Mount and Blade-

The Warband of Wolves

By Indogma

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

The Wolf vs the Rose

"How is it coming?" asked Haydee, watching the blonde haired Ymira poking into the lock with an old nail they had discovered in their cell. For the rest of the night, Ymira had been trying to use the nail to open the lock. But it was not easy, Ymira could not see what she was doing, the cell door keyhole only was on the outside of the cell. Plus the lock was different from the one she had unlocked before, adding to the difficulty the lock presented.

"I have no idea," Ymira whispered back, "I got lucky the first time… I was hoping that would happen here…" *click*, suddenly came from the lock. She then turned her head and looked at Haydee with a smiled, "Got it."

Haydee smiled back, her luck was convenient. Slowly the two Wolves, pushed the door open slowly, trying not to make the door hinges scream their escape. When they were outside, they saw several other cell doors along a long hallway lit ominously by torches. Haydee and Ymira exchanged glances, after a quick nod from both of them, they slowly began to walk down the corridor. As they walked by every cell door, they noticed that they were empty.

When could see the end of the hall, they heard a group of voices, causing them to slow their pace. As they came out of the corridor they entered into a large room with a high ceiling, the duo ducked behind a large wine barrel, propped up on it's side. From there they peeked over the side of the barrel to see a group of heavyset men surrounding a table with food on it. On the end of the table that they could see their captor, Perican, seated on one end of the table. He appeared to be focused on a person on the other side of the table. "Why didn't you tell me I was having my men kidnap the daughter of the most powerful merchant in the Rhodoks, and the niece to the Sultan!"

"Surely you do not believe that I knew about that and did not tell you?" Came a calm, but angry voice back at him.

Perican grumbled, "I just might, this whole plan is for you to get back at Henderson! You brought me in the plan with the promise at getting back at him, Roland and that bitch all at once!"

"And we will," replied the voice, "by the end of the day you will have your payback, and those three will not bother you anymore!"

"But what of that girl's ties to the Sultan?"

"From what I have heard, she has relinquished her claim to the throne of the Sultanate, thus she has no ties to royalty now whatsoever."

"And what of the merchant's daughter?"

"I heard, that Messer Merconate has offered a reward for the return of her daughter, this could be your way to enter into the merchant business with an exchange of his daughter, and fall under his good graces. It might be just the thing to have your father pass on the business to you and the start off your career as a successful merchant."

Haydee looked over to Ymira, who had seemed to lock her eyes on Perican angrily. The idea of being force back to her father made her blood boil, but the additional fact that someone else would be profiting form it made her all the more angry.

"Perhaps," said Perican liking the offer the voice suggested. But then the nervousness returned to his voice: "But what about Roland? His Wolves seem to be combing the streets looking for any sign of their missing Wolves in the city."

"As long as they stay in their cell, then you have nothing to worry about… besides, I have an idea how I can deal with Roland…" And with that, the sound of a chair scooting back, like the man was standing up to leave. "And make sure he never bothers you again."

Ymira and Haydee glanced at each other; they did not like the implication that the voice made about Roland. It was a very clear threat. As they heard the other man, no doubt the brains of the kidnapping, walk away and leave the building. Perican then addressed his men. "Listen, make sure what those two women do not escape. If they cause you trouble, tie them up and gag them, but I want them unharmed! Understand you simpletons?" All of the men gave a small nod.

Realizing the longer they waited around not moving, the better chance they have of being found, Haydee and Ymira walked slowly behind the large wine barrels even further into a dark niche of the warehouse. They needed to be cautious about not revealing their presence to the workmen of the warehouse.

Ali gave a large yawn as she stood under one of the gates under the tournament arena. She did not rest easy the previous night with her mind too focused on the recent events that happened the night before. She shook her head to sake the sleep from her eyes. Soon the fight between her and Roland would begin, and she needed to be aware. Or did she?

Ali felt torn within herself deciding what she could do. She loved the fact that she had the opportunity to beat her hold captain and trainer, a chance to beat one of the best in her mind. But on the other hand, Roland was being forced to fight her for the safety of two of his own people, two people she got to know quite will while in the Wolves, the merchant girl Ymira, and the raven hair girl Haydee. When she left, she left on good terms with those two, and hated the fact that she was in the way of their safety. But this was a rare chance to fight Roland and defeat him, a once in a lifetime chance. She did not know what to do.

From behind her, the sound of footsteps came from her, and she turned to see who it was. It was Roland, with his tourney gear on and his helmet off, with two dark bags under his eyes. It seems he got less sleep then Ali did.

