Castle Morne, Weeping Peninsula
Percy rode to Castle Morne in relative silence. He didn't need to draw his claymore even once to protect himself, and yet, Percy could not find it in himself to celebrate. Instead, he began to worry about his luck and what awaited him at Castle Morne. Percy only had two missions, help save Irina's father and help him retake the castle. It may seem simple but in the Lands Between simplicity was a luxury.
He knew he was getting closer when he began to recognize the environment as well as the familiar campfire of the nomadic merchant's campsite. They weren't currently present but those individuals were strong people who could survive without the guidance of the grace and the inherent power all Tarnished had.
Just a few minutes later, Castle Morne came into view. As with his previous visits, Percy couldn't help but admire the imposing structure. Although named a castle, it resembled a fortress much more. As such, it wasn't aesthetically pleasing to the eye, nor was it intended to be. Castle Morne was built upon a giant rock structure, where the walls, corridors, and interior buildings seamlessly merged with its natural surroundings.
Percy urged Torrent onwards to the front gate. They ventured across the wide-open grassland where Edgar's great-grandfather ordered for the trees to be cleared so that any invading army would be left defenceless. It was a smart tactic leaving the invaders with no natural defences, leaving them to rely on artificial counterparts. In the end, however, it did not matter as the castle defences destroyed them.
Upon dismounting Percy was momentarily confused when no guard greeted him like they usually do. But that confusion disappeared upon discovering the bodies strewn across the interior. It didn't even look as if a battle took place. It was like what Irina said. No one had time to react as the attack was so sudden. There weren't even any signs of struggle, they were merely killed on the spot before they even had the chance to react.
Percy sighed at the deceased guards and entered the side room where one of the armouries was stationed. The state of the armoury was further proof that the guards had no idea what was about to happen. Weapons were still on the racks untouched, shields were hung on the walls, and spare sets of armour were mounted on their stands.
There wasn't much else to check. All the signs just solidified Irina's words - not that Percy didn't believe her. It was just disheartening to see the state of Castle Morne. Percy shook his head driving the depressing thoughts away. Right now he needed to find Edgar and hopefully others who have miraculously survived - especially the normal human servants - and not dwell on the events that have passed.
Percy checked his gear and unsheathed his claymore. He didn't know what awaited him in the courtyard so caution was advised and something Percy was no stranger to. So with a deep breath, Percy walked onto the lift and got ready for what he was about to see.
Elden Ring
"How the hell could it have gotten this bad? Did you not say they were merely servants?" Percy mumbled to himself.
He along with a dozen soldiers of Castle Morne, a few maids, and the castle cook, sat in silence with only the sound of rain coming from outside. Morale wasn't high persay nor was it low but had Percy not arrived there was no doubt these soldiers and their (what is called when they're guarding someone) would have been slaughtered. But they weren't and with Percy's help, they were able to defeat the horde that had come across their small party and retreat into a nearby tower.
"Make sure to watch that door, Steffon, we can't risk them breaking in here and pushing us down to the lower levels. Who knows what the current state is."
"Yes, Sir Tarnished!"
Percy sighed, a tired smile on his face as the youthful soldier once again disregarded his request to call him by his name.
"What are we to do now, Tarnished?"
Percy glanced up at the towering figure of a knight approaching his way. They were about the same height as Percy himself who was six foot, but with a broader physique that was hidden underneath their equally broader armour.
"I'm not too sure, to be honest. I was sent here to help Lord Edgar retake the castle but as you can see…" Percy motioned towards the door. "With how much of us is left and the amount of those misbegotten out there… that plan is definitely out the window."
Percy raised a finger to stop the knight from interjecting. "And unless Lord Edgar says otherwise, we can't know for sure unless we get to the left tower. But we can't go there since we don't know if the corridors are safe."
The knight hummed. "We'll have to at some point head out there and pray that we reach him."
