Hod and Gerdur's
Sundas, 9:40PM, 17th of Last Seed, 4E 201
I lay upon the cold stone floor breathing hard while my heart pumped furiously. I grasped my beating chest with my now burnt, bloody, and rash speckled hand, trying to calm myself. The whoosh of flames had subsided a few minutes before and we could hear the battle raging outside, and the dying screams of those unfortunate enough to be out there still. I sat up, slowly, and blinked several times. Beside me sat Ralof, equally scarred and burnt. He gazed around, his breaths coming in slow spells. We sat in a small entryway that was built into a large cylindrical room.
I dragged myself to my feet and took Ralof's forearm to help him stand, and then stepped out into the main room, still shaking with shock and adrenaline. The room was dimly lit, on the floor we could see the shadow of the chandelier flickering over a square carpet. The floor was made of crumbled masonry like everything else in the keep. To my right was a iron gate separating the room from what looked to be spiral stairs leading into the keep's depths. Opposite it was another gate, though this one was built of solid timber beams. The walls were dotted with several torches, and ahead of us hung a mounted Elk's head with a large rack. Rather than the smell of ash and burnt flesh, my nose was filled with the oily sent of the torches and crumbling mortar which caused me to let out a relieved sigh. Below the Elk head was a small table and chair, next to which lay a dead Stormcloak who grasped an iron war axe in his still warm hands.
Ralof stepped to the far end of the room and bent down next to his fallen comrade, his eyes sullen and downcast. "We'll meet again in Sovngarde brother." He pressed his clenched fist across his chest before closing the man's eyes with his index and middle fingers.
He slowly stood and then slumped down in the chair with a solemn expression. He sat there quietly for several seconds before the deep roar of the Dragon caused specks of dust to fall from the stone ceiling. He then spoke, still panting. "Looks like... we're the only ones who made it...."
I nodded in agreement with a glance at the dead Stormcloak. "Aye... I guess we're lucky." I paused to catch my breath. "What in Oblivion is going on?"
"I don't know.... That thing was a Dragon. No doubt. Just like the children's stories and the legends. The Harbingers of the end times." Ralof replied with a shaken voice.
I gasped. "The end times? You don't mean... The d-dragon brings the end of the world?" I had not been told many stories of Dragons when I was young, and those I did hear were only of Heroes who dared delve into the Dragon's caves to slay them and take their treasure.
"That's what they say... let's just hope the stories are wrong." Ralof said with a smirk. "We better get moving, no time to waste." He stood as I nodded then gestured to the dead Stormcloak. "You may as well take Gunjar's gear. He won't be needing it anymore."
Ralof drew an iron sword from a weapon rack on the wall as I bent down next to the dead man. It felt wrong somehow, as if I was desecrating the dead.
"No shame in borrowing a friend's axe." Ralof encouraged. He must have noticed my hesitation.
I reached out and tried to pull the axe from the man's stiffening hands. I twisted it and yanked, finally prying it loose. I rested the axe on the table and began removing Gunjar's armor. I took his belt, hauberk, trousers, chainmail, and boots, leaving him in a plain tunic and underclothes.
"All right, get that armor on and give that axe a few swings. I'm going to see if I can find someway out of here." Ralof said and then stepped toward the iron gate.
I quickly outfitted myself and clutched the blue sash in my hands. I was about to dawn it but decided against it. If we escaped I wouldn't want the Empire confusing me for a Rebel. I dropped the sash next to the body and hefted the axe in one hand. I swung it in the air a few times to get myself used to the weight. It was a bit top heavy, but by gripping the shaft nearer to the blade I managed to account for the absence of proper balance. I would have to sacrifice extra reach, but I only knew how to fight with a balanced blade and needed to be able to control the swing without exposing myself to a counter attack. Being satisfied with the weapon I slipped it into the belt loop on my right hip.
I looked over to Ralof as he fought with latch on the iron gate. "Agh! This one's locked." After kicking the gate he turned and gestured to the other one. "Let's see about that gate."
We both walked up to the solid beams and looked around for a latch, winch or lever of some kind.
After finding nothing Ralof cursed with frustration. "Damn, no way to open this from our side."
I rested my hand on one of the beams and tried to fit through one of the gaps, but they were to narrow.
Suddenly two Legionnaires turned the corner behind the wooden portcullis and ran down the hall. "Come on soldier, keep moving"! I identified the voice as that of the Imperial Captain.
