The Ice Warrior Options

[redsrock]

The Ice Warrior

CHAPTER ONE


The horrifying, ear-piercing screams ran through the night, waking me up from my slumber. Upon hearing these dreadful noises I immediately rushed from my old wooden bed and entered the hallway of the fort. The others had already risen from their own cots and were brandishing their blades while running outside.

Come, Erick! The time is now! Prove your honor and your pride!

I heard someone yell those three sentences, but I couldn't make out who was talking. But I didn't have any time think. The enemy horde was on our doorsteps and I was not about to let my people down. After seeing the others rush out into the cold night, I sprinted back into my own room and lifted the lock off of my old oak wood-chest. Then I reached for my silver broadsword and ran out into the hall to join my comrades.

Outside the battle had already commenced, and the white-colored floor had by now been stained with the crimson blood of my friends...and my enemies. I ran, creaming at the top of my lungs as loud as I could. The enemy from the northeast had at last built up enough courage to attack us without surprise. I for one was not going to let this opportunity go to waste.

The untamed Nords had made their way through our defenses and were now in our camp. There were at least fifty of them; all running around setting to fire to anything they could find. Their dirty beards and hair flapped in the wind, along with the blizzard that was coming down from the dark sky.

The first enemy I came to face was a heavy-set warrior wielding an iron war axe and a dagger of the same material. The piece of scum roared at me and got into a defensive position as I charged towards him with my broadsword held high into the air. As I neared the man he swung his axe at me but I ducked just in time and tackled him to the cold floor. Snow splashed up into my eyes but I quickly wiped it away as I hacked at my adversary's face. Again and again I slashed at his face, even when I knew his death had already come and passed.

I was too crazed with wanting revenge; too distraught to even observe the other heavy warrior lumbering towards me with a giant wooden war-hammer. The weapon hit me square in the back and I instantly dropped my blade and fell to the white canvas. Then the warrior turned my body over and I was face to face with the enemy; the despicable Nordic warrior from the north...the Skaal!

The oaf of a Nord glared into my eyes with pure disgust. He hated me and I hated him. This story of revulsion between the Imperials and the Nords has lasted for many years. And this particular battle was only one of hundreds that was sure to follow.

Then the Nord opened his mouth and began to laugh insanely. Spit fell from his mouth and hit me in the forehead. I could smell the putrid stench that was his breath; but alas there was nothing I could do. He had my arms pinned to the ground. Then, a ball of green smoke came from the mouth. It formed into some kind of animal, though I couldn't tell what it was. Suddenly I heard a deep howl, and that's when everything went black and I snapped back into reality.

"Erick...Erick, wake up! Wake up, Erick!"

A dream....it was all a dream. I could have sworn it was real; the heat from the fires, the yells of the Nords, and the impact from the war-hammer...it was all so real to me. But, fortunately I was only dreaming, and now my roommate was trying desperately to rouse me up from my delusion.

"It was a dream, Erick...only a dream!"

Finally I sat straight up in my cot with my roommate's hand on my shoulder. Melvin, an Imperial soldier just as I, was looking into my eyes with a most concerned look about his hairy face.

"You don't look so good," he said, stroking his slick and thin black beard. Melvin had always been proud of his facial hair. He always kept it neat and tidy; which the ladies loved.

"I'll be fine. I just had another dream..."

I looked outside my window to see that it wasn't snowing the least bit, and there weren't any angry Nords running around with torches. Everything was peaceful for the time being

"More like a nightmare, Erick! I can't keep living with those screams, friend. Sooner or later I'll throw you in the hallway!"

I merely laughed it off, trying to forget what I saw. For the past several days I've had some of the most dreadful dreams ever imaginable. They all started out differently, but they all ended with the same green smoke and the same howl. It had really started to bug me and I had thought about seeing a mage about it.

But Melvin wasn't going to let me do such a thing. He figured the mages would think me insane. Such dreams were a sign of lunacy, you know. But I just couldn't help it. I wanted to know what they meant; if something was going to happen to me. I've talked with Melvin about it hundreds of times, but he doesn't seem to think anything is wrong. I wished I could feel the same way.

"So...was it the smoke again?"

"Yes."

"The howl as well?"

"Yes."

Melvin had jumped back into his bed by now, but when I told him it was the same dream, he turned around to meet my sweaty face.

