Mercer and Eradros made their way into the sanctum slowly, unsure of what Karliah may have in store for them. The sanctum was cold and drafty, with the only warmth coming from candles that were lit throughout the tombs. They came to a room with coffins lining the walls, and the corpses of draugr scattered about on the floor. Some of the coffins stood upright against the wall, while some lay flat. It was clear someone had been through here recently. Eradros examined the room thoroughly, scanning for any clues that might lead them in the right direction. Mercer spotted a chest sitting in front of the alter at the center of the room.
Mercer: She killed the draugr and left the loot? Cant say I would've done the same.
He chuckled at his own remark as he kneeled down and began picking the lock on the chest. Suddenly Eradros could hear stirring coming from all of the coffins in the room.
Eradros: Mercer wait!
It was too late. He had already picked the lock and begun opening the chest. The very next moment, all of the coffin lids in the room began to pop off onto the floor as live draugr began to step and climb out of them. They all drew weapons as they rose out of their eternal beds. Mercer looked behind him to see that they were surrounded.
Mercer: Shit! She must of reset all of the traps as she made her way through. Clever girl. I knew she would make this fun.
As Mercer spoke, a draugr approached him with it's weapon raised. He began to unsheathe a dwarven long sword to guard the incoming attack, but the draugr was quickly cut down by Eradros. Shortly after the first, the rest were swiftly cut down with ease. Mercer stood up while pushing his sword back into the sheathe.
Mercer: Well well,…Glad one of us has a sharp eye for survival.
Eradros: You should pay more attention,…this isn't a field trip.
Eradros then sheathed his blade and continued into the next room. He was frustrated by Mercer's lack of awareness. They had only been there for minutes, and Mercer had already let his greed lead them into an ambush. Mercer noticed Eradros becoming cross with him.
Mercer: No need to give me the death stare. Save that for Karliah would you?
Eradros did not respond, he simply disappeared into the next room. Mercer shrugged his shoulders and continued behind him. They had to be careful about how they proceeded. Not only had she reset the traps for them, but it seemed she also left some draugr for them to deal with.
Eradros: She must of snuck around the blasted things so that anyone following would set them off instead.
Mercer: Yeah,…I'm sure it was child's play for her too. This little tour just gets better and better.
They came to a bigger room with pillars coming down in the middle of floor. There were large slits cut into walls around the room. Some contained corpses, others contained offerings left by loved ones and the belongings of the dead. They made their way in slowly, cautious not to wake any draugr that might just be resting. Eradros could hear movement coming from the corridor ahead, accompanied by a dreadful growling. It had to be another draugr he thought. Mercer held out his hand to signal Eradros to stop walking. He then pointed down at the ground. Eradros looked down to see he was just about to step on a pressure plate. It seemed to be rigged to the wall of spikes that was mounted on the doorway. Mercer smirked and shook his finger at him. They could then hear footsteps getting closer. They sounded heavy and sluggish, insinuating it was not your average sized draugr. They both slowly backed away from the doorway as the sound grew louder. Eradros then felt himself bump into something. He turned to see a draugr standing right behind him, literally breathing down his neck. Out of sheer instinct he quickly drew his sword and cut the creatures head off. The noise from the draugr's head hitting the floor stirred the others, and they could hear that the approaching draugr had also become alarmed.
Eradros: Dammit!
As all of the draugr in the room began to rise from their slumber, the footsteps from the hall grew rapid. The draugr all drew weapons and began attacking them. Before Eradros could pick one to fight, Mercer had drawn his dwarven blade and a knife, and began cutting through them like paper.
Mercer: Ha! Did she think any of these would be a match for me?
Eradros was actually impressed at how fierce Mercer was with his blades. His technique seemed both savage and refined all at once. As the draugr fell, he noticed the noise had ceased. Thats when Eradros saw it, a hulking draugr with heavy armor and a greatsword. Mercer had not noticed it just yet. He was too busy ferociously cutting through the ones attacking.
Eradros: Mercer watch out!
Mercer turned to look behind him. The draugr then took in a deep breath, and let out a deafening shout. The force from it knocked the both of them off of their feet and pushed them into the back wall aggressively. They both sat up quickly to see the draugr stepping further into the room as the remaining few gathered next to it.
Eradros: What the hell is that thing? And why can it use the voice?
The draugr took in another breath. Mercer quickly got up and pushed Eradros out of the way right before it let out yet another shout. It had missed them this time around, but the force from the shout sent everything on the walls scattering through the room. It also kicked up a great amount of dust. This made visibility difficult for a moment, with only the glowing blue eyes of the draugr showing through the haze. Mercer stood up while helping Eradros up as well.
