ESRP Chapter One

Recently we have lost contact with the towers of Gajup'vras and Bauruk-Gûr in Cyrodil. When Mages from Kulkodar went to investigate, they found no trace of anyone there, and most of the insides burned. This can be no coincidence. We are going to meet with Master-Wizard Vera, from Val-shatauz. Perhaps together, we can get to the bottom of this.

*Chink* *Chink* *Chink*

The sound of pick-axes striking stone echoed through the mine. The deeper we mined, the more wood we needed for support beams. I would have to send an inquiry to Sven before noon. I could get the wood from Riverwood. The mine was active today, Svori and Jorling were talking about the tavern. Their voices echoed in the mine.

=They continue to walk towards the south end of town=

Very well.

When you say "we", what do you mean?

He walked with the elf tentatively, the thoughts of his mission here came second to his intense desire for knowledge.

Myself and the other Wizards, as well as anyone willing to help.

=He sees a man come running out of one of the houses, and almost directly into his Flame Atronach=

Oi! Watch it, stranger. You could've hurt yourself.

Bjorn-He's dead! My Master is dead!.

Bjorn breaks down in tears and onto his knees. I watch to see how this one will turn out. I know the mage is tough enough to survive this but i couldnt be sure of how strong he was. I needed to know what i was getting myself into and this seemed a fair test.

Dead you say? Hmm. Seek out one of the guards then. As much as I would like to, I'm afraid I cannot help you. Very important business to attend.

Bjorn-He was poisoned! Poisoned during the night!

At this i climb down stealthily and walk up behind the mage and the wanderer.

Hmm, poison you say?

At this i give a slight underhanded nudge to the mages robes, and a small planted vial of poison falls out, rolling to a halt at Bjorns feet. I take a few steps back and watch the unfolding scene.

=He hears the slight *chink* as the bottle hits the road and looks down at it with his eyes. He steps on the bottle and crushes it into shards. He does not give a bother to look around, for he can fairly easily guess what the intent of this clever ruse was=

If you're attempting to frame me, assassin, you're going to have to do better than that. I carry a number of poisons in my satchel, but none which damage one's health directly.

"I know a fine lass in town"

"Oh Yeah?"

"Yeah, Her name's Sori."

"Sori? She's a fine lass, I thought she was with Kir?"

"She was. Something happened, I don't know what."

"Now's a good time to get on that Wagon."

"Ha! That's why I'm trying something tonight!"

"Are you now?"

I could not hear the rest of the conversation. The music of mining filled my ears, as did the clunking of ore into the cart.

Cocius watched the scene unfold curiously. Was this man really an assassin? Was he hired by the same man who sent the contract to the companions? He didn't know. For now, he had to make sure his contract stayed safe long enough to let hime do the job.

I give a grating sigh as Bjorn also realises whats going on. I quickly unsling my bow and put an arrow through his neck.

I couldn't be sure of you. I need to know what i'm in for here. It was a simple trick. No matter, there will come another chance.

I roll the body into the bushes at the side of the house.

I suppose i better just walk with you now.

Hmm. Then tell me, assassin. What would you gain from having this man believe that I poisoned his master?

He has had a history of violence. I had hoped he would attack you upon sight of the vial. A test of strength if you will.

You would know my power if you would face me yourself, and only then. Now, the Master-Wizard is likely growing impatient. Shall we be off, or have you more games to play with me?

I never stopped you from proceeding in the first place.

I make a sweeping gesture with my hand.

Very well.

=They continued on untill they came to a large wooden building near the center of the town, the Sleeping Giant Inn=

Ai- In here. He'll be expecting us.

=He enters the Inn, and looks around for a moment. Directly to the left, at a table at the back of the room, sat the old Master-Wizard. He was a Breton with long gray hair and an equally long beard, pale-skinned and wrinkly about the face. Aije went over and sat in a chair at the opposite side of the table=

Ai- Greetings, Master-Wizard.

Ve- Ah, Aije. Good to see you. Who is your friend?

Ai- A possible ally.

Cocius nods to the old Breton.

I met him on the trail, and he told me of your situation. I am here to offer my assistance.

=The elder wizard smirks slightly=

Ve- hat is good, for I cannot send only one.

=The old Breton reaches into his satchel and pulls out a map, which his opens and lays out on the table. It is a map of Cyrodil. He points to an area between the marked locations of Gajup'vras and Bauruk-Gûr=

Ve- This is where I am sending you. I believe that here you may find the answers we are looking for, and unravel why the Towers have gone silent.

I step out of the darkness of one of the tavern corners.

So what, it's a game of detective?

My tone is mocking, although curious too

=Aije sighs deeply and nearly facepalms=

Ai- Tell me, assassin. Does it amuse you to delay the business of Wizards. Hmm? Perhaps you are actually paid to do so. It would certainly explain your incessant meddling.

Cocius didn't want to chime in, as he was somewhat amused by the assassin's comments. It brought a bit of humor into an otherwise serious situation. He smirked slightly, as he looked to the Wizard.

I'm pleased that I can be of assistance.