Ragnar The Conqueror Chapter 11, an elder scroll series fanfic

It's been at least a week since my encounter with the wolves and being rescued by the bears. Since then, I've picked up the slack on my training, managing to raise my axe proficiency and blocking skills by 5 levels each, bring them to level 32 and 23 respectively. I also started to do more around the base: helped Abelon at the forge, dug in the mine, went with Umak to do some ingredient gathering and even helped distill a potion or two, studied magicka with Kragrau, and even hunted with Morbrukk on one occasion. Thanks to my diligent work, I've managed to pick up a few skills; Archery, Smithing, and Alchemy.

Archery Proficiency [3/100]: The user's skill with a bow or crossbow. Chance to score critical hit increased by .3%

Smithing [2/50]: How skilled the user is at Smithing.

Alchemy [1/50]: How skilled the user is at Alchemy

Honestly, I'm not super interested in any of them. Smithing takes up so much time, alchemy requires a level of focus that I just don't have, and archery…is honestly fine, I just prefer fighting with my axe. Still, I know that the archery skill be useful to me, it's why I've asked Morbrukk to teach me how to use a bow.

"No no, your arm is too far forward."

Morbrukk came up to me and gently guided my arm back until my hand rested just next to my face.

"Now keep your arm straight…just like that. Stand straight, you need to have good posture when you shoot otherwise your aim will be off. Also, don't use two fingers to create the hook, it's easier to just use three. Keep your pointer finger above the arrow, and then your middle and ring fingers below it, like this."

Morbrukk grabbed a bow and nocked an arrow.

"Okay you see how I'm doing it? Keep hold of the arrow like this, pull back-"

Morbrukk readied an arrow, standing straight with his arm pulled back and focused straight ahead on the standing target.

"-and keep hold of the arrow. Once you're comfortable just take your shot, like so."

He let go of his hold and the arrow shot forwards, striking the target dead center. Setting his bow down, Morbrukk came back to help me as we went through a few…a lot more drills and practicing. I never managed to hit bullseye, but I did manage to hit the blue ring quite a few times, and even the red one on a single occasion.

+2 Lv to Archery Proficiency [5/100]

Morbrukk glanced up a the sky. "It's getting pretty late Ragnar, we'll have to call it quits for today."

I nodded, "How'd I do?"

"Hmm…you've gotten the form down. If you work on your aim for the week or two you should be good enough to hit a standing target, though it will take much longer for you to hit anything that's moving with decent accuracy."

"I figured as much. Onto other matters, have you made any progress finding the white stag?"

Morbrukks gaze sharpened ever so slightly, "Nothing concrete, but I've found a set of larger than average stag hoof prints in the ground the other day."

"Where were they?"

Morbrukk shifted around, pointing to the mountains south of us near Halldir's cairn. "They were by the mountains that border Cyrodiil, just by the foot of it leading towards Falkreath. I didn't follow them fully because it was getting late, and you don't want to be stuck there during the night."

I grinned, "When you get the chance follow those tracks. If you do end up seeing the white elk, don't engage. Come back to the base and inform me."

Morbrukk nodded, "Will do boss."

"Now go, you deserve a break. I'll go collect the arrows and then get started on food."

Morburkk smiled and walked away to who knows where. I made my way to the target and started collecting all the arrows scattered about. My grin fell into a satisfied smirk, everything has been coming along nicely. Soon enough we'll have the numbers to gain control the entirety of the western portion of Falkreath. And once that's done, I'll be able to lead our conquest to the eastern part until we have all of Falkreath, it's just a matter of time at this point.

(Next day)

I woke up bright and early at the crack of dawn. I headed out the fort and back to the training ground, gathered my practice bow and arrows, and started training again. I kept at it for a few hours, managing to raise my skill by another 2 levels before I called it quits. I headed back inside as my miners pooled out of the fort and towards the mine, heading to the storage room and grabbed an apple to snack on.

I took a big bite into the firm fruit, munching on it as I pondered what to do today. Should I help the men out again? Or maybe head into Falkreath again and procure some more men, there isn't much room left in the base but we could fit maybe another 5-8 men…or maybe I could head up to Guruk and see if we can take over another territory? If I remember correctly there were at least three other landmarks surrounding knifepoint ridge; those hagravens for the companions quest, that mine that had a bunch of oricalcum ore, and some place called Sunderstone Gorge that had a word wall and one of those Barenziah gem things.

