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]

There is A LOT of dialogue in this one, but I think it was definitely needed. Yes I realize there are still many questions to be answered, but they will have to wait for now.....


CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“I said tell me what is going on!” I repeated, trying to sound brave and angry, but I was more fearful than anything, and unfortunately the old lady could sense this.

“Oh, Erick, why are you attempting to sound like such a courageous warrior? Everyone knows that you are nothing but a lonely boy without his best friend, letting everyone step on you. Is that not the truth, Erick?”

This lady knew much more than I could have ever imagined. She has somehow cracked through my false mentality of being a tough-guy, and she knows me for my true self; which is a mere timid inmate trying to survive this frozen island.

“What are you…a witch?” I asked. I remembered the stories told to me as a child. I always thought they were wondrous tales filled with awe-striking fiction. These were always fables to me, and I never once they could have been true. But now I think I was wrong.

“Well, to be honest I don’t really enjoy that particular term, but yes, that is exactly what I am; though I am also something more as well. Ah, but enough about me. I must not tell you everything about myself just yet. That would ruin the fun…”

“Fun?”

“Yes, Erick, fun….like I’ve told you before in that letter, you are a pawn in something so incredible. You really should be appreciative that I’ve chosen you for the job.”

“Enough of these damn riddles! Just tell me what’s going on!”

The smile was erased from her wrinkly face. “Very well, child. Go ahead and ask your questions, and I will do my best to answer them. But I cannot promise all inquiries will be addressed.”

At last I was able to hush her playful antics and riddles. At last I was given the change to ask simple questions.

“First off…what is this ‘game’ you speak of? What exactly is your motive for everything that’s happening, and are you the source of everything that’s been taking place?”

“Child, that is three questions at once, but then again I’d also say that those questions all intertwine into one larger picture. And just so you don’t call me ‘witch’ anymore, please address me as Madila, for that is my true name after all. I am a loner of Solstheim, and I have been for quite some time. It just so happens that a curse was casted upon my body long ago. The curse forbids me from leaving this island for the rest of eternity, and to be frank, I don’t quite like the frigid cold of this island. I much prefer eastern Cyrodiil and its warm atmosphere. For all these years, which is more than I can count I’m afraid, I have marched through the tundra, patiently waiting for an individual skilled enough to complete the task that will set me free. I have finally found that person, and it is you, Erick.”

Okay…a little light had just been shed on what’s going on, but there were still hundreds of holes to be filled by more question-and-answering.

“If you’re from Cyrodiil then what were you doing here in Solstheim, and who put this curse on you? How exactly does it work?” I asked.

“Long ago I was fascinated with the evils of Castle Karstaag and what it contains. Rumor had it, that even though the palace had been desolate for sometime, there were still treasures and other items still resting and ready to be looted. The place was of course a danger to all who wish to travel through, but I went anyway.”

“So you were a simple dungeon dweller trying to find some expensive loot?” I interrupted.

“Child, if you want your questions answered, please try and refrain from interrupting me when I speak. That is most rude; I would think a gentleman such as your self would already know this.”

She said this with a lot of anger, and then continued.

“I was NOT a beggar looking for plunder…I was there searching for special indigents for a potion that I was planning on creating. When I entered the magnificent castle I searched around for a while, just marveling at how beautifully crafted it was. It is truly a piece of art, you know. But, I digress. I eventually ran into a mage with a long silver beard. He was an old man, and a Breton I believe. Anyway, he was a sweet little man, and I…well…I fell in love with him. We talked for hours about many things, and that’s when he told me what he was after. He was searching for the exact same thing I was! What a coincidence, huh?
“Well, one thing led to another and suddenly I found myself pairing up with the man in search for my ingredients. We made a deal to share whatever we found, and that was that. I didn’t really want to…but his charm was what hooked me in. When we found the ingredients we were immediately attacked by Frost Atronachs. They struck quickly and without hesitation. I grabbed the ingredients and ran, and while doing so the man I was with was somehow pinned to the ground by a fallen rock. He pleaded for me to save him, but my selfishness kicked in and I ran out of the castle without looking back. I thought I had seen the last of that man, but I was wrong….terribly wrong.”

Madila paused for a second and looked at the bloody floor below us, and then went back to her explanation for this mess.

