Great update. We finally arrive to Martin Septim himself. The chapter had despair and hope written all over it, from the moment Savlian was greeted by the survivors within to the discovery of the Priest. The story with the mother dying with her child in labor was pretty sad, but well-written. I always tried to imagine how they tried to cope with something like that in the Elder Scrolls. And then you added the certainty of magic. It was a good read, and I like the quote at the end.

"I've seen you...let me see your face."
Like father, like son. I suppose.

Mazoga, huh? If you'd seen that face, I guess you would remember it!

I can't help thinking that Fanador is just as memorable. Did Tamriel just dodge a bullet?

Yep, that is the Red Shirt blues. I am glad to see you are going with Anyone Can Die instead.

From the chapter title I can guess that Sean Bean will be making an appearance this episode.

The Dragon God of Time also provided for us in other ways.
Akatosh FTW! Seriously though, this was an excellent way to dodge the bullet of explaining how the people in the chapel could have held out for so long, not just against physical attacks, but also the spectre of starvation.

Sad news about Marissa. A breech birth is about the worst thing that can happen in pregnancy. Again though, this is a good writing decision, as once more it reinforces that fact that anyone can die.

Savlian shows his C.O.'s chops in the chapel, as he takes charge of the situation and people.

And Martin has seen Mazoga before, erm, I mean Sir Mazoga of course. Now my curiosity is running rampant. How does a simple priest know our green knight? What could this mean?

Aw hells yeah!!...

Dying to know how he knows Magoza... ...

Sad tale of the woman in the chapel... ...

And you have Sean Bean's "voice" to a tee... ...Brilliantly done there...

As ever...Brilliance...

Nice one!!..

*Applauds heartily*...

Hooh, they’ve been trapped in there a long time; I’m surprised they haven’t killed each other! Maybe a priest/priestess cast Calm daily just to keep them from each other’s throats! They seem talkative.

Martin sounded an awful lot like his father at the end there.

It's such a relief that they've finally made it inside the chapel. But the city is still far from reclaimed..

Mazoga! I must admit, I didn't see that one coming. But I love it! Great chapter!

So Mazoga, excuse me, Sir Mazoga, is going to be a hero? Sweet xD

“You!” interrupted Martin as he stared at Mazoga with gray eyes that had assumed almost saucer-like proportions. “I’ve seen you. . . let me see your face.”

Oh my gosh, Sir Mazoga!! Does this mean he has seen her in his dreams?! Woo hoo!! Unless he met her during the dark times or as a priest or in line at the market, but his wide-eyed reaction says probably not. The Septim dragon blood showed a lot to Uriel, so why not to Martin as well? And that familiar line coming from Martin really made me grin. I love it!!

The chapel’s inhabitants having barricaded themselves in was a fun detail, and their explanation of how they survived so long made great sense. The sad story of Marissa’a death showed that even the altar has its limits, which also explains why Akatosh could refill a cupboard but not zap everyone to instant safety.

I’m guessing that Sir Mazoga and Brother Baurus might be part of Martin’s next road trip, which means that Fanador could be as well. So many possibilities, the mind boggles! What happens next with Martin will be important to Buffy’s world, even if she has no part in it. I’m anxious for him to get the message and get going so that everyone else can move forward with saving Kvatch!

If Mazoga is the girl of Martin's dreams, then I feel sorry for him. I hear she already has a boyfriend, and that he's pretty tough...

I love this whole paragraph, it is my favorite of the chapter...this brings it all to life! Awesome Write!




Powerful scene here, Acadian! Very powerful!



Ah, poor Buffy! Urk!

This was the best chapter EVAAAAH !!! Absolutely loved this whole chapter!


PS: Will be back to read the next one!

GAAAAAAH! Martin is doing Uriel's lines! I love how you are working Martin into this !!! Awesome Write !!!

Amazing chapter! I love how you involved Oleta so much, she was always one of my favourite Kvatch survivors. So upbeat

There isn't alot i can say that hasn't already be said, but I shall share with you my favourite entry:

“The baby was large, and a frank breech presentation that we could not turn. As you recall, Marissa was a woman of slender hips. The harder the child fought, the tighter the cord of life likely drew around his neck. Even our altar of restoration was unable resolve the predicament; I’m afraid Akatosh is much better at mending wounds or curing diseases than assisting with childbirth. When the boy finally gave up, so did his exhausted mother.”

Personally, this hits home for me (I lost a sister in a similar way) and the way you wrote this with such care and beauty brought yet another tear to my eye.

Well done

I had always assumed that this story would end at Kvatch.
I'm glad you're proving me wrong and I can't wait to find out what Martin has in store for Mazoga.

I like that last line It really cliff-hangers it methinks.

Episode 162 revealed survivors inside Kvatch’s chapel. Once Savlian, Buffy and Baurus were alone with Martin, the Blade detailed what they suspected about the priest’s heritage. Martin relayed a simple past that was consistent with the story that Jauffre (before his death) had told Buffy. Martin’s disbelief and Baurus’ skepticism were interrupted as Sirs Mazoga and Agronak intruded to deliver a tactical update to Savlian. Martin appeared stunned as he seemed to somehow recognize the face of Mazoga.

Darkness Eternal- Thank you for your words about despair and hope. I’m glad the tragic childbirth helped add a human touch to what the survivors have been through. I think most folks really like Martin, so he is naturally a challenge to write.

ghastley- Buffy adores Mazoga of course, but Martin’s reaction to her was quite a surprise.

SubRosa- Thank you! I’m glad that invoking the power of Akatosh helped ease the challenge of our extended timeline. Thank you for pointing out Savlian being, well, Savlian. Even though he is not center stage at the moment, I am still trying display that he is the Commander of Kvatch and Buffy’s hero. I love that you can imagine Agronak’s reaction to his mate being the subject of some puny human’s dreams. . . .

McBadgere- I so appreciate your kind words regarding my attempt to ‘capture’ Martin’s ‘voice’.

KC- I’m very glad you already catch the hints of Uriel in Martin. Thanks!

RainbowVeins- Perfect analysis. They still have a castle to reclaim, but the Empire’s future is in that chapel. Thank you so much!

Doommeister- Thanks! We’re beginning to reveal the destiny of Buffy’s big green pal.

Grits- Thank you! I’m so glad the end of that episode reminded you of the beginning of the game. Thanks for your kind words on ‘life in the chapel’ for the survivors. Buffy is no hero, but some of her friends sure are.

mALX- Wow! Your wonderful words humble me, my friend. No one writes Uriel as well as you, and I love that you can see hints of him already in our Martin.

Andrea- I’m sorry you lost a sister during her birth. The words ‘frank breech presentation’ were transcribed from my own birth certificate, but my mother and I were lucky. Thanks for enjoying Oleta. We’ll have more of her after the castle is recaptured.

TheBrume- Wonderful to see you back! I’m hoping you will continue Lucius’ wonderful tale as he pursues knighthood. I would submit that our story may be the neverending saga of Buffy’s life, but you are right that this book will end shortly after Kvatch: Six more episodes to fully free the city and seven more to wind down the book.

Zalphon- Thanks. I normally try to minimize use of cliffhangers, but couldn’t resist allowing some time and, hopefully, speculation over Mazoga. We’ll reveal quite a bit in this next episode.



As the orc stepped forward, Savlian said, “Martin, this is Sir Mazoga and her fellow knight, Sir Agronak.”

“You are the one from my dreams,” stated Martin as he continued to stare at Mazoga.

Agronak then also stepped fully into the room and took a position protectively close to Mazoga. One hand found the grip of his blade and the curl to his lip was most decidedly not an orcish smile. “Listen, human,” the ice in his deep voice matched the terrifying challenge conveyed by his dark eyes, “Sir Mazoga is the most beautiful example of Orsimeri womanhood to have ever graced Nirn and I am the one who defeated her in combat to capture her heart. She is of MY dreams, not yours! Choose your next words carefully, lest they be your last.”

