Vickmackey007: Thanks for the input i do think that Reynald as put across is someone resembling what a DB would be like; however i hope to expand on his character and backstory in the soon to come chapters, the trials were brief i thought but again based upon what we've seen from the games so far.
jaass20: I hope you enjoy it.
Following his bold declaration to the holder of the dark tomb he now inhabited; the dragonborn had now come to grips with the challenge he had set himself, as it became apparent as he touched on the undesirable stench of charred flesh and rotting bone what the price of failure would be. Inside the first oppressively lit chamber he had found himself in; bodies piled up of once hulking orcs lay dumped in a smouldering pile, without one ounce of ceremony nor sympathy it seemed.
Drag marks could be seen leading from another entrance to the constricted chamber; with only the blood trail and some remnants of flames giving of any form of rebellion against the enforced darkness, Reynald was quick to counter with a small candlelight flaring from his hand; floating as if to guide the dragonborn forward.
He made his way there through passageways that would force even the lowliest of orcs to bend; which intermingled with chambers much like that he had just traversed, more orcs piled up seemingly smouldering forever against the backdrop of tamed light; and his own foreign casting.
It went on for another while with the chambers circling around forever and intermingling; with only more bodies and dark passageways to fill in the gaps between, it allowed a thought of wonderment to slip into his mind; of just how many orcs had fallen in their attempts to prove themselves.
Any elf or man of questionable heart would have perhaps now allowed doubt to fall into his mind at point, but the dragonborn was of no ordinary stock; nor anything less than a hero.
"Stop attempting to cajole me into doubt Malacath; or is it that your too afraid of my power against your tests" Reynald bellowed after finding yet another chamber of corpses; with no sight of the entrance nor progression.
After a moment of indignant waiting he was answered by the sound of rock pulling apart from ways before him; reversing on himself he found a newly revealed secret passageway much like those found within the dungeons of Skyrim, any confusion as to how Malacath had hidden it from his perceptive eyes was quickly dismissed by Reynald as small trick held by those more powerful than he could envisage.
Without ceremony Reynald again cast his illumination spell before continuing on; this passage more winding with turns that led downwards into the bowels of Malacath's monument, unfortunately for him all that was there for him to reach upon was further rot and gore.
As he neared a point where he could see the hue of fire and an added smell of ash he heard Malacath's voice shout out towards him; seemingly all around and nowhere all in one.
"look ahead to your doom manmer" he first growled as Reynald finally entered the chamber he had been travelling towards; finding it many spans larger and wider than any that he had seen before, so that he could afford to look over his small upraised balcony to the room below.
What he found there was something that was cause enough for his own breath to escape him; if only for a moment, for below only a small flight was a worthy trial in itself. This chamber which was many spans wide was on either side beset with roaring fires that spread across either wall from unseen pits; seemingly unnatural yet spewing fourth fire and ash all the same so that Reynald could feel the tickling warmth even from his removed position.
Yet it was not these flames that caused him discomfort; nor was it the columns nine in number; separated equally across the room with bristling spikes and jagged edges all around, instead it was the thing that greeted him from below.
It was simply put a colossus, some form of being that amounted to a mass of armour covering slabs of equally hardened muscle taut with battle; if the scared and darkened plates of unrecognisable forged metals were anything to go by. Yet unlike armoured men and mer there was no face to recognise; nothing save a crudely shaped slab of metal that protected this beast almost completely.
It stood ten spans high and yet wider still than that of any creature Reynald had ever seen; neither troll nor summoned beast held anything towards this creature, he likened it to one of the rare centurions found still roaming the halls of old dwemer ruins in Skyrim. There in it's hand was a mace heavier than any weapon seen by the dragonborn in his lifetime; coupled with gauntlets formed together with deadly spikes same as the hefty chain balled weapon.
"Does your soul quake at the sight of my first creation" the daedric lord asked again in that same booming voice; eager to see the dragonborn quake before such a terror.
The response was that of Reynald's long blade pulling free from his scabbard; while the loose cloak around his shoulders was shrugged free, "I am not the first to arrive here for your trials and succeed Malacath, let's see what this beast has", then the dragonborn at those words took himself forward and in one clean motion vaulted the balcony; landing with poise on the hard floor below.
There just a few lengths it stood and with something like a smothered roar it began to charge forward; rushing with it's weight travelling towards him as if on a cliff edge Reynald could only think towards avoidance.
He pursued that idea by launching forward himself and blade in hand making as if to meet the great beast head on; then as it's great mace slung back the dragonborn with agility threw himself forward into a much practised forward roll, so that when the great weapon struck it but shattered the ground where he beforehand would have been.
