I loved the bustle of the dining tent slowly quieting as the soldiers and then leaders ate and headed up the hill. With the farmers Savlian showed again that he is a leader to all of Kvatch. His speech before the battle was just perfect.

Buffy’s descriptions were clear enough that even I could picture the scene (I am battle-challenged ). The vivid little details that caught her attention also hinted at the butterflies in her stomach. Then when the fighting began, she switched to that crisp control that she displays when she is in deadly action. Beautiful!

The sound of multiple bows loosing skyward barely preceded the first blood drawn by sword.

Wow. What a line to end the chapter!!

In Episode 160, Savlian’s army breached the city gates and unleashed a devastating barrage of arrows and spells into the city from a standoff distance. The resulting Daedric charge out the gates and through Savlian’s barricaded ‘alley of death’ was just reaching the front lines as his swordsmen rose from one knee and the archers behind them shifted to high angle fire.

Darkness Eternal- Thank you. Freeing Kvatch is certainly the centerpiece of Book 1. I hope you enjoy seeing the battle from Buffy’s perspective, given her unfamiliarity with larger scale tactics and such.

mALX- Thanks! I have to chuckle over the image of Sigrid in her blue gown blasting away with her staff of lightning.

Andrea- Given your own skill, already so apparent in Jessika’s adventure, I am touched by your kind words. Thank you.

McBadgere- Thanks! I hope you enjoy the battle, as told through the eyes of a semi-clueless wood elf!

KC- Superian is an ever present consideration in both our game and story. I am continually struck by how much Buffy’s ‘My Little Pony’ has captured her heart. My hope, in the brief visit you mentioned, was to show that Savlian has become quite attuned to the needs of his elf. Thank you.

ghastley- Savlian and Lucilius are pretty good at what they do. Buffy’s only hope to follow things is grounded in her understanding of what makes Savlian tick. Thank you. Savlian’s comments to his army were inspired by numerous outside influences from film and history, but the battle itself is free of conscious historical influence. I simply tried to place myself in the boots of Savlian and Lucilius.

SubRosa- Thanks for understanding that there will be much to cover inside the walls of Kvatch. Once capturing the courtyard and clearing resistance in the city, Savlian will have a chapel to investigate and a well-defended castle to figure out how to retake – replete with some surprises. And yes, the going will get tougher. I’m glad you enjoyed our pre-battle breakfast. Although feeding the troops before their leaders is standard practice in modern western armies, it is historically a fairly recent development. Indeed, it is still not the way of several military forces in various parts of the world that I served alongside.

Grits- Thanks so much for your endorsement of Savlian’s pre-battle speech. There was ever so much to describe atop Kvatch mountain and I’m relieved to hear that our militarily-challenged elf was able to paint the picture clearly enough.



High angle fire from our archers continued to rain devastation upon foes that were casting spells from near the city’s gate instead of charging our formation. Apparently, the same Daedric warding that kept us from shooting over the walls also prevented return fire from atop them. The scamps and atronachs sending fireballs our way therefore, were on the ground like us and seemed to have no concern for the backs of their fellow Daedra. Indeed, the clannfears, scamps and occasional Dremora warrior engaged with our front ranks were hammered between friendly fire from behind and disciplined steel ahead.

From our corner position, Dreelius and I were able to safely continue direct fire into the city. Lightning bolts from the other side of our formation told me that Sigrid was able to do the same. I caught a glimpse of Raccan – the Redguard had switched from staff to claymore.

My heart broke to see several of our own soldiers fall to the Daedra, but our front lines and the spiked barriers flanking Savlian’s ‘alley of death’ held firm. Several clannfears had tried to shake apart one section of the barricading near the open gates, but they had been killed by the rain of feathered death from our archers.

I had never before seen a Daedra retreat but a few wounded ones near the gate did exactly that, withdrawing back into the city. As the last of those that were either engaged with our front ranks or remained in our high angle fire killing zone fell, Savlian commanded, “Cease fire. Prepare to advance.” The relentless shower of arrows ahead of us stopped. Only the occasional fireball now slowly billowed our way from hidden defenders within the city.

Roliand Hanus and Arielle Jurard immediately moved to a position just forward of the formation and several paces apart. Each time a fireball approached, one of the battlemages would cast the golden glow of a spell to resist it, then clamber sideways over the carnage in front of us to intercept the flame.

