Mount and Blade-

The Warband of Wolves

By Indogma

Inspired by the Mount and Blade Series, primarily the game: Mount and Blade: Warband.

Under the Sarrdak Desert Sun

The sun beat down on the bright yellow dunes of the Sarrdak Desert. One set of dunes were dotted with figures on horsemen. The Wolves were slow to advance through the desert taking there time crossing each dune as they pass. While the wolves had dodged one potential political encounter, they found themselves in a place with another chance of another one. While many did not know why Roland was being cautious; but Jeremus, Ymira and Haydee, her being the reason, knew.

In the few days they had been in the desert, Roland had guided the Wolves from the Sharwa Castle directly to the west, avoiding any village or castle if they could help it. Buy the end of the second day; it was clear this plan was doomed to fail. Half of a day was spent heading in the direction of Ahmerrad to gather supplies. But when they arrived outside the city, they camped a short distance way. Roland didn't have to ask Haydee to remain outside the camp, she knew just being this close to the city was a risk alone.

While camping outside the city, Roland made inquiries inside the city while gathering supplies about which lords were in the field and which ones remained at their home. He found that most of the lords where in the field except for Emir Dhashwal, who was staying in his castle, Teramma Castle, on some personal vendetta against the local desert bandits in the region. When he returned to the camp, he asked Haydee, "Do you know a Emir Dhashwal?"

"Yes," she replied quickly and spitefully, "He was one of the nobles who convinced my father to rebel. He claimed to support my father and offered troops, but he folded the very first instant that he could. Turned a traitor to my father, and supported my uncle against his word." "Would he recognize you?" "I was to be married to him Roland…" she said bluntly, "He would recognize me… Why?" "The only way to reach the sea line is bypassing his castle. He is the only lord that is not currently in the field. In short: he is the one that could potentially ruin us."

"Not if we head towards Hattin Castle." Suggested Haydee. Roland gave a puzzled looked. "If we hug the mountains to the north of the Teramma Castle, and follow them we should reach Castle Hattin and be able to continue the sea directly." Roland then reflected on the idea, it would be the safest and easiest to navigate. "Are you sure you would be up to it?" He asked. She nodded, "I think it's time I faced my past. And hopefully bury some ghosts as well…" Roland nodded, while it had little to do with him, he agreed it might be good for her.

After a day of camping outside the city, the Wolves then prepared to head further west. While doing that, Henderson was preparing a letter. "What is that?" Asked Roland. Henderson smiled, "It's have a welcome party when we enter into Swadia. I'm ordering Nox to send my men to Reindi Castle and wait for me there. That way I can leave you to your own work, and head back to Suno with my own men." "Why don't you enjoy our company?" Joked Roland. Henderson chuckled, "No, but it is a different feel having someone else in charge of when we travel… not something I am used to after these last couple of years."

Roland understood. He bet he would not enjoy being under the care of a younger man with no real political weight behind him. "Isn't Reindi Castle still a distance away from the sea line." "Yes, but there is no closer place for the men without getting close to another faction's castle." "What about the Four Kingdom's Wasteland?" Henderson shook is head, "I though of that, how ever it is rather hard to navigate, and there is no real notice able features." "There may be one…" said Roland. He then took out the map the Henderson gave him all those years ago. He then pointed to a area in the wasteland, "Here, there should be a mound of rocks," Hardeth's grave marker, "you can use that as a meeting place." Henderson looked at Roland, he saw that Roland knew what he was taking about. "Alright I trust you…"

He then wrote the letter with the new instructions. Sealed it and then went into the city to prepare a messenger. "The Khanate will not suspect a Sarridad to be carrying a Swadian message," explained Henderson.

After purchasing the necessary supplies, Roland and the Wolves moved out. Now traveling all day with out making camp, the Wolves made good time. In two days they had reached the mountains that resided north of Teramma Castle. And in less then one they would reach the ruined castle. Flowing the mountains, the Wolves managed to avoid all contact with any party of any other people.

However, by the end of the third day, it was clear to Roland that everyone in the company was moral was low. Despite having enough food and water to last them a week longer, the lack of sleep and the heat was getting to everyone. Matheld and Ymira were on each others' nerves, despite not liking each other to begin with. Lezalit was in an even fouler mood then ever, yelling and cussing at every one, even Artimenner. Roland worried that he would snap soon, and when he did, it would be a bad scene.

When they finally arrived at the castle, Roland half expected it to be a hive of bandits. It would be a good stress relief for most of the men, actually. But to his surprised the ruins of the castle was empty. Most of the wall was still standing but some of it had collapsed. The keep itself was still intact and it's roof still on the keep. It would be a welcomed relief, a sheltered place away from the sun.

