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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 12
The Battle of the Boroszlo Plains rages on and both sides, the Lebus army and the Leitmeritz-Legnica army, continue to gave their all despite the carnage.
Many soldiers from the two sides refuses to give in despite seeing their respective comrades being slain before their eyes. The sight of blood and gore stained the snow-covered ground of the battlefield as the scent of sweat was only blown away by the cold air.
As for the Vanadises, Ellen and Liza, they charged at each other in one-on-one combat.
"Cleave the Wind (Ley Admos)!"
Ellen started off by using her Dragon Art immediately and directed the attack towards Liza. However, she dodged the attack by jumping off her horse; which in turn was utterly destroyed by the wind blast.
Liza in turn used her Dragon Tool and unleashed a powerful attack which Ellen had no choice to jump off her own horse; losing its life in the process.
Despite being forced to fight a foot, the two Vanadises nevertheless continue to fight each other with everything they got. Ellen's Arifar clashed with Liza's Valitsaif as their wielders battle with their spirits fueled by the rivalry and hatred for each other.
While Ellen and Liza have yet to gain an edge over the other, their respective armies continue to clash with swords, axes and arrows. Yet, Ellen's army has a trump card that Liza's own army can't hope to match.
"What is he!?"
"He just set those men ablaze!"
"Can anything harm him!?"
Those were some of the words that the soldiers of Lebus could muster as they which Fenris decimate their numbers with ease.
Before them was a warrior who wore the scales of a dragon and fight as ferociously as one. Fenris imitated many with his helm, which he put on when Ellen gave the order to charge. His armor was drenched with the blood of the men he killed, yet he wasn't bothered his appearance.
When one experienced hundreds of battles and quests, the sight of blood and death wouldn't even him or her at the slightest.
In his right hand was one of his katanas and his left hand was small flame that was channeled from the palm, which was the spell Flame. The soldiers of Lebus could only watch as their comrades charged at the Fenris, only for him to unleash a stream of fire which burned them alive.
There a few who managed to lay down lucky hits on Fenris, but their swords haven't left when a chip on his armor. One Lebus soldier attempted to strike him at the neck with an axe, but Fenris blocked it with his left forearm. Many were shocked that the handle of axe snapped when it struck the dragonscale armor.
Knowing that dragons are immune to normal attacks thanks to their scales, many soldiers felt that was invincible; a dragon walking among them in human form.
"If you value your lives, drop your weapons and flee!"
Fenris shouted towards the Lebus army as he re-entered his battle stance. Despite his fearsome abilities, the enemy refused to retreat and continue to attack him despite the odds of defeating him was very slim.
Another wave of Lebus soldiers charged with their swords, but Fenris cut down them without difficulty. The ones who tried to block his slashes witnessed their weapons breaking before the katana cut through their armor and flesh without any lost of momentum.
No matter how many times they surrounded him, Fenris moved like the wind and cut them down before they lay a hit on him.
"I am not holding back this time…" He muttered out as he became a whirlwind of blades.
When another group charged towards him, he then channeled Sparks and fired a stream of lightning at them. The attackers' bodies were struck with so much electricity that their skeletons became visible before they drop to the ground dead.
While the sight of their comrades perishing at Fenris's hands was demoralizing to the Lebus army and morale-boosting to the Leitmeritz-Legnica army, the battle was far from over in the Dragonborn's eyes.
'These men are very loyal to Liza… There is only one why to make them break and this for Ellen to win…'
Fenris thought was broken when he saw a Lebus soldier running towards him with a spear, only for him grab the spear tip and snapping it off, which Fenris then stabbed it into the soldier's throat.
However, little did he know that Ellen and Liza make quick glances at him despite their duel with each other.
"Marvellous…"
Liza whispered out as she gazes at Fenris display of power despite fighting Ellen, only to roll her wrist slightly and the whip in her hand bounced off the ground.
A Legnica soldier with a spear was charging at her from behind, but Valisaif shattered the tip and wrapped around the soldier's wrist. Soon, a discharge of electricity flowed into his body, killing him before he touched the ground.