Mercer: That my friend,…is a scourge. A bit tougher than your run of the mill draugr.
The draugr grew closer, raising their weapons as they did so. One of them swung at Eradros with an old nordic blade. He quickly dodged and backed away in an attempt to keep his eyes on the scourge. Mercer went on the assault, swinging viciously at each one as they came close. He had cut all of them down, save the scourge. It rushed him with it's great sword, swinging wildly and growling while doing so. Mercer defended against the attacks with ease, but the scourge was strong. Each clash of blades pushed Mercer back until he was side by side with Eradros once more.
Mercer: Well don't just stand there! This thing ain't no push over!
Eradros quickly snapped to, and readied his blade.
Eradros: I have a plan!
He then jumped into the fray as Mercer continued to clash with the creature. Soon they both were swinging and defending on opposite sides of it. The draugr was very strong, able to withstand attacks from the both of them and dish out the same intensity. They would need some sort of strategy to defeat it. They began to sync their attacks and movements. If the scourge attacked one of them the other would block, followed by an attack from the first. They alternated these rolls as they fought. The scourge could not keep up with their collaborated efforts. Soon they had it on the defensive. It began stepping back with each attack thrown at it.
Eradros: That's it! Just a bit more!
Mercer went into a flurry of strikes in an attempt to overwhelm the scourge. The creature had stumbled all the way back until it was standing in the doorway from which it entered. Eradros then picked up the head of the draugr he had cut down moments ago. The scourge became enraged and began to muster up another shout.
Eradros: Now Mercer get back!
He then threw the head directly at the pressure plate on the floor as Mercer tumbled back away from the scourge. The head landed on the plate, pushing it down and triggering the trap. In an instant, the spiked wall swung around into the doorway impaling the scourge in several places. One of the spikes went directly into the mouth of the creature, preventing it from shouting and killing it instantly. The spiked wall then swung slowly back into it's original position with the scourge now stuck to it. Mercer stood up and gazed at the now dead draugr. Both of them were breathing heavy, as they had expended a great deal of stamina while fighting.
Mercer: Whew! I gotta say. That was a pretty clever move,…and impeccable timing might I add. I don't think I could've kept that for up much longer.
Eradros put his weapons away under his cloak and began to dust himself off. He then looked up to see Mercer staring at him with a grin.
Eradros:…What?
Mercer: Not gonna lie,…I always pegged you as a milk drinker. I see now that I couldn't have been more wrong. You're a very effective fighter.
Eradros: I'll try not to take offense to that first part. You're not so bad yourself.
Mercer: Oh you ain't seen nothin' yet. That scourge just got the drop on us. The next won't be so lucky.
Eradros: Well lets hope there are no "next" shall we? That thing nearly killed us both through exhaustion alone.
He then started down the next corridor as Mercer looted some of the corpses. At the end of the hallway they saw two large wooden doors, lit up by candles on each side. They both stood in front of it for a moment to consider the possibilities.
Mercer: What do you think? Possible ambush?
Eradros: This whole endeavor has been one big ambush. At this point I don't really care. I just want to get this over with.
With that said, Eradros removed the wooden plank blocking their entry and threw the doors open. They both stepped into an even larger room than the last. The room seemed vast, with large pillars on each side of it. Coffins lined the sides of the room, some were even already opened. What bothered him most were the ones yet closed. Further into the room was a staircase that had a thrown like chair centered at the top of it. There was a figure in the chair as well. As they pressed further in, the figure in the chair began to stir. They hadn't noticed it just yet, but the figure's eyes began to light up. Then it rose up out of the chair and let out a shout that shook the entire room. This noise of course woke the nearby draugr that were resting in coffins. Suddenly all the lids on the coffins began popping open just like before.
Eradros: You can't be serious,…
Mercer drew his blades and began backing up as he took a glance at the shouting draugr. It wore very old looking armer with a helmet that had large horns on top of it. This draugr appeared different from all the rest, even the scourge they had just faced.
Mercer: A draugr Deathlord? Ok Karliah,…this officially isn't fun anymore.
Draugr began to approach them from all sides of the room as the deathlord shouted and raised its sword in the air. It seemed to be commanding them in some way. Mercer then crossed his arms as a dark misty aura began to emanate from his body. Without Eradros noticing, he disappeared. Eradros heard a spell go off, but when he turned he did not see Mercer anywhere.
