Protected, no longer; Chapter 19

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    Chapter 19

     

    He was sitting with Ce’vale at the lake again. It was a great comfort to him. His cousin brought a sense of being safe and cared for. He wanted to cling to it when he had the chance. They were there to discuss about Ciel’nn leaving for a trip.

     

    “Are you sure of this?” Ce’vale asked in a soft tone.

     

    “Yes, how else will I get ingredients for new poisons? I’ll be fine.” Ciel’nn replied. “I hope you’re here when I get back. You mean so much to me, you know?” he added in a low tone.

     

    “I know, Ciel’nn. It’s just I’m part of the Morag Tong now and I won’t always be reachable. I want you to be safe.” Ce’vale said and hugged his cousin. “Promise me, you’ll come back in one piece.”

     

    Ciel’nn wrapped his arms around his cousin. “I’ll come back if you promise to be here.”

     

     

     

    They sat at the table when Sarade was telling them what had transpired at the Palace. It was apparent the Captain had misused his authority, and Jarl Ulfric had demoted him to the Prison for the time being for starting for a witch hunt and not scouting for Imperial activity. The Captain’s men were disbanded and relocated into the sterner officers’ squads.

     

    Rangalen had given the Jarl ‘the spy note’ that Ciel’nn had written at Morthal – The Jarl was surprised about it, and he had said that it will save his men from a few ambush points in the next few weeks. Ulfric was most thankful and had told his men to treat Ciel’nn as a valued friend to the Hold.

     

    “You’ll have the men’s gratitude, Ciel’nn. It means something” the Huntress smiled and she looked at the young warrior. “Will you be alright, Rangalen?”

     

    Rangalen put down his tankard. “I think so. It serves the man right” he said and he brought his hand to his chin as if to think of something.

     

    “A valued friend, huh? It doesn’t stop the corruption that is spreading hard amongst the men though” Ciel’nn replied before he drank the wine from a small goblet – it felt big and blocky in his hand. One day I’m going to find that chalice.

     

    “Well, that is true, but maybe in time they’ll see you’re no threat to them” Sarade nodded. “I need to get going. I hope to see you two soon.” She stepped closer to the Dunmer and gave him a hug. “Stay safe, alright. Rangalen should watch over you more closely.” she teased and prepared to leave.

     

    “Wait!” Rangalen stood up, “Do you know a man called Tellik?” he asked in a neutral tone.

     

    Ciel’nn looked up from his goblet and he felt the room was getting a bit frosty. How does she do that? He was still a bit warm from the hug she had given him.

     

    Sarade froze in her place and her smile vanished in a mere split-second. Her face turned cold as she stared at the young warrior. “How do you know his name?” Her tone was chilly and her eyes were bewildered as well as narrowed. “You should avoid him at all cost.”

     

    Rangalen bit his lower lip nervously. He had never seen the Huntress like this – nearly going feral just by her looks. It felt like she was seeing through his soul! Looking away was out of the question, so he said, “He saw us at Whiterun, and later when we’ve passed by Valtheim Towers. He asked if we’ve seen you.”

     

    “And he almost killed Rangalen, I may add.” Ciel’nn mentioned carefully as he expected the Huntress to turn to him and freeze him just by looking at him. His skin was already prickling. “That man has a wicked taste for elves.”

     

    Sarade let out an old Nordic curse that both men didn’t understand. She tried to think wisely what words she would say out next. Just hearing the man’s name made her blood boil. Kyne give me peace. But she was still feeling the uneasiness. “Damn!” she breathed and slammed her hands on the table. “I wish you’d not seen or had to fight him. He is a highly skilled fighter, and an outlaw thorough the Holds. He also travels with another man, Gaoru.” Sarade paused for moment.

     

    “Gaoru is dead.” Ciel’nn said, like it wasn’t a problem anymore, and he decided to drink more wine. All this dangerous man talk made him cold. Of course he had faced many dangerous men during his travels but this one he would gladly pass on.

     

    “Do you have any idea why he asked about you?” Rangalen asked as he finally sat back on his chair. He realized he had been lucky to survive from the fight, but he had Ciel’nn to thank for it. The situation would have gone worse, far worse, had he been alone. It was strange to see the Huntress so agitated by hearing about Tellik.

     

    “He asked about me so he can avoid me. He’s afraid of me.” Sarade revealed in a low tone. She turned her pale ice gray eyes to the young warrior. “You take good care of Ciel’nn. You avoid Tellik at all cost, and if you see him – even if it is as a glimpse, find the nearest scout on the field. Do not engage in a fight with him. Am I understood?” she asked in an urgent tone. “I will deal with him myself.”

     

    “I understand, Sarade. But what do we do if he comes at us first?” Rangalen asked with a frown.

     

    “Lure him to the nearest guards if you can. I have informed the Imperials about him, too. He’s dangerous, with or without his companion.” Sarade said, and she put her hand over the young warrior’s and she gazed into his eyes. “Rangalen, I have faith in you to keep Ciel’nn safe. Skyrim is spiraling down into the brink of chaos with the civil war and those armed bandits roaming around.” the huntress paused before she continued. “There’s more at work than you can see, but leave that to me.”

     

    Great! As if things weren’t already messed up. I wonder what she meant by those ‘more at work’ are Ciel’nn pondered this while he pushed a stray strand of his hair behind his ear. No doubt Rangalen will try his best to keep me safe and sound, but who will keep him safe? Should I try to kill Tellik when I get a chance? That N’wah… “We almost had him.” Ciel’nn said in a low and brooding tone.

