In Love and War: Chapter Fourteen - Snowhawk

Chapter Fourteen: Snowhawk

The swamp was just as I remembered it. The mud grabbed at your ankles, bugs bit any exposed skin, and the smell was of decay. I learned very quickly to follow the Nords who lived here as they knew exactly where to walk to avoid sinking. Even with my lighter body, I often felt like I was sinking up to my knees in the muck. I could only imagine how Drablek felt as he marched behind me.

Who's brilliant idea was it to get to the Fort from the swamp?” I heard him growl, swatting at flies on his arm. “I have half a mind to bash their skull in.”

I looked over my shoulder at him, smiling shyly. “It was mine, actually,” I stated, nervously. The orc frowned at me as I continued, “I figured we'd be better hidden out here. No one travels the swamps during the winter.”

There's a reason for that,” he said, gruffly. The orc grabbed the back of my tunic as I started to slip forward, helping me stay upright. “I thought you would have learned your first time out here. Or are you just naturally difficult?”

I smiled in thanks as I teased, “I like to keep you on your toes.” In truth, I didn't feel all that safe traveling the roads with such a massive following. We were walking straight into Legion controlled territory, and the open expanses of the roads would quickly alert any sympathizers to our location. Instead, I decided traveling through the swamp would be the safer alternative. Thus far, it had proved to be the right decision. No one except my company of Stormcloaks was stupid enough to travel through the icy winter streams of Hjaalmarch.

When Kaita and I arrived in Whiterun earlier that morning, I wasn't surprised to see the young Dragonborn waiting for me. He was anxious to hear my tale with the dragon, dotting down notes the entire time I spoke. I stole glances at his little journal when he wasn't looking to find it full of drawings, pages from other books, and words in an unknown language. After recounting the tale, he almost left me without taking the letter. He really was a true wizard. The fact that the fate of Tamriel rested on this one child's shoulders was not at all comforting.

I was surprised, however, to find the orc Drablek gro-Brutan waiting for me. Since his return to Windhelm those many months ago, Galmar kept him busy. The way the orc explained it, it didn't really seem like he minded too much. He was happy to work for the Stormcloaks again and grateful not to be locked in the Imperial Prison. While his gruff, blunt personality remained unchanged from the first time we met, he did seem to like me a little more. I suppose he felt like he owed me a tad more respect as a Stormblade, though I welcomed his banter.

Leaving Whiterun, I took half the men with me and Kaita took the rest. It felt odd traveling without her after months of us being nearly inseparable on missions. I trusted Galmar knew what he was doing however. I felt as though I had the simpler of the tasks, even if it meant traveling through the freezing swamp to get to my target. I was merely taking another fort in the war. Kaita was taking back her home in The Reach.

The Nord that lead us through the treacherous landscape stopped at the base of a hill, directing the others to a somewhat clean pond where they could wash the mud from their boots and treat their bug bites. I approached him with a smile and nod of thanks. He returned the gesture before pointing us the hill. “The road is right up the hill and Fort Snowhawk is just beyond it, Stormblade.”

Thank you. Please, help yourself to some of the rations and get cleaned up. I'll scout the fort and be back in just a moment.” He saluted me quickly and went off to join the others in catching their breaths. “Drablek?” I asked, looking around to find the orc on the other side of the pond. I decided to let the poor orc rest and started up the hill myself.

The Nord wasn't joking about Fort Snowhawk being so close. Once out of the swamp, the fort was right up the road, overlooking Morthal. At that hour, the shadows of the towers fell across the cobblestone, which I used to my advantage to sneak closer. There were archers atop the main towers, but they looked so certain in their fortress that they were lazy. They weren't as vigilant as they should have been, and that would be a grave mistake. The Fort should have had a door guarding their main entrance, but it seemed they halted it's production as well. From the lack of noise behind the walls, I reasoned they were low on manpower, or most had disappeared inside to escape the cold. Either way, securing the outside of the fort would be easy.

I returned to the assembling Stormcloaks to find them already in better spirits. Relieved of the extra weight on their feet, they seemed like fresh recruits. “Here's the layout,” I called out getting their attention. My voice, quiet as it was, held enough power to quiet them down. “We've got three towers, six archers. None of them seem alert enough to pose a threat, but I want them taken out before we even enter the gate. On the ground, there's very few men, but that doesn't mean we're not in for a bigger fight inside the fort.”

