Mithral Tagata

### Humble Beginnings

 One hundred twenty five years ago in the elven stronghold of Shal’ron, a young elven couple was behind on their finances. They lived a docile life on the
outskirts of the city where they made and repaired watches. They had a child, Mithral. He was a reserved child who mostly stayed indoors working on watches
and read books. When he was about 10 years old, he was upstairs in his room
when he heard loud banging at his door. He lay awake in his bed reading a book
about a Medusa with an army of goblins that was going to war with a local
dwarven stronghold. As he read the book he could hear faint discourse and
argument until he heard heavy footsteps coming up his stairs. Two large elven
men in royal guards uniforms came in and picked him up, Mithral didn’t even
attempt to wrestle away and he let them drag him downstairs. He’s brought
before a very tall bearded altmer with very fine clothes and a sharp jaw. He
locked his gaze on the child and said “you’re coming with us.” He heard a faint
cry in the back of his house but when he turned back he saw nobody. He was
thrown into a carriage with many of his father’s watches. He picked one up from
the pile and opened it up where he saw an engraving that said  Knowledge is Power. He took the watch and put
it in his pocket. He sat silently in the back of the carriage reading his
novel, not particularly worried about what may await him once he reaches his
destination.

He pulled up to a large ornate castle in the center of the city
with tall ornate spires on each side. The two men picked up mithral and pushed
him forward while one of them filled a sack with various pocket watches. They
marched him forward toward a set of stairs into a dungeon. He walked down the
stairs and they opened a door which led to a large room with many children in
cells dotted along the walls of the room, they brought him forward to a man
with large black eyes and slicked back black hair. “Hello little one, what have
you there?” He motioned toward the book that mithral held close to his chest.  Medusa’s Conquest, he replied in a quiet
voice. Ooh a fancy book, give it here boy. Mithral held it closer to his chest.
Don’t be shy you little bastard give it here. Mithral working let up and held
the book closer and closer. “Give it now!” The man yelled loudly. Mithral
wrestled with the man until he lost his grip on the book. An even taller man
with a deep blue robe stepped forward out of the shadows after he was admiring
a few smaller boys sleeping in their cells. Let me see that book, ooh a fine
read, I remember when this novel first came out, Lawrence Gallowstead was there
when the goblins attacked. I hear he hid in the basement of a local inn as it
happened, ahh he tried to make himself sound like such a hero. Mithral was
captivated, “he said that he was on the frontlines of the defense though, how
did he retell the story with such detail if he wasn’t even there?” He told the
tales of the real adventurers who fought bravely, such a peculiar man. He was
killed by a mugger five years after the book was written. Goes to show that the
more you know the bigger the picture becomes. My father used to tell me when I
was a child, “reading one book will give you a story, reading 100 books will give you knowledge, but if you read 1000 books you'll see the world.” I hope to one day read 1000
books Mithral said with exuberance. The man is taken aback by the child’s
eagerness to learn. Perhaps you shall then, my name is Eldar Yeloris and I am
the headmaster wizard here. I see potential in you, how would you like to be my
apprentice. Well it would be an honor sir said Mithral.

#### Apprenticeship to Eldar Yeloris

Mithral
then spent the better part of a decade under the esteemed wizard Eldar. He
learned the ropes of working in the castle and researching and learning. The
king, Sarathal Corinth was a malevolent ruler who provided for those in his
inner circle and those in the lands suffered from poverty and harsh taxes. As
time went on, the king Sarathal grew ill. Mithral was conducting experiments in
the wizard’s tower when Eldar said that he had to take a short leave to speak to
King Corinth on his deathbed. Mithral in his curiosity followed behind him to
listen on. He overheard their talk. “Eldar, you have been by my side for many
centuries and I have a great debt of gratitude for you. But I must alter what
we had discussed in the past, I cannot allow you to take the throne.” I beg
your pardon? Begged Eldar. “The people will riot, they surely were not fond of
my rule and my son Itham has made connections with the people of the kingdom
and they call for him to take the throne. Surely this can’t be true Eldar said,
the people loved you, you lead them through the Mallus! You brought them hope
in a time of despair! “Look around Eldar, do you see the people that you say to
revere me at my deathbed? Where are they if they care for me so dearly? They’ve
forgotten about me and they are looking for a change. Out with the old in with
the new. The king was coughing heavily and sweating profusely. Eldar was
enraged with his King’s inability to see his side and stormed out of the room.
Mithral was was quite upset by what the future held, he decided to travel
outside the castle and walk among the citizens of Shal’ron.

