2920 , Vol . 23 Content . 2920 : The Last Year of the First Era By Carlovac Townway 10 Frostfall , 2920 Phrygias , High Rock The creature before them blinked , senseless , its eyes glazed , mouth opening and closing as if relearning its function . A thin glob of saliva burbled down between its fangs , and hung suspended . Turala had never seen anything of its kind before , reptilian and massive , perched on its hind legs like a man . Mynistera applauded enthusiastically . " My child , " she crowed . " You have come so far in so short a time . What were you thinking when you summoned this daedroth ? " It took Turala a moment to recall whether she was thinking anything at all . She was merely overwhelmed that she had reached out across the fabric of reality into the realm of Oblivion , and plucked forth this loathsome creature , conjuring it into the world by the power of her mind . " I was thinking of the color red , " Turala said , concentrating . " The simplicity and clarity of it . And then — I desired , and spoke the charm . And this is what I conjured up . " " Desire is a powerful force for a young witch , " said Mynistera . " And it is well matched in this instance . For this daedroth is nothing if not a simple force of the spirits . Can you release your desire as easily ? " Turala closed her eyes and spoke the dismissal invocation . The monster faded away like a painting in sunlight , still blinking confusedly . Mynistera embraced her Dark Elf pupil , laughing with delight . " I never would have believed it , a month and a day you ' ve been with the coven , and you ' re already far more advanced than most of the women here . There is powerful blood in you , Turala , you touch spirits like you were touching a lover . You ' ll be leading this coven one day — I have seen it ! " Turala smiled . It was good to be complimented . The Duke of Mournhold had praised her pretty face ; and her family , before she had dishonored them , praised her manners . Cassyr had been nothing more than a companion : his compliments meant nothing . But with Mynistera , she felt she was home . " You ' ll be leading the coven for many years yet , great sister , " said Turala . " I certainly intend to . But the spirits , while marvelous companions and faultless tellers of truth , are often hazy about the when and hows . You can ' t blame them really . When and how mean so little to them . " Mynistera opened the door to the shed , allowing the brisk autumn breeze in to dispel the bitter and fetid smells of the daedroth . " Now , I need you to run an errand to Wayrest . It ' s only a week ' s ride there , and a week ' s ride back . Bring Doryatha and Celephyna with you . As much as we try to be self - sufficient , there are herbs we can ' t grow here , and we seem to run through an enormous quantity of gems in no time at all . It ' s important that the people of the city learn to recognize you as one of the wise women of Skeffington coven . You ' ll find the benefits of being notorious far outweigh the inconveniences . " Turala did as she was bade . As she and her sisters climbed aboard their horses , Mynistera brought her child , little five - month - old Bosriel to kiss her mother goodbye . The witches were in love with the little Dunmeri infant , fathered by a wicked duke , birthed by wild Ayleid Elves in the forest heart of the Empire . Turala knew her nursemaids would protect her child with their lives . After many kisses and a farewell wave , the three young witches rode off into the bright woods , under a covering of red , yellow , and orange .