It's just like the sorcerer predicted. As soon as we entered the big tent, questions didn't stop. Most of them were from Fin's friends that we met earlier, the dunmer girl and the young human.
I didn't come here to answer their questions. I directed my gaze at the Arch – mage, Divayth and Neloth. "I want to help with the barrier. Fin is gone recruiting. He'll be back just in time or more presumably, he'll come soon after the battle begins. Anyway, I don't think we're setting the barrier here, are we?"
Whispering, from the College mages. "Then come, we're moving into the field where we'll confine the battlegrounds. It's covered in ash, so put on sturdy boots, everyone!" Neloth directed the group.
I took a glimpse at the leaders of Houses, standing by a map of the area with the viceroy, Ge'els. They were too engrossed to even notice our absence.
Planning a battle strategy is difficult, regardless of a set plan. Something might go wrong, that's why… I, no we have to make sure The Wild Hunt fails. That is why I sent Fin to get help from dragons. Turning the tables in our favor is going to be the key if we are to stand a chance against the enemy.
I'm going to help them set up the barrier, then I'm heading for the front line. There is a slight chance Fin will make it before the battle starts, so I'll charge into the battle with either Ge'els' forces or the Great Houses. Either way, their battle plan has been… altered.
"Quit standing around, we need your help." Neloth yelled at me and I winced, catching up with the mages. We ran alongside the ash covered coast. I couldn't help it and glanced at the sky.
Someone bumped into me, it was the Khajiit, the Dunmer woman and the Nord. Fin's friends from yesterday. "Hey, I hoped we could talk with you… but where is Glorfindel?" The Nord asked, jogging. We ran with a steady pace, in line formation. "He went to get help from dragons. Gods willing, he'll be back just in time for the battle. I sincerely hope he convinced them to join our cause. Even if only a handful agree, it still gives us an edge."
Their faces dropped. "Oh. So that's why he's not with you. We heard that you're…" The Dunmer woman spoke, looking for the right word. I raised a brow at her. Pesky and nosy friends he got. "I'm his lover and partner." I said matter of factually, almost challenging them to say something.
J'Zargo laughed when he saw their bewilderment evident in their eyes. "J'Zargo told them, but they didn't believe. J'Zargo never jests about his friends."
The exchanged looks, deigning to stay quiet.
Why was it so weird? Yeah, Fin and I had our differences in the beginning. I might have stirred the pot in the wrong direction a few times, but a lot of things happened. I've changed.
A smiled wryly, picking up the pace, seeing how everyone joined Neloth at the highest peak of the hill.
The Arch – Mage Savos Aren and Neloth were already on the case, constructing the barrier that would stop the blizzard.
The College mages spread across the hill, weaving into the spell. I found a good spot, overlooking the battleground from below. It's time to help set up the barrier. Focusing my magicka, I locked onto the weave, spreading the barrier. Dead silence settled between us, focusing on the barrier. Divayth, Neloth and Arch – Mage were pouring it all into the barrier. Soon, I sensed J'Zargo's magicka as well as others. Going full power, I spread my arms, extending the barrier some more.
I hoped the barrier will hold through the entirety of the battle, if not… I shuddered at the thought, shaking head. No, we're going to win. We have to.
"Ondolemar! You've done enough, go and aid them below. We'll take it from here." Divayth's voice reached me as and I nodded, cutting loose of the magical weave. They brought a lot of magicka potions. The barrier will hold.
I looked down, seeing as the allied armies were gathering. So, it's really happening… what side should I join? Left flank or right flank…? My best chances are staying with the viceroy. He knows a lot about two generals, Cassel and Caranthir. I need to take them down before I can engage Eredin in battle.
No time for dawdling! I jumped off, sliding down. The soil crunched under my feet. Upon landing on solid ground, I went through the left flank. They were organizing into units just as I slipped past, heading straight for Ge'els, who donned a full plate armor. So, he'll be fighting, not just twiddling his thumbs.
The barrier was on, the trap was sprung, now we just… wait.
