Sai Sahan (Online)

"I do not know you. Why are you here? Who sent you?"

Varen sent me. I'm a friend. "The Emperor? He lives? This day is filled with wonders."

Did they force you to reveal the location of the Amulet of Kings? "They tortured me for many months―years, perhaps―but I did not break my vow. The amulet is hidden, and safe."

Can you walk? We need to get out of here. "My strength is returning. Lead on."

"I owe you my life. My Lord calls you Vestige? A strange name. Is it true your soul was taken from you?"

Yes, it's true. "Stranger still. My people say that bravery and honor are the hallmarks of a great soul, yet you have both of those things in great measure. I had begun to think that honor was a relic of the past. You give me hope."

How are you feeling? "I cannot say. Physically, I am unharmed. But mentally ...? I feel a darkness in my heart. A weight on my soul. I do not know how long this emptiness will remain."

How do we get the Amulet of Kings? "I hid the Amulet in a secret catacomb, protected by magical wards. The means of lifting these wards are in the keeping of my old mentor, Kasura. As soon as I am able, we must meet with her."

We will, as soon as you're well. You should rest, now. "I will try to rest, but I am a warrior. We cannot sit still for very long. And I should certainly bathe before we meet with Kasura. I am unpleasantly fragrant, and if she happened to be downwind of me, I would never hear the end of it."

As you say, Sai. "The path ahead of us is a dark one, but it pleases me to know that I shall walk that path with friends. May we all rest a little easier tonight. I know I shall."

"Honor and faith to you, my friend. We are nearly ready to depart. My Lord Varen requested that Tharn and Snow Lily join us, for safety's sake, though I have seen fewer places as tranquil as the Valley of Blades."

Why do we need to go to the Valley of Blades? "An old friend, Kasura, dwells there. Before I was captured I placed an enchanted ring in her keeping. The ring is a key of sorts. Without it, we will not be able to open the secret chamber where the Amulet of Kings lies hidden."

Tell me about Kasura. "She was my first mentor and instructor, a true master of blades. She still trains young swordsmen in the valley. Those she deems worthy of her instruction."

What does she teach? "Swordsmanship, but much more than that. Her teachings revolve around a trinity of body, blade, and brilliance. The sword-singers of old were said to be masters of all three. Look, there will be time for questions later. Are you ready to depart?"

Yes, I'm ready.

I'm ready to travel to the Valley of the Blades.

"Do you smell the scent of burning embers in the air? We may be in for a treat if Kasura is teaching the firewalk!"

Which way are we heading? "The abbey is just down the path. We're fortunate that my Lord Varen opened a portal for us. This landslide appears to have blocked the valley's only approach."

What could have caused it? "I cannot say. I've never known these mountains to experience earthquakes. Strange."

Let's go

Do all Redguard swordsman shave their beards? "It is tradition for Redguard men to shave their heads following a time of great trials. I shaved mine long ago, when I failed in the task to restore the lost tradition of the sword-singers. Also, long hair gets in the way during battle."

But you didn't shave your beard. "There is an old Redguard proverb. A man is only as great as the beard that wears him. A full and healthy beard carries with it a sense of great honor and wisdom. Also crumbs."

Couldn't it be grabbed in battle? "Oh, a few have tried, but a fool and his fingers are quickly parted."

"I can feel the presence of my ancestors whenever I come here. I am burdened with a great responsibility to honor their sacrifice and uphold their legacy."

Your ancestors are interred here? "Aye. Along with some of the most renowned sword-singers who ever lived. We must tread carefully and with great respect."

Why did Kasura hide the ring here? "We both thought it would be well protected in the Valley of Blades. The most gifted young swordmasters of Hammerfell are invited to train with Kasura. The town was bristling with strength and steel before the Titan showed up."

How did Mannimarco find out about this valley? "I cannot say. Perhaps someone told him of my past. Perhaps he pried the memory from me during my time in the Halls of Torment. Either way, I am to blame for the valley's destruction. No one I love wil be safe until Mannimarco has been dealt with."

