Beta'd by The Immortal Spank

Having been three days upon my encounter with Hircine's -former- champion and my subsequent wedding invite; I received understandable concerned when I had arrived, concern of which had been overshadowed by the sheer shock and excitement, having given the announcement of my new status, not to the miners or commoners who passed, but my trusted orc comrades: Morbrukk, Kragrau, Gavnuk, and Umak.

Each reacting with varying levels of enthusiasm, I reciprocates the small smiles with my own, and the slap to my backs -that fucking hurt Gavnuk- with annoyed grumblings. They had told me to take it easy in spite of all of that.

And I agreed!

I took on not one but two fucking werebeasts that day, I was more than simply exhausted and sore all over; I was an empty husk running on but fumes. So, I took the first day back as a relaxation day, I did nothing but read and relax in my bed the whole day.

By the gods was it boring.

With nothing else to keep my mind preoccupied I had gone to practicing Transmute. I couldn't use the ore like I wanted to, the less people who knew I could cast the spell the better. Not that I won't eventually tell or show people I could use it, but I'd prefer to have more mastery over the spell before I share that tidbit of knowledge. Regardless, without ore to use I had to make do with a bunch of wood, which didn't net me nearly as much experience for the skill, but I did manage to get it to level two after the third day of constantly turning oak logs into birch and pine.

Transmute (2/10) [Adept]: A spell created by Devas Erevan. The user can transmute ore or wood into different materials. The spell lasts for one hour unless heat is applied.

Available Materials:

Wood: Pine, Oak, Birch, Mahogany

Ore: Iron, Silver, Corundum, Gold

Cost: 75 Magicka per level of transformation

I hope that I'll be able to get more practice in, but with some ore instead. It'll be tricky though if I continue to be covert about everything, Gavnuk takes count of how much ore we get of each type we have, it'll be hard to sneak in how we have extra silver or iron in our crates. Would being truthful be the best option? Being able to get some ores to practice with would certainly be useful.

It's something to think about, to be sure. But it's something that can be decided later, right now I need to make my way towards Guruk. I need to fill him in on everything that's happened, and to start with our next targets: the orc mine and the Glenmoril Cavern.

I took Kragrau and Ferack with me, to help train the mages currently under Guruks command. While Ferack has little to no interest with my conquests, he has agreed to help train up his former acquaintances; of course on the condition that I help him further his research into enchanting. I agreed, but I'm not exactly sure what I can share. Sure, I know how shit works in the game, but does that translate to a real-world application? Would it really be as simple as a soul gem exchange? Or could it perhaps require more than what I currently know.

Regardless, the three of us made it to Moss Mother Cavern, the new temporary residence of my troops. Sure, it might not be as cozy as the tower they once settled at, but the larger space means that the frontline fighters and the long ranged magicka casters can practice without harming one another.

And it's not like they'll be staying here for long, I already got Gavnuk and some of his lackeys cookin' up something special on the side. If all goes well then we can relocate my forces to a more centralized location so we don't have to constantly relocate, while also being close enough to each territory landmark to create a workable troop rotation to defend my land.

Gods I wish I could learn Telepathy, I had brought up that question to Kragrau and Ferack but neither knew if it was possible to learn the spell outside of being a master illusionist, but I knew it was possible. Several of the game's minor bosses knew how to project their voice inside the player character's head. Granted, that's not true telepathy, but it would be exactly what I would need to get information across to my men without having to travel fifty god damn minutes just to talk with my General!

I should have planned this out better.

Regardless, Kragrau, Ferack, and I walked inside the cave. We made our way around the twisting path into the more open main room to find Guruk and his crew in the middle of what appeared to be a morning briefing. One of the mages in the back spotted us, her audible gasp had everyone else looking in our direction. My eyes roamed the men and women gathered before me. I was very impressed, within only 4 days of training, I could see visible improvement with the physiques of the mages. It's not much, but their arms were noticeably more filled out than before.

I hold no illusions of knowing the science and physiology behind exercising and working out, or how quickly one can see noticeable gains, but something tells me that without Gifted Training, such progress could not have been made within this short amount of time. Gods that perk was so worth the investment.

