CHAPTER TWELVE
The sun had vanished from the skies a little more than an hour ago, and as its replacement, the moon has been shining brighter than I have ever seen it before. I know not whether this is a sign of things to come, but it’s awfully strange if you ask me; of all the nights to shine so brightly, why this one? Look at me now, worrying about how the moon is glowing. I know I’m starting to sound stupid now. But what if there really was a reason to worry? What if something terrible was about to happen and I was unprepared?
“Woody, yer way too quiet. Is somethin’ the matter?”
Apparently my thoughts could be easily read. I couldn’t help it, something just wasn’t right. I wish I could say I was simply being a worrywart, But I can’t. Something evil is afoot, and I’m not talking about Mankar and his men.
“Nothing really, I just don’t know about this mission we’re off to. Before we left the city, when we were back at the Count’s chambers, it all made sense then. But now, I just can’t help but wonder if we’re walking into a trap. Don’t worry though, I’m ready to fight.”
“I understand, Woody. I’d also understand if ya’ were a bit nervous heading into battle. There’s no shame in it, lad, it’s natural.”
“No, I’m not nervous, Alf. It’s not that at all. I just can’t put my finger on it right now…”
The forest was completely quiet. I couldn’t hear any sounds of animals, which was also strange. I couldn’t remember a time I had passed through a forest at night and hadn’t heard a creature stir. But tonight…total silence. The only sounds were the clanging of armor and the pitter-patter of boots on the paved road. And of course the talking between Alf and I, something I don’t think the soldiers enjoyed. When Alf spoke it was usually louder than necessary. The soldiers likely thought the big Nord would give away our position, but that was highly doubtful. We had been in Skingrad nearly two hours before heading out to Kvatch. There was no way the Mythic Dawn would stop on their way to Kvatch, so it was likely they were way ahead of us anyway.
“Hey, I know you two aren’t trained soldiers, so let me just give you a quick explanation of military warfare,” Dion said when he walked up to us. “Once the battle starts our men shall remain in the back, sort of like reinforcements. Danus will lead the first wave, and if he needs us we’ll be there to back him up. When they passed our city earlier, our scouts counted fifteen hundred of them give or take a little. We definitely hold the advantage in numbers, but those mages are tricky. We can’t let our guard down.”
“Are your men trained in defending themselves from magic attacks?” I asked.
“We tried to hire a mage to teach our men a few counter spells, but the man we hired didn’t really know what he was talking about I’m afraid. Whatever our men know will do them no good against the skill of the Mythic Dawn.”
His tone seemed unsure to if we should be fighting with the Mythic Dawn at all.
“So you don’t think this mission was the wisest decision?” I asked.
He looked to make sure no other officers were in sight, and then whispered to me, “I’m not saying we should hide from them, but we should at least be getting some help from someone who is knowledgeable in magic. I mean, all they have to do is cast spells at us from afar. Our archers can only do so much, and unfortunately for us that isn’t much at all. Marksmanship is our army’s weak point believe it or not.”
Alf could use magic, but he was just one person. Dion was right with what he was saying. Surely we wouldn’t stand a chance against the Mythic Dawn, even if we did have more men. Though I didn’t want him to know I felt that way. I always like to remain calm, no matter the situation.
“So a surprise attack is in order?”
“Precisely, Rayden. That is the only way we can give ourselves a fair chance of winning the battle. Without the element of surprise I am afraid we are running into a mass-suicide mission. Danus doesn’t want to admit it, but I think he feels the same way. Or at least I would he would have enough sense to realize the situation.”
“And does Danus know of your feelings?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t dare say a thing like that to him. He’d simply call me a coward and tell the Count to dismiss me from the army.”
“You say that as if he has tried that before.”
“He has, several times in fact. The Count believes in my skill I think, and so far I have been able to avoid all of Danus’s claims.”
“Why do you say ‘claims’? Has he lied to the Count or something?”
“Yes, he’s made of a few stories about me, but thankfully the Count has always dismissed the accusations.”
“But why does yer Count put up with Danus’s lies?” Alf asked.