Under it's guard but warily close Reynald came up and with some deft strokes cut across the beasts elbow and juncture of it's leg; these being some of the few exceptions of which were not so impenetrable, but such expert strokes seemed to count for little amongst the beasts concerns as it only let out another horrible; suffocated growl.
Not wishing to chance his arm for a more penetrating stroke Reynald sidestepped away from the beast; which then having removed it's weapon threw out a trunk like limb to swat away his foe, then it's incredible strength was used to sling it's weapon over the shoulder towards Reynald's position.
Wild and equally fierce the strike caught the closest barbed support; destroying that side and leaving the weapon wedged, not having retreated Reynald rushed forward and with a great yell slashed his blade across the knees of the beast as he came across it's frame; again however the flesh could only be broken lightly.
The dragonborn would have found it easy then to let the beast swing and catch itself short; while he deciphered it's weakness but it was not to be so, for the beast on having been struck again raged and sent off to crush Reynald with balled fists; forgetting it's embedded weapon.
Towards the balcony Reynald retreated dodging support struts in and out so that the great beast could not settle in it's path; however it soon became a straight rush as the pillars ended and all that was left was for him was a strait.
Flight footed as he was the dragonborn could only hope to outrun the giant behind him as it's huge trunks of legs carried it forward like the fiercest of wild cats, only then when it sounded as if the world was crashing down around him Reynald called upon the powers taught to him by Aranea; so that he flashed with a aura of violet energy and leapt upwards to catch the balcony.
He captured the ledge then with a secure grip which was then tested as the beast below smashed into the base of the structure, protected as it was the force of the jolt staggered the creature so that it was left senseless for a moment. That was all Reynald needed to leap down onto it's back and with practised balance drive his sword into the gap between the creatures head and neck.
Roaring again it attempted to dislodge the dragonborn who gripped onto the plate edge of the armour fiercely; shaking wildly it's hands could only flail as the heavy plates made it impossible for Reynald to be reached, instead he was free to summon destructive fire to his hand and then pour flames across the length of the blade to further increase the creatures agony.
Such a monster was not to be taken to death so lightly however and at the increase of pain its rage and desperation got only fiercer, it abandoned its idea to dislodge him by its own hands and instead turned and ran for the nearest support strut.
It sent itself into the spiked walls hoping to have Reynald impaled by his own position; however with swift movement Reynald leapt down onto its back so that he hung off it loosely, the creature itself faced the spikes of the wall and the impact completely; again being denied by its quicker foe.
Thwarted again Malacath's creation could only pull itself from the wall roaring as it went; then feeling the dragonborn again claim a perch upon it's body, inside it's own basic mind it could fathom that only by the fire could it vanquish it's enemy and resolved to end the battle there.
Heaving himself back up to pull free his sword Reynald could see the intent as the beast took off again to throw him within the fires, then seeing that he could either burn within with no protection from the flames; or remove himself and again be the prey.
The dragonborn by his own namesake was more than that however; resolving to end the conflict himself with a quick thought, then when it appeared that he was about to be engulfed in the ever rising flames he instead threw himself off the back of the beast; which in triumph turned to rush him there.
Never was it to be so disappointed when Reynald instead of fleeing stood up and with a thunderclap shouted "Fus Do Rah" so then in great surprise the creature was sent off its feet with enough force to lodge it within the walls of the firewall behind.
There it screamed and raged at being so cruelly tricked; fighting to dislodge it's heavy body while the flames around boiled it inside; the same heavy armour that made it so fearless previously. Not content then to just allow it to recover Reynald with ease summoned a long daedric spear and with it stopped the beast moving for the moment; driving it through its knee with a trained thrust.
By now the smell of burning flesh was wafting throughout the chamber; with the howling of the titan now stopping not for a second as Reynald marshalled it with his elaborate crafted daedric spear, but then after some further moments of howling and pain the beast managed to pull itself free and Reynald could only let his spear linger as he himself retreated.
Now boiled; scorched and in constant pain the creature could only stagger forward as it's leg was disabled by the spear, Reynald then himself was flush with adrenaline and pulled free his remaining weapon; the same daedric blade given to him by his battlemage Aranea.
He was clueless then as to what path to take; feeling his great power return to him by the moment as the beast laboured forward, it seemed to eye him warily before deciding it could not continue against him without it's leg free of the protruding spear.
Then it bent down and with some awkwardness attempted to pull free the spear; Reynald however would only take advantage of the situation and with swiftness not yet dulled he bounded forward driving his blade in an upward arc to strike the dagger through the slit leading to the creature's eye.
It roared in agony and attempted to swing upwards; but the dragonborn had many times marshalled unruly beasts and with experience he tossed himself around the neck of the creature. Holding on again he cooled his hands with a frost spell and pulled free his scorched blade; ripping it free before again driving it through the neck of his failing enemy.