"It's the Imperials! Take cover!" Ralof whispered urgently before ducking against the wall by the gate.
I pressed myself against the wall opposite him and stammered, "Wait, maybe we can reason with them!"
Ralof was unable to reply, as the Soldiers were already to the gate.
"Soldier, get that gate open!" Barked the Captain. Her voice was coarse and wavering. Despite her strong demeanor she was clearly shaken by the Dragon attack.
The other Soldier pulled on a ringed chain, triggering a complex array of chains and pulleys within the walls to pull the gate up into a gap. Dust rained down from the shifting timbers and the Soldiers prepared to move on.
As the gate rose Ralof scowled and gripped his sword with two hands; one on the hilt and the other on the pommel. He jumped up before I could do anything and attacked the Soldier while the Captain drew her sword in surprise. "Death to the Empire!"
"Hold on! We just want to-" The Captain was cut off as her companion was run through.
The Legionnaire sputtered as Ralof sunk his blade into his gut, and then slumped to the side. He grasped his wound as he fell and muttered. "Damn...you..."
I stood awestruck as Ralof struck at the Captain. His blade clashed against her short-sword and he roared. The Captain stepped back to recover from the strong blow but Ralof pressed on. After parrying a few strokes the Captain lashed out to no avail. Ralof clutched her fist in his own, preventing her blade from striking, and then forced his sword through the weaker chainmail over her stomach. She gasped in pain and fell to her knees. I thought it was over, but Ralof pulled the sword from her gut, and then pressed it against her throat. She cringed before Ralof sliced in one quick motion, severing her jugular. She fell to the ground with a quiet gurgling.
I felt sick again. "What in Oblivion are you doing?!" I protested. "They could have helped us!"
"There's no working with Imperial Dogs!" Ralof shot back, his hand dripping with the Soldiers' blood.
I rested my hands on my head and argued. "Haven't you noticed? There's a Dragon out there! We need all the help we can get if we're to survive!"
"They would have killed us on sight! We're nothing to them!" Ralof yelled.
I stared at him, my blood running hot with anger. They were people like me. They had families and friends.... So much death. "Is everyone going to die? Is that the fate of the world!" I threw my axe to the ground and slumped next to the wall, my body heaving with each silent sob. "It's just... What is to be come of us!?"
Ralof sheathed his sword and took a few breaths, watching me silently as I dealt with my shock. He stepped over to me and knelt. "It's all going to be alright lad. We're going to make it out of this. If we are to get out of here people will have to die... It's not easy for me either but I've learned to live with it.... They'll try to stop us and we can't let that happen." He stood. "I know this is hard for you, but if we are to get out of here you need to get a hold of yourself! The Empire is not going to help us!" He retrieved my axe, hauled me to my feet and pressed it against my chest. "Take it kinsman, I need you if we are to get out of this alive."
I stared at him loathsomely. I didn't approve of his actions, but what could I do? I had been thrust into a situation to large for me. I grasped the axe in my shaky hands and nodded. "I... I guess you're right....if the Soldiers get in our way...." I knew that I would need him to get out, and that this was no time to be merciful. I really thought that we could work with the Imperials, but Ralof had far more experience than me, and I was still in relative shock.
"Good man!" Ralof patted my shoulder causing me to flinch. "Maybe one of those Imperials had the key."
I looked back to the iron gate and shrugged. The hallway the Imperials came through must have led to the other door... but where was Hadvar? I last saw him by that same door in the courtyard.
Ralof bent down next to the Captain. "Let's see here..." He checked her satchel and belt pouches before announcing, "Here we are, found a key." He stood and tossed the key in the air. It rotated and then landed back in his palm. "Let's see if it opens that gate."
I bent down and grasped one of the Imperial Short-Swords. It was only a bit lighter than the axe, but was definitely better balanced. The sword was about two feet long so I still didn't have much reach. I am familiar with that style of weapon more than anything else. When my father and I sparred we would often use my parent's old legion weapons. I slipped the axe into my belt and gripped the steel sword closely. I followed Ralof over to the iron gate and watched his back as he fitted the key.
There was a click and the scrap of metal on metal as Ralof turned the key. "That's it!" He opened the door quickly causing the hinges to squeal. "Come on, let's get out of here before that Dragon brings the whole tower down on our heads!"
I nodded and quickly followed him. We immediately turned and descended into darkness. We followed the wide stairs as they bent to the left until we saw a pool of warm light at the bottom, dancing like a banner in the wind. Once we reached the bottom we went through a wooden doorway and entered a hallway. The damp and dusty corridor lead through the darkness and on the far side I thought I could see Imperials. The left wall of the corridor had two doors. One door was next to us while the other was further down, beside the Imperials.