Eradros: Mercer!? Dammit, did he just leave me here?
The surrounding draugr were now in striking range, with some using bows to shoot arrows at him. Eradros avoided the incoming arrows by diving behind one of the large pillars. The draugr quickly made their way to him with weapons ready. He deflected the first attack and immediately spun around with a swiping slash, cutting the draugr down instantly. The second approached. He went in for the attack but was interrupted by a shout from the deathlord. It sent him sliding back into the nearest wall. More draugr came in on the attack. He quickly regained his wits and began to do battle with them. It was difficult to fight close quarters while dodging arrows and avoiding shouts. He had to take advantage of cover whenever he could. The shout from the deathlord was much more powerful than that of the scourge's. He couldn't afford to let it catch him with one, or he would surely be overrun. One by one he cut the draugr down as they encroached. He picked up a knife on the ground as he ran from one pillar to another. He threw it and caught one of the bow using draugr in the head. It went down instantly. He heard another shout come from the deathlord, but there was no force pushing through the room after. This confused him. He peaked around the pillar to see the deathlord standing right in front of him.
Eradros: But you were just,…
Before he could get the words out, the deathlord grabbed him by the throat, lifting him off to the ground. It's grip was ironclad. Eradros dropped his weapon in an attempt to pry the draugr's hand loose. No matter how much he scratched and pulled at it, the grip only grew tighter. He was losing oxygen and beginning to suffocate. The deathlord raised him up higher as the air quickened out of his lungs. Then, as his vision began to grow dark he saw something strange in the background. The remaining draugr just began collapsing one by one. He didn't have time to think about it. He was slowly dying as the draugr growled at him. It had in its other hand an ebony blade that it was drawing back. The deathlord then pulled him in closer until they were face to face, still tightly gripping his throat. It let out deep and low sounding growl right in his face as it was preparing to stab him with it's sword. It raised it's arm to finish him as his vision started to go completely dark. Then he heard a stabbing noise, and a sudden shriek from the deathlord. It instantly released it's grip and Eradros fell to the floor, coughing and holding his throat. He looked to see Mercer standing behind the deathlord with his dwarven blade sticking through it's chest cavity. The glow in the deathlord's eyes quickly faded, and it's limbs all went limp. Mercer pulled his sword out of the creature's chest, causing it to fall to the ground in pieces. Eradros was still gasping for air on the ground and gripping his neck. Mercer kneeled down beside him and began patting him on the back.
Mercer: Now now, you didn't actually think I'd leave you hanging like that did you?
Eradros: Well a warning,…(cough cough) would've been (cough) nice.
Mercer: Yeah sorry about that. Kinda just sprang into action back there. Didn't have much time to think about it y'know? You did a great job distracting that thing though I must say.
Eradros finally managed to get himself together. He stood up slowly, still holding his throat. He was mildly bothered by Mercer's antics, but they did just save his life. He did not respond to his remark at all. He simply cut a glance at him and continued further into the room.
Mercer: Hey, where are you going?
Eradros: I spotted the exit while the life was being choked out of me. It's this way.
Mercer: Even in death you still search for a way out. You are indeed a true thief my friend. Haha!
They both made their way through the room to the other end where they found another hallway. This one had peculiar engraved murals on each wall that spanned all the way down. At the end of it they saw a strange door that appeared to require a special key. It contained three wheels with symbols on each one, and a large circle in the center where the key was to be inserted.
Eradros: Great,…I don't suppose you have the thing we need for this.
Mercer: I do not. But fortunately for you, we don't need one.
Eradros: Are you sure? The locking mechanism on this seems really complicated.
Mercer then began to approach the door and place his hand on it. He rubbed his hand across the face of the door for a moment.
Mercer: To the untrained eye, maybe. There's a special claw-shaped key with matching symbols that unlocks it. Without it you can't get in, but a vet like me knows a trick or two for these kinds of doors. They have certain,…weaknesses you see.
He fidgeted with the key hole for a quick moment, then they both heard noise come from inside the door. It then began to retract into the ground, opening the way for them to proceed.
Eradros: …Well done.
Mercer: Maybe I'll teach it to ya sometime. C'mon. Kaliah's definitely in here so eyes up.
