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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 2
It been 10 days since Fenris and what remains of Zhcted'a army left the battlefield which he learned was known as Dinant Plains. It was during the trip that he learned more of the history of this world from the men, who showed a great deal of respect for him after the battle.
Zhcted and Brune were kingdoms which were at conflict with each other a number of years. He also learned that Zhcted had six other Vanadises like Ellen and governs each of the kingdom's seven territories. He was currently in Leitmeritz, one of the kingdom's territories which Ellen is responsible for. He was current getting his mind in order after what he had experiment.
"I wonder what goes in her mind?'
Fenris was quite confused despite the number of days that passed. When he first met here, he assumed that she wouldn't believe him being from another world and think he was crazy. Yet she believed him and accepted his services, which pleases him. He always felt that he was truly alive if his abilities are needed. Although he enjoyed peace, Fenris always felt the urge to continue adventuring.
Regarding Ellen, she had to return back to the kingdom's capital to report to the king about the victory. As she was about to leave with an escort, she told Fenris that she is going to tell the king about his contribution in the battle and his abilities. He was confused since it would be better if he went to the capital in person, but Ellen said she want him to learn more about Zhcted at her territory before introducing him to the king.
'She could get herself in trouble if she doesn't introduce me, especially with my powers.'
To his surprise, he was given a quarter in the Leitmeritz's Imperial Palace by the orders of Ellen. It was one of the most beautiful sights he ever seen. It may even surpass the castles in Skyrim. However, he heard that only she, her generals and officials resides there but he, a complete stranger, was given such a privilege. He was expecting the men to object at the decision, but he haven't heard a single complaint from them.
Fenris felt that he was being treated well for his abilities that he displayed at Dinant. The men who once doubted his qualities, now praise him and glad he is on their side. He then recalled the day when he arrived at Leitmeritz's capital. Both the civilians and soldiers in the city could only watch in awe of his dragonscale armor and the fact he was riding with the army.
Those from Dinant explained of his abilities and spellcasting. Many thought they were joking, but Fenris had no choice but to show his spells. While it made them not to doubt him again, it has result him being questioned many times; such as being asked what else he could and where he learned the art. The first days in Leitmeritz was rather hectic because of that.
Shaking his head to clear his ever-building thoughts, Fenris put on his armor and weapons. He then left his quarters to see if Lim have something for him to do. For the last few days, he acted as a combat instructor for the soldiers. They saw he was highly skilled in using other weapons beside what he used at Dinant. Those sparring with him were shocked on how he could parry their weapons with just daggers and his mastery with a shield despite not carrying one.
As he was making his way to the training grounds after leaving the palace, Fenris was thinking of asking Lim if he could provide archery training. Unaware to the others, he was also a highly skilled archer and yet they never see him carry a bow and a quiver of arrows with him.
'Let see… I could either use Bound Bow or request an actual set for the training. Maybe using an actual set would be best suited…' Conjuring the bow would cause the men to focus on how he conjured the spell than the training itself.
He walked for a few minutes before he arrived at the training grounds. There he saw Ellen looking upon a large group of soldiers who were practicing with their weapons. She was wearing a causal outfit, which was much less revealing than the outfit before. He always wonder on how she could avoid injuries despite having no armor on.
"So you're back from the capital Ellen. So how was the king's reaction?"
"Ah hello Fenris. You know there is no need to wear your armor here. We are not in battle after all."
He shook his head, "And risk letting someone steal it. No thank you." He seen the reaction when people saw his armor. They would steal his armor at the first possible chance. Even if his quarters have a lock, it can be picked.
"So about your king?"
"The king was pleased on the victory in Dinant Plains, but there is a complication."
"What is it?"
"I was going to tell him about you, but he said there was an important matter he has to attend to. I didn't have a chance explain your contribution," as she made a frown.
He could only rub his head with a concerned expression, "If your king finds out about me and the fact I am under your service, you may get in trouble for not telling about me."
Ellen's frown then turn into small smile, "Oh, you worry about me?"
"I don't like causing trouble to other, even if it's unintentional. If it's an enemy, I can make exceptions," as Fenris made a similar smile.
