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]

This chapter leads up to a more exciting one. I hope you enjoy this one as well, though.


CHAPTER NINE


At last I was able back a sleep, and the next time I woke up a small ray of sunlight was shining through my window. I even heard some birds chirping as well, and on any other day to me this would be a sign of a good day, but today wasn’t like any other. Today was supposedly the end of this era and the beginning of a new one, or at least according to that old woman I heard last night.

But then again I suppose I shouldn’t be describing your appearance as of yet. I only heard her voice. It sounded like an elderly lady, most likely a witch, but I was for sure. Judging by her accent last night I would guess she was a Nord, but her tone wasn’t as strong as any of the Nords I’ve ever seen, so I wasn’t too sure about her race either. Only time would tell.

Thankfully when I walked out into the hallway everyone else was still sound asleep in their bunks, which meant the morning was still early. So I dressed myself into some simply clothing and exited the barracks area. Outside, just like every morning before work started, Captain Falx was about to leave for his morning walk. He was almost out into the forest but I called for him loudly.

He put a finger up to his mouth so I wouldn’t yell anymore, and then he waited for me to catch up. “What is it, Erick?”

“Sir, may I have a word with you concerning Falco?”

He stared at me for several seconds, as if deciding on whether to give me a chance to speak or not. “Very, well. Walk with me. We will speak once we get to the pond.”

We left the castle area and headed down the usual walking path. A light snow shower must have fallen through the night, for the ground was rather moist with water and what was left of the snow. I wasn’t really expecting to take a walk with the Captain, and because of that I was not wearing a coat. I was chilled to the bone by the Solstheim weather, but I couldn’t let it get to me. This could perhaps be my only chance to say what I have to say.

When we finally reached the pond Captain Falx sat upon a large stone, one that was under a tree and dry from the wetness. I sat on one as well beside him, and that’s when our conversation started.

“What is it that you have to tell me, Erick? You should make it quick, because the other inmates will be waking soon.”

I cleared my throat and began. “Sir, there’s something you need to know about Falco and Bruno,” I said calmly, without shouting or getting angry.

“What’s that?”

“Bruno is a brute of a bully, and Falco is scared to death of him and his gang. Bruno has been causing us much trouble since the first day. I know what Melvin did was wrong and everything, but Bruno hasn’t exactly been an angel himself…”

Falx chuckled a bit. “Yes, I figured as much, Erick. Bruno seems like that kind of sort. But unfortunately there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, who’s to say that you aren’t simply lying to me, in an attempt to free Melvin from The Can?”

“But I’m not and you know it!”

“True, but the investigators are obviously going to side with someone who isn’t an inmate. No matter what you say, it’s word as an inmate against Bruno who is not.”

“You’re not even going to try and defend us?”

“And make myself look bad? No, of course not…”

It all made sense now. All this time I really thought Captain Falx cared about me, and thought I was good leader and someone he could count on. But it was all a mirage in my own eyes. He only wanted me to be a good inmate so I don’t make him look bad. I couldn’t believe it.

“Oh, I get it now. You don’t care about us inmates, only your own image. Is that it?”

“You hit the hammer right on the nail.”

“That’s not fair…”

“LIFE isn’t fair, Erick! The sooner you realize that the better.”

Falx got up from his stone and started walking back to the fort. I sat there for several seconds until he said to me, “You don’t by in life my taking sides for what is right, you know. You get by being a dirty person, one who will do whatever it takes to stay at the top. How else do you think I got to where I am now, eh?”

“Oh yes, you’re at a fine position: Captain of a bunch of low-life inmates on a frozen wasteland. That sounds like a grand job,” I said sarcastically, while walking past Falx and heading back to the fort on my own.

All of the inmates had taken their showers and were ready to go to work by the time I arrived. We waited for only a couple of minutes before Falx showed, looking a bit agitated by our little discussion. I’m sure he wasn’t too happy about my smartellic mouth, but to be honest, I really didn’t care anymore. No more being a nice guy and sucking up to him whenever he said something nice. From here on out Erick was going to be a changed man, one that wasn’t going to anyone walk on him…


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


I made it to the Raven Rock mine a little late for some reason, as the miners and my fellow inmates were already working. I really don’t have an excuse for arriving late, other than I had gone to my bunk room to grab a coat in order to warm up before work. And when I reached the Imperial settlement Falco had of course noticed my late arrival.

“Where’ve you been, Erick? The horn sounded five minutes ago.”

I ignored his question and simply walked past him. He didn’t like that one bit. I felt a hand on my shoulder and then I was forcefully turned around.

“I asked you a question,” he said sternly. I glared into his eyes with pure hatred, and then I muttered, “I had to grab my coat.”

I tried to leave but his grip held me in position from going anywhere. “You don’t get any special privileges. Get to work and don’t be late again or else I’ll have to report you to Captain Falx.”

He let go of my shoulder, and as I walked away I yelled behind me, “I would report to you whenever Bruno starts trouble, but then again…you’d probably start shaking in your boots at the sounds of his name. We all know how much fear he puts into you…”

I heard the rustling of snow behind me, and I realized Falco was running towards me. Again I was turned around forcefully, and this time I was thrown into the building wall as well. Falco used his broad shoulders and arms to hold me in place. I was surprised at how strong he was.

“Listen here, you’re not going to talk to me like that. I am the boss around here, not you. I call the shots, I make the rules, and I decide who is right and who is wrong! You better watch yourself, Erick, or else your attitude is going to get the best of you…if you catch my drift.”

He let go of me and then shoved me towards the door. “Now get to work.”

Teemee, J’Dato and Madila were already digging when I finally arrived, and none of them said anything to me about being late. I didn’t really expect Madila to anyway, but I was a bit surprised that the lizard and the cat were able to hold their tongue. Although it was Teemee that said he was going to watch what he said.

