Chapter 2 …and daggers
Sun's Daw 12th, Tamriel
Windhelm, Hjerim
A moment became an hour as Mahir waited for the housecarl to reach the depths of slumber before making his move. The Hjerim housing was at first, built to shelter a large family. Sadly however, it had been used to hide the actions of a twisted necromancer within a secret room. Thanks to Mahir investigation, the terror of the Butcher of Windhelm came to an end.
The use of the hidden room however continued. A back room was used to store some of the old furniture. Many had fallen apart or carried sadden memories. One of which, being a wardrobe nearly as large and wide as a man. Quietly Mahir open the wardrobe to reveal it being empty. Looking over his shoulder the master of the house pressed on the back panel. By doing so a chalking sound was heard, the panel moved forward slightly then shifted into the lift of the wall.
What lay beyond the false wardrobe, nothing more than darkness till Mahir held out his left hand. Calmly the commander waving his finger as a ball of light formed with in his palm. Once in its full size the light orb shoot out of its conjurers' hand to illuminate the room. Within the room held both an alchemy and an enchanting laboratory, three shelves, along with three weapon plaques. Mahir made his way towards the arcane enchanter.
The arcane enchanter, a useful tool for mages and enchanters alike. A magical table used to place enchantments on clothing or items as well as removing enchantments, at the cost of said item. Mahir reached into his satchel drawing a glowing crystal the size of his palm, a grand soul gem. Carefully he place the gem over a flame shaped craving in the stone. Once done Mahir moved to another task, freeing an elven sword from the lowest plaques to the canter of the arcane, He begin to chant.
"With the strength of this warrior," the grand soul gem begin to hum and glow a light hue.
"I command the fallen to unleash their fury, to fuel this blade." The flame craving glowed a blue shine as Mahir vocalized. The gem shown signs of cracking. The man took pulse, within moments pieces of crystal flew about, the captured soul had broken free. However instead of making its way into the elven sword to give an unknown enchantment, the lost soul had forcefully been sucked into the crystal ball that rested on top of the arcane enchanter. Mahir waited till the room fill with a green glow (the orb of light had faded away by now).
He continued to chant. "With this warriors' might I call for the power of Masser and Secunda to set my foes ablaze, before their sight."" The glow changed to a lighter shade as his chant came to a close. The focused enchantment draw from the crystal ball to the sword. Once the newly enchanted elven sword give a faint green glow, Mahir nodded to himself admiring his work.
The deed done Mahir turn to leave. He pulsed only to place another grand soul gem on a nearby shelf. The man let lose a mournful sigh. "Rest for now Astrid." Stepping out of the hidden room, Mahir turn to close both the back panel and the wardrobe. With movement like that of a phantom, Mahir left Hjerim.
Outside the city gates, the steel nerved guards, were giving the thanes' steed a wide berth. For each time any came near. They swore the stallion glare send a sense of dread their way. Almost as if being stared down by death itself.
"Where would he even find such a beast?" one guard speaking out what all three thought.
"Maybe he liberated it from a Thalmor patrol?" A woman questioned more than anything else.
A young solider by the name of Erik then said. "No it must had been an award for slaying a band of bandits." The two experienced guards would had question the imposable Nord youth. However they soon stood at attraction as the owner of the fearsome steed came. Mahir quietly packed his light supple onto his horses saddle bag.
Erik spoke. "Late for a ride isn't sir."
Mahir simply nodded and stated. "I had difficulty sleeping," he then mounted the mighty beast, "perhaps a fair amount of night air is needed to clear my head." Without another word Mahir took hold of the resists, then rides off into the night.
13th February, Ylisse
Courtyard, Castle Ylisstol
Chirp cool air fill the lungs of the prince. He released a rush of warmed breath. His head filled with worry, some were of actions he had, others of actions that have yet been taken due to the ladder.
"Could we afforded to offer aid to their cause?" Chrom voiced his thoughts.
Once returning to Castle Ylisstol, a meeting between Ylisses' royal family and highest ranked military was taking place. The blood spilled by the former exalt of Ylisse would drown the now weaken kingdom. A war that many had hoped to pass away with the old king, only to passed on to another. Accruing to scouts there may be a connection with Plegia and a new rising threat dubbed the Risen, undead warriors whom possess a form of knowledge never seen in average zombies. It is thought that due to the number of dark mages within Plegia, a group of powerful necromancers may had been added to their forces, all in theory at least.
"Our western boarders are poorly protected." Phila, head of the Pegasus Knight Squadron, speak up. "However with Regna Ferox focuses we may be able to hold off Plegia ground units."
