Red Dragon's Roar - Fall of the Kuroinu! Chapter 9, an Elder Scroll series + Kuroinu: Kedakaki Seijo wa Hakudaku ni Somaru Crossover fanfic

With the antics of the last chapter, the Red Dragons now meet in today's briefing...with the battle so close, only time can tell now, and that's for both sides, but one thing's for certain...on this day, a storm begins to brew...

Warning: This chapter gets very dark later on, containing: intense violence, blood and gore, and VERY strong sexual content, Viewer discretion is HEAVILY advised...

Chapter 9

To the Black Fortress!

Church of Celestine, briefing room...

The shields sat around, with Volt being present with a smirk, waiting for the last person to show up. Celestine started to get worried that either the Captain had gotten lost, or gotten in some trouble, and with what accusations were being around by Alicia earlier, this did not bode well with the goddess, making her more anxious.

"Where is he? I know I had you and the others go and wake them Alicia, but it seems like he's taking a while getting here," Celestine said, with a worried look, "I felt that quake this morning, so I'm going to assume he's still here somewhere,"

Volt let out a laugh, "Eh, he'll show up when he shows, princess here is the one who's anxious for them being here," smirking at her.

Alicia simply glared at him before that Claudia spoke, "For someone under suspicions of treason, you should watch your mouth."

Volt growled as Maia said, "Under what proof? A group of assholes that want to put Volt in prison?"

"If the emperor of Rad sends in his most competent military detective, you can rest assured that he will find the truth," Claudia said with a glare at Volt, who shrugged it off.

A flap of wings got their attention as the familiar of Swain landed next to Celestine.

"Lord Swain! I'm so happy that you're here!" Celestine said with excitement as the others were anxious.

"The pleasure is mine." Swain replied, "I do believe that you're the one who asked me to come."

"Your insight on warfare can be crucial to the success of the assault," Celestine stated.

"I'll try to do my best." the raven flew and landed on Celestine's shoulder.

'I should have approached him first.' Volt thought as he looked at the bird before it looked back at him.

There was a knock at the door, opening to a couple of guards, letting in Traysek, Inigo, Erik, and Lucien, save for both Yuriana and Recorder behind them all nervously, as the door closed.

The Captain gave a noble bow, as the other men with him did "Greetings Shields princesses, I'm sorry we're late, we had our own needs to attend to this morning,"

"How nice to see you again," Celestine said with a smile as Volt broke the staring contest with the bird.

"Now, let's begin with what we know," Claudia said as Traysek and the others sat around the table.

"Thanks to a friend, I got a map of the Dark Fortress and the landscape around." Volt took a map out of his pocket and put it on the table, "There two entrances; one in the front, and one on the right side of the fortress. There are some monster camps around, as well as some strange water that kills whatever touches it. Of course, I suggest that the captain plays the role of decoy while we infiltrate the fortress and take the witch down."

"A stupid plan." Swain said as the raven flew and landed on the map, "Having a large force isn't the best for infiltration, and I doubt that your men will listen to the Captain's orders. Why not have him be the infiltrator while you buy him time with YOUR army of mercenaries."

Volt narrowed his eyes and said, "Are you implying that I'm untrustworthy?"

"All that I'm saying is that you need to take a step back and let someone who is clearly better at infiltrating castles do their job right." Swain said before looking at the Redguard "If it's alright with you."

Traysek nodded, "No objections there, better than our original idea, especially now that we know there's a hidden way in," with a finger to his chin after, "But what about all the anti-siege equipment they've got? those towers, someone would have to take them out, wouldn't they? it's what we armored our ship for,"

"I agree," Swain stated as he added, "It will be the first thing to be done, alongside any type of damage that can be done. It will take the majority of their forces there, giving you time to infiltrate with ease."

"There's no need to do that." Volt interrupted, "Damaging the fortress seems like a stupid idea."

"Better that than having a comeback from the Dark Army." Swain countered, "If you target the towers first, it will affect their morale and lower the chance for them to rally."

Volt simply glared at the bird 'Damn it! I need the fortress in one piece, not in ruins!' he then said "If we destroy the fortress we can also damage important documents that can reveal the location of their hidden city."

Lucien and Traysek rose an eyebrow at him, "How would destroying their battlements, affect any information? if anything, it would be rather stupid of THEM to have important information in said towers," Lucien defended getting a nasty glare from Volt, "with that said, I'm sure they've got a castle library you can go scathing that information for, even though I doubt they'll still have anything there outside of gold and trinkets,"

"Dial it back a bit Lucien," The captain reprimanded, a low tone, " But I agree, it would be instinctive for any kingdom to get rid of information like that," frowning at Volt "You can glare at him, but he's right, there would be no purpose to them containing it there, so we'll go along with destroying the towers, so the barrage doesn't kill you when you approach,"

"And there's no concrete evidence of the existence of that city, it's just a myth." Swain said before looking at the map, "If I have to guess, I would say that the entrance may have around five or seven monsters guarding it since they would need the majority of their forces to defend the main gate, which means that your best chance is to take the monsters down quickly before advancing."

"Still, why should we damage the fortress?" Volt asked as everyone was looking at him, "Everyone knows the existence of the city of monsters, and if we take the dark queen down, they might attack us."

"He does have a point." Maia stated, "If any documents of that city are found, we may get rid of the enemy once and for all."

"That city is just a myth." Swain said as the raven looked at Maia, "Unless you say that I'm in the wrong..."

Maia shivered and shook her head "I-I would never doubt you!"

"Regardless if this city exists or not, we're going to the fortress for one purpose," The captain reminded, mainly to Volt and Maia, "If we have to destroy a bit of landmark to do this, then so be it, it's a damned raid, it's not like we're staying there after,"

"I agree," Claudia said as Volt glared at her, "Our objective isn't to turn it into a base, but to destroy the Dark Army."

"Which is why it shouldn't matter what kind of damage we do," Swain added.

"Fine! I'll say it!" Volt roared with frustration, "I want it to be owned by the Black Dogs."

"Why?" Celestine asked with confusion.

"I think I know why." Maia said as the others stared at her, "Volt wants a place he can call home, somewhere he can live in," she then glared at Alicia and Claudia, "Far from some people..."

Traysek shot them a quick glance as the two glared at her, sighing in frustration, "Look, much as I may or may not agree with you, let's try to keep this briefing professional, shall we?" turning to Volt, "And you, how can you want to live there? it's the badlands, there would be almost nothing to gain, nevertheless profit from, and not to mention all the curses on the land itself..." narrowing his eyes on him, "Owning that fortress bears little fruit, as much as scouting for information that may or may not exist there anymore,"

Lucien nodded, "And you have to consider what the land has to really offer there, most of the water and soil are poisoned, who's to say that even if you did manage to claim the fortress, one of you or even you yourself might decide to have an accident there and fall in or gods forbid, drink the water...that would be a responsibility that you wouldn't want to take, living there,"

"Can we advance on the briefing, please?" Swain asked, "I'm on my way, and can't focus on devising a battle plan while discussing this nonsense."

"Of course," Claudia nodded as Volt huffed.

"As I was saying, the captain will deal with the towers, as well as any archer point. After that, Volt and the Black Dogs shall attack the front and grab the enemy's attention. Meanwhile, the captain will infiltrate the fortress and deal with our enemy."

"As always, your plans are really good," Celestine said with a smile.

Traysek gave the bird a nod, "Then it's settled, we will take out the battlements and the archers with our artillery, and then Volt and his people will draw their ire from the front allowing entry to the sides,"

"And with our new weapon installments onboard, it should be piece of cake for us," Lucien added in, turning to Volt, "All you guys have to do, is hang back and let us clear the way first," frowning at him, "That shouldn't be a problem, should it?"

"Fine..." Volt was still sore about the denying of his claim to the fortress.

"Well then, It settles it." the raven spread her wings and flew away.

"Now, all we need is an authorization from Grave," Volt said as the others frowned.

"With our guest coming, it will be hard to convince him," Claudia stated as Alicia nodded.

"Bah, no need." Volt replied before adding, "All we need to do is head to Geofu to get some supplies from a friend there."

Traysek and the rest of the crew blinked at him disbelievingly, the captain giving a bitter cough, "Come again...? you literally had all of yesterday to go to that town and do that, why...in the name of all the gods, are we just learning about it now?" Traysek groaned in frustration, "First of all, Grave should be alright with us going, I had already fetched the taxes he wanted, we're NOT going the opposite direction on where we need to go...when you can have your friend, bring it here,"

"With the number of men that I have, it would have been financially impossible." Volt countered, "And, the key to the military depot is in Grave's hands. So, we wait until Grave says that we can go, or we get out without him knowing but heading toward Geofu for supplies."

The Redguard pondered on that, folding his arms, "Fine," closing his eyes, feeling a headache coming "Will this be a quick trip perhaps...?"

"Well... Geofu in your path." the pink-haired princess pointed out as the others began to look at her, "In fact, since there will be land troops, it should be wiser to have them rest in Geofu to have them ready to face the enemy."

Volt simply smirked at that.

Traysek stared for a moment, giving an approving nod and grin, "As you say, Lady Prim, perhaps having them closer to them would be better and it would take less time for them to get there," turning to the other shields, "When are we leaving? the afternoon? tonight?"

"Prim, don't encourage them." Alicia sighed.

"Well, I'll gather the men and meet you at the gate in two hours," Volt said as got up.

"I'll try to explain the situation to Lord Grave," Claudia said as she got up.

Traysek stood up, "Very well, we'll take the two hours to train and get ready,"

"And test out the new weapons, want to make sure everything works for today, don't want to risk a cannon getting jammed," Lucien said, standing up as well, the others following suit.

"Good luck to you!" Celestine cheered as the crew was leaving the room, "Oh, right! I totally forgot something." Celestine took a crystal from a pouch that was on her feet, handing it to Traysek, "Thanks to Lord Swain, we were able to replicate something that the Dark Army uses; the communication crystals. You can use those to communicate with any one of the church if you find yourself in some sort of trouble."

