Just a Skyrim fanfic: Extended cut

Taking forts

(This takes place while Leonidas does the thieves guild quests)

(Ulfric and Maximus are in Windhelm)

Ulfric: We've driven the Thalmor away from Whiterun. This is good. Very good. Now the knights control the center. It's a powerful position. One we should aim to keep. I suspect you'll be of greater use to us with greater freedom, so you're free to engage the Thalmor as you see fit. But I also want you to find our hidden camp in Falkreath. Galmar will have some tasks for you. And he'll need you for when we strike

Maximus: Understood

Ulfric: Go with the gods

(Maximus makes his way to the knights camp in Falkreath to meet up with Galmar)

Maximus: Reporting as ordered

Galmar: Good. You're going to fort neugrad. The Thalmor have some of our boys locked up in there. But with a little luck, and a lot of skill, we can turn that to our advantage. I've sent some knights to scout the area. Meet up with them, and see if you can find a way to slip inside undetected, free our men, eliminate the Thalmor, and take over the fort. They'll never even see it coming. You got the grit to get this job done?

Maximus: Nothing I can't handle

Galmar: Good. Don't die out there

(Maximus meets Ralof and a group of knights outside of fort neugrad)

Ralof: Well, look who it is. How have you been?

Maximus: I'm alright

Ralof: Good to hear. This is actually my first real command mission since they promoted me after Whiterun. Sometimes when I close my eyes at night I can see the battles appear before me. Do the men you've killed haunt you? Mine do

Maximus: Only a beast kills without feeling

Ralof: Leonidas would disagree. But enough about that. We've got a job to do

Maximus: What's the plan?

Ralof: We've found a cave under the lake. With luck, it'll lead you to the prison. You need to sneak in there, and free our men, killing any Thalmor inside while doing so. Once you've rescued the prisoners, head out and support us in the courtyard. Should be fun. I have faith in you

(Ralof and the knights assault fort neugrad head on)

(Maximus dives into a lake and swims to the bottom through a cave, and finds a secret passage)

(He then sneaks up on the jailor and slits his throat with a knife)

(Maximus uses the key he finds on the jailor's corpse and frees the prisoners by unlocking the cells)

(Maximus and the prisoners rush out into the courtyard to support Ralof and the other knights)

(After a fierce battle with the Thalmor, the knights emerge victorious)

Ralof: Great work! Get back and report our success. I'll stay here and clean up the mess

(Maximus leaves the fort and informs Galmar of the knight's success)

Galmar: Perfect. Your next objective is fort snowhawk. Meet the knights preparing for the attack, then join them in wiping out the Thalmor. We will garrison the fort once you prevail. What do you think? Can you do it?

Maximus: I can do it

Galmar: Good. You've got fire in you. I respect that. Talos guide you

(Maximus journeys to the outskirts of fort snowhawk where he finds Ralof and a squad of knights waiting for him)

Ralof: Attack!

(Maximus, Ralof, and the knights charge into fort snowhawk and quickly kill the Thalmor soldiers occupying it)

Maximus: This one was an easy one. I'll go inform Galmar of our success

(Maximus goes back to the knights camp)

Galmar: Your next objective is fort sungard. You know the drill. Meet up with the knights and join them in wiping out the Thalmor. Once you've prevailed, the knights will garrison the fort. Are you up for this?

Maximus: Always

Galmar: Talos be with you

(Maximus meets up with Ralof and the knights and sees a massive wave of Thalmor soldiers in front of fort sungard)

(Maximus uses a fireball to burn a few Thalmor soldiers, Ralof and the knights shoot some arrows at them)

(When the Thalmor soldiers start retreating, the knights rush forward with their swords and fight close quarters)

(Once they prevail, the knights all let out a cheer)

Ralof: That's our half locked down. Go and see General Tullius. He'll give you instructions for the other half

Maximus: Other half?

Ralof: He'll explain