Ralof drew his sword with a scrape on the leather scabbard and looked me in the eye. "Time to prove yourself. I'll need you to back me up." He pointed to the Soldiers who also had noticed us. "There's too many of them for me to handle alone."
I nodded as the Imperials began to walk in our direction, weapons at the ready and shouting for us to stop. I readied myself with a deep breath, tensing my muscles, and then charged alongside Ralof, sword in hand. We nearly reached the middle of the corridor when I heard the loud roar of the Dragon above us and a low rumble causing sheets of dust and dirt to fall from the stone ceiling. A terrific crack followed immediately after and chunks of rock came plummeting down in a heap.
"Look out!" Ralof cried.
The ceiling gave in and came down upon the Imperials in a sudden collapse. They lifted their hands to protect themselves as the smaller pieces fell and shattered on the stone floor around them, but soon disappeared in a dusty cloud as the stonework, mortar, and timber beams crushed them. I stumbled as the falling rocks shook the ground and then fell over.
I lay there for a moment, dust coating my prone form. I rolled over with a cough or two and rubbed the dust from my eyes.
Ralof recovered his footing and helped me up with heavy breaths. "Damn, that Dragon doesn't give up easy."
I brushed myself off as I looked where the hallway once was. The dust settled and in place of the corridor was a large wall of crumbled masonry with the odd split of timber poking out. The way was blocked. Before I could ask what to do, Ralof lead me through the door on our left. The room within was almost completely dark except for a fireplace in the corner which cast a warm glow into the rest of the room. The stone floor was decorated with a lone tattered carpet of red and yellow weave. Adjacent to the fireplace was a small rise occupied by several shelves and a table.
On the right side of the room was an opening into another where a long wooden platform sat, burdened with a variation of barrels, chests, and sacks. We stepped around a pillar in the center of the room and saw two Imperials near the line of supplies, rummaging through the barrels. I stood wide eyed, but was quickly pulled behind the pillar by Ralof. He held his hand over my mouth and pressed his weapon close to his chest. One of the Soldiers, dressed in hide and leather, peered into a barrel while an Officer dressed in Imperial steel armor watched him. I sat motionless, breathing softly as they spoke.
"Grab everything important and let's move! That Dragon's burning everything to the ground." Ordered the officer. He gripped his sword hilt warily and looked around. The warm light illuminated his face and I could see the beads of sweet glistening on his brow.
"I just need to gather some more potions." The grunt replied with haste.
Ralof nodded to me and patted my shoulder. I pressed myself against the damp stone and held my sword tightly with a shaky nod back.
Ralof wheeled out from around the pillar and charged head long. "Imperial Dogs!"
I ran out after him, with a meek war cry. Ralof met the officer with a clash, and pushed him back against the wall opposite the supplies while the grunt turned to me. I raised my sword high, remembering my training, and lashed out. My fear was ever present, but I was not going to run like a coward like I did with the Ogre. I deflected several of the Soldiers attacks and them jumped back, arms spread wide, to avoid a thrust to my stomach. I bent low, slashing at the Soldier's legs causing him to lower his own weapon in defense. I took advantage of this and leaped up, colliding with his chest and sending us both falling to the ground.
With swords still in hand we tumbled around on the wet floor, trying desperately to gain the upper hand. While we wrestled Ralof was delivering a constant rain of heavy blows toward the Officer and soon knocked the sword from his berated hand. The Imperial ducked as Ralof spun around quickly, trying to slice his throat, and jumped up. He grasped Ralof's wrists and they fought like that for several seconds. The Officer pushed against Ralof's arms, trying to disarm him, but was suddenly thrown to the ground as Ralof stepped to the side. Ralof placed a foot on the man's chest and brought the blade down in a smooth arc, cleaving into the Officer's exposed throat. The man clutched his neck as blood flowed from between his fingers and gargled quietly like the Imperial Captain earlier.
The soldier I struggled with soon rolled drastically, and pushed me off with both his hands and feet. I rolled away from him and quickly stood, but not before the Soldier slashed. The tip of the blade caught my cheek causing blood to spatter into my mouth and eyes. My eyes stung and I tasted iron. Stumbling back at the sudden pain, I shielded my head. A guttural scream filled my ears, and I looked up to see Ralof's sword protruding from the Soldier's chest, blood flowing down his armour. I cringed as the lifeless body collapsed, then pressed my hand against my bleeding cheek.
