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Dragonborn and Vanadis – Chapter 19
A day has passed since the incident at Saint-Groel and the key members of the Silver Meteor Army were preparing a meeting. Fenris was walking alongside with Lim as the two were making their way to main tent.
"Are you sure you want to wield that?" Lim questioned as she looked at Fenris's new weapon in his hand. "I thought you would taken up two swords instead.
In the Dragonborn's hand was a longsword, which meant to be wielding with two hands. Lim was confused since she thought Fenris prefer dual weapons and mobility. Even if he wanted to reserve his last katana for key battles, he could have wielded dual swords instead.
"I'm a master in many forms of armaments and I have decided to take up one of my people's favourite weapons." Fenris answered. "In Skyrm, a guard once complimented me for my skill in using two-handed weapons, saying that the gods gave me two hands and I make use of both of them."
"I remember that you me that your people excel in combat."
Lim recalled the time when Fenris told her about his people, the Nords.
"Don't worry about me Lim. When it comes to two-handed swords, I know some tricks that you never seen before."
"But what about Dragonbane, the blade you always have sheathed on your back?"
Lim pointed to katana, which was always on Fenris's back, she only saw him draw it out once and that was months ago.
"Like as its name states, Dragonbane's enhancement only work effectively against dragons. While the blade can kill men, the same enchantment does little effect to them. It is also the only the one of its kind, so I will only use it against dragons unless I have no choice."
Fenris said as the two soon caught sight of the main tent.
"I see. Just be careful if when we are in battle." Lim only said as they entered the tent.
"You know I am." He replied.
Upon entering, they saw the Tigre, Ellen, Mila, Regin, Gerard and Mashas.
"Fenris, Lim, you arrived just in time. We were about to start the meeting."
Ellen said as the two took their seats. She then caught sight of Fernis's longsword.
"And I am rather surprise you would pick a longsword."
"You are not the only one surprised." Fenris gestured to Lim, who coughed lightly. "Anything important we need to discuss?"
"Well, we received two important messages." Mashas said which started the meeting. "One was sent from the Zhcted Kingdom. To be more accurate, it came from Lebus Territory."
"Lebus?" Fenris said as he got a good hunch who sent that message. "Elizavetta."
Ellen frowned upon hearing name her bitter rival.
"We assume she wishes to strike a friendship with Tigre and possibly Fenris as well. She has already sent five hundred barrels of pickled fish oil and three hundred barrels of alcohol. They are currently in the northern port of Crotoy and we can bring them here immediately if you two wish."
"Friendship? I'm not that famous." Tigre was bewildered of what he heard as he cocked his head.
He turned to Ellen, who retained her resentful frown and then to Mila, who merely shrugged.
"As for me, I am a different matter." Fenris however knew of his reputation and knowing from his first encounter with the Lightning Vanadis, it was clear she still seeks to turn him to her side.
"Indeed. Your activities should not have yet reached Lebus. She may have interest in Tigre since Eleonora is cooperating with him, but you likely have her full attention. Either way, she is trying to have a connection with the two of you in case you should win the battle."
Mila said as an ill smile slowly appeared on her lips.
"However, her relationship with Eleanora is very bad."
Fenris wasn't surprise for he seen Elizavetta in person and saw the deep animosity between her and Ellen. He turned to Ellen and saw that Mila's words sank in as she spoke in a displeased tone.
"She was the reason I had to leave for Zhcted that day." Ellen referred to the day she had to come to the aid of her friend, Sasha. "And she had the nerve to try to bribe Fenris to join her side, right in front of me…"
"And from what Ellen told me prior to facing her, she also has connections to both Thenardier and Ganelon." Fenris followed up.
"Then it would be better to refuse then." Tigre said, but was stopped by Fenris and Ellen, the latter shaking off her animosity.
"You shouldn't be that hasty. Elizavetta went to a lot of trouble giving you all those supplies and rejecting it could strain your relations with her."