Entering into the castle Roland then made it the Wolves temporary fortress. He had the men begin to settle in the castle. He posted a few to keep watch, had Katrin begin making a decent meal. And that night the men were able to sleep for the first time in several days. It was a welcomed break.

However, Roland had his reservations. He had noticed Haydee was extremely quiet. Whether she was hurting for being there or not, Roland could not tell. If it were up to him the troop would just pass the castle, and continue to the sea. But that was not the case, the men needed rest or he would have a lot of angry men at him. He needed to he a captain before he thought of Haydee.

The first night the troop was there, he went exploring into the keep. In his search he came across a room that was illuminated by another torch then his own. He entered into the room and saw Haydee, sitting on a frame of a large floor bed. She heard him approach but did not look at him. She was too busy looking at the room, remembering.

"This was my room…" she said deep in her remembrance. "This was the place were I slept every night. Where my mother taught me how to stitch… and what a lady should be…" The she began to laugh, "What she would say to me if she saw me now." This was the first time Roland had heard of her mother. He guess because of what happened to the rest of her family, it seemed trivial. "What happened to her?" Roland asked.

Haydee looked at Roland, "She was supposedly killed by some desert bandits, three years before the rebellion. At least she died peacefully, never knowing what was to happen to us…" Roland then felt stupid asking about it, it seemed to make it worse. "He loved her…" Haydee said. "What?" "My father…" explained Haydee, "He loved my mother. When she was alive, she gave him this sort of "brightness" to his eyes. When she died, it seemed to fade. He was still a good man, but he seemed less of himself…" Then she smiled, "You know, my mother was not of royal blood. She was a slave to my grandfather, but my father found her fair and beautiful. Despite my grandfather's wishes, he married her and made her is equal." "What was her name?" "While a slave she was called, Arwatedee. But when my father was courting her, he gave her a necklace of Pearls, and other slaves started to teaser her and call her, Awra the Pearled One. That was her name, after my father married her."

"It's pretty…" said Roland. "She was…" Said Haydee. Then she sighed deeply and stood up, "But there is no point in dwelling on the past." "Has coming here helped?" Asked Roland concerned. Haydee smiled, "Do you see me crying?" "I'll take that as a "yes"." She nodded, "I've come along way since you rescued me… and I have had a lot of time to morn… now is the time to let go. My past is like this castle, a relic…" Then she smiled wide, "I'm not the scared little noble girl anymore."

Roland smiled, he then remember the girl he found about two years ago in the wasteland. Soaked from the mist and rain, and half in a daze. He compared it to her now, she had changed. "Good to hear that," he said. Then he began to turn around, "I better get back, and make sure the men are behaving themselves."

"Roland…" said Haydee softly, stopping him from fully turning. "Promise me that nothing will happen to the Wolves because of me." Roland smiled, "I will make sure of it." He turned but was interrupted again by, "Roland…" He turned back again. "Thank you…" Roland smiled again and left the young girl to her room.

The next day had come to quickly, but the Wolves felt refreshed. Roland decided to have the men catch their breath here for a few days. He ran the idea between Haydee, who did not mind, and neither Henderson who did welcome the rest and the idea to let his message reach Suno. Today Ymira was in charge of training the first group. In the Wolves it was customary to train the fighters for combat. While every one disliked the idea, they saw the method behind his madness. Ever since they started, they started to take less wounds and injuries and even fewer fatalities. So they went along with it, knowing the benefits outweighed the annoyance.

While Ymira was beginning to instruct sword blocks, she saw from the corner of her eye Lezalit approaching her. She disliked him in every way, he was loud, had no control over his temper and thought of anyone not noble to be beneath him. Once he had even called her a "slut" under his breath. She had heard him but decided to say nothing. He walked up to her and said, "I believe you should let me instruct them, I have more experience in training men then you will ever have." Ymira glanced coldly at Lezalit. This was not the first time he had did something like this. He had tried it once before with her, she had held her ground then, and she had no intention to give it up now.

"Lezalit, Roland did instructed me to train the men today. That is what I intend to do," then she looked at him, "whether or not you believe it to be the best." She then looked back at the trainees, thinking that was it. But to Lezalit, it wasn't. He then grabbed her arm forcefully, and turned her to look back at him, startling Ymira. "Listen you slut," he said with deadly ferocity, "I've been train men since you were playing with dolls! I am a noble, and I demand respect. You know what we did with women that disrespected our authority? We flogged them! Flogged them in front of a crowd, to teach them a lesson. Maybe that is what you need, a flogging to learn your place!"