"That...that was close." I panted. "Thanks for that." I gestured to the dead Imperials.
"Aye." Ralof agreed. "You handled yourself... well." He seemed surprised that I didn't die.
"My father taught me." I explained while sheathing my sword.
He smiled with approval.
"A Storeroom." The Stormcloak announced as he looked about him. "See if you can find any potions. We'll need them."
I moved about the small rise, picking up bread, wine, and some small red bottles that contained a liquid with healing properties. Alchemists use various ingredients to make many different types of concoctions with many different properties. Above me hung rings of iron with rabbits and pheasants tied to them. I set to cutting the carcasses loose and stuffing everything into a leather pack that I had found next to a shelf. As I was fitting everything into the bottom of the pack I noticed several alchemical ingredients handing from the eves, a dark silhouette in the dim light.
My mother had taught me a thing or two about medicine so I recognised the plants as Elves Ears; a green pointed leaf, and of course Garlic. I retrieved the ingredients as well and stuffed them in the pack. I climbed up onto the wooden platform and began rummaging through the different containers as Ralof watched my back restlessly. After finding several more healing potions I turned away and walked into the next room which also had several animals hanging as well as a potion or two on a wooden table along the wall. Once I was satisfied with my finds I folded the leather flap back over and tied the lace securely.
Ralof looked over as I hoisted the pack onto my burnt shoulder with a cringe. "Done? Let's get moving."
Behind him was the other door that lead into the main corridor. "Do you think the door it blocked on the other side?" I asked.
"Let's hope not." He replied with a sigh. "It had better be on the other side of the cave in or we're stuck."
"Well...let's have a look." I said.
Ralof opened the door inward to discover that it was clear. I smiled and thanked the Gods for our good fortune.
We quickly ran down the halls as the constant roar of the Dragon echoed through the stone. I would flinch every time dust fell from the shaken ceiling, expecting it to give and fall down upon us. Eventually we came to a corner where stairs descended to the right. We past by an Imperial banner and made our way down as the clash of fighting bounced off the walls, filling our ears. At the bottom of the stairs was a brightly lit room with a row of cages on the far side. On the left wall hung a skeleton from rusted shackles and in the center was another small rise pooled with blood and flanked by two pillars. To our right, around a corner was a small iron barred office.
"Troll's blood! It's a torture room!" Ralof exclaimed. "Come on!"
Near the room's center three Stormcloaks battled Imperials both of which were dressed in Imperial light armor. The one I figured for the torturer was old and wrinkled, his sunken eyes veiled by a leather hood. In one hand he wielded an iron dagger, and in the other a spell. His fingers were spread and coiled sharply and in his palm small threads of lightning flickered. Next to him stood what I took to be his assistant. He was tall with blading long hair. He held an iron mace in his right hand and was struggling with two of the Stormcloaks.
We charged in as the Torturer thrust his arm forward sending bolts of lightning toward his opponent yelling "Do your worst"!
The Stormcloak raised his hands in defence and was struck by the bright bolts. He screamed loudly, dropping his two-handed greatsword and fell to the ground in a convulsing heap. He clawed at his hair trying to somehow relieve the pain but soon fell silent, his limbs writhing as lightning coiled around them. Ralof sprung upon the surprised Torturer with a flurry of mad swings all the while shouting a battle cry. The Torturer soon fell, completely overwhelmed by Ralof's assault.
On of the two rebels who fought the assistant cried. "I'll see you in pieces!"
The assistant tried valiantly to fight the Stormcloaks off but was soon subdued, falling in a pool of blood beside the torturer.
I stopped before the group, having not drawn blood. "You alright?' I asked.
A man looked up at me with a smirk. The left side of his face was coated with blue war paint. "It'll take more than a wrinkled old man to get the best of me." He moved over to his fallen comrade who had stopped writhing and closed his eyes. "Until we meet again."
Ralof gripped his weapon tightly and kicked the dead torturer before glancing up to his kin. "Was Jarl Ulfric with you?"
"No, I haven't seen him since the Dragon showed up." The woman replied. She too had war paint but hers covered her eyes and flowed down to her jaw in sharp points.
Ralof frowned and folded his arms. "I hope he makes it...we were separated earlier on."
"I'm sure he'll be fine." The man said. "It's Ulfric we're talking about."
