Chapter 32
Ragnthor smiled as he rode back from Whiterun. It had been a year since the birth of his son. Lucia was showing promise as a warrior, at least for an almost 18 year old young woman. Peace was flowing throughout the land, so much so that it had been months since Balgruuf had asked him the clear out a den of bandits.
Ragnthor had just turned down the lane when Slasher growled and ran toward the house. Ragnthor slammed his heels into Ahearn and tore down the lane. He saw 2 bodies on the ground and he pulled Ahearn to a stop and slid off.
He was walking over to the one in the middle of the yard when he heard a groan. He pulled his dagger from his boot and looked over at the body leaning against the house. It was Lucia. Her face was bloody and there was a huge bump on her head. She moaned again as she tried to stand.
Ragnthor rushed over. "Lucia! What The Hell Happened!"
Lucia groaned and threw up. "A group of men attacked…I don't know how long ago. I managed to take out one before they pushed me back to the house. I locked swords with one, hoping to get his companions to accidentally kill him. That was my first and last mistake. He was far stronger than me, stronger than I thought. He punched me so hard I flew back and cracked my head on the wall. Last thing I remember was a mace filling my view."
Ragnthor hugged her, giving a sigh of relief. "Praise the gods you've a thick head." He funneled his strength into a healing spell, stopping the blood. "Go wash your face while I check on Lydia and Ragnar."
Lucia grabbed his arm. "Lydia! They mentioned her but I can't remember what." Ragnthor was already gone.
He threw open the door and ran up the stairs, roaring "LYDIA!"
He threw open their bedroom door and fear gripped his heart. The room looked like a saber cat had tore through it. The bed was broken, pictures had fallen off the wall and many were shredded, and in the corner of the room, nearest to the now shattered window, Ragnar's crib was over turned and broken. Before it lay the bodies of 3 more people.
Over the crib there was a note pinned to the wall with a dagger.
Thane Ragnthor
Our master has determined that you could pose a very unwelcome upset to his grand plans. Therefore he has tasked us with keeping your wife and child safe while he works. If all goes well they should be back in a year or so. But should you interfere in anyway, we will kill them without a second thought. And I hope your niece is all right. New blood can be a little over eager to please.
Hunters of the Volkihar Clan
Ragnthor roared and threw the dagger so hard it sunk to the cross guard in the door. He picked up the crib and smashed it against the wall then grabbed the bed and hurled it out the window. Then something from note nagged at his thoughts and he bent over and examined the bodies.
He found pointed teeth.
"Shite."
He threw a body over his shoulder and pulled the other 2 out of the house and left them in the center of the yard. He threw the one Lucia had killed on the pile then brought the bed around and threw it on top of them then set it on fire.
As he stood there, watching them burn, he spoke to Lucia. "Get yourself to town and see Danica. Now."
He had to resist a grim smile at her reply. "Why should I have to go? I want to help get them back. They might hurt Ragnar."
"Because you will do as you're told. You still live under my roof and have to follow my rules." As he heard her suck air to reply he continued. "And because these are vampires and you need to see a priest before you turn into one."
She snorted. "Vampires? Really?"
"You remember the feral wolf from a few years ago? This is no joke." He pressed a pouch of coins into her hand. "Go. Stay with Balgruuf, he will give you a place. And tell him to have Farengar thoroughly examine every person who enters the city and to send guards to feed the animals while I'm gone."
Lucia nodded. "Ok. But what are you going to do? I know what you told Lydia. You can't use your sword unless she tells you that you can."
Ragnthor smiled. "I'm a battle master Lucia. While I hate following the letter rather than the spirit of a promise, I think she will understand. I'll just use a different weapon. Now get going."
Lucia nodded then swung on her horse, another bright paint, and tore off toward town.
Ragnthor walked over to the field and caught 2 horses and hitched them to the wagon. They were as a like as a matched pair of blades. Same markings, same mind set, even and willing with just a little fight, and same coloring, deep blood bay. They carried the blood lines of Waynek's prized stallion, Ahearn and Ghardh.
