Chapter 9: The Siege

In the early hours of the evening at Fort Dawnguard, a young man nervously ambled up the steps to the main doors. He wore farmer's clothes and carried a dismal axe in his sheath. He opened the great doors and beckoned inside the main chamber. The young man's breath strayed as he looked up to the vast, dark architecture of the inner fort. He gulped nervously and slowly shuffled into the keep. He looked for someone to speak to, but the place looked almost deserted of life. He could see the roasting fire in the hall adjacent to him. He walked to the entrance but was quickly called to by the erupting voice of an Orc.

Durak stomped his way to the young man, "You there! What are you doing here?!"

The young man quaked nervously, "I… I'm Agmaer, sir… I'm here to join the Dawnguard…"

"You…" Durak began to loudly chuckle, "You want to kill vampires?! Bahaha! Looks like you just squeezed outta your mother's womb, boy. How old are you?!"

Agmaer replied softly, "Uhh… this is my twentieth winter, sir."

"Malacath's fangs… well you're not the most outlandish potential Dawnguard I've met. We've got another guttersnipe around here, too. Hopefully you don't cause as much trouble as she does…" Durak observed the young man's stature, "You look strong, at least. You're gonna have to speak to Isran, he'll size you up."

"Really?!" Agmaer said happily, "That's great! I promise I won't! Where is Isran…?"

"He's in a meeting… which is usually never good. That guttersnipe I mentioned… well, you may be the youngest Dawnguard in our ranks come tomorrow."

To the upper level was a room usually left abandoned. It held a torture rack and an assortment of thrashing tools and shackles against the walls. Rotted, dry blood stained the floor, and skulls of previous victims were kept to the shelves. This room was occupied by the bodies of seven individuals, two of which stood to the corner of the room, awaiting an uncertain outcome. Serana paced her red eyes along the infuriated glares she received in the dank dungeon. Mimzi stayed ready to use her Shout, if need be. Isran and the Circle came through behind them.

"Seriously," grumbled Mimzi, "We couldn't have talked… like in your quarters? It stinks in here."

Isran snarled at the two women, "Alright, you've tested my patience enough by bringing this filth into the fort. Now… what does it want?"

Serana aloofly stated, "This 'it' can talk. I'd rather not be here with any of you, either. I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm here because you're all vampire slayers and I need your help. Mimzi knows me and can vouch for me. She knows that I'm speaking the truth. My father, Harkon, works to put all of Tamriel in danger."

Kodlak muttered, "Your father?"

"Yes. He's working to enact the Tyranny of the Sun. It's an old prophecy," explained Serana to the wary onlookers, "It's vague and pointless like most prophecies, but he's engulfed by it. It all goes back to me, and why I was in that crypt, and why I have the Elder Scroll."

Mimzi hissed, "Okay, so spit it out then."

"I'm trying to, Mimzi, now be quiet," Serana hushed to her, "Anyway… my father… he's trying to blot out the sun. The prophecy is written in this scroll, and he needs it to reach the trials to enact it. If he gets his hands on it… he could blot the sun out forever."

Isran gasped in disbelief, "Stendarr's mercy…"

Farkas blabbed in a panicked tone, "Wait… what? He's trying to do what?"

"So, the vampires can have free reign of Tamriel without the pain of the day… they'd be unstoppable…" Vilkas almost said to himself, he looked up from the ground with wide eyes, "Shor's bones… that's why they attacked Whiterun. Why they are skirmishing the province… they are trying to weaken the land before they finally have the means to control it."

"Exactly," coolly stated Serana, "They are working up to it now. They only need two artifacts to make it happen…and…"

Serana shrunk deep into thought and a terrified glare riddled her face.

"And… what?" Mimzi asked up to Serana.

Serana gloomed, "I didn't come here to risk my own safety just so I can get a little back-up. I came here… for protection."

Mimzi scoffed, "Protection from what? You're a vampire lord, or whatever. What would you need protection from?"

Serana stated dejectedly, "My father. One of the two artifacts he needs is the blood of a Daughter of Coldharbour… well that's me."

Isran asked, "A Daughter of Coldharbour, what in the Nine Holds is that?"

"It's what we call the vampires who were turned by the Daedric Prince Molag Bal himself. A pure-blooded vampire. Always women, and usually not willing participants. Our blood is needed for the ritual, and the only other one I know that could still be alive is my mother. My father doesn't know where she is; if he did he'd have killed her a long time ago. I'm the only one he knows that's available to him. So he's looking for me."

Mimzi muttered, "How much of your blood does he need?"

"All of it. He needs to drain me and douse arrows in my blood. He'll use those arrows with the second artifact— Auriel's Bow. An ancient, powerful weapon created by the god himself. He shoots one of those arrows up at the sun, and it's gone forever, leaving the land permanently shrouded in darkness. There will be no fertile land to grow food, and no protection for mankind. The vampires will always have their pick of the slaughter. What once was Tamriel will become a heaping rock of thralls and their vampire masters who covet them. It's bad… really bad."

The faces onlooking went from hateful glares to terrified gawks. Their mouths fell parted at the information that they heard from the ancient vampire. Their breaths shallowed as panic began to fester. Even Mimzi couldn't comprehend the sheer terror of the information before them.

"So, you're saying… this is a full scale… vampire invasion… threat?" Mimzi quaked in a shrill voice. "How many could die from this?"

Serana alarmed, "Too many on both sides. It would be the end of the world as we know it. The vampires would leech every ounce of human life from this land till there was nothing left."

Isran said reluctantly, "Hmph, a vampire trying to save its own hide against their own kind is far more believable than you coming here to fight just because you're warm and fuzzy inside, but this all sounds like the works of an overactive imagination to me."

Mimzi raised to her, "Is that why you were sealed away? You did that to yourself?"

"No… I didn't. My mother did," stated Serana, "Self-preservation, mostly. This sounds like a romantic idea to most vampires, but for some of us… it's a ridiculous plan. We'd be inviting a war with all of Tamriel if this were to happen. My mother was scared it would be the end of vampires. Either way, many would die. Innocent mortals and vampires. My father is… twisted. He doesn't care if his side wins, he only wants power."

Aela demanded to Serana whilst crossing her arms, "Where is your proof then?"

Mimzi spoke up, "I'm hoping my word counts for something but yeah… I was in that castle and met Harkon. He wants that scroll and Serana. He sent his toadies in Dimhollow to fetch them both for him. It's hard to comprehend, but I do believe her. So what's our next step… what do we do? Head to Castle Volkihar and slice Harkon's head off or what?"

Isran and Serana blurted simultaneously, "No!"

"That's a bad idea," warned Serana, "All of my father's strength is marshalled there. No offence to your forces, but it's pretty dismal here. There isn't enough manpower here compared to what lurks in that castle."