"Indeed. I would turn it down if it was sent to me, but this is addressed to you. If she sent it over for free, then I doubt it's poisoned."
Tigre then turned to Mashas and after getting his advice, he then tasked Gerard to check the goods. Fenris smiled when Tigre also ordered a significant portion of the goods be transferred to Artishem.
Seeing what they been through, those people could use any sort of relief.
"Now that is covered, what is the second message?" Fenris asked Mashas.
"It is from the Royal Palace, from Badouin."
"Badouin?" Fenris never heard of the name, but Tigre did yet couldn't recall where.
"He is the Prime Minister of our country. Pierre Badouin."
Many in the tent were surprised to hear that the Prime Minister of Brune contacted them.
"The Prime Minsters, why did he…?" Tigre asked.
"He said His Majesty has finally awoken." Mashas replied, which definitely caught everyone's attention.
They were more surprised to learn that Badouin just arrived in the camp with an escort of soldiers.
Fenris and the others were waiting in the tent while Gerard went out to lead the Gerard here. In a few moments, a round-faced elderly man wearing a gray uniform came into the tent. He had a grey beard and mustache which extended from his face.
He flinched when he caught sight of Fenris due to hearing stories, but Gerard however came into the tent and assured him that Fenris means no harm. Nevertheless, the old man remain cautious around the Dragonborn.
'The Prime Minister is quite wary of me. Can't say I blame him.'
Fenris knew of his fearsome reputation in Brune and it would take some effort to remove the negative aspect from the rumors, which could only be done in peacetime.
He merely placed it in the back of his head as he observed Tigre and Badouin discussing about the former's involvement in the civil war in Brune.
"I heard His Majesty awoke from Earl Rodant. Please tell us, why you came here in person?" Tigre asked.
"I wished to meet you and know your intent." The Prime Minister answered.
Everyone in the tent listened as Tigre begun to explain himself to Badouin regarding the incident in Alsace to his ongoing military achievements in Brune.
Upon being asked by Badouin what would be his next course of action, Tigre merely state that he would defeat Thenardier and after assuring Alsace's safety, he would return back to Zhcted as their prisoner of war.
Seeing that the Prime Minister was surprised upon hearing Tigre's proclamation. Upon being asked about Durandal that Roland left him, Tigre merely stated he will return it.
Badouin was taking in all her heard from the "traitor" when Fenris then brought himself into the discussion.
"As you heard by now Prime Minister, Tigre has no dangerous ambitions. All he wants is to defend Alsace."
Upon seeing Tigre nodding his head in agreement, Badouin then turned to Fenris.
"What about you? I've first heard of you from the few survivors from Dinant. I didn't believe them at the time due to how ridiculous it was. A demon who wore a suit of dragonscale armor and wield destructive magic in his hands sounded like nonsense to me…"
Badouin then made a deep sigh as he continued on.
"But I begun to take interest as when sightings of you slowly circulated throughout Brune. Each rumor I heard of you were more unreliable than the last. The Navarre Knights stated you shouted to sky and called forth a storm and the most recent rumor claimed that you have a talking dragon comes at your beck and call. As of now, many are unease by just hearing your name."
Fenris took a deep breath as he begun to explain himself.
"What you heard is indeed true, but while my reputation in Brune may not be the best, I can assure you that I have no desire to bring chaos to the kingdom. The only reason I fight is to protect innocents from those who would harm them, which I been doing here all this time. We were considered enemy in the past, but I am here now as an ally even if you and the rest of Brune never consider me as one for many lifetimes."
As Badouin was comprehending everything he heard from Tigre and Fenris, the former decided to change the subject.
"Regin, your Highness." Tigre said as he gestured to the girl, who was unsure it was best time to talk about such an important subject.
"You believe she is her Highness, Regin?"
The Prime Minister said in an indifferent tone.