Riding hard on the monster Reynald could feel the heat behind him as he lurched back and fourth upon his flailing adversary, resolving to end things he could feel his thu'um return; saying one of those forbidden for the way of the voice; that being "Krii Lun Aus".
The effect was that a sweep of parasitic energy that caught the monster; enveloping him in golden light that would have appeared pretty against the circumstances and effect within itself, staggering once again Reynald felt the creature finally give away as he drove his blade into the creatures neck; before then leaping of to safety.
He was alone in his salvation however as the beast of Malacath's lost itself in the flames; not one part of it able to fight back against its inevitable death, watching on in victory the dragonborn could only holler in victory.
Malacath sounded angered and impressed in equal measure; then bellowing "You are not the first to defeat my beast manmer; for it is the trial of thought and skill over brute force and ignorance that prevails here. Though none have so easily slain it since my reigning servant king; perhaps there is hope for you yet weak born".
That said yet another secret of the place revealed itself; with another secret entry way revealing itself at the forefront of the chamber, like any other it seemed to separate itself from the wall seamlessly leading to further within the bowels of the daedric temple.
It made Reynald wonder just how far the temple of Malacath's stretched; knowing full well that none in the legion currently residing on the face of the mountain had an inkling of such a position below their very midst, it would surely sour some mouths given the historic hatred all in the legion were naturally disposed towards daedra in the era.
Reynald himself had no such reservations; feeling that daedra like any other being were creatures of their creation and environment, then there was the claim from many a summoners lips that highly skilled; ageless daedra warriors could be summoned if one knew the correct incantation.
Such a thing was very enticing for an opportunist such as the dragonborn; for he was not against the help of what most would be considered wrong to some in order to gain advantage. He moved on then casting a small healing spell as he went regaining his strength; determining to end the next contest just as quickly,
He made his way down steep steps that again led to another chamber; complete with a high risen balcony that surrounded each wall with some risen platforms, in the centre of the room lay a well like structure that was filled with an unknown energy; itself a stark mix of gleaming white with pockets of bubbling blue energy.
Nothing occurred then as Reynald entered the room; himself atop the apex of the balcony just behind now, expecting something awaiting him as before the dragonborn instead began to traverse the balcony.
He saw the point of interest within the chamber then come to life; that being the pool of energy beneath that after some disturbance began to form a figure from it's depths, captivated the dragonborn could only look on as the daedric creation took shape.
It was unlike the previous creation as it was no titan; nor did it hold the same terrifying appearance for the dragonborn to stop himself, instead it was that of some black veiled man like creature with horns protruding from it's head; added to it's still fearsome appearance with lava red skin and dark piercing features that gave it a cruel appearance.
In it's claws it held a large staff of power; jewelled crystal pulsing with blood red energy at it's point, with a shimmering mighty axe in the other that skewed the dragonborn's vision slightly. Both weapons looked fearsome allowing Reynald memory that he himself was defenceless save his conjuring abilities, before any more violence could occur however Malacath spoke out once again.
"Before you stand's the mightiest of my daedric lord's weakling; unopposed in devotion to destroying my enemies; he shall make you suffer" said the daedric lord; with the lesser daedra below howling in fierce anger in order to force such words home.
"I fight to restore the god-king of Tamriel to his rightful position;, let us see if this creature can provide something of a challenge" the dragonborn replied with a voice turning spiteful towards Malacath; feeling his rage build towards the daedric prince at his apparent dismissal, these daedric prince's and there undead creatures were far too superior in their mindset Reynald thought then.
The combat was started by the daedric lord then as it hurled a pulse of crimson energy towards the base of the balcony Reynald stood upon; with the impending explosion of magicka ripping it's structure down and with it the dragonborn, who fought for penchant on the surrounding area but to no avail.
Falling hopelessly it seemed Reynald all but screamed "Tiid" so that his fall slowed to just inches per second; allowing the dragonborn to right himself with some effort so that when he landed roughly below not a bone broke, nor a muscle strained under the fall.
Time then resumed as normal with the dragonborn feeling the strange side effect of that particular shout take hold of him if only for a moment, while his opponent who had yet to move thought nothing of it but instead fired yet another ball of crimson energy towards the dragonborn.
He was quicker than that and nimbly dodged the sphere; escaping the explosion behind with only some chips of rock striking into his skin before casting a pair of ice like spears on either hand to dislodge the daedra from it's position. Instead of dodging however the daedric simply erected a magicka based ward that protected with a blue hue surrounding itself, Reynald could only then appreciate that it's defensive skill would be as great as it's attack.
