Hey guys I know it's been a while since I last updated, but to be honest I had some writers block with this chapter. Now it is short and little to no action, but during the attack at the Cousland Castle. You will see bloodshed... Lots of it. Now I want to thank everyone who faved and followed me and my stories. It means a lot to know you guys like my stuff. Thank you to everyone who reads this whether you have an account or not. Your support means a lot. Of course I can't forget those who review, I love hearing back from you all. Now onto the reviews!
Halo is bad ass: We will get that but not with those two. More like you will get it from the dwarf rogue and elf mage. It would fit their character, but yeah you will see them work off the other.
DarkNorth: I am glad that the first paragraph did that for you buddy, please keep reading.
Silverscale: Good to know, what did you have? I am glad you like how I am doing things. In my mind if you fuck with the canon, bad things happen. As for immune to the Blight? He very well could be, High Dragons have a strange resistance to the Taint. Maybe Calder has it as well.
Zack32: Yeah Calder can understand him just fine, and yeah it was kind of touching. Calder is a father and if he could. He would raise Sera himself, but she will be better on her own. As for the Duran, yep he is going to shake things up.
Aluriea: Yeah a one sided convo and that will happen more often... Oh gods that reminds me, wait until Solas shows up. He and Calder are... Well they will have an interesting dynamic.
MadraF'inUchia: Yep its Sera!
WaYaADisi1: I am glad your loving the story, and I will do my best.
Anyway I hope you all ike the chapter, and I will see you in the next one.
"Gorim are you ready my friend?" Duran asked the brown-haired dwarven warrior.
"Always my lord, I am your shield." Gorim bowed to the exiled dwarven prince.
Duran placed a hand on Gorim's shoulder. "It is good to have you at my side once more."
Smiling at their interactions, my mind went back to a simpler time. Back when I was still a young man traveling the wilds of Skyrim, with my housecarl and loyal friend Lydia. The shieldmaiden was assigned to be just my sword and shield, over time we became something more. We became steadfast friends, she even became the godmother of my children. Shaking my head, I forced myself to focus on the present. After leaving the compound, Duran and I made our way to the market place. The exiled prince said he wished to gather an ally, which happened to be Gorim.
Apparently the two had reunited on the road to Denerim, and the warrior chose to follow his prince. Though he didn't stay at the compound for reasons unknown to me. I had some ideas, but they weren't important at the moment. What is important is rescuing the women. Now I know that the elven origin male or female will handle the situation, but I wished to avoid bloodshed in this matter. While I cannot stand rapists, I knew that killing the Arl's son and the guards, would lead to problems for the elves later on.
Then there is the fact we would the bastard's support during the Landsmeet. So, I had my reasons for wanting to keep the Arl's son alive and making sure the bloodshed is reduced to a minimum. "Let us move out." Together the three of us marched onto the Arl's estate, and hopefully to a better end for the elves of the alienage.
"… Man, I can't believe it, the Arl's son grabbed him some wenches." Jacobs grinned at his partner. "Do you think when he is done with them we'll get a turn?"
The older guard spits onto the ground. "Not likely he normally breaks his toys after a couple of hours."
"Beh… Them nobles they are all the same I tell yah." Jacobs sighed in disappointment. "I can't afford the Pearl, they raised their prices again. What's it takes to get a good whore huh?"
"Couldn't tell you, now shut your gob." Frowning the guard leaned back against the stone wall. "I want to rest."
"You will find plenty of rest in Oblivion." A guttural voice spoke.
Jacobs and his partner both looked up in shocked. "By the Maker it's a demon!"
Marching toward them is black-scaled man/dragon that had glowing eyes, in its claw a blue flaming blade, blood red wings floated behind it. Both guards tired to draw their weapons, but creature… Spoke in it's demonic tongue, and their weapons flew from their hands. Raising its blade, both guards held their hands up and prayed that the Maker and his bride would protect them.
