Bal Foyen and the Pact
Sasha had been partially correct in her dismissal of their destination. It was indeed populated by Argonians, and the town itself had little better than mud and wood for walls. But Fort Zeren was another matter, and the soldier in Tyrna delighted in seeing the reinforced stone walls. But hearing about the docks on the far side of the settlement brought the situation back to troubling. The Covenant would be able to sail there with little resistance, and there were too few soldiers to guard everything. With little more than a day to prepare for an invasion, the Sept quickly gathered together on a hill just outside the fort, overlooking the saltrice paddies and the townsfolk beginning the long walk to Davon's Watch. "We need plans, and we need them fast," the Imperial stated, looking over the group. "We need to bolster the guard here, like it or not."
"But bolster them where?" Bakki brought up. "Captain Rana's got some of the Bleakrock people ready to fight with her, and there are actual trained soldiers at the fort."
"Plus we need to make sure that the non-combatants all get to safety," Ketatiera reminded them. "Apparently there's another Imperial overseeing that." Eyes turned to her, and she blushed for a moment. "What?"
"Someone like us?" Hana wondered. "Seems a strange place for an Imperial otherwise. Unless he's a Daggerfall spy."
"Anyone know his name?" Tyrna asked.
"Greyson-something," Alana spoke up. "I heard some of the farmers talking."
"Krieger?" Injects-Hot-Lead inquired, his interest piqued. "If it is, then he was my cell mate back in Coldharbour. We could recruit him."
"Then get down to the town and find out, Injects," Makayla told him. "Any able bodies will be useful." The Argonian nodded and gathered up his belongings before taking his leave. "All right, so that's at least one m-"
"Is this where the soulless meeting is?!" came a booming voice that made a few people jump. Everyone looked back towards the fort to see a short Nord striding out to them. Taking off his helm, he revealed a bearded face that showed him to be at least twice the age of anyone in the Sept. His quick pace put him in front of Tyrna and Makayla in mere moments, and the soldier's eyes widened when she realized that she was staring at someone who looked as though he could pick her up and toss her like a doll, armor and all. "What, did everyone go deaf suddenly?"
"Who are you, old man?" Hanzo demanded, slight irritation in his voice. The newcomer turned, eyeing the redhead to assess him, and then just as quickly dismissing the other Nord and focusing on the Imperials. "Hey, I asked you-"
"I heard what you asked, boy. But you're not the leader here, and I don't owe you anything yet. I'll hear from these ladies before I make a decision to join you."
"Join us?" Makayla asked, finally finding her voice.
"Aye, if you're strong-willed and steel-spined like me, I'll lend my aid to you."
"You mentioned souls before," Tyrna spoke up. "Were you in Molag Bal's realm as well?" The man nodded, eyes narrowing a bit.
"I was caught while on a mission for the Companions. What you call the Fighter's Guild. Blasted dung heaps bound me in chains and led me to my death. I ever see that sorry excuse for an Altmer again, I'll rip out his innards and dance on them! No one makes a fool of Stirs-Fear-Amongst-the-Dark." Confusion quickly crossed many faces, but Sasha was out of her seat and in front of the man faster than Tyrna could blink. The blonde slammed her fist against her chest and dipped her head.
"My blade is yours to command, Provost Stirs-Fear, as it was in Whiterun." The old man chuckled and tapped her arm, and Sasha looked up.
"While it gladdens me to see you respect my position, I'm no longer a Provost. Here, we're merely soldiers for the Pact."
"You aren't a mere soldier, sir," she shot back with a smile. Then she addressed the others. "Stirs-Fear led our guild hall, and is a fine example of what all Companions strive to be."
"Your name seems very Argonian," Respite pointed out. "Were you raised among them?" Now the chuckle turned into deep laughter, and the Nord shook his head.
"No, my young Wood Elf, the Northern tribes just have a different naming convention than the rest of Skyrim. Think of my name as a portent: Something that will give our enemies pause when they hear it."
"We could use your wisdom," Makayla said, holding out her hand. "Anyone who can run a Fighter's Guild hall is someone we should listen to." Stirs-Fear took her hand and gripped it tight for a moment, nodding.
"Well lass, I'll do whatever I can to help you. But we've got a lot of work to do now before those damn Daggers show up. Supplies need to be gathered, armor and weapons fixed, and shoring up of defensive points. Plus, we should send a runner to Davon's Watch to let them know what we're facing."