Martin was visibly shaken as he studied the deadly face of the Arena’s undefeated Grand Champion. “You. . . you misunderstand, my large and noble friend. I humbly ask forgiveness if I have clumsily tread upon Orsimeri custom. While your mate is indeed a vision of power and beauty, it is both of you that visit my dreams. In them the two of you are charging through fire together and slaying Daedra with your mighty blades. I had assumed the dreams to be merely a fanciful response to the horrors of the invasion, perhaps combined with my hope for a heroic rescue from our extended captivity here. . .” As Martin spoke, I could see Agronak’s fingers loosen their tight grip on his blade, and fury began to fade from the knight’s dark eyes. Mazoga, with her singed eyebrows and soot covered face, slipped an arm reassuringly around the waist of her mate. “. . . and now this man – this Blade – Baurus tells me that I may be heir to the throne of Uriel Septim? I. . . I have no idea what any of it means.”

“Sirs Mazoga and Agronak,” I said, “I ask that you join us, close the door behind you and treat what you are hearing with the greatest discretion.” I turned to Baurus. “Martin’s words to these knights are stunningly similar to those the Emperor spoke when he first saw me.”

“I remember,” replied Baurus. “Emperor Uriel saw things others could not; they say it was the dragon blood. Do you think this man is a Septim then? If so, he could be in grave danger.”

“Do I have any say in this matter?” Martin’s words were addressed to Baurus and delivered with a firmness I had not heard from him to this point.

Buffy?

Acadian didn’t intrude often, but when he did, I had learned to listen. I touched a finger to my right ear to encourage his private counsel.

Baurus began to speak, “If you are indeed the heir, then I have a duty to . . . .”

What my paladin silently shared caused me to blurt out, “I can determine if this man is the heir!” The room went silent and all eyes fell upon me. “Whether I do so or not is up to you, Martin.”

His eyes studied mine. “I am willing,” he finally replied. “What do you require of me?”

“I ask that you inflict a small cut to your arm – enough to draw blood. I will also need to heal that very wound before we are done.”

Martin’s hand found his dagger. He pushed up one sleeve of the gray robe and drew the small blade across his skin. After sheathing the weapon, he held his arm out to me.

I touched a finger to the bleeding wound, then to my tongue. Closing my eyes, I allowed Acadian to render his verdict. Before announcing it, however, I had another ‘test’ to conduct.

Placing one hand over the cut on Martin’s arm, I allowed restorative magic to flow between us. While so joined, the visions of fire that he had spoken of drifted in and out of my consciousness as I recognized the Deadlands. I could sense the bewilderment that Martin had professed, but there was also something familiar about his spirit. The haunting echo of an older voice then wrapped itself around me: ”There will be troubled times ahead that jeopardize all of Tamriel, and the sign of the Mage shall guide your path. You are not the one who will save the Empire, but it cannot be saved without you.”

The words spoken to me so long ago by Uriel Septim had finally revealed their meaning. I closed Martin’s wound and allowed the healing bond to fade. I then stepped back to the comfort of Savlian’s side, took a deep breath and fulfilled my small role in the destiny of the Empire: “This man carries the blood of a dragon. He is of Uriel Septim’s line, and successor to the throne.”

Savlian dropped to one knee. “If my elf says Martin is the Emperor, then it is so.”

Seeing me follow Savlian’s lead, Mazoga immediately planted one knee as well, and pulled Agronak down with her.

Baurus then lowered himself to the same position and looked up at Martin. . . Septim. “I was with Emperor Uriel during his final hours. He saw something in Buffy. Like her captain and fellow knights, I trust her pronouncement. Sire, my life and that of every Blade is at your service.”

“Please rise, friends,” said Martin awkwardly. “I. . . I know nothing of being an Emperor. My world has just been upended. What do I do?”

“You are in danger, Sire,” replied Baurus as we all rose to our feet. “I must escort you to the Blades’ fortress where you will be safe.”

Martin looked to me, perhaps because of the healing bond we had just shared.

“You may trust in the counsel of Baurus, Sire,” I said. “He will protect your life with his own.”

“But you are now only one Blade,” said Savlian to the Redguard. “The Emperor is safe right here for the moment, protected by my forces and the warding of Akatosh.”

“I need to get him to my headquarters,” insisted Baurus.

Agronak exchanged glances with Mazoga then spoke, “Having just threatened the very life of the Emperor, I feel compelled to make amends by offering what assistance this pair of humble knights can provide.”

Baurus’ dark eyes traveled to the orcs. “Without Arturo, I admit I could use the help.”

“We will not abandon our quest to help Dame Buffy until this city is free,” said Mazoga. “If you can wait until then, we readily offer our swords.”

“Ahem.” Martin silenced the room. “Surely I may voice an opinion regarding my own fate?”

Sheepish looks swept the small chamber. It was Baurus who spoke, “Forgive us, Sire. What are your orders?”

“Orders?” repeated Martin. “Such words do not roll easily from my tongue. I know the portal that allowed Daedra to invade Kvatch could not have opened had the Dragonfires been burning. If I become Emperor, will I be able to relight them and spare other cities the atrocity inflicted upon Kvatch?”

“Yes, Sire,” said Baurus, “as soon as we locate and retrieve your Amulet of Kings. The Grandmaster of your Blades was murdered and the amulet stolen from him shortly after Buffy delivered it.”

“Then selfish as it sounds, I must survive to do exactly that.” After we all nodded, Martin turned his gaze to the orcs. “Noble knights, to whom is your fealty?”

“No one, Sire,” replied Mazoga. “Although dubbed by the authority of Count Leyawiin, we are knights errant.”

“I serve the Dragon God of Time and will continue to do so,” said Martin. “Would you both accept service as Knights of Akatosh?”

She looked to me. “Dame Buffy, is that higher than a knight errant?”

I nodded emphatically. “It is indeed, Sir Mazoga.”

She traded looks with the giant at her side, then met Martin’s gaze. “Sir Agronak and I will each accept the title Knight of Akatosh and see you seated on your throne, but only after we’ve helped Dame Buffy free her mate’s city.”

“The devotion you display to your small fellow knight is admirable,” said Martin. “I hope to someday prove worthy of such loyalty.” He then turned to Baurus. “Once Kvatch is free, I will rely on you, along with Sirs Mazoga and Agronak to safely get us to the headquarters of the Blades.”

“As you wish, Sire,” replied the Redguard.

“In the meantime, I think it prudent to forego the honorifics and limit knowledge of my. . . situation. I ask to be called Martin and treated as a simple priest for the time being.”

“I consider this matter resolved for the moment,” said Savlian, “and my warriors have had more than enough time for resupply and healing. I have a castle to purge of Daedra and I need the help of these three knights. Sire - I mean Martin - I ask that you assist Oleta as a healer here in the chapel.” With barely a pause, he turned to the Blade and continued, “Baurus, your charge will be safe here for now since Akatosh will not allow entry to our foes. Nevertheless, I’d like you to remain with him until we declare the city free.” He then opened the door. “Knights, let’s go.”

The orcs quickly strode ahead. As Savlian and I approached the chapel’s exit, he quietly asked, “Buffy, how could you know?”

“How could I know what the blood of a dragon tastes like?” I repeated the question, hoping Acadian would silently provide an answer.

The same way we know the taste of their tears.

“When this is over,” I said to Savlian, “I will tell you about the spirits I carry. You deserve to know that.”

WOO HOO! Acadian is finally going to reveal a bit about his history !!! WOOOOOT !!!!

I was rolling when Martin inadvertantly hit on Mazoga and Agronak's jealousy - and loved Buffy's "Septim test!"

Awesome Write !!!

Haha, hell yes! So Mazoga and Agronak, eh? He shares the same taste in woman as his father did(poor man).

