisoner. He was forced onto his knees which he complied with in the hope of being able to turn the tables on the Shadowscale.
Before he could do anything, his head was pulled back and a black dagger was pressed against his throat. The Shadowscale hissed in Sotek’s ear but just as he was going to threaten the Companion, some sixth sense warned him of a third-party member. The Shadowscale pushed Sotek down on the ground and spun around. His dagger flew, hitting Aela perfectly in the shoulder.
She let loose her arrow simply because she could no longer hold it. It flew past everyone and slammed into the rocky cavern wall, three inches above Kul-et’s head.
With Aela temporarily disposed, and Sotek’s hands bound, the Shadowscale drew her sword and moved to engage Sasha who had now joined in the fray. Sasha charged forwards but the Shadowscale was of a different class than those the Companions had fought before. With a simple twist, the Shadowscale dodged Sasha’s blow and retaliated by slamming her tail into Sasha’s back, knocking her off balance.
Five times Sasha tried to land a blow but every opportunity she thought she had was nothing but a ruse. Each time she received a cut on her arms or leg almost as if the Shadowscale was playing with her. Sasha thrust her sword forwards then, using the weapon as a feint, slashed out with her own dagger. The Shadowscale let go of her own weapons and grabbed hold of Sasha’s wrist with one hand and wrestled with the sword arm with her other hand. Before Sasha could even blink, the Shadowscale threw herself upwards and kicked Sasha full in the chest while maintaining her grip on Sasha’s arms.
She collapsed in a heap, all the air brutally kicked out of her.
Sotek weighed up his options. He could shout and that would end it but the other Shadowscales would hear and then they would be trapped inside the cave. He could change form, but Scarface always howled. That would be just as bad. His eyes flicked over to Kul-et who had managed to snatch up the broken arrow by rolling on her side. She was desperately trying to cut the rope behind her back, but she needed more time. Sotek winked at her then called out to the Shadowscale, drawing her away from Sasha and maneuvering her so she had her back to Kul-et.
“You flea bitten hound. When I get free I’ll tear your heart out and stamp on it!”
“Silence… You are forfeit. The Collector will pay me well for your capture. All Sithis’s children will know of me. My name will stand as testament to our faction and even the Night Mother will know me…”
A strange, confused look covered her face as Kul-et’s dagger delicately sliced along her throat, sending the Shadowscale to the void. Kul-et held the female's corpse and gently laid her on the ground without making a single sound.
Kul-et smiled down at Sotek and whispered to the corpse.
“You talk too much… Bitch”.
A minute later, after she freed Sotek from his bounds, she sat Aela down and gripped the dagger which was embedded in her shoulder. Aela stopped her from removing it even before she tried to pull it out.
“No… Don’t touch it. Sotek, listen to me… the pain, I can’t deal with the pain here. You must knock me out. Knock me out then take out the dagger”.
Sasha sneered at her contorted face.
“It’s only a dagger in the shoulder. Anyone would think the wound was serious”.
“Fuck you bitch!” Aela cursed. She picked up a rock and held it out to Sotek who looked on with concern. “Do it. Knock me out. The pain, I can’t handle it. I’m not like you. Biting down on shitty leather doesn’t help. I… can’t take it!”
Sotek knelt, just in front of her and studied Aela’s face. Her eyes pleaded with him but something about them told him of Aela’s resolve. He tossed the rock aside and smiled warmly to his mate.
“I’m not about to crack you over the head with a rock Aela”. He then punched her full in the jaw, knocking her down on her side. He lifted an eyelid to check if she was unconscious. The Huntress was indeed out cold so Sotek grasped the dagger and wrenched it out of her shoulder before tossing the blade to the ground. “What was that all about? Hmm? She’s tougher than that… Odd”.
Getting to his feet once more, Sotek quickly issued out his orders.
“Aela’s indisposed at the moment. Kul-et, set a fire in the middle of the cave but Aela must stay to the left of it. She is to stay away from the entrance. She is forbidden to cross the fire, do you understand?”
“No, not one bloody bit”. She relied angrily, for having to watch him punch Aela.
