This chapter leads up to a more exciting one. I hope you enjoy this one as well, though.


CHAPTER NINE


At last I was able back a sleep, and the next time I woke up a small ray of sunlight was shining through my window. I even heard some birds chirping as well, and on any other day to me this would be a sign of a good day, but today wasn’t like any other. Today was supposedly the end of this era and the beginning of a new one, or at least according to that old woman I heard last night.

But then again I suppose I shouldn’t be describing your appearance as of yet. I only heard her voice. It sounded like an elderly lady, most likely a witch, but I was for sure. Judging by her accent last night I would guess she was a Nord, but her tone wasn’t as strong as any of the Nords I’ve ever seen, so I wasn’t too sure about her race either. Only time would tell.

Thankfully when I walked out into the hallway everyone else was still sound asleep in their bunks, which meant the morning was still early. So I dressed myself into some simply clothing and exited the barracks area. Outside, just like every morning before work started, Captain Falx was about to leave for his morning walk. He was almost out into the forest but I called for him loudly.

He put a finger up to his mouth so I wouldn’t yell anymore, and then he waited for me to catch up. “What is it, Erick?”

“Sir, may I have a word with you concerning Falco?”

He stared at me for several seconds, as if deciding on whether to give me a chance to speak or not. “Very, well. Walk with me. We will speak once we get to the pond.”

We left the castle area and headed down the usual walking path. A light snow shower must have fallen through the night, for the ground was rather moist with water and what was left of the snow. I wasn’t really expecting to take a walk with the Captain, and because of that I was not wearing a coat. I was chilled to the bone by the Solstheim weather, but I couldn’t let it get to me. This could perhaps be my only chance to say what I have to say.

When we finally reached the pond Captain Falx sat upon a large stone, one that was under a tree and dry from the wetness. I sat on one as well beside him, and that’s when our conversation started.

“What is it that you have to tell me, Erick? You should make it quick, because the other inmates will be waking soon.”

I cleared my throat and began. “Sir, there’s something you need to know about Falco and Bruno,” I said calmly, without shouting or getting angry.

“What’s that?”

“Bruno is a brute of a bully, and Falco is scared to death of him and his gang. Bruno has been causing us much trouble since the first day. I know what Melvin did was wrong and everything, but Bruno hasn’t exactly been an angel himself…”

Falx chuckled a bit. “Yes, I figured as much, Erick. Bruno seems like that kind of sort. But unfortunately there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, who’s to say that you aren’t simply lying to me, in an attempt to free Melvin from The Can?”

“But I’m not and you know it!”

“True, but the investigators are obviously going to side with someone who isn’t an inmate. No matter what you say, it’s word as an inmate against Bruno who is not.”

“You’re not even going to try and defend us?”

“And make myself look bad? No, of course not…”

It all made sense now. All this time I really thought Captain Falx cared about me, and thought I was good leader and someone he could count on. But it was all a mirage in my own eyes. He only wanted me to be a good inmate so I don’t make him look bad. I couldn’t believe it.

“Oh, I get it now. You don’t care about us inmates, only your own image. Is that it?”

“You hit the hammer right on the nail.”

“That’s not fair…”

“LIFE isn’t fair, Erick! The sooner you realize that the better.”

Falx got up from his stone and started walking back to the fort. I sat there for several seconds until he said to me, “You don’t by in life my taking sides for what is right, you know. You get by being a dirty person, one who will do whatever it takes to stay at the top. How else do you think I got to where I am now, eh?”

“Oh yes, you’re at a fine position: Captain of a bunch of low-life inmates on a frozen wasteland. That sounds like a grand job,” I said sarcastically, while walking past Falx and heading back to the fort on my own.

All of the inmates had taken their showers and were ready to go to work by the time I arrived. We waited for only a couple of minutes before Falx showed, looking a bit agitated by our little discussion. I’m sure he wasn’t too happy about my smartellic mouth, but to be honest, I really didn’t care anymore. No more being a nice guy and sucking up to him whenever he said something nice. From here on out Erick was going to be a changed man, one that wasn’t going to anyone walk on him…


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


I made it to the Raven Rock mine a little late for some reason, as the miners and my fellow inmates were already working. I really don’t have an excuse for arriving late, other than I had gone to my bunk room to grab a coat in order to warm up before work. And when I reached the Imperial settlement Falco had of course noticed my late arrival.

“Where’ve you been, Erick? The horn sounded five minutes ago.”

I ignored his question and simply walked past him. He didn’t like that one bit. I felt a hand on my shoulder and then I was forcefully turned around.

“I asked you a question,” he said sternly. I glared into his eyes with pure hatred, and then I muttered, “I had to grab my coat.”

I tried to leave but his grip held me in position from going anywhere. “You don’t get any special privileges. Get to work and don’t be late again or else I’ll have to report you to Captain Falx.”

He let go of my shoulder, and as I walked away I yelled behind me, “I would report to you whenever Bruno starts trouble, but then again…you’d probably start shaking in your boots at the sounds of his name. We all know how much fear he puts into you…”

I heard the rustling of snow behind me, and I realized Falco was running towards me. Again I was turned around forcefully, and this time I was thrown into the building wall as well. Falco used his broad shoulders and arms to hold me in place. I was surprised at how strong he was.

“Listen here, you’re not going to talk to me like that. I am the boss around here, not you. I call the shots, I make the rules, and I decide who is right and who is wrong! You better watch yourself, Erick, or else your attitude is going to get the best of you…if you catch my drift.”

He let go of me and then shoved me towards the door. “Now get to work.”

Teemee, J’Dato and Madila were already digging when I finally arrived, and none of them said anything to me about being late. I didn’t really expect Madila to anyway, but I was a bit surprised that the lizard and the cat were able to hold their tongue. Although it was Teemee that said he was going to watch what he said.

We dug until lunch time, and even then I stayed and continued my digging. Madila exited the mines with no emotion as usual, but Teemee and J’Dato both gave me surprised and confused looks. But when I did not look up from my work they simply shrugged their shoulders and left for lunch.

The whole day I had not spoken a word to anyone, and today I have been working harder than ever. I don’t know why; I guess it’s because mining is the only thing I have left. I don’t have a friend like Melvin to talk to anymore, and now life seems so useless. Falx never told me how long Melvin was going to be in The Can, but I had a bad feeling it was going to be until the investigators arrive.

When the others came back from break we continued our work, and at the end of the day I had dug up twenty-five ores alone. Everyone was very impressed by my work, and even a couple of Raven Rock inhabitants noticed my job. A few of them came in and whispered between one another and then yelled for Falco. He strutted in, looked at all the ebony, and said, “Good job.”

It wasn’t a real ‘good job’, just something to say so he wouldn’t look like a jerk. I didn’t care either way, and I responded to his comment with a simple, “Don’t mention it.”


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


Snow had begun to fall on my way back to Fort Frostmoth. I did not walk with Madila, J’Dato or Teemee, because honestly I didn’t feel like talking to anyone, and everyone knows how they like to talk, except for Madila of course. Right now I just wanted to be alone, to ponder the recent events, even though it’s all I’ve been thinking about all day.

Melvin was probably a mess right now, all alone and angry. I’d have to pay him a visit before going to sleep if the guards let me. But what would he say to me? Hell, what would I say to him? I was afraid he’d me mad at me for not getting him out of The Can, but the truth is that I’ve done everything in my power to free him from that dreaded cell. What he did to Bruno’s wife was certainly questionable, and because of it’s severity that is why Melvin is in The Can.

And the weird part is that despite my anger towards Falco, Bruno and Falx, I am still not surprised at their decision. In fact, if it wasn’t for Bruno being a total jerk I would support their decision. But that is not the case at all, and Bruno is in fact a bully. I tried to lobby for Melvin’s release by telling Falx Bruno’s actions have been just as bad as Bruno’s, but of course that didn’t turn out how I had originally hoped it would. Instead I was shunned away by my own commanding officer.

When I arrived at Fort Frostmoth it appeared that I was the first to get there. Of course I shouldn’t be surprised; after all I had shot out of the mine faster than you can say ‘Falx is a traitor’.

So I went straight for the dungeon and right to the entrance of The Can. As usual there was an official Legion soldier sitting at a desk with a large ring of keys. And unlike many soldiers I had ran into in Vvardenfell, this on was neither drunk nor sleeping. It made sense because The Can was reserved for foulest of inmates. But that’s kind of ironic because Melvin doesn’t fit that description at all.

“I’m here to visit the inmate, Melvin,” I said to the soldier.

He looked me up and down, and then said, “You know inmates aren’t allowed to visit fellow inmates, right?”

“Yes, I know that, but I swear I won’t cause any trouble. Melvin is my friend. I just need to speak to him for a few minutes.”

He sighed heavily and responded, “Alright, alright, just hurry up. I shouldn’t be doing this you know,” he said as he unlocked the door with a large golden key.

“Thanks,” I commented as I walked quickly through the door and into the cold cell area.

In the actual cell Melvin was lying face up on the cold stone floor. It appeared that he was asleep but once he heard my footsteps he turned his head and squinted in my direction.

“Erick, is that you, bud?”

I smiled at the friendly welcome, for I knew he wasn’t mad at me after all. It was a huge relief of course, because I had been very afraid that he was going to blame me for what happened. Why he would do that makes no sense, I realize that, but the feeling was there until now.

“Yeah, it’s me. Sorry I didn’t come sooner, but everything is so confusing right now. I’ve been trying to get you out of here, but with no prevail I’m afraid.”

“Not a problem, I understand. I’m sure you did all you could, but Falx is stuck so far up his own butt he doesn’t even see how stupid and ignorant he is.”

We continued to talk a little bit about Bruno, Falx and Falco, and about how things were going to pan out in the coming weeks. Melvin firmly believed that the investigators were going to find him guilty, and possibly send him to a larger dungeon in the Imperial capitol of Cyrodiil. I didn’t really want to think about that, but then again it’s highly likely. After all, there are not a lot of other places to go after Fort Frostmoth.

And then I mentioned the old lady from last night, and I expected Melvin to gasp in surprise, but that is not all what happened. Instead he laughed loudly. “Erick, don’t you get it? It was a dream!”

“No, Melvin, it was real, I swear it was!”

And then something bad happened. I tried to talk about the ring I was given, forgetting about he curse that was put on me.

“If you weren’t so bent on keeping your tough-guy attitude then you wouldn’t even be here!”

I didn’t mean to say it of course, but the curse forced me to. It definitely caught Melvin by surprise.

“I’m so sorry, Melvin. I didn’t mean to say that. I really didn’t…”

He just looked at me and said, “No, you did mean it. It’s okay though, I’ve been doing some thinking ever since I was put in here. Once I get out, if I ever do that is, I’m going to calm myself down and act more like you I think.”

That was very ironic since I had already decided to act like Melvin. Thankfully he did not take my comment too seriously.

“Listen…I have to go. Take care of yourself, Melvin. Be careful tonight…something awful is going to happen.”

I started to walk out the door when I remembered Winona, Melvin’s girlfriend. “What about Winona? Do you want me to write to her and explain what’s happened?”

“No, luckily Falx is letting me write to her anyway.”

“Ok, well…remember what I said, Melvin. Be ready…”

He simply snickered at the comment as I walked out the door.

I like Erick's new "built up anger" style of doing things, and the fact that he doesn't really care for the others any more. Loner characters are ever so stylish you know, especially if they start behaving that way after being taken for fools. Speaking of fools, it seems everyone on this damn rock of an island are cold blooded bastards. Bruno, Falco, even captain Falx! The future werewolves sure have a lot on their "to-do lists" after turning into werewolves. I sense Raven Rock will be getting a lot of visits.

Ha, we'll have to see about that last comment...

Ho boy, Erick pulled a straigth 180 here. From mister nice guy to mister 'shut up and get out of my face!'.

I'm trying to change him, but I don't want it to happen too fast or too sudden.

There have certainly been some interesting developments since I last checked out this story. You definitely got some nice character development going on here.

Thanks, Mallet. I'm really working hard on that aspect of my writing...

Yes, they have been developing well.
And one of them might develop into a wereworlf!!!!

lol!!!!!!!

Lol, we'll see.....

CHAPTER TEN


Outside snow was beginning to calmly fall from the sky. That was the weirdest part about snow in my opinion; it had the potential of causing so much trouble and so much hassle, yet it was totally silent when hitting the ground. It was quite spectacular if you ask me.

And outside also stood Falx, standing on his wooden platform like he did every day. As I looked at I could see the pride in his posture…selfish pride. He thought he was so big and bad with his Imperial issued uniform. He thinks he’s the king of the castle sort-of speak, and I guess technically he is the king of our castle.

I didn’t really feel like waiting for his evening speech, for I was extremely drained by all of the recent drama that’s been flying around, but even with my new-found ‘rebellious’ attitude I didn’t think the time was right to defy our everyday ritual. So I stood there just like the other inmates and waited for the Captain to speak, but at first he did not.

In the beginning he just stood there, gawking at us with angry eyes. I of course knew he was furious with me and the way I was treating mine and Melvin’s situation, but why he was staring everyone else down was out of my reach of acknowledgment. Something must have miffed him to do this, and people were becoming restless from standing. Several prisoners asked aloud what they were doing standing in the snow after working their tails off all day, but Falx quickly extinguished that small fire.

“SILENCE!”

A hushed atmosphere overcame the entire area, and even the official Legion guards were looking at Falx like he was crazy. Apparently that were not aware of what was happening.

“It has come under my impression that some of you feel that you are above Imperial law. You strut around barking things in my face and making claims that any other officer would have you thrown in prison for. I want to stamp out those ideas, that you think you are above me. You most definitely are not, and to show you this none of you will be given lunch breaks for a week.”

The crowd began to whisper loudly with one another, but Falx simply continued.

“In addition, we will from now on wake up at four o’clock in the morning and will retire at ten o’clock at night. You will report straight to bed and lights out at eleven o’clock. I will strictly enforce these rules, and if anyone is to foolishly break them they will be thrown in The Can for a week. I already have one person in there and I’m not afraid to add more if needed…”

At the last sentence he stared straight into my eyes, and right then I knew what this was all about. After my outburst this morning he decided to punish everyone. This showed what an uncaring brute he really was, but I shouldn’t be surprised. I just feel so stupid and naïve that I wasn’t able to see this before.

