U.O.T.W. Chapter 284 In the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

  • As Aela quietly followed behind Sotek, she thought back at when he first joined the Companions. The three of them, Farkas, Vilkas and even herself had spent ages trying to train Sotek to sneak better. Even the Harbinger Kodlak spent many an hour trying to help Sotek with the ways of Skyrim. But here, right now, she silently followed him as he trod in crisp untouched snow but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t hear a god damn thing. Not from him at any rate.
    “What in all of? They’re bloody noisy for Shadowscales. What are they doing? Setting up a camp?”

     

    “Yes, and no. It’s a camp all right but they’re Stormcloaks”.

     

    Aela couldn’t help herself, she smiled wildly as she watched the soldiers erect tents as they prepared the campsite.
    “By Hircine Sotek, I thought there was a problem. This is great, talk about bad timing. They’ve got no idea what’s about to happen”.

     

    “Huh?” He looked around at her and saw her eyes wide but fixed on the men and women in front of them. “Aela, calm down. Your tail's wagging, it’ll give us away”.

     

    “Sorry, I can’t help it”. She looked behind herself, then realised exactly what Sotek had said. “Hey, you bastard”. She chuckled to herself then changed form without alerting Sotek.

     

    Sotek watched two scouts who were in the trees ahead.
    “They’re too busy watching the road, they don’t know we’re here. Aela, shoot the two scouts first. Take the one on the left”. He waited for a few seconds for a response but when Aela wasn’t forthcoming in giving one, he turned to face her.

     

    Standing three feet behind him was Red stretched out to full height. He looked at her tail then smiled to himself as it wagged happily back and forth.
    “Ok, forget the scouts, let’s play”. He changed his form as well, leaving tactics well and truly left behind. With a howling roar, Scarface and Red charged into the half-assembled camp as Stormcloaks screamed from the terror caused by Scarface’s howl.

     

    The two scouts were the first to respond. They drew their bows and started firing, however in their panic, they fired wide. The arrows flew past Red and struck a tree, momentarily distracting her. The Stormcloak in front of her was quick to recover. He drew his sword then lunged at her, cutting deeply into her side. The pain coursed through her like liquid fire, making her holler out. She swiped out with her paws, using her full force. She hit him perfectly, her claws shattered the weak old armour he was depending on just as easily as they tore into his flesh. Within seconds he was on his back as she ripped open his chest and ripped out his heart with her fangs. The wound in her side bonded and healed while she fed on his corpse.

     

    Scarface grabbed the nearest Stormcloak and threw him at a tree. His back slammed into it with so much force that his spine shattered on impact. The Stormcloak was dead before he even hit the floor. Scarface then leapt up at a second target who was nearby. He landed just in front of the Stormcloak officer, but as he did so, the Officer swept up with his sword, cutting into Scarface’s torso from the groin to his neck. Scarface at the same time, bought his claws downwards onto the Officer as he landed. Three massive gashes tore across the officer’s face all the way down along his chest and through his stomach. Both fell to the ground and Scarface hollered out in agony. Every second, blood poured from his wound, but at the same time the wound healed up just as fast. Scarface leaned over the dead officer and fed heavily on the body. His natural healing process was complimented by his feeding, which allowed him to recover far quicker. Within ten seconds he was back in the fight.

     

    By that time, Red was attacking her second target. This time it was a young girl, barely in her teens, she held a sword and shield, but it was obvious that she had no training at all. Red dropped to all fours then menacingly approached her. She screamed out as she dropped the sword and shield then she turned to run. Scarface snarled as Red stopped and just watched the girl head off. Within seconds two more arrows slammed into a tree next to her. She forgot about the girl and simply turned her attention towards the archers.

     

    Red closed in rapidly towards the first archer as he fired blindly. The arrow struck her chest, making her yelp with pain. She hesitated for a second then snarled out as the second archer also took aim. He prepared to fire but was instantly cut down as an arrow struck his chest. At the same time two fireballs erupted on impact smothering him with flames. Once again Red charged at the first scout. He turned to flee but was cut down without mercy.

     

    Sotek, who changed his form after feeding off a body, approached Red who was now lying on her side. She lifted her head up to him as he made his way towards her and the others who had gathered around her.
    “Hey, steady, steady”. He knelt beside her and held her head in his arms, holding her tightly.