Still snacking on my apple, I made my way back around towards the big dinner table, grabbing our rolled-up map from a nearby desk as I passed and spread it out over the table. Yes…from the looks of it all three of the landmarks I had mentioned were there, as well as an imperial camp smack dead in the middle of all that empty space between the two mountains, fucking perfect. Whatever, I'll just have to maneuver carefully around them.

Now, which to pick…those hagravens can be saved for last. In game they weren't too difficult to deal with, but in real life they must be pretty powerful if they had undergone a ritual to gain power at the cost of gaining that hideous form. The mine can wait too, it's way too far from my current territory to make it worthwhile to take over. It would spread my men too thin, and I don't have a reliable means of long-distance communication yet to offset that weakness. So that leaves Sunderstone, which isn't all that bad actually. It's location is just next to the main road between Whiterun and Markarth, which means it's a prime spot to raid caravans and wealthy merchants. And if I recall correctly, there are a bunch of wizards in that cave, so if we can add those people into our forces that would be fantastic, it would be our first big step into a magicka corps.

Satisfied, I roll the map back up and head upstairs to gather my gear. If I head out soon, I should make it to Guruk before the afternoon starts. If we're going to expand our territory again, I'll need to go over strategy with him, and get a read on our forces. Just as I fastened my boots, I heard a commotion outside. Muffled talking, but the tone from one of the speakers was quite rude, even harsh. Narrowing my eyes, I slid my axe into it's holster and headed outside.

The muffled voices became clearer as I got closer to the door, but all conversation stopped when I loudly opened the front doors. My gaze roamed the men, my workers nervously watching from nearby the mine, but Morbrukk, Umak, Gavnukk, and even Kragrau were all outside, standing almost protectively around them. My gaze shifted towards the would be aggressors, about 12 men decked out in extravagant steel armor, with a myriad of weapons amongst them that ranged from daggers to warhammers, I even saw one guy with a crossbow! How'd he even get one of those?

One of the assembled men stepped forwards, taking off his horned steel helmet, his short choppy brown hair free for all to see. Scars littered his tannish face, his soft, round brown eyes providing a weird contrast to his otherwise hard visage.

"Are you the owner of this silver mine?" The apparent leader asked.

I nodded, "Yes I am, Ragnar's the name. Now you can tell me why you and your crew were harassing my workers, and then get the hell out of my territory."

The man hummed, "Good, then you're the man I've been waiting to meet."

The man strolled up to me, stopping just a couple of feet away to outstretch his hand.

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Yor, and we're here to discuss some business."

I eyed his outstretched hand, but cautiously grasped it with my own. We shook hands briefly as the man let a confident smirk rest on his face.

I narrowed my eyes, "Alright then Yor, state your business so we can be done with this. I have somewhere to be and you're kinda holding me up."

Yor shook his head, almost as if amused. "All right then, let's cut to the chase," his eyes sharpened, a serious visage replacing his rather laid-back mannerisms from before. "Here's what's going to happen; we're going to offer to buy this mine, you're going to accept this offer and be on your merry way. Otherwise…"

"Otherwise what?"

The men behind Yor shuffled a bit, bringing attention to their weapons in an attempt to appear more intimidating. And judging by the nervous titters from my workers behind me, it was working.

Yor must have seen this, as his lips curled up just a tad, "well, do I really need to explain?"

…gods damn it I've never wanted to punch someone in their smug, bitch ass face more than I've wanted to right now.

I sneer, "You come in here with eleven other fully armed men in an attempt to force arm me into giving away what's mine?"

Yor shrugged, "If that's how you want to view things…then I suppose so, yes."

This arrogant piece of shit I'll-

I took a deep breath to calm myself, and slowly let it out. I took stock of the assembled men in front of me, twelve men total, four with heavy weapons, the rest equipped with more simple weapons, but I stopped none with a shield. Those first four double handed weapon users will be tough, but it should be doable with just myself and my main crew.

I sighed, closing my eyes as I did so, "Guess we have no choice do we?"

Yor smiled, pleased. "Glad to see we avoided any unnecessary violen- ack!"

Yor was interrupted suddenly by a super mysterious fist that decked him across the cheek.

