Disclaimer: I own only Katryn Gwynyth.

Oblivion's Sacrifice

Prologue

Red-orange eyes slowly blinked open and strained to see what they could in the darkness of the cramped, foul-smelling cell. Katryn Gwynyth, Dunmer of Morrrowind, sat up suddenly and heard a groan emit above the steady drip, drip, drip of water echoing through the dungeon around her. It took a moment for the Dark Elf to realize that the groan came from her own lips and she closed her eyes again, rubbing at her throbbing head. Even behind closed eyelids, Katryn could feel the pain trying to overcome her. Keeping her eyes shut tightly, she dared to lean against the damp wall behind her and tried to think how she came to be here. The last thing that she could remember was going to sleep beside the campfire she had built. She had taken a few days and traveled along the coast of Vvardenfell. A province of Morrowind, it was separated from its motherland by a narrow deep channel that ran into the North Sea. The trip had been a planned one since that spring and, being the youngest of her family, it was a way to prove herself. Now as she tried to remember what had happened, she could recall snatches of muttered conversation and the rutted road, but both those things were hazy and seemed drug-induced.

Fear stole through her for one of the few times in her young life. Her family would be worried sick, her father especially. She had told them that she would be gone for at least five or six days and depending on where she was, she could already be very overdue. Not able to sit still any longer, Katryn rose unsteadily from the moldy cot and began to pace about the small space. The floor was uneven and some of the stones were broken or missing, making her laps wobbly and a bit dangerous. She ignored that, needing to keep up the movement to stay warm and to think clearly. A voice interrupted her almost as soon as she began her third lap.

"So you are alive," The words were rasping, laced with innuendo and Katryn paused long enough to shoot a poisoned glare into the opposite cell, "A Dunmer like myself. Perhaps I can convince our lovely guards to let me spend tonight with you. We can both stay warm that way."

"You would be better off convincing the guards to send you to Dagoth," Katryn snapped and was surprised that her voice was just as raspy.

Even across the wide hallway, Katryn could see the Dark Elf's face flush with anger for a moment and then they both heard the door close and heavy footsteps coming their way.

"Here they are now," The Dark Elf said almost gleefully, "You may be the one that goes to Dagoth tonight. Good-bye, my fair dear."

Katryn stepped away from the door rapidly as the footsteps slowed near her cell. Three soldiers dressed in armor that wasn't any she recognized were standing before her. The two Redguard men, their skin the color of chocolate, were flanking each side of an old, care-worn Imperial, the black hair long since turned to steely white; the third, also an Imperial but a fair skinned, coal haired woman, was shocked and then angered to see Katryn.

"What is this prisoner doing here?" She demanded, her voice curt and sharp, "I left orders that this cell was to be left unoccupied."

One of the men looked chagrined as he stuttered.

"I-I'm sorry, captain. It's just a- a mix-up with the Night Watch. I'll-"

"No matter," The woman said briskly and then fixed her severe gaze on the Dark Elf, "Stand back, prisoner, over by the window. We aren't afraid to kill you if necessary."

Katryn eyed each in turn as she decided it best she do as she was told. Backing up, she paused when she felt her shoulders brush the wall. The captain unlocked her cell and opened it just wide enough for the four of them to slide through. Handing the key over to one of the other guards, she walked forward, ignoring Katryn. The Dark Elf watched everyone intently, but it was the Imperial woman that held most of her attention. She was counting out the stones in the wall of the cell and then pressed one. To Katryn's amazement, the wall above her cot slid down, disappearing into the floor. She frowned and opened her mouth to ask what was going on when the old man interrupted her.

"Come into the light, child."

Katryn looked at him in surprise and again took in his fine clothing and heavy, fur-lined cloak. Everything, down to the way that he held himself proud and erect, spoke of grandeur and royalty. The light of the chunky, blood-red stone around his neck seemed to come from inside itself and it winked at Katryn as she came closer, stepping into the torchlight. As she did so, the old man took in her appearance with one sweep and his face seemed to get even more deeply lined. The calm blue eyes clouded in relief tinted with sorrow as he smiled gently.