"We must go to Feoh as well." Alicia said as she got up, "The minister needs us to work on some monster villages that are still around. And, some monster attacks still happen."

"Those elite soldiers?" Celestine asked.

"According to Commander Niall, there were ogres at the lead... and they kill any male that they find," Alicia replied as Prim had a sad look on her face.

"As for me, the old man wants to know what happened, and most likely wants to know everything that was said here," Maia added.

"Safe travels to all of you." Celestine waved as she smiled.

In the Dark Fortress

Greil stood in front of a window, looking at the horizon.

"The battle is going to happen today, right?" Olga approached him.

"Everything that should have been evacuated was sent away with the help of the teleporter that we had. Of course, we destroyed all traces of; whether they are physical or magical." Greil answered before taking a bronze spear that had many runes written on it, "We spent years fighting from this fortress, taking their attention away from the city that we built... let's hope that they never find it."

Olga eyed the spear and said, "A spear that can pierce mountains and explode with a strength that surpasses one of a volcano..."

"I never thought that we would use them this early," Greil stated as he looked at many stacked, one on top of the others.

Olga stayed silent as she looked at the horizon with Greil before saying, "Promise me that you won't act recklessly."

Greil smiled before replying with, "If I do that I would lie." he then narrowed his eyes when he noticed how some monsters were looking at Olga, causing them to look away.

2 hours later... The Dev Aveza

True to their word, the crew had begun their training, Traysek now donning the black contractor armor, giving the training dummy a few practice swings from his ebony battle staff, taking stances as he did.

The others were in different attire too, Inigo was in ebony armor, along with Lucien who was in pathfinder gear, and were doing a bit of target practice with bows and arrows.

Erik and Yuriana were sparring with wooden swords, him in Wandering knight armor and her in her buxom wench armor, going blow for blow with each other, all smiles and no teeth...

And Recorder was doing a bit of target practice of her own with throwing knives, scoring bullseyes on most of them.

A few knights and civilians had passed by their training, and frowned upon this while continuing their patrols or their day...eventually, they hear someone on the bridge of their ship approaching, stopping their training regiment...

"I hope that you're ready, captain." It was Volt, "Time for you to become a hero."

Traysek gave the dummy one last hard swing, before resting the staff on his shoulders, "Ah, Volt, I see you've gotten your shit, alright then, we've been training for the last two hours,"

Inigo picked up another bow, the one he got from the other Dragonborn, and smiled at it, "I haven't tried this out yet, maybe I should," loading up a Dragonfire arrow and letting it loose, tearing a large hole in the target when he did, "Hohoho! I like how this fires!"

Unbeknownst to him, Volt had wide eyes on that bow...

'That's her bow! So they did talk to her!' Volt gulped hard before saying. "Let's get going then." he then got to his troops 'Damnit! I should have killed her when I had a chance!'

"Alright then," Traysek said, putting the staff in his back sheath, turning to the crew, "Okay guys, training time is over, time to set sail for the black fortress!" Getting some cheers from the crew, "Lucien, since we couldn't test the weapons here, on our way we will before going there,"

"Right you are boss," Lucien nodded, "I'll head down to the engine room and start the ship up, once we take up anchor we'll be good to go,"

Just before they were about to leave, however...

"Wait! stop! hold on a second!" They hear a voice call out, belonging to a silver-haired holy knight, who was out of breath, "By Celestine you guys are quick,"

Traysek frowned at him, "Reynold? I'm surprised to see you here, what's going on?"

"I'm going too, they just gave me the 'go-ahead' and i didn't want you guys pulling off yet," Rey panted, getting some nods from the crew.

The Redguard stared at him, inquisitively, "Okay...I guess we could take you, long as you don't slow us down,"

"But one thing that confuses me is that we didn't see you in there, how'd you get permission?" Inigo asked, raising an eyebrow.

Flashback...

"Safe travels to all of you." Celestine waved as she smiled.

Right as she said this, Reynold walked in, giving a bow, "Pardon the intrusion my ladies, but I'm back from Lord Swain's estate!"

"Well, you're late...the briefing has already happened, Reynold," Claudia reminded, narrowing her eyes, "But I can understand that Lord Swain can be rather demanding,"

"Indeed my lady," Reynold agreed, standing back up, and handing her a letter, "I was also told to give this to you, and then head to the city of Feoh to coordinate with Commander Niall,"

Alicia frowned upon that, "But I'm right here, why would you need to go to my city to do that, and to talk to my commander no less?"

"I don't know my lady, but he sounded rather stern about it, and wouldn't take no for an answer," Rey simply responded.

Claudia scowled at that, "He needs to remember that you are one of my knights, not his...I will deal with him in regard to that... YOU on the other hand, since you did so well with your other assignment, will be going with them on this final battle,"

"W-what? you mean...? I'm really going to the final assault today?" He asked, completely surprised, "Is troy coming too? or is it just me?"

"Just you, most of the other knights have to remain here to ensure that the monsters don't spring an attack here, your brother included," Claudia said, putting her hand on his pauldron, "And if you do a good enough job, there might be a promotion in for you after this,"

"Lady Claudia...I don't know what to say," Reynold said, completely put off, about to bow, until a worried lock donned his face, "Wait...shouldn't I do what Lord Swain requested anyway? go coordinate with Niall? he seemed very serious about it,"

Alicia gave him a narrowed-eyed glare, "Did you not hear your commander, Reynold? you have this to do...we are expecting a report from you after this,"

Reynold looked like he was going to say something else until he noted their stern looks, and begrudgingly bowed, "I see. as you command...I will accompany them to today's battle..."

"That's what I want to hear, and don't worry about lord Swain, much as I respect him, he really needs to leave the decisions to me," Claudia reminded.

Reynold gave her a look, but she didn't notice it, "If that's all, may I be dismissed?"

"Yes that will be all," The commander said, handing him a small stone, "Should something go wrong, use this to call me,"

The holy knight bowed, his eyes shadowed over as he left the briefing room, prim waving at him from behind.

"Good luck Reynold! I'll be looking forward to seeing you again!" she called out after him, only he didn't turn around...couldn't, closing the door behind him.

Present time...

Traysek and the crew frowned at him, as the Volt and the dogs were scowling at him being there.

"By the gods, they're making you go," The Redguard said, with a sad frown, "Kid...do you even want to do this?"

"So you'd rather listen to someone who knows nothing of warfare?" the raven of Swain landed and looked at Rey, "And of course, you'd rather go and orders like a good dog, not even a hound. I gave you a chance to become something more, not just an errant boy who was promised to become an errant boy+1." But, if you want to stay as a low pawn who will change to a medium pawn, it's your right. My proposal was not only getting you to captain, but if Niall was impressed, he could write a word to promote you to something greater." the bird then flew as Swain said, "Perhaps, I overestimated you."

Somewhere else

Claudia was sweating as she was looking at a raven of Swain.

"You deem that my sight is unnecessary?"

"N-No my lord, I-" Claudia didn't have time as Swain took a foot forward.

"I see the benefits for long-term results, not short terms where I need to rethink again and foil other plans. But you, you short-sighted little girl, you think that you have more experience than me?"

"I-I-"

"You what, you know better than wasting soldiers? Know better than depriving villages of their men? I think that if the people knew that their men, husbands, sons, fathers died because of your stupid track of forcing them to become folders for an eight hundred years war, they would take another view on the shields..."

"My lord, please-" Claudia tried to speak but was unsuccessful.

"I think that I need to send my Red Spears to inspect all the properties, history, lands that the Leviatine have... wouldn't like to show only the lies about you... little girl."

Claudia felt like she wouldn't be able to do anything as the bird was like a monster to her.

"As for you, Princess Alicia, you're rather bold when I'm not around." the raven looked at a corner where Alicia was hidden, "Should I remind you that Niall isn't your commander, but Feoh's commander? You're a spoiled brat that should know that she has yet to be proclaimed queen."

Alica wasn't just trembling with fear, her entire body was about to shut down.

"Let's see how this short-sighted plan of yours will end." the bird flew away while glancing at Claudia who had a hard time breathing.

Back at the ship

Reynold was now left torn, between doing what he was told by his princess and what lord Swain had asked him to do...he began to tremble a bit, eyes still shadowed over...This did not go unmissed by the Captain, who put a hand on his pauldron, getting his attention.

"You guys go ahead and start heading that way," Traysek said to the Volt and his men, before turning to his crew, "As for you guys, go ahead and start the ship up, weigh the anchor, I'll be at the wheel in moments,"

Recorder nodded, "Alright captain, but don't keep us waiting, OUR glory awaits!" she said with triumph, making him chuckle.

"By the gods, sometimes I don't know what to do with that one," Traysek said, turning to Reynold, "Listen kid, I know you're no coming with us by choice, and trust me, I don't blame you, you may not come back at all," looking towards the gate, "If I were you, I would go do that thing, this battle is for us crazy bastards, you, aren't a crazy bastard...just a bold one, a brave one, but not crazy enough to handle what's coming our way once we're there,"

Rey looked affronted and offended, shoving his hand off, "You're saying I'm weak? that I can't handle myself there?!"

"No." Traysek sharply responded with, "What I'm saying is, I see a golden opportunity in front of you if you do what that old crow is asking you to do, I can see it, why can't you? he's literally offering you a promotion here, I would take it, you deserve it, lad"

The young knight looked unsure, "But the shields, they wouldn't approve of this...not when they were so certain,"

"Yeah? and he sounded even more certain," Traysek responded with, "Come on kid, you don't really want to come with us, there's no light in that direction...and you would be in the company and mercy of the black dogs, given your guy's history and all,"

Rey nodded, "Yeah, I see your point there...alright then, but how will I know when the battle is won?"

"Well, I've got one of those call stones, so if you've got one, I can keep up with you on how the battle's going," The Captain said, giving him a smile, "I'll even dedicate a blow to that general in your name when I get the chance, sound good?"