"I agree with the fiend. It's right, with our ranks as they are now, we'd be decimated," glowered Isran, "This… 'Auriel's Bow', where is it? Surely if we had it, we'd be able to safeguard it from their control."

Serana explained, "That's why my father wants the scroll, he needs to find the bow. The only way to find it is to read the scroll."

"How are we supposed to do that?" pessimistically asked Vilkas to Serana, "They aren't meant for reading by just anyone. They can drive you to madness by a single glance."

Serana explained to Vilkas, "Last I checked there were people in Tamriel who were capable of reading the Elder Scrolls. They even specialized in the art of seeking them out for reading. It's a matter of finding these people."

Mimzi muttered, "When I lived in the Imperial City… the Moth Priests were always seen as this big deal. They were able to read the Elder Scrolls. They'd prepare for years before they could even read a few lines, though. When I read one… it just took me to a sequence of the past, but my eyesight was fogged for days," stated Mimzi, "I'm not sure it would be the best idea if I read this one."

Vilkas and Serana balked at Mimzi, "You read an Elder Scroll?!"

Mimzi professed, "Just once… and I didn't even read it. I opened it in a Time Wound up on the Throat of the World. It just revealed a sequence of ancient Tongues to me as soon as I glanced," she was met with astonished and baffled gazes at the young whelp's confession.

Serana muttered in a soft tone, "That all sounds… interesting, to say the least. But this wouldn't be like that, at all. You'd have to really study it. I mean it would be telling us where Auriel's Bow is and that takes time. I don't think you should be reading it if we're not certain that you can. It could break you in moments, a Moth Priest is the best bet."

"Fine," broke Isran, "I'll start looking into this Moth Priest, see if there are any in Skyrim, or could make the journey to our keep from the Imperial province. But the question remains… what do we do about you?"

Serana scoffed, "I just brought you all this information and I've got so much to offer, still. You kill me, you lose all of it. I'm here to help, why would I come all the way here to risk my life and give up my Elder Scroll? We share a common interest here."

Isran snarled to her, "Doesn't matter, you're a blood fiend. Eventually you'll need to feed and when you do, I'll be damned if it is one of my men."

Serana shot back, "How about you let me worry about that? When I do need to feed I'll handle it. Your men won't have to worry about me. You kill me, you'll be down a powerful ally. I am worth a lot more to you all alive."

"She's right," uttered Mimzi, "We need every advantage we can get, right? Why not use her? I've seen her in action, she's good."

Isran glared to Mimzi and ordered, "Fine, then I have a solution. If she's going to stay in this keep… she's your responsibility."

"No," boldly stated Mimzi whilst shaking her head, "There is no way you are dumping her on me. I just got back! I haven't slept, I haven't eaten! I'm going to bed and I'm not watching her! I'm tired and hungry!" Her voice echoed like thunder off the walls.

Serana scoffed and said sarcastically, "Geez… the princess has spoken."

"And what of this… thing? You expect me to let her have free reign of my keep till then? Are you insane? I don't think so. If she's going to stay here, you are personally responsible for her. If she hurts anyone here, you will be punished. Do you understand?"

Mimzi exclaimed, "So what, I'm her babysitter?! You think I can control what she does?"

Isran growled back, "For your sake, I hope you can. She's not a guest, so she's not welcome. She's a tool… an asset. She's to be treated as such till the rest of her kin are dealt with. It was your choice to bring her into our fort, so you will suffer the punishment if she becomes a threat. Now do you understand?"

Kodlak spoke up sternly, "Isran… she is our whelp. You don't do anything to her without our…"

Isran quickly cut him off, "She is in my fort, with my Dawnguard. How would you feel if she let this bloodsucking scum darken the steps of Jorrvaskr— putting your other whelps and townsfolk at risk? No, Kodlak, you don't get a say here. This is Dawnguard's territory now."

"You can't expect her to control the actions of a vampire…" Vilkas said in a deep growl, "… and you can't expect us to stand idly by if you fall any harm to her either."

"What Vilkas said," rejoined Farkas in a glare, "She's our family, we look after our own. She ain't Dawnguard, Mimzi is a Companion."

Serana uttered in her own defence, "You guys know I'm not going to do anything, right?"

Isran scolded to the Companions who returned scowls, "Yet she's here, in my fort, using up my resources and putting my men at risk. She's got an ego, and it needs to be tamed. You all agreed to come here to fight vampires, not join up with one. It'll be tolerated under my strict instruction, that's the end of it."

Mimzi groaned at Isran, "Fine, whatever! I'll watch her… you all don't need to worry about me… I'll be okay," she looked to the worried faces of her shield-siblings, "If she tries anything I'll Shout her into next week, sound good?"

Serana grumbled while crossing her arms, "Not really."

Isran stated, "Good. Now all of you get out. As you can see, I now have a heap of research to attend to. When I get a lead on this Elder Scroll business we'll carry on with our mission. For now, rest up… and you two… come with me," ordered Isran to Mimzi and Serana.

Isran marched out to the balcony with the two women reluctantly following. They exchanged worrisome looks as to what was about to happen. Isran stood at the foot of the balcony and called out over the railing.

"All of you! Gather around! I have an announcement!"

Slowly Dawnguard soldiers peered from the barracks and other corners of the fort downstairs. Gunmar and Sorine approached the centre hesitantly, while Durak and Celann called out to other warriors who may not have heard Isran's calling. Agmaer cautiously looked up in an oblivious gaze to what was happening. The Companions slowly sauntered from the torture room to overhear Isran.

"Listen up! We have a change of pace happening around here you all oughta know about. As it's been revealed, the vampires plan a mass invasion upon Nirn. Their leader, Harkon, works to enact an ancient prophecy… the Tyranny of the Sun, where our sun will be eaten from our very own skies!"

The soldiers went aghast in horror and grew in panicked chatter and revulsions.

Isran belted, "Quiet! I know this is a lot to take in but it's my duty to keep you all aware on the current events revealed. I will be working diligently to get a head start before these vampires get the upper hand. Now…" Isran gestured to Serana and Mimzi, "This is Serana. As you can see… she's a vampire. Before you all go mad with your warhammers, listen intently. She is a valuable tool to be used to enact this shameful prophecy. They need her blood, and we need her knowledge. For now… she will be staying with us till we find someone who can read that Elder Scroll on her back."

Gunmar blurted, "An Elder Scroll?! Why does she have it? Why does it need to be read?!"

Durak bellowed up, "You want us to just sit around with a damn vampire in the fort?!"

Celann rejoined, "Why do the vampires need her blood?! Surely there's more you could tell us!"