What are our orders then, Stormblade?” Drablek asked, leaning on his warhammer.

Unless someone has a better idea, I saw we split. I'll take half the group and three archers on one side of the fort, Drablek can take the others. We'll take out the archers and rush the troops on the ground. I want to get this done as quietly and quickly as possible so the men inside don't have much time to get ready. Once we finish outside, I'll assign orders for the inside.”

The Nords chattered in agreement. Drablek nodded as well, “Sounds like a good idea. How are we getting to the other side of the Fort though?”

I tried to hold my smile as I stated, “There's a swamp to sneak through right behind you.”

The orc grunted, “I suppose I'll be taking my half back out there? After we just got cleaned?” I nodded with a soft laugh as he growled his annoyances. “Fine, fine. Give us three minutes to get over there and then take out your archers. We'll meet you inside.” When I agreed, he took his half of annoyed Nords and trekked back into the swamp to discreetly reach the other side. I felt back for sending them back into the swamp, but Drablek's reaction made it worth while. I wasn't so scared of orcs anymore. If they were all like Drablek, they were actually quite entertaining.

I assigned targets to my three archers and then silently lead my men to the shadows right outside the road. If the archers guarding the fort were just a little more vigilant, they could have easily spotted the group. Yet, their arrogance gave my own men a perfect shot. My hope was that we took them all out silent enough that the men on the ground wouldn't be alerted and rush in to tell the rest of the fort.

One of my footmen had been keeping count and alerted me as soon as Drablek's three minutes were up. I trusted the orc had made it to position and blindly gave the order to open fire. The trained archers didn't hesitate to let loose their arrows, letting them find their targets with precision. Thankfully I saw not only those three men fall, but also the one's on Drablek's side of the fort. I breathed a sigh of relief before drawing my sword. “Take the fort in the name of the Stormcloaks!” I ordered, charging forward.

Across the road, I saw Drablek and his men charging as well. I heard the orc bellow, “For Skyrim!”, a sound that startled me and most of the warriors around. Our two bands met in the middle, merging to form a stream of blue and silver. We trampled over the flimsy boards they were planning to use as a gate, and began to attack the unsuspecting imperials that camped inside.

The courtyard was massive. There were practice dummies and archery targets strategically placed to optimize the space. Crates and barrels were lining the walls full of food and wine to use as incentive for the troops. There was a makeshift forge near the door along with a workbench and grinding wheel. I was surprised to find an enchanting table as well. The fort was fully stocked and ready to provide for an lethal army. Unfortunately, the men they had garrisoned seemed to be nothing more than drunks with swords.

There was little fighting once we all entered the gates with several of the Imperials refusing to draw their weapons to fight to begin with. The Imperial I found myself squaring off with had drawn his sword in anticipation, but dropped it before I could even attack. He cowered on the ground, holding his hands above his head in fear. Between his drunken whimpers and pleas to spare him, I felt bad for him. I immediately gave the order to spare anyone who surrendered. Fortunately, our men weren't bloodthirsty enough to kill them.

Drablek looked disappointed in the exchange, but I saw their surrender as a win. I was relieved we had lost no one in the skirmish and had also spared enemy lives. We didn't need to kill unnecessarily, but I didn't think the orc agreed. "Not every battle has to resort in bloodshed," I told him, motioning the Stormcloaks to round up the men who surrendered.

"Then it is no real battle then," he replied, ever so bluntly. He breathed deeply, looking around and crossing his arms. "Malacath has never given victory without bloodshed."

I sighed softly, adjusting my mask so I could see better. "They'll be more to fight in the fort. Let's get regrouped and figure out h-" I opened my mouth but the sound that overtook my own was of a horn. In fear, we Stormcloaks looked up to the main tower to see a seventh archer, one I had failed to account for, blowing on his horn. As he pulled it away, I saw him quickly take a torch.

In a panic, I drew my own bow. I nocked back an arrow, instinctively aiming and firing it with a quickness that only years of training allowed. It found it's rest in the skull of the Imperial, collapsing his body with a sickening thud. Though he fell, the echo of his horn still rang out over the swamp. I was unable to stop his torch that fell from his hand. As a part of Fate's cruel game it rolled from the half-wall of the tower, falling end over end and landing perfectly in a hay filled beacon on the second floor of the fort. As flame mixed with oil in the beacon, it ignited, lighting up in a massive display. My breathing hitched as Drablek whispered, “Malacath preserve us.”

