The Personal Journal of Vigilant Merandin Biencel

Edited by Vigilant Oriella

I have found this Notebook in Gerdur’s House, and when asked she proved willing to part with it. I have never kept a Journal before, but I feel the Urge to do so now. Perhaps I am just looking for a Way to sort my Thoughts. So much has happened, and the Road ahead is shrouded in Darkness.

My name is Merandin Biencel, second Son of Duke Fillipe Biencel of Duskmote, a small Duchy in the High Rock Kingdom of Wayrest. But such Titles matter little now. I have fled the Fires of Duskmote Castle, and I am but an ashen Husk of who I was.

When the Imperial Legion caught me crossing the Border into Skyrim, my Fears and Doubts left me. My Judgment had found me, and I was calm as the Soldiers carted me to Helgen along with Thieves, Murderers and Stormcloak Rebels. The Empire had no Notion of my Identity, yet I was to be executed alongside Jarl Ulfric himself. It seemed a fitting End – one that I accepted as the Will of the Gods, even as I was laid upon the Executioner’s Block.

But I did not die there, as I should have. Instead, the Eight Divines intervened in the most unlikely Manner imaginable: a Dragon, a Beast out of Myth not seen in the World for thousands of Years, descended on the small Mountain Town and began to tear it apart. Within Seconds, Helgen was a boiling Cauldron of Dragonfire, Screams and Chaos. I would like to think that it was not Cowardice that drove me to accept the Aid of one of my Fellow Prisoners, Ralof of the Stormcloaks. I would like to think that I accepted that the Gods would see me atone for my Sins before they call me to Aetherius. But all I felt in that Moment was Fear; Fear of Death by that Fire-Breathing Demon. Mere Moments before I had been ready to die – now I was overpowered by a sudden Will to live. Perhaps that too was sent to me by the Gods. But I fear that it was not.

Ralof and I managed to escape in the Confusion, and we have made our Way to the nearby Town of Riverwood, where Ralof’s Sister Gerdur owns a Sawmill by the White River. She and her Husband chose to trust Ralof about the Dragon, despite how wild a Tale it must have seemed. As Ralof is a Fugitive from the Empire and must remain in hiding for the Time being, Gerdur has asked me to deliver the News of the Monster to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun to the North. I have my Reservations. I, too, am a Fugitive, and now that I have regained my Freedom I am loath to place it in Jeopardy again. Ralof tells me that this Stormcloak Rebellion of his is an Uprising against the Empire, a violent Reaction to the Imperial Surrender to the Aldmeri Dominion in the Great War. It sounds much like Sibastion’s Folly, but Ralof claims that Jarl Ulfric owns the Strength to shield me from Queen Elysana’s Wrath. I shall travel Northeast to Windhelm and join them. Perhaps then my Sins can be absolved.

*

Was attacked by two Bandits by the Roadside as I was following the White River East through Whiterun Hold. The Combat Training I received as a Child served me well, and the rusty Iron Mace I picked up while fleeing Helgen proved as adequate a Weapon as any. That – along with the healing Spells that Sibastion used to sneer at so – gave me the upper Hand. One of the Rogues was carrying an enchanted Pendant, and investigating a nearby Body of a Woman that the Villains had been looting, I found a Note stating that the Pendant was an Heirloom of hers – one that she had been robbed of and had evidently died to reclaim.

*

Encountered a Necromancer who was performing some Ritual by a standing Stone on a Hilltop near the Road. Destroyed her, and the Skeletons she raised against me. Foul Magic. Nellus, the old Priest who taught me my Letters, always said that Necromancy was abhorrent in the Eyes of the Gods.

*

I was halted by a thuggish-looking Woman who was camped beneath two Towers spanning the River. She claimed that I needed to pay a Toll. I told her – truthfully – that I had not the Money. She attacked me and I killed her, but not before she had alerted her Friends. I was pelted with Arrows and decided to flee.

*

I met a Man who called himself Talsgar the Wanderer just West of the volcanic Tundras of Eastmarch. He is a young traveling Bard, and he spoke at Length of finding Inspiration in Nature. He is a merry Man, full of Joy and Vitality. I wish that I had the Peace of Mind to enjoy the World around me as he seems to do.

*

A Woman came rushing out of the Forest today, clearly distraught. Two men in strange Attire emerged from the Trees behind her: they wore the Hoods and Robes of Mages or Scholars draped over heavy Shirts of thick Mail. I was clearly outmatched, but a strange Compulsion to protect the Woman seized me. One of the Warrior-Sorcerers easily overpowered me and pinned me to the Ground while the other engaged the Woman in a Dazzle of protective Magicks. In the Light of his Ward, her Face – that had seemed so unearthly beautiful a Second ago – seemed to transform into a vicious, fanged Snarl. The Warrior struck her down and hastily set the Body on fire.

I was released and stood up, shaken. I had not believed Vampires to be more than Tales to scare Children. The Men said a solemn Prayer over me and explained that they belonged to the Vigil of Stendarr, an Order of Warrior-Priests dedicated to spreading the Light of the God of Mercy to the dark Corners of the World by destroying any Creature that prey on Mortals – and particularly by fighting the Threat of the vile Daedra wherever they appear.

Old Nellus was a devout Follower of Stendarr, the God of Mercy, Charity and Justice. Perhaps I shall go to this Hall where their Keeper resides. Perhaps I can find my Redemption in the merciful Stendarr’s Light.

*

Turning North, I spotted a Hut by the River and decided to rest up for a Bit. As I came closer, I found that the Hut was destroyed, however – crushed by a falling Tree. There was a dead Man inside, caught in the Debris. I said a quiet Prayer at his Shrine to Dibella, asking that I do not meet such a End. There is a Ruin nearby. Perhaps I can find salable Valuables within – my Store of Supplies is running low.

*

The Ruin turned out to be an abandoned Prison destroyed by a Flood. I found Orders issued to the Guard Captain to let the Prisoners drown. Horrible. I ran afoul of several Ghosts in the Cell Block – likely the unquiet Spirits of those forsaken Inmates. A Note in one of the Cells detailed an Escape Plan through the Sewers, however, and following it I passed several Skeletons before emerging beneath a Bridge where the Road north crosses the River. The Ruin offered little in the Way of valuable Loot. I shall have to make more Stops along the Way to Windhelm.

*

This Stormcloak Rebellion is bigger than I thought, amounting to a civil War. I see the Signs of it everywhere. I met a Farmer who told me that he was on his Way to join Ulfric’s Cause. He was a little worried, though: the Stormcloaks’ Rhetoric seems to be focused as much on Isolationism and the Idea of creating a Skyrim for Nords only as it is on protesting the Ban on Talos-worship. The Man himself was an Imperial, but he was born and raised in Skyrim and wishes to fight to protect it.

*

I left the Road this morning in order to avoid an Imperial Patrol, and I soon stumbled upon a beautiful Pond in the Woods to the North. I decided to stop for a Rest and swam to a small Island crested with Flowers. Once there, I made a sinister Discovery: a Trail of Blood leading from a small Boat to a Hatch hidden in the Undergrowth. Beneath, I found a Cave inhabited by two Men. This Time, I was more knowledgeable and able to spot the Signs of Vampirism in them. They proved little Challenge, then, as I suppose their usual Method of seducing Prey through Subterfuge has fostered little Battle Prowess in them. A Journal on a Table told me that the twisted Body on the Floor belonged to the Cave’s original Inhabitant, a Smuggler who had brought the two Fiends in believing them to be Cargo stowed in Boxes. Bad Way to go. I also found the Body of another Vigilant of Stendarr who had been kept in a Cage by the Monsters. Despicable. Now I have an even greater Reason to visit the Hall of the Vigilant. I have taken his Amulet, in the Shape of Stendarr’s Chalice, and I will deliver it to his Order. Perhaps that will give him Peace. I placed his Body in one of the Vampires’ Coffins and set him ablaze.

*

I met a Khajiit wearing the simple Robes of an Ascetic by the Roadside. He said that his Name is M’aiq the Liar, and that he “knows many Things, and tells some”. He did have many interesting Things to say, such as the Dragons never being truly gone, and that a Man’s Strength or Wits mean nothing compared to his Ability. For a Cat who names himself a Liar, his Words ring suspiciously of Truth. I left him wiser than I came.

*

Windhelm is an impressive City, with its great Walls of cold stone. I entered through the imposing Gates in search of a Merchant who might buy the few Trinkets I had found. I witnessed a Group of Nords harassing a Dunmer Woman, calling her an Imperial Spy and threatening to drag her from her Bed in the Night to Interrogation. Nasty. Afterwards, the Woman admitted that this is normal Behavior for many of the Nords who subscribe to Ulfric’s Ideals. If I had not already abandoned the Notion of joining Ulfric’s Rebellion, I did so today.

*

I made some Gold off my salvaged Goods. I spent some of it on a Shirt of Mail to wear underneath the simple Robes I have worn since Helgen. I have been in Skyrim for less than two Months, and already I have been assaulted on several Occasions; I do not think that a little extra Protection will go amiss.

*

I met a big Brute of an Orc on the Road West. Normally I would have just avoided that Daedra-worshipping Barbarian, but he had the Gall to insult me. Tempers flared. He died. Malacath did not help him.

*

Passed through a Sawmill by the River Yorgrim. I spent half a Day chopping Wood, and made some good, honest Gold for once. The other Workers were suspicious of Strangers, but they let me spend the Night by a Campfire on the Grounds.

*

Stopped by the Nightgate Inn by Lake Yorgrim for a Mead. Nice Inn. Scenic. The Innkeeper told me about a Shrine to the Daedric Prince Azura, built by dark Elves on a Mountain Peak not far from here. Sounds like something the Vigil might like to know about.

I could get used to Nord Mead.

*

Stumbled on a Nordic Ruin filled with Undead. Vile. I cleared them out. Felt good. Felt right. Like I was making up for the Lives lost because of me. Paying my Dues in the Eyes of the God of Justice.

*

I met a dark Elf named Faldrus on the Road. He told me that he was on his Way to the Shrine I heard about earlier. I killed him. The Mercy of Stendarr does not extend to Daedra Worshipers.

*

I saved a Farmer and his Wife from Frostbite Spiders. They told me that their Home had been attacked by a Dragon – the Buildings burned, the Livestock slaughtered. I offered what Gold I could spare. Hopefully, it will help them back on their Feet.

*

Finally made it to the Hall of the Vigilant, hidden away in a Valley in the Pale. Keeper Carcette, the Head of the Order, has welcomed me with open Arms. My Training begins tomorrow.

*

I have spent nearly a Month in the Hall under the Keeper’s Tutelage. I have learned much Lore about Stendarr and about the Daedra, about Vampires and other Abominations that need to be cleansed from this World. I have been taught the Prayer of Stendarr, which purges the faithful of any Disease that might be contracted from foul Creatures, and Carcette has trained me in the magical Art of Restoration. Soon I will take my Place as a Vigilant of Stendarr and go forth to spread his Mercy. Only one Thing remains: a Pilgrimage up the Mountain, where I will spend a Night in Prayer before the Lord Stone, a sacred Monument to the God of Mercy.

*

Come to me, Stendarr

For without You, I might be deaf

To the manswarm Murmurings of Thy People,

And forgetting their Need for Comfort and Wisdom

I might indulge myself in vain Scribbling.