"Shut it!" hollered Isran in a frightening voice, "Everything will be revealed soon, but for now I need to lay down some ground rules. This… vampire is under strict supervision. Understand this vampire is not welcome in our fort. If she dares to harm any of you, I give you the go ahead to kill her where she stands, no discussions. She's not allowed in the barracks; she will not be roaming the fort at night! If she even looks at you like she's going to sink her teeth in; kill her. Wherever she goes, she will be accompanied by her keeper…"

Serana sighed under her breath, "Well this isn't the getaway I was hoping for…"

The Companions crossed their arms in disdain at his speech.

"Keeper?" Sorine asked, "You?"

Isran replied huskily, "No. Not me. As I'm sure some of you know, this is Mimzi. This little dove of a Companion will be solely responsible for the behaviour of this wretch. She's not as witless as she looks, so if the vampire violates any of the boundaries, she will pay, dearly. Wherever the vampire goes, Mimzi better be at her back, or… you have my permission to kill it, urgently. Is everyone content with that?"

"Yes, sir!"

Mimzi released a dejected and humiliated sigh as she shamefully looked away from the infuriated glares below. Isran turned to her coldly and affirmed, "You'd better keep a short leash on your little… pet. I'm putting the safety of my men in your hands."

Mimzi said petulantly, "I can't do anything without her? I can't even go to the outhouse by myself? This is… ridiculous."

Isran scowled, "I'm ensuring the safety of my men and putting a stop to this prophecy all in one. If you didn't want it tied to your hip you should have killed it in that crypt when you had the chance…" He marched back to his quarters, leaving Mimzi irate as Serana stood next to her side. The Companions looked on in worry to Mimzi.

She said, "You all don't need to stare at me like that…"

"With what is unfolding, it's right to worry. I just pray your trust in this fiend isn't folly," grimly replied Kodlak.

Mimzi affirmed, "I can handle her. She's all bark-no bite so far."

Serana rolled her eyes, where the Companions smirked in response.

Aela kindly stated, "You're not alone, Mimzi. Maybe Isran wants you feeling that way, but you're not. We're here. So, if this beast thinks it can prey on you in solitude, it's got another thing coming…"

"I wasn't, but thanks for sharing…" Serana rolled her eyes as she spoke.

Farkas snarled at her, "We're watching you… we don't like vampires."

Serana tittered, "Could have fooled me, big guy," she leered and winked at Farkas, who made an irritated grunt.

Mimzi yammered, "Well… I'm going to bed. You can sit around and be bored till morning, I don't care. You ain't leaving my side anytime soon so you should grab a book. Cause if I don't sleep, I'm pretty sure I'm going to die…"

"I won't stop you. You look like you're ready to kneel over…" Serana observed, slightly concerned.

"We all need rest, I think," Vilkas said aloud in agreement, then lingered his gaze to Mimzi and uttered softly, "Goodnight Mimzi…"

She returned a soft smile, "Goodnight…"

Mimzi made a gentle wave at them and turned back to the stairwell as Serana went to follow her, till her forearm was aggressively grabbed by Vilkas. Serana tried to rip her arm away, but his strength held on. She shot a startled glare at him as he returned a scowl.

"You dare lay a finger on her, I'll rip your head from your shoulders with my bare hands…"

Serana ripped her arm from him, "Good to know… I'll remember that the next time I'm feeling hungry," she quickly marched to Mimzi's back, leaving the Companions frustrated as they watched the two progress down into the stairwell.

"I'll take the first watch," announced Aela, "If that's what we're doing here."

Kodlak said in agreement, "It is. If we leave her in this now, it'd be no different than leaving her bloody and broken in the mud. Isran is a short-sighted fool to think this is a fair solution."

Vilkas stayed his glare to the stairwell, "Maybe we should just kill it now… why let it stay breathing so the vampires can still possess her blood? They can't enact the prophecy without her anyway."

Kodlak rejoined, "Perhaps she may still bolster our efforts if she stays alive. She got us this far; she still may have information to share with us. And from what I'm gathering, I don't think Mimzi would like it. We do it this way, for now."

Mimzi lazily waddled down the steps with Serana in tow who rambled, "So… those are your friends? They look… plucky. A lot like you, actually. Not the friendliest bunch. What are their names?"

Mimzi grunted, "Those are the Companions… and no, they're not friendly, not to you. Kodlak, Aela, Vilkas and Farkas. They're not really my friends, either. We're all from Whiterun so we kind of stick together."

Serana replied contently, "So that was Aela… wow, my impression was really bad… and are those twin brothers? By the blood, they are good looking— and their eyes are intense! Sheesh, I'm kind of jealous you get to be around ruggedly handsome twins all day."

Mimzi glowered, "Please stop. We're not friends, you don't get to wreak enjoyment from this."

"Well according to Isran, you're the only one I actually get to talk to. You are saying we can't even talk?"

"Yes, no talking about the twins or anyone, or anything. Just… shut up," stated Mimzi coldly, "Thanks to you, everyone in this fort thinks I'm some kind of traitor."

"But you're not," replied Serana, "We're doing this to save them."

Mimzi walked towards the barracks and was quickly stopped by Celann, "Hold there," he announced.

Mimzi sighed, "Oh, what now?"

"Isran said she isn't allowed in the barracks, which means neither are you. You're gonna have to find someplace else to rest your head tonight."

Mimzi scowled, "Are you joking?"

"I'm not known for my humour," coldly stated Celann as he crossed his arms.

Mimzi snarled with her teeth clenched, "Where am I supposed to sleep?"

Celann offered aloofly, "Outside? With the tames? The ledges in the main chamber look hard but they're not too bad. Take your pick."

Mimzi exasperated a sigh, lightly stomping her foot as she turned herself around and back into the chamber. She lazily walked to one of the ledges, set her things down next to it, and unequipped her scabbard and quiver. She slumped on her back and released a dejected sigh and closed her eyes. Serana slowly came over and sat on a ledge near her.

Serana jested, "Want me to tell you a bedtime story?"

"Stop."

Serana groaned, "So I just sit here and…"

"And shut up, yeah." Mimzi moved her forearm up over her eyes and released another sigh. The stone lacked any form of comfort, and the idea she was being watched by the eyes of a vampire was an unnerving feeling. However, Serana remained quiet out of respect for Mimzi's rest and stayed to her side. She irked at the scowls and hateful glares she was receiving from the Dawnguard that passed the main chamber. She pulled a book from her satchel and began to read as she awaited Mimzi to awake from her slumber.

Kodlak and Isran engaged in a heated debate in the upper quarters, with Kodlak protesting against the current restrictions of his newest whelp.

"It's madness, Isran…" Kodlak claimed, "You claim of your men at risk while knowingly putting my whelp at the hilt of danger! Is this your act of revenge?! She had the nerve to trail a vampire in here for a greater good and you wish to kill her for it? Are you that crass?!"