He was sure to find out more about the weapons it possessed as he attempted to close in on the being; only for a sweep of violet energy to envelop him from the staff and just about force him onto his knees, thankfully through swift action the dragonborn could force a ward upon himself to stop himself from succumbing completely to the life draining casting; yet he could only barely hold on as the daedra seemed to pour everything within his weapon towards destroying Reynald.
Desperate for a release from the attack which steadily drained his will Reynald steadied himself upwards for a moment and then shouted powerfully "Zun Haal" causing his opponents weapons to fly from grasp; the staff loosing it's effect on Reynald while the axe was embedded into the wall behind.
Not to allow the moment to pass Reynald quickly cast a healing spell that further drained his reserve; before rushing forward and closing the distance between them to drive a palmed fist towards the neck of the daedra, who despite being assured of victory could only defend himself with his own claws as the dragonborn came on.
The first strike caused the daedra to reel back in pain and then curse out in it's own tongue as Reynald struck a brutal haymaker across it's jaw line, using the momentum of the daedra's own body against itself then Reynald swung an unhindered knee upwards to catch the daedra's face as it lowered.
The effect was that of more pain as it's horned head shot backwards; with it's body following as the oblivion bound creature fell upon it's back. Striking out in seeming desperation the lesser daedra managed to slash across Reynald's stomach causing the dragonborn to cry out in surprise, It seemed still then that the contest was over as Reynald conjured up a long blade and with ease drove it downwards to pierce the daedric lord's heart.
He been so surprised then when the being vanished away in a burst of violet energy; causing the dragonborn to cock his sword back in surprise, "Coward; come back and fight me you lifeless cur" Reynald subsequently shouted; hoping to force the usually haughty creature back towards him without first recuperating.
He was left there however to stew and worry for a long moment before he caught the daedra again appearing some lengths in front of him; there pulling free it's axe before again vanishing, giving him no time to imbed the charged lighting bolt within his grasp.
Another moment went away without movement before Reynald heard the telltale sound behind him; which he could only respond to with a forward roll, which allowed him to escape the daedra embedding his weapon within his back. Recovering he went to assault the lord but again had to throw up a ward as the humanoid again attempted to injure him with magicka rather than metal, it was now bursts of billowing flames in ever increasing intensity testing his shields.
But rather than revert to using his battle changing shout Reynald instead opened his weapon wielding hand and therein cast a spell of flame cloak; it doubling as a ward as the daedric lord's own power faltered against the clever defence.
Surprised Malacath's servant itself brought up a second hand to reverse Reynald's own spell with a burst of frost but was caught short as the dragonborn shouted "Wuld Nah" allowing him to escape the immediate effect of the frost burst and send him behind the daedra's position.
Then casting two differing spells and without forewarning the daedric lord was caught short as Reynald rushed the small distance between himself and his opponents exposed back; there driving home his weapon with a furious thrust that meant the daedra could see the exposed blade rip through his chest.
Now hilt deep Reynald with mercy grasped his blade with both hands; ripping it free in a burst of black blood and body staining gore that finished with the daedra dropping lifelessly at his feet. There the body began to decompose and finally fall away into a pale of ash; only the axe and staff of the creature remaining in it's memory.
"If this is the best of your servants Malacath; then I will have no further trouble in these trials" Reynald boasted somewhat out of his usual tone; eager to hear the daedric prince rage at the apparent ease of how he destroyed his mage lord.
Still the dragonborn felt more than a little drained at the exertion of that particular fight; deciding to further heal his body and rejuvenate even as his will dwindled further, Malacath at that moment would have surely wished his life to be extinguished as he shouted "Pathetic dremora; falling to your pathetic dragon power, do you think it gives you leave to insult me"
Reynald then relented if only slightly saying "I only wish to finish these trials here and now; or is it your wish to gradually weary me with poor opponents", the question hung in the air for a second as Malacath seemed to gauge the request.
Then there was laughter from the ever present; yet never seen daedric lord as he promised Reynald his chance "You wish to finish your trials; what better way than to face the greatest warrior ever to fall beneath the walls of my city, the only one to defeat my creations in true combat"; more laughter then as the daedric prince found himself greatly pleased with the idea, then deciding to forego the differing trials he had used to gauge worthiness.
"Show me the way" Reynald replied simply; willing to meet this final enemy, beyond him then a final entryway opened at the fore of the room which he quickly made for.
Like before it was all darkened passage which twisted and turned; until he came upon there a chamber that was little more nothing, unlike those before it had no discerning platforms or pitfalls; instead being simply four walled with a slight rise in height.
On either side of the entrance where Reynald entered a small flight of stairs was built; with a pair of pillars on either side of the flight, further within the room there was a gateway that seemingly led to nowhere; looking barren and useless.
