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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 11
"I wonder what was in that letter?"
It was an ordinary winter day back at the Silver Meteor Army's camp, days before Roland arrived at Nice when a messenger came to deliver a letter to Ellen herself. He was there when the messenger said he came on behalf of the Vanadis, Alexandra. Fenris was confused since he never heard of a Vanadis by that name. His private discussion with Ellen and Sofy many days ago was proof.
Ever since Ellen read the letter however, she was in foul mood for the day. Fenris and Tigre tried to talk to her, but their talks were brief at best. Whatever was in that letter, it must have been something that greatly concern Ellen greatly.
It was only at night that Ellen asked Fenris to join her for a private talk outside the camp; back in the field where they dicussed with Sofy before.
"So Ellen, do you mind to tell me what was in that letter?"
She made a sigh as she replied. "There are two territories that bordering Leitmeritz. You already know Ludmila control one, but the other is controlled by Sasha."
"Sasha? But that messenger said… I see now… Sasha is Alexandra." Fenris soon realized that Sasha was Alexandra casual name.
"So did anything happen to her? Did her illness take a turn for the worse?"
"No, but a Vanadis is invading her territory, Legnica." Ellen reponsed with a somewhat bitter tone.
Fenris listened to Ellen speak about Sasha and her history with her. He could see that Ellen held her friend at high regard for she was the one to teach her how to be a Vanadis. Hearing about how Sasha could barely walk with her own strength, Fenris saw the extent of how bad her illness affected her.
While he wanted to learn about the Vanadis that was invading, Fenris knew it was a subject that Ellen didn't like to speak about. Knowing that he would meet this Vanadis in a matter of time, he chose not to push the question to Ellen as she continued to talk.
"We swore to each other that should crisis come before us, we would abandon anything we were doing and provide aid as quickly as possible."
"Ellen. I understand you want to aid your friend, but what about Tigre?"
"I plan to tell him tomorrow. I hope he understands." She spoke with a sad expression on her face.
Fenris could understand her dilemma. If she returns to Zhcted, she would effectively deprive Tigre of the majority of the army. But if she stays, she would be seen abandoning her friend in her time of need.
"We will have to see. If he doesn't agree, then maybe I can make a compromise by staying here while you and the others return back to aid Sasha."
"That may be a possibility, but I was hoping for you to accompany me to Legnica."
It was soon the two said good night to each other and parted company. The moment of truth came the next day when Lim came to Fenris to report they are to leave for Zhcted within the hour.
From what Fenris learned, Ellen asked to Tigre to accompany her for a ride away from the camp. It was when she told Tigre everything that she told him last night.
Much to his surprise, Tigre said he would manage somehow when Ellen is away. Even when Ellen said she would leave Fenris in Brune to assist him, Tigre surprisingly replied that it wouldn't be necessary. While he saw the archer had potential within him, Fenris was concerned of him getting into a situation that he would have no hope of winning.
It was then he reached into his bag and took our the Morrowind Scroll. Despite not fully completed his research on the spells within, Fenris decide to take a gamble.
"I am not sure how Mark and Recall actually work, but I have a clue..." He muttered as he prepared to the cast the spells.
Outside the camp, the Silver Meteor Army began their split-up for the time being. Rurick chose to remain with Tigre and the Brune soldiers while Ellen would take her army back to Zhcted along with Sofy.
"Lord Tigrevurmud. Let us meet again."
Fenris was watching Sofy bid Tigre farewell while she was holding to Lunie. From what he could understand from the dragon's expression, it was not happy to be in the young lady's arm despite her gentle disposition.
Despite see the possible situation that Tigre was in, Sofy remain optimistic and told him to bear with it and she hopes to speak to him again. After shaking hands with him, she then turned to Fenris.
"You too Fenris. I hope to learn about your world in the future if you don't mind." She gestured with her hand out and Fenris grasped it in a handshake while smiling.
"If Ellen allows it, then I would be willing to share what I have experienced back in my world. As for you Lunie, please bear being with Sofy for a bit longer okay?"
As Fenris patted the dragon on its head, Sofy couldn't help but be a bit jealous as she watches Lunie eagerly accepted his gesture. From what she saw during her stay with the Silver Meteor Army, Lunie seem to prefer Fenris's company over hers.