"Kodlak…" Isran groaned as he rested his hands to the war table, "I have the utmost respect for you and your band. If you'd believe it, I used to revel in your stories as a child. I even dreamt of becoming a Companion, myself, at a tender age. But at this very moment, I will not take instruction from what sounds like an old fool. You chose to be here! You left your city to fight for our cause! You'd insult me of pettiness when you have the means to leave whenever you see fit! If my methods do not appeal to your band of mercenaries, then get out! And take your blood sucking fiend with you!"

Kodlak's glare turned as cold as northern ice and his voice austere, "I came here to fight vampires and avenge my people, we all did! Not to be bullied and berated by a hot-headed brat in the throes of his lust for power! You lack the forces to quell this menace, which is why you were so happily accepting of our allegiance in the first place. You willing to give that all up over a disagreement over your methods?! Gods be shamed if they drove you to this kind of thinking. I say again, you should be ashamed!"

Isran continued in a raged rant, "Maybe I am ashamed… ashamed I ever thought it would be a good idea to let the likes of simple-minded city folk into my keep, preaching on about family and loyalty like it's all that moulds a warrior. It is not. It's what makes for a weak defence. While you stay so concerned for your idiot whelp, she ignorantly works to falter our cause. Your heart is too full with not enough room for the strategy of battle. You're too old, Kodlak. You don't understand the importance of distance in the face of war. Half of the loved ones you fight to protect, will be the first to die— always! You can't see that and focus on the task at hand, you'll never succeed."

"If I die today…" Kodlak growled, "I'll do so defending the ones I love! I will always work on the side of my Companions! Your call to throw your honour away out of fear and your unbridled hatred for the vampires— that is the only thing that makes any of us a lesser force. Not my men and women!" He marched out the front entrance of Isran's quarters and looked back, "We will be gone by morning, Isran. I'll allow my shield-siblings one night to rest and we are forever done with your cause. And don't worry, we will be taking the vampire and her scroll with us!"

Kodlak angrily marched from Isran's quarters; leaving the Redguard resentful and regretful of what had transpired between the pair. Durak emerged passed Kodlak and returned a worrisome glare at the tension between him and Isran.

"Durak…" Isran addressed sternly, "What did you want?"

"We've got a new recruit," claimed Durak, gesturing back to a young man hiding in the shadows before the doorway, "He's young, but he's got a strong build. We should put him to work on crossbows and suited up with armour right away."

"Good…" Isran said dejectedly, "We may be down five warriors come tomorrow. Anything we get will be put to use. Thank you, Durak."

Durak affirmed, "Yes, of course."

"You!" Isran barked at the young man, "Stop skulking in the shadows and come where I can see you."

Agmaer jolted and slowly approached and muttered, "Y-yes, sir."

Isran growled, "Do I look like a 'sir' to you, boy? I'm not your general, and you ain't joining the army."

Agmaer cowered, "Sorry."

"Didn't I tell you to step forward?" Isran came closer to Agmaer, "Hmm… farm boy, huh? I'll take what I can get. What's your weapon?"

"Uhh…" Agmaer stuttered nervously, "I usually just use my pa's axe… when killing the wolves that try to get our chickens…"

Isran chuckled deeply and mocked, "'My pa's axe', Stendarr preserve us…" Durak joined in a deep chuckle with Isran. Isran continued, "I think we can make a Dawnguard outta you. Go downstairs and grab yourself a crossbow. Durak can help you in using it."

Agmaer blurted, "Yes, right away!" He scrambled out the doors and back to the stairwell downstairs with Durak shaking his head and following.

Troubling thoughts began to flood Serana as she feebly tried to distract herself with her story. She looked over to Mimzi, who held no fondness for her, and seemed to be vouching for her reluctantly. Her self-awareness to her situation shuddered her cold skin. After hundreds of years in the darkness she awoke to a world unfamiliar and cruel. Her family was torn, even if they were never close, there was no chance of her family ever resembling anything normal. She was alone.

She was plucked from familiarity, now in a fort filled with those who wanted nothing more than to ruefully end her. Even though she understood their distrust, her longing for acceptance grew. The vampires and mortal men of her current world all wanted her dead. She closed her book slowly, and closed her eyes as she fought back tears. A bitter pit of despair crept over her, and as Serana's contemplation continued, a stray tear fell from her eye.

As the hours of the night passed, Mimzi began to carry a light snore through the main chamber. Serana stayed to her side with her book in her lap, but her eyes strayed to the floor still in deep thought. The sound of footsteps shuffled into the chamber, alerting Serana from her daze. She looked up to see Aela walking towards them. The vile stench she smelt when she arrived in the fort slowly wafted up again, making her wince.

Serana nervously looked up to Aela without saying anything. Aela muttered, "She's a loud sleeper, isn't she?"

Serana shrugged, "Hmph. It's kind of soothing, actually. Why are you up?"

"Why do you think?" coolly informed Aela, "I'm keeping an eye out."

"You don't trust me…"

Aela explained, "Yes. It's just… you're a vampire, she's a human. She's kind of a dope, sure, but I see her as my friend. It's been over four hours and you haven't moved a muscle. So clearly, you have more self-control than we thought. Shocking…"

Serana raised, "You've been watching me?"

"And you didn't know it till now, did you?"

"No, I didn't…" Serana replied, "I usually have a pretty keen sense for hidden eyes."

"That makes two of us. You've earned a shred of my confidence so far. Most vampires wouldn't be able to resist feeding on a hapless human like this."

Serana sighed and with a faint voice she explained, "With everything going on, I don't know… something about my father wanting to kill me for some ridiculous prophecy, it kind of dampens my appetite," her eyes wilted as she glanced over to Mimzi, "She saved me… she was the first face I saw after centuries of darkness. I'm not just going to piss that away for a light snack."

Aela raised in a soft tone, "You care about her?"

"I don't know… her company is nice, even if all I do is annoy her. She certainly doesn't care about me, that's for sure. Not many do."

"It's a lonely road… being a monster," solemnly mentioned Aela.

Serana looked up at her, certain she was mocking her, but Aela's face only returned kindred melancholy. It took Serana by surprise.

"You know…" Serana began to speak suspiciously, "There was this strange smell when I entered the fort. Mimzi couldn't smell it, but I could. It was like a slap in the face. I didn't think anything of it till you came up. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

Aela asked, "Can you describe the smell?"

Serana explained, "Musky. Wild. Like a predatory animal, almost. Like the smell of death approaching."

"Probably the troll in the cage over by the barracks. They have some tamed dogs, as well."

"Doesn't explain why I smelt it again as you walked up to me…"

Aela perked her head to the side and scoffed, "I wouldn't know… maybe I need to bathe, if you're saying I stink."