While the crowd of disgruntled inmates grew louder Captain Falx left the platform and headed straight for his office, leaving his guards to do the work of calming everyone down. Heh……good luck with that. They weren’t going to go quietly, and I doubt mere guards were going to be able to handle the intense situation.

Me, I simply left the area and entered the barracks area. I needed some sleep and I figure since we’re starting to wake up even earlier I might as well settle in as soon as possible. After all, life was going to be even more miserable now. I just hoped none of the other prisoners found out why Falx laid down these laws. Not that I’m afraid or anything, but I’d rather have friends than enemies if you catch my drift.

My room was curiously cold when I stepped through the door. I guess I shouldn’t complain too much since I’ve spent the entire day in the hot mines anyway. Besides, for some odd reason I sleep better in the cold. It must be my adaptation to this frozen wasteland.





Some thirty minutes later, as I laid down attempting to fall asleep but with no prevail, I heard a shout from outside. At first I figured it was someone tripping over another shovel or something, but then another scream followed, this one sounding fearful in a way. I sat up in the bed, immediately thinking of the old lady’s voice and that ring she gave me.

That’s when I realized I wasn’t the clothes I was last night when I received the piece of jewelry. So I got up from bed, searched through a pile of dirty clothes, and luckily found the ring. As soon as I did so the door opened and I gasping guard stood before me with his broadsword unsheathed.

“Take this blade and arm yourself, inmate! We’re under attack by the Skaal!”

The guard threw to the ground another broadsword, a rusty blade no doubt saved for those of lesser rank, and sprinted off to warn the other inmates. I looked at that sword as a painful knot formed into the pit of my stomach. I was feeling like a hundred butterflies were floating through my stomach, ones with razor sharp wings.

I didn’t know what to do at first. This situation was something that I’ve thought about from time to time, but never did I think it would actually become a reality. I suppose, thinking back now, that I really did thing the old lady’s voice was a dream. Even when explaining things to Melvin and even when I physically touched the ring…I still didn’t want to believe it to be true. But now it seems that I was wrong. I reached for the blade with a trembling hand. The hilt was cold against my palm, just like the cold wintry nights. Then I grabbed the ring and placed on my finger. A sudden feeling jolted through my body and I flew back into the wall, hitting my head in the process. I suddenly felt powerful, like anything was possible. I quite liked this feeling, and so then I darted from my room, running full speed towards the battle. It was time to fight.




The snow was falling heavier than before when I reached the scene, and quite a scene it was. Blood was spewing through the air as the Skaal Nords fought with the guards and inmates. The scene was so eerily similar to my dream, almost identical in fact. My hand shook with awe as I watched the battle. But then, after seeing an angry axe-wielding Nord running towards from the left, I realized that I was no part of this mess.

The raged warrior swung his weapon mightily at my face, but I ducked just in time and easily sliced across his leather-armored belly, causing a major and lethal gash across the skin as blood began pouring from the wound. The enormous body fell hard to the blood covered snow, along with his mighty axe. A familiar feeling was coming across me, something I once felt back in Vvardenfell, during the days of rebellion against the Tribunal. There I did the dirty deeds that brought to this island in the first place. And now it seems I’m doing it all over again, except this time to a different opponent.

While I watched the Nord fall lifelessly to the ground I began wondering about this ring I was wearing. Obviously it was giving me tremendous fighting ability, not that I was a push-over or anything. I’ve always been talented in the ‘art of war’, but this was really something. Any fear that I once had was simply thrown out the window and replaced by fierce hunger to kill.

I looked around for anyone that needed help, and I noticed Teemee and J’Dato were both fighting against three Nordic warriors with long blades. I sprinted over to one of the Nords who had his back to me, and I shoved my broadsword into his spine. He died instantly and I pulled the blade from his skin with a sickening sucking sounds. To you that might sound disgusting, but strangely enough to me it was the sound of beauty. I couldn’t explain it, but an old hobby of mine was cropping up from the long lost depths of death so-to-speak.

Teemee stabbed one of the other Nords through the chest with a wooden spear, leaving only one left. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to save J’Dato in time. The Nord has raised his blade high into the air with one hand and chopped down onto the Khajiit’s furry head. A sick noise came from the contact and J’Dato dropped to the ground, and he was no longer of this world.

I screamed as loud as possible and charged towards the Nord who had killed my partner. He turned around and readied himself for my attack, but it was of no use, I wasn’t going to fail my friend. I simply clanged his sword away with mine and then shoved my blade through his stomach, but not all the way. As he doubled over in pain I twirled my sword through the air and chopped off his head. The severed head bounced several feet away before coming to a rest next to a dead Imperial guard.

I ran over to J’Dato and saw that he eyes were still open. The wound had sunk five inches into his skull, and blood was starting to cover my shivering hands. I just couldn’t believe it. He was actually dead. I looked over to Teemee and he had knelt next to the Khajiit’s body as well, and tears were beginning to stroll down his green scaly cheeks. Even though the two would never admit it themselves, Teemee and J’Dato had a kind of friendship that was hard to understand. I knew Teemee was going to have a hard time adjusting to what happened.

Looking up from my fallen friend I noticed that the battle was already over. I must have stood frozen in my room longer than I thought. Bodies, partially mangled and some totally mutilated, lay across the snow. The color of the ground was no longer green and white, but of dark red. A crimson canvas was now the center of attention to everyone as they walked around feeling for any signs of life from the fallen. Captain Falx and the head jailor were both speaking to each other across the lawn. I patted Teemee on the shoulder and walked over to speak with Falx.

“Do you have any idea why they attacked?” I asked him, not looking at him, but towards the bodies on the ground. It was going to be a long time before these gruesome images left my mind.

Falx didn’t even look at me and grumbled, “No, I have no idea…”

Suddenly I thought of Melvin, for he was still in The Can! I asked for the keys from the jailor and he looked straight at Falx, who was still scanning the deadly scene.

“Just give it to him. What does it matter now anyway?”

The jailor handed me the keys and I bolted towards the dungeon, running as fast as my frigid legs would carry me. Once inside I headed for The Can, and to my horrible surprise nobody was there. No Melvin, no nothing. But once I neared closer to the cell I noticed a crumply old piece of paper lying exactly in the middle of the room. I picked it up and read it out loud.

WHOA!!! you had to leave it with such suspense... !!! WHY!!!???

I wasn't expecting this! The nords attacking and inmates fighting! It was glorious. And that ring sounds like a nice thing to have around!
Melvin I bet is in alot of trouble. Or isn't?
I shall wait for the paper then!!!

Naughty, naughty, naughty ending the chapter at this moment. I wanna know what has happened to Erick's good buddy. Shame about J'Dato too.

I thought about adding the content to the end of the chapter, and then I thought....."Nah, let 'em wait!"

That's very cruel of you!
I have a mind to stop reading this because of that.
But, it's too good! lol

Sorry...I just like me cliff hangers!

CHAPTER ELEVEN


If you are reading then thankfully you have passed your first test. I do hope you remember me, Erick. You were quite exhausted when I last spoke with you, and I had feared you took my presence as a mere dream. But here we are, communicating once again, though this time through a quill and a scroll.

I am sorry for not telling you what exactly what was going to happen tonight, but that would have made things too easy. I knew by your past history you wouldn’t have trouble with the Skaal, and apparently I was correct in that assumption. I want to congratulate you on a job well done, but of course there are other things to discuss. You of course want to ask me many questions, I am sure of that, but alas you will be forced to wait a little longer. For now you will follow my next orders, and if you are once again successful I will answer some of your questions.

You are a pawn in something that I have been trying to accomplish for quite some time. I’ve watched you and your fellow inmates ever since you all came to this island. Though there are only a few of you I have plans for, and you Erick are one of those select individuals.

Do not worry about your friend, Melvin. He is safe for now, but that may all change in due time, depending on your choices of course. For now I will tell you nothing else, other than to meet in Raven Rock tonight. You will recognize me quickly, I assure you.

And, after careful consideration, I am bringing Bruno and Captain Falx into the picture. I know you likely don’t agree with this at all, but it is best they come along the journey. I will explain everything later. Look for Bruno in the place he’s found most. That’s an easy enough riddle; you shouldn’t have any trouble deciphering it. And of course you already know where to find Captain Falx. You will have a tough time getting him to listen and believe you, but I trust you can handle it. If not then he and the others will have to die, it’s as simple as that.

Madila and Teemee are to be brought as well.

Do not bring anyone with you except for Madila, Bruno, Falx and Teemee. You three are the missing link to my group of saviors. Only you five will suffice. Anyone else who is with you will be killed in the most horrible way. Now, I must leave you once more, but I hope to see you soon, Erick.

Though I have not visited Teemee and Madila, I have a funny feeling they will believe in everything you say. It is you who must stand up and take lead. You are a unique individual, Erick, with plenty of potential. I plan on unearthing your inner strengths soon…..

I took the letter and stuffed it in the back of my pants pocket, where I was sure it’d be safe. I was now confused as ever, and just as the letter had suggested, there were indeed many question circling though my head. Melvin’s disappearance, the ring, how she knew what was going to happen, Madila’s, Bruno’s and Teemee’s role in all of this….and so much more. I was just didn’t know what to think. And apparently if I ever wanted to see Melvin again I would have to show up at Raven Rock with the four she mentioned. It seemed as if I was on my own person quest: to save my best friend.

And yet another dilemma immediately popped up as well. What was I going to tell Captain Falx? I of course wanted to think that’d he believe me about the voice, the ring, and everything else. But the reality was that I knew he wouldn’t. I was already on his bad list anyway, so getting him to have an actual civilized conversation was going to be a challenge in itself.

I took the ring off of my finger and placed in my side pants pocket and stepped back outside. The blizzard had finally ceased but it was still nighttime, likely around midnight. Everyone was still seemingly floating around the area, not really knowing what to do other than stare. I spotted Falx with the jailor and five other Imperial soldiers.

“Sir, there’s something I need to talk to you about….in private,” I requested politely. Unfortunately Captain Falx wasn’t in the mood for talking, especially to the likes of me.

“What the hell do you want now? I gave you permission to release Melvin…”

“Melvin isn’t there, sir. He’s gone…”

The Captain looked at curiously, and then towards his jailor with the same look of confusion.

“Don’t look at me, I didn’t let him out,” the Jailor claimed.

Then Falx sighed heavily and said, “Fine, come with me, Erick.”

We walked inside the castle and Falx slammed the door shut. He was clearly angry, and not just at the battle. Apparently I was right and he really didn’t want to speak with me at the moment.

“What is it, Erick? What in the world do you want? We’ve just been attacked and now many dead bodies of our own like in the red snow, but I know you come before anyone else,” he said sarcastically. “Now tell me…tell me what it is that is so important!”

“I…last night I was visited in my room and it wasn’t any of us.”

“Okay….” He said as if signaling me to continue.

“I think it was a witch, but it was invisible. She…she gave me a ring and told me to…”

Before I had a chance to carry on Falx rudely interrupted me.

“Are you serious, Erick? Are you deliberately trying to agitate me? I can’t even begin to believe that’d you try something at a time of such crisis that we are in right now.”

He started to walk towards the door but I yelled, “I am not lying, sir! It is all true, I can…I can give you this…”

Again I had forgotten about the curse that was cast upon me, and once I tried to show Falx the ring something terrible came from my mouth.

“Some leader you are…what do you plan on doing now, ‘Captain’? You never were a good leader…”

Immediately I was hit square in the jaw by Flax’s armored fist. Blood squirted from the left bottom corner of my mouth and I went flying backwards. I hit the back of my head against a door and I fell to the ground feeling woozy. I thought I was going to pass out but thankfully I did not.

“I swear to Talos, Erick, you will never…NEVER speak to me like that. I don’t care what you say or what you think, I am the Captain of this place and you will abide by my rules. If things were normal I would lock you away in The Can, but things are not as how we all would want.”

Suddenly the door I ran into opened, revealing Antonius Nuncius. He was standing in the door way, clutching a spear so tight his hands were turning white from the grip.

“Antonius…so this is where you have been during the fighting?” Falx asked questioning.

“I’m sorry, Captain, but there is nothing I would have been to help with. I am no fighter. I figured I’d stay here and guard our shrine. Who knows what those filthy Nords would have done to it if they found it here.”

Falx rolled his eyes and responded, “Very well, but I don’t have time to deal with you now. Step outside while I finish my business with Erick.”

Antonius stared at me for several seconds, and while he did so he said to Captain Falx, “You know, Captain…I couldn’t help but hear your conversation with this inmate. And I think I should let you know that he came to me just the other day, complaining and dreams and what not. Perhaps that could be the source of his claims? Maybe the recent events and his friend’s disappearance have messed with his head and he no longer and can distinguish idealism from reality?”

Captain Falx walked up, picked me up by the shirt collar, and pressed me up against as wall. I was quite small and this was not a very hard task for someone as strong as he was.

“I am very tempted to kill you right now, Erick, but unfortunately the Legion forbids me from doing so. Stay out of my way. The next time you pull something like this you will regret it. That is your final warning…”

And with that he tossed me to the ground and walked through the doors, with Antonius following from behind. But as the doors shut Antonius turned around and gave me a sarcastic smile. He never did like me and I never did like him. It seems now he had finally gotten to me in the worst way. Now Falx was never going to believe me.

As I got up from the cold floor and wiped myself off, I berated myself for not acting like the so-called ‘new man’ I claimed to. I had told myself that I was no longer going to let anyone treat me bad, and then Falx comes along and does just that.

I walked outside and Falx was already talking to the men. “We will march to Raven Rock and seek shelter there. Hopefully they haven’t been attacked as well. Let’s move out…”

I then of course thought of the old lady and what she had said about anyone else traveling to Raven Rock. She had told that everyone besides Falx, Madila, Teemee and I would die. I wasn’t about to let everyone march to their death.

“Wait, Captain,” I screamed as they started to make there way outside the fort boundaries. “You can’t leave sir, everyone will die!”

I know how crazy I sounded, and Captain Falx had already unsheathed his sword upon hearing my voice.

“I thought I told you to stay out of my way,” he said without emotion while walking towards me. But before he could do anything Madila stepped in between me and the Captain.

