Well, this chapter has been ready since the last days of September, but I decided not to upload it on those dates. The reason is simple, I decided to completely rewrite chapters 1 to 3 and partially 4, as well as add some things to chapter 5. So today I am uploading an approximate of 5 chapters or 6. The draft of chapter 14 is already ready, so yes there are no problems I will be uploading it the weekend or at the latest on Tuesday of next week.
Disclaimer: Neither High School DXD nor Elder Scrolls belongs to me, all rights to their respective owners.
Chapter 13
Castle of Volkihar - Loredas 9 of Frostfall of the 203 of the Fourth era
'Ahh, I don't know what to make of this.' Asia thought in anguish as she sat at the desk in her room reading the reports of Edzard's various investments in many businesses throughout Skyrim. While she knew the basics about numbers and letters, she didn't know anything about running and managing businesses.
She had always wondered where Edzard got all the money he used from. He never mentioned it, and that had her very intrigued. So when he went to war, she was in charge of all the business and there she could see the patrimony that her fiancé had. She would be lying if she said that she hadn't passed out from seeing so many zeros. Edzard had more than three million septims in coins alone. In addition, he had several businesses, which in a normal year gave him an income of almost three million septims per year, of that amount, Edzard allocated the third for social works, such as soup kitchens and support for orphanages. In the end, he received an annual income of approximately two million septims.
Asia sighed, because on the papers were written the income generated in this year, which was lower than the previous year.
"Considering that we are at war, I suppose these results are not bad." Asia said as she put the papers on the desk and got up from the chair. She then went to the crib to see Marie and when she arrived she saw her daughter sleeping peacefully.
'And to think that you are already one year old.' She thought as her stroked Marie's face, causing it to move slightly.
Sighing, she moved away from the crib and sat on the bed thinking about how after telling about Edzard's promotion to general, Valerica had decided to start educating her in many things. Valerica taught her the manners and courtesy of dealing with nobles, dancing and table manners.
She had been scared when she saw so many silverwares, but if those classes were awful, what followed was worse, as Aela decided to increase her training in the use of the sword. She every day she got up, had breakfast and fed Marie. She then she would go out and go to lessons in courtly courtesy, dance, alchemy, and destruction magic with Valerica. After this, she would have lunch and spend time with her daughter playing in a small moment of calm. After that she began her physical training with Aela until dinner time. She then went to the bathrooms to wash and then retired to her rooms to rest.
'I have almost no time left to spend with Marie.' She thought as she remembered how Marie had started to stand alone and that according to what was said by her friends, it was only a matter of time before her daughter took her first steps.
Thinking about that, she remembered her daughter's birthday. It had been a quiet affair, with a cake and her friends playing with her daughter. Marie had received gifts from Serana and surprisingly from Edzard. Apparently, he had ordered Marie's gifts ahead of time. So, when Serana returned from the city of Solitude she brought several boxes, which contained the gifts that Edzard had bought. In these boxes were dolls, dresses and a wooden horse on which Marie could rock.
'She is still too young to play there, though.' Asia smiled, remembering how her daughter had tried to stay on the rocking horse only to fall to the padded floor.
Smiling, she tried to rest before she had to leave for her daily training with Aela.
While Asia was resting in the castle. In the distance you could see the shapes of various ships approaching, these did not have any heraldry on their black sails. These ships were seven longships that plowed rapidly through the waves in the direction of the castle.
"Captain, we are approaching the castle." Said a man dressed in hooded steel armor.
"Very well. Tell the soldiers to prepare to disembark." A female voice answered.
"Aye, Lady Ardaline." the man bowed and walked away to give the orders to the other crew members.
Ardaline Larethire is an Altmer with golden skin, golden hair and caramel eyes. She has a plump body with good curves. She wore a black tunic with gold thread embroidery, leather boots lined with fur, and on her belt, she wore a short sword. She was considered one of the most beautiful Altmer today, but she was also known for her sword fighting skills and magic.
She had received a mission from the Arcane Arch-mage, this mission was to kill the fiancée and the daughter of the Dovahkiin. After expending many resources, she had managed to locate the place where the two were, a castle on an island in the sea of ghosts. This discovery was made possible by her spies being able to track down the movements made by a woman, who was reportedly said to be very close to the Dovahkiin. After that, it was a matter of confirming the information, which was confirmed when the woman picked up some packages that have been bought by the Dovahkiin.
With that information, she had left Hammerfell with three hundred soldiers in seven longships to avoid the patrols of the Imperial army. They had traveled through the Abecean Sea and then through the Sea of Ghosts, always as far as possible from the shores. And after several days of travel they managed to reach the area of the north coast of Skyrim. They had been in a camp on land for a few days in order to recover from their days on a ship. And they had left the coast a few hours ago and were about to attack.
