Protected, no longer; Chapter 36

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    Chapter 36

     

    Still not comprehending what had happened. There was a Dremora Lord and it had happened so quickly… blood.

    Shaking, he held Celani’s body tightly against himself. He prayed to the three to spare her, but deep inside he knew it was too late. She had died in front of him in the most violent way possible and Ciel’nn wasn’t able to do a thing to stop it.

    They were engaged with the permission of Celani’s father. Ciel’nn had been falling in love with her. His first love… Now, it wasn’t happening. How he was suppose to explain to her father? If to explain at all…

    Maybe just to run away…





    The mist had grown thick when they at breakfast in the quietness, and prepared to continue their way to Whiterun hold. Neither of them had spoken while eating the scarce food they had left. It seemed as if the young warrior was in his own thoughts while Ciel’nn focused to listen to the sounds of their environment.

    Rangalen insisted to walk a few steps ahead, just in case the Bear-head warriors showed up again. The Dunmer didn’t mind, but was cautious as he kept glancing around the area. The mist made him edgy and nervous.

    “It’s still quiet. Too quiet.” Ciel’nn muttered after they had left Fort Amol behind them. Usually he didn’t mind the mist, but this time something bothered him. Ciel’nn had a feeling something, or someone was going to jump at them. His fingers found the hilt of his dagger and traced it with care. Judging by the Nord’s posture, the man wasn’t even bothered by the mist.

    “It’s still early, Ciel’nn.” Rangalen said in a low tone. “I’m not bothered by the mist. Maybe you’re worrying too much?” He glanced at the Dunmer, who scowled at his reassuring smile. I tried. He shifted his eyes towards the path ahead that looked calm. He wondered if the bear was near by, but they could sneak past it. “What happened to the rebels by the way?” The Dunmer asked him out of the blue. “They died. The Imperials killed them.” Rangalen replied. “I killed the rest of the Imperials if you’re wondering.” I killed in a rage that I haven’t felt before. I could have go on killing them…if there had been more of them.

    “You did?” Ciel’nn asked, raising dark brow. “I would have liked to see that happen.” Yes, that would have been a sight to see, probably. Rang in his full swing of slashes! “I knew you had it in you, Rangalen. I’m proud of you!” The Dunmer smiled briefly as he took a few steps to catch up to the Nord.

    “But, it wasn’t enough to help you. I couldn’t…” The young warrior mumbled, biting his lower lip. It wasn’t enough to save Ciel’nn, and it still stung him.

    Ciel’nn moved ahead and stopped the Nord. He looked into the man’s still almost pure innocent eyes. “Listen, when the forces of Oblivion stir; you can’t do a thing about it. Just hope you haven’t angered anyone. Besides, your people worship Aedra, so I think you’re in safe waters if you live quietly.” He flashed a smirk. I hope you don’t anger any Aedra or Daedra - you never know on who’s foot you’ll step on. The Nord frowned first, but he nodded to him with a smile.

    The dark clouds had gathered in the sky when Valtheim towers came into view. Ciel’nn was convinced the day would be good, but he frowned as he  looked up to the towers. An ugly man with an eye patch stood there, menacingly. The man still held his battle ax and  glared down at him and the younger Nord. The eye patch man still watched him, wanting in an ill mannered way. If only Ciel’nn had a poisoned arrow ready - it would be over soon, but he didn’t any have.There wasn’t time for to prepare one either. N’chow!

    The young warrior had also noticed the brutish Nord with the eye patch. He gritted his teeth together, remembering the last encounter. He still hated the man, who wanted to hurt Ciel’nn. Something threatened to crack inside him when saw the older Nord grinning at him. Rangalen knew he was less experienced, but he couldn’t let Ciel’nn fight him alone. No, he wouldn’t! He… wanted to kill this man so badly that he felt the rage build in him. “Tellik.” He muttered in a dark tone.

    "I see you both are alive.” Mocked Tellik from the first tower. “I was hoping for you to die in the hands of the Brethren ring. You.” He pointed at the young warrior with a dirty grin. He still liked and hated the Dunmer; like for the looks and his slender body, and hated for blinding his right eye. Still, he would have his first before the Dunmer would die. The elves in his care didn’t live long after all. Tellik shrugged at the thought inwardly.

     


    What is the Brethren ring? Ciel’nn wondered while he prepared to take his blades out. The ugly Nord still made him feel sick.

    “What do you want, Tellik? You’re not taking Ciel’nn while I still live!” Rangalen hissed, grabbing his sword.

    “I’ll duel with you, and when I’m done with you - I’ll take the Dunmer as my own.” Tellik replied nonchalantly. He had no intention to lose and die by this brat, who called himself a Nord. No, he’d win and would take the Dunmer home. He’d enjoy it. A lot. “Get over here, milk drinker! My boys will watch so that the Dunmer won’t escape.” A couple of armed and brutish looking bandits walked out of the tower door and blocked the way ahead.

    At that moment it started to rain and the darkened clouds promised a thunderstorm.

