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Chapter Five: The Path of the Dawn
Liann
Speak to Martin.
Martin Not much of a speech, was it? Didn’t seem to bother them, though. The Blades saluting me and hailing me as Martin Septim…I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I know I would be dead by now if it weren’t for you. Thank you. But everyone expects me to suddenly know what to do. How to behave. They want an Emperor to tell them what to do. And I haven’t the faintest idea…
Liann We need to get the Amulet back.
Martin Of course. The Amulet of Kings. So we…I…can take it to the Temple of the One and light the Dragonfires. And stop the Oblivion invasion.
Liann And you will be the Emperor.
Martin The Emperor…that’s an idea that will take some getting used to. In any case, we need the Amulet first. Maybe Jauffre will know where to start.
Liann Can you tell me about the Amulet of Kings?
Martin All practitioners of daedric magic are familiar with the almost impenetrable barrier between our world and Oblivion. What the Emperor told you implies that the Amulet is the key to the preservation of that barrier. What I saw at Kvatch…everything I know about daedric magic says that such stable portals are impossible. Yet those gates to Oblivion existed. The old rules no longer apply. Kvatch is only the beginning of what Mehrunes Dagon will do. If the Amulet is truly the key to restoring the barriers between our world and Oblivion, you must waster no time in recovering it.
Liann Can you tell about the Daedric magic?
Martin I haven’t always been a priest. In my youth, I followed a different path. I know more than I want to about the seductive power of daedric magic. Let’s just leave it at that.
Liann Can you tell about the Oblivion Gate?
Martin Something has changed to make these stable portals to Oblivion possible. Jauffre believes that the death of the Emperor and the darkening of the Dragonfires is the key.
Don’t worry about me, my friend. I know I’m in good hands here.
Martin leaves.
Jauffre You have proven yourself a loyal servant of the Empire, as worthy as any of the Blades to stand by Martin’s side during this crisis. As the Grandmaster of the Blades, I would be honored to accept you into our order. Will you join us?
Liann What are my duties as a Blade?
Jauffre The Blades are sworn to the service of the Emperor, as the mortal representative of the Dragon Blood of the divine Talos.
Liann Yes, I will join the Blades.
Jauffre It is my honor to welcome you into our ranks as a Knight Brother of the Blades.
Liann Shouldn’t we try to find the Amulet of Kings?
Jauffre You’re right. We must try to recover the Amulet before the enemy takes it out of our reach. You should go back to the Imperial City. Baurus may have learned something about the assassins. You’ll find Baurus at Luther Broad’s Boarding House in the Elven Gardens district of the Imperial City. The Amulet of Kings is the key to everything now. Once we have it back. Martin can use it to light the Dragonfires in the Temple of the One, and reseal the barriers between Oblivion and our world.
Liann Can you tell me about the Cloud Ruler Temple?
Jauffre This place was built by Reman Cyrodiil’s Akaviri Dragonguard, at the founding of the Second Empire. Since then, it has served the Blades as a headquarters, fortress, and sanctuary. We can protect Martin here until you recover the Amulet of Kings.
Liann Can you tell me about the Blades?
Jauffre This fortress is well-supplied with arms and armor. Use what you need from the armory in the east wing.
May Talos guide you, my friend.
Liann
Take a full set of arms and armor from the armory.
Overhear a conversation between one Martin and Baragon.
Baragon
My lord... I would speak with you.
Martin
"My lord"? That isn't necessary. I'm just a man. Just a citizen of the Empire, trying to do his duty. Just like you.
Baragon
Of course, sire. I just wanted to let you know you're safe here, sir. Cloud Ruler is secure, and the Blades stand ready.
Martin
Thank you for your kind words. I never knew my father, but he must have been proud to call the Blades his protectors. I know I am.
Baragon
If I may be so bold... you are the true Dragonborn, sir, there's no one here that doubts it. Any one of us would gladly die so that you may live.
Martin
Well, my friend, let's hope it doesn't come to that, hmm? We'll get through this together... as brothers.
