Castle Volkihar

Serana and Rictus stopped as they reached the water's edge. The shadow of Castle Volkihar could be faintly seen in the distance. They had almost made it.

The trip here had been mostly uneventful. They had mostly kept to themselves and didn't interact with anyone else while on the roads. Traveling at night had been the obvious choice for the two since both could easily see in the dark, and it was more comfortable for Serana. They would then rest during the day in a large tent Rictus had. He was actually pretty excited for the chance to use it since most times he would just teleport back to his bed instead of roughing it in the tent.

Admittedly, he still did check in every night in case there was anything truly important. No reason for him to stay completely out of the loop. He felt like it was a good decision, especially after learning news that would potentially shake the empire.

The emperor was dead, at least there was a good chance he was. Nothing had been proven just yet, but Rictus felt the man had already died. The emperor's ship had arrived unexpectantly early in Solitude. It was a little strange he would make a personal appearance while a civil war was going on, but that was beside the point. No one had gotten any information from the crew of the ship for over a day. The guards were easy to spot moving about, but nothing on the emperor.

Rictus had already informed Ken and some of the other important members of the Restored about what most likely happened. There wasn't much they could really do about it at the moment, but it was better to be prepared. They started stockpiling as many resources as possible. An emperor dying would prove detrimental for the economy of an empire. Getting ahead and preparing for the fallout was always a good plan. Other than that, they would take a wait and see approach. The civil war would most likely pick up even more once the news got out since it would be a huge moral boost for the Stormcloaks.

While travelling, there had been two places where teleport markers were placed. One was near the entrance to a cave they passed not too far from Meridia's statue. He got a strange feeling of foreboding from the cave. If there was time later, he would get some people to check it out.

The other place of note they had just recently passed and could still be seen on top of the hill behind them. It was the infamous Northwatch Keep. The rundown fort was being used as a Thalmor prison. He would definitely find some time later to investigate the place and see if there were any noteworthy prisoners. From what he could remember, Thorald Gray-Mane would have been imprisoned there had he not already saved him so long ago. Still, causing problems for the Thalmor was always a fun prospect. He had a sinking feeling they may try something while he was busy dealing with the vampire threat. 'If they do, I can always raze Northwatch Keep to the ground. Might do that anyways honestly.'

During their trip, Serana and Rictus had had grown closer to being actual friends from all their conversations. Talking was one of the few forms of entertainment they had after all. She was not nearly as standoffish and had been pleasantly surprised at how well they got along with each other despite their many differences. As they had finally reached their destination, it was easy to see her growing nervousness.

Rictus was more curious than worried. So many things were different than the game, and there was a chance someone else may have already messed with the questline in other ways. Many people that played the games liked becoming a vampire lord. It wouldn't be too surprising if someone tried the same thing here. The added power combined with a form of immortality would be difficult for many to resist. Even if things went badly during his time here, he was confident in his ability to run away. Few people could catch him if he truly tried his hardest.

Serana searched around the coastline looking for something. She turned to him with a frown.

"There's no boat here. There always used to be one here just in case someone needed to get to the castle. Now it's gone."

Rictus shrugged his shoulders at that.

"Well, it had been a long time. Maybe someone just recently took it and didn't bring it back."

"How are we to get over there then? I would suggest levitating over there, but that is a long distance to cover like that. No need for you to be exhausted when we get there."

After debating for a moment, he decided against proving her wrong. There was a small chance someone at Northwatch Keep could see him flying and then that could cause other problems if they reported it. Instead, he used his Fabricate Object spell to basically summon a small rowboat for them. The Fabricate Object spell had many practical uses in everyday life. Combat potential was still being tested though since the spell took more focus and a clear mental image. Climbing aboard the boat, Rictus reached out to assist Serana into the boat. She had an impressed look upon her face.

"Nice boat."

"Thank you."

He returned her smile as they started off to the castle. It took a moment for Rictus to figure out the best way to maneuver the raft, but soon they were racing through the water. It wasn't long till they made landfall in front of the ancient castle.

