Chapter 5: Unbound
Hushed voices, and the sound of footsteps approached. A shrouded group lies in wait. The sound grows, incomprehensible words become clear. His grip clenched tightly around his axe. His blue eyes warily fixed upon a gate in anticipation. They're in his sight now, a group of imperials, among them, two familiar faces. His lips curled into a menacing grimace, as he let out his venom laced voice. "YOU!" With raised axe he charged forward into the fray, taking all by surprise.
"What are you doing charging in by yourself?!" Ralof yelled, but too late as Kriger had already vanished from sight. Only the sounds of clashing blades amidst the group revealed he was there. "He's gone mad!"
"Mayhaps," Said Silvana, as she knocked an arrow in her bow. "Or mayhaps he's just that confident in his skill." She fired. "For now let's trust in him, and offer our support."
"Alright," Arliss said as he enchanted her weapons. She then drew her daggers and rushed headfirst into battle.
"Hmph." Ralof held up his axe with a grin. "I never said I wouldn't," He said as he went in to join the fight.
Kriger was truly frenzied. The man responsible for his capture was within his grasp, but he was surrounded by other enemies intent on killing him. 'It looks like you're not going to make this easy.' He cut down another soldier. 'Fine by me.' He thought. "If you intend to block my path, I'll carve a new one right through you!" He swung widely around himself, forcing his enemies to give him room. Quickly before they could recover he raised his axe high and cleaved through a man ahead of him. He aimed for another soldier, but he blocked his attack. Others threatened to close in on on him when they were cut down.
"Thought you could use some help." Ralof intervened.
"I don't need any help." Kriger grunted, his blade locked with another. "I can handle myself."
"No doubt friend. But a fellow nord is always willing to help a brother in arms." Ralof replied.
"He's right," Silvana joined. "Right now we need to work together." She fired another arrow. Kriger shoved the man he was locked in combat with, and readied his now free blade. "Arliss enchant his weapon with fire." The Arisen ordered.
"Right away." Arliss nodded, and sent a flaming orb towards Kriger.
"What the-?" Kriger's eyes widened, as the orb hit him, and covered his axe with an orange glow. He could feel heat radiating from the blade.
"Watch out!" Ralof warned.
Kriger managed to block just in time, he had again locked blades with the same man he had before. "I'll give you one thing you're persistent." He again shoved him away, and slashed at the opening. The soldier moved swiftly; his axe only grazed his armor, and to both their surprise it caught fire. The soldier screamed in pain. Kriger jumped back in surprise. The panicked soldier tried to put out the flames, to no avail. Kriger raised his axe, and cut him down. He looked at the warm glow of the weapon again. "I admit it's a useful trick." With a grin he charged back into battle.
Soon only a few imperials remained. The female captain, and the man Kriger was after were among them. "Finally," Kriger huffed, his eyes glued to the man. "You're mine." Slowly he made his way towards him. "Fight me."
The man's eyes widened. "You, you're quite the fighter I admit." He readied his sword and shield. "But, you've grown tired." A cold bead of sweat rolled down his face. "I won't lose to you!" He swung wildly. Kriger knocked his blade away, and the man stumbled back, and fell. "No! Wait!" The man cried. "Spare me please!" He held his shield up as a last defense.
Kriger sighed in disappointment. 'What was I expecting?' He wondered. 'This man is obviously a novice.' He looked down at the pitiful man. 'Novice or no, he must die, but...' He paused. 'Somehow it still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.' Kriger picked up his sword and raised it. Just then the man's plea was silenced by an arrow. Wide eyed he turned to the source. "Arisen, why did you-?"
"You were taking too long." She replied.
"You had no right to interfere!" Kriger said angrily. He wasn't sure which was worse. The bitter feeling of killing a defenseless novice who could only cry and beg, or having his revenge stolen right in front of him.
"I know not if you were planning to let him go, or if you intended to savor the kill, nor did I care. It matters not, hesitation leads to defeat."
"I was not hesitating!"
"Enough!" Ralof shouted. "You can fight later! Right now we've got to focus on her." He gestured to the imperial captain who was bound by Arliss' Grapnel.
"You rebels really think you'll escape? Don't make me laugh!" She taunted.
"I would watch my tongue if I were you." Ralof warned.
"Why is she still alive?" Silvana asked?
Arliss answered. "Sir.Ralof wished to interrogate her."
"Not really, but I did have a question. She didn't answer though." Ralof said sheepishly.
"Then there's no point keeping her alive." Silvana said coldly, and slit her throat.
"Then we've won?" Arliss asked. "I'll heal our wounds." After a moment Anodyne was cast, and a sigil of holy light appeared. It enveloped them and their wounds healed.