As the Aldmer's prepare for their landing. Atop the watchtower of Volkihar Castle stood Argis, Edzard's housecarl of the city of Markarth. He was sitting on the tower sharpening his sword, because today it was his turn to stand guard.
Argis is a Nord man with pale skin, blond hair combed back in braids. He has a scar over his left eye, which was milky white and his right eye was hazel. He wears ebony plate armor and carries a sword and shield of the same material.
"Another quiet day." Argis commented as he began to drink a bottle of mead to warm himself; however, when he looked south he almost choked on his drink when he saw seven ships approaching. He quickly took the spyglass on his belt and began to look with his good eye.
"They are not part of Brynjolf's group." Argis said as he took a good look at the crew of the ships; however, he was amazed when he saw one of them without a helmet or hood. "Thalmor!"
Dropping the spyglass, he swiftly headed for the castle to raise the alarm.
"Enemy troops are coming!" he yelled at him when he reached the main hall.
In the room were all the housecarls, Aela, Fortunata, Gyda, Fridda, Laure and Serana. who quickly got up from the chairs they were sitting on.
"What did you say?" Iona asked.
Iona is a Nord woman with pale skin, short reddish hair and gray eyes. She wears the same full ebony plate armor as Argis. She also carried an ebony sword and shield. She is Edzard's housecarl and came from the city of Riften.
"Thalmor… troo… troops are coming." Argis said, agitated by the race.
"How many?" Calder asked.
Calder is a Nord man with pale skin, reddish hair combed back, has thick side mustaches and gray eyes. He wears full ebony plate armor. He also carries an ebony ax and a shield of the same material. He is Edzard's hosecarl and came from the city of Windhelm.
"There are seven ships." Argis answered already calmer.
"How many troops do you have?" Lydia asked.
"I don't know exactly." Argis replied. "But I counted about forty on a ship."
"So, if we assume that the other ships have the same number of soldiers." Jordis said as he put a hand to his chin.
"They have approximately three hundred soldiers." Aela interrupted.
Everyone in the room went still. How they were going to defend the castle of three hundred soldiers with only twelve defenders. While they were standing there, Valerica arrived along with Asia.
"What's going on?" Valerica asked when she saw everyone present with worried faces.
Hearing her, Serana began to tell her about the impending Aldmer attack.
"Why do they worry?" Valerica asked. "They don't have the troops to take this castle."
"Mother, the Dawnguard took this castle with fewer troops." Serana replied.
"Yes, but they had him." Valerica replied. "Without him, they would not have been able to capture the castle."
"Who are they talking about?" asked Asia confused.
"We are talking about your fiancée." Valerica replied with a devious smile. "That boy is a walking weapon of mass destruction."
"What should we do?" Fortunata asked.
"We must defend Asia and Marie." answered a very serious Laure. "Obviously they are coming for them."
"Why do you want me and Marie?" asked a very confused Asia.
"If they are taken prisoner, they will force Edzard to attack the Imperials." Aela replied.
Asia was horrified by what Aela said and began to fear more for her daughter's safety than for herself.
"Then we must protect Marie. I will help you in combat."
"What are you saying silly girl?" Valerica said upon hearing what Asia said. "They are coming for you and your daughter."
"I know; however, Marie is my daughter, what kind of mother would I be if I did not fight to protect her, plus I cannot allow my friends to fight alone while I hide."
Valerica tried to persuade her to hide with her daughter, but nothing changed Asia's mind.
"Mother, it is useless. She will not leave."
"Seriously, of all the things you could imitate from Edzard, you had to imitate his stubbornness."
Valerica sighed in resignation when her daughter and Aela told her that. It seems the boy had passed some of his tricks on to the girl.
"Asia, follow me, let's get your daughter. The rest of you prepare for battle."
They all nodded and headed to their rooms to get their weapons. While Valerica and Asia headed to the room where Marie was playing. Once Asia took her daughter into her arms, Valerica led her into the garden. Once there, Valerica used a spell and at that moment a staircase appeared in the center. Valerica came down the stairs being followed closely by Asia. After walking for a few moments they came to a room.
"Asia, your daughter will stay here." Valerica said.
"What is this place?" Asia asked looking around the room. This room was spacious and very orderly, in it there was a table, several chairs and a bed.
"It is a secret room." Valerica replied. "Here she will be safe."
Asia nodded and walked over to the bed. There she deposited her daughter. After kissing her on the forehead, she forced her to sleep using magic.
After that, she left the room together with Valerica. She separated from the vampire matriarch to go to her own room, once there she dressed for the battle that was about to happen. She quickly put on chain mail, black leather pants, bracers, and reinforced leather boots. Taking her sword from the wall bracket, she left the room.