What did he do?” I asked quickly, turning towards the orc. Distantly, I had my question answered. A faint, echoing horn replied to the one of the dead archer, causing Drablek and I to shove past footmen and reach the entrance of the fort. Distantly, we could see Morthal. Another beacon lit up in response, cutting through the swampy mist and fog. With that shining flame, my fears were confirmed. “He warned Morthal...”

Drablek growled, slamming his warhammer to the ground in frustration. “They're going to send back up. If we go into the fort now, the reinforcements will have us trapped in there. We'll be dead.” He looked back at the troops who were anxiously awaiting orders. “I will fight, but these Nord men don't look so eager.”

We aren't abandoning this mission. Ulfric and Galmar are counting on us,” I told the men, but I too had my doubts. I knew Drablek was right. They would trap us inside and pick us off one by one as we tried to leave. I took a deep breath as I turned away from the city and looked over the men again. The faces of young and old, male and female, were all riddled with anxiety. They would do what I asked, whatever it was, because they trusted me. Their deaths would be on me. I had an idea how to spare them, but it would come with the bloodshed I hoped to avoid. “How many do we have, Drablek?”

The orc grunted, “Close to fifty.”

And how many do you need to take down this fort? Considering everyone inside is just as lazy as those outside.”

The orc grinned as he started to piece together what I was planning. “Give me your ten best and maybe an archer or two for backup. You can have the rest.” He looked down the hill once more before heading back to pick out his men.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I addressed everyone behind me. “Alright, Stormcloaks, we have a change of plans. Drablek will take who he needs and those select few will be reclaiming this fort. The rest of you will be coming with me. I know when you were given this assignment you were told we would be take Fort Snowhawk. That has changed.” I paused to let them comprehend before pointing to the swampy city behind us. “We're going to take Morthal too.”

I heard arguments of disagreeance and murmurs of displeasure. I couldn't get the crowd quiet enough to explain until Drablek roared over the Nords, “Shut it, ungrateful Snowbacks! You won't like the consequences otherwise!”

I smiled at him under my mask and nodded in thanks before continuing, “The city is sending troops here to attack. If we just try to take the fort, we'll die in there. If we take the city, you'll be saving your Shield-Siblings lives! Those going with Drablek are depending on you to keep them safe.”

One of the Nords boldly stated, “We are outnumbered against an entire city guard. You expect us to die?”

I expect you to trust me and hold your own against them.” I looked around at them. “This is what we signed up to do. Nothing was guaranteed. It never is in war.” When I was answered with silence, I continued, “We will take Morthal with Talos' blessing. We will fight until our last man if we have to. You are Nords and this is your home, right? You are destined to preserve it!”

Aye!” I heard several Nords agree, followed by various salutes around the group. I was reassured that at the least most of the soldiers were in agreeance with me. I looked back down to the city. Even at that distance I could see several groups of soldiers making their way towards the fort. A question pulled me from my thoughts, “What are our orders, then, Stormblade?”

I thought for a long moment before answering, “Form several groups and position yourself along the road. The soldiers will be so concerned with reaching the fort, they won't expect ambushes. With surprise, and Divine Blessing, we might pull this off.” I motioned for a couple men to follow me. “As for us, we're going into the city.”

Drablek hummed, “That's more dangerous than fighting on the roads. They'll be ready for an attack.”

I nodded. “But that's the only way we're going to get this fighting to stop. I have to get to the Jarl.” As Drablek nodded in agreement, I looked around at the group of Stormcloaks. “You have your orders. I'll let you know when we have this won. Fight well, for you fight for your families.”

As the Stormcloaks rushed to their positions, I looked up at Drablek. He looked proud as he grumbled, “Ulfric chose a good Stormblade.” He saluted me and murmured, “Talos guide you, Talia.”

I slid up my mask to look him in the eyes. “And Malacath preserve you, Drablek.”

