A Murder in Morrowind 7

The Temple Priest

“Open up!” I pounded on the door again, “By order of the Emperor and through the powers of the Balmora guard I order you to open up!”

We were not at the temple. Upon arrival there I had been promptly stonewalled until I had threatened a Temple wide Inquisition and a formal complaint with Lord Vivec. I had nearly beaten down the door before they admitted me in. Priests in long flowing elaborate robes and smelling of heavy incense berated me at every turn while I searched for Friune. Of course this had been a ruse, as they soon admitted that he was at his home with his wife. A waste of my time and no doubt part of their plan.

I now found myself in almost the exact same position. Once again I was pounding on the door and making idle threats. At this point my patience had run out and I was only a few seconds from flat out hacking at the door with my sword. From the inside I heard scrambling around and muffled speech.

Deerkethus stood behind me with his arms wide to hold back the pressing crowd. I heard rumblings around the people; they were indignant that an outlander would be talking to such a well-respected priest. More than a few voices rose in anger; they were appalled that I had the nerve to speak to him in such a manner. Chants of Almsivi and invocations of Azura swirled, along with the undernote of “Blasphemer!” and “Outlander, n’wah, swit!”

Finally a voice came out from the other side of the door. Strong and heavy, a male Dunmer with the raspy characteristic nature of those of Morrowind.

“I will come out Outlander.” He said, “But you must promise to not come in.”

“I promise.” I said, holding back my rage. Deerkethus spoke softly to the crowd, urging them to disperse and informing them of the guard’s involvement in this matter.

The door cracked open slightly and I spied a singular crimson eye peering out from the candlelit room. The shades had been drawn and the room was nearly pitch-black. Before he could speak, I quickly bull-rushed the door and shoulder checked Friune roughly out of the way. The door slammed open and knocked him to the ground and I pulled my gladius out in an open display of violence.

“Y-you p-promised!” Friune wheezed; the door and fall had knocked the wind out of him.

“The Inquisition promises nothing!” I roared. “Your Emperor demands obedience!”

“Real smooth.” Deerkethus came in and shut the door quickly, “You’re a master of guile sera. You’ve made enemies with that move Inquisitor.”

I shrugged my shoulders. I didn’t care. My temper had grown in the past few days. Perhaps there was something to this town that did that to men. There was nothing left for me to do.

The entire home was unsurprisingly Dunmer it its design; built in the standard Balmoran style, sparse in amenities and utilitarian in its entirety. Not one piece was for show and everything had an intended use. I noticed too that their home shrine was probably the most lavishly decorated item in the entire house. Expected from the high priest.

The place was barely lit. In the middle of the room, on the table, was a single lit candle; it’s dim glow casted glowering shadows on the walls, as if the spirits of the dead had stolen the light from the world.

Friune was dressed in a simple blue T-Tunic and loose trousers with soft slippers. He had his black hair slicked up straight in the traditional Dunmer Mohawk. Apart from a slightly crooked nose he was rather good looking for a Dunmer and I estimated his age to be no less than fifty or so.

He picked himself off the ground and dusted himself, muttering curses at me and Deerkethus. When he had caught his breath he wandered over to the table and sat down, without offering either of us a seat.

“What do you need, Outlander?” He said at last.

“You know who I am?” I asked. He nodded his head and answered,

“You’re the foreigner scum whom claims jurisdiction in a land not of his own. You bring the local constable’s…pet…along with you. A pet that’s deemed himself a law enforcer, although I recognize no authority belonging to him.”

“Perhaps you’d like to take that up with the Hlallu magistrate.” Deerkethus eyes flashed, “We’ll see whose side he takes.”

“It matters not whose side he takes,” The priest returned, “For I am on the side of the living gods.”

I rolled my eyes. He may not recognize my authority, but I had no fear of his gods. They were not here after all.

“Regardless.” I said, “We need to ask you some questions. Where were you on the night of the 15th?”

“I was at the temple meditating. Alone.” He answered.

“A few days ago, you had an argument with a man named Cassius Aurelius,” Deerkethus said, “What was the manner of this argument?”

“The man…” Friune all but seeped loathing now, “Was an Imperial and a drunk, who defamed our temple by his mere presence. I asked him to never return and he refused!”

“You asked him?” I asked, “The High Priest? Why not an initiate or lower level functionary?”

“The man was known for his violent temper.” Friune answered, “I would never ask a follower to do something I wasn’t willing to do.”

“What was his answer?” Deerkethus kept one hand on his chin and circled slowly, in thought.