     

    With a slight smile the Huntress gazed at the Dunmer. “You have angered him by killing his mate and wounding his eye. I still advise you to stay away from him – as far away as possible. His liking of elves is well known, and what I’ve heard of those elves he manages to capture… They don’t live long with him. So be careful and take care of each other. Now I need to go. There’s much to do.”

     

    “I will.” the young warrior promised.

     

    Sarade nodded and straightened her back before she turned around. Her gaze swept across the upper floor of Candlehearth Inn. “Herrun!” She called out for another ranger. “Summon the Rangers. It’s time.” With that she walked downstairs with Herrun at her heels.

     

    Rangalen took a deep breath and glanced at Ciel’nn. Things had taken a grimmer turn than he had expected. He felt he was too young for this chaotic war, but at the same time he craved for the battlefield. The safety of Ciel’nn was a serious matter when it came from the Huntress herself. The young warrior promised to himself he’d do his best and all within his power to protect the Dunmer, who he had grown to care more than he admitted. “Maybe we should stock up on the supplies next, but where do you want to go now?” he asked in as calm a tone as much was possible.

     

    Ciel’nn set down his ugly goblet and leaned on the table. “I want to find Tellik and stick a venom coated dagger in his chest.” He flashed a sinister smirk. Yes, that’d be fun to watch his squirms. The young warrior’s expression was something he hadn’t expected to see. “Calm down, Rangalen. I’m joking! I only want to kill him when I get a pure chance to get close to him, unnoticed.”

     

    But that didn’t calm down the young warrior at all. “No, Ciel’nn! I’ll do my best to keep you away from him. I don’t want to see you hurt. You know that” Rangalen said in a serious tone and he was quiet for a moment.

     

    The Dunmer kept his gaze on the young warrior. It was obvious that Rangalen would give his life to protect him, but frankly Ciel’nn wasn’t going to let it happen. ”And, I don’t want to see you sacrificing yourself for me, Nord.” Ciel’nn nearly snapped back. “Besides, your training isn’t finished. We need to find more people to train you, but perhaps we’ll stay another night here so you can read the book we’ve found. There may be someone to help.” He smiled warmly as he wanted to see the young warrior relax.

     

    “Alright. Let’s go buy supplies and ask people if they know anything about the Legends.” Rangalen replied. It was a better idea than the Dunmer’s joke about going after Tellik. The young warrior felt his chest was heavier as he was worried about everything that was happening. However, Ciel’nn was right about his training. He was nowhere near to finishing it and Rangalen wanted to learn more.

     

    After they had bought supplies and talked to a few people at the Market, the friends returned to the Inn for the rest of the evening. Rangalen was sitting on a chair and reading ‘Warrior’ aloud by Ciel’nn’s request.

     

    Ciel’nn loved it when someone was reading a book. It made it easier to fall asleep. He was leaning against the young warrior’s shoulder as he listened to the reading. Still, the thoughts of what Sarade had said earlier made him restless. Ciel’nn decided to make sure Rangalen would get his training completed. These are dreadful times and we must be prepared. I don’t want to see you die too soon. He shifted closer to the young warrior and he felt him putting his arm around him – as if to protect him.

     

     

    Back to ToC

Comments

10 Comments   |   Sotek and 7 others like this.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  March 18, 2018
    Nice to see Ulfric having someone's back for once. :D And Ciel likes to be read to, how cute!
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  February 24, 2018
    I'm relieved Ulfric had our heroes' backs, and that the bigoted soldiers got their comeuppance. Tellik looms like a dark cloud, though, and I hope Ciel'nn stays well clear of that. If it were me, I'd pretty much be doing what the Falkreath Huntress says. ...  more
  • The Sunflower Manual
    The Sunflower Manual   ·  November 17, 2017
    Maybe Rangalen would achieve better skill retention if he trained with one instructor for longer. He only stayed with Skawulf for a few days.
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  July 20, 2017
    Why do I have a feeling it just won't go the way they said? :)
  • HaggisHunter
    HaggisHunter   ·  July 17, 2017
    Ah Sarade <3
    If a guy like Tellik is afraid of her, she must be formidable indeed.
    Hope the guys heed her warning about him, but you know what like Ciel'nn is...;)
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      HaggisHunter
      HaggisHunter
      HaggisHunter
      Ah Sarade <3
      If a guy like Tellik is afraid of her, she must be formidable indeed.
      Hope the guys heed her warning about him, but you know what like Ciel'nn is...;)
        ·  July 18, 2017
      Thank you! Yes, indeed. *nod nod* :)
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  July 10, 2017
    Nice to see Sarade make an appearance. Things are getting more mysterious...
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      Nice to see Sarade make an appearance. Things are getting more mysterious...
        ·  July 18, 2017
      Thanks! I'm trying to keep that way. It's harder than it would seem. ^^
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  July 10, 2017
    Looking forwards to the next chapter. 
    Training will only go so far Warriors are tempered on experience. I've a feeling it's not too far away....
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Looking forwards to the next chapter. 
      Training will only go so far Warriors are tempered on experience. I've a feeling it's not too far away....
        ·  July 18, 2017
      Thanks for reading!  I agree about Warriors are tempered on experience. It's closer than it looks, or something. :)