*

It is done. My Vigil by the standing Stone is complete, and my true Vigil begins. For the first Time since I left Wayrest, I am filled with a Sense of Purpose. Tomorrow, I will leave Jofrik, Metina and the others at the Hall and take to the Road. My first Destination is already decided. Word has reached the Keeper’s Ears of strange Things happening in the nearby Town of Dawnstar. I am being sent to investigate. Stendarr’s Light guide me.

*

The Rumors seem to be true. Everyone I have met since arriving in Dawnstar has complained about strange Nightmares. I went to ask the Jarl, Skald the Elder, about it – but he seems to be more concerned with the civil War. He did mention a Priest of Mara asking Questions, however. I shall ask around Town, try to find him.

*

Met an Orphan Boy running Errands for the Miners. He tells me that he has been working for his Food and sleeping on the Floor of the Inn ever since his Father died. I wish I could help. His is a Fate that makes Stendarr weep.

*

Found the Priest, Erandur, at the Inn. He has confirmed my Suspicions: these Dreams are caused by the Daedric Prince Vaermina. Foul. This must end. Erandur has a Plan and I have agreed to help. There is something off about him, though. He seems to know far more about Vaermina and this Nightcaller Temple that we are going to than a Priest of Mara should. Must tread carefully.

*

I am shaken to my Core. Nightcaller Temple was filled with Deadra Worshipers. What is worse, my Companion, Erandur, has confessed that he was once one of their Number, a Priest of Vaermina. He claims to have fled the Temple during an Attack, leaving his Brothers and Sisters to die. A craven Deed, but befitting of one who would grovel before a Demon – but one that I have myself once committed. I have chosen to trust in the Lady Mara who has taken him under her Wing. I have spared his Life, not only because he wished to help me to destroy the despicable Skull of Corruption that was preying on Dawnstar’s People, but because he – like me – sought Redemption. And though I had my Reservations, Erandur proved true in the End. Even as his Friends awoke from their magical Slumber, he slew them in the Name of the Innocents of Dawnstar.

But Erandur’s Past was not the foulest Discovery that I made in Nightcaller Temple. As we approached the wicked Skull and Erandur began his Ritual to destroy it, The Daedric Prince Vaermina herself reached out and spoke in the Depth of my Heart. I feel violated. I am sick with Revulsion. The vile Demon bid me to slay Erandur, but Stendarr granted me the Strength to resist her seductive Wiles. The Skull was destroyed, and Vaermina’s Presence was cast from my Soul.

Erandur still harbors Guilt over his Past. I have offered him the same Chance at Redemption that I have received: a Place in the Vigil, and an Opportunity to spread Stendarr’s Light. He has gratefully accepted, and a fine Vigilant he shall make. He is a skilled Mage and a Capable warrior. We shall be honored to have him.

*

Erandur and I have traveled back to the Hall of the Vigilant to have him formally inducted into the Order. Along the Way he has told me of his Childhood and – as a dark Elf – long Life here in the Pale. He’s a wise old Man. It feels strange being his Senior in the Vigil.

*

Erandur has been accepted into the Vigil of Stendarr, and I am to be his Companion as we do Stendarr’s Work in Skyrim. Keeper Carcette has ordered us to follow up on the Rumors that I heard while traveling along the River Yorgrim, about the Shrine of Azura supposedly erected in the Mountains of Winterhold.

*

So far, the Journey East has been mostly uneventful. A Snow Storm forced us to take Shelter in a small Ruin carved into the Face of the Mountain. Erandur called the Place Yorgrim Overlook and claimed that it is haunted. He was right: it was guarded by two Skeletons, given Life by some dark Force. The Light of Stendarr has granted them Peace. We will continue on once the Weather settles.

*

Turning North into the Mountains, our Road took us past an old Stronghold known as Fort Kastav. We would have been happy to simply pass by, had we not been waylaid by walking Skeletons pouring out from the Courtyard. Pushing in through the Gate, we have found a Coven of Death Mages using the Fort as their Base. We must root this Evil out.

*

The Witches’ Coven of Fort Kastav is no more. We had already defeated the Bulk of the Sorcerers in the Courtyard, and those few who remained proved little Challenge. We found Evidence of some foul Ritual being prepared atop the Tower, but none now remain to complete it. We have performed our Duty and may proceed North, true to Stendarr’s Purpose.

*

Finally, I see our Goal in the Distance. The Howling of the Wind and the Ice Wolves echo between the desolate Crags and the Cold bites to the Bone, but we have made it. A Statue of Azura, fifty Feet tall, stands as a silent Sentinel atop the Mountain’s Summit. We must proceed with Caution; this Place could be Home to any Number of Daedra Worshipers.

*

We found only one Heretic at the Shrine, a Dunmer Woman named Aranea Ienith. I should have killed her immediately, but instead I chose to question her. She claims that her Demon Mistress has sent her Visions, naming me her Champion. Foolish. She should know better than to trust a Daedra. But she spoke of another Mage in the Service of Azura, one that I am “meant” to seek out. This is worth investigating, so I will play along for now… She has pointed me towards the College of Winterhold, the Mage Academy, so that is where Erandur and I are headed next.

*

Spent a cold Night huddled around a lonesome Guard’s Campfire at his Post outside a small Iron Mine. He told me that he would have been a lot warmer and a lot happier with a Bellyful of Mead. I am inclined to agree.

*

The great Edifice at the Tip of Hsaarik’s Head is an awe-inspiring Sight. Erandur and I both marveled as we approached Winterhold. The Town itself has seen better Days, however. The Jarl, Korir, blames the the College Mages for the Catastrophe that has befallen the Town, despite having little in the Way of Evidence. He was unforthcoming with any Information concerning the Man I seek, but I overheard a Conversation between him and his Wife mentioning a Mage living at the Town Inn. Seems as good a Place to start looking as any.

*

Found the Mage, Nelacar, living at the Frozen Hearth Inn. He told me of Azura’s Star, a powerful Daedric Artifact that has driven his former Mentor, Malyn Varen, insane. He told me where I might find Varen, but warned me against returning the Star to Azura. I assured him that the Vigil has no Intention of doing so. Erandur and I have a long Journey ahead of us, to Lake Ilinalta West of Riverwood.

*

Met and old Orc south of Winterhold who claimed to be waiting for a Death that would “please Malacath”. It was my Duty to end the Daedra Worshiper, even though he seemed to be a wise old Man. It was Stendarr, not Malacath, who granted him his good Death.

*

Passing by Fort Kastav, we noticed that the Stormcloaks have claimed it for their Rebellion. I fear that their Uprising will end the same Way that mine and Sibastion’s did… But at least the Fort is in the Hands of honest, Talos-worshipping Nords rather than Defilers of the Dead. I pray that Stendarr have Mercy on those young Men and Women.

*

Ran into an Orc Woman on the Road. She tried to sell me Skooma. Probably a User, herself; she had the Look. When I declined, she attacked me. Had to kill her. Sad. Would have preferred to attempt to rehabilitate her instead, had she only let me.

*

Were waylaid by a Highwayman on the Road South towards Whiterun. He refused to believe that we had nothing to offer. Stendarr have Mercy on his Soul.

*

Tried to take a Shortcut through the Woods to the South on the Border of Whiterun Hold. Stumbled onto a Nordic Ruin and were attacked by a Group of Bandits. Rested up at their Camp before continuing on.

*

Met a strange Man dressed as a Jester whose Wagon had broken down in the Road. Cicero. Did not seem quite right in the Head. He claimed to be transporting his dead Mother to a new Crypt. Odd. Still, I convinced the Owner of the nearby Farm to help him out. Right Thing to do.

*

Came across a Watchtower guarding the Road just as a Band of Brigands were attacking. Erandur and I gave the Guards a Hand. They were grateful; the Rumors about Dragons had them all on Edge.

*

Met a Group of Peasants sharing a Drink by the Campfire just East of Whiterun and spent the Night merrymaking. Interesting Experience. Turns out, Erandur cannot hold his Mead.

*

Waylaid by another Bandit, this one with some Training in the School of Conjuration. He stated no Reasons for attacking us. An Agent of Queen Elysana, perhaps? I had thought that I buried that Life under the Rubble at Helgen.

*

Passed through Riverwood going West. Grey, rainy Day. Gerdur’s Welcome was warm, though. Had Hod been around, he might have been jealous.

*

Crossed the White River West of Riverwood to get on the North Shore of Lake Ilinalta. No Roads here, just Woodlands. Found the Body of a Thug who had been killed by Wolves. A Note on his Body indicated that he worked in an illegal Gambling Den in Eastmarch. Not the Kind of Thing that the Vigil takes an Interest in, but I might pass the Note along to the Guards the next Time I am in Windhelm.

*

We met an old Woman named Anise living in a Cabin in the Forest all by herself. Something about her did not seem right, so I had Erandur distract her while I poked around. Found a Witches’ Den beneath the Cabin and a Letter for a Woman named Helgi, asking her to come and form a Coven with the old Crone and her Sister. When I confronted Anise with the Evidence, she attacked us. Stendarr will judge her Soul.

*

At long last, Erandur and I have arrived at Ilinalta’s Deep. It is a crumbling Ruin of a Fort, half sunken into the deep Lake. As soon as Night falls, we will venture inside in Search of Malyn Varen and his Star.

*

Death Mages. They attacked us as we rested outside the sunken Fort. As we pushed inside, we were met by the Sight of a crucified Skeleton. A Fisherman. These Sorcerers needed to be stopped. The Light of Stendarr cut through them and their skeletal Slaves like the Dawn banishes the Shadows of the Night. We soon found ourselves looking down on the Body of Varen himself. The Enchanter was long dead; he had succumbed to his Disease cradling the Black Star and a Tome filled with his Ravings. Now begins the long Journey back to Nelacar in Winterhold.

*

We decided to cross the Mountains to the North, a Path that took us through Brittleshin Pass. It is a damp Tunnel, and it was crawling with Undead summoned to serve a Necromancer who had made the Cave his Home. We killed him and destroyed any Skeletons we found. Hopefully, the Pass will now be safe for Travelers.

*

Ran into Talsgar again, on the Road East towards Whiterun. That Man’s jovial Spirit never ceases to amaze me. He congratulated me on joining the Vigil and praised the “Life of Adventure and Song” – as if my Atonement in the Eyes of Stendarr is a Privilege rather than Penance. Perhaps I would do well to adopt his Mindset.

*

Spent the Night in the Ruin of a Cottage by the Roadside, alongside a Squad of Imperial Legionnaires. Their Sergeant tried to recruit me. I told him that I already serve a worthy Cause, and jokingly tried to recruit him right back. We shared a Laugh of Men whose Fates are sealed and who have made their Peace. Erandur still cannot hold his damn Mead.

*

We stopped in Whiterun for a Day. Erandur had always wanted to see the City, and I wished to extend an Offer of Aid to the Temple of Kynareth on behalf of the Vigil. Besides, the Order is always in need of Funds, and we had picked up some valuable Items on the Road that we could sell. We decided to rest our weary Bones and hire a Carriage to take us back to Winterhold.

*

As we arrived in Winterhold, we witnessed a Bandit attacking – and being killed by – the Town Guards in the Street. I examined the Body – it bore the telltale Marks of a Vampire’s Thrall. This might bode ill; Vampires rarely attack Mortals so brazenly. It might not signal the End of the World, as one of the Guards feared, but I have a Feeling that it will prove an ill Omen nonetheless.

