6am
Teldryn felt in his pocket for his keys. He immediately dropped them and bent down with a grunt, a bitten off swear word on his lips. He tried again, pushing the key into the barrel and turning the lock. Somewhere in the dark alley a squeal and the rattle of a dustbin lid made him pause. He shrugged. Probably a stray netch. He headed inside.
He turned on the lights, illuminating the dark wood interior in a warm, amber glow. Outside it had started to rain, the thin, sharp sort of rain that one often got on the coast. It dashed against the windows like needlepoints. He went to the thermostat on the wall and turned on the heating. After rubbing his bleary eyes he headed to the coffee station. There were still some cups to unload in the dishwasher so he did that first, then he set the beans to grind. The air was soon thick with the scent of roasting coffee.
6.10am
The bell jangled and Ralis poked his head in.
‘You’re late,’ said Teldryn from beneath the counter.
‘What are you doing?’ said Ralis, approaching.
‘Checking stock, which is what you should be doing.’ said Teldryn. His knees were hurting. He straightened up.
‘Someone’s grumpy,’ sang Ralis, swinging off his rucksack and dumping it on the counter.
‘f*ck off Ralis,’ replied Teldryn. ‘Put your sh*t in the back.’
‘Let me make a coffee first. I was up half the night.’ Ralis sidled behind the counter and started to fiddle with the espresso machine.
‘Oh you finally got a leg over that forsworn guy, huh,’ said Teldryn, while simultaneously trying to count the syrups. ‘We’re low on Jazaby.’
‘He’s not forsworn,’ said Ralis.
‘Oh that tattoo is a fashion choice? Delightful,’ replied Teldryn. His back had started aching. Must be the rain. He sighed. ‘Where’s Talvas?’
‘He was still in bed when I left,’ replied Ralis with a shrug. ‘And you’re hardly the person to lecture people about tattoos.’
‘I’m a dunmer, not some would-be freedom fighter. It’s my heritage,’ said Teldryn. He reached for a cup. ‘Make me a coffee.’
He grabbed Ralis’ bag and headed into the backroom.
‘You mean you pretend to be exotic and mysterious to pick up women,’ said Ralis, making Teldryn roll his eyes. ‘You know I’m right!’ Ralis called after him.
6.20am
‘Hey it’s Talvas. Leave a message and I’ll get back to you!’
Teldryn sighed into the phone, hearing it crackle.
‘Talvas, it’s Teldryn. Are you coming in or not? Call me back.’
He hung up. A moment later the phone started ringing. Teldryn was already halfway out the room and scrambled to answer it.
‘Kaveh Corner Club, how can I help you?’
What an ungodly hour to be on the phone.
‘It’s me,’ croaked a voice on the other end.
‘Talvas? You sound like sh*t,’ said Teldryn.
‘I’m not well,’ said Talvas. ‘I think it’s ataxia.’
‘Ataxia?!’
‘Yeah,’ replied Talvas. ‘I won’t be able to come in today. I’m sorry for leaving you guys in the lurch.’
‘Alright. Try not to die,’ said Teldryn. ‘Call a healer.’
Talvas didn’t say anything. Just made an odd sort of wheeze. Teldryn hung up the phone.
He went back into the front.
‘Talvas can’t make it, he thinks he has ataxia,’ he told Ralis, who scoffed.
‘What a load of sh*t,’ said Ralis. ‘He’s just scared of that wizard. You know he made him cry yesterday.’
‘What wizard?’ asked Teldryn curiously.
‘The Telvanni. He keeps coming in and complaining about his tea.’
Teldryn started to take down the chairs. Someone had left an old newspaper on one of the tables. Summit starts at the White Gold tower one headline read.
‘I’ve never seen any Telvanni,’ he remarked, setting a chair in place with a squeal of the floor tiles. A Telvanni he would remember.
‘He’s in town or something for the Frost Fall seminars. He’s not a regular,’ said Ralis. ‘Did you know we’re short on Jazaby?’
Teldryn glared at him.
6.30am
There was a short queue of people by the time he flipped the sign from closed to open. He knew most of them by sight. Commuters who caught the ferry over to Skyrim. He took orders for three lattes and a cappuccino. The fifth regular surprised him. She wanted her latte iced.
‘In this weather?’ he said, looking at the wet darkness outside.
‘Yeah and can I have cold foam, whipped cream, and eight pumps of tiramisu syrup please,’ said the woman, a muscular orc in a business suit.
‘Eight?’ said Teldryn, thinking he had misheard.
‘Make that nine,’ said the orc.
‘Right. Ralis, one iced latte with cold foam, whipped cream, nine pumps of tiramisu syrup and-‘
‘And an extra shot,’ finished the woman.
‘That sounds delicious,’ said Teldryn. ‘I’ll have to try it sometime.’
7am
Teldryn heard the horn of the first ferry as it departed. There was a brief lull, enough to clean the station and sort out the tower of takeaway cups which were threatening to fall down. He wondered if he had time to make himself another coffee.
‘We’re out of tiramisu syrup,’ said Ralis, peering inside the cupboard. ‘That enormous woman drank it all.’
‘Wasn’t she on tv last night? She’s a powerlifter or something,’ said Teldryn, pouring expresso. A headache had started throbbing behind his left eye.
‘No that woman was breton. Still, sizable muscles. Bet you wish you could climb that tree.’
‘I do love a challenge,’ said Teldryn, dumping three sweeteners into his cup.
Ralis leant back against the counter.
‘So there’s really nothing going on with you, huh? What happened to that guy you met in the market?’
‘Who?’ said Teldryn, sipping his coffee and burning his tongue.