As briefed, Dreelius and I moved to the rear rank among Merandil’s archers. We were joined by Sigrid from the other corner unit just as I heard Savlian order, “Advance.”

We moved slowly, having to climb over dozens of bodies – most of them Daedra. The pace was set by Savlian and Lucilius at each end of the front rank. Fanador and Tiberius scampered along behind the archers, refilling our quivers.

The formation paused briefly as each rank sequentially funneled through the open gates. While reforming inside the city, we began to take more fireballs than Arielle and Roliand could intercept from scamps perched atop any raised position they could find. Fortunately, our foes’ elevation advantage in this case made them easy targets for Merandil’s superior number of archers to pick off over the heads of our sword wielders.

Savlian dispatched small teams deeper into the city to locate and destroy isolated pockets of resistance. He kept the bulk of us together and steadily advancing.

As the right end of the front rank drew abreast Akatosh’s chapel, I heard a series of commands. I just tried to stay between those on each side of me as we all wheeled to the left and stopped.

Savlian repositioned until he was centered several paces in front of the formation, keeping his sword and shield at the ready. With his back to us, he studied the intimidating gatehouse, moat, raised drawbridge and crenellated walls that loomed several hundred feet to our front. I recalled enough of what he and Lucilius had discussed to realize he was waiting – even hoping – for the Daedra to launch a counterattack from the castle. I heard him bark over one shoulder, “Healers and resupply!”

Lucilius quickly strode toward the rear of our formation to supervise. Sigrid, Roliand and I moved through the ranks to heal those in need. Raccan began restoring charges for those few of us with enchanted weapons or staves.

As I finished healing Bjorn’s burned hand, the team leader declared, “By Shor’s balls, I’ve never cared much for Dunmer, but right now I’d trade my frost resistance for their ability to resist these flame shooters. At least the magic rings Lucilius gave us help some.”

Before I could reply, I felt a tugging at my back. A glance over one shoulder revealed Tiberius sliding more arrows into my quiver. Fanador had already emptied his arrow bag among the archers and was running back toward Belle’s wagon to refill it. As my eyes followed him for a moment, I could see Bolden and some of the farmers pulling our dead from among the Daedra and loading them onto the wagon. Pelena moved among the wounded near our original position outside the city, administering potions to those who had not been able to advance with us.

The small teams that Savlian had dispatched to finish clearing scattered resistance were now returning. Among them, two soldiers carried their bleeding leader.

I quickly found myself kneeling over the severely wounded Ilend Vonius. His once handsome face was badly burned and, as he coughed, blood pumped from a gaping wound to his throat – the unmistakable mark of a clannfear. As soon as my glowing hands touched him, I realized the mortal nature of his injuries. I would not lose this man without a fight though. Pouring white magic into his body and biting my lip to steel myself, I began to mend the terrible damage and absorb his pain

Soon, I was whimpering and tears were streaming down both cheeks. My magicka was exhausted and I realized it was the sacrifice of my own life force that was sustaining the futile healing effort. Yet even as he went still in my arms, I couldn’t bring myself to stop.

Acadian was urgently warning me that my own life was in jeopardy by the time strong hands pulled me from Ilend. It was the battlemage, Roliand. As he restrained me firmly by the shoulders, I felt his own soothing magic replenishing the health I had surrendered. “Let him go, Buffy. Some wounds we cannot heal.” He then drew a hand over Ilend’s face to close the dead soldier’s eyes and moved on to another of the wounded.

I dug into my pack and numbly quaffed a potion. As it began to speed replenishment of my magicka, I felt sick, inadequate and guilty. I knew Ilend would haunt my dreams. My efforts to heal him had failed, just like they had with City Swimmer so long ago in Bravil. I was at peace with my own mortality, but how could I ever have been prepared to have those around me cut down, then die in my arms? Is this what it felt like to be in Savlian’s boots? How could he live with it? How could any soldier?

I saw Bolden approaching with one of the farmers. As they gathered up poor Ilend, part of me wanted to hate the stable master, farmers and Belle’s wagon of death. But a bigger part of me hated Daedra more. Much more.

“Scout!” Savlian’s commanding voice cut through my confusion and self-pity.

I made my way to the front of the formation. As I approached, he said, “Are you injured?”

“No, my love,” I quietly replied.