*

Nelacar tells me that there is a Way to sever Azura’s Hold on the Star, to thwart her Influence over the Artifact permanently. There is a Problem, however: Malyn Varen succeeded in Soul trapping himself before he died. While his Soul remains inside the Star, nothing can be done to it, and it remains a Conduit of the Daedra’s Will. Unfortunately, the only Way to purge the Star of Varen’s Soul is to send another Soul into it to defeat his. My Soul. Stendarr preserve me.

*

Malyn Varen’s twisted Soul was no Match for the Light of Stendarr, nor were the Dremora he summoned. I awoke unharmed the next Morning, and Nelacar tells me that Azura’s Connection to the Black Star has been cut. Even so, I will take it the Hall of the Vigilant, to be kept in the Vault where it can bring no Harm to Mortalkind.

*

Another Assassin attacked me in the Dead of Night just outside Winterhold, this Time clearly a Member of the Dark Brotherhood. There was nothing on her Person indicating who ordered my Death, but who could it be if not the Queen of Wayrest? Will I never be able to truly put my Past behind me?

*

Aranea Ienith was not happy to see me. The Priestess of Azura had to die. The Mercy of Stendarr does not extend to Daedra Worshipers.

*

Erandur and I may have signed our own Death Warrants. We attempted to cross the Mountains to the Southwest, rather than trek around them. We have been stumbling through a Snow Storm for two Days. We found the Bodies of a Family of Nords, likely Refugees from the War, who had succumbed to the Cold. As we stood there, reciting Stendarr’s Prayer over the Dead, a Rock Slide swept by not twenty Feet from us. Stendarr’s Mercy. Is this Azura’s Wrath? Will this Mountain be the Death of us?

*

At the Top of the Mountain, we found a strange Ruin shaped as an Amphitheater. Two Sorcerers had made this Place their Home, and they tried to scare us off with summoned Atronachs. We sent them and their stinking Demons to Oblivion. We found Shelter at the Base of a strange Wall covered in a Script I did not recognize. Erandur claims it might be ancient Nordic. Be that as it may, that Wall probably saved our Lives, shielding us from the Wind and the Snow until Morning.

*

Found the Remains of an Expedition exploring a dwarven Ruin. Several dead Bodies. Not old – there may be Survivors inside the Ruin itself. Erandur and I are in no Shape to rescue anyone, however; we need to find a Way down from this damned Mountain.

*

A lucky Break. A Man with a hunted Look approached us as we left the Expedition’s Camp. He offered little Help – he just handed us a Pair of enchanted Gauntlets and ran off. Soon afterwards, the Gauntlets’ true Owner appeared and offered us what Food and warm Pelts he could spare in Exchange for their Return – as well as the Direction in which the Thief had fled. Best of all, the Hunter pointed us towards a nearby Pass that will take us South across the Mountains.

*

The Wayward Pass, as it is known, proved our Salvation – even though another one of Queen Elysana’s Agents laid in Ambush for us. How she found us, I will never know. But even in our weakened State, she proved small Challenge for Stendarr’s might. We soon found ourselves looking upon the welcome Sight of the Nightgate Inn, promising hot Food and warm Beds. And Mead.

*

Ran into M’aiq on the Road West. He claims that the Rumors of War are greatly exaggerated. True, I have seen little Fighting… So who spreads these Lies, and why? Is it some vile Scheme hatched by Boethiah?

*

Found that Fort Fellhammer, just down the Road from the Hall, had been taken over by Bandits. Cleared them out before they could threaten our Home. Their Captain was a grizzled old Orc, Tough Bastard.

*

Met two Sisters of the Vigil – Askhild and Mivana – and joined them for the last Leg of the Journey to the Hall. They spoke of Brother Adalvald. He has been missing for some Time. Keeper Carcette is considering mounting an Expedition to investigate that Ruin he is always going on about.

*

Erandur and I were welcomed Home as Heroes. Although Adalvald’s Disappearance has everyone worried, the Conquest of the Black Star is a great Success for the Vigil. It now rests safely in the Vault beneath the Hall under the Keeper’s watchful Eye.

*

On the Road again. The Keeper wishes for the Order to establish a greater Presence in the Reach, so that is where Erandur and I are headed. I think it will be wisest to visit Markarth first, before continuing on to the outlying Villages… But I’m getting ahead of myself. The Road is long, and we are only just leaving the Hall.

*

Granted another Follower of Malacath the “good Death” that he desired. Senseless waste of Life, but one poisoned by the Daedra. It must end. Stendarr will make it so.

*

Too long has Fort Dunstad been held by Bandits. Too long has it blocked the Road South from the Hall. Joined by many Brothers and Sisters, Erandur and I cleared it out. There is an Inn on the Grounds, The Stumbling Sabrecat. We piled in to celebrate our Victory, but found the Innkeeper murdered in his Bed downstairs. Drinking has been a somber Business tonight.

*

A Lead. Met a Man who was visibly ill. When questioned, he confessed himself a Follower of Peryite and credited the Demon with keeping his Disease from killing him. Ludicrous. More likely, the Daedric Prince gave him the Plague himself. When pressed, he gave me the Name and approximate Location of his “Shepherd”. Kesh, somewhere in the Reach. This Idolater must die.

*

M’aiq is holding Sermons by the Roadside now, for anyone willing to listen. Most seem to think he is crazy, but he has gathered a small Following of faithful Disciples. I have always known him to be wiser than he lets on, though I am not so sure that he is a Conduit for Julianos, as some believe. He did share some insightful Views on the Importance of being well prepared, though.

*

Disaster has struck. Kesh will have to wait. We met an Orc in Whiterun who was recruiting for a Group of Vampire Hunters calling themselves the Dawnguard. He claims that the Hall of the Vigilant has been destroyed and all within killed by Vampires. How? Erandur and I left the Hall less than a Month ago. It cannot be.

This Durak tells me that those of the Vigil who remain gather at Stendarr’s Beacon in the South of the Rift to coordinate with the Dawnguard and combat this Surge in Vampire Attacks. I had hoped to speak to the Jarl here in Whiterun, maybe gain an Ally for the Vigil, but it will have to wait. Erandur and I must hasten East immediately.

*

Following the White River East, we decided to make Camp in a Cave overlooking the Rapids. But, as they say: “Caves in the Mountains are seldom unoccupied”. A Group of Bandits operated out of this one. They were led by a big Brute of a Nord named Hajvarr. Found his Journal on his Body. Seems like the Band has been a Thorn in Jarl Balgruuf’s Side for quite some Time. I am certain that the God of Justice led me and Erandur here to mete out their Judgment.

*

Erandur speaks often of Mara. Though a proud Member of Stendarr’s Vigil, it is clear that his Heart will always belong to the Lady of Compassion. I take no Issue: it seems to me that Compassion and Mercy go Hand in Hand. And to hear him speak of how Mara gave him Purpose… Like myself, Erandur is a Man who has found Refuge from his dark Past in the loving Arms of a Divine. Though our Fellow Vigilants may grumble, all know that the Gods all stand together in the End.

*

Met a Cyrodiilian Nobleman named Plautis Carvain as we crossed the Darkwater River into Eastmarch. He said that he and his Wife were going to the Wedding of one Vittoria Vici, a Cousin of the Emperor. A Wedding. Political Schemes. Such simple, worldly Things. So frail, should the Daedra seek to destroy them. This is why we fight, Erandur and I. This is what we are protecting.

*

Found a Fort on the Edge of the volcanic Tundra. It was overrun by dark Mages. They were performing foul Rituals on the Bodies of dead Stormcloak Soldiers. They had to die for Stendarr’s Light to grow.

*

Met a Squad of Stormcloaks looking for their Comrades as we left the Fort. We offered our Condolences and told them that the Fort was theirs. They thanked us in the Name of Talos.

*

Stopped in Darkwater Crossing for the Night. Little Mining Community. Good, honest People. The Kind of Place that the Vigil fights to protect. Kind of Place that can make a Man dream of settling down.

*

Came across two Redguard Warriors in exotic Clothes who were harassing a Woman. They claimed to be looking for someone, but they were clearly mistaken. Erandur convinced them to leave the poor Woman alone. He can be convincing when his Hands are aflame.

*

Shor’s Stone. Another little Mining Town. Filnjar, the Town Blacksmith, has told me that the Mine – and the whole Town’s Livelihood – in in Peril. Frostbite Spiders. Apparently came out of nowhere and forced the Miners to evacuate. Pest Control isn’t usually a Task for the Vigil, but the Mercy of Stendarr demands that we help these People.

*

Cleared the Mine with little Trouble, and spent a Night celebrating with the Townspeople. There was a Woman there. Sylgja. Seems like a good, strong Woman. She has been ill lately and needed someone to deliver something to her Parents in Darkwater Crossing. I would have liked to help her, had I not been headed in the opposite Direction. I would have liked to get to know her better. To rest, instead of always rushing onward. I feel tired sometimes, like I have not slept in Years. I would have liked to sleep in Shor’s Stone for a few more Nights.

*

Passed by another Fort occupied by Bandits. Why must they always attack?

*

Riften. The Den of Thieves. We have only been here an Afternoon, and shady Characters have already tried to recruit us for some Manner of Thievery or other thrice. We had trouble simply getting into the City: the Guard at the Gate tried to shake us down. Erandur wanted to continue on to Stendarr’s Beacon directly, and I am starting to agree with him. The Food and Beds here at the Bee and Barb had better be worth it.

Maramal, a Priest of Mara, is here trying to turn People away from their Drinks. Good Luck. He and Erandur has been discussing Her Benevolence enthusiastically all Evening; I will not be surprised if Erandur requests a Visit at the local Temple before we leave tomorrow.

*

I met a charismatic young Mage in a Corner of the Tavern. His Name is Marcurio, and he has been offering his Services as a Mercenary to pay for his Drinks. I told him about the Vigil and our Work, and he expressed an Interest in joining. With the Order in Shambles, I cannot take him on right now, however. There is not even a Keeper to teach him our Lore.

*

Caught a Glimpse of my Reflection in the dirty Water of the Canal on our Way to the Temple this Morning. Hardly recognized the Face. I am not the same young Man who escaped the burning Castle in High Rock. He was little more than a Boy with hardly a Hair on his Chin. My full-grown Beard has become peppered with gray, of late. And the Crow’s Feet are new. Would Sibastion even recognize me, were he alive? No, I guess not. Not because of my Face, but because of who I am. The young Rebel cared for little else than gaining his big Brother’s Approval. And here I am, in the Service of a Divine. Well, he always did say that Father should have sent me off to become a Priest.

*

Going South from Riften, we encountered a Sorcerer performing some dark Ritual in a Ring of standing Stones. Abominable.

*

A Group of “Imperial soldiers” halted us on the Road, demanding Gold. When we refused to pay, they attacked. We later found the Bodies of the true Soldiers hidden nearby. The War is making Folk desperate.

*

A Storm made us seek Shelter in a small Cave. Had to fight off a Pack of Wolves, but a dry Night is worth it. The Cave’s previous Inhabitant was less successful: we found his Body atop a Rock where he had taken Refuge from the Beasts. His Camp and Supplies were welcome, however, so in Death he came to serve the God of Mercy.

*

We met a frightened Woman in torn Clothes wandering the Wilds. She had been captured by Bandits and kept at a Place she called Mistwatch until she managed to escape. She was reluctant to tell us the Details of her Captivity, so we did not pry. Erandur said a Prayer to Mara over her, and we pointed her towards Riften. Should check with the Guard next Time we are there, make sure that she is safe.