I watched them talk in silence, still shaking from the scope of things. Eventually Ralof stood tall. "We should keep going..." He turned to head down another passage which opened up beside the cages but stopped mid stride. "Wait a second. It looks like something's in this cage." He walked over to the rusted cell and tried to open it but it held firm. "It's locked." He turned to me. "See if you can get it open with some picks." Then he pointed to the dead man inside who clutched several septims in his stiff hands. "We might need that gold once we get out."
"Right...." I hesitated. "How am I suppose to pick the lock?" I had never done so in my life.
"Um... you... I don't really know." He rubbed his chin. "I saw those picks over there and thought that maybe we could give it a shot."
I glanced over to a low round table with a leather pack on it. Beside the pack were scattered a few lock picks and one black book which bore a silver Imperial Insignia on the cover. I bent down in a crouch and opened the pack.
"This has got some gold and supplies in it." I said.
I picked up the book and slipped it into the pack thinking I may need it to pass the time once we get out. I brought the pack with me into the barred office and looked around for anything else. I found several more books about the history of the Empire as well as more picks. I took a dagger off the desk and slipped it into my belt and then tossed the pack to Ralof who immediately slung it over his shoulders. I bent down by a weapon rack in the office and picked up an iron shield knowing that it would come in handy.
I stepped back out into the torture room and sighed. "Lock picking..." I was about to scoop up the picks that were still on the rounded table when I noticed the dead Stormcloak's greatsword which gave me and idea. I had trained with a two handed weapon before and as long as they were properly balanced I could handle one with ease. I pulled my pack off my shoulders and dropped the picks in it.
"Aren't you going to need those to open the gate?" Ralof asked as I sealed the picks inside my leather pack.
I tied the shield onto the pack and then slung it onto my shoulder once more. "Nope." Stooping over I hefted the greatsword then stepped over to the cage, lifting the sword high before bringing it down on the lock and breaking the door open. "There we go."
Ralof chuckled. "What good is a lock pick anyway, eh?" He pointed to the broken cell door. "Grab anything useful and let's go!" Dust shook from the ceiling after a muffled roar. He spotted a long bow and several arrows in a leather quiver on a table and snatched them up as I went to work.
I rested the sword against the cage and opened the door with ease. The hinges squeaked and broken pieces of metal clamoured to the floor. I quickly ducked into it and surveyed the dead Mage within. He was dressed in hooded robes and he reeked. I reeled at the smell but quickly pried the gold from his cold dead hands, hearing the crack of something breaking as I uncoiled his fingers. Once I had acquired what I could, I left the cage and slipped the coins in my pocket and then retrieved my greatsword. We all quickly departed down the dark corridor, passing dank cells all the way. The murky shadow within each of the them sent shivers up my spine. We ran through darkness until we came to a corner lit by a dim blazer. We passed down more steps into a larger room. I could tell we were now underground by the moisture in the air and the smell of mold. Small cages hung from the ceiling with skeletons and other rotting bodies within. At the end of the room the wall was broken open into a subterranean tunnel.
I stepped up onto the edge, peered into the darkness beyond then asked. "What's this? An escape tunnel?"
"Looks like. Come on, this is our chance!" Ralof smiled.
He lead us on down some more steps into the high tunnel. The walls were pure rock that glimmered in the dim light and were wet to the touch. The ground on which we trod was gravel and crushed stone. Here and there small shrubs, roots and ferns poked out and vines crawled the walls. Amongst the sound of our boots on stone I could also here the constant drip of water. We weaved through the torch lit tunnel until natural light pooled in from a larger cavern. I peaked around the corner and saw light flowing in from fractures in the cave ceiling. Within the larger cavern walked several Imperials. I gasped and flattened myself against the wall and could feel the moisture at my back. I gestured for my companions to be quite and listened.
"Orders are to wait until General Tullius arrives." an Officer in steel armor stated.
One of the grunts ran up to him with a panicked expression, "I'm not waiting to be killed by a Dragon! We need to pull back!"
The Officer starred down at the distraught Soldier. "Just give the General some time."
They went silent. All I could here was our breathing and the drip of water.
"I can see three of them." I whispered. "But it looks like steps lead down to a lower platform, so there could be more."
Ralof nodded as I reported. If we were to escape it had to be through them. He gestured swiftly. The Stormcloak woman sprinted around the corner shouting, "Freedom or Sovngarde!"