He walked into the tack shed. Dusting off the set of armor he kept there, he put it on. Then he pulled out a set of matched axes out from under some saddles and slipped them into his belt.
He gave a shrill whistle. "Track them Slasher." As Slasher took off he climbed up onto the wagon and cracked the reins, urging the horses to run as fast as the wagon would handle.
For a week he tracked them, never falling more than a day behind when they went through rough country but never managing to get closer than a day behind. For a week he chased them, fear forming an ice cold barrier around his heart while stoking his anger to white hot levels.
Finally the tracks stopped at the mouth of a cave. He shook his head. "Just like the legends."
He looked over at Slasher. "Watch the horses." Slasher whined but lay down in front of them.
Ragnthor drew his axes as he walked into the cave.
He hadn't gone far when he heard a voice started to speak. "Who are…" He whirled and hurled an axe, catching a vampire in the throat. And that was the start of a long, running battle.
It seemed that around every bend of the cave that there was some enemy. And he struck with deadly fury, knowing if they manage to yell, someone farther down might kill Lydia and Ragnar. Or worse, turn them into vampires as well.
After 2 hours of knife and dagger fighting, he came across a door. As he pushed it open, something grabbed the front of his armor and threw him into a wall so hard it knocked the breath out of him.
"Ragnthor!"
He heard a nigh animal growl. "Quiet woman."
Ragnthor pushed himself to his feet. He saw a large man standing in the center of the room. Large, but not large enough to throw him around.
"Who are you?"
The man laughed, showing his teeth. "I am master of this hunting group. Or at least I was. I'm guessing you have killed them all."
Ragnthor nodded. "Aye, they lie dead. Are you the monster who's plans I might ruin?"
He shook his head. "Oh no, that would be my master. And he will be glad you came. For either I kill you now or you submit and come before my master."
Ragnthor snarled. "You should know who you hunt. I will never submit."
He smiled again. "I know. And it will bring me pleasure to kill you."
His form shuddered and exploded. Ragnthor felt something wash over his face and wiped it off. It was blood.
Before him stood a monster that was the living embodiment of the old legends. Tall, with shoulders far broader than his waist. Long, narrow hands that ended in long, sharp claws. Large and looking powerful yet you could still see his ribs. And wings, bony and decaying protruded from his back.
He laughed in a deep and demonic voice. "Foolish mortal. You can never hope to match the strength of a vampire lord. A vampire blessed by Molag Bal himself." He sprung forward with incredible speed and wrapped his hands around Ragnthor's throat.
Even as the beast's hand flew toward his throat, Ragnthor swung his axes, burying the heads deep in his side, hoping to end him before he was ended. The beast wasn't even fazed.
Ragnthor kept swinging with as much strength as he could muster even as he saw a red glow come from his neck and felt a drain on his strength.
Suddenly the beast pulled him forward and smiled. "Even though you will die now, you wife's life is forfeit. I hope you enjoyed bringing her end to her."
Ragnthor roar and put all of his strength into a blow. He started swinging his right axe toward the vampire's side then, with speed born from near insane fury, he turned the head and swung it up the front of his body. It hit the right arm grabbing his throat with the force of a rockslide. It tore through the vampire's arm and slipped from Ragnthor's grasp, hitting the ceiling so hard the head shattered.
The vampire's perfect control broke and he screamed as Ragnthor dropped the other axe and whipped his hand toward the vampire's throat. As he clenched with an iron grip, he felt its bony wings fluttering. He lashed out with a foot and felt a knee break. As it fell toward the floor he grabbed its neck with his other hand.
He brought its face close for a moment. "Do you find my strength lacking, beast?" Then he twisted its head with as much strength as he could muster, snapping it like rotten wood.
Ragnthor stood there, breathing. Then he turned and walked over to Lydia and Ragnar.
"They didn't hurt you, did they?"
She shook her head. "No, they didn't. They even gave me a potion to cure me otherwise I would have joined them long ago."
He nodded. "That's good. And I'm sorry."