It was then Lim's turn to bid Tigre goodbye. "Eleanora-sama, Fenris and I will return as quickly as possible. Please refrain from doing anything reckless until then."
After the two shook hands, Fenris then approached Tigre.
"Are you sure you don't need my assistance Tigre. This is the last chance to change your mind."
"I can take care of myself Fenris. Besides, from what Ellen told me about her friend, I thought that you could do much good accompany Ellen."
The two smiled at each other as they shook hands. It was then Fenris pulled a golden coin from his pocket and put it in Tigre's hand.
"Consider this a way to give you good luck while we are gone."
"Thank you Fenris."
Fenris then got on his horse as Tigre and Ellen looked at each other in silence; almost like a silent conversation between the two.
Soon, Ellen and the Leitmeritz army began their trip back to their home country. They moved through the Vosyes Mountains; a natural barrier between Zhcted and Brune. The cold winter climate has begun to tire out the soldiers despite covering themselves with blankets and fur, but Fenris wasn't bothered by the weather one bit.
'Huh… This is nothing compared to the Jerall Mountains back in Skyrim…'
He then turned to Ellen, who wore her usual, but revealing military outfit. While many ordinary people would see her as unhinged for going into the mountains with little clothing, but Fenris could see that her Dragon Tool was protecting her from the cold.
It was then under Lim's request that the men and the horses take a break due to the unrelenting winds. While the winds would extinguish any fires that the men would start, but Fenris then made a Shout as he looks up at the dark clouds above.
"LOK VAH KOOR!"
With Clear Skies, he shouted into the sky and soon the cold winds began to die out. Everyone looked at Fenris as the harsh weather that sapped their strength began to clear out.
"Use the time I grant you all wisely. Remember, the effect will only last for about twenty minutes before the weather returns back to its original state."
All the soldiers accepted his words and soon began to make use of the time by making fire pits. While the winds were gone, the mountains were nevertheless cold.
Fenris actually used this Shout when the army entered the mountains a few days ago, but due to limitations to Clear Skies, he chose to only use it whenever the men had to take a rest. While the men were tempted to request Fenris to use as they traverse the Vosyes Mountains, they know better than to push Fenris in using a power he vowed never to abused, especially for the most typical of tasks.
As the men were resting, he moved towards Ellen as she looked at the now-cleared sky. Sensing his approach, she spoke as she continues to gaze upwards.
"To be able to command the weather itself… Is there anything you can't do?"
"Not as I know of. Worried about Tigre?"
She a sigh as his words hit its mark. "Yes… Do you think he would be alright?"
He nodded his head in response. "I have faith he could handle what is thrown at him before we return back."
In a matter of time after taking their break, the entire army was back on the move when the weather returned back to its unrelenting conditions. They were able to leave the mountains began their forced match towards the border between Leitmeritz toward Legnica.
Despite the harsh winter climate and a number of men gone missing due lagging behind because of the forced match, Ellen kept the men going on the destination.
Fenris began to make use of restorations spells on the troops to maintain their stamina after seeing their struggle and as a result, cases of exhaustion decreased significantly. It also had the benefit of restoring the stamina of the horses at they were riding as well.
As Fenris was at the back of the army in hopes of helping those that may stagger behind due to the match, Ellen and Lim began to discuss about Tigre. Despite the latter speaking about his "faults", the former nevertheless retain a high opinion on the archer.
Soon, Ellen changed the subject of the discussion towards their thoughts of Fenris.
"So, what do you think of Fenris Lim? I know you have a high opinion on him."
"Well, he has virtues that are rarely seen in most soldiers. He always uses his powers responsibly and always treated us with dignity."
Lim spoke honestly while Ellen smiled in response.
"Indeed. There is without doubt that Fenris's powers surpasses my own, but he willing chose to serve me. He is truly remarkable and to lose him would easily be a blow I wouldn't recovery easily."
"Eleanora-sama…" Lim didn't like how her friend spoke that her abilities pales to Fenris's own, but she knew it was ultimately true. The powers that Fenris wield was something even the Vanadises themselves could never dream of having.
There was without doubt that if he wanted to, he could crush her and Ellen with ease. However, he didn't let his power corrupt his ideals and chose to instead to lend his strength to aid them.
Fenris was no doubt a noble if complex warrior.