One of the soldiers nearby heard their discussion and snorted. "What makes you think we'll even get close enough before we get slaughtered? We have survivors with us Ser, and if you haven't noticed they're not soldiers."
"Hey! You can't talk to Ser Blackmont like that," his body whispered harshly with an elbow to his stomach.
Percy tilted his head at the standing man as if to say, 'Are you going to do something about that?' To his surprise though. Ser Blackmont ignored his subordinates' sarcastic reply.
"Don't worry Ser Blackmont, we'll fight with you and beat those nasty bastards!" one of the soldiers said.
"If you want to die then go right ahead." Percy shrugged.
It was only then that the older man spoke. "I don't think you get it, Tarnished. We die for our lord, we pledged our sword and lives to protect him and his daughter."
This got a round of 'aye' from the scattered group except the servants who merely watched from the side. They had no say in these matters after all.
Percy stood up from where he sat against the wall. "You are doing your duty, I know that. But what I mean is that we can do this without throwing your lives away."
"Then what do you propose?" a soldier using a spear as a crutch asked.
"I'll head into the castle and clear the way to the other side."
"By yourself?" one of them said in disbelief.
Percy laughed, "I'm a Tarnished," he said simply. "I'll return once I clear the way." Percy stretched and unsheathed his blade, giving it a few experimental swings.
"Open the door lads, it's time to kill some more misbegotten."
The nearest guard shared a look at the soldier posted by the door leading into the castle. They shrugged and cautiously peered out the door. A second of silence passed until the soldier nodded towards Percy silently telling him the coast was clear.
"Time to get to work. I shall see you all soon!" Percy smiled, pulling down his helmet in the process.
The halls were eerily quiet as if the castle had been abandoned and were it not for the mayhem that occurred outside Percy would have thought that was the case. There were no signs of life, no misbegotten, no servants, no soldiers; there were none. Percy was clueless as to how the halls had not seen any sort of battle. The walls were clean, paintings and murals hanging in pristine condition; the floors were bare of dust and had looked freshly swept. There wasn't anything wrong with the scene.
Regardless Percy ventured on in caution as anything could happen. Not to mention this is the Lands Between and there were hordes of misbegotten outside ravaging and mercilessly killing anyone. Percy had his blade out, his head constantly checking corners for any ambushes. Fortunately, there were no misbegotten in sight unfortunately though, there were also no signs of any survivors. It seemed like everyone was either killed outside or somewhere else inside the castle.
Percy took a bit longer getting to the other side due to his more cautious attempt. Now with the area clear, the journey would be quick. Once he made it to the other end of the hall, he barricaded the door so that no misbegotten could get inside - and with that done, Percy jogged back.
The journey back was quick and like before there was no enemy's insight. Soon enough Percy turned the corner and knocked on the door he had left through. There was a pattering of footsteps and the rattling of a hatch.
"Tarnished? Is that you?" the familiar gruff voice of the knight asked.
"Yeah it's me, it's safe to come out now."
There was silence before Percy saw the door open. Revealing a crowd of soldiers and their (what do you call the servants/the people they saved) who were ready to move out. They were not the most… pleasant group to look at; as most of them bore signs of battle with their dented armour, scratches, and bloodstains. They also looked as if they would fall at any moment from the slightest push due to exhaustion and fatigue. But Percy admired them nonetheless. They were ready and were holding back the fatigue as they knew they needed to save their lord.
"Lead the way, Tarnished."
Elden Ring
"Ah, there's a face I've not seen for some time."
Percy approached the sullen-faced man seated upon a sturdy box. "Edgar, I would say it's nice to see you again. But seeing the dilemma we're in…"
The man replied with a tired smile, the exhaustion present on his face. "What can I say? The menials have all rebelled regardless of our positive treatment towards them."
"Do you know what may have been the source of this rebellion?"
"Nie, but it seems it was all an act." Lord Edgar's jaw clenched tightly. "Fowl creatures, as they say. I never should have taken them under my service. Mad beast, foul inside and out!" Edgar snarled, pounding the wall behind him.
