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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 18
"Ugh…"
Tigre muttered out as he soon felt his consciousness return. When he opened his eyes, he was flabbergasted where he was.
No longer he was in the collapsed cave, but he was standing in the middle of a void of darkness. Despite nothing was beneath him, Tigre could tell he was standing on solid ground.
"Where am I…?!"
"What…?"
Tigre was surprised to hear a voice to his right and turned to see what it was. He was more surprised to see it was Fenris.
"How are you here Tigre?!" Fenris shouted for he was just as surprised as him. He approached the archer with a serious expression.
"I don't know?! I just closed my eyes and…" Tigre spoke, but was interrupted by a voice coming from the void.
"I brought him here… My champion…" Tigre soon saw something materialised behind the Dragonborn. His eyes widened as a large eyelid appeared within the void surrounded with tentacles.
It then revealed an eye with an infinity symbol for a pupil and despite having no mouth, it was spoke clearly, but sinisterly as well.
Fenris quickly turned around and saw the being before him. Tigre watch in surprise as he kneeled down in front of it.
"My lord…" Fenris said in respect much to the archer's utter shock. "Why did you bring Tigre here?"
"To discuss something of importance…" It replied.
"Fenris! What is this thing?!" Tigre stated much to Fenris's shock. Before he could say anything, the archer watched as the eye gazes it attention to him.
"My apologizes, wielder of the Black Bow… I am Hermaeus Mora… Daedric Prince of Knowledge…" Tigre's eyes widened upon hearing the name.
He quickly recalled back to the time Fenris told of his service to the Daedric Prince and when Tir Na Fal's gave her warning about Fenris and his patron.
Tigre was more disturbed that Mora knew he wielded the Black Bow.
"How did you…"
"Know about the Black Bow…?" Mora said. "I know more of this world than you ever dream off…"
As Tigre was trying to comprehend what he heard, Fenris spoke out.
"My lord. Tigre has nothing to do with us."
"Oh it does my champion. You and the wieldier entered Saint-Groel to aid the Brune princess in her task… But now, the both of you are trapped and with no way to escape…"
While Tigre was shocked that the Daedric Prince knew everything that happened today, he and Fenris nevertheless listened to the otherworld being.
"For that, I offer you wielder of the Bow… Knowledge…"
"Knowle…" Tigre was interrupted as he felt a presence behind him.
He turned around and was shocked to see the Black Bow itself. "What…" He was more shocked when a dark aura appeared from the bow and formed into a silhouette of long-haired woman.
Fenris felt the same presence and calmly turned his head to see the silhouette.
"Hermaeus Mora…" The silhouette said to the Daedric Prince darkly.
While Tigre was startled from its appearance and moved out of the way, Fenris merely stood up and walk to the side.
"To think we would see each other again so quickly…" Mora calmly said as it begun to laugh lightly but darkly as well. "Tir Na Fal…"
"What?" Fenris muttered out, recalling the goddess's name from a book he read regarding the world's deities.
Tigre didn't say a word as looked at the silhouette that was Tir Na Fal in complete shock.
"I knew you would a find a way back here…" The goddess said. "And to think you have another Dragon-Blooded to serve."
Fenris could easily tell that she was referring to him, but now have more questions. 'Another Dragon-Blooded? The only other Dragonborn that followed Mora was Miraak…'
Hermaeus Mora merely replied. "My champion is the greatest of all my servants… Just like the wielder of the Bow is…"
"That is none of your concern…!" Tir Na Fal lashed back, but the Daedric Prince laughed it off. "What are you scheming?"
"I am giving the wielder a way out of their predicament..." Soon, Hermaeus Mora got the full attention of Tigre.
"A way out?" Tigre muttered in surprise.
However, the goddess wasn't amused as a sinister aura emerged her silhouette. "If you think I will let you…"
"Calm yourself… We would both benefit…" The Daedric Prince stated.
Fenris and Tigre watched as the two otherworldly beings entered a heated discussion.
"Benefit? What do you mean?
"You are already aware… The wielder and my champion are trapped in a cave-in and no hope of escaping… In time, they would perish and we would both lose our champions… And the Black Bow would be forever lost beneath the rocks…"
Tir Na Fal didn't say a word as the Daedric Prince continued on his proposition.