"I've never seen a healing spell heal more than one person at a time." Said Ralof.
"You people really are strange." Kriger added.
Before the Arisen could retort Ralof spoke. "Not that i'm complaining. Anyway, let's go now. We've wasted enough time here." The other's nodded, and they continued.
They went through the gate, and silently moved along a darkened corridor, and down a flight of stairs. Upon reaching the bottom, another roar resounded. The building shook violently. "Tis' a quake!" Arliss cried. The ceiling gave out. After a moment the dust settled, revealing a blocked path. "Are you alright Master?" He asked.
She coughed. "I'm fine, but the path-"
"We have to keep moving. This way." Said Ralof. The next room had few imperials, who were dispatched quickly. "We should look around for any potions while we're here, they could be useful."
After looking around the room awhile Kriger spoke up. "I found these, in a barrel." He held up three vials. One red, one green, and one blue. "I'm keeping the healing potion." He pocketed the red vial, then held up the blue one. "Here," He said to Arliss. "It's a magicka potion, you'll need it more than me. I don't use magic much anyway."
"Thank you." Arliss took the vial and examined it. He had never used a magic potion before, as his magic used stamina. Quietly he wondered if it would work for him. 'I suppose I aught try it later.'
Kriger looked at the green vial in his hand. With a smirk he tossed it at the Arisen. "Here, for you."
She was surprised, but somehow managed to catch it. "What is this?"
"A stamina potion. To make sure you can keep up." Kriger laughed.
She smiled in cold amusement. "Why thank you, Sir. But I dare say I can keep up just fine."
"Keep it anyway. Just in case." He replied a smirk still on his lips.
"Are you ready to move?" Ralof asked impatiently. Kriger and Silvana sheepishly nodded, and they were on the move again.
As they reached the dungeons the sounds of battle reached their ears. "Let's go." Ralof ordered. They rushed in to see two imperials and two stormcloaks battling. It would be a pretty evenly matched fight, but that changed with their arrival. Shortly after, the fighting was over.
"Thanks for the help." One of the Stormcloaks said.
"Don't mention it." Ralof replied. "I'd help a fellow comrade any day."
A shiny gleam caught Arliss' eye. "There's aught there." He walked up to a cage. "Had we a key, we could gather it."
"Who needs a key?" Kriger held up a lockpick, and made his way to the cage. A moment later it was opened.
"How did you do that?" Silvana asked.
"I'll show you later." Kriger answered as he pocketed the gold. Picking up the book, he handed it to Arliss. "This is a spell tome. Since you're a mage you take it."
"My thanks," Said Arliss, as he took the book.
"You can take his robes too." Kriger said, gesturing to the dead mage.
Silvana was taken back. "You intend to remove the clothing from the dead?" She asked in disgust.
"Why not?" Was the answer she received. "He won't be needing it anymore."
"Ugh, but that's so-" Before she could finish she was interrupted by another voice.
"What an idea! Why have we not thought to do it afore?" Arliss happily quipped, oblivious to his Master's reluctance. He was already rolling up the robes to take with him.
The Arisen sighed. "Oh fie, but be sure to wash it well afore putting it on."
Just then Ralof walked over, the other Stormcloaks behind him. "Good news, they're coming with us." Now a group of six, they continued down another darkened corridor which opened into a cave. Imperials guarded the area.
"Let's get em'," One of the following Stormcloaks readied his blade.
"Not yet!" Silvana hissed. "Arliss cast spellscreen."
"With magic's boon." Arliss whispered, and a magical sigil enveloped the group. Instantly they felt a surge of strength.
Kriger lifted his weapon. A smile spread on his face. "Oh yeah, I like this."
"Now!" At once they charged, and they fell upon their enemies like a thunderstrike. They made short work of the guards and continued onwards.
"Tis' a lever." Arliss pointed.
"You don't say." Said Kriger sarcastically.
Ralof pulled the lever, lowering the bridge. "We're almost out. I can feel it." He said.
Kriger, and Ralof passed first. Arliss, and Silvana followed, the other two Stormcloaks behind them. Suddenly there was another roar and they were overtaken by collapsing debris. The bridge gave out, and Silvana could feel herself falling.
"Master!" Arliss called frantically. Ralof and Kriger whirled around. Their eyes scanned worriedly for any signs of their missing comrades. Alas they couldn't see a thing beyond the dust of the fallen rubble.
Finally the dust settled, revealing her to them. "I'm fine." She coughed from the floor below.
"Are you hurt?" Arliss jumped down. "Don't worry I am here." He helped her to her feet.