"I'll go," Hanzo said, stepping forward. "By the time you all get there, it'll be the best defended city in Stonefalls."
"Let's hope so, because if the Covenant gets through here, we'll need a fallback position," Tyrna revealed. The red-haired Nord nodded and took off down the path towards the village. "All right, we'll divide up the work as best we can. Caidiana, you and I will get everyone's gear patched up. Sasha, I want you to go with Stirs-Fear, Hana, Bakki, and Nathan'Dar to start setting up the chokepoints and barriers we'll need. Makayla, you want to take the rest to stockpile supplies and scout the docks?"
"Sounds like a plan," the mage agreed. "When Injects gets back, he and this Greyson can give the defenders a hand." Everyone headed for their assigned tasks with little discussion. Hopefully it would all be enough to stall the coming invaders.
The night had come upon them quickly, and the Sept was exhausted as they landed on beds in one of the bunkhouses of the Fort. "Scouts spotted the ships on the horizon," Nathan'Dar told them. "They estimate by late morning they will reach the dock."
"Then we need to be up before dawn to ready a fitting welcome," Greyson countered, sitting at a table and looking over maps of the area. "We've got the chokepoints set up, so now all we need is a plan of attack."
"They'll come for the Fort sure as anything," Stirs-Fear explained. "At least, that's what I'd do."
"So we need to leave a group here while the rest of us head for the docks to stop as many of them as we can," Tyrna surmised.
"Who would be best where?" Makayla wondered, looking over the map as well.
"I'll take the Fort, seeing as how I've been busy shoring up its defenses and defenders since I woke up here," Stirs-Fear volunteered. "And if it's not too much to ask, I could use some skilled archers manning the walls."
"Then you have us," Hana said. "It'll be nice to have the high ground."
"Indeed, and this time there will be plenty of targets for everyone," Injects added.
"They might not have anyone left to fight with us around," Respite boasted.
"I'll stay too," Bakki offered. "If anyone manages to get inside, they'll never see me coming." Greyson nodded as he started scribbling some things down.
"Sasha, you and Alana should stay here too," Tyrna mentioned, looking at the two women. "Not only should there be one healer per group, but you'll be a bit more sheltered here." The Breton nodded, knowing that what the Imperial was really saying was that she couldn't yet be trusted in the midst of a battlefield.
"I'll do my best," she promised, reaching down to stroke Fearsome's tail. The Clannfear was laying beneath her cot, and lifted its head and trilled softly at her.
"I'll keep her safe," Sasha vowed, patting the healer on the shoulder.
"Guess that means we're at the docks?" Ket asked, looking at Makayla.
"We need you down there, and without the villagers roaming around, I'll be able to cut loose with my magick," the mage reasoned.
"Which means that you're going to need some heavy backup," Tyrna teased. "So Greyson and myself will be watching your backs."
"And who will be watching yours, my friend?" the Khajiit wondered, a smile lighting up his eyes.
"Is that concern I hear, Nathan'Dar?"
"Perhaps. This one would be remiss in his oath if he let some Covenant scum take you out before we get our revenge."
"Good, then you'll watch my back, I'll watch Makayla, and everyone wins. On our side, at least."
"Caidiana, mind giving us a hand as well?" Greyson inquired of the Breton.
"Might as well, unless the Fort needs me?"
"You go where you think you'll be needed most, lass," Stirs-Fear told her. "Or where you think the fighting will be heaviest."
"That'll be the docks on both counts," the blonde replied, grinning.
"Then it's all decided. Tomorrow we'll head to our spots and bring the pain to the Covenant," Tyrna said as she lay down on her cot and stared at the ceiling. "I just hope we can stall them long enough for Davon's Watch to get prepared."
"That depends on if Hanzo decided to dally on his way there," Makayla answered with a heavy sigh. "Are we sure he was the best one to send?"
"He'll be fine," Alana assured them.
"For a big, dumb animal," Hana teased.
"Was that a crack against Nords?" Sasha demanded, sitting up.
"No, that was a crack against Hanzo," Bakki shot back. "We like you and Stirs-Fear. But there's just something about Hanzo that strikes me as… I dunno, like he's not quite listening to the world the way the rest of us are."
"He did seem awfully eager to leave here for Davon's Watch. And since he seems to like fighting, and the Daggers are coming here…" Ket let the sentence hang, and the others got her meaning.