By the time Ellen and her allies arrived at the capital of Legnica, it was close to nighttime and her army have been reduced by a significant amount due to the forced match through the snow. The losses from the match would have been much worse if not for Fenris's restoration magic.
As of now, they were at the courtyard of the palace which Sasha resides in. Due to the weather, she borrowed a building for her men to rest at while she, Lim and Fenris went inside to meet with her.
As usual, Fenris wore a long cloak to cover much of his dragonscale armor. The guards at the capital's gate didn't mind him since he was accompanying Ellen, which he welcomed as he was getting tired of the shock and awe that people express whenever they see his armor in person.
But he was more than willing to make an exception for today when an aged servant went over to the three. He greeted Ellen and Lim with utmost respect, no doubted due to their statuses and ties with Sasha.
"Who is he?" The servant now turned to Fenris and was wondering who he was.
"This is Fenris." Ellen casually answered his question, but the effect was substantial for the servant's eyes widen in surprise.
"You don't mean…?!"
"Maybe this will help clarify the matter."
Fenris removed his cloak and unveiled his dragonscale armor for everyone around to see. The servant was speechless for a few moments before he gave him a two-handed handshake with a joyous smile.
"I heard the rumors, but to think it was actually true… If what they say about your magic is correct, then Alexandra-sama will be more than happy to see you."
"I know she would be, but Ellen told me she wanted to talk with her. I don't it would be appropriate for me for treat her while having an important discussion. Would you mind if I talk with the physicians treating her?"
"Why 's that, I am sure I can arrange…"
"If I know a bit more about her illness, then I could prepare a treatment that is suitable for her condition. Don't worry. I will help Alexandra-sama to the best of my abilities. I will do everything I can to ensure she make full recovery."
The servant soon relented to provided Fenris the directions to where the physicians are in palace. Ellen and Lim were escorted to Sasha's quarters while he made his way to meet with the physicians.
Fenris was told from the servant that due to Sasha's condition, he only give about an hour for a few people to talk with her before letting her rest. He plans to let him meet with the Vanadis after her discussion with Ellen is done and thus starts his attempts in curing her.
When Fenris arrived, he wasn't surprised of the reaction when he finally met up with the physicians. Fenris was bombarded with questions from them from how he learned his restoration spells to if he could cure Sasha of her illness. They were put at ease when he said he could treat the Vanadis, but he needed information of what they learned of the disease that plagues her life as of now.
From what he learned, Fenris was surprised that the disease was very different from what he expected. It seems to only affect females and dramatically shorten their lifespan. Fenris was amazed of the devotion that the people here showed for Sasha. Many back in Skyrim would see it as foolish to put their faith in someone who is bedridden and could be at death's door in a moments notice.
He also learned that became bedridden from her illness about two years ago; which surprised him and remarked that she must had strong willpower to continue clinging to life despite getting weaker every passing moment. Fenris was also impressed with the physicians attempts to help Sasha despite the illness being incurable, which showed their devotion and loyalty to her.
As he was looking through their notes, Fenris also looked into the type of treatments they were giving Sasha. Hearing from Sofy prior to coming here, it was clear that the disease was very aggressive if the physicians have difficulty in relieving the Vanadis's symptoms by the slightest.
"This is going to be a gamble, but it is a risk that I have to take." Fenris muttered to himself as he took out a silver diamond-shaped amulet from his satchel. To the untrained eye, it looked like ordinary jewelry yet there was more to it.
"Do you mind to come with me Fenris?"
"An hour has passed? Time seems to pass quite quickly." Fenirs muttered out as he followed the servant towards Sasha's quarters. It was then the servant asked him about the treatment of her illness.
"How long will the treatment last for?"
"I am afraid that her disease isn't something I could cure in a blink of an eye. I have a method that would likely work, but it will take time. Only when I give Alexandra-sama a check-up when I could give a proper estimate. At best, I may have to make visits periodically to see if the treatment is working or not."
The servant nodded in response as the two finally arrived at Sasha's quarters. Fenris watches as the servant knocked on door to signal Ellen and Lim who were likely inside that their time limit was up.
A few moments later, the door opened up and Ellen was the first came out with Lim behind her. She made a smile as saw Fenris with the servant.
Just as she was about to speak to Fenris, a voice spoke out from the room.
"Is this Fenris Ellen?"
