Rise of the Dark Lords - an Elder Scrolls and Middle-earth tale

Chapter 9 - The White Wolf

GERALT'S BLADE CROSSED WITH THE YOUNG  APPRENTICE WITCHER  AT KAER MORHEN.  Ciri had spent the past two months training and it was brutal on the princesses body.  From the beginning, her teachers and Geralt recognized that her abilities seemed limitless.  Geralt privately worried that she could be seduced and fall prey to the darkness that sometimes happened with mages.  He had heard the tale of how Saruman, the White Wizard of Middle-earth had fallen to darkness after his encounter with Sauron following the fight at Dol Goldur.  He personally had witnessed firsthand Renfri fall prey to her rage and was concerned the same could happen with Ciri who displayed such promise and hoped she didn't walk the same road.

Ciri struck low with her sword and Geralt parried easily, but the girl reversed and struck with a vicious elbow that he barely dodged.  She then delivered a spin kick aimed at his torso that he checked.  Ciri was a natural, but still had much to learn particulary with magic.  Geralt directed a telekenetic blast at her to knock her off balance which had the desired effect and his blade was at her neck.  In her eyes he saw the frustration in her defeat.  She grabbed a water flask and and took a long pull and splashed the rest on her face.

"If you hadn't used magic I would have beaten you" she stated grabbing a cloth and wiping the sweat away from her forehead.

"You've greatly improved in the months that you've spent here, but you have yet to become a master swordsman.  You have yet to reach my skill or that of others.  You must learn patience."

"Others?  Really?  Witcher's are the finest swordsmen in existence."

"Obviously you've never met Aragorn or Jon Snow.  When you are fighting, never expect your opponent to fight fair" Jaskier found them and there was excitement in his eyes for in his hands was a letter.  "What is it Jaskier" Geralt asked annoyed that his friend had interrupted them.

"A courier dropped this off for you.  Didn't say who it was from either."

Geralt turned the folded letter over and saw the Akaviri symbol and his eyes betrayed his surprise.  "You know who it is" Ciri asked.

"Someone who I haven't seen or heard from in years" he answered opening the letter and reading its contents

Geralt,

It has been man years since we last seen each other and now I'm asking for your help.  A great darkness has come to Skyrim and Middle-earth that I cannot defeat alone.  You will be well compensated if you choose to come.  The Blades will be at your disposal as well as Odahviing.  Please hurry for time is short.  Meet me at Sky Haven Temple.

Dovahkiin

"Who is it" Ciri asked.

"The Dovahkiin has asked for my help."

"The Dragonborn of Skyrim" Jaskier shouted "why does he need your help Geralt?"

"He wasn't specific.  He mentions a great darkness has come to Skyrim and Middle-earth that he cannot defeat alone."

"It could be a dragon" Ciri suggested.

"The Dragonborn has slain over twenty dragons including Alduin.  Jaskier, saddle Roach and pack a mule.  Ciri and I will be leaving immediately."

"I am going to Tamriel with you" she said excitedly.  "I'm going on my first assignment as a Witcher."

"Ciri, Skyrim is a very cold and brutal place.  The Nords are warlike and are known for their prowess in combat.  They believe that their honored dead go to a place called Sovngarde.  They live to fight.  Be careful of what you say there" Geralt warned her.  "And do not pick a fight with the Blades either.  Their skill with a sword is second to none."