However, Ellen used Verni (Shadow Wind) to close the distance and take advantage of Liza's attention being on Fenris. Hopefully, she would be too enthralled with his show of force, allowing Ellen to lay a good hit.
"…Kusutari (Iron Whip)!"
Sadly, Liza saw through her plan and quickly changed Valisaif from a whip to a straight rod. Despite its simple appearance, it is still as dangerous.
They clashed and much to Ellen's shock, she was blown away by a lightning attack but landed safely. However, she was shocked of how the power of the attack.
'What is that now?'
She didn't have much time to think on the matter as Liza in turn changed her Dragon Tool back to its whip appearance and jumped into the air. She then unleashes a wave of attacks that Ellen could only parry away from her body.
Ellen could only block the incoming attacks and unable to approach Liza to make an attack of her own. Soon, the attack started to take a toll on her body as the electricity continue to sting her.
"Ellen!"
Suddenly, Liza saw a set of ethereal arrows approaching and was forced to block, stopping her attack on the Wind Vanadis midway and force her back to the ground.
She saw that the attacker of Fenris, wielding an ethereal bow and has a quiver of similar appearance on his back full of arrows.
Fenris unleashed his Bound Bow after seeing Ellen in trouble and was preparing to get Liza's attention from Ellen. He fired a number of arrows at Liza, who blocked it with ease. Yet Liza was amazed of Fenris's skill in archery as he stared to speed up his notching of the bowstring.
Just as he notched a trio of arrows directed at Liza, a group of Lebus soldiers charged at Fenris from his right in their Vanadis's defense.
"Vanadis-sama!"
"Don't interfere!"
Fenris suddenly turned his bow towards them and fired, striking three of them at the throat. He then disperses his Bound Bow and quickly draw his katanas to finish off what is left of his attackers.
Liza however was not fazed by the death of her soldiers, but was instead intrigued by Fenris's prowess. She saw that he was an exceptional swordsman, archer and even a spellcaster. He was no doubt be a blessing for her army if she could convince him to switch sides.
However, Ellen was regaining her balance after Liza's attack, which in turn caught the Lightning Vanadis's attention. The Ellen and Liza bicker for a few moments before the former switch the subject to why the latter was attacking Legnica.
Seeing that she was forced away from Brune, Ellen felt that either Thenardier or Ganelon was behind Liza's action, but the latter feign ignorance of the matter.
"I don't know what you are saying. What I do is for the national interest of Zhcted."
"Don't make me laugh. You are obeying the wishes of a villain from a foreign country."
"Oh really? Rumors say you provided much in helping your prisoner. If you value a mere prisoner that much, then you wouldn't mind handing Fenris over. I'll be sure to treat him well."
The last statement hit a nerve in Ellen as her rage spikes up once more. Liza merely smiled as she got the reaction she was hoping for from Ellen.
As the Vanadises continue to talk in anger, Fenris made quick glances in case Ellen get into trouble again despite him still engaged in battle. However, a part of his mind was thinking about of what Liza did.
"What was that attack Liza did…? And this sensation…?"
Fenris could tell that it wasn't natural and he felt a cold feeling when he witnessed the attack.
It was like that Liza enhanced her attack with dark magic. However, he wasn't sure on how the Lightning Vanadis gained such a power.
He couldn't focus on the matter as he was still being charged by Liza's soldiers. No matter how many swords and spears that he had to cut through, he will continue to stand strong against the tide of enemies.
He was tempted to use his Shouts, but it was overkill against ordinary men and it was not the Way of the Voice to use to use Shouts to display martial prowess.
However, Ellen and Liza soon got the full attention of everyone around them including Fenris when the two began to unleash their own respective Dragon Arts.
Ellen raises Arifar above her head as wind began to channel around the blade while Liza was about to strike the ground with Valitsaif as electricity flowed through the whips.
"Cleave the Wind (Ley Admos)!"