She looked at him, confused. "Sorry for what?"
"For fighting. I said I wouldn't. But you know, couldn't leave you in these monsters hands. "She put a hand on his cheek.
"I'm not mad. You did what I knew you would do and saved us."
He nodded and helped her to her feet. "The let's go. My knowledge of vampires is lacking. I don't know if there is a way they could have contacted there master. I have a wagon waiting outside."
She nodded as they started hurrying through the tunnels. "Who do you have pulling it?"
"The matched pair I have been working with. They are every bit as good as I thought they would be."
"Did you run them ragged?"
He shook his head. "No. Off road to much. We should get a good 2 days out of them before they tire. More if I find a track or road."
Soon they were outside and Ragnthor helped Lydia into the back and wrapped them in some blankets he had grabbed before he left.
"What happened to Lucia? I saw her laying against the house as they dragged us out."
He gave a small chuckle. "Took a mace to the head. Only her thick head saved her. Sent her to town to make sure she wasn't infected and to stay with Balgruuf. And you will be joining her. I'm joining that so called vampire hunting group. The Dawnguard."
She started to get out of the wagon. "Like Hell I am! I Saw What Happened In That Fight! You Need Help!"
Ragnthor shoved down the urge to fight, feeling too tired. "Enough. We can talk about this when we get to town. I want all of us safe behind stone walls before we have to do this again."
She sat back down. "Fine." Snorting and knowing he could have handled it better, he climbed onto the seat and drove.
They traveled for a week in silence, their opposing tempers leaving them both scorched.
The next time someone, other than Ragnar, made a sound was when they drove past the lane to their house.
"Why aren't we stopping?"
"I said walls of stone."
Lydia
She slid out of the wagon as Ragnthor parked and bartered with the stable master a rate for the horses.
She stopped on the bridge just inside town. "You said walls of stone. Now let's talk."
He shook his head. "Let's get to the keep."
As he walked pasted she grabbed his braid and forced him to face her. "No, now. Tell me why I can't come."
She saw the fury rising on his face as he gently removed her hand. "Are you sure you want to do this? Look around Lydia. It's the end of the day and people are all about, coming home or going to the tavern."
"Tell me."
She inwardly winced as his smiled and knew she may have pushed too far. "Fine." He jabbed a finger at Ragnar. "It's because of him, YOUR child! To the HELLS and back that he's mine as well! You need to stay home and care for the lad!"
She bristled and bit back. "Oh! SO IT'S WOMEN'S WORK! Need I Remind You, THANE, That As Housecarl I Am As Near To Your Rank In The Hold As I Can Be Without Being Thane Myself. AND I'M AS GOOD A FIGHTER AS WELL! What Gives You The Right To Run Off On This Fool's Errand Alone? To Protect Your Family? IT'S MINE TOO!"
She saw the gathering crowd as he snarled. "It doesn't matter that you're my wife and he is our child. If you had married Ralof, or Hadvar, Or Any Other Damn Man In The Whole of GODS DAMN SKYRIM AND THIS WAS THEIR CHILD INSTEAD OF MINE I Would Be Saying The Same Damn Thing!" Ragnar started to cry and she tried to comfort him.
She jabbed at him. "And Why Can't It I Go And You Watch The Boy? I'm As Good A Fighter As You! Why Can't I End The Threat?"
He shook his head like a fight mad bull as he bellowed. "Because They Don't Want You! They Took You Thinking It Would Stop Me! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! Maybe It's Because I'm The Gods Damn Dragonborn, Like That Hasn't Caused Enough Problems! But I Can't Have You With Me! They May Try And Steal You Out From Under My Nose! Here, Behind Strong Stone Walls, You And Ragnar Can Be Safe!"
She snarled back. "I am your Housecarl. I am your shield. I am sworn to serve you. Would you have me ignore that because I have Child?"
He roared back "YES! I Will Not Be Served By Someone So Honor Blind Or Duty Driven They Would Ignore Their Own Child!"
"What's Going To Stop Me From Asking Adri To Watch Ragnar And Follow You?"