Baragon
My heart is lighter thanks to your words. You've given me kinship, and that is worth more than a thousand swords. Until later, friend.
Liann
Head to the Imperial City.
Meet Baurus at Luther Broad’s Boarding House
Baurus Sit down. Don’t say anything. Just do what I say.
Liann
Take a seat next to Baurus.
Baurus Listen. I’m going to get up in a minute and walk out of here. That guy in the corner behind me will follow me. You follow him.
Liann I’m ready when you are.
Baurus Good. Remember, wait for him to follow me. I want to see what he’ll do.
Baurus gets up and goes into the basement. The other man follows.
Liann
Follow Baurus and the guy into the basement.
The guy turns into an assassin. Defeat him.
Baurus Search his body. I’ll keep an eye out, in case any of his friends are nearby.
Liann
Retreave a copy of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries from the assassins body.
Baurus Good work. I am glad to see you, by the way. You just caught me at a bad time.
Liann What have you learned?
Baurus The assassins who killed the Emperor were part of a daedric cult known as the Mythic Dawn. Apparently worship the Daedra Lord Mehrunes Dagon. I’ve been tracking their agents in the Imperial City. I guess they noticed.
Liann The enemy has the Amulet.
Baurus What? They took it from Jauffre? Things are worse than I had thought.
Liann I found Uriel’s heir.
Baurus Thank Talos he lives! Martin Septim, you say…We will restore him to the throne! It is the sworn duty of all Blades.
Liann What’s our next move?
Baurus There’s a scholar at the Arcane University. Tar-Meena’s her name. Supposed to be an expert on daedric cults. Why don’t you take that book to her, see what she makes of it. I’ll keep running down leads on the Mythic Dawn network. If you learn anything, you can find me at Luther Broad’s. May Talos guide you.
Liann Can you tell me about Tar-Meena?
Baurus Like I said, she’s one of the brains over at the Arcane University. Supposed to know everything there is to know about daedric cults.
Baurus I hope you learn something from Tar-Meena about that book. This just might be the break we need.
Liann
Head to the Arcane University.
Tar-Meena Ah. You must be the one I got the message about. How can I help you?
Liann Can you tell me about the Mythic Dawn?
Tar-Meena You know of them? One of the most secretive of all the daedric cults. Not much is known about them. They follow the teachings of Mankar Camoran, whom they call the Master. A shadowy figure in his own right.
Liann I found one of their books.
Tar-Meena Ah yes. “Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes,” wonderful! You have a scholarly interest in daedric cults, then?
Liann I need to find the Mythic Dawn.
Tar-Meena Find them, eh? I won’t poke my nose any further. Official business and all that. I’m used to working with the Blades, don’t worry. Say no more. In any case, finding them won’t be easy. I’ve studied Mankar Camoran’s writings a bit myself, at least those that I could find. It is clear from the text that Mankar Camoran’s “Commentaries” come in four volumes, but I’ve only ever seen the first two books. I believe that his writings contain hidden clues to the location of the Mythic Dawn’s secret shrine to Mehrunes Dagon. Those who unlock this hidden path have proven themselves worthy to join the ranks of the Mythic Dawn cult. Finding the shrines is the first test. If you want to find them, you’ll need all four volumes of the “Commentaries.”
Liann Where can I find these books?
Tar-Meena Here, you can have the library’s copy of Volume 2. Treat it gently, if you please! As I’ve said, I’ve never even seen the third and fourth volumes. You should try First Edition, over in the Market District. Phintias, the proprietor, caters to specialist collectors. He may have an idea of where to locate these books.
Liann Can you tell me about Mankar Camoran?
Tar-Meena The supposed leader of the Mythic Dawn cult, He wrote the infamous “Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes.” The “Commentaries” are contemporary with Tiber Septim, over 400 years ago. So he is unlikely to still be alive, although you never know.
Liann Can you tell me about the Mysterium Xarxes?
Tar-Meena The holy book of the Mythic Dawn. Supposedly written by Mehrunes Dagon himself. If it exists, it would be an artifact of great – and evil – power.
