Ice Veins

Rurik sat at his self appointed post at the mouth of the cave. He had taken out a whet stone and began sharpening Windshear’s blade to try and calm himself. He envied these ponies; living in a fairy tale world of peace and happiness and not having to fear war or the constant threat of bandit attacks. This place was a paradise.

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While the big Nord sat his vigil at the mouth of the cave, Twilight found herself fraught with worry.

“He kills dragons! What will he do to Spike if he sees him!?” Twilight thought to herself. She lay on a bed of moss, her mind racing a mile a minute; until she decided the only way to find out how Rurik would react was to go and ask him. Slowly, she got up from the mossy ground, and made her way to where he was standing watch.

Rurik sat with a bottle of Black Briar Mead in one hand and a loaf of bread in the other; the Visage of Mzund sat on the rock beside him staring into the night and Windshear leaned against his knee. Hoof steps from behind him caught his attention, and

“You should be sleeping.” said Rurik dryly.

“Sorry; I just had a question that could not wait until morning.” replied Twilight nervously.

"What is on your mind then Twilight?" he asked motioning for her to sit beside him on the rock.

"Well, you kind of scared me earlier." said Twilight.

“How so?”

“Well, my adopted little brother is a dragon…” she began quietly. Rurik sighed and turned to her with a dead pan stare.

“By the Divines, do you really think that I just walk around and kill them whenever I see them? No; I do not kill them unless they attack me or others first. Some of my closest friends in fact are Dov or Dragons in your tongue. I am not some Akaviri Barbarian.” he replied shaking his head with a small chuckle.

Twilight had no idea what an Akaviri was, but was relieved nonetheless at the news.

"Whew, I was worried there for a second. Thanks for explaining that." she said relaxing a little bit.

“Not a problem: now go and get some shut eye; and we can continue q and a tomorrow when we eat breakfast.” said Rurik.

“But I’m not-” Twilight was cut off by a big yawn. “Ok I see your point. See you tomorrow Rurik.”

“Good night Twilight Sparkle. Get some sleep, because tomorrow will come earlier than you think.” Twilight had no problem going to sleep when she lay down in the moss covered area near Rarity; sleep took her as soon as her head hit the moss.

The engineer meanwhile finished his midnight snack before pulling out one of the few books he had on him: and cast a mage light spell so that he could read. The light that the flames produced showed the title of the dark covered book which had been written by the anonymous author: The title of the book was Immortal Blood.

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The next morning came early as was to be expected, as Rurik wanted to get a move on as soon as possible. There was still a good deal of walking to go, and while the ponies seemed to be tired after only two hours of walking, their Nord protector showed no sign of fatigue despite his heavy armor and the fact that he had stayed up the entire night standing guard over the cave entrance. His endurance was very impressive to both of the ponies, but in especial to Twilight; who simply stared in awe as the tall man trudged along tirelessly through the thick forest as they began panting from the heat of the sun over head. The Nord quickly noticed this and spoke up as they entered a shaded clearing.

“I know we need to get back to the town, but we should rest for a bit. You both look very tired.” said Rurik removing the Visage of Mzund and revealing that he had not even broken a sweat.

“How are you not rung with perspiration!?Especially in all that armor!” asked Twilight in awe.

“Well, travelling between cities in my home is a dangerous business in itself, and I sometimes have to go on foot. Heavy armor like this offers the best protection against bandits and other things; sometimes in more ways than one. On rare occasions, bandits will not even attack a man in heavy armor, preferring softer targets like some poor villager. After a while I just got used to wearing it I guess.” answered Rurik with a shrug.

Rurik passed out some empty mead bottles that he had filled with fresh water from a nearby stream that morning to his thirsty travelling companions; who gladly took the cool bottles offered them.

“Rurik darling, how did you keep this water so cold?” asked Rarity.

“Well, remember the ice spikes I used yesterday?”

“Oh yes; of course…” she said with an involuntary shudder at the memory of the massive icicles punching through her captor’s knees.

“I just made tiny versions and dropped them in to keep the water cool. I use it all the time at home in Skyrim.” he explained.

“Wow, you’re very resourceful!” complimented Twilight.

“Why thank you.” replied Rurik with a mock bow that made Twilight and Rarity giggle. The peacefulness of the small break did not last however; Rurik suddenly turned around and looked to some bushes: something was watching them.

“Get behind me and stay quiet girls: now.” he commanded putting the helmet back on and readying a lightning bolt spell in each hand. The two mares did as Rurik told them and stood behind the big Nord. Out from the bushes came about twenty Pegasus ponies that were a little taller than Twilight and Rarity. They were clad in bronze colored armor, all of them white with blue manes, and all of them carrying shields, spears, and stoic faces. Rurik could tell that they were soldiers of some kind as they moved with military precision in setting up a phalanx, all of their spears leveled at him. Despite the show of force; the Nord was less than impressed: King Ulfric’s guards could easily tear these toy soldiers to bits in the blink of an eye.

