Protected, no longer; Chapter 4

  • Chapter 4

     

    He returned home with a basket of herbs, and noticed his guar was missing. “Where is he?” He wondered. Ciel’nn put the basket near the door, and began to search for his pet around the house, and from the nearby woods.

     

    A slight panic started drumming in his chest when he didn’t find the guar. Returning to the front yard, Ciel’nn pondered – it couldn’t run away because it was trained. So where is it?

     

    Just then, a strange sound came from the barn, and Ciel’nn decided to investigate it. Could his guar be inside the barn?

     

    He approached the barn entrance, and peeked in. His eyes widened, and opened his mouth to scream. Before him was his guar lying on the ground, lifeless.

     

    “What have you done?!” Ciel’nn cried out. For a moment he wasn’t afraid of Maltrys. The young Dunmer stared at the Elder in defiance.

     

    Maltrys flashed a sinister grin, “You should be with your mother, whelp!” The Elder Dunmer stepped over the dead guar to reach the boy.

     

    Ciel’nn stared at his baby guar that was given by his cousin, Ce’vale – for this tenth birthday gift, and now it was gone. Wasn’t it enough that Maltrys was mean to him by other means, and now he had killed his guar… his baby guar. Wasn’t nothing enough?

     

    Slowly, his fear started to shift into something else.

     


     

    Ciel’nn took another bite of his bread that was filled with honey, and he eyed the Inn. It seemed to be calm morning at Rorikstead. Opposite him sat the young Nord warrior eating fried pheasant breast – he had two of them, and a bottle of mead. Nords, always had their mead with whatever they eat, he thought. “I wish I had at least two bottles of Sujamma. He needed a change for a drink.” Ciel’nn sighed deeply, frowning at his mug of water.

     

    The young warrior glanced at him across the wooden table. “That might be difficult, but we could look for it.” Rangalen spoke as he chewed his food. Honestly, he had no idea where to look for starters. He was about say something, when the Inn Door was abruptly opened.

     

    “They have taken her! My poor Elissan!” A man in his forties was showing great distress, and looking for help. “Someone needs to go after them, and rescue my daughter!” He pleaded to the patrons.

     

    “Calm down, Heddsen.” The Inn Keeper spoke, “I’m sure someone will be able to help. Maybe the guards can?”

     

    “Bah, the guards…” Heddsen grunted.

     

    Ciel’nn frowned at the news, and he stared at the Nord who ignored his food, and got up from the bench. “Where are you…?” He asked munching the last bits of bread as he watched his friend walking towards the older Nord. Oh no…

     

    “Greetings, Heddsen. I am Rangalen Mistgaze. I’m with my friend here, and we are willing to go after the bandits.” The young warrior introduced himself, and hoped to get going soon. However, Heddsen eyed him from toe to head, and frowned.

     

    “Boy, you do look inexperienced – can you use that sword of yours properly? Are you strong enough to save my daughter? Hmm?” The man’s voice was testing as he eyed Rangalen in front of him.

     

    “I…hmm…” The young warrior stammered. It wasn’t the response he had expected, and he lowered his gaze in shame.

     

    By Azura! Ciel’nn slammed his hand on his face with a soft grunt as a part of his hair fell on his face. He knew the Nord was somewhat inexperienced, but wanting to go to a fight straight ahead wasn’t a good thing. The Dunmer thought he would have to help the young warrior, so they got to go somewhere. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” With a rough mutter, he stood up off the bench, and marched beside his friend.

     

    “Sera, Heddsen, forgive my friend’s inexperience for prowess. We are capable– “

     

    “What’s this now? A dark elf? My daughter needs help, and this is all that I get? Gods, help me!” Heddsen bemoaned, his brow risen.

     

    The Dunmer bit his lower lip gently, as he tried remain calm – what’s wrong with these Nords? Did they expect some legend come to help? Ciel’nn didn’t see anyone else volunteering, but something had to be done, and soon! “We will get your daughter back. Where is the bandit camp?” He asked despite the man not believing they could help.

