Castle Bruma, Bruma City
Vorenus decided that he liked the priest of Arkay. He was dedicated, and desired peace amongst the community. He did not need more enemies and trivial politics blocking what must be done. The priest left them, and Vorenus turned to the count who was looking at a family portrait, ages old.
"My great-great Grandmother, spanning back six generations, back under a different Empire," He said somberly. "A better Empire, in truth. Bigger, too. The Thalmor would not have risked attacking the Empire back then."
"Some would argue that there was no Empire during the Oblivion Crisis," Vorenus said.
"You are a man that knows his history," Carvain smiled through his thin lips. "No, I suppose there wasn't. My father used to always say the day the Septim reign ended was the day the Empire truly perished. The White-Gold Concordat was simply the straw that broke the camel's back."
"I don't believe that," Vorenus folded his arms. "History exaggerates. Dynasties rise and fall all the time. Valenwood fell to elven supremacists and the land of the Khajiit fell to trickery and deceit. To put the problems and burdens on one persons shoulders lessens the deeds the average peasant does, and justifies the evil that the cruel do. There is no sense to it,"
"That is an interesting point of--"
The doors opened wide and the two imperials looked upon several guards and a lone Khajiit woman. Her hands were bound and she was brought to her knees before them.
"We recovered this one at the gate trying to sneak away, sir!" The guard said.
"Your house, your rules." Vorenus said to the count. She did not look like someone who held information about the Soul Cairn. If he was to make a guess, Vorenus would have thought her to be a Thalmor spy that was keeping active watch in Bruma for a time.
"Take her to the dungeons. Question her. Khajiit are not known for their Imperial allegiance any longer," The count said. The khajiit woman was dragged away, down to the dungeons below.
Bruma Dungeons, Bruma City
"Oh, dear fellows, explain.
Brothers, can you help make it plain:
The man's been doing this for years,
Leaving maidens fair in tears
Before the final tune's been blast.
And her first dance with him will be the last."
The croaky voice could be heard in the darkness, as the door creaked open behind him. "Footsteps?" he said out loud to himself. "My, my, another play thing?"
"The count sends a present, Vladstone," One of the guard smiled as he tossed the Khajiit girl to the ground. "He wants you to make her sing as good as Vladstone the Slitter, he wants to hear her sing about the Imperial city and the Soul Cairn."
Vladstone burst into laughter, showing his blackened teeth. "Yes, yes, yes. I do like to sing. Did you hear me? Oh..., and such a little pretty rug. It would go well hanging on the wall." He stroked her face with his cold hands. For a long time there was silence as he just stared into her eyes. "Well, hang her up on the rack, friends. Hang her up!" He said in such a giddy delight.
They hung her up, spread her legs and her arms, and bound her tightly to the rack of wood.
"Forgive us if we do not stay, Vladstone. I do not have the stomach to watch again." The guards left, and Vladstone waved them off. He rolled out a large roll of cloth that revealed a large collection of blades and devices, large and small. He took the smallest, and showed her, he stuck the blade right up to her face and smiled. His breath was soft against her skin.
"The man in the mask of a bear...,"
He cut her face, suddenly.
"Had left the Lord of Gaer...,"
He slashed at her ear quickly, the cold blade sliced away the tip.
"Before the ladies' dance was ending..."
Two cuts, on her left arm. There was silence, and the torturer approached his table and brandished a large set of pliers. Blood dripped on the floor, it was just a small amount.
"THEN A TRUMPET SOUNDED! POR--TEND-ING,"
He stuck the pliers inside the Khajiit's large mouth and pulled at her tooth. Blood poured out of her mouth and he squealed in delight and took the large fang to the light of a torch and admired it. He set it back down on the table, smiling widely as he sang softly.
"..That the Queen of Rimmen and her consort
Called for the men to come to court.
Disdainful, passing over all the rest,"
He brandished a large knife and licked the tip of it. He stared deeply into her eyes and continued;
"Ogin approached she of bobbing breast."
The blade rested against her chest, and then it sliced. His eyes never left hers.
"She was rejected, saved a life of woe,
For a new maiden as fair as snow."
Vladstone went silent. He cleaned his blade of blood and returned to the tortured Khajiit. "Did you enjoy my demonstration, pretty? Do you want to talk now? Please don't, that was just the intro, you'll ruin the finale..., I plan to do much and more with you. I will ask you a few questions now. Please don't talk. Please. I can do so much better. Please. Don't. Talk."
Bruma City, Outside the Chapel of Arkay
Morning arrived in Bruma, and still the town was silent. The guards approached the resident area and knocked on the door softly. Slowly, the town was brought to the centre of the village. Dawn's light came from the east and blinded the city folk. There was to be a statement to ease the troubled minds about the situation down south. Noble and worker stood outside the large Chapel that was dedicated to Arkay, and waited for the priest. Some carried bold expressions, but more carried hints of fear and grief.