We'll stop Mannimarco. "Then I shall need a proper weapon. Kasura said that my father's greatsword lies with the ring. It seems proper that I should wield it in his honor."

Let's go.

"The ring is ours for the time being. Guard it well."

I'll guard it with my life. "You must return to the Harborage and give it to Lord Varen. It will remain safe in his keeping until it is time to travel to Sancre Tor. Lyris, Abnur and I will remain here, to help Kasura bury the dead, and tend to the injured."

How will I return? "Lord Varen has been observing our progress. He will open a portal for you to return. There it is, at the top of the stairs. Go, quickly!"

I'll tell him what happened.

"The time has come for us to enter the catacombs of Sancre Tor. Do not underestimate the dangers that await us. In ages oast, Sancre Tor was a place of light, but I fear that is no longer the case. We must be prepared for anything."

Have you fully recovered from your wounds? "I have been through much, but this body is tougher than the great oaks of Valenwood. I go with neither hope, nor fear. It is useless to guess at a future that has yet to be written. You may hope if you wish, my friend. I will not judge."

What's our plan? "My Lord Varen will open a gateway to Sancre Tor. The amulet lies in a vault protected by powerful magic: a ward of Stendarr, the God of Justice and Mercy. Also, a God of Well-Earned Luck. I thought this could not hurt."

How do we break the ward? "The catacombs contain two shrines dedicated to the Divines. We must consecrate them in Stendarr's name. When that is done, the Ring of Stendar's Mercy should open the vault doors."

Tell me more about Sancre Tor. "It is written that Alessia received the divine inspiration for her slave rebellion at Sancre Tor, and so, built her holy city there. But that was long ago. The city is a ruin, now. It has become a dark place, with areas best left undisturbed."

What sort of areas? "We should avoid the Crypt of Heroes. I saw enough angry dead there to fill nine lifetimes. Kasura and I barely escaped with our lives. We will enter through the inner courtyard and avoid it entirely. Now, come. Time waits for no man."

Let's go!

"Mannimarco has been watching our every move. We led him right to the amulet!"

We must reach the Amulet of Kings first. "Mannimarco may be powerful enough to break through Stendarr's ward eventually. If we can get to the shrines quickly and receive Stendarr's blessing, we can pass through the ward, but leave it in place. He may not be able to follow for some time."

How do we get to the shrines? "We must make our way to the Inner Courtyard. From there we can access the chambers where the shrines are located."

Let's go.

"Through that gate lies the Crypt of Heroes. We can enter, if you wish. But it is a foul place, where the dead are restless and angry."

"Zeht's tears, I thought I could handle this! Mannimarco's sorcery brought back all of the pain and doubt I felt inside the Halls of Torment."

Are you going to be all right? "I have pushed my body much further than this. It is my mind that pains me. Mannimarco filled my head with shattered memories. They are like broken glass. With every beat of my heart, they stab into me."

Take a moment. Catch your breath. "That voice ... Mannimarco's voice ... it tauned me over and over in an endless cycle, for years on end. He never broke my will, but he broke ... something."

Will you be able to make it through this, Sai? "I will make it through this, my friend. I did not endure years of torture in the Halls of Torment, only to give up now! My pain has subsided. Let us make haste, and finish this."

Where do we go from here? "We must consecrate the two shrines with Stendarr's blessing before the vault can be opened. The first shrine rests in the Dragonguard Tomb, where so many of my fallen comrades were interred. We must take care to respect their resting place."

Let's go.

"Stendarr―God of Mercy, Charity, and Justice―empower us with your wisdom and vision. Help us to right the wrongs of this world through your grace and with your guidance. Encourage us as we smite the wicked and punish the unjust! Now, we have only to consecrate the second shrine before we can enter the vault."

"The second shrine is in the chamber beyond. There is a trick to reaching it, a puzzle of sorts, but I do not recall its solution. The altar is on the far side, but to reach it, the drawbridge must be lowered."

