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His first notion of anything at all was that his head hurt. It felt as if he had been whacked upside the head with a Lynel club, and when he tried to remember how he had received the blow, he couldn't remember anything. The second thing he noticed was that he felt as if he was being jolted back and forth, as if he was sitting in a horse drawn cart. Then, he heard the creaking of wooden wheels, hoofbeats, and snorting, and deemed that he was, in fact, in a horse drawn cart. He then began to hear voices.

"Hey, I think he’s finally waking up."

"Thank the gods. I thought they killed him."

"That wound they gave him hasn’t seemed to heal much. Looks bad."

"It does."

The voices belonged to two men, they both sounded concerned at least, and as the Hero of Twilight tried to figure out his current surroundings, he realized three things. One, he felt rather cold; two, he felt as if he wasn't wearing much, and that he seemed to be unarmed; and three, judging by how stiff and sore he felt, he had been sitting in the same position for quite some time.

'...Where am I? I don't remember how I got here, wherever this is.' A flash of pain stopped his thoughts for a while. '...Ow...Nay, my head...Hurts too much to think straight...' As Link became more and more aware of his current surroundings, he figured he might as well try to figure out his current condition. 'Let's see...there's my head wound...feels like someone wrapped cloth bandages around my head, something tells me they might be soaked through with blood, though. My hands are bound with...rope? Why are my hands bound? I'm so confused...'

The darkness of his vision flashed white for a second before it became dark again.

"Take it easy, lad, they hit you pretty hard."

'No Din they hit me - wait, who are 'they'?' The darkness began to recede and Link tried to remain calm as his vision returned. He didn't know what situation he was in, only that it wasn't good.

"You saw the blood fly when they hit him, right? Surprised he didn’t die there and then."

"He’s awake now and that’s what matters."

He found himself looking at a round eared human with a thick mane of blonde hair and blue eyes. The man was wearing some sort of armor and his hands were bound with rope, when he saw Link looking at him, he smiled. "Good. I was wondering when you would wake up. Try to focus on something, get your bearings."

Link thought about not heeding the man's advice for a moment, but then looked up and saw massive pine trees passing overhead. His vision blurred and then slowly focused as birds flew across his line of sight and he lowered his gaze back to the man sitting before him.

"My name's Ralof." Ralof turned his head to look at the man in rags seated and bound next to him. "And this horse thief is Lokir."

Lokir glared at Ralof in silence before moving his gaze to Link. "The guards sure worked you over, kid. I really thought they killed you, but I guess not."

Ralof nodded. "I told those Imperial soldiers you weren’t with us, but they just grabbed you after they injured you. You attacked in self defense, of course, but they didn't care. That was two days ago."

'Two days ago? Holy Eldin, and I've been asleep this entire time? Just how hard was I hit?' Link found that he had a lot of questions he wanted to ask, but the one he asked first was merely "...Imperial?" It somewhat hurt to speak and he realized that he wanted - no, needed - something to drink, but he knew the person driving the cart wouldn't give him anything, so he stayed quiet about it.

Ralof nodded. "Soldiers from Cyrodiil, south of Skyrim. That's where you are now, by the way. What's your name? First will do for now."

The Hylian instead gave Ralof his first and last name. "Link Farmanne. I've never heard of Skyrim or Cyrodiil, are they close to Hyrule by any chance?"

Ralof and Lokir looked at each other before they moved their gazes back to Link. Lokir spoke first. "Hyrule? Where is that? Never heard of the place. Is that where you're from?"

Link nodded. "Yes." His gaze flickered between the two older men. "You mean neither of you have heard of..." His voice faltered when he saw them shake their heads.

Ralof smiled sadly. "I'm sorry, lad. Wherever this Hyrule is, no one outside of Tamriel has heard of it, that I'm certain of. Tamriel is made up of lots of different provinces, Skyrim and Cyrodiil being two of many. There are nine holds in Skyrim; the Pale, Eastmarch, Haafingar, Hjaalmarch, Falkreath, the Reach, Whiterun, the Rift, and Winterhold. Each hold has a main city, and is ruled over by a Jarl. A person of leadership. We're in Falkreath hold now, near the village of Helgen."

'Right...so this Skyrim seems massive then. Interesting.' Link realized Lokir had asked him something and he gazed at the man in confusion. "What?"

"I said, how old are you?"

"Seventeen. Why?"

"Just wondered, that's all."

The Hylian then looked down to see just how well these Imperials had bound his hands, only to find that he was now wearing mere rags, and that he had been disarmed.

"Only now just realized? Soon as they hit you, they dressed you in rags, bound you, wrapped that head wound, and threw you on this cart with us." Link looked up to find Ralof looking at him. "How's the head wound, by the way?"

"I've had worse. Being accused of...whatever got me into this situation...It's nothing, really."

The person driving the cart seemed to have gotten annoyed with the three talking, as he turned his head and said "Shut up back there" before he turned back around and continued driving the cart.

"Seems like everyone is on edge today, aren't they." Ralof glared at the cart driver for a second before he then looked up at the sky.

Lokir spoke up next. "Wait, who's that gagged fellow on the cart, he looks familiar."

There was a man sitting next to Link, wearing rich clothing with a white cloth around his mouth. He was looking down and frowning to himself before he moved his brown eyed gaze to Lokir and Ralof, who reprimanded Lokir."Watch your tongue, you’re speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King."

Lokir's eyes widened. "That’s the man who used the Voice to murder High King Torygg? The leader of the rebellion? Hey! You! Ulfric! You traitor! You’re the reason we’re here!" Ralof merely sighed, closed his eyes, and leaned his head against the side of the cart. "You know he's going to ask questions now. I hope you're prepared to answer them." Ralof opened his eyes and looked at Link. "Go on. Ask away."

"What is this voice?"

Lokir didn't answer Link for a second, but then spoke. "It's some power where you can use your voice to do various things. I don't know the details, only that the man sitting next to you killed High King Torygg with it. I already know what you're gonna ask next, so don't even ask. A High King is someone that rules over Skyrim, chosen by the Moot, which is a council of sorts. And as for the rebellion, call it a Civil War, because that's what it is."

Ralof had closed his eyes again. "At least Sovngarde will be waiting for us, our ancestors, feasting, drinking mead."

Lokir nodded. "Gods, what I wouldn’t give for some mead right now." He eyed Link and seemed to study him a bit before he spoke. "What brings you into the cold grip of the Empire anyway? I know you’re not one of the rebels."

"I don't remember how I got here, so I'm afraid I can't tell you that."

Ralof opened his eyes and sat up straight. "You don't remember at all?"

Link shook his head slightly, mindful of his head wound. "No. Do you know what happened?"

Ralof and Lokir eyed each other before Lokir spoke. "From what I understand, the Stormcloaks were trying to escape through the Jerall Mountains to the south, when they were ambushed by Imperials. Somehow, you showed up, fought the Imperials in self defense - I watched you fight by the way, you seem to know how to fight - before they got the better of you."

"What's Sovngarde?"

Ralof spoke up. "A place where you can feast and drink mead forever. It's where warriors go after they die, their spirits living forever, living in the Hall of Valor, a massive building said to only be accessed by crossing a bridge made of bones."

"So it's like the Sacred Realm then...Well, maybe not the bridge of bones part, but spirits live forever there. Each race of Hyrule has their own afterlife, but my people, Hylians, believe in the Sacred Realm."

Ralof then spoke to Lokir. "What Hold are you from, horsethief? Whiterun? The Reach? Haafingar?"

Lokir glared at Ralof before answering him. "Rorikstead, I'm from Rorikstead, why do you care?"

"Because there won’t be any Holds once the Empire has its way. No Jarls to rule over, just Legion soldiers and martial law. Every man, woman, and child in Skyrim is marked in this rebellion, horsethief. Everyone has to fight for the freedom of the nine Holds."

Lokir glanced at Ralof. "Freedom of the nine Holds”? I don’t remember the Empire sweeping up every cutpurse in Skyrim before you bastards started butchering their soldiers."

Link thought about asking more questions, but given that the two older men were in a heated discussion, he decided to stay quiet and looked to his left, past the cart driver. Some sort of gate was coming into view and he figured they had reached Helgen.

Eventually, the cart reached the gate. There were a few soldiers walking around, as well as someone that looked important. The cart driver spoke to the man who was wearing golden armor. "General Tullius, sir! The Headsman is waiting!"

'Headsman...he doesn't surely mean....Does he?' He felt dread and fear course through him and his already quiet voice wavered when he finally spoke to Ralof. "Please don't tell me that's what I think it means."

Ralof only smiled sadly at him in answer and as the cart passed under the gate, Link saw the man that was called 'General Tullius' speaking to a woman who looked like a very tall Hylian painted in gold. It was hard to make out what they were saying.

"By the authority of the Thalmor, I’m taking..."

"I’m sorry, that’s just not possible. That would cause far too many problems."

"You’re making a terrible mistake. Your Emperor will hear of this, by the terminal White Gold Corndant, I will take full Imperial authority..."

