Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

[30.5] KING EDWARD V
"Goblins," Moraelyn said with distaste. They turned a corner and went past two cages that
held only large stone statues. There seemed to be more cages off down other hallways. The
troll unlocked a huge black metal door. It clanged shut behind them. A very large green and
yellow hooved creature sat man-like in one corner. Its unwinking eyes didn't flicker as they
passed quickly and climbed still another stair. More white halls. These were patrolled by huge
black dogs that sniffed at them as they passed. Edward stretched a hand to pet one, but it
snarled at him.
"I wouldn't." Moraelyn said.
"Yes Sir."
They came to another massive black metal door. A voice sounded. "What is black and white,
has one body, two heads, four arms, four legs, two red eyes and two brown?"
"That's disgusting!" Moraelyn yelled at the door, hands on hips.
"You are correct, mortal. You may pass." The door swung slowly open, creaking. There was
no one behind it, just a narrow stairway that wound sharply. It seemed dark above. Moraelyn
raced up the stairs, leaving Edward clinging to the bottom rail, shaking. There was not a thing
to do but follow.
"Welcome, Edward." The Archmagister stood white and gold in the center of a large dim
room. Huge windows looked out on the purple twilit sea below. "Come here, child. Give me
your hands."
Edward put his hands in the Archmagister's who smiled down at him. Edward's fatigue and
fear vanished instantly. He smiled back at the Archmagister, who said softly. "It is well. You
may go," to the furious dark elf who stood glowering to one side. Edward was barely aware of
him, his whole attention occupied by the Archmagister.
"Goodbye, Edward."
"Bye." Edward didn't take his eyes off the Archmagister. From far away he heard the dark elf
go down the stairs.
"He calls you son," the Archmagister said.
"Yes sir. I asked him if I might call him father."
"But you are not entirely comfortable about it."
Edward sighed. "No sir."
"That may be as well. You will return to Daggerfall one day. And then you must be Corcyr's
son. So let the claim be on Moraelyn's side." The Archmagister moved companionably to the
windows with him. The dusk was fast gathering as Edward stared out over the hill through
which they'd journeyed. A dark figure appeared below and strode swiftly off into the night.
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