"Regardless, he's not here to help us," Tyrna put in with a shake of her head.
"And since I doubt we'll be getting any reinforcements, that means we're on our own. So I suggest you all get some sleep if we need to be up as early as Greyson says."
"Agreed," the other Imperial said with a yawn. He turned out the lantern next to him as he crawled into a cot, and the others extinguished the other ones around the room. Darkness fell on the Sept, but Tyrna found sleep was long in coming. There were images she couldn't get out of her mind: The rows of soldiers appeared once more, but this time there was someone leading them. He was a Redguard, that much she could tell, but his face was obscured. And then there were endless hallways that she knew she had patrolled countless times, but for what reason? Had she been the house guard for a noble? Was she more than just a soldier? Finally she slipped into unconsciousness, but with the voice of The Prophet chasing her into dreams.
'Remember your life, child, for it holds the keys you need…'
If there was one thing Tyrna would take away from Bal Foyen, it was that her new allies were precise, deadly, and occasionally as brutal as she was. Some ships had docked, and the group that was waiting for them bided their time until it seemed most of the force had disembarked. Then they'd risen up from their barricades, weapons drawn and shouting war cries. Nathan'Dar and Caidiana had quickly taken to the shadows, moving around the enemy groups so quickly that Tyrna was having a hard time keeping track of them. Makayla's form grew indistinct as lightning enveloped her body. The mage flung bolts with minimal effort, and Ketatiera stayed at her side, kicking away anyone who came too close. Greyson was a wall of armor that moved with purpose, slashing into troops that tried to outnumber him, and moving steadily towards one of the ships. Tyrna charged ahead, her shield smashing into skulls and sword hacking into chests and arms. She felt almost giddy with the destruction she was wreaking, and a laugh escaped her lips. "Don't run, you Covenant bastards," she taunted. "You'll only die tired!"
"Wait for the rest of us!" Greyson called out, but his warning fell on deaf ears. There was a ship right in front of Tyrna, and she charged up the gangplank, spikes on her back deflecting arrows from those on board. An Orc met her attack with a two-handed maul, a satisfied grin on his face.
"So the Pact must have outsiders fights its battles? Pathetic." Tyrna leapt back, barely missing a swipe from the large weapon.
"Say that again when I take your head," she challenged.
"Tyrna, no!" That was Greyson again, and she could see that he was trying to get to her, but this fight would be over before then.
"Let's dance, little girl," the Orc jeered, taking up a fresh grip on his maul. They circled each other on the deck, neither one immediately rushing in. Tyrna struck first, diving under his guard and sweeping her blade at his knees. He grabbed her shield in response and wrenched on it, pulling painfully on her shoulder. She reversed her grip on her sword and stabbed into his hip, eliciting a cry of anger. But then pain blossomed in her back, and her lungs felt like they were on fire. "Fools, leave her to me!" But another stab to her shoulder sent Tyrna reeling, and she pitched onto the deck of the ship.
"Get her up!" The world became little more than muffled sounds for a few moments, but there was the unmistakable ring of metal on metal somewhere right above her. Thuds that must've been footsteps came closer, and she heard someone growl.
"Tyrna, can you hear me?!" Was that Ket? The Imperial tried to turn her head, but her body just wasn't up to obeying her commands. "Nathan'Dar, hold her still, all right?"
"Whatever the healer thinks is best," the Khajit answered from somewhere right above her. There was a tug on her shoulder, some cursing she didn't recognize, and then more pain as something tore out of her. Tyrna grit her teeth as a memory of similar pain flared in her mind. She'd been on single patrol when a group of bandits had attacked a merchant one street over, and she'd rushed to defend the man. But she hadn't counted on the archer when she'd rounded the corner; an oversight she was quick to correct with chain and sword. Tyrna shook her head, realizing she was still lying on the ship, though the sounds of fighting were a bit more distant.
"Hey, welcome back," Ket greeted, giving her a careful pat on her non-injured shoulder. "You looked like you were far away for a moment."
"Just a random memory," the soldier assured her, carefully sitting up. "What in the name of Arkay happened?"
"The crew decided to take matters into their own hands when it looked like you might kill their leader," Nathan'Dar explained, stepping where she could see him. "At the moment, the others are demonstrating the folly of this idea." Tyrna cast her eyes towards the dock, where a pretty amazing battle was going on: Greyson and the Orc were now locked in single combat, and the soldier was more than holding his own. Caidiana and Makayla were taking care of the regular soldiers, with the Breton driving her daggers into necks and chests, and the mage lighting people up with bolts from the heavens. There was even a Clannfear head-butting enemies into the water, and Tyrna started looking around for Alana.