I smiled, my eyes staring coldly into Yor's surprised expression. "How about a counteroffer? You all can get the fuck off my property and stay alive. Or, well…"

I chuckled, mocking his earlier tone, "do I really need to explain?"

Yor growled angrily as he put his helmet back on, drawing his steel sword as he stepped back closer to his little entourage. I drew my axe and readied my shield, cracking my neck from side to side as I lazily stalked forwards.

"Morbrukk!" I barked.

"What is it boss?"

"Get all the workers to hide in the mine, and once they're all inside protect the entrance. When you see a chance, take a shot!"

The sounds of hurried steps echoed behind me as I smiled.

"Umak, Kragrau, Gavnuk! You three are with me, attack fast and hard!"

"Got it!" The three shouted.

My steps turned to sprints as I raced headfirst at the armored men. I ducked under a bolt shot by the crossbow man and raised my shield to block an incoming greatsword user. I braced myself as the blade crashed into my shield, I held strong and pushed it back, making him lose his balance. I couldn't capitalize on it, however, as three of the men swarmed me. I ducked, blocked, and parried the slashes and stabs the men aimed at me, though I obviously couldn't block them all, but my illusion armor protected me from otherwise fatal hits.

The men, confused over my lack of dying, were too late to react to me when I crouched suddenly and swept under their legs, making them all fall over. I ignored them as I raced forwards, dodging a Warhammer swing and sped past all of the men except one. The crossbow wielder stumbled as I was suddenly on him, a hastily shot bolt missed me by a mile just as I got within striking distance. I bashed the side of his head with my shield, dazing him, and slashed at his throat with my axe. I sliced through his neck, and he dropped to the ground, clutching his fatal wound.

I grabbed his crossbow and stashed it in my backpack, storing it in my inventory for safe keeping. The heavy steps of someone rushing to me reached my ears, I quickly spun around with my shield ready just in time for a great axe to swing forward and connect with it. I skidded back from the force but was successfully able to mitigate the damage. I took a chance to gaze at the rest of my men and let out a sigh of relief as my crew was able to hold off most of the men on their own, plus Kragrau's conjured wolf.

I hurriedly brought my shield up again to block another heavy blow, skidding back even further but still taking minimal damage. The enemy brought his axe up high and did an overhead swing. I met his blow with my shield, wheezing a bit as the force of the blow traveled through my body. I grit my teeth, and tilted my shield upwards. The axe, now no longer resting on a flat even surface, slid off the face of my shield and struck the earth next to me. The Greataxe user fumbled a bit at the sudden lack of control, and that's when I struck. I bashed my shield edge into the wooden handle of weapon, denting the wood, and before he could react I twisted around and swung my axe down, breaking the weapon.

The man, no longer able to defend himself, attempted to run away, but he never got far. I quickly took out my new crossbow from my inventory, thank the divine there was a bolt already loaded, and took my shot at his back. The bolt pierced his armor easily and sank deep into his back. The man cried out in shock as he stumbled forwards and fell over, not dead but there's no way that man is getting back up without a health potion or two. Buuut just to be safe I rushed over and slashed his neck with my axe, killing him.

I looked back to my crew and grinned proudly at the 5 dead bodies that surrounded them. Despite not being the most combat focused of our groups, Gavnuk and Umak were dealing serious damage. They worked as a team, Gavnuk and the spectral wolf taking most of the upfront damage as Umak worked to get in and deal fatal hits. A red haze surrounded three of the remaining 5 men as they fought against each other, definitely the work of Kragrau, when the hell did he learn fury?

I ran towards the cluster of men, unnoticed over the sound of clashing steel, and cleaved my axe into the back of one of the remaining unfrenzied men, causing a huge dent to appear in their armor and making them cry out in surprise, but also breaking my iron axe. Cursing, I used the opening I created to trip the man and bat away his steel sword. I pounced on his falling back, bringing us both down as the man struggled under me as I pinned him to the ground. Gritting my teeth, I managed to maneuver the man so I held him pinned between my legs.

"Gavnuk! Axe!" I shouted as stretched my arm out

A moment later, an axe smacked into my outstretched hand. I gripped it and brought it down onto the man's neck, severing his head. Sighing in relief, I stood up and nodded in thanks to Gavnuk.