At our goodbyes, I took my band of soldiers and started back into the swamp. The road was too treacherous to try to sneak into the city, so the swamps seemed to be the safest bet. Even from that distance, I could hear our men engaging the unsuspecting Imperials. I knew they would grow weary with each passing wave of Legionnaires, so I ran as fast as the mud would allow me. The quicker I got to the Jarl, the sooner I could force her men to surrender.

It was a miracle the city itself wasn't sinking in the mud. It seemed as though the buildings were just dropped in the middle of no where. The pathways were boarded and docks had to be build to reach most of the homes. Fungus grew everywhere, making everything slippery. Clearly the soldiers who lived there had the advantage, but we still wanted to take them by surprise. As we neared the bridge on the north side of town, we stopped so I could assess the situation.

Four soldiers guarded the bridge to prevent entry into the town. Beyond them, I could see a patrol of six or seven making their rounds. There were no townspeople out and about, which I was thankful for. The last thing I wanted was to kill an innocent in the fray. Still, with my three soldiers I had elected to take with me, I was failing to see how we could successfully pull the mission off. I misjudged how many men they chose to guard the town and there was no telling how many more were guarding the Jarl inside. I continued studying the area when one of the soldiers tensed and drew her blade.

I quickly turned, pulling my own to see what had startled the Stormcloak. Behind us, leaning ever so casually on a tree, a woman was watching. I had no idea how she had slipped my radar on the approach, but that wasn't the only thing uneasy about her. The way she watched waited was like a lion preying on a heard of rams. Her eyes didn't shift between us but rather stayed focused on me, as though she knew taking out the leader would scatter the rest. She carried no weapon, but that didn't mean she was unarmed. I could feel the aura of magic pulse from her as her blank expression turned to an amused grin. She was a practiced hunter and had us right where she wanted us. Rather than give us away however, she simply stated in a quiet tone, “I was wondering how long it would take you to notice me.”

Who in Oblivion are you?” I asked, wasting no time in placing myself between the woman and the Stormcloaks.

Alva,” she replied, giving a toothy smile. “As for your next question, I live here. I'm a bit smarter than these fools in town, so I decided to meet you here- out of sight.” Her red eyes darted to the weapons we held and she sighed, almost boredly. “There's really no need for the swords. Not if you want my help at least.”

Help?” I asked, confused. I lowered my blade only slightly. “Why would you help us?”

I'm glad you asked.” The woman walked over to me, completely fearless of the weapon in my hand. As she did so, her presence changed from unease to one of charm. I felt myself calm and from the reactions of my guard, I knew they felt the change as well. “You see, I've gotten myself in a bit of a situation with the current Jarl. She's suspicious of me and I'd rather all the accusations I'm facing be dropped entirely.”

You're a criminal then?” I got tense as she grew closer, but felt myself unable to raise my blade. Whatever charm she had made it nearly impossible to defend myself. Instead she continued to approach, standing just blade length from me. A growl of frustration slipped my throat as I asked, “What if we don't help you?”

She smiled curtly at me, grabbing my blade with her hand and bringing it to her chest. “I can scream. 'The Stormcloaks are murderers! They're killing me!'” She laughed softly. “See, I often get my way. People tend to see reason.”

I scoffed. The woman- the witch or whatever she was- had us trapped. It was blackmail of the highest degree, so we didn't exactly have an alternative. I glanced over my shoulder at the Stormcloaks. They seemed to agree with me. As much as I wanted to run my blade through her, we couldn't afford to be put in a negative spotlight. All it would take was one witness to see half the truth and our reputation would be sullied. Instead, it was far easier to give the woman what she wanted. “Alright, Alva. We'll let you help us and I'll make sure the next Jarl forgets your crimes. Whatever they may be.”

Ah, finally,” she giggled, letting go of my blade. She smirked at me, tapping the nose of Krosis. "I knew you'd see my way. I'll take care of the guards at the bridge and the patrol. The one's guarding the Longhouse are all yours.” She hummed as she started walking towards the bridge.

I growled softly as she left us, taking the inhibiting presence with her. The soldiers behind me began muttering to each other as they tried to figure out what she was. “Vampire” and “Daedra” were mentioned, but I think if it was either one we would have known for sure. While they talked among themselves, I kept my eyes on the witch as she got close to the guards. I was too far away to hear what was being said, but her charm immediately had an effect on them. It didn't take but a minute or two of talking until they put their weapons away completely and were convinced to follower her away from their post and towards the tavern. The patrol was equally infatuated with her, leaving me to wonder if her magic really was strong enough to entice an entire city guard to become passive.