"I know I've said this just a few seconds ago, but you look awful, Erick."

My friend's ‘kind' words weren't doing me any good. I couldn't keep living like this. At that very moment I told Melvin I was going to talk with the local mage first thing in the morning. He got out of bed and stretched his arms into the air.

"Where you going?" I asked him.

"Taking a piss, if that's okay with you," he said playfully walking out the door, closing it gently behind him.

I was lucky to have a friend like Melvin. I remember the first time I met him here in this desolate snowy island of Solstheim. It was three years ago then, just shortly after I had arrived from the mainland. Melvin was always the smartellic type. He never let anyone tell him something he didn't want to hear, but he was always one to voice his own opinion.

And you know what; I almost feel grateful for getting sent here to Fort Frostmoth. Sure, I'd be much more comfortable back in Caldera, stealing ebony again. But what good would that do me? By coming here and working my tail off I've become a better man and a better human being. No more thieving for me; my life as a criminal was over the moment I set foot on this island. Since then it's been a lot of hard work, but at least I can say I now have control over myself.

But Melvin...well, he's different story. Though he's stopped his skooma addiction, he's also still a heavy drinker. Mazte is his favorite and I could almost bet you a hundred septims there's a couple bottles of it under his bed right now. But at least he can control when he drinks. It's not like he does it in broad daylight. No, he's way smarter than that. If you ask me it's his intelligence that's allowed him to survive so far. Everyone has their own personal attribute that compliments themselves. Melvin's is his charm and intelligence, and mine is...well I'm not quite sure just yet.

Captain Falx Carius seems to be respectful for my hard-working nature, but that has only gotten me the title of "Captain's Pet" from the other soldiers. Of course, none of us are really soldiers. Everyone knows Fort Frostmoth is where all the trouble makers go to spend the rest of their lives working for the Empire. It's not really that much work if you ask me; a little bit of construction, a little bit of mining, and some other minor chores.

The life of a prisoner isn't so bad I guess, but I can still can't help but wonder if there's something else out there for me. I realize that my life as an inmate is eternal, but still...I've got a feeling something's about to happen. Something big...but I just don't know what; nor if it's good or bad.

"You still awake?"

Melvin had walked into the room and flopped onto his bed. It was likely a little after midnight, and I had awoken my friend from his sleep for the third night in a row.

"I'm sorry, Melvin. I'll...I'll wait on speaking to the mage if you want me to."

"Yes, I'm glad to hear it, my friend. Do NOT tell them about your dreams, Erick. It will only lead to more problems. They'll lock you up in a cell, and before you know it they'll throw you out into the wild. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

No, that didn't sound like a good life to me. Perhaps my dreams would fade away?

"Don't worry, I'll keep quiet."

Only time would tell.....

This post has been edited by redsrock: Feb 7 2008, 05:11 AM

[redsrock]

CHAPTER EIGHT


Before we could even order our drinks lunch time was over. I had spent most of the break cleaning up the mess Bruno had made when he poured water on me. The entire time I could feel the stares and I could hear the snickers. These miners thought very low of me and my fellow inmates. I suppose I really shouldn’t be that surprised, but it was very depressing all the same. It was as if it were us against the world so-to-speak.

The three of us walked back to the mines and entered our room, where Madila was already shoveling rocks left and right. J’Dato and Teemee immediately went to work without uttering a single sound. It appeared that they were both feeling sorry for me at the moment, which in my eyes was both a good and bad thing.

I was happy that the two of them seemed to care about what was going on, but at the same time I didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for me. I’ve always been deemed that aspect of my life to be more important than anything. In my opinion, to be truly be independent you have to take your licks every now and then, and simply move on with life. That was easier said than done, but that’s just life I suppose.

We dug for the rest of the day, mostly spent in silence except for the occasional water break, and finally late in the evening he horn sounded and we left our room. I left as fast as I could so that I did not have to face Bruno. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t scared of him by any means, but I also didn’t believe I could stand up to him in person either. Maybe Melvin was right about my disability to stand up to myself. I can’t really help it; it’s just the way that I am. I never was standoffish with anyone, not since my days in the rebel army back in Vvardenfell. But that’s a story for another day…




When I arrived at the fort, Captain Falx was waiting at the entrance with his arms crossed, seemingly for me alone. After nearing him it appeared that my theory was right, and he immediately commanded me to meet him in his office, which was located in the actual castle part of the fort. Mind you it wasn’t a large castle, at least not compared to one’s I’ve seen elsewhere.
“Erick, I want you to clean yourself up quickly, and then when you’re finished I’d like to see you in my office. Falco is already waiting, and there are a lot of matters that need to be discussed. Hurry, please.”