"What of their Wyvern Riders and Dark Mages. Even with Feroxs aid, we are out match by use of magic users." The head of the Ylisses' Paladin added. "Your flyers may stand against theirs, but a well-placed arrow or spell will drop them like stone."
As the officers and generals both concern and arguments were given across the map covered table within the rarely used war room. At the head of the said table were the royal family. Lissa despite her best effort was caught twice falling asleep during the meeting so far. Chrom watched and kept track of what everyone had to say. So too did Emmeryn but with a heavy heart.
All discussion halted by the slamming of a door. A solider could be seen gasping for air.
"My Exalt forgive me for this tardy." The solider breath out. He quickly came to Emmeryn handing her a latter. Chrom took notice of a dragon seal in a diamond like stale. Opening the latter she read out loud.
"Greeting Exalt of Ylisse. We, the Empire of Tamriel, require your assist in rooting out a foal influence among our mist. For nearly a year a rebellion has purge the lands of Skyrim. Dissipate the strength of the Imperial Legion, the rebels gain more and more to follow under their banner. Should the war take longer to end, countless innocent will be lost. Should you aid us in our time of need, we will proved your country with the finest, the Legion has to offer when the time arises.
Sign Titus Mede II"
A few of the military looked to one another. It has been some time since the Empire had connected the Halidom of Ylisse. In fact it had been years since before Emmeryn rise to the throng. The reason had mostly been lost, some say it may had been a misunderstanding with the Empire and an elven government, others believed it could had been her own fathers rage that pushed them away. Either way this may be too perfect. Small whispers could be heard among Ylisse finest. Even Lissa stayed awake to hear the reading.
Chrom was the first to voice out his thoughts. "Has Tamriel known of our affairs."
"Not to my knowledge sir." Frederick said.
"Some of our traveling merchant could had told tales of raids that have happen" An officer offered.
Small talks begin to fill the air. Some spoking of how the Legion was the mightiest force of all of Nirn. Some talk of an easy victory. Others debate that if they accepted their offer, would they join the rank of the Empire of Tamriel. Though it all, Emmeryn, didn't wish to bring their troubles to Tamriel, yet she would never forgive herself should any innocent parson die due to her inaction. She turns to her only brother.
The Exalt of Ylisse asked the prince of Ylisse. "Chrom…do you believe it wise to offer aid to Tamriel?"
"I am not sure sister, our numbers are thin as it is. If we should join their cause, then just as they will offer their finest, then we shall do the same." Chrom said.
Shortly after the meeting orders were given to restock weapons and supplies to be sent to the western boarders.
Chrom sighed once more, unaware that a figure creped behind him. "Chrom?" A familiar voice called out, "What are you doing out so late?"
Chrom turn to face the Shepherds' tactician, Zulu. Giving a false smile, Chrom then joked. "I could say the same of you Zulu, but knowing you it's relishing to see you out of that old room."
The green haired man nodded as he took his place by his friend. Though knowing the forgetful Plegian for only less than a mouth. Zulu had become somewhat like a brother to Chrom. Both would watch over one another whenever they could during battle. Chrom could befriend many, yet there were few he would trust with his worries.
"Zulu have you read or heard off other nations?" the young man asked
"I had touched over a few books." The tactician said. "Why?"
"Do you know of Tamriel?"
As both men spoke, from afar laying within some bushes, an onlooker watched the two with care. The onlookers' heart raced. Filled with anxiety the unknown player locked onto any movement aside from the two men. For it would be this night that a royal would fall. No, at this very moment the fate of Nirn hinged over the action or inaction of the onlooker.
The North Wall of Castle Ylisstol
Paki straggled to keep his eyes open. It had been hours since his shift as a night guard begin. Normally Paki wouldn't mind staying up an hour or two, however with most soldiers taking in the role of delivering arms to follow soldiers. The ones who stayed would have longer nightly roles. Covering his mouth the tried trooper yawned "I hope our replacements come soon."
His partner, Hager, half heartily acknowledgment with a quick intake of air. "Yeah, I might even sleep though morning training." Hager begin to feel the effect of sleep take over him. This fact couldn't prevent him from hearing a faint whistling. Hager looked in time to watch Paki sloping over a battlement.
If he were simply exhausted, Hager might have believed Paki just collapsed from fatigue. Years of experience say other wises. Hager raised his shield to cover from any lose arrow. Unsure if other guards were within proximity, the frightful man run to sound the alarm. All the while hearing a few more whistling followed by the creaking of stone.
One whistle ended with Hager howling in pain. He found an arrow embedded in his thigh. Before he could limp away, another arrow dug itself into his expired shoulder. As Hager fall to the floor, a man dawning both a cloth and hood around his head climb over the wall. The man loomed over the limped soldier. Hager reached for his sword just as the unknown man raised his.