“Danus is his “heir-to-be”. He’s been the Counts “chosen one” since he was twelve years old. Plus Danus kisses a lot of you-know-what. I’ve commented about that before, and he got so angry his cheeks were as red as hog blood!” Dion said giggling a bit.
“I’m very sorry you have to put up with Danus’s antics. It’s a shame some people act in this manner.”
“Don’t sweat it, Rayden. Just as you have said about your self, I’ve dealt with his kind before; all my life I have.”
We marched on throughout the night until at last, sometime after midnight I think, we reached the edge of the forest, and looking down upon a large hill we could see the city of Kvatch, but the strange thing was that no Mythic Dawn cultists were in sight. Torches were lit in the towers, and there were no signs that a struggle had occurred. Alf, Dion and I walked up the lines to meet Danus, who was peering at the city with the same perplexed look as we were.
“I don’t get it. Where are they?” Danus said out loud.
“What would you like us to do sir?” Dion asked.
“How the hell should I know? They aren’t even here!”
“Excuse me, but perhaps they were let in willingly?” I said.
“What are you suggesting wood elf?” Dion said with a rude tone.
“Maybe they were let in by someone from the inside. If that’s the case they likely struck with surprise, and given the low quality of soldiers that Kvatch has, it wouldn’t have taken much overrun the city.”
“So you think they’re in there, right now?” Danus replied.
“That’s exactly what I think. But there’s only one way to find out for sure.”
“And how’s that, genius?”
“Let me infiltrate the city and see what’s going on.”
“Are you serious? What makes you think you can do that without getting caught?”
“You’ll just have to trust me with that. Believe me, I won’t get caught. I’m used to this kind of thing…”
“Wait…you’re a thief aren’t you? No wonder you came into the possession of the amulet! You were snooping around the sewers, like the filthy rat you are! Wait until the Count learns of what we are allying ourselves with!”
I had had enough with his bickering. I wasn’t going to take it anymore. “You know what, Danus; I really don’t care what you think. It doesn’t matter if I’m a thief, or if I’m some kind of prodigy like you think you are apparently. Either way I could run my blade through your throat so fast you wouldn’t even see it coming. Now shut up and stop throwing your rank around. Just because you’re Captain of the Castle Guard doesn’t mean you can act like a spoiled jerk to everyone. Why don’t you show some respect to those under you once in a while? Maybe then you’d be a more popular person. Oh well, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m leaving now to see what’s going on in there. I’ll be back soon…”
I left before he had a chance to reply, and I have to admit I was feeling quite good about myself. I had put Danus in his place in front of his own troops. Surely he was feeling quite foolish, but at the same time I knew he now hated me more than he did before, which is probably a hard task to accomplish. I didn’t really care though; he’d get over it sooner or later.
“Wait, Woody, hold up will ya?”
Alf came running from behind, but I wasn’t so sure if I had heard him right. He wanted to come with me?
“What did you say?” I asked.
“I said hold up, lad. I’m comin’ with ya’.”
“Umm…..no, your not.”
“What do ya’ mean I’m not comin’ with ya?”
“You’re seven feet tall, Alf! How in the world are you going to sneak around in there when you’re at least a foot taller than everyone else?”
“Woody, I aint takin’ no fer an answer. I’m goin’ in with ya’ whether ya’ like it or not. Who’s gonna save ya’ if you get captured again?” He said chuckling.
“No, you’re not coming with me! Will you stop arguing with me, please? Just stay here with Dion and Danus.”
I turned around and walked away; hoping Alf would just listen to me. But of course he didn’t. I looked back and he was following me with a large grin. I wasn’t really that surprised though. Stubborn Nord…
“I told ya’ I wasn’t takin’ no fer an answer!”
I didn’t feel like arguing so I simply continued on my way. Alf and I snuck around the castle, to a hidden entrance I had learned of as a child whenever I snuck around during the night, when my parents were asleep of course. The entrance to the door, which was cleverly carved like a simple stone sketch into the castle wall, led to a dark wet tunnel that stretched for about fifty yards. At the opposite end was another door, this one wooden and locked. On the other side was a garden, just behind the chapel. The only reason I knew what was behind the door was because long ago I had searched for where I thought it would be. I searched and searched for days until I last I had come to another picture, similar to the one outside. When I looked closer I realized it was exactly the same picture as the outside one. This was definitely a clever trick, but perhaps not if a mere child was able to decipher the ploy.
