A:N/
So first things first. I apologize for taking so long to upload this chapter. I'm trying to follow the quest the way it is in the game with obvious tweaks here and there, (I hate Isran). In addition to that, I finished earning my CDL and am now in training as a team. so the truck is usually rolling 24/7. i do intend on seeing this story through to the end I just have no idea how long it will take to update the story.
Bolstering the ranks
The trip back into the Rift had been relatively peaceful. It was strange, Arkyn thought to himself. He'd not encountered any bandits since leaving home. Sure, it was nice, he wasn't about to complain. It was just strange. The trip had left him nothing to do but dwell on his thoughts of the previous days. He couldn't figure out exactly why he'd offered to help the woman in Dimhollow. The Elder Scroll was concerning but the least of his worries. They were near impossible to read without decades of training, and even then, were notoriously vague.
The woman occupied his thoughts for the most part. It wasn't the first time he'd met a civil vampire but it was always odd when he did. Then there was Harkon and his little show he'd made in front of the Dragonborn. His power, it was something he'd never come across before. He had no idea just how strong the vampire lord was and it slightly worried him. Though from the vampires own words they had been there for centuries and nobody had even known.
Never the less, he knew nothing good would come from this.
He had made his way to Ivarstead by mid-day on his fourth day during his trip. Making his way up the road he could see a few people from town had gathered around the bridge to the 7,000 steps. Few paid him any mind as he dismounted Frost and joined at the back of the crowd.
He had spotted Kimmleck at the rear and silently joined him. Kimmleck briefly acknowledged him. "What's going on?", the Dragonborn asked softly. Kimmleck eyed the taller Nord briefly before responding.
"Terrible beast is holed up inside the cave across the way". Arkyn hummed lightly and nodded his head before sighing. He pushed his way past the few by standers and made for the cave. "Good to see you again friend", Kimmleck called after him softly though Arkyn still heard him.
Standing in front of the cave was a red-haired Nord who was watching the caves' entrance and preparing for a fight. He didn't notice Arkyn until he was a few feet away. "You there, hold fast!", his voice was gruff. "I've tracked this damned bear for two weeks. I'll not let it have any more victims".
Arkyn looked to the cave briefly then back to the hunter with his arms crossed. "I can lend you a hand", he said plainly.
The hunter looked at curiously. The hood and cowl were off putting to say the least. It was odd for strangers to help in matters such as this. The hunter sighed. "Well, don't suppose it could hurt. You look like you can handle yourself well enough". Arkyn chuckled and made his way into the cave ignoring the glare the hunter gave him.
Inside the cave Arkyn could hear the bear the hunter had spoken of. Though it was not alone. A second could be heard making sounds as if the bears were fighting with one another. The Dragonborn grinned to himself and drew his left sword causing it to ring out in the cave. Both bears were predictable and fell easily. Just mindless beasts.
The red haired hunter joined him as he cleaned his blade before sheathing it and stared at both of the slain beasts. "Hmm, don't know how well I would have managed by my self", he paused and offered the hooded man his hand. "You have my thanks".
The Dragonborn lowered his face cowl and accepted the hunters hand. "Name's Arkyn friend". The hunter nodded and crossed his arms.
"Well met Arkyn. I'm Gunmar". The Dragonborn nodded and made for the caves entrance as Gunmar called after him. "Wait, let me buy you a drink". Arkyn huffed and shook his head at the man before pulling his cowl around his face again, causing Gunmar to frown.
"You some kind of outlaw I need to worry about". Arkyn busted into laughter, his voice booming inside the cave. As he tried to regain his composure the hunter had started to loose his patience. "No". Arkyn took a few steps towards Gunmar.
"No, I'm not. Don't rightfully know any bandits who'd join a group a vampire hunters". The statement had been meant to be an absent minded jest. Though the shock and skepticism on Gunmar's face didn't go unnoticed. Arkyn place his hands on his sides.
