Novum-Semita

Chapter 10 Sofie and the Heavily Armoured Babysitter Serana turned over onto her side. It was daylight outside. This she could tell by the sounds of the pine thrushes that nested in the trees surrounding the cottage. A breeding pair had built a nest in the tree closest to the window and often they were awakened by the raucous cries of the hatchlings coming in through the heavily shuttered windows. She closed her eyes again and was on the verge of sleep once more when she felt Emily stir. She felt an arm encircle her and her breath tickle the hairs on the back of her neck. “Morning, Sera,” a voice murmured close to her ear, still thick with sleep. “Morning, Em,” Serana replied. She rolled onto her back, tugging the Earthling closer. Emily’s lips found hers, kissing her tenderly before laying her head on her chest. “What time is it?” Serana asked. Emily yawned, listening to the sound of the birds outside the window. Her watch had given out some time ago and now lay inert on the

Chapter 9: Secrets Revealed The Keep was still save for the crackle and pop of the campfire which still burned brightly in the centre of the room. It reflected off the child in her bedroll, the stuffed wolf whose nose peeked out from under the covers and the Khajiiti man curled up with his back to the heat. The two vampiresses sat just outside the fire’s circle of light. “Reckon we’ll make it home tonight?” Serana asked of the Earthling who lay in her arms. “Chance would be a fine thing I’m afraid,” Emily replied, “Ahk’raska will have to go on foot. To that end, unless the kid begins to tire there’ll be no need for Arvak or the broom tonight. Besides, it was one thing explaining to Sofie about undead horses, let alone anyone else.” Serana smiled, gently running her fingers through her hair. “You’re beginning to see why most vampires live far from mortals, hmm?” she asked. Emily looked up at her. “It makes me realise how uncomplicated life was before,” she admitted. “Before I

Chapter 8: Ahk'Raska Emily awoke late in the afternoon. Serana was still asleep so she up and dressed quietly. Her throat was dry so she left the room with a small pouch of coin and made for the bar. The man behind the bar was conversing with a young woman who was holding a lute. She was expressing her dismay at her bardic endeavours but the man responded in tones that bordered on affection, asking her to reconsider, praising her musical talent. At last the woman smiled and conceded, agreeing to stay on at the Inn. The man turned when he noticed her and the woman returned to her place by the fire. “Is there something I can get you?” he asked. “A pint of ale please,” Emily replied, handing him the coin. He poured her a mug of ale and set it down on the countertop. As Emily sat there, sipping at the ale, she spotted a group of four Khajiit sitting at one of the tables. “This one still thinks it’s a bad idea,” said one, a tabby female in steel plated armour, “The pass is treacherous

Chapter 7: Fang “So, where do you live?” asked Sofie as they left the city gates of Windhelm behind. Masser was beginning its ascent over the Sea of Ghosts, casting a red glow on the crashing waves. “We’ve got a cottage in the South Falkreath pine forests,” Emily replied, “Overlooking Lake Illinalta.” “I think we’d better figure out some travel arrangements then,” said Serana, “Arvak won’t be able to take all of us.” They passed by the stables and headed for the cobblestone road that led southward towards Kynesgrove. “Who’s Arvak?” Sofie asked. “He’s…our horse,” said Emily, “Now, fair warning, he’s a little different from most horses. But don’t worry, he’s lovely.” “Different how?” Sofie asked skeptically. “He’s kind of…” Emily paused, trying to find the correct words, “Well…boney.” “What Emily is trying to say, so very succinctly I might add,” Serana continued, “Is that Arvak is an undead horse.” “Undead? You mean like a zombie?” asked Sofie. Her tone was one of faint