‘You know you told me you met that guy at the market and he asked for your number,’ continued Ralis. ‘Do you think I have time to make a sandwich?’
‘No,’ said Teldryn shortly. ‘That fetcher wasn’t asking me out, he was trying to sell me fish. It was an amusing anecdote not a dating story. By Azura you never listen.’
Ralis nudged him.
‘Talking of Azura here comes your greatest fan.’
The bell jingled as the priest of Azura came in. The bottom of his grey robes were sodden with rain.
‘What wonderful weather we’re having,’ said the priest. ‘How are you, my child?’
Teldryn was easily as old as the elderly priest and had reminded him of this on several occasions.
‘Fantastic,’ replied Teldryn dryly. ‘Busy day planned?’
The priest rested his gnarled hands on the counter.
‘Oh yes I have two blessings and a possible exorcism. Could I have a large latte, please-‘
‘Extra hot,’ finished Ralis for him which earnt him a glare.
‘And a sweet roll,’ continued the priest, watching as Teldryn pulled it out from behind the glass counter with tongs. ‘To go.’
Teldryn had already put it in a bag. The priest grabbed hold of one of his hands.
‘You know my child, if you ever need to speak with someone about what ails you, I am always here to listen.’
‘I’ll keep that in mind,’ said Teldryn, shaking him off. ‘5.75, please.’
‘What’s the deal with that guy? Does he know you’re the nerevarine?’ said Ralis as the priest left.
‘I don’t know what he thinks,’ said Teldryn.
‘What does ail you?’ said Ralis, leaning one elbow on the counter.
‘Working with you,’ replied Teldryn.
7.30am
The first and second wave of ferry commuters gave way to students and professors from the university campus. Teldryn wrinkled his nose at the amount of students wearing pyjamas under their robes. He also kept an eye out for the Telvanni. He was deeply curious. The air was full of vapour from the milk steamer and there was a clatter as someone spilt their coffee. Teldryn grabbed a tea towel and hurried over. The customer, a young imperial woman, couldn’t stop apologising.
‘No used crying over spilled milk,’ said Teldryn, busily wiping. ‘Come up to the counter and I’ll make a new one.’
The girl continued to babble about how kind he was. Teldryn shrugged. Ralis handed her a new coffee. Teldryn rinsed his sticky hands under the tap.
‘Do you ever miss it?’ said Ralis, flicking a dish cloth over one shoulder as he watched him.
‘Miss what?’ said Teldryn, barely listening. The cold running water reminded him of the headwaters of harstrad. He used to hike up there all the time. Enjoy the frosty air, the silence. He hadn’t been for ages. He was always working. Ralis clicked a finger in front of his face, making him jump.
‘What?’ he snapped.
‘What’s wrong with you today?’ said Ralis, pulling out the dishwasher and removing still hot cups.
‘Nothing,’ said Teldryn. ‘I’m just thinking. Don’t you ever think? Oh what a stupid question, of course you don’t.’
Ralis glared at him and opened his mouth to reply but a voice interrupted him before he could speak.
‘Is someone going to serve me or are you going to continue your chit chat all day?’
Teldryn turned. A tall, stern looking dunmer was standing at the counter, one eyebrow raised. His head was shaved and he had a long, pointed beard, neatly oiled. Teldryn’s eyes swept over him, taking in his ornate robes and the overfull satchel hanging off one shoulder. This must be the Telvanni. He wiped his hands dry on his jeans, leaving damp patches on the black denim and stepped up to the counter.
‘Good morning,’ he said.
‘Is it?’ said the Telvanni with a curl of his lip, then his eyes narrowed, looking Teldryn up and down, like he had just discovered a particularly interesting specimen. ‘Do I know you?’
‘I doubt it,’ said Teldryn. ‘What can I get for you?’
The Telvanni gave a small hmm.
‘Very well. I will take a canis root tea with half a teaspoon of honey in it, no more, no less and make sure you remove the tea bag.’
‘Do you want milk in that?’ said Teldryn, tapping the button on the till.
‘Yes, ash milk,’ said the Telvanni.
‘We don’t have ash milk,’ replied Teldryn.
‘That’s preposterous,’ said the Telvanni, so vehemently that Teldryn looked up again. Their eyes met. It was the Telvanni that looked away first.
‘Very well. Oat milk will suffice. I assume you have a stock of that or does this establishment fail to cater for the most basic of needs?’
‘We have oat milk,’ replied Teldryn evenly.
‘Fine. Just a splash, and I mean a splash of oat milk.’ The Telvanni raised one hand, stroking over his beard. ‘And a lemon muffin,’ he finished, looking thoughtful.
‘To go?’ said Teldryn.
‘Yes,’ replied the Telvanni.
‘Can I take a name?’ said Teldryn.
‘Master Neloth of House Telvanni,’ said the Telvanni. ‘Are you certain we haven’t crossed paths before? You look awfully familiar.’
‘I think I would remember,’ replied Teldryn. ‘Please wait at the counter.’
‘Good job on not crying,’ muttered Ralis as the Telvanni stepped away.
‘Maybe I’m saving it for later,’ replied Teldryn.
8am
‘Weren’t we meant to get a delivery this morning?’ said Teldryn looking at the chalkboard. The other staff had scrawled messages to each other and notes to remember. Ondolemar had drawn a penis. Teldryn wiped over it with his sleeve, and then drew a bigger one in yellow chalk. After considering it for a moment he added the sigil of House Telvanni below.
‘Yes,’ said Ralis, who was adding more beans to the grinder. ‘I told you, we’re out of Jazaby, tiramisu and hazelnut.’