"You look like hell," Ali said in her usual manner.

Roland tried to grin and think of a snarky comeback, but the lack of sleep made that impossible, "Thanks," he said half-heartedly, "I feel worse."

Ali sighed. A full night of searching and the two companies did not even find a clue of where the two of them had disappeared too. It did not look good for the two Wolves.

Ali looked out into the arena; it was empty apart from the sand that filled the area and some occasional pockets of grass that were still covered in the morning dew. She shook her head still debating what to do now. After swallowing hard, Ali struggled saying, "Roland… look. if you what me to… throw the match—"

"Ali," interrupted Roland, "You and I both know if you throw this match you will never be able to get over it. Besides if I cannot even beat you… how can I say I am a reliable captain?" He then shook his head, "No Ali, I have to beat you."

For a second Ali, didn't know what to say to that, she was certain Roland would agree to it, to ensure the safety of his two Wolves. She then grew angry at Roland. "Why the hell not? I'm offering you a win at the cost a chance to turn down the one chance I might get to beat you! And you just say "no"?"

"I don't want your charity, Ali," said Roland crossed. "I will give it my all, and I expect the same from you."

Ali scoffed, "You're unbelievable…" and she turned to storm away. Roland watched her walk away, and shook his head. He had turned down the only guarantee he had to win this fight. He immediately regretted turning down the offer. He was unsure why he did that, maybe it was the lack of sleep, or the pressure of finding Ymira and Haydee.

As he looked into the arena to get a feel of the fight soon to come, he could feel his conscious fading and his head falling to his side. Before his thoughts completely went dark, Roland snapped out of it and shook his head until he was as awake as he could be. He then sighed concerned, if he could not even stay awake now, he was in trouble for the fight.

"Roland…" came a voice from behind him, he turned and saw it was Lady Sonadel with the equipment on as well as her helmet.

"Xerina," Roland said surprised.

"Any word on your missing Wolves?" She asked.

"So you were there last night," said Roland.

"Please…" she asked, trying to prevent Roland from going into it.

Roland looked at her and sighed, he had already snapped at Ali this morning, he felt like he didn't need to do it again. "No word, at all…" He sighed.

"I'm sorry to hear that…" Just then the horns for the participants blew, and the first round was about to begin. "It looks like it is about to start," she said, "For your friend's sakes, I hope you win, and they are alright." She turned and added a "good luck" before leaving Roland to his fight.

Roland looked at her as she left, another chance to end it, and he missed it. He cursed in his mind, and shook another rush of exhaustion from his mind. As his vision returned, he looked up to the gate that was now ascending slowly and loudly. It was already half way up before Roland realized it. He knew then, he needed every bit of luck that he could gather.

As he walked out on the arena he could feel the sand warming up the soles of his boots, with a few grains sneaking through a hole or crevasse in the boot and stick to his skin. The grains that managed to squeeze in between his foot and his boot made walking uncomfortable, but Roland didn't care. He had other things on his mind.

As he made it out of the gate, the crowds in their stands began to cheer, final excited to see that the final day of the fights were starting. Across from Roland, he saw another figure come through the gate and walk out to meet him halfway. It was Ali, with her helmet on, and her hand on her practice sword.

Roland walked to his spot in the middle of the field, about ten feet away from being in the exact middle, and Ali walked out until a similar point on her side of the field. The two fighters faced each, and stared through their helmets at each other.

"People of Swadia!" Came a loud shout from the crier, "Today is the third and final day of this tournament!" There then came a loud "booing" from the audience. They wanted more. The crier let the masses yell for a minute before continuing, "Today there will be three fights! First we have the fight between Roland of the Wolves, and Ali of the Roses!" There came a loud cheer from the fans. "After that fight, then we have Xerina and Verfa of Suno!" Another cheer from the crowds, "The winners of these fights will progress into the final round of this tournament, and will fight for the title of champion!" The crier then looked up to the noble's booths, and waited for the signal to begin the fight.

King Harlaus nodded, and the crier shouted, "Let the tournament begin!"

Roland was slow in readying his blade compared to Ali, who had snapped her one handed sword ready like it was a toy. He frowned within his helmet. He was not ready for this. Taking a big breath in, Roland then focused his attention on Ali, and let a loud war cry sound from his mouth as he rushed toward Ali, determined to get the first blow.