“Two days later, in a cold cave north of the forest before Raven Rock was there, I was visited by a voice, something similar to what I have done to you, in fact. As soon as he started to speak I knew who it was, and I thought I was dreaming, nothing else. But then his body appeared and he threw me into rocky wall, and it hurt. I knew I wasn’t a dream. The man calls himself Lord Vero. The only thing I know is that he is a powerful age, one who is not prone to aging. Please do not ask me how this is possible, I myself am still trying to figure this out.
“But because of my bad deed he punished me by casting the spell upon me. He explained that he had ‘tested’ me because he was simply bored, and that the Frost Atronachs had been conjured by him! And now, here I am, wondering this island searching for someone who can end my suffering. And that person is you, Erick.”

“But how am I part in all of this?”

“Well, it evolves around my capturing of Melvin. You are the only inhabitant of this island who cares for someone. It isn’t just Melvin, but you cared for your mining partners as well. But I took Melvin because he is your best friend, a brother-figure even. I had to take what’s closest to you in order for things to pan out. I know you, Erick, and you will do anything to save Melvin.”

“What are you trying to say? Why didn’t you just go after some Nord or something?”

“Because my savior must be a foreigner to this island, and obviously the Nords are not. It appears that this whole thing has evolved from a sick game of Lord Vero, nothing else. I cannot explain it any further that that. You do want to save Melvin, don’t you?”

“Yes…of course I do. But I’m just so confused. Why the killing of everyone else and…the skinning…why did you skin them?” I asked sickly.

“That, Erick, was not my doing. That was performed by a creature of great power. Have you ever heard the story of the Udyrfrykte?”

I shook my head.

“This beast I speak of, it’s killed hundreds of men, and Lord Vero has ordered the killing of this creature as one of three tasks.”

“What do you mean by tasks?”

“It’s a long story, Erick, and I think I will wait until I tell you anything else. For now I will leave you and the Argonian. But listen to me…Travel to Lake Fjalding, and there you will find another letter placed on an odd looking stone on the eastern shores of the lake. In the letter I will explain everything about these…games…and your role in all of this. I am sorry I cannot talk more, but I must leave this place for now.”

I yelled after her, wanting to ask more, but before I could say anything she vanished in purple haze. Suddenly Teemee appeared from outside and asked, “Who are you yelling at, Erick?” But after seeing the bodies he left and vomited all over again.

I just stared at the bodies. Bruno, Captain Falx, even Falco…everyone was dead. Only Teemee and my self were left, and I really didn’t know what to think at the moment. Sure, Madila had answered many of my questions, but there were still countless more. It was frustrating when you knew so much, but at the same time you knew so little as well.

I walked outside and sat on a tree stump, staring out into the forest while waiting for Teemee to finish his business. This Lake Fjalding…I had never heard of the place. Apparently it was a lake, but where this body of water was I had no clue. Hopefully Teemee would know.

And so after he was finished puking I told him everything. After I was finished I don’t think he quite understood everything just yet, but neither did I.

“I will be leaving soon, Teemee. I can’t let Melvin suffer whatever pain he is going through right now. I don’t even know what is to come of myself, but I have to make to this lake. Do you know where it is?”

“It’s in the northeast I believe, southwest of the Skaal village of Thirsk.”

“Thank you. I’m going to gather up some supplies, and I’m to say this now: you do not have to come with me, Teemee. I understand if you do not want to come along, but I would rather you do. The journey will obviously be treacherous, and I would appreciate the help.

Teemee smiled and responded, “Of course I’ll come. And it’s not as if I have a choice. Where would I go, anyway? Besides, I always liked that smart-mouthed man. Ha! I won’t leave him out in the cold, if you know what I mean.”

I shook his claw, thankful that he was coming. “What do you suppose we bring with us, Erick?”

“Can you ride a horse?” I asked him.

“No, I’m afraid not.”

“Very well, we will travel on foot then. I say we grab several sacks and stuff them with plenty of food and some health potions, if there are any. He can carry our weapons by hand, and we should also grab some warmer clothing for the trip. These Imperial issued-clothes aren’t going to do the trick I’m afraid,” I said, pointing at the rips and holes in my old shirt and pants.

So we walked to the local General Goods Store and entered the shop. We packed all the bread and veggies we could find, along with some fruit as well. We took some wooden canteens of water, and Teemee grabbed some alcohol as well. Then we found some fur armor to wear, and thankfully there were even some health potions as well, but only five of them.

When everything was done I took one last look at the mine. So many bad memories and experience filled those dark caverns. Hopefully soon all would be explained and then perhaps it would all make sense. But of course that was probably some wishful thinking…..