Lucilius then joined us and reported the number of our dead.

Savlian winced. “And the wounded?”

“Three times that many, Captain, but Sigrid assures me she can get most of them back to duty within the hour - all of them if she can get access to the healing power of the chapel’s altar.”

Savlian nodded, but his narrowed eyes were focused on the gatehouse as he growled, “Damn Daedra. Haven’t we pissed you off enough to sortie out of my castle?” He then turned to me. “Buffy, I need an updated enemy disposition on and behind the castle’s front walls.”

I slipped on my rings, augmented their detect life range with a spell and reported, “There’s nearly a score of Daedra in the gatehouse, and at least that many more spaced along the battlements. It becomes difficult to separate and count the glows moving beyond the walls inside the bailey.” Removing the rings, I looked up at him. “Altogether, I estimate their total number perhaps rivals our own.”

“Thank you, my elven scout.” Savlian then turned to Lucilius. “I need you to hold the line here, in case they grow a pair and decide to counterattack. In fact, I want you to probe them with feints and harassing fire.”

“Make the Daedra show their hand, Captain?”

“Aye, the Daedric warding atop the city walls that prevented us from lofting arrows over them also seems to have precluded defensive fires from being rained down on us as we breached the gate. Find out if that warding applies to the gatehouse and flanking battlements. That’ll have a big impact on how we retake the castle.”

“Are you taking a detail into the chapel then?” In response to Savlian’s nod, Lucilius added, “The monk Arturo is among our dead, but Brother Baurus is uninjured.”

“I’ll take him, Sigrid and Buffy with me then,” said Savlian, “but first I need to address the formation.”

Lucilius turned his head and barked, “Listen up!”

“We have struck a mighty blow,” began Savlian, “but bigger challenges await. Our remaining foes have chosen to defend the castle. We’ll hold this position for now, hoping they decide to sortie forth and give us an open field battle. Tend to your wounds and equipment. Be prepared to assault the castle. In the meantime, we’ll check the chapel. If any of Kvatch’s citizens survived this long siege, it would be under the protection of Akatosh. I also want to ensure the healing altar works to help with our wounded and the additional casualties we’re likely to face.” Savlian then turned to Lucilius and said quietly, “Send a runner for me if the Daedra counterattack.”

As Savlian and I stepped off, I heard Lucilius call out for the two knights and both battlemages. As we passed the orcs, each had their helmet tucked under an arm. I could see several dents in Agronak’s shield. Mazoga’s bushy eyebrows had been largely singed away. Given how well both knights moved, I imagined most of the blood on their armor belonged to our foes.

After gathering Sigrid, we found Baurus standing alone with a long face. His dark eyes trailed after Belle. The draft mare was slowly pulling her first wagonload toward what I understood would be Kvatch’s newest graveyard. I noted that the Blade’s sword belt now hosted two katanas.

Savlian put a hand on the Redguard’s shoulder. “On behalf of a grateful Kvatch, my sympathies on the death of Arturo. Let us enter the chapel and see if our efforts thus far have been for naught.”

Excellent...

Not without cost are the battles of heroes... ...

Or something... ...

Aaamywho...Most excellent battle...Loving the mages stuff, and the whole, steel against the evil thing...Love it!!...

Buffy's trying to heal Ilend was so very heartbreaking...So sad...Brilliantly done...

And the small details like Fanador's resupply runs, and the others taking away the dead added so much to the story...Love it!!...Again!!...

So much to love in these chapters...Most excellent...

Nice one!!...

Applauds heartily!!...

WOOW!

What an amazing chapter!

Tense, thrilling, scary, action packed... just wow! I loved how you showed what different members of the army did during the battle, like Arielle for example. Great discription there!

I quickly found myself kneeling over the severely wounded Ilend Vonius. His once handsome face was badly burned and, as he coughed, blood pumped from a gaping wound to his throat – the unmistakable mark of a clannfear.

This was so well written and described. It was such a perfect statement that could bring a tear to anyones eye. I know it did mine :'(

Can't wait for the next chapter!!

the same Daedric warding that kept us from shooting over the walls also prevented return fire from atop them.
This was an excellent observation, as it occurred to be the last time out that their disposition would have been highly vulnerable to missiles from the battlements.