    “So be it.” Rangalen growled at Tellik and turned to the Dunmer, who was bewildered. “Listen, Ciel’ -”

    “You’re going to fight him? Really? Do you remember what happened last time?” Ciel’nn panicked as he put his hood on and grabbed the Nord’s arm. “You…” He studied Rangalen’s expression; determination was there as well as… rage? But, he lacked the experience.

    “I have to do it. For you. Your honor. Do you trust me?” The young warrior asked in a tone that made the Dunmer quiet. Rangalen gazed into those bright red eyes for a moment as he put his hand on the mer’s shoulder and waited for a reply.

    Ciel’nn frowned, but nodded. He had honor? Since when? “Go kill him, Rang.” His tone was dark. He wasn’t sure how this would play out. “Send him to Sovngard.” He watched the young warrior nodding and turning away. It took all from Ciel’nn not to go along with his blades out. It was the first time anyone had asked him to wait and observe. This was the Nord’s fight in all and alone. It meant no interference of any kind. He glanced at the two big Nords, who blocked the way to Whiterun Hold. S’wits! A brooding gaze formed on his face. Maybe I’ll have a chance to kill them before the fight is over. Hmm.

    In truth, the young warrior was scared for accepting the invite for the duel, but he had no choice. He thought of all his challenges this far. He had learned something from Ciel’nn, too. What was his first advice again? Be ruthless? Yes, that’s it, but Rangalen didn’t know how it would fit his battle state. He’d need to focus and slay Tellik. He climbed the stairs and stepped on the stone bridge that was between the towers. Tellik was waiting for him at the other end of the bridge. Gods, Ciel’nn did a number to his eye. He looks even more dangerous and ready to kill me.

    The milk drinker still looks like a baby. He should have stayed at home. Tellik let a savage grin spread on his lips. He could see the boy had had his share of fights, but he still looked too soft. The eye patched fighter weighted his battle ax in his hands as kept his eyes on the boy. He could be reasonable and be fair, but it didn’t fit well with him. He had to get the blood flowing, feel the rush of the fight while his ax crushed bones. Changing his stance, Tellik prepared to fight. “I’ll have fun with your elf when you’re dead, boy.”

    A growl rumbled along Rangalen’s throat. “You’re not touching him, bastard!” He took hold of his shield firmly as he took battle stance. No quarter for outlaws. Several tactics spun in his mind. He thought of tiring the man first before trying anything else. From the previous fight he knew Tellik was the one who liked to play first. But, was this the case? The young warrior had no idea. He also had to be careful - the rain made the stone bridge slippery. His eyes followed the eye patched man’s move against him while he brought his shield in front of him.

    From the ground level, Ciel’nn observed the battle picking up a pace and the brutish, ugly warrior threw swings at the young warrior.  Come on, Rang! I know you can do it! He wanted to help, but Nords and their honor! Pride! He had to admit the fight looked dreadful from his friend’s side, but he kept his stance as if he was waiting for an opening. Ciel’nn’s hand had moved on its own onto the hilt of his dagger, again. He frowned at Tellik; he seemed certain that he’d win. Be aggressive, Rang! I know you can!

    Tellik growled as he swung his battle ax on the boy’s shield. Heh, he clings to it like a last breath of life!  He flashed a disturbing smile, followed with a dirty laugh. “Is he great in bed, boy? I’ll see how long he lasts with me.” The eye patched man observed the young warrior for a brief moment.

    Seeing the other man was having a thought, Rangalen took his chance and charged at him with a roar of anger. I’ll teach this man a lesson! If I can… He hadn’t heard from Ciel’nn yet, but that might  be because he didn’t want to distract him.The young warrior rammed against Tellik with all his strength to make him unbalanced. To his anger, the eye patched man managed to step back and block the shield with his ax. “Curse you!” He growled.

    “What’s going on here?” A female voice asked behind Ciel’nn, who turned to look over his shoulder. Three rangers stood close to him; one looking to him, and two others watching the battle on the bridge. Sarade’s rangers, no doubt. “They’re dueling up there.” The Dunmer replied, looking up to the bridge. “Gods, that’s… the outlaw Tellik!” He heard the ranger gasping. “The N’wah himself.” Ciel’nn narrowed his eyes - the young warrior had trouble to get on the offensive. “We have to stop them before it’s too late!” He heard the ranger saying. “No, you won’t! This is my friend’s fight. No one will interfere. Take care of those two, will you?” Ciel’nn nodded towards the two warriors, who still blocked the way.

    The fight was starting to get tiring for Tellik and he could see the same for the boy. Either one could end the fight as soon as there was an opening - he knew it.  He should do it for his own sake. Guessing, the boy was waiting for him to get tired and strike - that’s what he’d do, too. Damn him! Damn this weather. Tellik preferred it to be sunny when he’d win, but it seemed the gods didn’t favor either of them. His face grew hard and menacing as he approached and assaulted the boy. A series brutal of swings and gouges to put the boy on his edge.