"You can't clean your blood," muttered Serana, "I smell it on you and the others. That old man and the twins. You all smell the exact same. It's not body odour either… it's your blood. So, if we're being honest here, are you going to tell me what you are?"

Aela stayed silent and still for a moment as her eyes pierced into Serana, who remained undaunted to Aela's intimidating gaze. Aela finally spoke, "If I did tell you, what purpose would it serve?"

"Maybe you're not the only one who wants to protect her," Serana stated coldly, glancing over to the snoring girl with her mouth ajar and drool dripping from her chin.

Aela nodded in silent respect to Serana, who still remained stoic and said, "In due time, you'll know. I'll see you around…" Aela slowly left Serana's company and ambled back into the barracks. Serana studied her as she walked away. She puzzled to think of what the smell could derive from, and why it reminisced something to be feared.

As Aela left, Vilkas appeared past the corner. His cheeks were red from a chill and accompanied with his musky smell that came naturally for Serana; he reeked of smoke. He made a fast pace to the two of them. He came up to Mimzi and gently knelt down to her, ignoring Serana's presence.

"What are you doing? She's sleeping."

He snarled to the vampire, "Shut your blood-stained gob," shuddering Serana into slighted silence.

"Mimzi… wake up," He gently nudged her shoulder. She shot up with a loud snore and flinched to Vilkas with his face so close. She self-consciously wiped the drool from her mouth in embarrassment.

"What's going on?" Mimzi whimpered in a tired voice.

Vilkas said, "Grab your things and come with me," then promptly stood from the ground and waved for her to follow down the hall. Mimzi ached off the stone ledge and pried at her back in pain. She snatched her belongings and went to follow Vilkas, with Serana close behind. Vilkas led them down a hall neighbouring the inside training yard where the battle dogs were housed.

Mimzi uttered to Vilkas, "Where are you taking me so… late?"

He smiled back at her, "You'll see."

Serana lifted a brow and was wary of what was soon to unfold. She stayed by Mimzi's back ready for whatever this man had planned. Mimzi was unwavering, she followed Vilkas while trusting him wholly. He stopped at a partially blocked entryway with carts and hay bales and squeezed through the opening into a stairwell up. Serana grabbed Mimzi's wrist lightly.

She whispered, "This doesn't seem like a good idea."

Mimzi took her wrist and hushed back, "Quit," then fit through the opening, as well. Serana tried to contain her worry and pursued. She feared for her own safety, but that of Mimzi's also. She did not trust the hot-tempered Nord, yet Mimzi did. Serana trusted her judgement in hopes that it wasn't misguided.

Mimzi and Serana met up the stairwell, where Vilkas opened the door to the top of one of the towers. It opened to a walled narrow passage that led down to a circular opening bordered by stone walls with arrow slits overlooking the bottom of the canyon.

Mimzi befuddled at the location and why Vilkas was bringing her there, "Okay, what is this?" She spoke a little louder uncomfortably.

"Just come," he said softly. He hastened his pace down the narrow bridging to the main overlooking with Mimzi cautiously following. Serana strayed her hand out ready to cast an ice spike at the man if his intentions were malicious. As Mimzi passed the wall to view the area, she dimmed an astonished smile to see what Vilkas led her to.

In the corner of the circle was a small leather-crafted tent with a crackling campfire, and a chest with a box of mead on top. She looked up to the skies that danced with dazzling green aurora and millions of sparkling stars. She smiled at Vilkas who returned a satisfied grin, he walked over to the campsite with his hands on his hips in pride.

"When I found out you couldn't sleep in the barracks anymore. I figured anywhere would be better than sleeping on the cobweb-festered stone of that keep. So I… made you a tent."

"You did this… for me?" She asked while admiring the charming setting, "Is that mead? Where did you get all of this?"

"I… may or may not have borrowed somethings from the keep," he said in a deflating way, not trying to seem guilty. Mimzi approached the campsite excitedly. She set her things down on a crate.

Mimzi looked around the area in bewilderment, "Wha… How did you find this place? This fort is like a labyrinth."

Vilkas replied, "When you left, we thought you were missing, well who do you think went looking for you? You'd be surprised what corners of this castle I've seen."

She ran to the arrow slits over looking the steep view, "We're so high up! I can see the whole canyon from here! There's Durak and Celann by the fire!" She jumped excitedly at the arrow slits.

"Whoa! Don't do that, you could lose your stepping," warned Vilkas cautiously, still holding a smile at her joy. She stepped away with fervent delight.

Her smile carried to Vilkas and beamed, "This is amazing! Why did you… do this for me?"

Vilkas shrugged nonchalantly and said, "Isran is punishing you when all you've done is gotten us to this point. We have the Elder Scroll, and the vampire they need for the prophecy. Even better, if the bloodsucker tries to bite or turn you, you can Shout it off this ledge. It definitely won't be standing back up after that," he chuckled. Mimzi nervously laughed knowing Serana was just behind them.

Serana growled out, "How romantic of you…"

Vilkas stammered, glancing a scowl to Serana and softening his gaze back to Mimzi, "It's… what a shield-brother should do. I haven't been the most welcoming since you've joined, and maybe this is my way of apologizing for that."

Mimzi smirked, "Well it's about time. You've been a real ass," she stated bluntly and crossed her arms.

Vilkas nervously chuckled as Mimzi giggled in her throat. He amended, "That… I have. You didn't deserve it. Maybe it took me sometime to smarten up and realize it, but you're a fine Companion. It's about time I treat you as such."

"No one has ever done anything like this for me before." Briefly their eyes met, catching Vilkas off guard. A nervous swoop flicked his eyes to the side. A memory of Farkas's jibes flicked them back. He hoped she hadn't noticed.

He walked closer to her in a dimpled smile, "Is that your way of saying 'thank you'?"

Serana couldn't help but feel slightly uncomfortable and looked away making a grimace.

Mimzi replied softly, "Yes…" she beamed a grin, "Thank you! I love it… it feels like home."

Vilkas murmured, gazing down to her, "I know the feeling," he then nervously coughed before saying, "But I'll let you get some sleep… you need it." He walked back to the doors inside the keep. He strode passed Serana with a glare on the way.

When he left, Mimzi couldn't contain her joy at the comfort of a tent and a bedroll. She leapt in one spot and giddily tittered, "A bed! A warm bed! Thank the Divines, finally," as she crawled in and laid on the bed roll she groaned in delight, "Ugh… it's so soft!"

Serana teased, "He's sure sweet on you. Probably hated that I was here, something tells me he had other plans for that bed roll," she began to giggle.

Mimzi shot up in a scowl, "No way! I'm surprised he even did this for me, he's been a real back end since I've known him. Just yesterday he told me he wanted to punch me in the face, so no, he's not my type."

