The Priory of the Nine - Gauntlets of the Crusader
Sir Casimir
I know where you may find the Gauntlets of the Crusader, for I was the one who lost them. Though many know where they are, they are still lost. I believe there is something you must do in order to retrieve them. Would you listen to my tale, and learn of the Gauntlets' fate?
Please tell me.
When the Order fractured, I followed Sir Berich into war, taking the Gauntlets with me. When it was over, I returned to Cyrodiil. I attempted to return to the service of the Nine, but the war had changed me. I no longer had sympathy for the weak, or pity for the suffering. In the brief time I was there, I did more to hurt the Chapel than help it. It was there that I was cursed.
Cursed, what do you mean?
A beggar who came to the Chapel each day for help tried my patience one too many times. I lost my temper, and struck him. My blow landed harder than I had intended, and he fell to the floor, dead. Killed in the very Chapel of the God of Mercy. I left the Chapel at once, of course, but the damage was done. I was weak, constantly weary, and lacked the energy to do almost anything.
What about the Gauntlets?
Ah, yes. As proof of the deed, when I struck the poor man the Gauntlets slipped right off my hands and fell to the floor. Heavy as stone, they would not move. None could lift them. I suspect they lie there still, in Chorrol's Chapel. You must prove to Stendarr you are worthy to lift the Gauntlets once more. Seek out the priests in Chorrol. Perhaps they can help you.
Liann
(Travel to Chorrol)
Honditar
Honditar is the name. I'm a hunter and mountain man.
I heard that someone saw the ghost of Lord Vlindrel again, along the road to Bruma. I think I'll avoid that road at night for a while.
Liann
(Travel to the Chapel of Stendarr)
Areldur
What brings you here, my lady?
The Gauntlets of the Crusader.
Ah yes. The Gauntlets have been here for ages. I know only the basic story behind them; they're more of a novelty these days. My only real involvement with them these days is keeping the youngsters from hurting themselves trying to pick the gauntlets up. What is your interest in them, if I may ask?
I've come to retrieve them.
Oh, I'm afraid that's quite impossible. They don't move. Not even a bit. As if they're the heaviest things in the world. Don't you know the story behind them? I'm not, ahh, familiar with all the details, but I know roughly what happened.
I'd like to know their story.
Yes, well, I don't know the whole thing. A great many years ago, a knight of the old Order did something terrible, and the gauntlets just fell off. They dropped to the floor right where he stood, and no one could lift them. It was a sign of the curse placed upon this knight by Stendarr, I think. That curse still lingers on today, in fact. Poor Kellen.
Who is Kellen?
Oh, why he's a descendant of that very knight from so long ago. The curse has affected his family all these years. He suffers from it now. He came here from Hammerfell seeking a cure, but, ahh... well, there's really nothing that can be done for him, I think. Sympathetic but reserved; holding information back. He may know more of the story than I. Perhaps you should speak with him, if he's feeling well enough.
A Curse?
It's a horrible thing, truly. One cannot help but pity those such as Kellen, who have such a burden placed on them through no fault of their own. Very sad, almost guilty.
But... But if it is the will of the Nine, then there is little that can be done.
Liann
(Go downstairs to meet Kellen)
Kellen
What is it? Is there a cure? Has Areldur found a cure? I know there's something he's not telling me!
Tell me about your curse.
Ah, so you've heard of it, have you? Terrible curse, been in the family almost longer than anyone can remember. When I was younger, I could live with it. Wasn't so bad. But it's only gotten worse over time. I'd come here, to the place it all happened, in the hopes that something could be done. I fear I haven't much time left, otherwise. Areldur has let me stay, mostly out of pity I think, but there's something else. I swear he knows more than he tells.
What do you think of Areldur?
I've seen plenty of pity in peoples' eyes over the years. I grew up recognizing it. But with Areldur... There's something else there. And when he speaks to me, there are times I'd swear he sounds... Apologetic. Guilty, even. Why would that be? What reason does he have to hold back information? I know I'm a doomed man, one way or the other. Speak to him, if you can. Convince him to tell me what he knows, as a dying man's last wish
Liann
(Go back to Areldur)
Areldur
How may I help you?
Can't you help Kellen?
I... I cannot face him. I know what might be done for him, but I haven't the will to do it. I wish I could help him, truly I do, but I cannot muster the strength to damn myself on his behalf!
What are you talking about?
The curse... I know what would lift it. But I cannot do it. The only way to free Kellen of his curse is to take it on myself. I am not strong enough to do this, and so I am a failure. I fail Kellen every time I speak to him, and I fail Stendarr every time I pray to him and do not ask for the power to lift the curse. Do you know one who would do such a thing? One who would pray at this Chapel's altar, pray to Stendarr for the power to lift this curse?
Liann
(Pray at the Altar)
(Receave Lay Hands)
(Go to Kellen)
Kellen
Will you please tell me what Areldur has said about this curse?
About your curse...
So, what can be done for me? I know you've learned something. I can see it in your face.
There is a way to lift the curse.
So someone could only lift the curse from me by taking it on themselves? No wonder Areldur didn't tell me.
How do you feel now?
I'm not sure how I feel. To know that the curse can be lifted gives me hope, but to know that it also means damning another... Would someone taking that responsibility be merciful, or suicidal?
Liann
(Lay Hands on Kellen)
Kellen
You... How did you... I feel good. I feel GOOD! I don't feel like death!
I feel like... running!
Look at me! Ha ha ha!
I can't believe it! I feel normal! Thank you so much! You have no idea what this means to me! I know what you've done to free me from this curse. I don't claim to understand why you'd take it on yourself, but I appreciate it. It means more to me than I can say. Now, I think I need to start living my life. I'm going to get out of here and see the world. Thank you, friend.
Liann
(Pick up the Gauntlets)
Areldur
I can't believe you were willing to do that for Kellen. To sacrifice your own well-being without hesitation... What business do I have acting as a priest if I'm not willing to do all I can in helping those who need it? Perhaps I need to re-think my calling.
Liann
(Travel to Priory of the Nine)
Next: The Priory of the Nine - The Faithful Squire
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