"It is time then," He said quietly, more to himself than her, "You are the one from my dreams."

Katryn arched her brow and tried to ignore the increase of pain in her head when she did so.

"I am sorry," She murmured, "I do not think I know you."

The man suddenly seemed to gain height before her. Where she had merely come up to his shoulder before, now he seemed to tower over her and some of the years fell from his face.

"I am Uriel Septim, your emperor, ruler of Cyrodiil and all those in it."

Katryn was not impressed by the statement; the fact that she was in Cyrodiil had encompassed her. And there were more pressing matters on her mind than being worried that she wasn't showing an emperor proper respect.

"Why the hell am I in the Imperial prison?" She blurted out, wishing that the frustration had come through more strongly than the helplessness.

"Perhaps the gods have placed you here so that you and I should meet," The emperor answered with another small, patient smile. His grand moment faded, he transformed once more into the broken man that had first entered her cell.

"Please, sire," The captain cut in, her brisk voice becoming placating as she met the man's eyes, "We must keep moving. I'll leave this open. There's no switch on the inside."

She and the emperor disappeared into the opening and the other two guards moved to follow. The one that had not yet spoken grinned rather grimly at Katryn.

"It looks like this is your lucky day," Fixing his sharp, intelligent black eyes on her, he added, "Don't get in our way."

Katryn watched them go, still rather dumbfounded by all that had just occurred. Without another glance around the cramped cell, she followed behind the four, keeping at a distance. Ahead of her she could see the sweep of the flickering torchlight that surrounded them and she slowed her step even more. From the shadow filled corridor, she could hear the steady dripping of water and it seemed to get louder the further that they trekked. She was glad to see that none of the passages split and went in any other direction, meaning that she would not easily get lost or confused. The dim gleam of the stones was shining with faded glory and she wondered if this was one of the many Ayleid ruins in the province of Cyrodiil.

The sudden shout of the Redguards startled her from her thoughts and she stepped back swiftly into the darkness as four red robed assassins crept from the shadows. The guards shoved the emperor back towards her none to gently but he kept his feet, managing to draw his weapon. The torch that had been thrust into his hand never wavered. He was close enough for her to see him clearly. His blue eyes were shining with the adrenaline of a perspective fight and that succeeded in making him younger once more. As if feeling her scrutiny, he glanced her way and gave a grim smile.

"Protect yourself," He said softly and then held the torch out to her, "And perhaps help to protect us, too."

Katryn frowned as she closed her fingers around the slim torch and opened her lips to ask him what it was that was going on. The approach of the two Redguards interrupted them.

"Captain Renault?" The emperor asked, his tone suggesting that there wasn't hope for the woman.

"I'm sorry, sire," One said, dropping his head respectively, "She's gone."

The other was eyeing Katryn distrustfully.

"What of her?" He asked, "She could be with the assassins."

Katryn's eyes flashed quickly and she felt anger rise up within her.

"I want her to come with us," The emperor replied firmly. He glanced at the Dark Elf who was eyeing his guards with disgust, "Take what you need to arm yourself from the dead. We must keep moving."

Katryn didn't hesitate for a moment. She stepped forward, ignoring the sharp, grudging looks that were pointed at her and took up a shield and abandoned blade. There was a scabbard for it nearby and, not feeling strong enough for the heavy, awkward armor of the guard, she deftly stripped one of the assassins' armor from his lifeless body. It was tough leather and large for her slight frame, but it was better than her own skin. She also made sure that it wasn't smeared with blood like some of his companions'.

As soon as she was ready, she returned to the group and the emperor nodded to the guards. One of them lead the way again through a rusted gate and the emperor fell in behind him, one gnarled hand resting on the hilt of his sheathed sword. The other met Katryn's gaze.

"Stick close, prisoner, and keep the torch steady," He ordered.

"Katryn Gwynyth," She said softly, gripping the torch more tightly, "My name is Katryn."

He looked at her in surprise, eyeing her like he was seeing her for the first time.

"Baurus Coll," He answered, "Let's get moving."