‘What about pumpkin spice?’ said Teldryn.
‘Plenty of that,’ replied Ralis. ‘Can I finish early?’
‘No,’ said Teldryn.
If he wasn’t getting laid, neither was Ralis.
10am
The bell jingled and Teldryn looked up. He quickly jumped over the counter.
‘Hey!’ he said, grabbing for the door. ‘You can’t bring that in here.’
The woman, a middle aged dunmer, was holding the lead of a small dragon.
‘Why not?’
‘Dragons are not permitted inside the café. You can sit outside if you like.’
The woman frowned.
‘In this weather? You must be mad. Why can’t I bring Peaches in? She’s fully trained.’
‘It’s a fire hazard, I’m sorry,’ said Teldryn.
‘How am I supposed to order a drink?’ said the woman. ‘Do you do delivery?’
‘No,’ said Teldryn. He’d got fed up with drivers clogging up the place, and the bathroom. ‘Look why don’t I hold your…pet and you can order from my colleague.’
‘Okay but be careful with Peaches, she’s very sensitive.’
‘I understand,’ said Teldryn.
He stepped outside and the woman handed him the end of the lead. The dragon looked up at him and growled. Teldryn glared back.
‘The last time I saw one of you I was shoving a sword down its throat so watch who you’re growling at,’ he said, and yanked the lead. ‘Biggest con you guys ever pulled going from menace to house pet.’
The dragon looked away, swallowing down its growl. A moment later it had rolled onto its back, exposing a scaley belly.
‘Yeah, yeah,’ said Teldryn. ‘You might fool the others but I was at Skuldafn.’
Azura preserve him, what a sh*t show that had been. He briefly closed his eyes, remembering the frantic beeping of the helicopter controls as it spun out of control, the crash landing, the swarming undead. He’d ran out of bullets before the first temple.
‘Oh Peaches look at you,’ crooned the woman, now clutching a pumpkin spiced frappe. ‘I’ve never seen her do that with anyone.’
Teldryn gratefully handed her the lead, and headed back inside.
‘You alright?’ said Ralis, looking at him. ‘You’ve gone all pale.’
‘I’m fine,’ said Teldryn.
He jumped as Ralis leaned in and patted his pockets.
‘Hmm, alright then,’ he said. ‘I can’t feel any skooma on you.’
‘Keep your voice down,’ hissed Teldryn. ‘I told you, I quit.’
Ralis peered into his face.
‘And you’re still going to the meetings? To the AA?’
‘You mean to that awful temple down Oblivion street with the world’s most uncomfortable chairs? Yes,’ said Teldryn, pushing him away.
‘If you say so,’ said Ralis. ‘Maybe you caught Talvas’ ataxia.’
‘f*ck off Ralis,’ bit out Teldryn.
‘Witbane then,’ said Ralis, biting back a laugh.
‘I wouldn’t notice even if I did have that,’ said Teldryn. ‘I haven’t used any magicka in weeks.’
Who had the time? He barely had the time to sleep between shifts, never mind practice spellcasting.
‘Speaking of magicka,’ said Ralis nudging him.
Teldryn looked over to the counter. The Telvanni was back, looking expectant. He was holding his cup from earlier.
‘This tea is overstewed,’ said the Telvanni before Teldryn could speak.
He banged the paper cup down on the counter, splattering the counter with cold droplets.
‘Well it’s been two hours,’ said Teldryn.
‘I beg your pardon,’ said the Telvanni. What was his name again? Master-? Master Neloth, that was it. ‘It was overstewed long before I got to it. It is also far too sweet.’
‘So I assume you want to order another?’ said Teldryn.
‘Can you reassure me that this time the tea will be made to my exact specifications?’ said Neloth.
No, thought Teldryn immediately.
‘We can try,’ he instead replied.
‘I suppose Azura loves a trier,’ said Neloth, his red-eyed gaze boring into him. There was something very intense about the mer. It was starting to remind Teldryn uncomfortably of another wizard.
He startled when a man dropped a heavy text book onto the counter.
‘Yo, can I get a cold brew with, like, that syrup stuff. The vanilla one,’ said the young dunmer, a pipe hanging out the corner of his mouth. There was a haze of strawberry scented smoke hanging around him.
‘You can’t smoke in here,’ snapped Teldryn. ‘And this gentleman is still ordering. One canis root tea, half a teaspoon of honey and a splash of oat milk. Is that right?’
‘Yes that’s correct,’ replied Neloth, the slightest of smiles curving his thin lips. Then he turned to the student. He pulled the pipe from their mouth and held up a hand as they started to protest.
‘As this gentleman just informed you this is a non-smoking establishment. Kindly keep your fruit scented breath to yourself.’ He shoved the pipe back at the student. ‘If I see you in my lecture hall expect to write 500 lines on why smoking is an imperialist tradition. I will wait for my tea at the second counter.’ This last bit was directed at Teldryn.
‘Sup,’ said the student, taking his place. He finally picked back up the textbook and Teldryn caught sight of the picture.
Dagoth Ur stared back at him.
‘Hey,’ said the student when Teldryn didn’t respond.
‘Is that what you’re studying?’ said Teldryn, nodding to the book tucked under his arm.
‘Yeah, it’s, like, ancient history,’ replied the student. ‘Can I get my brew to go?’
11am
‘That woman’s been sitting there for an hour without buying anything,’ said Ralis, nudging Teldryn.
Teldryn looked over. There was a woman in an oversized grey hoodie sitting at one of the corner tables.
‘Alright, I’ll sort it,’ he said, stepping out from behind the counter. He walked over to her.