'She seems pleasant to be around. ...Shame, really, that I could possibly die. I still have a lot to accomplish...Not that these people would care, of course...'

Link heard Ralof make a tsk sound and then the man muttered "Thalmor bitch" under his breath.

'Well, of course Skyrim would use some of the same curses, don't know why I'm surprised. I'll stick to my own variations for most of them though.' The Hylian glanced at the woman before moving his gaze to Ralof. "She's...Thalmor? Who are they?"

Lokir spoke up. "I'll tell you what they are, they're all racist pricks who want to rule over men. They're the Aldmeri Dominion, who rule over the Summerset Isles to the southwest."

"This Aldmeri Dominion sounds powerful."

Lokir nodded. "It was. They tried to take over Cyrodiil twenty seven years ago, but failed, although the Imperial City fell then. The current Emperor, Titus Mede the Second, escaped with part of his forces and defeated the Thalmor a year later in the Battle of the Red Ring, thus allowing Mede to take back Cyrodiil."

Ralof then spoke to Link. "This is Helgen." The man looked around. "I used to be sweet on a girl from here, wonder if Vilod is still making that mead with juniper berries. Funny, when I was a boy, Imperial walls and towers used to make me feel so safe."

Around two minutes later, the cart passed by a house. A young boy and his father were standing on the steps, watching the cart roll by.

"Who are they, daddy? Where are they going?"

The man eyed Link for a moment, then spoke to his son. "You need to go inside, little cub."

The young boy looked up at his father. "Why? I want to watch the soldiers."

"Inside the house. Now."

The boy looked like he was going to protest, but then merely hung his head and began to walk towards the door of the house.

"Yes, papa."

The man continued to eye Link before he gave the Hylian a grim nod, then went inside his house.The horse driving the cart began to act up, but then calmed down once the cart driver said "woah". As the cart drew closer to a free standing tower, a woman wearing armor walked up.

"Get these prisoners out of the cart. Move it!"

Lokir eyed the woman. "W-why are we stopping?"

As the cart started to slow down, Ralof responded. "What do you think? End of the line."

A few seconds later, the cart finally stopped before the tower and only then did Link notice that there had been another cart. It was beside the cart he was in, four occupants were getting up and getting off the cart. He noticed Ulfric stand up and the Hylian gazed up at the man in confusion, before he noticed that Lokir and Ralof had stood up as well.

"Let’s go, shouldn’t keep the Gods waiting for us." Ralof looked down at Link. "Do you need help getting up?"

'I have no idea what's going on...' Link stayed silent and shook his head in answer, before he somehow stood and looked around.

'Well, time to see what happens.'

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"No, wait, we’re not rebels! You gotta tell them, this is a mistake!" Lokir protested as Ulfric stepped up to the edge of the cart and jumped to the dirt.

The armored woman from before walked up and merely said. "Shut up, out of the cart. Now." before she walked away over to a man standing a few feet away holding a quill and a piece of parchment.

"Face your death with some courage, thief. You're not making this any better for yourself."

Lokir half-turned to glare at Ralof, who continued speaking. "Save some face for the kid, Lokir, he has enough problems to worry about, I don't need you adding any more."

Lokir looked like he was going to respond, but then moved his gaze to Link, who was currently standing at the edge of the cart, looking down, trying to figure out just how he was going to get down in the first place. "Need help?" Any possible anger was gone from the man's voice and he gave a curt nod to Ralof as he waited for Link's response.

Link nodded, then reached out and gripped Lokir's right shoulder for support, then leapt down from the cart. He stumbled a bit as he landed but steadied himself, then looked back to see Ralof jump from the cart with ease.

"Empire loves their damn lists." He then spoke to Link. "See that woman up there? She's an Imperial Captain."

The woman from earlier then spoke. "Step forward to the block when we call your name. Don’t even think about running."

'The "block"? What is that?'

"Ulfric Stormcloak." Ulfric walked up to the captain.

"Jarl of Windhelm, guilty of murder, high treason, and sentenced to death." The man standing next to the captain wrote something down on the parchment, then looked up as Ulfric walked off to the left.

Ralof shared a glance with Ulfric for a second. "It has been an honor, Jarl Ulfric."

Ulfric nodded and then walked off.

"Next in line."

Ralof gazed down at Link and then gave a sad smile. "Good luck, Link. You're going to need it." Then the man walked forward.

"Name?”

"Ralof, proud son of Skyrim. Although I think you'd know that, Hadvar."

The man seemed to ignore Ralof as he wrote something down on the parchment. "Stormcloak, sentenced to death."

Ralof glared at Hadvar, then looked back at Link before he stepped forwards a bit and said something to the Imperial, who looked between Ralof and Link, then back to Ralof."Move it, Stormcloak, I won't tell you again."

Ralof glared at the Imperial Captain for a second before he walked off.

The man looked down at the parchment for a second, then back up. "Next in line." Lokir stepped forwards. "Name?"

"Lokir, and I'm not a Stormcloak. I was just trying to escape the border when I so happened to come across the battle."

Hadvar looked down at the parchment again, then back up. "Says right here you are, sorry."

Lokir took a deep breath, then looked back at Link. "Good luck, kid."

He then started to run past Hadvar and the captain. The captain yelled at him to stop, but he kept running down the cobblestone road. "No! Please, all I did was steal a horse! I’m not a rebel!"

Then the captain called out "archers" and a nearby soldier notched an arrow to his bow, then fired it. A lone arrow sailed through the air and struck Lokir in the back. He fell without a word and didn't get up.

'They killed him.'

"Next in line?" Hadvar's voice distracted Link and the Hylian stepped forwards in silence.

"Wait..." Hadvar looked down at the list, then back up at Link, his brown eyes narrowed a bit. They then widened slightly. "You were there at the crossing!"

Link didn't know how he ended up half kneeling before Hadvar and the captain; as he looked up in confusion, his vision blurred and then focused, the left side of his face feeling like he had been punched.

"What was that for?"

"He killed almost seven men, Hadvar. If it wasn't for me, you'd most likely be dead." The captain looked down. "Get up."

Link thought of saying something, but he merely set his jaw and stood. General Tullius shouted at the woman for being unprofessional, then walked over to the three of them."I don't remember...I...I can't have..." 'I can't have almost killed people.' He simply looked up at the man in denial.

Tullius gave Link a grim nod. "There's blood on your hands, boy, look."

The Hero of Twilight looked down and turned his hands over, revealing his palms to be stained with dried blood.Link realized that his wrists were also stained with blood and after a second, he let his hands fall back to where they had been and looked up. "I don't remember, so... The wounded...Will they die?"

"No. They'll live."

The captain glared at Tullius. "Why are you being nice to him, he almost killed seven of our men!"

"Because I realize that 'those seven men' are the first people that he has ever wounded in battle. Doing that changes you." Tullius looked down at Link for a second, then back up at the captain and Hadvar. "I'll be over by the block if you need me."

The Imperial Captain and Hadvar nodded to General Tullius as he walked away and Hadvar looked down at the parchment again before looking back up. "What's your name?"

'He's trying to calm me down, isn't he? I really do appreciate that.'

Link didn't speak for a few seconds, as he was still dealing with the fact that he had hurt and killed people before he had woken up on the prisoner cart. 'I wish I could remember what happened. Or maybe it's best that I don't...'

"You know, captain, I think that head wound you gave him caused him to forget what he did."

The captain said nothing in response to Hadvar, but instead glared at Link, who ignored her and spoke to Hadvar.

"Link Farmanne."

Hadvar wrote something down on the parchment, then looked up. "And where are you from, Link?"

"Hyrule."

Hadvar held Link's gaze for a moment, then looked to his right at the captain. "I've never heard of it, have you?"

"No."

Hadvar looked back at Link and seemed to study him for a moment. "You're not of age, are you?"

"No, I'm seventeen."

The man looked down at the parchment again, then over at the captain. "What should we do? He's not on the list?"

The captain glanced at Hadvar. "Forget the list."

Hadvar's eyes widened a bit. "Are...Are you sure? Captain, if I may object..."

"My word is final, Hadvar. He almost killed seven of our men." The woman's gaze moved to Link. "Judge me how you will, but he goes to the block."

The captain walked off to the left and Hadvar eyed her for a moment, then moved his gaze back to Link. Hadvar looked down at the parchment again, then sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry. I will personally make sure we return your remains to your homeland. Somehow." Hadvar waved the hand holding the quill to the left. "Follow the captain, please, it's best if you don't make this more difficult."

Link looked to where Hadvar was pointing the quill and looked at the scene in front of him for a while in silence before he spoke. "I guess I have no choice…”“No. I highly suggest you follow the order you were given...sometime soon, if possible. I’d rather not make this difficult.”

Link cast his gaze downward for a second, then looked up at Hadvar. "It was nice talking to you." He looked back at the other prisoners, the Imperials standing around, the tower, then he saw the headman standing around ten feet away holding a blood stained war axe; a wicker basket was set before a chopping block. Both Ulfric and Ralof were watching him and he simply nodded in response, then looked back at Hadvar. "If I really am going to die...At least I saved Hyrule before doing so."