Guruk turned his head and grinned, he jogged over and gave Kragrau a massive bro hug, which Kragrau happily returned as they chatted briefly to catch up. I saw Ferack being approached by the other mages as they exchanged pleasantries, and from what I could see at least Ferack was making an effort to at least pay attention to what they were saying to him.

Done with his talk with Kragrau, Guruk slapped him on the shoulder as he made his way over to me. We grasped hands once more, flexing our arms and pulling each other into a one-armed hug, slapping each other on the back as we did.

"Ragnar!" Guruk grinned, "Here for our regular meeting?"

I nodded, just as enthused as him. "Yeah, I also got another mark that I want to hit soon, by the end of the week if you can. And I got some…important information I need to share with you. Alone."

Guruk nodded, unperturbed "Alright then, let's head outside." He turned back around, "Alright people you know what to do! Joric, you're in charge of making sure everybody does their warm ups."

"Yes Guruk!"

He turned towards a tall brunette woman that was a part of the gaggle of mages. "Senara, you're in charge of your group. Today just do some light stretches, but you'll be learning under Kragrau and Ferack today for some magickal practice. Make sure you all pay attention, I'm unsure of when we can get them to come and teach you all again, but I'll make sure I'll talk with them about it before they leave, understood?"

The woman in question nodded eagerly as the group of mages all excitedly started to talk amongst themselves, performing some light stretches that I recognized as Yoga poses.

Guruk and I made our way outside the cave and a little ways away from the entrance to get away from any prying ears. Once we were a suitable distance away we sat down on some rather large rocks.

"So," Guruk mused, "What's this sensitive information you wanted to share with me?"

I spent the next 20 minutes carefully going over everything that transpired after I had gotten back from the raid; hunting down Hircine's aspect, fighting and killing the hunters, having to kill Sinding, to fighting and defeating Tsajira. I spared no detail, no expense as I recalled everything.

"-and when I got back to the base, I spent the next three days recovering from the battle."

"Malacath be damned," Guruk muttered, "fighting two werebeasts back-to-back?"

I shrugged, "I was healed in between the two fights, but yes." My fingers intertwined and covered my mouth as I leaned forward, "More importantly, do you believe the men will have issue with me being a werebear?"

Guruk frowned, his finger tapping his thigh uncertainty, "I'm unsure Rangar, this isn't something minor that can just be brushed under the floor as unimportant."

I closed my eyes, resigned. "Yeah, I figured as much. But at the same time, they need to know so they aren't caught off guard and so they can place more trust in me. I have full control over the beast, but they don't know that."

Guruk nodded, "That's true as well, if we don't tell them soon then it's going to cause problems much later down the line."

I opened my eyes as I nodded back, "So we're in agreement. I'll tell Joric and crew first. The mages don't need to know straight away, let them get used to everything first before dumping that information on them." I sighed, "Hopefully with you and the others knowing but not caring, they'll be less inclined to panic."

Guruk grunted, "That could work. Anyways, was there anything else that was private information?"

I shook my head, "No, but I did decide on the next target, hopefully you and the crew can handle it by the end of the week."

"The crew and I? What about you?" Guruk questioned.

"I'll be hitting another mark."

"You're going alone?"

I nodded, "I need to, the place I'm going will be swarming with Hagravens that can turn people into werebeasts, but I have no idea how they do it or how long it takes. I won't run the risk of us showing up and then within ten minutes half of our crew are turned into out-of-control beasts. But after I deal with that, I'll meet up with you guys at the mine. The cave isn't too far away from it. I'll just make my way over and oversee everything."

A tiny smirk rested on my face, "Besides, I'm like 85 percent sure that these Hagravens are worshippers of Hircine. With my status as his Champion, I'm hopeful that I can just convince them to join me on that premise entirely."

Guruk looked unconvinced, "Ragnar, I'm not sure about this. Even if you do manage to turn them to our side, how can we be certain those creatures will be civil with the rest of us?"

I chewed on my lip, "If it comes to that I'll make sure that they're isolated from the rest of the people, maybe further up the mountain if it needs to be that way or they can just stay where they are if it comes down to it."

I grin hopefully, "I'm hoping that if I get the Hagravens on my side, I can open a dialogue with the forsworn if I need to travel into Markarth or just negotiate with them, so they won't attack our men if we ever find ourselves intruding on their 'territory.'"