Liann Can you tell me about the Mythic Dawn?
Tar-Meena They worship the daedra lord Mehrunes Dagon, according to the teachings of their leader, Mankar Camoran. No one knows how widespread the cult is, or where their shrine to Mehrunes Dagon is located.
Tar-Meena It was so nice chatting we you. Be sure to let me know how your hunt for the Mythic Dawn turns out.
Liann
Head to the First Edition book shop in the Market District.
Phintias I’m Phintias, owner and proprietor of the First Edition. Look around. If I don’t have it, maybe I can get it.
Liann Do you have any copies of the Mysterium Xarxes?
Phintias You must be referring to Mankar Camoran’s “Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes,” A common mistake. It comes in four volumes. The first two volumes are rare, but you may run across them from time to time. The third and fourth are impossible to find.
Liann I need volumes three and four.
Phintias I happen to have a copy of Volume Three on hand, but I’m afraid it is a…special order. Already paid for by another customer. Sorry. Gwinas would be terribly disappointed if it was gone when he came to pick it up. So sorry I can’t help you.
Liann Can you tell me about the Commentaries, Volume Four?
Phintias I wish I had one, but I’ve never even seen a copy.
Liann Can you tell me about the Commentaries, Three?
Phintias I’m afraid I couldn’t sell it to you for any price. I’ve already promised it to someone else, and my word is my bond.
Liann
Raise Phintias’ disposition.
Phintias I’d like to help you, but the cost…I would have to try to obtain another copy for Gwinas, not to mention his disappointment if he found out…
Liann Can you tell me about the Gwinas?
Phintias I don’t know him personally, but he was very eager to get his hands on Volume 3 of Camoran’s “Commentaries.” Came all the way from Valenwood! As a matter of fact, he’s already late for his appointment to pick up the book. Feel free to wait for him if you want to speak to him yourself.
Gwinas
Gwinas enters.
I’m here for my book, Mankar Camoran’s “Commentaries,” Volume Three.
Phintias Ah, of course. Here you go. Keep us in mind for any future needs!
Gwinas Ah, thank you, thank you! I can’t tell you how long I’ve been looking for this book.
Liann
Approach Gwinas before he leaves.
Gwinas What do you want?
Liann I need your copy of the “Commentaries,” Volume Three.
Gwinas Have you been following me? Leave me alone! That book is mine!
Liann Tell me about the Mythic Dawn cult.
Gwinas The Mythic Dawn? Are you…I mean, I don’t know what you’re talking about! I don’t know anything about any cult.
Liann Don’t play stupid.
Gwinas Very well. I can see you’re familiar with Mankar Camoran’s “Commentaries.” I know that daedric cults are not quite the thing socially, but that’s just foolish prejudice and superstition. For the adventurous, open-minded thinker, daedric worship holds many rewards.
Liann They killed the Emperor, you fool!
Gwinas What?! The Mythic Dawn were the ones…? You have to believe me! I truly had no idea. I mean, I knew they were a daedric cult. Mankar Camoran’s views on Mehrunes Dagon are fascinating, revolutionary even…But to murder the Emperor…Mara preserve us!
Liann You’d better give me that book.
Gwinas Yes. Of course! I don’t want anyone to think I had anything to do with their insane plots! Here. Volume 3 is yours. What you do with it is your business.
Liann I need the fourth book as well.
Gwinas You can only get Volume 4 directly from a member of the Mythic Dawn. I had set up a meeting with the Sponsor, as he called himself. Here, take this note they gave me. It tells you where to go. I don’t want anything else to do with the Mythic Dawn.
Liann
Receive a Note to Gwinas.
Liann
Head back to Luther Broad’s Boarding House.
Baurus You’re not easy to get a hold of. What have you found out?
Liann Do you have anything else to tell me about the Mythic Dawn?
Baurus They’ll pay for the murder of the Emperor. Now that we know who they are, it’s only a matter of time.
