Chapter 12: Ruigus's Gambit: Part One
Ruigus and Alavia woke up abruptly to the sound of banging on the door of their room.
"Ruigus? Alavia? Are you in here?" Yelled a voice that belonged to their servant, Malborn.
Ruigus shot up right out of bed and almost fell over himself.
"We're here! We're here!" Ruigus yelled back at the Elf.
"Oh good." Malborn said to himself, inaudible to Ruigus. "The staff are waiting for you downstairs in the dining hall!" Yelled Malborn.
"We'll be there soon, thank you Malborn!" Yelled Ruigus.
Malborn turned around and took a path back to the stairs, nearly losing his location in the process as the Mayor had himself quite a fancy manor. Malborn envied it, many a mortal would.
"I know I was the one who scheduled the meeting for morning but this is incredibly lame how early it is." Alduin complained to Ruigus.
Ruigus merely smiled at Alduin.
"What?" Alduin then asked, curious about his smile.
"We should not be content to lay around all day Alduin." Ruigus said in a well meaning tone towards her.
"Fool. We are more lively than that." She replied, looking smug.
Ruigus laughed. Ruigus was getting into his dress uniform customary of all Imperial officers when not wearing their armor.
Being a Champion did not mean one was an officer, but Ruigus took it as that regardless. As it would be, promotions from someone such as an Imperial governor-general were taken on a much higher regard, while a Tribune from the legion rarely had more power than a captain it was changed in such a promotion.
"Ugh, do we have to get into these outfits?" Alduin asked, grabbing her officer's uniform out of her own bag.
"It's customary to do so in the Empire." Ruigus explained.
"A redundant and worthless one as it would seem to me." Alduin said with a sigh.
"Next time we'll come with bloodied armor, I think that'd be appropriate." Said Ruigus. Alduin, looking at his face was amused how he looked so adorable and smug as he joked.
"It'd be more convenient. Even if it were such a filthy way." Alduin mused.
"Alduin, sometimes you remind me of a barbarian." Said Ruigus, the sentence caused Alduin to jump.
"A barbarian!?" She exclaimed, puffing herself up.
"You know, like an Atmoran, or a Reachman?" Alduin stared at Ruigus.
Alduin pouted.
"You know I am more civilized than that when I want to be." Replied Alduin, becoming rather sly.
"A civilized barbarian then!" Ruigus grinned mischievously.
"I'll entertain the idea that I am that." Said the Goddess as she finished getting into her clothes. Ruigus then sighed softly, earning her full attention.
"I think only after a couple or so weeks of being together we're having repeat conversations already."
"For all I know I could be having a repeat conversation of a repeat conversation." Said the young man wistfully, resting himself against the door.
"You should not have to be concerned about that. As a matter of fact I still remain flustered on how to approach you with topics so it's small talk. I am no romantic." Ruigus snickered.
"I am not one either, we do well regardless." Alduin smiled at his words.
"It is good that I get reminded of how excellent I am." She said.
"You're just taking the chance to enlarge your ego." Said Ruigus.
"As always as it should be, on a more serious matter you shouldn't be so concerned with it. We've got a lot of time to spend with one another it's only just that we'll be busy." Said Alduin, eyes still focused.
"That's a certainty….I'll do my best." Responded choclate haired man.
Alduin, as she looked into his eyes thought of the words that he said to her in that wine cellar last night. It had been the second time he had brought up his time of imprisonment in that disgusting mortal town, she knew that the death of that mortal known as Eltrys deeply affected him to a degree. She then wondered if it was simply guilt, depression or the simple circumstance that the man was going to be a father, much like Ruigus's own father before he died.
Ruigus was a man who would witness many more tragic deaths around him, Alduin had in the past and she figured that she would experience many more with him. Regret was something that always nagged one until an ultimate breaking point. To Alduin, she sensed much of it in him already, perhaps she had a semblance of regret stashed away within herself, maybe her acceptance of the world around her made it so that the deaths of others did not phase her.
Alduin opened her mouth for a moment to say something, then she closed it.
'It must be something that he wants to come to peace on his own terms with himself.' Alduin theorized.
"Were you about to say something Alduin?" Ruigus asked, obviously noticing her action. Alduin smiled sweetly.
"I love you." She then took the chance to ruffle the man's hair while he was slightly flabbergasted. She knew like many of his behaviors that he did this on purpose, she found it all too adorable when he played along like that.
"Haha, we'll definitely go crush those rebels together!" She grinned, while continuing the ruffle. The Dragonborn blushed and smiled.
"We should not keep the officers waiting." The beleaguered man said. Alduin stopped the ruffling but kept her grin.
"To talk and to food then." She replied, Ruigus opened the door and motioned her to go first.
"I hope they have something for us to eat, and some water." Ruigus said as he caught up with her.
"Not in the mood for drinking wine until you pass out huh?" Alduin teased.
"Water is better to drink, it's just nice to drink something like wine every once in a while." He replied.
"May surprise you darling but after having tasted so many things for so long you eventually grow sick of these highly valued delicacies. In the end you go back to what you started with, whether it be water, milk, apples, or just cooked meat." She then laughed.
"That last one may be considered a fancy delicacy itself but you get what I am saying. Many seem to think that to indulge in excess of fine food and drink is something that is good. I think it is only good to do so if you wish to fatten yourself up like a pig." Stated Alduin with a small smile to her lips.
"That being said, I need to eat a lot." Said Alduin. Licking her lips.
"Isn't that contradictory?" Ruigus pointed out, Alduin had a predatory look on her eyes as she imagined all the sorts of food that would be given to her back when she was still revered as a Goddess.
"I'm a Dragon." Alduin deadpanned.
"I'm the Dragonborn." Replied Ruigus.
"Do you happen to shapeshift between different appearances Ruigus?" Asked Alduin, a forced look of displeasure on her face.
"I don't need to, unlike someone at my side I feel comfortable with how I am." Ruigus said, a playful smirk upon his face. Alduin turned her head to glare ebony-tipped arrows at him with her eyes.
"That statement alone is worth a punishment for such disrespectful language. I now have to think of one when we take that fortress." Said Alduin, Ruigus could have sworn he saw her teeth turn razor sharp.
"What terrible fate shall befall me now?" Questioned Ruigus.
'I am going to regret being so sarcastic with her one of these days.` Sighed Ruigus mentally.
"As I say, you shall see." Replied she.
The pair reached the double-doors that led into the hall. They could hear the voices of recognizable individuals such as Hilvette behind it.
"Is there anything you want to discuss before we head in?" Asked Ruigus as he was about to open the right door.
"Well. What I want to go over is how they are currently feeling about our situation at the moment after that I think we'll go over details and then announce our brilliant plan. If they dislike it I would like to tell the to deal with it but that won't do. I can convince them to our line of thinking. Even if they are not as simple-minded as I would assume. Other than that I would to discuss with who and what should be assigned to you and I want to ensure your safety. You are more likely to engage the enemy than I will and you have a smaller and faster force. You may indefatigable but even you must take a rest alright?" Spoke Alduin.
"I'll take a rest only if the men need it, I'll get my sleep when they do." He replied nonchalantly.
"Hmph, that will do." Alduin smiled sweetly.
"Oh and one thing too Alduin, even if the officers are simple-minded I think you should still ask of what they have to say about things." Ruigus added.
"I shall listen for you. That should cover it all now, let us head in." Alduin said.
Ruigus held the door open for Alduin as she walked in. Immediately the room went silent.
"At attention!" Yelled Hilvette. All of the Imperial Officers in the room stood straight up and saluted.
"At ease!" Replied Ruigus, the officers sat back down upon their chairs at the long table which was quite large by any standard mayor's, or Jarl's table.
"Good morning." Started Alduin.
"Good morning sir!" Was the almost perfectly unified response.