Above the arena, Henderson stood in the nobility box, watching the fight. He frowned in surprise with Roland's fighting style. Unlike the rest of the fights Henderson had seen him in, Roland seemed to be a different person. Roland's style of fighting was defensive and reactive; usually he would let his opponent make the first move, block it, and counter their move with one more powerful once they were off balance. But today, he was aggressive and attacking wherever he could see. Clearly the lack of sleep and the lives of Haydee and Ymira hanging over his head affected him.

Henderson shook his head, he had been up the whole night and had nothing to show for it, he would still be at the inn leading the search if the King did not require his presence in the booth. So he put Alayen in charge and came to the tournament. As the fight started he voiced a large yawn. Every count in the box looked at Henderson rudely. As he realized he was the center of attention in the box, he had a embarrassed smiled, "Sorry."

"Well, Henderson. You seem tired, have trouble resting last night?" Said a noble in a tone that masked animosity, walking to his side and standing at his shoulder, it was Count Klargus the count of Yaragar.

"Grumpy Karl," Henderson called him, mainly because the Count always seemed to be angry around Henderson. And he knew why, Henderson had taken his once beloved city of Suno for his own fief, leaving the once proud Count with nothing more than a single village. Henderson could understand why. Henderson shook his head lightly and forced a smile, "Yes Count Klargus. I had trouble sleeping."

"Perhaps it is the burdens of being one of the Kings finest vassals, am I not right?"

"Yes," said Henderson, not really caring what Klargus was saying. He never listened to him. And the lack of sleep from the previous night made him in a more of a dazed state, making him care even less about what the count had to say. Henderson just turned his gaze back down to the fight between Roland and Ali.

Roland's change in strategy had thrown Ali off. She was unaccustomed to fighting him with his aggressive style, and was on the defensive. Most of his attacks were wild but powerful nonetheless. They had no pattern and seemed to be only gaining in strength. If Ali wanted to win this fight, she would have her work cut out for her.

Roland on the other hand was fighting off the exhaustion of lack of sleep with his attacks, every attack he gave a loud war cry to keep himself awake. It was working, to a point. While he was full awake for now, his fighting style was becoming less condensed and sloppier. He was swinging his sword at full speed all the time, and seemed to not care about if he hit her or not. Henderson could tell the thought that screamed in Roland's mind, 'I have to win!' Henderson sighed; Roland was trying too hard…

As Ali dodged an incoming attack, she noticed that Roland was leaving himself wide open for an attack on his right arm. She ignored it being reminded what was at stake in this fight. But as the fight continued, Ali became more and more enraged with Roland. He was continually leaving that spot wide open for her. Finally she had enough, she blocked Roland's blade with hers and stepped to the side. Before Roland could react, Ali pulled her blade away and swung it hard on the very top of Roland's arm.

After the blade hit the arm, Roland let a loud cry of pain leave his lips, he felt the joint pop out of the socket, making him drop his blade to the ground. Ali had dislocated his arm. But as he screamed, he took his free hand and punched Ali in the helmet with it. Another flow of pain came from his left hand for punching an iron helmet, but the new distraction of pain seemed to help relieve the pain from his arm.

The punch surprised Ali and she stumbled backwards with her mind in a mess. Roland then took the chance, grabbing his blade from the ground with his left hand, Roland charged towards Ali with all of the energy he had left, and knocked her in the helm again. This time the wooded blade did more then his punch, and she fell to the ground, in another confused state.

As soon as she hit the ground, Roland stood over her with his blade pointing down to her head. "It's over Ali," he panted.

Ali just looked through her slits in her helmet and sighed angrily, "You bastard…" Taking her sword in her hand, she threw it away, giving the crowd the sign that she was surrendering.

Immediately the crowd cheered wildly, happy with the fight and to see one victorious. Henderson gave a brief sigh, "He won, thank god."

Ali just stared at Roland through her helmet, and Roland held his position. For a second neither one said anything. They didn't need to, Roland knew Ali was furious with him, and wanted to hurt him because of the fight. The punch was a low grade attack, especially for Roland. But Ali also understood why Roland did it, he needed to win. It still didn't stop her from being angry with him.

Roland pulled the blade away from her head, dropped the blade, and extended his hand towards her to help her up. His hand hung there for a second before Ali batted it away and got up on her own.

When she got up, she looked at Roland again. "Go lose your damn tournament…" With that, she began to limp away slowly.

Roland watched the Rose walk away from the arena and towards one of the gates. After a moment, Roland then moved ahead behind her to follow her out of the arena. As he walked, he right armed swayed a little, causing a stream of pain for Roland. He then grabbed his arm with is left and hand held it in place. The pressure from his hand also cause pain but compared to the pain of it loosely flopping around it was endurable.