*

Came across a burned-down Hut, still smoking. Inside was the charred Body of a Man clutching a – suspiciously unharmed – Scroll detailing a Ritual for summoning a Flame Atronach. A summoning Circle of candles had been drawn on the Floor nearby. He had been playing with Fire, the foolish Bastard. That is what you get for summoning Demons.

Finally, we have arrived at Stendarr’s Beacon. A rag-tag Group of Brothers met us, confirming what we had been told by the Dawnguard Recruiter. The Hall is destroyed; Keeper Carcette is dead. Luckily, not many Vigilants were at the Hall when it happened; most were out patrolling the Roads of Skyrim. Many have not yet reached the Beacon. The Order might yet survive. But to ensure that, the Vampires must be destroyed. Tolan, a senior Vigilant, has gone to seek the Aid of this Dawnguard, which has apparently recently been reformed from an older Organization by a former Member of our order, Isran. It has been decided that Erandur and I shall go and assist Tolan while the Rest of the Order continue to gather Strength at the Beacon.

*

Another one of Queen Elysana’s Agents found me on the Road to Dayspring Canyon where this Isran has made his Home. Will that Woman never cease to hunt me?

*

Fort Dawnguard. An impressive Building, though it has seen better Days. It seems like Isran has been rebuilding the Place more or less on his own for the last few Years. Only now, with the Vampire Attacks rising in Frequency, has he begun attracting Recruits. One of them, Celann, used to be a Vigilant alongside Isran. He claims that they were both dissatisfied with the Vigil’s Work and left after a Falling out with Keeper Carcette. Heretics, then. Uncomfortable. But they were right about the Vampires; Tolan has admitted as much. Despite the obvious bad Blood between Isran and the Vigil, Tolan has agreed to accept Isran’s Command, for now. We shared Brother Adalvald’s Information on Dimhollow Crypt, and Isran has ordered Tolan, Erandur and I to investigate.

*

Attacked by a Hagraven in the Woods. Filthy creature, born of dark Magicks.

*

Decided to hire a Carriage from Riften to Dawnstar. Take some Time to gather our Thoughts. Dimhollow is just a short Trek from the Hall… or whatever remains of it. It would be wrong for us to pass without paying our Respects.

*

It is true. I did not truly believe it until I saw it with my own Eyes, until I stood in the Ashes. The Hall is a smoking Ruin. Erandur and I were the First to return. To us fell the Duty of burying the Fallen. Jofrik, Askhild, Metina… Keeper Carcette. We buried them all in the Sight of Arkay and collected their Amulets. They will be honored when the Vigil rises anew. I was also able to recover the Black Star from the Vault. Thank Stendarr that the Artifact did not fall into the Hands of the undead Fiends.

*

Tolan was a Fool to enter the Cave without us. He was already dead at the Hands of the Bloodsuckers when we arrived. The Place was crawling with them. But there was something more; Erandur and I could both feel it. That Place held some ancient Evil, something that had been out of Stendarr’s Sight for Eons. Something that made our Stomachs turn.

Pushing deeper into the Crypt, we found Brother Adalvald, still alive, being interrogated by the Vampires. They slew him before we could stop them, and his Notebook contained few Answers. We had no Choice but to complete the Ritual that the Fiends had begun. It unlocked a Sarcophagus, and inside was a Woman – a Vampire – carrying an Elder Scroll, those enigmatic Texts of unknown Origin holding Secrets of Past and Future.

I should have killed her right then, had she not been our only Clue as to what is going on. Serana is reluctant to share any real Information about herself, but she is adamant that she needs to be escorted to her ancestral Home off the Coast of Haafingar to the West. I have agreed to play along for now, in Spite of Erandur’s Objections.

*

The Situation calls for both Speed and a Bit of Strategy. I am writing this at the Docks in Dawnstar. Here, I have found a Captain of a small Skiff who is willing to take Serana and myself to Solitude. Erandur will not be joining us. I have instructed him to remain in Dawnstar and send Word to Isran of what has transpired in Case I do not return. After that, he will petition the Jarl for Aid in rebuilding the Hall of the Vigilant. It took some Convincing, but I was eventually able to make him see the Wisdom of my Plan. It is with the manifold Blessings of Mara that I set Sail West with the undead Girl in tow.

*

Serana is not the wicked Demon that I expected. Instead, she has proven herself to be a charming travel Companion – albeit a tight-lipped one. It is clear that the Prospect of meeting her Father fills her with Dread, and it makes her Silence grow deeper the closer we get to our Destination.

*

The Coast of the Sea of Ghosts is a desolate Place, almost devoid of Human Habitation – only icy Spray crashing against black Sand as far as the Eye can see. And out there, like a broken, black Tooth sticking out of the iron gray Waves, is our Goal – Castle Volkihar. I have no Way of knowing what will befall me in that Hive of Monsters, but it is likely that I go to my Death. But should the worst come to pass, I die in the Service of the God of Mercy. Perhaps then the Souls who haunt my Dreams will finally find Peace.

*

It is worse than I ever could have expected. The Castle is filled with Vampires of a Breed older and more powerful than any described in the Library at the Hall. Serana’s Father, Lord Harkon, was able to assume a terrible – monstrous – Form. And now they have an Elder Scroll, with which they plan to do Gods-know-what. It was only because of Harkon’s Gratitude for my Service – I seethe to admit – in returning the Scroll and his Daughter that I was allowed to leave with my Life. I must return to Fort Dawnguard at once. Isran must learn of this.

*

So far my Journey back to the Rift has been uneventful, if long and wearying. A Letter from Erandur awaited me when I made Port in Windhelm. It seems that Jarl Skald is suspicious of the Vigil, believing us to be in League with the Empire. He has proven unwilling to support any Reestablishment of a Hall of the Vigilant in the Pale, despite Erandur’s best Efforts to persuade him otherwise. I had hoped that we could be reunited now that I am back from inside the Belly of the Beast, but for now, it is better that he remains in Dawnstar. He has gathered a Number of Brothers and Sisters in Nightcaller Temple – making it an unofficial Hall – and is sending them out on Patrol in an Attempt to normalize Things.

On a lighter Note, I ran into Suvaris Atheron, a Dunmer Woman that I once befriended, at the Docks in Windhelm. She gave me a Pair of Boots “for the Sake of our Friendship”. Not sure what to make of this. Some dark Elf Courtship Ritual? Will ask Erandur.

*

I came back to Fort Dawnguard just as it was attacked by Vampires. We killed them easily enough, but the Boldness of the Attack is not a good Sign. Isran is displeased with me, and he has every Right to be. That sacrificing my life would not have deprived Lord Harkon of his Elder Scroll seems like a weak Excuse, even to me. But not even the Gods can change the Past, as they say. We agreed that the only rational next Step is to step up our Recruitment. I am being sent to find two Experts that Isran has worked with in the Past: Sorine Jurard, a natural Philosopher out in the Reach, and Gunmar, some Kind of Animal Trainer near Ivarstead. Seems like a Task that a Messenger or Courier could manage, but Isran does not seem to have much Confidence in my Abilities, or in those of my Brothers. He speaks of the Vigil with a Disdain that vexes me. I will do as he says for now, as will the Order; but I have little hope of our two Organizations maintaining an amiable Relationship once the current Crisis has passed.

*

The Vigil is still in Disarray. In the Absence of a proper Keeper, we have had to divide our Forces under a fractured Leadership: Erandur has his People in the North focus on aiding the Vampire Victims, while Vigilant Torhald at Stendarr’s Beacon and his Men in the South try to reestablish the Order’s Presence on the Roads and conduct Investigations into suspected Daedra Activity. I lead those Vigilants coordinating with Isran and the Dawnguard, seeking out any and all Leads we can find on these Volkihar Vampires. It seems to be working so far, but once Things settle we will have to elect a new Keeper to stay the Order from fracturing further.

*

Met a Group of Warriors outside Riften who called themselves the Companions. Mercenaries out of Whiterun. Seemed honorable enough – like most Nord Warriors – but something about their Leader, Farkas, made my Nose twitch. Could have sworn the Man had Fur coming out of his Ears.

*

Met Marcurio in Riften. He has been out of Work since Erandur and I last passed through, more than three Months ago. I have agreed to let him travel with me for a Time, and to begin teaching him the Ways of the Vigil. He is a sharp young Man and eager to learn; I just wish that the Order had not been in such a sorry State. Still, new Recruits are essential to our Survival. With the Help of Marcurio and others like him, the Vigil of Stendarr will become great again.

*

The Boy has proven himself to be quite the Warrior, if a Bit proud. He handled himself well as we cleared an old Castle North of Lake Honrich today. A jarring Discovery awaited us at the Top of the Tower. Among the Possessions of the Bandit Chief, I found a strange, white Stone Orb. Its Surface was warm to the Touch and covered in geometric Facets. As I touched it, my Soul was once again violated by the Intrusion of a Daedric Prince. Like Vaermina many Years before her, Meridia spoke in the Depth of my Heart. She spoke of a Temple erected in her Honor, now marred by Darkness. She wills for me to purge it. I refuse to be the Pawn of a Demon. Still; Meridia’s Sphere is the Energies of living Things, and she is known to despise the Undead. Should my Path bring me near Mount Kilkreath, I will go there and see this Infestation for myself.

*

Continuing West, Marcurio and I have stumbled on what seems to be a Skooma Den hidden beneath a Ruined Hovel in the Forest. We have decided to pose as Buyers and investigate.

*

Never should have been dumb enough to actually sample the Skooma. Never would have, had not one of the Patrons been an Imperial Deserter who recognized me from Helgen. I had to take the Stuff to avoid Suspicion – and to silence Marcurio, who full of youthful Curiosity wanted us to try it – and of course it was a knock-out Potion.

Even so, I guess that my Mistake did yield interesting Results. The Operation turned out to be run by Vampires who fed off their drugged Customers. Vile. But it was more than that. The Skooma Den was built atop a Nordic Ruin, at the Heart of which we found a Wellspring pouring forth, not Water, but darkest Blood. We slew all we found within, including the Master Vampire. Among his Things, we found a Journal and a Research Log Book telling a blood-curdling Tale: this Venarus Vulpin had used the “Bloodspring” to herd People like Cattle, and he was on the Cusp of discovering a Way to unlock the Spring’s Potential as an endless Source of Power and Sustenance for him and his undead Brethren. We destroyed him before his Work was complete, but there is no Telling who else might have known of it. I shall bring his Tomes to the Vigil. Our Scholars – those that remain – shall study them in Search of Clues as to the Whereabouts of this blasphemous Bloodspring Chalice. It will be found and kept safe with the Order, and this foul Place will be buried and forgotten. May the Light of Stendarr preserve us all.

*

Met one of Torhald’s People who was hunting down a Vampire just East of Ivarstead. Dunmer Woman, think her Name is Itharel. Was surprised to see her alone, as we Vigilants usually hunt in Pairs, if not in bigger Groups. She revealed that her Partner had been slain by the Fiend that she was now hunting. Marcurio and I helped her find her Vengeance.

*

Found this Gunmar Fellow tracking a Bear near Ivarstead. He was reluctant to work with Isran again, but he agreed to return to Fort Dawnguard once I had explained the Situation to him. And helped him kill his Bear.

*

Spent the Night in a small Shack that seems to recently have belonged to an Alchemist. Tomorrow begins the Climb to cross West over the Mountains, towards Helgen and onward into Falkreath Hold.

