Erika gathered her arsenal and sharpened her twin swords. Marudil, too, collected his arrows from Proudspire Manor and tightened his bow. The two of them had agreed to take refuge on Erika's ship, the Crimson Wing, until they could determine how they would go about facing Rikka's promised arrival. After gathering their most vital needs, Erika and Marudil headed to the Solitude docks where the Crimson Wing awaited them. They went aboard, freed the vessel from the docks, and set sail for the open ocean. It was not long before the two were far enough from land that they could relax in safety, but Marudil still kept a sharp eye on the nearest shallows just in case any other crazed assassins tried to attack them. Finally night began to fall over Skyrim's horizon, and Marudil headed down to the lower decks to find Erika. She was in the smithing room just across from the entrance, crafting a peculiar weapon for herself.
"What is that you're making?" Marudil asked.
"It's called a flintlock pistol." Erika replied, "I've heard tell about these sorts of things being used overseas, so I thought I could give it a try myself; the idea is to use an explosive yet lightweight powder to shoot an iron or steel bullet into a distant target. The force ought to be enough to either mortally wound or kill whoever gets shot. If it works... I'll at least have a fighting chance against her."
"Your voice is tense and your movements frantic... you believe she'll find us here?"
"Not here. I just... I just have to brace myself, that's all."
"You have made it clear that you don't wish for this to happen."
"Exactly! I don't, but..." Erika paused, "... but nothing can stop her. I... I should have known that from the beginning. I should have either killed her, or guided her better. I was her keeper... she was my responsibility... and look what's become of her."
Marudil stood quietly for a moment, analyzing Erika's words. "So you are seeking redemption in her passing?"
"Marudil, I killed them by letting her live. Nazeem, Belethor, and whoever else fell to her sword... it's all because of me. I made a mistake a long time ago... and I'm going to reverse that mistake if it kills me!" Finally Erika finished her flintlock pistol and admired her creation for a moment. "Done... now all that's left is to plan our approach." But Erika was visibly worn from the stress of the situation, and Marudil came closer.
"You are overburdened." He said quietly, "You must rest. It will sharpen your mind for when the day comes."
Erika nodded. "You're right... but please, keep watch up above. I can't afford to be taken by surprise."
"I will slay whoever dares to invade your ship." Marudil reassured her.
Trusting Marudil's vow, Erika departed to the bed chamber of the Crimson Wing and prepared to sleep. Meanwhile Marudil returned to his vantage point atop the ship, and drew out his bow to prepare for any potential intruders. He wondered what Erika might have been like if not for Rikka's involvement; she seemed so intense... so upset... he knew that this was not how she was meant to be. No, right now she reminded him far too much of himself... a notion that, as far as he was concerned, should only be dealt with by him alone..
Hours passed without interruption. Though the sun had long since passed, Marudil was still very much attuned to his surroundings. His piercing yellow eyes scoured the ship without pause, and his arrows were ready to fire. However, it seemed that nothing would possibly threaten the safety of the ship's captain... that is, until Marudil keenly noticed what looked to be a shadow scurrying about in a dark corner. Marudil instantly spun around and aimed an arrow toward the spot where he'd seen the shadow, but it had disappeared. Basic instinct insisted that it was nothing, but Marudil was no fool. He climbed down and slipped into the shadows to investigate, relying on his talents as both a Bosmer and a hunter. Marudil closed his eyes, and focused solely on the sounds and smells around him... the familiar aroma of the wooden build of the ship... the sound of wind, water and... muffled footsteps... and in an instant, Marudil hurled his elven knife toward the footsteps, and Rikka Northwing's silhouette leaped out from the dark to avoid it.
"Ah-hah!" Marudil called out, "There you are, filthy assassin! You'll not claim Erika's life this day!"
Rikka got back up to her feet and glared at the stranger guarding Erika. Who was this wood elf? What was he doing with Erika? He was certainly a force to be reckoned with, for sure; in all her years as a murderer, she was never once spotted in total darkness until now. Rikka drew her katana from its sheath, and Marudil armed his hunting blade. The two stared each other down for five seconds, before Marudil angrily charged at top speed towards the intruder...
Comments