*** This is a Skyrim based story, with a few touches of my own imagination***
*** This story is a one-off piece... maybe.***
*** This is the second edit of the story.***
*****
Siggi trotted along on his horse while shivering in the falling snow. Maybe coming to Skyrim wasn't such a good idea after all?
Those ruins are hiding riches, who knows what is down in some of those caves and crypts?
It wasn't the first time he had mentioned this to himself.
Even though the sun was
apparently
overhead the unceasing wind and falling snow served as good reason Siggi questioned the hidden value of the awaiting treasures.
Still, it could have been worse, he could have ended up being digested in some creatures gut by now, but his skill as a thief, as well as his horse, had kept him true.
Despite the recent snowfall and worsening weather in general, he had made good time with a largely uneventful journey and was now walking down the mountain track from the Dragontail Mountains bordering Skyrim with the Hammerfell.
He hadn't seen another living being for some time. Not even another traveller, a scamp or anything remotely dangerous.
The worst of the border crossing seemed to be behind him. There were no big signs or Inns marking the border of the regions, there didn't need to be since Skyrim was bordered by mountains.
As the road he travelled on sloped down a little more he could make out the tree line and accompanying forest devoid of snow in the distance.
I can make it there before nightfall.
Several hours later and once well within the forest Siggi meandered off the path and rode deeper into the gloom on the lookout for game and a place to set up camp. Ducking under some branches and crossing a stream opened a small green glade ringed with trees. Sunlight weakly streamed in over the glade.
This will be great! There's no wind here at all.
Siggi dismounted and tethered his horse to a small tree nearby and set up camp. Setting up his simple tent and bedroll he cleared a small area near it to use as a fire. He also set up his A frame to heat his pot. Once he had gathered enough wood he used his meagre magical skills to start a fire which quickly warded off any lingering cold.
Grabbing his hunting bow he then ducked off low into the surrounding bushland, on the hunt for some dinner. He would eat well that night.
*****
The next day started early, with Siggi breaking camp and mounting up on his horse to continue traveling. His destination was actually a cave he had heard about, not far from the south western border... and not far from where he was.
Half a day north East on this track, then at the southern base of the mountain in the area...
Finding the road again was simple enough, he set off merrily.
By mid-morning Siggi could see the mountain in question. Devoid of trees, capped with snow and strangely alone.
A cave leading to an underground base, forgotten long ago and out of the way of any merchant traveller
. The old man's tale forever hung next to his ear.
Nothing on his approach to the mouth of the cave indicated any civilisation once lived here. There were no ruins, no shaping of boulders or anything to say 'Nords lived here'.
Undeterred, Siggi dismounted at the mouth of the cave and tethered his horse before sheathing his dagger in his boot, and readying his sword and shield.
Just in case.
Finally lighting up a torch he also carried, Siggi set his first foot into the cave, unaware but undaunted of just what lay below.
*****
As Siggi descended into the caves, a set of eyes were watching him. She had waited some time for this to happen. After getting a good look at his tall and muscular form, she hoped beyond hope...
*****
After dispatching the last of the Skeevers, Siggi paused to turn and look at just how far he had come. He had been making slow but steady progress, the cave had quickly opened up into a man-made chamber with many tunnels, carved walls, crypts and open chambers. Lighting the lamps and other torches that were spaced quite evenly everywhere he went, each chamber now emitted a low light, allowing Siggi to easily search the area for treasures. Opening some pots and crates had revealed some minor treasures, a few gold pieces and the odd gemstone, buoying Siggi's spirits. Fortunately the ruins were mostly devoid of larger creatures, and cobwebs, a sure indicator of Frostbite Spiders, were at a minimum.
Upon turning a corner and entering one small chamber, he decided to stop and rest.
It must be dusk and I am exhausted! That old man was right after all, there is a lot here. I am certain there is more treasure to be found.
Siggi's took the opportunity to empty his pockets to count out his coin and stocktake his takings before securing them in a small bag, then placing that in his knapsack.
As he sat his knapsack down and laid his sword and shield next to the wall, he caught a glimpse of a reflection further along the wall.
That part looks disturbed... and looked different from the rest of the wall, as though a piece of it was ajar
.
Something behind that piece shone back through a crack as he looked over it with the torch.
Siggi sat the torch down carefully to give good light, then knelt down in front of the cracked wall. He managed to wrap his fingers around the large section of the crack and managed to slide it out and away with relative ease,
As though someone else has been here...
Hopes reaching high, he looked into the wall cavity and found..
...
A chest! Here we go!
Siggi reached in and pulled out the object. The chest was small but rather heavy, promising riches within. Pulling the chest out into the open Siggi sat down in his leather armour and examined the box.
Intricate carvings covered the wood of the box. Iron bandings and edging re-enforced the wood, which was also carved with amazingly detailed patterns.
Wow... I've never seen anything like that, the box itself could be quite valuable!
Siggi didn't even think to place the runes in the same category as a spell or ward.
Turning the chest around revealed the lock. Rather than an exotic looking lock as Siggi expected of such a fine chest, it appeared as just any other lock. Brimming with confidence, he fished out his lock picking tools and carefully set to work.
Up a bit..
.. Left and up...
.. Now down..
And now...
*click*
The lock snapped open.
Happy is he who hath in himself praise and wisdom in life!
Carefully Siggi laid his tools down and gripped the chest with both hands and opened it...
... Only to see a black mist roll out of the opening chest.
God's big toe...!
Inhaling the mist deeply, Siggi dropped the lid back down... and fell back onto the cold floor unconscious.
