Telvanni Chronicles: Son of Madness [WIP]

The Arrival

On a lone island in the middle of the Lower Niben, Endar stumbles out of a strange door glowing a magical blue color. He breathes heavily, falls to his knees, and slips off his Madness Helm, setting it next to him. "Who are you?" he asks, looking at a man dressed in what appears to be light armor.

"I am Gaius, guarding that door you just came out of. You were in there... You are one of them. Nevertheless, are you well?"

"Nay, I am wounded." Endar collapses onto his back and stares up at the blue skies of this place he has never been. "Where am I?"

"On an island in the Niben, just east of Bravil," answers Gaius.

"What is Bravil? Ahh, no need to answer; I'll find out for myself. It looks like I'm going to get a good swim in today." Endar stands, puts his Madness Helm back on, and looks to the west. He runs and dives into the river, the unknown city shimmering on the far shore. Each stroke sends ripples across unfamiliar waters, his heart pounding with anticipation and a touch of dread.

It is the 15th of Last Seed, 433. According to the Legion Offices' calendar, the Commander scans documents at his desk as Guard Captain Hieronymus Lex enters.

"Commander, sir, I think you'll want to read this letter from our guard on the island near Bravil." Hieronymus hands the Commander a hastily written letter.

The Commander reads the letter while Hieronymus notices papers scattered on the floor. The Commander appears troubled. "Sir, if there is anything I can..."

"Impossible," the Commander exclaims, cutting off Hieronymus mid-sentence. He looks up at the ceiling with a blank stare, almost looking like he's in deep thought. Suddenly, he turns his head to Hieronymus. "Captain Lex, inform Count Terentius of Bravil to place his guard on full alert. Keep watch for a man in heavy steel-colored armor. Also, remind them that this man must be captured and brought here alive."

"Yes, sir, right away..."

An Imperial legion officer enters the room and faces the Commander. "Sir Jauffre is here to speak with you." The Commander gets up, but as he walks away, he stops and looks at Hieronymus. "What are you still doing here? Get that message to the Count of Bravil. Immediately!" The Commander then walks out of the office.

As Hieronymus turns to leave, an old-looking piece of paper on the Commander's desk catches his eye.

Endar Telvanni - Wanted Alive - Escaped Prison in 421 - Armed & Dangerous

**********

Later that day, Endar walks through the gate of Bravil with his Madness Helmet under his left arm, his red shoulder-length hair still damp from the swim through the Niben. Two men dressed in light armor, carrying steel longswords and shields with what looks like a deer in the middle, step in front of Endar as he walks into Bravil. These must be the town guards.

"Greetings, Dunmer, welcome to Bravil. How may I assist you?" One of the guards speaks as the other eyes Endar's longsword sheathed at his hip. Endar looks at the inquiring guard. "I have no idea where I am... I am looking for an inn, or somewhere I can comfortably sleep for the night."

"Silverhome on the Water is a good place to sleep and eat." The guard points over his shoulder to a small house-looking building right behind them.

"Thank you." Endar turns toward the inn, feeling the guards' eyes prickling at his back. He hesitates at the door, then presses onward, letting it thud shut behind him.

"Welcome to Silverhome on the Water. My name is Gilgondorin; what can I do for you today?"

"I would like a warm bed to rest in for the night and mayhap a cold glass of water," Endar replies.