"I was surprised you accepted me so quickly before Dinant. I thought you were more cautious when dealing with mercenaries."
"When I first saw you, I can tell you are one of good heart. The fact you prefer acceptance over wealth after the battle proves it." Fenris was still skeptical, but then he remembered what she said after the battle.
"Ellen, when you said…"
Before their conversion could continue, they noticed that Lim and the prisoner Tigre approaching them.
"We have company."
"Ah, you're here."
Fenris stayed silent and listened to the conversation between Ellen, Lim and Tigre. Lim politely greeted him, showing her respect for him. Yet he was bothered that Lim had to wake up Tigre, who overslept by putting her sword in her mouth. Ellen was just amused by this and remained outgoing despite her status. She even let him call her and Lim by their causal name.
She then changed topics, "Lord Vorn. Due to our pact between our countries, you will be treated as my prisoner of war. If the ransom we requested from Brune isn't received in fifty days' time, you will be officially be mine. Will this be acceptable?"
Fenris then took part in the conversation, "It been ten days since the battle of Dinant Plains. There only forty days left before the deadline."
Tigre shook when Fenris spoke, but nevertheless nodded in acceptance. Despite he didn't harm him in any way since becoming a prisoner, he couldn't shake a nervous feeling whenever he was near him. Fenris know that Tigre witness from a distance during the battle of Dianant Plain, the clash between Brune's soldiers against Fenris. As if he could call it a clash, for it actually a massacre.
'…That day, he was like a demon! When we arrived here, he was friendly and respectful… I can't seem to understand him…'
His thought was broken when Ellen then told him about the ransom. It completely shocked him on the amount of money needed to release him, '…the amount is three years of revenue that Alsace makes!'
Fenris raised his eyebrow, yet he was also shocked inside, "That is way too much for a mere ransom of a young noble. It was almost like she doesn't want him to leave…"
"…Is it possible to reduce the amount?"
"No."
'Nope, she doesn't want him to leave what so ever,' as he heard Tigre's question and Ellen's answer. Tigre was deep in thought before speaking.
"So... why did call me to the training grounds?"
Ellen then smiled as she pointed to a target that was a distance away. "Of course, I was hoping for you to shoot an arrow from here and hit that target." She said with a smile.
Fenris took a quick scan of the distance from he was standing to the target, "300 meters, a distance that goes beyond the maximum range of bows. Even an expert would be troubled to hitting something that far. A well-designed bow would help mitigate the issue though."
"Fenris, is there is any chance you're mastery of weapons include bows?" He realized that she was here and heard him make an accurate range prediction.
"Yes, I am also an expert archer. I also know how to properly handle a crossbow." Fenris then saw Ellen's smile became bigger.
"Well Fenris, what about this? Would you join Vorn in hitting the target?"
Tigre shook when she said that he would be taking shots alongside each other, but was able to calm himself down. Fenris had a thoughtful look for a few seconds and then nodded.
"Excellent. I will be watching from the other side." She was then at the other side, sitting near the targets and the expression was like happy child.
Fenris watches as Tigre received a bow and four arrows from a soldier with shoulder-length black hair. He saw that the bow at a glance, not one of good quality.
'Who made that bow!? The worst bow I used in Skyrim was much better than that?' In Skyrim, there were a number of people who were skilled fletchers and bow makers. They take pride with their work, so whoever made that bow wasn't even trying.
He then noticed that some of the soldiers were smiling when Tigre was holding the bow. 'So that how it is? I expected better from these men…' He narrowed his eyes in displeasure.
Then a soldier approached him, "Will I get you your own bow Fenris?" He shook his head, "There is no need. I already have my own set."
The soldier was startled when Fenris raised his left hand and a purple orb appeared. Everyone watched in awe as when the orb dispersed, a ghostly bow appeared in his hand along a quiver with arrows appeared on his back.
"Behold my Bounded Bow…"
He gripped the bow and it appeared to be warping before the bow stabilized itself once more. Many thought he was being intimidating, but that was actually not the case.
