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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 8
After their stay in Rodnick, Fenris along with everyone else were back on the road, returning back to their respective territories. Everyone was advancing on their horses, but the atmosphere of the entire group was quiet at best.
Ludmila was glaring coldly at Tigre while Ellen merely smiled as she watches the two and Lim just merely looked at him.
Fenris, in the center of the group, merely sighed as it was found that what happened last night planned out by Ellen. Yet the plan was for Tigre and Fenris to walk on Ludmila as she took her bath. Fenris was the only one of the pair to not fall for her ploy, so it was somewhat successful.
As they traveled down the path and ended up in a thick forest, Ellen spoke to Ludmila.
"You said you wanted to see what kind of man Tigre and Fenris was. Did you achieve your goal?"
"Yes. I understand the two quite well."
Ludmila first spoke her thoughts about Tigre, which her expression and tone was quite cold as she gazes on Tigre.
"I see that Tigre is a worthless man, but good with his words somewhat. I am not sure why you are with such a man, but he suits you in some manner."
"Okay." Ellen merely replied to Ludmila thoughts as Tigre didn't try to rebut her words due to him getting caught by her because of Ellen's plan.
It was Ludmila then spoke her thoughts about Fenris as she turns her gaze to him. Her expression and tone did a 180 degrees turn as she made a smile.
"However, Fenris is a man of great worth and noble qualities. I don't understand why he chose to follow you, the one who tried to trick him. He could do so much better."
Ellen made a quiet growl as she recalled the talk she had with Fenris this morning. He showed his disappointment in her mischievous plan. While he spoke there is nothing wrong of doing some pranks, it shouldn't be something that would hurt someone; physical or emotional.
"Despite last night, Fenris said he will still follow me despite that."
"Maybe he just looking for an opportunity to find someone more worthy of his skills."
Fenris made an another sigh as he gazes at the two bicker with each other.
'Why can't these two get along.'
As they moved through the forest, he suddenly felt his instincts flare up as he felt hidden eyes upon them. He raised his right hand to gesture them to stop and turned to the group. He saw Ellen's and Ludmila's serious expressions, seeing their instincts came up as well.
"Halt. We are being watched…"
While their surroundings appear to be clear, there are signs that only those with enough combat experience could sense.
"It seems we have assassins surrounding us."
A few moments have passed as the group saw their predicament. The way forward was rigged with steel wires, which could sever flesh with ease on those unfortunate to wander into it. Ellen could use her Dragon Art, Cleave the Air (Ley Adimos), but it would destroy the road and the surrounding trees.
Tigre was almost struck by an arrow if not for his instincts telling to get off his horse. It was then an assassin jump out from the trees and used small blowpipe to fire a needle at him. Ellen however blocked the attack with Arifar, allowing the archer to fire an arrow at the assassin. It struck his head and then the tree behind him.
"The Seven Chains…"
Ludmila spoke as she inspected the corpse. On the dead man's left arm was a tattoo that is shaped like a chain. She told the others that they were a highly-skilled assassin group which work in a group of seven.
'So there are six more assassins' left.' Fenris then casted Detect Life as he left hand channeled an unusual purple shape before it dispersed. The others were momentary startled by the spell, but quickly refocused on the assassins lurking in the woods.
Fenris could now see where the remaining Seven Chains hide by sensing their own life force. Strangely, he only saw there were only able to sense out the six assassins. He also sensed something in a tree close to Lim, but the aura was small. 'I could be just a squirrel, but I know better if these assassins were prepared to ambush us.'
It was then felt one of the auras started to quickly move towards Lim's position from a nearby tree. "Lim, enemy coming your way!"
Suddenly, the assassin came jumped from the branch and lunged at Lim with a knife, only for her to parry the attack and slashed at his neck. As she looked down on the fallen assassin to confirm the kill, Fenris then felt the small aura move towards Lim and saw it was a snake, which launched itself at her.
She failed to react to the snake and would be bitten on the chest if not for Fenris. With his reflexes, he quickly grabbed on the snake with his right hand before it reaches Lim, but the snake bit onto his index finger. Yet, its fangs couldn't pierce the dragonscale gauntlet and Fenris merely squeezes the life out of the snake by tightening his grip.
"Fenris!" Lim shouted in shock, seeing that he put himself in harms way to protect her and saw the snake bite him.
"Don't worry! I am fine!"
As Fenris said that and dropped the dead snake, he felt the remaining assassins jump from their hiding places and saw they were targeting Tigre. Just he was about to channel his magic, he saw Ludmila jump down from her horse with her Dragon Tool in her hand.
"Lavias."
She spoke as she swung the spear and then pierce the ground with just the tip of the spearhead. It was then an aura of cold air surrounded her. Fenris could feel the magic surrounding her as she spoke once more.
"Freeze the Sky (Shero Zam Kafa)."
With a tone that is as cold as the air around her, crystals of ice grew below her and unleashes a barrier of spikes. The assassins were unable to evade them and ended up getting pierced by the icicles. They were killed instantly as their bloodied bodies dangled on the ice.