"Today I want to discuss our current situation and to discuss about how we are going to make our push on Fortress Dunstad. I have a proposal for a plan that, I believe should have some word on it. D'lliers and Hilvette as my captains give me a status report. Other officers you are free to comment on any personal issues you have so long as they are succinct." Stated Alduin authoritatively, Ruigus noted how she had that aspect of herself so perfectly commanding.
There was a silence in the room before D'lliers spoke first.
"Sir, all I have to report is that we are fine on supplies and the like, the siege equipment is ready for the march and reinforcements for the garrison will be in the village in just a few minutes." Reported the Breton Captain, his stature was noticeably straighter than usual and his expression was quite a happy sight to see.
Ruigus noted that this happiness was one that radiated throughout the room almost as if by magic, the young man suddenly felt a desire to talk to the man on a personal level, not as an officer or a superior to someone lower than that rank this was a thought that crossed the young man's mind constantly, but his duty required him to fight and to lead and he could not talk to someone such as D'lliers or Hadvar. It was the one thing he already disliked about rising in status. And he would find it a common complaint to his own self.
"As you can tell from the mood of all men and women in this room I assure you lady Alavia that the morale of our unit is stellar especially since our victory, we are willing to make a move towards the fortress now. I would like to request that we send a scout so that we can have a better idea of the defenses." There was a murmur of agreement that followed Hilvette's words.
"That pleases me. I have something as an alternative to the scouts however, my question is did that Mayor have anything to say?" Hilvette's mouth twitched.
"Unfortunately not, he just betrayed the Imperial Garrison so that the Stormcloaks could get in." Alduin looked at D'lliers.
"Do you wish to enact revenge upon the man?" Alduin asked the man.
"No sir." Replied D'lliers, his hands remained at his side and it had it not been for the meeting Ruigus would have imagined that he would merely shrug.
"Why is that?" Alduin then asked.
"The company that Tribune Alavia and Champion Ruigus lead is not a conventional one. You two commanders have been most kind and honorable to our enemy so far. While I have yet to formulate an accurate opinion I believe that you are not like the others and are far more sophisticated in your leadership. Things such as murder are beyond us." D'lliers stated, Alduin and Ruigus were both surprised at the man's view of them, a humbling feeling was shared between the two.
"Things will get tough, you know we cannot always make the right decision." Blurted Ruigus.
"I know that you will try, that is more than most officers and I at the very least shall follow that." The Breton stated. Alduin raised her right hand to indicate a stop.
"I thank you Captain D'lliers on the behalf of us both. However we must not be idle and indulge in talk that makes us complacent and unable to act." D'lliers nodded. A man raised his hand. Ruigus recognized him as Cario, the Orange-haired and skilled Lieutenant he met yesterday.
"You may speak." Said Alduin.
"Tribune I wish to ask what is our plan for claiming the fort?" The young breton asked, impatient. Alduin regarded the man with a smirk.
"Why I was just about to get to that Lieutenant." Simply stated by Alduin without seeming unintentionally condescending on the eager officer.
"I and Ruigus plan to split our forces and in a pincer move close in on Dunstad." Many of the officers, who had been listening intently turned incredulous. An officer suddenly stood up, a middle aged Colovian man who carried an angry expression.
"Forgive me for speaking out in such a manner but we do not have the manpower to do such an action especially when we are going behind enemy lines when they could meet us in the field of battle with a bigger army than either split force and annihilate us all! Please reconsider this strategy." Ruigus and Alduin glared at the man. Cario and D'lliers expressed disapproving looks.
"What is your name and rank?" Alduin asked curtly whilst holding back anger in her voice.
"Urban Schaffer, I am a Sergeant." Said Urban with respect towards Alduin.
"Sergeant Schaffer, I am going to explain the reasoning and the methodology to this plan to you all right now." Alduin stated. Her eyes scanned around the room to catch the full attention of everyone.
"This plan we have determined to cause the most amount of damage to the enemy if they are to encounter us. Schaffer you may fear defeat and you are right to. But to fear it is to underestimate the skills and abilities of all gathered in this hall. If we are to meet the enemy in combat as divided forces I have no doubt that we can win so long as they are not a full army of 5000 or more, we can beat double our number and win." Alduin then paused. Ruigus took the chance to scan around the room to see the emotions of the other men and women in the hall.
Hadvar and his group, Cario, that Bruno that Ruigus met yesterday, a lieutenant that Ruigus did not recognize, and the two captains seemed to be in awe.
"We will surround Dunstad and quickly take it over in a matter of 2 days. Both my and Ruigus's forces shall meet when we encircle it. We have a week to do this so I want us to meet there in at least in 3 days time. I would like our Company to do more than expected by the Legate and the Governor-General by capturing Dunstad quickly." Alduin turned her head to the two Captains.
"Remind me what siege weapons we've been given." Hilvette and D'lliers stood at attention.
"We have been granted two catapults, one siege tower and four long ladders in addition to ten shorter ladders." Stated Hilvette.
"We have gotten some gifts from the navy Tribune! We've got one of their cannons and some kindle-pitch barrels, eight of them in case we need to blow up the walls." Said D'lliers excitedly. Alduin raised an eyebrow, bewildered at the mention of powder based weapons.
"What are those supposed to be?" Came the incredulous response from the woman. D'lliers coughed.
"They're erm….Oh how do I say this? Powder based weapons, the cannon we have in particular isn't meant for sieges and is more of a field gun as it simply isn't large or powerful enough to reliably take down a wall without expending it's ammo. But it is better than a catapult despite being able to fire fewer shots than it." Stated D'lliers, a certain excitement in his voice.
"You have my curiosity and I would like to see this in action very soon, make it so that we use it upon the enemy freely." D'lliers saluted at her.
"It shall be so Commander." He said happily.
"Now tell me what those Kindlepitch barrels are." Alduin asked, coming off as a bit bratty.
"They're barrels that can have their powder lit and create an explosion simply. I don't know too much into how the powder works Commander as you'd have to ask a mage or someone in that field. Anyways, they can take down a wall if we group two to three of them together." Said D'lliers.
A man wearing robes stood up.
"I'm one of the battlemages commander, I can answer that for you right now." Said the battlemage, upon a glance one could tell he was in his early forties.
"That can wait. Now enough of idle chat." Alduin then steeled her eyes once more, demanding full attention from those in front of her.
"For my force I shall take 1400 of our force, Ruigus shall go with 600. I shall go the main route towards the fortress and shall crush any enemy force that stands in our way, Ruigus will go to cover more ground and quickly. He shall go and locate any nearby enemy forces and cutout the enemy supply line if they are to be spotted." Said Alduin, as she nearly stood out of her chair.
"Captains, I want you to work together with Ruigus and delegate the proper officers to both of our detachments. Ruigus you can hand pick them but I want both captains with me and some lieutenants to go with you, and where is that Secantius?" Alduin then asked.
Coincidentally, Secantius had walked in the same moment she had said that. He sounded like he had been running judging from the way the man panted.
"I am here! The men that shall be taking position as garrison have arrived and I have received new instructions from Rikke from a messenger with them." Secantius then held out the missive to Alduin, then saluted when she took it from him.
Alduin then began to open the letter, opening it was something she had difficulty with because this was one of the first times she had ever seen one.
Some of the men in the room could have sworn they saw Ruigus whispering something to her as she briefly struggled with it. The moment he shifted back she had it open, the pair stared at the contents of the letter.
Ruigus then noticeably looked disappointed. Alduin's expression turned darker. She then placed the missive towards where Hilvette sat.
"All of you should read it, it's says that we are to leave the fortress walls undamaged and take it that way." Said Alduin.
"It is a ridiculous order." Said Ruigus, speaking to himself but loudly for a few to hear him. As he said this a sergeant stood up.
