[Ok, hello there my (looks at list) five followers, I am so sorry that I haven't been able to update a new chapter in a while. I had forgotten my password and then real life hit and of course writers block, but anyhow! This chapter has, as you will read, a more serious tone, not to mention making Raddin realize that the real world is a bitch unfortunately *sighs* but again, anyhow! I do not own the rights to Bethesda or the great game of Skyrim this is just simply what I think my dragonborn would do ^^ enjoy]
Y: 201 M: Morning Star day: Turdas the 24th T: 1:15 p.m.
Storm clouds where gathering over the horizon as I walked onto the top deck of the ship, The Fury Wing. It had been a couple of days sense we set sail onto the Abeccean Sea, I had to admit I was anxious with this ship in the condition it was in but seeing it out on the water delayed my troubles. That was until Fronier and his twin brother, Kalsgeir, came up to me and said, "Captain! We need to talk to you about something" Confused I looked at the brothers wearily. Ever sense I had given my rant the other day the twins seemed to be keeping quiet about what they had done to, Christina, the first mate of this ship.
Not wanting to discourage them any further by ignoring them I nodded lightly and asked them, "Alright then what do you want to talk to me about?"
Kalsgeir leaning toward me whispered softly, "There's a plot to turn on you on this ship, Fronier and myself thought that sense we were in enough trouble we'd tell yeah sort of peace offering" Kalsgeir then withdrew as the twins looked at me, as if to see how I'd react.
"Well… thank you then for the information. Do you have any idea on who's trying to recruit for this… mutiny I believe it's called?" I asked them in a hushed voice, I wasn't about to let someone on this ship turn on me and then possibly try and kill me. I had come too far at this point to end up a prisoner or dead meat on a ship thousands of leagues away from land.
"We think it might be Markul, he may have stayed silent that day when you found us out but he was also the most enraged. He was bedding Christina every chance he got." Fronier said continuing with the hush voiced between us.
Sighing softly I nodded at the both of them and said, "Alright then, thank you both for the information. But, if I find out it's you two trying to trick me. I won't send you to the brig like I'm about to with Markul. Understand?" The brothers nodded letting me know they knew what might happen and went off to the broadside of the ship. Sighing softly I went over to the Helm and seeing that Grash was there I smiled softly and climbed up the steps to greet him.
"Lovely sailing weather isn't Mister Grash?"
"Sure is captain; would you like to take the helm for a bit? Steer us in the right direction o to speak?" Grash asked me moving aside to see if I would take the wheel. Looking at it and then at Grash I gulped and nodded slowly moving to take his place on the helm of the ship. The ship rocked for a moment as I roughly took ahold of the wheel trying to balance it out before gaining control. Looking at Grash I asked
"How many sailors have you had to teach over the years Grash?"
"About twenty-five sailors including yourself Captain, you'd be surprised on how many take to it sir" Grash told me smiling whole heartedly then looked over at the sky ahead and groaned, "Looks like a storm captain, what would you like to do?".
Looking ahead at the storm that was coming I stared in ah at the darks clouds lighting up with thunder and lightning coursing through them. Looking at Grash and then back at the storm I sighed and said the craziest thing I would probably ever say, "Where going to go through that storm Mister Grash."
Grash only looked at me for a moment before turning his gaze back to the oncoming storm slowly heading towards us, "Are you sure you want to go through with that captain?"
"Yes, Anvil is five days in this direction and I want to try and get to Tamriel's mainland before too long. Not to mention it's the only port besides the Imperial City we can get to without any Thalmor agents looking for this ship." I said with insistence and some mild determination in my voice. However, I was scared, the storms that came through Skywatch and the islands where always devastating and left a couple of homes with holes in their roofs. I took another look at the storm and took a small breath before handing the helm back to Grash and said, "I got to go take care of some other business try and keep our heading and yell for me if something happens or have one of the crew mates come and find me, that alright?" Grash nodded his head and then looked ahead towards the storm as instructed. I smiled softly as I made my way to the deck and then to the stairs that led to the lower levels of the ship.
