7 Riften- The Fall

Day 59

The night went on without incident, Zaynabi had taken second watch as I settled down to sleep. Nightmares that had started a few days ago, plagued my dreams once more. I would wake up the same, scared and on the verge of tears. I originally believed that my nightmares could mean something, but I also thought that maybe it was the beginning of my mind deteriorating. I had been trying not to let my situation get to me as I needed to concentrate on living, but it was getting harder as the days dragged on.

"Darius! Wake up!" Zaynabi was whispering as she shook me awake. I opened my eyes and grabbed the sword that lay beside me. I was up before Zaynabi could even move back fast enough.

"Wh-whats going on?!" I raised my voice slightly, not picking up on the hint of whispering. Zaynabi rushed to her feet and clapped a hand over my mouth which stung almost brought me back to sitting.

"Hush! There is something going on in the village." Zaynabi motioned to the stairs that lead up the tower. I checked to make sure the door was secure before following. Kharjo was still fast asleep, the trek here took its toll on him. We got the the top of the tower where we kneeled and peeked over. Guards, about tens or so stood ready and began drawing their weapons. They all faced towards an opening in the mountain, a mine from the looks of it, and readied themselves. Another guard walked in front of them, I assumed it was their captain, and began shouting something. Though it was quiet all around us I couldn't make out what he was saying. Then we saw them, the shambling corpses from Mistwatch Keep came stumbling out of the mine.

Another line of guards formed up behind the others and readied arrows. They fired at the mass of corpses and though most arrows found a mark, the creatures kept moving. The archers readied again and though I couldn't hear the captain, I could tell their voice was cracking. Another volley of arrows only succeeded in bringing one of them down. From where Zaynabi and I sat there seemed to be no end to them as they poured out of the mine. The captain shouted something else and we could see the archers draw other weapons and they all charged at the undead. It was hard to see anything clearly in the mess but I could make out swords cutting off limbs and limbs being torn from guards. It was like a zombie movie from my world had mixed with Skyrim.

A few of the guards had gotten out of the mess and began to run the other way. The others stayed or had no choice to stay as the undead began to circle around them. It was like watching a predator circle prey, only the predator was shambling and groaning. I wanted to help them, but what could I do? These where trained guards, I was just a child compared to their experience and they where getting wiped out.

Zaynabi and I watched as the remaining guards where torn apart. The creatures feasted on their bodies and retreated back into the caves.

"Wait, their going back in?" I whispered in confusion, if they were going back into the mine then does that mean that someone was controlling them? Or where they intelligent? I looked at Zaynabi and we seemed to share an understanding. "We need to get moving again soon. Can you see if Kharjo is able to?" Zaynabi nodded and headed back down the stairs. I tightened my grip on the sword I held next to me and stared at the village. What were these creatures? They looked like walking corpses but they had unbelievable strength and kept on coming after being stabbed or shot with arrows. It looked like it took many blows from swords and arrows to take down just a few.

Zaynabi touched my arm and I almost jumped out of my skin. "He's still too exhausted from yesterday and I'm worried about his wounds." I looked around and noticed a chair in one corner of the tower. I grabbed it with my free hand and brought it downstairs to shove against the door. I also made sure the barrels where pressed firmly against it as well. Zaynabi also brought a chair from the corner of the room and did the same. "That might hold those things for a little." Zayabi said as she opened a barrel. "Lucky for us. There's some food" She brought up some apples and tomatoes. In the other barrels there where also apples and one even had meat. The meat was packed in something so it didn't rot.

"We'll let him rest one more night. But we need to get out of here soon, I don't plan on being the next victim to these things." I bit into an apple and settled onto the ground. These things, what were they? What exactly had happened at the Keep before we arrived? We had only shown up in the middle of everything, as far as I could tell anyway. I needed more answers, but like usual lately, I'm just getting more questions.

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Day 60

"An entire regiment of guards?!" The man before us was furious, his body shook and he stared down the mine entrance. It was hard to see his face due to the helmet he wore but his voice was cracking. "We need to pull back. Send out two men to search for the ones that ran away. They should be close by!" The guards he had brought with him seemed all too happy to hear that they weren't going against the things inside the mine. "You! Help them with the injured one. We need them." He turned away from me without another word and a soldier came up to us and offered to help relieve some of the pressure off Zaynabi. Kharjo groaned as he adjusted to leaning on a taller support but he seemed alright.