The holy knight pondered on this for a moment, sighing in defeat after a while, "Alright, you've convinced me yet again, Captain, not sure what to make of that streak of yours," holding out his gauntlet in a fist bump, "Come back one piece, alright?"

"No guarantees, but sure Reynold," Traysek laughed, completing the fistbump, "I'll try to keep most of my good parts...mostly"

once they broke the bump, The Redguard made his way up the bridge of his ship, before shouting, "Alright men, set sail for the dark fortress!"

"Aye Capitan!" Lucien shouted as he pressed a lever to lift the anchor from the ground, the ship now lifting, departing from the city...

Reynold watched the ship leave from out of the wall, sighing and putting his hands in prayer, 'May the light of the goddess bring you victory, captain, all of you!' Turning toward the gate, "Now for my own mission...getting to Feoh,"

Swain sighed as he walked to Mayek.

"It seems that those Shields should be reminded of their place in the food chain" Swain sighed before turning to Mayek, "I've prepared fifty armor sets for you and the others that were left behind. Of course, I killed you and all the other Dark Elves that were stationed here."

"I get it." Mayek chuckled before adding, "And the altar of the Earthmother was destroyed, right?" he turned and looked at some of his men who began to wear the armor, "And if someone comes here to claim the gold?"

"Kill them." Swain replied, "Noble or Shield... they should know that this land is now mine, and I won't appreciate it if someone decides to do something on my territories."

"First warning?" Mayek asked.

"As soon as they shut their mouth kill them, no warning," Swain replied.

"Seems simple enough."

Both Alicia and Prim were on their way to the gate with Alicia still shaking from her last encounter with Swain.

"Are you alright?" Prim asked.

"I just encountered a demon, I'm sure of it," Alicia mumbled in response.

"Who are you talking about?" the pink-haired one asked.

"L-L-Lord Swain" Alicia's voice was full of fear as she hug herself, "I've never felt this weak before..."

"I don't think that Lord Swain is that bad." Prim said as she shocked Alicia, "He usually prepares a lot of delicious pastries whenever I go to his estate."

"How can you still smile after going there?" Alicia was at a loss for words before noticing Rey was still there.

She took a deep breath before going to him.

"I thought that you were going to the assault." her stern voice was back with the attitude.

Reynold glanced behind him from the carriage he was boarding and sighed, "I was, but I had more important matters to attend to my lady, per Lord's Swain's request..." turning around with a smile, "And besides, I think that ship has already sailed," pointing at the Airship getting further and further away.

"That isn't an excuse! you will be punished for that!" Alicia stated.

"But if he goes on Lord Swain's request, you can't do anything since-" Prim tried to talk but Alicia shushed her first.

"Whoever orders those are, they aren't more important than your superior's," Alicia said as she was trembling a little.

Rey noted the trembling and a small grin had spread on his face, "You know what? you can go ahead and punish me, Lady Alicia, but then YOU have to explain to Lord Swain, why I didn't make it there and I'm sure you've got it all worked it out, right?" giving her a knowing look.

A flap of wings belonging to a dove caused Alicia to jump out of her skin as she was breathing hard.

Prim, on the other hand, just smiled as she said, "That's wonderful! We'll be going, all together!"

"Splendid! it'll be an honor to ride with you too lady prim," Reynold said, offering the young pinkette his hand, who took as he helped her in the carriage, Alicia slapped away his offered hand, and sat down, still shaken up..."To Feoh," he told the driver.

"Yes Sir!" the carriage now pulling off...

On the way, Volt looked annoyed as he took some quick glances at the flying ship.

"I should have cut her throat back there!" he mumbled, "If there wasn't that attack from that accursed beast, I wouldn't have all of these problems!"

"No need to worry." Kin said as he smirked, "They still don't know what you did to her. Otherwise, you may have had a lot of trouble with them."

"Maybe you're right..." Volt sighed before adding, "Let's just hurry to Geofu, I really want to get a good rest and a girl."

"I'm sure that Dong Zhuo had everything ready for us." Kin said before looking at the ship, 'Just a little more time.'

One hour later

After through a few clouds, the Red dragon crew arrives at an outpost, near the city, The Captain frowns at it from the wheel, "Looks like that's an outpost nearby, now whether they're friendly or not is the question,"

Recorder from the bird's eye view of the ship, opened a telescope, looking down at the building, "From the looks of it Captain, they seem pretty friendly, the flags on there seem pretty regal to be bandit's outpost, if anything it looks military,"

"Captain! Incoming units!" a girl with red hair and wearing silver armor yelled to another one with blue hair, wearing the same armor, but with a cape that has a gold insignia that represents Geofu.

"Prepare to intercept if they're hostile." the captain replied as she planted a battleaxe on the ground.

"If it isn't Fiore, captain of the outpost." Volt greeted with a grin as the captain narrowed her eyes.

"I don't have time for that, Volt." She looked at the flying ship before adding, "You know the rules, come inside to register your entry to Geofu."

"You don't have to be like that." Volt stated as he waved to Traysek to come down.

From the side of the ship, Inigo frowned down at him, "What is he doing...? is he having a stroke or waving us down?"

"Let me see!" Recorder called out, going into her telescope, "Oh...yeah he's waving us down, turns out this is a military checkpoint captain, probably customs!"

Traysek went into thought until the realization hit him, "Shit, that's right, we haven't been registered here yet, okay, raise sails and get ready to drop anchor!" he called out.

"Raise the sails!" Inigo yelled out, as Erik and Yuriana went to lift them up, pulling the ropes as the flags of the ship rolled up, the ship now slowly descending upon the land.

Once the ship had reached a good enough altitude, the anchor was dropped into the ground, denting it, as a few ropes were seen going over broadsides, Traysek and Yuriana being the first ones to rappel down.

"Come on down captain! You need to meet the captain of this outpost!" Volt called as the captain of the outpost was clearly annoyed by Volt's actions.

Yuriana frowned at him, "Is he always this boisterous and loud?" turning to her captain with an eyebrow raised.

"Only when he's either showing off or trying to annoy someone and judging from our short guard there, probably annoy," Traysek sighed, rolling his eyes, as the duo walked up to them, the Captain looking down at the outpost leader, raising an eyebrow, taking a deep breath, "Hello there, I'm Captain Traysek of the Red dragon crew, that there is my ship, the Aveza, this here is my bodyguard, Yuriana," he introduced, the wench giving her courtesy bow, "I understand we have not registered here in this city, is that correct?" doing his damnest to resist laughing or cracking a joke, his eyebrow twitching in indication.

"Don't worry about it." Fiore replied as she shoved Volt aside, "Just one can come to register the rest."

"Why do I feel the sensation that you don't like me?" Volt joked as his men began to laugh.

"I didn't know that a dog has feelings." Fiore replied, shutting up the mercenaries that were laughing, "Sorry, a Black Puppy."

One of the guards chuckled a little before regaining her composure.

Traysek chuckled, while Volt Sneered at her, "Well, I'm liking the guts on this one, alright then, I'll go ahead and do that," turning to Yuriana, "Hang close and play nice with the other 'kids' yeah?" motioning his head toward Volt's men.

The Redhead glanced at a few of them, that seemed to be leering at her, her cringing, "Yeah, I'll try...no guarantees sir," narrowing her eyes on a few, "No guarantees..."

After a few minutes, both Traysek and Fiore got back.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Traysek." the captain of the outpost said, "The name's Fiore."

Traysek gave her a smile, "It was nice meeting you too, Fiore, we're hoping to just pass on through," glancing at Volt, "Right after he gets his...supplies, we'll be on our way to the Black Citadel,"

"Another try that will end in another failure?" Fiore sighed before adding, "I lost count after the tenth one."

Traysek was taken aback by that slightly, "Had no idea this was yet another attempt, but I think we've got a plan for this time ," turning to his ship, "Had to get the heavy artillery for today...it'll be our first go at it, I suppose, but if we do win, I'll be sure to broadcast it," frowning at himself, "Somehow..." offering a handshake, "With that said, I must be on my way now, take care of yourself, Fiore"

"Well, let's hope that this time, Volt can succeed where he always failed before," Fiore replied as she took Traysek's hand.

"Or that he actually sticks to a plan this time, we'll see..." Traysek said, walking off to Yuriana who leaned against the wall with her arms folded, "We're all good Yuri, we can head back to the ship now,"

The Redhead nodded, "I'm surprised that went quick, didn't have to pay a fee or anything?"

"Surprisingly no, which I found kinda odd, but again, we ARE heading into the citadel of death, so I imagine they would be nicer about it," The captain said, walking back to the ship with her following, "Now we can keep going, and luckily for us, we don't have to stop for supplies,"

"I'll say, might even get to finish that book for once," Yuriana agreed, walking up to the ship's rope and climbing up.

Traysek turned to Volt and gave a nod, "So next stop, supply run, and then the fortress?"

"Do you want to kill my men?" Volt asked with a smirk, "Let's rest a little before using a teleporting gate to get closer." Volt noticed some confusion and pointed to a familiar-looking portal, "This thing can get us to another outpost in the blink of an eye. Thanks to that old bird from Ken, Geofu got a bit of teleporting stuff that we can use."

Traysek frowned at it, "So, it's like a wayshrine in other words, and I keep forgetting you guys are the ones marching, you're gonna have to forgive me there," he chuckled, his attention going back to it, 'That looks like an oblivion gate, much like the one back in Lucien's lab...very odd...'

"What's the move captain?" Recorder's voice called down, "We going or what?"

"In moments Recorder, in fact, we're taking a bit of a rest, it seems," Traysek called back up, getting a hard frown from her.

"You can not be serious right now...right now?!" She yelled again, shooting Volt a quick glare, "We're on grind time, sir!"

"I'm aware! but we also have to think about the ground troop too, can't exactly leave them behind, now can we?"