The shields opened to reveal two unicorns who were obviously officers. One had an ice blue coat with a bright green mane and wore a full suit of steel plate armor with the helmet hiding his face: slung across his back a huge warhammer that could easily crush a man’s skull with one blow. The other officer wore intricately decorated purple plate armor everywhere but his head, and at his side hung a highly decorated but very functional looking blade. He had a white coat with a two toned blue mane, and his face was a mask of rage. The unicorn’s horn glowed and a faint glow surrounded the handle of the sword, which rang loudly as it was drawn from its scabbard and its point leveled towards him. Rurik extinguished his magic so as to show the guard ponies he didn’t want a fight.

“Easy now, I didn’t come here for a fight; I just want to get these two home.” explained Rurik pointing a thumb over his shoulder at the two mares.

“Likely story, I bet you had something to do with their kidnapping, you walk just like one of those damned curs!” hissed the unicorn.

“I beg your pardon, but I am no dog.” replied Rurik removing his helmet and holding it under his arm and giving the officer a stern expression.

“LIES! I am placing you under arrest!” yelled the unicorn. Despite the fact that he was beginning to grow weary of the unicorn's insolence, the Nord forced his anger at the personal insult down.

“Listen here! I have done nothing wrong!” said Rurik with rising anger.

“In the names of Their Royal Majesties; princesses Celestia and Luna: I hereby place you under arrest for involvement in the kidnapping of Miss Rarity: Element of Generosity and Twilight Sparkle: Element of Magic and Personal student of Princess Celestia. You will submit to our authority willingly, we will make you submit by force! Do you submit beast!?” snarled the officer. The answer that the officer got was a blood chilling and mocking laughter from Rurik. Once he had gotten over his laughter at the pathetic attempt to intimidate him, Rurik spoke.

“First off: I am a man: and second-”

“SILENCE MONSTER! I will not fall for your tricks, do you take me for a fool!? Now submit, or you will be punished!” Yelled the officer: now Rurik was beginning to get angry.

“Watch your tongue whelp! I am Rurik Skull-Taker of Clan Skull-Taker: Thane of the Nine Holds of the Kingdom of Skyrim; Battle Mage; and Chief Engineer of His Majesty Ulfric Stormcloak, High King of Skyrim and Jarl of Windhelm. I have committed no crimes and therefore will not submit to your authority!” yelled the Nord.

“Liar! I will give you one last chance to submit!”

“Did you just call me a liar you little milk drinker!?” growled Rurik in a way that made Twilight quiver in fear.

“Damn right I did!” hissed the guard captain.

“I challenge you to a duel: Single combat here and now, the one who yields first will lose.” snarled Rurik. Few things infuriated him more than men who insulted his honor: and this officer had done just that. The last person foolish enough to call him a liar had been Ulfred Battle-Born in Whiterun Hold; and the foolish man had ended up missing most of his teeth in the ensuing brawl.

“I accept!” snarled the guard officer, sensing an easy victory over what he had wrongfully assumed was an overgrown Diamond Dog in fancy armor.  Rurik drew Windshear from its scabbard and activated his ebony flesh spell, before switching back over to destructive lightning. Before combat began, the Nord felt a tug on his cloak.

“Please don’t hurt him! He’s my brother Shining Armor; Captain of the Royal Guard!” said Twilight with worry.

“Well: I should have guessed…” replied Rurik I thought I saw a familial resemblance” he said looking at her brother and then back to her.

“I’m sorry for how he is acting but please, don’t hurt him!” begged Twilight: making Rurik sigh in annoyance.

“Twilight, why didn’t you say anything?”

“You told us to be quiet.” she said nervously, causing the Nord to face palm.

“Yes, Yes I did. Do not worry, I will try not to-” *WHAM!* Rurik was knocked off his feet by the angry stallion’s cowardly charge, but rolled to the side before Shining Armor could bring down his sword on Rurik’s helmet. The Nord was back on his feet in no time and blocked an incoming slash from the captain’s blade. The two became locked in a test of strength; but it was clear that Rurik was holding back.

“You think you can stand a chance against me? Well I have news for you-” Shining was cut off by a huge; armor clad; Nord Fist smashing into his nose and breaking it.

“Less blabbing and more fighting Milk Drinker; I don’t have all day.” said Rurik calmly; saluting with his blade. This action only infuriated the Shining Armor even more, and he charged the man: raising a magical shield.

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Shining felt his nose break from the force of the punch: It hurt like Tartarus but he had to teach this monster a lesson for challenging the authority of the Royal Guard.

“Less blabbing more fighting Milk Drinker; I don’t have all day.” mocked the monster. The thing even threw a swordsman’s salute, which made Shining Armor all the angrier. The infuriated captain created a magical shield and charged.

‘We’ll see who throws the insults once you have a sword in your ribs.’ Shining thought to himself: unfortunately, he failed to notice that the creature was still holding its ground. Shining pulled the sword back for a thrust aimed at the area that appeared to have less armor.