"By the stone they pissed themselves." Gorim shook his head in disbelief before looking up at me in confusion. "What did you do?"
Staring at the fallen forms of the guards I simply shrugged. "They saw what I wished them to see." While not the greatest at magic, there are some areas that I have some skill with. Restoration is one example. I have great skill with the healing arts, which have saved my life and many others more times than I can count. The school magic I am weakest is Alteration, and Enchanting. In fact, other than Restoration I was very much a novice in all the other schools.
Expect for Illusion, while not a master or adept, it is one of the few schools I can preform well in.
Quite strange for a Nord, but that is neither here nor there.
When I approached the guards, I had cast a simple glamour over there eyes. They perceived me as a demon from their worst nightmares. It only works on those of weak will power, thus those who have a stronger mind will not fall for the trick.
"You're a mage?" Duran stared at me with a curious look.
"A dabbler in the mystic arts, I found it necessary for survival." Bending down I searched the guards, until I found a set of keys. Taking them, I moved toward a wooden door, and unlocked it. "That won't be a problem for you two?"
Duran shrugged his shoulders. "Dwarves have no mages, and so long as you bring no harm with your power I have nothing against you."
"If my lord finds your presence acceptable, then so do I. Personally it doesn't matter, you just knocked them out cold." Gorim jerked his thumb at the guards.
Nodding I pushed open the door and marched into the estate. Stopping for a moment I closed my eyes, and slowly breathed. Because of the effects of Esbern's potion my senses were far greater then they should be, with that comes many disadvantages. The threat of sensory overload is a real threat, luckily… I learned to lessen my senses, and only call upon their greater power's when need be. It took training and years, but I did it.
The air of the estate smelt of fear, lust, and rage. "Follow me." Motioning the two dwarven warriors to follow close behind, all of us had our weapons drawn. Prepared for what would come. Taking point, I had my shield up, and Dovaldwiin resting comfortably in my right hand. Duran followed behind, my crossbow in his hands, while he preferred to be up front. It was agreed upon that we may need ranged backup. So, the exiled prince reluctantly took the middle guard. Gorim took the rear, wielding a dwarven shield and sword with a war hammer strapped to his back. The dwarven warrior wore black/gray scale-mail armor, with plate gauntlets and pauldrons. We moved as fast and quietly as we could, given the circumstances.
We made it to a four-way intersection with the estate, frowning I sniffed the air once more. "You two… Head that way… "I pointed in the direction in front of us, if my nose is right… That is where the majority of the elven women are. "I'll go this way." Moving my head to the left, I smelt multiple humans, and one elf.
"Stone watch over you Calder." Duran moved forward, with Gorim wishing me luck as well.
Nodding I marched forward, not even bothering with stealth anymore. I will not allow this to happen. The sounds of screaming, and disturbing laughter reached my ears. Growling I quickened my pace and found a door blocking my path. Kicking it open I found a horrendous sight, four human men, close around my physical age. These men if you could call them that, were in their smallclothes. They stood above a lone red-head elf… girl. By Shor she looked to be only sixteen… Her clothing is torn, and she is bleeding from a few places, and one of her eye is swollen shut. Most of all… I could see the fear in her eye…. No more.
"Who do you think- "One of the men tried to speak, but I slammed my shield into his face. Knocking him back, I slammed the pommel of Dovaldwiin into another's throat. Kicking the third in the stomach, I pointed my blade at the leader of the group. The Arl's son. Holding the tip of my sword near his throat, I scratched his throat slightly. Just to prove a point.
"You scream, you so much as twitch, and you die. No questions ask." Placing my shield on my back, I directed the Arl's son to move toward an unused chair. Once he is seated, I placed my sword away. Taking some rope from my pack, I tied the 'noble' to the chair and for good measure I gagged him. Turning my attention to the young elf who had been cowering slightly in the corner, I removed my helmet. "Easy there I am not going to hurt you. Hamin Da'len (Rest child)." On the way up here, I had Lyna teach me some Elvish, just a few simple words and meanings. I would use Dovahzul, but that isn't calming. At least to a non-dragon hatchling, or one of the dragon blood.