Right outside the
castle was a row of large houses where the nobles lived with their families.
They had intricate ornate designs built immediately after the mallus, these
buildings surrounded the castle in a full circle. Nobles walked around in fine
clothes and jewelry, most of them had nowhere of importance to go beside dinner
parties. As he walked past the lavish part of town, the street became less
paved and rocky, the houses more decrepit, and the people dirtier. Though they
lived less beautiful lives that Mithral lived, they still had plenty to
survive, not everyone could live in opulence, some must live in poverty so that
the worthy could live lavish lifestyles. As he’s walking through the town with
his nose in the air, he spotted a young woman, certainly no older than 125. She
had long straight golden hair and light grey eyes. She had fair skin with rosy
cheeks, she was slightly less dirty than the other elven people around her. Her
smile was contagious, he had never seen anyone so beautiful. Still though,
Mithral had no interest in speaking to her due to her being such low class, as
he was walking past she came up to him. “Excuse me? Sir?” She grabbed his arm,
he got goosebumps for a moment then yanked away. “Unhand me peasant!” He yelled
back. “I’m sorry sir but please, my sister... she is ill, she really needs a
doctor but I cannot afford to pay for one, please have mercy and help my poor
little sister, she’s only 70 years old she has her whole life ahead of her and
I don’t have anyone else. I will do anything, please.” She began to cry, people
walking past gave her their attention for brief moments but didn’t want to get
caught starring for too long, especially in front of a noble. Mithral was
paralyzed, he didn’t know what to do he was captivated with her presence and
actually felt something he hadn’t felt before. “There’s nothing I can do for
her, p-please back away.” He said nearly trembling. He stormed away and as he
looked back he saw the girl on her knees in the middle of the street bawling.
He began to make his way back to the nicer part of Shal’ron, as he headed
toward the castle he stopped at a large brick house surrounded by various
flowers and shrubbery. He knocked at the door and a tall man in a white gown
stepped out, “what’s the issue Mithral, what can I do for you? Is the king in
need of my assistance?” The man was a doctor who worked for the king in helping
him through his dying times. “No the king is fine for now, but I have a request
for you. There is a young woman down in the low district, she’s close to the
south eastern exit in a small brown cottage, her sister is quite ill and I ask
that you go and see what you can do to help.” “You want me to help a peasant?
He asked with a confused yet concerned look on his face. “Yes and do not tell
anybody of this.” Mithral said sternly. The doctor then proceeded into the
outskirts of town while looking back at Mithral in confusion. Mithral continued
back to the palace back to his room to continue with his studies.

#### The Rule of King Itham

Many months pass, King Sarathal has passed in his sleep, his son Itham has taken the
throne. He has already begun to empty the palace of its riches and finer
things. Every day at noon, he goes throughout the town and gives out food and
clothing to the poor, he spreads his father’s hard earned riches to the lower
class. Some nobles were also outraged by these actions but most of them have
taken a liking to Itham and his young spirit and new ideals. The people adored
him as a ruler and threw parades and showered him with love. Eldar Yeloris was
the most cross with Itham’s wasteful rule. One day, when Mithral went into his
study to work, Eldar asked him to come with him to his personal study for an
important meeting. “Mithral, you are the only person I truly trust anymore, and
I trust you with my deed. Itham must be dealt with, his spendthrift nature will
lead to turmoil and unrest in Shal’ron, he will tarnish everything King
Sarathal has worked for. I plan to kill him in his slumber and make it appear
as if it were an accident. I need you by my side, are you with me?" "Yes of course teacher" Mithral replied. Mithral,
my student, you were like a son to me, I trust that you can help me, I have
taught you well and you are ready.” Eldar said with a look of pleasure. Their hands meet for affirmation and the pact has been made.

