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 FOURTEEN


No...What have I done? This blood…this blood…this…

“Wake up, Erick, you’re screaming!”

My body was being violently shaken from someone, and as I heard their voice I recognized the tone, and it was of course Teemee. But who else could it have been anyhow. We were in a cave far from the past and one step closer to an unknown future.

“What was I screaming, Teemee?” I asked while ruffling through my medium length brow hair, trying my hardest to knock the sleepiness from me.

“You were yelling about blood. You kept repeating ‘the blood!’ ‘the blood!’, nothing else. It didn’t have anything to do with your other nightmares, did it?”

I shook my head slowly, for I could feel an extremely painful headache coming on. “No, that dream was different. This one…I fear is forcing my past onto me. It’s best not to talk about it now, though.”

“You mean the reason you’re an inmate in the first place?” Teemee asked.

“Yes…”

“It’s not something you want to talk about, is it?”

“Well, to be honest I was going to spill it all out to this morning because it’s been bugging me right now, bit I can feel a splitting headache coming on, and when that happens I really won’t want to talk at all.”

“So are we to wait out the day for his aching to clear, or shall we travel in silence?”

I had to think about this one for several seconds, because after looking outside it was already high morning time and the sun was shining in the sky. I thought it was still early, but apparently I was wrong.

“I guess we’ll head out now. I thought it w as earlier than it really is.”

“Are you sure about that? I don’t want you to be in a grumpy mood throughout the trip,” Teemee smiled.

“I’ll be fine. Beside, the longer we wait the better chance we have been attacked.”

“Attacked by whom?” Teemee asked curiously.

“The Udyrfrykte. Have you heard of it?”

Teemee dropped his sack to the ground and backed all the way into the opposing wall. “You didn’t tell me we’d be going up against that beast!” He said with great fear.

“I told you the journey was going to be dangerous, Teemee. I suppose I should have told you the specifics, and besides…I don’t even know if we are for sure fighting against it. Madila only mentioned the name, and that it was that creature that caused the skinning.”

“So…this witch is really Madila?” Teemee asked looking very confused. When we had traveled Raven Rock to this cave, which had only been five miles, I had said little to Teemee about what was happening for I was trying to figure it out myself.

“I’ll explain more while we march towards the lake. I’m afraid it will never be clear, but I’ll do my best.”


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


“So let me get this straight. We are essentially running around playing games for a witch who is under a curse that was given to her by an angry mage who had given her a test as well?”

“I told you it was confusing, but yes, I believe that’s it. The mage played a game with her, and she playing one with us as well.”

“More like with just you, Erick. If what you say is true Madila stops time just to speak with you alone. Obviously she doesn’t have any plans for me.”

Teemee was probably right in that assumption, though I didn’t want to admit it. I was thankful enough that he was even traveling with me in the first place, and I wasn’t about to make it seem as if he was being given the cold shoulder.

“And what I can’t believe even more is that Madila was the witch the entire time, but then again I guess it makes sense in a way,” the Argonian said.

Oh, yes, it made perfect sense. It’s why I never saw her leave or come anywhere. I always had the funny impression that she just disappeared after work, and it seems that’s what actually happened. Come to think of it, I can’t remember once seeing her at Fort Frostmoth…not one single time! I felt a little stupid now because of the game she played with me and the others, though I have to admit it was very clever.

And now I was playing her game, just as Teemee had already mentioned. And if I won this game it would be a win for all three of us. Teemee and I would get our friend Melvin back, and Madila’s curse would be lifted and she would be free her long-tenured torment.

But what made me wonder more than anything else was how long Teemee was going to keep up with all of this. How long was he really going to stay with me during the conflict? I honestly didn’t know, and even if I don’t want to feel this way, I have a feeling he won’t last long; and there are two scenarios I am talking about.

One, he will die before this is all over. Teemee isn’t the strongest of beings I’ve met in my life, though is a bit talented with a spear, so I will give him that. I’m just worried about what will happen when we face the Udyrfrykte. Judging by Teemee’s reaction, we were in for one hell of a fight. I’m not sure if Teemee will survive this struggle.