Percy stepped closer to the man who had granted him refuge whenever he needed it. "Peace, Edgar, they'll pay for this transgression but first we need to leave. There is no chance of us retaking this place with how low our manpower is."
The middle-aged ruler of Castle Morne sighed sadly. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Perseus; to reveal my pitiful state, a state unbefitting of a lord."
"Don't apologize to me, Edgar. I'm not here to judge nor will I. Let's just leave the castle with the remaining survivors."
Lord Edgar nodded. "How many people are with you? I have eight soldiers with me currently guarding the bottom of the stairs; plus three injured right here. That makes eleven of us with three unable to fight."
Percy had met the eight soldiers at the bottom of the stairs. They were about to attack but stopped upon seeing the knight walking alongside the young Tarnished. They promptly let them through where Percy split from the group to meet with Edgar.
"They are safe and prepared to move out once you're ready."
"Then let us go." Lord Edgar stood up and retrieved his halberd from where it leaned against the castle battlements.
"Steffon, get some of your brothers to prepare the injured to move. Take this flask and give one to each. It'll help cure their wounds but their strength will be depleted."
The young soldier who was patiently waiting from the side called down the stairs for help. Three soldiers returned and prepared the injured while Steffon grabbed the three flasks from Percy's hand.
"Now let's get out of this place."
"Lead the way, Perseus."
Elden Ring
Bridge of Sacrifice
"Watch the right! Watch the right!"
"Get out of the way!"
"Archers fire!"
Like a wave dozens of arrows rained from above hitting both foes and allies alike - those who were unfortunate to be in the crossfire. Some struck true while others fell short; regardless it was all the same, none of the projectiles had done much damage.
"Are the heals ready?!"
"Casting it now!"
A yellow light burst from a Tarnishes' staff. It started small and dim until growing into a large ball of light that showered over their comrade. The light healed the wounds of those closest to it and eased them of their fatigue and pain, yet it lacked the power for the ones bearing more severe injuries.
"Glintblade Phalanx!"
"Move out of the way!"
A loud whistle could be heard from five blue spectral swords flying through the air but was drowned out only seconds later when the clashing of steel and shouts of men and women returned.
"O blessed flame, let me conjure thee so thy can burn my enemies… I call thee, Flame Sling!"
A great ball of fire the size of two full-grown men erupted from the hand of a young woman. The light emanating from it is hot and bright to those around it. It surged overhead and hit its target and yet it did nothing.
"We've lost Thrall!"
"We need to run!"
"Sir Alfred, your orders?!"
"We can't win this!"
Along with the sound of clashing steel and the calls of incantations and spells from those who delve into those arts. Shouts of fear and pleas of retreat followed suit. It was a bloodbath and everyone knew it, they merely chose if they had the will to get through it all.
"Shut up! Everyone just shut up!" A loud shout caught everyone's attention while they still fought. "We're all Tarnished right?!" the voice asked.
Scattered shouts of agreement rang out - some unsure while others confident.
"Then we're going to do this right now! We will not surrender and we sure as hell ain't dying. I don't know about you warriors but I am a warrior and I will kill this monster. Now who's with me?!"
There was no reply, but after one yelled back in agreement, more followed suit until everyone regained their fighting spirit. It was understandable for those who had no maidens to lose faith, and it wasn't dishonourable nor cowardly for the ones who did to retreat. One must know when to return another day to fight but that wasn't the case for this.
"Lady Nepheli is right, although we did not expect this to happen we still must persevere and defeat these foes. We have defeated the Tree Sentinel in the past and although we lost people, we still defeated it in the end. I know we didn't expect another one to show up. But it does not matter! Right here, right now, we will vanquish both of these beasts and avenge our fallen brethren! Now, Saxons, follow Nepheli Loux, follow her to victory!"
