Ciel’nn leaned against one of the pillars at the blacksmith and observed the market area while he listened to Teldryn talking with Glover about smithing. He never had picked up a hammer, let alone smithed anything. How could he? With his hands being meant for finer crafting. Ciel’nn would never lift a hammer if it was up to him - let the stronger ones do the work. “…you should see Grendis Rolovo at his work. You might learn something.” Ciel’nn heard Teldryn boasting about their favorite blacksmith, and the young mer couldn’t stop smirking. Don’t be so harsh for Glover, Teldryn. If you knew that I can’t craft even a dagger … I wonder what would you say then? He heard the Breton defending his skills by saying he already knew how bone-molding works.
The young mer’s mind shifted towards the Orc, who hadn’t been seen outside yet. What are you up to, Hogger? He had the idea of giving Mogrul the message while he was away, but Mogrul had stayed in his room which made his plan hard to complete. It made Ciel’nn uneasy because there were still three reaver-guards at the smaller gate. He’d try again the next night. Ciel’nn let out a sigh, wishing the Orc would go away by himself, or he’d die by a natural cause. His lips twisted into a scowl.
“Any news?” The young Redoran guard asked as he approached Ciel’nn. “Has he moved yet?” Ondren looked to the other young mer, who shook his head. “No, and that worries me.” He heard Ciel’nn replying with a frown. “It is the calm before the storm.” Ondren said as he eyed the Bulwark and then the market area. “Do you think he’s finally…?” he asked in a low tone.
“By Azura! I hope so. Sooner we get him out the better.” Ciel’nn replied and noticed the door of the Retching Netch opening. The hogger has left the building. His eyes followed the Orc walking past the general stall and behind the other smith, then towards the smaller gate. The way the Orc walked was odd to him. Ciel’nn felt a firm hand being placed on his shoulder. “That doesn’t look good.” He heard Teldryn saying in the lowest tone. “You mean the hogger?” Ciel’nn asked, turning his head that he could see Teldryn.
Teldryn kept his eyes on the hill. Boethiah, prove me wrong. No matter how he wished, Teldryn had a bad feeling. A bad feeling of a battle being ahead. He glanced at his partner, who now was looking to Ondren. I wonder how you’ll manage if —
A mine worker screamed in panic when a group of reavers rushed down the hill. One of the reavers dashed towards the miner and killed her in cold blood while others proceeded towards the market. The stall owners hid in their houses and locked the door, except Milore, who was shocked by the sight.
“Three save us!” Ondren breathed and took his sword and shield. A series of shouts came from the Bulwark and the young Redoran guard cursed. “This is it! Stay safe, you two!” he said to Ciel’nn and Teldryn before he rushed towards the main gate. “If you find the Orc, finish him!” Boethiah, be with us! He could see another reaver group fighting with the Redoran guard and with his Captain. This is bad! “For Raven Rock!”
This wasn’t part of my plan. Ciel’nn hadn’t expected Mogrul react so strongly that he’d sent the reavers to take over the town. No, the young mer had hoped he would take the hogger out in the night, but Mogrul… Mogrul had ruined his plans and Ciel’nn didn’t know how to react because he wasn’t a fighter. So he was frozen in his place and stared at the coming reavers in shock. This is too much!
“Ciel’nn, take your blades out!” Teldryn shouted. “And, stay close to me!” The older mer frowned as he saw his partner not moving, but staring with slightly parted lips. He’s going into shock! “Milore go into your house!” he shouted to the Alchemist and pulled Ciel’nn next to him while a handful of Redoran Guards arrived to the market and began to fight the reavers. “Ciel’nn,” Teldryn looked into the young mer’s eyes, “we’re going to make it. Just stay close to me, alright?” He shook Ciel’nn’s shoulders as if to wake him from trance. “Alright? Come, they need our help!” With that, Teldryn stepped back and unsheathed his sword and pulled a flame atronach from Oblivion. “Kill the reavers.” He commanded it and made sure Ciel’nn was going to follow him as the battle for Raven Rock had began.
Everything that Ciel’nn did, happened as if time had slowed down. He drew out his blades and followed his partner into the battle. While he did so, the young mer kept an eye out for the Orc, who yet hadn’t shown himself. He stayed close to Teldryn and assisted whenever he could. A bold reaver tried to attack him, but Ciel’nn turned in time to deflect the slash and returned it with a flourish, finishing his opponent with a quick stab in the side. He returned close to his partner as they were back to back now. The young mer had only a glimpse of how the bladesman fought. I hope Ondren’s fine. Where’s the N’wah? His face turned into a scowl as another reaver prepared to fight him.
At the Bulwark, Ondren fought along side his friends and Captain Veleth, who cursed constantly. The young Redoran Guard tried to push back the three reavers while others fought the other three. “They’re all veterans, aren’t they?” Ondren shouted while he blocked an angry reaver’s slash and returned it with a bash and slash at the reaver’s hand. I hope they have reinforcements coming soon.