"Stendarr, God of Mercy, Charity and Justice, by your grace and through these consecrations, we beseech you to lower your wards and grant us safe passage into the Vault of Kings."

"There it is. The door to the Vault of Kings."

What do I need to do? "The shrines have been consecrated in Stendarr's name. Now, you must use the Ring of Stendarr's Mercy to open the vault doors!"

How? "Stand in the casting circle and direct the ring at the doors to life the ward. The doors should open wide!"

I'm ready.

"Look! The Amulet! I can see it from here!"

"The greatest of the Sword-Saints, Divad, tells us that destiny is a chain, forged one link at a time. Our chain is nearly complete. There is but one link remaining."

What is this link? "It is you, my friend. You are the link. I will not bore you with effusive praise, but state it plainly. You are a great warrior and a trusted friend and we would like to extend to you an offer."

What offer? "When Emperor Varen first brought the Five Companions together, he did so in the hope of creating a Tamriel where all men could live freely and safely beneath one banner."

Go on. "The Five Companions failed, betrayed from within by one of our own: the Worm King Mannimarco. All that came after was the result of one man's treachery. Now four of the five are reunited to right that great wrong. But destiny requires a fifth."

What are you suggesting? "We want you to join us as our fifth member. You are the champion we should have had with us back then. Don't look so grave. This is largely sumbolic. But, please ... human an old soldier."

I am honored to join you as the last member of the Five Companions.

The Five Companions failed. Let's not risk repeating history.

"I see that look in your eye, Vestige, and I wonder―am I to be the one? Know that I would consider it a great honor. It would be a fine death."

You sound very confident. "When you live each day as if it were your last, as I have, eventually you will be right. I was born to die a hero's death. I have always known this, and I have always been prepared for it."

Do you really want me to choose you? "I once swore to protect my Emperor and failed. I cannot allow him to sacrifice his life in my place. Nor can I ask this of Lyris, my Snow Lily. She is more important to me than she will ever know. Please. Give me this honor."

Very well. I choose you, Sai Sahan.

I need more time to decide.

"Honor and faith to you always, my friend. My part in this is over."

What will you do now? "Snow Lily is gone, and I will mourn her passing, but my duties are not yet finished. My Lord Varen and I will travel to the Abbey of Blades to help rebuild. Then I will devote myself to the creation of a new generation of blademasters."

Will we meet again? "Who can say? I do know that I need time to heal. I cannot help but blame you for Snow Lily's death. Perhaps that is unfair—it was her decision as much as yours—but it is the truth."

I'm sorry. Things will be all right, in time.

"So, this is where our roads diverge."

You and Lyris are going back to the Abbey? "For a time. There is much to rebuild there, and I owe it to Kasura to bring her the news of our victory personally. Snow Lily and I, well ... maybe we shall finally have some time to ourselves."

Aren't you going to chase after Tharn? "To what end? No, let him return to his Imperial City. He played his role, and that is enough. Grudges are like poison to the spirit. But perhaps, once the Abbey of Blades has been rebuilt..."

Yes? "I have never been content to remain in one place for too long. It is not my nature. Eventually I am overcome by the need to endanger myself. Between comfort and adventure, I always choose adventure."

Then perhaps we'll meet on the road, some day. "I would like that. It has been a singular honor, Vestige. Although I suppose that name is no longer appropriate, is it? Varen would be proud of you. I know we are."

Farewell, Sai Sahan.

"It's good to see you again, Vestige. Ready to once again answer Tamriel's latest cry for help?"

Of course. What have you been doing since we last met, Sai? "I returned to the abbey to help Kasura rebuild. I'm not much of a carpenter, but I do what I can. When the Dragons invaded Elsweyr, I knew my duty was to fight against them, and I began to search for the wisdom of the ancient Dragonguard."

Perhaps these maps will help you. They show the locations of two Dragonguard sanctuaries. [?]