When Asia reached the great hall, she saw everyone present ready to fight. Laure, Fortunata, Gyda, and Fridda wore chain mail and weapons on their belts. The housecarls were all ready to defend their lord's family with their lives. And Aela and Serana would defend their friend with everything they had. Valerica was eager to try her new spells, or so she would say, but the truth is that she had grown fond of Asia.
"Are we all ready?" Valerica asked receiving a nod from everyone present.
"Well, you two close the door and lower the portcullis." Valerica ordered as she pointed at Calder and Argis.
They both nodded and headed to bar the front door and lower the portcullis to completely seal off the front entrance.
"With the entrance completely sealed, they must use ladders to attack the battlements above the gate."
"But couldn't they attack from the other side of the battlements or use magic to break through the gate?" Gyda asked.
"No, this castle is on rocky cliffs. which will force them to attack the only weak point of the wall. " Valerica answered. "Besides that there are no trees nearby so they can build siege towers to attack us. And if they try to use magic on the gate it would be useless, as I have placed a barrier over the gate."
"Mother, what about the cistern?" Serana asked worriedly.
"I have sealed that entrance."
"Well, before we go to the battlements, does anyone have any questions?" Valerica asked.
"Yes, what do we do there?" Laure asked.
"You, Serana, and I will cast destruction spells on enemies." Valerica said pointing to Asia, Laure, Fortunata, Gyda and Fridda.
"The housecarls will fight hand-to-hand and prevent enemy soldiers from reaching us." she said before turning to see Aela. "And you will attack with your arrows and if necessary you will enter into hand-to-hand combat."
They all nodded and quickly followed Valerica, who began to head towards the battlements. Once they reached the battlements they could see the «Aldmer» who would attack them.
"Those are not elves." Serana commented looking at the attackers. "Are they human?"
"They are mercenaries from Hammerfell." Valerica responded clenching her fists.
"Why would Red Guards fight for the Thalmor?" Fortunata asked very confused.
"For gold." Serana replied bitterly.
'I hope they arrive in time.' Thought Valerica as she prepared for battle.
The mercenaries were already disembarking on the beach along with Ardaline.
"Prepare the ladders." Ardaline ordered.
However, when the soldiers began to leave the boats, one fell with an arrow that struck him in the eye.
"Go on." Ardaline ordered.
The mercenaries did as they were ordered and carried the ladders from the ships to the walls, but before they arrived, the statues on the stone bridge exploded. And from these statues gargoyles emerged.
"Gargoyles!" shouted a mercenary before dying being torn by the claws of a gargoyle.
"Keep calm!" Ardaline ordered as she drew his sword.
Ardaline wasted no time and charged. His speed was such that she managed to sneak onto the back of a gargoyle. Seizing the opportunity, she quickly killed the beast with a stab to his skull. This action emboldened the mercenaries, who began to attack with more force. After a few moments the gargoyles had died, but they had killed thirty mercenaries.
"Put the ladders in the wall!" Ardaline ordered pointing to the wall. She had felt the barrier of the gate since disembarking, so she would not try to break it down, as that would take a long time, plus it could be a trap.
The mercenaries nodded and ran, but when they were close to reaching the walls, several fireballs began to fall on them. Fireballs exploded upon impacting their targets, significantly increasing the number of casualties in the Aldmer army. Ardaline seeing how his troops began to fall, created a barrier over them. With the barrier over them, the mercenaries set up the ladders and began to climb.
Valerica saw how her gargoyles had caused some casualties on the mercenaries and how the girls' fire spells had managed to cause casualties; However, that was not enough. She and the others who used magic stepped back a few steps and let the housecarls and Aela come to the front line.
'Thank the gods they have only placed four ladders.' Lydia thought, relieved. While she and the other housecarls were equipped with quality armor and weapons, they still did not have the numbers to stop the enemies attacking the castle. Clearing her mind of doubts, she managed to react in time to stop the blow of a sword with her shield. After stopping the blow, she quickly stabbed the mercenary in the face, causing him to drop dead.
Like Lydia, the other housecarls were killing all the mercenaries who came up the stairs. The girls for their part cast spells on the enemy troops that were at the base of the wall; however, they failed to cause many casualties thanks to the Ardaline barrier.
Asia was taking turns between using destruction magic against enemy soldiers and using restoration magic to heal the housecarls, she was also using skill strengthening spells on them.
'Stupid human mercenaries, they are not good for even the simplest tasks.' Thought Ardeline with disgust when she saw what her people called inferior beings not being able to do a job as simple as taking a fortress. They had the numerical superiority, but it seems that the defenders were better coordinated and from what she saw they also had better equipment.
