XVI

Jaro's mind floated on the surface of an ocean of images. Each wave was the reflection of a memory, a dream or a nightmare from the past. Above him, the sky was heavy and black, a harbinger of a terrible storm. And yet it was a calm ocean that the high priest was looking at.

The images and their reflections were dull and frozen, as if life had left them along with their colours. The waves moved so slowly that they seemed to stand still, their foam like thousands of suspended stars that had lost their brilliance. Jaro had performed the ritual of dream manipulation enough times to know what it meant. His victim was still awake and his memories remained hidden and asleep deep in his mind.

So the high priest waited in the middle of this calm sea, alone with his thoughts and the images of another life. He was not inactive, however. He was thinking at full speed, aware that the fate of his soul depended on his success or failure. Jaro had to convince the dreamer at all costs to betray his own people, but he had to know the right arguments. If he had learned one thing in his life, it was that everything had a price, men as well as objects. Whether a king or a simple beggar, anyone could be bought and bribed, provided that one was prepared to put in the means. It could be gold, power, glory, knowledge or something more unmentionable...

But some people were harder to coax than others, and the dreamer was one of them. Jaro had been influencing his dreams for months, but even with his experience, it was still difficult to bend him. He was a stubborn and loyal spirit. He was not interested in promises of gold or glory but the high priest had found other arguments. Intimidation and blackmail were far more effective, and he had accordingly prepared an arsenal of threats and unpleasant visions to get what he wanted from his victim.

Slowly the ocean around him began to stir. The images and their reflections became more colourful and vivid as the waves rippled again. The dreamer had fallen asleep, his mind now within reach of Jaro's influence.

Without further ado, the high priest set to work.

* * * * *

Khajiits have never been known to be early risers. But that morning, the occupants of the Golden Cane farm were up at the crack of dawn because there was still much to do.

The farmers set about clearing their burnt-out houses to try to salvage anything that hadn't burnt down. They also carried out funeral rites for their dead, of whom there were many. Almost everyone was mourning the loss of a friend or relative as many families lived on the estate. Some of the survivors had gathered their meagre belongings to leave the estate. They all feared another attack and preferred to take cover while they still could.

Flavia watched one of the families. The parents were hurrying to harness a mule on which they had piled their belongings. Next to them, their young child was watching with a blank, absent look. He was obviously still in shock from the latest events.

- "They should stay and fight instead of running away like cowards," Gunnar grumbled.

- "This fight is not theirs," the captain replied.

- "It became theirs when those hooded bastards started slaughtering their friends."

Flavia couldn't blame them for running away. They were not soldiers, just farmers who had had the misfortune to get mixed up in all this. It was better that way. It would be easier for them to protect the princess if they did not have to protect the workers and their families at the same time.

- "They have made their choice. It's not up to us to hold them back," she said to close the subject. "We have other things to worry about in the meantime."

Without waiting for a response from her comrade, she headed for the villa where there was a lot of activity. Captain Tasarr's guards and the farmers who had decided to stay were busy fortifying the outer courtyard. They were building and erecting palisades and barricades. The property had not been built or designed for military use and its perimeter wall was old, cracked and even collapsed in places due to lack of regular maintenance. Large tents had been erected in the courtyard to accommodate the workers and their families. Some of the volunteer farmers were clumsily practising with weapons provided by the Khajiit guards. Despite their bravery and goodwill, Flavia could see the concern in their eyes and it was a feeling she shared.

- "Gunnar," she called. "Make yourself useful and help them set up the barricades while I confer with Lady Toziri."

- "Aye, aye, Captain."

The Nord obeyed at once and went towards a group of farmers who were struggling to erect a thick palisade to plug one of the holes in the surrounding wall. He immediately began to scold the khajiits in his loud voice before setting to work. Flavia watched with a smile. Gunnar was a master at motivating others.

The mercenary captain entered the mansion and went to Lady Toziri's office. In the corridors she could see servants and butlers bustling about. They were gathering supplies and provisions, as if they were preparing for a real siege. This could be it, Flavia thought, as she knocked on the office door before entering. Inside, the khan's sister, Captain Tasarr'Do, Councillor Sahkar and half a dozen scribes were planning the defence in great detail with plans and maps.