     

    “It’s to the west hills.” The Innkeeper replied quickly, before Heddsen got a word in. “Good luck!” Heddsen grumbled his acceptance as he walked over a bench, and watched the two leaving the Inn. “Where are the Legends when you need them?”

     

    Coming out of the Inn, Ciel’nn noticed that it would start to rain at any minute – by looks of the sky. It didn’t bother him though. “Hurry up, Nord.” He urged the young warrior. The Dunmer wanted to get to the bandits before something terrible would happen to the girl.

     

    As they passed the farms, this case reminded him of Celani – his close friend, and they would have been a pair if there had been more time, and if he hadn’t screwed up. Ciel’nn gritted his teeth together as the stinging memory came back to him vividly. That he didn’t need right now. He tried to shake the memories away – too many bad ones. There was still the matter of why the memories that had been so long dormant had stirred up. Instead of mourning he decided that the bandits would pay – every one of them.

     

    “Are you alright, Ciel’nn?” Rangalen asked in a concerned tone. “I think we’re closing in to the camp.” The young warrior was still looking at the Dunmer, slightly frowning. He wondered if he could get the mer talking – clearly his friend was in distress. They still needed to prepare to fight the unworthy bandits, soon.

     

    “I’m alright. I don’t want to talk about it.” The Dunmer replied in an anxious tone, and drawing his blades out of their scabbards. “Let’s just deal with the bandits, and save the girl.” He glanced at the young warrior. “They don’t take you seriously, and maybe you should kill several trolls.” Seeing as Rangalen wanted to know something about what happened at the Inn,” No, don’t say it – I know how the Nords treat my kind, but I’m used to it by now. I think.” Three years in Skyrim, and you’d think you’re used to it…

     

    They approached the camp, and noticed it was difficult to get close unnoticed. Rangalen pondered their situation, and looked at the mer. “I think you sneak in, and see how many there are. If you think you can take care of a few on your own…” He had no doubts that Ciel’nn wouldn’t be able kill a few before he would follow him in.

     

    “Smart thinking, Rangalen.” Ciel’nn smirked briefly, “I was going to suggest the same. Wait for my signal.” With that, he left the young warrior in the cover spot. For the longest of times, the Dunmer felt the excitement he had missed that the assassinations brought. The bigger the target, the bigger was the thrill – speaking of targets, Ciel’nn caught a sight of the immediate area of the camp. There was a big camp fire burning in the middle of the camp – his eyes shifted around the camp – four bandits guarding and the cave where the leader, and the girl were probably. He didn’t see other buildings or structures unless there was a hidden trapdoor somewhere.

     

    He kept an eye on the others as crept onto his first target. He reached out with his poisoned dagger, a bit closer, and slashed the unaware bandit’s throat open. Only a small grunt escaped the dry lips as the bandit fell lifeless on the ground. Ciel’nn soft rolled away into a shadow before he was spotted – the three other bandits had taken notice of their fallen mate a moment later.

     

    “Search the camp, boys!” The dark haired bandit shouted. “Someone has come to rescue the girl.” He sneered, his eyes searching the place. The other two bandits began to look about nervously.

     

    “Maybe you are jumping at shadows, Ignar.” Rolffer spoke as he didn’t see anything that could threaten them.

     

    Ignar shot him a scowling look. “Thoner wouldn’t have fallen dead on his own. Search!”

     

    Hiding in the shadow of a two barrels of mead, Ciel’nn waited patiently his heart racing until the bandit who hadn’t spoken yet, came closer to him. The bandit reached the barrels – he lunged his dagger at the bandit’s throat, then slashed his sword at the leg. Softly rolling away, he stood up with blades ready.

     

    The bandit began to scream in searing agony, as the poison began to spread in his body as he tried to hold his throat. His screaming ceased fast in to incoherent gurgling, falling on his side on the ground, shaking uncontrollably – he was dying. He wouldn’t have much time before his body would fail him, and slowly pass away.

     

    The screams, and watching how his targets die when he had time for it, made Ciel’nn feel oddly calm. If he would have become like his father, he’d smile darkly – that he didn’t want.