Castle Volkihar was a sight to behold. Despite its slightly dilapidated appearance, the castle stood proudly. It had a strong gothic theme as dark black stone jutted upwards from the shore. Gargoyles were placed along every corner and overlook. A large gatehouse was set in front of the main keep. There were two large towers along the leftmost side of the keep which towered over the rest of the structure. A stone bridge connected the castle to the smaller island they stood on which had a tiny dock and small watchtower.

Assaulting such a position would prove difficult. The easiest solution would be to starve out the castle, but that would prove difficult with it being on the water. Defenders could easily fish the shorelines while staying under the protection of the castle walls. A decent sized armada would be required to surround the castle, but that would prove difficult with all the small islands and icebergs near it. Doable except for the fact their opponents were not normal mortals. An ancient clan of powerful vampires could hold the position much longer and easily assault the sieging forces.

He could also feel the power of the building. It was steeped in a malevolent magical aura with copious strengthening runes enhancing it. This would be one of the few places Rictus could not easily manipulate with his magic. He could tell setting up a teleport glyph here on the island would also be a bad idea. Some of the vampires were bound to be powerful mages with centuries of experience. No need to risk them discovering the glyphs and figuring out how they worked. Seeing it all in person made the future inevitable attack all the more daunting. He wasn't too discouraged though. There was still time to find a better solution than throwing bodies at the problem.

As soon as they landed on the shore, two arrows landed directly in front of their feet. Looking up at the watchtower revealed four archers staring them down. Before anything else could happen, an extremely old looking Nord man came out of the tower. He was dressed in tattered leather armor which was probably as old as he was. He scowled at Rictus before his eyes widen in surprise at seeing Serana.

"After all these years, Lady Serana's back. Now that's something."

Without wasting another word, the old man turned and made his way across the bridge. Rictus glanced at her questioningly. She shrugged her shoulders as she followed the old man.

"That's the Watchman. No one knows his actual name or age since he's always been around the castle. A bit strange but devoted to watching over the front gate."

She stopped walking and turned back to face him with conflicting emotions on her face.

"Hey, so before we go in there, I wanted to thank you for getting me this far. But after we get in there, I'm going to go my own way for a while, I think. I know some of your friends would probably want to kill everything in there, and as a mercenary, you have probably encountered vampires before. I know you can show more control than that based on traveling with me so far. Once we are inside, be quiet for a bit and let me take the lead."

Turning around, she didn't wait to hear an answer as they made their way to the gate. Once they got near, the Watchman shouted out.

"Lady Serana's back! Open the gate!"

The thick metal gate slowly raised up. The old Watchman gave him one last lingering look.

"Lord Harkon's a great man… Best show him the proper respect."

With nothing else to say, the old man went back to his normal duties leaving them there. A solid wooden door reinforced with metal stood behind the gate. Without waiting for any more words, Serana strode forward, opening the doors and entering the castle, with Rictus right on her heels.

The doors opened into a large receiving area. A long blue carpet with runic patterns went from the entrance to an arched opening. Gargoyles rested on raised platforms to either side of the room. An Altmer with glowing orange eyes and a sickly pallor stood waiting for them beside the entry way. He wore a fancy and formfitting set of grey vampire armor with a bluish grey brooch on his right breast.

Another tall figure was standing alongside the other side of the archway. A large blood colored trench coat went down below the knees. Dark black leather armor and boots could be seen underneath the gaudy coat while whitish leather gloves covered his hands. A wide rimed hat kept most of his face covered in shadow, but slightly glowing blood red eyes pierced the darkness.

Both quickly started walking towards them as the Altmer spoke.

"How dare you trespass here! Wait... Serana? Is that truly you? I cannot believe my eyes!"

He quickly turned around and made his way to the balcony overlooking the other room. He then loudly proclaimed their entry.

"My lord! Everyone! Serana has returned!"

Serana looked embarrassed by such exuberance as she glanced around shyly.

"I guess I'm expected."

She started making her way into the room as Rictus followed. The second person quickly moved to his side. A harsh voice filled with arrogance whispering out to him.

"You will tell them I sent you. If you do, I will greatly reward you later. If you don't, you will not leave this castle alive."

Rictus simply nodded along with him at this. He did notice something interesting when the man was near him. He had perfect elven features with snow white skin and hair. His bangs fell slightly in his eyes, with strands on the sides of his bangs framing his face. 'What are the chances….is this guy really a snow elf??'