Eradros nodded in response as they both started through the door with weapons in hand. He took a few steps into the room, and immediately felt a sharp pain hit him in the left shoulder. He looked down to see he had been struck by an arrow. The hit was not fatal, but he was quickly losing his ability to move. He fell to one knee, struggling to regain control of his body. It was no use. His vision had become dark and hazy. He could no longer speak. He turned his eyes to Mercer who had not broken his stride at all. He continued to walk calmly into the room without reacting as Eradros finally collapsed onto the floor completely. It was strange. His body was covered in black mist as he walked into the room. Then a hooded Dunmer woman appeared before him wielding a bow. It was Karliah herself. Eradros could not make heads or tails of what was happening. Did Mercer plan this from the start? Was he and Karliah working together the entire time? There were too many variables to process. All he could do now was lie there as he slowly drifted in and out of consciousness. Soon his vision had completely abandoned him, but he could still hear their voices off in the distance.
Mercer: Karliah! There you are you sly little fox. How's life treatin' ya?
Karliah: Cut the pleasantries Mercer. I know what you're here for.
Mercer: Come on now,…how long has it been since we last spoke? You really wanna get straight to business without hearing what I've been up to or how I've been?
Karliah did not find his villainous sarcasm amusing. She stood quietly while Mercer stood with his arm out.
Mercer: You know,…I gotta say. That little move you pulled with the Golden Glow Estate,…
He then held his hand up to his face as he kissed the tips of his fingers.
Mercer: Nice touch,…really. Such a,… "Gallus" thing to do.
Karliah: Do not,…mention his name, murderer!
He calmly pulled out a dagger from his leg sheathe and held it up in front of his face. He looked it up and down while twirling it slowly.
Mercer: Oh don't look at me like that. I hate it when people frown at me. It hurts my feelings.
He then slowly moved the blade along the side of his face.
Mercer: You know Gallus looked at me like that too. When he found out what I was doing. Oh that frown of his,…I just couldn't bare it. So I carved a smile right into his dead face.
Karliah: Your greed has warped you Mercer! It has warped the power Nocturnal bestowed upon you. Do you truly see nothing wrong with betraying your brethren? Your fellow Nightingale?
Mercer: That fool had all the things most men will only see in their daydreams. Wealth, intelligence, influence. Hell he even had you as the little naive cherry on top. All,…he had,…to do,…was look the other way.
Karliah: You swore an oath!
Mercer: To hell with the oath! To hell with Nocturnal and her blasted nightingales. I've taken this power for my own now. I no longer serve self-centered gods, or that sinking ship of a guild.
The dark aura around him began to intensify as he spoke.
Mercer: From this moment forward I serve me and me only! Now! You claim to know why I'm here right?! Then hand it over! Or die,…your choice.
Karliah: Oh you mean the one thing that can clear my name and ruin you for good? Not a chance.
Mercer unsheathed his longsword and widened his stance.
Mercer: Doing this the hard way then. Fine! I'll give you a matching smile to Gallus'!
Karliah immediately casts an illusion spell, allowing her to completely disappear.
Mercer: Running away are we? Smart,…can't say I blame you!
Karliah's voice: I'm no fool Mercer. I know crossing blades with you is a death sentence, but make no mistake,…the next time we meet,…will be your reckoning.
Eradros was still completely paralyzed. He could hear Mercer making his way back over to him. This was it. Mercer was going to end him and he was powerless to stop it. Mercer slowly squat down next to Eradros while closely examining his knife, his body still consumed in this strange dark energy.
Mercer: I honestly have to thank you my friend. You are the one that made all,…of this,…possible, you know that? Now I know what you're thinkin'. "You shot me with a poison arrow!"[waving arms sarcastically] That actually wasn't me. As much as I would like to, I cannot take credit for that. Definitely worked in my favor though am I right? I mean look at you. How lucky could I be?! You see,…I was actually planning to kill you the moment you walked that stupid, motherless, face back into the guild. Oh and your timing was absolutely,…impeccable,…as always it seems. This little scheme I've been cookin' up right, well it's nearing it's completion. And its little loose ends like you that come around and,… potentially screw everything up.
He then places the knife blade at the base of Eradros' chin, and uses it to lift his head up. He then leans in closer to him.
Mercer: And we just can't have that now can we? So thanks again,…for helping me end you.
Mercer lets the blade slip from under his chin, causing his head to hit the ground with a thud. He then takes the knife and buries it into Eradros. He watched Eradros' entire body jump from the shock of pain, then go completely limp. Mercer stood up and began wiping off the blade very calmly.
Mercer: It's like I said before, "Era" my boy,…You're just too damned honorable.
He then walked out of the room leaving Eradros lying lifeless on the floor. His eyes were closing gradually. His breathing began to slow, almost to a whisper. It was all over. Mercer and Karliah were both gone, and only another victim remained.
Chapter End-