As the soldiers slipped out of sight, me and my men crept closer to the city. The witch did what she said and managed to slip all the soldiers into the tavern. I remembered the owner, Jonna talking to Lurbuk about how slow business was when I passed through one time. I just hoped she had enough ale to keep them busy while we got to the Jarl.

There were five men guarding door to the Jarl's Longhouse. They seemed alert, but preoccupied with the sounds of fighting further beyond their city. They were turned to face the southern entrance of the city, completely opposite of us, so we used it to our advantage and snuck in close. On inspection I saw they only had two archers, but the other three were heavily armored. Wordlessly, I assigned targets to my three soldiers, having them take the archers out first. That gave us the advantage.

No sooner did the arrowheads burrow in the chests of the unsuspecting guards did I charge their living allies. The Nord I chose to engage with was a much more difficult target than the poor Imperial at the fort. My blade collided with his broadsword, sliding down to the hilt and bringing me dangerously close to him. He growled as he shoved me backwards, wasting no time in swinging the slow moving blade my direction. I jumped backwards, narrowly missing a fatal slice across the abdomen. The force of the heavy blade cut through my tunic as well as the top layer of my armor. As deadly as it was, I was thankful it was slow.

I stayed just out of the guard's reach, a tactic that served to tire and infuriate him. He became more sloppy as he tried desperately to land at least one hit on me. As he recovered from a leftward swing, I took the opportunity to rush him. My blade sliced open his exposed right side, drawing a howl of pain from beneath his helm. In my momentum, however, I was unable to dodge the knee he brought into my gut. I hunched over in pain, trying to catch my breath. He brought his knee upwards again, slamming it into my mask.

Krosis collided with my face with a force that caused my nose to bleed and eyes to water. I fell backwards with a cry of pain, trying to get my bearings through the uneven slits of the mask. Besides the noise of my heartbeat drumming in my ears, I heard heavy boots on the slick stone road. He was nearly on me again and without hesitation I thrust my blade upwards. I heard a soft gurgling noise and sounds of choked whimpers. My blade struck him through his throat. As he fell beside me, his weight forced it the rest of the way through, chopping the head off entirely. 

I tossed Krosis off as I struggled to catch my breath from the initial hit as well as the sick act I committed. I had to face the other direction of the soldier to avoid getting sick. I had never killed so violently. It was an accident, but in my mind it hurt the same. I always tried to kill with minimal pain, but there was no doubt in my mind he lived every moment until my blade forced itself to withdraw. I had to feel for my sword through the puddle of blood to avoid seeing his face again. I had to justify within myself that this was war. This happened all the time. I couldn't change it anymore.

"Stormblade?" One of my own guard asked as I sat on the ground. "You're bleeding..." I saw them staring at my nose as the blood steadily dripped from it. "Are you hurt anywhere else? We can get you a medic."

Her concern was welcomed, but I simply shook my head. "I'm alright. I just got a little bashed in the fight." I wiped the blood from my nose on my bracer and took her hand as she offered it to me. I leaned down to pick up Krosis, careful to avoid looking at the decapitated corpse beside it. "Did we lose anyone?"

"No, we're all still well." She sounded happy, as she should have been. Her friends were still alive and we were almost done with the battle. I put my own feelings aside to enjoy her optimism. "The door is locked, as expected, so there will be a fight waiting inside. We've got this though."

I nodded, patting her shoulder. I looked at the other two Stormcloaks that waited for me. "You three handle any guards in there and I'll take care of the housecarl."

Aye,” they responded in unison, readying their weapons and waiting for me to open the door. I slid Krosis back on, adjusting it so it no longer obscured my vision. I drew a deep breath before squaring up to the door. A well placed kick tossed it open, startling everyone inside. Contrary to my initial belief, there were only four men visible- three guards and the housecarl- leaving us with one man each to best.

My men charged past me, beginning their attack to distract the town guard. As the path was cleared, I wasted no time in locating the housecarl, Gorm. The man placed himself in front of the Jarl's room to the right of the hall, mace at the ready. His old eyes were locked on me and his expression was locked in a grimace. He was ready for a fight. Untested and battle-ready, I knew he would have the advantage. Still, I charged him, ready for the challenge he brought. I just kept reminding myself how close we were to winning.