‘Excuse me, sera, these tables are for paying customers only. Can I take an order perhaps?’
The woman glanced up and Teldryn felt his stomach dip. It was Arylin.
‘No freebies for an old friend?’ said the woman smiling, an attractive nord with ice blonde hair.
‘No,’ said Teldryn, but he smiled back. ‘What are you doing in these neck of the woods?’
Arylin tapped the table.
‘Take a seat and I’ll tell you.’
Teldryn looked back at the counter. A queue had started. Ralis caught his eye and mouthed help. Teldryn gave him a thumbs up, and then sat down.
‘You look good,’ said Arylin. ‘Better than last time anyway.’
‘I had one arm hanging off last time,’ said Teldryn. ‘What happened then? The world didn’t end so I assume you won.’
Arylin looked away at this, the smile never left her mouth but her expression became fixed, glassy. Teldryn recognised that look. He’d seen it in the mirror.
‘Yeah we won.’ She shrugged. ‘And now look, a little over twenty years later and people are breeding world eaters into pets. Crazy.’
‘At least they’re not marching for dragur rights,’ said Teldryn.
‘Give it time,’ said Arylin. She was looking out the rain splattered window. Outside the rough, wet coastal wind was blowing peoples umbrella’s inside out and making them curse. ‘I’m here on a mission. Maybe you can help me.’
Teldryn frowned.
‘I don’t do that sort of thing anymore,’ he replied.
‘Really?’ said Arylin. She sounded surprised. ‘You mean, this is your actual job? You work here?’
Teldryn bristled.
‘What’s wrong with that? I enjoy it.’
Arylin finally dragged her gaze away from the window.
‘When I spotted you I thought you were undercover or something. You’re really…retired?’
‘Quite happily,’ said Teldryn. ‘Who are you working for? I thought the Blades disbanded.’
‘They did,’ said Arylin. ‘I’m private sector now.’
‘Mm a likely story,’ said Teldryn standing up. He waved a hand ‘I’ll leave you to your very important private sector work then.’
Arylin looked up at him.
‘Oh come on Teldryn, don’t be like that.’
‘Like what?’ said Teldryn icily. ‘I have to get back to work.’
He made his way back to the counter and rescued a grateful Ralis. The following minutes were a blur of pouring espresso and hissing steam. Finally he had a second to catch his breath.
‘Isn’t that your ex?’ said Ralis, reaching past him to check a receipt.
‘Don’t remind me,’ said Teldryn tightly.
12pm
‘Look, look,’ said Ralis with great excitement, through a mouthful of the sweet roll he was eating.
‘What?’ said Teldryn, looking. He watched a large dunmer in military fatigues enter and take a seat at one of the tables. ‘He better f*cking order something.’
‘It’s that guy, the captain from the military base,’ said Ralis. ‘He meets this woman here every Middas and I think it’s a secret.’
Teldryn frowned.
‘He’s a grown man, why would it be a secret?’
‘Maybe her father disapproves. Maybe he thinks she’s too young for him, or she should marry an ashlander or something.’
Teldryn turned to him, frowning.
‘Where are you getting this from?’
‘Just an observation,’ said Ralis, swallowing the rest of the sweet roll. ‘Do you want me to go over there? I bet I could get his name.’
‘This isn’t a soap opera Ralis, I don’t care,’ said Teldryn.
‘That’s bollucks. When you lived with me you were up half the night watching those awful redguard telenovelas.’
‘That’s because I couldn’t sleep!’ protested Teldryn. ‘I’m going to take his order.’
Ralis clutched his arm and Teldryn stilled. Neloth had reappeared in front of the counter. Teldryn hadn’t even heard the bell ring.
‘That tea was far too bitter,’ said Neloth, setting down the paper cup.
‘But you want another?’ said Teldryn.
‘Yes, but make sure you add the honey this time,’ said Neloth.
‘My colleague did add the honey,’ said Teldryn.
‘Loyalty is an apt quality,’ said Neloth. ‘I’ll take an egg sandwich too.’
‘To go?’ said Teldryn.
‘No I’ll eat in.’
‘Make sure you make his bloody tea properly this time,’ growled Teldryn in Ralis’ ear, making him squirm. ‘I don’t need to be incinerated by a Telvanni wizard because you forgot the honey.’
‘I’ll use the clover honey, it’s sweeter and milder,’ said Ralis. ‘Do you want one too? You sound a bit hoarse.’
‘No, but I’ll take a coffee.’ He glanced up at the clock. ‘Where the f*ck is that delivery?’
As Teldryn made his way across the room with the tea and sandwich the door opened. Teldryn had to quickly sidestep. He looked up and saw it was Ondolemar, here for his shift. He breathed a sigh of relief.
‘I am very pleased to see you,’ he told the altmer.
‘I should think so,’ said Ondolemar. ‘There are few things in life as pleasant as my company.’
‘Yeah, yeah,’ said Teldryn. ‘First order of the day, phone the suppliers and ask them why the f*ck the delivery is four hours late.’
‘Very well,’ said Ondolemar and headed for the back office.
Teldryn walked over to the table Neloth was sitting at. He had spread a variety of books and papers over the table. Teldryn waited for him to move some so he could set the plate down.
‘Are these eggs free range?’ said Neloth as Teldryn put the sandwich in front of him.
‘Does it matter?’ said Teldryn.
‘No, I suppose not,’ said Neloth. He picked up the cup of tea and sniffed it.
Teldryn retreated before he complained again.
He walked across the café to the other corner where Arylin was still sitting.
‘I can’t have you sitting here all day,’ he told her. ‘You need to order something.’