Gunmar stared for a moment longer before speaking again. "Vampire hunters". He spoke softly before addressing Arkyn again. "Thought only the Vigilants were crazy enough to seek out such beasts", Arkyn raised an eyebrow. "Where are these vampire hunters you speak of". The Dragonborn hummed briefly.
"Why? Are you looking to join up?", he asked mockingly. The hunter scowled at him for a moment causing Arkyn to continue out of the cave. Outside the mouth of the cave again, Arkyn looked over to the bridge with sigh of relief. Most of the townsfolk had gone back to their business save for one or two. One of which was Kimmleck who stood with small smile. Gunmar joined him shortly still scowling.
Arkyn rolled his eyes. "They're holed up in Dayspring Canyon. Place called…". Gunmar interrupted him before he could finish.
"Fort Dawnguard", he said solemnly. "So Isran finally did it". Arkyn raised an eyebrow and crossed him arms.
"You know Isran?", Arkyn tried to sound indifferent though the surprise in his voice was still present.
Gunmar's brow furrowed and he groaned. "Aye, we were friends once. A lifetime ago it seems like". Arkyn said nothing, only watched the hunter. After a moment Gunmar looked over the cliff looking over Eastmarch. "So, what the old coot have you doing?".
Arkyn sighed, remembering Dimhollow, the Vigilants, and Serana. He lingered at the end of his thoughts for a moment. "Found an ancient Crypt, filled with ancient vampires naturally". Arkyn paused momentarily and groaned. "Who just happened to have an Elder Scroll". Gunmar's face lit up and his eyes went wide.
"A scroll? Nothing good can come from that". Arkyn only nodded. "Hmm. I should pay Isran a visit. Vampires with an Elder Scroll". The hunter let his words hang in the air briefly. "It doesn't bode well for anyone".
Arkyn made his way back into Dayspring Canyon by himself in the late afternoon. Gunmar had told him of some other business that needed to be attended to. He decided to leave Frost at the Riften stables with a message for Iona. Besides, it would do him some good to walk for awhile.
The canyon was just as peaceful as the first day he'd come through. The golden afternoon sun filtered through the trees as small wildlife scattered at his presence. It was a nice stroll until he came upon the first tower. The all too familiar sounds of battle reached his ears and in an instant Arkyn had both swords drawn ignoring the dull pain from his still wounded right hand.
As he came around the clearing, he immediately spotted Durak engaged with a strangely pale Dunmer. More vampires. This time however, Arkyn had time to simply rush the blood sucker catching it, and Durak, off guard. Arkyn simply put all of his weight into his left shoulder and slammed into the Elf. Before it could even try to scramble to its feet Arkyn drove his right heel into its sternum with a sickening crack and sliced his right sword across its throat.
The Dragonborn pulled down his cowl and gave Durak a toothy grin which slightly unnerved the Orc. "Looks like this is becoming a habit of yours", Durak said between breaths. The Nord gave a short laugh before turning his attention toward the rest of the path to the fort.
"Everyone else?", he asked staring down the path. Though he could already hear the ensuing battle.
"Front of the fort", the Orc said catching up with Arkyn.
The Dragonborn wasted no time at all getting to the front of the fort. True to his words the rest of the vampire hunters were engaged with a small handful of vampires. Up the path to the forts entrance was Isran fending off two blood suckers by himself.
The closest to him was fighting the Breton that had let him into the castle originally. Arkyn put away his left sword and pulled out a silver dagger that gleamed in the sun light. A brief trip through the air and it found a home in the spine of the vampires back that was ready to swipe at the Breton. The vampire hissed and crumpled to the ground in a heap. Just as Durak, the Breton was shocked and caught off guard.
Arkyn made no attempt at small talk with the man though, instead he turned his attention to Isran who was still hold back two vampires by himself. Isran was engulfed by some kind of radiant light that seemed to burn the vampires whenever they came close.
