The Elder Scrolls - Zaneta's Chronicles: Part Two: Edge of Oblivion

By A. L. Zuniga

Zaneta’s ship makes port in Narsis on the mainland of Morrowind, and she begins uncovering who’s behind stealing her children while searching for any signs that will lead her to them. Crossing through mountains and Imperial territory, she’s reminded of her emotional history here while revisiting old, familiar cities. That is, until she’s dragged to the doorstep of hell and back. As her journey continues, she gains momentum and allies in her mission to find her family, while her understanding of time and space is completely changed in the process.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Sep 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9798892179874

Book preview

Chapter One

Ripples on the ocean’s surface shimmered in the midday sunlight. Marveling at the vastness of the mainland, Žaneta gazed across the landscape at the beautiful hills and a line of mountains to the southwest that bordered the land on the right, farther than she could see. The river ahead snaked through the center of Morrowind, the first region across the sea from Vvardenfell, which was marked with several scattered waterfront cities. Turning to look up, she watched the ship’s sails stretch taut in the wind, with Davir’s flag flying proudly. As the ship sailed up and over the rough sea, the waves lapped at the bow as it pushed through the water.

The land’s abundant growth of trees and rich vegetation boasted of a prosperous life for the people who lived there. Žaneta stared at the rich, green terrain, knowing its bounties could feed generations to come. But, as history and her own situation had shown her, there are always those who find ways to bring suffering wherever they go.

Far across the land, a group of wagons were en route through Cyrodiil, west of the Valus Mountains. The four carriages split paths, two to the west and two to the north, around the Imperial City. The horses pulled their carriages along the road quickly, kicking up dust and dirt while they continued to keep up their strained tempo, like machines.

But back over the mountains behind them, over the wilderness of Morrowind, Davir’s ship came busting through the waves of the Inner Sea, pushing toward its destination. Captain Davir held steady to his course, and the crew worked their stations in the planned orchestration that came with life on the ship. Every member of the crew knew their place, and working in unison, they cut through the tides.

Žaneta stood on the portside, comfortably holding on to one of the ship’s shroud ropes with her eyes closed, letting the breeze move through her hair as she took in a breath. She opened her eyes and set her gaze on the sight of the mainland. Over a decade had passed since she’d been there, and the visit, though unplanned, would likely be very unpleasant for whoever she caught up to. The ship rode through rough waters at the mouth of the River Thirr, but after hours of travel, the sea had calmed. It was midafternoon, and it would take days to reach Narsis at the southern edge of Lake Hlaalu.

Advancing down the river, it had, in fact, taken them nearly four more days before the ship made port at daybreak after sailing through Lake Hlaalu the night prior. Thirteen days had passed since she’d last seen the children, and since the Great Houses here largely operated under Imperial law, slavery was part of regular business—but not the theft and sale of children. With Žaneta’s main concern being that time was not on her side, she was eager to get started. The ship bells ringing across the harbor were a pleasant testament to landfall, and Davir’s ship would be the first to bring news of the recent events involving Vvardenfell.

Davir had his crew begin offloading their shipment to the dockworkers and took a moment to speak with Žaneta in private. She was gathering a few of her things and standing to sheathe her sword as he approached. Things are about to heat up around here, what with the earthquake, or whatever we were witness to when we left Vivec. Žaneta… I know you’re after your kids, and if they came here by the boat you mentioned, find it. Or talk with the dockmaster. This place is a political beehive, and it would be best to find what you need then be ready to move on. You don’t want to linger here longer than you have to. He knew her full story from the trip in and was also aware of the inherent danger of the Great Houses.

Žaneta simply gave him a kind smile and reached out her hand to shake his. Farewell! she replied, then she stepped down the boat ramp onto the docks. Looking around, she noticed the city was bigger than she remembered, but it had been some time since she’d last seen it.

Narsis was a place where several roads intersected on their way to the surrounding cities. Hundreds of years ago, it was known for the Llodos Plague, which ravaged the countryside and its settlements. Sadly, the plague was a staple in the history of Narsis, and some thought the sickness might still linger in certain depths of places less ventured. Nevertheless, it was still bustling with travelers and traders.

Knowing no one, Žaneta decided it best to follow Davir’s advice and speak to the dockmaster. She walked east along the pier toward the only small building near the docks with a sign out front that read, East Empire Trading—Office. When she entered, a small bell rang to alert the staff. There was one man inside, a Dunmer who looked as though dealing with the public wasn’t his strong point. He had mutton chops and a small bun on the rear of his otherwise balding head. What ya need? he asked, brushing his hand across his shirt as if getting rid of crumbs.

A ship made a delivery here roughly a week ago. Twenty-four passengers arrived. I know you’ve got a lot of business coming through here, but they would’ve stood out because of their age… any idea where they went or who they were with? Žaneta asked. Her face was stony as she analyzed the man’s reaction.

I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about… Go ahead and shove off! he grunted.