Gorm growled lowly at my approach, bringing his mace upwards to deflect my hit. The older Nord was deceivingly stronger than I had anticipated and the force staggered me a few steps. In retaliation, he swung as me the mace finding rest in my left shoulder. Most of my armor had deflected the blunt attack, but a single sharp spike found a soft spot in the shoulder joint, digging into my flesh. I yelped in pain as I staggered again, this time raising my sword in defense. The pain in my left arm pulsed, feeling like a thousand daggers dotting my skin. I didn't have time to think about healing it however, as the housecarl was relentless in his assault.

His drive was incredible, but I understood the reasoning behind it. He had to protect his Jarl. He didn't know if we planned to kill her or not. He just knew he was her one defense. It was admirable and dangerous. So focused on keeping up his assault, he was tiring himself out. I tracked the old man's movements carefully, and as soon as he showed signs of slowing, I changed my didn't hesitate.

When Gorm raised his hand to strike me once again, I ducked under his arm, slicing his leg as I did so. The Nord hissed in pain but was unable to stop his momentum from the swing. He staggered forward, barely catching himself on his injured leg. I brought my blade down on him again, intending to slice him at the neck. He blocked it with the mace, catching my blade between two of the spikes. Through labored breaths, he quickly asked, “Will you kill her?”

I was slightly surprised, but kept the pressure on his mace. Locked in the hold, I replied, “No, not if she surrenders.” I felt his strength giving and I quickly added, “I'll keep you alive if you surrender too. I'd like to prevent as much death as possible.” The male stared at me, fatigue and sadness in his old eyes. I knew he was trying to figure out if he could trust me, a stranger who invaded his home and hides behind a mask.

His eyes shifted past me as he looked around the room. From the silence that fell, I knew the fighting with my Stormcloaks was over. I heard one of them nock an arrow as they awaited the decision of the housecarl. He was already defeated. In shame, he whispered, “I yield.” I quickly pulled away my blade, allowing him to drop his mace to the floor. He drew a deep breath, motioning to the door. There was no lock, so I was free to enter.

I nodded and ordered the other Stormcloaks, “One of you, sound the horn to tell Morthal's troops to retreat. The other two escort Gorm to the fort with the other prisoners. I'll talk to Idgrod and we can finally put this day to an end.” As the Stormcloaks moved to carry out my commands, I caught Gorm's eye again. "I won't hurt her, housecarl. I've killed enough today." After a final nod of affirmation, one of the Stormcloaks took his arm and lead him to the door. I turned my back to them to gain my composure before finally opening the door.

Inside, I was shocked to find four nobles. Jarl Idgrod was an older woman, appearing wise beyond her years. She was seated on the bed to await the outcome of the attack. Beside her an elder man, one I assumed was her husband, sat with his arm around her. Most disheartening, two children were hiding on the other side of the bed, staring at me with terrified expressions. Not a single one of them had a weapon, so I carefully put mine away, showing them all my empty hands. The old woman glared at me with teary eyes. “I had a vision this would happen... but I still wasn't ready for it.”

I tried to keep myself clear of the guilt that was threatening to consume me as I replied, “We didn't hurt your city, nor your people. I don't want to hurt any of you as well. I take it you'll surrender peacefully?”

The woman looked back at her trembling children, growling in anger at me, “You haven't given me much of a choice, have you? Morthal is yours, Stormcloak.” She looked up as we heard the sound of the war horn echoing, signaling an end to the fighting. “You've still caused so much grief and bloodshed. I hope you're happy with the outcome today.”

I shook my head, turning my back to them as I walked out. “I'm not happy killing anyone. But if this is what it takes, so be it.” I started to close the door, telling them, “The others will be here shortly to escort you to the fort. We will hold you there with the other prisoners until Ulfric gives the orders to move you. I promise none of you will be hurt.”

I heard the Jarl curse at me as I shut the door, and I carefully removed my mask when I was no longer in danger of seeing the enemy. A bead of water rolled down my cheek, but I wasn't sure if it was sweat or a tear. War was difficult. It hurt me to see people like that, viewing me like I was the enemy. I knew I was doing the right thing, but it didn't make it easier. Killing someone never got easier.