"Wh-what?! H-how! Wh-when!" A shaky voice cried out.

I turned around and saw Yor looking horrified as he frantically looked around, his men dead or dying around him. Only a single other survivor accompanied him, the two having just gotten broken out of the fury spell Kragrau had placed on them.

I smirked, "This was what happens when you don't listen."

Yor grit his teeth, his eyes wide and wild. "You." He bit out.

I stared back at him, still grinning.

"Y-you!"

I stepped forward, "What?"

Yor stepped back, his companion doing the same.

"Y-you! This isn't the last time you'll hear from us, and that's a promise!"

The two then dashed out of the entrance and sprinted up north through the woods. I sighed in relief, gazing out at the massacre that was now my front yard.

You have killed 10 mercenaries!

+1 Lv Axe Proficiency [33/100]

+2 Lv Blocking [25/100]

+1 Lv Heavy Armor Proficiency [26/100]

+1000EXP

You have leveled up x2! +4SP +2PP

Choose which stats you would like to increase

Let's split that evenly between END and DEX

Allocating points…

Profile updated!

Name: Ragnar

Race: Nord

Level: 12

EXP: 30/ 650

Health: 240 Magicka: 300 Stamina: 230

STR: 16 (17)

INT: 27 (30)

END: 22 (24)

DEX: 18 (23)

SP: 0

PP: 8

Land Controlled:

-Cracked Tusk Keep (+2 END)

-Halldir's Cairn (+2 INT)

-Bannermist Tower (+1 STR)

-Hunter's Rest (+1 DEX)

-Moss Mother Cavern (+1 INT, +1 DEX)

People under your leadership:

Happy: 29

Neutral: 3

Unhappy: 0

I strode back to Gavnuk, and handed him his axe back. After he accepted it I patted him on the shoulder and passed him to talk to survey the dead bodies.

"Morbrukk! How are the workers, they alright?" I shouted out as I continued walking over the bodies.

"They're all right boss!" I heard him shout back.

I nodded, "Good! Keep them in there just a bit longer, they shouldn't have to see all this. Kragrau! Umak! Gavnuk! Help me dispose of the mess!"

"Yes boss!" The three said in unison.

Together, the four of us dragged the bodies to the other side of the fort, outside of plain view unless someone was explicitly looking for them. Next, we stripped them of their high-quality steel armor and split them into two piles: useable and smelting pile. Next, we went through all the available weapons. Umak swapped his knives for better quality ones, I replaced my axe with a shiny new steel one, but the rest remained unclaimed, so I offered to bring them up with me to Guruk's tower. The others agreed with the plan, so I wrapped them up with rope and hung them below my pack. We then did our best to kick away all the dirt with blood on it, or just stamp on it enough to where it was unrecognizable.

Didn't do jack shit about the smell though.

Once everything was a bit more presentable, I allowed Morbrukk to let the frazzled workers out of the mine. Some were still scared, others were a bit disturbed of the smell, but most were surprisingly upbeat.

I cleared my throat, getting their attention. "You guys can take the day off if you wish, today was a bit…much to start the workday off with. Don't worry, y'all will still get paid if u do take the day to just unwind and relax, you definitely need and deserve it for all the hard work you've done for the past two weeks."

Only a few took me up on the offer, thanking me as they went past me and back into the fort. The rest came up to me and thanked me personally before grabbing a pickaxe and going back to work. I made sure to thank and commend each and every one of them, earning a few brownie points with the workers. Damn it, now I'm craving brownies. Does cocoa powder exist in the elder scrolls universe?

Regardless, I take my backpack and wave goodbye to my crew. Officially leaving for what I intended to do like…30 minutes ago.

( . . . )

It takes about an hour for me to finally make it to the tower, but I made it just before the sun hit it's highest point. As the area came into view, I could see Guruk and the men training in the front yard. And I gotta say, some of the men got fuckin yolked, which should not have been normally possible, but I chalk that up to possible STR increases due to Gifted Training, speaking of which…System, add another level to Gifted Training.

-3PP

Gifted Training [III/V]: Your followers receive +25% chance to receive stat gains when training

Alright! The cost wasn't as bad as I anticipated it being, I was worried it was going to double each time, but it looks like it'll just be a nice linear increase of only one additional PP per level. And what the hell, I'll do it again! I got the points.