Another group of guards had arrived in the morning, they had taken a look at the area in front of the mine and moved on to search for any suvivors. That's how they found us, huddled in the tower and still trying to figure out a way to get past the mine safely. Apparently it was alright as long as you kept your distance from the entrance. Were they guarding something in there? Or someone? Could the person responsible for this be in there? If that was the case then the summoners who brought me here where right before me! I knew I couldn't take the chance to go in there though, I would be torn apart and that would be the end. There was no grandstanding, nothing that made me invincible. I was just a normal person, more weak than those that surrounded me.

"How is the armor?" Zaynabi came up next to me as we marched with guards on the main road. I adjusted the chest and tapped the shoulder pieces.

"Everything seems to be staying put now. It fits a lot better, thank you." Zaynabi had removed some of the steel pieces that made up the shoulders and legs. The only thing she couldn't really adjust was the chest piece but that fit enough to where it didn't feel loose or move when I did.

"Kharjo wants you to hold onto it for him. His sword as well., he knows that it will take some time for him to heal and even then he wouldn't be able to fight the same way again." I looked over at the stumbling guard and limping Khajiit. My left hand felt the pommel of the sword sheathed at my side and held onto it tightly.

"Thank you, I'll take care of it for him. At least until he can wear it himself." I gave Zaynabi a smile but her face remained grim. Their caravan was in shambles, two of the four members survived and Kharjo couldn't guard them anymore. I had hardly travelled with them for a day when we were attacked and Dro'marash died. I wondered weather or not they believed I was at fault. Was I cursed?

"Akatosh. I pray once more to you, please watch over me and my companions. Bless us and help our weary hearts hold strong." I whispered and bowed my head. Not sure if anyone was listening or what Akatosh could do for us but I felt it was needed. I had a new faith in something I had never believed to be real. I had never been the religious type before, but after everything that had been happening and the voice I had heard before. I was sort of a believer now.

We followed the guards in silence for some time before the walls of Riften came into view. Many guards, almost liek a small army, was stationed outside the walls. Tents lined outside the wall as everyone pitched in to chop trees and build more posts. It looked like other people from in town where also pitching in. Others ran to and fro, some past the borders of Riften and beyond. There were barrels or large bags in their hands when they had been returning. I wondered if they were from the farms and black-briar buildings. At least that's what I remembered about the area. I also saw the warrior Mjoll checking weapons and talking to guards. I only was able to recognize her with the glass sword Grimsever at her side and the voice was even the same from the game.

"I guess the city is taking this very seriously." I said to Zaynabi as we walked past everyone and through the gates. The leader of the group of guards came over and got my attention.

"The creatures have been roaming the lands nearby. I would suggest staying within the walls of the city if you can't fight. We have a healer that will bring your injured friend to the temple of Mara. I have to report to the Jarl." He turned away and headed to the Keep.

Zaynabi and I helped the priests of Mara get Kharjo into the temple. We lay him on a spare bed and told the priests that if there was anything we could do we would. Zaynabi wanted to stay for a little while longer and help get him comfortable, I nodded in response and went out to the market square. Everyone was busy running around and helping set up defenses around the walls and bringing supplies to the guards who where outside. I made my way to the inn and stopped in front of the door.

"The Bee and the Barb." I smiled to myself as I opened the door and walked in. I had spent many days in the game just trying to complete all of the Riften quests, The thieves guild included. Some were annoying but others where fun. Like becoming a Nightingale, finding the skeleton key, and helping the guild get back on it's feet.

I shook my head to get myself back to reality and walked up to the counter to secure rooms for Zaynabi and I. After paying the twenty gold I brought my pack to my room and slumped into the bed. It felt nice to relax on the soft texture and after adjusting myself a little I realized the problem was my armor. I removed the metal pieces carefully and placed them near the bed, checked my bag and pulled out grey cloth pants with a tanned shirt. After adjusting the belt I went downstairs and sat down to eat a nice meal.