"I have little choice but to believe. She already known something that only known to his Highness and me. I also cannot think her appearance just a mere coincidence."
Tigre stated it was the truth, which Fenris knew it was going to be a difficult to convince him. After all, only a few in Brune knew about Regin's true gender.
While Badouin does agree with Tigre's words somewhat, he nevertheless state that without proof, no one would believe Regin was royalty.
"Would it be pointless to return to Saint-Groel again?" Ellen lamented, which Fenris then recalled his experience in the caverns.
He wasn't sure of the extend of the damage caused by the earthquake back then, but Saint-Groel was likely now inaccessible and excavating the tunnels would be both very dangerous and time-consuming.
Surprisingly, Badouin stated that only the upper levels of Saint-Groel collapsed and the debris could all be removed in time. He also proposed to Regin to come to the capital, Nice.
"How is Father's condition?" She asked the Prime Minister.
"It's not good." Badouin replied. "He kept it hidden from you, but his Highness suffered from an illness even before the battle of Dinant. Slowly, his health has deteriorated."
Many in the tent were in shock hearing the news especially Regin, who was rendered speechless.
Mashas then begun to explain what he knows about the king's state.
"From what I know, his weakening body has reached his mind as well... The best doctors have prescribed a variety of medicines, but there is no improvement whatsoever."
Tigre quickly turned to Fenris with a hopeful expression. "Fenris, is it possible to use your Restoration spells to cure his Majesty?"
The Dragonborn was deep in thought for a few moments before he made his reply.
"Tigre, you must understand that while there is the possibility I can cure the king's illness, healing the damage done to his body is another. If this illness already done its toll, then even curing it may not ensure his survival even with my spells. Worse case scenario, the best I could is to delay the inevitable…"
Everyone in the room is silent upon hearing his words. While it would be painful to hear, the Dragonborn knew it was the truth. In the end, Fenris knew that he couldn't save everyone despite his powers and for diseases, even best of Restoration spells have their limits.
"I understand. We'll go to the Royal Capital."
Tigre broke the silence as everyone they turned their attention to him.
"Even if Fenris said was true, we can still hope for his Majesty's well-being. Besides, if her Highness can meet his Majesty, his condition may improve even if a little." The archer stated. "However, we cannot avoid a battle with Duke Thenardier if we do."
"He is right." Fenris said. "Thenardier would try everything to prevent Regin from reaching Nice. He is essentially the only barrier left to ending this civil war."
Every person in tent agreed with Tigre and Fenris. If there is going to be decisive battle that would decide everything, it would happen on the way to the capital.
After Badouin left the camp, the Silver Meteor Army begun to make preparation for the trip to Nice. In the next morning, they begun to make their way to the capital.
Before they left, Fenris noted that the Thenardier could either try to recuperate what is left of his army or hire mercenaries. However, Tigre stated that the Duke knows that he will be finished if Regin reaches Nice. He would no doubt make one last attempt to stop them once and for all.
When the army were resting after marching for most of the day, Mashas then pointed out on the map which would likely be the Mereville Plains, which was some distance away from Nice.
Not surprisingly, when the Silver Meteor Army arrived at the plains three days later, Thenardier's army were already there.
Now both armies set up their war camps and become to make preparations for the battle that was about to come.
As for the rule of engagement if the two armies clash, everyone agreed it is highly unlikely Thenardier has any more dragons, so they would be no need for Fenris to call in Odahviing.
However, in the main tent within the Silver Meteor Army's camps, Fenris declared something which didn't go well with some of the commanders.
"Are you sure Fenris? I can't say I agree with this." Ellen had a frown on her face.
"I know, but I already told you all my reason for it." He replied without hesitation.
Fenris surprised everyone when he stated he would limit his usage of his magics and Shouts in battle; only using them in dire circumstances.
Seeing how the people of Brune would view him as a danger, Fenris knew that it was going to happen sooner or later. No doubt, many of the people in this world aren't as accepting of magic as the people in Tamriel.