I reached his position, where he was giving out orders to his brigade captains. "Don't forget, we're after the navigators. That's our top priority. Show the enemy no mercy."
The captains left and I approached Ge'els who grinned. "So you joined me after all. Wise. I can give you more information on Cassel and Caranthir. And Eredin."
"If your information is so valuable, why didn't you share it before the battle?" I asked, intrigued why he decided to reveal crucial information at all. And why not sooner.
"Because that information is only relevant to you and your lover. Speaking of…"
"He'll be here in time." I cut him off and he quirked lips. "Alright. On to the matter. Cassel is a close range fighter versed in fighting with swords and axes. He's exceptional fighter, which is why he's Eredin's general."
"I have confidence in my skills. What about the other one?" I spoke loudly, so he could hear me.
"Caranthir is well – versed in magic. He can teleport for a very short distance, so watch out for his attacks. But he's no navigator nor does he have your powers. He's cunning, wielding a giant pole with big ball shaped flail on its end."
I thought about it. They don't sound too tough. I fought worse… like Absolon and his goons. Thinking, my hand wandered to the hidden piece of Eye. I could try it… if the situation demands it.
"And Eredin?" I asked, ready to hear about the leader of Wild Hunt, the false king and usurper of altmer throne.
"Eredin is excellent fighter, I've seen him in action once and the way he wielded his blade, it was inspiring."
Inspiring? "Wait, do you still admire him? Even after what you told us?"
Ge'els shook head. "No, I don't admire him. His swordsmanship however… barely anyone can keep up with him. I sparred with him, I know how good he is." The worry in his voice almost got to me.
"Have faith. I'll deal with him or die trying."
"Indeed you shall. I guess this is it. We wait for them." Ge'els muttered, focusing on the empty space before us. I glanced to right. The Great Houses have assembled their forces. The four heads of Houses were riding on horses. Neloth was of course up on the hill, maintaining the barrier.
Anticipation was palpable; all of us waited for the arrival of the Wild Hunt and Aldmeri Dominion. The banter died out, the silence was overbearing.
Our allied army waited and waited…. and it seemed like eternity when suddenly massive white mist formed itself out of nowhere. They were here!
Itching, I looked at the sky.
Where is Fin?!
We were en route to the battlefield, in fact we were in close proximity. I could see the blueish barrier, with many dots underneath – and the mist. That means… they're here!
"Odahviing, we're almost there! I want you to drop me off. You'll take command of aerial attack afterwards." I said and the dragons around us roared. We were flying straight into the middle.
The snowy hunter was faster than most dragons, he breached the barrier. My eyes drooped on the battlefield. I was searching for Ondolemar…. Easier said than done.
The big battle that would decide the fate of Nirn has started. I made out a few important people who were battling toe to toe with the enemy forces; like Lord Redoran and Lord Indoril. Also Ge'els.
Odahviing picked foot soldiers of Dominion into his paws, crushing them. We were close to ground. I'm jumping off! I unsheathed the Mace of Molag Bal, standing up. And I jumped.
As soon as I reached the ground, enemy forces threw themselves at me. I deflected a blow, evaded another and my Mace took two souls.
Around me, multiple battles were fought, but I ignored them all, cutting my path through the battlefield. I need to find Ondolemar.
As I was running and cutting down enemy forces, I was met with a sudden flash of movement. In the last few seconds, I rolled out of harm's way.
Huge elf with even bigger pole with oddly shaped sharp end stood in my way, menacingly grinning. Who the heck is this guy? Is he one of the generals? He's different than rest of the rubble.
He laughed, swinging violently and I let out a frustrated groan. "You're in my way. Move aside if you want to live a few moments longer." I said menacingly, but the dangerous glint in his eyes burned with maniacal rage.
"Your arrogance will be your undoing, dark elf."
I think I might have stumbled upon a real opponent. From the looks of it, he's one of the generals. I shifted my weight, taking a step back. Evaluating all my options, I decided for running away (for now because of the tiny space and I didn't want to hit anyone from the allied army forces by a chance). I bolted, running away to a more strategic point.