"I don't know…" Serana said, "Seems like a gesture… a romantic one."

Mimzi grumbled, "Or just family being family. Not like you'd know anything about that…" she scoffed and rolled into her bedroll to sleep. Serana's eyes wilted sadly as she glazed them up at the stars.

"Well… I hate to agree with you… but you're right about that."

Serana went to sit on a low crate and breathed dejectedly. Mimzi could hear the sadness in her voice from outside her tent, and she had a sliver of guilt. She stoically reminded herself of what Serana was to stale the confusion. However, a yearning built as she wished to comfort the vampire, despite what she was. Even though she was a vampire, she had only helped her since knowing her, and perhaps the hatred of those in the fort was reaching to herself.

She dismally consoled, "No offence... but your family don't seem like the wholesome sort."

"They're not," Serana replied, "They're ancient vampires thirsting for power and blood. That's about as wholesome as it gets."

"But you're not?"

"No..." Serana's voice carried loud enough to Mimzi's tent, "I guess I'm the apple that rolled far from the tree."

Mimzi scoffed, "You're the weirdest vampire ever."

"Yeah, I know…" Serana grumbled, "Maybe that's why I don't even get along with other vampires, too."

Mimzi asked from her tent, "Do you want to get along with them?"

Serana pondered for a moment in thought and said, "Not really. No place for hearth in my kin when power will always be loved more. Yet, no place for me around mortals, either. I'm used to being alone."

"I hate to agree with you, too. But… I know the feeling," Mimzi said, "...been feeling it for months."

"Just say it," pried Serana.

Mimzi sighed and explained, "I'm not a Nord. I'm a freak in a Nord's body. My blood is wrong. I should see it as a gift. But… all it's given me is restless nights."

Serana observed, "Well, that's one thing we have in common... cursed blood."

Mimzi fell silent as she contemplated similarities with a vampire. Serana said again, "You should get some sleep. I can hear it in your voice, you're exhausted. I'll wake you when the sun begins to rise."

"Okay…" Mimzi rolled to her side and closed her eyes. She said in a whisper, "Thank you, Serana." The fear of keeping company with a vampire wasn't as dour anymore as Serana continued to flabbergast Mimzi with her amicability.

Inside the fort, Vilkas crept back to the barracks. There was an ambiance of slow breath and snoring from the sleeping warriors in their cots. His eyes were heavy and body feeble from the days of no rest and constant vigilance. He knew his body ached for sleep, but his head couldn't stop swimming. He felt an unexpected happiness as his thoughts stayed with Mimzi. To Vilkas, it was almost shameful and embarrassing to succumb to such fatuous emotions; but it was involuntary. He did not wish to share it with anyone in fear of ridicule. He plopped down on the cot and released a gentle sigh.

"Hey, you're up," the husky tone of his brother was heard in the cot near him. Vilkas was lost in deep thought until Farkas caught his attention. Vilkas shot back to Farkas and dimmed a smile.

"Yeah… can't sleep," mellowly said Vilkas.

"Where have you been?" Farkas grumbled as he rubbed his eyes, "You smell like a campfire. Were you out with Durak and Celann?"

"Yeah… just mindless banter," Vilkas fibbed, "We got caught up talking and I lost track of time."

"Ha. I'm happy to see you making friends. You seemed pretty upset after Isran's speech, I thought you were out punching things," expressed Farkas jestingly then asked, "How's Mimzi doin'?"

Vilkas flinched, "Why do you ask?"

Farkas raised a brow and stated, "Because… she has a vampire following her around? She can't sleep in the barracks. Why else? Did you check on her?"

"No… No, I didn't," fibbed Vilkas again obliquely.

"I should go check then…" Farkas groaned as he started to curl out of bed.

Vilkas hushed in a whisper, "No," leaving Farkas even more befuddled, he continued, "I… did check on her, actually. She was out like a light and the vampire was just sitting there. She's fine."

"Oh…" Farkas said, "That's good. If you're going to be up for a while, do you mind checking on her again? I would do it but I'm worn out. I don't like knowing that vampire is with her… and Aela is asleep."

Vilkas smiled and patted Farkas's foot, "Of course, brother. Get some rest."

"Besides…" Farkas childishly tittered, "I bet you're just itchin to see her again."

Vilkas groaned with annoyed eyes, "Get to sleep already," he smiled as Farkas began to chuckle.

"I will. Thanks, Vilkas. Love ya, brother," he grinned lazily and huddled back under his fur blanket in blissful rest.

Vilkas said, "Love you too, Farkas."

Vilkas did not wish to disturb Mimzi as he knew she was asleep and well taken care of on the top of the tower. He did not trust Serana, but knew she'd have to be a fool to try and attack Mimzi up on that peak. He laid down on his cot and brought his arms up under his head. He exhaled and stayed his gaze up at the ceiling.

A little after two in the morning, Serana read from her novel on the trials of St. Alessia. She marvelled at the legendary matriarch as her imagination bloomed with every flip of a page. Mimzi was deep in sleep, and all that could be heard was the cackling of the dying campfire and soft breeze in the snowy pine trees. The night sky began to take hold as the aurora left and stars were blanketed by thick clouds. It was almost pitch black among the sky, which Serana enjoyed. As a creature of the night, she found a deep calm within the black of night. She gazed up to the tent where Mimzi slumbered and crept a smile.

As her gaze stayed at the tent, it was quickly distracted out the arrow slits to the south of the tower. Down in the valley she could see small specks of red approaching down the path in convoys. Serana slowly closed her book and set it down as she scooted off the crate. She ambled over to the arrow slit opening passed the campfire to see clearly what was skulking down in the canyon. At first, she tried to believe her eyes were deceiving her, but as she stayed her mortified gaze to the canyon, she knew what she was seeing was truly happening.

Her breath began to carry heavily and her shoulder's quaked at the brigade of vampires approaching the fort. A small army of the monsters were passing the springs and would soon meet the fort's front defences. She sprinted to Mimzi's tent in a panic and thrashed open the leather flaps to her bed roll. Mimzi quickly shot up at the commotion with a dagger in her clasp and a red eyed scowl at Serana.

Serana cried, "Mimzi! We have to go. We have to go now!"

"What are you talking about?" croaked Mimzi with her dagger lowering.

"They… they found me. They're here."

"Who's here?!"

"Vampires!" Serana shrilled as a tear fell from her eye. Mimzi scrambled out of her tent and pushed passed Serana. Mimzi marched to the arrow slit openings and gasped in horror at the sight of a long line of vampires slowly approaching Fort Dawnguard.

Mimzi hissed to herself, "Damn it," she turned to Serana in an irate glare, "You led them right to us!"

"No! I didn't! I made sure I wasn't followed!"

