[A/N: I have no words. I just seem really bad at writing this chapter. But now that my notes are finished I hope that the other stories won't be as bad. K bye!]

Chapter Thirteen

"Hahahahahahaha!" Areus roared as he fought. He was used to being like a stone guardian, standing still against waves of enemies. But armour and weapons had evolved. People still fought like that, but swords got sharper. Armour got lighter. Crossbows like the Dawnguard had used were apparently commonplace, if the three guardsmen shooting at him were any example. Luckily for him, the Queen was not the type to let her men die needlessly, and ordered the crossbowmen to hold fire when the swordsmen neared Areus. They didn't last long. Areus summoned a ball of flame into his right hand and grinned as the charging soldiers blanched and stopped for a moment. He used this distraction to hurl the bright sphere at the largest clump of guards. Five men went down in a fiery explosion of light and screams. Areus paid no heed to the one man still living, as his face was nearly charred off and he wouldn't live long. The rest were now fearful of nearing Areus. Thanks to the lightweight Blades armour, he could move fast and still be protected. Areus charged at a lone guard who hadn't noticed that his fellows had retreated. He had but a few seconds to gape in terror before Areus' sword went through his chest. Quickly sliding it out of the man, Areus brandished Dragonbane at the men.

"Enough!" The Queen called. Still very dignified. She nodded at the red-haired man. He nodded back and walked up to Areus. The soldiers around him fell back, as did the Thieves. Strange that they did not join the fight. Areus's attention was taken away from the man just as he roared something. Something Areus knew. A wave of power sent Areus stumbling back, and the red-haired warrior stood, cloaked in the magic of the Dragon Aspect.

"Shit." Areus cursed. He stepped back and prepared the Shout himself.

"MUL QAH DIIV!" Areus roared. Sure enough, he felt his strength increase and his form enlarge. Areus glanced at his hands, seeing the glowing spiked armour form around his own plate.

"Shall we dance?" The red haired warrior leered, drawing his weapon. A greatsword user, Areus thought. No problem. Twirling his own sword, Areus leapt into action. A quick thrust straight down the middle put the warrior off balance, allowing Areus to get in close with an ice spell. Areus watched with glee as the warrior slowed down, icicles forming on his armour.

"No!" He roared as Areus stalked up to him.

"Trained in the Voice are you? Obviously not a good teacher." Areus smirked. By now the entire man's body was frozen, all but his head.

"Good night." Areus monotoned, ramming his fist into the man's face. Turning to face the woman, Areus marched up to two feet away and bowed.

"I can only assume you are the newest Black-Briar. You know, I almost put Maven Black-Briar six feet underground, and she had control of the city, the Thieves and assassins. What have you that I cannot beat." Areus boasted, raising his sword point to her chest.

"I can run faster." The queen glared up at him.

"Huh. Wasn't expecting that. How do you expect to run when you -oof!" Areus choked out as the blonde woman flying tackled him. The two of them went down the stairs into a clanging mess. Areus looked up just in time to see the queen rush out of the room, escorted by two thieves.

"Shit." Areus turned back to the woman and the ten remaining Thieves.

"Shall we dance?" She cackled.

"Indeed." Areus grinned, and sucked in a deep breath.