Arylin crossed her arms.
‘I’ll have you know you’re interfering in official Thalmor business.’
Teldryn blinked.
‘That’s who you’re working for? The Thalmor?’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘And this is a very important assignment, so kindly let me get on with it.’
‘I can’t believe you’re working for the Thalmor,’ said Teldryn.
‘Keep your voice down,’ hissed Arylin.
‘Well Thalmor or not you can’t sit here all day taking tables away from paying customers. So order or get out,’ said Teldryn, eyes narrowed.
Arylin rolled her eyes.
‘You always were a petty bastard, Teldryn.’
Teldryn scowled. Arylin glared back. Finally she threw up her hands.
‘Fine. I suppose I’ll have a coffee.’
‘What sort of coffee?’ said Teldryn.
‘One with milk in,’ said Arylin.
‘Dairy? Oat? Almond?’
Arylin squinted up at him.
‘Almond? How do you milk an almond?’
Teldryn shrugged.
‘Mice do it.’
‘Mice-? Oh f*ck off Teldryn you’re not funny. Just a white coffee with normal milk. No sugar.’
‘Sure?’ said Teldryn. ‘Might sweeten you up a bit.’
‘No. Now go away.’ She waved a hand at him.
Teldryn stomped back to the counter, which didn’t help his sore knees.
‘I can’t believe you f*cked her,’ said Ralis, who had been listening to the entire exchange.
Teldryn looked around.
‘Where did Ondolemar go?’
‘You told him to phone the supplier, remember?’ Ralis rested a hand on his shoulder. ‘Are you okay?’
Teldryn rubbed a hand over his eyes.
‘I’m just tired,’ he said.
‘I’ll make you another coffee,’ said Ralis.
‘This tea is too hot.’
Teldryn rubbed at his forehead. He frowned at the Telvanni.
‘Well we made it with boiling water,’ he said. ‘So it would be.’
‘Ah see therein lies your problem. Canis root tea should be made with hot but not boiling water. You have to let the tea bag rest for approximately four minutes and then-‘
‘If you’re so particular about your tea why don’t you make it yourself?’ said Teldryn, voice hardening.
Neloth raised his eyebrows.
‘Excuse me. I am a Telvanni wizard. Other people make tea for me.’
‘Well clearly we’re all incapable so why don’t you order something else or leave,’ said Teldryn, glaring at him. Let him incinerate him. He’d had enough. Ralis could sprinkle his ashes in the harbour.
‘Very well,’ said Neloth, surprising him. ‘I will take a mocha.’
‘A mocha,’ said Teldryn. For some reason he found the idea of a wizard drinking a mocha very strange. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Do you not approve of my choice?’ said Neloth. The fetcher was smiling. ‘Do you perhaps have a recommendation, nerevarine?’
‘I-‘ Teldryn stilled.
‘I knew I remembered you from somewhere,’ said Neloth. ‘We met in Sadrith Mora. Do you remember? In the Gnesis corner club. You wanted me to endorse you for Hortator. You bought me a great many drinks.’
‘We-I-‘ Teldryn’s voice died on his lips. He stared at the Telvanni. The vague ghost of a memory flitted across his mind. The looming threat of Red Mountain. The desperation to turn the other Morrowind houses to his cause. But before all that-
The drinking. The talking. Then waking up in the Telvanni’s bed. Neloth smiled at his startled expression.
‘Oh so you do remember,’ said Neloth. ‘You know I’m glad to see you made it out the other side alive. You look well.’
‘So people keep telling me,’ said Teldryn, finally. He looked down at the till. ‘What was it you wanted again? A macchiato?’
‘A mocha,’ said Neloth. ‘And get yourself something too.’
‘I already get free drinks,’ said Teldryn.
‘Hmm,’ said Neloth, sounding thoughtful. ‘Then what can I get for you?’
‘Tip jars always open,’ sang Ralis from behind him.
‘I shall wait at the other counter,’ said Neloth, and he moved away.
Teldryn spent a very long time staring at the counter top.
1pm
Teldryn wiped down a table and sighed at the amount of crumbs on the floor. There was no time to hoover. The bell jingled and a clump of people entered, all dressed the same, in dark suits with red ties. He watched them sit at the table he had just cleaned. One of them came up to the counter.
‘Six espresso,’ he said.
He had a heavy imperial accent. Teldryn frowned. Whoever they were, they certainly weren’t local. He hoped desperately it wasn’t a troop from the bard’s college again. Last time they’d sung show tunes outside for six hours.
‘Anything else?’ he asked.
Behind him Ondolemar started to pour espresso. The man called over to the table.
‘Lucian do we want anything else?’
‘Ask the ash skin if they do doughnuts,’ called back another.
Teldryn stiffened.
‘Do you do doughnuts?’ asked the man, turning back to the counter.
‘We have sweet rolls or muffins,’ replied Teldryn, grinding his teeth.
‘I’ll take a sweet roll,’ replied the man. Then he leaned in. ‘Do I know you?’
‘Unless you’re a wizard I highly doubt it,’ said Teldryn.
‘Nah,’ said the man. ‘You’ll bring it over yeah?’
He was already walking away.
‘Those men are strange,’ said Ondolemar, peering over his shoulder. ‘I don’t like it.’
‘You’re telling me,’ replied Teldryn.
2pm
‘Still here?’ said Teldryn, standing over Arylin.
‘You’re blocking my view,’ she replied.
Teldryn moved to one side.
‘Oh so that’s who you’ve been waiting for?’
‘In a sense,’ said Arylin. ‘I can’t tell you.’