"Sir Mazoga is the most beautiful example of Orsimeri womanhood to have ever graced Nirn and I am the one who defeated her in combat to capture her heart. She is of MY dreams, not yours! Choose your next words carefully, lest they be your last.”

Woah. Never insult Agronak's queen! This was a good chapter! Not battle-oriented(not that there is anything wrong with that).

And here is the musical accompaniment to the title

I see Agronak is as defensive about his woman as I would expect an orc to be. Poor Martin, he should have picked a less contentious person to dream about!

“Do I have any say in this matter?”
It seems not!

”There will be troubled times ahead that jeopardize all of Tamriel, and the sign of the Mage shall guide your path. You are not the one who will save the Empire, but it cannot be saved without you.”
I can see where this is going. Excellent! Buffy/Acadian being the litmus test for Martin's dragonbloodedness was a brilliant idea!

Sire, my life and that of every Blade is at your service.
if only the Blades 200 years in the future would take notes of this!

“Having just threatened the very life of the Emperor, I feel compelled to make amends by offering what assistance this pair of humble knights can provide.”
Oops, talk about stepping in it!

Now it seems that Buffy will have to fess up about not being the only person inside her head. Talk about an awkward conversation!

Brilliant!!...

Loved it muchly!...

Again, the Sean Bean-ness of the speech is amazing...Nicely done!...

So far, I have had relatively little story Acadian to read...Looking forward to much more!!... ...

The Orcs were so brilliantly done as well, espescially when Mazoga turned to Buffy and asked "Is that higher than Knight Errant?"...Loved that bit...

As ever, sheer brilliance...

Nice one!!...

*applauds heartily*...

You need to make Buffy the Bowgirl into a TV mini-series... Seriously, I love this fan-fic

Agronak!

Both Buffy and Acadian judge Martin to be the heir. I’m assuming Acadian detected the dragon blood, and Buffy was able to feel it during the healing process. Too bad Martin didn’t know any Thu’um.

The same way we know the taste of their tears.
“When this is over,” I said to Savlian, “I will tell you about the spirits I carry. You deserve to know that.”
Love this ending!

Agronak then also stepped fully into the room and took a position protectively close to Mazoga. One hand found the grip of his blade and the curl to his lip was most decidedly not an orcish smile.

Oops! I was cracking up when Martin called him “large and noble.”

I loved Buffy and Acadian’s blood and healing rituals. There was such a feeling of events that started in the prison coming around full circle to click into place. I’m sure there’s an elegant way to put that, but sadly I can’t come up with it.


Savlian dropped to one knee. “If my elf says Martin is the Emperor, then it is so.”

Wow. Savlian managed to endorse both Buffy and Martin here. He’s so awesome!


“How could I know what the blood of a dragon tastes like?” I repeated the question, hoping Acadian would silently provide an answer.

The same way we know the taste of their tears.

Super wow. This is one of my all-time favorite Acadian moments. It’s so exciting to think that soon Buffy’s hero in a headband might meet the hero in her head!

“Do I have any say in this matter?”
followed by
I know nothing of being an Emperor.

He's just had his first lesson. The one who appears to hold the most power is the most constrained in using it.

All the diverse characters in this piece show who they are in everything they say, even when it's only one line. Brilliant!

Whew! I have finally done it. I'm officially caught up as of this moment.

Acadian, you have so disappointed me with this story . . . not!!

A few things stand out in my memory of my recent readings:

Buffy and Savllian's much-anticipated "private" moments on the banks of the Strid River. These were so well worth the wait! And better than Buffy's "wet" dream several episodes ago. W00T!

The way Savlian came to trust in Buffy's abilities so quickly. I have a romance in the works with a similar couple where a sturdy knight-at-arms learns to love a drifter woman and she finds herself returning the sentiment for just this same reason - he trusts her and lets her do her job as he expects the same from her. It's wonderful to see this idea echoed by another writer - especially one I respect so much as you, Acadian.

Martin using the old pick-up line on Mazoga! Priceless!

I am looking forward to the rest of this book!

There isn't much I can say that hasn't been praised already already, but I do have a couple of my own points I'd like to praise you on

I L.O.V.E the releationship between Mazoga and Agronak, it is so sweet, yet utterly respectful that Agronak would jusmp to his lady's aide when it came to Martin and his leery eyes Hehe, I joke. It was very sweet.

Also the simple yet brilliant touch of Baurus and his blood test with Martin.

great chapter and can't wait for more!!

In Episode 163, Buffy - with the help of Acadian and her own laying on of hands - determined that Martin was indeed Uriel’s legitimate heir. Sirs Agronak and Mazoga agreed to assist Martin achieve his destiny, but only after helping Buffy and Savlian free Kvatch. Relying on the proximity of Savlian’s forces, Akatosh’s warding on the doors and assignment of Baurus to his personal protection, Martin agreed to serve as a healer inside the chapel until the city was free.

mALX- Thank you. I figure analyzing Martin’s blood was a small way for our Dragon Rider to earn his keep.

Darkness Eternal- Yes, we have finally revealed the future Champions of Cyrodiil! But that is another book. . . . Thanks!

SubRosa- Thanks for the music! As you know, my orcs are rather inspired by Klingons and are the ultimate warrior race. That comes with some neat cultural baggage and customs. Thanks also for your kind words regarding our means of verifying that Martin is a Septim.

McBadgere- I’m thankful that you can hear the voice of the game’s Martin in our depiction of him. Despite Agronak’s elevated testosterone, the orc actually has a bit of grace and polish to him and will make a fine knight. Mazoga is trying to grow into her title; her heart is there but she still has plenty of rough and gruff edges to her speech and manner that will remain to hopefully provide us moments of humor.

Zalphon- Aww, thanks. I have always envisioned Buffy’s story to share more in common with the concept of a long running TV series than a succession of novels. Buffy and her world will evolve, but I don’t necessarily see an end. Elves live a very long time, you know.

KC- Yes, Acadian could detect the blood of a dragon. Buffy, via her healing bond with Martin, could sense the spirit of Uriel. Thank you for quoting Acadian’s line about the tears of a dragon; I have envisioned that line and its implications for a very long time.

Grits- Thank you for noting the deadly humor of Agronak’s reaction to Martin dreaming about the beautiful Mazoga. I’m so pleased you mentioned the overarching feel of tying back to the beginning of our story that we tried to incorporate. Hee! Buffy thinks Savlian is pure awesome too - and for exactly some of the reasons you mentioned. I thank you for quoting Acadian’s big moment.

ghastley- Thank you! I’m so glad all those characters are coming through. I’m comfortable writing Buffy’s dialogue during a one-on-one, but have to work hard when there are numerous characters trying to make sure they all convey their diverse natures.

Rider- Welcome back! I’m so pleased that you have rejoined us and that you are again sharing Julian’s powerful story with us. I thank you so much for your kind words regarding Savlian and Buffy.

Andrea- Thank you for appreciating the dynamic between Agronak and Mazoga. I’m delighted that Buffy’s history of meddlesome matchmaking on Mazoga’s behalf has blossomed into such a powerful and loving alliance between the pair of orcish knights. Your words mean a lot because I’m so impressed by how you are beautifully developing the relationship between Jessika and Mya.



We left the chapel and found Lucilius in front of the formation. Savlian quietly filled him in on the situation and plans regarding Martin.

The soldier slowly but noisily exhaled. “Well, that raises the stakes well beyond County Kvatch.”

“That it does. What’s the status out here?”

“As I’m sure Sirs Agronak and Mazoga told you,” Lucilius began, “we learned there is no magical warding atop the battlements that prevents trading fire with defenders on the wall. Our knights and battlemages were able to draw fire by closing about half the distance between us. Our foes have a few archers among their flame slingers. Despite both Roliand and Arielle taunting them with lightning bolts, these Daedra show no stomach for a counterattack.”

As the two men stared at the distant gatehouse, I said, “I take it that behind the raised drawbridge is both an outer and inner portcullis?”