"I know the properties of the Black Bow as much as you… As I said before, I wish to offer knowledge to the wielder…"
"What do you have to gain?" The goddess however remains distrustful of the Daedric Prince.
"Simple… Our champions will live to see the next sunrise…" Hermaeus Mora stated. "And we can continue to see their growth…"
Tigre and Fenris gazes at Tir Na Fal as she stood silent as Hermaeus Mora merely gazes at her, waiting for an answer.
The goddess then finally came to a decision. "I don't trust you Hermaeus Mora and I know your ambitions… But I can see I have little choice…"
"So you accept…?" The Daedric Prince questioned.
"Yes…" The goddess answered begrudgingly.
Hermaeus Mora soon made a dark laugh which appeared to echo throughout the void. Tigre became tense as the otherworldly being soon turn its attention to him.
Much to his shock, a wave of energy emerged from the Daedric Prince's eye and flew into him. Fenris watched as the archer's eyes begun to glow brightly.
"What the…" Tigre could only mutter as something begun to enter his mind and it slightly overwhelmed him.
After the wave died down, Tigre shook his head as he tried to comprehend what happened. It was then recalled what appeared into his head. "The Black Bow?!"
"Yes…" Hermaeus Mora stated. "I have granted you the knowledge to use the Black Bow at its full potential. Use it wisely."
"But how do you…?!" Tigre tried to ask the Daedric Prince, he soon found himself blinded as a flash of light evolved the void.
It was then he heard Tir Na Fal's whisper into his ears.
"Use the knowledge that is given you, but not whatsoever trust Hermaeus Mora." The goddess stated. "The same applied to the Dragon-Blooded…"
Then everything went silent as Tigre lost feeling across his body again.
"Ah! Wah?" Tigre's body suddenly jerked as he regained feeling of his body. As he quickly looked around, Tigre saw he was back in the collapsed cavern in Saint-Groel. He looked at Bertrand and saw he still was unconscious.
"What of that…?" Tigre questioned what he has seen prior. "What that a strange dream?"
"It's not a dream I'm afraid." Turning around, he saw Fenris looking with serious eyes. "It seems that we both have explaining to do."
"Fenris…"
"Now you know that I still have connections with Hermaeus Mora. However, you seem to have a link to Tir Na Fal."
"But we…" Tigre muttered.
"If you are worried about Bertrand, I checked and he is apparently knocked out to the point he will not remember what he heard. Fenris said. "If it's about Ellen, it is matter we can't discuss with her. Unless you told her about…"
"No. She doesn't about Tir Na Fal. Did you…"
"She doesn't know about Hermaeus Mora's presence in this world. I think it would be best we keep this matter to ourselves…"
It was then Fenris begun to explain about his previous discussions with Hermaeus Mora. While sure what the Daedric Prince had planned for letting Tigre learn of its presence, Fenris decided it would be best to explain everything.
Fernis spoke of how Hermaeus Mora contacted him prior to the second battle with the Navarre Knights at the Orange Plains and again at the Perche Fortress. While he didn't like to hide it, Fenris felt that the Daedric Prince would be displeased if he explained about Valentina, so he left the fact out. Luckily, Tigre paid no mind and thought he was being told everything.
"Wait…" Tigre questioned. "Hermaeus Mora have a link to my world?"
"I am not too sure." Fenris replied. "The Daedric Prince doesn't give out such knowledge willingly."
"You are sure you trust this Daedric Prince?"
"I know Hermaeus Mora for several years now and as its favoured champion, the knowledge I get is truthful and free of deceit."
"And you called it Lord?"
"Hermaeus Mora values followers gives respect and appreciate its gifts. That is enough about me. It is your turn to explain."
Soon, it was Tigre's turn to explain about Tir Na Fal. He explained that during his recovery after being wounded by Roland back then, he felt the Black Bow wanted to lead him somewhere. Despite his injuries, he chose to follow the Bow's direction and left with Titta, who chose to accompany him. It was there he found a temple and explained to Fenris what happen within its walls.