    The strength eating attacks from the eye patched man was wearing Rangalen down. He tried to parry what he could, but he knew his limit was coming rapidly. Giving up wasn’t an option for him. He had to try something. Backing away from the furious gouges, Rangalen misstepped in the middle where the bridge had a small befall and slipped, falling on his back. “This ain’t your lucky day, boy. The elf is mine!” He heard Tellik laughing at him. Curse him! His realized that Tellik couldn’t attack him at this spot - his ax would get stuck or blocked. Rangalen scrambled away while withstanding the pain in his back. He stood up, wincing and threw his shield over the edge. Time to get offensive. I don’t need a shield to kill him. The young warrior took a new stance, holding his sword and stared at Tellik. “Come on, shorpan!”

    “What’s he doing?” One of the rangers wondered. “Gods be with him. This is really terrifying to witness.”

    Heart racing and wide-eyed, Ciel’nn observed quietly and was biting his lower lip. Why did he throw his shield away? What is he doing? His stance… it’s familiar. For the first time he didn’t know what the Nord was up to next and it made him feel bewildered. He wanted to shout something, but nothing came out. And, it felt as time slowed down as he saw Tellik going for the kill and Rangalen went to take it, except he did an unexpected spin. Ciel’nn saw the sword slashing the older Nord’s stomach and when the spin was complete - another cut on the throat. “He’s shining.” The Dunmer murmured dreamily, smiling.

    Having his upper body slashed, Tellik fell on his knees and dropped his ax. He couldn’t believe he was bested by a mere boy, who wasn’t even in his thirties. Damn the boy! Damn the elf for damaging his eye! He cast his eye with full of hate on the boy. Damn you… With that, he fell on his side, and over the edge into the river.

    The young warrior took a deep breath and fell on his knees. It had taken a lot from him. A surprise move had been enough to… Well, the brutish warrior was now gone and would not bother his friend anymore. Rangalen was pleased even as his body ached from the blows and cuts. At least Ciel’nn’s safe. That’s all that matters. “Are you alright there?” He heard Ciel’nn calling him. “Do I need to come up there?” “I’ll be down there soon.” The young warrior shouted back, before smiling to himself briefly and stood up, fainting.

    They camped at Valtheim towers with the rangers, who put the young warrior on the bedroll. They took care of his wounds. One of the wounds had been severe and Ciel’nn watched as the female ranger, Anjur, patched it up neatly. “I wonder what Sarade might think of this. She wanted to bring Tellik to Windhelm for justice.” She said, sighing. “At least there’d one less outlaw in the wilds.” “How many are there then?” Ciel’nn asked, not that he was going to go after them - it wasn’t his job or desire. He felt relieved for the fact that Tellik was finally dead! But, he had said  something about the Brethren ring. Might be worthy to mention that to the rangers or Sarade herself.

    Anjur leaned back and nodded. “He should be alright in the morning. I’ll go prepare the meal.” She smiled at Ciel’nn.

    “Do you know about the Brethren ring?” The Dunmer asked as he glanced at the ranger. Judging by her reaction: shocked wide-eyes told she at least knew something, but the ranger only shook her head and walked away. Ciel’nn looked to the sleeping Nord. “You used my tactic.” He whispered softly and leaned against the wall.

    I wonder when you learned it.

     

     

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Comments

7 Comments   |   GailOlm and 5 others like this.
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  October 17, 2018
    So no poisoning of an entire fort, but what we did get was equally cool: A sick end to a sick Nord, his viscera making the bridge of Valtheim Towers slick and glistening after Rang uses a trick picked up from his friend. Poetic, that! 
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      Paws
      Paws
      Paws
      So no poisoning of an entire fort, but what we did get was equally cool: A sick end to a sick Nord, his viscera making the bridge of Valtheim Towers slick and glistening after Rang uses a trick picked up from his friend. Poetic, that! 
        ·  October 17, 2018
      Ugh, I still hate the sick Nord, Tellik.  I get shivers every time he's mentioned. xD Thank you for commenting! :)
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  April 21, 2018
    YAY! It's always satisfying when an bonified arsehole kicks the bucket. Good work Rang!
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  January 5, 2018
    And Tellik´s finally snuffed as a candle. Good riddance. Now let´s move on the Brethren!
  • The Sunflower Manual
    The Sunflower Manual   ·  January 3, 2018
    Rather surprised Tellik managed to talk with his throat opened. Well, he's the type that always has to get one last word in, eh?
    • Caladran
      Caladran
      The Sunflower Manual
      The Sunflower Manual
      The Sunflower Manual
      Rather surprised Tellik managed to talk with his throat opened. Well, he's the type that always has to get one last word in, eh?
        ·  January 4, 2018
      Aw, damn! I'll fix that. Thanks for reading, Shadow!
  • GailOlm
    GailOlm   ·  January 3, 2018
    This was an intense chapter! I was concerned when Rang went up against Tellik. I like that the outcome was tied to a move Rang learned from Ciel'nn. I'm curious about the Brethren ring and wonder what Sarade and her rangers know about it.