'If you want something done right, you must do it yourself.' she thought, but his eyes widened when she saw a girl on top of the battlement. This girl matched the description of the Dovahkiin's fiancée. So smiling she gathered magic in her legs and took a great leap, with which she reached the battlements.
All the defenders were surprised when they saw the Altmer jump to where they were, but before anyone does anything, a barrier of magic appeared in front of them, engulfing both Asia and Ardeline.
"I guess, what are you Asia Argento?" Ardaline asked as she walked over to where Asia was standing.
"Yes I am." Asia replied as she drew his sword and tightened his grip on it.
"So, you are the Dovahkiin's fiancée." Ardaline said as she took an attacking stance. "I wonder, what did he see in you?"
"Why don't you find out."
After that brief exchange of words, both Asia and Ardaline lunged at each other.
When they were face to face, Asia tried to make a horizontal cut, which was blocked by Ardaline. After that, Ardaline tried to use a fire spell, which was blocked by a custody made by Asia. Then, Asia lunged and with a swift movement of her sword tried to cut through Ardaline, however, the blow was repelled. Ardaline wasn't far behind either, as she attacked and defended herself from whatever Asia threw at her.
Their combat was the typical sword fight, where there were occasional spells. Asia was struggling with everything she had. In some cases she cast spells of destruction. She was using her entire arsenal, but she wasn't gaining much ground. This was because Ardaline had more experience than Asia fighting.
Asia's inexperience played a trick on her when Ardaline feinted and Asia attacked her, thus leaving an opening in her defense. This opening was taken advantage of by Ardaline, who kicked Asia in the stomach sending her flying and crashing into the castle wall.
Asia screamed in pain when she hit the wall. And when she fell, she felt her strength leave her.
Ardaline had seized the moment and cast a weakening spell on Asia. The spell drained the stamina and magic from Asia.
"It's over girl." Ardaline said looking at Asia.
Asia tried to stand up, but she couldn't. Finally, unconsciousness called her and everything went dark.
As Asia and company began their fight, in the vicinity of the Lower Steepfall Burrow cave was a small group of people.
This group had at least almost thirty members.
"What have you said? Are you sure about that? Okay, I'll tell them. " Said a man looking up at the sky. "Everyone, Arkay says the package is in danger!"
The gathered people stopped what they were doing and turned to see who spoke.
"Florencio, are you sure?" Vilkas asked.
Florencio is a Red Guard whose hair is cut short. He wears the Brigantine armor which is the uniform of the Dawnguard.
"Yes, Arkay just told me."
"Then there is no time to waste." Erik said.
Erik «The Slayer» is a young Nordic man with red hair. He wears steel plate armor. This young man is a mercenary whom Edzard had helped on his past travels.
"Alright, everyone get ready. We're leaving." Brynjolf said.
Brynjolf is a reddish haired Nord, he also wears a very thin full beard. He wears his nightingale armor, which is black colored armor.
Everyone present nodded and began to prepare.
This small group is made up of several of the allies Edzard has made on his adventures. Here are several members of the Companions, the Thieves Guild, the College of Winterhold and finally the Dawnguard.
Those present on the part of the companions are: Vilkas and his brother Farkas. Athis, a Dunmer. Torvar, a Nord. Ria, an Imperial. And finally there is Njada, a Nord. All of them, except the twins, wear armor made by Edzard himself in advance payment for his services.
The members of the Thieves Guild are: Brynjolf. Karliah, a Dunmer who wears the same armor as Brynjolf. Cynric Endell, a Breton. Niruin, a Bosmer. Sapphire, a Nord. Vex, a Nord. Delvin Mallory, a Breton. Ravyn Imyan, a Dunmer. Thrynn, a Nord. Runa, a Nord. Etienne Rarnis, a Breton. And finally Vipir the Swift, a Nord. All except Brynjolf and Karliah wear the light armor of the Thieves Guild, that is, full leather armor. These armors have been improved by Edzard himself.
The members of the College who were here were: Tolfdir, the current master sorcerer of the college of Winterhold. J'zargo, a college student who is a Khajiite. Onmund, a Nord student. And finally Brelyna Maryon, a Dunmer student. They all wore chainmail armor over their mage robes. They had received staves and spell books from Edzard.
The members of the Dawnguard who were here were: Isran, a Red Guard, is currently the leader of the Dawnguard. Gunmar, a Nord. Florencio Baenio. Sorine Jurard, a Breton. Durak, an Orc. Mogrul, an Orc. And finally Ingjard, a Nord. They all wear the armor of the Dawnguard, whether in heavy or light version.
This peculiar group had been hired by Edzard to serve as reinforcements in case the Thalmor attack the Castle of Volkihar. They had all received a bag with many septims to convince them to stay and not go to war with the Dominion, plus the group also had some armored trolls.