She stood there with her own blade unsheathed as well, ready to defend me. I didn’t really know what to think. Never have I heard her mutter more than a few words, and now she’s standing right in front of me ready to fight the Captain.

“Step aside, Madila, this doesn’t concern you,” Falx said sternly.

“Oh, it most certainly does, Captain. Erick happens to be my partner, and I’m not about to let you hurt him.”

“I said step aside, Madila!”

“No, just leave! He’s doing you know harm right now!”

Just then Teemee stepped in front of my as well. His eyes were a bit moist from crying, but he held his wooden spear bravely. “You’ll have to go through me too, Captain. I will not let you hurt him.”

Captain Falx threw up his and hands and shouted, “Fine, stay here and get killed when the Skaal come back, I don’t care! And they will come back, mind you. Mark my words!”

He then turned around and began walking into the forest. Everyone else followed him except for me, Madila, and Teemee. “Just let them go, Erick. They’ll find out what you were trying to warn them about soon enough.”

Erm.... typo?

Other than that, a fascinating update. Just who is this witch, and just what exactly is she up to? Why has she taken Melvin? I guess we'll have to be patient. It's moving along nicely now, you've created a strong sense of forthcoming doom.

I'm enjoying this Redsrock, keep it coming

Thanks. yeah, about that typo....I commented over at TESFU. Sorry about that, it actually was very difficult for me to even figure out. Oh well, I can't be perfect....not like Aaron Harang...

Brilliant updates! The action is starting to pick up at a great pace. I'd say I liked the touch of the slower first updates which fleshed out and introduced the characters. That way, when the action actually picks up, we will know the characters much better and care for them much more.

And, for some strange reason, the name 'Barbas' flashed while I read your latest update. I'm not sure why. You do know who, well better said, what Barbas is don't you?

No...not really. Care to elaborate? I'm acutally quite curious now...

Well, Barbas is the Hound of Clavicus Vile. You can indirectly meet him in Oblivion during the Daedric quest for Clavicus Vile and you can also meet him directly in TESA: Redguard. It's kind of improbable that anyone currently active on these boards played that game, however.

http://www.imperial-library.info/book_daed....shtml#clavicus

Scroll to the section with Clavicus Vile and there you can learn all about Barbas. Barbas even speaks to you in Oblivion, and his quips are somewhat interesting. He says that he was a Redguard once. This story does happen before Oblivion doesn't it? Bruno is a Redguard isn't he? Bruno and Barbas both share a name beginning with the letter 'B'. I smell plot twists.

The choice is yours though.

No, I won't be doing that, especially since you have laid everything out in front of me! Plus I just don't think it would be a lot of sense. Of course then again Barbas and Sheogorath don't make a lot of sense either...

It's good to have friends.

Anyway, I wonder how exactly everyone is going to get killed now. Assassin with poisoned bolts is a possibility, but that is pushing it consider the sheer number of people. Werewolves? Maybe, but what exactly would keep the chosen ones alive then? Sorcery? If she's so powerful, why would she need our common thugs?

Ah well, I'll just read in the update.

CHAPTER TWELVE


I watched solemnly as the others exited the fort, unknowingly walking to their deaths. I wanted so much to save them from an early fate, but what was I to do? They hadn’t listened to me earlier when I first made my pleas, plus Falx was on the verge ending my own life if Madila hadn’t stepped in. Wait….that’s right…..Madila had just saved my life and I had yet to thank her for the heroic deed. I suppose I was too surprised by what she did. After all the months of silence and solitude I was completely taken back by her actions, so much that I forgot to give my thanks.

“Thanks for saving me, Madila. I think he was really going to kill me, though I can’t be too sure.”

“Oh, he was going to kill you alright,” she said while helping me up from the bloody snow. “After catastrophes such as the one that just took place, people often turn to drastic measures. I’ve seen it hundreds of times, and this scene was no different from the others. Don’t feel too bad, Erick. Although Falx is a complete idiot, we can’t judge him too harshly…not after what just happened.”

Those mere 35 words that came from her mouth were more than I have ever heard before this day put together. It was actually quite awkward in a way; like I was meeting her for the first time. I really wasn’t sure how to react.

“Well it’s a good thing you stepped in.” And then I saw Teemee give a sad look, and I realized I had forgotten him as well. “And you too of course,” I responded with a smile, and then Teemee returned the facial favor.

Then everyone’s attention turned to J’Dato’s lifeless body that lay on the ground. I could see tears form into Teemee’s eyes at once, and right then I wanted to decide on what to do with the body as soon as possible.

“What should we do with the body?” I asked the two.

“I say put the body somewhere and be done with it. There are things that have to be done, and we cannot remain idle too much longer. Falx was right, the Skaal will be back soon with a much larger force.”

I looked at Madila and simply marveled at what was taking place. I know I’ve already said this once before, but it’s like I’m meeting her for the first time. It was actually quite disturbing in a way, though I can’t quite explain why. It was…just the odd nature of how she’s come from extremely silent to very talkative.

And looking at Teemee, I could tell he was a bit insulted by Madila’s words. Though she might not have meant it, Madila sounded as if she didn’t care much for J’Dato, and that a proper burial was unnecessary. I for one would have to be with Teemee on this issue. J’Dato deserved a proper burial. Even though I didn’t get along with him all the time, he was still a partner and a friend of mine. I wasn’t about to just leave him in the cold.

“No, I think we should bury J’Dato. It’s the least he deserves,” I said forcefully, but not in a rude way.

Teemee’s face lit up with glee in happiness that I was taking his side in this matter. Madila on the other hand simply rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. “Very well, you two may bury the body, I will scout ahead just to make sure we aren’t being watched.”

She began to walk outside the fort and into the forest, towards Raven Rock. That’s when I stopped her. “No, wait…you can’t go to Raven Rock…not without me anyways.”

She turned around and gave me an interesting look, and then said, “I’m not going to Raven Rock, just the surrounding area to make sure you two are safe while digging and burying.” And then she continued on her way.

“What’s gotten into her? It’s as if we’ve met her for the first time or something…” Teemee whispered as she walked away. I smiled a bit, only because what Teemee said is what I’ve been thinking this entire time.

“You took the words right out of my mouth.”

But the smiles faded as we turned our attention to J’Dato once again. His body lay limp in the snow with his eyes still open. This brought memories back during the rebellion in Vvardenfell.

I remember those times…..so many bodies on the floor…..with their eyes open as well, as if they didn’t want to die, but alas had no choice but to surrender their souls to the father of death.

I shook my head hard, wanting to forget about the past. Now was not the time to dwell on those terrible days; maybe later perhaps, but not now.

So we placed some torches around the area so that we could see, and then we dug a small hole, which took a lot longer than I expected; three hours in fact. The hardest part was getting past all the snow and blood, which wasn’t a pleasant take mind you. And the entire time Madila was in the forest, doing who knows what. And finally after the hole was dug Teemee and I placed the body into the hole and then covered it with dirt, which took another twenty minutes or so. Thankfully the hole wasn’t too deep or else it would have taken ages for us to complete the task. You’d think it wouldn’t be too hard since we were miner, and all we did was dig all day, but that simply wasn’t the case.

“What….now?” Teemee gasped after throwing his shovel to the ground in exhaustion.

“I’d say a few words if I were you. Eve if you won’t admit I know you two were good friends…” I said, and Teemee simply looked on at the hole without looking at me.

“You’re right, we were good friends, and just now I realize that. Its funny how things work out, you know? You never really see the good in things until it’s too late.”

I patted him on the shoulder and said, “Well here we are, my friend. This is your last change to make due and say what you want. It’s your decision.”

Without looking at me he took a deep breath and said a few words. It wasn’t much, nothing too important. It was simply an apology that he didn’t see the good in their friendship. Teemee then knelt beside the burial spot, buried his head into his claws, and began weeping uncontrollably. I didn’t know whether to console him or let him have his time. I ultimately decided on the latter, for that seemed like the right decision to me.

Once he was finished he wiped his snout with his sleeve and rose from the ground. He stared at the burial site for several minutes, thinking deeply about many things I’d say. Then he turned to me, nodded, and said, “Alright, I’m through crying.”

He said this in a sort of tone like ‘what are we going to do now’, and to be completely honest, I wasn’t sure what to do. I suppose waiting for Madila to return was the best decision, and as soon as I thought that she appeared through the back entrance of the fort.

“Are you two finished? I’ve scouted the area and the coast is clear for now. But like I’ve said several times already we need to move before they do come back. I trust you two are ready to go?”

“Go where?” I asked while staring at her curiously.

“Wherever you take us, Erick. You were the one who told the others not to go to Raven Rock without you. Obviously you have a plan in mind. Please tell if I’m wrong.”

“No…you’re right,” I said, still looking at her curiously. “Are you sure you’re okay, Teemee?” He nodded. “Alright, then let’s go to Raven Rock….”


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Upon arrival at the fort I almost passed out. And not because of a mass of bloodied bodies, or a town engulfed in flames, but something else…..the town was completely barren of any life at all. The weirdest part was that everything was pretty much normal. Everything was where it was supposed to be, the buildings were all intact, and there were absolutely no signs of a struggle.

“By Talos…” Teemee whispered loudly.

It was so weird, yet there was something else bugging me. Somehow I could sense something was terribly wrong in this settlement, though I wasn’t sure what. I ran around opening all the doors to every house and looking inside them, only to find nothing. I had hoped perhaps everything was alright and that everyone was simply sleeping. Yes, I know that sounds a bit silly, but I didn’t want to think that they were all gone. I mean, there was nothing to go on. Nothing evidence, nothing…

When I got back to the front of Raven Rock Teemee and Madila were still standing there. Teemee had the exact awestruck expression and attitude that I had, while Madila sat outstandingly calm with her arms crossed.

“Nobody’s here,” I said sounding very worried, and for good reason of course. “I just don’t understand it.”

“Did you check the mine?” Madila asked.

Without responding I immediately bolted towards the mine with great anticipation. I expected everyone to be in there, huddled up together, waiting for me with open arms. But when I opened the double doors and entered the mine I was met with the most sickening and horrifying sight I had ever seen in my life.

Hanging from the rafter, at the top of mine, were a number of bodies, all skinned to the bone. But the job wasn’t too pretty, and some of the flesh was still drooping from the limps. It was so disgusting I almost hurled on the spot. And then upon looking at the floor I realized it was paved with crimson red blood, the entire floor in fact. That’s when I noticed bodies lying up against the wall, skinned as well, as if positioned by someone. Somebody with the sickest mind did this, and now I knew were everyone had gone…to their graves of you will.

Madila and Teemee followed shortly, and when the Argonian saw the bodies we instantly ran back out and began puking his guts out. Madila simply came in and stopped right beside me.

“So…what do you think?” Madila asked.

I looked at her crazily and responded with, “What do you mean? It’s horrible, just horrible!”

I noted two bodies in the corner of the room, Falx and Bruno. The old lady had said to look where Bruno was found most, and here I was. I just wasn’t expecting to find him dead.

“It’s a shame, really,” Madila said after sighing heavily. “I really didn’t want to kill Bruno, but he gave me no choice.”

What? Did she just say what I thought she said? Madila was the killer? No…it couldn’t be…it just couldn’t…

“What did you just say?” I asked her as if she were insane.

She then merely smiled and suddenly a loud noise sounded and a dust of purple smoke overcame Madila. When the fog cleared seconds later Madila was replaced with an old wrinkly lady in a dark black robe with the hood down. Her bright white hair lingered far down her spine, all the way down to her knees.

“What’s wrong, Erick? You don’t know who I am, do you?”

As soon as she spoke I recognized her voice. It was the old lady from the other night!

“What…h-h…how?” I barely stammered.

Madila...or whoever this person was, laughed maniacally. “Oh, Erick, there are many things you don’t understand! But there’s no need to fret, I’m here now, ready to answer some of your questions!

I backed up from where I was standing and I almost tripped over the slick bloody underfoot. I just couldn’t believe it, and I pinched myself to see if I was dreaming, and this caused the lady to laugh once again.

“Erick, Erick, Erick! This is no dream, my boy! This is real!” she yelled while throwing her crinkled hands up in the air. I looked outside and I noticed that Teemee was somehow frozen in time. Vomit was steady in place in-between his open mouth and the ground. It appeared this…something…had frozen time once more.

“What the hell is going on?” I screamed, unable to hide the fear within me.

Woah, from harmless mute to bloody creepy witch. That's creepy. (Wait, I already said that, didn't I? )

And quite powerfull as well. Illusion magicka, pretty advanced, perhaps even at Tharn level though that isn't sure. (Frostmoth sounds like a place of rejects, I don't think there are any real powerful mages there who can detect magicka, unlike the Imperial palace which is probably swarming with them.)

Time-stop, or perhaps she's messing with Erick's mind. I prefer the latter, because the former places her awfully close to Akatosh.

Though all that begs the question, why Erick? What does she need Erick for? For her own safety? Come on, was everyone else not good enough or something? And she seems more than powerful enough to take care of herself. Why was she playing prisoner in the first place? And what's up with the skinning. Woman, you can't make me think you're good if you go and skin people! I can handle good guys who are forced to do evil stuff by the circumstances, but at least they would be clean and quick with their killing!

So, I guess Erick will look for a way out now. No way he's going to trust Madila after that.

So you like it? I sure hope so....

There is A LOT of dialogue in this one, but I think it was definitely needed. Yes I realize there are still many questions to be answered, but they will have to wait for now.....


CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“I said tell me what is going on!” I repeated, trying to sound brave and angry, but I was more fearful than anything, and unfortunately the old lady could sense this.

“Oh, Erick, why are you attempting to sound like such a courageous warrior? Everyone knows that you are nothing but a lonely boy without his best friend, letting everyone step on you. Is that not the truth, Erick?”

This lady knew much more than I could have ever imagined. She has somehow cracked through my false mentality of being a tough-guy, and she knows me for my true self; which is a mere timid inmate trying to survive this frozen island.

“What are you…a witch?” I asked. I remembered the stories told to me as a child. I always thought they were wondrous tales filled with awe-striking fiction. These were always fables to me, and I never once they could have been true. But now I think I was wrong.