I shrug, "Also, I'm pretty sure Hircine is one of those old gods the forsworn worship, so who knows? Maybe I can convince some of other forsworn to saddle up with me instead of taking their shot with Madanach."

"Who's Madanach?"

I waved my hand, "No one important. Regardless, if I can't add the Hagravens to my side it'll become so much more difficult to bolster our forces with willing werebeasts."

Otherwise, my only other means of turning people is using my own blood under the guise of the night if the Companions quest is accurate in that regard. But that would mean the turned beast would wreak havoc on my people once they turn, as a person's first turning makes them go into an animalistic rage. I cannot guarantee the safety of my people If it came down to that, and I don't want just a bunch of werebears. I need variety, and hopefully those Hagravens can help me.

Guruk nodded his head, "Alright I understand. Regarding my own target, is it wise to attack them so early on? I haven't had the chance to break in my mages with battle formations, and their magicka training hasn't even gotten a proper schedule."

"Well, from what intel I have the mine that I want you to conquer doesn't have many combatants." I mused, "If anything, just you, Joric, and Brojlic could handle them on your own with how skilled you all are."

Guruk was surprised, "Truly? They're that weak?"

I scoffed, "More like you and the men are that strong, the mine is run by an orcish bandit group that mines up Malachite, they no doubt have Orcish armor and weapons, but you three will be just fine."

Guruk puffed his chest up with pride. "Well how about that? Alright Ragnar, we'll spend the next couple of days training and planning and then we'll storm that mine. You mind pointing out where it is on my map?"

With the bulk of our conversation out of the way, we made our way back towards Moss Mother Cave as we talked shop, going over training regiments and supplies. Once we had gotten back I called Kragrau over and the three of us hashed out a schedule where Kragrau, sometimes with Ferack, would come by twice a week to train the mages in Magicka.

Well, it's less them teaching magicka but more of teaching the mages to come together to learn as a unit. As far as Kragrau and Ferack have gotten training and studying their magicka, they're by no means experts on subjects. At best both have adept proficiency in a single school of magicka; Illusion with Kragrau and Destruction, subset lighting with Ferack.

But pooling all of their knowledge together, instead of learning separately, will create an environment of cooperation and encourage the sharing of knowledge with one another, far different from keeping everything close to their chest (which I've learned is apparently the standard amongst mages).

It's my hope that once Ferack and Kragrau crack the secret of Restoration magicka that they'll share the knowledge with the others, and once that happens and they get it down we'll be able to cultivate a myriad of restoration school spells. And once we figure out how to heal other people, Falkreath will have the first instance of widespread, hopefully free, healthcare.

Once we hashed everything out I patted Guruk on the shoulder and made my way out of the cave; Kragrau and Ferack stayed behind to continue with their magicka shit, so I went home alone. I waved to the men training as I passed by, withholding it when I passed by Brojlic, only giving him a small nod as I left the cave.

(-)

A rough four days had passed, using the time to practice both my transmute and smithing skills. I had managed to level Transmute another level with the wood method, but other than the cost going down I hadn't gained any new materials I could transmute things into. However, with all the ore smelting and ingot molding I did I had managed to level smithing up to twelve, unlocking some more perks that I wasn't interested in, but I was now confident that I could try making a dagger if someone taught me.

Maybe I'll ask Lod?

Regardless, it was time. Guruk and his men shouldn't be going to Bilegulch Mine for another hour or two, that should give me plenty of time to get this over with and reconvene with the rest of them.

It had taken me little more than an hour to get to the cave, but I managed to get there with plenty of time to spare. With nothing holding me back, I stepped inside.

I made my way through the narrow passageway and into the first "room" of the cave, the wide open area lit only by a burning fire and very few torches that illuminated the halls towards the other rooms that housed the Hagravens. I walked towards the empty center, my steps silent as I warily and cautiously came closer to the center fire.

The suddenness of the heat came with the prickling of his skin, a slight sensation, but it was enough; twisting my body, I quickly equipped my batter shield., blocking a fireball that was launched at me from the balcony above me. I had successfully blocked a majority of the damage, but my proud shield companion did not survive as its rim exploded outward, the small remaining portion of the shield still on fire as I tossed it aside.