“He refused and insulted the Dunmer people. We exchanged insults before leaving each other’s presence. That was it.”

I noticed that as he told us his story that he was wringing his hands nervously but I decided to say nothing.

"Did you strike him?" I asked plainly.

"I most certainly did not!" He answered back quickly with more than a hint of venom.

“Why weren’t you at the temple? Why would you not allow us to come in?” I asked plainly.

“Because,” He said with annoyance, “My wife and I are in…mourning…”

From what I can only guess was the bedroom came the sound of a slight whimper. I knew from that sound that someone, his wife presumably, was sobbing back there. Without waiting for permission I pushed past the priest, who gave a small shout of protest, and I entered the bedroom.

It was as sparsely decorated as before, nothing more than a bed and a few dressers. Along one wall a shelf stood out with a vase of newly picked flowers. The fragrant smell filled the room and made my sinuses swell. I thought it strange to have new flowers during the “mourning” process, but I said nothing.

Sure enough, a slight Dunmer woman sat at the foot of their bed. She was tiny, even for a Dunmer, no taller than 5’2 or so. She was dressed in all black with a black lace veil draped around her auburn hair. Her eyes were glossy and her face was puffy with crying. She was stick skinny, as if she was underfed, but still beautiful from what I could see. But I couldn’t help but notice though, a slight discoloration on her right cheek; it was a bruise, just finished healing.

“Our cat, Outlander,” The priest squeezed past me and put a comforting arm around his wife, “Our cat passed away last night. She was quite old you see.”

I looked at Deerkethus who shrugged. That explained the unlit nature of the house and the barricaded door. Dunmer often spent days in solitude when a loved one died, although I’ve never heard of such regard for a pet. I motioned to Deerkethus to tell me the name of the wife.

“Renara,” He whispered.

“Mrs. Helera, Renara” I began and added sera for effect, “Tell me, has your husband hit you?”

Deerkethus gave me a look as if to say “Really?”

She opened her mouth and glared at her husband. Tentatively she shook her head no and stared blankly at her hands. I remained silent, letting her work herself into speaking.

“The…the Imperial did so…” She trembled, “He came to the temple and he…” She began to speak, but stopped short and burst out into crying once more. I sighed and rubbed my temples. This was going to be harder than expected.

“How come this was never reported to the guard?” Deerkethus glared at Friune. He shrugged.

“Why involve the lapdogs of the Hlallu,” He sneered, “You’re the collaborators of the Empire. I’d sooner trust a snake.”

“He just attacked…me…” Renara spoke up.

“So you’re saying the Imperial hit your wife?” I kept my tone neutral, “Why would he attack a woman? I knew the man and he was never capable of this…”

“He was the scum on the bottom of my boots,” Friune retorted, “I don’t rightly know why he came to the temple and attacked her. But just let me say, I’m glad he’s dead!”

“Were there any witnesses to this assault?” I asked.

“None but myself Outlander.” The priest said smugly.

“Had he ever spoken to your wife before? If so, why would he?” Deerkethus motioned to her, “Perhaps he thought he could get to her? She is a high priestess”

“No, I imagine that was the first time they've ever spoken. He was scum and a racist. I’m sure it was some insidious Imperial plot.” Friune spoke up and came towards us with outstretched arms. “Now please, if you will, leave us to our mourning. Two days is the tradition and I will be back at the temple. Ask me more then but now I must ask you to leave.”

He started to push out towards the front door but I gripped his shoulder and stopped him short.

“One more thing priest.” I said, “No doubt you know of Cassius’s death.”

“It is known.” He said, “I will not pray for him, for his gods were not mine. You pray for him Outlander.”

“We had heard tales of him converting.” Deerkethus added. Friune shook his head.

“That man is not welcomed by Almsivi and never will be!” He said, and I saw the cold gleam in his eyes.

“So you deny him seeking the Tribunal out?” Deerkethus pressed. Friune shook his head again.

“The swit never came to me for such and if he had, I would’ve turned him away.”

“Can you tell me about the amulets you priests wear?” I followed up. “Could I see yours?”

“I…” He trailed, “I lost it recently. I’m not sure where.”

“Interesting.” I said cloyingly; I rummaged in my pocket and produced the amulet found on Cassius’s body. “Tell me, priest, is this one yours?”

“Why…” He seemed to hesitate and his face grew weary before turning to determination and his face tightened with resolve. “Yes that’s mine. I remember now. I dropped it earlier. I had noticed that the cord was fraying and I was lax in replacing it. Thank you.”