Ralof quickly followed suit with the rest of us behind. The room had a small rocky depression in the center surrounded by man made stone walkways with wooden hand rails facing in as well as a blazer or two on rocky pedestals. The center of the depression was occupied by a ruined column which seemed to be natural but I could not tell. A small stream flowed out of the rock wall to the right and into the rocky depression in a clear trickle. The Officer and the protesting grunt stood on the perimeter walkway while two others stood in the depression, catching their breathes while sitting upon the rocks. On the far side stood an Archer.
Ralof charged into the depression with an angry cry. "I'll water the ground with your blood!"
The woman engaged the Captain while the man and I entered the fray. I stepped down into the dip and joined the bloody skirmish, clashing with one of the Legionnaires. I raised my sword high; parallel to the ground, blocking an incoming attack and then attempted to counter. I brought my weapon up from the left trying to gash the man's chest but was deflected. I was caught off guard as the Soldier quickly countered my attack so I had to step back drastically and parry several blows. It was difficult to bring my sword up in time and would loose balance as the man struck. Soon my grip became lacks and the trained swordsman I thought I was was disarmed. I jumped to avoid the death bringing thrust and landed in the small stream.
The shouts of battle and clash of steel echoed through the cavernous escape route as I fumbled on the ground. Many droplets of water fell from the wet ceiling causing me even more discomfort. Near me Ralof struggled with the other Imperial as the two other Stormcloaks cut down the Soldiers on the walkway. I rolled to face my oncoming foe as as he raised his sword. I rolled out of his way, beating my knees on the rocks and then stood, drawing the axe in my belt. I stood firm, gripping the now soggy leather grip on the axes shaft tightly. The Imperial scowled and charged. I locked blades with him and pushed forward, counting on him pushing back. I wheeled to the right as the man tried to disengage causing him to stumble forward, exposing his side. I quickly hacked with all my might. The man fell to wet stones without a sound, his blood flowing away in the stream. I turned around and saw Ralof take down his man with a quick hack to the knee and then chest.
Suddenly the male Stormcloak shouted. "Archers!"
At the far end the archer had been standing with his bow drawn waiting for the opportunity to loose an arrow. He was now joined by another. We all ducked for cover, I slid behind the stone column with Ralof as the two others tried to duck behind the hand rails. The man was nearly behind cover when an arrow whistled through the damp air and caught him in the lower neck. He yelled in pain and began coughing hoarsely as he slumped to the ground. The woman roared and readied herself.
"Cover me!" She yelled.
"Aye!" Ralof replied while avoiding several other arrows that shattered on contact with the stones around us.
He readied the bow that he had retrieved earlier and began firing random arrows towards the archers to keep them down. One of them was struck with a stray missile and fell to the ground, clutching his knee. The other Archer was distracted by this for an instant allowing the woman to reach him. She slashed down with her blade, burying it into his chest and then mercilessly finished the wounded man by cleaving off his head, his teeth now clenched in a permanent grimace. The skirmish was over.
We stood slowly, the adrenaline of battle still flowing. I breathed shallowly and glanced to the dead Imperial... I'd killed someone. My gut twisted and I gagged. I eyed the bloodied corpse and then the blade of my axe. I had taken his life... I shook my head with a scowl. What had I done?
Ralof broke the silence. "Let's go on ahead, see if the way is clear."
I retrieved my greatsword after sheathing my axe. Ralof and I climbed onto the walkway and headed to the far side where another man-made tunnel led further away.
"I'll keep watch in case Ulfric comes through here. Talos guide the both of you." The woman said. She sheathed her sword and saluted, fist over chest.
"Alright." I replied still disgusted with myself.
"Farewell Sister, Talos protect you." Ralof said. He patted my back. "Come on, we've survived so far!" I followed him into the next passage which ended abruptly at a wooden draw bridge. "Let's see where this goes."
He bent down next to an old iron lever and hauled on it. At first it refused to budge but then gave. The wooden bridge descended quickly, slamming down on the other side. We both traversed the bridge quickly and made it to the other side where steps lead down to another cavern. Just as we got to the steps we heard a terrible roar followed by the crack of stone. I wheeled around and saw a large rock fall from above and destroy the bridge, timber splitting like kindling with a curtain of dust following. From the new gap in the ceiling natural light poured in, shining down on the individual specks of dust that spun and steadily descended to nirn.
"No going back that way now." Ralof muttered as the dust began to clear. "Better push on."
I looked at him with worry. "What about the others?"
He shook his head. "The rest of them will have to find another way out."