'So that is her Dragon Art… Even with my frost spells cannot replicate this technique." Fenris watches in awe of Ludmila's technique as she swung her spear, causing the icicles to shatter to tiny pieces and disappear. The technique was without doubt him, the highest possible level that frost spells could reach.
It was Ludmila turned to Fenris with serious eyes as she spoke, "If it wasn't for your armor, that snake would have bitten and poisoned you. Someone like you shouldn't blindly act like that." She saw along with everyone else what he did when the snake lunged to Lim; risking his health to protect her.
"Even if I were to be bitten, I am very resistant to all kinds of poisons and I could merely cure myself with my spells." Fenris responded to her with a somewhat serious tone since he has a clue what Ludmila's thoughts were.
"But someone like you…"
"Ludmila. It is my choice. Please don't question my actions, even if they conflict with your ideals. If it is to save a comrade, I will gladly put my life on the line." Fenris spoke with his words having a stronger tone than before.
She wanted to respond back, but couldn't find the right words. The conversation they had last night showed her how Fenris thinks and acts. Ludmila could tell that he is skilled in debates s and getting into an argument with him would yield no benefits for her. He is also quite devoted to his own ideals and isn't afraid to stand up to those who oppose such ideals, even if he had to draw blood.
Rather risking getting Fenris's ire and further solidifying his ties to Ellen, she instead to walked towards her horse. When Tigre thanked her for assisting them, she merely glanced to him and then to everyone else before leaving.
"Thank you for protecting me Fenris."
After the ambush by the Seven Chains, everyone was making their way to Leitmeritz. Lim was thanking Fenris for assisting her from getting bitten by the snake. He made a smile when he responded.
"Not a problem Lim. When it comes to my comrades, I will put my own life on the line. I know you would do the same for Ellen."
"Yes, I will indeed do the same if Eleanora-sama is in danger..."
Their conversation was interrupted by Ellen, who was at point of the group. "We're not in the palace Lim. You can call me Ellen like old times."
Fenris merely listened to the two as Lim merely as she couldn't do that, likely due to Ellen's status as Vanadis and Ellen in returned sighed. He could tell that their relationship goes deeper; like they knew each other since childhood.
It was then Ellen turned to Fenris and told how grateful for helping Lim.
"Thank you for stooping that snake from reaching Lim. But I was worried you may get bitten in her place."
While showing her worry of what would happen if she did get bitten, Fenris eased her by repeating what he said to Ludmila before she left. Ellen then spoke with amazement of him getting Ludmila to back down, since she knew that her rival doesn't relent in serious discussions. Fenris merely just listen as he looked down the path back to Leitmeritz.
At the back of his head though, he thought of the lone assassin that escaped after his comrades were killed. The assassin quickly left his senses after Ludmila used her Dragon Art and Fenris couldn't give chase, especially that the steel wires that surrounded them. He hoped that the assassin will think twice when re-engaging them, but he knew it wasn't the case due to his past experience with them.
As they were on the way back home, Lim gazes at Fenris and remember how he grabbed onto the snake. While some many wouldn't dare to do so, he didn't without second thought and care if he gets poisoned in the process. Despite having incredible power, Fenris is nevertheless selfless and value the lives of his comrades. Soon her thoughts changed to the image of Fenris looking at her with a smile.
'What am I doing?! I shouldn't be thinking of Fenris like this!' Lim shook her head rid the image from her mind and lucky for her, the others didn't notice her action or the fact she was blushing on her cheeks.
"Olmutz soldiers? Gathered near the border?"
"Yes. They claim to be training and preparing for winter. They numbered about two thousand troops."
Fenris made a frown as he heard the report from a scout. He was in Ellen's office with Tigre and Lim when she began to make her move into Brune after a few days of planning when the report came. From what he heard, Ludmila was at the head of the Olmutz army when they reached the border of Leitmeritz. Fenris could tell it was a pre-emptive strike under the guise of military exercise.
"It seems that Duke Thenardier is much more cunning than his son. He is using his connections well to suit his needs."
Fenris learned that Thenardier communicated with Ludmila recently and was also from what Tigre said, possibly hired the bandits that Tigre took out previously.
No doubt Thenardier wanted to eliminate Tigre before Ellen returns back to Brune to support him. Ludmila was near the border to watch Ellen's actions and act accordingly.
Fenris listened to Ellen, Lim and Tigre discuss about the situation while providing his insight time-to-time. He watched as Ellen asked Tire to make the decision of what to do. As he expected, Tigre chose the option with least conflict.
"Request her army to stand down and return back? It would be good to avoid bloodshed, but she could easily delay her response or reject it outright." Fenris spoke up after hearing Tigre's decision.
"We will put a time limit. If she doesn't leave when the time is up, we will remove her by force." Fenris nodded to the reply and then turned to Ellen and Lim. "
"What are your thoughts?" Ellen and Lim looked at each other and the former made a laugh. Fenris could tell that Ellen is in agreement. On the next day, everyone was with the Leitmeritz's army as they got near the border and sent messengers to Ludmila and requesting her to retreat.
However, Ludmila rejected the request twice and at the end of the time limit, the entire army mobilized to force the Olmutz's army to leave.
