38 Hey, you.

"Hey, you. You're finally awake."

Rictus had been slowly starting to groggily crack open his eyes. The morning sun was shining on the beautiful Skyrim scenery. His wooden seat creaked uncomfortably underneath him as he stared hatefully at the bearded man before him.

"This is not what I wanted to wake up to at all. What happened?"

"Well, you really should be more careful where you fall asleep at. It can be bad for your health."

Rictus stared at Ken as he was grinning down at his leader as he watched him start trying to stretch out the kinks he had gained through the night while sleeping on the wooden rocking chair. It was a comfortable chair, but it was definitely not made for sleeping on, especially outside.

He had apparently fallen asleep while Ken was berating him last night for going on the quest with only leaving a note and not taking any support with him. Instead of waking him up, Ken decided letting him sleep in the chair all night would be punishment enough. Rictus shrugged his shoulders at his subordinate's antics as he continued stretching out his muscles to get all the stiffness out. Having the ability to alter one's body really helped with little things like removing stiffness and soreness. He had also found channeling some mana through his body always had a bit of a rejuvenating effect.

"Alright I am sorry about my actions. I will take some people with me next time. I promise."

Ken stared at him for a few moments longer before letting out a sigh.

"We are just worried about your safety. I do not think you understand your importance to everyone here. We would not be here without you, and many would be devastated if you were lost. I know you are capable, but it never hurts to have an extra pair of eyes looking out for you, even you forget things."

Rictus nodded feeling properly chastised by his actions. He did not really regret them, but he would be more aware next time for sure. It wouldn't hurt to have some more backup in the future anyways. It wasn't necessary this time since the trip was very uneventful after the hagraven incident.

He had quickly flown to the location of the Eldergleam and was able to find it without much difficulty. The beauty of the place was astounding. The tree was more majestic than simple words would accurately describe. There was an otherworldly power to that place. The tree itself was massive and gave off a feeling of sentience which was very disconcerting. The leaves seemed to follow his movements wherever he moved.

Getting the sap was incredibly easy though. Rictus just levitated and used telekinesis to send nettlebane to cut the trunk and quickly return. After that, he simply left as quick as he could instead of bothering with any potential repercussions. It would have been significantly more difficult for someone who did not have his abilities though. They would have to find a way to move the massive roots which were blocking passage to the great tree. Thankfully, he avoided all that trouble. He did feel a little bad about messing with such a majestic tree though. He made sure to verbally apologize for his action to the tree which felt a little silly, but it did seem to make tree more placid somehow. It looked a bit dry around the tree so using his magic to conjure up some rain was the least he could do for the mighty tree.

A quick flight to an area with no one around and a teleport brought Rictus back to Whiterun with no more problems. The look on Danica's face as he returned the dagger was priceless. He could tell she was trying to figure out how he had gotten the dagger and returned it so quickly. Of course, he was not going to tell her, not yet at least. It was still too soon, but he was considering making her one of his Minions. Having the head priestess of the largest temple in Whiterun as a follower would be extremely beneficial to him.

He was just not quite ready to give up his monopoly on restoring limbs just yet. Maybe once the civil war got even more intense or the dragons started wrecking serious havoc he would train her, but not just yet. Expanding his powerbase and followers came first.

Once done thinking about the previous day's events, Rictus turned back towards Ken.

"I haven't reviewed the information, but is there anything which stands out to you as most important?"

Ken organized his thoughts as he considered the request.

"Hmm. Our network continues to grow each and every day. I do think it is about time to start considering expanding to additional holds. I would be wary of Riften, but I think the other holds would be fair targets. The civil war is getting more intense. Larger battles keep happening as the Stormcloaks are making a ruckus trying to find Ulfric, who is still unaccounted for as of now. If he does return to Windhelm, the fighting will get even more intense. There is one piece of information I believe we should capitalize upon if you would hear an old man's opinion."

Rictus couldn't help but roll his eyes. Sometimes Ken would throw in little quips about being an old man and try to give an 'opinion'. Rictus was more than intelligent to know these opinions were something he should pay attention to and would usually comply with them. Ken did have significantly more experience than him and was his closest confidant.