Mimzi blurted out in panicked anger, "DAMN IT!" She slammed the bottom of her palms to her forehead and gasped, "We don't have enough of us to fight them! What are we going to do!? Damn it!"

Mimzi began to shake as tears swelled in her eyes. She breathed heavily and looked up at Serana, who held a horrified pout. Mimzi uttered, "Come on… we have to wake everyone… now!"

Mimzi sprinted back to her tent, startling Serana. She snatched and equipped her armed scabbard and quiver. She threw her bow over her shoulder and grabbed her shield before running back to the doors with Serana in close pursuit.

Durak and Celann were drifting off by the fire, their usual nightly routine whilst guarding the main entrance of the fort. Throwing footsteps of another Dawnguard came sprawling towards them in hard breath.

"Wake up! Wake up now, you fools!!"

Celann jolted and Durak shot up from his seat to the panicked Dawnguard.

Durak bellowed with his crossbow at the ready, "What's going on?!"

The Dawnguard yelped in a panic, already defeated by fear, "They're here! They found us, there… there's so many… by the gods— vampires!!"

Celann ordered to the Dawnguard, "How many?!"

"It's a damn army!" The Dawnguard yelled, "They are coming up to the front barricade! We sealed the doors, but they have enough manpower to turn it to dust in seconds!"

Durak growled deeply as he marched down towards the front barricade with Celann following. He gritted his teeth and stated, "They're here for that damn vampire girl, I knew it would come to this! You get back inside and wake everyone up! We aren't going down without a fight, I'll tell you that much!"

The Dawnguard wailed, "But— but there's too many!"

Durak shouted, "I don't give a damn if they have a whole legion! We fight to every man and every breath, you hear me?! Now wipe that milk from your lip and find your courage, this is what we were trained for! It's now or never, man!"

The Dawnguard warrior breathed in deeply and settled his rattling bones before heeding Durak's instruction and bolting back inside the fort. Celann and Durak marched down to the front barricade.

Celann quivered, "We aren't prepared for this, Durak. Our only advantage was the secrecy of this fort— our only one!"

Durak growled back, "Two! You forgot our courage! We fight like berserkers to defend what we have! Isran will know what to do, he always does! Even if we die in a few minutes, we die fighting the menace with every breath our lungs can muster. Don't wilt in fear now, Celann."

The two sprinted to the front barricade with doubtful minds but fiery hearts, ready to offer their own lives to defend their keep from the siege.

Mimzi and Serana swiftly ran through the keep with Mimzi beginning to holler as loudly as she could, "WAKE UP! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! STAND FAST NOW! EVERYONE BATTLE READY NOW! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"

Vilkas was already up and alert from the hollering of the Dawnguard who came in screaming for help. He nudged his brother awake as Aela shot up to the commotion.

The numbers of Dawnguard began to rise and quickly equip their weapons and armour in throes of confusion and panic. Their voices began to rouse.

"Damn it!" Aela cursed and grabbed her bow, "It was only a matter of time before this happened!"

Vilkas muttered as he hastily fastened his cuirass, "We've got under fifty warriors here… what does Isran expect we can do?"

Farkas growled as he sheathed his heavy greatsword, "Slash as many as we can. Numbers don't mean nothing if they are made up of a bunch of mutt vampires."

Aela turned to them and said lowly, "Farkas is right… but we have the means to fight back rivers of vampires if we only call upon it. I don't care what the old man says right now. We need it."

"Forget it," loudly growled Vilkas, "You will not use it, Aela! You'd risk our secrecy over your own greed for prowess?"

Aela turned to Farkas as they marched out the barracks, "You agree, don't you?"

"I…" stammered Farkas.

Vilkas asked in anger, "Farkas?"

"I just…" Farkas stuttered, "We won't know till we are out there."

Vilkas shouted, "Are you two mad?! We are not using it!"

Aela stated coldly, "No, you're not. Farkas and I will use our beast how we see fit. You and Kodlak have no say here. I will not let these people die over a ridiculous teaching. We'd be protecting them. No, Vilkas. It's survival of the fittest now," she walked out while leaving Vilkas enraged.

The Dawnguard bellowed, "A SIEGE! A SIEGE! BATTLE NOW! DEFEND FORT DAWNGUARD!! EVERYONE UP!! TO BATTLE NOW!!"

Isran came sprinting down the stairwell already armed and alert of the attack, with Kodlak in pursuit from behind him. The two men hastily made it to the barracks.

As Mimzi and Serana emerged, Isran pulled his warhammer out and loudly barked, "You!! What is happening?! This is what you wanted, isn't it? You gave away our position to them?!"

Serana cried, "No!! I don't know how they found me!"

"Lies! This was your plan all along!" He gripped his warhammer tight and prepared to swing at Serana. Mimzi jumped in front of her.

"It wasn't her! Put that down and save it for the witches, damn it! You want to waste time killing off our numbers?!"

Isran snarled, "How… did they find us?"

"Maybe your open recruiting? You ever think of that? Put that down, you're not killing the damn vampire lord who is on our side!! Get it through your thick head!" She then huffed and said calmly, "Our numbers are a fraction of theirs. Every able-bodied warrior is being put to use. So, either put that hammer down, or I'll do it for you."

"She's right, Isran…" Kodlak breathed, "She is Dragonborn, we must trust her. The vampire girl and her powers will be of most use. You said it yourself; they are assets! We cannot squabble in resentments now! We need to fight, or we will perish! Where do you need us, Isran?!"

Isran sighed in heavy breath as he fought his impulse to swing the hammer at the two women. He angrily growled and slammed his hammer down to the floor, "DAMN IT!! Fine! All of you will be coming with me to the front lines! Except for Serana and Aela, I want you two up on the south tower. You one of those vampires with that ice spell?"

"Yes…" Serana said, "I'm very skilled with it."

"Good. Use it overhead, and Aela, make every arrow count! Go now! Both of you!" Isran ordered to the two women who quickly ran down the hall.

"The rest of you… follow me," Isran said as he began to sprint as fast as his heavy armour could carry him towards the front doors, with Mimzi, Kodlak, Farkas and Vilkas pursuing. Gunmar came running behind them.

"Isran!" Gunmar hollered, Isran looked back and nodded.

"Gunmar, thank the Divines. Get the horses in the stables inside the keep. I need you to get those two trolls suited up, and bring out as many battle hounds as you can," ordered Isran as sweat already began to sprout upon his brow.

Gunmar grinned deviously, "Right away, they've been itching for a bit of bloodletting," and ran back into the fort towards the troll pens.

The warriors sprinted from the keep and out to the yard, where their panicked feet carried them to the first barricade before the first tower. Aela and Serana reached the tower peak (where Mimzi's tent resided) and on looked in states of shock.

Serana asked lowly to Aela, "What are they doing?"