"This is a farce! No military commander with any mind of how a war goes would make such a ridiculous request on an already very difficult campaign!" Stood a Sergeant, an old man one who seemed to have participated in the Great War.
Hilvette read over the letter, eyes narrowed. She then passed it across the table to D'lliers.
"I have served under Rikke since she was first promoted, this is not something she would order. A deep suspicion tells me it is from the Elder Council or the Emperor himself though I would say it is the former.
Ruigus nodded in agreement to both of those points. He too had served under Rikke for a brief time before but he could tell that she was a person who took her lessons from Tullius. A rising feeling of camaraderie arose for Hilvette, she too seemed to share dissatisfaction with the Elder Council.
"I think so as well." Said Ruigus simply.
"This is just a minor setback, we can still take it. I can take this grievance up with this 'council' later." Said Alduin, one could see that she was irritated. Oddly, the one thing that had helped cement the relationship between all of those in that room was because of that letter, dislike towards the decisions of the Elder Council outweighed anything that could be seen as a foolish strategy.
"Everyone, proceed as normal. We ride out in three hours." With that announcement everyone scrambled.
Ruigus would then make his choice to D'lliers and Hilvette on who he wanted to go with him.
Those three hours had gone almost like minutes to the men and women of first company. They had already been ready to march but to be reassigned to two different leaders was a lengthy process. Thankfully, Alduin had experience in delegating forces from the long distant times before these people were born. Ruigus had done wonderful on his part, proving himself to be fast and decisive as to who he wanted with him.
Following Ruigus would be Lieutenant Cario who would be in charge of the calvary, Lieutenant Schmacker would be in charge of the archers, Lieutenant Cocus would be the man ensuring that all infantry were in order. He took Marcus and Hadvar with him to act as bodyguards and messengers.
Ruigus's force was more focused on Calvary and light infantry. He fully intended to move as quickly as he could from one place to another.
After enjoying breakfast quickly with the rest of the officers, Alduin and Ruigus said their goodbyes to each other and went their own path towards their same goal.
Ruigus thought about their conversation as he rode out, Hadvar and Marcus next to him.
Alduin had finished assembling the final piece of her armor onto herself when she then looked over to Ruigus who had already been fully kitted out in his armor and weapon, sitting in a chair reading a book off the shelf belonging to the Mayor.
"What are you reading?" Alduin asked with a small smile gracing her lips.
"A book on the history and culture of Skyrim, thought I would get a quick read on it. A good read it's been and I think have learned a few things from it." Said he as he placed the book back to where it belonged.
"These Nords truly are quite a warlike and terrifying people, though I have yet to fight one that truly gave me a good fight. Ulfric better try to be like his predecessors back when they were an empire, what a fight would be if he was." The young man said. Alduin's eyes stared at him.
"With luck you might just meet one soon, this will be a tougher fight from here on out. I doubt we will continue to meet untrained novices." She said. She was surprised by his eagerness to put his life at risk.
"You better stay safe." She then added. The man smiled, his hand at that locket of his.
"I will try my hardest." He replied softly, his eyes had the same spark of inspiration she so often saw inside of them.
"You always do, but even I once learned that you must take a break despite my own desire to get something done." Ruigus chuckled heartily at her words, he looked as if he had remembered something.
"You dote and repeat lessons similarly to my Mother Alduin, I am going to take heed of your words, and I shall see you soon." Said Ruigus, a smile gracing his lips.
Alduin grinned and then punched Ruigus lightly as if to tease the dutiful Imperial. Closing the distance she planted a kiss onto his lips and walked to the door.
"Before I leave I have to say I envy how young and so bright you are, with you I am constantly reminded of much brighter days that are now bygone and nearly forgotten. It feels like a repeat to an extent, but I have someone special with me." She paused as she stood, opening the door.
"I love you, it feels so incredibly alien to utter such a phrase I have heard my own mother use on myself many times in the past. But I believe that is has a meaning when I say it to you, I want you to remember that." Said Alduin.
"Alduin. I shall see to it that this timeline shall be different unlike any other before it. I think that is the reason as to why you and I are here now. I think that I begin to learn how to love when you are around." Ruigus paused, then he giggled light-heartedly. As Alduin stood there, un-moving.
"Your words are moving and leave much to discuss...I do not wish to leave with any grievances labored." Replied Alduin. Ruigus could see how her eyes were closed as she faced outwards in a near meditative stance.
"It's odd, to part like this." Ruigus asked, momentarily realizing the subject could be brought up when they met again.
"I agree entirely, I must say I grow impatient of being confined to just this disguise. It would be faster otherwise." She said with a wistful impression.
"It would be immeasurably chaotic if you did that." Ruigus grinned. Alduin brightened up.
"You have the blood of a Dova-Dragon as well! Admit that you find causing Chaos appealing. Ruigus threw up his hands and shook his head.
"You'd have to brainwash me to change my mind on that." His expression turned smug.
"Is that so?" She asked. She then cackled.
"Let us go now." Said she, keeping an equally smug look as she offered a hand. Taking it, Ruigus stood up.
Ruigus was going to miss her. Yet, after looking once more at the men around him he felt confident about his own self. Ruigus simply wondered how Alduin would take being separated from him, he figured that if he could be fine with it. So would she. Ruigus shook his head, he began to think he was truly becoming as much of a worrywart as she was. Thankfully, he was about to receive a small mercy from his own thoughts thanks to Hadvar.
"We're certainly going for going for glory aren't we Ruigus?" Asked Hadvar in a sly manner.
"Glory is not all, I think simple victory over the Stormcloaks is a better concept." Said Ruigus as his men marched with him.
"Ha, I think so as well." Hadvar went silent for a few moments before opening his mouth to speak, a curious wind blew around him.
"Ruigus, do you still hear those voices of the Divines? I remember that you said you heard them once back at Whiterun." Questioned Hadvar. Ruigus turned his head to look at the bright and clear blue sky above them.
"Not since then, but I believe that one time and the gifts they granted me were enough to set me on my true path." Said Ruigus, Hadvar detected a certain zealousness from Ruigus's tone.
"A part of me wishes they had not, is it not their will to guide us to be strong and not have to direct us to a single path using gifts?" As Ruigus said this he patted his horse, Trun.
"However I think there are other men that need such direction in these chaotic times. They waste their time and effort on a man who willingly fights for them like how a Crusader would." Ruigus said with a sigh. He smiled grimly.
"I just can't believe it's the new year already, time flies fast and I have done so much since I arrived here. Of course it hasn't been exactly a year yet since then." His view turned to the road in front of him. Malborn, who rode on a wagon behind Ruigus and his staff looked at the map. So far, they had been across the small mountain adjacent to the town and crypt of Frostmere.
"We're getting close to the Tower of Mzark Ruigus. Uh, judging from the map we'll be able to go down this mountain soon." He reported. Ruigus nodded in acknowledgment.
Marcus, who had been listening to everything now smiled.
"I sense a fight soon." He said.
"Not at the tower surely." Said Cario, frowning as he looked at the tower with his spyglass.
"Commander, should we hold onto it for a moment? It would be good if we can observe the surrounding area. Also I think we ought to camp there for the night, it's a good spot." The bright haired Breton beamed.
"We'd best not blow our cover too early and have the enemy stare at us from their fortress on the first day as we stand in front of it waiting for them to kill us as we siege with such a small force." Said Ruigus, his voice becoming gradually amused.
"Commander Kessel I mean no disrespect but couldn't you use your powers as a Dragonborn to overpower the enemy in a single fight?" Sounded a voice that belonged to no other than Lieutenant Cocus. Ruigus's eyes darted to the man.
"That is a possibility. Yet I think I would be overwhelmed regardless by them releasing their arrows and bolts upon me or worse yet magic." He then said gave an order to move forwards towards Mzark.