Tamriel
Unknown
Mahir tighten his grip over the resists. The blizzards of Skyrim are among the most fearsome storms in Tamriel. During the night however, few Nords would not dare to face such weather. Mahir pressed on knowing tonight maybe his only change. Though a lantern hung by the saddle he dare not light it, for he did not wish to be seen.
The howling of the wind ate at his courage, yet unfazed his steed. The plumbing snow caused ice to form over his attire. His body begging for warmth, begging to rest. The Stormcloak commander had been known to go days without rest. The sound of his heavy breathing, the alarming rate of growing numbness, and his racing heart kept him awake more now than ever. For tonight a royal will fall by his hand.
Ylisse
Tree lining near the walls Castle Ylisstol
Chorbash, like the other mercenaries stood at the ready. Whereas some men talked among themselves, he stayed focus on his task. Some mercenaries were to cut down any resistance, others cause chaos within the palace. Chorbash along with few were to guide the thieves. One of whom was currently nursing on sweets.
The hired Orsimer recalled when he and Gaius met. Chorbash first thought of Gaius, as nothing more than a mare irritation. Chorbash often accusing Gaius of missing items, and the red head not calling the Orc by name. Yet he also though it strange that the sweet toothed bandit (other than calling him Fang) had yet to insult or belittle the Orc. Even what belongs that did go missing were either given back to him, or had little to no value to begin with.
One day, just before supper, Chorbash decided to confront Gaius. Seeing the vacate table save for Gaius. Once he had his bowl of stew, Chorbash sat across from Gaius.
Gaius glanced up at the Orc. To anyone else, it would seem that Chorbash was glaring at the thief, although the young man had nothing to fear. With a less-then-cocky smile Gaius begin. "Evening Fang."
"Must you keep referring me with that title?" Chorbash groaned. Gaius continued to consume his bowl.
"Why do you call me by that thief?" The Orc questioned after a few spoon full.
Gaius kept his eye to his meal as he replied "It's nothing special, just something I do with everyone."
During his years wondering the world. Chorbash had learned a great deal of things, such as knowing when one was lying. He had many actors cross his path to a point that he could catch the smallest details. Gaius was being truthful.
"Don't worry I know your name, and no I don't think you're just a killer." The orc was taken back. Chorbash looked at the thief. "What did you say?"
"I have heard of what people say about Orcs. How you, as a whole, care for nothing more the blood and war. That you all are dim, unable to read or write."
As Gaius list off every Orc stereotype. Chorbash was about ready to pummel the red head when he was once more taken back as Gaius stated, "To be honest, you guys don't seem to be all bad," by now Gaius was done with his meal, "After all, if you did had a short temper. I would had never lived passed the first time I called you Fang."
Gaius made way to leave his used dishes in the growing pile. He paused only when Chorbash called out. "You know my name yet I don't know yours."
"It's Gaius." The red head spoke.
"It is not often an Orc is seen as more than a mare solider. It is refreshing." Chorbash worked to finish his blow. It may had been the closest thing to gratitude anyone had gotten from an Orc, so Gaius took it as it was. Shortly after that talk, the two had become fast friends.
The sell sword recovered from his memories by a dishearten Gaius. The reasoned thief appeared to be in a state of discouragement. "Something troubling you?"
"What were you told about this little "job" of ours?" Gaius spoke half eaten sweet roll in hand.
"I was told men were needed for a job, simple and easy." Chorbash explained himself. "I had to provide my own armor and weapons however."
"So you don't know who it is we're breaking into?"
"Some Ylissen nobles' home." Chorbash begin to catch what Gaius was hinting at. A handful of mercenaries along with a few skilled thieves or a master thief would do. Even so that did not explain the need of cavaliers or dark mages. Chorbash had been though many tasks, few nearly cost him his life. After all Orc were the most sought after when it came to sword hire. As well as the most pursued target on the field of battle (at least by bow).
Any other thought was dashed away by the sound of acing metal. Eyeing the walls between the gates, one can see lightly armed men scrabble towards and above the battlements. Those still grounded hurried to the groups waiting by the opening metal maws.
Grapping on to the handle of sword and shield, Chorbash glanced to his human friend. "Stay close," He warned, "and out of my way."
"Don't need to tell me twice, but regardless, you watch me back I watch yours." Gaius acknowledge. Chorbash granted in agreement. Tonight will test the Orsimer trust in a non-Orc.
Author's notes
Again sorry about the late update. Please report any errors I may have missed. Thank you smilesplease91 for proof reading.