She watched the vampires stopped before the barricade. Their red eyes were looming ominously in throes as the line of invaders went several yards back.

"I don't know… they're not attacking yet. Keep your spell at the ready," cautiously informed Aela with her bow drawn.

Isran slowed his pace at the barricade with the rest of his men. The vampires stood vacantly staring in rows of red eyed glares up at the Dawnguard. Isran walked up the ramp and asked to Durak, "What is going on?"

"They want to speak to you, Isran…" trembled Durak, "That's all they said…"

"Damn it," breathed Isran. He came up the barricade to look over the vampires. He held a hatefully deadly scowl and seethed at a lone vampire slowly approaching. He was a High Elf dressed regally, with long silvery hair tied to the back.

Serana gasped as the vampire approached Isran.

"What is it?" Aela asked to Serana.

Serana sighed, "It's Vingalmo…"

"Who?"

"He's from Castle Volkihar," uttered Serana in a trembling voice, "He's here for me."

Vingalmo smiled amicably to Isran and addressed, "Good evening to you all! We hate to intrude in this hour, but we are here to offer a truce! So please… lower your weapons— we mean no harm!"

Isran said to the vampire elf, "I'll give my men the order to lower their weapons when I see fit, vampire. What do you want?"

"A truce!" Vingalmo cheerily declared

Isran growled crassly, "You brought this party of yours here for a truce?"

"Oh, don't worry about them. They are a… last resort," Vingalmo divulged, "We vampires… we hold the utmost respect for worthy opponents. Your kind has shown your valour and have stricken fear in our hearts! Noble vampire slayers, we salute you! We only ask your reprisal is returned to us, and we will never return to this fort ever again."

Isran scoffed and asked, "Reprisal? Make sense now, fiend."

Vingalmo sighed and placed his hand to his chest and stated, "I'll make it simple for you to understand. We seek the daughter of our Lord. She has… run away from home in an act of defiance to her father. A family matter, of course. She isn't in her right mind and needs the guidance of her father now in these days of confusion. We ask only her return so we can ensure her safety, and her father's crippling worry may come to an end."

"We heard a far different story… even if we had his daughter, you'd think we'd surrender her knowing full well her blood is the key for enacting your dreaded prophecy, 'The Tyranny of the Sun'? Now tell me the other one about the 'worried daddy' again."

Vingalmo coughed and composed himself before stating, "I do not know this… 'prophecy' you speak of. We simply seek the safe return of Serana. You offer her to us, this army of bloodthirsty vampires behind me will stay starved another night." His face distorted to malicious intent as he added, "But… if you ignorantly refuse, we will lay siege upon this fort until we find and take her by force. We mean no disrespect, of course. Or… perhaps we do. Are your lives worth the blood of one vampire?"

"No…" Isran growled, "Not worth a vampire. But worth the innocent lives you scum steal from our world by pure instinct, like animals. You dare step foot in Dayspring Canyon with your underlings to intimidate and wilt my men's spirits, and then lie to me?! Lie to all of us? We're not as ignorant as you may think, vampire. You work to blot out our sun and to tyrant our world. We work to make sure every one of you turn to ash into Skyrim's soil. Now you've come to our fort, and you think we won't fall back on our instinct in the face of such mindless evil?"

Vingalmo only made a satisfied smirk. The vampires behind him crept smiles in excitement. He stated coldly, "So very noble, indeed. A fateful errand. If only Skyrim knew of such valiant heroes with their interests at heart. It's a pity…"

Isran growled, where the rest of the Dawnguard kept their crossbows ready. Agmaer, however, was crippled in fear whilst gawking onward to the masses of vampires. He held his crossbow in aim where Durak snuck quick looks at him— studying his rattling arms.

Vingalmo continued, "But I hate to say it, your comrades look strong but in few numbers. There's no appeal in ravaging a force such as yours, it's… belittling. Almost too easy of a feat to bother with… so why can't we just help each other? You give us the girl and the scroll, we leave Dayspring Canyon where you can lick your wounds in peace."

Agmaer's panic continued, and he began to tremble fiercely. Durak snarled to him in a hushed tone, "Keep steady and breathe."

Agmaer whimpered, "I… I... I'm trying."

Aela could smell the fear leeching off Serana. Aela uttered to her, "They are here to feed, and they will try to feed regardless. We Companions will not surrender you. No matter what be prepared to fight for your life, Serana. Yours and everyone else."

Serana looked to Aela's soothing green eyes and pressed her lips together before muttering back, "Okay…"

"What say you?" Vingalmo asked to Isran as he caressed his chin.

Isran raised his warhammer to the vampire masses.

"WE WILL NEV…"

Suddenly a steel bolt from a crossbow went soaring into the crowd of vampires and piercing through one's chest. Agmaer had accidentally triggered his crossbow as the tremors became too much.

"What in Malacath's tooth did you just do?!"

Durak's fierce orcish voice barked at Agmaer, who shivered in crippling horror at the arrow no longer in his draw. Isran clenched his teeth and gripped his hilt.

"Oh… dear," sighed Vingalmo, "Looks like we will have to do this the hard way…"

Vampires raised their palms in destruction spells and death hounds began to emerge through the legs of their masters and to the front lines. Vingalmo slowly retreated back into the mass of vampires who held their palms up to throw fire into the wooden barricade. He called aloud to his fanged troops, "Find Serana at all costs! Enjoy the feast!"

"FIRE!!!"

Isran threw his hand out to the masses ahead where his comrades quickly released their steel bolts from the draws. The arrows flew high and low, striking vampires down where they stood. Vampires began to crawl madly up the barricade where the Dawnguard threw their weapons down to wack them off.

Serana and Aela began firing arrows and ice spikes down to the vampires below, picking off their numbers slowly.

"Off the wall before it collapses, now! Make a line!" Isran demanded to his comrades, who either jumped of their own accord— or were thrown by an ice spike.

The Dawnguard formed a line before the smouldering barricade and drew their crossbows again up over the gates, Vilkas and Mimzi drew their bows. Aela and Serana stayed their constant fires from the southern tower at the vampires flank.

"FIRE!"

Arrows and steel bolts flew over the gates picking off the front lines of the vampires soon to come over the reaching wooden barricade. The gates began to fall from flame, breaching throws of fire and the red eyes looming behind it.

"Whatever comes through that barricade, we will fight with every fibre of our being! We fear no darkness, we hath no dubiety! We conquer the starless night so another misty morning may rise! If we do not, no one else will! We are the DAWNGUARD!" Isran roared to his comrades who breathed in death as it beckoned and they all raised a roaring battle cry.

"DAWNGUARD!!!"

Mimzi whispered to herself as her heart began to thud loudly in her ears, "Look to the sun… and the shadows stay behind you."