"What's wrong?" Ket wondered, concern in her eyes.
"I see Fearsome, but not Alana. Where are the others?" The brunette wrinkled her nose and started giggling.
"Back at the Fort, I imagine. That's not Fearsome: It's Makayla's Clannfear."
"She can summon Daedra too?"
"When she needs a distraction. Now come on, we need to get back to it."
"You no longer require this one to guard you?" the Khajit asked, fingers resting lightly on his own twin weapons.
"Happy hunting," Tyrna told him with a wicked grin, picking up her sword and shield from where they'd fallen. Nathan'Dar returned the grin and leapt away, his daggers finding a quick home in an enemy's back. Tyrna left the Orc to Greyson, making it her personal mission to cut down every archer she saw. Ket rejoined Makayla, frowning for a moment as the blonde Imperial reduced a Breton to ash.
"Wouldn't you say that's overkill?" Makayla raised an eyebrow and shrugged.
"Not really. Dead is dead, right?"
"Remind me never to piss you off."
"Noted." Raising her sword, the mage shocked another Dagger to death, leaving the body intact this time. "Better?"
"Hey ladies, flirt later!" Caidiana called out, landing next to them. "We've still got a lot more Covenant to deal with." Makayla and Ket both went crimson.
"We're not-"
"Got you," the Breton smirked, leaping away again. As the fighting progressed, Tyrna was able to see that Captain Rana and Sergeant Seyne had led a small force down to give them a hand. That this force mostly consisted of Bleakrock refugees did nothing to bolster the Imperial's confidence. She managed to get to the Dark Elf's squad just in time to see a brunette Nord go down with a shoulder wound, her attacker leering over her. But just as fast, a small blonde Nord jumped on the Redguard's back and drove an axe into his skull.
"Tryn, get away!"
"Rolli, be careful!" Tyrna made a dash towards them as the Redguard fell dead and the blonde got off him.
"Are you two insane?!" she demanded, looking at them.
"I wasn't about to let him kill my friend," the girl named Rolli shot back.
"I'm sorry," the one called Tryn apologized, clutching her arm. "I tried to be careful, but he was too strong."
"Do your parents know you're here?" the Imperial asked, herding them both towards a storage shed.
"I told my brother to stay at the Fort and keep his head down," Rolli replied, looking a little upset to be walking away from the fighting.
"My mother knows I'm here," Tryn answered.
"Wonderful. What is it with you Nords wanting to always be in the thick of things?" Tyrna had managed to get them into the shed, and stood blocking the door in case any more enemies sensed easy targets.
"Isn't that what you're doing?" the blonde questioned, hands on her hips.
"I'm a soldier, which neither of you are. I'm trained for this."
"We're going to be soldiers for the Pact once we get to Davon's Watch," Tryn revealed, a smile on her face despite the pain in her eyes. Tyrna blinked at them, raising her shield to deflect an arrow coming at them, and then charging forward to deal with the enemy. As she put her sword through the woman's chest, she reflected on the words of the two Nord girls.
'Akatosh preserve us if this is what forces people to become soldiers.'
Fort Zeren was proving to be a tough nut to crack for the Covenant who had made it that far. The walls still stood strong, and the rain of arrows from the ramparts kept everyone well away. Hana was giddy as she raced back and forth, peppering any enemy who dared to step foot in her kill zone. "You're not getting in here without a fight," she whispered.
"They are plotting something," Injects-Hot-Lead said, crouching next to her. "See there; they have moved their mages back to one spot. I don't like that."
"So go find our mage and ask her what they might be doing," the Wood Elf retorted, picking off an Orc that was carrying a ladder. The Argonian nodded, bounding down the stairs and into the main courtyard. He saw Alana in a tent, her Daedric guardian at her side. She noticed him and came over, looking a bit worried.
"Is anyone hurt?" she asked.
"No, but I fear that our enemies are growing impatient outside. They have gathered all their mages to a point that none of us can attack. Do you know what they could be doing?" The Breton frowned and shook her head.
"It could be anything, honestly. Calling a storm, making a battering ram, summoning Daedra, or even opening portals. Just the fact that mages are gathering doesn't mean I know their plans."