The man gave him an interested look. “You...saved your homeland? How?”

“If I had more time, I’d gladly tell you.”

The Hero of Twilight reluctantly walked over to the others and ended up standing beside Ralof to his right, who merely gave him a nod as General Tullius walked up to Ulfric. “Ulfric Stormcloak. Some here in Helgen call you a hero, but a hero doesn’t use the Voice to muster a king and usurp his throne.” Ulfric glared at Tullius and grunted in protest, but the general kept talking. “You started this war, plunged Skyrim into chaos, and now the Empire is going to put you down, and restore the peace.” A roar of some sort came from the north, over the visible mountains. Everyone looked up for a few seconds, including Link, and Hadvar audibly addressed the question no doubt everyone else was thinking. “What was that?” Tullius waved a hand. “It’s nothing. Carry on.”The Imperial took this as a sign to speak and she nodded. “Yes, General Tullius.”The armored woman turned to speak to a woman that was dressed in golden robes. “Priestess of Arkay.” Ralof informed Link, who nodded in silence. “Give then their last rites.” The Priestess of Arkay nodded as the Imperial Captain stepped back, then raised her hands a bit. “As we commend your souls to Aetherius, blessings of the Eight Divines upon you, for you are the salt and earth of Nirn, our beloved--“ She was interrupted by a Stormcloak soldier stepping forward. “For the love of Talos, shut up and let’s get this over with.” The priestess broke off from speaking and glared at the Stormcloak before bowing her head a bit. “As you wish.” The Stormcloak walked up to Tulliis, who waved a hand towards the chopping block and wicker basket. The man then turned to the right and walked up to said chopping block, before Tulluis walked up and shoved the man to his knees by laying a hand on one of his shoulders and pushing downward. “Come on, I haven’t got all morning.”, retorted the Stormcloak as Tulluis nodded to the Headsman, then kicked the soldier in the small of the back, causing the man to fall onto the chopping block. “My ancestors are smiling at me, Imperials, can you say the same?” It seemed the Stormcloak wanted to get one last insult in before he died, but no one responded to the doomed man as the headsman readied his axe, then began to raise it. As the axe reached its peak and then began to descend, Link caught its glint just before the Hylian closed his eyes and flinched as he heard a thud . He then heard various outbursts from onlookers as Link dared to open his eyes. He was rewarded with a grim sight - the Stormcloak had been beheaded, his body was lying beside the chopping block, while his severed head was lying in the wicker basket. He didn’t know how long he stared at the dead body before he noticed that the Imperial Captain was looking right at him. A few seconds passed before the woman spoke again. “Next, the outsider.” There was only one person she could be referring to, judging that everyone there was now looking at Link, who found that he couldn’t move from existential dread and fear. ‘I can’t die like this.’, was all the Hylian could think of as he then heard a distant roar and looked up, eyes focused on the mountains in the distance. “There it is again, did you not hear that?” The Imperial Captain seemed to ignore Hadvar as he spoke. “I said, next prisoner!” Link then felt all of his fear and dread melt away, only to be replaced with a sort of calmness. He then heard Hadvar speak. “His hand, look! What is that?” The Hero of Twilight looked down at his left hand, only to find that the Triforce of Courage had returned to him somehow, even after he had given it up after defeating Ganondorf Dragmire. The mark blazed brightly, even in broad daylight, and as he watched, the light died down until it appeared to be a simple mark, nothing more. Still the calm feeling didn’t go away. “What was that?” Link looked up to find Tulluis staring at him with an unreadable expression. “It’s the power of my gods. You could say I’m the champion of one of them.” The Imperial Captain shook her head. “I don’t care about some outside gods and legends, what I care about is you receiving your sentence for almost killing seven men!”Hadvar glanced at Tullius and the captain for a moment, before he shook his head. “To the block, Link, nice and easy. I’m sorry you got caught up in this mess.” He began to think about certain people he had met as he began to slowly walk towards the chopping block. The first, was Ilia. So many things to think about, so little time to do so. ‘I’m sorry I’ll never get to say goodbye, to discuss our lives together further…’  Next was Rusul and the other occupants of Ordon Village. They had helped raise him after his parents had been killed by King Bulbin seven years ago. ‘Thank you, Rusul, for taking me in. Teaching me about life, helping me learn how to fight.’  He thought briefly about Zelda, and how they had both helped each other. ‘I hope you’re a good Queen to everyone. I wonder if you’ll know what happened to me.’  His birth parents were next. He didn’t remember them as well as he would have wanted to, but he had seen both of them in the Temple of Time, and he wondered if they could see him now, even here. ‘I wonder if the two of you can see me? Is...Is it cowardly of me to ask if it hurts to die?’  And then, there was Midna. His companion, the person who had yelled at him when he deserved it, the one who had comforted him when he had needed it, his best friend. ‘I wish you would have told me you were leaving. Still, it would have hurt, but I could have at least had more warning to steel myself...Still, I understand. You have a kingdom to rule over, people to protect...I’m sorry you won’t ever know what happened to me.’  Link was before the chopping block now and he found that he hated standing there, simply waiting. Hadvar was standing in front of him, looking at him sympathetically, while the headman eyed Link behind his helmet. “Are you sure about this, General Tulluis? He doesn’t look like he’s even come of age yet.”