“How did you find this here passageway, Woody?”
“I found it while exploring the outside as a child. I don’t know how I came upon it, but let’s just say I’m very observant,” I said looking back, and as I did I realized Alf was basically crawling through the tight space because of his height.
“Are you okay there?” I said, not being able to stop my self from laughing a bit.
“This is one o’ those times when I wish I wasn’t so tall!”
“Well, don’t worry. There are times when I wish I wasn’t so short.”
“Ah, come off it! Your size is perfect for what you do!”
“True, but it doesn’t give me the respect I sometimes wish I had.”
“Lad, yer a thief! Do ya’ really honestly care what anyone else thinks about ya’?”
“No, not really. Didn’t I display that feeling when I confronted Danus?”
“Ya, that there was hilirious! It’s about time someone told him off. He was really gettin’ on my nerves!”
We walked on through the tunnel, and when we reached the end I got out a lock pick that I always kept in my shoe. It wasn’t the most comfortable of places, but I got used to it. Carefully and quietly I unlocked the door and swung it slowly forward. On the other side was the garden, just as I had thought it would be the garden stood on front of us.
“Good job, Woody. Where to now?” Alf whispered.
I motioned for him to follow me while I stepped into the city. The streets were of course empty; it was nearly one in the morning. But, as I looked in the distance, I saw that many tents had been set up close to the city gates. I pointed at the tents Alf nodded in acknowledgment. We crept over to them, and I was trying to figure out what to do, when Alf, whispered, “Let’s go check the castle, Woody. These here must be the tents of the Mythic Dawn cultists. I bet ya’ Mankar is somewhere inside the castle.”
I agreed with him and we walked to the castle, where there were no guards standing outside the gates, which was considerably weird.
“Why do you think no one is guarding the entrance?” I asked.
“Oh well, let’s get inside,” Alf said quickly as be started towards the entrance. Before I could even reply I had to catch up to him. He was far ahead of me, for he had picked up the pace. He was already about to open the door when I whispered loudly, “Wait, what are you doing barging in there so suddenly? Just hold on a second. Why are you acting so weird all of a sudden?”
He showed his usual grin and stepped aside as I crept up to the door. I tried to listen for any movement from the inside, but I couldn’t pick up anything. Then I looked through the keyhole, which was a rather large because it was the castle door, and all I saw was total darkness…..strange.
“What’s wrong, Woody?”
I can’t explain what happened next, but suddenly I decided that I wasn’t going inside the castle. Something had come over me just then and nothing could get me inside that building.
“No, it’s not safe in there. We’re not going. Besides, its pitch dark in there and I don’t think anyone’s home. Come on, let’s look somewhere else.”
I turned to walk away but Alf didn’t agree with me. “No, Woody, it’s the Count’s castle. I think we should enter.”
“No, Alf let’s go,” I said, tugging at this sleeve.
“Come on, lad, just one little peek.”
“What is with you, Alf? I said no; let’s get out of here, now! Something isn’t right”
I tried to walk away but Alf took me by the arm and swung me around, and then stepped in front of me, and I was then between him and the castle, facing him.
“We’re not going anywhere, Rayden.”
He talked, not with his usual Nordic tone, but one with intelligence, normality. He no longer had the accent. He was now smiling, but not his usual grin. This one was pure evil, and nothing else. Suddenly the door behind me slammed open. I looked inside and all I saw was blackness, nothingness. Then, a blast of red sparks came at my body. The spell hit me in the stomach and I was sent flying backwards. I hit Alf, but his barely even budged. I felt a crack in my lower back as I fell to the ground. I looked up at the castle entrance, and Mankar was walking out, along with Lex and two Mythic Dawn cultists. But these cultists were different. They were wearing red and silver armor that looked ritualistic in way. And they were wearing dark silver ritual masks that covered their entire face. At their sides rested a steel long blade.
Then Mankar walked up to my body, looking down at me, and said, “Well, well, Rayden. You certainly have a knack for getting caught, don’t you? That’s usually not what a thief tends to do, now is it, street rat?”