*

Met another Farmer devastated by the returning Dragons. I have yet to encounter one of the Beasts myself, but the Stories are everywhere. Had the Vigil been at full Strength I am certain that we would have been looking into the Issue. As it is, a few gold Septims were all the Aid I had to offer.

*

Passed through Helgen today. Never thought I would return. The Town was never rebuilt after the Dragon Attack. Now the Ruins are Home to Bandits and other Lowlifes. Felt their Eyes on me as we moved through the sooty Streets, but killing a Few discouraged the Rest from causing Trouble.

Passed through Falkreath. Gloomy Place. Marcurio wanted to stop at the Inn for a Pint, but we really do not have the Time for Distractions. Instead, we stocked up on Supplies at the general Store and went on our Way. It is still a long Way to Markarth.

*

Taking a Shortcut through the Woods West of Falkreath, Marcurio and I stumbled upon a Death Mage who was performing a Ritual at a blood-stained Shrine in a Glade. Stendarr’s Light has chased her Darkness from the World.

*

Queen Elysana will not relent. Attacked by three Thugs in the Forest. As long as she keeps sending Assassins, I will have to keep killing them in self-Defense. It is a senseless, pointless Loss of Life, abhorrent in the Eyes of the God of Mercy, and it has to end. I had hoped to let the Name of Biencel die, but that is no longer an Option. I have written a Letter explaining my Involvement in my Brother’s Rebellion and expressing my deepest Regrets. I am sending it to Torhald at Stendarr’s Beacon, to have him forward it to the Grand Keeper in Cyrodiil. I am asking that the Vigil appeal to the Queen on my Behalf. Perhaps if she can be made to see that I am paying my Dues in the Service of Stendarr, she can forgive me.

And maybe then, I will have Peace.

*

The Reach. A Land of narrow Gorges and swift Rivers. We will begin our Search for Jurard by inquiring in Markarth. It seems the likely Place for a Scholar on the Dwemer to gather Supplies for an Expedition.

*

We have only just arrived, and Markarth is already proving more Trouble than it is worth. I stopped a would-be Assassin from stabbing a Woman in the Marketplace just inside the Gates. After interviewing the Witnesses, I have concluded that the Attack was Part of some political Unrest between the Nords and my Brother Bretons, who are native to this Land. No Business for the Vigil, even if I wanted to get involved. I will leave it to the City Guards. They did not seem to want my Help, anyway. Of course, the Market was in an Uproar after what happened. Of the few People that I managed to get something other than hysterical Babble out of, none remember a Breton natural Philosopher passing through. Just my Luck.

*

Made our Way up to the Understone Keep. I had heard that the great Scholar Calcelmo is leading an Excavation there. He is Tamriel’s foremost Expert on the Dwemer – and surely someone that Sorine Jurard would want to meet. Sure enough – The old Man had met the Girl some Weeks earlier and discussed her Findings. He pointed me toward the Site that she is Excavating, North past Karthwasten and then West along one of the Karth’s Tributaries.

*

On our Way out of the Keep, Marcurio and I were approached by Verulus, the Priest of Arkay who oversees Markarth’s Hall of the Dead. He wanted my Expert Opinion on a serious Matter: Bodies in the Crypt have been desecrated. Eaten. It sounded like Draugr to me, maybe even a Werewolf. I agreed to investigate.

What we found was even worse. A Cannibal – a Woman in the Service of the Daedric Prince Namira. She had the Gall to try to convince me to join her, to tempt me into eating Human Flesh. I did not find the Proposal as tempting as she had supposed. Namira has lost a Servant, but I fear that there are more in the Area. The Vigil of Stendarr will drag them into the Light.

*

Another Tragedy at the Hands of the filthy Daedra. As we were leaving the City, Marcurio and I came across Vigilant Tyranus, one of Torhald’s Men. He suspected that a House in the City had been a Site of Daedra Worship, and he asked our Assistance in his Investigation.

He was quite right. Once inside, the despicable Voice of Molag Bal commanded us to kill one another. Brother Tyranus proved too weak to endure the Demon’s Threats: he attacked us in a Panic, and Marcurio was forced to strike him down. Molag Bal demands our Help with bringing a Follower of his Rival Boethiah to his Shrine for Punishment. He shall not have our Aid – but the Heretic will be destroyed.

*

Moving North along the swift Karth River, we were attacked by a Group of Forsworn. Sad. These are my own Breton Brothers and Sisters, honoring the Old Gods and fighting to reclaim a Land that once was theirs. While I sympathize with their Cause, I cannot support it. I would tell them what I should have told Sibastion all those Years ago – that open Rebellion leads not to Victory, but only to Blood.

*

A Highwayman tried to rob us outside of Karthwasten. Marcurio is less forgiving than I – as are his Lightning Bolts. I shall endeavor to explain the Concept of Stendarr’s Mercy in more Detail.

*

Stopped in Karthwasten for Supplies and found the Town Mine occupied by Brigands. I convinced them to leave – peacefully, for once.

*

M’aiq is still moving up in the World. He held a Sermon on a Hill about the Importance of listening to the People around you. He truly is a Spark of Light in a dark Age.

*

Found the Body of a young Girl in a shallow Pool in the Hills. Riddled with Forsworn Arrows. I agree even less with their Cause now. “Cause”. This was Murder, plain and simple.

*

Kesh the Clean. Finally found that Daedra-worshipping Scum, tending to a Shrine to Peryite on a Hilltop. Marcurio thinks that it was pure Luck that we stumbled over it while taking a Shortcut through the Foothills of the Druadach Mountains. I say Stendarr led us there. Before he died, Kesh spoke of Bthardamz, a Place where Plague-ridden Followers of Peryite gather. They must be cleansed lest their Sickness spread.

*

The Afflicted have been dealt with – those few there were. The Entrance to the actual Ruin was blocked, however, and I fear there might be more still within. The Vigil shall return, bearing the Light of Stendarr into these Shadows.

*

We have found Sorine Jurard, at long last. Just like Gunmar – just like everyone I have talked to so far – she was reluctant to return into Isran’s Service. But like Isran had told me, she is a smart Girl, and it did not take much for her to see the Severity of the Situation. She will travel to Fort Dawnguard. As will Marcurio and I, once we have dealt with this Priest that Molag Bal would see punished.

*

The Priest of Boethiah was captured and held by the Forsworn. As I might have guessed, they refused to surrender the Sinner into our Custody. Instead they attacked – and were destroyed. I have come to believe that they are driven by some darker Force than mere misguided Ideology. Examining one of their Leaders, I found that he had had his Heart replaced with a Seed Pod from some Briar – supposedly for some magical Reward. This is Magic of a Kind that I have never heard of, and I shudder to think where the Forsworn may have learned it. I am seeing a lot of Evidence in the Camp of the Natives slaying and dismembering Spriggans – Spriggans, who are the purest and most innocent Nature Spirits on Nirn. It begs further Investigation.

I have let Logrolf, the Priest, go free for now. I should have killed him, but I believe that I may be able to play the two Princes against one another.

*

Uneventful Trip back to Markarth. Arrived at Molag Bal’s Altar just in Time to see Boethiah’s Priest be crushed into Submission by the Lord of Domination. Disgusting. I executed the Heretic in the Name of Stendarr. The Daedra rewarded me with his fabled Mace, but I will never be his. The Mace of Molag Bal will be kept in the new Vault of the Vigil, once it has been built, never to spread its dark Influence in the World of Mortals again.

*

Hired a Carriage back to Riften. Slept most of the Way. First Time in Ages that I have had the Time to rest my Legs for more than a few Hours at a Time.

*

Arrived at Stendarr’s Beacon to deliver the Mace and the Black Star to Torhald. He has had Word from Erandur, and it is not good: there have been several more Vampire Attacks, and aiding the Victims – specifically the crucial Task of purifying any that might have contracted Vampirism – is proving too much for his small Group of Vigilants. He has contacted the Priesthood of Mara, and a Number of their Healers have joined him at Nightcaller Temple. The Situation is growing untenable. It is Time that I return to Fort Dawnguard.

*

Serana has showed up on the Dawnguard’s Doorstep, looking for me. She is brave, I will give her that. Isran was suspicious, to say the least. So was I, but the Vampiress has put herself at great Risk by seeking us out. And she has brought us the Elder Scroll, a Betrayal that her Father will not take kindly to. She claims that Lord Harkon could potentially use the Scroll to somehow weaken the Sun’s Power over the Undead, allowing them to move freely in Daylight. This would be a Disaster. Trusting Serana is now our only Hope of stopping the Volkihar Vampires from enslaving every Mortal in Tamriel. Even Isran, extreme that he is, can see this.

I am to join Serana in a Search for a Moth Priest who is rumored to be somewhere in Skyrim, as he might be the only one within a Thousand Miles who can read the Scroll. I have ordered Marcurio to rent a Room at The Bee and Barb in Riften, ostensibly to serve as Liaison between the Vigilants in the Field and our Dawnguard Allies. In Truth, I fear that the Things I will have to do over the coming Weeks will be too dangerous for the Boy. I am telling Alfrida to take him under her Wing for now, and continue his Education. Meanwhile, in Lieu of a solid Lead, Serana and I will begin our Search for this Priest by simply asking around in Riften.

*

Caught a Pair of Vampires scouting out the Mouth of Dayspring Canyon as we were leaving for Riften. They are testing the Dawnguard’s Defenses. It will not be long before the Fort comes under a full-Scale Attack. We must find this Priest fast.

*

Spotted another Group of Vampires hunting along the Road to Riften, less than two Days out from the Fort. As soon as we reach the City, I will send a Letter to Isran advising him to step up his Guard Patrols. I will also send Word to Torhald at the Beacon, requesting that he puts more Vigilants on the Roads here in the Rift.

*

Serana is beginning to earn my Trust. She restricts her Appetites to Animals, though if this is merely out of Respect for me or Part of her genuine Beliefs I cannot say. When I question her about her Vampirism she becomes defensive. I have learned that she was not infected with the Sickness, but chose it herself. Her whole Family received the tainted Blood as a Reward directly from the Foul Molag Bal. Disgusting. Worse, she shows few Signs of regretting the Decision. Even so, I doubt that she would betray me – I sense that she genuinely cares for the Mortals that we seek to protect.

*

No one in Riften’s Marketplace or at the Inn had heard anything about the Moth Priest, but a Carriage-Driver at the Stables had met the Scholar recently. The Man was even willing to share the Priest’s intended Destination – in Exchange for a Purse of Gold. Dragon Bridge, on the Border between Haafingar and the Reach. It is not one of the Carriage-Man’s Stops, but he is willing to take us as far as Solitude. For another few Septims, naturally.

*

I have been reading through some of my old Journal Entries to pass the Time on the Road. Hard to believe that it has been more than Fifteen Years since Helgen. Fifteen Years in the Service of the God of Mercy. I am now a Senior Member of the Vigil, a far Cry from the miserable Whelp who once stumbled into the Hall crying for Guidance from the Keeper.

*

The Road West to Dragon Bridge has brought us into the Shadow of Mount Kilkreath. I have carried Meridia’s Beacon for more than a Year, strangely reluctant to leave it in Torhald’s Keeping. I refuse to do the Bidding of a Daedra… but I have been hearing Rumors of strange Attacks in the Area surrounding Meridia’s temple. I suspect that the Creatures responsible are the same ones that the Demon wishes for me to destroy. It is my Duty to Stendarr to investigate, but I must tread carefully.