The older man scowled. “You have your orders, headsman.” His voice was close by, Link felt someone place a hand on his right shoulder, then he was forced to his knees. ‘Well, here I am, about to die in a forgiven land, with no one back home knowing what will happen to me.’  Someone, most likely Tulluis, kicked Link in the small of his back and he fell forwards, his head hanging over the wicker basket as he got a very good look at the severed head inside it before he looked up at the headsman. ‘I suppose I’m at peace. Strange how that sounds.’  Something appeared in the distance, some sort of creature. It was black, it had scales, and it was flying towards Helgen. No one seemed to have noticed it save for Link and he caught the headsman looking down at him. “What are you looking at? Is there something behind me?”Link didn’t respond, he could only look up at the flying thing as it revealed itself to be a massive Dragon. The headsman began to raise his axe, then stumbled as the beast landed atop the tower before the chopping block. The headsman turned around, then dropped his axe as he stumbled from view. Link could only look up at the massive scaled beast in silent awe and fear. ‘Does this mean I’m not going to die?’  The Hylian heard various people panicking as the black dragon continued to stare directly at Link, then it raised its massive head to the sky and roared, causing flaming rocks to fall upon Helgen. The dragon then returned its gaze to him but then was knocked backwards by something, some sort of force that knocked the chopping block over and caused Link to fall to the bloodstained dirt. He didn’t know how long he lay there for, or if he had really been knocked senseless. However, he knew that he was still alive, despite the Imperial’s intentions, and he planned on staying that way. He heard something, most likely the dragon, roar something. 
“RO...DAH!”
Somewhere overheard and Link heard various curses and people yelling somewhere close by. The Hylian slowly got up and looked around, his vision still focusing as he tried to get his bearings. An Imperial wielding a bow nearly ran into him and the two looked at each other for a second, before the older man reached out, grabbed Link by a shoulder, and shook him slightly. “You need to get out of here! It isn’t safe!” The Imperial let go of Link, notched an arrow, and fired upwards before he spoke again. “There’s a tower nearby. Go there. I’m sure there’s people that can help you.” Link simply eyed the man in confusion. “Your leader was going to have me executed, why are you helping me?”“Because, despite what you did, you’re not of age. Trust me, it’d be a different story if you were of age. Now get out of here.” The Imperial waved his free hand towards a nearby tower, then started to fire his bow again. Link watched the man fire his bow for a few moments, then glanced towards the tower the Imperial had informed him about. It looked like it could withstand a dragon attack if the thing attacked it, but there was a lot of open space between him and the tower. “Link!” Ralof’s voice reached him and the Hero of Twilight looked around until he saw the man running towards him. When Ralof reached him, the Stormcloak simply placed an ash-covered hand on the Hylian’s right shoulder. “Look, I know you must feel scared out of your mind right now, I am too, but we can get out of here if we work together.” Ralof pointed toward the still-standing tower before them. “There. If we can make it there, we can plan our next move. Ready?” Before Link could say anything, Ralof hugged him, then picked up the Hylian in his arms as if the seventeen year old was a small child, then began to run for the tower. “Ralof, what are you doing?” “Carrying you there is faster than waiting for you to catch up to me.”“I can’t argue with that.” Part of Link thought it was absurd, another part of him appreciated what Ralof was doing. No one stopped Ralof as he ran for the tower, both Link and Ralof ducking every now and then as the dragon swooped low over them.However, before Ralof could enter the stone structure, a shadow fell over him, then Link was knocked from Ralof’s arms to the ground as the dragon landed, standing over him as it breathed fire at some unknown target. The black scaled beast then eyed Link with curiosity before it took off into the air with a roar. Link stayed where he was for a moment before Ralof grabbed him again and bolted into the tower, then he put Link down as Link fell to his knees in the middle of the structure.He heard the sound of a wooden door slamming shut and looked over his shoulder to see Ralof and Ulfric standing close together, talking.“Ralof, you’re alive! Thank Talos!”The dragon roared again, then the entire tower shook and dust rained down from the stone ceiling. “Jarl Ulfric, what is that thing? Could the legends be true?” “Legends don’t burn down villages, Ralof. So, he’s still alive. Good. Seems he’s more resilient than he looks.” Ulfric seemed to have noticed Link looking back at him and Ralof as the Hylian got up from where he was kneeling and turned around to face Ulfric and Ralof, who were looking down at him with curiosity.“That mark on his hand, though. It glowed earlier, didn’t it?” Ralof questioned with a thoughtful expression. Ulfric nodded. “It did. I am curious, he said the mark was ‘the power of his gods’. They must be looking after him.” “Maybe.” Ralof studied the wounded youth before him. The tower shook again and Ulfric started to walk up the stairs to Link’s right. “Follow me and Ralof, we’ll get you out of here.” Link nodded and followed the two men up the stone steps, stopping to rest every now and then. The three reached the top of the stairs to find a lone Stormcloak trying to move various rocks. “We just need to move some of these rocks to clear the way.”The dragon from before burst through the wall, then roared. It then breathed fire, causing Link, Ralof, and Ulfric to retreat down the steps. The dragon then flew off and the three slowly ventured up the stairs a second time, stopping when they reached the rock pile. Ralof walked up to the now dead Stormcloak and knelt beside him, then shook his head. “Poor Vilfrid, he never had a chance.” He then got up and motioned for Link and Ulfric to join him near the hole in the tower. The two did so and Ralof pointed to a ruined building below them. “See that inn on the other side?” He glanced towards Link. “You can make that jump, can’t you?”“You...want me to jump from up here?” Link eyed the distance and height between the two structures, then shook his head. “You’re insane, Ralof.” “Maybe. But it’s safer than you running around with us.” Ralof began to walk back down the steps. “Go on, you’ll be alright. Ulfric and I will try to find another way around.” Then the Storncloak vanished from view and Link was left standing where he was, looking out over the now smoldering ruins of Helgen, watching as archers on nearby towers attempted to wound the dragon as it flew overhead.The dragon roared as it swooped dangerously low to the stone tower and it shook as the thing flew overhead. Link took a step backward, then ran forwards and jumped. He hit the wooden flooring of the ruined inn hard, but he somehow stayed standing as he got his bearings. To the north was a hole in the floor, which he used to jump to the first floor of the inn. Link then ran out a hole in the wall to find himself in an open space, Hadvar standing nearby. Link approached the man and was about to talk to him when he noticed there were people nearby. He recognized the young boy from earlier, and his father, who was lying on the ground. An older man was standing next to Hadvar. “Torolf! Talk some sense into your kid! Haming, you need to get over here, now!” The young boy named Haming shook his father slightly. “Come on. Papa, get up!” The dragon flew overhead and roared, causing everyone to look up for a second, then the old man called out to the boy. “What are you doing? Get off the road! Get off the road, boy!” Torolf reached up and grasped his son’s arm. “I’m done for, little cub. Run for it!” Haming got up, nodded, then ran towards the old man and Hadvar. As he did so, the dragon swooped dangerously, then landed before Torolf. “Torolf! Gods, everyone get back!” Yelled Hadvar before the dragon breathed fire and burned Torolf to death. It then took off with a roar and Hadvar turned to the old man. “Gunnar, take care of the boy, I have to go join General Tulluis’ defense.”Gunnar nodded “Gods guide you Hadvar.” His gaze moved to Link. “And you too, lad, I have a feeling you won’t be dying for a long while yet.” Hadvar turned around and his face relaxed a bit. “Link. Glad to see you’re still alive. Stay with me if you want to stay that way.” The man took off towards a still standing wall and Link followed silently, Then Hadvar threw himself against the wall as the Dragon landed on it. Link simply stayed where he was, somehow knowing he wouldn’t get hurt where he was standing. “YOL...TOOR SHUL!” The dragon breathed fire for several seconds, then took off. Hadvar stayed where he was for a moment, then stepped away from the wall and motioned for Link to follow him. “Quickly, follow me!”The Imperial led the Hero of Twilight through a ruined building, the two stepping around charred dead bodies and around piles of rubble as they did so. They emerged before the gates, but there were far too many things being said at once to really pick anything intelligible out of the noise.The dragon flew above the group, then roared.“FUS...RO DAH!” Several people flew backwards but there was too much chaos to see what happened to them. The dragon then flew off as Hadvar led Link to a still standing structure, where the two met Ralof. “Ralof, you damn traitor! Out of my way!”“We’re leaving, Hadvar, and you’re not stopping us this time!” “Fine. I hope that dragon takes you all to Sovengarde!” Hadvar half turned to face Link. “You have to choose. Who are you escaping with?”“Both of you.”Ralof and Hadvar simply stared at him, then Ralof spoke first. “What do you mean, both of us?”“Look, I know you two don’t like each other, but strength is better in numbers, as they say. I trust both of you, you’ve both been nice to me, can you just set aside your petty arguments long enough to help me get out of here?” The Imperial and Stormcloak shared a glance, then both reluctantly nodded. Hadvar spoke first. “Fine.” He gestured to the nearest door. “We take that one, let’s move.” The three ran for the door, Ralof pulled it open, then once they were inside the keep, the door was slammed shut.