His voice dropped. "Will you?"
She nodded. "Maybe."
"Then I would order you to stay. And you would have to listen."
"And If I didn't?"
He snarled, like he knew she was trying to trap him. "Then I would have the Jarl remove you from my service."
She smiled, biting back. "So then you could beat me to make me listen."
Suddenly all the anger dropped from his face and his voice changed to a tone that would slice ice. So cutting even Ragnar grew quiet. "I would never lay a hand on you in anger. But I would leave you."
She gasped as a hand of ice gripped her heart and she held Ragnar tighter. "You wouldn't."
She saw tears in his eyes. "I would. I would turn around and announce it right now. Then I would go home, pack my bag, catch my 2 horses and ride off. You would never see me again. I would willingly cut my heart out and leave to keep my family safe. Don't make me." His voice cracked at the end.
She felt his shock as she hugged him. "I won't, I won't. But why can't you take anyone?"
He gave a small laugh. "Because there is no one to take. You have Ragnar to raise, because let's be honest you won't let anyone else, Ralof has followed me on more than his fair share of foolish adventures and Brasella would kill me if I took him vampire hunting, Hadvar took his betrothed to Cyrodiil 2 months ago, who else is there? I refuse to take some sellsword, only his word on whether or not he follows through."
She let go of him as she thought for a moment. "You could take Lucia."
He laughed. "Really? That head strong young woman?"
She nodded. "Yeah. She's strong and some hard fighting would make her listen more. And she has learned all she can from people who don't want to hurt her."
He looked down at her. "You sure you don't want her here?"
She just smiled. "Of course I want her here. I am trying my best to make a lady out of her. But she will go crazy copped up in town after the freedom we have given her. And maybe a few more knocks to the head will knock the over eager urge to fight out of her."
Ragnthor smiled. "Maybe." He took her free hand as they walked to the keep.
As soon as they walked into the keep, Lucia ran over and hugged Lydia and Ragnar. "Oh praise the gods you're safe."
Lydia smiled. "Yes. Ragnthor would never let anything happen to us."
They walked over and sat at one of the long tables. "Lucia, Ragnthor is leaving to stop what is hunting us."
Lucia nodded. "Don't worry Lydia, Aela taught me some things while you both were away."
Lydia glowered at her. "You should stay away from Aela. You are too young for the things she offers and Ragnthor and myself are just as good of teachers." When Lucia took a breath to fight back she continued. "But that's not what I want you to do."
Lucia shook her head, confused. "Then what do you want?"
Ragnthor spoke. "Lydia can't come because she needs to care for Ragnar. But she doesn't want me to go alone. So we compromised and decide that since Lydia can't come with me, you get to."
Her face lit up. "Really?"
Ragnthor laughed. "Yes. But don't sound so joy. I would place good gold on you learning why I put my sword away willingly after this. Now go pack you traveling bag. And leave your training sword. I will buy you a new one at Adrianne's shop along with some armor. I think I can afford it now you have finally stopped growing."
As Lucia took off Lydia looked at Ragnthor. "Are you going straight to Riften?"
He shook his head. "No. Swinging home first then going to ride over passed Ralof's."
"And why would you do that? It's a day's ride out of your way. They live almost in the Pale."
He nodded. "I know."
"You're going to get them to watch me, aren't you?"
"Maybe."
"Ragnthor!"
He shook his head. "He and Brasella are friends, Lydia, and should be told. I would do the same for your friends too."
Lucia was coming back so she just waved her hand. "Fine." She stood and walked over and kissed him. "Stay safe for me love."
He smiled. "Of course little one." He stood. "Let's go Lucia."
Lydia watched them leave then looked down at Ragnar. "Let's go talk to Balgruuf. Maybe we will get a better room than the one Lucia had."
Ragnthor
Soon they were walking up to the shop. Adrianne was out front working on some piece of armor. "Good day Madame Blacksmith."
She put down her hammer. "Good day Thane. How many I help you today."
He nudged Lucia with his shoulder. "My niece needs a full suit of armor and sword and shield."