"I admit with shame as to not being a proper Dragonborn, but I shall be one soon. However I think would rather trade for being a better soldier overall." Said Ruigus once more in response to the question.
"One day Cocus I shall be able to take on any foe no matter their strength or number, whether it be from my own martial prowess or through ability. To get the point straight at this moment I think I am unsuited for a brutal fight on my own." Stated Ruigus.
"That is nothing to fear sir. It is not expected for a man to do everything when they only have two arms." Cocus said in response. The man's wording made Ruigus chuckle.
"Ha! Perhaps, but I believe as though I must do as much as possible myself. It would not do well on the reputation as the last dragonborn if I didn't do my best." Stated Ruigus once more.
The men reached Mzark in a couple minutes after that conversation.
"By Akatosh why name it the 'Tower of Mzark' when it's the bloody size of a small house?" Complained Marcus.
"I think it's because of what's under this place. I have been here before and I know there is an underground system that the Dwemer had back when they still existed." Ruigus informed.
His thoughts then turned to the Blades once more. Checking over his back, he saw Malborn looking right at him, Ruigus nodded his head.
There must be some of the Blades inside here. He had to use the relatively secret elevator system to get quickly to the bottom of it soon. More reason for him to camp his men out here.
"Alright, let's dismount and have the troops rest here, they've marched enough. Have some of the Calvary men go foraging soon. Now, I ought to check these ruins to ensure how safe it is. Malborn! Come with me." Commanded Ruigus in a relaxed manner as he held his usual smile.
"Sure you don't need us to come with you?" Hadvar asked. Marucs wore a slight pout as he dismounted and walked to the side of Hadvar.
"I doubt that we shall find a fight down there. Stay here in case the Rebels are able to find us. I shall only take about an hour." Ruigus stated. Marcus snorted.
"Only an hour? You and Malborn are going have to fill up all of our graves when you get back." The hotheaded Nibeean spoke with sarcasm.
"You will do good." Came the simple reply of the Champion.
With that said, Ruigus and Malborn departed.
"Now I finally get a chance to talk to you Malborn, how are you doing?" Ruigus asked, walking towards the lift.
"Can't tell you for how exactly I feel, the Blades offered me to work for them by arranging it so I can get to your side because I have nowhere else to go or do." Malborn said with a solemn tone in his voice.
"If you worry about the Thalmor have no fear, even they will not try to bother with me and Alavia after what we did to them last time." Ruigus reassured.
"Can't they still take action against you? The Concordat gave them a lot of authority over the Empire." Ruigus contemplated the point, it was curious that they had not done anything else to him yet.
Entering the Dwemer elevator filled with it's assortments of gears and other alien inventions Ruigus pulled the lever to begin the descent.
"That is something I have thought little of. Maybe it could be that the Thalmor are busy with other things, or do they see dealing with someone such as me as futile?" Questioned the Colovian.
"The Thalmor are not the type of people to give up, they come back one way or another." Said Malborn, he spoke from experience.
"I will see what trick those swine can pull next." Said Ruigus.
"I wonder what they are doing now." He then thought to himself.
"So er is this what a Dwemer construction is? They don't have these in Valenwood." Malborn said as he looked in awe.
"Yeah it is. Crazy isn't it? Hard to believe such things exist when all other people's settlements and constructions are so vastly different. Seems the way to go has been to copy what these Dwemer have made and make it into something else." Stated Ruigus, it had been true many inventions such as glasses had been off of what little Dwemer technology had been recovered.
Ruigus had acclimated an interest in the Dwemer, Aftland and Mzark had assured that much.
"There must be some of the Blades down here. They are here aren't they Malborn?" Ruigus questioned the Wood Elf next to him.
"They're still here, and they are still working on deciphering the Dwemer writings and all of that, last I heard they thought they were getting close to something that was quite massive of a find. I don't know what though." Malborn said, trying to think about what they had said.
"It's where my comprehension of what they talked about got lost, you know?" Stressed the Elf.
"I get that too, there's a lot those Blades have to keep in mind." Said Ruigus, the pair could now see the vast landscape of the underground land known as Blackreach. Malborn could not contain amazement.
"By Y'ffre what is this land?" Sounded Malborn. Ruigus heard the sound of swords leaving their sheaths, the Blades were indeed here.
"Ruigus!?" Exclaimed the young voice of Lydia. Ruigus smiled and raised his right hand to give a small wave to the two Blades that stood before he and Malborn. He saw Lydia and one other man next to her, a Nordic man with bright blue eyes and a plain looking face.
Ruigus extended his hand to two Blades who now sheathed their weapons.
"It's me and I brought Malborn, one of us, Good to see you two, Lydia and what is your name?" Asked Ruigus as he smiled at the Nordic man, seemingly surprised by Ruigus's nature.
"Arfast, Arfast Battle-Born." He shook the hand of Ruigus while sharing a smile.
"Battle-Born? Wasn't that the same name that drunken man uttered that one day?" The Imperial thought as the handshake ended.
"Your expression seems to imply you know of my family Ruigus, I assure you the conflict between us and the Gray Manes is because of idiocy. I, unlike the rest of my family am not an idiot." The Nord said.
Ruigus liked this man already.
"I can see that Arfast, I thank you for becoming one of my protectors." He thanked.
"I am glad to, being a man under the will of the true dragonborn gave me a reason to fight, and fight for you I shall." Ruigus raised an eyebrow, curious at the man.
"A man you barely know?" Ruigus asked. The man chuckled and patted him on his shoulder.
"I am getting to know you now aren't I?" The man smiled.
"Haha! Smart man." Beamed the dark haired Imperial. Ruigus and Arfast seemed to reach an understanding of the other.
"Where are the others at?" Asked Ruigus as he looked around the Oculory room, it sure was an impressive sight, the embarrassing memory of he and the Blades struggling with the puzzle to unlock the Elder Scroll nearly brought him to laughter.
"They're over by that research center we found when we first arrived, we'll lead you to them but be careful, there's still Falmer down here and we're certain there's other things down here but we don't know what." Said Lydia, a worried tone in her voice.
The group got into a line, Lydia led the front with Ruigus following and Arfast was in the back, Malborn in front of him.
"See that city my Emperor? We've been trying to clear out the Falmer there but we've had only a little luck. We could use your help for this if you have time to spare." Lydia stated, a near pleading tone slipped from the young woman.
"It shall be an honor to help out my Blades." Said Ruigus.
"Yet first I must meet up with the rest. Continue on Lydia." The man added, ordering Lydia to continue onwards, she gave a smile and walked on.
Ruigus noticed how Malborn was being silent at the moment, he decided he would relax the mood for him.
"Admiring the sights are you Malborn?" Said Ruigus, a warm tone he spoke with.
"Y-Yeah I am, this place is a small world underneath us, wish I could explore this all safely." Responded Malborn.
"That's what we're here for, just not for the sake of tourists or vagrants." Chuckled Arfast upon saying those words.
"Ah whelp, one day it might anyways." He added, his voice helped ease the mood.
"You know speaking of that it's hard to believe that nobody has come to a place like this in force and cleared it out and did something with it." Ruigus said, complaining against the stagnancy of the world.
"That's what we're here for." Said Lydia, repeating Arfast. Ruigus frowned.
"You two speak so similarly." The Imperial said, grinning.
Lydia gave him a smug look. Ruigus shook his head.
"If Florin is here I shall report your behavior on how your act around your liege." Retorted Ruigus.
"Please no." Begged Lydia jokingly.
"I shall let it go, I fancy myself a benevolent man." He humorously replied before shaking his head once more.
"Heh, enough of the Juvenile talk for now, I want to see what's now been found!" Ruigus said with excitement.
Captain Rolf von Kober rode on his horse next to his commander, Legate Cassius.