Teldryn turned his head. The men looked completely unbothered, talking and laughing.
‘What are they? The mafia?’
‘If I tell you, you’re in,’ said Arylin, folding her arms. ‘Do you understand?’
Teldryn slipped into her chair besides her.
‘Well?’
‘Alright,’ he said. ‘I’m in.’
‘We received a tip off from someone on the inside. They’re Dark Brotherhood.’
Teldryn turned in his chair, frowning.
‘Not very subtle, are they? I hope they don’t kill someone in my café, I’ll have to pay Ralis extra to mop up all the blood.’
Arylin rolled her eyes.
‘They’re not here to murder someone. They think they’ve found the next listener. He comes in here every day, according to my sources.’
Teldryn mentally flicked through all his regulars.
‘Well it’s not that orc woman that drinks all the syrup.’
‘It’s councillor Arano.’
‘That old s’wit? You’re joking.’
‘Yes, well, my organisation don’t believe that either. So I’m here to intercept. I assume then that you know him?’
Teldryn looked at the clock.
‘Yeah he comes in here every day at 3, like clockwork.’
He couldn’t stand the man. Arylin sat back in her chair.
‘Well that’s what I’m waiting for. Now you know.’
‘Alright,’ said Teldryn. ‘I’ll keep an eye out.’
Ralis was sitting in the back room on his lunch break. He was writing something in a notebook. He reddened slightly when he saw Teldryn and flipped it shut.
‘Do you need me?’ he asked.
‘No,’ said Teldryn. ‘Finish your break. Writing bad poetry again?’
‘Something like that,’ said Ralis, the chair creaking as he shifted his weight.
‘Why do you look so suspicious?’ said Teldryn, watching him.
‘It’s just my face,’ said Ralis. He picked up his coffee and took a sip.
Shrugging Teldryn went over to his desk, crouched and opened the bottom drawer. Inside was a lockbox. He drew the key from his pocket and opened it.
‘Teldryn, what the f*ck is that?’ said Ralis, leaning over the small, coffee stained table.
Teldryn tucked the gun into the back of his jeans.
‘Insurance policy,’ he replied. He grabbed for the notebook. Ralis lunged but Teldryn was too quick.
Teldryn flipped through the pages.
‘His breath was ice cold but I burned with warmth for him-what is this?’
Ralis grabbed for the notebook again and Teldryn spun around. Ralis jumped onto his back, hands grasping. They grappled together for several minutes.
‘The foul beast had me in its claws, I should have been frightened but I felt only aroused-hey!’
Ralis elbowed him sharply in the ribs. Teldryn kicked out one of his ankles making him stagger. He held the notebook above Ralis’ head. Ondolemar poked his head in.
‘What’s all the grunting in here?’
‘Nothing,’ said Teldryn, turning to look at him.
Ralis jumped and snatched the notebook from his grip.
‘The lines getting very long, I need some help,’ said Ondolemar, crossing his arms.
‘On my way,’ said Teldryn. He looked at Ralis. ‘Can I read the rest?’
3pm
Teldryn watched the time tick by on the clock. He stiffened when it hit 3. Over in the corner he noticed the pack of assassins did too, checking their pockets and the time on wrist watches.
‘Go take your break,’ he told Ondolemar, who did so.
Ralis joined him.
‘What are we waiting for?’ he asked Teldryn.
‘Trouble,’ replied Teldryn shortly. There was a flicker of pain as he felt for his magic, calling a little ball of candlelight into his palm. He closed his hand and snuffed it out.
‘You know there’s a café in Windhelm that makes magically brewed coffee,’ said Ralis conversationally.
‘I know, I lived in the grey quarter for years,’ replied Teldryn, eyes on the door. He glanced back at the clock.
‘Maybe I should visit,’ continued Ralis.
‘Don’t. It’s an awful, bitter place and I don’t just mean the coffee,’ said Teldryn. His eyes picked out a figure across the street. Was that the councillor? At the table the Dark Brotherhood were looking too. The glass of the café windows were fogged with condensation and rain.
A green van pulled up in front of the café, the driver climbing out a second later. Teldryn, stared, baffled, and then realised it was the delivery. The driver pulled out a crate of milk and then opened the door at the same time as councillor Arano.
‘Nchow,’ muttered Teldryn.
The six Brotherhood assassins jumped up, and prowled towards Arano, fanning out in a line. Two were blocked by the delivery driver swinging the heavy crate from his shoulder to the floor.
‘I’ll just get the rest,’ called the driver over to Teldryn, completely oblivious.
For the second time that day Teldryn jumped over the counter, swinging an arm around Arano’s back. He turned and ushered him away from the counter, towards the backroom.
‘What on Nirn are you doing?’ said Arano, struggling. ‘Unhand me at once.’
Out the corner of his eye Teldryn saw Arylin kick out a chair, making the closest assassin trip and stumble.
‘Don’t talk, just trust me,’ hissed Teldryn into the councillor’s ear.
He guided the man into the back office and shut the door.
Coming out the room he almost ran straight into two of the assassins. The imperial grinned at him.
‘Going somewhere, ash skin?’
Teldryn headbutt him, making the assassin yowl and stagger back, clutching his forehead. The other assassin grabbed for him. Teldryn ducked and sidestepped, taking two paces back in the narrow corridor. The assassin he had headbutt drew a knife, the metal gleaming under the blinking tube lights. Teldryn sucked in a breath and conjured his flame atronach. It streaked towards the second assassin, a nord, no fire resistance, and engulfed the man in burning flames. He screamed, beating at his clothes. The imperial’s blade zipped through the air. Teldryn raised both arms, and felt the knife cut across one forearm, deep enough to scrape bone.