That changed however as the air began to still within the chamber; and a change happened in which a surge of that same energy within the well then poured from the same empty gateway, spiralling outwards the dragonborn himself had to stop himself from retreating as the strange occurrence struck wildly.
It settled however allowing him to remain rooted; with the gateway stabilising to remain a gravity defying pool of energy. Then however something separated itself from the energy; looking far more human than the creatures and 'dremora' before, for instead of facing some daedric thing Reynald instead faced a man.
He was a dark skinned redguard with a thick; muscular build, frost like eyes and a hard face that held a multitude of disfiguring scars and an overall look of grim determination. Covering his body was a suit of armour unlike anything Reynald had ever seen, it appearing almost ceremonial like with it's ornately crafted crimson plates and entwining mail; looking far too elegant to be truly used for battle much like that of his old allies the blades.
Reynald could only wonder how long this man had remained within the grasp of the daedric prince's realm; explaining his ancient looking suit of armours, this man stood tall also; over the head of Reynald easily yet with no weapon within his sheath, yet it was not his lack of weapon that caught the dragonborn most but; instead the redguard's eyes.
They had a look of torment and madness within them; watching him with disquieting judgement to remind the breton that this man had fallen before Malacath, and with that became his thrall.
A fate worse than most deaths Reynald was sure; and not one to be shared by him, "I defeat this last trial of yours and I have your orcs Malacath" the dragonborn asked; then attempting to judge what way best to deal with this new foe.
Again more laughter from the daedric prince as he consented; leading Reynald to summon his favourite form of long blade from the plains of oblivion, the weight of the almost perfect; but unnaturally forged blade now resting in his grasp.
Then his opponent opened his mouth as if to speak; but instead let loose a piercing sound of broken speech that resonated throughout the chamber, filling the air around the redguard with an aura of pale light that began to gather within his now closely fixed hands.
There a blade formed unlike any form of conjuring Reynald had been witness too; with the redguard silencing himself as the blade finally sealed itself into a lengthy sabre like weapon. Immaculate and glinting the blade reminded much of glass weaponry yet without any sign of forging; so that it appeared ethereal still.
His weapon now summoned the red armoured warrior burst forward with speed like that of a great cat rather than a man; with Reynald rushing forward himself to meet his enemy, but as they met the redguard with unrelenting strength leap upwards and drove his blade upon Reynald's; with the strike driving the dragonborn back.
It was a retreat for Reynald who was unable to match the ferocity of the red armoured warrior; instead using his dexterity to avoid his great blade and defend where possible, but as his enemy progressed the dragonborn was able to meet his oncoming blade; catching it with a horizontal block as this thrall attempted to rend his head from shoulders from above.
Having stopped the onslaught Reynald used his blade work to force the greater sword aside and set against his opponent striking low to force a block; before then whirling his sword up as if to cut across his chest; but rather instead side stepping to his right in an attempt to take his opponent shoulder to hip on his unguarded side.
The attempt was seen through and with his own footwork the redguard got himself beyond the strike, then with something beyond Reynald's recognition he seemed to summon the power of his blade so that he was engulfed in that same pale energy; before then launching himself forward in a blistering whirlwind of light unknown to Reynald.
All Reynald could do was force a block and counter as his enemy wielded his blade as if it was weightless; he was successful then but the jarring nature of the assault meant that he could not save himself from a forceful palm strike that sent him crashing to the foot of the rightmost pillar.
His enemy took no time in launching himself upward and with a fierce shout driving his blade down upon Reynald; who managed to roll away from the blade due to his lack of armour, rolling up into a kneel his blade was sent to meet a further strike that the armoured warrior followed with having not yet slain his enemy.
But again the strange nature of this man's power caused the breton to falter as his hand shot forward to blast him into the stairs behind; it being some form of forceful telekinesis almost. The redguard followed by launching himself upwards in an attempt to decapitate Reynald; but he was again quick enough to roll away leftwards so that only dirt and stone met the mystical blade.
At that moment it was not a savage strike meeting Reynald's head but instead the redguard pulling him upwards by the neck; throwing him against the pillar to steady him for a death stroke, but Reynald now had time to finally settle and brought a hand up; firing flames at his enemy who fell away in a sharp roll that allowed him to avoid the assault.
Desperate to end this fight; yet knowing he had to prove his mettle to Malacath Reynald shouted "Su Grah Dun" so that his own power only sped his own hand, launching forward he came upon the redguard who attempted to match the dragonborn stroke for stroke; not yet realising he had imbued himself with the power of the dragon's elemental fury.
Blade to blade; a match for a match it seemed the pair traded blows within the chamber of Malacath without thought of time nor exertion, but Reynald was keen to gain some advantage so that he summoned yet another blade to his offhand.