On to the next chapter
The sun had vanished from the skies a little more than an hour ago, and as its replacement, the moon has been shining brighter than I have ever seen it before. I know not whether this is a sign of things to come, but it’s awfully strange if you ask me; of all the nights to shine so brightly, why this one? Look at me now, worrying about how the moon is glowing. I know I’m starting to sound stupid now. But what if there really was a reason to worry? What if something terrible was about to happen and I was unprepared?
“Woody, yer way too quiet. Is somethin’ the matter?”
Apparently my thoughts could be easily read. I couldn’t help it, something just wasn’t right. I wish I could say I was simply being a worrywart, But I can’t. Something evil is afoot, and I’m not talking about Mankar and his men.
“Nothing really, I just don’t know about this mission we’re off to. Before we left the city, when we were back at the Count’s chambers, it all made sense then. But now, I just can’t help but wonder if we’re walking into a trap. Don’t worry though, I’m ready to fight.”
“I understand, Woody. I’d also understand if ya’ were a bit nervous heading into battle. There’s no shame in it, lad, it’s natural.”
“No, I’m not nervous, Alf. It’s not that at all. I just can’t put my finger on it right now…”
The forest was completely quiet. I couldn’t hear any sounds of animals, which was also strange. I couldn’t remember a time I had passed through a forest at night and hadn’t heard a creature stir. But tonight…total silence. The only sounds were the clanging of armor and the pitter-patter of boots on the paved road. And of course the talking between Alf and I, something I don’t think the soldiers enjoyed. When Alf spoke it was usually louder than necessary. The soldiers likely thought the big Nord would give away our position, but that was highly doubtful. We had been in Skingrad nearly two hours before heading out to Kvatch. There was no way the Mythic Dawn would stop on their way to Kvatch, so it was likely they were way ahead of us anyway.
“Hey, I know you two aren’t trained soldiers, so let me just give you a quick explanation of military warfare,” Dion said when he walked up to us. “Once the battle starts our men shall remain in the back, sort of like reinforcements. Danus will lead the first wave, and if he needs us we’ll be there to back him up. When they passed our city earlier, our scouts counted fifteen hundred of them give or take a little. We definitely hold the advantage in numbers, but those mages are tricky. We can’t let our guard down.”
“Are your men trained in defending themselves from magic attacks?” I asked.
“We tried to hire a mage to teach our men a few counter spells, but the man we hired didn’t really know what he was talking about I’m afraid. Whatever our men know will do them no good against the skill of the Mythic Dawn.”
His tone seemed unsure to if we should be fighting with the Mythic Dawn at all.
“So you don’t think this mission was the wisest decision?” I asked.
He looked to make sure no other officers were in sight, and then whispered to me, “I’m not saying we should hide from them, but we should at least be getting some help from someone who is knowledgeable in magic. I mean, all they have to do is cast spells at us from afar. Our archers can only do so much, and unfortunately for us that isn’t much at all. Marksmanship is our army’s weak point believe it or not.”
Alf could use magic, but he was just one person. Dion was right with what he was saying. Surely we wouldn’t stand a chance against the Mythic Dawn, even if we did have more men. Though I didn’t want him to know I felt that way. I always like to remain calm, no matter the situation.
“So a surprise attack is in order?”
“Precisely, Rayden. That is the only way we can give ourselves a fair chance of winning the battle. Without the element of surprise I am afraid we are running into a mass-suicide mission. Danus doesn’t want to admit it, but I think he feels the same way. Or at least I would he would have enough sense to realize the situation.”
“And does Danus know of your feelings?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t dare say a thing like that to him. He’d simply call me a coward and tell the Count to dismiss me from the army.”
“You say that as if he has tried that before.”
“He has, several times in fact. The Count believes in my skill I think, and so far I have been able to avoid all of Danus’s claims.”
“Why do you say ‘claims’? Has he lied to the Count or something?”
“Yes, he’s made of a few stories about me, but thankfully the Count has always dismissed the accusations.”
“But why does yer Count put up with Danus’s lies?” Alf asked.
“Danus is his “heir-to-be”. He’s been the Counts “chosen one” since he was twelve years old. Plus Danus kisses a lot of you-know-what. I’ve commented about that before, and he got so angry his cheeks were as red as hog blood!” Dion said giggling a bit.