Fenris took a step to the right to catch a glance of Sasha's quarters. He saw it was mores modest than he thought; only have a bed, a small table, a few chairs and a fireplace. On the bed was a young woman with short black hair and wearing simple white clothing. On her lap was a pair of identical daggers; one was golden and the other was bright red. She smiled as she glances at the Fenris's face with anticipation; likely wanting to hear the words she long to hear.
Ellen turned around to respond while retaining her smile from before. "Yes Sasha. He is the one I was taking about. Fenris honored my request to cure you of your illness."
The woman that was Sasha was speechless when Fenris walked into the room while his dragonscale armor was visible; it was like the rumors she heard many times over. It was then Fenris felt a warm sensation on his face and saw it originated from the daggers on Sasha's lap, which shows it was indeed her Dragon Tools.
He made slight bow as he introduced himself to Sasha. "Greetings Alexandra-sama. My name is Fenris and Ellen told me of your plight."
"I will leave everything to you Fenris." Ellen spoke the door behind closes, leaving on him and Sasha alone.
Taking a deep breath, he walked towards the chairs that was beside her bed while he took off his gauntlets. He put them on the chair beside him as he took a seat on another and took a look at Sasha's face. Despite her skin being a little pale and had a thinner build, Fenris could tell that she continues to fight for her what is left of her life.
"So what did Ellen told you about me?"
"Ellen spoke highly about you Fenris. She told me how you turned the tide of many battles to her favor with your powers. She even spoke of your exploits and a bit of your history. However, I was more interested in your healing magic."
"What about a live presentation?"
He lightly gripped Sasha's hand with both of his hands and channeled Healing Hands. Sasha felt a rejuvenating feeling across her body as she watches Fenris's hands generate a golden glow.
'This feeling… It's incredible…' Sasha happily thought as she felt some of her strength that was sapped away by her illness returning.
However, Fenris stop his spell and Sasha felt her newfound energy was slowly draining away.
"It didn't work…"
She spoke in a sad tone, fearing the worst that her illness was incurable even with magic. Yet, Fenris merely made a smile.
"Don't worry Sasha. That wasn't the actual treatment. Please hold still and don't be embarrass with what I am about to do."
Much to Sasha's surprise, Fenris put his right hand on her forehead and felt a feeling that was hard to describe as the hand once again made a golden glow.
While it looks like an ordinary restoration spell, it was actually a spell that he personally created to scan someone's body and get firsthand details of what affliction that he or she may be affected by. Fenris calls it Affliction Scan.
Fenris however made a frown as he found through the spell that the illness to be indeed a bloodline disease and it was a very aggressive one. From what he could tell, Sasha has likely only a few years to live and that is only if she is lucky.
As for Sasha, she couldn't help but to blush at his gesture as he began to channel his spell. It was then Fenris took his hand off her forehead and once more took out the diamond-shaped amulet.
"What is that Fenris?"
"This amulet? I call the Siphon Amulet and it is only method I know to counteract your illness."
With his left hand, he held the amulet by the chain and with his right hand underneath, began to channel a spell which flow into the amulet itself. Sasha watch in awe as the amulet seems to glow with the magic that Fenris was channeling into it, yet he started to breath hard from the using the spell.
'This is now or never…" Fenris thought to himself as he looks at Siphon Amulet. While many would see it as an oddity, it was meant to work alongside with one of his most powerful restoration spell, Divine Cleanse.
Before coming to this world, he aided a sick alchemist named Nurelion in recover the White Phial, a legendary alchemic artifact. Seeing Sasha reminded of the high elf and his struggle with his own illness.
To that end, the experience caused him to create a spell which could cure any illness regardless of its severity. However, the spell requires an incredible amount of magicka and will leave Fenris exhausted in a few minutes. Along with the issue that it the spell require prolong exposure for the effect to occur and it does so slowly, Divine Cleanse was viewed as a flawed spell.
However, Fenris refused to give up on it and made attempts to overcome the flaws. It was one of the few times he willing went to Hermaeus Mora for assistance. After providing his services, Fenris wasn't given knowledge, but a trinket which he called Siphon Amulet.
From what Mora told him, the amulet is linked to his Plane of Oblivion, Apocrypha and channels that magic that flows within this realm. However, Fenris has to attune Divine Cleanse into the amulet if Mora would let him return back to the real world and the attunement was permanent; it cannot be replaced by the effect of another spell.