He pushed back, kicked at the man’s knee with his forward leg and wrenched the blade from his grip. It clattered to the floor.
They wrestled together and then Teldryn called flames into one hand and pressed it into the imperial’s face. He shrieked. As he fell back, clutching at his eyes, Teldryn brought his knee up, crunching between his legs. He grabbed his head and smacked him into the wall as he fell forward. The other man, still screaming, still on fire, pulled out a gun and fired wildly. One bullet hit the wall and the second caught Teldryn in the shoulder. He felt a scorching, searing pain. The assassin fired again, still trying to fend off the attacking atronach, flames licking up the walls. Teldryn dispelled it before it set the place on fire. He flung himself to the floor as the burnt man fired and then lunged at him, tackling him around his legs and dragging him to the floor.
A second bullet thudded into his gut, making him hiss. They rolled around on the floor together, Teldryn seizing hold of the hand holding the gun. It went off again, until the clip was empty. Teldryn laced hot hands around the man’s burnt, blackened neck and squeezed. As soon as his eyes rolled back he got to his feet, staggering back out into the café.
The delivery man was still unloading crates. The remaining four assassins were lingering around the counter. Upon seeing him reappear, panting and bleeding, they all drew guns. The other customers screamed. Teldryn looked past them, at Arylin, and caught her eye.
‘Feim Zii Gron,’ breathed the woman and then she was a ghost, a white streaking shadow, launching herself at the assassins.
The first didn’t even feel her blade as it sliced across his throat. Teldryn called flames to the surface of his skin and lunged at the second. He went up like a matchstick. Ralis flung himself over the counter and threw a pot of boiling water on the third. The assassin hissed, swung around and fired. The bullet shattered the window opposite and Teldryn thought to himself how much the glaziers were going to cost. He grappled with the remaining assassin, smothering him with flames and then stabbing him between the ribs, feeling grim satisfaction when blood sprayed across his face. The last was encased in ice as Arylin shouted again, sending the stack of takeaway cups flying. Ralis ducked behind the counter.
Together they stopped, panting, locking eyes over the bleeding, groaning assassins.
‘Just like old times,’ said Arylin, when she could catch her breath.
Teldryn was breathing heavily. He became aware once again of the throbbing pain in his shoulder and belly. He doubled over, holding his stomach, feeling hot blood welling between his fingers.
Councillor Arano appeared, being held back by Ondolemar.
‘What by Vivec in going on in here?!’
‘Walk with me, councillor,’ said Arylin, beckoning him over. They moved past the delivery man, still merrily unloading crates, and went outside.
Teldryn slowly sunk to the floor. Ondolemar crouched next to him.
‘Do you need a healer?’
Teldryn sucked in a breath. The blood seeping from his belly rushed faster, spilling to the floor in a scarlet stream. His jumper and apron were drenched in it.
‘He’ll be fine.’ Ralis was standing over him, and gently helped him up.
He steered him into the back room and sat him in the chair, pulling off his apron, and then his jumper, making Teldryn hiss with pain.
‘You’ll be fine,’ said Ralis. ‘It’s just a scratch.’ He called heal other into his palm and pressed it to the wound in Teldryn’s abdomen. The blood barely slowed. Worry flickered across the mer’s face. ‘Uh. Maybe you do need a healer.’
He tried again, golden energy making lights sparkle and pop in Teldryn’s vision. He blinked, feeling his eyes starting to close.
Ondolemar leaned around the door.
‘There is a wizard-‘
‘Never mind that,’ said Ralis. ‘Run to the temple and get the priest, and then call the Redoran guard.’
Teldryn raised his hand.
‘No, no guards.’ His hand flopped back down. He felt like he was going to sink straight into the ground. ‘This-this is off book.’
Ralis looked around the room and then grabbed a pack of serviettes. He pressed them to Teldryn’s stomach.
‘Hold that there,’ he said. ‘I’m gonna go see if I can find the first aid kit.’
‘Get the accident book while you’re at it,’ said Teldryn weakly.
The crumpled serviettes fell from Teldryn’s hand, fluttering to the floor like blood stained feathers. He wondered why he could hear something dripping and then realised it was his own blood, plinking steadily from the chair onto the floor. A head poked around the doorway. Teldryn rubbed at his eyes with a bloody hand. The head looked oddly like Neloths.
‘Does this sort of thing often occur in your establishment?’ said Neloth, stepping inside.
‘Only on a Middas,’ replied Teldryn, voice rasping.
‘There’s a lot of milk sitting in the middle of the café,’ continued Neloth, as though they were having a perfectly normal conversation and Teldryn wasn’t bleeding to death on a chair. ‘It’ll go off if no one puts it in the refrigerator.’ The Telvanni crouched in front of him.
‘I even saw a cartoon of ash milk amongst all the bottles,’ he continued, smiling.
He pressed a warm hand to the bleeding wound in Teldryn’s side.
‘There we are,’ he breathed.
Teldryn’s head lolled back. He felt a hot, scratching sensation flood his nerves. He whimpered.
‘Easy,’ said Neloth. The magic in his palm flared brighter.
Beneath the copper and iron tang of his own blood Teldryn could smell rain and wet earth. Neloth stood up, his hands travelling up Teldryn’s torso, making him shiver. He pressed another hand to the bullet wound in his shoulder. There was a dazzling glimmer of gold and orange. Teldryn had to shut his eyes. He felt Neloth’s hand gently tilt his chin. He opened them, seeing the Telvanni staring back at him.