"… You… You... You speak… elvish…" The red-headed teen stuttered, her one good eye filling with tears. "… You saved me… By Andraste…"
Slowly I approached her, my arms in plain view. Keeping my movements slow, I approached her like a wounded animal. One wrong movement may set her off, and I didn't want that. "Yes, Da'len I did. Now I have skill in healing, may I look you over?" I stopped just shy of her, giving the teen plenty of room to run away if she wished.
"I… "She looked up at me shaking still, but slowly she nodded.
Breathing out a sigh I knelt in front of her, removing my gloves I slowly examined her. While she could not see it or know, but I applied a calming spell to help soothe her nerves. Just from a rough examination, I could tell she had more injuries then I expected. At least a few broken ribs, maybe some enteral bleeding, a concussion… Yeah this isn't pretty. "Did they touch your virtue?" I believed they didn't, but I had to make sure.
"No… They didn't… Thank the Maker…"
Sighing in relief I nodded. "Good… Now this may tingle, but I promise this will help. Close your eyes." The young elf's eye filled with suspicion, but she slowly nodded and closed her eye. Good, now let us begin. Restoration magic is a very interesting branch of magic, because it required medical knowledge. In fact, all magic required advance knowledge of some kind. Most mages, sorcerers and wizards of Tamriel were more or less scientists. Or in this case doctors.
You had to know about the forces of the world to change or alter them. Which meant Restoration magic required a good understanding of medicine. Now Arthur didn't have much in the way of medical knowledge, and neither did Calder. Yet what I did know as Arthur translated well over in Tamriel, and after reading through the Oghma Infinium. Shuddering I shook my head, that thing still gives me the creeps. Even after all these years… Anyway. After reading through the book, I gained more knowledge about… Things.
Among those is more advance medical knowledge. Which increased my skills as a healer, and thus made me more effective.
A soft golden glow slowly appeared within my hands, moving my hands over her body. Now healing magic doesn't remove wounds, per say. It instead speeds the healing process up, and any blood or extra liquid is removed. Basically, it restores the body to what it originally should be. "You may open your eyes." I told the elf after a minute, ceasing my healing I gave her nod. I have healed her body, but the wounds to her soul and mind? Those are things that are beyond any healing magic.
"I…. You're… A- "The red-headed teen looked over herself in shock.
Raising an eyebrow, I held a finger to my lips. "A friend, nothing more and nothing less. It's best we leave it at that. Now can you stand?"
Furrowing her brow for a moment, she nodded. "Yes… I can."
Slowly standing to my feet I helped the girl and looked around. Three knocked out minor nobles, and one gagged and tied. Though he is awake, and I would need to deal with him. I can't erase memories, at least not with normal magic. I could command him to forget by bending his Will to mine, but I hate doing that. That Shout is only used when it is necessary… I think I have a better way of keeping this brat silent.
"Shianni!"
"Kallian!"
Turning around I raised an eyebrow, running into the room is a strawberry blonde elf…. And she is covered in blood. She is wearing a torn white dress, with a crown of flowers around her head. She has a long knife in her right hand, and it is stained in blood. Kallian had tan skin, and despite the blood I could see she had bright amber eyes. Much like Shianni, she looked like a teenager… By the gods that is just sad. Yes, in Skyrim children were considered to be of age, around that time… Still it always disappointed and sadden me to see that children had to grow up so fast.
Aside from her age and the blood… One other thing stood out about Kallian, it's the way she held herself and the knife. She has skill, and muscles. Despite the lack of a proper diet, the elf teenager certainly did have some muscle. The training she possessed, made it obvious. Kallian and Shianni ran to one another and embraced tightly. Both elven teens holding onto one another for dear life. Looking behind them, I nodded at Duran and Gorim. Both dwarves nodded at me, looking queasy. Despite all the blood on Kallian, there was not a drop on them or their weapons. Which meant, the elf slaughtered some guards on her own… and quite viciously.