- "The fortification of the courtyard wall is almost complete," said Flavia as she approached the desk. "I estimate that all the gaps will be filled in by noon."

- "Thank you for your assistance, Captain Flavia," replied Lady Toziri. "As a former legionnaire, your experience is very valuable to us."

The mercenary captain took the compliment with a nod. Of all the people on the farm, she was the only one with real military experience. So it was only natural that she was given the task of preparing the outer defences.

- "However, the wall has some weaknesses in places. In the absence of a mason, we will have to consolidate these cracks with planks. It won't be the strongest, but it will be better than nothing. "

- "Do the best you can. We are counting on you." The alfiq turned her gaze to the other participants in the meeting. "Captain Tasarr'Do, what is your report on our numbers?"

- "About ten farmers have volunteered and are already training in weapons and basic discipline," the Khajiit captain replied. "They are not very skilled but they are motivated to avenge their comrades."

- "We'll deal with that. As it is, we need all the help we can get, and hopefully these farmers won't have to fight if Mizzir'Dar sends help in time."

Despite the precariousness of their situation, Toziri showed admirable composure. Flavia, however, was far from sharing her optimism. The messenger they had sent for help must be halfway to Corinthe by now. Even once the message was delivered, there was no guarantee that Mizzir'Dar would respond favourably. And even if he did, it would be several days before reinforcements arrived. Flavia estimated that, at best, it would take five or six days. All they could do in the meantime was to prepare as best they could and buy as much time as possible.

- "Councillor Sahkar. What about the food?", Lady Toziri asked again. "Do we have enough?"

- "More than enough, madam." The old khajiit put his beads back on. "The farmers have finished gathering all the available food. Taking into account all the occupants of the estate, wounded and able-bodied, and if we ration the supplies intelligently, we'll be able to feed everyone for about a month."

- "At least we won't starve. That's good news."

Everyone around the table nodded, but no one was under any illusions. Being hungry was by far the least of their worries at the moment.

- "We can do little more in the meantime..." the alfiq sighed, and then continued in a firm tone. "Captain Tassar'Do, please continue training the new recruits and organize the guard shifts. Captain Flavia, please ensure that the perimeter wall is consolidated as soon as possible and take whatever measures you deem necessary to improve our defenses."

- "Yes, madam."

The two captains nodded as they brought their fists to their chests in salute to the khan's sister before leaving the office. Once in the hallway, the khajiit turned to the mercenary.

- "May I ask you a question, Captain Flavia?"

- "Of course."

- "In your years of service in the legion or as a mercenary, have you ever been in a situation similar to ours?"

- "You mean such a desperate and dramatic situation?" She continued at Tasarr's nod, "Several times, but it wasn't the same..."

- "But you got away with it every time, didn't you?"

- "Not every time, no." She stared at the khajiit while tapping her eye patch with her finger.

- "I see... what do you think we should do?"

- "Prepare ourselves as best we can... we can only rely on ourselves, now."

- "I agree. However..." Tasarr hesitated to continue.

- "What is it?"

- "With all due respect, you seem more concerned than usual." The khajiit raised an eyebrow. "Is there anything else that worries you?"

It was Flavia's turn to raise an eyebrow. She hadn't slept much last night and was still feeling very tired. The mercenary finally shook her head and smiled for good measure.

- "Don't worry, Captain Tassar'Do," she reassured him. "I just slept very badly last night, that's all."

- "You should get more rest. You're no good to us if you collapse from exhaustion in the middle of a battle."

- "You are right. I promise to be more careful in the future. "

With that, the two soldiers bowed politely to each other and Captain Tasarr returned to supervising the civilian training. Flavia watched him walk away before joining Gunnar and the workers who were consolidating the wall.

She had not told the Khajiit captain everything, but she was concerned about the traitor in their ranks. She didn't feel ready to speak openly about it yet, as making unfounded accusations would only sow doubt and suspicion. The defence of the Golden Cane farm remained the top priority and its defenders would not be effective if they started to suspect each other. Repelling an enemy from the outside was easy, but anticipating a stab in the back was another matter entirely. A matter that Flavia hoped to settle as quickly and discreetly as possible.