It was then the Battle of Vikolin Plains has begun. Both armies unleash a barrage of arrows and multiple cavalry charges. The Leitneritz's cavalry were formidable, but the Olmutz's cavalry were resilient to attacks due to their armor and tenacity. Both sides struggled to get the upper hand with each other.
Ellen and Tigre was commanding her troops from the rear while Lim and Fenris were attacking from the side, seeing that a frontal assault isn't possible. Despite knowing about Fenris's reputation, the soldiers of Olmutz bravely held the line against him despite his unequalled swordplay and powerful spells. Fenris saw that these soldiers have more backbone and resolve than he expected.
The pair and their troops were pushed back though, despite Fenris with them. Little did everyone know that everyone was holding back with his abilities. He saw the conflict to be unnecessary and rather want to display a show of force than mercilessly slay soldiers of Zhcted.
It was soon Tigre entered the fray as a soldier and was able to take down a number of commanders, which forced the Olmutz's army to fall back. However, the Leitmeritz army fell back as well and at the end of the day, the conflict was in a stalemate and both sides took minimal losses.
A few hours after the battle, Fenris was outside looking into the night sky. He sighed as recalled what he learned some time ago. Ludmila was more formidable than he thought since Ellen said that she was the best among the Vanadises in defensive tactics. The Leitmeritz army will be at a disadvantage if they are going on the offensive. However, he was more concerned of the reason of why Ellen and Ludmila have a rivalry with each other.
"I can't believe that they got into one childish fight and they are now at each other throats." He muttered out as he looked at the stars that cover the sky. He knew that Ellen's personality didn't match well with Ludmila, but the fact they let this dragged for two years is ridiculous in his eyes.
It was then his thoughts turned to what he learned about the Dragon Tools that the Vanadises wield. He always had a thought that Arifar had a mind of its own, but what he learned today completely proves it.
'They choose their wielders whenever the previous either dies or become unworthy… And everyone in the kingdom have to accept it… However, that doesn't confirm why they are so welcoming to my presence.'
Fenris then made another sigh before going back to his tent to rest. His greatest question has yet to be fully answered, but today is not the time to think about it. Tomorrow, they intent to intercept Ludmila and the Olmutz's army, who were positioned in Burkina Plains.
It been days since Ellen, Lim, Tigre and Fenris entered Olmutz with the Leitmeritz's army. They struggled against the Olmutz army, who took advantage of the terrain and weather. They were positioned at Tatra Castle, which was said to withstand any siege. The mountain path to the castle was heavily fortified and defenders have stubborn in holding the line. As of now, the Leitmeritz's army have yet to gain an advantage.
Ludmila chose days ago to withdraw back to her stronghold instead to fight in the Burkina Plains. Ellen give chase despite Fenris and Lim provide advice in a strategy that doesn't involve a full-frontal siege. It seems the bad-blood between the two Vanadises won over reason.
Ellen was getting impatient after setbacks and thought of besieging the castle by herself. Lim, Tigre and Fenris had some trouble calming her down and prevent her from doing anything reckless. It was then that Tigre requested to scout for a shortcut towards Tatra Castle; away from the fortified direct path. The request was granted and Ellen allocated Fenris to support Tigre during the search.
Tigre was given a bear fur mantle to withstand the cold when he ventures into the mountains, but Fenris went in with his dragonscale armor, including the helm. As of now, they were on this mission in the mountains for a few days and they were currently resting near a tree after scouting for a possible path.
The terrain in the mountain was staggering to another who ventured into there. The snow on the ground was deep and handers movement, the cold air could drain the strength from one's body and it was easy to get lost in the deep woods. Tigre struggled against the dangers, but was surprised of Fenris's incredible resilience to the cold and was surprisingly comfortable being in such a hostile environment.
Which the latter said that his homeland of Skyrim had a geography that is similar if not more hostile than Olmutz. While Tigre struggled with the cold as it sapped his stamina, Fenris remained unfazed by the environment and merely used Flames to make fires to provide warmth.
The two were currently resting as Fenris finished making a fire and sat next to Tigre, who was rubbing his hands near the flame.
"Tigre, our water supply is alright, but we are getting low on food. We cannot stay out here for too long."
"I know. We have about two days left, but I know the shortcut is around here somewhere."
"Easier said than done."
The two then left their position and kept on moving despite seeing nothing but trees and snow. Despite Fenris's abilities and efforts, Tigre's willpower began to waver and had difficulty staying awake. It was when the weather suddenly became more hostile that Tigre had to constantly fight off the dangers of utter exhaustion. The winds became unrelenting enough that even a fire was difficult to maintain, which was essential for Tigre to stay warm.
It was when on the third day hen Tigre collapsed into the snow is when Fenris decided Tigre is at the limit of his endurance. With his unnatural strength and stamina, he quickly carried Tigre back to the main camp. After giving him to Ellen and explaining on how to treat his condition, he returned back to the mountains to complete the mission.