     

    Kul-et saw the arrow in Red’s chest. She instantly felt sick.
    “Oh, by the Nine, is she going to be ok?”

     

    Sotek chuckled loudly.
    “More so than you I’m afraid”.

     

    “What?”

     

    “Well, I’ve got to pull out the arrow, so you got her head. Watch she don’t bite, she’s extremely temperamental”.

     

    “Yes, I saw her trying to bite Scarface as she slid past him”.

     

    “Yes, she’s a right bitch”.
    Sotek couldn’t help but laugh as he remembered Red try to bite him when they fell on the mountainside.

     

    Kul-et held her by the neck as Sotek drew his dagger. He gently placed his hand on Red’s wound as he tried to see how deep the arrow had struck her. She instantly lashed out with her paw at him, but he just smacked it away.
    “Quit it”.

     

    She snapped out at him with her jaw in response, which made Kul-et let go as she panicked.

    “Damn it, hold her”.

     

    “You bloody hold her”.

     

    Sotek let Red go then sat alongside her. He looked at the other two then came to a decision.
    “Ok, this isn’t working. Kul-et, you need to open the wound then get the arrow out. She can’t change back with it inside her. I don’t care how much it hurts her, get that arrow out”.

     

    “What? I can’t”.

     

    “Well I certainly can’t do it”. He handed her the dagger then cast a quick look at Red. Her eyes were intently fixed on Kul-et. Sotek changed form then Scarface took control. He rolled Red on her side and pinned her stomach down with a knee and forced her arm under his other knee. Then he gripped her free arm and at the same time pinned her head to the floor. Throughout him holding her down, she struggled as much as the wound allowed her to. But he completely overpowered her. She could do nothing but snarl out at him as he held her down tightly.

     

    Scarface turned to Kul-et then grunted at her. She gulped then knelt alongside Red, but just before she started she spoke to Red as she had seen Sotek do in the past.
    “Steady, it’ll be ok. I’ll make it quick”. As soon as Kul-et held the arrow Red whined, but she couldn’t move to prevent Kul-et from pulling on the shaft. She pushed the dagger into Red’s wound opening it up more then pulled once more on the arrow. “Damn it’s stuck in her ribs”.

     

    Sasha moved to look at the wound.
    “Break it”.

     

    “What?”

     

    “Here, let me”. She took the dagger from Kul-et then proceeded to dig into the wound. She twisted the blade, forcing the wound to split. There was a loud crack as Red hollered out in pain as Sasha broke her rib. But moments later the arrow came out. Red struggled once more but the pain was too much for her. She went limp as she passed out from the agony.

     

    Sotek changed back then checked the wound.
    “Damn, that’s deep”. He cast his healing spell on the wound, but it was slow to repair. Although the wound healed up slightly, Sotek still had concerns over it. “She’s gonna be sore for a few days”.

     

    Kul-et knelt alongside her and held her head in her lap.
    “Why don’t she change back?”

     

    “Well she can’t, she’s stuck until she wakes up”. Sotek replied with a shrug.

     

    Sasha was far from happy. She looked across the tree line towards the mountain range in the east.
    “We can’t stay here”.

     

    “Sasha, Kul-et, grab some supplies and new furs. See what else they have. I’ll carry Red”.

     

    “How the hell are you gonna carry her?” Sotek changed form then reached down and picked Red up. He held her effortlessly in his arms as he looked down at Sasha. She just shrugged her shoulders at him. “Fair enough”.

     

    Scarface carried Red towards the middle of the camp while the other two gathered whatever supplies they could locate. Red was laid down by the camp fire then Sotek changed back. He took some of the meat from the Stormcloaks supplies then proceeded to cook it on the fire.
    “We’ve still got nearly half a day’s lead so let’s rest for an hour. Here, eat, the pair of you”.

     

    Kul-et took the meat that he had offered her, but then as she sat to eat she turned to him.
    “What about you?”

     

    He looked down at Red who was still out cold.
    “I’ll eat when Aela does. I’m ok”.

     

    While the others ate, Sotek scanned the trees towards the east. He couldn’t escape the feeling that something was there watching. A few minutes later, he found out who.

    “You have done well hunter, once again you have killed in my name”. Sotek looked on as Hircine’s stag form walked brazenly into the camp.