It was also heartwarming to see a disciplined march into the city, rather than the chaotic jumble we see in both the game and movies. Savlian has his army fighting in top form. His plan/hope to bait the Daedra from the castle was likewise brilliant. Much better to fight them in the open, then from behind those high walls.

I also see Buffy has come to the rescue of Ilend Vonius once more. Oh Noes! She could not save him. I felt for poor Buffy, in spite of all of her efforts, all that she has learned, she still found him slipping away from her. This too was a good writing decision, for it shows to us that she is not omnipotent. Likewise it puts a familiar name and face with the dead.

Coincidence, or did he notice and do what a good commander does?

I'm a little surprised that Savlian chooses to let Lucilius provoke the Daedra while the party enters the chapel, but at least he's considered the possibility, and included it in his instructions.

Looking forward to how they approach the chapel door, since Buffy's seen what it did to the scamp earlier.

Judging by the title, as they move into the city they must not have the success they had outside.

Sav at the front! I’m surprised Buffy isn’t a nervous wreck!

A battle like this is no place for Buffy. Pouring her own life into a dead man! I’m glad Roliand could do what Acadian could not. I’m actually kind of angry with her…

…And Sav’s task is just what she needed. Great chapter Acadian!

Your battle scenes kick major "boat"< rolleyes:. But seriously, well-written and truly action packed. I'll add the ones which I found were pretty awesome! And yes, I am enjoying them. And your welcome

Indeed, the clannfears, scamps and occasional Dremora warrior engaged with our front ranks were hammered between friendly fire from behind and disciplined steel ahead.

It's like those war-movies where forces clash and lock horns! As most would say, great imagery. I always try to picture it unfolding in my mind as scenes from a movie!

"I had never before seen a Daedra retreat but a few wounded ones near the gate did exactly that, withdrawing back into the city. As the last of those that were either engaged with our front ranks or remained in our high angle fire killing zone fell, Savlian commanded, “Cease fire. Prepare to advance.”

I always love when the enemy runs off and retreats. This part was truly intense because it shows that even the Daedra, the ones under Mehrune's Dagon, are vulnerable!



This right here was good, very very good. Also shows the vulnerability on the mortal side. And Buffy's pain and anguish at the fallen comrade was touching and very well-written. You capture the feel of battle and war like it truly is--merciless.

“By Shor’s balls".
Need I say more?

The whole advance was vivid and gripping, I could picture it as if I was standing there. I love that Roliand and Arielle with their spells and enchantments were living shields against the fireballs. The details that Buffy provided kept me right there with her, climbing over bodies and mostly looking up.

As the right end of the front rank drew abreast Akatosh’s chapel, I heard a series of commands. I just tried to stay between those on each side of me as we all wheeled to the left and stopped.

This really made me smile. Buffy’s version of moving in formation. I also enjoyed Bjorn’s Nordic remarks during the break for healing.

Buffy’s fight to save Ilend was just heartbreaking, and it was everything that I’ve feared for her. Her reaction to Bolden and Belle’s wagon felt painfully true. Of course Savlian knew exactly what to do (and what not to say) to snap her back into the moment. He must have been anticipating her reaction, knowing her the way he does.

With Ilend and Arturo among the dead, it was good to get a glimpse of Sigrid, Baurus, the battlemages, and the orcish knights. I’m looking forward very much to seeing inside the chapel!

During Episode 161, Savlian’s army was able to clear most of the city and establish a strong position in front of the chapel. He then paused, not only to see if the Daedra would counterattack, but to allow healing and resupply as well. Leaving Lucilius in charge to probe the castle’s defenses, Savlian assembled a small team to enter the chapel.

McBadgere- Wow! Thank you most kindly for those nice words. I’m so glad it all seems to be working.

Andrea- I so appreciate your endorsement of the overall episode and especially of Buffy’s futile efforts to heal Ilend.

SubRosa- Thanks. Fortunately, that ‘Daedric warding’ atop the city walls worked both ways. As we’ll learn in this next episode, no such warding applies to the walls of the castle itself. My hope is that what was a fairly smooth and organized assault to retake the city will contrast with a more troublesome campaign to breech and capture the castle. Thanks for supporting the loss of significant friends – it always peeved me in the original Star Trek series that whenever ‘Crewman Green’ showed up, we knew he was a sacrificial dead man walking.

ghastley- Thank you. I was hoping that Savlian’s choice to personally investigate the chapel displayed three things: The importance to the Empire of what may be inside, his well-deserved confidence in Lucilius, and that delegation continues to be something that Savlian struggles with. To the chapel then, hoping that Akatosh’s warding on the door does indeed only affect Daedra!