I rolled to the side as another fire ball sailed over my head, impacting the wall behind me causing dust to fall from the ceiling of the cave. Cursing, my eyes landed on the dark silhouette of the Hagraven that was attacking me. Another fireball went ablaze, illuminating her hideous, vaguely bird-like face and body just as she sent it again towards me.

I managed to weave around the ball of fire and raised my hands in the universal meaning of surrender. The hagraven, startled, cocked her head to the side in confusion, buying me enough time to shout out to her.

"I'm not here to fight!"

The hagraven jumped from her perch onto the floor, the soft sound of bare feet pattering on the floor echoed throughout the cave as her frame came into more light. Her beady black eyes narrowed as her sneering face came into view.

"Nord!" The Hagraven's raspy voice hissed, "Why come to Agne's home!"

I took a calming deep breath, here comes the hard part.

"I've come to see whether or not you and your sisters would like to work with me."

I decided long before coming here that attempting to coerce or trick the hagravens into working for me would be a terrible idea, they're powerful and no doubt intelligent enough to see through whatever flowery bullshit I could attempt to trick them with. What's best would be to be blunt and upfront with what I want.

My intentions surprised Agne as she took a step back in shock. It took her a moment, but she quickly regained her composure as a smile spread across her leathery face.

"Together? My my, Agnes surprised indeed."

I ignored her confusing way of speaking. "Yes, together. I realized long ago that my plans would inevitably force me to encounter you and your sisters. And I know you are all very powerful, befitting a Hagraven of your caliber."

I gently lowered my hands but kept a non-threatening stance as I continued to speak. "See, instead of coming to blows, I'd much rather us to be allies than enemies."

The Hagraven's face cocked to the side, "Nord interesting, yes yes. Such powerful flesh you have. What goal does this one have?"

Moment of truth. "To rule over all of Skyrim."

The Hagraven let out a high-pitched cackle, "The Nord wishes to rule! Just like the rest, yes. But none as respectful to the sisters, no!"

The Hagraven came closer and placed her bird-claw-like hand on my cheek. I forced down my body's natural reaction to shudder as I calmly gazed down into her eyes.

"Such resolve eyes have. Yes, yes! What name does Nord possess?"

"Ragnar," My voice rumbled, "Champion of Hircine."

The Hagraven's eyes widened in surprise as her hands left my face, "Hircine Champion?!" Her eyes moved up and down, studying me. "Armor familiar yes! Savior Armor you possess indeed!"

Her eyes narrowed slightly, "Not enough, no! Armor can be had by anyone. Must have second voice, yes."

She hobbled over and pushed me gently towards the fire, I stumbled back in surprise at the gentleness. "Ragnar Stay, Agnes come back with second voice."

She left me by the fire but quickly came back with one of the other hagravens, just as hideous as the first but with some minor differences in plumage and feather color. While Agnes's feathers were raven black, this new one's feathers were a midnight blue, and her skin wasn't as leathery as the first.

"This one claim champion of Lord Hircine?"

"Yes yes sister Isobel."

The one named Isobel seemed to just appear before me, analyzing me with her beady black eyes as her hands glowed with magicka, her hands moving up and down my body as if she was scanning me.

"The Nord Ragnar has Hircine blessing, yes. Claim he made appears true."

I hummed in surprise, "You seem to speak a little more…clearly than your sister."

Isobel's lips rose up with what I assumed was amusement, "Latest turned Isobel is, so Isobel's speech has not all been lost."

I raised an eyebrow, "So the longer you've been turned the more your speech degrades?"

Isobel's head nodded, "Longer turned, more powerful one becomes, but loss of humanity increases. Sister Fallaise no longer speaks human tongue, no. Full beast talk she possesses."

"Huh," I muttered, "Good to know I guess."

Isobel's hands returned to her sides as she stepped back and conversed with Agnes. I couldn't catch a word of what they were saying, but I had to assume it was good news considering they weren't attacking me. Finally, Isobel and Agnes nodded heads, as if coming to some sort of agreement. Agnes disappeared into the nearest hallway as Isobel came back over to me, her talon of a finger poking my arm as it motioned me to follow. I obeyed, walking with her until we reached the other end of the opened room.

"So," I asked as my eyes roamed the other hallway entrances, "what's the final verdict?"