"Let me get this straight…" Fenris asked. "You left the camp while still you're injured, brought Titta with you and entered a temple…"
"Yes." Tigre replied.
"Where Tir Na Fal possessed Titta and forces you to fire an arrow at her to prove if you are worthy of using the Black Bow…"
"Yes."
Fenris scratched his head trying to comprehend what he just heard. While it gives insight how Tigre was able to defeat Roland, he knew there was more to it.
"Does Titta remember what happened at that temple and being possessed?"
"Not quite." Tigre shook his head. "She does remember the temple, but she doesn't recall being possessed and what happened after."
The two went silent for a few moments before Tigre spoke once more. "What relationship does Hermaeus Mora have Tir Na Fal?"
"It is not clear, but it seems that Tir Na Fal does not trust Hermaeus Mora." Fenris surmised. "Which also extends to me."
"And Dragon-Blooded? Is she referring to your status as Dragonborn back in your world?"
"Possibly, but I am not certain. Hermaeus Mora knows the answers, but it doesn't tell me unless I do favours for the Daedric Prince…"
Tigre looked at Fenris as he saw signs of frustration. "Don't know why Tir Na Fal don't trust you, but you did much for me, Ellen and so many others. I definitely trust you regardless of your links to Hermaeus Mora."
Fenris then looked at Tigre with a smile. "I appreciate your trust, but I think this goddess will try to change your mind otherwise…"
Once again, the two became silent as Tigre gazes upon the Black Bow in his hand. It was then he felt the knowledge that the Daedric Prince gave him rush to his mind.
Fenris then broke the silence. "Are you sure you can make use what Hermaeus Mora provided you?"
"I think so." Tigre said. "From what I know now, the Black Bow reacts to the user's emotions."
"So I assume that the bow's strength is based on what the wielder is feeling?"
"I believe so, but how Hermaeus Mora know about…"
"Now is not the time." Fenris interrupted. "We need to get out of here."
"Right." Tigre then tried to focus his emotions while gripping the Black Bow. He tried to experience the relief of being free, but nothing happened.
"Why is nothing happening?" Tigre muttered.
"I think the bow reacts to certain emotions." Fenris said as he turns his gaze to Bertrand and got an idea.
"Tigre, I want to imagine what would happen if I'm wasn't here with you."
"What do you mean?"
"Imagine the moment where Steid was trying to kill you… Imagine what could happen if I wasn't there to block his blows."
"I would have died…"
"Would Bertrand let that happen?"
Fenris gestured Tigre to Bertrand, who still lying on the ground. "You were still on the ground when I was dealing with Steid. Seeing Bertrand here means that he came back for you despite the danger to his own life."
"Bertrand would risk everything for me…" Tigre's thoughts soon became filled with the possibilities that could occur if Fenris wasn't here.
He imagined Steid preparing the death blow and Bertrand suddenly appearing front of him. Seeing his attendant being cleaved by the blow as his blood splashed everywhere was a horrific sight for Tigre and filled him with sorrow.
But much to his surprise, Tigre felt the Black Bow beginning to vibrate. Upon snapping out of his imagination, the vibration stop.
"I can see the bow reacts to your grief…" Fenris noted. "Which you would feel if you lost Bertrand."
Tigre didn't say a word as he continues to gaze upon the Black Bow.
"I believe the Black Bow reacts more to negative emotions; fear, sorrow, anger… However, I believe we can twist those emotions into something positive."
"Like how Fenris?" Tigre questioned.
"Close your eyes and focus on the Black Bow in your hands." Fenris ordered.
As the archer closed his eyes and gripped onto the bow, the Dragonborn begun to put his plan to the test.
"Tigre… Think carefully… You care deeply for Bertrand and fear of losing him, but that would be a reality if we don't escape from this place… Not only that, Thenardier would have free reign over Brune." Fenris continued as he looked at Tigre's face. "You'll also risk losing Regin, Titta, your hometown of Alsace… Everything you hold dear in Brune."
Fernis then he spoke the words which he hoped would act as the catalyst.
"Do you wish to die here? Let all the work and sacrifices you have made as of now be all for nothing?"