*

Meridia has spoken to me. As I placed her Beacon at the Foot of her Statue, she appeared to me as a Mote of Light in the dark Sky. Serana claims to have seen Nothing, but I know that it was real. The Demon bids me to guide her Light through the darkened Temple below, to retrieve her Sword and destroy the Necromancer who has defiled it.

My Heart is torn. How can the Voice of a vile Daedra ring with the Words of Stendarr? As I chase these Shadows away, will I be spreading the Light of the God of Mercy, or of Meridia?

*

It is done. The Death Mage Malkoran is vanquished, and I hold in my hand the Dawnbreaker, Meridia’s bright Sword. The Daedra has named me her Herald and bid me go forth and cleanse the World of Undead. I refused, told her that I am a Servant of the God of Mercy and will never belong to a Demon. But how can that be true, if Stendarr’s Work and Meridia’s are the same? The Demon tells me that her Light will shine through me however I name it, that her Influence will grow through my Deeds whether I will it so or not. Stendarr is silent. Whom do I truly serve?

But I must not falter. I renounce Meridia. Her Dawnbreaker will go to the Vault, never to be wielded by a Mortal Hand. The Work that I do, I do for the God of Mercy.

*

Reached Dragon Bridge after Sundown and let a Room at the Four Shields Tavern. The Innkeeper, Faida, has heard Nothing of the Moth Priest. We will begin questioning the other Townspeople in the Morning.

*

Found a Guard who has seen the Priest pass through Town with a Company of Guards not long ago. They were heading South across the great Bridge.

*

Found the Priest’s Carriage upturned in the Road a Day’s Travel South of Dragon Bridge. Surrounding it were the Bodies of several imperial Legionnaires – and one Vampire. No Sign of the Priest, but the Creature carried a Note with Instructions to Capture him alive and bring him to a nearby Cave. Serana and I are heading there now, following an ominous Blood Trail.

*

Freed the Priest, Dexion, from the Vampires. He was alive and unharmed – because he was being kept that Way. I fear that the Vampires wanted him for the same Reason we do: to read the Elder Scroll. Likely, this means that the Fiends have set some Plan in Motion to recover the Scroll itself. Serana still carries it with her, but the Volkihar might assume that it is held in Fort Dawnguard. We must return with Dexion immediately.

*

Spent much of the Ride back to Riften staring at Dawnbreaker, pondering it. It shines with so bright a Light. It is so real. As was Meridia. I heard her Voice, saw her Shape wreathed in Light. Stendarr has never spoken to me. I have never seen the Light of his Mercy.

But I feel it inside. It is what drives me on, what has shaped me into who I am. That Stendarr does not speak to me means only that he does not have to. Where the Daedra must whisper and coerce, the Divines shape the World simply by their Being. And if Meridia’s Goals are the same as those of the Vigil, that means simply that she too is a Servant of the God of Mercy.

*

Torhald is reluctant to agree with my Musings on Meridia, but I have discussed my Experiences with a few of the Order’s Scholars here at the Beacon. They have agreed that mine is an interesting Theory, and will search the Records for other Instances where the Lady of Infinite Energies have done Stendarr’s Work. Perhaps it is Time to review the Vigil’s Doctrine. It will have to wait, however, until the Order has been properly rebuilt.

*

The Dawnguard is growing quickly, filling up with more eager Recruits each Day. Dexion is preparing for his Reading of the Scroll. Hopefully, we can soon have Peace again.

*

Reading the Scroll raised more Questions than it answered. The only tangible Information we have learned is that we will need to find two more Elder Scrolls to find the full Prophecy and learn how to stop Harkon. Serana tells me that her long lost Mother might possess one, and that returning to Castle Volkihar is our best Bet on how to find her. It sounds risky, but I have chosen to trust her. However, there are other Matters to attend to: Isran has asked me to find and enlist the Aid of a former Priest of Arkay who is working with the Vigil at an Excavation Site not far from Shor’s Stone. I have sent Serana ahead to Haafingar: there are some of the Order’s Activities that a Vampire should not be privy to.

I have enlisted the Services of Beleval, one of the newer Dawnguard Recruits, and her War-Hound Bran. I fear that I might need her Aid: according to Marcurio, the Brothers at Ruunvald stopped reporting in some Time ago.

*

We have made it safely to Ruunvald, though the Climb up the Mountainside was taxing. The Guard Post outside is deserted. I found the Journal of Brother Volk, describing strange Behaviors among the Brothers. Beleval and I will rest up here tonight, then head into the Ruins proper tomorrow Morning.

*

Stendarr preserve me. We found the Vigilants at the Excavation under some Spell that drove them to attack us. I was forced to slay many Brothers – among them Vigilant Volk, who I used to train with at the old Hall. A deceitful Witch who called herself Minorne had managed to charm Brother Moric and the others. I found a Notebook of his Ramblings where he spoke of her as a Goddess. Blasphemy.

We did find the Priest unharmed, though: it seems that his Devotion to Arkay has protected him from the Witch’s Charms. He is not what I expected. He claims that Arkay speaks to him. I was tempted to leave him in his Cage. But how many Daedra have not spoken in my Mind, as clear as my own Thoughts? Who am I to gainsay him?

*

Found a Khajiit Merchant and his Cart crushed to Pieces by the Roadside South of Kynesgrove. Usually, I would have tried to find the Culprits, but this Time the Case was obvious: the Cat had strayed too close to the nearby Giant’s Camp. Giants are viewed as Mortals in the Code of the Vigil, so the Order does not interfere with them unless they are proven to cavort with Daedra. Nor was there any Justice to be meted out by the Laws of Men: most of Skyrim’s Holds recognize the Giants as a separate Culture, and their Mammoth Herds and Encampments as their sovereign Domain – and the Khajiit was clearly encroaching.

*

M’aiq is becoming a living Myth among his Followers. Moving through the Crowd at one of his Sermons, I heard Whispers about the Prophet springing into Existence full-grown, Beard, Mane and all. He told me privately that he has no use for such Mysticism, but I suspect that he might be spreading these Rumors himself. The old Cat is not without Pride.

*

Stopped for an Ale at the Braidwood Inn in Kynesgrove. May have had one too many and made a Pass at Beleval. Woke up with Hangover and Dog Bite.

*

Arrived at Windhelm this Afternoon. I have instructed Beleval to return to the Dawnguard with her Hound. She has been rather frosty these past few Days, and I fear that I deserved it. She could not have accompanied me for the Rest of the Journey, anyway.

I have found a Bargeman willing to take me to the Volkihar Island, where Serana is waiting.

*

The Island is even drearier than I remembered. Serana has led me to a Side Entrance through which we can enter the Castle undetected. May Stendarr’s Light shine upon me in this dark Place.

*

We have reached the Courtyard, dilapidated and overgrown. We had to crawl through the Castle’s under-Croft filled with Death Hounds and Vermin to get here, but we are here. Now we just need to find a Clue as to where Serana’s Mother might be.

*

We have found the hidden Laboratory of Serana’s mother, Valerica, ingeniously concealed within Harkon’s own Castle. Her Journal indicates that she has taken Refuge within the Soul Cairn, an otherworldly Realm which consumes the Remnants of those unfortunate Souls captured by Sorcerers once their Energies have been spent. We intend to follow her, using the Method described in her Notes. Unfortunately, the Soul Cairn will not suffer the Living to enter. There is no Way in for me while my Soul remains intact. Serana, the Neophyte Necromancer, has come up with two equally distasteful Solutions. I refuse to to become a Vampire, so instead I will allow this sweet-faced Demon to partially Soul-trap me, trusting that she can – and will – restore me afterwards. Stendarr help me, for in Thy merciful Hands I place my Life.

*

The Ritual worked. My Soul was rent asunder, and I was able to enter the Soul Cairn. My Memories are hazy and fragmented. I remember a weary, gray Plain dotted with painful black Ruins under a dark regretful Sky. I vaguely recall battling a rotting, skeletal Dragon reeking of Pestilence and old Honor. These Memories are like the Tatters of a half-forgotten Nightmare, leaving only a sour Taste and a beating Heart in its Wake. My Soul, now remade, refuses to let them float upon its Surface.

Serana tells me that we did find her Mother and that she has revealed that it is Serana’s own Blood and the mythical Auriel’s Bow which holds the Key to Harkon’s Prophesy. Beyond that, the Girl prefers to keep the Details to herself. I only know that we have emerged from the Soul Cairn with the Elder Scroll – and without Valerica.

*

We slunk out of Harkon’s great Castle as Thieves in the Night, carrying Valerica’s Elder Scroll hence from his greedy Hands. Now begins the Search for the final Scroll. We head for Winterhold, Home to the great College of Mages which stands as a Monument to Knowledge.

*

Were attacked by Thalmor Agents on the Road East of Solitude. Queen Elysana is not alone in desiring Vengeance for Sibastion’s Rebellion, it seems. The great and powerful Aldmeri Dominion will also see me pay for my Brother’s Folly.

*

Met M’aiq traveling with his Followers. Talsgar was among them. It seems that the Bard has taken it upon himself to record the Prophet’s Teachings and to chronicle his life. Good. The Wanderer always struck me as a good Man lacking a good Cause. And M’aiq’s Words are worthy of being made into Song.

The Cat that was once known as “the Liar” has come a long Way.

*

Winterhold.

Although the Vigil maintains close Ties to the College, and our Scholars often consult both the Mages and their Library, this is the first Time that I have visited the ancient Institution. With the Assistance of a rather abrasive old Librarian, Serana and I have scoured the Place for every Scrap of Information on the Elder Scrolls, however small. The only Lead that we have been able to turn up points us to Septimus Signus, a former Member of the College – and missing since a Number of Years. He was last heard of searching for a Dwemer Artifact in the vast Ice Fields to the North.

I shall have to procure a Winter Robe.

*

Received a Letter from Erandur this Morning. I miss having my old Friend by my Side, but he seems to be thriving in his Role as Warden of the Vigil in the North. He tells me that he has begun Cross-training Recruits in the Practices of both the Vigil and of the Priesthood of Mara, focusing on Healing and caring for the Sick. The Vampires are growing bolder and wreaking Havoc across the North, and Healers are in short Supply.

I can see his Point, but I doubt that Torhald would agree with the Direction that Erandur is taking his Chapter of the Order in. The Vigilants are Warriors, not Nurses, he would say. I have sent Letters to both of the Chapters, extolling on the Need for Unity in these trying Times.

*

The Journey North has been taxing. Long Days and longer Nights spent cramped in a small Boat, cut to the Bone by the icy Wind and salty Spray. It reminded me far too much of the Time when Erandur and I lost our Way on the Mountain. But we see it in the Distance, at last: the forlorn Outpost of Septimus Signus.

*

The Mage has clearly gone mad in his Isolation. His Speech borders on inane Babble, but does not quite cross: he did tell me where to find the Scroll, and provided me with the Tools that I will need to reach it.

*

Hidden among the snowy Peaks West of Winterhold we have found it at last: Alftand. I realize that I have been here before, during my Misadventure with Erandur Years ago. This was where we found the Bodies of an ill-fated Expedition to the Ruin. They are still here. There can be no Hope of finding them alive now, however – not after all this Time.

*

We have clawed our way through Alftand – through the primitive, blind Falmer as well as through old dwarven Machines still bent on deterring Intruders – and we have made it down into Blackreach.