The tone of his voice was rather puzzling. He sounded a bit angry, but I was having a difficult time of deciphering whether his anger was towards me, or rather at Melvin. I was of course leaner towards the latter, but I wasn’t too sure. I guess I’d find out soon.

Once I bathed and cleansed by body of all the dirt and soot, I dressed myself into a nice dark blue doublet. It was clothing that all prisoners were supposed to wear to formal events, but that was rarely an occurrence. Captain Falx had not suggested I wear something extravagant, but I figure it wouldn’t hurt. Of course I still wasn’t sure what I was being summoned for.

I left the barracks area and, after getting clearance from the two guards standing outside the castle, I entered the building and headed straight for Falx’s office, which was located up a flight of spiraling stairs. There I knocked on the Oakwood door and I heard a voice from inside yell “Come in”. It was the Captain’s voice, so I opened the door and walked into his room. Inside Falx was sitting at his desk, and Falco was sitting in front of him in chair. And beside him was none other than the demon himself…Bruno.

“Please, sit down, Erick.”

The Captain clearly saw the sneer coming from my face towards Bruno, and he obviously didn’t want me to cause a scene. So rather than say anything, I simply sat down and stared straight ahead at Captain Falx.

“I take it you know why you’ve been summoned? It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Not after what took place before work started this morning?” Falx’s eyes were glaring into mine with a look of disappointment and curiosity. “Where you with Melvin last night when he broke into Bruno’s house, Erick?”

I didn’t know what to say. Just as I was back when Melvin was taken away by Melvin this morning, I was both speechless and confused, frozen time once again. It appeared that I was caught as well. I probably shouldn’t be surprised. I should have realized it would only have been a matter of time until they found out that I knew what happened and didn’t tell anyone.

“Erick, where you with him last night?”

I took a gulp and a deep breath, then said, “Yes, sir, I was in the woods while he performed the act.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything?” His tone was now not only disappointed, but stern and angry as well. The curiosity was no longer there, for he now knew what I knew and didn’t tell.

“I…I don’t know, sir. I was just scared. When Melvin did what he did I was totally surprised. I just…”

“You were scared to get into trouble!” Falx said as he pounded his fist loudly upon his desk, causing me to jump. “You’ve disgraced the Imperial Legion, and now Bruno is filing charges against you and Melvin!”

“What? Why me? I didn’t do anything!” I screamed angrily, glaring at Bruno’s eyes, who were fixed on Falx and Falx alone.

“You were there while Melvin did it, Erick. I know this and you this. It matters not whether you took part in the crime. You were there and that’s all that needs to be known in order to find you guilty.”

“But…but I didn’t…”

Then Falco interrupted me. “Save the stuttering, Erick. You’re caught. I can’t even think why I let prisoners into my mine in the first place, but after talking with Flax I will allow you and the other four inmates to contiunue your work. You’re lucky I’m not having you arrested. We’ll save that for the Legion investigators…”

“Oh, don’t me that crap, Falco! You’ve let Bruno do what he wants because you’re scared oh him. You have no backbone whatsoever!”

“Enough! I simply can’t even begin to wonder why you would keep such information from us. Do you realize Bruno’s wife could have been killed my Melvin’s foolishness? That knife he used to cut her eyebrows could have easily slipped and shoved through her eye! Then we would have had a damn murder on our heads! That’s enough to execute both of you!”

Captain Falx was livid with fury. His body was shaking and he had thrown several books on the floor because of his frustration.

“You’re lucky you didn’t actually take part in the crime, Erick. I will not throw you in The Can like I have done to Melvin, but you are from here on our on extreme probation. Any mishap or run-in with trouble again and you will join Melvin. Do you understand me?” He asked, pointing a finger in my face.

“Y-yes, sir,” I stammered.

“Good, let’s keep it that way, shall we? The papers filed by Bruno will be sent to the mainland tomorrow. I expect a representative from the Empire to show up within two weeks. I have idea what will happen when he arrives, but I do know it won’t be good…for any of us. Now get to sleep!”

