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

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

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

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

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

Well done

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buffy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The same way we know the taste of their tears.

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

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

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

Awesome Write !!!

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

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

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

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: May 4 2012, 03:39 PM

And here is the musical accompaniment to the title

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brilliant!!...

Loved it muchly!...

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

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

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

As ever, sheer brilliance...

Nice one!!...

*applauds heartily*...

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

Agronak!

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

The same way we know the taste of their tears.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am looking forward to the rest of this book!

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

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

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

great chapter and can't wait for more!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arielle and Roliand turned then headed for the chapel.

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 11 2012, 06:43 PM

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

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

Sigrid? a backache problem? why?

SPEW!!!! Jane Russell syndrome.


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

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

Awesome Write !!!

Thank you. It's nice to be back.

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

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

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

Thank you. It's nice to be back.

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

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

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