     

    Ignar, and Rolffer shouted in anger, and charged towards the Dunmer who flashed a taunting smirk at them. They were determined to kill this little dark elf for bringing havoc in their peaceful camp. It wouldn’t be long before the boss would come out, and finish everything, or so they hoped.

     

    Rangalen had heard the scream, and shouts and rushed into the camp. Seeing the two bandits closing towards his friend he dashed towards Ignar who was about to slash at the Dunmer, and pushed the bandit away. “Are you hurt? I heard screams.” He asked as he focused in keeping Ignar at a distance.

     

    Ciel’nn tried to get a slash at Rolffer who dodged his attacks poorly. “It’s them who screamed. I’m well.” he replied as he tried to poke the bandit as if he was teasing with his dagger. His foot shifted, and with a flourish of movement – his sword broke Rolffer’s focus, leaving his front open, cutting his face a stinging cut. Ciel’nn was still moving as his dagger followed right after in fluid motion, making its way into the fur hide, and pierced the skin. It sunk deep, the little of the poison that was left on it disappeared into his body.

     

    “Gods, no!” Rolffer went into a panic as he felt the dagger in his side. He tried to struggle away from the Dunmer. He didn’t made it far before he fell down, dying.

     

    “I’m glad you’re unhurt.” The young warrior spoke, and kept swinging his sword at Ignar. The rough bandit seemed to put in an effort to block his attacks. It made Rangalen frustrated, and their weapons clashed, and the young warrior used it for shield bashing. His opponent took a misstep, and saw a sword cutting at his neck – the strike was forceful, and cut true.

     

    Ignar shouted with his last strength for the boss in the cave. Perhaps he can put an end to these trouble makers. The bandit cursed the young warrior – he hadn’t had time to get to know the girl. Damn him! Where did these upstarts rescuers come from?

     

    A low roar came from the cave door. The boss had come out, and he wielded a two handed battle axe. He had nasty scar over his right eye that went all the way down to his chin. He eyed the camp, and growled at Rangalen, “You have killed my boys – I’ll finish you myself!”

     

    “You should have trained them better, for they didn’t see my friend entering the camp.” Rangalen shot back, nodding towards the Dunmer. And, the boss glanced at the side of the camp where Ciel’nn tilted his head a bit, and smirked. “Too much mead makes men witless.” He nodded towards the mead barrels.

     

    “I’ll decapitate you both!” The bandit boss shouted, and charged at Rangalen. The battle started, and young warrior tried his best to be at the top of the fight. However, this bandit boss was bigger, and brutal. He got several strikes, but pressed on. “Go, get the girl!”

     

    “Be ruthless!” Ciel’nn shouted back, as he hurried to the cave. He had a slight worry that the Nord couldn’t finish the fight – the bandit boss seemed to be huge, and brutish even in his look. He’d have to hurry. Searching the cave, he finally found the bedrolls, and sheathed his blades.

     

    The girl was leaning against the cave wall, shaking, and scared. She looked so young, just a child - Ciel’nn tried to be gentle like he was with Celani – again those memories tried to surface. “Hey. No, don’t panic. Are you Elissan?” He spoke in a soothing tone as much as his rough throat let him, and the girl nodded, still scared. “I’m Ciel’nn, and here to get you home, and my Nord friend is fighting the leader. Did they hurt you?” he went on, as he untied the ropes. Elissan shook her head. “Alright,” He pondered how he would be able to rescue Elissan away, “Climb on my back, and I’ll run to the village. It’s the best way to get you home.”

     

    “O-okay.” Elissan whispered, shaking a bit before she climbed on the Dunmer’s back, and wrapped her small arms around his neck. Ciel’nn made sure that she was firmly holding onto him, before he prepared to leave – they sure fed their kids well, this one was heavy! “Once we go out, close your eyes, alright?”

