Chapter XXVI – Whiterun Burns
Fehn's chest heaved as she weaved her way in and out of the slim alleyways between the thatched houses that packed the Cloud District. Running her gloved hands along the rough walls, she ducked down low behind the house of Grey-Mane. She peeked out from behind the wall and watched as Jon Battle-Born and Eorland Grey-Mane sparred in amongst the chaos.
"Die damn you!"
Eorland smirked as he gripped the hilt of the smaller man's blade,
"Oh I will, son, but not today."
With a mighty push, the burly Nord managed to throw back the more slight man back. Fehn grimaced as Jon hit the ground with a metallic clank as his steel armour struck the stone. Turning her attention to the entrance into the Gildegreen, she darted out from her hiding spot. As she ran she panted with exertion. She had already taxed herself during the skirmish for the bridge. Suddenly with a yelp, Fehn felt a hand grip her ankle and drag her to the ground. Smashing her chin on the gravel, Fehn hissed in agony and quickly dislodged her ankle from her attacker. Scrambling to her feet, she spun around quickly. Not quickly enough as the pommel of an Imperial sword was smashed into her nose and an explosion of crimson flooded down her face.
The soldier wasted no time and took advantage of her vulnerability. Gripping her arm, he twisted it and pulled her in towards him while she stumbled dazed. Fehn gulped down blood as she was thrown over the soldier's back and promptly flung to the cold ground. Landing on her back, she spluttered and watched hazily as the soldier thrust his sword downwards. Recovering enough strength, Fehn managed to evade the blow as the soldier's sword embedded itself into the earth by her ear. While he was distracted, Fehn reeled in her leg and let it spring out in a deadly kick to the jaw. The soldier cried out as he was thrown back. Fehn rolled on her side and picked herself up. Spinning on her heel, she punched the soldier and slammed her dagger into the side of his torso killing him.
With a grimace and a quick prayer to Akatosh, Fehn wiped the blood from her mouth and nose and sprang forwards. Flames consumed most of the Plains District - Fehn was relieved to see that the Bannered Mare was safe and sound – if a little smog damaged. Turning her attention to the barriers which were stationed at the foot and heads of the stairs that lead to the Cloud District, Fehn sought to cut them down. She had barely managed to clear one barrier when she felt someone grab the back of her tunic. Gasping in shock Fehn was thrown back and held aloft by a meaty arm which was strewn along her neck. Dangling like a kitten from its mother's maw, Fehn kicked her little legs.
"You damned traitor!"
Shaking her head, Fehn pleaded,
"No! No! Not me! Vilkas!"
The huge man pressed down harder on her throat and eyed her with disdain,
"You destroyed my home! Whiterun!"
Fehn continued to shake her head,
"No, Vilkas, it's not what you think…please…"
"Brother!"
Vilkas's face was as hard as rock as he glared at her. From behind him, Fehn saw his twin brother, Farkas.
"Brother, come on. We have to defend Jorvvaskr!"
Gravity soon pulled Fehn to the ground as Vilkas allowed her to fall to her knees. Turning to Farkas, Vilkas nodded,
"Alright, brother."
Returning his attention to her, he spat coldly,
"Maybe you can pay with your hide!"
With that, he struck her hard and loped after his larger brother. Fehn lay there panting and sobbing for a long moment before picking herself up. Wiping the blood and sweat from her face, she allowed the tears to fall as she watched the city of Whiterun burn.
"What have I done…?"