Fenris soon found a number of limitations in using the amulet as a catalyst for the spell. While the amulet could channel Divine Cleanse without his supervision, it needs to first siphon the spell from him personally before the effects take place and it would lose effectiveness after a few months; becoming inert in the end unless it siphons the spell once again.
Despite this, Fenris saw it as the only solution to using Divine Cleanse until he could find another alternative, which he has yet to accomplish.
By the time the amulet was now active, Fenris was taking deep breathes after using up much of his magicka in channeling the spell.
"Are you alright Fenris?" Sasha spoke in worry after seeing him struggle with his sudden exhaustion.
"Don't worry. Please hold still Sasha."
Fenris said as he regained his breathing. He then put the amulet around Sasha's neck and suddenly, she felt a pleasant feeling across her body. Seeing her smile, he knew that the effects are working as he hoped. But time will tell that it was helping her or not.
"Remember Sasha, you must keep this amulet on at all times for your treatment to work properly. I am afraid that the amulet slowly losses its effects in a few months, so I will have to make periodic visits to ensure its effectiveness. I hope you don't mind that..."
He was interrupted when he felt a warm sensation on his hands and saw it came from Sasha's Dragon Tool.
"Seems Bargren took a liking for you." Sasha said as she looks at the twin daggers on her lap. She recalls Ellen told her how the Dragon Tools seems to welcome Fenris's presence and was curious why.
"Truth be told; I have no idea why the Dragon Tools act like this around me. So do you mind to tell me briefly the discussion you have with Ellen."
Despite the sudden change in subject, Sasha oblige and told Fenris why she called for Ellen's aid. Apparently Legnica and Lebus, Elizaveta territory, were ordered to deal with pirates a few months ago and the latter made a complaint that her army had to do most of the fighting. It has lead to a chain of events which Sasha then called for Ellen.
"Elizaveta… Ellen showed her displeasure when we are discussing with Sofy previously."
Fenris remember how tense Ellen was whenever she heard of Elizaveta, so it clears there was bad blood between the two. The fact that the latter was causing trouble for Sasha didn't help the relationship of the Vanadises.
It was then Sasha spoke of her interest of both himself and Tigre after hearing from Ellen; but showed greater interest in Fenris. However, just as he was about to speak a bit about his exploits, they heard knocking at the door and they realize that their time together was up.
"My apologies, but seems we are out of time. I am sure we could find time to talk to each other again, so please rest Sasha."
"Thank you for your time Fenris. I am happy to finally meet you in person and if your treatment cures me of my illness, then I will be forever in your debt."
Fenris merely give a bow to her before he came face-to-face with the servant from before. He then told him about the Sasha's treatment and then left to meet up with Ellen. As for the servant, he briefly checked on the Vanadis before closing the door
As she was now alone in her room, Sasha gripped her Dragon Tools as she made a sad expression.
"You don't like to give up… Don't you…"
Despite her illness leaving her bedridden, Bargren nevertheless stood by its owner even that Sasha made previous attempts to pass it to someone else.
It was then the daggers transferred heat to Sasha's hands; a familiar fashion on how it greeted Fenris. However, it seems to be giving encouragement to the sick Vanadis.
"I know. I don't intent to die so young. But if Fenris's treatment works, then I would long last able to move on my own…"
Her Dragon Tool once more generate heat, showing it shares Sasha's hope that Fenris would free her of the burden that plagued her whole life.
As for Fenris, Ellen and Lim, they were each given a room in the palace to spend the night. Prior to having dinner, Fenris told Ellen about the treatment he provided Sasha and the issue that he will have to make visits every few months to check on her progress.
Ellen however was pleased of him helping Sasha and said would make accommodations so Fenris could travel Legnica unhindered. Lim was also pleased and wished him luck in curing Sasha.
They soon went to sleep for they have to be up before down to prepare for the battle that was to come in the morning. Lucky for Fenris, his patron Daedric Prince didn't appear in his dreams. Lim received a report about the number of soldiers they have available, but they number only about 1300. If Sasha's information is accurate, Elizavetta and the Lebus army number about 4000.
"Sasha told us she would lend 3000 soldiers." Ellen said as she was processing the information of the strength between her army and her opponents.
"If we include those who arrived at midnight, we would have 1700 in total."