     

    From the motion he knew that Elissan nodded, and sprang out of the cave. He felt the girl’s hold had tightened, but Ciel’nn was running, and they were out of the cave. He tried avoid to the dead bandits, hoping Elissan had closed her eyes from the bloody view. “I’ll be right back, Rang!” he shouted, as he saw from corner of his eye how the young warrior took a harsh blow on his shield. The Dunmer winced, and he wanted to help, but he had to get the girl back to her father.

     

    He ran down the hills, going down was always better than going up. The farms weren’t far away. “We’ll soon be at the village.” He spoke as Rorikstead came to view. Ciel’nn was partly relieved, but also worried for the Nord. He’d have to hurry.

     

    “Heddsen!” He call out before reaching the village center, and he stopped to cough – it hurt. He knelt down, so Elissan could slid down his back, and waited for her father to come.

     

    The elder Nord came from the Inn door, and was delighted to see his daughter back. “Where’s your friend?” he asked the Dunmer, as he took running Elissan into his arms, and picked her up.

     

    “Fighting the angry bandit! I’m going back!” Ciel’nn spoke, and he dashed back to the hills. Hopefully the Nord wasn’t badly injured – Ciel’nn swallowed quickly as he ran towards the hills. He took his sword out, and hoped for the best.

     

    His arm was hurting a lot, but he tried to his best to keep the crazed bandit at bay. His shield was broken into pieces under the heavy battle axe, and he had been avoiding the fatal blows. As much as it shamed him to admit – he was scared before the bandit boss. He never had been this scared in his entire life. And now, he really felt the Sovngarde calling him – there was so much pain in his shield arm. Where is Ciel’nn? Did he get the girl safe? He stumbled backwards, and fell on his back. Damn it!

     

    “Your friend has left you, and I don’t think he’ll be back. You’ll die, alone.” The bandit boss laughed roughly, and raised his battle axe for the last time, intending to end Rangalen’s life.

     

    “I think it’s your time to say greet Sithis!”

     

    Ciel’nn shouted abruptly behind them, as he jumped on the barrels, and leaped, hissing at the bandit – even if it would be a short leap, he thought it would be enough to bring his sword down at the required speed. And, his sword slashed down at the bandit’s back with all the strength Ciel’nn had – cutting down the thin metal parts that held his armor together from the behind, and penetrated the skin, tearing it open.

     

    The strike on his back, made the bandit scream in pain, as blood splattered around him. He stumbled away from the young warrior, and the Dunmer jumped away from the bandit as he dropped his axe down, and who was dying.

     

    Rangalen was stunned by the heroic leap he just witnessed partly. He’d only seen the Dunmer in the air, and coming down at the bandit’s back. He had to the view of watching the man grimacing in agony, but he was damn happy Ciel’nn had come back in time. He would have to learn how to fight properly, but who would teach him?

     

    “Is your arm… broken?” Ciel’nn stepped over the dead bandit who he had just killed. He was frowning, and breathing fast from all the action that had just happened.

     

    “I don’t know yet, but it’s hurting a lot, but I think I can walk.” The young warrior replied, wincing, but he had a smile on his lips.

     

    “Alright, we need to get a healer for you. Let me help you up, and head back to the village.” Ciel’nn spoke as he helped the Nord up.

     

    “Thank you for coming back, Ciel’nn. That was damn heroic.”

     

    “Stop it, Nord. I’m not used to heroics –that’s your thing anyway.” Ciel’nn scowled, but couldn’t resist a tiny smile that was tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Carefully now, I can’t carry you if you collapse!”

     

    Back to ToC

Comments

15 Comments   |   GailOlm and 8 others like this.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  March 15, 2018
    Damn, a baby guar? What an asshole. Hope Maltrys gets what's coming to him. Nice that Rang and Ciel could work together to rescue the girl. 
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  January 6, 2018
    His poor guar! It's enjoyable seeing the young Ciel'nn as I get to know him as he is now. This chapter another side to him emerged, a more tender and compassionate side as his concern fir the kidnapped child and for his friend was very nicely expressed. 
  • The Sunflower Manual
    The Sunflower Manual   ·  November 17, 2017
    I'm really enjoying the flashbacks you begin each chapter with. Fleshes out Ciel'nn's character very well.
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  April 3, 2017
    I have to be honest, I found most of this chapter a struggle to read...
    It's nothing you done, I just couldn't stop thinking about young Ciel'nn and his Guar.... 