They all began to move quickly to take the ships that were hidden in the cave of Lower Steep Burrow. Edzard had bought not only the ships, but also armed those present. All the members of the group carried very good quality weapons, in addition to having some enchanted rings to improve their fighting skills. They quickly put the ships in the sea and boarded them hoping to arrive in time to help those fighting in Volkihar castle.
Asia felt like she was falling, until she finally ended up crashing to the ground. This made her wake up. When Asia opened her eyes, she was in a large meadow of green grass. Walking there, she could see a woman dressed in a long gold-colored dress with a veil on her head. As she approached her, she touched her shoulder to get her attention, since his back was to her.
"Excuse me, do you know where we are?" Asia asked the stranger.
The woman began to give a little laugh and then spoke in a soft, melodious voice. "We are in your mind."
"In my mind."
"Yes, your mind." she said she while pointing towards a hill, on which was a silver cross thirty feet high.
"Who are you?"
"I am the mother of the bountiful land." The woman replied turning around so that Asia can see her.
In front of Asia was a very beautiful woman, who had a heart-shaped face, full lips and her eyes were closed. She wore a gold dress richly decorated with silver laces and button jewels, in addition to that she wore a veil and a cap which did not allow her hair to be seen.
"Lady Mara." Asia spoke in amazement and quickly knelt down as a sign of respect for the deity.
"Oh, so you've found out who I am." Mara replied with a smile on her face.
"Yes, Edzard told me." Asia said with a smile. "I also mention that it was you who brought me into this world."
"I see, but answer me something." she said as he approached Asia. "Aren't you angry for taking you out of your world?"
"No." Asia denied as she smiled. "Thanks to you, I got to know Ed, Marie and all my friends."
"I see." Mara smiled as she patted Asia's head.
"To what do I owe the honor of her visit?"
"There is someone who wants to talk to you." Mara replied as she gestured for him to follow her. "Normally what I'm going to do is not allowed. But I will make an exception."
Asia didn't understand what she was saying, but decided to follow her.
After walking for a while, they came to a round table with three chairs and where someone was sitting on one. The person seated was a light-skinned man, he had close-cropped hair and a thick black beard, his eyes were blue. He wore a light blue shirt with a brown vest adorned with three silver discs on the chest, he wore tight brown leather pants and boots of the same material and color, which had the laces in a zigzag pattern.
"I have brought you to Asia." Mara spoke, drawing the man's attention, then sat down in one of the chairs.
"I see, sit down miss." the man said pointing to the only empty seat.
Asia nodded and sat across from the man.
"I haven't introduced myself yet." the man said as he stood up and with a bow he said. "I am Nathaniel, Duke of Alcaire."
After introducing himself, he sat down again.
Asia was amazed, in front of her was a noble. A nobleman who apparently wanted to talk about something with her.
"A pleasure Sir." Asia replied, getting up and bowing, just as Valerica had taught her. She then she sat down and asked. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this conversation?"
"That woman has taught you well." Nathaniel replied with a smile on his face. "The truth is that I have been watching you since you came to this world."
Asia didn't know what to say. This man claimed to have been watching her since she came to Nirm. "Why would you do that?"
"Because I was very intrigued about the fact that I have a descendant in another world."
Those words left Asia in shock. She didn't know what to say, but plucking up her courage she decided to ask. "Are you sure that I am her descendant?"
"Yes, girl, you are my descendant." Nathaniel answered seriously. "More specifically you are the daughter of my great-grandson."
"But that is impossible." Asia quickly replied. "My parents are from Earth."
"Your mother is from the Earth; your father was born in Alcaire in the second era." Nathaniel spoke calmly. "The proof is that you can use magic from this world."
"What do you mean?"
"Your partner must have told you how magic works here, right?" Nathaniel spoke, earning a nod from Asia. "Then you know that to use magic on Nirm it is necessary to have magicka. The reason you can use it is simple. You are a half Breton and half Earth girl."
If this news had been received by Asia a year ago, she would have started to hyperventilate and go into denial because of what Nathaniel said. However, present-day Asia did not do that. Rather she began to think about what this revelation meant.
"If that's true, how did my father come to Earth?" asked Asia trying to get more information.
"My idiot of a great-grandson was playing with shadow magic." Nathaniel replied with a grimace. "That is what allowed him to travel to Earth."
Any daughter would have defended her father after he was insulted, but Asia did not. This is because she never knew him so she didn't know what kind of man he was.
"But, what about the time difference?" asked Asia. "According to Ed, the time between my home world and this is most likely the same."
"Yes, it is; however, your father did not control the spell." Mara replied thus drawing Asia's attention. "The spell did not work as it should. And he sent him to another world, but not at the same moment that he left here."