After splitting up with Tigre, Fenris moved through the unforgiving terrain with ease, using his past experience of traversing the mountains of Skyrim. While the weather started to calm down, it was nevertheless difficult to see possible landmarks or places of interest for future reference.
He then decided to take a rest before he ventured out once more. However, he felt his dragon sense come out once more as was about to use Flame to create a fire.
"At a time like this…" He muttered out.
He got his answer when a loud roar came from a distance ahead of them. Best of the volume of the roar, the dragon was close and most likely something to prey on.
Fenris bolted quickly to the possible location of the dragon and soon heard something crash into the ground, just past the trees ahead of him. He was about 300 meters away when his dragon sense began to tell him that the dragon was more powerful than the previous one he fought.
"Ellen would have taken advantage of this since it is in Ludmila's territory, but I know better."
He muttered as he kept on moving. He knew the nature of his world's dragons and how most would choose to discriminately attack anything in their path to how their dominance. As long such dragons existing in this world, no one is safe.
Going for a sneak attack, he moved closer until he was behind a tree, which separates him from the dragon which he gaze from the corner of the trunk. The dragon has bronze scaling, arrow-like tip on its tail, a bony ridge on its back and was larger than the previous Fenris fought before. Lucky for him, it was looking at the right as it made another roar.
Just as he was going to make his move, he heard a loud voice which he recognized, which causes his eyes to widen. He quickly gaze ahead and saw a recognizable figure, who was looking at the dragon in the eyes dangerously close. She quickly raised her Dragon Tool Lavias to use her Dragon Art against it.
"A dragon? Here? No matter… Cielo Zam Ka…!"
'Ludmila…!?'
"ZUN HAAL VIIK!"
Fenris then witness the dragon unleash it Shout and saw it was Disarm, which could with all three words could blow away any weapon from one's hands, regardless of how tight the user gripped their weapons. The blast has little effect on Ludmila herself, but her Dragon Tool was suddenly blown off her hands and the spear tip became lodged in a tree behind her as considerable distance away.
Realizing that Ludmila was effectively defenseless since the Shout blew the weapon away from her hands, he quickly channeling Bound Bow and grasping its ethereal form.
He saw that she was shaking out of fear, for she was deprived of her Dragon Tool and certainly about to be killed by the dragon, which was started to laugh at how helpless she was.
"Foolish mortal... Thinking you have a chance against me…" The dragon spoke as it stared into Ludmila's eyes. She was however speechless as the dragon laughed at her. She felt her pride and composure break down as fear and dread clouded her thoughts as she took a few steps back. Despite her abilities, she was disarmed of Lavias with ease.
'This cannot be happening…! A talking dragon…!'
She felt the end when she laid her eyes on the dragon's teeth as it opened it mouth. Ludmila felt tears building up in her eyes as she was about to suffer a fate unfit for a Vanadis. If she tried to run away in fear, she would lose her pride as Vanadis due to cowardice. But if she doesn't run, would be surely killed…
Deep down, she prayed for a miracle that would save her from such a fate.
"Ludmila!"
As if her miracle was granted, ethereal arrows struck on the dragons. She quickly turned to the direction where the arrows came from as the dragon recoiled from the pain.
Ludmila's eyes widened as she witnessed the one who fired the arrows. Out of all the things she could find in unforgiving mountains, he was the most unexpected.
"Fenris! What are you…?!" Even with his face covered by the helm, Ludmila could easily tell by his dragonscale armor.
"We can talk later! Get out of here! I will take care of the dragon!" Fenris shouted as he ran towards the dragon.
"But…"
They were interrupted by the dragon roaring once more and turned towards Fenris's direction. He could see that the dragon's hatred in its eyesas he kept on charging.
"Dovahkiin…! You will pay dearly for that with your very soul!"
"Not if I take yours instead…"
It prepared to unleash another shout as it raised its head up. Fenris noticed this and took a defensive stance; dispersing his Bound Bow and drew his katanas.
"YOL TOOR SHUL!"
Using Fire Breath, the dragon releases a powerful stream of fire from its mouth, but Fenris countered it with his own shout of the opposite; Frost Breath.
"FO KRAH DIIN!"
From his mouth, a similar powerful stream came out, but one of frost of ice and it struck the dragon's fire. Both attacks canceled each other out and in its place, a large cloud of steam which dissipate quickly due to the cold environment.
'A dragon that uses Fire Breath… Best to use my frost spells here…' Due to his experience with fighting dragons, he noticed that dragons that uses fire or frost are more vulnerable to the opposing element. He used this practice against the frost dragon previously and the same will apply to this one.
Fenris charged at the dragon and the two clashed with killing intent radiating from their eyes. The dragon attempted to bite at his foe, but Fenris dodged its attacks and slash at its head multiple time in the process. It also tried to stomp at him, but his foe merely dodges its feet with quick reflexes.
Ludmila could only watch as the two battled each other to the death. She watched as Fenris stabbed his katanas to the ground and unleash an array of Ice Spears at the dragon as it prepared to use Fire Breath again. He merely rolled to the side and unleashed Dragonrend which not only disorientated it, but also prevent it from focusing enough to take flight.
"JOOR ZAH FRUL!"