They were in a heavily forested area known as the Shrouded Grove, their army had been proceeding along a path towards what would be the town of Nightgate.
The Legate had been spouting out orders to his men so constantly that Kober felt even more annoyed with the man than usual.
Kober began to ride past the lines to check on his unit. He knew that the enemy would unleash an ambush soon, they had them surrounded. The only thing Kober wondered is how they would start this off.
It was at that moment as he joined with Lieutenant that he heard a warhorn. The whole column froze in place. Kober took the chance to identify which direction West was, it was his greatest chance at escape.
"That is how." He affirmed with himself. He unsheathed his sword.
Many a man yelled at the front as they were attacked, the other flanks were pushing on Cassius's army.
"Men. We are going to breakthrough the West and escape this slaughter. Attack." Kober ordered calmly, an odd comparison as to the situation he was in.
Infighting broke out among the other units as the Nordic units began to fight the others, they had betrayed the Empire and switched sides.
"Impotence." Kober thought, thinking of his Nibeean commander's own inability to see such a betrayal.
His Lieutenant rode up to him.
"What the hell is going on!? Are we being betrayed!?" He asked, Kober shook his head as his men fought on. The Stormcloaks were superior when it came to fighting them like this, surrounded, outnumbered, and against a fearful and undisciplined force.
"We are being annihilated, if you wish not to die then I shall ask you to join our men and create on opening so that we can escape." The Lieutenant opened his mouth to retort at Kober, but then dutifully shut his mouth and rode out to help his men.
It was not long before his men managed to cut through the enemy. Kober was almost surprised by his men's effectiveness.
"Perhaps I might be able to save someone else from this?" He thought as he looked at the chaos around him. However, it did not seem to be the case as all the others were either overrun or slowly being whittled down.
Kicking his own horse he quickly rode to the front of his formation, both enemy and ally was closing in on his current position, notably he saw the Legate near him.
"Men, flee now. I shall follow you shortly." He gave them the order.
Kober's men began to flee for their own lives by heading out to the West as he had wished. Kober himself approached the Legate.
"Legate, my men created an opening do you wish to escape?" Captain Rolf von Kober asked Cassius.
Cassius looked at him as if he were crazy.
"No! I shall stay here and fight!" He raged at him, a few Stormcloaks came at the pair.
Kober ran his spear through the head of the foolish one who approached him. Cassius dispatched the others with his Warhammer. Around them men screamed, cried for someone-anyone to save them, and were put to the sword.
"I did not survive the Battle of the Gold Road to run like a coward when my own brothers perished against the Thalmor!" He yelled once more towards the Captain.
"You still wish to die here without getting your revenge against them?" Kober asked. His voice remained cold and collected. Cassius's features twisted into a much deeper anger.
"You know nothing of honor Kober you stinking rat! You best take your chance to escape before I kill you myself, run you swine! Run!" He advised to the Captain. Kober in response regarded him for a moment before turning his horse around.
"Honor and Revenge is it?" He questioned in a murmur only Kober himself heard.
"I see then, Legate kill as many Stormcloaks as you can before you die, I too seek my revenge. I plan to enact it differently from you." Said Kober before parting, a few Empire soldiers followed after him.
"Honor? A dead belief in times like this, there is only numbers now." Kober thought as he rode off.
The fighting continued to go on as the Empire troops were down to their terrified last, 20 remained. The Stormcloaks encircled them, reforming their lines as they did. The two forces stared at each other from only a few meters apart.
"Treacherous Stormcloak whores! Allow me to fight your Commander honorably or I shall bathe in your putrid blood!" Yelled Cassius as he challenged them.
There was a brief scuffle among the Stormcloaks. Before the enemy commanders showed their faces.
Stormcloak General Hjornskar Head-Smasher appeared, he was a man with a rugged if not relatively handsome face and long brown hair, his expression was that of calmness.
Alongside him appeared the new Commander Ralof of Riverwood. He wore a pitying expression, but he had steel in his heart.
There was a man wearing Imperial Armor, he had seemed to have recently put blue warpaint on his face, it was the sign of the Stormcloak bear. Cassius's rage built further as he recognized Skjen Black-Toe.
A few other Stormcloak officers were behind them.
"Skjen go plough yourself!" The Legate insulted. Skjens refused to look away in shame as he stared at the Legate.
Skjen whispered to Hjornskar.
"Cassius, I shall fight you! Prepare to die!" Skjen rushed at him with his shield and axe.
"Die with your paltry honor!" Skjen yelled once more.
"I shall die with honor! You will never go to your Sovngarde for what you have done you hagraven of a Nord!" Said the Legate with fury, the weapons of the two men collided.
The two clashed, blow after blow followed from each other as the Stormcloak soldiers hurled insults to the Legate.
A strong blow from Cassius's warhammer broke through Skjen's shield. In response Skjen surprised Cassius by swinging his axe at the same time he made his strike. Cassius had made a slip.
And with it Cassius would feel a strong pain unlike any other, one that took a toll on his old body. Skjen was readying to slice his head off.
"I may be too old to get my revenge on the Dominion. Am I that pitiful?" Cassius thought to himself, bringing himself back up.
"You will not kill me so easily Skjen, I have survived worse blows than that in the past!" He roared, bringing up his Warhammer to kill the near defenseless Skjen.
Again both of them landed their strikes, Skjen's chest was bashed by the blow of the warhammer and he screamed in pain, his strike on Cassius's head caused his helmet to crack and his head to bleed due to a small cut.
"You despicable, dumb, old milkdrinking Imperial!" Cursed Skjen, using his left hand he tried to pick up his axe.
In kind Cassius struck the head of Skjen as he clutched at his wound.
Many a man cringed as Skjen's head was crushed. His corpse fell then fell over and Cassius let out a sigh.
"So, in the end I got my revenge on a traitor. I can be content with that one thing before I die." He thought to himself as he reopened his eyes.
The Stormcloaks had sent up their archers to the front, men with bows and crossbows stood in front of the Imperials.
"Legate, you did the Legion proud." Said an Imperial soldier, he was met with the first smile he ever saw from his commander.
"Thank you, I had hoped I could bring some honor to our Empire before I died." He spoke with kindness towards the Corporal.
"Men of the Empire! We have fought bravely and have lost! But we shall not die like vermin to these rebels!" Spoke the Legate, the Stormcloaks readied their weapons.
"As my last duty as your commander, charge! For the Empire!" He yelled. He screamed along with his men, stepping over the bodies and charging at the line that held the Stormcloak officers.
"Loosen your bows brothers and sisters!" Ordered General Hjornskar
With those words, Legate Cassius Rageius and the men of his army all perished. The only ones to escape were Captain Rolf von Kober with three Lieutenants and 214 men. Out of the 2000 that had been sent out they had been the only survivors.
500 men had defected to the Stormcloaks. It was a crushing victory for them, they had taken far less casualties than the enemy did.
"Now it is just a matter of being able to do something like this again." Said Hjornskar to his aide, Ralof.
"I can't say we will end up in Sovngarde for fighting like this." Hjornskar nodded at his words.
"Perhaps, there can still be honor like in that display we saw just now. That being said, Skjen displayed too much emotion when he fought, he died as a Nord without honor." He replied.
"There is still sorrow in all of this.." Ralof said, disgusted as he looked at the corpses of Imperials and Stormcloaks all covered in blood and guts.
"There are few men who do not. Our Ulfric Stormcloak is not one of them, and I doubt that Tullius is either. Yet, I know there are others around and beyond us who do not." Said Hjornskar, philosophizing to Ralof.
Ralof nodded.
"Aye." He said simply, just then a Stormcloak Captain ran up to them. Ralof recognized the man, it was Rorster Orc-Hilt. The man was an old veteran of the Great War who had fought for nearly it's entirety and had earned his scars from it. He had the mile yard stare to boot.