"I let you make the first shot."
"…Ok."
Fenris and Tigre was side-by-side looking at the targets ahead. Tigre felt that he was at a disadvantage, seeing that the ghostly bow was no doubt superior to the bow he was using. Nevertheless, he took the first shot…
And it only went as far as 200 meters before hitting the ground, not even close to the target.
The men watching laughed at Tigre for his poor shot. Lim looked irritated and Ellen had a displeased look on her face after seeing the poor performance of the first shot.
It was then Fenris's turn and when he made his shot, everyone was taken by surprised…
For it went a further distance than Tigre's at 250m, but was off course towards the left.
The men was now silent that Fenris, a powerful warrior in their eyes, made a poor shot like Tigre. Even Lim and Ellen were surprised of the shot. Tigre was quiet of what he had witnessed, but Fenris nudged him.
"It your turn now."
Tigre took a deep breath and made his second shot, which ended up hitting the castle wall and far from target to the right. Fenris then made his shot, but the shot only went as far as 100 meters, even less than Tigre's first shot. Now the soldiers around were muttering among themselves as they witness the sight before them.
"This prisoner is a poor shot, but Fenris is surprisingly as well!"
"I thought that Fenris could outdo the prisoner in this!"
"Could Fenris not ever wielded a bow before and his spell was just for show?"
Despite all the chatter, Fenris kept a calm expression and it confused Tigre as he was looking at his face. 'His stance and expression, he was a skilled archer like me. But why is he doing poorly? It like the bow he is using is like what I am using…'
"Two more shots. Let see if we can make them count." Fenris told Tigre with a smile, which confused him even more. He nevertheless prepared for his third shot and then noticed that Fenris was narrowing his eyes at something.
He then turned his eyes towards the direction that Fenris was looking at. There was a shadowly figure on the wall behind Ellen and was wielding an arbalest, which was aimed at her. Realizing what was going to happen, two shouted out to get everyone attention.
"Look out!"
"Assassin!"
However, the shot was fired and making its way to Ellen, yet she was unfazed by the attack.
"…Arifal."
With a mutter from her lips, a wind storm surrounded her and deflected the bolt away from her. Tigre looked in shock while Fenris had an interested look.
"What happened?"
"So that sword can also protect its user… Nothing like that ever existed in Skyrim..."
When the assassin made his escape, Lim ordered all the men to capture him. However the archers were not in range to make accurate shots and the men had to climb the walls to reach him.
Fenris then shouted to the men, "Don't fatally injure him! We need to know who hired him!" He had no love for assassins, which started when he was first marked for death in Skyrim. He then turned to Tigre.
"That includes you! Aim for a non-vital spot!" Fenris shouted he warped his bow once again.
"Okay, I will get his foot."
"If that is the case, then I will his arm."
With a focused mind and stance, the two draw their bows and fired their shots. While with their performance with the archery challenge, the shots would hit their mark.
That was not the case as Tigre's shot hit the assassin's leg and Fenris' shot hit his upper arm. The assassin soon fall off the wall, where the soldiers finally were able to catch him. Everyone who witness this were in complete shock.
The men could only mutter of the impossibility of their shots and if their skills were even human. Some were even showing admiration of the feat.
As Tigre and Fenris were relieved that the assassin was captured and they turned to Ellen, who smiling at the both of them.
"Just to be sure, what about the fourth shot?"
"Indeed, we have yet to hit the target?"
She then shook her head. "That is enough for the day. You both have done well."
Excluding the incident that just happened, the rest of the day went out without any problems.
By the next morning, Fenris was in Ellen's office along with Tigre and Lim. He had his weapons, but he was now in his causal clothing which was worn under his armor. It consist of a black shirt, tan pants and a pair of boots which was provided by the soldiers by his request.
As an extra precaution for his equipment besides locking his quarters, he requested a strong chest with a lock and then he casted an Ash Rune in his quarters. The runes when activated will immobilized any intruders, allowing for a safe capture and no collateral damage. His armor was a fine prize after all.