Stepping down into the Main hall of the ships lower decks, I saw Virani and Helena whispering softly and giggling like they were the best of friends. After a moment of giggling between the two of them they looked towards my direction, and smiled softly as Helena said in her usual mischievous tone, "Like what you see brother?" She was referring to the fact that Virani and herself were still in there nightgowns from the last couple of nights.
Blushing brightly I grunted softly and said, "No I'm actually looking for, Markul, have you seen him?" the two girls looked at each other and shook their heads as Virani said softly,
"Not really seen much of Markul or Christina for that matter." Virani's voice was filled with some worry and her face was starting to show it as well.
Sighing softly I looked at Virani and said, "I'll go see if she's feeling any better, or in her cabin, would that help you?" Virani smiled and nodded softly. Nodding back at them I left her and Helena back to their conversation. Moving towards the cabin area I went to the door that led to Christina's room. It was made out of some dark wood while the handle was bronze in color, it gave me the feeling that someone of royal blood was living behind the door. Taking a deep breath I knocked on the dark wood door and said softly, "Christina, its Raddin mind if I come in?" I waited for few moments before I got my answer.
"Sure come on in I'm… decent" Christina said softly from behind the door. Opening the door slowly I looked at Christina in her own nightgown; it seemed to compliment her skin as it was an imperial red color. Her soft brown hair was tied up behind her head in a ponytail which showed more of her face and its soft features.
Trying to focus on why I came into the room I closed the door and said, "Virani was worrying about you so I wanted to check up on you, are you feeling alright?" looking at her softly I grabbed a chair and looked at her wondering what she might say or do.
She sighed softly and shook her head, "Yes I'm fine I'm just… tired is all. What about you though? Has the crew given you much trouble?" She asked softly yet curious. I knew why she was asking, she was worried that due the little 'deal' she and the crew had for being more lax was now gone she was probably worried that all hell was breaking loose.
I looked at her softly and shrugged, "I get the usual complaint 'my back hurts' 'I'm getting too old for this' but I manage well. Now back to you, why aren't you walking about the ship? Isn't this your ship and crew, shouldn't you be the one trying to command it?" I asked her softly raising my brow. Christina only looked down at the floor and sighed.
"No, I shouldn't. I'm nothing but a whore alright? The only reason these men ever respected me was because I was giving them what they want. But you, you're able to round these guys up and get them to do their jobs without having to bribe or force them to do it… No I'm not worthy to lead Raddin. I'm only able to-"before she could finish her words I cut in.
"What? Wait in your room and hope that someone comes along and takes pity on you. I don't know about you but I think you're the kind of person who doesn't go down without a fight… or was I wrong?" I said softly so as no one would hear the slight rage in my voice. Christina looked at me in shocked and then scowled at me standing up and walked till she was right in front of me. I smiled softly as I looked into her eyes and said, "Now that's the girl I believe I know." A loud slap could be heard in the room as she slapped my cheek hard my head barely moving by the force of the slap. My eyes had shut closed when she delivered the slap. I slowly opened them to look at her for a moment a large blush was coming over her face.
"That was for insulting me…" She looked at me for a few more moments before closing what little distance was between us crashing her lips against mine for about a minute, however it felt like forever before she pulled away and continued, "… and that was for everything else." She smiled softly and gave a smaller slap on the other side of my cheek not as rough as her other one it was more like patting a cheek of a child. Walking over to her wardrobe she asked me, "are you going to watch me undress or would you care to give me some privacy for a few minutes?" her smile had a mischievous look to it and I felt my own blush coming on as I coughed a little loudly and nodded.
"Yeah I'll just be outside the room then, oh no sorry um I actually need to find Markul about something. Just try and walk around the ship, we might need that fierce attitude for the storm ahead." Christina gave me confused look but nodded softly before turning back to her wardrobe. I soon left her room closing the door behind me; however, as I took a few steps away from the door I was soon greeted by the green Orc face of Markul. Blinking in surprise I soon regained myself and said, "Markul, good just the person I wanted to see"
"So I've heard, what did you want to see me about… captain?" Markul said with a hint of venom in his voice, telling me he was less then pleased to see me.