Arkyn was admittedly surprised at how well the older Red guard handled himself. The man must train on a daily basis to stay this keen.
The Nord pulled his dagger from the dead vampire and slowly made his way up the path. Just as quietly as any other time he found himself behind one of the vampires that was to focused on the stubborn Red guard to notice Arkyn. The silver dagger that Arkyn held buried deep into the lower back of the vampire causing it to howl and hiss drawing both Israns and the second vampires attention.
Arkyn wrapped his left arm with sword still in hand around the neck of the vampire forcing it to watch as its comrade had its head smashed in by Israns war hammer. The remaining fiend struggled against the Dragonborns grasp, trying desperately to escape to no avail.
With a simple jerk of his arm the snapping of bone could be heard and the monster slumped to the ground.
"Damn beasts", Isran said catching his breath a little. Arkyn put away his dagger and sword after wiping them clean on the clothing off the dead vampire. "Look at this mess. I should have known it was only a matter of time before they found us". Arkyn kneeled beside the body and searched for anything that would be helpful only to find nothing. "It's the price we pay for openly recruiting. We'll have to step up our defenses".
Isran sighed, watching Arkyn as he stood up. "I don't suppose you have good news for me". Arkyn pulled back his hood, letting his hair fall down into his face.
He crossed his arms and simply shook his head. Isran grumbled something unintelligible. "The vampires were looking for something inside Dimhollow. More specifically a woman trapped inside the crypt".
Isran became visibly more frustrated with Arkyns news. "A woman? Trapped inside there? That doesn't make any sense. Who is she?"
The Red guards line of questioning wore on the Dragonborns patience. Isran noticed this and sighed. "More importantly where is she?". Arkyn inhaled sharply, he wasn't going to like the answer.
"She wanted to go home, and happens to be the daughter of a powerful vampire Lord", he answered plainly.
Isran glowered, his eyebrows furrowed. "And so you delivered her to them?".
"They also have an Elder Scroll", Arkyn said ignoring the Red guards last question.
Isran became infuriated, raising his voice and doing what he could to get in Arkyns face. The commotion drew the attention of the other vampire hunters.
"They what! And you didn't stop them? You didn't secure the scroll?" Isran immediately noticed the Nords eyes grow cold as they frosted over white. Before he could react Arkyns left hand found its way to the Red guards throat and slightly lifted him.
All at once the valley fell silent as the rest of the Dawnguard drew swords or their crossbows. Isran gritted his teeth but tried his best to maintain his composure.
"Until I see you clear an entire ancient crypt full of dragur, giant spiders, and ancient vampires single handedly only to then walk into a court full of even older and more powerful vampires and make it out unscathed you will not speak to me as though I am a lowly recruit". Arkyn shoved the man back slightly causing him to stumble slightly nearly tripping over his feet.
The tension between the Dawnguard and him eased slightly, though most kept their attention glued to the Dragonborn. "I never got the chance". He said more calmly.
Isran cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Yes. Well, I suppose you're lucky you're not dead". Arkyn sneered and growled softly. "Or even worse, one of them". Isran rubbed the bridge of his nose. "By the Divines, this couldn't get much worse". Arkyn rolled his eyes. This is more then you or I can handle". Isran started for the fort and Arkyn followed silently as all eyes were on him. The Breton made his way up as well, though at a distance.
Inside he was met with Agmaer sweeping. Around him in the center room were crates and burlap sacks that had been moved around. Whatever Isran had the young Nord show him couldn't have impressed him. He couldn't help but feel for the boy slightly.
"Come here boy", Arkyn spoke softly but his voice carried through the fort stirring up dust here and there. The young Nord starred for a moment between both Arkyn and the scowling red guard. Arkyn paid Isran no attention and walked over to Agmaer pulling the crossbow off his back. "You know how to use one of these?" The young man looked at the weapon puzzled.
"No, I've never even seen one until I came here". Arkyn grinned briefly and pulled the pouch of bolts from his side.