Recorder gave a frustrated sigh, "Fine, I'll let everyone know...goddamn it..." before leaving the bird's nest, "I am leaving the nest!"

The Redguard rolled his eyes, "Okay Volt, we can rest up for a bit, Record just went to tell them the news," hearing a cacophony of complaining and whining coming from his ship, "That's going to be such a headache to deal with later..."

Volt grinned before saying, "That gate can save us a week of walking. I'll go meet someone, want to tag along?"

Traysek glanced back up at the ship, before nodding, "You know what? sure, I've got a bit of time to kill, why not?"

Both of them walked until they reached a large red gate.

"We're here to see Lord Dong Zhuo! Open the gate!" Volt yelled as soldiers in purple-scaled armor opened the gate.

"Welcome, sir Volt, Lord Dong Zhuo is waiting for you." one of the soldiers said with a boy.

"C'mon, the fat bastard must be eating now." Volt laughed as he began to walk until they reached a room where there was a fat man in regal purple clothes under a gold chest plate.

"Volt! You son of a dog!" the man laughed as he greeted Volt "You're a sight for sore eyes."

"Things can't always be bright." Volt chuckled before pointing to Traysek "That's Traysek, a captain of a crew. They're here to help us with the Dark queen."

"Wonderful!" Dong Zhuo said with a laugh "The name's Dong Zhuo!"

Traysek had a slight frown before grinning, "Nice to meet you too, big guy! Volt here tells me you have some hardware for us, wasn't expecting to walk into a feast," looking over the table, with an impressed nod, "Feeding an army or something in here?" he laughed.

"A man needs to eat well, am I right?" Dong Zhuo laughed before eating another bite, "Once your victory is proclaimed, I'll invite you to a feast worthy of heroes like you." he then drank a mug of wine.

"About those supplies, are they ready?" Volt asked as the fat man grinned.

"You know the price, don't you?" Dong Zhuo replied.

Volt sighed before turning to Traysek "This will take a while, so why don't you go visit a little? When we're ready, you'll find us near your ship."

"Alright, I'll check back on my men," Traysek said with a nod, turning and leaving the room, "And We'll be waiting, don't take TOO long," leaving the chamber entirely.

As soon as Traysek exited the room, Volt sighed before saying, "Now, we can speak about our little project."

Dong Zhuo turned his grin into a wicked one and said, "And you're sure that it will work this time?"

"You saw our secret weapon, right?" Volt replied with a smirk, "He will do the dirty job, and meanwhile, we will get what we need by forcing that beast into spilling where we can find the city that we've been searching about for years."

Dong Zhuo laughed before drinking wine "How about some fun?" a man brought two high elven girls with chains, "Got them from the Red Snake yesterday."

"How was she?" Volt asked as he walked to take a better look at the elves.

"You know her. We talked, drank until we couldn't stand, and ended up fucking the entire night." Dong Zhuo replied with a laugh, "She brought me ten of her best girls."

"Maybe I should go see her one of these days." Volt mused.

"Ever since she had to flee Rad due to the involvement of the one they call the Sword Saint, she changed her hideouts." Dong Zhuo got up and walked toward the girls "Now, let's enjoy ourselves with these fuck meats that she brought."

Volt smirked before taking one's clothes and ripping them apart with his bare hands, letting her breasts out and grabbing one of them, "You have no idea how much stress I have to expel."

Dong Zhuo grabbed the other one and brought her to her knees before pressing her head against his crotch, "You know what to do."

The elf took his pants off and began to blow him until Dong Zhuo grabbed her head and began to pound her throat, "That's how you do it, bitch."

The other one paled before feeling something entering her pussy, "Don't worry, you'll feel better." She turned and found a cruel grin on Volt's face.

Back at the Aveza...

The crew was all lounging around in the living quarters until Their captain walked back in.

"Ah boss, you're back!" Erik greeted, "Please tell me we're heading out soon, got some new techniques to try out..."

Traysek sighed, shaking his head, "Not yet, unfortunately, he's still working things out with that Dong Zhuo fella, so we'll be here for a minute," walking over to one of the mead barrels, grabbing a tankard.

"Hold up, what name did you just say...?" Recorder said, with a worried look on her face, "What was that name, boss...?"

"Dong Zhuo? why? do you know him Recorder?" The Redguard asked, pouring himself some mead.

"I've read up on him before I left the academy...Not a very good guy," Record shivered, "But it was said that he had met his end to Lu bu...so how he's here now, is the question..."

Traysek nodded, "He seemed a bit odd, but also very eager that we were helping Volt out with this, as if he's got something to gain...their friendship is strange to me," taking a gulp of mead, "I almost want to ask how they met, maybe after this is said and done, I will," going back into his tankard.

Inigo walked up to the mead barrel, pouring himself mead as well, "What gives? You figure he would be just as eager to do this we are, but now we're getting hold ups boss? you don't think that's a bit suspect?"

"I agree, I should've stayed back there to see what kind of business he was doing back there," Traysek lamented, "But, they really seemed to know each other, so I left it as that, didn't bother to pry," sitting down at the table,

Yuriana furrowed her brow, "I do also find that concerning, sir...why is he taking so long? usually supply runs are rather quick, it's almost like he's screwing around in there,"

"Could be, wouldn't put it past him at this point," Traysek groaned, "Honestly, the sooner we begin this battle, the better off we'll be, and speaking of," pulling out his haven bag, grabbing the weapons he got from the other Dragonborn, placing them on the table, "Figured I show you all these,"

The crew all had wide eyes and awed looks...

"Ooooo~ I'm loving those white katanas," Recorder said, with a nod, looking over at the rest of the swords, "That buster sword isn't too bad either,"

Yuriana nodded, "That Red blade looks really nice, a bit thin for me though, but still I wouldn't mind using it if came to anything else,"

"Now now, first of all, because there's only a few here, we haven't decided on this yet, despite Inigo's claim of the bow" Traysek said, motioning towards him.

"Hehehehe sorry my friends, I had initially called dibs when I first saw it," The khajiit laughed, getting a scowl from Recorder.

"Oh wow, Inigo, maybe I wanted to try the bow," She sneered, getting a shrug in response.

Traysek sighed, "Look, nobody is claiming dibs on any of this yet, until we work this out, there are four weapons and six of us...meaning, two of us aren't going to be using any of this,"

"So...how do we decide on this then?" Lucien said, looking over one of the swords.

The Redguard smirked, pulling out a pack of cards, "Whose for a game...? battle of heroes, anyone?" we play five rounds, whoever manages to win each round, will get a choice of the weapon they want,"

Inigo rose an eyebrow "Oh really? that bow is mine...!" a smirk forming on his face, "You're on boss!"

The rest of the crew had determined smirks on their faces, as the Redguard began to deal out cards when they sat down...

"May the games begin..."

After an hour, both Volt and Dong Zhuo exited the room with satisfied grins on their faces.

"Thanks for that." Volt said as looked at the carriage, "How are things running for you here?"

"Thanks to my position as the king's counselor, before his 'accident' I got my hands on nearly everything here." Dong Zhuo answered before adding with a serious face, "I hope that you remember our deal?"

Volt chuckled before saying, "I know, Geofu and the Shield Princess are yours."

"And my granddaughter is out of your hands." Dong Zhuo added with a threatening tone, "If I hear that you did something to Dong Bai..."

A burst of dark energy came from the fat man as he turned to a dark purple demon.

"I will turn you to dust." Dong Zhuo threatened.

"I get it." Volt replied as Dong Zhuo reverted to normal, "I'll head to the help that we get, is the gate ready?"

"You can go in there if you want," Dong Zhuo said as Volt walked away with some of his men on the carriage.

An hour later...

Back on the ship, the crew was now hanging around the deck, the game had passed and the winners of it had the weapons from Diyha...

Inigo once again had the Dragon-fire bow and arrows, Recorder one of the white katanas and it took convincing on Traysek's end for her to only take ONE...Lucien had the other white Katana, resting on his hip, Erik had the Red dai-katana on his back, and Yuriana had the buster sword, despite not winning, Traysek didn't want or need it, and she was strong enough to wield it.

The Redguard had a grin on his face, "Now that we have that settled, all we have to do is wait a bit for them to get back," leaning on the dashboard of his ship.

After a few minutes of hanging around in the bird's nest, Recorder checked the telescope once again to find that Volt was indeed heading back to them with a carriage and a few of his men.

"Guys! Volt's coming back! looks like he's got his shit too," Record called out, getting a nod from the Captain.

"Good, it's about damn time..." Traysek sighed with a grin, walking to the bridge of the ship...

"Captain! The gate is ready to take us to the closest point to the Dark Fortress!" Volt said with a grin as he pointed to the gate that opened with blue energy.

Traysek smiled with a nod, "Great! go ahead and go through, we'll meet you there, now we can stop traveling slow," turning to the crew, "Everyone we're departing! Lucien, loose anchor!"

"Aye aye, sir!" Lucien concurred, rushing back into the inner cabin, closing the hatch behind him, the anchor rising out of the ground.

The Redguard walked back up the bridge, heading to his wheel, "We promise not to keep you waiting as long,"

Volt nodded and headed through the gate.

When he exited the gate, he found the ruin of an old village that brought him memories.

"Sauranic Village, what good memories I have from this place..." he turned to his men and said, "Go get some sleep, you're going to need it."

"Boss!" one of Volt's men called as he dragged a woman, "We found her tied up in the carriage."

"Aww, he gave me a present." Volt went and grabbed her, "You have no idea how much I love that man."

Laughter began to be heard from his men as the gate closed, "Now, let's get comfy while waiting."

Near the badlands airspace...

The Dev Aveza had finally reached the badlands, The crew on deck were in shock at how ravaged the environment here was, from the many animal and human carcasses or skeletons that littered the area to the sandy and ruined trees and nature, not to mention the cold draft that was going through.