"Burn and Split Heaven and Earth (Gron Lazriga)!"
The two Vanadises finally launched their attack and the clash of the Dragon Arts was destructive as blades of lightning met head-on with a vortex of wind. The sheer ferocity showed that they seek to end their rivalry through superior force.
Fenris had to almost close his eyes as the clash of Dragon Arts resulted in mud and snow being blown across the area along with a shockwave that knock down any soldier that was too close to the attack.
"Such power… Indeed, no artifact in Skyrim could unleash such attacks…" Fenris muttered out in the chaos as he witnesses the clash of the Dragon Arts begun to die out.
In the end, there was only a small crater where the two Dragon Arts clashed and both Vanadises were also injured as well. Ellen had fresh burns on her body while Liza had many cuts on her own, but both remain standing on their feet.
Yet, Fenris could tell who was victor of clash based on the Vanadises' stances and the ground beneath their own feet. While Ellen haven't moved an inche, Liza surprisingly was pushed back slightly and the drag marks on the mud proves it.
It was then he heard a shout from the east.
"Attack at the left frank!"
"A detachment force?!"
He smiled as Lim and her forces finally entered the fray and caused panic among Liza's soldiers. Yet, the battle ended in a few moments and Liza spoke words that shocks both Ellen and Fenris.
"…This is my defeat."
"I have yet to take your neck yet."
Ellen however wasn't willing to let Liza in one piece and stepped forward with her Dragon Tool in her hand.
"You have more pressing business don't you, Ellen?"
Ellen then stopped in her tracks and Fenris knew why. 'I hope you didn't into much trouble Tigre…'
He thought as Liza spoke of the situation in Brune regarding Thenardier and Ganelon. It was then Liza spoke of something more shocking.
"By the way. It seems Muozinel has invaded Brune."
"Muozinel?"
Fenris recalled months ago of hearing the word, but he hasn't yet asked for more details. While he wasn't sure at the time it was either a town or a kingdom, but it was clear through Liza's words that it was indeed a kingdom.
Ellen in the other hand was speechless for she knew that Tigre would like be facing them. She was further pressured when Liza said that if she wanted her head, the fighting will continue on.
Deciding between her close ally in Brune and her hatred enemy before her eyes, Ellen chose the former and agreed to end the fighting.
Fenris listened as Ellen and Liza made the terms to end the fighting. Liza will return the lands she has taken back to Sasha and a one-year non-aggression pact, but requires the two sides to restart negotiations regarding the pirate subjugation they fought in last summer. Ellen agreed, but also demand that Liza make a sincere apology to Sasha for her own actions.
Just as they were done agreeing to the terms, Fenris approached Ellen.
"We are done here Ellen?"
"Yes, we are leaving. Would you mind healing me on the way back?" Ellen said with a small smile, but it was more like of a smirk. Liza noticed this, but was confused what she meant.
"As you wish." As Ellen turned around to return back to her army, Fenris then put her hand on her shoulder and channeled Healing Hands.
Before Liza's eyes, Ellen's injuries were being healing and the burn marks on her body began to disappear. She could make a scowl at Ellen for she had the services of such a remarkable warrior that was Fenris.
After watching Ellen leave with Fenris by herself as he is healing her wounds, Liza then ordered her army to withdraw back to her territory.
Both sides of the battle suffered hundreds of losses for their respective armies. However, the Lebus army taken much more losses than the Leitmeritz-Legnica army due to Fenris's intervention. Soon, they were some distance away and began to collect their dead to give them a proper burial.
As her army was resting since their withdrawal, Liza began to recall of her decision to invade Sasha's territory. Not only she was able to receive a reward from Thenardier and Ganelon for moving Ellen from Brune, but has a chance in test her strength with her.
While Liza realize that she has yet to be the same level as Ellen, she nevertheless remains determined to get stronger.
She then recalls her history with Ellen, which expends all the way back to their childhood. She ended up remembering painful memories of being bullied due to her heterochromia eyes only to be helped by Ellen, only to be forgotten by her when they met again since that day.