‘I have you now-‘ Shining felt as if he were suddenly caught by a gale force wind as he was slammed  on his side: the hard hit knocked the wind clean out of him. All shining had seen from the corner of his eye was the sword’s pommel striking his shield; how had it knocked him down? He got to his feet quickly despite being a bit winded, but the creature was not finished; it began to shout at him in a language he could not understand.

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“ZUN! HAAL VIIK!” shouted Rurik: the look of confusion on Shining Armor’s face turned to fear as his sword was ripped from his telekinetic grasp by a small shock wave that emitted from the  Nord’s mouth and landed in some bushes. Before he could take off after it though, Rurik shouted again.

“VEN! GAR NOS!” A small cyclone roared forwards, throwing the now helpless Unicorn straight up in the air; the looks on the faces of the Royal Guards were ones of disbelief as they watched their commander having his flank handed to him. A split second before Shining Armor hit the ground; Rurik acted.

“WULD! NAH KEST!” With a sound akin to the snapping of a whip, the human shot forward , catching Shining by his plate armor’s gorget and slamming him to the ground on his back, Windshear’s blade pressed to his throat.

“Do you yield Captain?” hissed Rurik.

“Never!” Shining spat at the warrior’s face, and Rurik responded by bringing his helmeted head down in several swift motions; knocking the captain unconscious.

The Nord stood up and turned to the Royal Guards; but they had parted revealing a tall, violet eyed alabaster pony with wings like a pegasus, and a horn that made the ones that Twilight and Rarity had look like a dagger compared to a Great sword: on her head sat a golden crown, showing her to be an authority figure of some sort. Her mane was something that Rurik had never seen before: it had multiple colors and seemed to flow on its own. This had to be Princess Celestia, and by the divines did she look angry. The thing that panicked Rurik however was that he felt a bit weak around her. Behind her were four other ponies. Two were Pegasi, one was sky blue with a brightly colored rainbow mane and gave off an aura of arrogance, while the other was butter yellow with a light pink mane and seemed completely terrified. The other two ponies resembled standard horses that one saw day to day in Skyrim; one was pink with a hot pink mane, the other Orange with a blonde mane: she looked well muscled and quite tough, while the pink one he really could not read. What concerned him was the fact that all of them, except for the yellow one looked very hostile towards him.

“Release my student and her friend.” ordered the Alicorn in a voice filled with well controlled anger.

“They have been free to go at any time. I just figured it would be rather unwise to leave them alone in this forest.” said Rurik.

“Forgive me if I do not believe you beast. Now release them.” she ordered.

“Princess no! You don’t understand: He saved Rarity and I from the Diamond Dogs that kidnapped us!” explained Twilight.

“While I do believe you; he also assaulted your brother; for which I cannot see why you are defending him.” replied the

Princess.

“Well, then maybe you should keep your dog on a shorter leash.” growled Rurik.

“Pardon me?” asked Celestia raising an eyebrow.

“Where I come from, if the captain of the royal guard or anyone else for that matter had tried to arrest me without cause and then slandered my name: I would have cut his head from his shoulders before placing it on a pike.” said Rurik dangerously. The princess turned to the pony in the plate armor with a questioning look on her face.

“Is this true Steel Shod? Did the captain attack without provocation?”

“Aye that it is; the captain was being down right disrespectful. He just tried to arrest big fellow over there, who tried to explain what had happened. The captain called him a liar, and the big guy then challenged him to single combat and the captain was greatly outmatched.” replied Steel Shod as two royal guards dragged the incapacitated captain back to their lines.

“I am also utterly appalled to see how you treat outsiders, especially after Twilight here told me about how peaceful and tolerant you ponies supposedly are. I guess tolerance only applies to your own kind.” spat Rurik. He became even more annoyed when he saw shapes moving about in the tree line: probably more guards waiting for the order to attack him. Celestia was hurt to hear his words: she herself had even jumped to a conclusion based upon seeing the well beaten Captain of the Guard, and this was not the hospitality of the Equestria that she had worked so hard to build. Whatever this thing was, he had been attacked without reason; as Twilight and Rarity both were not bound or being forced in any way to follow him.

“I apologize for the treatment you have received-”

“Save it for when you have your other goons in the bushes stand down your highness.” replied Rurik angrily sheathing his sword and removing his helmet as he walked up to the Princess.  His face was a mask of anger, but it gave way to concern as he realized that Celestia’s face showed something he had not expected: confusion.

“I have no other guards with me.” she said as Rurik got within a few feet. His mind suddenly made the connection as to why Twilight had been kidnapped. The sound of a crossbow being fired broke the sudden and uneasy silence that had come over the clearing, the quarrel flying directly towards the Sun Princess. Faster than anypony’s eye could follow, Rurik’s hand snapped out and caught the crossbow quarrel inches from Celestia’s shocked face, the enchanted tip glowing white. He wasted no time in roaring a warning to everyone in the vicinity.

“AMBUSH!”