I savored the taste of the meat and Alto Wine. I thought about getting myself drunk but knew this wasn't the time. We needed the gold now more than ever and I didn't know when we would be getting out of the city so we would need to conserve what we had.

"Are you Darius?" A man walked up to me clad in full steel armor. I was wary at first but then I saw two guards flanking him.

"I am. Is there something I can help you with?" I asked hesitantly.

"The jarl needs to speak with you."

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Day 62

Silence filled the air. The dead don't talk, they don't move. The body might make a few last movements before the blood stops flowing but it's still silent. . I knelt down and stared at the ground. My body shook, my hand fumbled around until it made contact with the wooden pommel of Kharjo's sword. Pain shot through my body as I gripped it tightly. Why had this happened?

Someone shook me, my eyes slowly moved from the ground to the person kneeling before me. Mjoll was frantically shaking me and shouting something. Her normally swept back red hair had fallen around her face, her blue face paint smeared and mixed with mud.

"Darius!" Her voice reached me finally. I blinked a few times then clasped my free hand on her shoulder. My grip was weak but I brought myself to my feet and moved her aside. My sword arm rose and swept right. The steel sword bit through dead flesh and bone. A green ooze seeped from the stump that was a creature's neck. The grayish body slumped to the ground, I alongside it. I couldn't stop shaking. Did I just do that? What had compelled me to? It would have killed us if I didn't right? Mjoll was in front of me again, this time instead of shaking me she shoved me and grabbed onto me until I rose to my feet. "We have to go! The forward camp is lost! We have to retreat!" Her words rang home, I turned away and started to stumble away. I could see other soldiers struggling with more of the creatures and others running away. I heard Mjoll chop a few of those things down behind me then move to my side. She brought one of my arms around her and helped to speed my movement. My armor felt heavier than before, my body weak and my eyes heavy. Exhaustion and defeat creeped through my whole body.

How had there been so many? What little help I was able to give was made useless as we couldn't even aim our strikes to behead them. I had tried to use the simple method that many movie actors used from my world. Taking off the head of any undead would make the body cease to function. It worked but there had been so many that it was hard to keep our weapons up to take off their heads and panic began to set in among the soldiers. There had been fifty of us, the majority of the guards in Riften and what people had volunteered to try and drive these things out of their land. It had been a pathetic attempt as we had driven them out of their mine and made them advance on us from the hill. We had readied defenses and many of them impaled themselves on our makeshift spikes. But there had just been so many.

Mjoll stopped supporting me and let me slump to the ground before the gates of Riften. The group that had stayed behind rushed quickly to help the survivors get inside. An argonian women came over and helped lift me back onto my feet. I recognized her as the innkeeper, her husband came up to my other side and they both carried me through the gates where my vision went dark.

I should probably start from the beginning. After the guards had retrieved me from the inn. I met with the Jarl of Riften, Laila Law-Giver and informed her of the events that had led Zaynabi, Kharjo, and I to Riften. When I told her of Mistwatch Keep her face darkened. She told me of other instances where these undead and crystals had been found all throughout Skyrim and she had even heard that travelers from all over Tamriel are reporting similar sightings. I had been appalled by the news, how was this happening? Were the summoners who brought me here really a part of this or was there something more going on?

I hadn't had much time to ask as a messenger had come in saying that more creatures had been spotted around Riften than usual. Something was terribly wrong, I then told the Jarl all I knew of the creatures and believed that it was best to aim for the head rather than the limbs to take them down. I had hoped that the movies and games from my world had something right at least. It was then that I was "asked" to accompany the soldiers she was sending to Shor's Stone to try and retake the village. Afterwards I had spent two days learning the sword from Mjoll and other guards. I also got to know some of the people I was marching with. That was a mistake though. I should have thought that we wouldn't make it out alive but I wanted to think that we had a chance. I was terribly wrong.

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Day 63

I awoke to the sound of shouting from the market square. It was hard to make out the words and who was speaking them but it was enough to rouse me from my sleep. My eyes felt like weights as I opened them to view the surroundings. I was at the inn, a soft cot made of furs and blankets beneath me. Other people lay on similar cots around me. There was little room left in Riften as even refugees from Ivarstead had come to seek shelter. We had started to make beds in the main area of the inn and even set up tents in the free spaces around the market square.