Žaneta was through with games. Being shut up on the ship for days as she traveled here only made her feel even more behind; she didn’t need some slob getting in her way. Where’s your record book? she pressed.

He sidestepped in an effort to go around her toward the door, but she blocked his path. He looked up at her again, knowing he couldn’t challenge her. Look… I don’t need any trouble here. I don’t know ’bout no kids, so don’t try anything foolish. Now let me pass! he sneered, waiting for her to move.

She didn’t. Instead, she slammed a punch into his stomach, causing him to double over. She placed her foot on his shoulder, pushed him down, then stood on his chest lightly enough to still let him breathe as she stared down at him. I never said the word ‘kids!’ she hissed through her teeth.

He’d messed up, let fear cause his tongue to slip. He knew he couldn’t get out of it. Either the big cat lady was going to kill him, or the Drens would. But Orvas wasn’t the one standing on his chest at the moment, so he chose to live another day. Look in the bottom right drawer of the desk. The book details shipments going in and out… Please get off me! He struggled, rolling to his side when she lifted her leg.

She walked around the desk and pulled out the book, flipping a few pages back in the ledger. There’s no record of twenty-four people being brought through here! So, what am I looking for? she said impatiently, staring down at him with narrowed eyes.

He sat up and leaned against the wall, rubbing his chest. Barrels. We don’t keep headcounts here. My job that evening was to have four horse-drawn transports of the ‘discreet’ nature ready for the shipment coming. So, look for the date with barrels of brandy and the carriages, he explained as he stood up.

Žaneta scanned back down the list and saw his entry. That was eight days ago, and you signed for a man named… Tobias! she growled, slamming the book shut. Where’d they go?

The shipping clerk backed up. West, or-or southwest—I don’t know for sure! he squeaked, wide-eyed and panicked.

You smuggle kids through here! I should throw your head into the bay! she snapped, gripping her sword handle.

Please… I didn’t know they were kids! Slaves are traded through here, but that night, Tobias knocked on the office door to let me know he’d arrived to load onto the carriages. But he told me to stay in the office… so I did. I couldn’t help myself, though—I had to see what was so secret. I saw kids in bindings get loaded up, and off they went! he said in a rush. Žaneta, unconvinced, kept her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Nervously shaking, he pressed back against the wall with his hands up. Who could I tell? I’ve had a bit of a drug problem, and House Hlaalu keeps me taken care of. But if I told the guards, or anyone else, they’d have killed me.

Žaneta took her hand off her blade and replied, Two of them are mine.

The Dunmer swallowed hard. Please don’t! Gods, I’m sorry! He could barely meet her stare as he shook his head back and forth, staring down at the floor with tears welling in his eyes.

She could see the guilt weighing down the man’s shoulders and knew he’d made many mistakes he wasn’t proud of. Against her better judgment, a degree of sympathy was all that kept him alive. But in the moment, his guilt wasn’t enough for her—she needed answers. I’m after my kids. I suggest you quit this job and go do something useful. They snuck them by you this time, and you obviously live in a corrupt city… Great! she scoffed, smirking coldly. Whatever you do, you better not deal in children again and let me find out about it. Good day.

Slamming the office door behind her, Žaneta ran up the stairs and toward the main streets of the city. Infuriated from the conversation, she had to bite her tongue to keep from crying out, trying to keep it together since she was in public. Momentarily lost in thought, she gathered herself and started thinking of a plan. West or southwest… I need to get supplies and transportation. Staring up and down the street, she wandered through the city’s market and stopped to ask about horses. She passed vendor after vendor, glancing over the items for sale, then approached the stables at the edge of town.

An Imperial woman was shoeing a horse as Žaneta approached. Wearing green pants and a black denim blouse, she obviously wasn’t afraid to get dirty as she held the hind leg of the horse between her knees and filed its hoof.

I’m looking to buy a good horse. What have you got for sale? Žaneta asked, briefly interrupting the woman from her work.

The four in the stalls, plus this one. Let me know if there’s one that interests you, and I’ll give you a price, the woman replied, sweeping her dark hair out of her eyes. The horse she was working on was a bay, as were two of the others. The last two were heavy horses—one a Shire, and the other a large black draft, standing at least eighteen hands tall.

How much for that boy on the end? Žaneta asked, half smiling.

Twenty thousand, the woman answered without missing a beat.

That’s a bit much, but he is beautiful. Žaneta walked up and rubbed his mane.

He’s the best I’ve got! I’ll even throw in the saddle and bags if you take him, the woman said with a smile. They won’t fit the other horses, except for maybe my Shire, but he’s a loaf. She retrieved a halter to bring him out. My name’s Claire, she said, opening the gate. She walked him in a circle then stopped with him at her side. What do you think?

How old is he? With an eyebrow raised, Žaneta’s interest was obvious.

He’s going on seven… will be this summer. Claire looked up at him proudly.

She made up her mind before Claire even finished her sentence. I’ll take him. Does he have a name? Žaneta couldn’t stop staring at how