Unfortunately, she didn't have a single lead to exploit. The day after the battle, as the bodies of the attackers were being gathered for burial in a mass grave, the mercenary captain had searched the corpse of the dark elf assassin, hoping to discover some clues. She had discovered several vials, no doubt containing various poisons, an impressive number of daggers and knives hidden in his clothes, and a spell scroll similar to the one used by the first assassin in Rimmen. There was nothing else. No letters, diaries or mission orders that might have provided additional information. This did not surprise Flavia, who recognised them as professional assassins, and she sincerely hoped that the enemy would not send them another one.

Without any clues, she and Gunnar could only be more vigilant.

The captain arrived at the wall where the Khajiit workers were building the palisades to fill the gaps. Gunnar was there, too. He had taken off his armour and shirt to make his work easier. He was lifting a heavy barricade on his broad shoulders. His skin was red from the effort and the sweat made his bulging muscles glisten. If not presentable, the Nord knew how to make himself useful.

- "You could at least have kept your shirt on," she lectured him as she approached.

- "That's true, I could have." He laughed as he laid the palisade against the wall. "But I don't like working in sweaty clothes."

- "And I thought you wanted to impress the local women."

- "The local women aren't really my type."

- "Really? They're just as hairy as you. "

The Nord laughed loudly and happily, as usual, before grabbing a wineskin of water and starting to drink it down. Flavia approached him to continue in a low voice.

- "Still no clue about our mysterious spy."

- "Well, he'll reveal himself in due course. It always ends the same way," Gunnar replied, spitting on the ground.

- "Let that not stop us from being careful. From now on, we will keep a constant eye on Princess Shazira when she is not inside the manor."

- "Understood, Captain. But I don't know if the Cat Princess will let us. She doesn't seem to like it when we keep a close eye on her."

- "Then let's make sure we're as discreet as possible." Flavia glanced around before continuing. "Where is she now?"

The Nord had a small, mocking smile as he pointed to the mercenaries’ quarters with his thumb.

- "As usual," he replied. "Cooing with the kid."

* * * * *

Alberic frowned as he stared at the page of the open book in his hands. He was in intense concentration, his lips pressed together in a comical grimace.

- "It's a... a..." he stammered hesitantly.

- "It's a... ?", Shazira resumed beside him.

Still lying in his bed, the young Breton had been trying for several minutes to name one of the letters drawn in the alphabet book he was holding. Sitting next to him, Shazira was obviously very amused by the boy's hesitation and confused pout.

- "Look at the drawing if you're in doubt," she helped him in a patient voice.

- "It's a... uh, sheep... mmmh... an S!" he finally declared as if it were obvious. "It's an S!"

- "Bravo!" the young khajiit congratulated him, clapping cheerfully.

Alberic sighed at the mental effort. Learning to read was as difficult as he thought it would be, but he also found it very rewarding. He had only been doing the princess' exercises for two days and he already felt strangely smarter, although he still had trouble distinguishing some of the letters. The animal drawings and the princess helped him a lot, the latter proving to be a gentle and patient teacher.

- "Pfff... it's really not easy."

- "You are doing very well, Alberrric. A little more and you'll soon know all the letters by heart," she encouraged him. "Now, name me some objects or animals that begin with the letter S."

- "So, there's... a seagull, a stag and… a scythe?

- "That's very good."

The young khajiit laughed and clapped again, apparently delighted to be playing school teacher. She was radiant and smiling broadly. If it weren't for the two Khajiit guards watching her by the front door, she would have almost forgotten the gravity of their situation. Although she was aware of an unknown danger, Shazira managed to keep her spirits up and her cheerful disposition. Alberic wondered how the princess managed to remain so carefree and positive. He almost envied her for that.

- "Come on, one more," she continued, turning the page of the book in Alberic's hands.

- "Oh, please... could we take a break, Shazi? I'm getting a headache."