As the dragon roared in pain and confusion, Ludmila found it hard to breathe at the scene before here. She saw his usage of magic at the previous battle days ago, but to see it up close was a different matter. And the way he created a breath of frost… How he charged at the dragon and was actually holding his own against the creature. She could do nothing watch the battle that is displayed before her in silence.
'Fenris… I never expected you to be this powerful… To be this brave…' That was all she could think off as the battle between Fenris and the dragon for a few more minutes.
Despite the dragon's vicious attacks, the battle was going into Fenris's favour. The dragon was much more aggressive and reckless than he thought. The dragon kept on attacking him and has given him many openings for him to exploit. It has already had a significant number of deep wounds, which Fenris agitated with using Frostbite, but it still kept on moving through the pain.
'This battle is easier than I thought. I don't think I need to bring in Odahviing after all. Then again, I would end up breaking my word if I did.' Since Fenris didn't agree to this conflict between Ellen and Ludmila, so he said he will not drag Odahviing into the conflict regardless of the situation. Ellen was unhappy of his decision, but nevertheless honored it since it could harm their relationship if she against his wishes.
The fighting continued for a few more minutes until the dragon made a reckless attempt to bite Fenris when he intentionally lowered his guard. Using this opportunity, Fenris trusted his katanas into an open wound on the dragon's neck. It roared in pain from the blades entering its flesh before it slumps down to the ground lifeless.
"Its over…" Ludmila could only mutter out as the battle reached its conclusion. She couldn't help but be amazed that Fenris had barely a scratch on him while inflicting many wounds on the dragon. But her greatest surprise was when the dragon's corpse began to glow.
Her eyes widened when a powerful flow of energy came from the corpse and entered Fenris, who merely looked at the body as it became nothing but bones and scales.
"I did say I will take your soul instead…" Fenris walked towards Ludmila, who was startled of what happened.
"Are you okay Ludmila?"
"Why… Why did you save me…?" While overjoyed of being saved from certain death and wanted to know what Fenris did, Ludmila's thought returned to ones of rationality. She and Fenris were of opposing sides, so it was reasonable for him to let the dragon kill her before he engages it. "You could have let the dragon kill me and be on your way. Eleonora…"
He merely made a smile as he shook his head, "I may choose to serve Ellen, but I never blindly follow her and her orders. I always act on my own judgement and letting you die will not help me or Ellen in any form."
"But Eleonora would be pleased that I…"
"Even if she is pleased that you are gone, Ellen will be force the fallout of having a hand in the death of a fellow Vanadis. She would no doubt suffer a loss of reputation and the territories that you two govern will be at each other throats."
Ludmila wanted to refute his words but Fenris merely put his finger near her lips, gesturing her to be silent.
"I will say again what I said days ago at Rodrick, my choices are mine and mine alone. I will not listen to those who oppose my choices. It is my choice that I saved you and that is that. I may choose to serve Ellen, but I will not allow her to dictate everything in my life."
Despite having conflicting thoughts of Fenris's beliefs and actions, Ludmila merely nodded, being grateful of him saving her life despite being supposedly enemies.
Fenris helped her get Lavias out of the tree, which it greeted him with a strong yet gentle chill on the face. Fenris felt that it was out of thanks for saving Ludmila. He swore that the Dragon Tool was overjoyed when he felt a pleasant chill on his hands when he grasped the shaft to pull it out.
When he turned around was about to leave, Ludmila stopped him by touching his shoulder.
"What are you doing Ludmila. It would be best that we part ways and pretend we never seen each other."
"Not until you answer some of my questions… Like why are you in the mountains…"
Fenris sighed as he turned around to her. "I guess I could have a chat with you until I return back. But I am glad that even as enemies, we could show courtesy with each other."
It was then he noticed a small smile on Ludmila's face.
The two were resting some distance away from their initial positon and were taking a rest as they sat around a fire. They were currently having a bowl of stew made with fox meat, which Ludmila got from hunting a fox when they walked to where they are now. Fenris took off his helm as he began to eat his bowl of stew.
At the moment, they were just people chatting next to a fire, not enemies driven to spill each other's blood.
Fenris was impressed that Ludmila could use a bow as well as her Dragon Tool. He could see that she had a bow and quiver to go hunting, but it was strange that she was alone in the mountains without support.
It was then Ludmila began to speak her questions. "So what are you doing here Fenris? Did Eleonora send you here?"
"No, I saw the dragon enter the mountains and was granted permission by Ellen to give chase. She was worried that the dragon would attack her troops, so I was sent to hunt it down. I expected the mountains to be desolate of people, so I was quite surprised to see you."
"Is that so…" Ludmila couldn't see any deceit in his voice, she felt he was speaking the truth and their meeting here was coincidence.
'Look like she bought it.' As much as Fenris dislikes lying to people other then those of dark intentions, but it was necessary for this situation.
Ludmila than asked him next about what he did to the dragon that attacked her, which spoke about his status as Dragonborn in detail. She was speechless that he not only absorbs the souls of the dragons he defeats, but also gain their knowledge as well. She didn't say anything else regarding that and continue eating.