[?] "Speak to Kasura. She uncovered an ancient Dragonguard tool known as a grappling bow. Such a device may prove useful in our journey to come. Why don't you try to figure out how to best utilize it?"

All right, I'll ask Kasura about this grappling bow.

Can I ask you some questions before I go? "Speak quickly, for the sand in the hourglass never stops falling."

Why do you want to find a way to battle the Dragons? "As far as I know, I'm the last of the Dragonguard. Once, my duty was to protect the emperor and defend the empire. Now … now I must carve a new path from the legends of old. Now I prepare to hunt Dragons."

Seems like you're putting a lot of faith in old legends. "Someone needs to take up the mantle. Besides, faith and legends go hand in hand. They are the whetstone that sharpens my blade. Let us see where my faith in old legends takes us before we dismiss the notion that my predecessors were Dragon slayers."

What have you been up to since Coldharbour? "Ah, our grand battle within the Daedric realm …. I was ready to lay down my life to protect Tamriel from Molag Bal's dark schemes. Then the battle was done. I was looking for a new purpose when I heard that Dragons had returned to Elsweyr."

So your new purpose is to stop the Dragons? "A noble goal, wouldn't you agree, Vestige? Evil must be defeated, innocents must be protected. And so we continue to fight. At this point in time, I know of no greater evil than the Dragons that rampage over Elsweyr."

"This old warrior has deciphered the first map. It leads to the Wind Scour Temple, hidden atop the ruins of HoonDing's Watch. I saw the light of the brazier. I take it you were able to utilize the grappling bow?"

Yes, I used it to reach the roof of the training hall. "Excellent. As the saying goes, a weapon is only as reliable as the soldier who wields it. With that being said, it would be best not to drop the device. It's incredibly old. Now, are you ready to depart for Wind Scour Temple?"

What are we looking for in the Wind Scour Temple? "Anything we can use against the Dragons. Tomes describing hunting techniques and strategies, weapons … honestly, whatever appears to be useful. If you spot something of value, let me know."

I'm ready to depart for Wind Scour Temple "Let's be on our way, then. Kasura has agreed to let us borrow her horses. The sooner we search these Dragonguard sanctuaries, the sooner we can uncover their secrets."

"It appears the sanctuary's archives are out of reach. There doesn't even appear to be a place to use the grappling bow. I … I don't know how to proceed."

There must have been a way for the Dragonguard to reach it. "I agree. After all, with the proper application of will, the way always opens. Hmm. Perhaps the answer lies in these statues."

Do you know anything about these statues? "I am familiar with these personages. The statues represent the four greatest Grandmasters the Dragonguard have ever known. Ghelin-Brol who helped establish the order, Ettiene Volusus who chronicled their history, and so forth."

And how do these Grandmasters help us reach that ledge? "A brazier stands before each. Perhaps if we were to light them, they would reveal a way forward. Though I also suspect there's a proper order to it all. Read each statue's plaque and see if they contain any clues."

All right, I'll read the plaques and try lighting the braziers.

"Have you found anything useful? Dragon hunting techniques, perhaps? Maybe even a weapon?"

I found a journal. The Dragonguard came here in search of the Horn of Ja'darri. "The Horn of Ja'darri? This journal claims … it's a Dragonhorn of great power! And the last of the original Dragonguard went in search of it. Incredible. I thought Dragonhorns were merely legends, but according to this, at least one exists."

This seems like the sort of relic you were searching for. "Indeed! A Dragonhorn would give us the edge we desperately need to combat the Dragon invasion of Elsweyr. Provided this horn is as powerful as the journal indicates."

They didn't find the Dragonhorn here, but they were going to search Storm Talon Temple next. "Storm Talon Temple? That's the location revealed by the second map. It's near the entrance to Aphren's Hold in Stormhaven. We should head there at once and see what we can find."

I'll head to Storm Talon Temple and meet you there. (Fast Travel to Stormhaven)

I'd like to look around a bit more before I leave. (Do Not Fast Travel) "I recommend you show your respects to the Grandmasters before you depart. We owe them all a great deal."