I nodded glumly. "I just hope they make it..." Refer of course to anyone still out there.
"This way." Ralof said, pointing over his shoulder to the cavern.
To the right a brook poured from the rock, flowing across the cave and down another tunnel. We both stepped down, and seeing no other way out, we followed it. Once we were on track and following the brook, I noticed that it converged with another. Glancing to the left I saw the water escaping from behind a metal grate. The tunnel was even darker and was only lit by the odd torch here and there so Ralof stopped and pulled one from it's sconce. The burning cloth shed flaming pieces as we trod, which drifted into the brook and flowed away. I could feel the warmth of the flame on my skin and cringed, a reminder of the Dragon' fearsome fire. The stream soon met with a rock face and flowed into a crevasse beneath it, continuing onward.
"Hmm..." Ralof stopped and scratched his beard. He bent down and peered into the crevasse, standing up again with damp locks of hair. "That doesn't go anywhere."
"What do we do?" I asked, my hope beginning to fade. "We have to find a way out! I won't die here..." I looked around, my breathes increasing in rate. I then noticed a dim glow, flickering ever so lightly. Beside us was a narrow passage almost concealed by the other rocks around it. I pressed myself against the stone and saw a torch on the other side. "The passage is here, it's narrow but I think we can make it through."
Ralof came to me and peered over my shoulder. "Hmm... No where else?" He looked grimaced as he eyed the narrow passage. "I'm not exactly one for tight spaces."
"I'm sure we can fit, come on." I said, urging him to press on. "I don't see any other way out."
"I guess we'd better try." He capitulated.
We took off out packs and tossed them through. I was far taller than he, though slimmer so I had to sort of duck sideways to shimmy in. Ralof hesitated but soon followed. He was almost clear when his belt and sash got caught on a rock. He shifted urgently, trying to get free. I grabbed his free arm and tried to pull him loose but I could not. Just then I heard a noise behind me. The scuttle of feet, and the drip of saliva. Frostbite Spider. I spun around gripping my greatsword with my aching hands. Out of the gloom I saw the many glowing eyes of the creature as it approached and then more. A whole host of Spiders came into view, all itching for a kill. They were smaller than the other I had faced but looked just as menacing.
"Ralof!" I stammered. "Wh-what do I do!?"
"Fight them off!" He barked. "You've got a greatsword by Shor! Use it!" He struggled to get free. "I didn't survive a Dragon attack to be eaten by a few hungry spiders!"
I looked back toward the oncoming hoard, my arms shaking and my eyes open wide. I readied myself for the venom that I was sure would come. I scrambled for a plan, rather than just wildly swing my sword and then leaped forward. I grabbed my pack and threw it at the nearest spider, causing it to recoil. I charged forward and swung my blade down, slicing into the creatures head and killing it. I quickly withdrew my blade and tried to swing from the left but my greatsword brought up in the stone wall. The tunnel was too narrow. I lifted my greatsword like a javelin and hurled it at one of the spiders. They easily stepped out of the way and the weapon clattered to the floor. I unsheathed my axe with a quick jerk and then pulled cut my shield loose from the pack.
I heard the venom splat on the shield as the forward Spider loosed it's saliva. I quickly moved forward as Ralof continued to struggle and brought my shield down on the creature's head, and then hacked into it's abdomen. It squealed before falling over in a writhing tangle. The next spider in the bristly line pounced. I raised my shield high and braced as the creature hurled towards me. I bashed into my shield and my left arm took the full force, sending ripples of pain to my brunt shoulder. I fell to the ground once again, the creature laying upon my shield which pressed flat against my chest. I hacked up at the thing without thought, trying desperately to kill it before it killed me. Oozy venom dripped on me once more and I felt a stinging. Luckily the venom only touched my chin and neck allowing me to keep my eyesight.
My shield was rendered useless under the creature's bulk so I raised my axe in defence. The spider latched onto the blade and wrenched it free from my tired fist. I was nearly defenceless. I pulled my arm out of the shields grips and drew my dagger and quickly as I could manage. I plunged the blade upward just as the Spider bit down for the kill, sending venom and dark green blood spewing over me. I pushed with all my might and lifted the creature off of me and dropped it to the side. I knelt down and plunged the dagger into the spiders exposed belly, again and again until the writhing mass topped twitching. I breathed heavily, enraged and uncomfortable. I peered over my shoulder and watched the last Spider flee down the tunnel. I cheered with excitement and then gulped air. I pulled myself to my feet wearily and approached Ralof.