"He sent it to the future." Asia said understanding what Mara was saying.
"Yes, that's why shadow magic is so dangerous." Nathaniel spoke.
"But, why tell me this?"
"You will understand in the future." Mara answered cryptically.
"I know we should talk about a few more things." Nathaniel said. "But we're running out of time and Lady Mara wants to show you something."
"What things?"
Before Asia could say anything else, her mind was bombarded with various images of the battle on the castle battlements. She saw her friends continue to fight. She saw how the enemies began to reach the battlements and how they began to surround them. She also saw that she was passed out and that the Altmer was approaching her with the intention of killing her.
Asia jumped up from her chair and looked at Mara. "Can you help them?"
"I can't, we Aedras don't get involved in mortal affairs."
"But have they not helped the mortals against the Daedras?"
"Yes, but those are particular cases. When we created mortals we gave them complete freedom so that they can live without almost any direct intervention from us."
Asia looked at Mara and clenched her fists from the feeling of helplessness she felt. She knew that the Aedras did not get directly involved in the affairs of mortals and almost never interacted with them unless in great need.
"So why are they interacting with me?"
"Because, being a half earthling, you are considered a strange being in this world."
"What does that mean?" asked Asia confused.
"That means that, since you are a being from another world, you are considered to be a being in observation."
"observation?" asked Asia scared.
"Yes, the Aedras are watching you to see if you are a threat, but thanks to your actions you are not being considered as one."
Asia calmed down when she heard that, because no one wants a god to persecute you for considering you a threat.
"Don't worry, I'll send you back to help your friends."
Asia sighed when she heard that, as now she could go and help her friends in battle.
"So, are you ready to go back?"
Asia nodded in response.
"Asia, some advice before I send you back." Mara said taking Asia's hands in hers.
"Which?" Asia asked looking Mara into her eyes.
"The sacred gear respond to the emotions and conviction of their bearers." Mara replied with a smile.
Asia didn't understand what Mara meant; However, before she could ask, the entire place disappeared in an explosion of light.
While Asia was in conversation with Mara and her ancestor, her friends were fighting on the battlements.
"Dammit!" Lydia yelled as she killed another mercenary. "This has no time to end!"
"Do not tell me!" shouted Jordis, stopping an enemy attack with his shield and quickly counterattacking. "If we get out of this alive, I'll ask for a vacation when the war is over!"
All the Housecarls agreed with Jordis. It seems that Edzard will have to give paid vacations to all his housecarls.
"I will ask the Archmage for many magic books!" Laure yelled using her short sword to take down a mercenary. Let it not be said that mages cannot use weapons and fight well hand to hand.
"I'm going to tie him to a log and throw him down the world's throat!" Aela yelled as she shot an arrow at a mercenary who was going to attack Fortunata from behind.
They were all worried about Asia, but there was nothing they could do to help her, as the barrier blocked their way. So, the best mage of her group, that is Valerica, had started using magic to break the barrier while the others defended her and prevented the mercenaries from reaching the battlements.
After a few moments, Valerica managed to break the barrier that kept Asia out of her reach and when she saw what was happening, she launched herself to fight the Altmer woman by creating a bound sword.
Ardaline watched as a woman lunged at her. She quickly raised her sword and blocked Valerica's bound sword. She was very surprised when the woman began to push her with a great amount of force. So, to counter that, she began to strengthen her body with magic. By doing so, she managed to stop the woman.
Valerica couldn't believe what she was seeing. This Altmer had managed to match her physical strength using magic reinforcement. She quickly jumped away from her. When she was safe, she began to attack her, but all of her attacks were blocked by the woman. So, she prepared a lightning spell with her free hand and cast it at him; however, the woman quickly created custody of her and blocked her. When she did, Valerica had to jump to the side of her to avoid a fireball that was aimed at her.
"You are good." Valerica said looking at her enemy.
"To be a simple human, you are too." Ardaline replied with a smile.
'Trust me, you wouldn't think that if I had the time to transform.' Valerica thought. They had been too trusting and that had taken its toll. Since, if they had been transformed from the beginning, they would have been able to finish off the enemies more quickly.
"However, this stupid fight ends here." Ardaline said confidently.
"Oh, why do you say that?" Valerica asked increasing her grip on his weapon.
"For this." Ardaline responded by casting a lightning spell directed at the housecarls who were holding back the mercenaries' ascent.
"Dammit!" Valerica yelled in panic. So she quickly threw up a barrier; However, it was unable to stop the spell, it only weakened it.
The spell had hit all the housecarls, but being so weakened it didn't kill them, it just stunned them for a few seconds. Seconds used by the mercenaries, who attacked them with their weapons. While they couldn't get through the ebony plate armor, they did do internal damage. Valerica tried to run to support them; however, she did not move from his place. Looking down from her, she was shocked when she saw that his feet were freezing.