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The keep shook and rained dust from its carved stone ceiling as its occupants stumbled into its depths in an effort to escape from the raging mythical beast that was ravaging the village that the keep called home.The Hero of Twilight was at his wits end; it was enough almost being executed for false reasons, but a dragon ? He supposed Hylia and the Three were laughing at him from the Sacred Realm. Not that he would say that aloud, of course. It had been maybe five minutes since Link, Ulfric, Ralof, and Hadvar had ran into Helgen’s Keep; the three older men were discussing how to proceed from their current situation while the young Hylian had become interested in a fallen Stormcloak that was sitting against a wall.On first inspection, the dead man was wearing scaled armor and had an axe as a weapon. Not as good as a sword, in Link’s opinion, but it was a weapon. He couldn’t do much at the moment, due to his hands still being bound by rope, which begged the question of when he was going to be unbound and who was going to cut his bindings? He soon got his answer. Ralof waved him over. “Come over here so I can get those bindings off.” Once Link walked over to the Stormcloak, Ralof took a dagger and sliced through the ropes, then motioned to the dead man sitting against the wall. “Get yourself some protection and a weapon. The three of us will try to find a way out of here.”Link spent the next few minutes absentmindedly rubbing his wrists to get back the circulation as he further inspected the dead man’s armor. There were fur boots, fur pants, a blue cape thing that covered the front, a scaled chest piece and what he assumed was chainmail underneath the chest plate, judging by the short cut chainmail covering the fallen soldier’s shoulders and half of his arms.He decided to keep what he was wearing for undergarments until he could find proper ones, but removed the sorry excuse for foot coverings. After some hesitation - he was taking a dead man’s armor after all - he eventually pulled off the fur boots and put them on, then stood there for a moment while he got used to them.The Hylian began to ridicule himself as he nonchalantly took the boots off, set them aside, then hesitated again before stripping the dead man of his armor - the Stormcloak was thankfully wearing clothes underneath - and put on the pants and chest piece, then the boots. After that, he picked up the small axe and tilted it from side to side, then swung it once. It was a bit off balance, though he supposed he could get used to it. After all, the Triforce of Courage had proven time and time again that he could master most weapons almost immediately. Perhaps this wouldn’t be any different. Link spent a few moments attempting to make the armor look presentable but gave up and walked over to Ulfric, Ralof, and Hadvar; the three nodded approvingly while Ulfric stepped over to a locked door and began trying to open it. “I think Gunjar would be happy to know his gear is still being used.” Ralof crossed his arms and inspected the young Hylian standing before him. “That armor looks a bit big on you, that shouldn’t matter too much.” The Nord was interrupted by yells across the room and he drew his sword before motioning for Hadvar to follow him over to Ulfric, who had come across more Stormcloak soldiers.Link didn’t pay much attention to what was said, as he was inspecting the right barred door. The keep was soon filled to the wooden rafters with worried voices, the subject being about the end times and the dragon. Thankfully, Ulfric quickly restored order to his men and said, “I promise you, you’ll leave Helgen alive. But if not, do not fear death, for Sovngarde awaits.” The Stormcloaks seemed to take Ulfric’s words to heart and set about checking their weapons and seeing if anyone was injured. Meanwhile, Link had found a lockpick and had decided to try to open the right door. At first glance, the lockpick was a crude thing, but maybe it would work. As he got down on one knee and inserted the lockpick into the lock he heard voices behind him, he heard what sounded like the start of an argument and looked back over a shoulder to see Hadvar and Ralof standing together. Three Stormcloaks were standing opposite the two men, the five seemed to be arguing about Hadvar being with them. There were too many conversations happening at once to discern what was being said and so Link returned his focus to the locked door. The lock hadn’t been taken care of and it was somewhat rusted. As the Hylian tried to find the ‘sweet point’, pieces of rusted iron flaked off the lock.He first tried turning the lockpick to the left but encountered resistance just past the starting point. He tried the right side, this time getting more favorable results, until the pick was jammed. The lockpick received a crack that split down the middle, rendering it useless. Link got up from one knee and made his way through the crowd of soldiers to the other door, where he found it had no lock. On closer inspection, the bars were large enough for him to stick his head through and when he did so, he spotted a lever. However, as Link found out, it was just out of reach due to his short arms. He considered breaking a few of the bars but then an Imperial rounded the corner and stopped short.The Imperial and Hylian gazed at each other in surprised silence before Link retreated from the door after pulling his outstretched arm and head through the bars. He then half turned to tell the Stormcloaks of the impending arrivals; but then he heard the door swing open behind him and multiple Imperials filed past Link, completely ignoring him as the opposing sides charged each other.The fight that followed was complete chaos. Link wasn’t ignored for long as he found himself fighting the Imperial who had first rounded the corner. He ducked under the older man’s sword, then knocked the Imperial to the ground with the blunt side of his axe. Before the fight reached its peak, however, the ground shook. Dust rained down from the ceiling as the fighters froze, their eyes focused on the stone roof overhead. The entire keep rumbled and shook as the dragon that was reigning terror over the ruins of Helgen roared, the sound reaching the keep’s occupants within its ancient stone walls.“If you don’t mind, I’d like to say something.” Link didn't realize he had spoken until he noticed everyone in the room was looking in his direction. He visibly hesitated, then continued talking. “I know little to nothing about this war all of you seem infatuated with, but can’t you put aside your grievances for now and help each other leave this place alive? I don’t know any of you personally, but I assume you must have family somewhere, and I assume you want to see them again. You can do that if you help each other escape.”  He was going to continue speaking his mind but was interrupted by some commotion over by the left door. The woman that had ordered him executed was standing in the hallway, a hand on her sword at her waist. “You. How are you alive?” “I suppose you could call it fate, or luck, or maybe both.” Link looked down at the Imperial sitting on the ground before him and held out a hand. The older man gazed up at him before the Imperial grabbed Link’s hand and got up, then nodded at the Hylian as he moved his gaze to the captain. “We’re leaving. This young man here convinced us that we’re safer traveling in a large group. We don’t know what’s down here in the keep and we have Battlemages with us. You can join us if you want.” The woman stared, then scowled as she drew her sword and pointed it at her soldier. “Join you? You’re all traitors for daring to work with those heathens. I’ll have you know that-“ The Imperial Captain was cut off by another earthquake and part of the hallway ceiling collapsed where she was standing and fell on top of her. When the dust cleared, the woman’s sword was lying before the rock pile, it’s owner no doubt dead.Ulfric quickly restored order as the room began to be filled with panicked voices. Those from both sides quieted and eyed each other uneasily while Ralof and Hadvar began to try to open the locked door with the broken lockpick. Meanwhile, Link had approached the rock pile and picked up the captain’s sword, as well as finding a lone key at the base of the rock pile. He left the hallway and stepped around multiple Imperials and Stormcloaks as he made his way to the locked door and showed Hadvar and Ralof the key. The broken lockpick was removed, the key was inserted, and the door was unlocked.From there, the group made their way down the stairs and into another hallway. Two Stormcloaks were at the far end and noticed the group, but before they could join the mixed crowd, the ceiling collapsed. Link heard a distant familiar roar over the sound of the falling debris and began to somewhat resent the creature flying overheard. When the dust cleared, the way forward was blocked, the fate of the two lone Stormcloaks unknown. However, there was another path - there was an open door to the left, Ulfric took the lead and the door happened to lead into a kitchen and store room.Two more Stormcloaks joined the group and some of them decided to make use of what was in the kitchens and storage rooms. Hanging from a central pillar were two garlic braids and when questioned two dried leaves of a plant called elves ear. Hanging in front of the fireplace were a rabbit and a peasant. On the other side of the pillar was a small round table with a bottle of what presumably was wine. Opposite the entrance was a large wooden table with two chairs. Around said table were three sets of shelves. Among the utensils on the table was a slice of bread and more wine. On the left shelf was a salt pile and a blue potion that restored what they called “magicka”, while on the right shelf was a red potion of healing and another bottle of wine.Through the connecting archway was a storage area. When inspected, a barrel held three red potions, a blue potion, and a green potion. Three sacks were underneath a nearby overhanging shelf while there was another on the other side of the steps leading up to said shelf. There was a table to the right with a salt pile and a red potion. Above that hung two more rabbits. Just in front of the table was a nest with four eggs. The soldiers took all of the supplies in the two rooms for themselves, all of them attempting to reassure Link they’d heal him if need be.From there, the group walked through an open doorway and down more stairs. There appeared to be a fight in the next room along with the sound of lightning and most of the soldiers drew their weapons and advanced through the open doorway. Link didn’t see how exactly the two people in the room died. It was explained to him by Ralof that the room he was currently in was a torture chamber, and the two men lying on the stone floor were the torturer and his assistant. The two rescued Stormcloaks thanked the group and joined them, then the group spread out to look for more supplies, the Stormcloaks giving the Imperials judging looks as the group briefly separated.Link was left to his own devices as the soldiers scavenged what they could. He decided to stay near the central pillar while he waited; from where he was standing, he saw three cages against the far wall, only the middle was occupied, and it held a skeleton that wore blue robes that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. Behind him was another cell, but larger. It contained a weapons rack against the far wall that held an iron mace. A shield rested against the wall next to the mace. There was a table in a L shape next to the door; two lockpicks rested on the wooden surface at the southern end.  