"I have recently heard a rumor about a small-scale mage rebellion. There are a couple of forts near Windhelm which have been overthrown by groups of mages. I do not actually know the true validity of this rumor, but I do think it would be worth investigating. As I am sure you know, we are lacking in the magical department. If you could convenience some of them to join our cause, it would be quite a boon for us."

Rictus considered this rumor carefully. It would make sense there were some mage rebellions. He remembered quite a few old forts were filled with enemy mages in the game. It would make sense for some of them to try and take advantage of the situation while Ulfric was on the run and the Stormcloaks were distracted. It would be a great benefit to have more mages as part of his group. More mages would increase the versatility of his people, and they could provide some additional firepower.

"I think you are correct. While it is just a rumor, it is a very plausible one. It is too good a chance for us to pass up. A couple mages would make a big impact for us. Looks like I have some work to do."

He began to rise and get prepared for the trip to meet the mages. As he was reviewing his storage to make sure he had enough supplies still, Ken discussed some additional housekeeping items with him. After a quick debate, it was decided two warriors will be accompanying him on his journey. The two armored people were quick to approach.

The first was a large imposing Nord wearing thick armor and wielding a shield and sword. He appeared as a typical Nordic warrior in his completely steel armor and weapons. He had dark blonde hair, blue eyes, and a long goatee. He was one of the veterans who had joined them early on as well as went on the initial raid with Rictus. Rictus knew he was called Roluth, but he didn't know much beyond that.

The second person was also familiar to Rictus. Her name was Miruma. She was not on the initial raid with them, but Rictus remembered her as being close to Sly and thanking him for how he gave Sly purpose. She had darker hair which was pulled up in a ponytail. Her tanned skin indicated some imperial heritage. She was wearing a slightly too big steel breastplate which seemed stained by fire and had the letter R stamped into it. Besides the steel breastplate, she was wearing leather armor and had a plethora of different knives strapped all over her armor. Apparently, she was quite good at stealth and throwing daggers.

The choice of companions made sense. They made the iconic warrior, rogue, mage combo. Ken told him they were some of the more talented and loyal people of the Restored. He was also told they would keep any secret and follow his commands without hesitation. Both were honored to be chosen as his personal guards. They would gladly sacrifice their life for him if the need arose.

Rictus could almost feel the devotion of these two. He hoped they were as talented as they were devoted. If they were found to be incompetent, Rictus would just go alone on future missions.

Roluth and Miruma followed Rictus as he made his way through their base. They were expecting to go out and get some of the horses to start their journey. Instead, they stood before a solid wall. The wall began to melt away as their leader continued walking without breaking stride. Following close behind, they were a little concerned as the stone flowed back together behind them. Trapping them in the earth with only a small light hovering over Rictus.

Only a few moments passed before they entered a small room with a slightly raised platform. Rictus turned around to observe his new guards.

"Now, it should go without saying, but you are not to share details about this place or what happens with anyone. I will know if you do. Get up on the platform."

They all gathered on the platform. A sudden spike of mana, enough to raise the hairs of the guards' arms, was felt in the room. The guards looked around trying and failing to notice anything different in the room. Rictus pulled out a blue potion and quickly chugged it regaining some of his mana. Moving this many people was quite taxing on him magically. It was easier than he had initially thought which seemed to indicate his mana pool was still able to increase some or he was getting more efficient with his spells.

The group began making their way back through the ground at an upward angle. As the earth finally opened to air, the guards' jaws dropped at what they saw.

They were no longer in or near their base. Stony ground surrounded them, and they could see pools with steam coming off them near them. They knew enough to understand they were not near Whiterun. Teleportation was a thing of legends in this current age. It was only done by some of the most powerful mages or enchanted devices. They looked at Rictus with a new respect. Fighting some bandits was one thing but teleporting them across Skyrim was another.

"Ah we really got lucky this time. Fort Amol is right there in the distance. Glad I took that quest earlier to the Eldergleam. Makes this a lot easier. Gotta love when things seem to line up so conveniently."