“She can’t be seen here. Kul-et, Sasha, strip off, get these on”. He opened his pack up then threw to Kul-et one of the two sets of Shadowscale armor which he had collected from the Shadowscales they had killed in Darkshade cave. He then promptly stripped down himself and started getting on the armor form the other set from his pack while Sasha donned the armor from the Shadowscale that Kul-et had only just killed.
Within a few minutes Aela awoke to find herself facing three Shadowscales, all fully armed and dressed in armor.
“What? What have you done with the others? Sotek? Where are you?” Desperation set in as she found herself outclassed and outmatched.
Before she could even get to her feet, Sotek pulled down his mask and smiled.
“Oh good. You are awake. There’s a healing potion there for you. I couldn’t use magic else we would give ourselves away. Now, be a good She-wolf for me and drink the vial. Stay that side of the fire. It’s important”. He then leaned over her and kissed her on the forehead. The matter of her pleading to be knocked out was completely ignored. Sotek guessed she would talk when she was ready and now certainly wasn’t the time.
Once Aela drank the liquid, she shook her head and grinned as all the pieces fell together.
“You’re a crafty bastard! The Shadowscales watching the cave will be you three. That’s why you need me out of sight. You crafty, bloody bastard”. Aela smiled at him at his audacity. She knew straight away that no Shadowscale would approach the cave if three Shadowscales were already watching it.
Sotek cast her a smile.
“Exactly. Now, Sasha, you’re with me on first watch. Aela, Kul-et, get the fire going and start cooking up some food. Sasha let’s go. Oh, hang on, on seconds thought Kul-et you cook the food”.
Aela stepped forwards almost without thinking, until Sotek held his hand up to her stopping her. He sighed heavily then looked at Aela right in her eyes. He walked towards her then gave her a hug.
“This don’t mean I’m not still angry with you, damn it, that bloody hurt”.
“Yea, I am sorry about that, but she…You bastard, how dare you blame me, I didn’t do it, Red did. You blame her, not me. Now say sorry for having a go at me”.
Sasha looked a bit shocked as she threw Aela a disgusted look.
“Are you for real?”
Sotek chuckled at Sasha and nodded in defeat.
“Ermm, yea, she’s real and I’m afraid she’s right. Sorry Aela for taking it out on you. Next time I see Red, I’ll boot her in the ass”. With that he kissed the top of her head and headed outside with Sasha.
The moment they went outside, Aela and Kul-et sorted out the fire and bedrolls. Aela pulled down the camping gear which they had stored there some weeks before. But once the bedrolls were laid out she didn’t look overly happy.
“I’m miles away from you lot, damn it”.
Kul-et laughed a little as she saw Aela’s expression.
“Oh, it’s not that bad. But yes, you are sort of segregated from us three. Why not put Sotek’s bedroll next to yours? You can’t be this side I know but there’s no reason why Sotek can’t be that side is there? Come on, you’ll feel better when you’ve eaten”. Then Kul-et prepared some venison to cook on the fire. Once they both had eaten they both laid down and slept while Sasha and Sotek stayed on watch. Before Aela finally closed her eyes, she glanced over at the entrance. Soon afterwards she entered a troubled sleep.
Sotek and Sasha moved outside the cave to give an obvious sign of their presence. While they were alone, Sotek whispered across to Sasha as they both stood guard.
“Hey, I need you to do something for me”.
“Sure, what?”
“I need you to stop giving Aela a tough time”.
“Oh, that… What’s all that crap about Red biting your tail and not Aela? They’re the same person”.
“Yess? Then why, if you don’t mind me asking, is your werewolf form called quicksilver and not Sasha?”
“Ermm… ok fair enough. Yes, I’ll back off provided that is you do something for me”.
“Ok, what?” Sotek asked as he folded his arms across his chest. He was expecting some sort of task Sasha needed completing, but he certainly wasn’t expecting her request.
“Kiss me”.
“Oh, for crying out loud”.
Sasha chuckled as she saw his reaction then she immediately smiled at him.
“He, he…I’m only messing with you. Seriously though, be there for me? Can you do that?”