“I’m very sorry you have to put up with Danus’s antics. It’s a shame some people act in this manner.”
“Don’t sweat it, Rayden. Just as you have said about your self, I’ve dealt with his kind before; all my life I have.”
We marched on throughout the night until at last, sometime after midnight I think, we reached the edge of the forest, and looking down upon a large hill we could see the city of Kvatch, but the strange thing was that no Mythic Dawn cultists were in sight. Torches were lit in the towers, and there were no signs that a struggle had occurred. Alf, Dion and I walked up the lines to meet Danus, who was peering at the city with the same perplexed look as we were.
“I don’t get it. Where are they?” Danus said out loud.
“What would you like us to do sir?” Dion asked.
“How the hell should I know? They aren’t even here!”
“Excuse me, but perhaps they were let in willingly?” I said.
“What are you suggesting wood elf?” Dion said with a rude tone.
“Maybe they were let in by someone from the inside. If that’s the case they likely struck with surprise, and given the low quality of soldiers that Kvatch has, it wouldn’t have taken much overrun the city.”
“So you think they’re in there, right now?” Danus replied.
“That’s exactly what I think. But there’s only one way to find out for sure.”
“And how’s that, genius?”
“Let me infiltrate the city and see what’s going on.”
“Are you serious? What makes you think you can do that without getting caught?”
“You’ll just have to trust me with that. Believe me, I won’t get caught. I’m used to this kind of thing…”
“Wait…you’re a thief aren’t you? No wonder you came into the possession of the amulet! You were snooping around the sewers, like the filthy rat you are! Wait until the Count learns of what we are allying ourselves with!”
I had had enough with his bickering. I wasn’t going to take it anymore. “You know what, Danus; I really don’t care what you think. It doesn’t matter if I’m a thief, or if I’m some kind of prodigy like you think you are apparently. Either way I could run my blade through your throat so fast you wouldn’t even see it coming. Now shut up and stop throwing your rank around. Just because you’re Captain of the Castle Guard doesn’t mean you can act like a spoiled jerk to everyone. Why don’t you show some respect to those under you once in a while? Maybe then you’d be a more popular person. Oh well, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m leaving now to see what’s going on in there. I’ll be back soon…”
I left before he had a chance to reply, and I have to admit I was feeling quite good about myself. I had put Danus in his place in front of his own troops. Surely he was feeling quite foolish, but at the same time I knew he now hated me more than he did before, which is probably a hard task to accomplish. I didn’t really care though; he’d get over it sooner or later.
“Wait, Woody, hold up will ya?”
Alf came running from behind, but I wasn’t so sure if I had heard him right. He wanted to come with me?
“What did you say?” I asked.
“I said hold up, lad. I’m comin’ with ya’.”
“Umm…..no, your not.”
“What do ya’ mean I’m not comin’ with ya?”
“You’re seven feet tall, Alf! How in the world are you going to sneak around in there when you’re at least a foot taller than everyone else?”
“Woody, I aint takin’ no fer an answer. I’m goin’ in with ya’ whether ya’ like it or not. Who’s gonna save ya’ if you get captured again?” He said chuckling.
“No, you’re not coming with me! Will you stop arguing with me, please? Just stay here with Dion and Danus.”
I turned around and walked away; hoping Alf would just listen to me. But of course he didn’t. I looked back and he was following me with a large grin. I wasn’t really that surprised though. Stubborn Nord…
“I told ya’ I wasn’t takin’ no fer an answer!”
I didn’t feel like arguing so I simply continued on my way. Alf and I snuck around the castle, to a hidden entrance I had learned of as a child whenever I snuck around during the night, when my parents were asleep of course. The entrance to the door, which was cleverly carved like a simple stone sketch into the castle wall, led to a dark wet tunnel that stretched for about fifty yards. At the opposite end was another door, this one wooden and locked. On the other side was a garden, just behind the chapel. The only reason I knew what was behind the door was because long ago I had searched for where I thought it would be. I searched and searched for days until I last I had come to another picture, similar to the one outside. When I looked closer I realized it was exactly the same picture as the outside one. This was definitely a clever trick, but perhaps not if a mere child was able to decipher the ploy.