Ymira them removed his hand, she was tempted to inform Roland, but she didn't want to run to him to merely tattle. He had threatened her in front of the men, and she needed to react strongly. If not she would have lost some respect of her men. While still shaken by the sudden outburst, she swallowed hard and said, "Go ahead and try. I am not intimidated by some "would be" noble. Need I remind you that you are no longer a noble. Therefore if you have no right to flog anyone who did you wrong. And if you do not like a woman giving you orders, then you are welcomed to leave!" This time it was Lezalit's turn to be surprise. After seeing his face, Ymira felt a warmth glow within her. She had intimidated him. Turning again to walk towards her men, she now felt that she had won a major victory.

As she walked, she paid little attention to Lezalit behind her. Until she saw a threatening shadow come up from behind her. She looked over her shoulder and saw Lezalit, with his eyes blinded with rage, and a sword above his head, and it was not a wooden sword, it was real. Ymira reacted as quickly as she could, placing the practice sword she had between her and his sword. As soon as the two blades meet, the wooded blade broke from the force of the real blade. As it broke through the blade hit Ymira on the front of the shoulder. Thanks to the wooden sword, however the amount of force that was behind the strike was dampened. And while it hurt like hell for Ymira, it did not wound her or pierce her chain mail.

In pain, she fell to the ground, dropping her broken blade and grabbing her shoulder. She looked up and saw Lezalit readying the blade for a downward thrust at Ymira, she quickly rolled to the side and dodged the thrust. Trying to get up, she then attempted to move her right arm. But it did not reacted to her commands, the blow must had pitched a nerve. But now she could only use her left arm.

Slowly getting up, she pulled a small decorated dagger from her boot, the only thing she had kept from her former life. It was not much but at least it would hold more then the wood blade did. She readied the blade, and prepared for the worst. Lezalit rushed in and swung his blade, Ymira dodged it and tried to counter, but because of her dead arm she could not swung as quickly. He was able to dodge that attack, and kicked her, making her fall to the ground again. Again he moved in for the final blow, and Ymira could not do anything.

Lezalit was just about to swing the blade, when a figure seem to come from no where and tacked him to the side. It was Matheld, with a Nordic shield and a Nordic ax to match. Why she was there, it seemed she herself did not know. "Matheld…" said Ymira surprised. The blonde Nord just looked down at Ymira and then focused back at Lezalit. She had thrown him off his balance, but he recovered quickly. He then turn and stared angrily at Matheld. She was now to the focal point of his rage.

He then rushed and swung his blade; Matheld blocked it with her shield, and countered with her ax. He was able to dodge the ax and countered with a pommel to Matheld's head, which made her stumble back. The wound was a small burse, but it was enough to cause blood to trickle down her face. Lezalit lunged again and Matheld tried to dodge, but the hit disoriented her, and she stumbled to the ground.

As he moved toward Matheld, a voice shouted, "Lezalit!" The angered man turned and saw Bunduk with a crossbow trained in on him. "You better stand where you are if you know what's good for ya!" Lezalit then looked around saw the entire band of Wolves had their weapons ready and surrounded him. Then from the masses, Roland walked into the circle the men had made. He just stared at Lezalit, eyes filled with quite anger. He then glanced at his handy work, Ymira was on her feet, and Matheld was slowly getting up. Then he looked back at Lezailt, "You two better get to Jeremus to have a look at you". Ymira then offered her good hand to Matheld, who took it. Then the two girls slowly walked out of the circle, but as they passed Roland Matheld protested, "I don' have to see that doctor, I'm fine Roland."

Roland glanced at her seriously, enough to send a chill down her spine, "I'm not asking you, Matheld. It's. A Damn. Order. Now go, while I deal with this trash." Matheld then backed down and then walked over to the surgeon's tent with Ymira. Looking at Lezalit, the two of them began to circle around each other. "I knew you hand anger troubles, but I never expected this from you. You reached a all new low, Lezalit."

Lezalit said nothing. But kept up the fierce look at Roland. Then Lezalit lunged ahead, shouting "Die!" Roland dodged it and swung his sword at Lezalit's back. Lezalit stepped aside, and dodged. The fight then ensued for several minutes, with no will victor clear. But the fighting was taking its toll on Lezalit, his blind fury had caused him to become exhausted after several minutes of fighting.