“Well, to be honest I don’t really enjoy that particular term, but yes, that is exactly what I am; though I am also something more as well. Ah, but enough about me. I must not tell you everything about myself just yet. That would ruin the fun…”

“Fun?”

“Yes, Erick, fun….like I’ve told you before in that letter, you are a pawn in something so incredible. You really should be appreciative that I’ve chosen you for the job.”

“Enough of these damn riddles! Just tell me what’s going on!”

The smile was erased from her wrinkly face. “Very well, child. Go ahead and ask your questions, and I will do my best to answer them. But I cannot promise all inquiries will be addressed.”

At last I was able to hush her playful antics and riddles. At last I was given the change to ask simple questions.

“First off…what is this ‘game’ you speak of? What exactly is your motive for everything that’s happening, and are you the source of everything that’s been taking place?”

“Child, that is three questions at once, but then again I’d also say that those questions all intertwine into one larger picture. And just so you don’t call me ‘witch’ anymore, please address me as Madila, for that is my true name after all. I am a loner of Solstheim, and I have been for quite some time. It just so happens that a curse was casted upon my body long ago. The curse forbids me from leaving this island for the rest of eternity, and to be frank, I don’t quite like the frigid cold of this island. I much prefer eastern Cyrodiil and its warm atmosphere. For all these years, which is more than I can count I’m afraid, I have marched through the tundra, patiently waiting for an individual skilled enough to complete the task that will set me free. I have finally found that person, and it is you, Erick.”

Okay…a little light had just been shed on what’s going on, but there were still hundreds of holes to be filled by more question-and-answering.

“If you’re from Cyrodiil then what were you doing here in Solstheim, and who put this curse on you? How exactly does it work?” I asked.

“Long ago I was fascinated with the evils of Castle Karstaag and what it contains. Rumor had it, that even though the palace had been desolate for sometime, there were still treasures and other items still resting and ready to be looted. The place was of course a danger to all who wish to travel through, but I went anyway.”

“So you were a simple dungeon dweller trying to find some expensive loot?” I interrupted.

“Child, if you want your questions answered, please try and refrain from interrupting me when I speak. That is most rude; I would think a gentleman such as your self would already know this.”

She said this with a lot of anger, and then continued.

“I was NOT a beggar looking for plunder…I was there searching for special indigents for a potion that I was planning on creating. When I entered the magnificent castle I searched around for a while, just marveling at how beautifully crafted it was. It is truly a piece of art, you know. But, I digress. I eventually ran into a mage with a long silver beard. He was an old man, and a Breton I believe. Anyway, he was a sweet little man, and I…well…I fell in love with him. We talked for hours about many things, and that’s when he told me what he was after. He was searching for the exact same thing I was! What a coincidence, huh?
“Well, one thing led to another and suddenly I found myself pairing up with the man in search for my ingredients. We made a deal to share whatever we found, and that was that. I didn’t really want to…but his charm was what hooked me in. When we found the ingredients we were immediately attacked by Frost Atronachs. They struck quickly and without hesitation. I grabbed the ingredients and ran, and while doing so the man I was with was somehow pinned to the ground by a fallen rock. He pleaded for me to save him, but my selfishness kicked in and I ran out of the castle without looking back. I thought I had seen the last of that man, but I was wrong….terribly wrong.”

Madila paused for a second and looked at the bloody floor below us, and then went back to her explanation for this mess.

“Two days later, in a cold cave north of the forest before Raven Rock was there, I was visited by a voice, something similar to what I have done to you, in fact. As soon as he started to speak I knew who it was, and I thought I was dreaming, nothing else. But then his body appeared and he threw me into rocky wall, and it hurt. I knew I wasn’t a dream. The man calls himself Lord Vero. The only thing I know is that he is a powerful age, one who is not prone to aging. Please do not ask me how this is possible, I myself am still trying to figure this out.
“But because of my bad deed he punished me by casting the spell upon me. He explained that he had ‘tested’ me because he was simply bored, and that the Frost Atronachs had been conjured by him! And now, here I am, wondering this island searching for someone who can end my suffering. And that person is you, Erick.”

“But how am I part in all of this?”

“Well, it evolves around my capturing of Melvin. You are the only inhabitant of this island who cares for someone. It isn’t just Melvin, but you cared for your mining partners as well. But I took Melvin because he is your best friend, a brother-figure even. I had to take what’s closest to you in order for things to pan out. I know you, Erick, and you will do anything to save Melvin.”

“What are you trying to say? Why didn’t you just go after some Nord or something?”

“Because my savior must be a foreigner to this island, and obviously the Nords are not. It appears that this whole thing has evolved from a sick game of Lord Vero, nothing else. I cannot explain it any further that that. You do want to save Melvin, don’t you?”

“Yes…of course I do. But I’m just so confused. Why the killing of everyone else and…the skinning…why did you skin them?” I asked sickly.

“That, Erick, was not my doing. That was performed by a creature of great power. Have you ever heard the story of the Udyrfrykte?”

I shook my head.

“This beast I speak of, it’s killed hundreds of men, and Lord Vero has ordered the killing of this creature as one of three tasks.”

“What do you mean by tasks?”

“It’s a long story, Erick, and I think I will wait until I tell you anything else. For now I will leave you and the Argonian. But listen to me…Travel to Lake Fjalding, and there you will find another letter placed on an odd looking stone on the eastern shores of the lake. In the letter I will explain everything about these…games…and your role in all of this. I am sorry I cannot talk more, but I must leave this place for now.”

I yelled after her, wanting to ask more, but before I could say anything she vanished in purple haze. Suddenly Teemee appeared from outside and asked, “Who are you yelling at, Erick?” But after seeing the bodies he left and vomited all over again.

I just stared at the bodies. Bruno, Captain Falx, even Falco…everyone was dead. Only Teemee and my self were left, and I really didn’t know what to think at the moment. Sure, Madila had answered many of my questions, but there were still countless more. It was frustrating when you knew so much, but at the same time you knew so little as well.

I walked outside and sat on a tree stump, staring out into the forest while waiting for Teemee to finish his business. This Lake Fjalding…I had never heard of the place. Apparently it was a lake, but where this body of water was I had no clue. Hopefully Teemee would know.

And so after he was finished puking I told him everything. After I was finished I don’t think he quite understood everything just yet, but neither did I.

“I will be leaving soon, Teemee. I can’t let Melvin suffer whatever pain he is going through right now. I don’t even know what is to come of myself, but I have to make to this lake. Do you know where it is?”

“It’s in the northeast I believe, southwest of the Skaal village of Thirsk.”

“Thank you. I’m going to gather up some supplies, and I’m to say this now: you do not have to come with me, Teemee. I understand if you do not want to come along, but I would rather you do. The journey will obviously be treacherous, and I would appreciate the help.

Teemee smiled and responded, “Of course I’ll come. And it’s not as if I have a choice. Where would I go, anyway? Besides, I always liked that smart-mouthed man. Ha! I won’t leave him out in the cold, if you know what I mean.”

I shook his claw, thankful that he was coming. “What do you suppose we bring with us, Erick?”

“Can you ride a horse?” I asked him.

“No, I’m afraid not.”

“Very well, we will travel on foot then. I say we grab several sacks and stuff them with plenty of food and some health potions, if there are any. He can carry our weapons by hand, and we should also grab some warmer clothing for the trip. These Imperial issued-clothes aren’t going to do the trick I’m afraid,” I said, pointing at the rips and holes in my old shirt and pants.

So we walked to the local General Goods Store and entered the shop. We packed all the bread and veggies we could find, along with some fruit as well. We took some wooden canteens of water, and Teemee grabbed some alcohol as well. Then we found some fur armor to wear, and thankfully there were even some health potions as well, but only five of them.

When everything was done I took one last look at the mine. So many bad memories and experience filled those dark caverns. Hopefully soon all would be explained and then perhaps it would all make sense. But of course that was probably some wishful thinking…..

CHAPTER FOURTEEN


No...What have I done? This blood…this blood…this…

“Wake up, Erick, you’re screaming!”

My body was being violently shaken from someone, and as I heard their voice I recognized the tone, and it was of course Teemee. But who else could it have been anyhow. We were in a cave far from the past and one step closer to an unknown future.

“What was I screaming, Teemee?” I asked while ruffling through my medium length brow hair, trying my hardest to knock the sleepiness from me.

“You were yelling about blood. You kept repeating ‘the blood!’ ‘the blood!’, nothing else. It didn’t have anything to do with your other nightmares, did it?”

I shook my head slowly, for I could feel an extremely painful headache coming on. “No, that dream was different. This one…I fear is forcing my past onto me. It’s best not to talk about it now, though.”

“You mean the reason you’re an inmate in the first place?” Teemee asked.

“Yes…”

“It’s not something you want to talk about, is it?”

“Well, to be honest I was going to spill it all out to this morning because it’s been bugging me right now, bit I can feel a splitting headache coming on, and when that happens I really won’t want to talk at all.”

“So are we to wait out the day for his aching to clear, or shall we travel in silence?”

I had to think about this one for several seconds, because after looking outside it was already high morning time and the sun was shining in the sky. I thought it was still early, but apparently I was wrong.

“I guess we’ll head out now. I thought it w as earlier than it really is.”

“Are you sure about that? I don’t want you to be in a grumpy mood throughout the trip,” Teemee smiled.

“I’ll be fine. Beside, the longer we wait the better chance we have been attacked.”

“Attacked by whom?” Teemee asked curiously.

“The Udyrfrykte. Have you heard of it?”

Teemee dropped his sack to the ground and backed all the way into the opposing wall. “You didn’t tell me we’d be going up against that beast!” He said with great fear.

“I told you the journey was going to be dangerous, Teemee. I suppose I should have told you the specifics, and besides…I don’t even know if we are for sure fighting against it. Madila only mentioned the name, and that it was that creature that caused the skinning.”

“So…this witch is really Madila?” Teemee asked looking very confused. When we had traveled Raven Rock to this cave, which had only been five miles, I had said little to Teemee about what was happening for I was trying to figure it out myself.

“I’ll explain more while we march towards the lake. I’m afraid it will never be clear, but I’ll do my best.”


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


“So let me get this straight. We are essentially running around playing games for a witch who is under a curse that was given to her by an angry mage who had given her a test as well?”

“I told you it was confusing, but yes, I believe that’s it. The mage played a game with her, and she playing one with us as well.”

“More like with just you, Erick. If what you say is true Madila stops time just to speak with you alone. Obviously she doesn’t have any plans for me.”

Teemee was probably right in that assumption, though I didn’t want to admit it. I was thankful enough that he was even traveling with me in the first place, and I wasn’t about to make it seem as if he was being given the cold shoulder.

“And what I can’t believe even more is that Madila was the witch the entire time, but then again I guess it makes sense in a way,” the Argonian said.

Oh, yes, it made perfect sense. It’s why I never saw her leave or come anywhere. I always had the funny impression that she just disappeared after work, and it seems that’s what actually happened. Come to think of it, I can’t remember once seeing her at Fort Frostmoth…not one single time! I felt a little stupid now because of the game she played with me and the others, though I have to admit it was very clever.

And now I was playing her game, just as Teemee had already mentioned. And if I won this game it would be a win for all three of us. Teemee and I would get our friend Melvin back, and Madila’s curse would be lifted and she would be free her long-tenured torment.

But what made me wonder more than anything else was how long Teemee was going to keep up with all of this. How long was he really going to stay with me during the conflict? I honestly didn’t know, and even if I don’t want to feel this way, I have a feeling he won’t last long; and there are two scenarios I am talking about.

One, he will die before this is all over. Teemee isn’t the strongest of beings I’ve met in my life, though is a bit talented with a spear, so I will give him that. I’m just worried about what will happen when we face the Udyrfrykte. Judging by Teemee’s reaction, we were in for one hell of a fight. I’m not sure if Teemee will survive this struggle.

And the other scenario I see is, and the most likely one as well, is Teemee chickening out and leaving me to fend for myself. I cannot say I would blame him for doing so, but at the same time I would of course be very angry. Like I already said, this in my opinion has the greatest chance of happening, and that’s why I’ll have to keep a close eye on Teemee throughout the entire journey.

Talking about Teemee dying has gotten me to think about myself as well. I say the Argonian might not make it through this dangerous ordeal, but then again I don’t even know if I will either. It sure helps having this magical ring on my finger. I wish I would have asked more questions about the ring when I spoke with Madila back in Raven Rock.

“How much longer do you think we have to go, Teemee?”

“Beats me. I don’t know the lake’s exact location; only that it is southwest of Thirsk, and I do know where that is. Besides, the lake is rather large from what I’ve heard; it will surely be hard to miss.”

“Yes, I just hope we get this over with as soon as possible. I’m afraid to see what’s on that list. It is likely that we will have to slay the Udyrfrykte, I won’t pretend it’s not, but Madila also mentioned there are two other tasks as well; though she didn’t go into detail about either of them, so they are a mystery to me.”

“I imagine they’ll be challenging. Apparently Madila gets her kicks at watching people suffer,” Teemee offered. I both agreed and disagreed with that however.

“I don’t know. I can’t seem them being too difficult. This is her life we’re talking about after all. If we are to fail, then I doubt she’ll find anyone else to take our place any time soon. She has eliminated in essence the entire Legion presence, you know.”

“You’ve got a point, Erick. I didn’t think of that. Now that you mention it maybe the tasks won’t be that hard. At least I hope not. The slaying of the Udyrfrykte sounds risky and scary enough.”

We traveled for another five hours or so before arriving at a place lit by many torches. Upon nearing the light we realized it was a large lake, and likely that of Lake Fjalding, our destination. It was nighttime by now, and the torches were obviously lit so we would not unknowingly fall into the chilly waters, which surprisingly weren’t frozen.

“I suppose we’re hear,” Teemee said out loud, but with a little bit of fear in his voice. The torches were slightly creepy now that I think about it. It’s definitely not something I was expecting to see.

I walked over to the eastern shores of the lake, and just like Madila said there would be, a letter had been placed to an odd shaped rock. How the paper was staying still through the wind I have no clue, but I picked up the parchment and read it aloud for Teemee to hear as well.

Congratulations, Erick, you have found the letter. Though I am no surprised you found it, I still want to give your due credit. Besides, you’ll need the confidence for your first task. I just hope Teemee is with you as help, because believe me; you’re going to need it. The following is a description of your first test. I see no reason to explain the other two tasks, so I will wait until a later time to inform you of those.