Recorder, shivering from the bird's nest, looked over the area with her telescope, cringing at some of the damage, "Looks like we've entered the badlands, sir! there are almost no signs of life around, not to mention how cold it is up here!"

"Then we're going the right way, let us know if you start seeing a fortress as we get close," Traysek called up, smirking, "I'd rather give them a surprise as we arrive,"

"Speaking of that Captain, since we're in a place like this, maybe it's about time we give these new weapons onboard a try," Lucien's voice rang from the intercom.

The captain nodded with a grin, "Good idea, I like to know what kind of hardware we're bringing along,"

"On my way up,"

The hatch from the front of the ship opened up in a few moments, and Lucien climbed up.

"About time you came out for some fresh air, Lucien" Inigo joked, "So, what's the first thing? I know you guys worked hard,"

"Ah, I'm glad you asked..." The imperial grinned, walking over to the ram of the ship with the others behind him, "As I agreed captain, the ram has been improved and reinforced, but you knew that, however...Erik and I added a feature to our dragon cannon, and yes, we're calling it that, anyway, our dragon cannon here, has multiple functions, for example," placing a cannonball, wrapped in fire web into the chamber, pulling the lever, Firing the cannonball in the form of a powerful fireball, "I've adjusted it to work with any as well as elemental ammunition...you can fire off shots like that fireball, or a flamethrower, depending... fire a devastating beam of lightning, cause an explosion of poison that will melt the enemy, fire a chunk of ice that freeze whatever it touches or the usual chain shots, which I added more cannons to the front for,"

Traysek nodded in approval, "Well done Lucien, that will definitely come in handy when we need it,"

"Thank you, sir, I only mean to try," The imperial bowed, "Now, for the next bit, the puckle guns, meant for destroying weak surfaces, namely the fort we'll be damaging, not as powerful as the broadside cannons or the dragon one, but it'll be enough,"

"We could use those to cripple the towers once we've damaged them enough, alright, solid work there, boys," The captain grinned.

Erik nodded, "It took while hauling this stuff onboard, but with the quartermaster helping us out, it didn't take too long," Walking up to one of the puckle guns and firing it into a large rock, destroying it completely, "As you can see sir, it can cause damage without weakening one,"

Lucien walked towards the back of the ship, where the Traysek was, "Now for our mortar firing," pressing a button on the side of the ship doors, to bring up a set of mortars from the floor, "Now this was hard to install, but in time we managed to get it up and going, it was even more difficult to adjust it for elemental ammo, I'll have to fire that from inside the control room to show you, but it covers great distances, as well as surprise the enemy,"

"Very nice, we'll need something long range, in case the dragon cannon can't do it," The captain nodded, "Very nice additions to an already lethal ship, Lucien, you've outdone yourself here,"

The imperial laughed, "Not yet sir, there's one more edition to show you...follow me," leading him to the very back of the ship, "As you know we can already drop barrels upon our enemies, but now as you noticed," pulling a lever, causing a catapult to materialize, "We've got a catapult as well, for cluster attacks and explosion, figured if our mortars are taken out, we at least still have this to fight back with," helping Erik load a barrel of something hissing inside, the Nord pulling back the mechanism before Lucien pulled the lever... sending the barrel flying in a distance, landing in a poison explosion to on another large rock, melting it and everything around it.

"As you can see, Captain, this vessel is truly prepared for battle, it also comes with a forcefield, should we be under fire from enemy forces," Lucien explained, "This truly has become a machine for war,"

Traysek had a wide grin, "And I have my brains to thank for it, with these additions, we should be able to advance with ease, and the puckle guns will make taking out those archer points, all the easier...good work on dressing up our ship,"

"Agreed, I had wondered how we were going to fight them anyway," Yuriana added in, "At least we won't be going there naked, not that we were but still..."

"I know what you meant, but yeah," Traysek nodded, "All of this, helps a fortune, that fortress is as good as ours!"

Recorder kept the telescope up until she saw something dark and large, "Um guys, I think we've found the fortress, it's a bit a ways away, but I'm seeing a large dark building with magic surrounding it,"

"Good, we're nearly there then..." Traysek said, going back to his ship's wheel, "Now all we gotta do is hope that Volt is closer than we are, otherwise...this could be a problem..."

Volt and the others headed toward an orc camp.

"You took your time." one of the orcs said as Volt approached him.

"You know how things are; had to rest and stuff." he replied before adding, "How are things inside?"

"We don't know." the orc answered, "We didn't set foot inside ever since he ordered us to kill you, the imps are guarding the secret entrance."

"If it wasn't for you, Xunaakt, we wouldn't have all of this." Volt chuckled before seeing the ship flying above them and smirked, "Our ticket of victory is here... and in force."

"Shouldn't we capture the fortress intact?" Xunaakt asked.

"I'll wave him down." Volt said before seeing the results of the shots, 'This is bad... the fortress will end up in ruins!'

"Are you sure that we can have the fortress intact?"

"As long as there's no one loyal to the Dark Elf bitch..." Volt said as he narrowed his eyes.

From the nest, Recorder spotted one of Volt's men trying to wave them down, frowning, "Again...? what the hell..?" looking down, "Boss, they're waving us down again! this time they're with a group of..." looking through the telescope, -Orcs?"

Traysek gave a hard frown, "What? a group of orcs? are you sure about that?" pulling out a pair of binoculars, seeing those very orcs, "Yeah, those are orcs, what in oblivion is that man up to?"

"I don't know sir, but you should check that out," Yuriana added in, "The rest of us can wait here on cannon duty, in case something about this goes south,"

Traysek looked around, getting agreeing nods from everyone else, "Very well, I'll take us close, don't drop anchor though," turning the ship around, heading toward's Volt's group, lowering the ship until it was floating over the ground.

He rappelled off the sides once again, landing on the ground, approaching volt with a hard frown, "Volt? what the hell is this? who are they?" nodding his head towards them when he got close enough.

"Easy now, captain." Volt said as he lifted his hands in surrender, "Thus is Xunaakt, a warlord of the Bone-Crushing Clan. He's a friend that saved me before, he's also the one who provided us with a detailed map."

The orc nodded and said, "I know that humans dislike us, but we also want to end the tyranny of the dark queen."

"He already assured that the secret entrance is guarded only by imps." Volt added with a grin, "Small and annoying, but can easily overwhelm if not careful."

Traysek frowned even harder, turning the orc "Interesting...hello there, the name's Traysek, Captain of the Aveza," turning to Volt with the same frown, "You didn't tell us about him, Dong Zhuo I get, but why didn't let anybody know about our...inside man?" he questioned, 'And better yet, why are there so many of them...? you figure there would be a few deserters, but entire tribe...? I don't know, something about this stinks...'

"Everything okay down there, boss?" Recorder's voice echoed, holding the loudspeaker, "What's the hold-up?"

Traysek waved back at them, "Everything's ok Record, remain on standby!" turning back to Volt and the Orcs, "Sorry about that, they're starting to get anxious up there," he chuckled, "So...You're our inside man, and the one responsible the secret side entrance, I guess I should be thanking you..." with a friendly grin, narrowing his eyes, "But my question is...why? what would YOU gain from helping us today? this is your home, is it not?"

"This land is, but not the queen." Xunaakt replied, "She forces us to die while her soldiers are safe, never to be sent. Many of my brothers are dead because of her... and the price must be paid."

"And don't forget how the Shields would react if they heard that I was saved by an orc." Volt added, "Besides, Xunaakt opened an opportunity for us to get what we need. But if Alicia or the others got a glance at him, they would execute him for nothing."

Traysek slowly nodded, "Never sends them out huh?" his mind went back to every dark elf he's met...including the first one...

"Are you waiting for me to get on my knees and worship you? well, too bad for you...I'm loyal to the General and Queen. Also" the smirking elf said, lightning beginning to gather around her, "let's see if you can survive an arcane explosion...Light beginning to emanate from her, "For the Kletzkrieg!"

...

Another flash hits, about the elven warrior he met, who he had stopped from doing the same, "You...you're the human we were told about...You humans, are the same, greedy and selfish," before they began their fight until he fled from him, with the harpy..."This isn't over, Dragonborn!"

Traysek blinked, coming out of it, "Odd thing to say...I met the Kletzkrieg a bit recently, they seem more than willing to die for their queen, I'm guessing you guys don't like each other that much...?"

"All they do is order us, they never fight," Xunaakt stated

"I guess that's enough." Volt said before pointing to the fortress, "Let's get this over with so that we can celebrate afterward." he then walked toward the fortress as the orcs followed him.

Traysek nodded, "Agreed, time to get this show on the road," walking back to his ship, climbing back up on the rope, and heading back to his ship's wheel, "Sorry about that guys, really want me to meet our inside man...but something just...I don't know," looking back at them going towards the fortress.

"Yeah, him and those orcs right?" Inigo said, getting a nod from the Captain, "I thought that was strange too, why would a group of orcs help us? I don't know either my friend, that is very suspect..."

"Regardless, we have an invasion to get to, so..." Traysek began by grabbing the wheel, "Loose sails and get ready to move,"

"Aye!"

Once again, the ship was taking a higher altitude, moving towards the far fortress, a grin plastered on the Redguard's face...

"Now, let's see what the fortress has got in store for us, onward to battle!" he shouted, getting some cheers from the ship, as it drifted there...

On a balcony of the fortress, Greil was standing with his eyes closed until he opened them.

"They're close..." he took a bronze spear with runes and threw it, creating an explosion very far in the sky, "Not even a dragon can survive this."

Greil began to throw spears with greater strength and speed, creating a rain made of spears.

The entire ship was wracked by that explosion, nearly blowing them out of the sky, as the ship's armor took most of the blow, pieces falling off as the captain struggled to control the ship.

"What in oblivion was that?!" The Redguard shouted, managing to balance his ship, "Is everyone ok?"

"Yeah, we're fine, bird's nest is still intact!" Recorder shouted down, looking in horror as a rain of spears approached, "More incoming!"