"Seems he can get up on time." He see that Tigre got up when Lim called him. He could also fell an aura around her, as fitting for someone keeping an eye on a prisoner of war. Despite the state he was in, Tigre remain quiet as he listened to Ellen.
"I am sorry about yesterday." She lowered her head as he had a surprised look, but Fenris was expecting this. Her own soldiers after all made a fool of Tigre during the archery challenge, which she had high expectation. "The bow given to you, to think they would give you one of such low quality."
Fenris had a thoughtful look, "Looks like my eyes were correct." Since he was a master smith and made his own equipment, he developed an eye for looking into quality. He was indifferent when he heard what Ellen said with a frown.
"Those three men will lose their heads…"
"Wait a moment."
He listened as Tigre spoke in panic about Ellen's decision. "I know what they done was a trick, but this is going too far."
"Those men tried to disgrace and humiliate you. Isn't death a suitable punishment for such actions?"
"Can you forgive them this once?"
Fenris looked closely at Tigre. Despite all that he been through, he was willing to forgive even those who were supposedly his enemies. 'You are one interesting person Tigre. Not many in my world would forgive such actions. Then again, I would give them one chance to redeem themselves.'
Despite retaining her frown, Ellen agreed. "If that what you wished, I will do so. But it will not happen again."
It was then Tigre asked a question that was in his mind since yesterday. "By the way, yesterday, why did you have me and Fenris do something like that?"
"It was to clear any dissatisfaction among the army." Everyone then turned to Fenris as finally spoke. "During the trip back after the battle, I spoke to some of the soldiers and it seems that they were not pleased of you being her captive, including Lim. Those men giving you a poor bow yesterday was no doubt to their displeasure."
Lim nodded, "This is true. She has never taken any prisoners during her campaigns and yet decided to take you captive."
"I am your first prisoner of war…" His words was directed to Ellen. "Yes. There was also a foolish rumor that I fell in love with you at first sight."
Tigre was shocked of her words and had a blush on his face. Fenris however was not though since he heard those rumors when he was training the men. He had no idea why the men made such a rumor. "Actually, I fell in love your skill with the bow."
It was then that the topic changed to her real reason of taking Tigre prisoner and describing the battle at Dinant. She thought it was going to be a brutal fight since her army was numbering 5,000 men and Brune's was 5 times the size. Despite making many plans, the initial plan that was the surprise attack was very successful. The rear of Brune's army was weaker than the front and fell with ease. The Prince of Brune who was commanding the army fell in battle, yet Tigre didn't have a grudge on Ellen when she asked. Despite the victory against overwhelming numbers, she was disappointed of how easily the enemy fell.
"And then I met you." The conversion then moved to Tigre's display of the bow when he spotted Ellen and her escort meeting with Ellen after the battle. Despite the losses that have occurred, his fighting spirit was not dimmed. While his spots have failed to Ellen, Fenris and her soldiers, it was enough to impress her enough to take her prisoner.
"I am to blame for the victory. Using my powers in the battle have surely demoralized them. If I didn't use my spells, then you would find the battle would be less disappointing for you." Fenris felt he was the trump card at Dinant as the later stages of the battle has led many enemy soldiers to flee for their lives when they saw him. Everyone turned to him as he spoke those words.
"I don't blame you Fenris. My men had thoughts that many of them wouldn't survive the battle. Your display of force have caused many to flee and thus minimize my army's casualties. It also cleared their doubt of you, since many praised you after the battle. I remember you said you prefer acknowledgement than money, a noble quality for a mercenary." Ellen spoke to him with a proud smile.
He could help to a small smile at her response as Tigre suddenly interrupted, "I can't really understand how you act Fenris." Everyone then turned to him as he continued, "I witness you during the battlefield. Seeing you kill those soldiers with unnatural ease made me think you were a demon. But here, you are both friendly and respectful. It's like there is two sides of you…"
Fenris could only make a small laugh. "I have to admit that you are brave, since many would fled by seeing in action. But I will nevertheless answer your question." He moved to the window and looked outside with a thoughtful look.