Then with his now duel blades the dragonborn used what was incredible speed afforded to him to not only match but to put the same terrible opponent of his upon the defensive; his two swords working in tandem to break through the staunch defence of his enemy, striking high and low; thrusting one and slashing with another in tandem.
The defence of the redguard was equal to it all though as his heavy blade worked in tandem with excellent footwork to deny Reynald however; even as his own duel blades came on like that of an unstoppable force.
Then after many exchanges it seemed that the redguard was beaten; for as he watched his opponent seemingly tire he shifted from the defence, hitting out with a mighty slash to parry Reynald's outstretched rightmost blade as it crossed across his neck; before then slashing down to cut the half protected dragonborn head to hip.
However the dragonborn dropped his flailing blade; nimbly sidestepping before then lashing his now sole blade across the knee of the redguard before then attempting to pierce his thigh, his opponent was not so inflexible however and leapt within the guard of Reynald to offset the strike.
It meant that the pair tangled with Reynald's blade dangerously close to the crimson warriors groin; his own working to stab the dragonborn in the side but itself fended off also, both men furiously fought for control.
The redguard however was powerfully built and of a commanding height so that he began to edge his blade towards Reynald, knowing that he was to come out second best if the entanglement continued the dragonborn shouted "Fus" so that the redguard staggered if only for a little moment; before then stepping back with his blade coming up in an overhead slash to cut his opponent in halves.
Again however he was met well enough but the warrior who even without his full senses managed to bring his blade to block; the result being a grind between the pair soon to be contested, Reynald however quickly showed some of his unconventional tactics by then launching his head forward to impact his opponents own; knocking him back a few steps as his eyebrow was busted from the attack.
Reynald being himself somewhat jarred by the attack found himself reasoning that despite his idea of fighting sword to sword with this enemy; he could not overcome this redguard by blade skill alone, instead he resolved to end the battle with the entirety of his abilities.
Reynald then rushed forward to follow up his assault; calling destructive fire to his off hand and firing it towards the redguard who had to retreat away from the blast that shattered the rock at his feet, the remnants broke skin but not the crimson however as he was forced to halfway turn and repel Reynald oncoming blade.
Coming on Reynald attempted his own downward hack as he leapt towards the redguard; landing with a clash of blades that then broke and began there fierce contest once again. Now however the redguard's ferocity was met not only by Reynald own summoned blade but by his destructive magic, so that fireballs shattered that ground beneath his feet; ice spikes were narrowly avoided and lightening threatened to make him succumb.
Such was the quality of the crimson warrior that he not only dealt with the assaults but managed to reflect the offensive upon Reynald; managing to slip within the oncoming breton's guard as he felt himself too secure.
It happened as the breton rushed forward firing a bolt towards the redguard's left shoulder; thereby forcing him onto his right which the breton attempted to skewer, however the redguard feinted before then swiping across his left; receiving the brunt of the bolt upon his armour as his blade struck Reynald's downwards.
Now defenceless from above the waist Reynald could only lunge back as his opponents blade reversed it's cross to slash across his throat, but that in itself was only a feint by the redguard as he then himself launched forward without his blade to strike; catching the dragonborn across the face with a vicious blow that busted his lip and sent the breton tumbling backwards onto his back.
Appearing dazed and defeated to his enemy Reynald could barely defend as the redguard launched himself; for the final time to skewer the dragonborn with his blade reversed within his grasp, the very same breton then could only see his own doom but for his last final desperate shout.
That shout was that of "Krii Lun Aus";which on the utterance enveloped the oncoming redguard as he struck downwards, the effect being that his luminescent sword faltered as did he; the blade faltering short of catching Reynald's chest but instead piercing his right shoulder loosely.
The dragonborn cried out but did not give in to the pain; instead forcing himself to focus past the blinding agony the intruding blade brought. His own weapon now on his disabled side the dragonborn could not yet stab upwards; instead he used what was like of his resolve to summon a deadly ice spike and fire towards the redguard's throat.
The crimson armoured warrior was not yet powerless to resist as he showed by lurching back to avoid instant death; instead only having his throat; cheek and right eye horribly shredded and then froze by the bolt, it left him off balance which Reynald used to angle his foot upwards towards the redguard's underarm; pushing with all his might so that the redguard's blade was removed from his shoulder.
Now released from certain death Reynald rolled away from his enemy fighting the searing pain as he did so; grasping his weapon in his good hand and then raising himself up unsteadily. Free from his enemy the dragonborn could only focus upon the wound that was pouring fourth with blood; so that his upper body became a mess of crimson that matched him now to his enemies own coverings.