There was a knapsack on the table in front of the pillar, when inspected, it held a red potion and two lockpicks. Link decided to pocket the three items for further use. There was also an iron dagger on the table and he took it as well.The Hylian then noticed a book lying on the table, the cover was black with a white dragon etched into its surface. He looked back to the occupied cell to find it housed another book. He walked over to it, then reached into the cell and grabbed the book from between the bars and returned to where there was better lighting. This book had a green cover with a red symbol on it that depicted an open faced hand with a swirl for the palm and fingers that appeared to be on fire. Link decided to check out the other cell and when he looked underneath the shelf he found another book  and took it as well. When he returned to the table he inspected the book he had picked up, its title was ‘A Brief History of the Empire, V2’. The book on the table had a name as well, ‘The Book of the Dragonborn.’, whatever that meant. Link decided to take the three books with him for further reading.After the soldiers had regrouped, they left the torture room and headed down a narrow corridor that was lined with cells on either side before the corridor opened up into an older torture room that was in worse condition. Smaller cages hung from the ceiling, some were occupied, some weren’t. The walls had become more natural by this point and as the group stepped through a broken wall, the room opened up into an open cave, one filled with makeshift wooden bridges and small waterfalls.After walking across the bridges, the large group happened upon an upturned wooden bridge. A lever was just beside the bridge and Hadvar walked forward, then pulled the lever. Once the lever was pulled, the group began to cross the bridge. However, that didn’t go as planned.The walls shook, dust rained down from the ceiling and those in the front of the group began to run across the bridge. Link found himself next to Ralof and Hadvar, while Ulfric was in the very back, surrounded by Imperials and Stormcloaks. There was a roar and the ceiling fell, destroying the bridge as a few stragglers reached the main group. When the dust settled, everyone was still alive, although Ulfric and some soldiers from each faction - eight Stormcloaks and two Imperials - were on the opposite side of the destroyed bridge. Everyone heard the faint roar of the dragon as a few of them began discussing what to do next.The remainder of the group heard the dragon roar reach them through the rocks overheard and the rock tunnel shook. Rocks fell due to the tunnel shaking, which caused Ralof, Hadvar, and Link to run further down the tunnel. When they risked looking back, there was now a wall of collapsed rocks, separating the three from the others.On the other side of the fallen rock wall, those trapped behind it were staring up at the misshapen rock ceiling of the tunnel. The highest ranking soldiers took body counts and then took control of the situation. A Storncloak raised his voice. “Ralof! Are you alright?”They heard the man’s voice on the other side of the rocks. “I’m fine! So is Hadvar and the kid, we’re all fine!”“Thank Talos! We’re trying to find a way past these rocks!”The dragon roared again and the tunnel shook once more, sending rocks down on those trapped behind the rock wall.The soldiers noticed smaller rocks hitting the walls and creating alcoves, which they entered before the larger rocks fell from the misshapen rock ceiling to the tunnel floor.Those inside the alcoves covered their eyes and mouths to avoid the rising dust from the continuous falling rocks. When the dust settled and they opened their eyes, they found their way out of the alcoves had been blocked.Those in the alcoves felt cold air flowing behind them and when they turned around, they found the alcove walls had collapsed, revealing natural passageways in their wake.After five minutes, the general consensus was that either they stayed where they were and eventually starved to death, or they could see where the passageways ended up. Those in the alcoves chose the second option. Some soldiers took their weapons and broke down the walls more to make the entrances to the passageways wider to see where they led. Since there was airflow, the passages had to lead outside, though where exactly, no one knew.“There’s no way we can break any of these rocks.” Ralof tried shifting one of the collapsed rocks and stepped back, then examined them in silence. “Do you think they’ll be alright?” Link felt a hand be placed on his left shoulder and he looked up to see Hadvar smiling at him. “They might be on different sides of the war, but they know that they have to work together to get out of here. They’ll be okay.” Hadvar removed his hand from Link’s shoulder and motioned for the Hylian and Ralof to follow him. “The only way out now is forward. Come on.” The three traveled down a narrow natural corridor until it opened up into a cavern filled with spider eggs and webs. “Frostbite spider lair.” Ralof hissed and drew his sword. “Be on your guard, their fangs emit a deadly poison.”Link was dual wielding the axe and sword. “I take it we don’t have any antidotes?”Ralof shook his head. “We don’t, unfortunately.”“I have one.” Hadvar spoke up. “But just one.”Ralof nodded in thanks to the Imperial. “Good.” The three heard some noise and raised their weapons, then a massive spider appeared. The creature seemed to study them, before it screeched and lunged towards Link. The Hylian swung the axe at the giant spider, slicing through a leg as the weapon embedded itself in the arachnid’s forehead. The thing died instantly. As the one frostbite spider fell to the cavern floor, three more appeared and shot venom from their fangs at Link, Ralof and Hadvar. The three dodged the venom and charged the spiders. Hadvar began hacking at one with his sword, while Ralof threw his axe at the spider attacking him. It missed and the Nord began cursing as he ran to get his weapon from where it had ended up. Meanwhile, Link was dual wielding the axe and sword and was weaving in and out, dodging the spider’s lunges and venom shots. Then he felt something piece his shoulder and he half turned to see the second spider backing away, blood dripping from its fangs - his blood - then the creature lunged at him, knocking him to the cavern floor and sending his sword to his right, just out of reach. But Link still had the axe. And so, he raised it, and started to hack at the spider’s head as it prepared to bite him in other places. The spider collapsed on top of him as it died and he shoved it aside and sat up, somewhat disoriented. The Hylian saw Ralof helping Hadvar kill the third spider, but his attention soon switched from them to his injured shoulder. It burned. Link could feel the venom coursing through his veins and he noticed that everything was beginning to fade. Some part of him wondered if one antidote would be enough to cure him of poison, then four more giant spiders appeared from deeper in the cavern. Link saw Ralof kick his sword over to him and he grabbed it and swung at the nearest spider as two of them surrounded the wounded warrior while the other two spiders lunged at Hadvar and Ralof, who had just killed the spider they had been attacking. The sword sank into the spider’s side and it sank its fangs into Link’s arm, causing his vision to fade for a few seconds as he felt something scrape against a bone. When he could see again, his axe was buried in the creature’s head and his arm...Well, he couldn’t use it to fight anymore. The Hylian mentally shoved the pain aside and got up, dislodging his axe from the dead spider as he swung it downwards at the remaining creature with his non-dominant hand. His aim was off and the axe sliced through a spider leg. Link found himself meeting the beady soulless eyes of the frostbitten spider, who lunged and knocked him onto his back, his axe landing just out of reach. His sword was on his left side, but did he dare risk injuring himself more? Yes, yes he did. Link grabbed his sword with his left hand and swung it at the spider, which was about to sink its fangs in his neck. The spider was decapitated, its blood covering Link as he shoved the creature’s remains off of him. He faintly heard the sounds of Ralof and Hadvar fighting the other two spiders as his senses faded and he moved to a comfortable position before everything went black. Link didn’t exactly pass out, his body was just devoting everything to fending off the poison in his veins. At some point, his vision returned and he found himself limp in Ralof’s arms. He felt somewhat better, but not entirely. Hadvar was holding an empty antidote flask and a health potion bottle. “There. You’ll live at least.” “Live” was somewhat of an understatement, but Link wasn’t in the condition to argue and he simply nodded. He felt Ralof shift a bit. “We’ve stayed here for long enough. We have to keep moving.” The Nord helped Link stand, then steadied him and stepped back. “If we had more potions, we’d give them all to you. Unfortunately, we only had one antidote and healing potion. You don’t have to fight, just try to keep up.” Hadvar picked up Link’s weapons, the Hylian accepted them with a nod and put them away before silently following the Nord and Imperial further into the caves…Three soldiers, one Stormcloak and two Imperials, were walking single file down a tight natural corridor.The Stormcloak was a Nord by the name of Pactar Alraldeson; he had green eyes, ginger hair and beard, and his age was nineteen. His skin was tanned with many battle scars.The two Imperials were twin brothers of twenty-one years of age with the last name of Cheyicci, and they couldn’t be more different. The one behind Pactar, Masir.  He had brown hair with dyed blue bangs, tanned skin, and sky blue eyes.His brother, Arelus, had brown eyes and black hair, pale skin opposed to Masir, and a scar that ran across his forehead that had been caused by a sword. The three of them had been arguing about things that really weren’t important, such as battle tactics and alcohol choices, when they reached a corridor that opened up into a large cavern. A tree had fallen over a large chasm, making a natural bridge. Masir pointed out the said tree. “Looks like that’s our way across.” The Imperial began to cross the cavern over to the tree while Areluis and Pactar eventually followed. Areluis inspected the tree once he got close. “Seems sturdy enough.” He placed a Imperial issued boot on the trunk of the tree and tested its weight. Masir jumped up on the fallen tree trunk. “I’ll cross it and see if it’s safe or not.” Before the other two could protest, the Imperial was off, making his way across the natural bridge. Masir was halfway across when part of the tree gave way due to being rotted out. The Imperial began to fall but caught himself on a branch and clung to it for dead life. Areluis quickly but carefully crossed the rotted tree bridge over to his brother and tried to pull him up, but he wasn’t strong enough. He looked over his shoulder at Pactar. “I need help.”Pactar nodded and crossed the bridge, then reached down and grabbed Masir by an arm and began to pull him upwards. Together, the Imperial and Stormcloak pulled Masir up and they quickly crossed to the other side without a word. As soon as they hit solid ground, the rotted tree broke up and fell into the chasm. “That was close.”Areluis glared at his brother. “All three of us almost died because of your recklessness.”Masir looked at the ground. “I should have gone more slowly; I’ll admit that.”Meanwhile, Pactar had noticed a passageway. “Let’s see where this leads.” It was to the right of the three, it seemed to be naturally made, perhaps the chasm had once been a river, judging by the nearby waterfall, it seemed the passageway had once been an underground river. Masir and Areluis nodded and followed Pactar deeper into the caves.Two Imperials by the names of Regleric Mabena and Friber Ampellius, and eight Stormcloaks by the names of Joraing Banner-Strider, Vilkrormr Iron-Veins, Orgorn Cloud-Song, Yrsayllian the Younger, Kodlmeskr Head-Fire, Istaggi