My eyes narrowed in displeasure as I said, "I'm sorry to say but I have to put you in the brig till this storm is over"
"Why In the name of Mara do you have to do that? Why isn't Gars or Grash being put into the brig!?" Markul said with rage in his voice walking up to me, looking down do to how tall he was. Not liking how close he was or the attitude he was presenting, I did what any hot blooded male would do when someone got into their faces. I pushed Markul to the ground with a knee to his groin making him fall over in pain as I said, "First, do not get up in my face for telling you something I need to do. Second just because you're tall and massive in stature doesn't mean I don't know how to bring you down. Finally, I have to take you to the brig because I don't fancy having to deal with a mutiny you were cooking up. Understand?" Markul groaned and then looked up at me before snorting in disapproval.
"I'll go to the brig, when dragons return to Tamriel!" he said quickly using his place to try and kick me in the groin, jumping back to avoid the kick I looked at Markul and growled under my breath. In short time I ran over to Markul to tackle him to the ground and barely managing to keep him there. Keeping him on the floor was much more difficult than I had hoped it would be as the large young Orc struggled underneath me his green face flushing a deep red color as he started to get free of my grip.
However I was saved in detaining him as Christina ran over to us and without hesitation started to kick Markul in the stomach almost trying to make sure there was some permanent damage to the Orc. Looking up at her I finally reached for some rope and tied Markuls hands behind his back before slowly getting up and watching Christina continue to kick Markul in the stomach. Slowly I reached out and held onto one of her shoulders and pulled her away from the Orc, "Christina! That's enough you got him." I said quickly seeing the rage in her eyes as she looked at me and then back to Markul before taking a deep breath and said,
"Fine… captain, is there anything I need to do?" she asked roughly looking down at her feet to try and avoid eye contact.
"Yeah you could go topside and see if the sails are open, if not then go ahead and take the helm while someone else unties them." I said quickly to help her get a job to do to try to help ease her mind. Christina looking at me for a moment nodded and said,
"Alright I guess I'll go then, see you on deck" her voice soft and sweet before going off to the stairs that lead to the top of the ship.
Looking back at Markul I groaned and attempted to pick him up but was too heavy for me. Looking at the now unconscious body of Markul I sighed and grabbed his two feet and started to drag him to the brig towards the ships storage deck where the brig was located. Opening the iron door I slowly pulled Markul into the bared off room and untied his wrists and slowly made my way to the door to lock him in. Turning around to lock the door I see Markul stirring awake and groaning in pain from Christina's earlier kicks. Locking it shut and tight I stand a few feet away from the cage as Markul held his stomach and then looked at me with crossed eyes as he asked, "The fuck… did you do to me?" he asked his voice riddled in pain.
"I didn't do shit Markul, Christina on the other hand kicked you a good couple of times before I asked her to stop… and you fainted from the pain." I said a small smirk on my face satisfied in knowing that he had been given a form of punishment for resisting and trying to hurt me. Markul groaned once more and then went to a corner of the cage panting softly from what I guess was the pain. Sighing softly I shook my head and said, "Look I'm sorry you're in pain but you deserved what you got. However, I will have Virani come down a little later to help you heal a bit, after which you will remain in this cell until we reach Anvil port. Understand?" Markul only groaned as a response as he held his side and stomach. Shaking my head softly I headed my way to the top deck when I started to feel a rock in the ships movement. Worried about what was happening on the top deck I started to run up until I reached topside.
What I saw almost made me cringe as I saw the storm was slowly getting closer coming on top of us and the waves crashing against the ship more roughly and slowly making the ship go up and down like a sea serpent going in and out of the water. I was in awe of the howl on the salty wind and the magnitude of the waves crashing down onto not only the sides of the ship but on the ship's deck as well. Looking over towards the helm I could see Christina and Grash holding down the wheel of the helm and looking ahead at the storm we were about to face. From looking at their expressions I could tell that they were just as in awe as I was with the storm ahead and how much of a life it had on its own, like Kyne had grown enraged and decided to throw a mighty blow at all those claiming to be a sailor on the these high seas.