-4PP

Gifted Training [IV/V]: Your followers receive a +30% chance to receive stat gains when training

My Perk Points took a massive hit, but I just know that this will be worth it. As I approached closer to the group, I deliberately made my steps loud; stepping on branches and leaves to signal that someone was coming as to not startle them. The men initially tensed up, but relaxed when they all saw me. Guruk himself grinned excitedly as he approached me. He swung his arm out, hand outstretched. I grinned back, and clasped his hand with my own, our arms flexing slightly before pulling each other in for a one-armed hug and a slap on the back.

"Ragnar! Here for our weekly get together?"

"Hey Guruk! And yeah, that works too, but I was going over the region map and I think I have where we're going to take over next."

Guruk immediately became serious as we separated, "Alright, we can talk inside."

He turned to the underlings, "OI! Just because the boss is here doesn't mean we stop training, get back to it!"

"Yes sir Guruk!" They all shouted.

Guruk grunted, turned to me and motioned with his head for me to follow him inside. I set down the new weapons by the door and followed in after him, climbing the floors until we reached the one just before the roof, which has been transformed into a sort of war room, if it can even be called that: just a big table with two chairs on either side with a large map rolled out on it's surface, and one large bookshelf with nay but one or two books on it.

"So, what should we discuss first?" Guruk asked as he led me to the table, walking around to the other side, resting his hands on the map as he leaned his body slightly over the tables edge.

I hummed, taking a seat in the chair and letting my legs dangle off of the arm rests. "I guess we can start with a progress report. Last time we talked you had mentioned taking the men out on a practice hit, how'd that go?"

Guruk grinned proudly, "They've come a long way since we took em under our wing. And we did go out and perform a hit earlier this week, it was a resounding success! We managed to clean our mark dry; this nobleman traveling to whiterun for some wedding. Took anything we could that he could replace and let him go, most of his food too, but we did leave enough for him and his entourage to make it to Whiterun without starving. Assuming the fat bastard doesn't eat the portions his guards should be having anyways."

I grinned, "Sounds like your training has been worthwhile afterall. What about yourself? How're you handling leading a team of raiders?"

Guruk chuckled nervously, "It was a bit daunting at first, but we've come around. The men listen to me attentively, we have good team cooperation, and our synergy is outstanding. I'd say I couldn't be prouder of them, but I know they'll blow my expectations out of the water again in the future, so I'll settle for saying they're a great team."

"Hm, maybe we'll be able to take on knifepoint faster than I originally anticipated..." I mused.

"You think so boss?"

"Maybe, we still don't have a key component that I'd like to have before we take on someone who wields a daedric artifact, but maybe if we had sufficient numbers we could take them on way ahead of schedule."

I stand up and lean over, pointing to the Sunderstone Gorge landmark marked on the map. "Which brings me to my original intention for coming here. I have our next target in mind for our territory expansion." I tap my finger on the drawn mini cave image, "Sunderstone Gorge, it's a great location for hitting marks that travel on the main roads, and it's home to a bunch of magicka practicing outlaws. They'll provide a huge boost to our forces, and Kragrau will finally have some people he can talk on equal footing with regarding magicka."

My eyes flicked up and met Guruks, "It'll also be a good test run for the men, to see how they can manage a hostile takeover of territory before we move onto the big marks like Knifepoint Ridge. And once we take control over Sunderstone, it'll be a good test for you at seeing how you manage troops who don't share the same skillset as you."

I smirked, "Think you can handle that Guruk?"

He returned my smirk with his own, "It'll be tough, but I'm sure we'll manage. I'll be sure to ask Kragrau from time to time for advice."

I smiled, "That's the sign of a good leader right there, knowing your own limitations and seeking out others who know more in order to learn from them."

Guruk huffed and turned away, but I could tell he was happy from the praise if his darkened cheeks were any indication.

"But in all seriousness, do you think your men can handle a raid like this as they are now?"

Guruk nodded, his tone serious, "Yeah, they'll definitely be fine. They can handle this, I know they can."

I nodded, "Then there's nothing left to discuss." I stood straight up, cracking my back as I stretched, "I'll come by either Turdas or Fredas, but we'll be heading out to Sunderstone on Loredas to take it over. Make sure your men are ready by then."

"Understood Ragnar."