We dug until lunch time, and even then I stayed and continued my digging. Madila exited the mines with no emotion as usual, but Teemee and J’Dato both gave me surprised and confused looks. But when I did not look up from my work they simply shrugged their shoulders and left for lunch.

The whole day I had not spoken a word to anyone, and today I have been working harder than ever. I don’t know why; I guess it’s because mining is the only thing I have left. I don’t have a friend like Melvin to talk to anymore, and now life seems so useless. Falx never told me how long Melvin was going to be in The Can, but I had a bad feeling it was going to be until the investigators arrive.

When the others came back from break we continued our work, and at the end of the day I had dug up twenty-five ores alone. Everyone was very impressed by my work, and even a couple of Raven Rock inhabitants noticed my job. A few of them came in and whispered between one another and then yelled for Falco. He strutted in, looked at all the ebony, and said, “Good job.”

It wasn’t a real ‘good job’, just something to say so he wouldn’t look like a jerk. I didn’t care either way, and I responded to his comment with a simple, “Don’t mention it.”


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


Snow had begun to fall on my way back to Fort Frostmoth. I did not walk with Madila, J’Dato or Teemee, because honestly I didn’t feel like talking to anyone, and everyone knows how they like to talk, except for Madila of course. Right now I just wanted to be alone, to ponder the recent events, even though it’s all I’ve been thinking about all day.

Melvin was probably a mess right now, all alone and angry. I’d have to pay him a visit before going to sleep if the guards let me. But what would he say to me? Hell, what would I say to him? I was afraid he’d me mad at me for not getting him out of The Can, but the truth is that I’ve done everything in my power to free him from that dreaded cell. What he did to Bruno’s wife was certainly questionable, and because of it’s severity that is why Melvin is in The Can.

And the weird part is that despite my anger towards Falco, Bruno and Falx, I am still not surprised at their decision. In fact, if it wasn’t for Bruno being a total jerk I would support their decision. But that is not the case at all, and Bruno is in fact a bully. I tried to lobby for Melvin’s release by telling Falx Bruno’s actions have been just as bad as Bruno’s, but of course that didn’t turn out how I had originally hoped it would. Instead I was shunned away by my own commanding officer.

When I arrived at Fort Frostmoth it appeared that I was the first to get there. Of course I shouldn’t be surprised; after all I had shot out of the mine faster than you can say ‘Falx is a traitor’.

So I went straight for the dungeon and right to the entrance of The Can. As usual there was an official Legion soldier sitting at a desk with a large ring of keys. And unlike many soldiers I had ran into in Vvardenfell, this on was neither drunk nor sleeping. It made sense because The Can was reserved for foulest of inmates. But that’s kind of ironic because Melvin doesn’t fit that description at all.

“I’m here to visit the inmate, Melvin,” I said to the soldier.

He looked me up and down, and then said, “You know inmates aren’t allowed to visit fellow inmates, right?”

“Yes, I know that, but I swear I won’t cause any trouble. Melvin is my friend. I just need to speak to him for a few minutes.”

He sighed heavily and responded, “Alright, alright, just hurry up. I shouldn’t be doing this you know,” he said as he unlocked the door with a large golden key.

“Thanks,” I commented as I walked quickly through the door and into the cold cell area.

In the actual cell Melvin was lying face up on the cold stone floor. It appeared that he was asleep but once he heard my footsteps he turned his head and squinted in my direction.

“Erick, is that you, bud?”

I smiled at the friendly welcome, for I knew he wasn’t mad at me after all. It was a huge relief of course, because I had been very afraid that he was going to blame me for what happened. Why he would do that makes no sense, I realize that, but the feeling was there until now.

“Yeah, it’s me. Sorry I didn’t come sooner, but everything is so confusing right now. I’ve been trying to get you out of here, but with no prevail I’m afraid.”

“Not a problem, I understand. I’m sure you did all you could, but Falx is stuck so far up his own butt he doesn’t even see how stupid and ignorant he is.”

We continued to talk a little bit about Bruno, Falx and Falco, and about how things were going to pan out in the coming weeks. Melvin firmly believed that the investigators were going to find him guilty, and possibly send him to a larger dungeon in the Imperial capitol of Cyrodiil. I didn’t really want to think about that, but then again it’s highly likely. After all, there are not a lot of other places to go after Fort Frostmoth.

And then I mentioned the old lady from last night, and I expected Melvin to gasp in surprise, but that is not all what happened. Instead he laughed loudly. “Erick, don’t you get it? It was a dream!”

“No, Melvin, it was real, I swear it was!”

And then something bad happened. I tried to talk about the ring I was given, forgetting about he curse that was put on me.

“If you weren’t so bent on keeping your tough-guy attitude then you wouldn’t even be here!”

I didn’t mean to say it of course, but the curse forced me to. It definitely caught Melvin by surprise.

“I’m so sorry, Melvin. I didn’t mean to say that. I really didn’t…”

He just looked at me and said, “No, you did mean it. It’s okay though, I’ve been doing some thinking ever since I was put in here. Once I get out, if I ever do that is, I’m going to calm myself down and act more like you I think.”

That was very ironic since I had already decided to act like Melvin. Thankfully he did not take my comment too seriously.

“Listen…I have to go. Take care of yourself, Melvin. Be careful tonight…something awful is going to happen.”

I started to walk out the door when I remembered Winona, Melvin’s girlfriend. “What about Winona? Do you want me to write to her and explain what’s happened?”

“No, luckily Falx is letting me write to her anyway.”

“Ok, well…remember what I said, Melvin. Be ready…”

He simply snickered at the comment as I walked out the door.