Liann I’m going to go meet with a Sponsor of the Mythic Dawn.
Baurus This just might be the break we’ve been looking for! Good work. We need to get that fourth book, then. If Tar-Meena is right, we can use these books to locate the Mythic Dawn’s hidden shrine. Let’s go. I know that part of the sewers well.
Liann Can you tell me about the sewers?
Baurus The sewers run underneath the whole Imperial City. There are access points in every district. The Blades have occasion to use them in our undercover work, as well as a means to move around the city without attracting attention.
Baurus Follow me. I know how to get to the part of the sewers where we need to meet the Sponsor.
Liann
Follow Baurus into the sewers.
Baurus Alright. The room with the table is just through this door. I always wondered who put it there. I happen to know that if you go up the stairs there, you can get a vantage point on the meeting room. I think I’d better be the one to handle the meeting. You’ll be my backup. Keep watch from above in case of trouble.
Liann Alright. I’ll cover you.
BaurusGood. Remember, we must not leave here without the book. It’s our best chance of finding the Amulet.
Liann I’m ready when you are.
Baurus Listen. I may not survive this. But if I don’t, you must. You must recover the book and find the Amulet of Kings.
Liann I understand. We’ll do it – together.
Baurus I’m glad to have you at my back. Okay. Let’s do this.
Liann
Climb the stairs and hide.
Raven
Raven Camoran enters.
So. You want to become one of the Chosen of Mehrunes Dagon. The Path of Dawn is difficult. But the rewards are great. I have the book you seek. With it and the Master’s three other books you will possess the key to enlightenment. But do you have the wit and strength to use the key that you have been given? If so, I will see you next at Dagon's Shrine. Yes, I think you may...
Two Mythic Dawn agents bearing torches aproach.
Mythic Dawn Agent
There is some else here!
Raven
I told you to come alone! Brothers, kill them!
Liann
Kill Raven Camoran and the other cultists.
Baurus That could have gone smoother. Can’t say I minded killing a few more of these bastards, though. Get the book and let’s get out of here.
Liann
Acquire volume four of Mankar Commentaries from Raven's corpse.
Baurus Now that you have all four books, you should be able to handle things from here. I’m going to Cloud Ruler Temple. My place is at Martin’s side.
Baurus I’ll see you back at Cloud Ruler Temple.
Liann
Head to the Imperial University.
Tar-Meena Yes?
Liann Can you tell me anything else about the Mythic Dawn?
Tar-Meena To find their secret shrine to Mehrunes Dagon, you’ll need to study the four volumes of Mankar Camoran’s “Commentaries.” It is a fairly common practice of these kinds of esoteric cults to put hidden messages within their sacred writings. In effect, simply by finding their way to the shrine, prospective members have already passed the first test on the road to “enlightenment.” You’ve piqued my curiosity about this puzzle. I will think on it myself and let you know if I have any ideas. Check back with me tomorrow after I’ve given this matter some thought.
Liann
Wait a day.
Tar-Meena I turned up copies of the first two volumes from my colleagues, and I spent a little time rereading them. Mankar Camoran certainly is a fascinating writer. Undoubtedly insane, but fascinating. Ah, but more to the point, it appears to me that the first words of each paragraph may be significant. A message may be hidden there. I’ll continue to study the problem. Come by tomorrow if you like. I may think of something else.
Liann
You wait another day.
Liann Yes, I have them right here.
Tar-Meena Excellent. Let’s see…yes! The first letter of each paragraph spells out a message! Write this down: “Green Emperor Way Where Tower Touches Midday Sun.” Are you familiar with Green Emperor Way? The gardens around the Imperial Palace. Something must be revealed there at noon! How exciting!
Tar-Meena I've half a mind to go down to Green Emperor Way myself and see what's there ... Well, good luck! I hope you find what you're looking for.
Liann
Visit the Green Emperor Way at noon.
Find a map of Cyrodiil lit in red on the Tomb of Prince Camarril.
Travel to the location marked on the map.
Next: Dagon Shrine
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