KC- Thank you. Buffy indeed displayed bad judgment by futilely continuing to heal Ilend - even to the point of endangering herself. Given her nurturing nature however, it just never occurred to her to abort the attempt. His death, and the admonitions of Acadian and Roliand, will hopefully give her the experience to manage her healing gift more wisely in the future. As Kud-Ei oft tells her, "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment." I suspect this was an important learning moment for Buffy.

Darkness Eternal- Although I consider Book 1 to be a love story above all, I so appreciate your kind words regarding Buffy’s descriptions of the combat. Thank you also for appreciating her passionate, if misguided, healing efforts. Heh, the ‘Shor’s balls’ comment was to keep a bit of focus on the minor character of Bjorn and remind us that even though Lucilius got credit, it was Buffy who provided that bag of invaluable fire resist rings for Savlian’s army.

Grits- Thank you! Buffy is clearly a ‘semi-clueless wood elf’ in this military venue and I tried to bear that in mind during her descriptions. I so hope you enjoy the next two episodes that will reveal much inside the chapel.



Savlian, Baurus, Sigrid and I approached the chapel’s main entrance. I reviewed aloud the fate of a scamp I had seen try the door during my reconnaissance the day prior. In response to Sigrid’s look of concern, I added, “Akatosh’s warding will not harm us though.”

Savlian boldly placed a hand on the iron handle. “Trust the words of my elf, guildmagister. We should not barge in however; if there are survivors inside they’ve had a great deal of time to prepare defenses. The pommel of his sword pounded against the door three times. “It’s Savlian Matius!”

“Captain?” The reply through stout wood was both faint and feminine. After several moments of what sounded like furniture being moved clear, the heavy door creaked open.

“Thank Akatosh you’re here! We never gave up hope.” The Redguard’s voice was gentle yet exuded confidence as she ushered us in. After a round of introductions, I learned it belonged to Kvatch’s High Priestess of Akatosh, Oleta. She was flanked by two soldiers, each wearing a surcoat adorned by the city’s wolf. One was another Redguard called Tierra, with a short sword at one hip and bow with quiver on her back. The other was an Imperial named Berich Inian, equipped with a Legion arming sword and Kvatch shield.

“How’d you manage to survive so long?” asked Savlian.

Oleta smiled. “Daily prayer at the altar of Akatosh. The Dragon God of Time also provided for us in other ways. He not only prevented Daedra from infesting this sanctuary, but allowed the undercroft’s freshwater spring to flow uninterrupted. When our food ran out, one of the pantry cabinets began refilling each evening.” Her age-lined face, framed by graying hair, clouded. “But what of the rest of our city? How many who didn’t make it to the chapel survived?”

“Only a few dozen,” replied Savlian. “What are your numbers here?”

It was the youthful soldier, Tierra, who unrolled a scroll and handed it to Savlian. “Just ten of us remain, sir.”

My Imperial’s eyes quickly ran down the list. He glanced up and gave a brief nod to Baurus before returning his attention to the parchment. “Odin Valus will be overjoyed that his wife, Lenka, yet lives. I’m pleased to see that Badali Sendal survived; her experience as the court’s chief steward will be invaluable for administering the city after we free it. Why is Marissa Selone’s name lined through?”

“Guilbert lost both her and their baby during childbirth within weeks of the invasion,” reported Tierra.

“What happened?” asked Sigrid. “I remember how excited Marissa and Guilbert were about the pending birth of their first.”

The Priestess replied, “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.” Oleta paused to assess the faces around her. “Well, enough of this midwife talk that I can see only Sigrid and I understand. In simple terms, one cannot pass a pumpkin through a -“

“I’m sure you did what you could,” interrupted Savlian. “Where are the chapel’s survivors now?”

“In the undercroft,” she replied. “Martin’s leading midday prayer.”

“Tierra,” said Savlian, “go and bring Martin to me – now.”

“Yes sir.” The Redguard wheeled and her steel boots quickly clipped their way downstairs.

Savlian turned to Oleta. “I have a pressing matter to discuss with Martin.”