     

    “I haven’t done so great this time, Red’s out. She’s hurt”. Sotek mumbled as he watched Hircine’s stag aspect approach him.

     

    Hircine just laughed.
    “It matters not. Quicksilver... I wondered why you have been killing so many as of late. You’ll do well to run with this pack. Scarface, Red come, run with me”.

     

    Sotek’s head felt queasy as he found himself toppling over. He leaned over, sprawling out over the top of Red as he fell unconscious. In front of Sasha and Kul-et, a red mist appeared which flickered brightly as it formed the shape of a wolf. From the shadows, a black wolf stepped out. It was nearly three feet taller than the red wolf which stood there. A second later the stag broke into a run as it headed east through the forest. Both wolves ran after it, but despite his size, the black wolf was easily left behind as the red wolf built up her speed.

     

    Sasha just sat there, stunned.
    “That was him! Hircine! By Sithis, that was him”.

     

    “Yep”. Kul-et answered blankly and unemotionally.

     

    “Yep? What do you mean? Yep? Do you know who that was?”

     

    “Yes, he’s Red’s master. The lord of the hunt, Hircine. I’m not sure if Scarface sees him as his master, I think he see’s Hircine as more like a rival to be honest”.

     

    “That’s Hircine! My Daedra Lord”.

     

    “Yes? Well he doesn’t seem overly impressed with you. Don’t you let Quicksilver hunt much?”

     

    “No... She’s usually quiet”.

     

    “Ahh well ermm, Red and Scarface? They’re not. They are always hunting and killing, feeding, as well as other things”.

     

    “What other things?”

     

    “Never you mind. Les just say, Hircine’s more than aware of those two than any other werewolves. They see him quite a lot”.

     

    “I’ve never seen him before, not ever”.

     

    “Yes? Well, back off from Aela, and she’ll keep you around. Then you’ll see far more of him, she’s special to him, not entirely sure why. Just something about her”.

     

    Scarface and Red disappeared from the others view. They felt the forest evaporate from beneath their paws as the trees faded then vanished. Moments later the two spectral wolves found themselves standing outside the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary. Hircine spoke to the two spirit wolves, his words echoing in their minds.
    “Here is the lair of your prey, but they are no base prey. They are hunters themselves. Just one alone is worthy of the hunt”.

     

    Scarface stepped forwards then growled at the secret doorway.
    “I’m not after one, I want them all”. Even his words made no sound as he talked almost telepathically to both Red and Hircine.

     

    As they stood there, an assassin walked past them, totally oblivious to their presence, as if they were in a different realm. Ghosts walking in the assassin’s life. The door whispered out to the dark robed figure in a low threatening whisper.
    “What is the music of life?”

     

    The man grinned wildly like some deranged creature stalking the night. He whispered back at the door.
    “Silence my brother”.

     

    Scarface stared intently at the doorway, as it whispered once more to the member of the Dark Brotherhood.
    “Welcome home”. With that, the stone door slid sideways, allowing the man to enter within.

     

    Scarface grinned as his wolf like voice sounded out in Red’s head.
    “Got you, you bastards”.

     

    Hircine laughed.
    “Always keen for the hunt, but the glory isn’t yours”.

     

    Scarface glanced at Red then walked over to Hircine.
    “What the hell do you mean? The glory isn’t mine?”

     

    “Simple, hunter. You’re too outnumbered. Two against a pack such as this? You’ll fight well but then both of you will die. I know of your plans, of Sotek’s plans. I know what burns inside him, inside you. Between the clearing where Aela rests and here lies Helgen. It’s infested with prey. You won’t survive”.

     

    “I have to do this”.

     

    “What you must do is simple, Hunter. Hunt in my name. I bestow a blessing on you both. Red, you still please me with your hunts but you’re fast enough. It’s time you put on a little weight”. Red hollered out as she grew slightly. She became stronger as her muscles also expanded slightly along with her bone structure as they increased in density and strength.

     

    Hircine then turned his attention to Scarface.
    “Lead my wolves to the fray. Call forth the Blood Moon and gather my hounds. Fight for my glory. Let the blood flow, and the wolves run free”. Moments later Scarface howled out as his head felt like it was on fire, he passed out moments later.