When Kallian pulled away from her fellow elf, she turned to stare at me. I could see rage and anger boiling inside of her, yet she didn't move to attack. I must say that is quite impressive, I almost expected her attack me outright.
"Shianni… who is this Shem?" She hissed out, her muscles slowly tensing up like a spring.
The red-headed teenager turned to look at me. "A… A friend… he saved me cousin… He kept them from…" Shaking Shianni began to cry and held onto her cousin.
"Perhaps we can do this at a later time." I stated as the bloody elf turned to ask me my name. "We must get back before anymore guards arrive." Frowning Kallian nods and slowly leads Shianni into the hall, where a group of elven women are waiting. Yet she walks back into the room with purpose. She is striding toward the Arl's son, a cold and unforgiving look in her eyes. Gripping her by the wrist I shook my head. "No. There has been enough death today."
"This bastard deserves to die!" Kallian turned to face me, a fire burning in her eyes. "He nearly raped me, my friends and family… He killed my fiancé!" Now that I didn't know, but just from the pain and anger in her voice… She must have loved him, or something close to that. If the Arl's son wasn't needed, then I would gladly let him die.
"If you kill him you will make things worse for you and your people." Using logic, I hopped to reach the teenager… Yes, this should go over well, almost as well when I told my son Tier not to go troll hunting with his friends. Damn foolish boy nearly lost his life, and his friends just about died from the fight.
Killian struggled in my grip for a couple of seconds…. Huffing out a sigh, she glared at me but accepted my judgement. Turning around she stormed out of the room, Duran and Gorim came in and gestured it was time to leave.
"Get them to Allegiance, I still have some business to handle."
"Don't take to long Calder." Duran tossed me my crossbow, along with the quiver. "Come Gorim, we have a job to finish."
Bowing slightly the dwarf knight places a hand over his chest. "Yes, my lord."
Making sure they were gone, I slowly walked toward the door and shut it closed. Turning to the Arl's son, I stepped over his fallen friends and removed the gag. "Now what to do with you."
"You will let me go at once! I am the Arl's son, apostate!" Glaring up at me the arrogant prick, puffed out his chest. He really thinks he is going to get out of this mess. "If you let me go, I may even- "
Backhanding him with a glare, my lips curled up showing off my teeth. "Silence whelp. You will speak when I say you can speak. Otherwise you will lose your tongue." Sighing I turned around, picking up the fallen forms his friends. I placed them in various positions around the room. Finding bottles of wine, I doused the men lightly and placed a couple of empty ones in their hands. Taking care of that I now had to deal with the Arl's son, I couldn't kill him. I also couldn't leave him like this, and sadly I don't wish to compel him, but I may no other choice.
Sighing I turned around, my mind made up. I had to Bend him to my Will. This is not something I do lightly. The Bend Will Shout is perhaps one of the most, vile and evil Shouts I know. Given the fact that I can tear someone's soul out with one shout? Yes, this Shout is eviler. Because with Bend Will, I literally take command of someone's body, mind, and soul. I make them a slave to my will. Unlike mind control, or Reaper Indoctrination from Mass Effect… Which is subtle and slowly changes someone's mind. This just overwrites their entire Being and makes them mine to command, at least until I release my hold on them.
A Reaper over time could turn you into a mindless slave, me? I could do it anytime I wished. Bend Will is dangerous and corrupting though, that is why I do not like using this Shout. I do not wish to become Mirrak or Alduin, or Tosh Raka. Staring at the Arl's son, I took a deep breath and shouted. "Gol Hah Dov!" (Earth, Mind, Dragon)As the word's thundered out my throat, my dragon blood roared in pleasure. Domination is my right, I am one of the Dov and he is a joor…. No! We are also mortal right now, in the body of a man.