"It appears this sanctuary has fallen into ruin, blocking our path to the archives. As the Dragonguard say, every path is worthy of pursuit. Though it seems the path we seek is a rather tricky one. Hmm."

Do you have any ideas? "Why don't you try using your grappling bow? There may be a path forward that we just can't see from this vantage point. I suggest you pick a direction and see where it takes you. If you become stuck, feel free to return here and try again."

All right, I'll try to grapple to the archives.

"Were you able to find the Horn of Ja'darri?"

No, but I found another journal. It says that the Dragonhorn resides in Dark Water Temple. "Interesting. We should prepare to face further challenges. Neither Wind Scour nor Storm Talon were easy to navigate. I suspect this next sanctuary will prove similarly difficult. Does the book indicate where this Dark Water is located?"

The sanctuary's in Eastmarch, south of Windhelm. "We can take the horses to Windhelm, and then search on foot from there."

Let's head for Dark Water Temple right now. (Fast Travel to Eastmarch)

You should go on ahead. I'll join you soon. (Do Not Fast Travel)

"Did you find anything? Something about the Dragonhorn?"

I found another journal. It says a Dragon named Vahlokzin stole the Dragonhorn. "By Leki's blade! Of all the possibilities I imagined, that was never among them. No matter the dangers, we must retrieve that Dragonhorn. The fate of Elsweyr depends on it! Did the journal indicate where Vahlokzin lairs?"

The Dragon makes its lair in a dormant volcano in Southern Elsweyr. The journal includes a map. "Such a journey requires planning and preparation. Let's return to the Abbey of Blades and check in with Kasura."

Let's depart then. (Fast Travel to Abbey of Blades)

I want to explore the sanctuary some more. (Do Not Fast Travel) "These Dragonguard sanctuaries, hidden for so long. How many more lie buried in the dust? How much knowledge remains lost to us?"

"When you brought the Dragonguard sanctuary maps to me, I had no idea what we would find. Hunting techniques, perhaps. Maybe a weapon or two. But the promise of a Dragonhorn! That's more than I dreamed possible after all this time."

We don't have the Dragonhorn yet. "Those who risk nothing inadvertently risk it all. Either we face this single Dragon to gain a Dragonhorn, or we face a horde without such a weapon at our side. But what's risk without reward? Here's something for the aid you provided thus far."

"The journals we discovered in the Dragonguard sanctuaries point to one obvious conclusion. The Horn of Ja'darri exists, but was stolen by the Dragon Vahlokzin. We must enter the Dragon's lair in Southern Elsweyr and retrieve the horn."

That happened so long ago. Can we be sure the Dragonhorn still exists? "The journals indicated that the horn was indestructible. And Stendarr knows that Dragons are as close to immortal and unchanging as the earth and sky. Fate has placed the Horn of Ja'darri in our path for a purpose. I believe that with all my heart."

Were you able to determine the location of the Dragon's lair? "Despite its age, the map included with the journal clearly shows where we must go. A dormant volcano in Southern Elsweyr. I ask you, friend, will you make this journey with me?"

I'll accompany you to the Dragon's lair, Sai. "The horses will carry us to the nearest port. From there, we can charter a boat and sail to Southern Elsweyr. Thanks to the map you found in Dark Water Temple, it should be easy enough to find Vahlokzin's lair."

Before we depart, can we review what we learned at the Dragonguard sanctuaries? "An excellent idea. Wisdom and reason are sharpened into focus every time we scrutinize the things we learned. What would you like to discuss?"

What's the significance of the Horn of Ja'darri? "When Emperor Varen made me captain of his Dragonguard, I swore to protect the Empire. With the return of the Dragons, I knew I had to find a way to fight the beasts—just like the Dragonguard of old. The Horn of Ja'darri could be our best weapon."

The horn is a weapon? "It's a Dragonhorn of great power, nearly indestructible and able to replenish its innate magic. It has no equal! With the Horn of Ja'darri, we have a chance to defeat the Dragons of Elsweyr. Without it, the Dragons have a distinct advantage."