“Aye, she’s a well-built castle.” Savlian rubbed his chin then turned his gaze down to me. “Buffy, can your magic start a fight among the Daedra up on the battlements to help thin their ranks?”

I shook my head. “They know we’re here, Savlian. Given the open distances involved, they would see my spells coming. Illusion magic travels slower than even a fireball, and we both know how easy those are to dodge – especially for defenders atop a crenellated wall. Only arrows and shock magic are fast enough to likely hit any of them but, with us in the open, they’re in a much better position to return fire.”

Savlian’s right eye twitched slightly. “I need some ideas. Call a war council.”

“Listen up!” barked Lucilius over my head. “Team leaders, Guildmagister, battlemages and knights – gather around the Captain.”

Savlian and I quickly found ourselves surrounded by a small circle. I noted that Gladius Maro had been thrust into the leadership vacancy created by Ilend Vonius’ death.

“As you can see,” began Savlian, “we can’t draw them out. We’re going to have to assault the castle.”

“Filling in a section of moat in front of the drawbridge will be bloody,” said Lucilius. “Shall I have work started on a battering ram along with some wooden mantlets to protect our diggers?”

Savlian replied, “I fear that even with such mobile shielding devices, our losses from fire and arrows would jeopardize the assault before we could bring a ram to bear.”

“Surely the fetchers must be nearly out of food,” growled Gladius. “Can’t we siege them into starvation?”

“Daedra don’t eat,” I replied, then added with a shudder, “at least not for sustenance.”

“Catapults,” stated Lucilius. “Enough to take down the whole gatehouse and flanking wall sections. If they won’t willingly give us a level fight in the open then, by Akatosh’s balls, we’ll reshape the battlefield to make it so!”

“I don’t know anything about Akatosh’s privates,” offered Calvaria, “but I’m well-familiar with the construction and use of catapults.” The team leader from Chorrol continued, “We’ll need to fell some trees and lug them in for wood but there’s plenty of stone right here in the city. It’ll take a month or two, but a pair catapults could do the job.” She then added, “They’ll destroy the drawbridge of course, but some of the resulting debris is likely to partially fill in the moat for us.”

“I’m sure Belle and the other horses can help move trees and stone,” I said hopefully. I was happy to see us throw boulders at the castle instead of lives. Furthermore, as long as Savlian was safe and we were together, I didn’t care how long it took.

Savlian frowned. “Months building siege engines to bring down our own gatehouse and walls, then a year or more to rebuild. It may come to that, but I’d sure like to have some other options.”

“What about the old tunnel that was used to move dangerous prisoners from the gatehouse to the Arena for execution?” asked Merandil.

“Excellent thinking,” replied Savlian, “but we kept both ends of the damn thing locked. We might be able to bash through the Arena entrance, but the noise of trying that on the hatch that opens into the gatehouse would ensure a ready reception by the Daedra.” I could see the Altmer awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other. Savlian lifted an eyebrow and added, “Spit it out, Merandil.”

“I saw Berich Inian out here coordinating the movement of some of our wounded into the chapel. I’m glad to see he survived his captivity so I hope you won’t bust him, sir. You see, Berich had a spare key made and always carried it with him. The Arena end of the tunnel is near his house. He used to slip back there sometimes at midday. Said his wife - Akatosh rest her soul – enjoyed having him home for a bit of . . . lunch.”

Savlian blinked, then stared at the Altmer. “If someone could get through that tunnel and quietly enter the gatehouse, they could lower the drawbridge, raise both portcullises, then jam the controls.”

It was Mazoga who spoke next, “Sir Agronak and I have the steel to do that and survive until your force can join us.”

“I appreciate the valiant offer, knights,” replied Savlian, “but the tunnel was not built to accommodate warriors of your proportions. Human soldiers can barely traverse it.”

“I’ll take a few of my men and do it,” said Bjorn, the team leader from Bruma.

“I’m your scout, Savlian,” I offered with all the authority I could muster. “You need Bjorn and all your soldiers for the actual assault. I can not only fit through a small tunnel, but can complete the task and disappear until rescued.”

“Nonsense!” scoffed Arielle Jurard. “The moment someone touches those gatehouse controls, the Daedra are likely to blindly unleash everything they have - even if they can’t see their foe. This task is made for battlemages. Roliand and I can get through the tunnel and we have both the steel and magic to defend ourselves until help arrives.”

Both hands found their way to my hips and my eyes narrowed as I glared up at the slightly taller Breton. “I’ve killed more of these creatures than -“

Arielle interrupted me with a tone that matched the sharpness of my own, “And only a fool would send a mystic archer alone into a gatehouse full of Daedra!”

“That’s quite enough, ladies,” announced Sigrid with a quiet authority as she thumped the end of her staff on the ground once to silence us.

Savlian turned her way. “What say you, Magister?”

The way Sigrid leaned on her staff caused me to suspect her lower back was aching. The Nord’s high cheekbones were marred by soot. Her once beautiful blue gown was heavily stained by the blood of those she had healed. Charred remnants of one velvet sleeve partially exposed an arm. Jutting a lower lip forward, she blew a handful of errant blond strays from her face then proclaimed, “Arielle is right. This is a task suited for mages who have trained in the path of steel, not that of the bow.”

“For what it’s worth, Captain,” offered Lucilius as he avoided my eyes, “I have to agree.”

Savlian turned to the pair of battlemages. “Berich is in the chapel. Tell him my orders are to give you the key and brief you on the location of the Arena entrance to the tunnel. I’ll move the formation as close as we dare without risk of defensive fire from the castle and wait. My lead elements and I will be at your sides less than a minute after the drawbridge starts down.”

Arielle and Roliand turned then headed for the chapel.

I always like the way Savlian is planning each move and considering what the enemy will do. And it looks like it's rubbing off on the others.

“Nonsense!” scoffed Arielle Jurard. “The moment someone touches those gatehouse controls, the Daedra are likely to blindly unleash everything they have - even if they can’t see their foe. is exactly right. At least it seems to happen that way every time I play through that part.

Sigrid? a backache problem? why?

SPEW!!!! Jane Russell syndrome.


I loved this chapter - Matias never lacks for volunteers no matter how dangerous the mission, that is Awesome! And Buffy bristling instantly when her volunteering is disputed, ROFL !!

I too was instantly interested in Sigrid's back problem, but was sure I knew how she got it, ROFL !!

Awesome Write !!!

Thank you. It's nice to be back.

As always, I find councils of war very interesting, not just because of the tactical problems but also because of the diverse personalities and perspectives that always seem to converge in the best of them.

I did spot one nit:
“That is does. What’s the status out here?” Shouldn't it read it instead of is? As in:
"That it does. What's the status out here?"

Otherwise a great chance to catch our breaths and assess the cost to our comrades!

Thank you. It's nice to be back.

As always, I find councils of war very interesting, not just because of the tactical problems but also because of the diverse personalities and perspectives that always seem to converge in the best of them.

I did spot one nit:
“That is does. What’s the status out here?” Shouldn't it read it instead of is? As in:
"That it does. What's the status out here?"

Otherwise a great chance to catch our breaths and assess the cost to our comrades!

These Daedra are proving to be much smarter than the first defense they encountered.

I love the reason behind Inian’s ownership of the key. I’m sure he and his wife enjoyed having “lunch” together.

If the orcs can’t fit in the tunnel, I doubt a team of Nords are going to. Not Buffy! She can’t fight close range! I vote the battlemages. They can do it. I’m glad Arielle isn’t going to take any of Buffy’s bluster.

The way Sigrid leaned on her staff caused me to suspect her lower back was aching.
A nice touch of humor.

I have to agree with Sigrid’s recommendation and Sav’s choice. I just wonder if we will see both of them again. They are a wonderful team, but this is going to be a very risky mission.