“You don’t say?” Captain Veleth snarled and swung his chitin battle axe. “Don’t let them in!” He fought against the reaver that had heavy bonemold armor on him same as his. I should ask for a Daedric sword next time. A strike on his side made the Captain hiss, but he wasn’t beaten yet. He gave a furious swing at the reaver, who staggered slightly and prepared to attack again. This is getting taxing, but we have no choice, but to defend. Boethiah, help us!
The veteran reavers fought with the intent of getting inside the town, but the Redoran front line kept them out. How? Ondren wasn’t sure anymore. He just kept at it - slash, block, slash, bash. He managed to finish a reaver, then he took on the next reaver. His strength was fading and it was only matter of time now when it all would collapse. I hope Ciel’nn is alright.
Raryn and Eronos, friends of Ondren, fought side by side nearby the Captain and their friend. Eronos had taken several wounds, but he gritted his teeth and slashed at the reaver in front of him. “Die, you s’wit!” he hissed and the reaver laughed at him. The reaver prepared for a heavy attack with his great-sword, and Eronos hadn’t time to prepare for it. Azura! No! The great-sword cut through his left arm, making the young mer scream in agony as he fell down.
“Eronos, no!” Raryn shouted in panic and attacked furiously at the reaver, who had nearly killed his friend. “Hang on, friend!” He gave a piece of Oblivion to the reaver with his mace before he finished him with a combo, ending with smashing his jaw. Raryn breathed heavily and turned to his friend. He doesn’t have much time…
A reaver leader and his gang looked at the battle going on at the main gate of Raven Rock. They were crouching at the stalagmite cliff, hidden. The female reaver looked to her leader. “Seriously? We’re not going to join them, Sildras?” she whispered as if fearing others might hear her. The others in the gang muttered amongst themselves.
The leader shook his head. “I gave my word to the kid. Besides, I think he’ll visit us once the N’wah is dealt with.” Sildras frowned. I hope the Redorans win, but it doesn’t look good. With that, he signaled his gang to leave while he observed the battle a while longer and took his bow. Sildras notched a chitin arrow and aimed at the last visible reaver. Good luck, kid.
Several of the Redoran Guard were dead and Ciel’nn gritted his teeth. It wasn’t going well in his book even if he had managed to end a few of reaver’s lives. He was aware of Teldryn getting tired of constant battling with the remaining reavers. They had gotten the larger group of the reavers. If only the hogger would show himself. This would be over soon. He heard his partner gasping in pain. “Switch!” Ciel’nn shouted and they changed position. The young mer found a new target; a reaver with sword and dagger like him. A dark smirk spread on his lips as he lunged at the reaver with a series of slashes that cut through. Ciel’nn let out a hiss as his dagger cut the mer’s throat, blood splattered on the ground. “Teldryn, you alright?” he asked while looking for another target.
The fight was tough. Teldryn had to admit himself, but he was more worried about his partner than himself. Luckily Ciel’nn seemed to be sharp now. He wasn’t sure of the dark grunts and hisses though. It was as if the young mer was pushing himself to the outer limits even though he wasn’t a fighter. Teldryn knew that. “I’m alright!” He replied and pulled his flame atronach from Oblivion again. The older mer counted four reavers left and prepared to fight two at once.
He’s alright. Ciel’nn nodded mentally to himself as he parried a slash from a reaver. He wasn’t used to dancing with two opponents at the same time, but Ciel’nn was learning the rhythm of it which he followed now by instinct. He slashed out in a flourish, killing the reaver on his right. It was then, his eyes caught the sight of Mogrul in clad leather armor coming down the hill. “Hogger!” Ciel’nn shouted at the top of his lungs, getting everyone’s attention at the market. He flashed a dark smirk at the Orc, who looked at him for a moment before he hurried into the ebony mine. Ciel’nn hissed and rushed after him.
Teldryn had turned around to see the Orc running into the mine and his partner following after. “Ciel’nn, don’t go alone in there!” he shouted. “Shit!” He turned to the remaining reavers. It was time for his final fight. “Come on, then! S’wits!”
The remaining reavers went into a battle frenzy after seeing Mogrul leaving them on their own. Mogrul had abandoned them. The coward! They fought furiously before they were beaten by Teldryn, Captain Veleth and his men.
In his cell, Slitter had listened to the battle going on at the main gate and thanked the Three. He was certain Mogrul had gone beyond salvation by now. Not that he cared for the N’wah anymore. He’d seen the old Orc become unpredictable and was glad he wasn’t working for him. I turned against him just in the nick of time.
He shook his head and got a guard’s attention. “Having regrets, eh?” Slitter heard the guard saying. “It sounds like the battle is calming down. Who knows how many casualties there will be.” The guard added and was quiet. Slitter was also quiet. If I knew he’d gone this far I’d… Then his thoughts shifted towards the kid, who had spared him. Mogrul might be too much for him. Still, I hope he can finish the Orc… I’ve done terrible acts, but I wonder if it’s too late to make amends?
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