Later
that night, Mithral was walking through the throne room of the palace when
Itham walked in through the main doors of the palace. “Ahh Mithral Tagata, just
the aspiring young wizard I wanted to see.” Itham was a tall strong man with a
chiseled jaw and sharp ears, conventionally good looking with short dark hair
and green eyes, his fair skin glowed in the light and his posture was strong,
he carried himself with confidence and strength. “What is it King Itham? How
may I be of assistance?” “No need for formalities Mithral! Listen, we are
having another palace feast tonight which I’ve yet to see you attend ever. I
would like you to meet the townsfolk, many of them will be here tonight and I
think they’d take a liking to you, there’s much you could teach them!” “Of
course King Itham” Mithral quickly turned away and ran back to his study. He
stayed there and began to read a book about what is known of the oceans post
Mallus. Nervousness began to creep in as he thought of what that night had in
store for him, his teacher was counting on him and if he failed his task, Eldar
would certainly be put to death. He checked his pocket watch and realized he
was late for the feast. He rushed down to the lavish dining hall where hundreds
of townsfolk both noble and peasant went up and down the table, Itham saw
Mithral enter and called him toward the head of the table where an open seat
was juxtaposed to him. “Come please do sit Mithral, there’s someone here id
like you to meet.” There next to the open seat, was the same young woman he had
met on   stroll through town. That same
smile gave him the same exact feeling he had the day he met her. “This is Caraline
Adus, she says she knows you from some time ago. “Uh yes I do recall meeting
her in the lower district.. how is your sister?” She perked up, “Yes! She is
doing quite well! A doctor was sent to our cottage and she received the
medicine she needed all for free! He didn’t tell us the source of this
charitable work, I assumed that perhaps you were the source?” “Oh well yes I
merely happened upon the doctor in my travels, he was heading in your direction
so I merely assisted.” “Well thank you nonetheless, you saved her life sir!”
They began to talk and indulge in various salted meats, breads, fish, and
vegetables. King Itham walked around the table checking on how every person was
doing, asking them about their daily lives. He seemed to know everything about
the residents of Shal’ron. Caraline talked about how happy the people have been
since Itham has taken his rule she said that the overall quality of life has
improved, and she saw a bright future for the city of Shal’ron. At the finish
of the dinner, people all stood up and thanked King Itham for his generosity
and compassion.  Caraline turned to
Mithral again and thanked him profusely for helping her in a time of need. Mithral for the first time began to question the decisions of his teacher. If Eldar were to end the life of King Itham, the people would be so unhappy, they would never accept the rule of Yeloris and things could never go back to the way they were. He had to convince his teacher to not go through with his plans.

### A Bold Decision

At about half-past 11, Mithral went to his teacher's quarters to speak with him. He knocked on the door as it crept open, there he saw Eldar Yeloris preparing a vile of a viscous lime green liquid. "Ah, Mithral do come in I am almost finished, Eldar said without looking away from his work. Mithral was weary of what his teacher would say upon his asking of him to not to do his plan, but he was determined to change his mind. "Teacher, we must not carry through with your desire to slay the new king, it will accomplish nothing. The residents of Shal'ron are already too enamored with his generosity, I fear that there is no way we can go back to the way things once were. King Sarathral is dead and there is a reason he chose for his son to take the throne. Please do think long about what I've said" Eldar stopped his work and stared at the wall, after an extended pause he turned toward Mithral, "I know many have lost faith in my work, but I never thought even you would stoop low enough to stop trusting m." He tried to walk past Mithral with the poison in hand. Mithral grabbed him by the arm, "stop, you have to understand, everything I say and do is to aid you in your studies. If you go through with this plot, it will surely be the end of you. The guards will discover it was you or the people will revolt. Please, if you still don't think I'm right at least wait one more night before you poison the king." Mithral pleaded so that he could keep balance in his world. "I will wait one night for you my student, but no more. Now leave I have some musing to do." He proceeded to shut the door on Mithral whilst pushing him into the hallway. Mithral feared that he had not convinced his teacher, now he was unsure as to whether or not he should allow his teacher to attempt to kill King Itham or warn the king himself. He lay in his quarters with the greatest stress he's ever been under eating away at his very existence. Never before had Mithral cared for anybody besides himself, but that young girl, Caraline. He could not remove her beauty from his thoughts, he felt as if he were under some sort of trance. He knew what he had to do. Mithral stormed out of his quarters to the throne of King Itham, his guards stopped him as he approached. "At ease men, Mithral poses no threat. What is it young wizard?" King Itham said with a peaked curiosity "Is there anywhere I can speak to you in private, King" Mithral said quietly. A bead of sweat dropped down from his brow, he appeared almost out of breath. He was quivering in fear so slightly it was almost invisible to the naked eye. "Yes, of course, guards you may take your leave for just a moment." The two guards both walked through a door and closed it behind them. King Itham leaned closer, "what is it Mithral?" Mithral took a deep breath, "Before I tell you what is about to happen, you must promise that no harm will come to me or my teacher." Of course, of course, do continue." "Eldar Yeloris is envious of you and desires your throne. He plots to start a coup and have the people revolt. I do not wish for unrest to fall upon Shal'ron once again so I am telling you this now so that perhaps you can speak to him and convince him that you are worthy to hold the throne. Bring him to one of the banquets you hold, it won me over surely he will be won over as well." Without a moment of hesitation, King Itham shot up and said softly, "thank you for bringing this to my attention Mithral, I will go and speak to him now. There is no need for you to worry. Go get some rest, and we will speak more on this tomorrow, it will be you, me, and Eldar Yeloris. Do sleep easy, this will all be taken care of trust me." A smile flashed across his face as he began to walk toward the stairs. "I'll be seeing you tomorrow Mithral." Mithral stood there, he was hopeful that a resolution would be had.