Traysek gritted his teeth, "Activate forcefields!" he shouted, as a blue bubble of Magnus energy surrounded the ship, preventing the spears from raining down upon them, "Lucien! damage report!"

"Well sir, most of the ship's armor has been cracked, but our weapons and shields remain operational, but one thing for certain, they know we're here!"

Traysek smirked, "Glad that they do, once this storm stops, return mortar fire," turning to Erik and Inigo, "You guys tend to the dwarven and dragon cannons," turning to Yuri, "You're on puckle gun duty when we weaken the towers, take them out," looking up to Recorder, "And Recorder, you snipe down the archers when we get close enough," turning back to the fortress, "Time for battle!"

Battle song: Ships of Legend- Ac4 Black flag ost

As the crew got in their battle positions, the storm stopped, the forcefield remaining, "Now, deploy the mortars!"

The sides of the ship opened, as the mortar cannons fired up, blanketing the sky with flaming javelins. While this was happening, Inigo had fetched a lighting webbed cannonball, shoving it into the mechanism, "Dragon arc, hot and ready!"

"Fire!" The Redguard's voice boomed, a lightning charge building into the dragon's mouth, discharging a beam.

The shot impacted a wall nearby, destroying it.

Greil smirked before saying, "Looks like I need to get up to their level."

He took a spear before mumbling a prayer, "Earthmother, bless this spear with your wrath as she tears through our enemies." lightning began to come from the spear as Greil threw it.

The ship kept pushing through towards the fortress, as another spear in the form of divine lightning, hit the forcefield hard, making it ripple and weaken, the entire crew shaken by the thunderous impact.

"By the nine!" Erik swore, bracing for dear life, "They really don't want us here!"

"Too bad for them, we have a date with destiny today!" Traysek replied, "Lucien, how's it looking for our shields?"

"Not too good sir, that blast just knocked our levels down to 40%, whatever that lightning was, if that hits us again, our defenses are gone!"

Traysek nodded, narrowing his eyes at the fortress, "Then we get closer, activate the thrusters!"

In one moment, the ship went from moving towards them slowly, to speeding up with the thrusters on the back of the ship, blowing a strange blue fire.

"Deploy poison mortars, Lucien!" Turning to the other two, "And you guys, get to that catapult and start on their towers!" getting quick salutes, as both Erik and Inigo ran to the back, pulling the lever, activating the catapult, loading in a barrel...

The mortars from the ship fired off once again, this time striking a few of the monsters, causing some of them to melt.

"Fire in the hole!" Inigo shouted as they released the barrel far into the air, towards one of the towers, exploding on impact.

Greil narrowed his eyes as he watched one of the towers fall.

"A good thing that we evacuated the fortress." he then took another spear, but shot it toward some of the land troops, killing a few Black Dogs and the orcs that were with them, "That was the last one." he looked at the coming ship and smirked, "Get ready to lose yourself in these walls." he then left the balcony before that it was destroyed.

Traysek frowned upon that, "What the? where were they aiming with that spear?"

Recorder checked the ground with her scoped rifle, finding a lot of black dog and orc corpses down there, as well as a few standing back up, "Looks like he hit the ground team, looking like a lot of bodies down there!"

"Shit, that was Volt's team!" Traysek cursed, grabbing the loudspeaker, "Volt, guys! you okay down there? we saw that explosion, say something!" getting nothing but silence at first until...

"We're fine!" Volt replied back, "But we took quite the hit! Lost a tenth of my men and a dozen orcs!

The Redguard sighed in relief, "By the gods man," going back into the loudspeaker, "Alright, take who you have left and advance the front! we've got one more tower to destroy before we head in!" putting away the loudspeaker before the older merc could object, turning to the other two, "Only one more tower remains, take it out!"

"Sir, yes sir!" Erik chimed in, as he loaded one last barrel in, "It's in and ready!"

When the ship got close enough, they released the last barrel, the impact cracking the tower, the Redguard turning to Yuriana. "Now Yuri, give that it everything you've got!" Traysek commanded, giving her a good view by turning the ship around to its broadside.

"One destroyed tower, coming up!" The Redhead shouted, firing a couple of shots from the cannon, completely destroying it, "Tower is down, sir, I repeat, the tower is down!"

The entire crew onboard cheered, save the captain who had a proud grin on his face, "Now now, mates, it's far too early to celebrate," moving the ship around the fortress, "Time to head into the secret entrance,"

(Song ends)

Greil walked and knelt in front of Olga as Chloe was standing next to her.

"I managed to cripple the best I could with the explosive spears." He said.

"What's going to happen now?" Olga asked after a sigh.

"The traps are activated, it will take them years before discovering how to get past them," Greil answered.

"What about the emergency gate?" Olga asked.

"I've put imps with an ogre to keep an eye there," Greil said before hearing crumbling.

"Let's hope that it will work," Olga stated as Greil headed to stand in front of the door.

Back outside, the Aveza had reached a spot near the entrance, slowly lowering down until it touched the ground completely.

Traysek put on his silver contractor mask, and walked towards the bridge, "Alright everyone, we've finally arrived," looking ahead at the guarding imps and ogre, "Looks like that orc was right on the money, Record, see if you can't take out that big bastard from here,"

"With pleasure," Recorder responded, aiming the rifle and firing, scoring a headshot, "Score! big boy is down, we're clear to move in on the rest," she called down while leaving the bird's nest. When she reached the deck, the holstered her rifle on her back, glaring at the panicking imps.

The others got their weapons and gear, strapping them on to themselves, along with their backpacks. The Redguard shouldered his staff, smirking under his mask, "Everyone ready? Good, time to get started..."

...

At the secret entrance, the imps were now freaking out that their largest comrade's head had just suddenly exploded in the middle of their conversation no less...

"What the hell happened?" one of them asked, panicking.

"I have no idea! we were just talking and his head went 'splat!' damned humans! where did that come from?!" another one added in.

While the imps were freaking out, the crew crept up on them, quickly rushing the imps with their weapons...The Captain was the first to smack three of them hard into the castle wall, cracking their heads open, firing chain-lightning after, frying four more...

"What? humans? how did they find this place so quickly?!" another imp shrieked, before getting run through by Recorder, who moved in with a double slash killing two more.

Lucien and Erik worked on another pair, the Nord swinging his axe, slicing one of them in half, grabbing the other, and smashing the imp into the ground in a bloody mess. The Imperial, on the other hand, stabbed two of them with one thrust, blasting a fireball at three more, killing them.

Inigo sniped a couple of the imp archers down with his new bow, moving in close to finish off one with his claws when after he grounded it, ripping it apart.

And finally, Yuriana who was surrounded by the last few, summoned her mystic phantom, while releasing a healing aura. The phantom proceeded to rain spells on them, as the redhead moved in with her golden hammer, bashing and smashing them into the tree and the ground, finishing the last of them off with a boob charge, leaving a bloody mess behind after...

Once the imps and Ogre were dealt with, the crew walked up to the door, the captain pulling out a large crimson spider.

"Stand back, I'm about to breach the door," He ordered, sticking the spider on it, moving back, and drawing his pistol, shooting the spider, the explosion blowing the door open, "Infiltration successful, now for the next part," cocking his pistol, "The capture of the dark Queen..." his chilling voice echoed, behind the mask, walking into the open door, with them behind him, Yuriana being the last to shut the door behind them...

As soon as they opened the next door, a group of orcs there with three ogres.

"Get down, get down!" Traysek quickly whispered, as the others crouched by the door, turning to them, "lot of big guys in here, we'd have a tough time with them, got a better Idea" smirking under his mask, pulling out an oil spider, "I'm thinking of playing a cruel joke with these guys,"

"Oh? but with an oil spider, my friend?" Inigo raised an eyebrow.

"You'll see," The captain snickered.

At the large monster group, an oil spider walks in the middle of them, getting their attention.

"aww~ whose this little guy?" one of the orcs reaching down, and trying to grab the now shaking spider, who began to secrete oil as he got closer, "He's even wetting himself, I've never seen a spider do that before...but why does it smell like-?"

Before they could put it together, the spider began to panic and spray oil into his face, jumping on another, skittering on them with the oil heavily leaking from it, covering each orc and ogre it jumped on, if it wasn't already spraying which also covered the floor in oil, causing some to slip and slide, landing in hilarious angles, causing the crew to roar with laughter, especially when they had a hard time standing back up.

When they finally smashed the oil spider, it released an explosion of oil, and they turned to the laughing pirates, with death glares.

"Hey guys~ how was my slip-and-slide emporium?" Traysek teased, holding up a firebolt spell in his hand, "As funny as this has been, time for a new game," blasting the firebolt on the ground, the flames trailing up on the oil, catching them all in a blaze, causing them to panic and flail as they burned.

"Burn baby burn~" Recorder sang, while the others kept laughing at the burning and panicking orcs.

One of the ogres suddenly roared with an ear-piercing sound before falling dead alongside the other monsters. Not soon after many orcs, ogres, and imps charged to their position.

Traysek whistled, drawing his scimitar and pistol, "So many at one time, I'm almost impressed on how they got here so quickly," aiming the pistol at one of them.

The others drew their weapons out, as the monsters surrounded them, putting their backs against one another in a circle.

"Oh dear," Lucien dryly stated, "We're surrounded it seems,"

"For now," Yuriana said, smirking at a couple, "or at least for the next five minutes..."

The Redguard took a deep breath, when they charged at them, "FUS, RO DAH!" He shouted, blasting a good portion away with his thu'um, "Oh look at that~ no longer surrounded," shooting another through the head, "Let's finish up with the guys quickly, rather not be here too long," Rushing into an ogre with a gut stab, turning to the two more, "Fo, Krah DIIN!" he shouted, frost blasting out of his mouth, freezing a few of them there.

"Agreed," Inigo said, firing an arrow into an oncoming orc's head, the new arrow splitting it open, before dodging rolling the next attacker, firing arrows at it in a volley, "Making it real easy to shoot you guys right now," ducking from a swooping imp, scoring a shot on it, knocking it out of the sky.