the Blackthorn, Torvli Stonearm, and Golkvar Fenrifkssen, had ended up with Ulfric.Thankfully, none of them fought each other as Ulfric led them through the caves, and soon they came upon evidence of a Frost Troll - chewed on bones and half decomposed carcasses of various species strewn about the small cavern as well as somewhat large piles of dung scattered everywhere. Ulfric inspected the mess before the group. “I would say the troll is close.” He turned to the mixed group of soldiers. “What do you say we find this thing and kill it? Between all of us, that troll won’t stand a chance.” The soldiers all gave varying “yes”es and they stepped around the scattered mess as they ventured deeper in the caves. The evidence of the troll began to increase after a while and they soon entered an open space. At the far end was the troll they had been tracking. It was bent over a deer carcass, tearing at the meat still on the bone. It sensed movement and looked back. It began snarling as it saw the humans and as they all drew their weapons, the Frost Troll rose to its full height, roared, then charged at the group. Eight Imperials by the names of Nostinis Caerelliun, Thescus Sextelian, Murbis Septey, Dyucyon Decildor, Leonunus Sestician, Furiscius Maccellia, Quinerio Salloria and Attestantius Malette; and three Stormcloaks by the names of Odfeof Ulranersen, Beirvaul Winter-Heart and Elseli Torvansdottir, had been traveling down the narrow corridor for a while. The corridor opened up into a large cavern, where the group encountered a large pack of wolves. There was one wolf for each soldier, and as the wolf pack lunged at them, all eleven humans drew their weapons and charged. Elsei swung her sword at the wolf that was attacking her, burying the blade within the creature’s neck. As it dropped to the ground, Murbis fired his bow at the wolf lunging at him, smiling as he saw the arrow sink into the creature’s throat. Quinerio cast Fireball on the wolf that was attacking him and before it could burn everyone while running around in its death throes, he cleaved it on the head with his axe. Odfeof stabbed his wolf in its open maw, the blade piercing the top of the creature’s mouth and punching through its muzzle, killing it instantly. Thescus and Beirvaul shot arrows at the two wolves attacking them, hitting each one in the head. Nostinis was knocked to the ground and clawed in the chest, but he stabbed the wolf in the heart with his dagger and threw it off of him as it died. Dyucyon fired an arrow at the wolf attacking him, watching as it pierced the wolf’s right eye in such a way that it sunk into its brain. Attestantius used his twin daggers on his wolf, stabbing the wolf in the head and chest several times before it dropped to the ground. As it did so, Furiscius and Leonunus took out their wolves with well timed arrow shots. The group rested for a few moments before Legate Leonunus looked Nostinis over and all of the others for injuries. Finding that everyone was okay, he led the others deeper into the caves, being the highest ranking person of the group.“So where do you come from, Pactar?” Masir asked as he ducked under some sort of large visible root. “Whiterun. My family has lived there for generations.”Masir nodded as Pactar asked him the same question. “My brother and I were born in the Imperial City.”“What’s it like there?”“Mages everywhere, fighting clubs, large housing districts…” Pactar nodded. “I assume the two of you have been to Whiterun already?”Areluis shook his head. “We haven’t. Tullius picked us from the group of graduates to travel to Skyrim with him. Never expected to nearly die to a dragon of all things.”“I don’t think anyone did, Areluis, but we got away from the thing and that’s what counts.” Pactar commented, then held up a hand. “Did you hear that?”Masir and Areluis stopped walking. All three heard the sound of what sounded like a saber cat roaring. Pactar drew his axe while Areluis drew his sword, and Masir his daggers. Pactar eyed the two Imperials. “Want to go find the thing and kill it? It might attack whoever wanders into its lair.”Masir nodded. “Sure.”Areluis also nodded. “You prove a good point, Nord. Lead the way.”Pactar nodded and ran down the passageway, Masir and Areluis following.The poison was taking its toll. Hadvar and Ralof had noticed Link starting to fall behind as they walked through the caves and eventually they looked back to see that he had collapsed to a sitting position and was giving them a bleak look. Hadvar ran over to him and caught Link as he fell backwards. “I’ve got you. Just rest.” Link presumably passed out and Hadvar looked up at Ralof. “What do we do?”“There’s nothing we can do, Hadvar. We’re out of potions, he’ll have to fight off the poison himself.”The rocks above the three shifted and dust rained down from the natural ceiling. "...Please no, not another rock fall.” Hadvar’s words were almost lost in the following crash of falling rocks. When the dust settled, Hadvar and Ralof found themselves on one side of the fallen rocks, Link’s fate unknown. Link had woken up and had thrown himself to the dirt, then had shielded himself as best as he could from the fallen rocks. He found that he didn’t want to move from his current position on the dirt floor. It felt nice, just lying there……Wait. What had happened? He was...lying on dirt. Alright. And...more rocks had fallen. And Ralof and Hadvar were gone. Right. So he was now alone. In these caves. Wounded and full of spider venom. This was going to be fun. Not . Link eventually rolled over onto his back and slowly sat up, looking at the fallen rocks before him while he mentally felt for injuries to his person. He realized he felt feverish and that his sword arm was...red and hot to the touch from where the spider had bitten him. Right. Wasn’t the health potion supposed to have healed the wound? It was…? Then again, he had only been given one health potion. An antidote. Which was better than nothing. The Hylian closed his eyes and tried to organize his thoughts. ‘Okay. So. I am...injured, full of spider venom, and alone...This isn’t good. I obviously can’t stay where I am...What to do...Standing would be a good start…’ He heard a voice yell his name. Ralof. Link opened his eyes and tried to focus on the fallen rocks, but eventually dropped his gaze to the dirt floor. He didn’t feel well at all and he didn’t exactly feel like talking at the moment. “Link! Are you alright? ...Maybe that was a poor choice of wording...You are alive, yeah?” “No he’s most certainly not alright, Ralof.”“You know what I meant, Hadvar.” Ralof sounded annoyed. “Do you feel like answering?” Link eventually realized Ralof was talking to him and he merely said “no” as he tried to focus on something. “Well, he’s alive at least.”“Alive, sure, but he’s not able to fight, Ralof. Not with how injured he is.” Link dragged himself over to the fallen rocks and laid against them. “I...I feel horrible, Hadvar.”“I know. The good thing is, your body is fighting the poison. When you can, try to find another passageway and see where it leads. If you’re lucky, you’ll find another group.” “And if no one finds me?”“Then I’m afraid you’re on your own until you find somewhat out of these caves.” “Hadvar! We’ve got more spiders!” It was hard to hear Ralof’s voice over the sound of screeches behind the fallen rocks and Link heard Hadvar curse and draw his sword. “We’ll find a way to get to you!” Then the two were fighting the spiders on the other side of the fallen rocks. There were fourteen frostbitten spiders. Ralof and Hadvar decided to take seven each, but they had to be careful, as they had no antidotes and no healing potions. Hadvar stabbed one spider with his sword while Ralof dealt with one that had been about to attack the Imperial. The two nodded at each other before two spiders lunged at them and were killed mid lunge by the human weapons. Ralof and Hadvar eventually decided to start passing their weapons between the both of them. The Nord stabbed a spider in the head with his axe, then pulled it out and tossed his weapon towards Hadvar, who caught it, decapitated an arachnid with a horizontal slice of the blade, and then tossed his sword at Ralof. Ralof caught the sword and brought it down on a spider that had been about to bite him on his right arm.The weapons were passed back again. Ralof killed a spider by chopping off its legs with his axe, while Hadvar stabbed another in between the eyes with his sword. The last four spiders proved to be annoying to kill, as they didn’t stay still for very long and it was hard to get close to them. Ralof threw his axe at one and pinned it against the wall, while Hadvar finished it off with a sword slash to the head. Ralof retrieved his axe and swung it at another spider, it connected with the creature’s head and it fell to the ground. Hadvar stabbed the two spiders in front of him in quick succession while Ralof killed the last spider by decapitation with his axe. Link didn’t remember passing out. He must have, because he was now in a different position - on his side - and he felt somehow even worse. He didn’t open his eyes, he instead tried to focus on not being sick, unfortunately, he eventually failed that. He didn’t know how much time had passed before he could lift his head slightly and open his eyes. To his surprise, his vision focused on...Just what was he looking at? His tired and battered mind couldn’t comprehend the thing in front of him and so he looked elsewhere, to the wall to his right, which held an open passageway, no doubt caused by the rock fall. Seriously, what was with passageways opening up by falling rocks? Was it just something that was normal here? Link sensed that Ralof and Hadvar had moved on, he didn’t hear any sounds of fighting...He decided to just focus on somehow surviving this and worry about everyone else later. 
‘Okay. I can do this. Just have to take things very slowly...So...first things first...standing...then...might walk around a bit...then I’ll check out the passage…’