It is a wondrous Place – a massive Cavern illuminated by giant, glowing Mushrooms – but dangerous, as well. Since the Dwemer disappeared, the Falmer have made these Ruins their Home. They will make our Search more difficult. They are twisted Creatures, but are they evil? One would guess that their warped Shapes are the Result of some repulsive Form of Daedra Worship, but one cannot act on Guesses alone. We might never know what blinded the Falmer, and until we do, the Vigil will not move against them. Every Life I take today, I will beg Stendarr’s Forgiveness for tomorrow.

*

We have passed through Blackreach without too much Trouble from the Falmer or their Chaurus Insects, and we have found our Way up into the Tower Mzark. According to Signus, this is where the Elder Scroll is located. We have made Camp and will rest for a few Hours before moving on.

*

We have the Scroll. With the Key given to me by Signus, it was just a Matter of working out how to operate the Dwemer Machinery in order to release it. Serana and I have emerged in the Mountains just South of the old Hall of the Vigilant in the Pale, many Scores of Miles from where we descended into Alftand.

We shall go to visit Erandur in Dawnstar and rest up in the Company of my Brothers, before taking a Carriage back to Riften and the Dawnguard.

*

Sent a Prayer to the God of Mercy as we passed the old Hall. I still carry the Amulets that I have gathered from the Fallen, and I will do so until a new Hall has been erected and they can be displayed there with the Honor that they deserve.

*

As Serana and I entered Dawnstar, I was handed a Pamphlet advertising a new Museum that has recently opened up in Town – a Museum dedicated to the Mythic Dawn, a Cult of Daedra Worshipers who assassinated the last Septim Emperor two hundred Years ago in the Name of Mehrunes Dagon, the Lord of Destruction and Change. They started the Oblivion Crisis, an unprecedented Calamity that saw Daedra pour into our World and cause untold Destruction. Preventing such an Atrocity from ever happening again was one of the primary Motivations for the Founding of the Vigil. I had to investigate.

The Owner of the Museum, Silus Vesuius, seemed a little too proud of his heretical Ancestors in the Dawn. I instantly suspected that there is more to this Museum than just teaching History. Vesuius discreetly offered Serana and I a Job – taking us for wandering Adventurers; we have the Look. He wants us to find the Pieces of Mehrunes’ Razor, a fabled Daedric Artifact. I listened closely to the Leads that he has gathered and accepted the “Job”, but I have no Intention of delivering the Artifact into his slippery Hands. The Razor will be kept under Lock and Key by the Vigil, and should I find the slightest Shred of Evidence suggesting that Vesuius worships Dagon himself, then he will be destroyed.

I have more pressing Matters to attend to, however: I will bring this Information to Erandur and leave the Investigation to his People at Nightcaller Temple.

*

Spent a few Days resting with the Vigil of the North. How I have missed Erandur! I wish that he could join Serana and me in the Fight against the Volkihar. But he is needed here, leading the northern Chapter of the Vigil in the Efforts to Aid the Victims of the Conflict. He has agreed to begin the Search for Mehrunes’ Razor, as well as to keeping a close Eye on Vesuius himself.

Jarl Skald is still being uncooperative, and the Vigil cannot openly operate in Dawnstar. I wish that I could help, but I must leave my Brother to his Worries and head back South.

*

Visited Torhald at the Beacon on our Way back to Fort Dawnguard. He has received Word from the Grand Keeper in the Imperial City. The Vigil’s official Stance is that my Service to the Order redeems me of my past Sins in the Eyes of Stendarr. An Appeal has been made to Queen Elysana for my Pardon, and she has replied that as long as I remain in Exile I will be left alone – but I remain a condemned Man within the Borders of the Kingdom of Wayrest.

Fine by me. I had not intended to return to my Motherland, where nothing but long cold Ashes would welcome me Home. The greater Relief is that the Divine has forgiven me my Transgressions.

*

A Refugee Camp has sprung up in Dayspring Canyon, filling up with People seeking Shelter from the Vampire Attacks. Isran will not let them into the Keep proper, but at least he lets them stay inside the outer Fortifications. I shall have a few of my Vigilants tend to their Well-Being.

*

A Setback. Dexion has been blinded by his rash Reading of the first Elder Scroll, and he will be of no Use deciphering the ones I have gathered. Instead, he has given me Instructions in how to perform a Ritual to be able to read the Scrolls myself. If I am ever to find this Auriel’s Bow and defeat Harkon, I must travel to the Ancestor Glade in the Depth of the Pine Forest in Falkreath Hold and perform the Ritual of the Ancestor Moth.

Bugs. Stendarr preserve me.

*

Met a young Man in the Forest who was trying to reanimate a dead Wolf. It was quite clear that he had no magical Talent whatsoever. Even so, I sternly advised him to steer clear of Necromancy. I told him to visit Stendarr’s Beacon, instead – the Vigil can always use more Members with his Kind of Enthusiasm.

*

Surprised a Cannibal just as he was about to gorge himself on the Flesh of a young Woman. Disgusting. The Mercy of Stendarr does not extend to such Evildoers.

*

A Nest of Vipers. As we traveled West through the Rift, Serana and I came across an Orc Stronghold. The Tribesmen were defending their Home against an attacking Giant. Stendarr’s Mercy compelled me to aid them. But once the Giant lay dead, the Stronghold’s Shaman approached me and explained that the Tribe was suffering under a Curse inflicted upon them by the Daedric Lord Malacath. She wanted my Aid, not to break the Curse, but to appease the Demon. She and all her Tribe worship the Fiend. I had hoped that such Tales were just malicious Rumors spread to stir up Hatred against the Orcs, but it is true: they revere Malacath as their God.

This Evil must be destroyed. There were too many of them for Serana and I to take on alone, however. For now, I am forced to play along, accompanying their Chieftain Yamarz to a Shrine where he is to slay a Giant in the Daedric Prince’s Honor. We have stopped in Riften for the Night, and I have managed to send a Runner to Torhald without being detected. Tomorrow, I will slay Yamarz upon Malacath’s shrine, and when Serana and I return to the Stronghold the Vigil of the South will be there to help us shine the Light of Stendarr into the Orcs’ festering Shadows.

*

Yamarz lies dead, slewn by the Giant that his “God” sent him to destroy. I begin my Journey back to his Home, to deal with his wretched Brethren.

*

Met Itharel, the lone Vigilant Vampire Hunter, again. This Time she was tracking a Mistwalker, and I gladly offered my Assistance. I was saddened to see that she has not taken another Partner since the Death of Vitta. I understand her Pain. I miss having Erandur by my Side. I cannot imagine what it would have been like had he died following my Command. I told Itharel not to blame herself, but I doubt that she took it to Heart.

*

Witnessed a Vampire Attack in the Middle of Riften’s Market as Serana and I were heading to the Inn to find a Bed for the Night. We helped to destroy the Fiends, but we came late and there were several Casualties – including a Wood Elf named Ungrien, who I believe was employed at the local Black-Briar Meadery.

These Vampires must be stopped. After the Raid on the Orc Stronghold tomorrow, there can be no more Distractions. I must reach the Ancestor Glade as soon as possible.

*

I met Marcurio at the Inn and instructed him to coordinate with Erandur’s People as well as the Priest Maramal in the Temple to make sure that the Families of Ungrien and the fallen Guardsmen are cared for.

He told me that he has had discreet Dealings with the Thieves Guild, and that they seem willing to share any useful Information relating to Vampires or Daedra Worshipers that they might come across during their clandestine Activities. I am reluctant to see the Vigil associated with such People, but I have to agree that they could prove a valuable Source of Information. I told Marcurio to go ahead, but to not let himself become too deeply involved.

*

It is done. The vile Daedra Worshipers of Largashbur have been slain one and all. Even the Children, some mere Babes in Arms. I was reluctant to punish the little Ones for the Sins of their Fathers, but the Code of the Vigil is clear. The Light of Stendarr swept through that Place like the Dawn chasing away the Night.

On an Altar in the Courtyard we found Volendrung, the famous Warhammer of Malacath. Torhald has taken it to Stendarr’s Beacon, and I must resume my Journey West.

*

I guess that Marcurio’s discreet Arrangement with the Thieves’ Guild does not include sparing the Vigil from the Predations of its Members. Serana and I were waylaid on the Bank of the Treva River and forced to fight the Rogue off.

*

Met two of Torhald’s Vigilants in the Range of Mountains which form the Border between the Rift and Falkreath Hold. The Brothers were investigating a nearby Cave, rumored to house a Sanctum dedicated to some unholy Worship. Were my Errand not so urgent, I would have aided their Quest.

*

Every now and then, I am reminded that the Daedra and the Undead are not the only Evils in this World. There are Mortals with Hearts blacker than the Depths of Oblivion.

Serana and I came across a small Bandit Encampment today, deep in the Pine Forest. After slaying the Outlaws, we found the Body of a young Dunmer Woman bent backwards over a Log and… displayed. Though she had clearly been dead for quite some Time, Necromantic Rituals seemed to have been performed to keep the Body fresh. Soft… and supple.

Stendarr’s Light shine upon me.

*

We have finally reached the Ancestor Glade. It is a beautiful Place, a large, open Cavern filled with wild Flora that has been untouched for Centuries.

*

The Moth Ritual did its Job, although being engulfed by a Swarm of Insects is an Experience I could have lived quite happily without. But I was able to read the Elder Scrolls without adverse Effects – and they have showed me the precise Location of Auriel’s Bow. Darkfall Cave, on the Border between Haafingar and the Reach.

We draw near the Close. But the Volkihar Demons are not far behind – they found us at the Glade as we were leaving. We must move swiftly.

*

Been running since we left Markarth. If it is not the Vampires hounding us, then it is the Forsworn trying to murder us for being in their Country, or the Bandits coming for our scant Possessions. We are almost to Karthwasten, and from there it is only half a Day’s Journey up a small River to Darkfall Cave. Might as well have been the Moons; if this keeps up we will never make it.

*

We have made it to Darkfall Cave without falling Victim to either Arrow or Fang. Stendarr be praised. We have no Way of knowing what awaits inside – we know only that we must find Auriel’s Bow at any Cost.

*

In the Depths of Darkfall Cave, Serana and I have discovered Something unbelievable. A Snow Elf, not a twisted, feral Falmer, who is still alive and still performing his Duties as Protector of what was once the Center of his Religion. Gelebor has told us many Things, about his lost People and the tragic Falmer that they have become, but most importantly he has explained that we must perform a complicated Ritual to gain Access to Auriel’s Bow – and slay his corrupted Brother who guards it.

*

This Forgotten Vale is a strange Place. In many Ways, it reminds me of Blackreach: a foreign Land filled with strange Plants and Creatures, untouched for Centuries. Yet there is a Kind of Peace here, a Serenity only felt in Places touched by the Gods and made holy by Their Blessing. But now, the Falmer – the unpleasant Kind – infests what was once their Ancestors’ most sacred Chantry. They are legion, but they will not bar my Path. For Stendarr’s Light guides me.

*

I have learned much Lore concerning the Falmer and their Fate from Gelebor. I have even found several Books in the Vale that I believe are written in the Snow Elf Tongue. The Scholars of the Order should be very interested in studying them.

I have gathered the Water from the Wayshrines. Serana and I are catching our Breath in the Courtyard of the ancient Temple of Auri-El. Soon, we will complete the Ritual and enter – and the Gods only know what we shall find within.