How wonderful of Captain Picard erm Savlian calling on his lieutenants for options in how to proceed. Here we see he not only knows how to lead, but how to listen to his subordinates as well. Many well thought out replies were given as well. From the issues with long range illusion magic, to scaling the walls and catapults.

I love how you changed the route of the tunnel into the castle. It makes much more sense that it ran to the Arena, than to the Chapel. I also simply adored the reason someone has a spare key!

Both hands found their way to my hips and my eyes narrowed as I glared up at the slightly taller Breton.
Uh oh, I almost thought a "You are not the boss of me!" was going to come out! I do think it is great that everyone wants to take on the dangerous job of sneaking into the gatehouse. I have to agree with Sigrid though. In the end, there is likely to be a lot of slugging. Arielle and Roliand are a lot more suited to that than Buffy. It is also a nice example that while Buffy is important to the story, the entire world does not revolve around her.

It was good to see Gladius in the war council, though the reason was sad. Their discussion made the tunnel fit beautifully into the scene in a way that shed more light on Kvatch’s workings. Wonderful! Of course as a longtime fan of lunch dates, I was giggling over Berich’s spare key. No doubt he had it made when the Inians had school aged children.

Dear Sigrid is a woman in desperate need of an alteration charm. That was a great moment between the three lady mages. As SubRosa said, Sigrid’s decision showed that while Buffy is at the center of her story, there are folks around her who are more important to Cyrodiil. I love that Buffy would have been delighted if the plan was to throw rocks at the castle for the next however long it takes. From a safe distance, of course. That was a beautiful piece of Buffy thought. Even with all of the tall folks and talking in this episode, she was at her Buffiest.

Most excellent stuff!!... ...



Nothing funnier than invoking Divine privates... ...

Loved the battle conferencing...Everyone trying to volunteer at once was cool...And yes, I wondered whether we'll see those two again... ...

Loved Buffy's anger at Arielle though... ...

Another excellent episode...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Catapults! Now we're talking.

“Daedra don’t eat,” I replied, then added with a shudder, “at least not for sustenance.”

Yeah, I was going to say. Daedra have been shown to or at least mentioned, of eating people. Though they don't need to. They just do it.

As McBadgere said, nothing is funnier than the mention of Akatosh's balls! The crew seems to eager to destroy the Daedra, that not even Akatosh's dangling balls from a ripped heaven would break their focus. Nice little chapter. The hot Sigrid is now marred by her duties, it seems. I'll admit though, she has backbone!

During Episode 164, Savlian Matius convened a ‘Council of War’ to help forge an assault plan against Kvatch’s Daedra-infested castle. After some animated debate, it seems the battlemages, Arielle Jurard and Roliand Hanus, are going to traverse a secret tunnel into the gatehouse and attempt to lower the drawbridge and raise both portcullises.

ghastley- Thank you. Savlian wrestles with what every commander does - how to accomplish his mission while protecting and preserving his forces.

mALX- Thank you for pointing out that our charismatic leader has no shortage of volunteers – even for the most dangerous tasks.

Rider- Yes, a good chance to catch our breath and consider the daunting task of attacking a defended castle. I’m so pleased you enjoyed our ‘war council’. Thanks so much for that nit so I could quickly fix it – darn those last minute edits!

KC- Thanks! I agree that it seems the Daedra may have indeed posted their less capable forces outside the castle. I appreciated the wisdom of Arielle, then Sigrid as they both realized that Buffy’s dragon mouth was making claims her butterfly butt probably couldn’t deliver.

SubRosa- I too was pleased that Savlian was wise enough to seek the counsel of others for the vexing challenge ahead. I thank you for noting that Buffy, as a solo stealth hunter, lacks a solid grasp of larger scale warfare. I hope this next episode will emphasize how far out of her comfort zone she is as she struggles to adapt.

Grits- I couldn’t resist injecting a bit of humor while revealing why Berich had a key; my hope was to bring a touch of lightness to an otherwise somewhat heavy and ominous episode. Thank you so much for enjoying Buffy’s narration and thoughts, even as she was not the focus within the council of giants. Yes, I am trying to show that Tamriel does not revolve around a small elf.

McBadgere- Thank you! I thought you might enjoy the . . . um, rather personal reference to Akatosh. Fortunately, between the testosterone titans and wise estrogenites, it seems that an effective (I hope) plan was forged.

Darkness Eternal- I thought it was important to at least give serious consideration to the use of siege engines. As I wrote the part where Sigrid silenced her bickering mages and delivered her recommendation, it struck me how very much the beautiful Nord has grown into the sobering responsibilities of her guildmagistership. Thank you.



Savlian and Lucilius maneuvered us all closer to the castle, just out of effective firing range. Sigrid, Dreelius and I had been reassigned to Merandil’s archers in the rear rank. The formation had been told that we should expect to conduct a frontal assault on command. I was terrified, but trusted the man who commanded both my heart and this army. He now stood watchfully with Raccan at the right end of the front rank. The orcs and Lucilius anchored the left side. We all waited for the two battlemages to infiltrate the tunnel into the gatehouse and complete their mission.

After quite some time, I heard the metallic groans of gears and chains moving. As soon as the drawbridge began to lower Savlian roared, “CHARGE!”

A heartbeat later came the sound of several large splashes, followed by a bright flash. Black smoke and fire rose into the air even above the top of the gatehouse. Knowing my guild mates were inside, a cry of horror tore from my throat.

As our front ranks raced to close the distance, I could see the orcs were out front. By the time the drawbridge was fully down, both knights were charging across its heavy planks with the rest of our melee fighters right behind them.

As explosively as the gatehouse had been engulfed in flame, I was relieved to see the inferno subsiding quickly and that both portcullises were now fully up. Almost numb with fear for Arielle and Roliand, I somehow managed to keep up with Merindil’s archers until the Altmer stopped us within engagement range of the battlements. We opened fire, having some success at picking off Deadra between the wall’s crenellations as they rained fireballs down upon our melee fighters in the gatehouse.

“Cease fire!” yelled Merandil. I could see the orcs atop the wall now, viciously cutting through its defenders. “Charge!”

We ran forward. The archers drew melee weapons before funneling across the drawbridge. Sigrid, Dreelius and I lingered a moment at its threshold to cast shielding spells, then followed.

My stomach churned with fear and revulsion as I clambered over smoking bodies in the gatehouse. The battle had moved beyond me now. Each putrid breath I took induced waves of nausea. My heart broke as I recognized the heavy breastplate - now blackened by fire - that less than a tenday ago Arielle had helped me try on. The battlemage inside it was charred beyond recognition. Too late to tell her, I bitterly realized how wise, selfless and brave she was. It should have been me among these burned corpses. I did not see Roliand but, without Arielle’s Bretonic resistance to magic, he could have only fared worse than his mate in the burning oil trap that had ignited the gatehouse. It was small consolation that the inferno had claimed no less than a score of Daedra along with my two guild mates.

As I passed under the raised inner portcullis, the fighting that raged in the bailey ahead was a chaos of melee among individuals and small groups. My desperate eyes caught Savlian’s black headband and flashing blade as he battled in the thick of things. He seemed uninjured. “Thank you, Mara.”

Most foes were moving too quickly for me to target, but I did spy a clannfear on the far side of the bailey that seemed confused by having too many enemies to choose from. I quickly loosed an arrow that not only struck the beast’s flank, but helped it decide to target me. With lowered head and raised tail, the Daedra began its charge across the bailey. Nocking an armor-piercing arrow, I aimed at the bone-plated head and loosed.

A flash of white surcoat suddenly appeared right in the line of fire! My arrow, with its slender hardened tip, emitted an orange puff of armor-disintegrating magic as it passed clean through the soldier’s midsection. I watched in horror while sparks from my mighty bow’s enchantment arced around the man’s body as he fell. Most of the arrow’s energy was lost by the time it found the face of the clannfear. Leaping over the fallen soldier, the Daedra’s charge was unabated. I nocked another identical arrow. Slayer then delivered its full magical power right through the bone-shielded forehead of the beast, killing it.