Ralof breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're alright."
"It's good to see you're still breathing," Said Kriger.
"What about the others? Did they make it?" Ralof asked.
Silvana shook her head regretfully. "I know not."
Ralof was saddened a moment, but steeled himself. "We need to keep moving. Do you need help getting back up here?" He asked, extending a hand to them.
"Tis' fine. There's a path here. We'll go this way."
"Alright," Ralof said reluctantly. "Take care."
"And don't die," Kriger added.
With that they continued onward. Along the path they found a small pouch filled with gold coins. "How strange. An unlucky fall led us to a lucky find," Silvana said, pocketing the money. Soon they were out of the hidden path, and back with the two Nords.
"Back already? Guess you couldn't stay away from me," Said Kriger.
"Your guess couldn't be more wrong Sir.Kriger," Silvana retorted.
"Ouch," He returned sarcastically.
They went deeper along the cave, until it opened up into a large area. Just then giant spiders glided down from the ceiling along a web. The Arisen couldn't help but gape at them; they were larger than any in Gransys, and by his words Arliss seemed to agree. "Are those spiders?" He asked. "Tis' massive!"
"Ugh, Frostbite Spiders!" Ralof's face twisted into a grimace. "I hate these things!" Everyone readied their weapons. "Watch out for their poison!" As soon as he said it, one spider spit venom at the Arisen who leapt aside. She then charged at it, and stabbed her twin daggers through it's corpse. Kriger smashed another spider with a mace. Ralof cleaved another in half. Arliss shot an ingle at another, burning it to cinders.
Soon all the spiders were dead. Kriger cut into one of their corpses. "What are you doing?" Silvana asked.
"Getting the frostbite venom," Kriger answered. "You can coat your weapon with it."
She was a bit apprehensive at first, but she cut into a spider's corpse with her daggers and harvested the poison.
"Don't be so squeamish," Said Kriger.
"Tis' not it. I'm just not terribly fond of spiders." Silvana defended.
Once that was done, they began moving again. It wasn't long before they again came to a halt. "Hold up," Ralof whispered. "There's a bear just ahead. See her." The other's quickly lowered to a stealthy crouch. "I'd rather not tangle with her right now."
Kriger nodded. "Let's sneak past."
The Arisen eyed the sleeping bear. Hints of blood could be seen on it's fur. 'Tis' injured,' She thought. Her hands reached for her bow. She took aim. 'Fire!' It let out a pained cry, and charged with a fierce rage.
"Guess you're not the sneaking type." Ralof sighed.
"No helping it now," Said Kriger. "We fight!" He pulled out his mace. and charged. He smacked it hard upside the head. The bear was dazed a moment, giving the Arisen time to jump onto the bear, and sink her blades into it's skull. The bear was dead.
"Next time you plan to attack a bear, let us know ahead of time alright," Ralof scolded.
"What made you decide to attack it?" Asked Kriger.
"I saw that bear twas injured, and knew we could kill it easily," She answered.
"Bears are deadly beasts, so you should be more careful," Said Ralof.
"I've killed plenty of deadly beasts. I can take care of myself," Said Silvana.
"That's not important right now," Said Kriger. "What's important is we get this thing skinned." He pulled out a knife. "It'll fetch a nice price if we sell it."
They progressed further along the cave, bear pelt in tow. A chilly wind blew through them. "Do you feel that Arisen?" Arliss asked.
Ralof's spirit lifted, and he quickened his pace. "We're near the exit." The others hurried after him. Afore them a bright light shone from out of the cave. "Have you ever seen so great a sight?" Ralof asked with a laugh. Finally they escaped the cave, and stood outside overlooking the beautiful land of Skyrim. "Get down!" Ralof warned. Quickly they hid, daring only to raise their eyes to see the beast. The dragon flew overhead, into the distance, until it disappeared on the horizon. For a moment they just waited in a silence that was eventually broken by Ralof. "It's gone now."
"So, we're finally free?" Silvana asked breathlessly.
"We did it!" Arliss cheered.
"Finally." Kriger joined.
They stood triumphantly, savoring the sweet taste of freedom. After a bit, Arliss asked a question most were wondering. "What do we do now?"
Chapter 5: Unbound End
Authors Notes:
Finally! They're out of Helgen! This really took a while, but I'm glad I finally completed this part. I should have done this a long time ago though, sorry about that.
Please let me know your thoughts. If you have anything to say. What you liked? What you didn't like? Favorite character? Least favorite? Anything so I can improve my writing and my story.
Also, i'm trying to find a balance of power between my main protagonists. Please let me know if you think it's a good balance or if I should try to fix it in later chapters.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed!