The Vestige accepts a mission to scout the Arboretum. The Drake of Blades is waiting above.
Drake of Blades: “He came to her with his....” Oh. Well, that’s colorful. Mara’s mercy, what a waste of paper.
Vestige: What are you reading?
Drake of Blades: The Cane and something, something... It’s fiction. Useless. But it’s still part of our heritage. We have to keep it safe. The Daedra have been torching every book they can find. All except one. It’s a tome of some kind, kept locked away.
Vestige: What do you think is in this book they refuse to burn?
Drake of Blades: I have no idea, but it must be important. I tried to get Sergianus, the Chief Archivist, to smuggle it out for me. But he bungled the job and got himself captured. He’ll no doubt need rescuing. Start with the book, though. It’s in a strongbox nearby.
Vestige: I’ll find the book and see if I can rescue the Chief Archivist while I’m at it.
The Vestige retrieves the book and finds Sergianus in the archives.
Chief Archivist Sergianus: Thank the Eight, you’ve made it. Barely got past the Daedra myself, but this place seem safe enough for now.
Vestige: What is this book anyway?
Chief Archivist Sergianus: It’s called “The Sublime Brazier,” written by a Moth Priest just a few years after St. Alessia passed. Of course, this is just a copy of the original text, which was damaged during the Colovian secession in the twenty-fourth century...
Vestige: Why would the Daedra want it?
Chief Archivist Sergianus: Oh, right. I’m sorry.
Your guess is as good as mine. When they came to the library looking for it, it was all I could do to garble the text with a distortion spell before they got through the door. But now with the ciphers, I can undo the spell.
Vestige: You mean you don’t know what’s in it?
Chief Archivist Sergianus: Here now! I’m an archivist, not a... Look, all I know is it has something to do with the Dragonfires. I didn’t have time to read more before I had to cast the spell. Are you ready to help me translate it?
Vestige: I’m ready.
The Vestige and Sergianus cast the translation spell. The Vestige takes the book to the Drake of Blades.
Drake of Blades: Hey. Judging by the soot on you, I’m guessing it’s done? That or you look like you took a fireball to the face.
Vestige: It’s done. I have the book and I rescued Chief Archivist Sergianus.
Drake of Blades: Excellent. May I have it, please? Whatever it is, the Daedra must think it’s important.
Vestige: Here you go. What’s “The Sublime Brazier?”
Drake of Blades: Sublime what? Oh. Well... that’s troubling. Did you read this? You can read, right?
Vestige: Yes, I read it. What do you make of it?
Drake of Blades: Apparently, the Sublime Brazier is a relic the emperors use to light the Dragonfires - those mystical flames that keep the Daedra from entering our world. But it doesn’t make sense. The Dragonguard should know about this - should be protecting it. How are we expected to turn back the Daedra if... nevermind. Sorry. I just hate surprises.
Vestige: So why were the Daedra holding on to this book?
Drake of Blades: They obviously have plans for this Brazier. They must be looking for insights into how it works. Weaknesses. I suppose we should be thankful that they didn’t destroy the book. I’ve got a lot of reading to do.
Vestige: So what’s the plan?
Drake of Blades: For now, we stay watchful. This book is obviously connected to a greater plot. I’ll be in touch once I figure out what the Sublime Brazier has to do with the invasion. So yes, I’m reading now. Can you go, please? You’re in my light.