Adrianne nodded. "Come over her Lucia, let's see what I have that fits you."
A short while later, while Lucia was struggling to strap on her armor, Adrianne came over to him. "So what was that fight about?"
Ragnthor stared her in the eye. "You don't need to know and I will not be the one to tell you. We aren't friends like you and my wife are. Besides, you heard it all."
"That's no answer, Thane."
His gaze hardened. "All you need know is there is vampires hunting my family and I will not see Lydia harmed. I wouldn't even be taking Lucia if there was another way to keep Lydia from coming."
Adrianne opened her mouth to reply when Lucia walked over. "How do I look, Ragnthor?"
He smiled. "You look good Lucia. Adrianne did a good job. But…" he pushed her chest and she staggered back a few steps "You need to be ready for anything. Once we are passed the gates we could be attacked at anytime. Be ready instantly could mean the difference between life and death."
Her face grew solemn. "Yes Ragnthor."
He put a hand on her shoulder. "It's not that bad. We will have a few safe days. I just don't want you going up prepared." He turned to Adrianne. "How much do I owe you?"
"1500 gold. That's damn good work right there."
He pulled out a pouch and handed it to her. "Here's 2000. I know your still not getting as much work as Eorlund. Whiterun is still soured to Grey-Mane work." He could see the shock on her face after talking to her like he did. "And I will help how I can. I already by most of my gear and supplies from here but I'll see if between me and your father we can get you some contracts from the Jarl."
She stammered at his turn around. "Th…thank you Thane."
"Call me Ragnthor. I don't seek to command you but I am trying to help." He motioned and Lucia followed him out of the gates.
As soon as they got out Lucia was full of questions once again. "Where are we going first?"
He smiled. "Home."
"Home?!"
He laughed. "Yes home. I need a horse. I'm leaving Lydia the team and wagon. Go get you horse ready and meet me there. I'll be along in a few hours." She nodded and took off.
A few hours later he was leading a horse out of the field. It was a large paint. As he threw the saddle on, Lucia started questioning.
"That one? He seems so stupid. Why not Ahearn or Ghardh or Lydia's Flash? They seem much smarter."
Ragnthor laughed. "He is pretty stupid. But he is strong and has lots of bottom. Besides he will do what I tell him to do without hesitation. And Ahearn and Ghardh aren't young horses any more. Ahearn is pushing 20 and Ghardh is only a year or 2 younger. They've earned their rest. And I'm hoping to get Flash to cover most of the mares this year. Bowen may not run as fast your Fire but he will run for 3 times as long." With that he swung up.
"Where to now?"
"Ralof's."
Her jaw dropped. "Ralof's? I thought we were…"
"We are. But I want to let them know what's going on and see if they will harvest the hay for me. I got this crop but we won't be around for the next 2."
"Fine."
He smiled. "Don't worry. After that we make for the border mountains near Riften. From the note I go their fort is somewhere down there. Now let's ride. I want to make Ralof's by nightfall."
2 and a half weeks later they were riding down the road to Morrowind looking for the notch in the mountain that was the way to Fort Dawnguard. Ralof had agreed to cut the hay and bring the horses in from the plain if he was gone that long. Brasella had refused the join Lydia in Whiterun, insisting that Ralof need her to keep their farm running. But they had made a trip to Whiterun and left Bryta with Lydia to keep her safe. Then Lucia spoke, breaking him from his thoughts.
"Are we ever going to get there? We have been riding for days."
He smiled. "We must be getting close. Another days ride takes us to Morrowind."
Suddenly Ragnthor saw two people standing in the middle of the road. At their feet were two more bodies. "Lucia, hand on your sword and ready your shield."
"Why."
"There are dead bodies near those 2." He heard the soft noises of armor shifting. "If it goes to hell, strike hard and fast."
As they rode up he called out. "Hello. Can we help you?"
It was at that moment he knew what was wrong as he saw the beginning of a spell in their hands. Then they smiled, showing fangs. "You can die!"