- "Mmmh... okay. Because you've been working hard, you deserve a little break. She took the book from his hands and placed it on the nearest dresser. "How's your shoulder?

- "Much better," the boy replied, moving his arm slightly. "Old Zaradi's remedies are working wonders. It doesn't hurt anymore... well, not much."

- "Good."

While the young khajiit was relieved to hear that her friend had already recovered well from his injuries, she was still concerned about something else. She had thought about it at length the day before and wanted to know for sure.

- "Say, do you remember our talk last night?"

- "About what?"

- About what you were going to do when your contract will be up."

- "Yes, what about it?"

- "You said you wanted to go home to Highrrrock. And I wondered if..." She seemed reluctant to continue and fidgeted with her hands in a nervous tic. "Well... how about..."

- "What are you trying to tell me, Shazi?" finally asked Alberic, raising an eyebrow.

- "How about staying in Elsweyr?"

- "Stay... in Elsweyr?" the boy repeated as if he had misheard.

- "Yes. You could stay with me in Rimmen. You could be hired by my father as a guard rather than risk your life as a mercenary. If I talk to him, I'm sure he'd agree. And then I could continue to teach you to read... what do you think?" she asked with some nervousness.

Alberic didn't answer right away, just stared at the princess in surprise. Of all the things she could have said to him, he really hadn't expected this. Seeing that the princess was waiting for an answer from him, he finally smiled gently.

- "It's true that it could be nice..." he began. "The weather is always nice here and I'm even getting used to the food." He gave her a knowing wink. "Well, as long as there's no moon sugar in it. "

Shazira couldn't help but laugh at this remark.

- "I won't sneak you any more, I promise," she said with a smile, and then continued in a more mischievous tone. "And then, if you stay, you could also see again that pretty black bandaari we met on the trip. I'm sure she'd love to tell you a few things under the stars. Don't you think so?"

- "Why do I get the feeling you haven't finished teasing me with that story..." the boy sighed, blushing.

- "If you've gotten used to the local food, you should be able to get used to the women of Elsweyr too."

Tormenting poor Alberic always amused Shazira. So with a big smile she continued.

- "What do you think? Do you want to stay?"

- "I would love to, Shazi... but I can't."

- "Oh... why?" the young khajiit asked, unable to hide her disappointment.

- "It's been more than a year since I left home, and I haven't heard from my family, and they haven't heard from me, either. Since I can't read or write, I can't send them a letter. "

- "Do you miss them?"

- "Yes." He nodded. "They must be very worried about me. I still remember my mother crying the day I left. "

- "Is life as a farmer really that hard? "

- "It's not easy every day, especially with so many mouths to feed."

- "I understand," Shazira replied. "I miss my father and brother sometimes too."

She lowered her head and Alberic could see the sadness on her face. He didn't know, however, if it was due to his answer or to the princess' longing for her own. The young Breton knew that she had had a lonely childhood, kept away from the world for her own safety, and he felt empathy and even pity for the young khajiit. He did not like to see her in such a state and preferred to see her smiling and cheerful, as usual.

- "Why don't you come with me?" he finally asked her with a smile.

- "Come... with you?" It was Shazira's turn to repeat as if she had heard wrong.

- "Yes. You could come with me to Highrock. Didn't you say you wanted to travel and see the lands beyond Elsweyr?"

- "That's right," she admitted.

- "To get to Highrock, we'd have to travel through Cyrodil, then Hammerfell. Have you ever heard of these regions?"

- "Of course I have. I've read a lot about Cyrodil. They say that the imperial city is the largest city in the world and that the White Gold Tower[1] is so high that it seems to touch the sky! "

The princess seemed fascinated as she recalled what she had read in her history and geography books. She smiled again, looking dreamy.

- "It's true," Alberic confirmed. "I have only been to the imperial city once. The streets were crowded, even more so than in Rimmen, with people from all provinces. I also remember the White Gold Tower... it was like looking at a silver spear rising higher and higher to pierce the clouds."

- "And Hammerfell... they say the whole country is just a gigantic desert that glitters like gold in the sunlight."