“Yess, I have your back. You don’t need to worry. I know it looks bad but we’ll all get out of this”.
“You have a plan? Sorry, that wasn’t a question, but a fact. You really have a plan that will sort out everything?”
“Yess”. Sotek nodded reassuringly. However, his next sentence done little to restore confidence in him and his ‘plan’. “If Hircine’s willing, and Sheogorath stays out of it, and Aela don’t screw it up. Or the Collector for that matter, or we don’t get killed falling off the bloody mountain, or the Shadowscale’s don’t get us first. Mind you, then there’s the Dark Brotherhood, let alone…”
“Enough already, I get it! The odds are against us”.
Sotek smirked at her.
“Against us? We would be so lucky”.
At that moment, the sun broke over the mountains in the distance, cutting Sotek’s words short. Light flooded the whole area, forcing him to turn his back to the sun. He stood there for several seconds as his eyes adjusted to the glare of the dawn’s arrival.
Sasha noticed the change in Sotek’s mood easily.
“Are you ok?”
“Yes, I’m fine. It’s just a bit strong, that’s all”.
Sasha moved quietly in front of him and stood right in his face. He stayed where he was with his eyes half shut, but it was quickly obvious to her that he couldn’t see a single thing.
“You’re blind? Damn it Sotek, you can’t see anything”.
“Don’t be daft, I can see fine”.
“Oh yes?” She then leaned forwards and pecked him quickly on the lips. “You didn’t see that did you? You’re blind”.
Sotek took a step away from her in surprise.
“Quit it, Sasha. You can’t do that. Please?”
“Sorry, but I was only proving a point. How long does it last?”
“Only for a minute or so, I’m starting to see better now. When I was a hatchling, only a few days old, near Morrowind’s coast… Dawn’s glare… The color’s, that’s what ma thinks drew me to the east. Then blam! The whole sky lit up… Damaged my eyes. I can see fine, it’s just… Dawns sun, the change is too sudden. I’m ok, honestly. Look, there’s a bug on the cave wall”.
Sasha cast a glance across the bridge then her heart sank.
“Good, because we’re being watched”.
Sotek grumbled under his breath.
“Damn it, they’re here? Shadow Walker?”
“Yes, and they’re coming over”
“Like hell they are, stay here”. With that he turned to face them then started heading towards them boldly. “We haven’t seen anyone come this way, the steps are clear as well. I went up there two hours ago, before dawn”.
Shadow Walker snapped at him.
“Well of course there’s no one there, they would be trapped if they went up there, you idiot”.
Sotek retaliated strongly.
“Well how else will they get passed then? They certainly won’t try the pass, because that’s too well guarded. Isn’t it?”
The Collector intervened. Something about this Shadowscale seemed different. An intelligence, a mind.
“Yes, it is, isn’t it? How would you do it?”
“Pardon?”
“How would you get passed?”
“How would I? Well… I’d kill some Shadowscales then dress up as them. That would give me free movement I suppose. I have mentioned that there is an old trail to the south, but our captain ignored it. I’d use that path”.
Shadow Walker immediately grabbed him by the collar.
“What trail?”
“The trail! That trail! Oh, now someone is interested… it’s over there, about an hour’s walk towards Riften. There’s an imperial camp there, the trail goes up the mountain, then along the mountain range above the pass. Mind you, I have never been on it, so I don’t know how far or even if it will take them passed the checkpoint”.
The Collector smiled at him.
“I like your thinking, but tell me… What about Aela, she couldn’t hide in the group. So, what would you do about her? After all she is a well-recognized Nord”.
Sotek looked somewhat confused until he realized what she had meant. “What? What do you mean what would I do about her? Oh yes, well we could dress up as Shadowscales to move around more freely, but she couldn’t so I’d dump her ass in the back of some cave. Like that one…” As he spoke he pointed to where Sasha was standing, just outside the bear cave where Aela was hidden.
Shadow Walker looked back at him.
“Dump her ass in a cave?”
“Yes, I’m not prepared to get killed because of a stupid, bloody, no good Nord”.
The Collector chuckled loudly.