*

It is done. Vyrthur lies slain. We have discovered that the high Priest of the Snow Elves was a Vampire, and that he was the one who created this Prophecy that Harkon now chases. Vyrthur sought to avenge himself upon Auri-El himself, by desecrating the holy Sun.

With the tainted Priest’s death, the Chantry of Auri-El is cleansed. I am certain that Gelebor will prove a useful Source of Knowledge for our Scholars, and – most importantly – he has granted me the Possession of Auriel’s Bow and the Sunhallowed Arrows that I will need to destroy Harkon. Serana reluctantly agrees – her Father must die, and the Time for his End is now. We head back to Fort Dawnguard in Order to gather our Allies for the final Assault on Castle Volkihar.

*

The Carriage Ride from Dragon Bridge back to Riften has been long and uneventful, but it has afforded me with an Opportunity to rest and contemplate. The Vampire Crisis is drawing to a Close. Auriel’s Bow has been found – one Way or another, this Conflict between the Dawnguard and Clan Volkihar will end when we storm the Island.

I am tired deep in my Bones. It has been more than ten Years since the Hall of the Vigilant was burned down. Ten years of the Order limping along like a wounded Skeever, operating out of temporary Headquarters and under temporary Leadership. It must end. With the Death of Lord Harkon, the Vigil will rise again – greater than before. Stendarr wills it so.

*

Attacked by Vampires just East of Riften, and in broad Daylight. The Fiends grow ever bolder. But their Days are numbered. The Light of Stendarr shall burn them from this World.

*

The Horn has been blown, and the Brothers and Sistere of the Vigil and the Dawnguard have answered. The Ground shakes beneath our Hooves as we bring the Message across the Land: the Vampires that have poisoned the Night for so long are about to face Judgment. More than five hundred trained holy Warriors and devoted Vanquishers of Evil are about to descend upon the barren Rock of Clan Volkihar.

*

It is finally over. Lord Harkon has been destroyed, along with every last Vampire who served him. Many Brothers, Vigil and Dawnguard alike, have fallen wiping the World clean of this Filth. They will be remembered. Isran has declared that the Dawnguard will henceforth be the dedicated Guardians of Auriel’s Bow, and ensure that it is never used for ill Purposes.

I will return to Fort Dawnguard for the Celebrations, but afterwards my Duties call me away. I am summoning every Senior Vigilant in Skyrim to Stendarr’s Beacon for a Moot. There, we will choose a new Keeper and decide on the future of the Order. There, we will begin to rebuild.

*

Serana has chosen to remain with the Dawnguard, and Isran has chosen to accept her as an Ally. I am sure that the Relationship will prove mutually beneficial – but I cannot be a Part of it. Isran has asked me to join the Dawnguard, but I firmly believe that it is the Vigil that will bring the Light of Stendarr to the dark Corners of the world. I have bequeathed Auriel’s Bow to him and his Dawnguard, however. They will serve the God of Mercy by keeping it safe.

*

Ran into two Vampires in the Dayspring Canyon as I left for the Moot. Sorine was right when she said that the Vampires can never truly be eradicated. The Dawnguard will continue to do the necessary Work of seeking them out wherever they fester – as will the Vigil.

*

I am overwhelmed. I have been chosen to become the new Keeper of the Vigil of Stendarr here in Skyrim. Erandur, Torhald and the other Senior Vigilants have voted in my Absence and have already been in Contact with the Grand Keeper to have me ordained. I do not believe that I am worthy of such an Honor, but I would be an ungrateful Wretch not to accept it. Mine will be the Responsibility of restoring the Order to its former Glory, and I shall carry it out unwaveringly.

My first Order of Business shall be to travel to Dawnstar, where Erandur awaits to aid me in the Effort to gain Permission from the Jarl to rebuild the Hall of the Vigilant. It is Time that the Keeper of the Vigil proves to Skald that the Order is not an Enemy to be feared, but a Shield for all of Skyrim’s People.

*

I met a Missionary on the Road who handed me a thin Volume containing M’aiq’s Sermons, written down by Talsgar the Wanderer. I am glad. M’aiq’s Views on every Person’s equal Value is especially deserving of Espousal in this Age of Strife: the Thalmor and the Stormcloaks both have plenty to learn from the old Cat.

*

Erandur greeted me warmly at Nightcaller Temple. It has been far too long since I have seen him. He has surprised me by announcing that he will be stepping down as the Warden of the Temple in Order to join me as my Second in overseeing the Order as a whole. Technically, it is a step up in Rank, but I still thought that he would wish to remain in Charge of his own Chapter rather than following me around as he did in the old Days. But I am not complaining. My new Responsibilities seem daunting at Times, and his Support will be invaluable.

He has appointed a Bosmer girl, Firi, as the new Warden of the Vigil of the North, and I see no Reason to disagree. Like Erandur, she began her Career within the Priesthood of Mara and joined the Vigil early during the Vampire War. She has since proven herself a wise and capable Leader, and Erandur claims to have deferred to her Judgment on several Occasions. So be it. Firi shall oversee the Details of the Order’s Operations in the North, while Erandur and I seek an Audience with the Jarl.

*

Skald is a petulant old Man. He still believes that the Vigil are Agents of the Empire, and he has devised a Test for me to prove my Allegiance. By Imperial Decree, Skald has always had to tolerate the Presence of Giants within his Hold, despite his personal Feelings toward them. In the current Climate of Rebellion, however, he feels safe enough to defy the Empire in this Matter – and he wishes for me to prove my Independence from Imperial Doctrine by slaying a Camp of Gargantuans. I have tried to explain that slaying Innocents violates the Doctrine of the Vigil as well as that of the Empire, but he refuses to listen. It is an evil Deed that I go to perform, and I wash my Hands of it.

Stendarr forgive me.

*

An innocent Giant has been slain, for no Crime other than his Existence. Skald had better be pleased.

*

A Member of the Dark Brotherhood accosted me as we turned back North. It seems that someone has seen fit to renew the Contract for my Life. Queen Elysana has officially pardoned me, and the Thalmor usually prefer to rely on their own Agents. Who else might wish me dead? Some Deadra Worshiper, doing the Bidding of his dark Lord? The Dark Brotherhood themselves are rumored to worship Sithis, the primordial Deity said to be the Father of all Daedra. Does the Lord of the Void demand my Head?

*

The Blood of the Giant has bought the Jarl’s Trust, and I have been allowed to purchase a Bit of Land in the South of the Pale, where a new Hall of the Vigilant shall be built. The old one will remain a Ruin – a Memorial to Carcette and the Brothers and Sisters who died there.

*

Found a Cannibal butchering a young Elf in the Forest. A Loner, or Part of some Cult – a Cabal of Namira Devotees? I shall send Word to Firi and have her investigate.

*

Erandur and I have reached the Site where our new Hall shall be erected. Heljarchen is a beautiful Spot, high in the Foothills of the Mountains that overlook the Plains of Whiterun to the South. Construction is ready to begin – the Jarl has supplied us with some Materials and a Team of Builders as Token of Goodwill, but we shall have to set up Supply Chains of our own to keep Things running smoothly.

*

Visited Anga’s Mill by the River Yorgrim to buy Lumber for the Construction. Aeri, the Owner, didn’t recognize me. I did not expect her to; I was a young Vagrant stopping to do a Day’s Labor when last we met. That was more than twenty Years ago, and I was not wearing the Robes of the Keeper of the Vigil then. But she has given me a fair Deal, and in Exchange I have promised to deliver a Note to Jarl Skald in Dawnstar on her Behalf.

*

Work on the Hall progresses steadily, but my Duties as Keeper calls me away. I have received Word from Torhald about a troubling Discovery that his People in the Reach has made. There have been several Sightings of Peryite’s afflicted Followers in the Druadach Mountains. As I feared, the Demon’s Sickness still festers within Bthardamz.

Erandur has consulted Dhorion, the Vigil’s Loremaster, at Nightcaller Temple, and he tells me that there is a Ritual that can be performed at Kesh’s old Shrine. This might weaken Peryite’s Influence in the Area enough to allow us to enter the Ruin and cleanse it. Erandur and I shall set out at once.

*

Traveling West through the Pale, Erandur and I chanced upon a Pair of Bandits who were ransacking a Cart belonging to two traveling Mages – who lay slain on the Ground. The Mercy of Stendarr does not extend to Murderers.

*

Met a Farmer who was herding a Cow along the Road. The Critter was covered with painted Symbols, and its Owner explained to us that it was a Peace Offering for the Giants who live near his Lands. He claims that this works – that the Giants accept his Offering and leave his Livestock alone. If so, they are more intelligent than most believe, and peaceful Coexistence is quite feasible. I shall make sure to inform Jarl Skald of this the next Time we meet.

*

Erandur and I have stopped in Morthal to follow up on a Lead in the Mehrunes Dagon-Investigation. Morthal is a quiet little Town, but strange Things are afoot: Worries about a local Wizard performing evil Rites, strange Noises, and Whispers that a recent House Fire may have been Arson.

I have spoken to the Mage, Falion, and he is harmless – but something about the Fire rubs me the wrong Way. Apparently, the Owner of the House, one Hroggar, lost his Wife and Child – yet wasted no Time in taking a certain Alva for his Lover the next Day. I met Alva and confronted her about these Rumors, but she did not seem concerned – if anything, she seemed delighted. Suspicious. I have offered Jarl Idgrod to look into the Matter, and I shall begin by searching the Ruin that they say is cursed.

*

The Spectre of Hroggar’s young Daughter, Helgi, appeared to Erandur and I as we were searching through the burned House. She would not tell us who set the Fire, but she asked that we should come find her after Dark. Ominous.

We waited until Nightfall and then went to find the Child’s Grave. We found the Coffin as a Vampire was digging it up. The Fiend turned out to be a local Woman who has been missing for some Time. Once again, the Trail leads back to Alva. Her House will be our next Stop – but we shall wait until Morning.

*

Breakfast.

Erandur and I have slept in Shifts at the Inn, one Pair of Eyes always on the Door. Alva has been sitting in the Tavern – all Night. She has just gotten up and left with Minutes left to spare before Dawn. We shall follow her back to her Lair.

*

My Suspicions were correct. We followed Alva to her House, and soon after she had entered, Hroggar emerged with a dazed Look on his pale Face. I questioned him and noted that he seemed quite disinterested in discussing his Family – becoming agitated only when I mentioned Alva. He acted very much the Vampire’s Thrall.

Erandur and I discreetly broke into the House and found Alva asleep in a Coffin in the Basement. She awoke and attacked us, Fangs bared. We found her Journal, detailing her Hand in recent Events as well as an ambitious Plot to take over the entire Town.

I have brought the Evidence to Jarl Idgrod, and she has requested that the Vigil step in and destroy the Master Vampire, Movarth Piquine, mentioned in the Journal. His is a famous Name, and he is renowned for being both ancient and powerful.

Hardly as old or as powerful as Lord Harkon was, however – and he proved no Match for the God of Mercy.

*

A small Posse of Townspeople had gathered outside the Jarl’s Longhouse when we set off, and they refused to be swayed from their Course. At the Sight of the Vampires’ Lair a short Hike outside of Town they lost their Nerve, though. Good. Erandur and I can ill afford to watch over Civilians while battling an ancient Vampire. We will go in alone, and the Light of Stendarr will burn the Filth out of its Hole.

*

The Fiend Movarth is destroyed and Helgi’s Spirit has found Peace. Hroggar seems to have been released from Alva’s Control as she died – an he is no