After being broken from her thoughts by one of her soldiers, Liza then realized something.
"If I remember correctly, his name is Tigrevurmud Vorn."
Believing that Ellen and Tigre were working together not for convenience sake, Liza decided to keep an eye on their movement. She also realizes that Thenardier and Ganelon may not win the civil war in Brune, establishing a connection with Tigre would be a good idea.
It was then Fenris came into her mind. While his prowess in battle and use of magic amazed her, she was more focused on he viewed his own heterochromia eyes.
"He wasn't bother by his eyes in the slightest…" She muttered as she remembered how Fenris thought his eyes were like of a cat.
She then recalled the way she commented her eyes; it was the same manner when he commented his own. Her own people were cautious on how they speak about her eyes, but Fenris was clearly not afraid to give an honest opinion without any regard of the fallout.
'I need to see if I could get eyes on him. If he does leave Ellen, then I need to move quickly.' Liza thought with a smile. Fenris was no doubt have the full attention of the rest of the Vanadises and if he become independent again, they would surely use everything they have to obtain his services and loyalty.
But one way or another, Liza will get Fenris to serve her and if she could take him in front of Ellen's face, it would be a delightful sight.
"Fenris… I will remember you…"
"Are you serious Fenris!?"
"I am. I can reach Tigre in a blink of an eye."
Back with the Leitmeritz-Legnica army, they were about to split up; the former was going back with Ellen back to Brune while the latter will remain to handle the aftermath of the battle.
Then Fenris approached Ellen told her that he could take a headstart to Brune, but Ellen felt it would be best to stick together since it would take a few days to regroup with Tigre.
It was then Fenris decided to tell her and everyone around her of a pair of spells that he learn from the scroll he has with him; Mark and Recall.
If he read the scroll correctly, apparently Mark generates an invisible "mark" and Recall teleports the caster to the location where the "mark" was placed.
Fenris then revealed the truth of the golden coin that he given to Tigre prior to coming to Legnica; he used Mark on the coin and thus become a beacon for him to teleport to.
But there was a problem…
"However, I have never actually tested this spell. I am not certain if it will work or not." Fenris said truthfully.
Ellen was silent for a few moments before she made an astonishing decision.
"Very well. If you could do it, then I will allow you to cast this spell. Just make sure that Tigre is alright."
Everyone was surprised of her decision, but Fenris thanked her with a small bow. He then turned to Lim and spoke.
"I know I don't need to tell you this, but please take care of Ellen when I am gone."
Lim responded with a smile and a nod of the head. Seeing that everyone was okay with his early departure and has all his armaments available, Fenris began to channel Recall into his right hand.
An unstable shape of purple energy appeared on his palm and after it dispersed, a purple aura appeared below his feet and soon covered his whole body. Everyone watches in awe as the aura vanished and with it, Fenris himself.
AS for the Dragonborn, his vision was blinded by the purple aura and he felt his body feeling light. It was like this for him for a few seconds before he found himself back on his feet.
When his vision returned, he soon found himself in a tent. Beneath his feet was a pouch and from it, he could tell if it contained the "marked" coin he has given to Tigre.
"It worked after all…" Fenris muttered with smile realizing that both Mark and Recall worked as intended.
It was then he heard footsteps and when he turned to the tent's entrance, he saw it was Rurick. Fenris smiled as he realized he was indeed in the right place.
"Fenris!? How did you!?" The bald general spoke in a shocked tone, but Fenris merely smiled as he replied.
"I will explain later Rurick. Is Tigre around? I would like to speak with him."
As for Tigre, he was currently in another tent, sitting in front of a small table with someone else on the other side. He been through a lot since Ellen departure from Brune. When Muozinel began their invasion of Brune, Tigre decided to intervene to help repel the invasion.
Despite being outnumbered by the enemy, Tigre and the Silver Meteor Army managed to obtain a victory against all odds. However, days of constant fighting has left his soldiers exhausted and forced to withdraw.