At the very moment, Fenris felt a suffocating feeling across his body and saw the Black Bow vibrating in Tigre's grip. Soon, a black aura formed around the bow and slowly expanded outwards throughout the collapsed chamber.
"What…?" Fenris found his vision being enveloped by the darkness…
As for everyone that manage to escape the cave-in in Saint-Groel, they manage to return to the surface. Upon returning, Ellen found the bodies of the two men that were standing guard. She notices throwing knives lodged into each of their throats and surmised that they were killed by Etis before he confronted them.
As tragedy as it was, she has more pressing matters.
After giving orders to Rurick and some of the surviving soldiers to return back to the main army, Ellen left for Artishem with the remaining men with Regin in tow.
Ellen's goal was to secure the site of the cave-in so her soldiers could attempt to dig up the entire area. While she felt the odds of Tigre and Fenris surviving the cave-in were slim, she has to at least recover their bodies before their enemies does.
While the city was some distance away and they were tired, Ellen and Regin didn't take any breaks and reached the outskirts of Artishem in record them.
It was then they notice an astonishing sight as their mouths open in awe. From within the city, a streak of black light flew straight into the sky. Ellen and Regin swore that the tip of the black light was shaped like a dragon.
The light remained visible for a few moments before vanishing.
"What was that?" Regin muttered.
"I am not sure, but we are still going!" Ellen replied.
Upon seeing that light, the Vanadis felt there was hope for Tigre and Fenris.
When they entered Artishem, it was a tragic sight for much of the city was destroyed. Anything made of wood were turned into rubble while those made of stone were blackened by the fire and the resultant soot.
Around them were the survivors of the fire that took their homes and loved ones. They either wandering down the streets in despair or searching through the rubble for anything to survive on.
As painful as it was, the group continued their way towards the center of city and were in awe once again.
Before them was a large crater which was shaped like a bowl and the pavement slabs around it were destroyed completely. It was something that couldn't be made naturally or by human hands.
Just as Ellen approached the crater, she heard a recognizable voice.
"Hey! Anyone up there?! We could use some help down here!"
"Fenris?!"
"Ellen?! We are down here!"
Rushing to the end of the crater, Ellen saw it was indeed Fenris. Seeing his smile brought her much relief though she notice one of his katanas was missing.
Beside him was Tigre, who was struggling to stand up, his clothing were in tatters and was carring Bertrand on his back.
Ellen quickly skidded down the crater and made her way to them.
"Are you two okay?" Ellen asked as he grabbed on to Tigre, who was at the verge of collapsing.
"…Ellen?" Those were the only words he could say before he fainted from exhaustion.
"Tigre will be alright, but he needs rest." Fenris assured Ellen. She turned to him and saw that despite being covered in dirt and soot, he was relatively still in good shape.
"You two had me worried back there..." She had tears building up at the edge of her eyes, but she quickly recomposed herself.
She soon turned to Bertrand and saw there was good amount of blood on the top of his head, but there was no wound.
"Is he…?"
"No, Bertrand is still alive but he been unconscious for some time now. He ran back to Tigre during the cave-in, but I surmised he was struck by one of the rocks."
"Even in that tremor, he risked his life to help Tigre."
"Indeed. Tigre should be happy to have someone which such loyalty…"
It was then a rope was thrown near their feet. They looked up see Regin and the few soldiers with her had the rope secured and were ready to pull them up.
Fenris took over carrying Bertrand while Ellen was doing the same for Tigre. They both held onto the rope tightly as they were being pulled up.
"By the gods…" Fenris muttered as he finally had a good view of Artishem after it was gutted by the fire.
The burned structures and the state of the survivors was painful for the Dragonborn to see. It reminded of the Civil War back in Skyrim, where many cities were devastated due to sieges back and forth.
Despite seeing the state the survivors were in, Fenris knew there was little he and others could do for them. It was relief that the survivors didn't do anything rash as the group prepare to leave the city and return back to the Silver Meteor Army.
When the group returned back to the Silver Meteor Army camp, Fenris, Ellen and Regin made their way to the main tent to report what happened at Saint-Groel to the others.
In the tent with them were Rurick, Mashas, Lim and Mila and Gerard. They all head different reactions upon hearing what occurred back at the cavern.