Fenris stated he would act "more human" in hopes to put those who don't now or understand him at ease.
"But, you are essentially…" Mila said, but Fenris stopped her.
"Weakening myself? I been training with a sword for most of life and that long before I learned magic. I'll be fine."
Ellen and Mila were concerned about Fenris willingly hampering his ability to fight. However, knew better than to doubt him for the Dragonborn is powerful even without his special abilities.
"Even if Fenris does not use his spells and Shouts, his presence will nevertheless demoralize the enemy." Lim noted to everyone.
"Well… It is your choice, but just before when we go to battle." Tigre advised the Dragonborn, who merely smirked.
"I've been in hundreds of battles before. I know what I am doing."
After some time deliberating on how to engage Thenardier and deciding to place Regin as the Supreme Commander, they begun to mobilize their army and prepare for what was likely the final battle.
The Battle of the Mereville Fields would ultimately decide the fate of all of Brune.
It was at the start of dawn when the Silver Meteor Army and Thenardier's army entered the fields. The sky was covered with thick grey clouds as rain poured upon the soldiers of both sides, which only worsen their anxiety.
Nevertheless, the two armies entered their respective formations. Mashas was with Regin as they observed the enemy's formation.
"So they are going with the Four Spears Formation…" He said as he stroked his grey beard.
Created by House Thenardier, the Four Spears Formation involves of the use of spearmen and attacking in aggressive waves. Despite his concerns, Regin was able to put him at ease.
As where the others were positioned within the Silver Meteor Army, Tigre and Mila commanded rear reserve, Ellen and Fenris commanded the Right Wing and Lim commanded the Left Wing, which Mashas would join shortly.
Moments later, both armies blew their war horns and thus starting the battle. The first to clash was the Right Wing of the Silver Meteor Army and the Left Wing of Thenardier's army; both of their cavalries charging at each other while those on foot follow.
Many soldiers following Thenardier were fearful of by the Zhcted Army, which comprised of all of the Right Wing. Despite that, they refuse to yield and were determined to fight with everything they got.
The Silver Meteor Army's Right Wing was the first to inflict casualties by throwing a wave of spears at the charging enemy. Those without shields were quickly killed and those who had them blocked the attack, but were knocked to the ground and then trampled.
Thenardier's Left Wing however didn't stop their charge and pierced through enemy soldiers who didn't have shields. Against those with shields, the spearmen used their weapons to their advantage by keeping at a distance while finding an opening in the defenses to inflict damage.
"Like fighting a hedgehog." Fenris muttered as he fighting on foot with the rest of the soldiers. His presence on the battlefield helped bolstered the morale of the allies while dampening the enemy's own.
He had many experiences fighting enemy wielding polearms, which are more threatening when fighting in dense groups. Some of the enemy soldiers tried to run him through with their spears, seeing he has no shield.
However, his speed and reflexes easily make up for it as Fenris cut off the spearheads of their weapons without difficulty. With his strength, he could cleave through their chainmail armor and knock back those who used their shields to block.
However, the sharpness of the longsword he using pales in comparison to his katana, he can't just strike at the enemy knights and their plate armor as he could before. Instead, Fenris focused on finding weaknesses in their armor to exploit such as the helm's visors and exposed joints.
'Like old times…' He thought as jabbed his longsword into the throat of an enemy soldier; reminiscing of his life as a mercenary and having none of the luxuries he obtained upon learning his fate as a Dragonborn.
As time passed, the battle soon became bloody enough that the rain alone couldn't wash it away. All across the damp, blood-stained grass of the plains are broken shields, splintered spears and mangled bodies.
Many soldiers on the Silver Meteor Army's side were lost as their shields were split open and were skewered until they were died. The same applied to the soldiers on Thenardier's side as they lose their spears and were killed before they could draw their swords or daggers.