"Then we need to be prepared for them overrunning the walls," Stirs-Fear stated as he joined them. "Because if those milk-drinkers think we're just going to roll over and let them have this place, they're dead wrong." He turned to face Sasha as she walked over, having heard her Provost's voice raised in annoyance. "Tell Darj that I expect company soon. Everyone with weapon training report to the courtyard. Every non-combatant is to get below or into the healer's tent."
"Yes sir!" the blonde acknowledged with a quick salute as she took off. Stirs-Fear tilted his head and looked over at a corner of the tent.
"You hear all that, Bosmer?"
"Yes," Bakki said as he stepped into the light. "We'll be ready, don't worry."
"I'm not," the old Nord shot back with a grin. "I know we have the skills to take down any invasion. And soon our enemies will too." He jogged off, and Bakki vanished back into the shadows, towards the main gate. Alana's fists clenched for a moment, and Injects paused as he saw the fear on her face.
"Stay here if you are unsure of things," he cautioned. "We will bring the wounded to you." But the healer shook her head, closing her eyes.
"I can't be afraid forever. We're in a fight for not only our lives, but the lives of innocents. We can't fail here, and I won't let anyone die just because I dislike violence."
"Those are strong words, little Breton. Just be sure you can live up to them." Alana was about to make a retort, when a wave of power washed over the Fort. It staggered the mage, and then her eyes widened as she saw glowing energy tears start popping up all around the courtyard.
"Portals!" she cried out, staff in her hands. "Enemies incoming!" Injects nocked an arrow and aimed it at the closest portal, letting it fly when he saw someone step through. The Redguard gave a strangled cry as the shaft buried itself in his neck, and fell dead to the ground. However, more Daggers followed him, and Fearsome charged straight for them. "Get back to Hana and Respite and let them know!"
"What about you?" Sasha was suddenly next to the Clannfear, a lance of pure light leaping from her hands to the chest of an enemy.
"I promised to watch over her," the Nord said with a determined grin. "Now get us archer support!" Injects wasted no more time, darting over and under people and objects as he headed for the stairs to the wall. He met a small group of Covenant archers taking the stairs as well, and quickly slew them.
"Y'ffre's beard, what is going on down there?" Respite demanded, coming around the corner with an arrow nocked and ready.
"The Covenant got inside."
"How?!"
"Their mages created portals into the courtyard. Now come on, before our friends are overwhelmed."
"Hana!"
"I heard, damnit!" she yelled back, racing past the men towards a section that would enable her to see into the courtyard. "Hey assholes, get out of my Fort!"
"You heard the lady," the male Bosmer teased, going out the other side. "Let's make these guys regret coming here." Meanwhile, Stirs-Fear was working with Darj and the other refugees, helping to reinforce the regular soldiers.
"Make them pay for every foot!" the former Provost called out, hacking into enemies with a two-handed sword that seemed almost as tall as he was. "Nords, take out the Orcs! Dark Elves, counter the Bretons! Argonians, show those Redguards your skill!"
"You talk too much, old man," a mage said, sending a blast of ice at him. But Stirs-Fear leapt over the attack, landing in a crouch close to his target. With a heave, he launched his sword, and it pinned the mage to a wall, spearing him through the chest.
"So do you," he answered, walking over and yanking his weapon free. But then a jolt of lightning surged through him, and he grit his teeth as he went to his knees.
"Fresh meat," an Orc jeered, coming at him with two axes. However, something slammed into him from the side, and he went tumbling, quickly righting himself. Fearsome stood blocking the path, and let out a shrill challenge cry. "Sorcery!"
"No more than you've allied with," Sasha reminded him, bringing her sword down at him. The axes blocked the death strike, but she wasn't about to let the Orc go anywhere. "Alana, see to Stirs-Fear."
"Already on it," the healer called back, at the man's side. But he pushed at her, shaking his head.
"No lass, get that mage who struck me before they get you too." Alana frowned and quickly scanned the battlefield, not sure she could pick out one enemy in all this.
"Fearsome, seek!" she ordered, pointing to the courtyard. The Clannfear trilled and took off, head darting back and forth as he sought his prey. Finally he spotted the mage, who had Darj and the two Earthturner men on the ground, laughing as he kept shocking them. "Get away from them!"
"Who's going to make me?" he wondered, sparing her a glance. "You?"
"If I have to," she replied, taking up a fresh grip on her staff.