"Why do I have a noble spirit while I find fighting to be as natural as breathing? Why do I treated my friends with honesty while I treated my enemies with cruelty? I was a hero to my people in my homeland and yet it was gained after fighting in bloody battlefields. I had the power to force many to bow to my will and yet I resist such dark temptation." Fenris continue to look out the window with his hand at his back.
He then turned to Ellen, Lim and Tigre as they continue to listen. "Despite being a powerful warrior, I prefer to do what I wish yet I helped those in need that I come across. I am indeed a complicated man; wanting to be a wanderer and hero at the same time," as he made a small laugh as he continued on.
"I heard back in my homeland, that as long their find it justifiable in their eyes, heroes have little need to question their own actions. Ellen chose to take you prisoner despite taking no prisoners before, so she in no doubt thought of the action to be in her eyes, justifiable. It the same as me, for I found it justifiable that I could be one's best friend or cruelest foe."
He smiled at Tigre as he began to end his talk. "Despite what happened at Dinant, I am in the service of Ellen. I have nothing to gain from harming prisoners, so I will not lay a scratch on you unless she changes her mind."
Ellen, Lim and Tigre could only watch in awe at Fenris's words. The way he spoke is like he was as much as a scholar and philosopher as he was a warrior.
'He is much interesting than I thought. He studied more than just combat…'
'I always thought he was just a skilled warrior, but it seems he proved me wrong again…'
'He gave his answer, but I ended up having more questions than answers…'
Fenris then took a deep breath and changed to another topic. "So Tigre, you properly wondering why I made those poor shots from before?"
"…Ah yeah." Tigre was surprised when Fenris plainly said his name instead of being formal.
"Well I saw how bad the bow you were provided just by looking at it, so I know I will have an unfair advantage over you. When you saw when I warped my Bounded Bow after I conjured it, I actually manipulated its properties so it matches yours.
Everyone was shocked what Fenris said and he just made a small laugh. "I know that expression. I chose to weaken my bow so I could have a fair match. Even if Tigre is a prisoner and enemy, showing courtesy and respect can go a long way for one's heart."
He then made a smile at Tigre, "There no doubt you're skills with a bow supress mine. I had to warped my bow back to its full strength to make my shot at the Assassin, but you made yours with the same bow you were given." Tigre wasn't sure to be happy to hear him praise his skill.
Fenris then looked at Ellen and lowered his head, "Sorry for interrupting you. I know you were about to continue on before I spoke." He then saw her make a smile and crossed her arms.
"There is no need to be sorry. The way you give your answer really impress me. It shows you are more than a mere mercenary. Your skills and beliefs… Letting you continue to wander the world would be a waste of your skills." She then turned to Tigre, "and with your talent with a bow, it would be a pity to kill you." Ellen then give the two an offer that caught their attention.
"Will you both serve me?"
Author's Note:
Sorry for the long wait. Last semester at my college have both stressed me out and taken most of time. During the break after the final exams, I had a period of writer's block due to not writing for a while. I wrote about half of this chapter some time after I posted the first chapter, but only recently I was able to finish it as best I could.
I only taking 3 courses this semester, so I would have more time to write. I also regained some of my creativity, so I should also be more active in my writing. My update time isn't fixed, so please be patient for any posting. I have also updated my other stories, so look into them if you wish.
I also recently learned of the light novel "Gate: Jieitai Kano Chi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri" and found its concept to be interesting. I ended up having an idea of having this very concept in a crossover, which a modern world of one fiction became connected to a fantasy world of another. I decided on this because I prefer to use fictions I am familiar with and "Gate" is something I have NOT heard of until recently.
Since I am already familiar with the fiction and there isn't much posted in its category, I felt that Madan no Ou to Vanadis would be suitable fantasy world. For the modern world, I had some thoughts but I had something that would be rather radical. I was thinking of posting one chapter of this new story next week, but I need to think if the story would be suitable or not.
This may be the last time I would be posting a new story for a while as I don't want to divert too much of time away from updating my existing stories. I will leave a teaser of my new story. As for the modern world connected to it, the only hint is that it is related to C&C.