"First of all... It is a relief to see you all are safe." Mashas said as he bowed.
"It was apparently not our fate to perish in that cave-in… Or may be were fated to escape alive…" Fenris noted, which Ellen nodded in agreement.
Ellen then begun to discuss the reason for the cave-in at Saint-Groel. While were talks that Thenardier could have a hand in the cave-in, it was refuted since it was virtually impossible for someone to do so artificially.
It was then everyone's attention was directed at Fenris.
"This Etis is from your world right?" Mila questioned. "You said he also wielded magic, so could he have something with the cave-in."
"Yes and no." Fenris replied back. "I heard of spells capable of shattering rock, but to cause a cave-in of that magnitude would require a large amount of magicka."
"And it would be something you would easily sense?"
"Indeed. When we were fighting against Thenardier, I didn't sense any form of magic in the cavern. It clear that it was just coincidence that the cave-in occurred at that very moment."
As Fenris said those words, Titta came into the tent with tray that had a number of cups filled with teas. She then placed the cup before each person in the tent.
"Tigre, how is he?" Ellen asked the maid.
"He is currently resting. While he has a few bruises and signs of weakness, he has no serious injuries." She replied.
"What about Bertrand?" Fenris then asked. "Did he wake up."
Titta shook her head. "No. He hasn't opened his eyes since he was brought here. Do you mind if you could check on him again?"
"Of course. When I have time, I will do another check up."
"Thank you." Giving a bow, Titta soon left the tent and with that, everyone begun to discuss once more.
Mila was the first to speak and it was regarding troop movement of Thenardier's army. Fenris and Ellen that the Duke escape during the cave-in and was likely planning his next move after regrouping with his army.
"Thenardier could try to recuperate his army and rebuild its strength after the losses we inflicted on him." Fenris surmised on the Duke's possible moves. "I do recall that his army still outnumber our own, so he could try to attack first and attempt to overwhelm us."
"Either way, we have to make our own preparations." Lim stated.
"What if Etis appears once again?"
Mila asked a very important question. Since Etis appeared in Saint-Groel, there was the chance he could appear again.
All eyes were at Fenris as he made his response.
"I am not sure very sure of Etis's true motives, but I could tell that he doesn't reveal himself on a whim. If he does though, I will not hold back on him."
"You lost one of your katanas back at Saint-Groel though." Ellen said much to the surprise of everyone in the tent. "Would that hamper your ability to fight?"
Fenris merely shook his head.
"Remember that I am trained to use all sorts of weapons. While the losing that katana was a significant lost, it would not hamper me."
He stated as he looked at his last remaining katana on his hip. While the Black Bow allowed him and Tigre to escape, it also vaporised his katana and made it impossible to recover.
"I can't afford to risk losing my last katana, so I will only use in dire circumstances." Fenris turned his gaze to Ellen. "Do you mind if I procure a weapon from the armory for my use?"
"There is no need to ask Fenris." She replied with a small smile.
"Thank you. With everything we been through, I believe we deserve at least a good night rest." The meeting soon ended with almost everyone leaving the tent and going their separate ways for the night.
As for Fenris, he was making his way to the tent where Bertrand was resting to check on his status before going to the armory.
Sitting in the center of his own tent, Tigre had his wounds treated and wore a clean set of clothes. However, he was silent as he gazed upon the Black Bow gripped in his hands.
It was then a voice echoed through the tent, but it was something that only Tigre could hear.
"So, you did it."
After what he experienced at Saint-Groel, Tigre had a feeling where the voice was coming.
"You were able to use the full extent of the bow with the help of Hermaeus Mora and the Dragon-Blooded. As distasteful as it is, I see the benefits of using what they taught you against them when the time comes…"
Tigre didn't say a single word upon hearing those words. After a few minutes, the voice realize that the archer wasn't going to listen.
"I can tell you're still placing your faith in the Dragon-Blooded. He will show his true colours in time. I will return when you are in a better mood."
With that, the voice vanished from Tigre's ears. Yet, he found himself deep in thought.
Tigre begun to recall being the dreamscape with Fenris, watching Hermaeus Mora and Tir Na Fal having their heated discussion. He shuttered upon remembering the Daedric Prince's appearance and its calm yet sinister voice.