"You couldn't possibly understand the intricate spellcraft that I am per-" A bolt of lightning loosed itself from Alana's fingers, hitting him in the shoulder. "Why you-" Another bolt, this one at his legs, and he fell to his knees.
"Even healers need to defend themselves," she explained, coming over and kicking his staff out of his hands. "Surrender, and I'll make sure you're spared."
"You think I'll willingly surrender to a child?!" he demanded, muscles spasming as the electricity ran its course.
"Last chance," she warned. She met his eyes, seeing the knowledge of at least double her life sitting there. He was a mage, and a fellow Breton. Could she really bring herself to kill him in cold blood?
"You won't kill me. Oblivion take you, traitor," he spat. Alana turned and closed her eyes. Fearsome softly knocked into her hand, and she looked down at him.
"He made his choice, my friend. No mercy." The Daedra gave a chilling scream as it pounced on the man, and the healer hurried away as his pain-filled screams rang in her ears. She made it back to Stirs-Fear, who was back on his feet again. "Are you-"
"It'll take more than a damn spell to keep me down," he revealed, yanking an enemy closer and then decapitating them. "Did you get that mage?"
"He's dead," she answered after a moment's hesitation.
"Lass, I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For making you kill. Or at least, giving the order. It's not an easy thing."
"I've got no choice now, right? It's either me or them, and you all need me."
"Aye, that we do," Sasha admitted, clapping the healer on the back as she rejoined them. Alana saw she had a gash down her side, but it seemed to be healing itself. When the Nord saw where she was looking, she smiled sheepishly. "I can heal myself in a pinch, but you do a much better job." Bakki came running up, blood coating the two swords he held at his side.
"Come on ladies, this Fort isn't going to save itself," the Bosmer joked, making a beeline for another enemy.
"He's right," Stirs-Fear agreed, taking up a fresh grip on his sword. "Sasha, let's send these bastards to Sovngarde!"
"Yes sir!" The two Nords jumped back into the thick of things, and Alana couldn't help but smile slightly as Fearsome rejoined her. The Clannfear had blood coating his mouth, but she put it out of her mind.
"Ready for more?" she asked. The answering shriek was enough to spur her back into action as well.
The battle at the docks had been won, and the tired group as making its way back to the Fort. Captain Rana was making small talk with the refugees, who were all praising their survival to her and the Sept. That Caidiana and Nathan'Dar had not returned with them was puzzling, but the Imperials all reasoned they were either off getting into trouble, or getting into each other's clothes. Tyrna shook her head as they came within sight of the Fort's walls, taking note of the many arrows sprouting out of the corpses. "Looks like the archers got some decent practice in," she quipped.
"Which means no one made it past them," Greyson reasoned with a thankful sigh. "But ma'am, I really think we ought to discuss what happened back on that ship." Tyrna gave him a sideways glance, wondering when exactly this "ma'am" business had started.
"What happened was I let my guard down. Nothing to worry about."
"Especially not with Ket around to fix her," Makayla teased.
"By the way, you are the oddest mage I've ever met."
"Me? Odd?" The blonde seemed a bit confused, and gave a pout. "Why?"
"Mages don't normally wear heavy armor," Ket reminded her, rapping her knuckles on the iron breastplate. "I think Tyrna's used to seeing magick-users in robes"
"Like I'm going to wear a sack in a major fight?!"
"I'm just saying-" At that moment, Tyrna and Greyson pushed open the massive doors to the Fort, and Ketatiera's remark died in her throat. "How in the world?" Bodies lay scattered all over the courtyard, arrows, grievous wounds, and burn marks covering all of them. The soldiers were carrying some over to pyres, and the rest of the Sept was in various states of relaxation.
"What in the name of the Divines happened here?" Tyrna demanded, looking around at the gathered faces.
"These assholes were in my Fort!" Hana answered, leaping down from the wall. Respite came over from cleaning his bow, grinning broadly.
"You guys missed a few, it seems. Very sloppy."
"Missed? We slaughtered every Dagger at the docks."
"Apparently not if they got into my Fort," the female Bosmer shot back.
"Your Fort, lass?" Stirs-Fear asked, coming over to them. He had a mug of what they all assumed was mead in one hand, and an enemy soldier slung under his other. Tyrna raised an eyebrow when she saw it was an Orc at least twice the Nord's size, but stayed silent. "Seems to me we all defended it pretty well."
"Where did they come from?" Makayla wondered, looking around.