I rolled over in my cot and brought myself to my hands and knees. My body ached all over, head feeling like it was going to explode and my mind was fuzzy. I know it hadn't been a side affect of drinking as I hadn't had anything, but the feeling was very similar to my first hangover when I had gone out drinking with friends from school. That time felt so far away now, like a different life entirely. Looking around while I got to my feet, I could still see people sleeping or groggily waking up as well. My mind was still trying to process the massacre that took place yesterday but today was another day and I knew that I would need to keep going. I checked the armor that lay by my cot then strapped Kharjo's sword to my side then walked out of the inn. The bright sun pierced through the clouds just as I walked outside, forcing me to shield my eyes and wait to adjust.

"Darius!" I turned to see Zayanbi aproaching me from the market. I could see a few guards arguing about something, more than likely the source of the shouting.

"Is everything okay?" I asked as I walked up to her.

"Their arguing about what group is going to be going to that fort nearby. Greenwall I think they called it. It is rumored that hooded figures were seen on the walls."

"If those are the people controlling those creatures then they already have the advantage. If they took the fort then it is going to be trouble trying to retake it. It would help greatly though if we could take it back." I pondered a moment, trying to think of a plan I could bring to the jarl. My position in Riften had only been slightly raised due to acting like I knew a little about what to do and given the mental state of her citizens, the Jarl was quick to jump om anything.

"If the Empire still controlled Riften then this wouldn't be happening!" I heard someone shout from the crowd. The dragonborn had negotiated Riften and Markarth to be traded for temporary peace but after Alduin had been defeated, Ulfric was quick to reclaim Riften while the empire still struggled to take back Markarth.

"Enough!" Mjoll walked into the square and put herself between the two guard captains. "You have orders! Now, I've just been given a rank among the Riften militia. I'm taking volunteers on the mission to retake Fort Greenwall. Anyone willing to defend their homes and families meet me at the gate in the hour!" Mjoll's face was serious as she shouted at the people in the square to disperse. I gave Zaynabi a nod and walked over to Mjoll.

"So, captain of the militia now?" I smiled bitterly and tried to congratulate her.

"I liked to consider myself defender of Riften. Now I guess I get to prove it more. Besides, you and I are among the few that returned from trying to rid ourselves of those things." Mjoll's face darkened as she looked down, no doubt remembering just yesterday.

"What is the Jarl thinking sending more people out there after the defeat yesterday? Surely morale is so low that we wouldn't stand a chance." I tried to think about everything I knew of war from movies and games from my world. I was also struggling to think about history lessons from when I was in school. It was minimal knowledge but I figured anything would help. I honestly didn't even want to think about going back out there, I was still recovering from yesterday but there was little choice in the matter. Mjoll would need people and though I had felt useless, I had still been able to survive somehow.

"She is trying to recover from it quickly. If we could retake the fort it will give us a chance to raise morale, both for the soldiers we have as well as the citizens staying here. We've had no word from anyone farther than Ivarstead. But rumors are that hordes of these things are running rampant all round Tamriel. This very well might be on equal grounds to the Oblivion crisis."

"I've heard about them being sighted around Tamriel but hordes of them are now running around?!" I panicked just at the thought. There was an army of undead creatures all over this world. I sure as hell came at a bad time! As if there weren't enough problems for me enough as it is, now the world of Tamriel has met with a zombie apocalypse movie!

"Relax friend. We'll win the day. I'm sure of it. Just try and get yourself together. From what I could tell, yesterday was your first real battle." Mjoll placed a hand on my shoulder, smiled, then turned to walk away.

"Mjoll!" She turned and I gulped hard. "I'll volunteer."

The next hour involved me paying a visit to Kharjo, telling Zaynabi of the situation and preparing myself for the battle ahead. There had only been a few sightings through the night and into this morning of hooded figures on the walls of Fort Greenwall but I had a feeling that there where creatures there. Whatever these necromancers wanted, we needed to stop them here. A siege on the city would succeed and I believed that they knew it. We where in no position to fend them off.