After eating their bowls, he watched as she scoops some snow with her bowl. She melted it over the fire and cleaned it in the process, only to put in a new batch to make hot water. It was then Ludmila took out a cup and two crystal bottles. From one, she put in some dry black seeds and from the other. After putting in the hot water, she then put jam from the other bottle.
Fenris then received the cup from Ludmila saw the warm red liquid inside. "Ludmila, is this the tea you said before?"
She responded with a smile, "Yes. I will warm both your body and mind, especially in this weather."
Fenris then took a sip of the tea and found it to be delicious. He even found to be better tasting then the ale and mead that his people are so fond off. He saw a pleased expression of Ludmila's face when he complimented the tea she made.
It was soon he decided to ask her why she was in the mountains alone, which he learned that she was relieving her stress that he obtain from her duties.
"If you need to speak your mind, I am a good listener. I promise not tell anyone what I have learned here today."
"If someone who could kill a dragon by himself, you are quite gentle."
It was when Ludmila told Fenris about herself in manner like a girl her age. She spoke that due to the pride as a Vanadis that was part of her family for generations, she had to withhold her emotions and thus her true thoughts. He listened intently to her as she spoke.
Fenris was pleased that Ludmila actually hated Duke Thenardier, but since her family made a partnership with the Thenardier family eighty years, so is bound to follow through with it. He could tell that Ludmila has a lot of responsibility to follow out her duties to her family and as a Vanadis.
"I remember what you said about your about yourself in in Rodnick. You said you were blessed to be born a commoner and not bound by the responsibilities of being noble…"
"Does that bother you Ludmila?"
She shook her head in response. "No. A part of me actually envy you; to freely express your thoughts and have the bravery to stand-up to those who disagree with your words…"
Fenris closed his eyes as he took everything in from what he heard. He was pleased that Ludmila is one with good intentions, but her pride in her family and as Vanadises prevented her from expression how she truly feels. He took a deep breath as he began to speak his thoughts about the ongoing conflict.
"Ludmila, you can disregard what I am going to say right now, but I wish you give it some thought."
"What do you want to say?"
"I could see in your eyes that you fight for the best interest of your people and family, but this conflict between you and Ellen is something I cannot accept. Your armies should be fighting your kingdom's foes than fighting each other. Ellen and Thenardier will be clashing with each other, that I can assure you. Yet, there is no need for you or armies to get involve in their conflict. You can reject his as you wish, but is it possible for you to stay neutral?"
"Are you saying…"
"I am not asking you to be allies with Ellen. You don't need to provide any kind of support to her, but I wish for you to do the same for Thenardier. While traditions and values are important to many people like yourself, sometimes those have to be broken for betterment of everyone; allies, subjects, even yourself."
Fenris made a deep breath as he looked Ludmila in the eyes and spoke with a pained smile.
"It is my choice to speak out those words, but it is also your choice to give them some thought or not. I will not hold it against you if you reject them. After all, through my contract with Ellen, the two of us are essential enemies. If you wish to throw insults for what I said, then I will just endure it."
Ludmila couldn't say a word after listening to Fenris. She merely looked at him in the eyes with a surprised look as she tried to find the right words to say. She would be angry at him for telling to declare neutrality; ending the conflict with Ellen despite having the advantage, but Fenris wasn't like an ordinary person.
He was willing to speak his own thoughts without any fear of reprisals and was no doubt willing to back up his words, even with force if necessary.
"I… I'll keep that in mind…"
Fenris made a small smile after hearing her response. "Thank you."
It was a few moments later that they left their separate ways. Ludmila made her way back to Tarta Fortress, but was unaware of Fenris trailing her in secret. He kept a further distance away from her, which would result in losing the target quickly. However, Fenris made use of Clairvoyance, a spell which allows him to find the quickest route to objective. Since kept in his mind that trailing Ludmila was his objective, the spell created a trail which only he could see.
It was through this that Fenris was able to find an alternative route to Tarta Fortress, which he saw from the cliff was without doubt the most fortified fort he ever seen.
'Even if we reached the fortress, do we have the firepower to breach it…'
He kept that in mind as he made his way back to Ellen.
After returning back to camp and after taking a long rest, Fenris give Ellen the heads-up that he found an alternative path to Tarta Fortress. Tigre was there at time, which Fenris was happy that he recovered from the ordeal in the mountains.
He also told of how he found a dragon from his that threaten Ludmila's life and slew it to save her. Along with the facts was when he and Ludmila talked a bit and he was treated to her tea, which he was able to convince her that he was sent to the mountains to hunt down the dragon.
Ellen was clearly displeased of Fenris's decision of helping Ludmila with her predicament, but didn't make a single complaint and ask anything about the conversation that he and Ludmila shared. Seeing that he wouldn't bring Odahviing to help since he disagrees with the conflict, he would be much more vocal if she told him that he should have left Ludmila to her fate.
She made a huff as muttered. "Even if you become my subject, you would still act as you wish…"
When they along with Lim made the battle plans, he showed some concern of he it was to go. He and Ellen were to lead 100 soldiers up the alternative path while Tigre and Lim were to lead the remaining forces against the mountain path. Fenris said that the defenses were light, but warned that since Ludmila met him, she would surely fortify her position, but Ellen went through with the plan anyway.