I sprinted toward the downed soldier with my heart in my throat. As I slid to my knees at his side, I recognized the grimacing face of Gladius Maro cursing each of the Nine in sequence. My hands found his entry and exit wounds as white magic raced down both arms. Tears of shame were joined by those of thankfulness as I realized I could fully heal the damage I had inflicted.

No sooner had I completed the task before my mouth sprang into action. “Gladius, I never should have tried that shot in here! Everything is moving too fast.” I desperately pleaded, “C-can you ever forgive me?”

“I already have,” said the soldier as he scrambled to his feet. Before I could speak again, he added, “and now you know how much it meant to me when, long ago, you forgave me for killing your friend, City Swimmer. Be at ease, Bosmer, and slay some Daedra.” He then charged back into battle.

I noted a Dremora mage in one corner of the courtyard, slinging spells while protected by several scamps. My first instinct was to cut through one of the small defenders and into the spellcaster with another armor-piercing arrow but, with the Gladius disaster so fresh in my mind, I instantly rejected that idea. Instead, I loosed several swirls of emerald magic toward the scamps. When one of my command creature spells was intercepted by a fast-moving soldier, the man shrugged off the harmless effect. The scamps, however, obediently turned on and dispatched their black-robed master. Another spell set the survivors against each other.

On the other side of the bailey I saw Lucilius. He blocked the swing of his opponent’s mace then rapidly thrust twice, the tip of his blade seeking gaps between armor plates. The Kvatch shield then came up again to intercept the Dremora’s next strike. I noted that Lucilius held his shield at an angle to deflect most of the force of incoming blows rather than absorb them. The veteran soldier kept his back fairly close to the wall so other Daedra could not surround him. He appeared to be slowly yet safely wearing down his enemy.

My eyes then found Savlian again. Like Lucilius, he was fighting a Dremora, but there the similarities ended. He was in the open with a trail of slain Daedra behind him. I watched as he deftly sidestepped the overhead chop of a great sword. The heavy weapon sparked harmlessly against cobblestone. Savlian then viciously shield bashed the helmed face of his overextended foe. As the Dremora’s head snapped back, Legion steel drove up into its exposed neck. It was over and Savlian was into his next foe before I knew it.

This was no place for a mystic archer, but I was sure I could help my hero by immobilizing his foes and healing him as he fought. And I craved the safety of his steel.

I carefully made my way toward Savlian, commanding Daedra to fight for me and trying to keep my back close to a wall as I had seen Lucilius do. When a foe would got too close, I reinforced Slayer with shielding magic to block, reached out to paralyze them and finished with an arrow – just like Boderi Farano had relentlessly drilled into me.

I was making fair progress at getting closer to Savlian when I found myself fighting near the armor-plated Raccan. He was head-butted in the chest by a clannfear and knocked within two or three paces of me. As the Redguard drew back his claymore in a horizontal arc to retaliate, its tip skittered across the top of my shoulder and slammed into the haultguard that rose from my right pauldron. I was knocked from my feet by the impact as paralyzing pain from the weapon’s shock enchantment jolted through me.

I didn’t remember hitting the ground. I couldn’t have been out very long though, for sparks were still dancing around me as I unsteadily regained my feet. By now, the clannfear was dead and Raccan had moved on to engage another. Given the heat of battle and as effortlessly as his errant backswing had launched me into the air, I was sure he didn’t even realize he had hit me. I reached up to touch the haultguard that had prevented my guild mate’s blade from possibly beheading me. Smiling thankfully, I remembered the man who loved me enough to make me wear it. I needed to get to him. My eyes searched for Savlian but I was struggling to see clearly. The sounds of battle raging close around me now seemed somehow distant. Color then began fading from my vision and my field of view narrowed. The bailey started to spin as I felt myself falling back down.

When my eyes opened they were treated to the beautiful face of Savlian Matius, streaked with soot and blood, as he knelt over me. He had removed a gauntlet and his hand was on my cheek. “We’ve captured the bailey, my elf. Are you all right?”

“I-I think so,” I croaked groggily.

*

Poor Buffy, finally gets her revenge on Gladius she originally craved - but long past the time she thought it appropriate, lol. Bless her heart, sounds like she spent too much time with cats lately, lol.

Again, this was not Buffy's day - but for the opposite reason. One of the things I hate about melee. Bless her heart.

I loved how Buffy made her way against the wall using the Daedra to fight for her against their own! I tried to do that in the Bruma battle and kept killing my own Daedra, lol.

Very awesome fighting in this chapter, lots of friendly fire making it as real as it gets! Awesome Write !!!

*

Poor Arielle and Roliand! They paid a heavy price for opening the castle gates. Such is the way of siege warfare. Once again this was a good writing decision on your part. These were both characters we knew and liked, not faceless drones. Their deaths carry real weight in our hearts.

Oh noes, Buffy shot Gladius! You show us the great danger of firing into a raging melee. Something Buffy usually does not have to worry about, as she works alone. Her decision to go with command spells afterward shows that she is a quick learner, and will not make that mistake again.

I see Raccan returned the favor! Ouch. Poor Buffy. That is definitely no place for a little wood elf archer to be. I think she is the one in need of healing now. It looks like she might have a concussion.

I hope Gladius was aware of his armor's condition when he went back into the fray. Although the standard guard cuirass don't provide much anyway.

That area's a very confined one, and I'm a little surprised that Savlian hadn't planned on replacing the enemy archers on the walls with his own. Buffy certainly discovered the limitations of an archer on the level ground, both in restricting her scope and making her vulnerable to melee from both sides.

I liked her choice of Command Creature as her primary offense. No friendly fire issues if you don't have any creatures in your army. She's definitely thinking strategically there!

I felt Buffy’s horror when the gatehouse was engulfed in flame. I’m glad the orcs got inside quickly. If there was anyone left to save, they did it.

The archers didn’t stay out for long, before they too went in. As I feared, opening the gatehouse was a one way mission.

Buffy shot Maro! I couldn’t help but laugh though at Maro cursing the divines. Buffy’s alternative to the bow is much better in this situation.

I’m a little happy that Buffy was knocked out/fainted. That probably kept her from nearly getting her head taken off again!

Wow what an excellent chapter! Buffy was so out of her element here!

So now Buffy gets her first real taste of melee fighting! Julian's been reading over my shoulder and nodding her head at certain intervals - yes, yes, yes. If I may, I'll point out those places that rang true for my Legion Redguard pilus:

The loss of Arielle and Roliand. Just as we get to know someone, that person gets taken away rather abruptly and often in quite a gruesome manner. One of the first lessons Julian learned about war.

Giving friendly fire. How often has Julian accidentally hit a comrade with her blade before she mastered its use back when she was a tiro! The desire to avoid injuring her battle brothers and sisters drove her desire to train with one of the toughest Blademasters in the business.

Adapting fighting tactics to the situation. The switch from archery to spells to avoid further friendly fire is an admirable decision by Buffy.

Watching your six. Though I'm not sure how that would translate into TES terms, considering that Beth never put clocks into Tamriel. Still the importance of guarding your back is vital to survival. Julian is glad that Buffy chose to adopt Lucillius's strategy rather than Matius's. The wall can be a very useful friend, but don't let yourself get trapped against it!

Receiving friendly fire. This was the least favorite part of Julian's former role as pilus prior of the Ninth Cohort. There were times when her own inexperienced tiros were more dangerous than the goblins she faced! It is an almost necessary ritual for any combat character. At least Buffy didn't shout "Hey, I'm on YOUR side!" Julian knows too well how nasty those shock enhancements tend to be.

Julian would like to say that she learned a lot about solo combat from Buffy. She hopes that Buffy's own paladin will share the same hard-learned lessons Julian learned from her Blademaster about how to stay alive in cohort fighting.

