Beautiful Insanity (A Skyrim/Oblivion Fanfiction) ((ORIGINAL))

Building an Army

DYLORAPOV

The Isles had changed far more than I'd expected while I'd been in Tamriel. New kinds of plants sprouted from the ground, reaching towards the moon. I heard the distant howl of a wolf, so different from the Skinned Hounds that usually populated my homeland. I didn't know how many Mazken had remained here, but I hoped that I wouldn't have to fight against too many of them.

Loyalty or no, doubt or no, Regina or no, I never wanted to kill my own kinswomen. My actions against my own contingent were horrifying, but they'd never have listened to me before who they believed to be their Overlord.

A shadow-formed black creature resembling a bear towered over a hill, snarls echoing off the gray stones. Regina's mother tensed beside me, her icy blue sword already out. I'd begun slinging arrows at the bear, and my third bolt struck the monster in its gaping violet mouth. Its desperate roaring as it fell set me on edge, and I knew it wouldn't be the only beast we'd face on our way to kill the wrongful Prince.

"What was that thing?" Regina's father queried, inspecting the corpse. It had no fur, only a shadowy fog emanating from the dead bear.

"I don't know," I admitted. "I've never seeen it in the Shivering Isles before."

"Haskill?"

"My apologies, but nor have I." The chamberlain knelt down and ran his fingers over the shadow bear. "I'd guess-- and quite correctly, I'd wager-- that this is a new creation of Nocturnal. I've been here for countless moons, and I've never seen anything like this."

"Who knows what else Nocturnal has dreamt up, then?" I pointed out darkly.

"I doubt Nocturnal dreams."

"That's not the point, Miss Karliah."

"It's a figure of speech." The bickering cut off instantly when a low howl echoed in the distance.

"What is that?" Russet asked warily, the tip of her sword moving around in a circle. "Some creature from Nocturnal?" I shook my head.

"Quite the opposite." Just as I'd expected, a Skinned Hound burst into sight, loping over the landscape with its tongue lolling about. Russet ran forwards, her blade lifted up. "Wait!" She skidded to a stop, still glaring at the skinless canine.

"You realize what that thing is and looks like, don't you?" Russet shot, aggravated by my prevention.

"Of course I do," I snorted. "We haven't encountered a single Skinned Hound on the way, and yet--"

"Can we get the chitchat over and done with?" I'll admit that I forgot we were being trailed by Aurmazle Zudah and her Aureal. "Our Lady favored the Skinned Hounds, especially this one. Meet Brash, your daughter's... how shall I put it? Pet."

"I wonder how it escaped Nocturnal's notice."

"Does it matter?" Kari pointed out to me. "We have one more creature that'll most likely be willing to fight for Regina's freedom." An idea occurred to me.

"Another creature... that's it," I whispered. Turning to Haskill, I began to explain my plan. "I'll return to Passwall and retrieve the Gatekeeper. As of right now, we don't exactly need him guarding the Gates of Madness. Let the adventurers, the few there may be, spill through! The more to fight, the better."

"And what of our patrols?" Haskill may have intended for me to think he was speaking of all our companions, but his focus was solely on Russet's eldest child. I stifled a sharp retort and sighed.

"You take the lead. Avoid the main road, try to recruit as many as you can find." Another idea pricked at my brain. "Check the Hills of Suicide. The souls there might be willing to fight alongside us. After that, go to the various towns. We need to win this."

"As you command." Haskill's slightly sardonic voice grated at my nerves. He raised his voice and addressed the groups. "Let's go. Commander Dylora will head to the Gates of Madness and find the Gatekeeper, then meet us at the New Sheoth Cemetery. Understood?" Waves of agreement passed over the Saints, and though Russet's family seemed slightly confused, they nodded their acceptance.

"Farewell, and stay safe," I said to the patrol. With that, I whirled around and headed away. Regina, I thought, Please let our siege succeed. I want to restore you to the throne. Please bless our fight.

...

REGINAPOV

I smiled, grateful for Dylora's continued loyalty. Though I had no idea how to help them from where I was, I could at the very least offer my mental support. I turned to Jyggalag. "They're beginning the siege."

"Then let's hope they succeed, for all of us."