He and Lim could feel that they both share the same dissatisfaction of what they have to do, but they nevertheless carried on their duties.
With the path that he discovered, He along with Ellen made their way to Tarta Fortress with their troops. When they arrived at the front of the fortress, they saw it was more fortified than expected.
Just as Fenris feared.
"They fortified their position… Like I assumed…"
Originally, they were no parameters in front the fortress's gate and they were a hand of sentries on the walls itself. Now they were numerous barriers in front of them and more archers were stationed at the wall.
While Fenris gave his thought of a withdrawal, Ellen insisted of moving forward and was confident that with her Dragon Tool in hand, she could bring down the gate.
He put his hand on her shoulder with a concerned look. "It is too risky Ellen. The archers will be raining arrows at you. I wish no harm to fall upon you."
Ellen felt her face heat up a bit after hearing his concerns while looking at his face. She then grabbed him by his collar and soon their foreheads were touching. This time, Fenris felt his face heat up and yet was barely noticeable.
"You need to give chances to let me look good." She whispered out with a smile and let go of him.
She declares that the gate will fall before her and when it falls, the rest will charge in to take the fortress. Despite the risks of the plans, the men didn't show hesitation. While Fenris was hesitate with her intentions, he didn't show it on his face.
After giving her orders, Ellen ran towards the gate will gripping Arifar on her waist. Fenris looked at her in shock as she effectively made herself a target for the archers on the walls.
"The Dragon who bring us victory, be with us."
She then unsheathed the sword and raised above her head, collecting the wind blowing across the landscape and gathering on the blade. She was preparing her Dragon Art to bring the gate down.
"Cleave the Air (Ley Adimos)!"
With a cry, she swung Arifar and unleashed a powerful stream of wind towards the gate. While the barriers were destroyed by the stream, it didn't do the same on the gate when it struck. The attack only made a slight dent before the wind dispersed.
"The enemy is here!"
All the sentries in the fortress were now aware of the attack and were quickly getting into position with their bows and arrows. On the top of the wall, the archers pointed their bows at Ellen and began to fire their shots.
Ellen however only used her left arm as a shield as she collected the air around her Dragon Tool, getting grazes on her arms and legs in the process due to the rain of arrows.
"Ellen!"
Fenris, when he saw the attack failed, rushes towards Ellen just as the archers set their eyes on her. He quickly grabbed her and got her out of the way of another wave of arrows which would have hit her. He got away from the fortress until they were out of range of their bows.
Ellen ended up sitting on the ground in the process and was looking at Fenris in frustration. "What do you think you are doing? My have to use my second…"
"I see there is a weakness to using that Dragon Art. You cannot use it multiple times in a row."
"I can use again in ten seconds."
"It is risky to wait in the open."
"We don't have time for this."
Fenris saw that Ellen had a point and looked up the fortress walls. The previous attack have alerted the enemy to their position and it is a matter of time before the he, Ellen and the troops will be force to retreat.
'All my powers and I can't do much here…' Fenris bitterly thought about his spells and shouts, which while very powerful against armies, they were not meant to truly take on whole fortresses. He declared that he will not bring Odahviing into this conflict and will not break his word.
'What can I do… Wait…' He recalled when he touched Lavias yesterday and how it welcomed his touch without rejection. He then recalled of how Arifar acted up after the Battle of Molsheim Plains when used his shouts as he was battling the dragon there.
He turned his eye to Arifar, which Ellen noticed quickly as Fenris intently looked at the sword.
"Arifar! You have welcomed my presence since we have met, even though I a complete stranger to this world. I know Ellen is your master and I have don't understand the connection you have with me and my Shouts…"
Fenris then did something that surprises Ellen; with his left hand, gripped the uncovered hilt of Arifar. It was then she was shocked when Fenris spoke his intentions
"What I am asking is absurd and you may refuse as you wish, but please… Let me wield you in Ellen's place for just a few moments. I will return you back to her when…"
It was when Fenris and Ellen noticed Arifar's reaction which surprises them; a swirl of wind encircled his hand and it tightened his grip on the sword. It also gushes of winds towards made Ellen realize that her Dragon Tool seems to eagerly accept his intention. Ellen was silent of what she has witnessed, but she then spoke with a smile.
"Arifal… I have to say I am shocked that you willing let Fenris wield you instead of me. But if it's him, I am willing to make it an exception." Ellen, while startled of Arifar's reaction, continue to smile as she let go of the sword and Fenris helped get her back on her feet.
With the Dragon Tool in his possession, he switches to his right hand to grip the sword and run back to the front of the fortress.
Ellen was beside Fenris as the rest of the soldiers, Leitmeritz and Olmutz, were in shock that Fenris was holding Arifar instead of Ellen.
Just as the archers were aiming their bows at him, Fenris gripped the sword with both hands and took a two-handed sword stance. 'Time to see if this works or not…'
With that thought, he made the very Shout that gotten Arifar so excited back in the Molsheim Plains.