Meanwhile, Erik was fending off most of their attacks with his shield, ducking from a powerful swing from an ogre and countering with a hack to its ribs, ripping it out and embedding his axe into its face, kicking it away. he sidestepped and parried a blow from an orc, decapitating it with a spinning slash...Ducking the blow and flipping another orc over with his shield, bring his boot down on his chest, "They don't call me Erik the slayer, for nothing!" he declared, slamming the axe down on it, bringing up a fountain of blood.

Recorder was laughing and slicing down imps whenever they tried to grab her, evading a grabbing orc only to retaliate, with a double slash to its throat, before jumping on it, impaling it with both of her blades, "Too slow boys~" rolling away from two of them that tried to smash her, only to pulverize the dead body instead, before two throwing knives were thrown into their heads, courtesy of giggling woman, "Like I said, too slow..."

Yuriana already had her phantom out once more, this time using her bulwark shield and mace, charging them down with it, impaling those in the way with the spikes, swinging it out to catch a couple of imps approaching from behind, before swinging her mace down on an ogre's knee, shattering it, causing it to roar in pain. She walked over to it and proceeded to bash Ogre over and over until it stopped moving...or I should say, until its head was smashed in, "And you thought I was just a pretty face," she taunted, right eye flashing blue, going for a boob charge on the next group of them.

Lucien on the other hand was keeping them away with his magic, only relying on the dwarven sword when they got too close..."Here's a suggestion," He sweated, ducking from a couple of Charging orcs, blasting them with the sparks spell, frying them, "Have you considered NOT trying to eat us?" evading an imp charging at him, hitting it with a firebolt spell before it could turn around, turning it to ash, "I don't get it, these demons aren't that hard to kill, why did it take them seven hundred years to get this far?"

"Because they're weak, Lucien!" Traysek replied, finishing off an orc by slicing it in half, "And besides, we're not exactly amateurs ourselves!" dodge stepped back from an oncoming group of imps, taking a deep breath, "YOL, TOOR SHUL!" blasting them with a gout of Dragonfire, burning them to a crisp, "WULD, NAH KEST!" rocketing forward, slashing into the group he passed by, leaving behind a bloody mist, "Our only hope now, is that Volt and his people get in here" ducking and swinging his scimitar into the side of an ogre's neck.

"Where the hell is that guy?!" Recorder shouted while fighting off a group of imps.

Volt and Kin walked with not only orcs but also ogres and imps until they arrived at an intersection.

"I'll get some of my boys to help them," Volt said before ordering, "Try to get to the bitch queen, and don't do anything until I get there."

Volt took some Black Dogs and headed toward the corridor that heads to the secret entrance.

Back in that corridor, The Red dragons were getting swarmed but had managed to remain fighting despite it. The Redhead, using her healing aura, healed those that were hit or injured by the monsters.

"Goddammit! there's no end to these guys!" Recorder swore, shooting a couple of orcs with her rifle from behind cover.

Traysek slashed down an imp trying to swoop at him, dodging the oncoming blows of the attacking orcs, "Looks that way, seems that we've attracted every monster to this location!" building up lighting in one hand, discharging a lighting ball at a large group of them, causing an explosion of electricity.

Inigo and Erik were now fighting off a group of swarming imps, the Nord catching a few with his axe, while the khajiit scored shots through a few of their chests.

"At this point, we're going to be dinner if they don't show up soon!" Erik called out, blocking a strong blow from an orc, sending him back into a wall.

Inigo's eyes went wide with that, drawing two of his swords, "Erik! I've got you!" before getting surrounded by orcs, "Dammit, out of the way!" getting laughter from them in response.

Yuriana and Lucien were now blasting spells, the mystic phantom still in the mix raining powerful magic, as well as trying to get close to some with its battleaxe. The Redhead took a slash from an imp from behind, gritting her teeth, and retaliating with a backhanded shield blow, "Little shits! ugh..." she groaned, her wound rapidly closing up.

The imperial was keeping them at bay with gunfire from the firebolt rifle, scoring headshots or the chest, before hearing her go down, turning in that direction, "Are you okay over there?" ducking from another swooping imp.

"I'm fine, keep going...!" the Redhead yelled out, standing up, going into a berserk status, and charging at the group, "That was your last mistake!" both eyes glowing blue, as proceeded to make a mess out of them.

Traysek fired a couple of shots from his pistol into an orc, hitting it in the chest, before firing another, through the head, his gun clicking after that..." Shit...of course, I'm out..." evading a charging ogre with a sidestep, before clashing blade and club with an orc, who sneered at him, struggling with it, "Son of a-" gritting his teeth, when it put pressure on him before he zipped through it, slashing it in the gut in a flash, right behind it now as it went down, decapitating the orc to finish it off.

As things were starting to look grim for the crew, a series of battle cries could be heard, Volt and his men charging at the demons there...

"About damned time!" Yuriana commented, smashing her mace into an ogre's jaw.

Traysek smirked, firing chained lighting into a couple of orcs, the lighting leaving gaping charred holes in their chest, "Well well, look who decided to join the party! what took you, boys?"

Volt cut through the monster as he joined Traysek "We had to deal with the majority of their army unless you think that we were eating dinner in one of those fancy restaurants of Ken." Volt blocked an ogre before pushing the weapon away with his sword, "It seems that you guys messed up. they normally patrol through the corridors, but since we could get in and find little resistance on the way, I thought that they escaped, not that you called them to you."

Some of Volt's men jumped on the back of an ogre and brought it down before cutting his throat.

"If we succeed here, we would have no problem since we would have wiped out most of their forces." Volt said before spinning and cutting two imps in two, "Never thought that they have so many monsters in reserve."

"Didn't exactly count on that ogre doing that rally call, My mistake..." Traysek bitterly apologized, grabbing the head of an orc, burning it to a crisp with a close-ranged explosion, "We've handled almost most of the forces here," pulling out a grenade, igniting it, and tossing it at a small group, causing an explosion of dirt, gore, and shrapnel.

After reinforcements had arrived, they helped the crew fight off the rest of the remaining monsters, a couple of black dogs, helping Inigo out of being surrounded, before they got to Erik who was under their assault with his shield.

Eventually, the numbers began to thin out more, the Redguard spotting an open Door as Volt slashed the next ogre in half with his greatsword, noticing it too.

"Looks like they're running low on reinforcements, not seeing them spawn here anymore," Traysek said, firing a couple of shots at a few imps.

After a while of fighting, most of the monsters were dead as the survivors escaped.

"Not the same amount of monsters, but still, we should let you guys take your breath before advancing." Volt said before adding, "You look like you can fall at any minute."

"Hah! this is only an exercise for us!" Traysek laughed, turning to his crew, sighing, "But they could use a break, sure," whistling to them, "Guys let's go! that open door! over there!" heading into the direction of it, putting a couple of them out with his pistol.

The crew heard this, each one breaking off from the groups of the men helping them, all five rushing to the door, fighting off the pursuing monsters, Inigo tossing a smoke bomb to make their escape much easier.

...

In the next room, The entire crew was now all out of breath, including the Redguard who was panting...

"Is everyone alright? anyone bleeding out or poisoned?" he asked, getting head shakes in response.

Recorder regained her breath, "Okay sir...that was funny, hilarious even, but maybe next time..."

"Yeah, I know, I won't be doing that again, sorry about all of that... as funny as it was, I was not a fan of that setback," Traysek panted, nodding, "Next time I think I'll just use a calming spell, or mind bend, that might work better,"

"Thank you, I don't think we could deal with another swarm like that, too soon..." Yuriana groaned, sheathing her mace, "At the very least they'll be drawn to one place, long as we don't draw any more attention as we did back there,"

"Agreed," Inigo said, looking back, "I hope they can handle it back there though, we did our best to make it easier on them, but still,"

Erik nodded, looking ahead, "A few of them did get away, meaning they're still around here somewhere, proceed with caution?"

"This time? yeah, yeah I'm thinking so..." The Redguard bitterly chuckled, proceeding to move quickly and quietly...

True to their word, the Red dragons did just that, taking care to get out of the way and stay low whenever there was a rushing patrol of monsters or just them guarding around, sneaking past them...

After going through corridor after corridor of the citadel, they eventually reached the main hall with two very large and tall doors with an eye on top with five lights going into it, guarded by two large ogres on patrol there.

Traysek looked up, narrowing his eyes behind the mask, "I think this is it, the doors seem big and intimidating enough and there are two guards posted there," drawing his ruby dagger, "I'm gonna get up and close on one of them, Inigo, I need you to snipe the other as I do..." he whispered.

"Okay my friend, got you covered back here..." The khajiit whispered back, notching an arrow, as the Redguard crept up one with his dagger at the ready, 'Least we're being quiet this time about it...still had a good laugh though,' smirking at the thought...

As soon as he released the arrow and splattered its head, the other barely had time to react to it when he was tackled by the Redguard, who shoved the dagger into its windpipe, preventing its rally cry, before finishing it off with brutal stabs to its heart. Soon as he finished, Inigo and Erik dragged the bodies away out of sight.

Now finally a few feet from the throne doors, the Captain cracked his knuckles, "Alright mates, time to bring an end to overdue war...our objective is inside of these doors, I can feel the pressure of magic from it, meaning she's in there," walking up to it, feeling his magic dwindle and drain the closer he got to it, "What?!" he harshly whispered, checking his hands to find that his magic was indeed fading in that spot, "No way...hey guys, something's happening with my magic here, it's like it's being drained out or blocked," turning to Lucien and Yuriana, "You two, come here for a second, see if this affects you too,"

Both the imperial and the Redhead obliged, heading by the doors, to find that their magic too was draining and at a much faster rate, making them both back away in a hurry.

"What is this?" Yuriana gasped, watching her magic slowly return when she got out of its range, "It's like it's eating our Magicka the closer we get, is this anti-magic?"