Summoning what was left of his willpower the dragonborn used his healing knowledge to stem the tide of the blood; not yet having the power nor the knowledge to bring the wound to completely heal, instead simply mending what lay torn inside so that his shoulder could no longer hinder him too greatly.
The crimson warrior who himself had been grievously injured had also managed to stem his own wound though not like his enemy; instead pulling off his upper arm protectors and ripping free the fabric that had remained there, then using that to slow his neck wounds impact. His eye however was now useless leaving a large gap in his vision; while his body appeared sapped of strength, the dragonborn could only feel his own strength leave him yet his thu'um remained strong.
Both men moved together then closing the distance between the pair; then coming together as the redguard used his great sword to cut across Reynald, deftly however the dragonborn diverted the strike and went to slash towards the blind side of the redguard; before reversing his sword within his grip and attempting to cut across the opportunity presented thigh of his enemy.
He was surprised by the redguard however who instead of falling for his feint; turned and instead side stepped the breton before then slashing downwards against his foe, the result was that Reynald crying out in surprise as the tip of the warriors blade snaked across his back.
Stumbling forward Reynald vainly attempted to turn and present his sword in defence; only for the redguard to follow up with a hip to neck stroke that impacted with such force that the dragonborn's summoned blade was wrenched from his grasp.
The blade sailed overhead as Reynald threw himself away on his shoulder to avoid the surely following decapitation; drained as he was the dragonborn could not summon another weapon but instead turned away from his enemy; his eyes drifting to find the second weapon he had discarded.
It had left the realm leaving Reynald to escape away from the redguard who appeared willing to use what strength he had left to end the battle quickly, feeling his thu'um return the dragonborn resolved to turn and attempt a shout to break his enemy finally; until then he caught from the corner of his eye the discarded piece of armour from the warriors suit.
He again retreated from his enemy and reached the plate taking it into hand; eager then as he found it to be both sharp and of good quality, from behind his enemy came upon him with blade raised to strike but Reynald was ready then.
He turned as his enemy rushed to cut him in halves with his mighty blade; his body still strong despite all the abuse he received at the hands of the dragonborn, but as his blade descended Reynald shouted in his failing tongue "Fus Do Rah" so that the redguard found his weapon faltering and his own arms being pushed away by the power.
It was a testament to the power that the warrior commanded that the great force of the thu'um only staggered him at its mightiest; but there would be no victory for him as the dragonborn then used the formerly discarded armour piece to strike at the redguard's throat.
The result was the crimson warrior horribly attempting to form a breath as his throat was pierced through with his own protector, the blade which had served him also then dissipated as he fell onto his knees in defeat; before then toppling over onto his back.
Reynald himself was all too eager to topple himself as his enemy was defeated; the dragonborn falling onto his knees as he enjoyed what little respite the cold floor of the chamber provided upon his aching muscles, no thought was given to either wound that persisted with him.
After a few moments of the relief the previously haughty daedric prince spoke out to Reynald; his voice resembling something like respect as he said "You have proven yourself greater than that of my creations; my thralls and my minions mortal. Only one as mighty as you could truly command the might of my blood kin, now I will give you the claim to holding their oaths";
On that the prince once again called upon his power to form the same gateway that resided within the room; now naturally calmed it provided the dragonborn with a view of a weapons hilt protruding from it's depths, ignoring his screaming muscles the breton rose up and crossed the distance towards it.
"A symbol of my favour" the daedric prince told him in a solemn tone as Reynald attempted to pull the weapon free; but finding it so heavy as to make him drop it when coming free, with barking laughter the daedric prince spoke again saying "Seems like my trials have brought much strain upon you mortal".
The chiding of the daedra was not welcomed by Reynald; who had to fight to keep his mouth of its own volition; but instead the dragonborn closed his eyes to the chamber around and silently prayed to the divines.
The power you have bestowed within my blood is great my honoured divine; but my strength fails me when it is needed most, I pray you favour me this day and restore my will was the prayer.
Gloating over his new champion the daedric prince could only do so as the breton attempted to gain strength from his divines, Malacath knew all too well that his hold upon this temple was as real as that of his own realm of oblivion.
However he was to be surprised along with Reynald as a wave of strength swept through the dragonborn's body; with his wounds disappearing and his tangible strength returning so that he could heave this mighty hammer of Malacath's.
He was sure then that at the corner of his mind he could feel the weighing of another foreign presence like that of Malacath's; this instead being a phantom touch of warmth accompanied by a thought of twilight then.
"The lady of dawn favours me still" Reynald said with a triumphant grin as he pulled the weapon to his shoulder's, clearly Malacath was not so pleased with another's intervention upon his own hold,.