     

    When Sotek finally awoke, he was back at the camp. laying on the ground. He picked himself up, but everything had a reddish haze to it.

     

    Aela opened her eyes, then found her feet as she stood up as well. She glared across to Sasha the moment the memory of the pain came flooding back to her.
    “You fucking bitch, that bloody hurt”.

     

    “She had to get it out Aela, you know that”. Sotek stated, as he tried to prevent a fight from breaking out.

     

    “Yea, but she didn’t have to enjoy it”. At that moment she turned around and looked at Sotek. “Bloody hell, what’s wrong? Your eyes are bloodshot! Red… She’s had a blessing didn’t she… Did she? Was that real?”

     


    Kul-et looked at Sotek with concern. Aela’s words were lost to her as she pointed to Sotek’s face.
    “Bloodshot? Hell, they’re almost glowing”.

     

    Sotek struggled to concentrate but he found it difficult.
    “Yes Aela, that was real. My head feels funny, like I need to...” Moments later he changed form.

     

    Scarface stretched up to full height then let out a loud, terrible howl. Instantly the night sky became smothered in thick rolling clouds, which filled the sky within seconds. Both moons appeared above Scarface as the clouds dissipated around the moons, which were both glowing bright red.

     

    Both Aela and Sasha screamed out with pain but with equal surprise as they were forced to change to their werewolf forms. Both howled out in answer to Scarface’s call.

     

    In the distance, other werewolves cried out. Their howls echoed across the night sky in response to Scarface’s summoning. Moments later Sotek changed back, along with Aela and Sasha. Sotek blinked heavily for a few seconds, then turned to the others.
    “I feel better for that”.

     

    Both Aela and Sasha fell to their knees as they regained control of their bodies. Aela punched Sotek as she yelled at him.
    “What the hell did you do? That bloody hurt, you moron”.

     

    Sotek gazed upwards and pondered on the significance of their ‘dream’.
    “It would seem I’ve ermm, called fourth a great hunt. That’s what Hircine meant when he said I’m to call the Blood Moon. I thought it was something to do with the Blood Moon itself, but he meant exactly what he said. There’s a Blood Moon, and it answers to me”.

     

    Within moments several more howls echoed across the sky. Sotek looked across the trees towards the howling.
    “I think we better move, it’s going to get slightly crowded, if what I think is happening is actually happening”.

     

    Aela held his arm as she stood next to him.
    “The Blood Moon. This hunt, you called it? You actually called it?”

     

    “Yes, at least I think so. Unless Hircine forced me to call it. Maybe it’s to do with Sithis. Far better a hound calls forth a hunt against the Dark Brotherhood rather than Hircine himself. I think I’m a pawn. A pawn with fangs and claws… but still a pawn. On the plus side, it would however, now seem that we’re no longer outnumbered. How far is Helgen?”

     

    Aela threw her arms around him and held him tightly.
    “This is so bloody cool. Helgen’s just a few hours away, we’ll be there just around dawn”

     

    Sotek grabbed his pack then called out to the others as he headed off towards the road to Helgen.
    “Let’s go see if I am right”.

     

     

Comments

5 Comments   |   Meli and 5 others like this.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  July 10, 2018
    Wild hunt time!   But wait, ain't that a Bosmer thing?
  • Karver the Lorc
    Karver the Lorc   ·  July 2, 2018
    Damn, Hircine's meddling again. And giving Sotek the ability call forth the Wild Hunt... Well, they don't do anything for free, them Daedric tuskers. There gonna be a price and it won't be nice no doubt.
  • Ebonslayer
    Ebonslayer   ·  July 1, 2018
    Your [tail's] wagging, it’ll give us away”.


    “Oh, by the [Nine], is she going to be ok?”


    “[Innocence], my brother”.


    “Welcome home, [brother]". (the door merely says "Welcome home", so remove...  more
    • Sotek
      Sotek
      Ebonslayer
      Ebonslayer
      Ebonslayer
      Your [tail's] wagging, it’ll give us away”.


      “Oh, by the [Nine], is she going to be ok?”


      “[In...  more
        ·  July 2, 2018
      Fixed them. thanks Ebonslayer
  • ShyGuyWolf
    ShyGuyWolf   ·  July 1, 2018
    AWESOME!!!