When the Silver Meteor Army was being chased by a detachment from Muozienel's main army, it was certain they would be wiped out if not for unexpected assistance.
"Here you go."
The one in front of him was Ludmila Lourie herself. She was serving tea she brewed and handed a cup over to Tigre's side of the table.
"Thank you for your help." Tigre said as he bowed his head in thanks. However, Ludmila think otherwise as she spoke in a disappointed tone."
"Minus one."
Tigre was confused of what she said, which she then explained the meaning of her words. "I don't recall saying that I came to save you. If you express your thanks so quickly, the other party may likely as for collateral immediately."
As she continues her "lesson" in negotiation, it was then she notices something unusual. At the corner inside the tent was Lavias, her Dragon Tool, which began to resonate with chilled air which drift towards the tent's entrance.
"This can't be right. Lavias only act this way when he is here…" She muttered out in surprise, which Tigre notice the same thing.
It was then their answer came when the flaps opened and revealed figure which they clearly recognized due to his armor. The archer was in shock as he witnesses him enter the tent.
"Fenris?!"
He only made a smile as he saw Tigre, though he was surprised to see Ludmila with him. He never thought the Ice Vanadis to be this far from her territory.
"You miss me Tigre?"
Fenris then turned his head to Ludmila as he made a slight bow.
"I am surprised to see you here Ludmila, but I am glad to met you again."
She made a blush that was hardly noticeable, but she nevertheless replied with a smile.
"I am also glad to see you once more Fenris."
It was then Tigre broke out of his shock and quickly speak to Fenris.
"How did you…?"
"I will explain later Tigre. Would you mind to give me a report of the situation here?"
"Of… Of course."
Tigre explained what he had experienced to Fenris, who was in shock and in amazement of what the young archer has accomplished with his and Ellen's aid.
During the invasion, Muozinel has taken over Agnes, Brune's southern province, with its advancement force of 20,000 soldiers. However, Tigre managed to force them back with a mere 2,000 soldiers of his own. Apparently, he used a variety of deception and ambush tactics to inflict much damage to the opposing army. Despite almost half of the Silver Meteor Army was either dead or wounded, the Muozinel's advancement army has taken a shocking 10,000 casualties; including the opposing commander himself.
However, the Silver Meteor Army were exhausted due to fighting the enemy for three days with little rest and they received word of the Muozinel's main force arriving into Agnes in force; 30,000 soldiers in total. With these factors, Tigre was forced to order a full retreat.
He and what remains of his forces would have been wiped out by a detachment from the main force if not Ludmila's interference. She came to Brune with 4,000 soldiers of her own, which made the Muozinel detachment to retreat.
"I looked into the maps previously and noticed that Agnes was linked to Brune and Zhcted. So I see that you are here due to concerns regarding Muozinel's movements." Fenris said to Ludmila, making an assumption why she was here.
"Yes. Agnes is bordered close to Olmutz. I want to see if Muozinel dare to enter my territory."
Fenris saw that his assumption was correct, but to bring an army of 4,000 to just observe an enemy's movement was risky. Ludmila would be seen as hostile to be bringing such a large force.
"So, you want me?"
Ludmila asked Tigre as question that would be easily misinterpreted for the latter was blushing. Fenris however knew what she meant and decided to ease the talk.
"She means do you want her and the army she brought to aid you against Muozinel."
Ludmila merely smiled at Fenris for he already caught on what she was saying. She then turned back to Tigre.
"Please tell me."
"Yes, I do."
Tigre give answer promptly without giving much thought, which Fenris merely shook his head and Ludmila spoke in a disappointed tone once more.
"Minus two."
'Never expected Tigre have this much trouble with negotiations…' Fenris muttered in his head as Ludmila began to explain the fault to the confused archer.
"You should not bow so easily, for you will easily be taken advantage of. I understand your situation, but I rather not partner up with a fool."