I grinned, "Well, if you don't mine me I'll just be on my wa-"

My sentence was cut off by the loud boom of thunder, and then the rapid sounds of rain hitting the ground. The men outside cursing as they all hurried inside to escape the storm.

"-y…huh."

Guruk grinned, "Guess you're staying here until the storm goes away!"

I laughed, "Yeah! Guess I am, this is actually kind of perfect. Here, come downstairs so the rest of the men can hear this too while I make us all some lunch."

Guruk followed me as I headed downstairs.

"So what're you gunna tell us?"

"It's a story from what happened this morning. See, as I was getting ready to come visit, these mercenary guys…"

(Yor)

Arne and I ran for hours away from that massacre, but eventually we had to stop and catch our breath. Damn that man, because of him my entire company has been slaughtered save myself and my lead scout. Erik, Gorm, Frode, Bo, Halfdan, everyone….they're all gone…and the worst part about it all is that I can't even find it in me to blame the man, just myself. It was me who accepted the gold from Thonar to do his bidding years, it was me who decided to take the job that got us in this mess, it was me who was too impatient to do a proper scouting to get a read on his character and decided to just storm in and demand it. I had gotten too comfortable with getting my way, I got sloppy, and because of my catastrophic failure, my men are dead…

"AUUGHHHH!" I screamed as I punched the tree next to me, cracking the wood as the bark sprayed a bit. Arne, who was next to me, flinched at the sudden yell and act of violence against nature.

"Are..are you alright Yor?" Arne asked quietly.

"You already know the answer to that, so why bother asking." I grounded out.

"I know, but it's nice to know someone cares."

"Y..you're right Arne, thank you. No, I'm not alright."

"…I imagine we're going to make ourselves scarce instead of going back to Thonar empty handed?" Arne guessed.

I snorted in amusement, "Damn right we are. There's no chance we can get revenge on that guy, and there's no way in Coldharbour that we're going back to Thonar Silver-blood empty handed. Nope, ain't no way in hell are we going back just to get thrown in the mine, or if he's merciful, just to die."

I stood up, "Alright that's enough rest for now Arne. We should get going, we need to find the main road so we can get to Whiterun. From there we can hitch a ride to Riften. I got a buddy named Rune who's in the thieves guild, it's better to join them than to stay as mercenaries with a huge red stain on their ledger."

Arne stood up, dusting off his pants as he spoke. "Sounds like a plan bos-"

His sentence was interrupted by a loud boom of thunder, and then it was pouring rain, hard.

"Shit!" I cursed, "Come on Arne, let's go find some shelter to hunker down in, we can't afford to become ill while we're this low on cash and supplies!"

We started running again, combing the land for any place of shelter, but the trees provided nothing, and there were no cabins in sight. But finally, after following the mountain's edge long enough, we managed to spot a cave entrance.

"Ah ha! Up here Arne, we'll camp here until the rain clears up!"

We scurried into the cave entrance, waddling down the steepish slope of the passageway until we came across a large empty room. We sighed in relief and collapsed on the ground. It wasn't perfect, but at least it was nice and dry, pretty warm too.

"Alright! Things are starting to look up a bit eh Arne?"

"I guess you could say that Yor."

"Ah don't be like that Arne, soon enough the rain will clear up and we can get out of this dusty ol' cave and hit the road again."

"Weren't you just lamenting over everything not even 20 minutes ago?"

My smile became strained as I grit my teeth, "I'm trying to stay optimistic so I don't think of that colossal failure from earlier Arne!"

Silence.

"…Arne?"

I turned around, but I was alone.

"Arne I swear to Talos if you're hiding just to pop out and scare me I will gut you with my sword!"

"Pretty pretty flesh. This one will do nicely, yes!"

I spun around and lashed out with my sword at the unfamiliar voice, but hit nothing.

"Yesss…Agnes can make use of you. Yes, yes. Such pretty dog you shall be."

"Show yourself! Coward!"

Loud, fleshy sounding footprints echoed throughout the room as a shadowy figure finally stepped out into the light. In it's clawed, feathery hands was Arne, unconscious. Dangling from her grasp.

"H-h-hagraven!"

"Yesss…! An intelligent Dog will work nicely, yes it will."

"You stay the hell away from me you monste-"

The Hagraven lunged at me, and from then I knew nothing but darkness.