For your first task you will be forced to go toe to claw with the ferocious Udyrfrykte. This should not surprise you however, for I had already mentioned the creature several times back at Raven Rock. Throughout my journeys through this frozen island I have ran into many unique creatures, but all pale in comparison with the Udyrfrykte. But, Lord Vero wishes for the beast to die, for reasons he has not explained. You see, all of these tasks are based on what Lord Vero wants. Also it was he who set free the Udyrfrykte and it is Lord Vero’s fault that all were killed at Raven Rock.

In order to learn the location of this beast’s lair, travel to Thirsk and talk with the Nords. Despite their uncivilized ways, they know more about the Udyrfrykte than anyone else, for they have had many first-hand experiences with the monster.

Good luck, Erick. I hope to see you soon.

“So…to Thirsk we go?” Teemee asked without hesitation once I was finished reading, and had placed the letter into my sack.

“No…I think we should find a cave and rest for the night. I don’t know about you, but waking up the Nords doesn’t sound like an intelligent decision to me.”

“Hah! I’d say you’re correct in that belief, Erick. Besides, my scales are shivering to the bone. I’m getting tired of this damned weather; it gets colder every day!”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN


After searching for a suitable cave for the night, I first checked inside to ensure it was safe. For all Teemee and I knew the Udyrfrykte could have been waiting in the shadows, ready to pounce on our soft skin at any moment. But thankfully that wasn’t the case and it turned out the only other living creature was a stray baby Bristleback, untusked of course. We killed it and then waited for its mother, and then killed her too. Needless to say we wouldn’t be going hungry any time soon.

And because the cave was fairly deep for its small space, I decided it was also safe enough to make a fire. I myself wasn’t too cold, but Teemee was literally shivering. I was afraid the lizard was actually going to die, so I made the fire and then gave him a blanket. That seemed to help a little bit, but he still wasn’t acting right.

“Are you gonna be okay, Teemee?”

His head trembled my way and said, “Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m just not used to this kind of weather, you know. It wasn’t this cold back at the fort. No, no, there we received a warm front coming from Vvardenfell across the Sea of Ghosts. Well, it wasn’t exactly warm as such, but it was better than nothing.”

After that I unrolled several other thick blankets and attempted to fall asleep, but it was of no use. One, it was a little to frigid for me to get comfortable, not to mention that fact that I was lying on the hard stone floor. But two, I was worried about being attacked during our sleep. If figured I’d let Teemee get some shuteye, and then tomorrow night I’d have a turn. But apparently Teemee was having a hard time falling asleep as well.

“Erick…?”

Teemee whispered loudly from across the room.

“Yeah…?”

“Are you awake?”

What kind of question was that?

“Obviously, since I’m talking to you,” I said with a chuckle.

“So you’re not tired?” He asked.

“Not really,” I lied.

“Me neither. I can’t get to sleep; not in this cold and hard floor. What time do you think it is, anyway?”

“To be honest I have no clue, but if I had to take a guess I’d say around three or four I the morning. Why?”

“If it’s that close to sunrise, then I’m not even going to try to fall asleep. What’s the point if I’ll have to get up soon anyhow?”

I grunted a simple ‘okay’, and then I laid my head on the pillow I had brought from Raven Rock. I thought maybe Teemee was going to just let us rest peacefully until it was time to leave, but the friendly lizard had other plans.

“So, are you going to tell what that screaming was about or not?” he asked curiously.

At first I didn’t know what he was talking about, and I frowned at him with confusion. But then I realized he was referring to my little nightmare, and that of my past. Unfortunately I still wasn’t ready to talk about it just yet.

“My head is still aching, I’d like to just rest if you don’t mind,” I lied. In truth I felt just fine. I was tired though, and didn’t feel like talking. However, Teemee was on a roll this morning and wouldn’t shut up. Not that I mind, I guess. At least he wasn’t the smartellic jerk he once was.

“How about you just sit back and let me tell you my story then, eh?”

I rolled over onto my stomach and faced, Teemee, if only to show respect. He was being a nice little fellow, and I didn’t want him to think he was being ignored. And to be honest, I was sort of curious as to what he had to say. I’ve never really spoken with anyone about their past before, not even Melvin.

“Sure, bud. Go right ahead…”

“Well…” Teemee said, and then cleared his throat. I smiled at that. “It all started in Suran. Just like many of my kin I was once a slave. My master wasn’t too cruel, just a little bossy at times. I don’t remember her name anymore, not that it matters. Anyways, one day I finally built up the courage to escape from the cell I was assigned to at night. I don’t exactly remember how I did it, but I think I simply escaped through a crack in the window by busting it with a chair. I’m not sure, nothing is too clear from that night.
“After I escaped through the window I darted out of town and headed northwest. I had heard from a traveler that towns up there didn’t own slaves. I of course didn’t know what to believe, so I figured I’d take a chance. Well, I ended up at a small town by the name of Pelagiad. It was nice enough, and the guards didn’t ask me any questions. I went to the local pub that night, and that’s where I made my mistake.”

I had to hand it to him; Teemee was an exceptionally good story-teller. I had forgotten all about the coldness of the cavern, and my aching sleepiness, and was now fixated with this story of escape.

“At the pub I met an overly-friendly Imperial who called himself, Jed. He was nice enough guy, and he even offered me a few drinks. Well of course I wasn’t about to pass on free drinks, and he bought me a round of Tamika’s Finest. Only that wasn’t it…the rounds kept coming and coming. I must have had about seven before finally he started asking me some questions. I….I don’t remember all of it, some is just a blur you see, but I do remember the last question. ‘Where did you come from?’ And of course by then I was drunk so I boasted loudly, and rather slurred, ‘I escapapidid me slave-owners down in Suran!’
“That was all ‘Jed’ needed to hear, and he immediately slammed my body to the floor and tied me up. The pub was of course worried and curious to what was happening, and the Imperial man told them who I really was…a run-a-away slave. After that he took my outside, loaded me into a cart, and we drove off into the night.”

“What did your owner say when Jed took you back to Suran?” I asked. Teemee just laughed loudly and slammed his claws into his pillow.

“Silly, Erick, I knew you’d ask that! Jed wasn’t working for the government…he was a freelance slaver hunter, one who hunts slaves and then sells them to other owners. This trick is actually illegal, but those who do it know how not to get caught.
“Anyways, he ended up dropping me off at Fort Moonmoth, and there he told the captain he had caught me stealing food from his farm down on the western shores of the Bitter Coast. Of course Jed was a charmer, and spoke with great intelligence, and the Imperial Captain believe every word he said. They paid Jed fifty septims for his trouble, and that was the last I saw of him. And now, here I am with you, Erick. Some story, eh?”

It was some story, and but it still paled in comparison with my own. I wanted to tell Teemee this, but now was not the time. I’d let him have his glory of a well-told tale for now, but sooner or later it’d be my time.

“I’m sorry, Teemee. I can’t believe they sent you here, though? Why not just throw you in the Moonmoth dungeons?”

“I dunno. They kept me in a cell for several days and the next thing I know I’m here. It’s a mystery to me, really. I think I was still drunk when they transported me to this god-forsaken island.”

Teemee then rolled over to the other side and grabbed something from his own personal pack. It was leather, purple, and large. After taking a closer look at what it was, I realized it was a book. This was absolutely spectacular to me because I never would have dreamt that Teemee knew how to read!

“You never told me you could read, Teemee…” I commented, trying not to sound rude.

He sort of huffed at the remark and playfully replied, “Just because I was a slave that doesn’t mean I can’t read or write, Erick. Like I said, my owner wasn’t cruel, just bossy. In fact, she forced reading and writing upon me at a young age. I didn’t like it back then, but I wish I could thank her for it now. I’m a much better person because of it.”

Rather than bug him anymore, I let him continue his reading. I now wished that I had brought a book along as well, for now I was feeling extremely bored. And of course I couldn’t just go for a nightly stroll. I wasn’t in Fort Frostmoth any longer. And right then I remembered someone…..Winona…Melvin’s girlfriend.

My heart immediately sank for her, and of course Melvin as well. I wish I had asked more about her, and that I may know where she lives exactly. I don’t know to think about this, but there’s always a chance that I may not see Melvin again. And how fair is that for Winona? She deserves to know what happened. Then again, I might not even make it out alive. Didn’t Melvin say she lived in Balmora? I don’t know, just that it’s nowhere near my hometown of Caldera. Or is it? Damn I hated how confusing things could get.


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


About three hours or so later I poked my head out of the cave and noticed the sun was already up. The cave was obviously deeper than I had originally thought because without the fire I had made it was pretty much pitch dark. So we gathered our things and headed out into the cold, where it was snowing heavily. I shouldn’t be surprised, for I had heard many stories about the massive blizzards this side of the island received. Now I was experiencing them first hand.

We walked for nearly fifteen minutes until admitting neither of us had a clue where we were going. Teemee said he was following, and I said I was following him. All in all things weren’t going too well, and I was about to suggest that we try and go back to the cave and wait for the snow to end. But then a spear landed just inches from my foot, and immediately I was tackled from behind. I tried to shout out loud but then I was hit in the back of the head by something hard.

I don’t remember much after that, only being rolled over onto my back and coming face to face with someone with an overgrown beard.

Any comments at all?

Eh, sorry for the wait.

Ok, lots of stuff happening. Teemee sounds like a nice fella now that I've heard his story. He's not evil, just had a run in with bad luck. I still don't like how Madila is doing things and I still don't quite get it. So the tasks they have to do are to free her, who is infinetely more powerful than the two of them combined? Couldn't she do those tasks herself then, or did Lord Vero go all 'Not a chance, missy. You just be lazy and sit here in the living room.' Granted, if she was allowed to do it herself, she would have been free years ago.

As for the Udyfri....the big U, Erick and Teemee had better stock up on something real good. If a whole legion garrisson can't handle it, then what can?

Well, at least they've met some Nords. Time to ask for information from the experts, I guess.

Now of course you think I don't read your story huh? That's so wrong, because I do! I not only read it, I enjoy it and I agree with my old friend BSD, who really is a professional, what he says....

Then again you are a professional as well, right? It shows you know! I don't think I need to go more into that because you already know.

I'm reading and I hope to be more "commenting" but things have been a tad .....dark, lately.

Hey that's cool, I totally understand.

@Jack: She is not allowed to perform the task herself. I think I said that in one of the chapters, but I can't remember which one...

Things are moving along quite nicely. I did find one inconsistency though. In Teemee's story, he tells Erick that he can't even remember his owner's name yet at the same time he was with that owner at a young age and was taught how to read and write. To me, that doesn't really add up (unless the slave hunter used some REALLY potent booze).

I know it is only one small thing in an otherwise, well written update but finding things like that can take the reader out of the story as they sort out the conflicting ideals you're showing them.

As I stated before, the rest of it is well written. I like the fact that we get to learn a bit more about Teemee now through that story.

Thanks, Metal, though I don't agree with you on the 'forgetting his master's name' thing. I really don't see how that would take the reader out of the story, because it really has nothing to do with the tale in the first place. (other than her teaching Teemee to read and write, which is wonderous in it's own, but still...)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN


As my eyes opened and began to regain focus, a terrible smell overcame my frozen nostrils. And once I could actually make out everything in front of me, I realized I was sitting in some kind of house in a room with the door shut, with my feet and hands tied binded together by thick ropes. I tried moving my limbs but they ached badly and I surrendered to the fastenings for the time being. What was more important was trying to figure where I even was in the first place. That’s when I heard an awful tone of singing coming from another room.

The voice was seemingly coming from a Nord, and I could easily note the strong accent that came from that particular race. But of course I shouldn’t be surprised, but rather scared for my life. I wondered if I was at the home of the Skaal, and then I turned around looking for Teemee, who was nowhere to be seen. Frantically I tried scooting across the room on my bottom, but I didn’t even get halfway to the door before the bindings disallowed me to move any further. I was now a prisoner once again…

Unexpectedly the door swung open, and in the doorway stood a loft Nord with a black beard that hung way down to the floor, almost dragging across it. His wild black hair was extremely messy and large as well.

“’Ello there, child. So you’ve decided to wake up, have ye? You’ve been sleeping fer a while now…” he said while walking into the room.

The floor boomed whenever he stepped with his gigantic fur boots. When the Nord neared me I noted several scars on his face, and his eyes…his eyes twinkled a bright blue color. They looked so peaceful but I had a bad feeling the Nord was anything but that.

“Wh…Where am I? Who…who are you?” I barely stammered. Right then I realized that my jaw was in excruciating pain as well. It was as if someone had beaten the living daylight out of me.

“Shhh….,” The Nord said while putting a fat finger up to his hairy upper mouth. “Hush, child, calm yer voice.”

The Nord then turned away from me and began to stare outside the window, located in the left corner of the small cramped room. I didn’t know what time it was, only that it was nighttime, for I could see the stars where I sat. I attempted to get up from the hard floor, but as soon as I put pressure on my left leg I immediately fell down. It appeared that I had somehow injured my leg as well, for it hurt badly. I looked down at it and it was dark blue around the knee region.

The Nord turned around to face me, and his head was cocked to the side. “Child, you mustn’t struggle. It will all be over soon.”

His voice was so calm and soothing it was scary. It was almost as if he was under a trance or something. I don’t know, it was hard to explain, but I knew something wasn’t right and I had to get out fast.

“WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? AND WHERE AM I?” I yelled at the top of my lungs. This caused the Nord to jump backwards in surprising fashion.

“My, my, child. Such angry words….”

Tears were forming in my eyes out of frustration.

“Why, my name is Ranmir. Yer inside my humble home, child. And lucky for you, it just so happens that yer the guest of honor tonight. You and yer lizard friend that is…” He said with a fanatical and creepy smile.

He turned away again and continued to stare outside the window, at who knows what. And again he sipped away at his large mug of drink. As he drank I noticed it looked a little awkward. So then I asked the Nord what he was drinking.

“What kind of wine are you drinking?”

I asked this even though I somehow knee the horrible truth. This drink was anything but wine. The Nord simply laughed at my question, and as he did his large body shook violently, causing some of the drink to slash from the cup and onto my shirt. It was dark red, and sticky. And when I tasted it my assumption was correct…..it was blood.