His hand flew to his sword as he roared "Now Lucia, NOW! THEY'RE VAMPIRES!"
The moment his sword touched his hand, it flew through the air and sliced through the nearest vampire's shoulder and stopped in the middle of its chest.
As he wrenched it free he looked over at Lucia just in time to see her take the vampire in the chest then recoil as it fell, sword still in its chest.
He wiped his sword as best he could before he sheathed it. "Are you alright Lucia?"
She shook her head. "I killed her. I just stabbed her in the chest and she died."
He nodded. "I know. I also know it's not your first time."
She nodded, more animated then she normally was. "I know. But there were so many that time and it was over so fast. This time there was just one and she's still looking at me."
Ragnthor guided Bowen over and pushed Fire away, stopping between Lucia and the body. "Don't keep looking Lucia. It will just make it worse." He leaned over a grabbed her sword. He wiped it and handed it to her.
She recoiled from it. "Lucia, take your sword." She just shook her head. "Now." She did. "Is there anything you want to ask? I know killing a person, even a monster such as this, is different from killing a fish or a cow or a deer."
She sniffed. "Is it normal to feel like this?"
He smiled. "I have been told it is. And that you should always feel some remorse in killing a person."
She sniffed and looked up. "You've been told? You don't know?"
He shook his head. "I don't. The first time I killed, I was almost killed. A hunting party of Orcs found me half dead surrounded by the bodies of the men I had killed. By the time I killed again I had been hardened by my training. I regret the loss of life but not the act of taking it."
She looked up. "Would Lydia know?"
"No. By the time she first killed, my leaving had drained most of the feeling from her heart. How she deals now, I don't know."
"How do you deal with this?"
He gave a soft smile. "By weighing the cost of the life you have taken against how much you value yours. And if the cost is too high, weigh it against all those you have saved from hurt. And if the cost is still too high, either hang or sell your sword because you have now need for it."
They sat there for a while, not saying a single word. As the time stretched on, Ragnthor started to look around. Excluding the bodies it was a peaceful place. It was spring and the smell of new life was in the air. The birds were singing and occasionally he could see a deer dart through the trees. Bowen had fallen asleep and Fire was eating grass.
He had just shifted in the saddle when Lucia spoke. "It's worth it."
He nodded. "Ok. Now slip off your horse and tie him to the log over there. The entrance is right in front of our faces."
Soon they were walking through the notch and into the small valley. There was a small waterfall that fell into a pond that vanished into the rock face. He smiled at Lucia's reaction.
"Ragnthor Look At That! It's so pretty."
"Look over there, you can just see the top of the fort peeking over the cliffs."
She gasped and darted forward to get a better look. He smiled as he followed her. That's when he saw the young man.
"Hey there! You here to join the Dawnguard, too?" His eyes widened as Lucia pushed past. Even in bulky armor there was no way to hide her form. "Who is that?"
Ragnthor replied in a flat tone. "My niece."
The man smiled. "Oh."
This time he let an edge creep into his voice. "But she is more like my daughter."
Ragnthor watched him swallow. "Oh."
Ragnthor smiled. "And yes we are here to join up. Can't have vampires threatening my family." He gestured up the path.
As they started walking the lad spoke. "Truth is, I'm a little nervous. I've never done anything like this before. I hope you don't mind if I walk up with you."
Ragnthor grinned. "No problem lad. We were all young and nervous once."
"Hey, uh, don't tell Isran I was afraid to meet him by myself. Not the best first impression for a new vampire hunter, I guess."
"Sure. I doubt he has enough men to turn any away. What brings you here, if you don't mind my asking?"
"I heard what's going on. The vampires, the Dawnguard, all of it. I wanted to help, so here I am. You've probably killed lots of vampires, huh? I'm sure Isran will sign you right up. Not sure he'll take me. I hope so."
Ragnthor laughed. "I've not killed as many as you may think. Men and mer I have killed by the hundreds but I learned early that hunting creatures of the dark is not for me. But desperate times…" He saw the fear rise in the lad's eyes.