“Is that so?” I studied his face closely and didn’t it offer it back, “Why didn’t you mention this earlier?”

“It didn’t cross my mind.” He said simply and kept his face placid. He must’ve gotten the message because he made no effort to retrieve it.

Deerkethus and I looked at each other and understood that this was the end of our interview. Same as Faerdae, we would keep him under surveillance and see what his movements were for the next few days.

Excusing ourselves quickly we stepped out back into the rain and the angry mob that waited outside. As I pulled my hood over my head a bottle thrown from the crowd missed me by less than a meter and shattered against the nearby wall. An outcry was building up in a crowd of very angry Dunmer who had gathered outside the priest’s resident.

Deerkethus gathered his cloak and stepped between me and them, barking out orders to the closest town guards who obeyed begrudgingly. With one arm he ducked my head down and we scurried ourselves into a nearby alley.

“I told you that was a mistake Inquisitor,” He growled at me, “The Dunmer take their religion very seriously.”

“I take my duties very seriously!” I countered sarcastically, “By the power of the Empero-“

“Whatever!” Deerkethus interrupted as we emerged in a main thoroughfare, “Emperor this, Empire that. Listen sera, you’re in Morrowind now. You’ll get deference and just that. The Dunmer owe you nothing more and won’t be afraid to tell you.”

I frowned and considered his opinion. I was a stranger in this land and sure enough, I had probably pissed off my fair share of people. Fair enough I decided. The Argonian had a point.

“Did you notice something about him?” I changed the subject.

“He was lying.” Deerkethus thankfully understood my discomfort, “Lying and he was clearly nervous."

“The amulet for one is a concern,” I said “You noticed he said it must’ve been dropped. He specifically said the cord was fraying.”

“Yes,” Deerkethus said, “But the amulet we found had its cord intact. It was removed, not broken. Not only that, but the Bosmer had said that he had procured an amulet for Cassius.”

“So either the amulet we found belonged to Cassius, via his transaction with Faerdae.” I pondered, “Or maybe Cassius really did take it from his neck. Is that possible?”

“I don’t think so,” Deerkethus shook his head, “Temple Priest guard those with their lives. No way could he lose or forget it.”

“Unless it was dropped during the murder.” I offered and Deerkethus shook his head in skepticism. I continued.

“What’s more is, he insisted that Cassius wasn’t converting. But everyone we’ve spoken too so far has said the opposite. Why would he be different?”

“Anyone who wishes to convert must speak to High Priest to prove their dedication.” Deerkethus informed me, “For certain if he was doing it then Friune would know. Why lie?”

“Why indeed?” I rubbed my chin and winced at the short bristly hairs. Since coming to Balmora I hadn’t shaved or bathed. Not that I lacked for being wet, for the rain was still pouring as strong as ever.

“I found something else serjo.” Deerkethus said and fished around in his pocket. From within he pulled out a rather interesting piece of evidence. Two silver pins, studded with rubies and sapphires. Both gems were fashioned into a flower-shape and glittered prettily in the dim light of day. I held my breath as I recognized the two. They were the Rose Pins of Chorrol. An expensive trinket you could buy only in Chorrol.

“By the Nine, where did you get those?” I said swiftly and grasped them.

“You’ll find so much evidence on one’s person, serjo,” Deerkethus wiggled his fingers, “As a slave people pay me no mind. So easy to slip into their pockets and…relieve…them of any incriminating evidence.”

“Or plant some?” I eyed him suspiciously.

“Perhaps,” He shrugged, “But I assure you, I found those in the priest’s pockets!”

“Talos guide me.” I said, “Didn’t Cassius accuse a F.H. of stealing something from him?”

“Indeed,” Deerkethus offered, “But why would Friune steal these from him? What do they have to do with Cassius?”

“I’m not sure.” I said, “We’ll have to see how this plays out. But first, I want to get out of this rain and take a warm bath and get a bottle of-“

Before I could continue the thought I was interrupted by the sight of one of the town guard approaching us quickly. He was out of breath and breathing heavily, evident even through the thick bonemold armor he wore. He must’ve been assigned to outside patrol in the marsh; I could see the muck coming up to his knees.

“Inquisitor, Deerkethus,” he said between gasps, “The slave…has been found…just…outside of town…”

Deerkethus and I looked at each other. A breakthrough! I gathered my cloak and gripped my gladius.

“Come Deerkethus! Swiftly!”

We hurtled through the streets, through rain and thunder, towards the main gate and towards another clue into the mysterious death of Cassius Aurelius.