“Here, use this if you ever catch them”. She then handed him a Daedric dagger. The moment he held it he recognized the enchant straight away. “I can’t accept this”.
“Yes, you can. I just hope that if I don’t find them, then it’s you. That blade has spent far too long in the sheaf, it needs to spill blood”.
“Thank you, I’ll borrow it from you. Yes, I’ll simply brow it. May the best hunter win”.
She nodded at him showing him some respect.
“Indeed, now Shadow Walker, let’s have a look at this trail”.
Sotek stepped forwards and gave a cheeky grin.
“With your permission, could I get some supplies? She’s still guarding the steps after all”. Just for emphasis, he pointed over to Sasha.
The Collector nodded her approval, then gave him a smile.
“Of course. We’ll be moving off soon. I would like for you all to accompany us”.
Sotek swallowed hard and looked back at the cave. He gave out a low frustrating ‘hsss’ and shook his head.
“I would much prefer to head along the Seven Thousand Steps”.
Upon hearing this, Shadow Walker nearly exploded.
“What? Why? By Sithis, he won’t take that trail”.
Sotek simply smirked at him.
“No, he won’t. But then again, we didn’t think he would get this far either, did we? So, I’ll head that way nether the less and I will find a path down the south slope, even if we must climb down. Besides, I wasn’t asking you, was I?”
The Collector chuckled and cast a quick look at the cave then nodded.
“Come with me, I find I’m enjoying your company. Shadow Walker lacks Imagination. It’s a common fault, but not with you it would seem. Come along my pet. Shadow Walker, you have duties; go see to them”. Then the Collector led Sotek away to Vilemyr Inn while Shadow Walker stared at him intensely. As Sotek walked alongside the Collector he could feel daggers at his back from Shadow Walker as he headed off towards the Imperial camp. All three of them were being scrutinized by Sasha as she looked on.
Once they were inside, both Sotek and the Collector made a beeline, straight to the back of the room and went to take the same chair. Sotek chuckled while the Collector looked on with disdain. Sotek broke the mood easily by moving a second chair around the table so they were sitting next to each other.
“Can’t sit with my back to the door. Nor, it seems can you. A good habit for the likes of us”.
As they sat down at the table, Sotek offered her his hand.
“We haven’t been introduced, and I like to know who it is I’m sitting with. In our line of work, we seldom get to meet anyone who stays…. Who is around long enough to become friends, so I like to at least know of people before they, shall we say, head off to the void”.
She cast a smile at the thought.
“Oh, the void. How many comrades have gone there?”
Sotek nodded, he seemed happy and relaxed, but his eyes were everywhere.
“Indeed, but I can’t help but wonder, how many of them were, ermm… Helped along the way?”
“More than I care to admit”.
“Why? Unless you brag”.
She stared at him intently while her hand slip down to her waist and slowly her fingers wrapped around a dagger hilt.
“You play a dangerous game; do you not realize who I am?”
“What I mean to say is this. It doesn’t matter if you’ve killed other Shadowscales. If they are fools, then better they die by our hand. At least that way our order stays strong. But in answer to your question, I know you’re the Collector. Now, I’m Tekos, and I would much rather know your name than your reputation… Reputation, it makes such a noise, and often gets in the way”.
“No one knows my name, if I told you it then I would have to kill you”.
“In that case, I wish to be ignorant of such matters, but I wonder if you would mind if I made up a name for you instead? My dear Twilight, I’m going to call you Twilight. For when one looks upon you, then their life is all but ended. With your blessing of course”.
“Twilight? Yes, I like that. Cries in the Rain”.
Sotek looked across the table at her oddly.
“Cries in the Rain?”
“My name, it’s Cries in the Rain”.
Sotek acted with shock and horror.
“Oh, by Sithis! No….”
“What is it?”
“You told me your name, now I’m going to die, and we haven’t even had dessert”.
Twilight started laughing.
“Oh, I’ll allow you that, before you go to the void. I suggest you eat slowly”.
Sotek laughed then raised his hand.
“Innkeeper, can I have an apple for dessert please?”