And the other scenario I see is, and the most likely one as well, is Teemee chickening out and leaving me to fend for myself. I cannot say I would blame him for doing so, but at the same time I would of course be very angry. Like I already said, this in my opinion has the greatest chance of happening, and that’s why I’ll have to keep a close eye on Teemee throughout the entire journey.

Talking about Teemee dying has gotten me to think about myself as well. I say the Argonian might not make it through this dangerous ordeal, but then again I don’t even know if I will either. It sure helps having this magical ring on my finger. I wish I would have asked more questions about the ring when I spoke with Madila back in Raven Rock.

“How much longer do you think we have to go, Teemee?”

“Beats me. I don’t know the lake’s exact location; only that it is southwest of Thirsk, and I do know where that is. Besides, the lake is rather large from what I’ve heard; it will surely be hard to miss.”

“Yes, I just hope we get this over with as soon as possible. I’m afraid to see what’s on that list. It is likely that we will have to slay the Udyrfrykte, I won’t pretend it’s not, but Madila also mentioned there are two other tasks as well; though she didn’t go into detail about either of them, so they are a mystery to me.”

“I imagine they’ll be challenging. Apparently Madila gets her kicks at watching people suffer,” Teemee offered. I both agreed and disagreed with that however.

“I don’t know. I can’t seem them being too difficult. This is her life we’re talking about after all. If we are to fail, then I doubt she’ll find anyone else to take our place any time soon. She has eliminated in essence the entire Legion presence, you know.”

“You’ve got a point, Erick. I didn’t think of that. Now that you mention it maybe the tasks won’t be that hard. At least I hope not. The slaying of the Udyrfrykte sounds risky and scary enough.”

We traveled for another five hours or so before arriving at a place lit by many torches. Upon nearing the light we realized it was a large lake, and likely that of Lake Fjalding, our destination. It was nighttime by now, and the torches were obviously lit so we would not unknowingly fall into the chilly waters, which surprisingly weren’t frozen.

“I suppose we’re hear,” Teemee said out loud, but with a little bit of fear in his voice. The torches were slightly creepy now that I think about it. It’s definitely not something I was expecting to see.

I walked over to the eastern shores of the lake, and just like Madila said there would be, a letter had been placed to an odd shaped rock. How the paper was staying still through the wind I have no clue, but I picked up the parchment and read it aloud for Teemee to hear as well.

Congratulations, Erick, you have found the letter. Though I am no surprised you found it, I still want to give your due credit. Besides, you’ll need the confidence for your first task. I just hope Teemee is with you as help, because believe me; you’re going to need it. The following is a description of your first test. I see no reason to explain the other two tasks, so I will wait until a later time to inform you of those.

For your first task you will be forced to go toe to claw with the ferocious Udyrfrykte. This should not surprise you however, for I had already mentioned the creature several times back at Raven Rock. Throughout my journeys through this frozen island I have ran into many unique creatures, but all pale in comparison with the Udyrfrykte. But, Lord Vero wishes for the beast to die, for reasons he has not explained. You see, all of these tasks are based on what Lord Vero wants. Also it was he who set free the Udyrfrykte and it is Lord Vero’s fault that all were killed at Raven Rock.

In order to learn the location of this beast’s lair, travel to Thirsk and talk with the Nords. Despite their uncivilized ways, they know more about the Udyrfrykte than anyone else, for they have had many first-hand experiences with the monster.

Good luck, Erick. I hope to see you soon.

“So…to Thirsk we go?” Teemee asked without hesitation once I was finished reading, and had placed the letter into my sack.

“No…I think we should find a cave and rest for the night. I don’t know about you, but waking up the Nords doesn’t sound like an intelligent decision to me.”

“Hah! I’d say you’re correct in that belief, Erick. Besides, my scales are shivering to the bone. I’m getting tired of this damned weather; it gets colder every day!”

This post has been edited by redsrock: Mar 28 2008, 03:24 AM