‘Alright?’ said Neloth. He was suffused with golden light. Teldryn watched as it slowly faded.
‘Well I’m not dead yet,’ said Teldryn. He attempted to get up but Neloth pushed him back down.
‘Take a moment,’ said Neloth. ‘Rest. Let me get you some water.’
4pm
Teldryn wasn’t sure if he passed out from blood loss or if he dropped asleep. He sat up with a snort. Someone had draped a blanket around his shoulders. There were a web of plasters pasted over the cut on his arm. They had little cartoon animals on them. He got up and stumbled out into the café. Ondolemar was mopping the floor. Someone had stuck cardboard over the shattered window. The bodies of the Dark Brotherhood were nowhere to be seen.
‘Where is everyone?’ he said.
Arylin was nowhere to be seen either. Typical. He sighed.
‘You okay?’ said Ralis, having to raise his voice to be heard over the blender.
‘Did you put the delivery away?’ said Teldryn, gingerly feeling at the sore spot on his torso. He bit back a yelp as he prodded the wound.
‘All done, boss,’ said Ralis, handing a breton a caramel frappe.
‘Right then,’ said Teldryn. He looked down at his bruised, bloody torso. ‘Have you got a jumper I can borrow?’
4.30pm
‘I didn’t think you’d still be open.’ Teldryn looked up. Councillor Arano was standing at the counter.
‘We don’t close till 5.30,’ replied Teldryn.
‘Yes but-‘ Arano waved a hand. ‘Well anyway. Your friend.’
‘She’s not my friend,’ interjected Teldryn.
Arano frowned.
‘Yes, well. The woman you are associated with told me what happened. I just wanted to thank you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ said Teldryn. He didn’t really know what else he could say.
‘It will stay between us of course,’ continued Arano. He was now looking past Teldryn, up at the menu, looking thoughtful. ‘Have you got pumpkin spice?’
‘Yep,’ replied Teldryn.
‘I’ll take a pumpkin spice latte,’ said the councillor.
Teldryn punched the numbers into the till. The councillor didn’t even leave a tip.
5pm
There were a group of students now occupying where the Brotherhood had sat. Teldryn went over to them.
‘We’re closing soon,’ he told them, trying not to look at the multiple pictures of Dagoth Ur staring back at him.
One of them nudged the other. All three of them started giggling. Teldryn shrugged and walked away.
‘Uh. Hey sera,’ said one.
Teldryn paused, turning back to the table. One of the students was riffling through the textbook. They opened it to a black and white photograph. It was a picture of Teldryn, just after Red Mountain, shaking hands with Hlaren Ramoran. He should have looked triumphant but he was wide eyed, his lips pressed together, his cheeks hollow as he clenched his jaw. He’d barely managed to stop shaking for the photo. If Hlaren had noticed his trembling hands he hadn’t mentioned it, only clapped him on the back and told him he was a hero.
A hero. Ha.
They’d given him a medal. What had happened to that?
‘Sera?’
Teldryn shook his head, realising the student was still speaking.
‘Hm? What?’ he said.
‘I said, is that you?’
Teldryn turned away from the photo.
‘Looks like me doesn’t it,’ he said and walked slowly back to the counter.
6pm
Teldryn took one final look around the café and then flicked off the lights. He walked out the front door, pulling it firmly shut and then felt in his pocket for his keys. He dropped them and groaned. Swearing under his breath he gingerly bent down and retrieved them. He locked the door and checked the door was shut with one final push. Over the water he heard the echoing horn of a passing ferry.
‘Good evening.’
‘B’vehk! You made me jump,’ said Teldryn, turning. He had thought, he had hoped for a second that it was Arylin, but it was Neloth standing there, drizzle caught in his pointed beard, red eyes all but glowing in the gloom. Teldryn found he was pleased to see him.
‘Long day was it?’ said Neloth.
‘You should know,’ said Teldryn. ‘You were there for most of it.’
‘Mm I was, wasn’t I,’ said Neloth, smiling. ‘How are you feeling? Does a trip to the temple beckon?’
At his words Teldryn felt a cautious hand up his borrowed jumper, feeling at the tender knot of scar tissue on his side.
‘No I think your magic did the trick,’ he said.
‘Good,’ said Neloth. ‘Then perhaps, if you’re not too tired, we can go to dinner. If my assumptions are correct, you haven’t eaten a thing all day.’
‘Dinner?’ said Teldryn in surprise.
‘Yes,’ said Neloth. ‘It’s what one eats in the evening. I personally enjoy soup, but there is a great variety of food one can consume. Do you have a particular preference?’
‘I know what dinner is,’ hissed Teldryn.
‘Well?’ said Neloth, looking expectant.
‘Well what?’ said Teldryn.
‘What do you like to eat, for dinner?’
‘I-‘ Teldryn stared at the wizard. ‘Well I’ve always been quite fond of guar stew.’
‘Oh good,’ said Neloth. ‘There’s a nice little restaurant down there that does just that.’ He held out the crook of his arm. ‘Shall we?’
Teldryn found himself lacing arms with the Telvanni. They walked together down the road, the wet paving stones glittering under the street lamps.
‘Is this a date?’ said Teldryn at length.
‘Yes,’ replied Neloth.
‘Right,’ said Teldryn. ‘Just so you know, there’s a gun in my back pocket.’
Neloth laughed.
‘Is that a threat?’ he said, chuckling.
‘No, I forgot to put it back,’ said Teldryn.
‘Here we are,’ said Neloth, stopping in front of a red striped awning. Orange light from the restaurants windows spilled into the street. ‘Shall we?’
Teldryn smiled. Together, they went inside.
end
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