He had no more time for that train of thought as he entered the grand dining room. Long tables flanked both sides of the room with a grander one on a raised platform at the end of the room. There were two balconies along the walls, one on the left while the other directly behind the table of honor.

As they moved down the staircase, whispers could be heard from all the vampires seated throughout the room.

"I can't believe it."

"It's really her."

"Told you he was right."

As the whispers continued, Rictus couldn't help a morbid thought from popping into his head. 'At least I am not the only mortal here.' His glance fell upon the blood slaves laying along the tables. No telling how long the poor souls had been here or would stay alive in such conditions. He promised himself such a thing would not happen to him.

As they made their ways past the tables, a loud soothing voice boomed out.

"My long-lost daughter returns at last. I trust you have kept my Elder Scroll safe?"

A dashingly handsome middle-aged man was waiting with open arms before them. Black silk like hair was pulled into a ponytail. An equally dark and luscious goatee, worthy of Rictus's respect, graced his perfectly symmetrical face. Firm muscles filled out his regal looking vampiric armor while a blood red cape billowed behind him. A red and gold brooch resembling the face of Molag Bal rested upon his right breast. The way he held himself spoke of power and experience.

Serana responded to his question with a harsh tone.

"After all these years, that's the first thing you ask me? Yes, I have the scroll."

Whispers broke out in the room about her having the scroll. It was a little ridiculous honestly since the giant scroll on her back was quite obvious. Harkon didn't even bat an eye at her words, but still spread his hands in a calming and welcoming manner.

"Of course I'm delighted to see you, my daughter. Must I really say the words aloud? Ah, if only your traitor mother were here, I would let her watch this reunion before putting her head on a spike. Now tell me, who is this stranger you have brought into our hall?"

She motioned for Rictus to come up beside her.

"This is my savior, the one who freed me."

The ancient vampire gave him a once over before nodding his head in appreciation.

"For my daughter's safe return, you have my gratitude. Tell me, what is your name?"

With a flourishing bow, he introduced himself.

"I am Rictus your grace. And you must be the Lord Harkon. I am honored to meet you."

The respectful tone and bow appeased the man's ego. Before Harkon could say anything the red cloaked figure behind him spoke up.

"Rictus was part of the team I sent to investigate, my liege. He has safely brought your daughter back just as I promised."

Serana looked surprised and slightly betrayed by the statement. Rictus met her eyes and almost imperceptivity turned his head. He also brought his finger and thumb together while keeping his hand at his waits. Seeing this, she schooled her features once more before looking back at her father. This had been the sign they had agreed upon to mean just follow along for now. They had decided on a couple of them while travelling in case there were any problems.

A tiny spark of annoyance appeared in Harkon's eyes before being replaced by gratitude.

"For which you will be rewarded as promised."

He then turned and addressed the room, even though it was obviously said for Rictus.

"We are among the oldest and most powerful vampires in Skyrim. For centuries we lived here, far from the cares of the world. All that ended when my wife betrayed me and stole away that which I valued most."

He waved his hand towards Serana as he was saying that. Rictus wasn't quite sure if he actually meant his daughter or the elder scroll though. She probably had similar thoughts. Harkon then turned back to the cloaked man.

"You have delivered upon your promises Alucard and done me a great service. Now you must be rewarded. There is but one gift I can give that is equal in value to the Elder Scroll and my daughter. I offer you my blood. Take it, and you will walk as a lion among sheep. Men will tremble at your approach, and you will never fear death again."

Rictus could see greed and a lust for power flash in Alucard's eyes. He couldn't help but feel a little put out by how someone else was getting offered the reward instead of him. Hearing the name combined with the outfit sounded really familiar though, but he just couldn't place it. 'I didn't want him to turn me into a vampire anyways. Still, I feel a little put out I didn't get offered something. I did all the hard work after all.'

No one took any notice of his internal grumblings. All eyes were focused on Harkon.

"You had contacted a disease, but you are no true vampire. My gift will show you the difference. A demonstration is in order."

At this, magical energies converged upon Harkon as he transformed. Rictus had noted his power upon their arrival, but it suddenly skyrocketed. He had been able to tell the vampire was powerful before, but it was different now. The pure power and destructive energies cascading off him was on another level. Harkon in his vampire lord form exuded more power than anything he had seen so far.

