The Saga of Torrin Options

[Jac]

I wrote this for a mod I'm working on and would like some feedback if possible. It's short because it was meant to be a single book, but I'll add to it if anybody thinks there should be more. For that, I would need ideas, though. Thanks.

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The sun beat down on us as the waves crashed against our ship. I stood on the deck next to Warrick as he stared out across the ocean with his good eye, the other long since scarred shut from an old wound. He stood with his arms crossed against his bare chest, his bald head glistening with sweat and sea spray.

He smiled as he turned to me and spoke in that booming voice of his: “Soon, boy. Soon we shall see Hammerfell, our new home! Those spineless Hiradirge cannot take that away from us. Your father will be proud!”

I nodded at his words, wiping the salt spray from my face and hair. I checked the long sword on my back, ensuring it was loose in its scabbard. I looked over the horizon, trying to catch a glimpse of our new home. I had heard stories of Hammerfell, of the Orsimer and other savage beasts that populated the land. A Ra’Gada had been called; we were to show those beasts what a Redguard was made of. I knew this was my only chance to prove to my father that I was ready to be a man like my brother.

Warrick smacked me on the back, laughing. “Snap out of it, boy! You’ll have plenty of time for reflection after the battle is won. Unsheathe your sword; it’s time for another drill.”

I unsheathed my sword and backed away from Warrick, watching his every move. He laughed as he drew a large claymore before raising it to a guard position, his face going blank. We circled each other, trying to find a weakness in the other’s guard. The rocking of the ship caused me to slip slightly, but I didn’t want Warrick to notice that I had yet to master fighting aboard a ship. His eye told me he had as he lunged for me. I barely got my shield up in time to deflect his blow, but his elbow caught me in the jaw as he slid past. Though the blow was not very hard, it still staggered me. I shook my head as I recovered. Warrick stared hard at me. “Remember, Torrin that your whole body can be a weapon, not just the piece of steel you hold in your hands. If I had wanted to, I could have knocked you out and gutted you like a fish.” He raised his sword into a guard position. “Again.”

I grunted as I shook off the pain and raised my sword, standing ready for his next assault. We sparred until the sun lowered under the horizon and the stars blanketed the sky. Warrick called for a halt and sheathed his weapon. “You did good, boy, we may just make a warrior out of you yet!” He laughed and slapped me on the back, pushing me towards my cabin. “Go get cleaned up, Torrin, you have a busy day tomorrow.” I nodded and mumbled a “yes, sir” before staggering to my cabin on legs that barely kept me upright. I quickly washed and undressed, sinking gratefully into a soft bed. Soon I knew no more as sleep overtook me.

The morning came too quickly as I awoke to the sound of Warrick banging on my door. The wood shook under the force of his fists as his muffled voice filled my cabin. “Torrin! Get up, Torrin! We’re almost to Hammerfell and you still have much to learn!” I sighed and quickly dressed. I opened to door to Warrick’s beaming face. “Ah, so the prodigal son decides to grace us with his presence, does he? Get something to eat, Torrin, and then meet me on deck before the sun moves an inch in the sky.”

[Jac]

“Yes, sir”

“That’s what I want to hear! Now get going.”

I smiled and shook my head as I made my way to the mess hall. I entered the hall and found a quiet spot to eat. As I gathered up my dishes to leave, I heard Warrick’s booming voice. “Where is that boy? Ah, there you are! I hope you weren’t planning on trying to miss our sparring session.”

“No, sir, I was just getting ready to begin them.”

“Good, good. Finish cleaning up and we’ll get started.”

“Yes, sir.”

I put the dishes away and followed the big man up to the deck. He walked to the far side of the sparring circle and faced me. “Begin.”

I nodded as I pulled my sword free and raised it to a guard position, my shield ready.

We sparred again until the sun set and Warrick called for a halt. “You’re getting better, Torrin. Remember to keep your shield up and watch your opponent’s eyes and not his body. We’ll reach Hammerfell tomorrow and you’ll need to be ready. Stay close to me and I’ll protect you as I can.”

“You don’t have to do that, Warrick, I am a war-“

“Nonsense! Your father would never forgive me if I let something happen to you. Stay close, boy, and don’t do anything foolish. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

Warrick smiled gently. “I’m not trying to berate you, Torrin, but you have to remember who you are and what you mean to your father. What you mean to your people. It’s a great responsibility, but I have faith in you.”

I grinned. “I understand, Warrick, thank you.”

“Good, now go get some rest.”

I nodded and returned to my cabin, grateful for the night’s rest. I awoke to the shouts of the crow’s nest. Land had been spotted. I quickly dressed and donned my armor, ensuring that every strap was tight, but that I could still move freely. I stepped onto the deck alongside the other warriors and watched as Hammerfell came into view.

Warrick stood on the deck, his hands resting on the hilt of his claymore standing in front of him. “A lovely place, isn’t it, boy? Soon it shall be ours.”

I nodded as I loosed my sword in its scabbard and checked my shield. Warrick cupped my chin in one of his large hands and stared straight at me. “Remember, Torrin, don’t do anything stupid. Always be aware of what’s happening around you and don’t try to be a hero. The other warriors fight for you. I fight for you. You fight for something greater. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t, Warrick. I promise I’ll be careful and stay close.”

“Good, see that you do.”

He spoke no more as the ship and the rest of the fleet approached Hammerfell. As we closed in on the beach, an army of Orcs rose from their hiding places and showered a barrage of arrows on us. We dropped to deck as the arrows flew overhead, most bouncing harmlessly off of our armor. Screams told me that a few hit their mark. I hoped that there weren’t many wounded, but my attention was taken by bump that signaled our landing. I jumped to my feet and drew my sword, following Warrick and the other warriors over the railing and onto the beach. The Orc archers unleashed another volley before dropping their bows and unsheathing their long swords. We slammed into them, the war cries of my country men drowning out those of our enemies. I fought with a ferocity I barely knew I had. All of Warrick’s teachings came back to me as I cut into the archers. I barely heard Warrick as he laughed and jested, asking me how many foes I had felled. The Orcs provided little resistance and we quickly gained ground. That abruptly changed as the lightly armored Orcs retreated, making way for the more heavily armored reinforcements. The sun glittered off of their armor, nightmarish creations that struck fear into the weak hearted. I heard my fellow warriors laugh at the Orcs and taunt them. I joined in as the new foes charged at us, and braced for their impact. I felt a strong hand pull me back as Warrick stepped in front of me. “Stay behind me, boy!” I watched impatiently as he engaged an Orc warrior. I looked for an opening to strike the Orc and as I saw it, I was knocked forward by a sharp blow to the back of my head. I stumbled and dropped to my knees before falling on the ground. I rolled over quickly and stared at the grinning face of an Orc holding a mace high, ready to strike. The Orc’s smile turned to surprise as three feet of steal suddenly sprung from his chest. The body fell to the side as Warrick pulled free his sword. He stared at me before reaching down and pulling me up. “Boy, I told you to be careful. I may not be there next time to save you.”

I avoided his eyes as I stood up and dusted myself off. “I understand, Warrick.”

“Good. You just stay here with me, your highness. I think one bump to your head is more than enough. Besides, our warriors almost have the beach.”

I looked across the beach and saw my warriors routing the Orcs and smiled. My father will be proud of us this day. We will soon have all of Hammerfell!