Nice job capturing the heat of melee battle here, Acadian. Both of us have enjoyed reading it simply because it is so well written. We look forward to learning (though with no small degree of dread) what our brave Kvatch heroes will find on the other side of that great door.

OOooh, that was intense!!... ...

Well done there...

Loving the battle so far...

Sad about the loss of the mages... ...Still, omlettes and eggs and other such cliches... ...

Just sheer brilliant writing...If this were a book I would never put it down...Ever...Well...Maybe sometimes...But not if I didn't absolutely have to...Y'know?... ...Erm...

*Cough*...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

What a magnificent episode. I can’t possibly single out quotes to remark upon, because I would have to quote the whole thing. Every minute of Buffy’s training and preparation came into play in the bailey. The gruesome loss of Arielle and Roliand made Buffy’s desperation for Savlian very real. I love the contrast between Lucilius and Savlian, though they were both fighting with sword and shield. Throughout the fight, Buffy’s thoughts and emotions came through beautifully along with glimpses of action so vivid that I feel like I saw this part rather than read it.

Savlian awakening Buffy makes me think that the whole time he might have been straining for a glimpse of his elf. Her golden head might be easy to spot, but now I won’t be surprised if someone covers it with a helmet!

The exploding gatehouse was quite a shock, and it shows that the daedra have been busy. I wonder horrors await in the castle.

Arielle Jurard and Roliand Hanus infiltrated the gatehouse of castle Kvatch during Episode 165. Tragically, neither battlemage survived the ensuing fire trap; however, they did succeed in opening the gatehouse to Savlian’s army. The battle that ensued, flowed into the bailey and deteriorated into a chaos of melee. Although Buffy was of limited help, both she and her hero survived. The brave and battered forces of Savlian Matius now hold the bailey.

mALX- There are times, I think, when Buffy can be almost elegant in her lethality – but the battle for Castle Kvatch’s bailey was not such an occasion. She stumbled and faltered, but didn’t give up as she tried to adapt. Thank you!

SubRosa- Thanks for the kind words about our deceased battlemage couple. Like Ilend Vonius, they leave a large hole in my heart and Buffy’s. Her lessons on friendly fire were painful, but probably inevitable. Thanks for noting that Buffy makes plenty of blunders but works hard to figure out how to avoid repeating them.

ghastley- I think Savlian’s plans went out the window when the gatehouse ignited with two of his warriors inside. I can’t say I blame him for his simple ‘Charge!’ response. Buffy pays a price for never using a melee weapon so, like you, I’m glad she fell back on the ‘command creature’ effect and some of her Boderi Farano training to help. Thanks!

KC- Thanks for your comments on Buffy being so out of her element here. There are times in her story when she has really shined, but this was not one of them! Heh, you may be right that, for all concerned, she was perhaps better off unconscious for the end of the battle.

Rider- Thank you. Buffy had no idea that when Savlian made her wear actual armor with haultguards, it would end up protecting her scrawny neck against her own guild mate! Talk about an elf out of the trees or a fish out of water. . . at least she didn’t pee her greaves (this time).

McBadgere- Thank you. I’m hoping for a bit less. . . frenzy moving forward.

Grits- Thank you for noting the stark contrast between Savlian and Lucilius in combat. It should be clear now why Savlian is so battlescarred. It was fun to showcase his overly aggressive style when he was not fettered by having to babysit his elf. It is not lost on Buffy that it was Savlian's insistence on armoring her up before the start of the day that protected her - when his own steel could not.



Savlian helped me up from the bailey’s cobblestones so I could cast. White magic cleared any effects still lingering from the errant swing of Raccan’s blade. I then functionally mended Savlian’s minor injuries. “I’ll fully lift your fresh scars when this long day is through, my love. How did we fare?”

“We took heavy losses and need time to tend our wounded and replenish before continuing the assault. Can you magically lock the entrance to the great hall to buy us that time?” I nodded before he continued, “I’d like you to then help Sigrid with our casualties. I need to assemble the uninjured into a defensive formation in case our foes somehow get through your warding. I love you, my elf.”

I reached up and kissed him. “Go. We both have work to do. I’m fine now, as long as I know you are safe.”

After warding the castle’s heavy double doors, I began moving among the wounded, healing and working through the bailey back toward the gatehouse. Being an empathic healer, with its ability to diagnose and precisely focus my efforts, was more effective than either potions or simple restoration. It came with a price though. Before long, I was whimpering and sipping a general healing potion to help dull the ache I was asking my body to absorb from others.

Acadian was responsible for my ability to heal like a priest or paladin and I had always considered it a gift. Right now though, I envied other mages who used pure arcane restoration that did not require them to absorb pain and could even be used at range. The advantages conveyed by my laying on of hands seemed eclipsed here. I was no more equipped to deal with the scale of this aftermath than I had been for the chaotic melee battle that produced it.

As I finally approached the raised inner portcullis, I could see Bolden and the farmers. They were carrying our more seriously injured across the drawbridge to the awaiting wagon. I was glad the stable master did not directly expose Belle to the carnage inside the gatehouse itself.

I found Sigrid kneeling over a young Imperial. His surcoat was too badly burned and shredded to even know the city, but his eyes were bright.

“How is your patient?” I asked, mustering a smile for the injured man’s benefit.

“I’ve eased his pain,” replied Sigrid, “but I’m concerned about his right leg. I wish we had a priest out here to give us a more precise diagnosis.”

“I can help.” Kneeling beside Sigrid, I ran glowing hands over the soldier’s leg to assess his condition. After stabilizing him, I allowed the bond to fade and reported, “The large bone between hip and knee has been shattered. I’ve mended the severed artery running down his upper leg so he will not bleed to death. Unless the bone is healed perfectly, however, his Legion days are over. We don’t have the skill to get all the fragments exactly in place, but Akatosh does.”

Sigrid stared at me for a moment, then lifted her head and called out to Bolden, “Get this man to the chapel’s altar and be careful of his leg.”

Our gruesome work in the gatehouse and bailey continued, as those we could fully heal were returned to duty and the more severely wounded transported to the chapel. I noted that Fanador, Tiberius and Pelena were busily shuttling arrows and potions forward to replenish what had been used capturing the bailey.

At one point, Savlian visited the gatehouse. “I needed to make sure we could hold against anything that might dispel Buffy’s warding and come out of the castle. We can now, and Lucilius is in control up on the line.” After Sigrid and I briefed him on the casualties, Savlian moved among the wounded, offering encouragement. He then headed back toward the bulk of his force poised outside the castle’s great hall.

By the time Sigrid and I finished doing what we could, Belle had returned from the chapel with several altar-healed soldiers. Only the dead now remained to be loaded on her wagon.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as two sets of plate armor containing the charred remains of Roliand Hanus and Arielle Jurard were pulled from the pile of Daedra bodies. I heard Sigrid say, “Farewell, dear guild mates.” She then turned to me and, with tears sliding down her own soot-covered cheeks, added, “We’ve done all we can here, Buffy. Savlian and Lucilius need us up forward.”

The size of the formation that Sigrid and I returned to was sobering. Although the ranks were arrayed similarly to how we had started the day, our progress had come at a steep cost. As we approached, Sigrid urged me to rejoin the right forward corner unit that now included Savlian, Raccan and Dreelius. She split off for the left front corner to stand behind Lucilius, Mazoga and Agronak. Savlian’s army had been reduced to nearly half its original size, and the only team leaders I could see were Bjorn, the battlefield-appointed Gladius Maro and Merandil. I knew first hand of Ilend Vonius’ death of course. When I asked about Calvaria, Raccan was able to confirm that we had lost her as well.

Savlian’s blade slid from its scabbard and spiked the air. Every weapon followed to the ready position. He gave a nod across the front rank to the other corner unit.

The orcish knights strode to the castle’s double doors, flanked them and waited.