"General, some of the enemy escaped to the West, can be no more than 300 I reckon. May I give chase?" Rorster asked.
"Very well, take your men with you and hunt the Imperials. Ralof, I want you to go West as well soon. Fort Dunstad will want to know there are Imperials encroaching on them." Ordered Hjornskar.
"Yes General, can I make a request however?" Ralof asked.
"Very well what is it?" Hjornskar questioned.
"Is it alright if I check the bodies, I have a couple friends that are with the Imperials, I just thought that on the chance they are dead I want to pray that they go to Sovngarde, even if one of them is an Imperial." Said Ralof. Hjornskar chuckled.
"You may, do not make this a habit however. There are many more we must fight if we are to win this war and to fight them we need to be fast." Said Hjornskar, Ralof smiled.
"I won't, thank you." He said before walking off.
Legate Cassius's final duel and charge would make him a known figure in the Empire. The story of how he lost the battle valiantly as a commander and killed a traitor and died as a true Legate. In the end, the first battle of the Shrouded Grove would end in a disaster for the Empire.
Kober regrouped what was left and continued to march to the West as fast as possible. His thoughts returned him to the Legate as he thought about the man's final words before he left him.
"You fool, only if you are to survive and live on are you then able to plot your revenge."
Captain Rolf von Kober continued to ponder this and rode on.
Lydia opened the door to the main research room that had been formerly built by the Dwemer Eras ago, now it was the Blades who managed to turn this building into something more.
"It's Lydia! I've returned with Ruigus." She announced. Hearing the jingling of armor then saw Florin come out of a hallway to the right of their room.
He was expressionless as usual, but he seemed relatively pleased to see him. The man saluted at Ruigus who did the same in return.
"Good to see you Florin." Smiled Ruigus.
"A pleasure to have you here Ruigus, I imagine you are to see what we have discovered?" Said Florin, correctly guessing at his intention.
"You are quite correct on your assumption. I desire to see it my friend." Stated Ruigus.
Florin motioned Ruigus into a room, Lydia came with them while Malborn and Arfast stayed, having some idle talk.
There was a Dwemer table built into the wall with papers of drawings on it.
"We've hired some inventors and other curious parties to aid us in our work here, this is what we have managed to find." Unceremoniously said Florin.
Ruigus picked up the papers and looked at what he could guess were some sort of rough schematics of weapons and tools. He noticed there was also a map.
"These are weapons and other devices aren't they? They're almost incoherent to my eyes." He blinked looking over everything.
"We have all agreed that they look like lost Dwemer weapons that were destroyed or were never completed. These are what little sense we have made out of them, it is big progress in comparison to what others have done. Especially this map." Florin pointed towards the map, it seemed to have locations with names, arrows drawn from each location to another, one was circled and said 'Blackreach', where they were right now.
"A map of other Dwemer settlements?" Ruigus asked. Florin nodded.
"Yes. We managed to follow rumors of a great and massive forge one of these Dwemer cities had secreted away. We've based this sketch off of a Dwemer map, however it was slightly damaged and incoherent in it's language. We are getting a translator to arrive here soon. Keep in mind it will be days." Florin reported. Ruigus smiled once more, almost a grin this time.
"This is wonderful Florin. I want to stay posted about this, be sure to send someone to notify either me, Malborn in the room next to us, or Alavia about your progress. I thank you for doing this." Florin regarded Ruigus curiously.
"I merely do what you wish my lord, you are making us become what we should be as the Blades." Florin felt Ruigus's hand slap onto his shoulder as the man chuckled.
"It is still an honor for all of you to do this. I wish to do something in return for your service, are those Falmer up in that city? The one with the orange candle over it." Ruigus then asked.
"We can handle it." Florin simply responded.
"I implore that I am to assist you in clearing it out now." Florin looked into the eyes of Ruigus, he was truly intent on fighting with them.
"Very well then Ruigus, I shall gather our team and move with you, we shall meet you at the entrance." Florin bowed, a small smile graced his lips yet remained hidden from Ruigus.
"I may just start without you and your men." Ruigus grinned.
"I shall await you there." Said Ruigus, beginning to walk out. Suddenly a thought struck him like the Hammer of Stendarr.
"One thing before I part, do you still have that lexicon? It can transcribe things so that we understand them perhaps it could still be of use on things that are not an Elder Scroll." Said Ruigus.
"Smart, very smart. I shall see what can be done with it." Florin said, delighted.
Ruigus then walked out of the room, presumably towards the arranged location.
"He has become bolder and more mature, I am pleased and so will commander Delphine." Florin thought in regards to their conversation.
He would see if he was a stronger warrior too.
Ruigus strolled to the city by himself, he took it to thinking about many things once again.
"By Stendarr there is already so much going on but it's fun. For the moment everything is fun and quite bright and happy, I can enjoy myself for now I just get a feeling it won't be like this for long. I wonder what will happen with my life?" He mused.
Sitting down on one of the steps and keeping his eyes and ears open for any Falmer skulking about as he waited. It was not long before the Blades did appear.
Florin brought his whole team with him, a total of 10.
"We're ready to go Ruigus. Are you ready as well?" Asked Florin. Ruigus smiled and stood up, he had small speech to make.
"Blades! My friends, I seek to aid you in cleansing this city of the Falmer this day. You who dedicate your lives to me I shall repay in kind by suffering alongside you. Let us begin." Ruigus announced. With that his hand reached for the hilt of his sheathed sword and his other to his shield.
Ruigus gave a hand signal for his Blades to follow as he marched in. What he saw as he walked through those gates confused him and the Blades that followed him.
There were Falmer, but alongside them were humans and mer in rags armed with all types of iron weapons.
Ruigus used his hand to halt the Blades, he strolled up to the nearest civilian.
"Hello?" Ruigus asked the person. He was now aware that the person as well as many of other of the people were staring at him and his followers.
"Can you speak? Are you alright?" Ruigus asked as he became further on edge. This could only end in a bad way.
There was a guttural noise from the man as his hands reached for his mace that slung at his hip. Ruigus knew that there was no going back from now if he had to do what he wanted to now do.
Staring into the man's soulless, zombie-like eyes made Ruigus decide that there would be only death.
"They're hostile! Fight them back!" Yelled Ruigus as he sliced at the man in front of him. Thankfully due to the lack of any armor the man wore he died by having his chest nearly cut in half by Ruigus's blade.
Multitudes of terrifying screams and screeches were heard as the apparent slaves and Falmer attacked his Blades.
Unfortunately for the former, they had made a terrible mistake when it came to fighting the Dragonborn.
"Yol Toor Shul!" Shouted Ruigus who used his incinerating shout to annihilate the Falmer approaching his Blades who had finished dispatching the previous Falmer and their slaves.
"Wasn't it said that the Falmer do not take slaves?" Ruigus thought to himself as he killed another foolish Falmer that approached him.
Ruigus couldn't help but think of them as a more terrifying version of goblins.
His throat felt strange, it had been a while since he had shouted last. It was going to take him some getting used to once more.
"Come face us and die swine!" Yelled a Blade. Ruigus, momentarily taking a glance to see who it was saw that the man was Charles from all that time ago. An arrow then whizzed past Ruigus's face. His eyes widened quite a bit as he looked at his attacker. A man readying another arrow. Ruigus quickly blocked the next one with his shield
Ruigus questioned whether it would be excessive and dishonorable to use a shout on a man like this.
Slaying a charging slave, Ruigus ran up on the archer and sliced his head off.
"This is a slaughter, they barely have the mind to attack me. What happened to these people?" Ruigus asked himself once more, his Blades rallied to him as more approached.
"They're like Zombies." Said Ruigus to his Blades as they formed a spaced shieldwall with him.