Isobel let out a few titters, "Nord has Hircine Blessing indeed, but beast form is general blessing. Should Nord Ragnar prove strength, sisters shall converse once more and decide."

I silently groaned, as much as this "strength above all," mentality that all of Skyrim seems to have has been helping, having to fight all the time is fucking exhausting.

I didn't have to wait long as two low growls echoed into the room from the dark hallways in front of me. I turned to look at Isobel only to see her gone, my eyes finding her next to her other four sisters on the platform above me. I let out a calming breath as I slowly tilted my head side to side, letting out loud cracks as I did so. My hands clenched as I narrowed my eyes at the glowing eyes that I could see in the dark halls.

The dark figures dashed forwards, their claws blurred as they barred down at me, arms stretched forwards as their long furry arms attempted to bisect me with their mighty claws.

Key word: Attempted.

They beasts let out confused whines as their arms were held tight in a vice grip. They struggled a bit but ultimately couldn't get out of the unyielding grip my own furry paws held. A savage smile painted my human face as I glared menacingly at the two werewolves who dared to bare their fangs at me.

My body started to shift, flesh and armor melded into one as my frame grew and enlarged into a large beast easily as big as Tsajira's. My back hunched over slightly as muscles expanded, my face soon followed as my face grew more dangerous, more bear-like as my maw expanded and fur emerged. I growled, my black bear lips snarling with constrained anger as I opened my mouth and bellowed.

"RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The two wolves barely had time to recover as I swung them up into the air, and slammed them back down into the earth. The two wolves heaved as air was forcefully expelled from their lungs. I let go quickly and slammed my hands down on the ground, so I stood at all fours, regaining my balance. It seems that I don't have mastery over my balance in this state, looks like I need to practice so this doesn't happen again.

Curiously enough, these beasts also seem to not be able to walk upright. Are they also newly turned beasts?

My hulking frame rushed forward. The beasts managed to get up as my massive body came barreling towards them. They quickly ran out of the way as my jaws just barely missed their tails. Growling, I shifted to the side as my paws dug into the ground, kicking up a lot of dust in the process.

The werewolves cautiously stalked forward together as I stood still, watching them carefully as they encircled me. Once they were out of my sight they made their move, quickly trying to attack me with their claws once again.

I heaved my body upright, and with what little control I had I managed to turn around just as they pounced. Gravity took hold once more as I slammed my paws down right on their backs, crashing them into the ground once more. They struggled, attempting to claw me but they were at too awkward of an angle to try and hit me. A deep growl rumbled in my throat as I leaned down, right next to their heads. My dark black eyes staring right into their wild red ones.

"Submit," I snarled out.

They attempted to struggle again, flailing wildly under my paws. I snarled and pushed down harder, their struggling slowing down as they realized the futility of resisting me.

"SUBMIT!"

Their struggle came to a stop at my exclamation, my order, my command. Pained, submissive whines reached my ears as I slowly released them from my grasp. My massive form started to shrink, fur melting back into skin and armor as I transformed back into my human form. The two werewolves, confused, stared at me. I raised my eyebrow, challenging them to try anything.

They didn't.

"You two listen to me now, got it?"

Slowly, their heads nodded. They cautiously stepped forward and gently came to my side, as to not cause further pain to their chest and back. I sighed, reaching into my bag and pulling out several of Umak's health potions.

I gently motioned for the closest werewolf to come closer, it did so cautiously. I, patiently, coaxed the beast to open its mouth and poured one of the potions into it. The beast swallowed the potion in surprise, but once it realized it was healing the wolf eagerly opened its mouth again for more of my potions. It's friend, once it realized their partner was cooperating, also let me heal it with the potions.

They downed six of my eight potions, healing them as much as these weak potions were able to. Now they just needed some rest and hearts to heal themselves fully from any broken or fractured bones (if they had any). The beasts wagged their tails as I rubbed their heads for behaving so well.

Gods I hope whatever poor sap who was turned isn't conscious right now, this would be super degrading otherwise.

I could hear the Hagravens discussing something behind me in their weird language, what was undoubtedly about my performance just now-

"Nord Ragnar proved very strong indeed!"

I most definitely did not jump in shock at Isobel's sudden voice next to me, no matter what her cackles at my expense suggested.

"Master of beasts Ragnar must be, Agnes can not call back dogs, no. Very sad, sister is."