“How did you find this here passageway, Woody?”
“I found it while exploring the outside as a child. I don’t know how I came upon it, but let’s just say I’m very observant,” I said looking back, and as I did I realized Alf was basically crawling through the tight space because of his height.
“Are you okay there?” I said, not being able to stop my self from laughing a bit.
“This is one o’ those times when I wish I wasn’t so tall!”
“Well, don’t worry. There are times when I wish I wasn’t so short.”
“Ah, come off it! Your size is perfect for what you do!”
“True, but it doesn’t give me the respect I sometimes wish I had.”
“Lad, yer a thief! Do ya’ really honestly care what anyone else thinks about ya’?”
“No, not really. Didn’t I display that feeling when I confronted Danus?”
“Ya, that there was hilirious! It’s about time someone told him off. He was really gettin’ on my nerves!”
We walked on through the tunnel, and when we reached the end I got out a lock pick that I always kept in my shoe. It wasn’t the most comfortable of places, but I got used to it. Carefully and quietly I unlocked the door and swung it slowly forward. On the other side was the garden, just as I had thought it would be the garden stood on front of us.
“Good job, Woody. Where to now?” Alf whispered.
I motioned for him to follow me while I stepped into the city. The streets were of course empty; it was nearly one in the morning. But, as I looked in the distance, I saw that many tents had been set up close to the city gates. I pointed at the tents Alf nodded in acknowledgment. We crept over to them, and I was trying to figure out what to do, when Alf, whispered, “Let’s go check the castle, Woody. These here must be the tents of the Mythic Dawn cultists. I bet ya’ Mankar is somewhere inside the castle.”
I agreed with him and we walked to the castle, where there were no guards standing outside the gates, which was considerably weird.
“Why do you think no one is guarding the entrance?” I asked.
“Oh well, let’s get inside,” Alf said quickly as be started towards the entrance. Before I could even reply I had to catch up to him. He was far ahead of me, for he had picked up the pace. He was already about to open the door when I whispered loudly, “Wait, what are you doing barging in there so suddenly? Just hold on a second. Why are you acting so weird all of a sudden?”
He showed his usual grin and stepped aside as I crept up to the door. I tried to listen for any movement from the inside, but I couldn’t pick up anything. Then I looked through the keyhole, which was a rather large because it was the castle door, and all I saw was total darkness…..strange.
“What’s wrong, Woody?”
I can’t explain what happened next, but suddenly I decided that I wasn’t going inside the castle. Something had come over me just then and nothing could get me inside that building.
“No, it’s not safe in there. We’re not going. Besides, its pitch dark in there and I don’t think anyone’s home. Come on, let’s look somewhere else.”
I turned to walk away but Alf didn’t agree with me. “No, Woody, it’s the Count’s castle. I think we should enter.”
“No, Alf let’s go,” I said, tugging at this sleeve.
“Come on, lad, just one little peek.”
“What is with you, Alf? I said no; let’s get out of here, now! Something isn’t right”
I tried to walk away but Alf took me by the arm and swung me around, and then stepped in front of me, and I was then between him and the castle, facing him.
“We’re not going anywhere, Rayden.”
He talked, not with his usual Nordic tone, but one with intelligence, normality. He no longer had the accent. He was now smiling, but not his usual grin. This one was pure evil, and nothing else. Suddenly the door behind me slammed open. I looked inside and all I saw was blackness, nothingness. Then, a blast of red sparks came at my body. The spell hit me in the stomach and I was sent flying backwards. I hit Alf, but his barely even budged. I felt a crack in my lower back as I fell to the ground. I looked up at the castle entrance, and Mankar was walking out, along with Lex and two Mythic Dawn cultists. But these cultists were different. They were wearing red and silver armor that looked ritualistic in way. And they were wearing dark silver ritual masks that covered their entire face. At their sides rested a steel long blade.
Then Mankar walked up to my body, looking down at me, and said, “Well, well, Rayden. You certainly have a knack for getting caught, don’t you? That’s usually not what a thief tends to do, now is it, street rat?”
On to the next chapter