The armored elf was adamant in his pursuit. I glanced behind and he vanished. Thinking that I was safe, I slowed down. "FIN!" I found myself rolling. Disoriented, the person who swept me aside, pulled me up. The familiar frame of Ondolemar stood before me. He's fine!
He drew Keening, whilst I picked up the Mace. We were on the southern side of the battlefield, where the density of combatants was admissible and we had space for the battle. "Watch out. This bastard can teleport." Ondolemar warned me of his abilities.
The altmer pointed the sword at our attacker. "You're Caranthir."
"Yes, I am one of the generals. My goal is kill any who hinder my in capturing this elf alive. My king has grand plans for him."
I scoffed. As if I'd let the n'hwas do that. Not as long as I breathe. There has to be a way to trick him…
Ondolemar stepped forth. "You go on ahead. Find the other general and kill him." I shook head. I'm not leaving him alone!
He nudged me. "I've got this. We need to end this as soon as possible. Go."
Biting into my lower lip, I reluctantly complied, nodding. "Be careful." I looked into his eyes and I squeezed his hand shortly, turning on heel.
Faintly, I heard his reply. "I believe in you, Fin."
Briskly, I hurried away.
I couldn't help it, I looked back. Caranthir and Ondolemar were battling. Keening clashed with the giant pole.
Forcing myself to look forward, I searched for the other general.
I have to find that elf and destroy him. Then, up next is Eredin himself.
May Azura watch over us.
The bastard was laughing. My grip on Keening was lessening. Damn, this bastard was strong. Gritting teeth, I kicked him and he staggered.
I knew he would teleport away to safety, so with free hand I casted snowstorm, slowing him down. "You think this chunk of ice will grant you victory? Ha, don't make me laugh!"
Little did Caranthir know I had a little trick up my sleeve. I palpated the little piece of Eye of Magnus and activated its devastating powers. A bit too late, he shook off the thick ice that entrapped him. As if on cue, he looked up to see the meteors falling.
His eyes widened and he teleported.
I predicted this.
Following after him, I chased him and he had to stop to block my sword. We were still in range of the meteors.
Other combatants withdrew to safer distance, leaving a large space to us, fighting back and forth.
True, Caranthir was much stronger than me, but he had a major flaw – that pole of his was slow. I did a pirouette to evade, expertly evading. I casted Ice Spikes, freezing his hands, along with the pole. He needed his hands to teleport.
Got him.
Kicking him in the shins, he fell to his knees, trying to break free of the ice. The meteors were closing in. Just to be sure, I put away Keening in the sheathe and double casted Icestorm, freezing him solid into a ice block. I glanced at the sky and then at the unmoving general. Winking, I bid him last farewell, teleporting away from the blast radius.
The meteors fell, raining down upon him in succession. When it stopped and the minor cloud of dust cleared up, I saw only rubble and he was undeniably dead, crushed to little bits.
One general down, one more to go. There was no time to tarry. I need to keep moving!
In my haste, I teleported randomly to find anyone who could point me to Fin's whereabouts. On my seventh teleportation I landed close to Lord Indoril.
He was fighting Aldmeri Dominion's Bosmer forces, who specialized in archery. He cast a deflect spell, but it was waning off. One injured bosmer was readying a sneak attack from behind. I teleported and slit his throat with Keening, taking care of enemies from behind him.
I was beginning to sweat a bit, due to the excess of teleporting I was doing, no doubt. But I can't stop yet! I severed off limbs, helping out the allied forces and protecting Lord Indoril.
Bodies were piling up around us. I needed to take a breather, but in the heat of battle… how? I chopped off another Khajiit's head, panting.
I heard a loud noise and turned around. Lord Indoril killed a bosmer who was no doubt trying to cripple me with arrow. The dead dropped to our feet. Lord Indoril spat at the corpse and locked gaze with me. I need to learn where Fin went. "Have you seen Fin? I need to find him!"
"Him? Yes, he ran past, I think he went to the right flank!"
Relieved, I patted him on the shoulder pad. "Thanks! And watch your back!" Without another word, I squeezed eyes shut, and reappeared, stumbling upon landing.