They drew close to the fort. " Fort Dawnguard... Wow. Bigger than I expected. Where is everybody? This place looks almost deserted."
"They're probably at home, safe with their families."
They walked up to the door. "I guess this is it. Wish me luck."
Lucia stopped looking around. "What's your name?"
He smiled. "Agmaer." And with that he walked through the door.
A man walked up to them. "Here to join the Dawnguard? Good. I'm Celann. Isran will decide if you've got what it takes. Go on, he's right inside." Then he walked off.
Ragnthor looked over at Lucia. "You ready to do this?" She looked at him and nodded then they walked through the door.
As soon as they walked in they heard people arguing.
"Why are you here, Tolan? The Vigilants and I were finished long ago."
"You know why I'm here, the Vigilants are under attack everywhere. The vampires are much more dangerous than we believed."
"And now you want to come running to safety with the Dawnguard, is that it? I remember Keeper Carcette telling me repeatedly that Dawnguard is a crumbling ruin, not worth the expense and manpower to repair. And now that you've stirred up the vampires against you, you come begging for my protection?"
"Isran, Carcette is dead. The Hall of Vigilants... everyone... they're all dead. You were right, we were wrong. Isn't that enough for you?"
"Yes, well... I never wanted any of this to happen. I tried to warn all of you... I am sorry, you know."
It was then he noticed them. "So who are you? What do you want?"
Ragnthor took a step forward. "Me and my niece are looking to join the Dawnguard. Had to do something, they took my wife and I was lucky to get her back. And I heard you're looking for hunters."
Isran smiled. "You heard right. I'm glad word's finally starting to get around. But that means it won't be long before the vampires start to take notice as well. I'm Isran." He looked them over. "I need someone out in the field, taking the fight to the damn vampires, while we're getting the fort back into shape. You I know I can take, but the girl I'm not sure of."
Ragnthor smiled. "Not now, no. But I'm training her the best I can and she needs real opponents to beat my lessons into her head. She's taken out a vampire by herself already. And she comes from fighting stock. She's a granddaughter of Freynar the Vast and lived with the fighting Thane of Whiterun for 5 years."
Isran held up his hands. "Alright, she can hunt with you." He turned to the man next to him. "Tolan, they them about, what was it, Dimhollow?"
"Yes, that's it. Dimhollow Crypt. Brother Adalvald was sure it held some long-lost vampire artifact of some kind. We didn't listen to him any more than we did Isran. He was at the Hall when it was attacked..."
"That's good enough for me. Go see what the vampires were looking for in this Dimhollow Crypt. With any luck, they'll still be there."
"I'll meet you at Dimhollow. It's the least I can do to avenge my fallen comrades."
"Tolan, I don't think that's a good idea. You Vigilants were never trained for..."
"I know what you think of us. You think we're soft, that we're cowards. You think our deaths proved our weakness. Stendarr grant that you do not have to face the same test and be found wanting. I'm going to Dimhollow Crypt. Perhaps I can be of some small assistance to you." He stormed out of the hall.
Isran shook his head. "Follow him. I respect him as a fighter but the vampires are far above his level." He turned and started talking to Agmaer.
Ragnthor turned to Lucia. "Well let's get going."
She looked up at him. "Do you know where this Dimhollow is?"
He shrugged. "By name. It's somewhere near Dawnstar."
Lucia stared at him. "Dawnstar! That's 3 weeks away!"
He started walking toward the door laughing. "Well then let's get moving." Lucia started grumbling to herself and he laughed harder. "You wanted to come."
Author's Note: Hey guys(and gals), sorry it's been a while. I took some time to research and then I just didn't have the motivation to I was halfway done when I stopped so I have spent the last 2 weeks trying to finish it off. Now I don't truly know how smooth this read but I hope it wasn't bad. And now I have my groove back so I should be able to get at least a chapter out a month but don't quote me. Might take a little long than I think. And there might be a little less Lydia for this arc. With them being apart, with differing stories, it might be rough. But I would like to thank you all for reading. And let me know how you like Lucia as we continue this arc.