"They showing much more resolve than I anticipated." Fenris slew many soldiers as his longsword was stained in blood. However, the other soldiers were not daunted by the death of their comrades and keep on charging at him.
However, the Dragonborn kept on fighting as broke their spears and then delivered killing blows.
"Fenris!"
Upon hearing Ellen's voice from the right, he turned to see the Wind Vanadis beset by many of Thenardier's soldiers.
Fenris remembered she was leading the spearhead of the attack and from the look of things, the enemy managed to stop her advance and was charging at her with anything they had in hand.
Seeing that Ellen was in the need of assistance, Fenris made his way to her while fending off his attackers.
"These guys are awfully stubborn." Fenris noted as he reached Ellen and was killing enemy soldiers attacking from the right.
"I know. It seems they are buying time for reinforcements or for the center to win." Ellen replied as she cut down her attackers with Arifar to her left, feeling a bit of relief that Fenris was now at her side.
Despite their presence and the death of many soldiers by their hands, Thenardier's soldiers continued their assault at Ellen's and Fenris's positions.
It became more problematic for the two when they receive a report of a group of enemy soldiers attacking the right frank of the Zhcted army.
Their location is easily identified a large flag with the markings of House Thenardier.
"An attack from three sides?" Fenris saw that the Thenardier was slowly gaining the upper hand since the Right Wing wouldn't be able to withstand such an assault. In time, the Zhcted army begun to slowly retreat.
Nevertheless, he refused to give ground as he fought off another wave of attackers. After cutting their spearhead off, he quickly grabbing the blade with his left hand and then with his right.
Much to their surprise, Fenris swung the hilt and pommel at their heads with such force it knocked them to the ground.
Taking he left himself vulnerable, an duo of spearmen charged at the Dragonborn. However, Fenris kept his right hand gripped on the blade of the longsword as he lodged the hilt onto one of the spearman's neck, killing him as blood seep from the wound.
After Fenris removed the hilt off his dead attacker neck, he grabbed the grip with left hand and delivered a pommel strike on his other's attacker's chin, disorientating him. Now gripping his longsword properly, Fenris then delivered a slash onto the spearman's throat and he dropped to the ground, choking on his own blood.
'What was that?' Ellen mentally noted as she never seen such techniques before; using the hilt and pommel as a weapon is very unorthodox.
She didn't think about for very long as she refocused her efforts in killing the enemy, who kept on their assault despite the losses they are sustaining.
However, the fighting is starting to take a toll on Ellen and Fenris. Despite the two of them managed to kill close to a hundred soldiers, the enemy keep on coming.
'Thenardier must have put up large bounty on our heads…' Knowing how much he, Tigre and Ellen were much of thorn on the Duke's side, it would be natural he would handsomely reward anyone who manage to capture or kill them.
It was definitely one of the factors that would drive an ordinary soldier to bravely if foolishly charge headlong against a powerful enemy.
It was then he and Ellen saw the enemy flag in the distance suddenly dropped.
Fenris smirked as he knew what happened.
"Our reinforcements have arrived Ellen." He said to her for the enemy detachment at the right, they were being attacked for a detachment from the Silver Meteor Army.
Lead by Tigre and Mila, they wiped out the entire detachment and allowed the Zhcted army to retreat.
"Are you safe Ellen?"
On his horse, Tigre rode up to her with Mila beside him.
"Yes… Fenris was here to help me…"
While very fatigued from the fighting, Ellen was able to give a reply.
"How are you handling without magic."
Mila asked Fenirs, who gave a tired sigh before smiling.
"Nothing to worry about me… I told you I'll be fine."
Due to the sudden appearance of Tigre, Mila and the Right Wing, the Left Wing of Thenardier's army were in a state of confusion and were being pushed back.
Lim, Mashas and their units were struggling against Thenardier's army's Right Wing however due to the enemy's Four Spear Formation. They manage to turn the tide to their side when they cleverly revised their formation of their forces.