Looking frantically around, I spotted a familiar mane of black hair and his ebony mail. He was good 30 feet ahead, running. But I was just incredibly happy he's safe. Have to catch up with him.
I hastened after him.
With steady pace, I looked for the other general. He must stand out from others… when Ondolemar showed up, catching up to me. If I could, I would kiss him, but a quick warm gaze had to do. "How did it go?" I was referring to the mage – general.
"Dead, buried and shattered." I whistled. That's my lover alright. I narrowed eyes, spotting a much larger figure in clad black armor, he was sitting on an armored horse. That must be Cassel.
I pointed at him. "Found the second general!"
Ondolemar grabbed onto me and teleported us to him.
The huge elf dismounted the horse, casually walking up toward us. He cocked his head to the side. He had that hideous helmet on, like all riders of Wild Hunt. "We meet at last. Lowly elven brethren, rejoice!" He raised hands in the air. "We're here to bring you salvation! Submit to us and live enlightened lives or die!"
Who does he think he is? Tamriel and its people are fine the way things are. Arrogant bastards. I shook head. "You think too highly of yourselves. Only thing in common we have is our elven heritage, but that's it. We just want to live in peace with other races, not incite wars and destroy worlds."
Cassel put down his helmet, revealing his wavy golden locks and those strange foreign eyes. He had a smirk akin to Ancano's or Elenwen's. He thinks he's above everyone and we don't deserve to live.
Time to put this prick in his place. "Enough of your bullshit, draw your blade and let's get this over with." I declared, drawing Mace of Molag Bal. At the same time, I raised a hand before Ondolemar, throwing him a quick glance. "This one is mine. I hate his guts."
He snorted, but stayed his hand.
I made five steps forward, thinking of ways to dispatch him. Obviously, using Thu'um is the best course of action. He might know I can Shout, but he doesn't know how strong my Shouts are.
But first, let me try out how good he is with that blade. I lunged forward and he didn't even bat eye at me, in fact he drew his weapon and blocked flawlessly, sneering. "What was that pathetic attack? Are you making fun of me, dark elf?"
"No, I am just testing your capabilities. It seems like you're a general for a reason. You're strong." He smirked and I backed away. If I stayed in that spot, he would have done some severe damage to my ebony armor.
It's time for risky maneuvers. He whirled his blade expertly, looking down on me. Laugh while you can.
I dashed forward, throwing Mace of Molag Bal in the air, its trajectory was aimed for his head. I knew he would dodge, but he can't dodge everything. The mace is a distraction.
Cassel evaded.
With glee, I took in extra air for the Shout. "Krii Lun Aus!" The power of Thu'um was stronger by tenfold since last time. It hits its mark, making chinks in his armor and weakening his life force with each passing second. The process was irreversible. He's been marked for death.
The tall elf swore, feeling the effects. His eyes were glassy. Considerably weakened, I could see him wavering to attack and I didn't have a weapon in my hand. Leave him no opportunity to retaliate! I ran, bracing for the speedy dash. "Wuld Nah Kest!" I picked up the Mace and pierced Cassel's chest, inserting it even deeper. His bladed slipped from his grasp, clanking on the blood – soaked ground. Cassel fell face first, dead.
Ondolemar ran up to me, giving me a meaningful look.
Now, only Eredin is left. He dies, Aldmeri Dominion and Wild Hunt is finished here.
Only question unanswered was how we find him. "Where do you think that n'wah is holed up?"
My mage shrugged. "He could be anywhere, but I have a way to find him. Call a dragon, we can find him sooner from higher viewpoint."
That was a great idea, it might save us time and forces. I cleared my throat and looked at the sky, full with fire and ice breathing dragons. I spotted the snowy hunter, too.
"Od Ah Viing!" I shouted and the dragon immediately turned towards the ground, looking for me. He must have seen me, because he was descending down. He landed and we climbed on his back. "We're looking for the ringleader, we thought we could spot him faster from above." I explained quickly and Odahviing roared in agreement.
We focused our sight on the battlefield, looking for the king of Wild Hunt.