"How should I know?! One moment I'm shooting at perfectly good targets outside, and then they're in the courtyard."
"Hana and I heard Alana shouting about portals, and then Injects came running saying they needed help on the ground," Respite clarified.
"Alana!" Tyrna shouted, wanting some answers from their mage on the inside. The healer came running, her pet trailing a few feet behind.
"What's wrong? Is anyone hurt?"
"Nothing I couldn't fix," Ket assured her. "But we were wondering if you knew what happened in here?"
"Oh, you mean the bodies?" the Breton asked, looking around. "All I know is that portals started appearing around the Fort, and the Covenant came pouring through. I think we got them all, though."
"Mostly," Bakki called out, walking around some storage crates. "Couple slipped by me though, and I think-" He stabbed his swords into one crate, and a scream came from within. "Found another." He retracted his weapons, which were now coated with blood. Satisfied the occupant was dead, the Wood Elf moved on to another stack.
"So, how did they get past you?" Respite inquired, arms across his chest. "I mean, there were quite a few of you down at the docks."
"They must've docked elsewhere and marched on the Fort," Greyson realized, shaking his head.
"Which means there's a land-based group to worry about now," Makayla added. "I hope Hanzo got to Davon's Watch."
"Hey Orc, you know what your commanders were planning?" Stirs-Fear shouted at the captive under his arm. The large Orc stared up at the Nord, terror in his eyes.
"Capture the city from two fronts. That was the plan. Please put me down now."
"Two armies, two fronts, and not enough defenders for both, I wager," Tyrna stated, leaning against the nearest wall. "We've got to get to Stonefalls."
"What, we're leaving?" Sasha wondered, coming up with a keg over her shoulder. "I've found another barrel, Provost."
"Good girl!" the old Nord praised as she set it down. He immediately refilled his mug and knocked it back.
"Get everyone mobilized," Tyrna ordered. "We need to start for Davon's Watch as soon as possible."
"What about-" Alana asked, when they saw a Breton and Khajiit running towards them, grins on their faces.
"Guys, you'll never believe this!" Caidiana excitedly told them. "There was an Argonian in the fields who found a way to get the netches to attack the Daggers!" Everyone stared at her for a moment.
"The proverbial Khajiit has got all your tongues?" Nathan'Dar wondered with a chuckle. "What the feisty Breton says is true. She and this one have spent the last hour throwing netch eggs at our enemies. It was most satisfying."
"Netch… Eggs?" Ket said, rolling the concept over in her mind.
"Yeah! They were filled with this concoction to make the males go all nuts. It was amazing!" Caidiana continued. Tyrna held up her hand to get her attention.
"Well, now that you're back, we need to- Wait… Daggers? On foot?"
"Nathan'Dar was also confused by this," the Khajiit admitted. "He had been hoping the Covenant would stay on their ships, but apparently not."
"We got all the ones we could see," the Breton assured them.
"We need to go?" Makayla guessed, seeing her fellow Imperial chewing her lip.
"We need to go yesterday, apparently. Everyone grab your gear, on the double."
"We have to run all the way to the city?" Alana didn't mean to whine, but the thought of all those miles made her wince.
"Certainly not," Captain Rana stated as she and the soldiers came up to them. "The garrison said they're eternally grateful for your help, so they're giving you all horses. That should put you at Davon's Watch by sunrise if you start now." The Sept all looked at Makayla and Tyrna, seemingly waiting for orders. Injects and Bakki came over, apparently having finished their crate-and-barrel hunt.
"Your orders, ma'am?" Greyson prodded, meeting Tyrna's gaze. She sighed and nodded, smiling at Captain Rana.
"My thanks to the soldiers here. Divines willing, we'll see you at the city."
"The Three watch over you," the Dark Elf replied, saluting them.
"Saddle up!" Makayla called out.
"Hope there's enough room on my horse for this keg," Stirs-Fear stated as he picked it up under his other arm. "And you, you're coming as my shield."
"You can't be serious!" the Orc cried in horror. The Nord frowned and clocked him across the head with is mug, satisfied when the Dagger fell unconscious.
"That's better. Shields don't talk. Besides, it's not like I offered you to the Bosmer as a target."
"The day is still young," Hana quipped as the group headed for the stables. Soon they were thundering down the road, led by Tyrna astride a black horse, and Makayla on a white one. The Stonefalls region and the next part of their adventure awaited them.
