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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1620622-Very-short-story
by Fred
Rated: E · Other · Fantasy · #1620622
Short story
        As dawn broke in the year of the second sun, Avardian, the Dunmer prince, awoke from his slumber with a stranger feeling in him stomach. This unexpected feeling only occurred when rare events were about to take place. This fact proves true because of his predictions of the War of Cyrodil and the death of the King. Life as he knew it has been very predictable after the Kings death because of the absence of an heir. Even though rumors spread of a possible heir in the eastern lands, this could not be proven.
         
        The prince had been in hiding because of his growing popularity throughout the land. He had been searching for the king’s heir to restore the foundations of this great land. In doing so, he has put himself in danger of attack by those not wishing for an heir to be found. Though he has not been in any danger so far, aside from a few attacks from thieves and a stray bear or wolf every now and then, his risk of attack was still very high. As he was about to exit his hideout, a tent on a small area of land in the middle of the Nibean bay, he felt a presence behind him. As he turned around with great speed he withdrew his dagger and was face to face with an aged looking dark elf. From the look of his facial tattoos he instantly knew this was a messenger of his people. The messenger gave the prince a letter without blinking or making any sudden movements and, shortly after, disappeared into thin air. While the prince was used to these acts of coming and going, they never seized to surprise him
         
        Opening up the letter, he noticed the texture of the paper used but could not remember where he remembered it from. As he began to read the letter, he realized that his search for the king may have to take a back seat to this new encounter.
         
Dear Avardian,
As my days grow short, I fear that I have no way to continue the family secret unless I pass it on. Though I have many worthy kin, I do not believe that any of them are as in need as you are. Saying that, I insist that you move forward toward the highest point of the Jerral Mountains to the exact point marked on the map included along with this letter. To ensure the safety of this secret, I will assume you will know what to do upon arriving so that I do not give away entry into that which I will not name. Good luck in your travels and all hail the King.
               Your grandfather,
               Thorais
         
        The prince’s grandfather had always been a dark character. The type of person that would show up late and leave early as if he had something of higher importance on his mind. Even though everyone knew this, no one every confronted him in fear of not being able to handle the truth, whatever it may be. Having those past actions in mind, he considered that this secret would be an up most importance in his journey to find the heir, and he planned on leaving at dawn the next morning. Before residing to his bed, he made preparations for this adventure by fishing for food for the trip. He also collected eroded rocks from the stream nearby in hopes of making some sturdy arrows for his bow seeing as he ran out after his earlier search for lunch. As the sounds of nature cradled him to sleep, he mumbled a short prayer for good luck on his journey tomorrow with the knowledge that it would be a long and treacherous one.

        The prince made quick progress of this journey, for the land leading up the mountains were very flat with a small abundance of forest animals. Those of which, did not pose any real threat. But as the mountains came into sight his optimism sank. The enormous deviations from the flat land reached towards the skies as if to rise forever, but the prince knew he must carry on before the chance of a lone traveler may accidentally come across this mysterious prize. As the Dunmer prince scaled the frozen-over face of the Jerral Mountains, he couldn't help but imagine what would soon be bestowed upon him. He had received notice only three days before from the letter receive written by his grandfather died from blood lung after an encounter with a pesky rat that lurked in his basement. Even though it was a seemingly undignified death for the prince's standards, it was a death nonetheless. As the sun's presence made itself known atop the snowy caps of the mountains, the magnificent spectacle known as Frostcrag Spire came into view. It seemed to grow from the very roots of the earth. This mysterious tower seemed to own the mountain as it stood high and proud. The prince took in the beautiful picture with full force as he made his way up the dregs of the cold Alps. With a sense of new energy he sprinted up the slightly frozen steps made of a rock he had never seen before. The sun seemed to awaken the side of the spire as it glowed with a sense of mystery. It was as if this tower was blessed with an enchanting and magical presence. The enormous stone door, to his surprise, had no sure sign of entrance. It seemed as if it was built for show and not for entry. But as the prince looked closer he noticed an engraving that read;
                 
            "He who attains entry to this stronghold not only gains an everlasting home
               but receives everlasting knowledge and secrets that shall remain hidden.
            Raise your hand if you are worthy."

          As the prince raised his hand in fear he felt a powerful sensation build up and flow from his toes to his fingers. A light shone from the edges of the door as if trying to escape. The Daedric designs that engulfed the door also began to glow and a beam shot from his hand to the very center of the ingress. The enormous doors crept open revealing the greatest secret as he walked into the history of oblivion.
© Copyright 2009 Fred (pdt414 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1620622-Very-short-story