Odahviing was circling around the left flank when we spotted the viceroy Ge'els, on all fours. Before him stood a raven – haired individual. He had a longsword and he had on that ominous blackened armor, but his was special… This must be Eredin!
"It's him! The elf with black hair and black armor! Drop us down, Odahviing!"
"As you wish, Dovahkiin." He flew closer to the ground and we dropped off in proximity of the fallen viceroy, who was bleeding from mouth, but otherwise he had no injuries.
Ge'els spat out blood, wiping his chin. We came up next to him, standing toe to toe with our mortal enemy, Eredin. He wore the most evil glare I ever saw, pointed at Ondolemar.
"You. You're Zirael's replacement. I can feel the power coursing through your veins. The artifact gave you powers you are unworthy to wield. However, you can still be of some use to me."
I grew annoyed upon hearing his poisonous voice and even more poisonous words. "Hey, you think you're some kind of emperor, don't you? Well, let me tell you how things work here in Morrowind – we don't give in and we fight with all we've got until the adversary lies dead before us. We're proud people and we'll defend Morrowind and all of Tamriel if necessary."
Eredin's gaze shifted to me, a smirk crossed his face. "Who are you, oh, valiant hero?"
"My name is Glorfidel Girethi, the last Dragonborn of this era."
Eredin scoffed. "Dragonborn? What a petty title. But enough of pleasantries. I grew weary of looking at your annoying face. I'll kill you, then that traitor on the ground and that elf's powers will be mine."
As if I'd let him take Ondolemar. "You n'wah. I won't let you do as you please."
The sharp end of his longsword was pointing at me. "Then let us spar. To death. For this elf and for this world."
Snarling, I got into a battle stance.
He charged at me at astonishing speed, considering how big and bulky his armor was. I parried the blow of his longsword, the force of our weapons clashing created a shockwave. I retaliated, swinging Mace of Molag Bal at him relentlessly, each time our weapons met, another bigger shockwave was created.
I don't know how long we went on, until Eredin withdrew, slightly panting. While I was smiling. He's not so great as he thinks. He's so full of himself.
"You're not half bad. You're putting up more of a fight than the witcher. Even so, you will fall!" His hand met the ground and from it sprouted small whirls of black, right at me.
What is this?!
Without thinking, I did the sensible thing. "Feim Zii Gron!" I became ethereal, the whirls passed through my body and I was unharmed.
Whew, that was close.
Eredin's eyes widened. He clearly didn't think I was capable of this.
"What did you do?!" He screamed, frustrated. He sent another wave of black whirls at me, these ones even larger, but with the same result. I've got twenty more seconds until cooldown.
"You want to stay in this world forever, Eredin? That can be arranged!" I screamed from the top of my lungs, sprinting forward. The Shout wore off, just in time. I was mere two feet away from him, Eredin was raising his longsword when - "Zun Haal Viik!" His weapon got knocked out from his grasp and he was so shocked his mouth was wide open. "What in the -"
I punched him hard in the face and he was lunged in the air. "Scum, now you die! HORVUTAH SLEN ULSE!"
Immediately, the crystal was forming. From such a close range, Eredin had no chance to escape from the crystal prison. It encased him quickly, his last words asking for mercy vanished into thin air. The crystallized figure of the king of Wild Hunt landed on the ground, now a mere statue, trapped in eternal crystal.
Overcome with fatigue, I collapsed, momentarily losing myself to the sweet, sweet knowledge that I saved my beloved and the world.
I was held up in a warm embrace, blind to all that was happening around us. All I needed to see was his dazzling smile, that gaze. He leaned down and kissed me. I returned the kiss, grinning.
When we parted, I inserted a small kiss on his cheek, caressing his face lovingly.
We're free. Free to go where we want. Free to do what we want. Together.
He took my hand and kissed my knuckles. "Marry me."
Tears flooded down my face. Overcome with emotions, my throat tightened and all I could do was nod.
We embraced and despite being on a battlefield, covered in blood, ash and Azura knows what else, I was the happiest mer in the world.
TO BE CONTINUED_