I walked outside to find that it was nearing nightfall and a mix of snow and rain was beginning to saturate the ground. I didn't mind it all that much as the cold rain helped cool my sweating, aching body. I sat on the steps of the longhouse focusing on healing my shoulder and nose. Time seemed to go by quickly as I sat there. The Stormcloaks arrived in no time, securing the Longhouse and escorting the ex-Jarl's family to the prison. Some began patrolling the town and checking on the people inside, rushing clean water and food to the families as a way to show them we weren't there to hurt them. Others began cleaning up the bodies. The rain helped wash away the blood. At some point, I could have swore I saw Alva walk by but disappear into a home of her own, trying to appear as unassuming as possible.

I was so distracted with watching the town return to some form of normal that I missed Drablek walking up to me and sitting on the step beside me. I flinched at the sudden weight and looked over to see him smiling. A fresh, bloody scar covered his cheek, but I hadn't seen him look more proud than at that moment. “That plan of yours worked well enough.”

I sighed, “I guess it did.” I forced a smile at him, raising my hand to his cheek and causing him to flinch. As I began to heal the wound, he huffed in acceptance. I asked softly, “How many did we lose?”

None at the fort,” he stated proudly, “and only nine on the road.”

That's still nine men who won't be coming home,” I responded, looking away as I finished healing the wound. I could feel his eyes linger on me, almost asking for an explanation for my negative outlook. I continued, “This gets harder every time.”

The orc chuckled. “You said it yourself. War is unpredictable. I'm sure it's harder on you than most though.” He smiled at me before looking across the city. “You've got too kind of a heart for war. No matter how hard you pretend, this stuff is always going to get to you. Me? I would have killed everyone in there without a second thought. In the heat of battle, I forget to look at faces. I kill colors. That's how I get through.”

I shook my head. “I'm glad I went instead of you then. The housecarl was willing to surrender and the Jarl didn't put up a fight.”

He grunted. “It doesn't sound like you had any fun then.” He smirked at me making me roll my eyes. Drablek's orcish chuckle filled the air as he leaned back against the wall to get comfortable. "I'm going to head over to the Moorside after they get the rest of those Imperials cleared out of there. Jonna and Lurbuk are going to have to break out the good stuff to celebrate this.”

I shook my head as I watched him, starting to get comfortable myself. I almost admitted to wanting a drink as well movements further up the road caught my attention. I nudged the orc, keeping quiet as I watched the dimly lit shapes get closer. He huffed as he sat up as well. With Solitude as close as it was to Morthal, we didn't want to risk a Legion attack. As they drew closer, however, I heard hoofbeats and finally saw the familiar blue and silver. I sighed in relief and rose to my feet, greeting the band of riders with a salute. They looked surprised to see us in the city already. “You've done it then?”

I nodded, motioning to the swampy city. “We ran into a complication, but we sorted it out. Tell Ulfric Morthal is his to command.”

Finally some good news,” he responded. “Continue to Markarth, I'll finish up here." As the two other riders took off, he looked back at me with a smile, "Jarl Ulfric asked that you return to Windhelm when you've finished up. Have my horse and I'll stay behind and help out here, if that's alright with you, Stormblade.”

I looked back at Drablek. The orc nodded to me, motioning for me to take the horse. “We'll handle things here. Tell Ulfric how great I killed today, will you?”

I tutted, taking the reins from the rider. “Thank you, sir. Get yourself something to eat. There's plenty of rations at the fort, compliments of the Empire.” The Stormcloak grinned, sliding off the mare and letting me climb on. “It was good to see you again, Drablek,” I called to the orc as I turned the horse.

He nodded, “The pleasure was mine, Stormblade. Talos guide you.”

As I spurred the mare back up the road, I realized how much easier it would have been to take the cobblestone path rather than the swamp. Even a horse in the swamp would have been better. Still, I was satisfied with the outcome of the day, even if my armor was covered head to toe with muck. I hoped a shower and warm meal was waiting for me in Windhelm. I needed to get the stench of the swamp from my nose.

<< Chapter Thirteen ~ Chapter Fifteen >>

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  • More... now.

    • DUDE!! DID YOU ALREADY CATCH UP?

      Just for you, I'll post chapter 15 when I get home. :D

      • You underestimate my power!

        • I shall never do it again. New chapter is out!

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