"…I'm sorry?"

Isobel hid her mouth behind her feathered wrist, her amused stare meeting my eyes. "Big beast Ragnar is, true must be that you are Champion of our Lord."

Hope rose in my chest, "So does this mean…?"

Isobel laughed, "Yes yes, it's true. The sisters shall work together with Champion Ragnar." Her eyes met mine with a hard stare, "Conditions, we have."

I nodded, happy that everything was going so smoothly. "Yes of course! Of course, will I have conditions of my own?"

"Isobel must speak with sisters, but Isobel believes no problem this will be."

I sighed in relief.

"Sisters agreed to work with Champion Ragnar, but sisters want promise that arts aren't restricted!"

I mulled it over, "If you don't use people for your arts then I don't mind if you continue whatever you all are doing."

Isobel scoffed, "Our rites need not Humans. In fact, Isobel and sisters want humans to leave us alone!"

I stared at the werewolves sitting next to me. "What about these guys?"

Isobel rolled her eyes, "Humans intrude on our home, sister Agnes deal with. Leave us alone, humans left alone."

I nodded, "I'll make sure no one intrudes on you and your sisters."

"Welll…."

I raised my eyebrow, "What is it?"

Isobel shuffles in place a bit, "Isobel spoke with sisters, agreement we came to. Isobel goes with Ragnar, relays messages between parties Isobel can do." She titters in amusement, "Isobel also wishes for outside. Cave fine, but boring. Isobel only 700! Too young to be cooped up in a cave Isobel is."

What the fuck? And she's supposed to be the youngest here?!

Though…I guess that makes sense that these hagravens are old as fuck, they're – or I guess maybe some of them? – were the ones who had turned the first generation of companions into werewolves when they asked, and that was when, the first era or something? The oldest one here is easily over a thousand years old.

My mind reeled back onto a detail she just mentioned, "You can communicate with your sisters even if you come back with me?"

Isobel cackles, "Powerful we are, distance speaking easy spell for Isobel and sisters,"

I bit my lip, "I don't mind if you come back, but I have other humans working for me that hang around the base. Will that be okay?"

Isobel's eyes lit up, "Isobel cares not for humans like sisters do, Isobel fine with little humans if humans behave themselves."

I nodded and proceeded to go over a couple of other stipulations and conditions with Isobel. Essentially, I promised that I would do my best to ensure no one bothered them, I would have someone deliver animals to them for their rituals and sacrifices, and that I would not ban the practice of their "dark arts". In return: They promise to not use humans for rituals (not that they needed to), they would turn willing people I brought into werebeasts, and that Isobel would teach mages I had who were willing to learn from her.

With these conditions set, the Hagravens officially agreed to work for me.

You have subjugated 2 werebeasts

+150 XP

[285/800]

Glenmoril Coven added to Territory list (+3 INT)

You have gained seven followers!

Profile updated!

"Hey Isobel?"

"What is it Champion Ragnar?"

I scratched my cheek with one finger sheepishly, "Well, I kind of promised my men that I'd oversee an operation. Do you mind if we go there first before I take you back to our home?"

Isobel let out an amused huff, "Isobel does not mind, most amusing human reactions are."

(-)

Isobel was right, the reactions of Guruk, Joric, Brojlic, and Erwans was fucking hilarious when I pulled up with her and my two new werebeasts. I cackled with Isobel for ten full minutes at their Gobsmacked before I calmed down and explained that they were my new companions. Brojlic and Erwan were, understandably, slightly(read: massively) uncomfortable with them. But Guruk, and surprisingly Joric were rather okay with them!

Man, I gotta get Joric something nice, he's been super fucking helpful. More than his dumbass friends anyways.

Anyways, Guruk led the other three and completely dismantled the opposition. The bandits here didn't put up a fight at all against the overwhelming force that my men brought. These poorly untrained, undisciplined mooks couldn't hope to stand against their might.

The leader, some orc whose name I couldn't remember, came out from the mine and provided somewhat of a challenge. His Orcish armor was tougher than most, and he had monstrous strength to back it up with his massive greatsword, but his lack of skill really did him in. All he did was swing around his sword like a giant club, no form or technique. Just pure, raw strength and the will to cleave anything in his path.

Guruk dismantled him easily while Joric and crew handled the remaining lackeys.