I shook my head, trying to focus at the problem at hand instead of being mesmerized by the vicious waters that were ahead. Passing both of the Nord twins as I went to the Helm I asked rather quickly, "Grash, Christina how long do we have till we get out of this accursed storm?"
"About the time the sun will set captain, it unfortunately looks like were on route to a hurricane if you can believe it" Grash said with slight unease while Christina smiled widely and said
"Don't worry much about it captain, all we need do is go around the hurricanes way-"
"And how do you think we're going to manage to pull that off, Christina? In case you haven't noticed hurricanes are awfully big, I bet even giants don't compare to this" I said cutting off Christina mid-sentence, her dark eyes looking at mine before turning her head back to the storm.
"Well then what else do you suggest captain? Stay idle till the storm passes?" Christina asked uncertainty in her voice as she tried to pass it off as aggression.
"We're going to go right through that storm, from the books, Virani, let me look at its calmest at the center of the storm, the eye if you will. It'll always be easier to just cut through it like a knife through butter if we head on with this course." I said taking a breather at the long winded explanation hoping that Christina and Grash wouldn't too much of a fuss with the plan.
"Raddin, what if this ship as small as it is gets ripped apart in the storm?" Christina asked me fear finally surfacing in her question as Grash looked at me with the same uncertainty. I looked at the both of them for what seemed like forever before finally saying,
"Then it was an honor to having known you two grand sailors on this voyage." I suspect that my answer to them didn't quite ease their worrying minds. They however only looked at me for a moment before turning their gaze back at the storm that was growing ever more bitter and angry the more we sailed towards it, dreading every moment that was drawing closer to this hurricane.
Y: 201 M: Morning Star day: Turdas the 24th T: 3:30 p.m.
I should have known things wouldn't have gone according to plan. It was barely an hour before I had decided to have the ship go through the storm and there for the eye of the storm as well. I guess I should have expected the worst with a storm like this but then it might also be my inexperience with such things. Holding onto the helm of the ship I looked over at the twins Fronier and Kalsgier trying to tie down a line from the sails, Christina seemed to be trying to do the same on the other side of the ship while Grash and Gars where scaling the sails onto the second tier trying to secure some lines from there. I then spotted Virani at the prow casting some magic's to try and ward off the water that swept onto the deck. It was essentially hell on the deck.
Christina cried out trying to be heard over the loud crashing waters, "Captain! We're taking on too much water anymore and we might have to abandon ship!" Looking over towards her I quickly drew attention to the crew that were just barely able to hold down their positions before looking back Christina and realized I had gone too far down the road of no return. Taking what Christina said or yelled as the case was I decided to do what any man facing hellish odds would do.
"ABANDON SHIP, Everyone please get to the life boats and abandon ship now! I'll hold onto the helm for as long as I can but please get you guys out of here!" I cried out to the crew my voice roaring over the tides and swells of the water. They all just looked at me like I was mad, prompting me to scream out, "This was my choice none of you should suffer because of that, so for Mara's sake get everyone off this ship now!" Christina looked towards the other members of the crew before coming to the same conclusion I had and screamed out for everyone,
"You heard the man go get Markul and Helena then get yourselves a life boat alright! That's an order!" Everyone at that moment didn't hesitate from that point as Virani and the rest of the crew hurried themselves to the nearest lifeboat on board the ship. I merely watched as I looked at the storm and mess I had gotten myself into and gave a soft smile as I looked back at it all. I watched as they took my little sister away by force she kicked and screamed for me to get my ass over to a boat, but I wasn't about to heed her words. I saw Virani and Christina looking back at me as if to tell me I can still make it but I merely shook my head at them as I stared out into the raging storm and smiled at it feeling an ancient sense of welcome at the challenge I dared to face alone.
Taking what I would think was my final breath I began to sing softly at first but then grew louder as the crew safely and successfully abandoned ship, leaving me to sing the song on the winds of the raging storm, "This isn't a song for the broken hearted. No silent prayer for faith departed. I am not going to be just a face in this water; you're going to hear my voice when I shout it out loud! It's my life, it's now or never I'm not going to live forever! I just want to live while I'm alive because it's my life!" I sang and sang this song I had in my mind for as long as I could think crashing against wave after wave smiling at the rush it gave me as I face the elements in such a battle for my life, almost like I was an old warrior on the battlefield ready to kill anything within sight.