'This could be a problem.' Rictus couldn't help the negative thoughts. Even the goliath he faced at Japhet's Folly hadn't been this strong. This amount of power with untold years refining skills could make this whole conflict more difficult than he imagined. A powerful and commanding voice drew him from his thoughts as Harkon spoke.

"Behold the Power! THIS is the power that I offer!"

Alucard removed his hat as he vigorously nodded his head.

"I accept!"

Without any preamble, Harkon lunged forward and bit him. A look of fear and second guessing crossed his face before he collapsed on the floor. The hall was silent as they watched the induction of their newest member.

"I will take him to the shrine where I will teach him how to harness his powers. Do not go far Serana. There is much we need to discuss."

Harkon conjured a gargoyle which picked up Alucard. He then left the hall without wasting any more words on those he had already internally dismissed. Chatter soon started back up as everyone spoke of what had just happened.

Rictus and Serana stood silently beside each other as they were seemingly forgotten about after the event. It was very rare they received any new members, so this was quite the news for them. While they were all distracted, Serana started walking back towards the entrance while motioning him to follow her. She waited till they made it back to the front door before turning an accusing look at him.

"Was it all a lie?"

This was the first time Rictus fully felt her ire. He was surprised by the amount of pressure coming off her. She wasn't a daughter of Cold Harbor for nothing it seemed.

"Of course not. I have never met that man before in my life. I only told you the truth. When we entered here, he threatened me and order me to go along with him. It didn't seem worth the effort to fight him on it, so I just went with it."

She studied him a moment longer before her gaze softened.

"I believe you. It doesn't sit right with me though that he took all the credit."

"Haha don't you worry about it. I am a simple man. Forgetting about my worries and traveling with a beautiful woman was much more rewarding in my mind. Besides, your father looks like a horrible kisser."

He winked at her which caused her to start laughing and quickly diffused the situation. After they laughed for a moment, he turned serious.

"Be careful of Alucard. He is more dangerous than you think. The world has changed from what you once knew. As you have already experienced once, there are people with knowledge of things they have no way of knowing. He is most likely the same way. He will probably approach you soon and act strangely familiar, like he knows you. I don't know if he will mean you harm, but you should be wary all the same."

Pausing a moment, he handed her two pendants. One was emblazoned with a R while the other had a simple black cylinder.

"If you ever have need of me, search out for any member of the Restored and show them this pendant. They will make sure I get the message."

She looked at the cylinder questioningly.

"What about this one?"

He looked over one of the magical research department's newest creations.

"That is a new piece of magic. If you are ever in dire need of help, simply break it, and I will know something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, it won't tell me where you are at when you break it. So, if you do break it, make your way towards the shore by the fort, and I will find you."

She studied the necklace for a moment before putting it inside her cloak.

"Why are you doing all this?"

He simply smiled at her.

"Maybe it's because even though we just met, I feel like I have known you a lot longer than that. If you ever need me, you can usually find me at White River Watch right outside of Whiterun. Just ask for Rictus or the Restored. I wish you well Serana. It has been a pleasure meeting and traveling with you."

With that he turned around and left the castle without another word. Serana watched him leave with a thoughtful look before reentering the castle. It was time for her to figure out what all had changed since she had been gone. The simple pendant in her pocket was surprisingly comforting.

Rictus was making his way back across the water as he pondered everything which just happened. Seeing all the vampires, and Harkon, firsthand had shown the severity of the situation. Them having a Skilled on their side only further complicated matters. 'Hmm I believe he will be the Skilled of Archery based on the group he sent to the crypt. That could prove problematic.'

Good thing he was aware of the problem now instead of being blindsided by it. Thoughts of countermeasures flashed through his mind as he made his way back home.

----

[AN]: Well seems the vampires will have their own Skilled backing them up. Maybe that will help even the fight a bit.

Also, I am sorry I did not get to the comments this past week. Life got a little busy. I will try and respond when I can.

Finally, I will be going on vacation next week so there is a chance I will not be able to post a chapter then. Hopefully, I will be able to do it, but I wanted to warn you in case it doesn't happen.