Alfred, the Just, spoke to his men and raised his blade high, its bright silver glinting under the sun. "To victory!"
Elden Ring
"Irina is safe then?" Lord Edgar asked from his place beside Perseus.
Percy smoothed Torrent's mane. "She is," he smiled comfortingly. "I sent her to Mother at the Roundtable Hold. Once we meet up at the Bridge of Sacrifice where hopefully Alfred and the Saxons are, I'll send you to the Hold."
Lord Edgar smiled. "Tis fine, if you say she's safe then she's safe. Right now we have more pressing matters. With Castle Morne lost, my men and I need to find a place to settle down. Not to mention, you'll need someone to call upon for assistance once Godrick has been defeated."
Percy had informed Lord Edgar of what had happened to Godrick. How he had delved into the accursed practice of grafting others unto himself. It was truly unbefitting of a lord, especially one who proclaims themselves as 'lord of all that is golden'. To say Lord Edgar was disgusted would be an understatement. The lord had all but pledged his sword to fight alongside Percy but remembered Percy's goal to purge the foul man whom he could only do by himself.
Instead, Percy suggested that the lord help him restore the once glorious castle. Something the man wholeheartedly agreed with. After all, Percy had no clue on how to run a castle and he doubted the soldiers would listen to a Tarnished. Percy just hoped they would be more welcoming to Lord Edgar and his men
"We should be nearing the bridge anytime soon. Should I send some scouts forward, M'lord?" Ser Yron, the knight who had stayed stuck by Lord Edgar's side asked. Unlike his counterpart, this knight was much more pleasant and laid back which Percy preferred.
"Send two and tell them to watch out. The Tarnished might not recognize our crest except for Sir Alfred." The ever-dutiful knight nodded and moved back the group to find two volunteers.
Percy and Edgar continued their discussion, the topic moving from Stormveil to Percy's journey throughout the lower portion of the Lands Between; as they awaited news from the scouts. However, after some time had passed and the two scouts had not returned; Percy became worried that they had been deposed by Alfred's group. It was certainly a possibility but Alfred would have recognized the sigil of House Morne.
Worry started to set in between the two men until a large boom rocked the horizon. Percy shared a quick glance with Edgar and without any words urged Torrent into a run towards the sound. His mighty companion did not disappoint as in only a matter of seconds they reached the Bridge, skidding to a halt beside two shocked Morne soldiers.
"What in the two fingers is this?!" one of them shouted fearfully.
"S…Ser, T-Tarnished, I think we need t-to turn back."
Urging Torrent to take a couple of steps towards grace, Percy wiped his eyes to make sure he was seeing things right. Because there was no way in the greater will that there were not one but two tree sentinels fighting a disarrayed group of Tarnished. Percy was speechless, so speechless in fact, that he failed to notice the rest of their group arriving either by foot or horseback.
"That's Alfred!" Lord Edgar exclaimed.
With great speed, Percy reached into his pouch and pulled out his spyglass that had materialized into existence with a single thought. It took a second but Percy was able to confirm that the Tarnished were the Saxons and that Alfred was fighting alongside them.
"We need to help them right now.," Percy stated.
"Lead the way, Percy. We'll be right behind you."
In one swift motion, Percy summoned his helmet and fitted it snugly in place. He unsheathed his claymore and charged head-on at the bridge that was being manned by the soldiers of Godrick who had survived Nepheli's attack.
"Take those bastards out men! Give our Tarnished some backup!" Lord Edgar commanded as he threw a borrowed spear at the militia man manning the ballista.
With the ballista out of commission, Percy was free to regroup with the Saxons. Yet, despite the fact he was on horseback, the remaining Godrick soldiers still decided to head his way and stop him. It did not matter in the end as Percy simply cut them apart as he and Torrent ran faster.
"Faster Torrent! Head to that hill right there!" Torrent listened and redirected their path. "Alright once I say now, we're going to jump." The spectral steed snorted in agreement and waited.