Update - Sept 17, 2015
I found that I mistype my Author's Note, which I have now fixed. I have to clarify to everyone that I know little about "Gate: Jieitai Kano Chi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri". My future story only take the concept of a portal to another world and that is it. I prefer to write stories that I am familiar for a while now, so be aware that when I post the story, it is technically not a true "Gate" crossover. As I stated before, the medieval world would be the Vanadis world. As for the modern world, please read the teaser for a good hint.
I am sorry to any reader who may be disappointed after reading this update note.
Teaser
Hundreds of battles were waged on this world…
In the middle of a Mexican desert, an Allied armored column made their way to attack a secret Epsilon research base rushing the construction of their defenses.
They fight for everlasting freedom…
In the vast hills of Poland, which a Soviet mechanized company is at a stalemate against a fortified line of dug-in Allied infantries bravely holding the line.
They fight for everlasting power…
Somewhere on Russia's eastern coast, an Epsilon strike force were slowly laying waste to a Soviet tank battalion, who are fighting to the bitter end.
They fight for everlasting control…
On a digitalized picture of the world map, number of regions around the globe had red dots appearing, showing the ever rising conflict between the three factions. Then three black dots appeared suddenly.
Then anomalous portals appeared…
At the edge of Oslo, Norway, a dragon appeared out the portal and wreak havoc on the city, only to be brought down when harriers struck its head using their HEAT missiles.
Close to Kazan, Russia, researchers investigate the remains of such a beast that terrorized the city and taken down by a volley of shells from rhino heavy tanks.
Somewhere in Antarctica, where Epsilon's basilisks successfully incapacitated one without killing it so it could be studied and hopefully cloned for their use.
Conflict once again reignited…
In a fortified base near the portal at Oslo, an expeditionary force is being mustered. They consist of Allied companies from the United States army and specialized units from the European Federation and the Pacific Front.
In a massive base near the portal at Kazan, an invasion force is being prepared. They include detachments of elites from the Russian army and experienced groups from the Latin Confederation and China.
In a research base near the portal in Antarctica, an investigation force is being reviewed. They have divisions of the best Epsilon could get from the PsiCorps and veterans from the Scorpion Cell and from their Headquarters' own defense force.
In a new world…
In the middle of a vast plains, forces of the Allies and the Soviets batter each other to submission as onlookers from a nearby village could only watch in shock at the carnage. From both sides, tanks are blasted into scrap metal and infantry fall to the group in a hail of bullets.
At the outskirts of a fortified city, knights and soldiers could only watch in awe of the Allied archon A.M.C.s moving towards their gates. They were in complete shock when the leading one stopped, opened its back and soldiers moved out. With them was a silver-haired figure they clearly recognized.
Somewhere in a snowy forest, a firefight between soldiers those of the Soviets and Epsilon rages on. An army with medieval armor and weapons charged in, only for them to torn to pieces by the two sides, who then reengaged with each other once again.
Within a burning village, many villagers were running for their lives as their homes slowly turn to ash. Behind them were Soviet pyros, silently walking with their flamethrowers primed. Screams filled the village as the stream of flames hit their mark.
Close to a besieged town, the Epsilon attackers were stalled in their tracks by the Allied defenders. The villagers were being escorted and guarded by the defenders as the attackers tried to push forward to destroy them and then capture the town as an outpost.
Nearby a castle, many were filled with terror as Epsilon invaders hover towards them. Many fled inside, hoping the stone walls would protect them. Their hope was shattered as lasers hit the walls, dissolving the stone and would in time breach the defenses.
War will no longer be bounded to one world…
A silhouette of a young man in an army uniform stand with screens of the ongoing battles in the new world. His eyes open which his left eye is deep green, but his right eye is an unnatural blue. Zooming into his right eye, the screen changed to what it look like a tactical map.
A pair of silver wings with shining blue outlines digitized onto the map screen. Soon, an ornate silver medieval sword follow-up with the digitization, right in the middle of the pair of wings. Finally, a line of words appear in the middle of now completed symbol saying…
Dimensional Omega.
If you have any thoughts about it, let me know.