As Roland entered into the area under the stands, he saw Jeremus there waiting for him. It made Roland's heart skip a beat, "Jeremus! Any word?"

The surgeon looked at Roland and shook his head, "Sorry, Roland. No sign of them."

"Dammit," sighed Roland continuing to walk past him. But Jeremus stepped in front of him and said. "Let me fix your arm."

"I'm—" a sharp sting of pain arose from his arm and cut of his words before he could finish with, "Fine."

Jeremus sighed, "You have to fight next Roland."

"And lose. I don't need an arm for that."

"No but the longer you wait the more likely it will hurt more during your fight, and to fix later. I suggest we fix it now."

Roland stopped in his track and thought hard about it, then he reluctantly sighed, "Make it quick, please." Jeremus nodded, and went to work. Roland let the surgeon have full control of the damaged arm. With a quick grab of the arm, Jeremus pushed the arm up at the shoulder, and have the joint a hard push into the shoulder socket. With the loud *pop* of the arm returning to its natural place, a more powerful form of pain took of his body, and Roland screamed as if he was tortured. After the yell, Roland began to lose color in his cheeks, and panted heavily.

Jeremus had to guide him to the wall, and help his captain slide down it to ensure that Roland did not pass out. When Roland sat on the ground, Jeremus grabbed a wineskin from his bag and handed it to Roland. "Drink this, you will feel better."

Roland nodded and took a sig from the skin, it was sour wine, but after the fight, any liquid tasted good. As he drank the wine, he saw Ali to the side of them. Looking down at Roland. "Ali," said Roland taking his lips off the wine.

"I heard you scream and thought I had better come check it out… " she said plainly.

'I didn't know you cared…' Roland would have said that if he was not in pain and worried. Instead he looked at her softly and asked a question that threw both Jeremus and Ali for a loop, "Ali… tell me… did you lose on purpose? Or were you fighting at your best?"

Ali looked at him surprised, turning her face she looked away for a minute, "Roland… I…" Then she turned back angrily at Roland. "You know what? No. You don't deserve to know." She then turned as she said back, "Don't get killed, you bastard." It was her own way of wishing him good luck.

"I think I just ruined the one chance I might have had for us to bury our hate…" observed Roland.

Jeremus shook his head, "Really? I don't think so. Before she was sarcastic with you, now she is just angry at you." He smiled, "There might be hope for you two to work it out in the end after all."

Roland chuckled, "Maybe… Jeremus…"

"Yes?"

"Go check Ali, make sure she is fine… Treat her like a Wolf… I for damn sure owe her that much…"

"Alright," smiled Jeremus. "I'll look after her. You just stay here and rest before or final fight. The all you have to do is fight and lose, shouldn't be too difficult." The last line made Roland smile. Seeing his words strike home, Jeremus then left Roland leaning against the wall to take care of his former mercenary troop member, Ali.

Roland was now alone, against the wall, exhausted but now wide-awake. If the fight didn't do anything, his relocation of his arm filled his body with adrenaline, making him wide away and ready.

Turning his head Roland then looked out into the arena and saw that it was empty still. The remaining fight before the final had yet to be called to begin.

"Roland of the Wolves," came a voice from the other side of the gate. Roland turned to see it was a dark haired man with a bright green surcoat on, with several men He felt he had seen him before, but could not pick out his name.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" Asked Roland.

"Count Klargus," he smiled, "I'm sure you have heard of me." Roland did recall his name being said a few times. "I am here to congratulate you on your victory."

"Uh, thanks…" said Roland unsure of the Count's kindness.

The count smiled, he recognized that smile, it was very similar to the one wore by Emir Dhashwal when he talked with Haydee. It was a different person this time, but Roland could feel its aura: malevolent.

"I expect you intend to win the tournament?"

"No," replied Roland flatly.

"No? Why is that?"

"It's… personal."

"Hmm, I thought it was because of your two missing Wolves."

Roland turned and stared at Count Klargus with a twist in his gut, he hated where this was going. "You," said Roland realizing what the Count was implying.

"Yes," admitted the count, "I took your Wolves, the ones called Haydee and Ymira."

Roland then slow began to stand, using the wall as a support. "I suppose this is a way of getting back at Henderson?"

"Yes, at first. But then you had to find Lady Sonadel before Hagen could, and ruin my plans." He then breath sharply, "So I had to make sure you would not get in the way again." He then shrugged, "That's why I needed to be sure I could have you do what I wanted."