The group then collected themselves and checked their equipment as they made their way towards the fort. It was a typical fort with decently sized walls and a large keep where the majority of the people there would stay. Smoke was rising out of the courtyard indicating a fire or forge. There was a hole in the wall the group could have tried to enter by, but they went to the main gate instead.

"Hello there in the Fort!"

After Rictus called out, there was some scrambling noises from inside the fort. It did not take too long for a couple of robed mages to appear above the gate.

"You better leave or face the consequences."

Rictus couldn't help but feel a little déjà vu at the mage's words. Would there ever be some polite people at these places?

"My name is Rictus, and I have come with an offer to the mages which have liberated this fort."

The second mage looked a bit confused as he responded.

"We didn't liberate it. We killed all the stormcloaks here and took it for ourselves."

Both the first mage and Rictus face palmed at this poor honest fellow. It was obvious Rictus was trying to be polite. They could hear the first mage slap the back of the second's head and whispered to the poor fool to go get the leaders.

"I don't know why exactly, but I will leave it up to the leaders' to decide what to do with you lot. Don't make me regret this."

Rictus conjured up some seats for them to rest at as they waited for the other leaders to approach. The mage at the gate was impressed by the casual display of magic. It was a good sign to have a mage visiting.

While this was all going on, Rictus was surveying the fort using his mana vision. He had seen quite a few people with decent mana levels, but it was apparent when the leaders were nearing based on their larger signature.

An older looking mage soon appeared with a man and woman flanking him. He studied Rictus for a moment and had a flash of interest at the stone seats which looked to be connected to the ground.

"What offer do you have for us? Most people would have tried attacking us or running away to tell some guards or soldiers we were here. Why haven't you?"

"Well, I have nothing against you personally so no need to try and tell the authorities. I don't really feel like fighting all of you with just us three here. That would be a difficult fight I have no interest in. My offer is simple and for any mages here. I have started a tightly knit mercenary company in Whiterun called the Restored. I am on the lookout for some magical talent to join us there. You are currently on one of the main highways connecting Windhelm, Riften, and Whiterun. It is inevitable someone will try and take this from you. I am offering you all a different path and a safe haven."

The mage leaders seemed to consider his words. They knew they were in a precarious position, but it would take more than words to get them to leave their new base. They had fought and killed for this place. No one would take it easily.

"We thank you for your offer, but you are mistaken in thinking we will leave this fort so easily. If someone wants what we have, they will have to take it by force. I know you are a mage. I am willing to let you join us if you so desire. We already have an alliance with the mages in Morvunskar to our North. We refuse to be constantly discriminated against. The stormcloaks will know the power of mages."

Rictus could only shake his head at their misplaced confidence. It was true a mage could do a lot of damage to infantry. The only problem was there were not enough here to last long enough against a large force. This place was too well placed geographically to be left alone. A large force would eventually make its way here, and the mages would fall. They were decently powerful mages, but Rictus could tell none of the ones here were master mages based off their mana signature. They would definitely make whoever attacks them pay a price, but it would not be a victory.

"I thank you for your consideration. I will not join your cause for I think it to be a lost one. I do wish you luck though. If any should change their mind, you can find my group outside of Whiterun in White River Watch. Just ask any beggar and they will know where to go."

Rictus waved a hand as they left the fort. He still hoped a couple mages would join him, but he was not holding out any hope. Too bad. He had been wanting some more mages around the place. Maybe he should have tried a little harder, but he didn't like the way they were looking at him. There was some kind of cruel and greedy look in the eyes of the people here which turned him off to trying harder to recruit.

It was not an entirely wasted trip. They confirmed the rumor of the mages rebelling and also found out a new place to try and recruit some mages from. The exact location of Morvunskar eluded Rictus, but he knew it was to the north and close to Windhelm. There was bound to be some traveler on the road who could tell them. He would try and see if he was more successful there than here. After talking to those mages there, he planned to return to update Ken then go to Winterhold. He really did want some more enchanted gear. He expected his trip to Morvunskar would most likely go similar to this one though so he should make it back without incident.