I doned Kharjo's armor and made sure I had everything in order. Fort Greenwall was only a little ways North of Riften so I wouldn't need to bring any significant supplies. I did ask that Zaynabi watch my pack for me though. It had my journal and the two empty conjuration books. I brought a small pouch that held some water and I had bought a few healing potions from the apothecary. I also was given a shield by the blacksmith who was handing out weapons and armor to volunteers. We had a total of twenty-five volunteers as well as a small group of five guards. Thirty in all, but I knew numbers didn't mean anything, we had fifty to try and retake Shor's Stone and less than a handful had returned. I wondered why I had put myself in this position again.

"Akatosh. I ask that you bless us and watch over us." I said the prayer before the group at the gate, word had traveled around Riften that I was a priest of Akatosh. I felt a familiar feeling through my body, I could also tell that the group gathered before me could feel something. Their faces lit up and their shoulders no longer slumped. Mjoll aproached me and smiled then drew her greataxe.

"This is it! We will take back the fort, we will protect our homes! Our families! For Riften! For Skyrim!" The guards opened the gate and we all stormed out.

It took less than an hour to reach the fort, we could see shambling corpses walking along the walls, others wandered around the gateway. We couldn't get a count on them as we couldn't see anything inside the walls. We all formed up behind Mjoll and drew our weapons. I readied the shield in my left hand and gripped the sword tightly. This was it, another battle, but this time I wouldn't shut down. I needed to stay on my toes, to stay alert and not give in to the chaos around me. We needed to win if we where to have a chance at repelling this new menace.

"Fan out, Ten to each flank." We split apart as she instructed. I was placed in charge of the ten on the left flank. We where to take out the shambling creatures around the fort then make our way around to the other gate. "Attack!" Mjoll brought up her axe and gave a shout. The middle group followed behind her while the right group charged around the other end of the fort. I also got caught up in the moment and gave a shout, my legs carried me forward and I could hear the others behind me. I brought up my arm and swung down with my sword as we reached part of the wall. It bit through the neck of an undead and kept going. My arm swung wildly afterwards, slicing through two more before I could see the others pass me and take down more. There where few undead on our side so it was easier for us to make it to the other end of the fort. I lead my group through the gate and assisted Mjoll in clearing out the courtyard and walls. The other group arrived just as we finished them off.

"Two casualties." The other guard reported while we all caught our breath.

"We'll clear out the inside soon. Everyone prepare yourselves." Mjoll ordered then motioned for me to follow her. She lead me up to the walls and looked back at Riften. "This seemed too easy, there was less here than we had originally believed." She said as she sat down on a pile of rubble. I took a seat beside her and set down my shield, my sword still held firmly in my hand.

"It's not over yet." I replied, looking around the area. I couldn't see any other undead shambling about. "I'm sure the hard part is coming."

"You're probably right. It's going to be close fighting in there and if necromancers are in there it's going to get very messy." Mjoll gripped her axe and brought herself back to her feet. "Let's finish this and bring back the good news.

"Captain!" A volunteer came up the stairs out of breath and shaky. "There's no one inside! We scouted it out but it's empty!" Just as Mjoll was about to say something, we heard a loud bell ringing in the distance. It was coming from the direction of Riften.

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Day 63

"Back to Riften!" Mjoll was down the stairs in seconds. I hefted up my shield and followed after her as best I could. "Darius, You and your men stay here. We may need to return!" Mjoll was out the gate with the remaining volunteers. I watched as they rushed along the road, back to Riften where an alarm bell was ringing. My mind reeled, we had been tricked? How would they know that we would send someone to try and take Fort Greenwall?

"What about our families?" A soldier came up behind me, his face filled with grief. I looked around, unsure of what to say or do. I had been placed in charge of these people, I was to ensure they lived. A responsibility very unknown to me.

"You five. Head back to Riften. If they need to evacuate, then bring them here!" I pointed out five of the volunteers then pointed back to Rfiten as I spoke. "Those of you remaining, take that wood and start setting up barricades around the gate!" Since the gates of Fort Greenwall where heavily damaged, we would need to try and reinforce them with what we could. I placed my shield on a table in the small smith, sheathed my blade, then went to help them.