Unsurprisingly, the arrogant former leader still refused to accept defeat until I strolled in with my two werewolves and Isobel, he shut up real quick then and surrendered fully, the rest of his men following. In the end, none wished to return with me, all fully committed to fighting with Guruk.

Your men have defeated 14 Orc Bandits!

[NOTICE: Your subjects led the raid in your name, you have been awarded 60% of the EXP]

+420 EXP

[705/800]

+Bilegulch Mine added to Territory (+2 STR)

+You have gained 14 followers!

Profile updated!

With that taken care of, I had Brojlic and Erwans lead my new soldiers back to their camp to get them situated, while I had Guruk and Joric help me gather anything from the camp that would be worth bringing back.

We found some ingots by a forge near the mine's entrance, along with some spare weapons and pickaxes, and a bunch of other things like makeshift beds and whatnot. I made sure to take everything useful on my end and left the weapons for Guruk to take home.

Once we divided up the loot, Joric and Guruk left carrying all their shit while I stayed back with mine. Once they were gone I stuffed everything into my backpack, activating my inventory. I was left with only 2 open slots of inventory, but that didn't matter.

I strolled with Isobel around the camp, making sure we didn't miss anything just before I entered the mine, my two beasts staying outside since they couldn't fit. I walked inside and to the right where I knew the main bosses room was, but like with my base there was no "Boss chest", but I did stash his bed in my inventory!

My ear twitched as a pang of steel echoed throughout the mine. I tensed, my hand itching towards my axe as I slowly turned around. Nothing behind me, but definitely much further in. I slowly made my way further in the mine, careful to not make a sound as I inched closer and closer, passing by a large cell full of terrified people.

Wait.

I jumped back in shock at the cell full of people of all ages, young and old. The people huddled at the back of the cell, terrified out of their mind as the adults comforted the smaller children, the youngest easily being no older than seven.

"Holy shit…" I muttered.

I frantically patted my pockets down and searched my bag but I had no lockpicks, I ran back to the leaders room and tore it apart, but I couldn't find a key. Cursing, I rushed back to the cell door and gently shook each and every bar. The scared, but confused captives watched me as I slowly went from one side down, shaking the bars until I found three loose ones. I crouched down, to be on their level as I spoke in a comforting, calm manner.

"I'll get you all out of here, but I can't find the key. I'm going to have to break down some bars, and it's going to be loud, maybe even scary."

Hope returned to their eyes as the adult captives nodded.

I grinned, "Once I break these down, I need you all to calmly exit one person at a time. Don't rush out, I have some rather…scary friends outside. They won't harm you, but please don't run out lest you startle them, okay?"

I stood up once I saw them all nod. I grabbed my sheathed axe, winded up, and slammed it into the loose bar. I kept swinging, causing a deep dent each time I slammed it in until the bottom of the bar broke. With that part done, I gripped onto the broken bar with both hands and pulled with all my strength, ripping the bar out as I did.

I stuck my hand in and offered it for the children, given that they were small enough to fit through I saw it necessary to get them out of the cell first. One by one I helped each child through the bars, and once they were all out, I got to work on the second and third bar. The children covered their ears as my method was a bit… loud.

Eventually, I managed to break off another two bars and helped the adults get out too. Once everyone was together again, I led them out of the mine until we got to the entrance, where I stopped. Turning around, I addressed the former captives.

"Brace yourselves for what you see, okay? It'll be scary, but I promise no harm will come to any of you."

With that message imparted, I led them out of the mine. Predictably, my werewolves made the captives scared out of their minds, not to mention the Hagraven next to them, but my talks managed to at least not have them running for the hills. The fear momentarily left as the weight of the situation hit them all, as they stared at the sky and forest in awe.

"By Kynareth…we're free!"

"Mara be blessed, I never thought we'd get out of here!"

"Are we going home mama, papa?"

"Yes my sweet girl, we're going home!"

…I'll have to assign a special mission to the former leader of the bandits here.

I pushed my murderous thoughts to the side. Focus Ragnar.

I cleared my throat, "Not to spoil this moment, but where exactly is 'home'?"

I got a plethora of answers, from Markarth, Falkreath, Dragonsbridge, Rorikstead, and even Morthal!