“Prepare to deliver fire,” Savlian calmly ordered. The sword ranks dropped to one knee and the line of archers behind them nocked arrows. Raccan and Sigrid leveled the ends of their staves and I saw sparks arcing around Dreelius’ scaly fist.

I loosed an alteration spell to remove my warding, then fit the feathered tail of a broadhead to Slayer’s silk.

The knights pulled both doors open and stood clear to each side. At Savlian’s command, we unleashed arrows and lightning into the castle.

Although we heard Daedric screeches of pain and anger, it was not until our third volley that a pair of wounded clannfears charged out of the great hall to be fatally met by more arrows. A single fireball slowly billowed toward us from within the castle, but passed well overhead.

“Cease fire!” commanded Savlian. He turned to me, and I nodded as he quietly issued my orders.

Savlian then stepped out in front of the formation to face the open doors - with me almost attached right behind him.

As another fireball slowly approached the formation, Savlian and I sidestepped in unison toward its path. As he raised his shield, I cast a powerful but short duration spell to augment our fire resistance. The flame fanned out almost harmlessly around us, sparing the formation to our rear.

As white magic flowed from my hand to ease Savlian’s discomfort, he said over his shoulder, “Can you give me a report on life signs within the great hall?”

My twin rings of detect life joined the one of fire resistance I was already wearing. “I see only a few scattered Daedra. Some appear to be retreating deeper into the castle.”

Savlian addressed the orcs, who were still flanking the doors. “Buffy reports only stragglers in the great hall. I’d ask that you clear them. At the first sign of a trap, get out of there. If ambushed, lead them into our arrows and steel.”

Both orcs charged into the castle. For several minutes, I heard the sounds of heavy crashing about and screeching Daedra. Then the pair of knights returned to fill the doorway. Both were breathing hard, but seemed uninjured. “The great hall is yours, Captain,” reported Agronak.

Once Savlian and Lucilius moved us all inside, my orders were to skirt the great hall’s perimeter and assess life forms beyond each of the three main passageways that led to other parts of the castle.

By the time I returned to the pair of Imperial leaders, they had a detailed map of the castle unrolled on a fire-blackened table in front of them and were talking quietly. I gave my report: “I could see only the glows of dispersed individuals and a few small groups of no more than two or three. It seems most Daedra defending the castle must have perished in the gatehouse or bailey.”

“Thank you, Buffy,” said Savlian.

Lucilius looked to Savlian and lifted an eyebrow. My Imperial replied with a nod. Our second in command then raised his voice, “War council on the Captain.”

As soon as the circle gathered, Savlian began, “Our scout reports only isolated pockets of resistance. This castle was built to be defended against a massed force; the passages leading to its other sections are narrow. I want small units sent out to clear the three wings. Lucilius will remain here in control of our force holding the great hall to preclude the escape of Daedra into the city and to serve as safe haven should our teams need to retreat.” His finger traced over the map as he continued, “I’ll lead one group to the royal chambers. I want a second assault team for the wing that includes the dungeon and storage cellars, and a third for the dining and staff areas. Each team needs steel, magic, a bow and firsthand knowledge of the castle’s layout.” He turned to Lucilius. “Make it so.”

“You heard the man, now listen up!” Lucilius then began calling off names and issuing orders.

I found myself assigned to Savlian’s small group, along with two Anvil swordsmen and a young Kvatch archer named Jesan Rilian. Gladius Maro’s team included Raccan, one heavily armored Legion soldier, an archer from Skingrad and Berich Inian - our dwindling manpower had required that Berich augment us from the chapel. Bjorn’s fighters consisted of Mazoga, Agronak, Dreelius and the Kvatch archer named Tierra. The rest of our force remained under Lucilius’ command in a defensive formation that could respond in any direction.

Savlian issued final instructions to Gladius and Bjorn, “Watch out for traps and ambushes.” He turned to the teams’ mages. “Do you have a detect life ability?”

“Aye, Captain,” replied Raccan as he donned a red hood. Dreelius nodded with a frown as he lifted one fist and spilled lavender magic over himself.

“Good,” continued Savlian. “Berich and Tierra will be able to guide you through the confusing passageways. If you get overwhelmed, I expect you to withdraw back here and lead any opposition into the awaiting teeth of our main force.”

As the two other units headed into their assigned wings, Savlian briefed his own small group. “Buffy and I will take point, using stealth and detect life. You three follow quietly. Stay close enough to back us up, but with enough distance to remain clear of any traps we might trigger and to avoid alerting Daedra of our approach.”

A pause to recover and regroup before venturing into the castle was certainly wise. Buffy once more shows her versatility with her ability to magically lock the keep up. Likewise with her ability to diagnose the soldier wounded in the leg. He was another Julian waiting to happen.

If only clearing the great hall were that easy in the game! You show us what people can do when they fight with discipline and intelligent direction, as opposed to how the NPCs act in the game...

Now for the last push into the castle. Again, the makeup of each group was well-thought. Funny thing is, Savlian's dispositions are exactly the same as what Pappy orders at the end the current chapter in the TF.

Whut SubRosa said. I also would like to point out that great minds often think alike!

Buffy’s limitations with her healing will be strained with the gruesome injuries of war. She did well, even if she envies the other mages and their more general healing spells. Her expertise probably saved that man’s leg, something that may or may not have happened had Sigrid made a judgment call and healed him on the spot.

The gate was gained at huge cost, without Roliand and Arielle they surely would have lost more however.

I was a little concerned for the orcs, but it makes sense to send in a few. Anymore and they will get in each other’s way.

Time to clear out the castle. Kvatch is almost free!

Savlian's a classic fighter, so his strategy matches that, but I'd be looking for Conjuration experts to send summoned creatures down those corridors first. Especially with Buffy's ability to monitor its effectiveness. If it doesn't work, no harm done. If it does, much harm saved!

I loved the way their preparations, such as the fire shielding, paid off when they got into action, but then I'm addicted to connecting all the dots.

The magical locking and unlocking of the Castle door was a nice touch. Letting your enemy know they're being controlled must do wonders for their morale!

Poor Buffy, she is a hunter with the heart of a lion, but not cut out for war!

These war chapters are a reminder of Buffy's special way of healing - have always loved your world-building with that !!




Bwaahaa !!! Loved this paragraph !!


The last paragraph of this chapter was a perfect description of the type of battle conditions Buffy needs to survive, (as well as Maxical)

AWESOME Chapter !!!!!

No place for a Mystic Archer:

"I recognized the heavy breastplate - now blackened by fire - that less than a tenday ago Arielle had helped me try on. The battlemage inside it was charred beyond recognition. Too late to tell her, I bitterly realized how wise, selfless and brave she was."
A sad thing when a dear passes away. This shows the horror of war and the reality that anyone can fall in battle, no matter how beautiful, no matter how brave. Poor Buffy. This is a vivid scene.

"As the Redguard drew back his claymore in a horizontal arc to retaliate, its tip skittered across the top of my shoulder and slammed into the haultguard that rose from my right pauldron. I was knocked from my feet by the impact as paralyzing pain from the weapon’s shock enchantment jolted through me."
Clumsy Raccan. Beastly Clannfear. This also shows how the wield of a sword can be potentually as dangerous to the enemy as it can be to an ally.


Hahaha. I loved it too. I pictured it in my head as I read it. Certainly like those comic scenes in the movies where you here a person getting a beat down off-camera.

Into the Great Hall:
Sad chapter this was. We had a few emotional scenes with Buffy with her crying over the bodies of the fallen. It warms the heart to see that she is indeed making progress with the other troopers. Good to see some gladiators and a fellow knight in this one too, as I mentioned before. To fight the Daedra, there needs to be the greatest fighters to join arms . Good write. Sorry I haven't been to follow through these recent ones quickly before, as I mentioned my internet problem. But that is now fixed and I can be here to read chapters the day it is updated.