Fenris could tell it was harsh, but knew that Ludmila was correct. Negotiation was a situation which requires a sharp tongue, patience and a bit of luck. He seen back in Skyrim that traders haggling for better deals ended up with mixed results; either getting what they wanted, being pushed away or being tricked into paying at a higher price.
He turned to Tigre and saw that he was sweating. Since Ludmila said minus two, it felt like that she would leave if Tigre messes up once more. Fenris knew that Tigre wouldn't last without reinforcement, so if it comes to that, he would try to make a deal with Ludmila.
After a few moments, Tigre lowered his head in a bow.
"Please help me."
He explained that he was on his own for Ellen had to leave for Zhcted and much to Ludmila's surprise, Fenris accompanied her.
"If that is the case, why are you here?" Ludmila asked Fenris in a questioning tone.
"You two are going to be surprised…"
Fenris didn't go into full detail back in Legnica; he just spoke that Ellen was just finished with her task back in Zhcted when she heard of Muozinel invasion. It was then he told the two about Mark and Recall. With Ellen's permission, he used the latter to return back to Brune seeing that it would take a few days to return back.
Tigre was dumbstruck by the fact that Fenris could teleport and that the coin that he was given by him prior to leaving with Ellen days ago was actually the beacon.
He was broken from his dumbstruck state by Fenris. "By the way, is that all you are going to say to Ludmila. If that is the case, then I will handle the negotiation in your place."
Realizing what he meant, Tigre made a follow-up with what he said to Ludmila as he turned to her.
"Though I have no means of compensating you today, once my fight with Duke Thenardier is over, then I will be able to reward you."
"You?"
"My properties and my possessions… They belong to Ellen though…"
Tigre was now worried that he may have messed up and Ludmila was about to leave. Yet, he received a unexpected reply.
"You are foolish and honest to a fault. Fenris told me that your sincerity is your strongest point and I see that he was right. For it, I will give you a passing mark."
Tigre felt a feeling of relief after hearing her response.
"…So you lend me your hand?"
"Our negotiation is not over yet. There is still one more condition"
After directing her words to Tigre, Ludmila then turned her head to Fenris.
"Do you remember the Battle of Tatra Fortress?"
"Yes, I remember it as clear as day." Fenris replied as he started to realize what she wanted to know.
During the battle, Ellen tried to used her Dragon Art to break through the gate, but it wasn't effective. It was only when he used Elemental Fury on Arifar that it became powerful enough to make an opening. However, he let Ellen have the honors of breaking into the fortress.
Nevertheless, he remained quiet as Ludmila continued on her question. She spoke of the design of the fortress's gate and the fact that Ellen's predecessor once fought against Ludmila's mother; the Vanadises of the previous generation. The two clashed with each other many times, not once Ellen's predecessor was able to break open the gate.
Yet, Ellen was seen surpassing her predecessor by successfully breaching Tatra Fortress with her own strength. However, Ludmila talked to her soldiers and learned from that Fenris had a hand in enhancing Ellen's strength.
"My soldiers told me stories that I found once to be unbelievable. They say that you wielded Arifar and shouted words that enhanced its powers. They spoke of you handed the sword back to Ellen and with it, she unleashed a force that devastated everything its path…"
'I was right…' Fenris muttered mentally seeing what Ludmila wanted to know from him.
"I seen the power of your Shouts prior to the battle… So tell me, what did you do?"
Fenris was silent for a few moments before he made a reply. While Ellen may not like him talking about his Shout, he knows that Ludmila will not take no for answer in this occasion.
"What you heard is correct... I used a Shout to enhanced Arifar's power that allowed Ellen to breach the gate at Tatra Fortress."
Ludmila kept an indifferent expression on her face while Tigre was surprised of what Fernis said. From what he heard, Fenris had a Shout which could enhance the power of a Dragon Tool.
"It is like my Black Bow…" Tigre muttered out quietly.
Fenris could make out what Tigre said, but he was more focused on Ludmila. He could tell she wanted more than just honesty in his words. The best method was to gave a live demonstration. He rarely made use of Shouts outside of battle; battles in which defeat means disaster.