However the next thing I saw before the last verse I sung was a large wave coming towards me before everything went black. It wasn't long before my eyes started to open though a peaceful feeling overwhelming me as I started to look around trying to get an idea of where I was. I stood up on what felt like a large stone circle before turning my gaze towards what looked like a place of sanctuary. Confused I started to walk towards the monument before I was stopped by a familiar voice that I could only attribute to one person, "My son, I am so glad to see you" looking behind myself I saw her, my mother dressed in white and looking no older then when she had died. My eyes swelled with tears as I ran towards her hugging her tightly as I whispered
"It's good to see you to mom…but, doesn't this mean I'm dead?" I asked pulling away from the embrace to look at her before she responded with a shake of her head
"No my child, You are very close to it though and I believe that even when your close to death situations like this can happen. We don't have long though; I can feel that someone is going to save you soon." She said softly as her hands held mine as gently as she could.
I looked at her and took in a breath of air before nodding and said, "Alright then w-what do you want to tell me?" I said trying to contain any more tears that I was too afraid of showing.
"Raddin, Listen and listen well, dark forces are gathering and before long you will be asked to help out in the difficult times ahead. Seek out the swords man known as Salazar in the country where the mountains of old meet with red hot sands… Will you do this, my son?" I looked at her confused wondering what her cryptic message meant, but slowly I gave her a answer with a nod of my head. Her smile made my heart soar as she said, "then I will meet you again when the time is right let your travels be safe…" She said soon after walking off into the shadows of the vision and slowly everything went black.
Y: 201 M: Morning Star day: Morndas the 30th T: 10:45 a.m.
I awoke to the sound of metal clanging together and the hushed talk of several people outside the room I was in. Opening my eyes slowly I slowly sat up on what I could only describe as a rugged carpet before looking around were I was. The room was modest four wooden walls a desk and the carpet I was sitting on top of. To my left was a wall solid and strong as if made for harsh conditions for outside weather, to my right was a fabric that seemed to cover the sunlight just barely as though acting as door where one was supposed to be. As I looked more at the fabric door I started to hear the details of the conversation that was taking place behind it.
"Lucia I'm telling you this man might be too much trouble then he is worth" one voice said obviously pissed off by my presence here in his house.
"If that was the cases then why bring him hear so that we could help him?" a different voice said more female in tone which I guess was Lucia.
"I didn't expect him to survive this long; I figured all we would have to do is bury him not take care of him for days on end!" The man said obviously irate about the argument they were having at this moment.
"Well if he isn't up and about by tomorrow then you can slit his throat and bury him while you make your own meals for the next few days!" Lucia said in outrage towards the man slamming what sounded like a pot onto the ground before a long silence grew within the house. Finally the man spoke up.
"Alright, I get it. So this guy might have had some luck I just…I just don't think it's for the better is all" The man said softly still trying to coerce Lucia
"Well need I remind you that day several years ago? You were starving and needed help but no one else wanted to with a 'rift raft' like you? What do you think might have happened if I didn't help and nurse your sorry ass back to health?" again silence settled to which I decided was time I went out there and introduced myself. Standing up slowly I softly grabbed my sides and groaned at the pain I felt, it seemed that a couple of ribs were out of place. Not trying to pay attention to the pain I walked into what looked like a small kitchen area before looking at the two people that had arguing before. I was astonished to see that they weren't Imperials like I had thought but Redguards, Looking between the two of them who were now looking at me I said softly,
"Excuse me, would one of you tell me where I am please?" Lucia a small redguard woman with pale lips gave me a smile and shook her head softly
"Maybe after we tend to your wounds, come on let's get you seated" She said softly walking over to me to help me get to a chair near a rather beautiful table they had. The man only looked at me as he sat down and stared as if making sure I wouldn't do anything wrong.