What do we know about Vahlokzin's lair? "The journal described a dormant volcano near the coast of Southern Elsweyr, though I suspect we'll find a cave or ruin nearby. Dragons prefer secure lairs and aren't known to nest out in the open. Plus, it needs a place to hide the stolen horn."

How do you think Vahlokzin managed to steal the Dragonhorn? "I never heard of Vahlokzin before we saw the name in the journal, but Dragons are clever creatures. Besides, the Dragonguard was dissolved around that time. In all likelihood, the sanctuary was abandoned, leaving the Horn of Ja'darri undefended."

I'm ready to depart. (Fast Travel to Vahlokzin's Lair)

"Notice the pulleys. They should help us lower the drawbridge. Unfortunately, I'm not sure which combination of settings will open the way. See if you can find anything that could assist us."

A Dragonguard tried to lower the drawbridge. She left a note behind, which contains a riddle. "Tried to lower the drawbridge, you say? Well, that certainly doesn't bode well for us. Tell me the riddle."

"Khenarthi flies overhead. Alkosh stands in the glory. The Mane bows before their greatness." "Hmm. Khenarthi is the Khajiiti god of travel, not unlike Tava, the Bird God. Alkosh is called Akatosh by most, the Dragon God of Time. And the Mane is a Khajiiti spiritual leader."

What do they have to do with the pulleys? "Each pulley features an icon—a bird, an hourglass, or a Khajiit. This riddle must hint toward where to position the two pulleys of each icon. Remember, "Khenarthi flies overhead. Alkosh stands in glory. The Mane bows before their greatness.""

"At last, the Horn of Ja'darri! Now we finally have a chance against this Dragon threat."

Here, Sai. You should take the Dragohorn.

"Now that we have the Horn of Ja'darri, our true work begins. As the saying goes, strike when the opportunity appears or stand by and do nothing. I can never do nothing."

And the Horn of Ja'darri is an opportunity? "Most certainly. You saw how it knocked Vahlokzin out of the sky, granting us a significant advantage in battle. If it's as indestructible as the journal says, it will prove invaluable in the battles to come. I just wish we knew the Horn's origin."

Does the origin of the Dragonhorn matter? "Vahlokzin implied that the Dragonhorn was willingly given by another of its kind. But what manner of Dragon would give away its own horn? And for what purpose? Ah, well. Perhaps things will become clearer with more study."

What's your next move, Sai? "I must train with the Dragonhorn and prepare for what lies ahead. And so must you, warrior. When the time comes, I will call for your aid. Together, we shall fight back against the Dragons and drive them from Elsweyr. This, I swear to you."

"When a Dragonguard dies, we say a prayer. May your flame burn eternal. It's a promise to honor them, a desire for their legacy to live on. And it's an oath that we uphold, to never forget those who came before. An oath I will always honor."

After you train with the Dragonhorn, what happens next? "Reports tell me that the Dragons have moved into Southern Elsweyr, ravaging towns and villages along the way. That is where I will go, and I'll send for you when I get there."

Just the two of us? Will that be enough to turn the tide of the Dragons? "We won't be alone. We'll rally others to our cause, those willing to take up the mantle of the Dragon hunters of old. It will be glorious! We still have so much to learn, though. So much to do to reignite the Dragonguard."

Have you spoken with the other companions lately? "I've been far too busy. Between helping rebuild the abbey and finding a way to fight the Dragon invasion in Elsweyr, there's been little time to socialize."

What about Lyris? Wasn't she going to help you rebuild the abbey? "Yes, she did. For a time. I hoped she would join me in my efforts to reclaim the wisdom of the Dragonguard. But something else called my Snow Lily away. Something Lyris felt she had to do."

What caused her to depart? "I'm afraid she did not say. Perhaps it was something she wished to do alone, or perhaps she was afraid I would forsake my duties and join her. She did promise to write, though. I eagerly await her letters."