It took us some time to set up adequate barricades around the gates, we had also been able to gather some rubble and add to the barricades. I had just sent two men into the fort to check what supplies weret here when I saw a group of people come from the direction of Riften. I recognized two of the five I had sent, they where leading them here. I noticed Kharjo and Zaynabi in the mix, there was also Laila Law-Giver and a few of her guards.

"You two, guard the other gate." I ordered the two nearest to me then went down to meet the group. "What's happened?"

"The city was overrun within an hour." One of my men reported as the group made it into the fort. "Mjoll and the remaining guard are holding off a majority of them while we help the citizens escape."

"How many are left in the city?" My mind was reeling, there was hardly anyone here. How many were alive?

"This is what's left. We couldn't even get to the orphanage." His face went dark as he lowered his head. I sighed heavily and placed my hand on his shoulder.

"You did what you could, take stock on what they brought with them. We need to know how many supplies we have." No one was escaping this nightmare, not even the children. This news put me into an even darker state. I stared at the road for some time, hoping to see others but held little hope for seeing anyone else other than Mjoll possibly. We had only a handful of people who wielded weapons, it would be difficult to defend ourselves at the moment.

"How are you two holding up?" I had made my way over to the group who were adjusting themselves inside the walls, Zaynabi and Kharjo were attempting to seat themselves in a corner of the smithy.

"We are doing the best we can." Kharjo groaned. His face twisted in pain.

"The fool had tried to raise a sword." Zaynabi scolded him, almost like a parent would scold their child. "What of you? This isn't easy for anyone." Zaynabi looked around, her face filled with worry.

"I'm as okay as I can be. There's a lot to do and I think I found myself in a higher position than I bargained for." I followed her gaze. The survivors looked worse for wear and understandably given what just happened in so little a time frame. Their faces full of dread and loss brought tears to most of their eyes.

"We need to keep on moving. We are too close to Riften." I heard a voice in the crowd, it was the Jarl. They had just survived their city being overrun by undead creatures, how could she expect them to keep moving now? But I knew she was right, no one was out of this yet. This fort was hardly the most ideal position to hold up in.

"What would you have us do?" I walked up to her and bowed my head, though circumstances hardly called for it I still needed to remember who she was.

"We need to gather what supplies we can and keep moving. We should make for Windhelm, no doubt Ulfric could provide us with protection."

"A group comes from the south!" A guard shouted from the walls. I drew my blade and ordered my remaining soldiers to gather what supplies they could. My feet brought me to the southern road where I witnessed a heartening sight. Mjoll and a few other guards where making their way to the fort, a few more citizens with them as well. I made my way over to them with a small smile.

"It's good to see you made it out." I regretted my words however as they all had the look of defeat on their faces. They trekked past me except Mjoll.

"We lost too much. The city, so many people, now what?" Mjoll had tear streaks running down her face. Mud and blood plastered her armor, hair, and face. She looked like she could be one of those things herself.

"The Jarl says we should keep moving. But let's get you cleaned up first, There's a trough near the smithy." I guided the defeated warrior into the fort and brought her to the trough. She washed her face and hair and did what she could for her armor. While she washed up I had run over to the volunteers under my command and checked on the supply situation. Overall we maybe had a days worth of supplies for this many people. "We'll need to make them last. There's nothing in Shor's stone and we'll need to avoid it anyway."

"What do you suggest?" I was surprised to see the Jarl come up behind me, she was asking me?

"I honestly don't know much about this area. Most of my time traveling between Windhelm and Riften had been during a snowstorm." I answered honestly. I wished I could have remembered more about this area in the game. But it was difficult to recall anything now.

"My adviser would normally have some insight. But she shielded me against those...things." She lowered her face and grimaced. "But we all must press on despite our losses. I hope I can count on you to help?" She looked up at me, a determination showing on her face that told me she was not made a leader by luck or blood.

"I will do all I can, my Jarl." I bowed my head and placed my hand over my heart. I don't know how I came to be here, in this place and in this position. But someone needed to help and I refused to be powerless and watch as others suffer. I would make a difference, I had to have come here for a reason and I was going to live through this and find it!