"Same here sir," Lucien added in, trying to cast a spell, standing in that spot, "Seems like my magic is also affected here as well, can't even cast a simple sparks spell," attempting it, only to fizzle out.

Traysek nodded, glaring at the door, "That's what I thought, that door we're looking at is riddled by an anti-magic barrier," looking over at the five purple lights going into the eye, "And judging from that eye there, I believe that might be the catalyst," Aiming his pistol at it, firing a couple of shots at the eye, which bounced off a small shield, "So even that doesn't work, looks like we're going to have to do this the hard way," sighing after.

"Which means going through the doors those are coming from, godsdammit..." Erik groaned, glancing at the doors the lights were coming from.

As they figured out what to do there, the mage, Kin, found them at the throne doors, adjusting his glasses as he approached...

"There you are." Kin approached them, "We should get away now, or we'll lose our ability to speak... trust me, this place is heavily cursed."

Right as Volt was about to say something, he found himself unable to do so as he widen his eyes before turning to Traysek.

At the same moment, the sound of flesh being cut came to their ears as one of the Black Dogs was running toward them before being tackled by behind with an axe to his back.

"Just like I predicted..." Greil walked before taking the axe from the dead body, "You sure fell to that rather quickly."

Kin tried to say something but found himself silenced.

"It's good to see you in good health, captain." Greil smiled as he gave Traysek a quick bow with his head before turning to Volt, "I can't say the same about you... Rapist." now, his voice was full of disgust.

Traysek lifted up the mask, trying to say something until he too realized he couldn't, frowning, 'Okay...now I can't speak...! guess he wasn't wrong about the curses...damn..." He instead gave a silent bow back, giving Volt a confused frown, mouthing something to him.

The rest of the crew found themselves unable to speak as well, some putting their hands over their mouths, however that didn't stop them from giving Volt hardened scowls and suspicious frowns, Inigo even shaking his head, mouthing 'what' from his silenced tone.

Greil took a deep breath before saying, "Allow me to explain; when we came back, we had to prepare ourselves. And by that, I mean making sure to go all out on our defense system. Of course, if you get far from the gate, you'll regain your ability of speech and magic. As for you..." Greil turned to Volt, "Last time you escaped was thanks to your cowardice at throwing your men toward me... but this time, I doubt that you can deny all the things that you did with your lies." Greil noticed the looks and elaborated, "That man, that you trust to fight by your side, is viler than those monsters you've fought until now. He once kidnapped the wife of a good friend and raped her until she died..." Greil's hands were shaking at this point, "I promised Gronik that I'd give him your head for what you did..."

Volt rushed and locked his blade with Greil's battleaxe.

"Let's settle our business here..." Greil took another axe in one hand from his back, "I will kill you slowly for what you did to Crysta..."

Volt evaded a hit from the other axe, but not a headbutt from the monster in front of him.

"Captain... I'll have a duel with you once I'm done with this scum..." Greil began to walk toward Volt who began to regain his senses.

The Red Dragons couldn't believe what they heard, most of them giving him disgusted and disbelieving looks, while Traysek gave him a Kratos-style glare, turning to the others, who agreed to move far from the gate, taking relieving breaths when their voices came back.

"By the gods, my voice come back..." Traysek sighed, turning to Volt and Greil, "What in oblivion is he talking about...?" in a low tone, Deciding or not if he should help Volt there or leave him to his fate, 'That...that accusation held so much conviction, but again...this is our enemy and from the look of it, he must be the strategist...he STILL could be lying to us, but I'm getting a very strong conniption he isn't...which is never good...and then there was that storehouse from before...' Turning his head to a down Volt 'by the gods, man...I hope this isn't all actually true...'

Lucien's eyes lit up when he remembered that name, "I know that name...it was in the imperial library when I studied there...but it can't be, he's been dead for centuries now..." a scary thought growing on him.

"You know who that is Lucien?" Erik asked him, getting a slight nod.

"Briefly, the reason I know that name is because it came up a lot during the..." the realization hitting him, "During the oblivion crisis...!"

Everyone on the crew shared shocked looks, even the captain who was surprised...

"But that took place almost..." Traysek slowly put it together.

"200 years ago..." The imperial said, with a chill evident in his voice, as they watched the older merc struggle with Greil...

Volt evaded one axe and used his sword to deflect the other one away. Greil was about to bring the first one down on him, but Volt tried to kick Greil, and found himself pushed to the gate as he was sweating hard, and only because he can't talk to defend himself.

Greil tightened the grip on his weapon and did a throwing motion, only to have a ghost version being thrown at Volt, who ducked and rolled away.

"You're going nowhere..." Greil charged him and the sheer force of the charge threw Volt to a wall, "Get up... I still have to exact revenge for all the lives that you ruined..."

Traysek frowned upon that putting his mask on, drawing the blade, "Okay whether this is true or not, and I'm hoping NOT... Volt's about to die if we don't help him out here...!" taking a step forward until he felt a hand on his shoulder belonging to Lucien, who had a worried expression, "What is it now?"

"Hold on, Sir...we could help him, or..." turning to the gate, "We could just go ahead and disable that curse while we got the chance to, that general just gave us the opportunity, and with how they seem to work, there may be other catalysts contributing to it, I would not waste this, cold as it may sound..." turning around to Volt getting thrashed.

Yuriana nodded in agreement, a disgusted look still trained on her face, "Besides after hearing all of that, I'm less keen on helping him at the moment, True or untrue, I don't trust that at all.." shaking her head.

"You guys feel the same too?" The Redguard asked, getting agreeing nods from the other three.

Recorder sighed, "To be honest, they've always made my skin crawl, and if this is true, perhaps letting him get his ass kicked a little, will give us all the time we need to figure this out," turning to the gate.

"I'm still thinking about what Diyha said to us, at this moment, I am starting to figure out who the "pig" was in that statement," Inigo added in with a snort, ears going back, glaring at Volt.

Erik gave a bitter chuckle, "Didn't like the guy too much to help him out of this, anyway... if this was you or one of you guys...that's one thing, and the fact that the word, "Rapist" came out of the general's mouth upon first seeing him, rubs me the wrong way, entirely sir...maybe we should go,"

Traysek thought about that, noting the serious and worried looks on their faces, nodding, and sighing in defeat while sheathing his sword, "Alright then, the crew has spoken...and I will listen..." turning to Volt, "We're going to let you guys work this out...whatever this is... while we disable the curses!" he shouted to him, as they made their way to the doors, "Try not to die before then, alright?"

Volt had a look of horror as he saw them going away, 'Wait! no! don't leave us alone with him! Captain! GUYS COME BACK!' he mentally sobbed out, as he loudly gulped, sweating profusely, giving Greil a nervous smile...

"I will have you spill your soul, put it back, and take it out myself!" Greil let go of his weapons and grabbed Volt before throwing him to another wall, "Let's see if there's anyone who's willing to die in your place!"

In Feoh, the carriage just got past the gate and Rey noticed some soldiers in full gold armor.

"We have arrived milord and ladies," the carriage driver announced as it stopped, letting them off, Prim and Alicia being the first ones to step out, Reynold being the last, giving the driver a bow before he drove off. A group of golden knights approached them, one of them stepping forward.

"Are you Reynold Von Musel...?" he said, getting a subtle nod from him, "Very good, Commander Niall has been expecting you, little lord," turning to the other two, "I see you also made it back here safe, Ladies Alicia and Prim," giving them a bow.

"Glad to know he's expecting me, take me to him," Reynold said, following the knights...

When the knights arrived at a tower one of them knocked and a heavy and old voice answered.

"Enter!"

The knight opened the door, letting Rey set his eyes on an old man sitting behind a desk with a Dark Elf woman standing by his side with a clear sight that her belly is full.

"You must be the lad that Swain sent in his place." the old soldier got up and began to walk toward Rey, "The name's Niall and this beauty behind me is my lovely wife."

"A pleasure to meet you." the woman bowed slightly.

Reynold gave a bow, "Greetings to the both of you, you most of all commander," walking to the chair and taking a seat, "Thank you for inviting me, it was either this...or go to the dark fortress, which Lord Swain really seemed to be against, despite the shields sending me there, Alicia probably still plans to punish at some point"

Niall burst with a laugh as he was heading to his chair, "The lass is all just talk, I doubt that she'll do something. More so if Swain is involved." he leaned forward and whispered "I even heard that she still wets her bed when she does a nightmare involving him." he then laughed harder.

Rey rose an eyebrow hearing that, a small smile forming, "Really now...? Well now at least I'll have something to use when she sends Jenelica after me," he chuckled, with him, "So, all jokes aside...why the request, commander? figured Feoh would be one of safest cities here, no signs of the dark army either..."

Niall took a more serious expression as he said, "The safest city doesn't mean far from the enemy. No signs of the enemy doesn't mean that they don't care about this city." he then took a map from one of his drawers.

"Feoh and Ur are in the frontline." Niall then added, "I'm the commander who was put to protect this city, and I'd die rather than underestimate the possibilities, just because I forced the enemy to hold back by pushing them away." he sighed before saying, "I see why Swain sent you here, you need to be ready to join the elites, huh?"

A smirk appeared on Niall's face as the knocking was heard.

"Sir, the prime minister wants to talk with you!" one of the soldiers said.

"What does that arrogant son of whore wants with me now...?" Niall was clearly unhappy as the door opened.

To be continued...

Well, folks, that chapter ended on a banger...The crew has successfully, though not quietly, infiltrated the fortress and is now in search of the catalysts to the anti-magic and speech curses...but what horrors lurk there...? and with Volt getting his cheeks currently blasted by the Dark Army's general...only time can tell now, will he be able to escape Greil's wrath or finally succumb to it...? Dark clouds are now twisting in this Violent sky, as the sea rises... and all this will be answered in the next chapter of... Red Dragon's roar!

Stay safe and may Gods watch over your stories friends! :)