“I’m anxious to help in any way I can,” she tilted her head, “but what business involving one of my priests could possibly concern you?”

Savlian placed a hand on her shoulder. “Forgive me, High Priestess, but I must ask that you indulge my needs for secrecy and urgency. Brave soldiers await my return and we have yet to capture the castle.”

Oleta looked perplexed. “I have always trusted you, Savlian Matius. Akatosh works in mysterious ways and Martin’s path has oft been one of contradictions. I’ll respect your judgment and not interfere with your duties.”

“Thank you, my friend. Sigrid is now my army’s chief healer. Will you assist her in tending our wounded?”

“Of course,” replied Oleta. “Come, Sigrid. As you’ve heard, Akatosh’s altar has limitations, but let me show you how to call upon its power to mend the wounds of others.”

“Berich,” said Savlian as he turned to the soldier, “you’ll find my second in command, Lucilius Marcus, with our forces poised outside. Report our status, give him this list of survivors, then help carry our more severely wounded inside to the altar of healing. I intend to use the chapel as a hospital during and after our assault on the castle, and I want you in charge here for now.”

As Berich left, Tierra returned with the man that I presumed to be Martin. He had a full head of brown hair, gray eyes that matched his robe and the fair skin of a Colovian Imperial. He appeared older than both Savlian and I – at least in his thirties. Although rather handsome, he hardly looked like an Emperor to me.

After introducing Martin to Baurus and I, Savlian turned to Tierra, “I’ll need Oleta and Martin to stay here. Take the rest of the survivors down to the safety of our encampment near the Gold Road.”

“But, Captain, I want to fight!” protested the Redguard archer.

“Damn it, I’m not giving you the day off, soldier. Once you’ve completed that task, get your butt back up to the city and report to Lucilius Marcus with the formation outside. We’ll have need of your bow and blade.”

“Yes sir!” Thumping her fist against the wolf on her chest, she grinned then scooted off to gather the survivors.

“Savlian,” said Martin, “do you need me among your healers? It’s the least I can do.”

“Yes, I’d like you and Oleta to tend any wounded brought to the chapel. First though, we need to speak of a matter that’s fit for but few ears.” I could clearly sense Savlian’s impatience to return to his forces. His clipped manner and commanding tone did not invite argument.

Martin looked mystified, but nodded and softly said, “Follow me.”

Savlian, Baurus and I did so as Martin ushered us into an empty room and closed the door. “What could possibly concern me that warrants pulling you from your army?”

“Baurus is a Blade of the Empire,” said Savlian. “He’ll explain.”

As the Redguard detailed our suspicions, Martin’s face cycled through numerous expressions, finally settling into what looked like disbelief.

“I know I was adopted,” he said slowly. “Father would not speak of it as I grew up, but Mother confided that a monk had presented me to them as an infant. Unable to have children of their own, they accepted me as a blessing from Akatosh. One fall, several years after losing Mother to fever, bandits attacked the farm to steal our gold proceeds from a particularly fine harvest. Father was killed. I escaped, abandoning the farm – and my faith. I’m not proud of it, but my interests turned to the magic of darker forces. Eventually, I learned the dangerous folly of that path and sought to make amends by serving Akatosh.” He looked directly at the Blade and shrugged. “I am but a simple priest.”

“Baurus,” I said, “you’ll recall that I was one of the last to speak with Jauffre before assassins claimed him. He told me the infant was delivered to a childless couple in Kvatch and that the boy eventually became a Priest of Akatosh.”

“Although consistent, that’s hardly conclusive.” The Blade scratched his head and looked uncertain. “Arturo was supposed to know the right questions to ask.”

Martin’s eyes traveled to each of us in turn, as if seeking answers. “I know not if I am who you seek. How could a dirt farmer turned priest . . . ?“

The door swung open, and filling its space stood an armor-plated giant with her helm tucked under one arm. I could also see the greenish-gray face of Agronak looming over Mazoga’s shoulder. “Captain,” she said, “Lucilius sent us to tell you the Daedra show no interest in counterattacking and there’s no warding atop the gatehouse walls to stop us from shooting each other. Also, Sigrid has healed and returned the last of your wounded to duty.”

“Thank you, noble knights,” replied Savlian. “I must ask that you leave us -“

“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.”

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 27 2012, 01:37 PM

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.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Apr 28 2012, 02:51 AM

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!