"That would not be a wise move Lim. They would be too tired to fight if we let join in the battle. Even if I treated them with my spells, they still wouldn't be in proper fighting condition." Fenris gave his thoughts on the matter of bring the late arrivals of Ellen's army into the fray.
"True Fenris. But if we need them, we can use them as scouts."
As Fenris, Ellen and Lim making preparation of how to engage Elizavetta on the field, the old servant along with a few aids approached them.
"Is there anything you need?" Fenris said to the old servant, wondering why they were here.
"Yes, but there those in palace that want to see Limlisha-sama and Fenris. Do you think you two can spare us your time?"
Lim and Fenris were surprised of what the old servant said and with Ellen's blessing, the two complied and followed the servants. However, they notice that the hallway they were walking in was very familiar and it was proven true when they found themselves at the entrance of Sasha's room.
'Is seems that Sasha has called for us…' Fenris thought as the servant opened the door and urge them in.
When the two entered the room and Sasha wore the same clothing as before, but Lim noticed an amulet around her neck and realize it was the one the Fenris given to her to treat her illness. They bowed to Sasha and stood in front of her bed.
"Alexandra-sama. Is there any business might you have with us?" Lim asked Sasha and she nodded in reply.
"You two, please protect Ellen for me."
They were not surprised of Sasha's request; Lim felt it was unnecessary for she stood beside Ellen before she became a Vanadis and Fenris felt that Sasha wanted to support her friend, but her illness prevent her so.
"I am aware there is no need to tell you two, but I wished to say it anyway. After all, Ellen's opponent is Elizavetta."
Inwardly, Fenris was confused. He doesn't know much of the history between Ellen and Elizavetta, but he would nevertheless aid Ellen and prevent her from losing control of her emotions.
"I know that you are short of time Fenris, but I wish to tell about the history between Ellen and Elizavetta. I promise to be brief."
However, Sasha could tell that he doesn't know and decided to tell him how the two Vanadises became at odds with each other.
"Are you okay with this Lim?" Fenris said as he turned to her.
"As long Alexandra-sama is brief then I am fine with that. Now I think about it, you would be best to listen so you could understand Eleonora-sama's emotions right now." With Lim's acceptance, Fenris nodded to Sasha and she then spoke about key moments which shaped both Ellen's and Elizavetta's relationship with each other.
Fenris was shocked of how deep the bad blood between the two were and saw it was more than just a bitter rivalry, it was an intense hatred for each other. From the events that Sasha told him, it was hard to pick who was right and who was wrong.
From Elizavetta burring down a village Ellen knew to prevent the spread of an epidemic to Ellen slaying Elizvetta's father for attempting to escape his crimes, Fenris knew that while such actions would have been deemed evil. However, he also knew that they were sometime necessary if the situation requires it.
However, Ellen and Elizavetta saw each other's own choices in dealing with those matters were unforgivable and they clashed in a duel, which resulted in the latter's defeat. With this, the two Vanadises were practically mortal enemies.
"Those decisions that Ellen and Elizavetta made… Such things would be seen as necessary evils, but are not to be taken likely regardless…" Fenris spoke his thoughts, which Sasha nodded in agreement.
"True. Those two simply did what they had to do."
Their discussion soon continues on to the outcome that would occur if Ellen and Elizavetta clash in battle along with the former's relationship with Tigre. Fenris and Lim could understand Sasha's concern of Ellen's ties with Tigre, but they insist that the archer continue to impress them with his abilities.
Near the end of their discussion, both Fenris and Lim gave a salute in acceptance of Sasha's request.
"Don't worry. We will ensure Ellen's safety to the best of our abilities."
"We will even use our own bodies if we must."
After hearing Lim's words, Fenris put his hand on her shoulder and turned his head to her.
"Don't risk your life like that Lim. If you died protecting Ellen, she would be devastated. We promised to protect her from both physical and emotional harm."
Lim was speechless of his response, but merely smiled and nodded in agreement. Being Ellen's closest friend, her death would without doubt leave the Vanadis with an emotional scar that would probably never heal.
"Farewell for now."
Upon hearing the voice, Fenris and Lim turned around and much to their surprise, it was Ellen. After saying to her friend that she will beat Elizavetta and bring good news, Ellen with Fenris and Lim behind.
Near dawn, the three left Legnica's imperial palace and were leading an army of 4,000 men; consisting of both Ellen's and Sasha's own troops.