I got up from my chair, stole an angry look at Bruno and Falco, and then walked out the door, slamming it behind me. I marched straight through the fort and to my room, speaking to nobody on the way. I had never been this angry in my entire life. I was actually surprised that I had verbally attacked Falco, but I was also glad I had done so. He deserved every bit of it, plus I needed the boost of confidence that I was able to stand up for myself. I then decided that in the morning I would ask for Falx’s audience while I explain myself. I wasn’t sure he would allow it, but I figured the attempt was at least worth a try.

I must have fell asleep shortly after that, because the next thing I knew I was in one of my dreams once again. The same things happened, the battle commenced and again I was on the ground while the Nord was on top of me. The green dust came from its mouth, I closed me eyes, and then opened them to see the werewolf. I loud howl come from its mouth and this time I looked to my side. There I saw Melvin lying on the ground with a gruesome wound to his neck. Before I could do anything else I saw the werewolf snap down on my neck, and then everything went dark.

I woke up drenched with sweat, and screaming a bit as well. My body was shaking from what I saw in the dream, something I had never seen before: Melvin, my friend, lying on the floor in a thick pool of blood. Then, from over in the corner of the room, I heard a raspy old female voice.

“Easy, youngling, it’s only a nightmare.”

I jumped clear out of my bed from fear, and I immediately stood up and looked around the room. I couldn’t see anything because it was pitch-black, save for the small amount of moonlight coming from my tiny window.

“It is foolish for you to look for me, boy. You will not find me,” the raspy voice said playfully.

“You’re…you’re invisible?” I asked, perplexed by what was going on in my very own room. The person simply laughed at my question and suddenly I was lifted from the ground and placed onto my bed in a sitting position. I tried to move but my body wouldn’t budge. Then I tried to scream but nothing came from my mouth.

“Boy, I advise you to stop fidgeting or else you are going to tire yourself. I have put a spell on you, disallowing you to move or speak. I am here for a reason, and I will not let you ruin it because of your young foolishness. I will let you speak as long as you quiet your voice. Do you have an understanding?”

Apparently she partially lifted the spell, because I was able to nod, but alas the rest of my body was still seemingly frozen, and I was still unable to talk at all.

“Thank you, Erick. Now, let me explain myself. My name is not important, but what I am here for is. Tomorrow night will mark the beginning of a new age for your Imperial comrades here on Fort Frostmoth. You and a select few will find yourselves on a quest of many adventures, but I will not go into detail what is to come to you and your friends. I will give you this ring.”

A ring floated through the air and stopped at a rest to the right of lap.

“Do not show this ring to anyone or else it will evaporate into thin air, and your fate will be decided on how fast you can run sort-of speak. When the time comes you will know when to wear it. For now keep it in your pocket. Also, another bit of advice: When the time comes you will also be in search of a weapon. Do not be afraid to take up arms against the enemy. By wearing the ring you will know what to do. Trust me. Now, I am sorry for a quick exit, but I am afraid I must leave. However, I shall answer a few questions before my departure. But make them quick.”

Suddenly I found I was once again able to talk, and I went to work fast with my questions.

“Just who the hell of you and what the hell are you talking about?”

I heard a sigh come from the corner of the room. “Boy, I have told you all I will say. Doom is coming to the Imperials on this island, though some of you are being given the opportunity to save yourself, and possibly the Empire as a whole, from what is going to happen.”

“And just what is going to happen?” I asked.

“You will find out for yourself!” The voice said, getting a bit impatient as well.

“But why me?”

“I will visit you later on; do not worry my young, Erick. Everything will make sense in the future, my boy. I promise you that. For now, go back to sleep and await the future. That is all you can do. Also, I’ve put a curse on you and you will not be able to speak with anyone about what has just happened between you and I. If you try and talk about you will instead horribly insult whoever it is you are talking to. Now, I must leave. Good luck, Erick…”

I yelled at the voice to stay, but mysteriously the door to my room opened, and the closed seconds later. I was now alone in my room, still dazed and confused. What this old woman was talking about was totally out of my mind. I assumed she was a witch, but…I don’t know. What the hell was she talking about; the beginning of a new era, unless I was able to stop it? This was very confusing indeed. So then I simply went back to sleep, hoping it was all a dream of its own…