“OH MY GOD!” I screamed out loud, only making the Nord laugh even harder. “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO ME? WHERE IS TEEMEE?”

I was losing it now, for I knew what was going to happen to me. This Nord was a cannibal, and apparently a hungry one at that. He was going to eat me.

“Patience, child, patience,” he said in that same creepily soothing tone. “The time is not yet right. Soon, I promise you….”

Then he stepped outside the room and closed the door behind him, laughing the entire way. And as he did close the door, I took a peek at where he was going. Outside in the next room was a table with a severed head on it in a thick pool of blood…..that of Teemee. It was only a glance, but that’s all I needed to recognize my scaly friend. And next to the head was an enormous axe, with the head as bloody as the table it was resting on.
Once the Nord closed the door to my ‘holding cell’ I began weeping very loudly. Now Teemee was gone…my only friend left besides Melvin, the person I am now desperately trying to find. And here I am legs and arms binded together, inside a madman’s home who wants to devour me. This obviously wasn’t a predicament I wanted to be involved, not in the least. However, I couldn’t just sit here and let the Nord do his bidding. I had to fight back…..for Teemee and Melvin if nothing else.

So as I struggled to find a way out of my imprisonment I made a guess at how much longer I had until the Nord would come for. It couldn’t be too long, for the Nord knew that I knew of his evil doing. If he was the least bit smart he would realize that I would at least try and find a way of escaping. But he is a Nord, and they aren’t exactly known for their intelligence. Although this particular Nord is different from any other I had even met.

I pulled and tugged at the chains that were fastened to my limbs, but they wouldn’t budge. Now matter how hard I yanked the chains weren’t going anywhere. The Nord obviously put a lot of strength in binding me together, and unfortunately there wasn’t a thing I could do to loosen them. But lucky for me, because the Nord’s probable lack of intelligence, I had yet another plan.

It was highly likely that the Nord would be using a large and heavy weapon to chop me into pieces. Now, I’m not a historian of cannibalism by any means, but I doubt he’s going to eat me whole. It would make more sense to slice me into pieces so I’m easier to eat. And if that is the case, when the Nord swings his heavy weapon he will be doing so slowly because of the weapon’s weight. Therefore, I’ll position one of the chains in place so that the weapon cuts through the chains, helpfully freeing me. However, this is easier said than done.

There is one chain connecting a cuff around each of my ankles. The same goes for my wrists as well. So I will throw the two chains in place and pray for the best outcome. If I’m wrong I am as dead as a doornail. But…if I succeed then at least I am one step closer from getting out of this terrible place.

Regrettably there wasn’t any more time for preplanning, for the door leading to the next room swung open. The Nord stood there, holding a large mug of his “drink” in one hand, and a large battle axe in his other. I noticed how tense his muscles were, and I then knew he was going to act quickly and I had to be ready for the attack. And as soon as I made those thoughts the Nord took one long drip from the mug and then threw it to the ground. Blood was trickling down his hairy chin and onto his ruffled beard. Then he smiled and began walking towards me, clutching his axe tightly with both hands.

“Hold still, child, it will all be over soon…..” He then raised his axe high into the air, and he brought it down with more quickness than I would’ve given him credit for. Still, I was able to position the chains just in time and they were cut cleaning by the sharp head of the axe. I quickly got up from the ground, but then fell right back down from the pain in my knee.

Seeing that he was running out of time to perform the dirty deed, the Nord again swung his axe, and because of my quickness I dodged the attack once more. I then swiftly crawled over to the mug, which I found was made of died up clay, and tossed it at the Nord. The bloody container hit the Nord in the face, causing him to momentarily drop the axe while he tried urgently to wipe the blood from his burning eyes. And I took advantage of this situation.

I got up and forced myself through the door, limping the entire way mind you. I closed the door hoping to buy a little extra time, and then looked around the room for a door leading to the outside. But of course the first thing I noticed was Teemee’s still head, and I shuddered when I spotted it. But I shrugged it off; knowing now wasn’t the time to mourn. That would come later.

Suddenly the door swayed open from behind, hitting me in the back. I flew forward and dove across the table because of the force from the door. I landed on the floor, and next to where I was lying was a butcher’s knife. I noted it’s location in my mind and turned to face the Nord.

“I said stand still, dammit!” The soothing tone of his voice had been replaced by one of sheer madness. This Nord was not only a cannibal, but he was insane as well.

He walked up and hovered over my body, raised his axe, and before he could bring it down, I quickly grabbed the knife beside me. Then I plunged the blade deep into the Nord’s large stomach. He immediately dropped the axe and it landed a few inches from my face. His own face was now full of fear and surprise. He underestimated me, and was now paying the ultimate price for it.

His hulking body fell to the ground besides me, as still and as dead as the bloody knife I now held in my hands. I tossed the blade to the ground and scooted over in front of the table to get some to stretch my aching bones. The Nord must have done a number to me in the snow. I figured he must of beat me up pretty badly for me to feel like this.

And then of course I looked at Teemee’s detached head once more. And also, again, tears began streaming down my face as I thought about how close we were getting. Through all this time I had essentially thought of Teemee as a snot-nosed jerk. But after talking for a while I realized I couldn’t have been further from the truth. He was only misunderstood. But now it didn’t matter, as yet another one of my friends’ lives has been cut severely short.

I was about to head out and search for the settlement of Thirsk, but then I got to thinking. This house, even though it held two corpses, was still a pretty good place to stay when ever I would need to retreat. I wanted to dispose of the Nord’s body, but my bones were too weak to move him. So rather than hurt myself even more I only got rid of Teemee’s head. I couldn’t find his body, and to be honest I didn’t want to think about where it could be. The smell was obviously not very pleasant, but I’d simply have to deal with it.

As I lay in a bed upstairs, where the stench of death was less noticeable, I heard a tiny ‘pang’ and suddenly standing in the room was Madila, with her hands crossed and mean expression about her face.

“So…..sleeping on the job, eh?” She said, and not in a friendly way I should add.

“In case you haven’t noticed Teemee is dead, and I was almost eaten alive by an insane Nord. By bones ache terribly and I think I deserve a little bit of rest,” I said defiantly.

“Oh, don’t worry about Madila and her eternal suffering. Let’s just take a little rest. She’s waited for nearly forty years for this opportunity, she can wait a tad bit longer,” she said sarcastically.

“To be honest I really don’t give a damn about you and your ‘suffering’. If you ask me you’re having too much fun watching me run around, escaping death every five [censored] minutes!”

“I didn’t plan on the Nord, Erick. That was bad luck and thankfully you proved skilled enough to handle the situation.”

“Well, if it wasn’t for this ring I’d be dead now. I suppose I should thank you for that. It has saved my life several times now…” I tried cooling my voice down a bit, for I fear Madila was getting fed up with my tone.

But she simply rolled her eyes and said, “Erick, Erick, Erick... That ring is doing nothing for you. You do realize that, correct?”

I cocked my head to the side and gave her a confusing look. “What do you mean ‘nothing’?”

“It is a normal copper ring, Erick. It has no special abilities whatsoever.”

“Than how do you explain how I killed the Nords at Fort Frostmoth, and how I escaped death in this very house?”

“Don’t you see? The ring has proven you are skilled enough to handle yourself, Erick. It was only a test, to give you confidence. You’ve been doing everything with your ability. That’s why I chose you. Do you think I would have came to you if I had to give you a ring just to get by?”

I couldn’t believe. It’s all been one big joke this entire time. I had thought the ring was brining me powerful abilities, but apparently I’ve been wrong. It…was just so unbelievable. I never would have thought this…ever.

“Are you sure?” I asked, and Madila rolled her eyes yet again. She was also becoming impatient as well.

“I haven’t come here to blow sunshine up your [censored]. I’m here to get you on your feet and back out there. I understand your injuries, so I suppose spending the night here won’t hurt too much. Just don’t get too lazy…..or else I might decide to go ahead and end Melvin’s life. I am not a patient women, Erick…”

And with that she disappeared just as quickly as she had arrived…

Bloody hell, I didn't see that coming...

Good scene, very unexpected, and the mad Nord was nicely created. Watch out for your tenses though, you keep switching from past to present.

Wonder what will happen next, it's thrown me for a loop this one

Good job mate

NNNNOOOOOO! TTTTTEEEEEEMMMMMEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

...Aw, crap. I'll miss him. He was a jolly good fellow. Rest in peace, pal.

Anyway, Madila shows up again to whine her [censored] off. Geez, girlie. Just give it a break already. I know you're not patient, but you're really lowering your chances if you send a wounded, heartbroken Imperial out to do the tango with some big monster that has a whole lot of Nords peeing their pants.

Gosh, I liked her a lot more when she would just keep her mouth shut.

And finally, we learn that the ring is absolutely normal. (Apart from the enchantment that alters its appearance.) Her argument made sense, actually.

So far, it's been a good read. Though I'll miss Teemee.

I thought long and hard about Teemee, and ultimately I decided I was done with him. His character ended up getting fleshed out more than I could have ever planned.

Because the new Competition I will not be working on this for some time. I am sorry for the inconvenience, but all my time and effort will be spent on creating entries for the Competition. This is VERY, VERY important to me, and again, I am sorry. I hope you can understand where I am coming from with this.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN


"How long until we arrive at the cave, Rolfe?"

The Thirsk Nord, Rolfe, and I had been walking for nearly ten minutes, give or take a little. When we left Thirsk Rolfe had explained to me that the lair was just around the corner, but in my opinion we had been traveling for more than ‘just around the corner’.

"Not too much longer, just a few minutes or so."

His accent was very strong, and his body looked to be the same. After all, according to Andel this particular Nord was their fiercest warrior. That felt good knowing that I was about to go up against one of Solstheim’s fiercest creatures. I didn’t mind having some help along the way.

Just as Rolfe said, it wasn’t too much longer before we made it to the came. All that could be seen inside was darkness, and I could feel my legs start to tremble from the anxiety.

"Hold still, Erick. Showing fear is surrendering to the enemy, suicide even. Ye must show bravery in any given situation. It is the only honorable way."

"Sorry, I….I’m just not used to fighting all the time like you. As you can tell I’m not the warrior type."

"But ye have come this far, eh? I’d say that accounts for sumthin. And don’t worry, lad, I’ll be here fer ‘ya. Just take my lead and we’ll strike down the beast together."

I felt a little more comfortable after hearing those words, especially since Rolfe was a massive body of muscle. Also, his gigantic Nordic axe spoke for itself as well. This Nord was quite confident in his abilities, and thankfully the confidence was rubbing off on me. But there was still….I wasn’t too sure how this was going to turn out.

I watched as the Nord with the thick black mustache took out his axe and slowly began to creep into the cave. His mass of black hair was covered by his Nordic Trail-bone armor, and for a second I just stood there frozen. Then Rolfe turned and around and motioned for me to followed. I gripped my wooden spear tightly, sighed heavily, and followed my helper into the dark cave.

After three minutes of walking in the light of Rolfe’s torch we found nothing, yet I was still more nervous now than I have ever been in my entire life. Fighting Nords was one thing, but this beast…..this was much different. After seeing what it had done to the entire community of Raven Rock I didn’t really want to have anything to do with it. But of course that was impossible if I wanted to save Melvin, and I most certainly did.

"Shhh….Do you hear that?"

Rolfe had raised his hands and we both stood still, listening to who knows what. The Nord apparently heard something, but if he did I had no clue what it was. For several minutes he stood there with his right hand to his right hear, listening for something. After nothing happened Rolfe shrugged his shoulders and we continued on. But as soon as we started walking from out nowhere came a figure from the side of the cave behind some rocks. The creature roared fiercely and charged towards Rolfe.

"It’s the Udyrfrykte! Prepare yourself, Erick!" Rolfe yelled over the monster’s screams.

Luckily the beast was far enough away that we had time to prepare ourselves, and once the Udyrfrykte was in range I was in a defensive position, ready to protect myself. Rolfe on the other hand was on a complete offensive and charged towards the beast, which was a terrible mistake. Rolfe swung his axe with one hand and tried to burn the beast b means of the torch in his other hand. But alas that didn’t do the trick and the Udyrfrykte pushed the torch away and swung at Rolfe face.

With the torch on the ground it was extremely hard to see anything, and soon I saw Rolfe running towards me with his face filled with fear. "Come, we’ll have to fight outside in the light! I’ve wounded the monster, but we he will attack again soon!"

So we left the cave in a hurry and stood outside in the sun, waiting for the monster to return. A slash mark was across Rolfe’s right eye, and blood was seeping from the wound profusely.

"Are you alright?" I asked him.

"I’ve had worse wounds than this. Just get ready for the attack and don’t worry about me."

As soon as he said that from out of the cave came the Udyrfrykte. At last I was able to get a good look at the creature, and it wasn’t a very pleasant sight. It was basically all black, and had the most fluorescent-green eyes I had ever seen. They almost mesmerized you in a way. The beast stood about three four feet tall on all fours, which meant it was probably about six feet tall on its hind legs. The creature had a massive overbite that featured two long razor-sharp teeth in the front, and two shorter ones on the side. Of course there were plenty more on the inside, but I didn’t want to think about that. And just as Rolfe had said, the beast had been wounded. Blood was pouring from a wound to its left leg, and the beast was limping noticeably.

"Quick, hand me your spear!" Rolfe ordered as the beast started lumbering towards us.

I tried give my spear to Rolfe, but for some reason my body wouldn’t move a bit. When I didn’t give him the spear his eyes flashed with anger and great surprise. Then he yelled almost in an insane way, "Give me the damn spear I said!"

I tried and tried as hard as I could, but it was almost as if I were frozen in time. And as soon as I thought about ‘frozen in time’, I unfortunately thought about Madila. Right then and there I knew she had something to do with this.

Within seconds the Udyrfrykte had lunged at Rolfe, and unlucky for him he didn’t even see it coming. The creature knocked Rolfe to the ground, and the Nord’s axe went flying somewhere to the left. Immediately the beast clamped down on Rolfe’s neck and tore a huge piece of flesh away from the body. Rolfe was dead, and then the beast lunged at me. Suddenly I was able to move once again and quickly, as the beast was in mid-air, I held my spear in front of me.