"Here", he said putting the crossbow into the boys' hands. "You take this, the next time I see you, you can show me how it works". His words were soft and calm, as though he were talking to a child. Agmaer glanced quickly over to Isran only to see him starring daggers into the older Nord before taking the bolts as well and hurrying off.
Arkyn crossed his arms and watched the boy acutely aware of Israns ire. "Met a man. Called himself Gunmar. Said he knew you". Israns face lightened a little.
"Yes, we worked together some years ago". It was strange, the way Gunmar had put it the two had been friends. He had no intention of asking though. Simply put he couldn't bring himself to care enough. "Since you seem capable enough", Isran continued. "There's someone else I need you to find".
Arkyn groaned quietly. He was strongly debating just walking out of the fort and figuring out this vampire problem himself. He disliked the idea of someone trying use him as a messenger boy again. The way both the Greybeards and the Blades had done during Alduins return. He shuddered internally for a moment at the memory of Alduin.
"Who is it?", he asked plainly, turning on his heel.
"Since you found Gunmar that leaves just Sorine Jurard. A Breton girl, whip-smart and good with tinkering. Fascination, weapons in particular. Last I knew, she was out in the Reach. Convinced she about to find the biggest Dwarven ruins yet".
To hear Isran talk of his former colleagues it was clear why they left. He was already tired of being around the man himself.
"She'll help?". Isran grumbled.
"Might need a little convincing. But she should".
As Isran finished speaking Arkyn made his way for the door. It would do him no good to sit around here. Besides, after his little show outside the fort it was sure to get more tense. The Breton man from earlier had been standing just inside the doorway keeping an eye on him.
Arkyn gave him long side glare as he passed.
Outside the fort, the clouds had rolled in and light rain begin to fall. Arkyn pulled his hood and cowl back up and started with a steady pace down the path. He ignored the long glares and hushed whispers from the rest of the Dawnguard members. All save for Durak who was waiting under the tower furthest away up the path.
"I know Israns a hard man to tolerate", the Orc started. "But he's a good man. He gave me a place to be when I had no other". Arkyn said nothing, only narrowed his gaze on the Orc. "So, I'll give you the curtesy because you saved my life. Everyone here is willing to lay down their life for Isran if the need arises".
Durak said nothing more, instead he made his way back to the fort. Arkyn let himself grin for a moment. It wasn't a threat; he knew better than that. He knew all too well what it was like to carry such respect that others would die without question.
The rain was beginning to come down harder by the time he reached the other side of Dayspring. Arkyn was glad that he left Frost at the stables. Sure, it would make his trip shorter but he never liked taking the stead out in adverse weather.
He wouldn't stay in Riften tonight. He wanted to find this woman and be done with the whole ordeal. But he wanted to make sure Iona had gotten his message. The trip was hindered only by the rain and as he approached Riftens main gate he could see the red haired Housecarl talking to Hofgrir. It didn't take long for her to notice him.
"Well well, I take it you found your little Dawnguard". Arkyn pulled down his cowl and gave her a wide grin before embracing her. The rain had started to let up slightly.
"Is everything good here?", he asked looking over to Hofgrir. Iona followed his gaze slightly confused.
"What? Oh! Yeah, I just came to check on Frost and get him ready to make the trip to Falkreath". Both of them walked over to Frost where Hofgrir was loading up his saddle. Iona crossed her arms. "So where are you off to now my Thane?"
Arkyn walked over to a barrel that had a pile of apples and grabbed one, leaving a few septims in its place. "Into the Reach. Need to find someone". Iona grimaced, she'd gone into the Reach with Arkyn a few times. It was never pleasant. No matter how many he killed the Forsworn always seemed to multiply for each one slain.
"You heading out that way now?", Iona asked. Arkyn nodded
"Give Rayya and Lydia some good news for me. I'll see you around Iona".
Arkyn made his way down the road as the red haired maiden looked after him.