I clapped my hands, "Well, unfortunately I have no idea if a carriage service runs from Falkreath to these places, but I'll guide you all back to Falkreath, is that alright? You all don't have any place to stay, other than those who are from Falkreath right? Don't worry about that, I'll pay for those who need it to stay at Dead Man's Drink for a couple of days."

A chorus of 'aedra' bless yous and other forms of thanks sang to my ears for my generosity, I waved them off. It works well for me too, once word gets back that I saved a bunch of captives from bandits my popularity will only increase, getting me one step closer to the position of Jarl.

With that out of the way, I led the people through the woods on a long trek back to Falkreath. We had to stop frequently, as these people were not prepared for long travel through this kind of terrain. On our breaks, I would answer some of the questions that the children had. Where am I from? Who am I? How do I have big wolves listening to me? That kind of thing.

Obviously I didn't give them any of the explicit details, just sprinkles of the truth where needed. I didn't know where I was born, my name is Ragnar, I tamed these beasts, etc. It not only satisfied the children's curiosity, but with some demonstrations of petting my tamed beasts the adults of the group began to relax more. Not fully, Isobel was still here bored out of her hagraven mind, but she thankfully stayed quiet, perhaps understanding the delicacy of this moment.

We eventually made it to Falkreaths gate. I had to order the beasts to stay beside the road, much like a dog to the children's delight and amusement. And I politely asked Isobel if she could wait with them, to which she nodded.

It was then that I led the people to Falkreath, the citizens inside the city whispering and staring in confusion as I led a group of easily thirty people through the walkways and inside Dead Man's Drink. Once I filled in Valga about the situation she and I got as many rooms as we could ready. She tried to refuse payment from me but I insisted that she take my money, she can't afford to house 20 something people without payment.

She reluctantly accepted my money as I led the last remaining captives towards the Jarl longhouse, the ones who lived here originally. The Jarl apparently was too busy, but thankfully his steward Neyna was there to help get the process going.

I didn't stay for long, I had to get everything else situated with my beasts and Isobel so I politely excused myself from the situation, receiving many hugs and handshakes as I left them to go home.

What I didn't realize, as I left Falkreath and back to Isobel and the beasts, was that this was the start of a new gossip around town about me: A miner turned hero who saved captured slaves with the help of his tamed werebeasts. The ramifications and consequences of this stretching further than I could ever imagine.

(?)

It has been more than three weeks since those blasted mercenaries had left, and not one had returned. It was obvious that they had either died, or failed and fled to escape punishment. No matter, if they were alive they'd be dead soon enough.

Regardless, to say Thonar Silver-blood was not pleased would be an understatement. In the three weeks since those mercenaries had left, talk surrounding the Jeweler in Falkreath has increased thanks to that damned imperial, Margret was her name. She kept yapping on and on, and soon enough the tourists of Markarth were starting to wonder if they should take their business to them.

The thought of some upstart stealing away his customers made Thonar's blood boil with a rage not even Molag Bal could replicate, but thankfully his rational mind won out over his anger. Clearly he had underestimated the security this mine owner had, to be able to defeat his mercenaries was no small feat, obviously.

That's why he decided to hire a…professional.

"The dark brotherhood has come, Thonar."

Thonar smiled into his cup of mead as the voice behind him spoke, "You sound a bit young to be an assassin."

The voice behind him chuckled, "Flattery will get you everywhere. Now, who's the target?"

Thonar snarled, "I'm not sure who they are, but they're the owner of a new silver mine that operates down in Falkreath. I want them dead, make it look like an accident if you can, but I don't mind if it's…messy."

He could feel the assassin's grin as they spoke, "And my payment?"

He motioned to the side of his table, "That bag of gold septim's is yours if you accept, do we have a deal?"

Babette smiled. "Your contract has been accepted, Thonar Silver-Blood."

Name: Ragnar

Race: Nord

Level: 15

EXP: 705/ 800

Health: 260 Magicka: 370 Stamina: 250

STR: 18 (21)

INT: 27 (37)

END: 22 (26)

DEX: 22 (25)

SP: 0

PP: 3

Land Controlled:

Falkreath: (›)

[+3 STR, +4 END, +10 INT, +3 DEX]

People under your leadership:

Happy: 38

Neutral: 20

Unhappy: 15