"Yes master?" The Arl's son spoke in a dull tone, his eyes having no life to them.
Sighing I forced my human mind back to the surface. I did not have time to convince my dragon half, that we had to be balanced. "I order you to forget today's events, and from now on you will be a kind, and decent man. Who will never commit rape, or murder, you will no longer be racist, and you will make up for all your past crimes." Untying the Arl's son I shook my head. "When I leave this room, you will fall asleep. When you wake you follow my orders, but no longer under my direct control."
"Yes master."
Shaking my head, I left the room with a grunt. "Now… To take care of those bodies."
After an hour had passed, I thoroughly removed all evidence that there had been any killing. It wasn't easy, but it had to be done. I am not sure how the Killian will join, or even if she joins now. Yet I did this for the people in the Alienage. Speaking of… That is where I am headed now, it wasn't too hard to find. All I had to do is smell… Which is unfair to the elves, but the Alienage is rather filthy. Once in the Alienage I found Duran, Gorim, along with Duncan and Lyna. The four of them looked to be waiting for someone, but it was not me. In fact, they barely registered my presence. Duran and Gorim gave me a nod. Lyna seemed to be lost in her own world, I guess she is shock with how her people live in the city.
Duncan gave me a curious stare but otherwise said nothing.
"What is going on?" I asked looking at the older Warden.
"We are waiting for our next recruit." Duncan told me with his arms crossed, a thoughtful look on his face. "After she arrives we will be leaving for Highever, Calder can you see if you can secure passage on a vessel for us?" Reaching down the Grey Warden, pulled out a coin purse.
Raising an eyebrow, I nodded. "Of course, I will go and see what I can do." Giving the dwarves a wave, I turned around and began to walk toward the docks. As I made my way through the streets, I wondered if I would be able to find a ship. Most ships would most likely be merchant or fishing vessels, or they would be on their way to the Free Marches. Shaking my head, I focused on walking. After another hour of walking I found the docks, as I asked around the pier I found my suspicions were correct. None of the ships here would go to Highever, the fishing vessels couldn't go that far out. While the Merchant vessels, had no plans to stop in Highever or anywhere close. I was going to give up hope, but the harbor master told me of a captain that could help us.
Getting directions from the man, I found the ship and raised an eyebrow. "By the gods what are the odds? The Siren's Call" Looking around I didn't see any crew members, raising an eyebrow. I found a gangplank and walked aboard the ship. "This is… a frigate. Quite impressive." As I examined the ship I whistled impressed, I had to learn to sail when I went to Akavir. So, I have a good understanding of sailing, and ships. I also learned a great deal of sailing and ships from the Tang Mo or monkey people.
Freezing I quickly moved out of the way, as a knife landed near my foot. "Thanks for the compliment, now why are you on my ship?"
Turning around with a small grin I nodded. Standing before me is the dark-skinned beauty, wearing… Well what she wore in the second game, in her left hand is several throwing knives. While in her right is a long dagger. Though just from how she carried herself, I knew she had more weapons on her. "Your quite welcome captain, as to why I am here… I would like to hire you."
Staring at me Isabela slowly placed her weapons away, and slowly sauntered over to me. "I am not in that kind of business love, but for you- "Looking me over the pirate had a sly smirk on her face. "-I could make an exception."
Despite mentally being older then her, my body reacted the way she wanted. I felt my cheeks heat up at her sultry tone. It doesn't help that it has been months since I have… Done anything of that nature, I have a young body again, and that long boots are something that I find very attractive. Yes, I love Serana and one day we will be reunited in the afterlife. Yet physical attraction is something I cannot help.
"Perhaps later. I need to hire a vessel to take me and my companions to Highever, are you available?"
Still keeping the same look on her face, Isabela walks around me. "Come into my cabin and we'll talk." The Spider said to the Fly, and so I did.