Roland then took that opportunity, Lezalit swung the blade in a side sweeping action, and Roland dodged it by leaping under Lezalit's arm. He then took advantage of Lezalit's slow recovery. He then wedged his sword on the opposite side of Lezalit's right elbow. Lezalit, the tired to force him back, by swinging the sword on a reverse track from what he swung before. But Roland expected that, and he used his free hand to grab the armed wrist. He then twisted the arm, making Lezalit lose all strength in his hand, making him drop his sword. In a swift movement, Roland then used his sword as a lever, wrapping Lezalit's around it, and then he pulled it, straining his arm. Then a loud crack came from the arm, and Lezalit screamed in pain. Roland then quickly pulled his sword away, and let the arm fall. It was at least dislocated, but Roland suspected he had broken it.

Lezalit, then fell to his knees in pain and grabbed his arm. Roland then stepped back, Lezalit now could not fight back. He had won, and everyone knew it. When Lezalit stopped screaming, he looked a Roland, with eyes of hatred. "You, You!" Said Lezalit, lost for words in his anger. Roland just stared at him, not caring. He then slowly began to walk away he was finished. But Lezalit, was not. He then stood on his feet, and yell. "You bastard!" Roland stopped and looked at him, and Lezalit continued, "You, you broke my arm!"

"And you tried to kill Ymira and Matheld. Frankly, you are lucky to be still be breathing. You noble prick…"

"Ha, and what are you? You are no different from me!"

This stung for Roland he then swung around, and said threateningly, "Say that again, see what happens…"

"I know Roland." He said almost smiling, "I know why we are avoiding all the major cities and hiding out in this old abandoned castle! You have nobility in the troop!" The wolves looked at each other confused. "Don't be surprised! Your leader lies to you all. He has a Sultanate princess in the troop with us! The one you call Haydee! She is the one."

Roland wanted to kill Lezalit, but he knew there would be little point now. The troop knew, and he was unsure how they would react. The troop loved Haydee, she was never hated, even Artimenner enjoyed her presence, but what would they think of her now? She was the reason why they had such a difficult trip. From the crowd, Haydee forced her way into the circle. When she stood next to Roland, and shouted, "What he says is true. I am Hayah Deema Parveen of the Sutlanate, my father was Emir Hakem, brother to the present Sultan." Roland looked at Haydee, who smiled weakly, "I'm no longer afraid… besides they have a right to know…"

"Haydee…" sighed Roland.

"Ha, see!?" Shouted Lezalit, thinking he had won. But as he looked around, he saw little anger amongst the Wolves. Instead the expression he was could be best described as "understanding"… as if they could reason away why Roland kept it secret. But Lezalit, tried to entice them, "Well don't just stand there! Are you angry that he took advantage of you?"

Then one of the men stepped forward, "Meebe, but he's 'ever lead us a'stray yet!" Then the others grounded in agreement. "He's gave us food!" Came a voice from the crowd. "Shelter!" "And a purpose!" Then a sword sister stepped up, "He's also treated us like equals!" And there came a louder grunt of agreement.

Lezalit could no longer believe it, the troop was supporting Roland, despite of the secrecy. "She's a Wolf!" said the sword sister, "and we look after each other despite our pasts." And a cheer came up form the group. "And she is a far better wolf then you ever were!" "Here, here!" said the crowd.

It was clear, Lezalit's attempts to defeat Roland failed. Roland sigh relieved, he then looked around and smiled, "Thank you… Thank you all!" The Wolves then began to cheer his name, "Roland! Roland! Roland!" He then walked over to Lezalit and smiled, victoriously, "You lose…"

Then he shouted "Alayen!" The brown haired man walked to his captain, "get a pair of irons for our friend here. Then take five men a escort in to a nearby village, and leave him there, I've had enough of this garbage." Alayen nodded, and motioned two men to guard Lezalit. Roland then sheathed his blade and walked toward Jeremus's tent. As he passed, the men made a pathway for him. He then stopped, surprised. But then he thankfully nodded. "You were brilliant sir," said Bunduk. "Thanks, Bunduk." Then he continued toward the tent.

Roland open the flap of Jeremus's tent and entered. Matheld was standing, she had a bandage across her head, watching Ymira have her arm being put in a sling. Jeremus saw Roland in the tent, and let his "assistant" Firentis help with Ymira's sling. "Just bruised, she should be able to move it again in a few days." Then he looked at Matheld, "She just had a hit to the head… nothing serious. I'm surprised she came to me…" "I ordered her to," said Roland, "I wanted her make sure she was alright, along with Ymira."