Yet, Tigre and the Silver Meteor Army would not last against Muozinel without Ludmila's soldiers. Even if he goes into battle, he would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
He going to say something when he saw Ludmila turned to Tigre.
"What did you say?"
He was clear that Ludmila also made out of what Tigre said and wondered what he meant. Tigre tried to change subjects, but she insist that he explain what he said.
"Fenris told me that your sincerity is your strongest point…" She said with a smile, but was a feeling of annoyance emitting from her. Fernis could tell that Tigre had no choice but to admit defeat.
"It's a completely unrefined bow."
Few moments later, Tigre asked for his Black Bow to be brought into the tent. Ludmila was holding on to the bow as she inspected it. Tigre however was not amused by her words.
"This is a household heirloom. Please refrain from saying such words."
"Careful Ludmila. That bow is more than its appearance dictates."
Fenris made a refute to her words for he and Tigre witnessed the power of the Black Bow. While the two thought it was just a uniquely designed bow, it was clear what they have seen that the bow wasn't as it seems.
As Ludmila moved her Dragon Tool close to the bow and felt a eerie feeling. Tigre then explained what happened when he used the power of the bow when he shot down Zion's dragon with Ellen's aid. Fenris also give his perspective and can vouch that Tigre is telling the truth. Ludmila listened with interest from the archer and the Dragonborn.
Fenris could tell that Tigre was concerned of the reaction Ellen would make if she found out that he revealed such information to Ludmila. However, Fenris wasn't very concern since he already has a grasp of Ellen's personality.
It then Ludmila turn to speak. "If what you two say is true, then it would be like there are two more Vanadises. If it were me, would try to secure those two to ensure my dominance over the other six.
Fenris and Tigre were silent after hearing her speak in a serious tone. Fenris knew of his abilities and was concerned that Ellen may be bothered by those who seek his services. But he will deal with it when the time comes.
He watches as the discussion between Ludmila and Tigre, which soon ended much to his surprise with the pair shaking hands.
"You are sure trust my words regarding my shout. Many would assume I making it up."
Ludmila turned to him. "I know you are speaking honestly. While I would like to see it in person, I will trust your words.
Fenris merely smiled as he nodded in agreement. However, he had a feeling that Ludmila would one day witness the effect of either the Black Bow or his Elemental Fury Shout.
It was then Ludmila asked Tigre to bring his commanders into the tent for a war meeting against the Muozinel forces.
Fernis, Tigre and Rurick were listening to Ludmila as she was stating her plan to push Muozinel out of Brune. However, he knows from Tigre that his men are drained from the three-day battle against the advancement force, so they have without doubt only have enough energy to fight for one more day.
Tigre was able to win his prior battle against the advancement due to killing off the enemy commander and demoralizing the soldiers under his command. However, the main force was much larger and with it, the odds of getting a clear shot on him was slim.
It was then Ludmila spoke the enemy commander leading the Muozinel invasion of Brune.
Kureys Shahim Balamir, the brother of the king of Muozinel and has the nickname Red Beard.
Tigre and Rurick did not know much about the enemy general, which Ludmila was greatly annoyed. Fenris was shocked when she explained one of Kureys's greatest achievements.
Sachstein, a kingdom that bordered Brune, launched their navy against Muozinel. The attacker had 1,000 ships and the defender had only 200 ships. However, Kureys lead the defense of his country and successfully repelled the Sachstein navy.
It was clear that Kureys was no ordinary general if he could defeat an enemy navy while outnumbered five-to-one.
Ludmila gave the landscape which they would wage their battle; the Ormea Plains. It was covered with rolling hills and there a highway that through the center of the plains.
Rurick spoke that the terrain will benefit the side with the larger army, but Fenris could tell that Ludmila have a reason for choosing the battleground.
However, the condition of the plan that bothered Fenris greatly was the fact that Ludmila require the assistance of the refugees that Tigre saved prior to his arrival. Tigre told him that the Muozinel advancement force had slaves with them and executed a few to draw the Silver Meteor Army out.