The point of the spear tore through the Udyrfrykte’s chest, and then ripped through all the way through its body and out the back. I landed on my own back onto the cold snow, and the now-dead beast was on top of me. Blood from its wound was falling onto my, and with the strength I had left I pushed its body over and I just laid there on the ground, astonished by what just happened.

Then that familiar purple haze filled the area, and sure enough Madila was standing before me. And this time she didn’t have that usual irritating grin. In its place was an angry sneer, and she looked like she wanted to kill me on the spot.

"Just who the hell do you think you are, hmm?" She asked me loudly, and it felt as if the ground was trembling from her yelling.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, totally confused by her question.

"This Nord," she said while pointing at Rolfe’s mangled body, "has helped you complete your first task!" She yelled furiously.

"So? You never said I couldn’t have any help!" I scream in return, only to get a small taste of Madila’s powers.

My throat began to tighten up and I noticed I was being lifted from the ground. I looked at Madila and her hand was motioning towards my neck, and I knew it was she who was causing phenomena.

"Let us get something straight, Erick. This is MY game, and you will follow MY rules. NEVER assume ANYTHING! Do you understand me?"

Just barely I was able to nod my throbbing head. I was starting to feel very dizzy and it was extremely difficult to breath because of Madila’s magical grasp.

"Because of your behavior I have taken the lives on everyone there. You can get angry all you want; it really doesn’t matter to me. I just want you to know that unless I specifically say so, you may NOT heed the help of ANYONE. By disobeying the rules of my game you are taking the fun out of everything! Now, travel back to Thirsk and look for the throne of where Chieftain-Andel once resided. There you will find the next letter."

Another circle of dust appeared and she was gone in an instant. I fell from the air, which was only about three feet, and landed, on my bottom. Thankfully the soft snow broke my fall and I wasn’t hurt, at least physically anyway. Psychologically I was being drained to the fullest, no matter how much I wanted to put that aside. I’ve been trying to stay strong this entire time, but it’s getting harder and harder by the day. Sooner or later I’ll crack, I just know it.

The only thing you’ve cracked was the throat of an innocent…..

"Shut up! I don’t want to think about the past, now isn’t the time!"

Why do you keep running away from it?

"I said shut up! Get out of my head!"

I was essentially talking to no one, but then again I guess you could say I was talking with myself, inside my own head. Sounds confusing, eh? Believe me, this isn’t anything compared to what I used to deal with when I first arrived at Fort Frostmoth. It was one of the reasons Melvin became my friend in the first place. But that of course is yet again another story of my troubled past. Perhaps it’s time I let everything out? Maybe then this game of internal struggles may end…..

Here is a skipped chapter. My bad....This all hapened before going to the Udyrfrykte's lair.


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN


As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t sleep a bit that night. For one, I was wide awake, reflecting on all the events that have recently occurred. And two, my friend’s head was resting on the table downstairs, and his body lying who knows where. In fact, I really didn’t want think about the possibilities of where it could be.

And now here I stand, with a spear in one hand and my sack in the other, about to set foot into the heavy downfall of snow. I had not a clue where this Thirsk place was, nor did I have a map of the area. I was essentially running around blind, guessing on where to turn next. Such a thing didn’t make sense to me and I was beginning to feel frustrated. But what was I to do? There weren’t any other options, and it’s not like Madila was going to be of help. She only came when she wanted to, and I had a funny feeling she was now laughing at me somewhere, watching me wander around not knowing what to do.

I was still a bit curious to everything going on. Madila, who seems to be very powerful herself, is sort of ‘slave’ to this Lord Vero. But that would only mean that Lord Vero is extremely powerful, for the simple fact that he is apparently easily able to control the witch.

Plus, all of this was just so weird. I wanted to know what exactly it was Madila was looking for in the cave. Maybe whatever it was has something to do with these ‘tasks’. Though I’m not sure, I could be completely wrong; it’s happened more than once.

So a little after five o’clock the following morning I just got out off bed, realizing I wasn’t going to fall asleep anyway. It was still dark outside, but I knew the sun would begin to appear shortly, so I then began packing items into my sack. Thankfully I now had this house as my ‘base’, so there wasn’t a need to pack a lot of things. I simply packed a loaf of bread, raw carrots, and some raw beef. I figured there was always a chance of me getting lost in a blizzard, and if that was the case I would use the beef and cook it over an open fire. Therefore I brought a cooking pan and wooden spatula as well, which I ‘stole’ from the now-dead Nord cannibal’s kitchen drawers.

After finishing my packing, which only took twenty short minutes, I had everything I wanted, or needed for that matter. This included Teemee’s wooden spear, my Imperial broadsword, full leather armor minus the helm. (I had a simple hat that covered my entire head and ears.) And of course the food I told you about. Other than that I had nothing else. I was actually feeling quite light, for during the trek from Raven I had been hauling about fifty pounds worth of stuff, maybe even a little more than that now that I think about it.

When I stepped outside, the sun was about halfway up into the sky. It was not snowing thankfully and there were hardly any clouds in the sky. It looked as if the day was going to be a good one, hopefully that was going to be a sign of good fortune for me and my mission of finding Thirsk Either that or it was a bit of irony; that no matter how good things may seem, I will never accomplish my task. But I prefer to think on the positive side of things.

I decided to start north, and there was a good reason why. If you think about it, north just seems like the right way to go in every situation. North means going up, which you can compare to being successful. South would be going down, which I would compare to be being unsuccessful. East and west can be compared to staying level; not getting worse, but not getting better either.

I marched for nearly two hours and found nothing, absolutely nothing. I ran across several wolf corpses, gruesomely destroyed, likely by either a snow bear or the Udyrfrykte itself. I never passed any settlements, nor did I see any in the distance; and like I said earlier, it wasn’t as if today was an overcast and cloudy day. Now, it was clear as crystal, perfect even. But alas I was still searching blindly for this Thirsk place.

And then, from atop a large hill, there stood a figure raising something long high in the air. I looked to be a spear or something, but it was very hard to tell. All of a sudden I heard heavy footsteps behind me and before I could react I was hit in the back of the head once again. Needless to say this was becoming something of normalcy for me…


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


I awoke sometime after that in a dark room, with a tattered rug spread across the floor. The only light came from a dimly lot torch on the wall that looked as if it were to go out any second. I rubbed my eyes with my hands and noticed they were not binded together, nor were by feet or any part of my body for that matter. I had not a clue where I was, and my sack and other items were nowhere to be seen.

And though my left knee was still a bit achy from yesterday, no further pains were noticeable, telling me that if I was indeed a prisoner of someone, at least they weren’t as painfully cruel as the cannibal Nord had been.

Using my good knee I pushed myself from the ground and walked across the room, which was not very large at all, and attempted open the door at the other end. The knob was steady, signaling that I was locked in. I cursed out loud and that’s when I head a voice from outside.

“Andrel, the Imperial is awake!” The voice was rather loud, and it seemed as if it was that of a male Nord. I then heard footsteps, seemingly going down wooden steps. Silence filled the air for several minutes, and then suddenly the door knob jiggled. I stepped away and the door opened, revealing a tall Nord with blue markings all over his face.

“It’s about time you woke up. You’ve been here since the early morning, and it is now seven thirty at night.”

The Nord talking to me was not very large, just extremely tall. He was easily a foot taller than I, and unlike many other Nords I have met, this particular one did not have a ruffled beard. Instead he had a nice, cleanly shaped blonde goatee. I could somehow tell this Nord was not like any other I had ever met. The way he spoke was one thing, in that he actually sounded intelligent.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“My name is Andel Bear-Claw,” Chieftain of this fine place of Thirsk.

Thirsk, eh? Thank Talos…

“Good. I’ve been trying to find this place for the past two days…”

Andel game me a curious look, turned to his accompanied friend, and then looked back to me. “Would you mind telling why, exactly? We found you wandering the tundra, looking as if you had not a clue where you were going.”

This man’s tone had none of the normal Nordic-accent. It was actually quite refreshing come to think of it. After the last Nord I dealt with, I’ve come to have a stereotypical assumption of them. Obviously they are not all cannibals, but still…it wasn’t a very good memory if you know what I mean.

“Well, I didn’t in fact. I’m afraid I…ugh…lost my map earlier.”

I lied to the Nord simply because I didn’t want him to know I come from Raven Rock and Fort Frostmoth. The Nords aren’t too keen about foreign visitors, especially those from the Empire. But there was something different about Andel. Something told me he wasn’t the savage brute most Solstheim Nords were.

Andel then gave me another serious look, and then said to his companion, “Rolfe, go fetch his belongings.”

The Nord, this one very muscular with lots of dark brown hair on both his head and face, immediately left the room in a hurry. Andel stood there with his arms folding, staring me down as if trying to figure me out. He was trying his best to keep a friendly posture, but I could tell he didn’t trust me. He was too smart for that mistake.

When ‘Rolfe’ returned, he brought my spear and sword, plus the sack carrying my other items. He held the items in his arms, and Andel took the blade from him.

“Where did you get this broadsword?” Andel asked me.

“I bought it from a ship in the Mainlands.”

“It’s Imperial-made, the kind forged for Imperial Legion officers. Why do you have this certain kind of blade?”

He was starting to catch on, and I had to think fast.

“I am an adventurer, and I was told Solstheim was a terribly dangerous place. I figured I’d need a weapon of great quality.”

Andel snickered at my last remark and replied, “great quality? Not with this bluntly-edged blade…..”
He handed the sword back to Rolfe and then opened the sack. Then he said, “In the bag is little food, a cooking pan, and a spoon, both wooden I should add. There are no other items present, and there are also no extra clothes. Obviously this place isn’t as warm as your Imperial-owned land, and that makes me wonder why you haven’t brought any extra sets. An adventurer wouldn’t be so naïve, no matter how idiotic they appear to be.”

“Take your armor off.”

“What?” I asked, completely confused.

“Take your clothes off and let me see what you’re wearing underneath.”

He was beginning to take a more serious tone, so I obeyed his orders. It probably wouldn’t be a smart decision to make him angry, not here in his home. After I skimmed down to my clothing underneath my fur armor I knew exactly what Andel was thinking. Somehow he knew I was wearing prisoner-clothes, and he probably recognized this somehow. Likely from a scout or something of that sort…

“Rolfe, leave the room and close the door behind you,” Andel said, without looking back at his comrade. Rolfe nodded his head and left quickly.

And Andel just stood in the middle of the room with his arms behind his back, staring into my eyes. The gig was up, and I knew it. However, I wasn’t about to give in just yet.

“These are prisoner clothes.” It was a statement from Andel, not a question.

“No they’re not; they’re something I bought back in….” He then cut me off.

“No, they are not from Morrowind. If that was the case then it wouldn’t say ‘Fort Frostmoth on the left sleeve.” He pointed to my left sleeve, and of course the stitched logo of the fort was there, along with its actual name. I couldn’t believe I had been so stupid. Now the charade was over for real this time…

“Do you have any other sly remarks, hmm?”

His friendly attitude had been replaced with one of sarcasm and hatred. This Nord obviously didn’t like being lied to.

“Fine, yes, I am from Fort Frostmoth. I was a prisoner there.”

“Then what are you doing all the way out here?”

“Somehow I was able to escape. I got some things together the other night, and then I just took off. Thankfully the guard was asleep at his post, so it wasn’t hard at all.”

Somehow I think Andel was buying my story, but he wasn’t totally sold just yet.

“Very well, but why have you come here? And why have you lied to me up to this point?”

This was tricky one. Fortunately for me I was a terrific liar…

Yeah, I did plenty of that long ago…

And again the past was coming back, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on that. Besides, Andel was waiting for an answer.

“I came here because a friend of mine told me of this place. I figured I could come here and maybe join your clan?”

It was risky, but also worth the chance in my opinion. Besides, I couldn’t think of anything else anyway…

But then I realized that apparently it wasn’t worth the risk. Andel reared back his fist and punched me across the chin. I fell to the ground, feeling rather dizzy. I tried to get up but he pushed me back down, plus I was still woozy from the blow anyway. So I just sat there on the ground. I looked at Andel’s face and he was furious, to say the least.

“Stop with the [censored]ing lies, and tell me the truth…”

His anger was pure, but fortunately it was a ‘calmed anger’, and he wasn’t simply yelling at the top of his lungs. As it is probably easy to guess, it definitely makes for a more civilized conversation.

And so I told him the truth, every last bit of it. Everything, even Madila, Lord Vero, these task, etc…etc… etc…..But of course I didn’t expect him to believe, not in the least. I mean, who would believe something like this? I know I wouldn’t…

And when I was done, some ten minutes or so later, he walked across the room and pulled up a chair. Then he offered me a hand and helped me up from the groun, and then motioned for me to sit. Next he opened the door and told Rolfe to fetch an old towel and a bucket of water for my chin. I felt the skin, and blood was lightly trickling down and there was a small wound from where he hit me.

After Rolfe brought the towel he left again and Andel closed the door. He walked over and handed me the towel and placed the bucket of water on the ground. I dipped the cloth into the water and dabbed at my chin. It stung of course because the wound was still fresh, but it also felt good nonetheless.

“I apologize for the cut, I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

I didn’t say anything, nor did I look at him for that matter. I was thinking too much about what was to happen next. It appeared as if the end was near and I was either to be killed or held prisoner forever, likely used as a slave for these Nords. But on the other hand, he did just apologize. Not for the hit, but for the scar. Maybe that meant there was still a glimmer of hope for me?

“I hit you because I wanted the truth, and that is what I got. Maybe you don’t agree with that, but hey, it works.”

Still I looked at the ground while treating my wound. And still Andel continued his little speech.

“And because of what you have told me, I will let you go.”

But of course after hearing that my head immediately lifted up and I stared directly into his eyes, trying to see if he was lying or not. Judging by his expression I’d say he wasn’t; that and that fact that he didn’t seem like a person who’d joke at a time like this.

“I don’t know why, and I don’t know how, but for some odd reason I believe every word of what you’ve told me,” Andel said while moving his right hand through his long blonde hair. “It anyone else it would make absolutely no sense of course, in fact it would all sound ludicrous actually. However, I do know of witches on this island, and therefore I believe you.”

“You know Madila?” I asked.