They hurried after the other two and Baurus locked the gate behind them. The path went on, sometimes just wide enough for them to follow one another single file. Other times it widened, with the ceilings soaring above them, disappearing into the darkness and allowing Baurus and the other guard to flank the Emperor properly; securely. Katryn stuck close, lighting their way with the flaming torch held firmly in one hand. They encountered the red robed assassins in groups of twos and threes, but not once was the emperor in any immediate danger.

When they came to yet another small, open area, the lead guard held up one hand. He motioned for the torch and Katryn approached him. Taking it from her without thanks, he took a step forward and peered into the darkness of the next corridor.

"I don't like this," He said finally, handing the torch back, "Wait here."

He went forward and Baurus followed him to the doorway, keeping a watchful eye both on what was ahead and what was behind. Their uneasiness made Katryn nervous and she glanced at the emperor in curiousity, wondering how he fared. The old man was not perturbed by the situation. Indeed, he smiled once again when he caught her gaze.

"Neither one of them understand why I trust you," He said softly, nodding his grey head towards his guards.

"I must say that I do not rightly know either," She answered with grim humor. Glancing about her, she added, "Where are we going?"

The emperor's face was aged in the flaming light. His lines appeared still deeper and the silvery-grey hair had become near white. His blue eyes slid from hers and Katryn studied him. He used to be a handsome man, with the fine features of his face and those beautiful eyes.

"A tongue shriller than all music is calling me to my grave," He replied finally as Baurus and the other man came closer, "You shall follow yet and then we shall part."

"It's a trap," The Redguard informed, frustration and anger evident in his voice, "The door's locked from the inside and I'm not sure of another route."

Katryn was peering into the shadows, her bright red-orange eyes stronger in the dark than the Redguards and Imperial's. She motioned with the torch suddenly.

"There's a doorway there," She said and glanced back, "I know you think that I am misleading you, but I must tell you, I would be hopelessly lost here without your guidance."

Baurus shrugged his shoulders at the other man.

"What other choice do we have, Gunrey? If we turn back now, we may find the way completely barred."

Gunrey nodded reluctantly and they turned to the off-shoot, finding the way clear until they were several meters down.

"Damn it!" Gunrey exclaimed, "A blasted dead end."

Baurus held up his hand for silence, his head tilted toward the way they came, listening intently. His dark eyes snapped to Gunrey.

"We've been followed," He drew his sword in one quick, practiced motion, "Gwynyth, stay with the emperor. Guard him with your life."

The two Redguards raced down the path again and the emperor pulled Katryn to him. His hand fumbled at the clasp of his necklace and finally freed it. He dropped the glittering red stone into her hand and then met her gaze.

"I can go no further," He said quickly before she could ask the questions that were bubbling up, "You alone must stand against the Prince of Destruction. He cannot have the Amulet of Kings. Take it, give it to Jauffre Mel. He knows where to find my last son," Desperation was clear in the worn emperor's face and he gripped her arm more tightly, "You must find him and close shut the jaws of Oblivion."

Katryn saw movement behind the emperor too late. Another hidden doorway opened and the assassin leaped out, silencing the emperor forever before Katryn could even open her mouth. The bright blue eyes went wide with surprise and then faded as the old man fell to the ground, the years slipping away from his face. He was dead before he hit.

The assassin grinned nastily at her and advanced, but before he could raise his blade, another was rammed into his back. The red robed man fell beside the body of the emperor and Baurus wrenched his blade free. His black eyes were glittering with malice as he watched the body slump and then he dropped to his knees beside his emperor.

"No, Talos save us," He murmured as he checked for signs of life. Pausing when he saw that there was nothing he could do; he raised himself up and looked over at Katryn. He shook his head as if trying to clear it and continued to speak; quieter now, as though the great man on the ground before him was merely sleeping, "I've failed. The Blades are sworn to protect the emperor and he's dead," The sharp eyes fastened on her, "The Amulet isn't on him. Where is it?"

Katryn held up the red stone.

"He gave it to me," She explained, "He told me that he wished for me to find someone named Jauffre Mel."

Baurus couldn't hide his surprise.