"Finish your enemy and see yourself away from my temple mortal; I tire of your presence" was the daedric's prince reply; but Reynald was confused and asked him to what he meant by finishing his enemy.
"Is this great warrior not deserving a place in the afterlife; I pray you would release him from your hold" Reynald asked; to which he was only met with an angry retort.
"Who are you to command me mortal; do you think my favour allows you position to meddle in my affairs" was just that reply; with the daedra not appearing pleased to see the breton free of his struggle so easily, Reynald was undaunted however having felt his power return.
"I would not be so bold to command you Malacath; but this man is the worthiest warrior among the many mortals I have faced within my life, I pray that you would allow him to be at peace" was what the dragonborn said in the attempt to further convince his newest ally of sorts.
"What do you offer in reply" was the proving question asked back in the prince's gruff tone.
Reynald told him then "Is it not true that even after your former servant king gained your people the protection of provincial status; both redguard and bretons alike attacked and destroyed your city. I swear then that if I attain my desire and gain the empire I will enforce certain laws that will allow your people to prosper finally within this era, under the penalty of death for all"
The persuasive argument seemed to convince the daedric prince as he finally obliged; as he then with a command uttered in his own guttural language released the crimson warrior who at first appeared none changed, before his body was struck by a great fire that first enveloped and then consumed it.
"Use my servant's blood well mortal and respect your oath to me; I will be watching you" was the final words from the daedric prince before a final entrance to the surface appeared, confirming he understood with a simple nod the dragonborn took off to the surface above.
What he knew of the daedric great hammer he held over his shoulder was little; with even the hue of sickly green enchantment further eluding him, he was as ever optimistic knowing that it would ignite the people of Orsinium for his banner.
Further away at the banks of the river that crossed both that of Hammerfell and High Rock; the camp of the dragonborn's protectors was set, there it laid some lengths from the stone protection of the orc kings own.
From the place one could look upon the ever rebuilding jewel of the bay; Wayrest or attempt to catch sight of what lay within the orc kingdom, the only person who appeared not to answer sleeps call did not take in either sight; but instead kneeled within a deep meditation.
It was of course the only being within the group that would call themselves something resembling a thinker; rather than warrior, that person being Reynald's dunmer companion was known now as his battlemage; so well versed was she in the ways of the mage.
Aranea had for the better part of the night abandoned nords to their stockade building and instead placed herself upon the mount of a nearby rock outcropping; sacrifices to her chief deity and calling Azura strewn around her.
It had as was the norm being for naught as her gift of foresight had long since eluded her; but it was not to stop the dunmer as she sat in contemplative silence all the same, hours passed as her prayers were pressed upon her lady.
Then however as the twin moons passed the midpoint of darkened night she could hear the step of light boots behind her; unmistakeable to a person of some centuries experience within battle such as she was.
Breaking her form the dunmer raised herself up and caught sight of who came behind her, who wore a shall of fur around her slender shoulders; which covered the sight of her furs and leathers usually in plain sight.
"Aela" she greeted with an incline of her head; of course instantly recognising the female nord who had became close to Reynald, so that she was 'the lips' to him as 'teeth'. The reply was mirrored in the flame haired nord who came up to the perch of Aranea's; before then settling down onto knees.
"I wonder why you do not sleep with the others; do you not fear we will be called upon early at sun's dawn" Aela asked with her usual fixed gaze; added to with her ever questioning tone, in reply the dunmer return to her previous position and regarded the nord neutrally.
It was true that Aranea had little to do with the companions as a whole; as she regarded them as simple yet capable warriors but little else, the dunmer had lived long enough to see hundreds of such beings both men and mer alike fall battles spanning the continent; there were always more to replace them.
"I pray for the safety of our champion; and your harbinger, so that my lady will watch over him" was the reply which seemed not to cause much surprise in Aela; as the nord knew more of daedric prince's that what she led others to believe.
"you seem to give much of your time in prayer to your lady for the harbingers safety; truly you are devoted" Aela complimented in response though with a questioning tone all the same, the dunmer attributed this to the nature of the nord.
Unlike the other prominent companions who appeared proud and brave in equal measure; Aela instead was something of a more veiled nature, with the eyes of a predator and a personality to match.
"I do what is required of me as follower" Aranea told the nord simply; not willing to match her questions with anything more, she did wonder however why the girl questioned her dedication so suddenly.
Did she suspect some form of intention towards Reynald she wondered.
Then however just as Aela was about to continue on a bright light appeared towards the mount of the wrothgarians stifling any conversation between the pair, lightning its way towards the outer reaches the dunmer could only take it as a sign of declaration from the daedric prince Malacath.
"There will be word soon of the champions fate" she told Aela then with something bordering apprehension, "prepare your companions huntress".