Fenris and Lim listen as Ellen spoke of the battle plans for the upcoming battle. The site of the battle was at a region called Boroszlo and its geography consist of hills, plains and a river which was frozen due the winter climate.
Based on Ellen's plan, it was meant to be a two-prong attack which she would lead 2,000 men along with Fenris to attack the front while Lim would attack from the rear. Due to Fenris's reputation, the opposing army would likely suffer a drop in morale and his destruction spells would shatter their formations.
Not only that, the soldiers from Legnica were highly motivated to fight the enemy that invited their lands and for the sake of their Vanadis. Their already high morale rose higher due to being in Fenris's presence and hearing that he was treating Sasha in curing her illness.
Fenris watches as Lim was attempting to talk Ellen out of going completely offensive, but the latter nevertheless remain confidence of her strategy.
He could tell it was a double-edged sword; while very powerful if used correctly, it would lose effectiveness if it the opposing army is either entrenched or is highly disciplined. Fenris had a feeling that Elizavetta knew that Ellen would react badly to her invading Sasha's territory and planned accordingly.
Nevertheless, Fenris was determined to ensure Ellen doesn't get into dangerous situations due to letting her emotions go wild.
'Alright, I have no idea what to expect from Elizavetta, but I am certain she is waiting for us. Looks like I will finally get to see who she really is, but I wish it under different circumstances…'
Fenris mutter mentally as the whole army matches on to meet their foe at the Boroszlo Plains.
It was in the afternoon when the Leitmeritz-Legnica army meet up with the Lebus army. Fenris was in the front line of the army while Ellen took point.
While he was wearing his cloak along with the hood up, many would see him as just an ordinary soldier. A part in Ellen's plan was to catch the Lebus army of guard when he reveals himself and make them realize who they are fighting when both sides clash swords.
"You look well prepared and you didn't even run away, Liza."
"Of course. I wished to meet you after all, Ellen."
Fenris look ahead to the one that Ellen was talking to and saw it was a young girl with long red hair and wearing a purple dress that reveal much of her figure. Since in her hand ornate whip which resonate with power, she was without doubt a Dragon Tool and so before him was the Vanadis, Elizavetta.
However, what surprised him the most of her eyes; her right eye was golden while her left eye was azure blue.
'To think I ever meet someone with eyes like mine…' Despite his surprise, Fenris remained focuses as the Vanadis before him was not a friend, but a foe.
"Funny, I don't recall of allowing you to call me that way."
"I also don't recall giving you permission to call me Liza."
Despite the happy tone between the two Vanadises, the animosity between Ellen and Liza could be felt through the air.
It was then that the whip in Liza's hand began to generate an small aura of electricity, like it detected someone particular. Everyone noticed this action and they saw Liza make a smile as she looks at her Dragon Tool began to make sparks towards Ellen's position.
"The way Valitsaif is acting… So the rumors are true… That the Dragon Tools only act like this when he is around…" Everyone heard her words and Ellen realize what she was referring to.
It was then Liza shouted towards her army with an interested smile.
"Would Fenris approach before me? I wish to see you in person." Everyone in her army was shocked of what she said for they heard of the rumors, but never believed it.
"You must be imagining things…"
"Don't bother Ellen. Her Dragon Tool already exposed me. No point of hiding any longer…"
Fenris slowly rode out from front line and stopped beside Ellen as he looked directly at Liza. Then, he grabbed his cloak and threw it to the snow-covered ground and stood silent as the whole Lebus army were in shock that the rumors never believed were true after all.
Before them was the warrior who wore a set of armor made of dragon scales, wielding swords of unknown design and could even wield magic.
Yet, it was Liza who seemed to be the most shocked, for she looked closely at Fenris's eyes. Valitsaif in turn began to radiate with sparks; like it was ecstatic of meeting him.
"So it's true… He has Rainbow-Eyes… Like mine…" Liza whispered out as she studied his eyes
Fenris's right and left eye was bright brown and green respectively. While they were not as vibrant like her own, they were nevertheless mismatched like hers.
He noticed this however and quickly responded to Liza's action.
"If you wish to question or insult my eyes, just say it." He spoke in a loud and firm voice.
Everyone was startled by Fenris speaking up all of a sudden after a brief silence after revealing himself. Liza was surprised of his outburst regarding his eyes and was curious of how he views his eyes.