"Jauffre?" He repeated and the Dark Elf nodded, "Why? Did he say?"

Katryn hesitated briefly, looking down at the stone in her hand. Baurus was someone the emperor trusted; she could do the same. Besides she would need him to tell her where this man was located.

"He said that he has another son," She answered, "Jauffre is the one that knows where to find him."

Once more she had surprised him. Baurus shook his head a little in wonderment. The Dark Elf was waiting patiently for him to speak and he studied her. The emperor must have seen something in her, though he wasn't sure what. Baurus had never particularly found Dunmer women attractive and this one was no exception. Although she was striking. Her dark blackish-blue skin was a lighter color than most Dunmer and her red-orange eyes were the color of fire. Her hair was deep brown and cut shoulder length; caught up in a ribbon and through the brown strands, the tips of her pointed ears were just visible. She was small and slender, much shorter than most of her race, but she held herself proudly. The way that she had handled the blade she picked up made him guess that there was definitely more to her than what he saw.

"The emperor saw something in you," He finally remarked, his voice still quiet as he motioned to the hidden tunnel the assassin had come through, "I won't pretend to know what it was. This door should lead you out. I'm guessing it goes by that locked gate and must open outside the city," He fumbled in his belt for a moment and then pulled out a key, "You'll need this for the last door. Jauffre is the grandmaster of the Blades, but he chooses to live out his life as a monk at Weynon Priory. Take this map, we don't need it anymore. Weynon is just outside of Chorrol. You're from Morrowind, correct? Then you know all about the teleportation at the temples in each city."

"What about you?" She asked as she accepted the key. Though she barely knew him, she didn't like the thought of leaving him to fend for himself down here.

He smiled a little and then motioned to the emperor's body.

"I still have my duties. Inform a guard of what happened here and let them know where I am," He added, seeing her worry, "The assassins have done what they came to do, rest easy. Ah, and I should remove these," He pulled out yet another key and took off the odd, chainless bands of iron around her wrists. Before she knew it, he had dropped a small pouch into her hand. She heard the clatter of coins, "Get to Weynon as soon as you can. That will be plenty."

"Thank you," She said and secured the bag at her side after making sure that the door key and map he gave her were tucked safely away in her pocket, "And I wish you luck. I'll not forget your kindness."

Baurus gave her a small bow and then shooed her to the passageway. Katryn needed no further encouragement. After lighting a torch for Baurus, she went on her way. The quiet dark of the tunnels surrounded her and she found herself drawn back to that night that she had gone to sleep under the stars alone, only to wake up here.

Shocked to discover that this was the most straightforward path of them all, that the emperor and his men had been so close, Katryn unlocked the door and stepped out into the cool night air of the Imperial City. Deciding that it would be best to question this Jauffre on her situation later, she set about finding the nearest guard, hoping that he wouldn't recognize her. But even as she searched, she knew that the story was turning out to be too far-fetched for belief. Instead she picked up a discarded newspaper and entered the nearest bar to ask for a quill to write with.

She scribbled the directions to Baurus and the events of the emperor's death. Thanking the proprietor, she left the building, all too aware of how much she needed a bath. Walking the streets, she finally found a guard that was propped half asleep against a wall. Crouching a few feet away and making sure that she could be well hidden, Katryn picked up a stone and pulled the ribbon from her hair. She bit it in half and tied her hair up again. With the other half of it, she tied her note around the stone and then chucked it at the snoozing guard. As she hoped, it cracked loudly off the wall beside him and startled him awake. Katryn ducked quickly so as not to be spotted and breathed a prayer of relief that it was quiet enough to hear the scrape of the stone as it was retrieved. A few moments later, the guard's rapid footsteps were heading down the cobblestone road. Emerging from her hiding spot, she wandered until she spotted another guard.

"Excuse me, sir," She said politely, "But could you point me in the direction of the temple district?"

The man nodded and gave her detailed directions. Katryn thanked him and continued on her way. It wasn't until she had reached the temple and paid the rather bloated price of twelve gold pieces that the thought crossed her mind. Why, in the name of all the gods, did I have to be forced into this blasted ordeal?