- "Oh, I believe you. I took the boat to Cyrodil from Highrock, so I didn't go through Hammerfell."

And for good reason, the province of Hammerfell was reputed to be one of the most inhospitable in all of Tamriel, the heat and harshness of its desert far surpassing that of Elsweyr.

- "It may not be the greatest luxury in my village, but you will be very welcome. Besides, if you come with me, you can continue to teach me to read."

- "It's tempting..." admitted Shazira, who seemed to be thinking more and more about Alberic's proposal.

- "You would be like those nomadic merchants you admire so much. A true bandaari."

- "I've always wanted to travel to see the world: Cyrodil, Skyrim, Morrowind... there are so many places I'd like to see with my own eyes." Despite her smile, she finally sighed. "But no matter how much I beg, my father will never let me go. He'd be too afraid something would happen to me."

- "You wouldn't be alone. I'd be here."

- "He'd be too worried, even with a whole army to protect me."

- "It wouldn't be the first time you snuck out, though, either."

- "But this is different..."

Alberic did not know what to say and the two teenagers remained silent for a moment. The young khajiit was still thinking about his friend's words while he was looking for other arguments that could comfort her. The young mercenary was well aware that all this was still a long way off and that the current situation was still uncertain, but he was determined to cheer up his friend. Alas, he had never been very good with words. Finally, Shazira shook her head before grabbing the book that still rested on the dresser again.

- "Break time is over," she said with a slightly forced smile. "Back to the lesson."

* * * * *

How long had he been there? Minutes? Hours? Days? Months?

Jaro didn't know because, as always, the notion of time became blurred as he walked through the dreams of another. He was still swimming in the middle of the same ocean of memories and images, but the waves were now raging. As if it were a gigantic living thing, the sea vibrated and shook with a din of discordant voices. It was like looking at a glittering kaleidoscope that reflected a different image every second, leaving you no time to remember any of them. The high priest felt as if he were watching a theater play that was disjointed in meaning and without a single thread.

But this chaos and confusion had a different meaning and Jaro knew the cause. The dreamer resisted. He remained deaf and impervious to his influence and such stubbornness on the part of his victim seriously annoyed the high priest who was beginning to lose patience.

For months he had been working on his mind and manipulating his dreams to make him his puppet and his spy. And each time, he was confronted with the same obstinacy and firmness. But by dint of patience and effort, Jaro had always managed to make him give in. At first he had only used the dreamer to obtain answers, which the latter gave him each time. This method had the advantage of leaving the victim without any memory. This way, the victim was not aware of having been the target of a spell and just thought he had a strange dream.

But what the high priest was now trying to do was very different from other times. He did not want answers. He wanted the dreamer to obey his will and his orders and this did not seem to be to the liking of his victim. The latter was more stubborn than ever because he was now aware that he was being manipulated.

On several occasions Jaro had almost been drowned by the furious waves around him, but his spirit, like that of the dreamer, was strong. He swam against the tide while trying to impose his will. To do so, he was injecting new images into the memories of his victim. Images of threats and blackmail. Of all the languages, this was the only one to which his puppet was receptive. One image in particular seemed to bend him every time. The image of a loved one long gone but still preoccupying his mind, the memory of it arousing a black anger and deep sadness at the same time.

The high priest redoubled his efforts, giving his images more weight and realism. He pressed them against his victim's will with all the strength he could muster, again and again. It was a fierce battle of the mind that Jaro was determined to win, for he was driven by fear of his dark master. If he failed, both his life and his death would soon be an endless nightmare from which he would never wake. He had no right to fail.

Slowly, the ocean around him began to calm down. The waves became lower, the images slower and the sounds more distant. This was it. The dreamer's will began to weaken in the face of the images that were forced upon him. The high priest did not savour his victory immediately, however, for he still had much work to do. But for now, he had obtained what he wanted from his victim. His attention.

The dreamer had listened to him and now it was time to push him to betrayal.

Notes:

[1] Built in the heart of the imperial city, the White Gold Tower is the seat of the imperial power. It is the residence of the Emperor and the Council of Elders. It is considered to be one of the tallest buildings in all of Tamriel.