"Don't celebrate just yet." Ralof warned as he finally ripped free. "It's probably regrouping."
"But it's a spider." I stated flatly, my new rashes beginning to swell.
"Aye, but they're keen." He dusted himself off. "Thanks by the way, if you didn't fight them off I'd be dead right about now." He smacked my back with a strong hand, chuckling and causing me to stumble forward.
I smirked. "No problem....kinsman" I added.
We retrieved our gear and pressed on down the tunnel until we reached another cavern. This one was bleak and white. I stumbled into the cave with astonishment, closer inspection revealed that the entire cavern was coated with thick webs. My boots got caught in the webbing on the floor and I waved my feet around, tearing the clinging threads.
I nearly walked to the center of the room but Ralof stopped me with one of his brutish arms. "They're might be more still here somewhere."
We crouched and slowly skirted along the caverns edge until we reached another passage. We snuck out quickly, always checking to see if we were being followed. Once we had cleared the passage we stepped out into the biggest cavern of all with a sigh.
"I hate those damn things. To many eyes, you know?" Ralof cursed with a shiver.
"I know all too well." I looked down, remembering the Frostbite Spider attack with more detail. I scratched absent mindedly at the rashes on my hand. "Let's go."
The cavern echoed with the sound of running water, and to our left the brook we had followed before re-emerged. We both smiled with relief, it surely would lead us out of there. We crossed over it on a natural bridge and continued along by the cavern wall. The large expanse curved to the left and was filled with rocks of various sizes, ferns, roots, and tufts of grass. In the far corner a beacon of natural light shone down on a still form.
"Hold up." Ralof whispered, pointing directly to the stationary lump. "there's a bear just ahead. See her?"
"Aye." I nodded with conformation. The animal stirred quietly before rolling over.
"I'd rather not tangle with her right now. Let's try to sneak by." He suggested. "Just take it nice and slow, and watch were you step."
I knew I was clumsy in the art of stealth and shrugged. "I'm not so good at being unnoticed. It'll probably see us both."
Ralof pondered. "If you're feeling lucky, you can take this bow." He pulled his longbow over his head and passed me the quiver. "Might take her by surprise."
I took them gratefully. "Let me think more a minute."
"Go ahead, I'll follow your lead and watch your back."
I was a decent archer, I knew that. I would often bring home food for the family in Bruma. Stalking the northern wilds....not to quietly, but easily taking down my prey. They would run once they noticed me so I had to learn to hit moving targets. I slung the quiver over my shoulder alongside my pack.
I took a few steps forward, past a blazer and an abandoned wagon, and over the ancient skeleton of a fallen adventurer. I stopped and drew an iron tipped arrow, settling it quietly upon the horizontal bow shaft. I notched the arrow and drew back, the wood creaking at the tension. My muscles tensed and I held my breath. I lined the sleeping bear up and steadied my arm. With one quick motion I released the bow string and the arrow whistled across the caver and imbedded itself in my sleeping target. The bear roared in pain and turned to face us. The arrow had harmed it but did not bring it down. I quickly drew another arrow as Ralof yelled. The bear bounded over as I loosed the last arrow which sunk into the fatty flesh of it's neck. It wailed and rolled over, it's paws flapping in the air.
I ran over to the struggling bear and slit it's throat with my dagger, whispering. "I'm sorry my friend...." I patted it's side, wishing I didn't have to kill it, but a confrontation between us would have been inevitable. "Sleep well."
The bear's fur was of a red brown tint and it was strong and muscular. A fine specimen.... I wished it did not die in vain but we had no time to skin and butcher it.
"A fine kill!" Ralof cheered.
I stood and put the bow over my head so the string lay across my chest. "A shame really."
The roar of the Dragon still echoed through the tunnels as we departed, sprinting down the cavern as water rushed beneath our feet. We passed the bones and hides of the bear's previous kills and wound to the right down a passage. I could feel a chilling breeze blowing through the tunnel, brushing past my face. Loose strands of my air blew from my face and I smiled, the fresh sent of pines filled my nostrils. Ahead was a bright rift in the rock side where the sun cast a soothing light on the cave floor. Snow poured in from the exit and coated the surrounding rift with a slushy coating. A few melting icicles hung from above.
"Look!" I shouted with glee.
"Come on!" Ralof ran passed. "It looks like the way out!"
We both ran to the exit and squinted, the light too bright for our darkness accustomed eyes.
"I knew we'd make it!"
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