Percy held his claymore tightly and right as Torrent's front legs touched the tip of the ledge he urged him to jump. Everything turned in slow motion as Percy and Torrent flew towards one of the Tree Sentinels. Percy flexed his sword arm and took a shallow breath before with all his might swung hard.
His blade struck true, digging itself into the tree sentinel's nape. However, the strength wasn't enough and Percy knew he would have to pull back; and yet, just as he was about to pull the blade out, he saw a handaxe flying straight at him. Instantly, upon seeing the familiar axe, Percy snatched it out of the air and with a mighty swing he separated the tree sentinel's head.
A cheer erupted from behind him indicating the arrival of the Castle Morne soldiers as well as their mighty lord. They quickly and efficiently took over the bridge and disarmed the soldiers of Godrick. The Tarnished on the other hand couldn't afford to celebrate as they were occupied by the tree-sentinel's twin.
It wreaked mayhem in their ranks and with the death of its partner had fought with renewed effort. The large golden war axe of his swinging left and right battered away the Tarnished who specialised as tanks. The mages and rangers were forced to continuously retreat or dodge with varying attempts of success. Fortunately, though, it looked like they were holding their own fairly well with no serious casualties. Of course, Percy hoped that those who had fallen were the ones blessed with a second chance. Otherwise, there wasn't much to be done - sadly - except grieve and mourn once this enemy has been felled.
Percy rode back to the Lord Edgar. "Lord Edgar! I want you to move that ballista up and position the archers at that ledge."
"You heard the man! Andrew, take the rest of the archers and prepare to fire. Ser Blackmont, take some men to move the ballista up, and for crying out loud move it!"
The soldiers listened to their commander obediently. Getting to work with speed rivalling the rolling goats that grazed upon the open patches of grassland. Swords, bows, footmen and knights; they all moved with a purpose as they got ready to assist the Tarnished in their endeavour to kill the last remaining tree sentinel.
"On the count of three you fire," Percy said to the crew manning the ballista. "And the archers, make sure to aim at the horse where it's unarmoured. It may seem ruthless but it's vital to the Tree Sentinel and with its death, it'll be easier for us to kill them."
"Three! Two! One!" Lord Edgar shouted. "Loose!"
Percy watched as a volley of arrows flew across the air heading straight at the occupied tree sentinel. However, it was only then that Percy realized the projectiles would be too weak to penetrate the golden-plated armour and if there was a lucky shot where the arrow struck one of the cracks of the armour it still wouldn't be enough.
But then, before the arrows and the ballista hit the tree sentinel. A powerful blast came from its head followed by a triumphant yell. The helmet of the tree sentinel was blasted off, revealing a badly burnt face; this, however, did not kill the Tree Sentinel… yet.
Because seconds later the giant arrow from the ballista found its mark, digging itself into the back of the giant soldier's head and out its face. The effect was instant as the body slumped forward and off the seat where it was then pulled away as the horse was hit in the rear by a Tarnished holding a pike.
| Notes |
Steffon: A simple man-at-arms | OC | Plays a bigger role later on
Ser Blackmont & Ser Yron: Two knights under the command of Lord Edgar | OC |
Castle Morne Soldiers: Soldiers under the command of House Morne. They wear the sigil of House Morne proudly and specialize in a more defensive approach when fighting.
A.N. I did not enjoy writing this chapter. My mind always went blank whenever I sat down to write which was so frustrating. Finally, though it's over and I can finally focus on the other chapters. I already have chapters 8 to 15 planned and currently working on chapters 8 and 10. Chapter 8 shouldn't take too long to complete. Also Please note that if you head to the Bridge of Sacrifice you'll notice the landscape is much different from what I described. Just imagine it has been expanded to fit the description above. I will explain why this is the case in the next chapter.
Pt2. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter… If you have any questions send a PM, you'll receive them fairly quickly if you do.
| End |
Update: 8/15/2024