"I noticed that too, Falmer don't take prisoners the damn savages, so why is it that they do now?" Arfast said, catching some of his breath.
"I suspect vile sorcery behind this, stay vigilant." Ordered Florin.
"Yes sir!" A collective reply sounded from the Blades.
With blood on their swords, shields, faces and armor the men formed a circle formation. Eagerly awaiting anymore enemies.
"I don't hear anymore of them." Said one Blade.
"They're hiding in the buildings and shadows, we should hunt them down." Mused Charles.
"Very well then. Two teams of six, let's move." Said Florin.
Ruigus led his group up through the stairway leading to the 2nd story buildings built into the rock.
Reaching a door that led into a Dwemer building Ruigus turned to look at Lydia and his four other squad mates.
"I'll open and clear through." Stated Ruigus as he quickly checked his sword, it was bloody enough already. He was going to have to clean it quickly after this.
Inside were three Falmer, one wore heavier armor than the rest and quickly summoned a spell in it's hand. The Imperial determined it was lightning that the sorcerer was about to use.
Gunning for the Falmer magician's heart he bashed one with enough force to send one of the other Falmer into the wall with his shield and stabbed through the sorcerer's heart as he intended.
Ruigus felt a shocking pain as the last Falmer casted it's own spell on him, Ruigus grunted in pain as he turned himself around to see Lydia decapitating it.
"Are you alright!?" She asked, the other Blades rushed in.
"I am fine, just hurts to live that's all." He replied with a pained chuckle.
"My sword and shield arms still work, that's what matters, let's go. I shall continue to lead us onward to the top." He smiled at his followers and quickly used a healing spell to alleviate the pain.
Ruigus continued on upwards clearing through building and hallway alike with Lydia and the rest getting kills in as well.
A Falmer sitting on a throne with two slave bodyguard appeared at the end of stairway. They had reached the top. The great orange light lay behind them, hanging from the ceiling of the cavern.
With a snarl the Falmer rose and leapt at Ruigus, but as he did so he had an idea.
Ruigus dodged to the side and turned to face the Falmer leader who was now on the rail-less stairway.
"Fus Ro Da!" Shouted Ruigus using the great force of his voice to send the Falmer into the orange candle, the candle rang in response. The body then fell onto the ground below, where Ruigus could see Florin and his group was at, one of them seemed to have jumped away from the falling Falmer. Ruigus held back a snicker as he witnessed this.
Lydia and another Blade rushed past Ruigus and slayed the two guards. He watched them sheath their weapons but then suddenly a massive roar was heard.
"What made that sound?" Asked a Blade, an Imperial woman. Ruigus nearly froze.
"It's a blasted Dragon how wonderful!" He yelled as the beast flew into view, continuing to screech, saying nothing in the Dovahzhul. It's scales were notably brass in appearance and had black and a metallic look to it.
The Dragon flew up to where Ruigus was and perched himself next to Ruigus and his accompanying Blades, Ruigus was glad they did not show any fear at all towards this one as it growled menacingly.
"What are you doing in my realm, Dovahkiin?" It asked, Ruigus's blades aimed their weapons at the Dragon. Ruigus stood in front of it, shaking off his fear as he faced a far lesser Dragon than Alduin or any of her circle for that matter.
"Your realm? Caverns are a part of Nirn aren't they?" Ruigus asked the obvious to undermine this dragon. It growled in response.
"I asked a question." It said. Ruigus decided to comply.
"Me and my fellows came here to clear out the Falmer, we want to make the area safe we can understand the Dwemer and their artifacts, do you find that satisfactory? It would be fair if you told me your name?" Then asked Ruigus to question the Dragon.
"My name is Vulthuryol, and I am not satisfied in the slightest. You have killed my slaves, and therefore I shall eat your soul Dovahkiin and recover what I have lost, my ambition will make the world mine!" With that said Ruigus could tell the Dragon was going to Shout, in a split second decision he made a move before it could.
"Fus Ro Dah!" Ruigus shouted once more, causing Vulthuryol to fall off his perch.
Ruigus heard him curse in Dovahzhul.
"Nice work Ruigus I thought he was about to turn us into piles of meat!" Mused Lydia.
"We need to descend and join the others quickly!" Ruigus ordered, ignoring the compliment.
"Yes my lord." Said one of the Blades. Ruigus and the others ran down the stairways back to where they began, they could see Florin's group fighting the Dragon, they were fighting well.
Tired and out of breath Ruigus joined with Florin.
"Ruigus, you've fought other dragons before. Have you determined their weaknesses?" Florin asked Ruigus, shielding him with his body as he did so.
Vulthuryol had flown away in the meantime, intending to circle back.
"Their wings Florin, if you can damage them to the point where they cannot fly anymore we they become fearsome on the ground but they can't fly. Their heads usually are soft, I think this one is the same." Said the man in response towards the seasoned Blade. Ruigus then decided he would announce one more thing, he had to show the Blades he was truly capable, not because they wanted it which they seemed not to, but because he was doing it for himself.
"Blades! If you any of you are to fall to this Dragon I shall fall on my sword! Stay alive for me!" He ordered, all except Charles and Florin gave him a look as if he were crazy or a look of awe, Lydia was notably the one who was awed.
"Here it comes again." Said Charles calmly, the Breton then readied his bow.
"Space out, if it tries to burn us as we are we'll all die." Stated Ruigus, giving them a much needed tip.
"Can we bring him down in one attack? Perhaps if I use that one Shout Alduin imparted towards me but to say it…." His thoughts were cut off as his prediction ended up being correct.
"Yol Toor Shul!" Shouted Vulthuryol as he flew by however the arrows and magic the Blades fired at him all hit him in his wing, it was now up to Ruigus to do some damage.
"Krii Lun Aus! You swine!" Shouted and cursed the young warrior at the Dragon who crashed into a building, making terrible sounds as it did.
However, Vulthuryol was not dead yet.
"Vulthuryol! I give you this chance to return to your overlord. Do not allow yourself to die in shame! By my honor I allow you this, please take it." Yelled Ruigus towards the Dragon as he stood out in the middle of the street, the bodies of falmer and mindbroken slaves laid around. The Blades readied their ranged weapons and hid behind pillars, Charles took it to being close to Ruigus's side.
"Do I even know what I am really saying right now?" Ruigus thought incredulously at himself as Vulthuryol pulled himself out of the building, bleeding.
"Never shall I again serve Alduin. I do not wish to live under the ambition of another, I seek to serve myself Dovahkiin! I shall die or I shall kill you!" Yelled Vulthuryol, beginning to charge Ruigus by rapidly crawling towards him with a snarl.
"Wuld Nah Kest!" Vulthuryol shouted, he then sliced at Ruigus who then dodged and retaliated.
"Fiik Lo Sah!" Ruigus shouted, hoping to distract him so that he could get the kill, but it was no good. Vulthuryol simply slashed through the would be clone.
"You have fought superbly Dovahkiin. Now die." He said, Ruigus tried to Shout but his voice was strained, he raised his shield and prepared to brunt the damage of the strongest claws of any creature in the world.
A stabbing noise broke Ruigus out of his closed eyes. Had he died?
Looking up he could see that he was not dead, but Lydia had climbed to the top of Vulthuryol and stabbed him in the head. Lydia shifted her footing on his neck to ensure she had done the dead. Vulthuryol chuckled.
"My foolishness of rebellion against Alduin and the world ends here. You may hop off, human. I have no intention of fighting anymore." Said Vulthuryol, bleeding from his head. The Dragon gave a soft sigh as the two stared at him in amazement.
"How do you still live?" Ruigus asked.
"I refuse to die." Vulthuryol said, a calm tone took the Dragon.
"I wish to talk to you before you take my soul." He added. Ruigus and Lydia stood silent.