"Do your eyes bother you?"
"No. I don't care what people think about my eyes, but I dislike getting praises and compliments that are not sincere."
"So what do you think about them honestly?"
"They are just similar to the ones that cats have. If you wish for my honest opinion on your eyes Elizavetta, yours is the same thing; the eyes of a cat." Fenris spoke with honesty of his opinon with a barely noticeable smile.
However, both armies were shocked of what Fenris said about Liza's mismatched eyes. The Lebus army knew it was their Vanadis's most sensitive subject and saw that Fenris was just made possibly the greatest insult towards her. The Leitmeritz-Legnica army however felt that he was taunting her to recklessly charge in in anger without her army and get risk her getting surrounded in the process.
Ellen was amused at what she thought was an insulting taunt to drew Liza out in the open, despite her intension to fight her foe one-on-one.
"I hope I didn't insult you with my opinon?" Fenris spoke as he inches towards his katanas. Knowing before him as a powerful enemy, he prepared for the worse if his words ended up hitting her nerves.
Everyone was looking at Liza, who shaking after hearing Fenris's opinion. Many believed that was about to burst out in rage and attack him in retaliation for the insult.
However, they were instead both surprised and shocked when the opposite occurred.
Liza had her hand on her mouth before she happily laughed at Fenris's honest opinion on her eyes. Those in both sides were dumbfounded that she wasn't insulted by Fenris and instead was laughing.
Even Ellen was taken by the fact that Liza was instead amuse by his opinion on her eyes despite knowing it was a sensitive subject for her.
As soon her laughter settled, Liza spoke to Fenris with a smile.
"So tell me. Why do you choose to serve Ellen? What did is offering you in exchange for your services" From the rumors that Liza heard, Fenris provided his services to Ellen and in extension Zhcted. No doubt Ellen must have provided a substantial offer to him.
Little did she know that Fenris didn't ask for anything in return and that he doesn't have much interest in such matters.
"Sorry Elizavetta, but my business with Ellen is my own."
"What about this then? If you change your allegiance to me, then I will offer you double what is Ellen giving you."
Before Fenris could respond, he could hear the uproar from the Leitmeritz-Legnica army from hearing Liza's offer. He turned to Ellen and felt the killing intent radiating from her as she glared at Liza in anger.
Fenirs however put his hand on her shoulder and she turned to see a sincere smile on his face. Ellen smiled in turned as she remembered what Fenris her before; he would not switch sides for the sake of greater rewards.
After thanking his hand of her shoulder, he then in turned to Liza with a frown as he gave his response to her generous offer.
"Elizavetta, I am a warrior of integrity and honor. To turn my back on my comrades is unforgivable and would destroy what I stand for. My apologies, but I will remain by Ellen's side until otherwise."
Ellen then put her hand on Arifal on her waist as give Liza one chance to surrender.
"I am giving one chance. Get off your horse, get on your knees and apologize. Not to me, but to the people of Legnica."
"I refuse."
As expected, Liza brushes Ellen's words and then turned her gazes back to Fenris.
"I admit that your integrity and sense of loyalty is admirable, but I feel you could do better. Maybe when you see Ellen broken on the ground, you will realize she isn't worth your time."
"Not if you're the one broken on the ground! Charge!"
Angered by Liza's bold claim and her patience spent, she ordered her army to began the attack. Liza in turn ordered her own army to charge as well.
While the Lebus army had numeric superiority, the Leitmeritz-Legnica army had their fighting spirits at a all-time high and with Fenris by their side, they felt victory was theirs.
Charge of the two opposing armies marked the beginning of the Battle of the Boroszlo Plains.
Author's Note:
Sorry for the long wait, but personal matters have taken up much of my free time. I will admit that I had time to write last week, but I ended up getting hooked to Total War: Warhammer that I recently bought. As a result, I ended up getting strange ideas of crossovers with the Warhammer Fantasy universe. It will be time however before I would follow up with such plans since I am lately looking into my other stories.
While the light novel storyline is going as planned, Sasha is now being treated by Fenris. As a result, you will notice a significant change to parts of the story which Sasha is involved.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina, Olga, Sasha, Fine(?)
(?) For now, I will place in Fine in the harem. However, I may make changes based on what I could learn about her.