She smiled, "I'm fine sir." Then she looked at Matheld, "Thanks to her." Matheld filched, "Hey don't start thinking that I like you, girl. I just happened to see how you stood up to him, and felt he didn't deserve to get the better of you. Besides, if you died, I would have no one to hate. That's all…" Then she exited the tent and left the others.

"That's an odd way to saw that she cares…" said Jeremus. "Agreed," said Roland.

The night then came over the castle and the wolves were preparing to move out in the morning. Alayen and the others returned after dropping off Lezalit in the village Qalyut. As Roland did a quick check on the camp, he saw Artimenner sitting beside the fire. He then walked up to him, "How goes it, Artimenner?" Artimenner looked up at Roland, "Oh, sir. It's fine…"

Roland doubted that, Lezalit was one of his friends, a rare thing to be said. "I ask, because I want to know how you are dealing with Lezalit's behavior." Artimenner smiled, "I am alright sir, but it did surprise me." Then he looked at the fire, and said, "I am thinking of leaving the Wolves…" "What?" Artimenner nodded, "I'm getting too old to travel, Roland. I need to settle down, to rest. It's nothing personal, Roland, but I just cannot do it anymore." Roland nodded, he did notice Artimenner was slowing down. "Do you have some work in mind?"

Artimenner smiled, "well your friend Count Henderson offered me a job at his castle. He called it "Master of Siege Engines"… sounds perfect for me." Roland smiled, "It does sound perfect for you." He then held out his hand, "It'll be sad to see you go…" "I'll feel the same way Roland," said Artimenner taking his hand. "Thank you."

Roland smiled and walked back to his tent. Inside he found Henderson looking over a map, on the table in the middle. Roland had agreed to share the tent with him as long as he was with them. "I see you are busy," said Roland. Henderson nodded, "The burdens of office." "I talked with Artimenner, he said you offered him a job." "You didn't know?" Roland shook his head. "Well I though he would have told you, he seemed quite open with discussing it with me." "No he didn't…" Henderson said apologetic, "well I'm sorry that I stole him from you." "Don't be, it's he choice what he does with his live. And I'm not mad." "You won't be needing him, right?" Roland shook his head, "Not unless I have to siege a castle to save your sorry ass again…" Both of the men laughed.

After the laughter died, Henderson said, "Are Ymira and Matheld ok?" Roland nodded, "their injuries should heal with time, no major damaged." "That's good," nodded Henderson. "I'm surprised that Lezalit lost his head like that." "So am I," said Roland. He knew he would have to deal with Lezalit eventually, but never this soon. "Can't say I am sorry to see him go, especially after what he did…"

"Well we can dwell on the past," said Henderson rolling up the map, "and we shouldn't let people who you hate keep you up at night. If you let them do that, they win in the end…"

Roland nodded, "Don't worry, I'll not lose any sleep over that bastard."

"Good," said Henderson. "And don't worry about Haydee… she seems to be stronger then you think she is. She did the right thing by not refuting Lezalit today. And I think the men respected that, so she is fine."

Roland smiled; Henderson had a way for making him feel better. Before he turned in, Roland asked, "Henderson?" "Yeah?" "Have you heard any news on Francis?" "I have heard rumors, and when I get beck to Suno, I intend to confirm them…" Then he looked at Roland, "Why, do you hate it here that much?" "No…, that's the thing, I might not want to go back…" He then looked at Henderson, "Well I mean what would I do? I certainly can't lead a band of mercenaries back home!" "Write a book…" replied Henderson shrugging it off. Roland chuckled and sank into his cot. But he did not go to sleep right away, Roland's mind was in a turmoil of thoughts. If he did have a chance to go back, would he?

Little did Roland know, Henderson was up as well. Thinking the same thing…

-End Notes-

Classes

The hard part is almost over, then I can pick up on the stories again! Just one more week, be patient!

Awra the Pearled One

When I thought of the character of Haydee, I was at first tempted to substitute Awra for her, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. But I still wanted to find a way to include her, then it came to me as I was writing this chapter. Make her Haydee's mother. Is she dead or alive? And Will see play a role in the future? I myself do not know…

More Mount and Blade on FanFiction! Please?

I have to admit, it's nice to be the only one who is updating a Mount and Blade FanFic, it's provided me with about 100 views a month, but I do not want to monopolize it… So this is a shout out to all the potential Mount and Blade FanFic writers, please join in! I'd rather enjoy the company and completion, (to use an extreme word,) in this FanFic. Or if you are saving up for the next Mount and Blade, that's understandable… I might make one depending one how the sequel turns out… But that I just a little request from the author.

Cheers

Indogma