"Surprised." Ardaline said sarcastically as she approached Valerica. When she was in front of her, she raised his sword with the intention of killing the vampire matriarch.
"Mother!" was Serana's cry of panic as she saw her mother trapped and about to be killed.
'I'm sorry about everything. Serana…' was Valerica's thought as she closed her eyes and waited for the killing blow.
However, the blow never came. Valerica opened her eyes and saw that the Altmer's ebony sword had been stopped by a thin sword made of dragon bone.
"Asia!" shouted Fortunata in amazement when she saw her friend awake.
Asia nodded to her friend and summoned her sacred gear. Once summoned, she used the power of her sacred gear to heal the wounds of all of her allies. The housecarls felt the bruises and broken bones heal, and Valerica felt the ice that enclosed her melt
Asia had discovered this ability a few months ago. This is because she had hardly used her sacred gear at all in the first few months that she was in Nirm. She used it again almost immediately since Edzard gave her the bracelets that suppressed the aura of her sacred gear. She had felt that her sacred gear had increased in power and she had been experimenting on what she could do now. And that led her to discover various ways to use it. One of them was that she was able to heal her allies from a distance.
"What will you do?" Valerica asked.
"I'll take care of her." Asia said seriously. "You help others."
Valerica wasn't surprised to hear the assurance in Asia's voice. The girl had changed a lot since Edzard had left her here. So she, smiling, she nodded and once she was free of the ice she ran to support the others.
"You really think you can defeat me girl." Ardaline said as she looked at Asia.
Asia didn't respond and just closed her eyes as she remembered the words Mara had said to her, but she had to open them when Ardaline lunged at her. Swords clashed quickly again.
'Lady Mara said that sacred gear react to the willpower of their bearers.' Asia thought as she defended herself from Ardeline's attacks. Little by little she was losing ground against the Altmer again. Before she could create a ward to defend herself, she was hit by a paralysis spell that was cast by Ardeline.
Before Asia fell to the ground, Ardeline reached over and took her by the chainmail.
'Please move. I need to help them.' Asia thought desperately as she watched as the mercenaries began to gain ground and it seemed that they would soon take over the battlements.
'I need more strength to help them.' Asia thought as she closed her eyes.
While his eyes were closed, she thought of Edzard and his daughter. If she died here, Marie would live as a motherless. The very thought that her daughter had to experience something similar to what she experienced in her childhood made Asia feel great panic and terror.
'No! I'm not going to die here. I'm not leaving my family. So please move on. Move on!' Asia was using all the willpower she had to try to move her body to keep fighting.
Ardaline grabbed her sword and prepared to stab Asia in the heart, but when her sword came within inches of touching the chainmail, an explosion of green light engulfed Asia and sent Ardaline flying while completely lighting up the battlefield blinding everyone present.
When everyone present could see again, they were astonished when they saw Asia. Since she was no longer wearing her chainmail and pants. She wore a battle outfit that consisted of a sleeveless light blue dress, which came down to her knees. Over this dress she wore armor that covered her chest and shoulders, as well as two pieces of metal that cover both sides of her waist. She also has gauntlets and greaves of metal, adorned with wings on the elbows and knee pads. She wore a kind of crown with two horns on her head. The armor was silver in color and shone like a mirror.
Serana stared in amazement at the armor Asia wore. This was because Asia's armor emitted an enormous amount of magic. If she had to guess what effects that armor would have on Asia, it was very likely that the effects would be similar to Edzard's dragon aspect. That is to say, they give her an increase in her base statistics, in addition to giving her some other ability.
"What happened to you?" Ardaline asked as she got up.
Asia did not respond verbally, but once she touched the ground, she quickly lunged at Ardaline, who was in awe of Asia's speed, but once she overcame her amazement, she quickly attacked Asia with a diagonal strike from her sword. For Asia, the movement was so slow that she had no trouble deflecting the blow, leaving an opening in the Altmer's defense; However, before he could finish Ardaline, she heard a scream. Turning her head, she could see that the scream belonged to Fridda, who had been hit by an arrow that hit her shoulder. Quickly Asia extended her hand in the direction of her friend. Fridda was enveloped by a green aura, which ejected the arrow from her body and then instantly healed her wound.
As Asia finished healing her friend, the mercenaries' cries of pain began to be heard. When the defenders looked towards the beach, they were astonished when they saw several ships sail towards the coast. Fireballs rained down from the ships and hit the mercenaries, but they were protected by the barrier Ardeline had created.
"Wow, that's a good barrier." Tolfdir said as he watched the barrier.
"Can you break it, old man?" Isran asked.