    Rescued the girl and killed the bad ...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Sotek
      I have to be honest, I found most of this chapter a struggle to read...
      It's nothing you done, I just couldn't stop thinking about young Ciel'nn and his Guar.... 


      Rescued the girl and killed the bad guys...... Great chapter...  more
        ·  April 4, 2017
      Ah, the guar scene.  It was hard to write to be honest. :(

      Thank you for commenting!
  • HaggisHunter
    HaggisHunter   ·  March 19, 2017
    That act of kindness in rescuing Elissan should hopefully go some way to helping restore some faith between Nords and elves.
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      HaggisHunter
      HaggisHunter
      HaggisHunter
      That act of kindness in rescuing Elissan should hopefully go some way to helping restore some faith between Nords and elves.
        ·  April 4, 2017
      Let's hope so! :)
  • Tenebrous
    Tenebrous   ·  March 16, 2017
    Great part! Can't really add anything that hadn't already been said, but I really enjoyed this part
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Tenebrous
      Tenebrous
      Tenebrous
      Great part! Can't really add anything that hadn't already been said, but I really enjoyed this part
        ·  March 16, 2017
      Thank you so much! :)
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  March 16, 2017
    I have to say I´m quite impressed. I really love the combat. And Ciel’nn´s father looks like a proper dick. Reminds me of certain Orc and his father, hehehe. Very nice, very nice. :)
    Btw, just a small detail, that made me slightly raise my eyebrows....  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Karver the Lorc
      Karver the Lorc
      Karver the Lorc
      I have to say I´m quite impressed. I really love the combat. And Ciel’nn´s father looks like a proper dick. Reminds me of certain Orc and his father, hehehe. Very nice, very nice. :)
      Btw, just a small detail, that made me slightly raise my eyebrows.

      “Th...  more
        ·  March 16, 2017
      Thank you so much!  I'm glad the combat is liked. It means I have improved. ^^
      The detail, Omg! You have a point! I'll take this into memory, and for further chapters planning. Thank you for pointing this out. :)
      • Karver the Lorc
        Karver the Lorc
        Caladran
        Caladran
        Caladran
        Thank you so much!  I'm glad the combat is liked. It means I have improved. ^^
        The detail, Omg! You have a point! I'll take this into memory, and for further chapters planning. Thank you for pointing this out. :)
          ·  March 16, 2017
        No problem. It´s just a small slip and it happens sometimes. :)
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  March 15, 2017
    This has been my favorite chapter so far because we're getting to know Ciel'nn a little bit better. We're gradually finding out more about his past. We're seeing what he's capable of combat-wise. Excellent narrative More importantly, we're getting a glimp...  more
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      GailOlm
      This has been my favorite chapter so far because we're getting to know Ciel'nn a little bit better. We're gradually finding out more about his past. We're seeing what he's capable of combat-wise. Excellent narrative More importantly, we're getting a glimp...  more
        ·  March 16, 2017
      Thank you so much!  Ciel'nn would disagree about being "heroic". xD

      I listen to certrain type of music when writing combat scenes, and I can see how Ciel'nn swings his blades in my mind. It shows I have improved again. These Skyrim comb...  more
      • GailOlm
        GailOlm
        Caladran
        Caladran
        Caladran
        Thank you so much!  Ciel'nn would disagree about being "heroic". xD

        I listen to certrain type of music when writing combat scenes, and I can see how Ciel'nn swings his blades in my mind. It shows I have improved again. These Skyrim combat scenes ar...  more
          ·  March 16, 2017
        I wasn't really sure if "heroic" was the right word which is why I put it in quotes. I think I just picked up on Ranaglen seeing Ciel'nn's "heroic leap" and then at the end when Rangalen told Ciel'nn that it was "heroic" that he came back. Though to be ho...  more