"I wanted to die having lived my dream as something more than a sheep of Alduin or anyone else after she was banished, and for so long I did in the shadows. I have seen a great deal of things Dovahkiin. Many mortals with ambitions greater and lesser than mine have fought across this world, Dovahkiin do you have a similar ambition to mine?" Spoke Vulthuryol. The Blades around still aimed their weapons at him.
"I do." Ruigus said with all honesty.
"Then my soul lies in good hands." The Dragon closed his eyes, his body was beginning to disintegrate like how the others did.
"Why did you fight me?" Ruigus asked, compassion swept through him despite the deeds of the monster before him.
"Why the rhetorical question? I will not bow to anyone, my pride as a….warrior and a Dov demanded that I fight and die. It is that simple." Vulthuryol said.
"You fool." Ruigus said softly. Vulthuryol painfully chuckled.
"My former master once called me that as well, tell me young warriors, what are your names?" Vulthuryol asked Ruigus and Lydia.
"L-Lydia." Stuttered the young nord.
"Ruigus." Stated the young man as his weapons remained lowered.
"Lydia you shall have the honor of having slayed the great Vulthuryol, Ruigus, you shall have my soul." Only the Dragon's head remained, his soul began to transmit to Ruigus. "Farewell." Said Vulthuryol as he passed.
A flood of emotions washed over Ruigus as he tried to comprehend what had happened to him.
"It is done." Ruigus stated to the Blades. Charles pat he and Lydia on the back. He said no words as he did so, other than just a congratulatory and gentle smile.
"A complete success, I thank you for your assistance Ruigus. Are you wounded?" Florin asked. Everyone had sheathed their weapons.
"No." Ruigus replied simply.
"I am glad I did not have to fall on my sword. I thank you as well Florin, and the rest of you." Said Ruigus.
"It is our duty not to fail you, we shall learn of the curiosities of what we have discovered here do you want us to touch the body of the Dragon?" Florin then asked. Ruigus then turned to face him.
"Do what you desire with it." Ruigus said simply, he then managed his usual smile.
"With that done I shall go get Malborn and get out of here, good luck my Blades." They then bowed before as he walked off.
He was silent the whole way as he reached back to the Blade's building. He quickly cleaned himself off and then found Malborn who had been napping previously.
The pair walked back to the lift that they had come with.
"What happened out there Ruigus?" Malborn asked.
"Killed falmer and a bunch of slaves as well as a dragon. And I…." Ruigus paused indefinitely. Malborn blinked a couple times
"What were you going to say?" Malborn asked gently.
"Huh? Oh nothing." Ruigus assured.
"I grew closer to finding myself. That's what I meant to say." He thought.
Reaching back to the surface he strolled out hearing the voices of his men. Walking out into the makeshift camp he saw Hadvar running up to him.
"Perfect timing Ruigus. We've spotted retreating allies from the forest, we've let them know we are here and they're coming. Ah...Are you alright? You look like you fought a dragon." Said Hadvar calmly.
"I did fight a Dragon and win, Let us wait for these men." Said Ruigus. Hadvar nodded slowly, concerned for the man.
"You sure you do not need to rest? Enemies may be close by." The question managed to make Ruigus smile.
"Thank you for asking I am quite fine Hadvar." He smiled at his friend.
"Let us walk to them." Ruigus said to Hadvar.
"Malborn I relieve you, thank you for coming with me." Malborn gave an awkward smile.
The two men walked to the front of the makeshift camp, a man wearing an Imperial captain's armor strode in on his horse and dismounted, he walked towards Ruigus and Hadvar.
He saluted at them, and the pair responded in kind. Ruigus took the moment to read the man in front of him, brown hair and dark brown eyes and an average face for a man that he had seen, but the man's eyes is what made him stand out from any other.
There was something so cold and near soulless about the man's eyes that could make a non-military man shudder. As it stood those eyes were on him.
"Captain Rolf von Kober, I have escaped a disaster that struck Legate Cassius's army. He is dead along with all of the others who did not turn traitor, I bring the survivors with me, 218 total." The man introduced himself, or rather reported.
Even the man's voice was emotionless under suppression of the self.
"Champion Ruigus Kessel, and this is my bodyguard Hadvar. I am under orders from Tribune Alavia and by extension Legate Rikke to besiege Fort Dunstad. I am also glad to have seen you and your men survive that disaster, Cassius will be missed. Furthermore if you wish transfer of command of this unit to you I shall discuss it now." Ruigus responded respectfully. The man regarded him.
"No, you shall keep your command as you have not failed yet. I wish to join you and your men in taking over Dunstad." Said Kober. His eyes continuing to stare.
"I appreciate it a lot Captain." Ruigus said quickly, a bit guarded with the man in front of him. Kober put up his hand, sensing this.
"Ruigus please, I am not your enemy." He said simply, nearly throwing the Champion off guard, he continued to stay silent.
"You are the Dragonborn are you not? If there is anyone who can win this war without any failure or incompetence it is you. I shall trust in your ability." Said Kober slowly.
"I trustst in myself as well. Were you followed?" Kober nodded at Ruigus's question.
"I was, the enemy shall arrive shortly. They are a small force" Said Kober.
"Well then Rolf. You shall see how I lead." Ruigus turned to Hadvar.
"Spread the word and get the men ready, we march to face the enemy." Hadvar smiled at him and then ran off to the lieutenants.
Ruigus stood alone with Kober.
"Ask your men if they want to stay here or join me and get their revenge." Ordered Ruigus.
"I shall." Said Kober, walking off to his group.
"So my luck has changed for the better. With the Dragonborn may I be able to do what I seek?" Thought Kober to himself as he got back on his horse.
The meeting of these two men would lead to many miseries and triumphs in the future.
Minutes passed, Ruigus's men were all ready. Most of Kober's force was too exhausted and opted to stay and guard the camp for their return. Regardless Ruigus felt confident and was in a great position. Yet the soul he took from Vulthuryol kept him wondering.
"Vulthuryol. Your soul resides in me and I feel so different than compared to what I did from Sahloknir and Mirmulnir. Why is that? Is it because you know the one thing that continues to drive me on in this world? Ambition?"
"Ambition. I know my reason to do what I must lies more than this. Yet it is my ambition which drove me to Skyrim, to become strong. And now my ambition leads me and me heart onwards to the world that I want to create out of the mess of our empire and these troubled lands. Ambition is what lies in Alduin as well, even the great enemy Mehrunes Dagon is the manifestation of it. Though, mine is unlike any other from ever before as it is far grander beyond their own and it is my ambition that shall win this battle and thousands more!"
Ruigus rode on, as he was meant to. Against the Stormcloaks and so many others he fought, for his ambition he would win against them all. Ruigus was willing to accept this ambition of his as a flaw. He would surpass them, Vulthuryol, Mede I, Reman, Tiber, and Uriel Septim. That was what his ambition said to him.
Ruigus and his army halted upon sight of the enemy, Ruigus pulled out his sword and shield and stared at his enemy in defiance of what they sought to stop.
Something more than just ambition would lie for the young man in this battle. He had finally begun to act on his most dear dream.
The end of Chapter 12, and I as ever, like to say thank you for reading the story.
I also want to thank you all for helping me reach 50,000 views, that means a lot to me. I will take this chance to apologize for the delay in posting the chapter as I usually do. Sucked this time because my old keyboard got fried (Some water spilled on it so uh, yeah that'll kill it.) and it took me a few days to get a new one.
Yesterday I thought of something else I wanted to say for the chapter but I kinda forgot what I was going to say. Probably was some blog posting tier stuff I think.
There's always a next time though, until next time and take care of yourselves.
Oh and thanks to those who pointed out my mistakes I made when it came to spelling words and so forth, you can really get some adrenaline out of writing and it just makes you zoom through everything. I'll try to fix them all soontm.