The refugees number about 2,000 and Ludmila said they would as a decoy to draw the enemy out. Fenris would view such an action unacceptable due to putting innocent lives on the line. Yet, he saw that if the Muozinel win the battle, additional lives would be either lost or enslaved.
"This is a risky proposition, but I can see we don't have a choice…" Fenris spoke bitterly on the matter using defenseless refugees as decoys.
Choosing between two evils, Fenris chose the lesser one; risk the lives of 2,000 refugees in order to save a whole kingdom.
"I understand your concern, but we only have one battle to crush the Muozinel army. Ludmile plainly replied, but she inwardly worried that it would alienate Fenris.
"What are your thoughts Tigre" Fenris turned to Tigre regarding his thoughts.
"The plan is risky…"
"Are you afraid?"
Hearing Ludmila remark, Tigre knew it was too late to be afraid seeing that the battle was close. Nevertheless, he remained anxious of the plan.
"I am surprised that you are going so far for us…" Fenris spoke with a small smile. Despite the thought of the refugeess linger in his mind, he was willing to place his faith with Ludmila's plan.
Ludmila replied with a smile of her own. It is because you and Tigre would owe much this way. I have high expectations for you two.
With that, the war meeting was over.
Fenris and Tigre soon left the tent and noticed that the sun now beneth the cliff. Fenris never expected that the meeting would take so much time; there was daylight when he arrived.
"How did it go…"
They then saw a tall man with hazel hair wearing armor that was covered with cloak run up to them before he stoped in his tracks. He was looking at Fernis in awe.
"Count Vorn, is this…?"
"Yes. This is Fenris."
Fenris turned his head to Tigre with a questioning look, which Tigre noticed quickly.
"This is Gerard Augre. He is the son of Hughes and one of our strategists."
Fenris then put his hand towards Gerald to greet the young man. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am sure that you heard of me. Gerald then shook hands with him with a smile.
"Indeed. I heard stories across Brune about you, but I always thought you were a rumor. I never thought you actually exist."
"That is understandable. You were able to say something before you saw us right."
Gerald realized this and then asked Tigre how the meeting went. As expected, Tigre explained that he has Ludmila's support for the battle. It was then Tigre asked if anything happen when he was away. Gerald replied and it caught Fenris's attention.
"Yes. It is the girl you found before we battled the Muozinel Army."
"Girl?" Fenris spoke with slight interest.
"She's a traveller and was attacked by a few Muozinel soldiers before I rescued her. She is currently resting in the camp." Tigre replied as he turned back to Gerald.
"How is she?" Gerald however shook his head.
"She is scared and is very cautious about us."
Fenris listened as Gerald spoke of the girl's condition. While the soldiers were kind with the girl, she was yet to trust them.
"Very well. I will go and see her." Tigre said to Gerald and then turned to Fenris.
"Do you want to see her?"
"Sure. But I am concerned that she would be scared of me."
"Don't worry. I will calm her down if it comes to that."
"If you say so…"
Tigre and Fenris left to meet with the girl, But the latter was concerned that his appearance would scare her. The rumors in Brune after all portray him as demon with destructive powers.
After getting some food to bring to the girl, the two arrived at the tent where she rested at. Tigre entered first holding a tray with two bowl of soup. When he opened the flap to enter next, he finally got a glimpse of the girl.
She had curly blonde hair, a youthful figure and was wearing a set of normal clothes. As he and the girl laid eyes on one another, her expression changed.
It was as Fenris feared the moment she saw him.
Her expression became one of deep fear and horror…
Author's Note:
Here is another update of my story for the month. My personal matters doesn't hamper my time like it did during my last update, so I should be able to upload another chapter; hopefully near the end of this month.
The next chapter will mark the end of the fourth Volume of the light novel and it would be a interesting battle that is to come now that Fenris now back in Brune. I will leave you to all to make your assuptions what would happen next till then.
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.