It took all of the Scouts, including Hadvar, to restrain me and stop me from storming off into the night. As we sat round the camp fire next to the Caravan the dark of the night had crept in, along with some heavy, low lying cloud. I explained why I had to get there as soon as possible, Altan, my family, the shop and bogus deal I ended up on. Hadvar reassured me that he had heard the whereabouts of Mistwatch and would accompany me. I tried to dissuade him but he refused saying that I was mad to attempt it alone family or not. He told me that it wasn't to far from where we where but it was off the beaten track and nestled in the emerald pools, sulphurous steam and arid expanse that was the Geyser field bubbling at the base of the Rift.
I only accepted his offer with the condition we used the Vail of Night to help our approach. He agreed and after issuing some orders to the Scouts we stepped out of the light of camp into the woods. It wasn't long before the trees began to thin out and the low cloud met the mists of the warm geysers reducing our visibility to near zero. The smell of the the steam lingered longer in the dense air, the sounds of the bursting geysers and bubbling waters blocked the sounds of the rest of the world. After I recognised my own boot print in the mud I called to Hadvar
"Are you sure you know where we are going? Even I know we have been past these pools before."
"I know......We're not lost I just haven't found the next landmark....ah there it is. This mist and fog is thicker than I have experienced, it shouldn't be long now sir."
A few more laps of pools, rather impressive spurts of red hot steam, the shadow of the Rift loomed through the Grey sky and the orbs of light of Mistwatch hovered like a swarm of Torchbugs beckoning people toward. For one thing Altan had certainly got him self holed up good and proper. I was also glad I agreed for Hadvar to accompany me, I would of been stumbling round those Geysers for ever and a day. As we got closer to the Mountains the up draft pulled the mist apart revealing the Towers of Mistwatch for the first time.
(I pinched this of Benoit. I hope he doesn't mind but its perfect. If not let me know and I can remove it).
As we approached the Main Gate, Bows drawn, a female bandit appeared on top of the Ramparts, brandishing her own Bow. I was surprised that she wasn't garbed in the blue of Stormcloak rather she wore a fine leather armour. She called down to us
"Halt! Come no further unless you have a ransom to pay?"
I looked at Hadvar and he just shrugged a quizzical look back. Rather than respond I let my arrow go striking the women in the side. She took the shot, returning fire and shouting the alarm before slumping over. These Bandits were hardy, they must of been a band of mercenaries and entrenched in the Towers of Mistwatch. Strong, well fed, well trained and harder to kill. Hadvar opened fire as two more Guards appeared over the battlements. We both ran for separate cover on either side of the track, firing up at the high Stone walls as arrows rained down on us. We both stuck the female bandit sending her flying off the wall. Out of the archway two more Bandits came running down the slope, weapons drawn and yelling a Battlecry. I shouted to Hadvar to focus on the Archers as I switched to my sword and charged out to meet theirs.
I plunged forward, sword poised and lanced it through the midriff of the first bandit. He charged with his weapon held high above his head leaving him completely exposed. Struggling to free my blade the second ran straight for me lifting his Great Axe up and swinging with all his might. My blade tugged free and I sidestepped the Blow sending his Axe edge deep into the ground. Pulling at his now stuck weapon I sliced his head clean off. Hadvar had killed one of the Archers but took a hit as I looked over to him
"Hadvar! Move up! We'll take them in the courtyard!" He nodded his understanding and switched to his sword and shield.
We charged through the arch, Hadvar double backed and headed up the stairs to tackle the last Archer. I looked for the entrance to the lower tower but found the door high up the rock face with a raised bridge leading over to the Tower of the Ramparts. In my distraction I didn't notice the huge Nord charging from the other entrance to the courtyard. I only just got my Sword raised to block his two handed bladed. My Elven Sword still bit deeply into his steel but the ignoramus was too busy laughing through his flithy teeth to notice. He forced the embrace closer until our faces met and I could smell his mead fuelled breath.
"Hahaha Old man is that the best you've got?"
I quickly broke the grapple and slammed my gauntleted elbow into his face shattering his teeth. Roaring in pain he spat blood and teeth and swung his Sword wildly. Again our blades rang out but this time mine sliced through leaving him with a toothpick. I took advantage of his hesitation and kicked him to the chest sending him on his back. Spinning my sword I brought it down on his chest.
Hadvar called All clear and waved down from the Ramparts where the bridge stood raised. I headed up to meet him and he showed me the lever to the left of the bridge. I pulled it lowering the bridge down. I put a hand up to Hadvars chest as he went to walk over the bridge restraining him
"What is it Larz?" He questioned.
"Hang on one second. When we get in there I want you to stay back. No running in, provide covering fire and once we find my family you can lead them out to safety whilst I deal with Altan. Clear?"
"What ever you say Larz, I've got your back er sorry I mean Yes Sir!" Smiling he saluted.
"Come on soldier lets get my Family" Patting him on the back we made our way into the Lower Tower.
Walking through the dark entrance way a set of locked double doors blocked our way. To the left another doorway led to a small store. As I approached the doors a man called out to me from the store
"Hey Mister, pssst hey mister, your not one of those mercs. Help me find my wife theres some coin in it for you and I have a key."
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" I asked
"My names Christer. My wife disappeared weeks ago and I've been looking for her. I heard their were bandits ransoming people in the Towers of the Mist, so eventually I found it. I snuck in but I'm no warrior or fighter. Will you help?"
"Ok, We will help you but.....you will have to help me in return. They have my family too but I'm going to send them out until I've dealt with Altan. Don't worry you'll have Hadvar here to help and protect if need be."
Christer stuck out his hand and we shook. He handed me the key and we unlocked the double doors.
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