“I don’t know any of them personally, nor have I had any run-ins with any. I’ve heard the stories, and unlike many of your foreigners we Nords believe in them. Or at least the majority of us do. I know my men do…”

“So…may I leave now? I thank you for your kind actions, but as you can probably tell I need to go.”

“Yes, you may leave. But I want you to forget about the cannibal Nord’s house. Use Thirsk as your ‘safe-haven’. I would be honored to have you hear.”

“Really, why is that?” I asked.

“Simply because I marvel at you. Despite everything that’s happened, and all the dangers that await you, you’re still determined to save your friend. That is something not seen by many in this day and age. The world is a selfish one, ‘everyone-for-themselves’ if you will, especially by your Imperials, no offence to you of course. I can tell you are a very good person.”

“Well, thanks for the offer. The last thing I need is directions to the Udyrfrykte lair…”

“I shall have Rolfe accompany you in this battle. He is my fiercest warrior and he will do you good. I swear to you that his skills in battle are not matched by anyone, not even those of the Skaal.”

This was going great. And Madila had never said anything about not getting help for this task. Thankfully I wasn’t going to have to fight the Udyrfrykte all by my lonesome self.

Here is the last chapter. It's not what you're expecting, I am sure. In fact, you probably won't even like it, though I don't think anyone's reading it so it doesn't matter I guess.

CHAPTER NINETEEN


You don’t have to do this, Erick…

Yeah, just calm down and rethink this. I don’t mean to offend you, but you’re in the wrong…

I originally thought they were in fact the ones who were wrong. Unfortunately it was me who was blindly mistaken. It’s too bad I didn’t figure that out until it was too late.

Several years ago, in my hometown of Caldera, there lived an absolutely gorgeous Breton by the name of Mabrelle. She was a looker, that much was for sure, and because of my teenage hormones I became vastly attached to her at a younger age. At the time of my infatuation with Mabrelle I was only fifteen years of age. My mother and father had been killed when I was an infant, and since then I had been living at the local orphanage.

By the time I was twenty I of course was on my own, and owned a little house inside Caldera, working in the mines. Mabrelle had married to a rich and pompous man from Ald Ruhn, and the two settled down at a mansion just outside of Caldera. Ever since they got married I had tried desperately to get rid of my obsession with the girl, but nothing worked. I tried dating several other women, but it wouldn’t go away. My only two friends tried to help me by taking me on a trip to see some Morrowind greatest sights, but even that didn’t do the trick.

Finally one Mabrelle’s husband was killed in a freak-accident in the forests, and she was of course a widow. I wanted to console her and try to make her mine, but that would have been the wrong thing to do. I realized she needed some time to herself, and I was willing to let her have that time of peace and reflection.

Then one night I got the craziest idea. I went to the local floral shop and purchased an expensive bouquet of roses. I was going to give Mabrelle the flowers and also give her my condolences. I hoped this would let her know how I feel about her, but not in a way that I was protruding onto her privacy. However, when I reached her mansion I noticed she was sitting on the porch, talking to none other than my best friend, Marty. He had his arm around her, and she was smiling. That was it. That was when I totally lost it.

I immediately went home and grabbed an old dagger I kept under my bed. My other friend, Benivus, asked me what I was doing. I tried to explain to him that Marty was trying to steal Mabrelle from me when he knew how much of a crush I had on her, but he didn’t believe me. I told him to stay out of the way or he too would be killed. As soon as I said that he went to the local authorities. I knew I had to act quickly.

So I marched back to Mabrelle’s mansion, where Marty was still talking with her. I walked up to them, with my dagger-hand behind my back and asked, “What are you doing here, Marty?”

He got up from the porch and tried to subdue my obvious anger. “What’s wrong, Erick?”

“You’re trying to steal the woman I love!” I responded.

Then I did the unthinkable. I took the dagger and shoved it through Marty’s heart. He gasped for air and put his hands on my shoulders. He tried to say something, but I simply dig the blade deeper into his skin. Mabrelle watched in horror as Marty slowly died, and once he did I turned my eyes to her.

She had been standing there, hands over his face, awe-struck. “What in the world is wrong with you?” She asked in confusion. And then something had come over me. My love for Mabrelle was then over, and in its place came a firm feeling of hatred. I then wanted nothing to do with her. In fact…I wanted to kill her.

I then ran at her, almost insanely in a way. Come to think of it, I probably was insane at that point. She ran into her mansion, trying to close the door behind her. But I was too fast and bashed through the door before she had a chance to close it. I took her by the neck and twisted it violently. I heard a loud crack, and before I knew it I had killed two people. One of those was my best friend, and the other was my hidden love.

Shortly after that many guards had arrived at the scene, and the rest is history. I am lucky to have my life the way it is. They should have killed me on the spot. But no….they had to send me here, to this frozen wasteland.

And in comes Melvin. When I first arrived at the island I was a mess. I was talking to myself, I was always anxious and paranoid; everything was terrible. But Melvin took me in for some reason and offered to be my roommate. He taught me it was okay to feel bad for what I did, but it wasn’t healthy to let it kill me so-to-speak. After months and months of work I have transformed back into my regular self.

Although, up until now I have been constantly haunted by my past. I never did get a chance to apologize to Benivus. I never got a chance to apologize to anyone for anything. I am here, and now that I have let loose everything that’s happened, I feel good about myself. I can’t explain it, but my internal struggles are over, I think. I just…feel relieved.

But alas that has not changed the death of many on this island; nor has it changed the annihilation of Fort Frostmoth and Raven Rock. All of that is a reality no matter what, and the only way of giving everyone a proper ‘burial’ is going through with this sick…..’game’.

I looked at Rolfe’s body, and ultimately decided against taking it back to Thirsk. If Madila was telling the truth, and I knew she was, there was no point in it. So I simply trudged back to Thirsk, and thankfully I didn’t get lost along the way. And just as Madila had said, the place was destroyed. Inside bodies were everywhere, but the scene wasn’t bloody at all. They were just…dead. It was as if they had all just suddenly dropped dead. There were no signs of a struggle, no choke marks, no signs of suffocation, no blood. It was so eerie that I tried not to pay attention to them, but of course that was easier said than done, especially whenever I stepped I had to step over a body.

Of course the letter was resting on the wooden throne, just as Madila had said. I snatched it up, went upstairs to get my stuff, and then went back outside. Then I sat on a tree stump and read the letter.

Dear Erick,

Obviously if you are reading this letter that means you’ve passed the first task. But to save the two of us some time I will skip the congratulations part of this letter. Besides you don’t need it anyway.

Your next assignment involves something a bit different from what you’ve just experienced. I would like you to travel to Castle Karstaag. While being cursed from leaving this island, I was also cursed from ever entering the ice castle again. Enter the frozen ruins and search the place up and down until you find someone who will give you quite a surprise. I will not speak anymore of this, for I want you to find the surprise yourself. Good luck, Erick, you will need it.”

I took the letter, crumpled it up into a ball, and threw it onto the ground. Then I took my right foot and buried it even deeper into the snow. Castle Karstaag? What was I going to find there? Wait a minute; isn’t that where Madila was cursed in the first place? Yes, I remember now, that is where she met Lord Vero. But why would I be going there?

So I strapped my pack onto my pack, sheathed my broadsword into its case, and headed out. I held my spear in my right hand, just incase I was attacked by a wolf or something. The journey wouldn’t be too long, according to the map on the back of the note. Judging by the measurements I was only about six or seven hours away from the ice castle.

So I walked the rest of the day until it was dark, which was only about three hours. The sun had been replaced by the moon and I quickly found a small cave to take shelter in for the night. Thankfully I was the only inhabitant of the cave.

Before going to bed I made a small fireplace with some rocks and pieces of wood. I saw a guard do this before at Fort Frostmoth. It took a while but finally I had myself a nice warm fire. Then I took out my cooking pan and cooked some food. I was very hungry, and of that’s because I haven’t eaten since leaving Raven Rock. Nor have I had anything to drink either.

And after I was done eating it only took me a mere ten minutes to fall asleep. And when I woke up the next morning I was met with the vast rays of the sun. Outside there wasn’t a cloud in sight and the weather was great. It was course shivering cold, but that was to be expected. Besides, I was used to that by now.

I traveled a few more hours until I finally arrived at Castle Karstaag. By this time it was roughly noon. I walked up to the massive double doors and realized I wasn’t going to be able to get through. Then I looked at the map and noticed there was a hidden entrance in the back, although I would have to go underwater.

So I trotted around to the back, and looked into water. It was fairly clear, and there was a spot that looked like the seafloor was closer to the surface. This was probably the hidden entrance I was looking for. I took off my back pack and placed it on the ground, along with my spear. The only thing I would be taking with me was my Imperial broadsword. Anything else would make it to hard to swim.

After stretching for a few minutes I dove into the icy water and swam as fast as I could through the water. It was awfully cold and I couldn’t wait to get out. When I reached my destination I realized I was standing in a cave. Obviously I was underneath the castle, and I crept along the dark area while trying to find my way through. I was looking for someone, though I didn’t know who exactly. I guess a person here in the castle isn’t a common sight. That means whoever I see first is likely who I’m looking for.

It only took my about ten minutes to make my way through the caverns, and once I actually entered the castle itself, I noticed the large amount of tables surrounding me. I searched the room for any sings of life, and then went on to the next area. There it seemed that I had found the throne room, and of course the throne was empty.

But then to the left I heard a door open, and in came an old-looking Breton man, using a cane to walk. He had a long silvery beard and was panting heavily. Suddenly a tight knot formed in the pit of my stomach.

Long silver beard? Old Breton? No, it couldn’t be...

I walked over to the man and he held his staff in defense, as if I was going to attack him.

“WHO AE YOU?” I screamed loudly.

“Wh….why should I tell you? Who are you?”

He was trying to sound tough, but I could tell he was scared to death.

“You are Lord Vero, aren’t you?” I asked flatly, and once I did he eyes lit up in amazement.

“Yes. And you are Erick?”

“Yes, I was sent here by a witch to find someone of importance. I take it you know here, since you put the curse on her. Does the name ‘Madila’ ring a bell?”

He was still confused, and seemingly had no clue what I was talking about.

“Yeah, nice try, you damn liar! I know all about you, Erick ‘Ice-Warrior’!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Madila told me all about the curse you put on her. “Ice-Warrior’, eh? You don’t look so tough to me. Because of your damn curse I’ve lost many friends, and if I don’t help Madila lift her curse I will lose my wife as well. Who knows where she is right now!”

A trick, it was all a trick. I just realized what was happening. She made the lie up to the both of us just to see us walking around. This Lord Vero very well could be a ‘lord’, but he was not a mage.

“Is your name ‘Lord’ Vero?” I asked the man.

“’Lord’? Hell no I aint a lord. I’m a simply adventurer from Cyrodiil. I came here looking for treasure, and Madila found me and took my wife. I have to accomplish three tasks in order to get her back. I was sent her to find someone of importance, and it seems I’ve found that person!” He said angrily, for he still thought I was the enemy.

“You have it all wrong, Vero. I am not Erick ‘Ice-Warrior’, just plain Erick. I am in the same situation as you, only it was my best friend that was stolen from me.”

“What are you trying to say, that Madila lied to me?”

“That’s exactly what I am trying to say. Look at me, do I really look like a mage to you?”

“No, but you could still be tricking me. Why should I believe you?”

And right then I remembered throwing the letters from Madila away once I read them. I hated myself now for doing that. If only I had kept them I would have all the proof I need.

“I don’t know what to do, Vero, but you just have to believe me.”

Suddenly a loud cackle of insane laughter could be heard behind us, and when Vero and I turned around to see who it was, none other than Madila herself was sitting on the throne.

“What the hell?” Vero gasped in confusion.

“You really are the intelligent little Imperial, aren’t you, Erick? I knew sooner or later you’d figure everything out. Unfortunately I was hoping this would go a little farther, and one of you would kill the other. No matter, I have another idea in store for the two of you.”

“You mean, this boy is not the one who placed the curse on you?” Vero asked Madila.

“No, you silly old man. I was never cursed. This has been a whole game! I’ve mentioned that several times before, I was afraid you would catch on.”

“But why have you lied to us?” I asked.

She smiled widely and replied, “Because I needed a little fun. I could leave this place if I wanted to, but I don’t. I figured why not cause a little destruction, you know?”

None of this made any sense. I just, I couldn’t even begin to believe any of this. Then all of a sudden I heard Vero beside me yell, “Wake up, Erick!”

I looked at him crazily and then things started getting fuzzy all of a sudden. The next thing I knew I was lying in my bed at Fort Frostmoth. Melvin was in his bed and was yelling for me to wake up.

“Are you alright, Erick?”

I got up from my bed and ran over to Melvin. I touched his face just to make sure he was real.

“Get the hell off of my face you fruit!” he said playfully.

Then I looked outside and saw several guards walking about, even Captain Falx talking to Antonius.

“Where’s Teemee and J’Dato?” I asked.

“Um….asleep? What’s wrong with you? You’re acting weird.”

A dream, could it all have really been a dream?

“What about Madila? Where is she?”

Then he cleared his throat and said, “She was found dead yesterday in the woods. They won’t tell us how she was killed, so I don’t know what happened. Just go back to sleep Erick….”

I was absolutely speechless. I guess it was all dream. But it felt so real. Then, I remembered the ring in the dream. So, anxiously I put my hand in my pants pocket and felt around. I felt something metal and pulled it out. It was the ring.

“What’s that you got there, Erick?”

I opened my window and threw the ring outside into the snow.

“Nothing, it’s nothing, really.”

THE END

People are still reading it, I'm sure. The forums are just really quiet this week. I'm guessing people are working on their entries for the competition, plus school has restarted if I'm not mistaken, so they'll have work to do. Not sure mind you - been a long time since I was at school

Bit of an abrupt ending, which I wasn't expecting. Did you run out of enthusiasm for it? Anyway, the rest of the story was as thouraghly entertaining as usual

Look forward to reading what you give us next!

Definitely not what I was expecting for an ending, but I suppose it works. The question now is when did reality end and the dream start, hmm?

In all honesty, I became tired with the piece. I had made the story too long and I just lost interest. The ending is supposed to be confusing, making the reader think a lot, but unfortuntely for no apparent reason. Sorry, Mallet.