"Sure, but I will need time. J'zargo, Onmund, Brelyna create projectile protection barriers."
The three mages nodded and covered each of the ships with magic barriers.
"Alright, let's get started." Tolfdir said as he extended his hands and created a beam of magic with which he planned to remove the barrier.
When the barrier began to show cracks, Brynjolf and Isran ordered their troops to fire projectiles. These projectiles broke through the barrier and began to kill the mercenaries. The mercenaries did not stay behind and began firing, but their arrows did not pass the barrier created by the mages.
By the time the ships approached the beach, Ardeline's magical barrier had already fallen. The mages used fire spells to destroy the ships the mercenaries had used. When they were close enough, Vilkas and the Companions plunged into battle, alongside them were members of the Dawnguard.
The mercenaries charged the defenders' reinforcements, but before the two groups collided, the mercenaries were hit by a volley of arrows and a few fireballs. These blows caused the mercenaries' charge to be weak and consequently, they were overwhelmed by the charge of the Companions and the Dawnguard.
The combat between the two groups was brutal, but unlike the mercenaries, the Companions and the Dawnguard had high quality armor and weapons. And added to that were also the enchanted rings, this was reflected in that the mercenaries were quickly overcome and began to fall like flies.
When Asia saw the reinforcements attacking the mercenaries, she turned to see that the Ardaline sword was inches from her. She quickly dodged and counterattacked with a thrust. The thrust was blocked by a bound sword that was summoned by Ardaline. Asia seeing this began to attack with quick cuts. Ardaline was overwhelmed by Asia's new speed.
'What the fuck is going on here? She didn't have these physical abilities before.' thought Ardaline in panic. This mission was turning out to be more difficult than she expected.
'I need to get out of here.' was Ardaline's thought as she watched as her army of mercenaries was being decimated. Using magic she took a great leap, trying to get to where his boats had been, because near them she had placed a device that would allow her to teleport to a safe place. Or at least that's what she expected; however, she felt a great pain in his chest. Looking back she saw that Asia had stabbed her in the back.
As they fell, Asia's transformation faded leaving her almost unconscious. And due to the great leap, they had made, they both ended up falling into the cold waters of the Sea of Ghosts.
Asia felt like she was sinking into the sea, but she also felt something pulling her out of the water. Opening her eyes, she was amazed to see that she was being lifted up by a small golden orb, which started heading towards the coast. Looking back, she could see Ardaline's body sinking along with her sword into the deep sea. Once they reached the coast, Asia was surrounded by her friends.
"You are a complete idiot." Serana said with a smile seeing Asia all soaked. "But what else could I expect from Ed's fiancée."
Asia tried to smile, but couldn't, her whole body ached from the cold. After Serana helped her up, she walked with Aela and Serana's help into the castle as they were followed by the Housecarls, members of the Companions, the Thieves Guild, the College of Winterhold, and the Dawnguard. Everyone was congratulating her on surviving her first battle.
When they were inside the castle, Asia was taken to her room. She with great difficulty she changed her wet clothes. When she finished dressing, Valerica entered the room carrying Marie in her arms. Standing next to Asia, she handed him her daughter. Asia took Marie and saw that she had a pout on her face. It seems that the little girl was not amused that they forced her to sleep. Smiling, Asia kissed her daughter's forehead as she just looked at her before she smiled too.
Sea of Abecean - Loredas 9 of Frostfall of the 203 of the Fourth era
Edzard was looking around. He was in the Abacean Sea, and around him were several wrecked ships. He had not long ago fought what was left of the Aldmer fleet. He had smashed the ships with a combination of two Thu'um, the Storm Summoning and the Whirlpool. Together they created a storm so powerful that it had completely ripped the Aldmer fleet apart. There had not been a single survivor.
Edzard looked at the bodies sinking to the bottom of the sea and began to think that how many of them were parents, brothers, children and husbands. About how his families would suffer for the losses and how they would curse him for all eternity.
'At the end of it all, there is no honor or glory in war. Just pain, suffering and death.' Edzard thought as he started to walk away from the ship graveyard.
Edzard walked on the water of the sea thanks to the enchantment that his boots possessed. An enchantment that allowed him to walk on water.
As Edzard continued walking in the direction of the shores of Alinor, in the distance many ships could be seen, hundreds of them. They all wore different heraldry. There were heraldries for the Legions, Skyrim, High Rock, Hammerfell, Elsweyr, and Valenwood.
Author's note:
To those who have made it this far, Thanks for reading. Because being honest, I don't know how to write much in English and I'm relying on Google translators and the dictionaries that come with office 2019.
Well, I apologize for any misspelling. Do not forget to leave a review if you liked the chapter or if there is something that needs to be improved. With nothing more to say, until the next chapter.