Lucia only smiled as I sat on the chair and handed me a bowl of some form of foreign stew. Without hesitation I took a nearby spoon and started to slurp and gulped down the contents of the stew into my mouth enjoying the foreign tastes and spices that came with the stew. After I was done gulping down what I think was breakfast I smiled and gave a slight nod to Lucia, "Thank you very much miss your' cooking is very delicious." Lucia smiled and nodded back at me while the man kept his eyes on me not saying a word.
"Thank you kindly good sir, May I ask what your name is?" Lucia said sitting down herself this time looking at me with a sort of eagerness in her voice.
"Raddin, Raddin Bloodblade of Skywatch" I said softly to the both of them the man's brow rising softly
"So you're from Alinor? What has the dominion finally let humans into their ranks now?" He said sharply to which I said with a gruff voice
"With respect, sir, I am just new to the idea of freedom from the people I was forced to call master, so to answer your fucking question no I'm not a Thalmor agent and the lot of them can go to hell for all I care!" I said aloud my rage reflecting in my voice as the man started to squeamishly sink in his seat.
Lucia sighed shaking her head, "I'm sorry Raddin. My husband, Nazern, has always been suspicious of other people. I was quite surprised to find that he actually was helping a stranger out though all he usually brings back is a load of fish!" her laughter went throughout the entire room before it went quiet once more.
After what seemed like forever I looked straight at Lucia and asked, "I'm sorry for repeating myself here but where exactly am I?" Lucia and Nazern looked at each other before Nazern spoke up
"Well you're a long way from Skywatch. So let me be clear. You're on the Island of Stros M'kai in the city of saintport, in our humble little abode." Nazern finished off with a soft remark to the house we were all in.
Looking at both Nazern and Lucia I tried standing up slowly to walk over to another carpet door and moved it aside to look at the small village I was in. It was quaint nothing like Skywatch but it looked as though it could manage on its own. I gave a soft smile as I looked back at Nazern and asked, "I have a couple more questions if you don't mind… When you found me did you see a life boat trailing off somewhere?"
Nazern only looked at me with a furrowed brow before responding with, "Not really, not so much as a single fish then you so show up hanging on the remnants of a ships helm near death. But no life boats as far as I know have been reported on being found."
"Ok um… Alright I guess then I only have one more question for yeah. Do you perhaps know a swordsman named Salazar? Maybe somewhere around here that takes on apprentices?" Nazern's eyes only widened at my second question quickly standing up from his seat to come face to face with me
"You are a Thalmor spy aren't you?! Where in Oblivion did you get my-"
"Nazern stop it, he only asked you a question about where to find the poor man!" Lucia said loudly stopping Nazern for a moment in what I could only assume was a small tirade.
It took a few moments for Nazern to recompose himself before saying, "Salazar is my great uncle and served in the Great War when Hammerfell was still part of the empire. But, as far as I remember he isn't taking on any new pupils for his swordsmanship. Of course last I spoke with him was five years ago when I asked to be trained by him the answer he gave me was simple yet cryptic" his tone had gotten softer as he spoke on slowly sitting back down on his seat as he looked at me.
"What do you mean simple yet cryptic?" I asked softly holding my side softly to compensate for the pain.
"Well, when I asked for him to train me he said, "I only have enough life in me to train the slave who would be king" I only assumed it was a slave in the town he was living in to be the new king of sentinel or maybe Dragonstar." Nazern said continuing with his soft tone as he looked at me with a stern look.
"That most certainly a curious statement, still I would like to try my luck if at all possible"
"Well you're more than willing to leave after your wounds are healed up" Lucia said as she stood up and walked over to me guiding me once again to the empty chair I was just sitting in. Taking a small breath I looked at her then Nazern and softly nodded to the both of them silently telling myself
"This is going to be one hell of a ride…"
[Alright then folks there is chapter four of the Raddin story. Now keep in mind at this point there are several things I didn't think I would put into this chapter and most certainly thought it would be more of a mutiny story then a person lost at sea. Also the song Raddin was singing was a bon jovi reference yeah bon jovi XD but I honestly think with the continuing of this story in this direction will be better than what was originally planned. As always I don't own anything that I have written here this is just the writings of one madman to others hope you enjoy it nd continue reading the Raddin story even if it maybe weeks or monthes apart.]