Of all the things Tigre have seen throughout his life, the ever-gazing eye of Hermaeus Mora would be something he would never forget.
"Tigre? Are you here?" He was broken from his thoughts by a voice. Tigre turned to the entrance of the tent and saw it was Fenris.
"Oh, its you Fenris."
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine I suppose." Tigre turn his gaze towards the Black Bow before returning back to Fenirs. "You were playing with my fear back then."
Fenris made a light frown as he thought back that particular moment back at Saint-Groel. "I know it was cruel, but for good reason. Your fears would have become reality if we didn't escape and it was those same fears that allowed you to use the bow to its full power."
"True, but the way you said those words… I don't know. It felt so real in my head."
"I have a way with words."
Tigre was quiet for a few moments before he ask a question that was in his head for some time.
"How is Bertrand?"
Tigre asked the Dragonborn, who shook his head lightly.
"He still hasn't woken up yet. At best, he would be out for at least a day or two."
"I see…" Tigre sadly said.
Fenris walked up to Tigre and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Bertrand was more than willing to put his life on the line for you. He also lived though the cave-in and that all that matters."
"But I almost lost him…"
"At least you have someone close to you still alive…"
Tigre was quiet as he took in what he heard and soon remembered Fenris's life story months back.
"As you already know, I don't remember much about my hometown or my family. The closest thing I had to a family was my adopted father and the mercenary group I was raised in..."
Fenris closed his eyes as he called his life prior to becoming the hero he was today.
"At the time, gold is all that matters to us. While we prefer contracts that were moral and just, making ends meet were more important than anything else. Whenever we meet victory or defeat on a battlefield, we just lick our wounds and make our way to another. We knew that each battle we enter could be our last…"
He then remembered the death of his adopted father and the destruction of the mercenary group he fought with for most of his life.
"I felt my heart being torn when I lost my adopted father in battle. I then felt my heart ripped to shreds when the mercenary group I considered my family being wiped out. At the time, I once thought of taking my own life…"
Fenris then took a deep breath as he looked at Tigre with determined eyes.
"But I then realized it was something my adopted father or my comrades would have not wanted… I realized that I still had something of great value and that is my pride and honor… My pride of making a difference and my honor in living on for the sake of my fallen comrades. Even when I realized my fate of being a Dragonborn, I still kept my pride and honor."
Tigre was silent as he took it all in. However, he and Fenris soon heard a voice from outside the tent.
"Well said Fenris." They move their heads to see it was Ellen entering the tent. "Well said."
"Ellen?" Fenris said in surprise. "How much did you hear?"
"Just when you were explaining your life as a mercenary." She replied. "A life I can relate…"
"Wait, you mean...?"
"Yes. Before I became a Vanadis, I was also a mercenary. And like you, I had my pride but as a soldier." Ellen said with a smile.
"You picked up your weapon?"
"Yes." Fenris nodded. "I already put it into my tent."
Ellen nodded in reply as she then turned to Tigre.
"So, what will you do now?"
Upon being asked, Tigre first asked Fenris on what was Thenardier's next move. Like he did in the prior meeting, Fenris merely stated the possible plans that the Duke could do. With the information, Tigre decided to wait till tomorrow to see what plan Thenardier has in store and make preparations from there.
While having concerns of Tigre's decision, Ellen nevertheless accepted it. Calling it a night, Fenris and Ellen left the tent and went their separate ways.
None of them are sure what would happen tomorrow, but it was clear to everyone that the climax of the Brune Civil War was at hand.
Here is another update to my story. Despite some setbacks after coming back from vacation, I was able to finally complete this chapter. The next chapter will mark the end of first arc, but it would be some time before I could get to it. I just graduated from college a few months ago and is now currently searching for a job, so please be patient for the next update.
Some time ago, I've read up what information I could about the latest volume of the light novel. While it does complicate matters with my initial plans with my story, I still intend to follow through with what I have despite the possibility of changes on the way.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina(?), Olga, Sasha, Fine(?)
(?) After what I read about the latest volume, I haven't decided yet if Valentina and Fine are still feasible to be in the harem or not.