The Innkeeper sent a maid over with an apple which Sotek cut in half. He then pulled out an apple seed and carefully wrapped it in a small piece of cloth before tucking it away in his tunic.
“When I get home, I will plant this seed. When this grows into a tree, I will take an apple from it when it’s in its tenth year. When that apple seed grows, I will take an apple from it in its tenth year. And when that grows, I will take an apple from it on its tenth year, that apple will be my dessert”.
Twilight laughed and nodded.
“It will be simpler if I just let you off. Well maneuvered”.
“Thank you, but why are you called Cries in the Rain?”
“They say I hides my emotions. I would only cry when it was raining so they couldn’t see my fears”.
“Your emotions? Ha, they’re easy to see”.
“Don’t be so impertinent”.
“Impertinent? Ok…” Sotek lent back on his chair and folded his arms across his chest. He smiled wickedly at her then began speaking. “Oh, you’re angry with me right now because you suddenly feel vulnerable, because I can actually read you. Take Shadow Walker, he annoys you because he’s so bloody simple, a fool. Yet with me, you’re angry because I stand my ground with you, and I know you’re angry. That’s what annoys you, the fact that I know”.
She pushed the table back then stamped up on her feet.
“You go too far, Tekos. I’ve killed for far less than what you presume”. Then she stormed outside, slamming the door as she went.
Sotek watched the door then smiled.
“And yet I still live, I wonder why”. As he looked around the inn he saw several Shadowscales looking at him in awe and disbelief.
The Inn keeper walked over to him and whispered discreetly.
“You watch yourself. She’s killed three in here already today”.
Sotek nodded then commented.
“Impressive, it’s not even midday”. He then purchased some bottles of mead along with some meat then made his way outside. Twilight was sitting by the stables, glaring over at him. He decided to walk over to her. He handed her a bottle of mead then commented on the weather. “I hope this rain stops, I’m going back to my post. Take care on the mountains, that Shadow Walker is a fool you know”.
She looked up at the sky. The sun was shining brightly, which caused her to laugh loudly.
“Indeed, the rains terrible. Thank you. Yet again you played your cards well”.
“No, I didn’t. I was out of line”.
“Why? Because you were right?”
“No. Because I knew I shouldn’t have said what I said. Your emotions are yours alone”. He then drew the dagger that she gave him and went to hand it back.
“No, you keep hold of it for now. I’ll see you soon enough”.
He smiled at her then replaced it, but as he made his way back to the cave he called out to her.
“You know, in some ways that sounds like a threat”.
“And in other ways?”
“It sounds quite interesting”. He then smirked at her as he threw her a wink then started crossing the bridge.
As he approached the cave, Sasha stared at him shaking her head.
“The others want a word with you”.
The moment he entered the cave, Aela grabbed him by the collar.
“What the hell are you doing with that bloody reptile? Damn your worthless hide. No offence to you two”.
Kul-et shook her head in response.
“None taken. Seriously, what the hell are you playing at?”
He pulled Aela’s hands away from himself, then dropped the bag by her feet.
“I’m playing at staying alive, getting information, misinforming the enemy and gathering supplies. Now all of you back the hell off, and I will tell you all what I found out”.
Aela hissed out at him.
“Fine! Ssit down and tell uss”. She the gasped out loud as she turned to Kul-et. “Damn his fucking hide, now I’m bloody hissing as well”.
Kul-et stared at Sotek as she passed him a plate of meat. He however held his hands up to it.
“Ermm, no thank you. I’ve already eaten”.
Aela cursed out at him a second time.
“You fucking what?”
“I’ve ermm ate. Twilight bought me dinner”.
“Who the fuck is Twilight?” Aela asked as she started tapping her foot.
“The ermm Collector? We had lunch together”.
At that moment Aela’s jaw dropped. She just stood there staring blankly at him. Kul-et also struggled to say anything when Sasha came bursting into the cave.
“She’s coming”.
Sotek looked across the cave at her and groaned.
“Oh, for howling out loud… Who is?”
“The Collector!”
Comments
The [colors], that’s what ma thinks drew me to the east.
[Dawn's] sun, the change is too sudden.
Shadow Wa... more