"SU GRAH DUN!"
The moment Fenris used Elemental Fury, Arifar suddenly unleashed a powerful stream of silver-coloured wind as it was surround by the Shout's aura and the red gem on the guard glowed intensively. The wind itself encircled him like a shield and uncovered the ground that was covered with snow beneath him by a large radius, showing its enhanced strength.
Everyone look in awe of the scene before him, especially Ellen. The shout has startled her, but she was more startled of seeing Arifar in such a state. She never seen her Dragon Tool in such a state before; like it unleashed its true power.
"That Shout… It was the same one that gotten Arifar so excited…" If Arifar was this excited of hearing the shout, then its excitement was without bounds now that he was enhanced by its effects.
She looked at Fenris, who was kept his composure despite wielding the empowered Dragon Tool in his hands. The archers at the walls broke out of their trance and unleash a volley of arrows at him.
"Arifar!"
After Fenris swung the sword, the wind around him suddenly condensed around him and Ellen and formed a wide defensive barrier. When the arrows hit the sphere, they were struck with an unrelenting amount of grinding wind which actually disintegrated the wood and the arrowhead dropped to the ground as a mere piece of bent metal.
Fenris and Ellen watches at the arrows being utterly destroy as it struck the barrier before it disperses and return back to its original state.
'I could the feel the enhanced power that he infused into Arifar… He could feel its excitement and joy of it being in my hands…'
He took a deep breath as he turned to Ellen and then gazes at the Dragon Tool in his hands.
"Alright Arifar… Let see how powerful your Dragon Art has become when infused with my Shout… But it is not my right to wield you in this battle…"
He then presented Arifar to Ellen and gesture her to take it once again, much to her surprise. "You said you wanted chances to make yourself look good. I giving you this one."
What he saw on her face was a bright smile and she gladly wielded her Dragon Tool once more. Fenris merely stayed by her side as he watches what is about to come next.
Ellen then prepared to once again use the same Dragon Art again as she retook her stance. The Shout's aura on the blade, much to the surprise of her and the onlookers, created the wind that Arifar requires instead of the Dragon Tool itself gathering the wind on the battlefield as usual. However, the wind that surrounded her when she wielded Arifar again ended being condensed around the blade. But it didn't bother Ellen as she focuses her attention on the gate before her.
Fenris gazes his eyes at the gate that Ellen failed to breach previously as he saw the build-up of power with Arifar reaches its peak. Ellen noticed this too and saw it was the moment of truth.
"Cleave the Air (Ley Adimos)!"
She then unleashed the power of the Dragon Art, which caught the attention of everyone. The power of the condensed wind unleashed made Ellen's previous usage look like a gentle breeze; the force of the condensed wind being launched from the blade was even greater than Ellen ever imagined.
The force of the attack being released towards the gate was one of incredible power; the push of air that was generated around the tempest has shockingly blew the snow in front of her away at a large width and the remnants of the barriers on the ground were pushed off the cliffs. When it finally hit the gate, it unleashed a shockwave which the force reached everyone behind Ellen and Fenris. The archers on the wall also felt the force and ducked down to avoid getting pushed off by the attack.
"Such power… What did you do Fenris?"
"My Shout is supposed to only enhanced the speed of my swings. But it seems that Arifar was greatly enhanced by Elemental Fury. I have no clue if this would apply to the rest of the Dragon Tools…"
They were raising their arms to cover their faces since they never expected the attack to be this powerful; even Fenris was not expecting something like this. When they force died down, they saw the gates of Tarta Fortress bend inwardly just near the hinges. Even if the gates were still closed, the blast have consumed much of the gate by the center. Either way, the gates were breached and they were free to charge in.
Fenris and Ellen quickly gazes on Arifar and saw that it has lost the Shout's aura that was on the blade and the red gem no longer have the same glow as before.
'It seems that using a Dragon Art prematurely ended the effects of Elemental Fury…'
Despite that thought, Fenris knew better and drew his katanas as he looked at the knew breached fortress.
Ellen was also wondering what happened to the aura, but that was a question she can ask later. She quickly signaled to her troops to move forward towards the opening and take the fortress.
"Charge!"
"Don't fall behind! Stay close to us!"
Fenris and Ellen said their respective orders before they lead the charge towards Tarta Fortress and the rest of the men followed suit. The siege was about to reach its climax.
Author's Note:
Sorry for updating slowly, but my studies and part-time job is taking up most of time. As of now, I could only spend time on one story at a time and I am enjoying writing this story. While I will look into my other stories, I will sending most of my time on this story.
As you could see, the events in this chapter is quite different on how it plays on in the light novel. While there will be certain deviations to important events, the entire plot line will nevertheless follow the canon in the light novel.
The next chapter will cover the last parts of volume 2 and the beginning of volume 3. It may take a while with my schedule, so please be patient until then.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina, Olga, Sasha, Fine(?)
(?) It is still too early to decide if Fine should be part of the harem due to her appearing much later in the light novel. I need to learn more about her characteristics before I make the final decision. Any thoughts about her will be appreciated.