While making their charge, the enemy soldiers haven't notice the Right Wing of the Silver Meteor Army retreating. Before they knew it, they were ambushed from the left and right.
The enemy were unprepared and were quickly killed before they could use their weapons. The enemy commander ordered a counter-attack, but it was outmaneuvered once more.
He was then forced to request for reinforcements, but it was denied as the entire reserve were now in the fray against the Silver Meteor's Army's Right Wing.
With Thenardier's army suffering heavy losses and were in disarray, the battle was now in the favour of the Silver Meteor Army.
"So… This it how it ends…"
Fenris muttered as he was Tigre, Ellen, Mila and a detachment of soldiers. Before them was Duke Thenardier himself.
Unlike the rest of his army who dropped their weapons and routed from the battlefield, the Duke remained on the field and was prepared to face his fate.
The Dragonborn listened as Tigre asked the Duke why he ordered the attack on Alsace. While surprised at first, Thenardier then gave his reasons why he committed as an act.
He is stated that it was to prevent Zhcted from taking the town. By turning the area into a wasteland, it would demoralize them if they invade Brune.
'Scotched earth?' Fenris recalled the time when he was fighting in the Skyrim Civil War.
There were times when the Imperials were forced to abandon forts and outposts, which they occasionally destroy their own supplies to prevent the enemy from using them. The same applied to the Stormcloaks.
Despite that, both sides of the civil war never resorted to burning down an entire town or city like Thenardier tried to do.
Fenris could see the anger in both Tigre's and Thenardier's eyes, yet the latter hatred was much stronger for the former was responsible for his son's death.
"You wish to kill him for what he tried to do to Alsace?" Fenris asked the archer, who didn't reply as he gripped his bow.
"Look… I understand what you are feeling, but killing for revenge sake isn't right." The Dragonborn stated. "If you must kill… Don't let your vengeance or anger consume you."
Tigre was quiet for a few moments before he understood Fenris's words.
"Thank you."
He muttered as Ellen smiled at Fenris, pleased at him providing the archer his words of wisdom.
Upon riding out to face Thenardier, Tigre practically challenged him to a duel to the death. However, many were surprised that the archer chose to use only one arrow at the Duke.
The two gazed at each other for about ten seconds before Thenardier made the move by charging at Tigre.
Despite the rain and wind being to his disadvantage, Tigre nevertheless took the shot and prayed to Eris, the Goddess of Storms.
Everyone behind Tigre held their breaths as they also prayed that his arrow hit its mark.
Their prayers were answered when Thenardier was knocked off his horse and feel to the ground.
Apparently, the wind turned to Tigre's favour as it gently altered the arrow to which Thenardier failed to block it and was struck between the eyes.
"Did Arifar has a hand in Tigre's victory?" Fenris asked Ellen.
"I like to find out as well." She replied as she looked upon her Dragon Tool.
From how it responded by a gentle gust, Arifar has nothing to do with the sudden change in wind. It was nothing more then a honest prayer being answered.
After dismounting his horse, Tigre walked towards the downed Duke who was remarkably breathing despite taking such a fatal wound.
"Brune... is..." Thenardier gasped out before succumbing to his head wound.
At long last, the Silver Meteor Army were the victors of the Battle of Mereville and finally putting the Brune Civil War to a close.
Author's Note:
I been a long time since I updated this story, but I have finally done it. This chapter marks the end of the first arc and the next one will be an interlude before going to the beginning of the second arc.
Seeing how far I went with this story, I feel it was quite an accomplishment. Despite not being as good as the other writers out there, I still manage to put up enjoyable piece of work. While it would take time since I'm job searching, I will be sure to make an another upload some day.
Harem: Ellen, Lim, Mila, Sofy, Liza, Valentina(?), Olga, Sasha, Fine(?)
(?) From recent events in the Light Novel, I have yet to decide if the two are feasible in the harem or not.