He walked back up the stairs to his quarters, it was quite late and he fell fast asleep. He began to have a dream. Mithral was walking through a much cleaner Shal'ron where he came upon a very familiar house. The door slowly opened where he saw Caraline. Her golden hair was down slowly moving in the light breeze. Her soft grey eyes locked with his and that same addictive smile planted itself on her face. Mithral began to walk toward the door, every step he took was heavier than the last. She stood there in the doorway waiting for him. The ground was like molasses, the air was thick. Mithral used all of his strength to get to the door, he was pushing closer and closer. He was now only a step away from the door, he takes a final step and they are face to face. Mithral lifts up his hand and brings it to her rosy cheek. Just a centimeter to her face. Then the door slams on his face. Mithral shoots awake the moment before a royal guard knocks him unconscious with the hilt of his sword.

### The Betrayal of Itham

Mithral's eyes slowly began to open, his head was throbbing and his senses were only just coming back to him. He heard a fiery roar of a large crowd. They were all chanting Cal Cal Cor Cor. He could hear King Itham speaking to the crowd with a fiery passion. "Behold, the traitors!" Itham shouted suddenly. A mask was removed from Mithral's face. The sun shone down harshly on him, hundreds of elven men, women and children booed. In this middle of the crowd was a young woman who was not shouting or throwing anything. She just stood there, tear rolled down her rosy cheek and she turned back into the crowd and disappeared. Mithral looked around trying to gain his bearings. To his left was his teacher Eldar Yeloris with a large bruise on his temple, Eldar looked over at Mithral. Itham's voice began to fade out and his words became inaudible. The crowd turned into white noise and Mithral was more focused than ever before. "Teacher.... teacher I'm so sorry this is all my fault" With a brief moment of nothing between them, Eldar began to speak. "Mithral, I have taught you many things, you are smarter and stronger than every other damn being in this entire city. Especially that vile Itham. I know you are destined to acquire great power and lead the people of this city. I've seen it in visions." "I've failed you teacher..." Mithral interrupted. Eldar began to smile, he entered a moment of serenity. "You could never fail me Mithral." Two guards grabbed his arms and brought him over to a large elven man prepping the gallows. Itham's voice came back. "This man plotted to take my life and destroy this city! And now justice will be had! This is for the people of Shal'ron!"" Crack! The wooden panel of the stage was brought out from underneath Eldar and his limp body dangled from the rope. The crowd grew louder and louder now with a mighty cheer. Itham walked over to Mithral and grew real close. "Look at your teacher, he is powerless to me. And you are as well scum." He turned back to the crowd, and here is his *loyal* student who was aiding him in his plot to kill me. What shall I do with him?" The crowd once again began to chant Cor, Cor, Cor. "You know? I have an even better idea than death. Mithral Tagata, I cast you out of this city to never return. You will have the death of your teacher until the bandits and trolls have away with you. HAHAHAHA" And without a moment to grieve, he was knocked unconscious once again. Mithral woke up once again in the middle of the woods. He looked back and in the distance he could see the cart of royal guards riding back to the city. Mithral's eyes lit up and his teeth clenched. A great anger rose up inside him. He lifted his hand and cast a spell toward the cart. A bolt of fire whipped through the woods and the cart exploded. And Mithral just stood there. Under his breath he said one last thing, "On this day, a mistake has been. That mistake? Angering the strongest wizard in the Malachite Isles."