"I am prepared to lose to get them back!" Said Roland.

"I know you are. But that is not what I want any more…"

"What? So you want me to win?"

"Close, I want you to win and kill Xerina in the final round."

Roland then stepped forward threateningly, "What?!"

"I have instructed her to do the same thing to you. She will have to kill you in the final round in order to keep her identity a secret. So in the end you will have to kill the other to get what you want."

"And if I refuse?" Asked Roland taking another step towards the Count.

Klargus smiled, and pushed his elbow into Roland's shoulder, causing a storm of pain that blinded Roland of his senses. When he came to, he was pinned against the wall by one of Count Klargus's men, with the man's hand pushing in on Roland's shoulder. Roland grunted in pain as the man put pressure in his sore shoulder.

"You are in no position to be refusing. You are injured and you have no weapon. I will make sure one way or another that this plan is going to work! I have risked and invested too much to have this plan fail now! And you and Henderson are not going to stop me now. Understand?"

"Painfully…" grunted Roland.

The man then released him from the wall. "Keep him here." Klargus ordered his men. Then he looked at Roland, "I have placed what few men I have around the entrances and blocked off this wing from any visitors if you thought you could warn Henderson," said the Count killing any hope of Roland getting help.

The count then looked at Roland one more time, "So Roland. I say, farewell, for now. Or maybe forever. And remember what happens to your Wolves, is entirely up to you." The Count then walked causally away, and was soon return to the noble's booth.

Roland then looked at the two armed guards keeping him trapped in the little gate hallway. They wore chainmail and had swords on their belts. Roland knew he could not do anything. He had to do what Count Klargus wanted. He turned and leaned on the gate watched the arena for the next fight. Maybe Xerina would lose, but what that would mean for him he had no idea. He shook his head and sighed, regretting ever signing up for this tournament. He was now starting to feel like a prisoner within the tournament.

Meanwhile, Haydee and Ymria were slowly sneaking around the warehouse looking for an exit. Ever since the voice had left, the stocky men had all gone to separate parts of the warehouse. Some were playing dice or Vert to waste the time, others took to drink from the wine barrels that the girls hid behind when they first got out. Perican had also left, but this time for home to rest, leaving a half-drunk foreman in charge. But the young merchant had every confidence in the world that Haydee and Ymira could not escape from the cell. So he had little worry that the men could keep an eye on them.

For the past hour, the two girls duck and sprinted from cover to cover, staying out of the sight of the men. The two found a pair of straw brooms lying around. Seeing no other type of weapon the two then were armed with a short polearm of sorts. While neither were very good with a polearm, it was better than nothing. Finally the two arrived at a small locked door. Fortunately, Ymira's skill had the nail, and began to work at the lock while Haydee stood watch with her broom ready.

After a long five minutes, the lock *clicked* and the door opened. "Let's go!" Whispered Ymira loudly. Haydee nodded, but before she could take even one step forward, she felt a hand come down on her shoulder. She quickly turned her head, and her eyes met those of one of the men guarding the warehouse. "Where do ya think ya're goin'?" He asked.

Without even thinking Haydee reacted. She hit the tip of the broom on the man's big toe, causing him to scream in pain, but more importantly release his grip off of Haydee's shoulder. Then she pulled the broom off of his foot and forced the bristles up into the man's face poking his eye and eventually the other end of the broom hit the man square in the jaw. Finally, Haydee took a step back and pulled the broom over the top of her head and swung it down on the man's head so hard, it caused the broom stick to break in half with a loud *crack*. The man's eyes then rolled back and he fell to the ground like a ton of bricks.

Now Haydee and Ymira had awoken the rest of the men, thanks to the man's yell and the breaking broomstick. Not wanting to waste a moment, Ymira shouted, "Run!" Haydee dropped the broken broomstick and rushed out the door with her partner in crime.

As they left they could hear a man yelling: "Hey, those wenches have gotten out!" The yell only made the two of them run faster away from the warehouse. But as to where, they had no idea. They were lost in the city.

-End Notes-

Sorry for the delay, I have been on honeymoon with Fire Emblem: Awakening, and am drunk with love for it! But now it is over and classes and fanfics await me… hopefully.

Also I want to remind everyone that my contest (sort of) is still going on! I need as much as you guys can give. Anything will do! Seriously… don't make me beg, (or am I already at that point), as far as the surprise itself, I am about half way done with it! This means I really need your guys' help to finish this! Please PM me if you have a phrase I can use.

Cheers

Indogma!