It took a while, but he gathered enough strength to move to a sitting position, then he supported himself against the fallen rocks as he slowly got up. ‘I’m standing. Good. Just...going to stay here for a bit…’ Link found that he had to stand with some support and so he kept one hand on the fallen rocks as he began to slowly make his way to the passageway. He could feel his body trying to fight back against the spider venom. ‘I don’t think I’m going to die...I’m just going to feel like Din for a while...heh...I hope I find something to heal me or someone finds me soon…’  ‘Oh. Cold air. That feels good. This must lead to some way out of here...eventually…’ The Hylian was standing in the passageway and he kept one hand on a wall as he slowly walked down it, eventually finding himself in...An open space where he could see the sky. It taunted him.  ‘...So close and yet so far - wait what was that?’ Link caught movement and he froze, then risked letting go of the wall and stepping forwards. His legs held his weight. That was good. There were trees around him and grass beneath his feet...and bones scattered in various areas...That was unnerving. Some beast made its lair here. And he was not exactly in the best condition to fight whatever it was. Since he was alone, Link decided to take full advantage of his current situation and stepped behind a tree, then disrobed completely and voided himself, thus ridding his body of poison. It wasn’t...the cleanest of methods, per say, but it worked. He felt the effects almost immediately. His thoughts were clearer, he didn’t feel sick, and he could focus on things. Although his wounds still needed to be healed. He could focus on that later. There was a nearby stream and he gladly cleansed himself downstream of where he drank his fill, then returned to the tree and dressed himself. As Link was securing his weapons, he heard something growl behind him. He froze, then slowly looked over a shoulder to find himself looking at a massive cat with huge oversized fangs. “...Uh... Nice kitty?” The frost troll swung its clawed left hand at Ulfric, who blocked the attack, then sliced off the troll’s hand with his sword. The troll clutched at it’s bleeding stump with its remaining hand and roared as the stump began to heal, then walked over to a boulder and attempted to pick it up. It failed at that, because it no longer had two hands. Torvil swung his axe at the injured Frost Troll and buried the weapon in the creature’s back, then pulled it out as Regleric rushed forward with his bow and fired an arrow towards the creature’s left eye. It struck true and the troll was half blinded. The troll roared again and clawed at its face, then charged Regleric and Torvil, only to be stabbed in the side by Orgorn, who pulled out his sword and then stabbed the troll in the upper chest, in the heart. Everyone backed away as the troll stumbled around before it fell over backwards. It didn’t get up. Ulfric made sure it was dead by decapitating the troll with his sword, then checked everyone over for injuries. Finding none, he motioned for everyone to follow him deeper into the caves. The three Stormcloaks and eight Imperials were thankfully getting along well. After the fight with the wolves, they had all congratulated each other on surviving the attack, and were now in a cavern with waterfalls and grass and trees. It was peaceful, although it didn’t last long. Three Spriggans appeared and attacked the group. They split into three groups.The Spriggans fired swarms of insects at the attackers, who ignored them as they charged. Quinerio cast Fireball at the Spriggan he was attacking and the creature screamed as it was set on fire. Murbis and Oldfeof attacked with their axe and sword, while Dyucyon fired several arrows. Thescus, Nostinis, and Elseli attacked with swords and axes while Furiscius used healing spells if needed. Leonunus fired his bow while Attestantius ducked and weaved around the Spriggan with his daggers and Beirvaul attacked with his axe. Eventually, all three Spriggans exploded into leaves and light and the group had a few moments to catch their breath. Again, Leonunus checked everyone for injuries, healed if needed, then led the group further into the caves. The giant cat wouldn’t take its crimson gaze off of him. Each time he tried to move away from the tree he was standing behind, the cat hissed, causing Link to freeze and eye the cat nervously. The cat began to pace back and forth, occasionally yowling at him, its massive fangs glinting from the open sky overhead.
‘This is where I die, isn’t it?’
Yet the cat didn’t seem to be attacking him. It merely was preventing him from moving away from the tree. Link took out his sword and axe and spun them around in his hands. The cat dropped to the ground, then launched itself. The Hylian buried his axe in the creature’s chest before it knocked him to the grass, then sank its claws into his chest armor and further down until Link felt the claws piece his chest. The cat then slashed downwards and removed its claws, which were soaked with blood. Link’s vision unfocused for a few seconds, then he shook his head and stabbed the cat in the left eye with his sword, then attempted to yank his axe from the creature’s chest. He was unsuccessful in doing so, as the creature swiped at his face and left deep gashes on his forehead, causing the Hylian to be blinded by blood from his wound. Link tried again to pull his axe from the cat’s chest after he ran an arm across his face, clearing his vision. This time the axe pulled free and he kicked the cat away from him as he removed his sword from the feline’s eye. He then felt himself shifting, turning…...He was no longer human. The cat screamed at him and lunged, knocking him over and then began clawing at his stomach, tearing it open and causing his insides to spill onto the grass. Link had absolutely no idea how he was still alive. The wolf went for a kill bite to the neck, he felt his fangs sink into the cat’s throat as it continued to claw his chest and face; eventually, the cat went limp, and the wolf let go of the creature and looked down at himself, the adrenaline fading and the pain slowly consuming him as he fully realized his situation. He felt himself turn back, then he fell backwards against a tree and ended up on the ground, his trembling, blood soaked hands clutching at his open wound, his visible insides glistening from the natural light above him, the pain and fear rising as he simply tried to get enough air in his lungs to - - Everyone else in the caves would hear something or someone start screaming. Pactar, Areluis, and Masir heard the tortured screams and wondered who or what they belonged to. They sounded close by, so the three unanimously decided to investigate. As the three traveled through the caves, the screams grew weaker until they turned to mere various sounds of pain. Eventually, those faded away and there was an ominous silence. The Nord and two Imperials entered an open space with the sky visible above their heads. They found a saber cat corpse, it had been killed recently. Then Masir found a body propped up against a tree and motioned his brother and Pactar over.The person was somehow still alive, bloodied hands clutching his middle, but deeply unconscious. Pactar gently took hold of the younger boy and made him as comfortable as possible, then looked up at the two Imperials. “Don’t just stand there, give me all of the health potions you’ve got!” The twins started handing the Nord health potions and the Stormcloak began to administer the potions to the wounded person. His open wound began to slowly close and the three warriors began to breathe a bit easier. “...I knew the kid wasn’t supposed to die; sure, he wounded seven in self defense…” Masir nodded at his brother. “Yeah. You saw him fight, right? The way he swung that glowing sword around…”“...Wonder what happened to it…” Areluis looked thoughtful. “It vanished into thin air, I think, since no one could find it after the kid was knocked out and thrown onto the cart.”Pactar nodded. “I managed to get a good look at it. Beautiful forging. Never seen a sword like his before.”“I don’t think any of us have, Pactar.” Masir checked Link’s condition and found that his wounds were healed. The Imperial took off his cloak and wrapped it around the younger warrior as he slept. “I’m surprised he’s still alive.” Areluis knelt beside Pactar and looked Link over. “He’s good soldier material…”“That he is.” Pactar looked over at the dead saber cat. “That’s strange, you two see those marks on its neck?”Areluis inspected the dead creature. “.:.These are fang marks.” “Fang marks? From what?” Masir eyed his brother with curiosity.“A wolf.”“...You healed me?” Link had woken up and was regaining his bearings. Pactar nodded. “I did, and three others. Are you still injured?”“No, I’m fine.” Link got up from where he was and held his arms out to the side a bit. “See? Completely fine.”Masir inspected him. “I’d say the health potions we gave you worked.”Areluis handed Link his weapons. “I cleaned these for you. Do you know how that sabercat died?”Link accepted the weapons and nodded. “Yeah. I killed it.”Pactar narrowed his eyes. “You did? But there are fang and claw marks on the cat’s throat and chest.”"Yeah… I can turn into a wolf. Don’t think I can control where it happens though…”All three older men blinked. “A wolf?” Masir asked curiously. “Like a werewolf?”Link shook his head. “No, just a regular one.”Something appeared from the passageway from where the three soldiers had entered the cavern - a Spriggan Earth Mother. For some reason, the creature didn’t attack Link, but instead focused her fury on the older men. As multiple insect swarms shot towards Masir, Areluis, and Pactar, they told the younger warrior to run. Link looked like he wanted to stay and help them fight the Spriggan, but eventually nodded, turned, and ran off towards a nearby tunnel that he found to be yet another passageway.Ralof and Hadvar had also heard the screams and they were heading to where they thought the screams were coming from. They ended up in a large cavern with trees and grass and boulders. At the far end were two Imperials and a lone Stormcloak fighting a Spriggan Earth Mother. The creature was killed as Hadvar and Ralof ran over. “Are the three of you alright?”Pactar answered for them. “We’re fine, thanks for asking, Ralof.”“We heard something earlier.” Hadvar spoke up. Masir nodded. “We found the kid.”Both Ralof and Hadvar gazed at Masir, who continued. “He was pretty injured, having fought that dead saber cat over there. We patched him up, then that Earth Mother attacked us and we - my brother, myself and Pactar - told him to run. He did so, and then you showed up.”Ralof nodded. “Well, we’d better catch up to him then, I hope the others found their way out as well.” The Stormcloak pointed to another passageway. “That seems to be the way forward.” He ran over to it and motioned to the others to follow him. They did so and they continued further into the caves.Link tripped over something, maybe a rock, and flew head over heels until he hit the dirt floor and rolled a bit until he came to a stop. When his vision focused, he found himself in a massive open room - light. Natural light.  He had found a way out of the caves. Except there was something blocking the way. A massive bear, who had noticed him. The bear slowly got up and lumbered towards the Hylian, who got up and drew his sword and axe. Once the bear reached Link, it reared up on its hind legs and let out an ear splitting roar, then brought its front paws crashing down on the human. Except it attacked air. Link had rolled to the side, dodging the attack and came up out of the roll, then swung his axe at the bear’s left arm. It was chopped off in one slice and the bear roared, then tried to crush Link’s head in its jaws. It received a sword to the back of its throat in response. Said attack broke the sword in two, half of the blade stuck in the creature’s throat. The Hylian mourned the loss of the weapon for a second, then dropped the blade’s remains and picked up his axe from where it had fallen. The bear roared and charged. Link was knocked over onto his back and he swung the axe at one of the bear’s eyes, half blinding it. The creature tried to bite his throat, but Link picked up the remains of the sword lying beside him by the hilt and stabbed upwards, blood covering him as the other half of the sword pierced upwards through the bear’s mouth. Everyone converged at the far end of the cave. It was mass confusion for a while until Ulfric took charge, that’s when they noticed the fight going on. A few wanted to help, some wanted to stand by and heal if needed, but Ulfric looked over the fight and smiled. “No, I think he’ll do just fine.”The bear tore its claws across Link’s forehead, leaving deep gashes as he moved away and tried to clear his vision. He then swung his axe again, burying it in the bear’s chest. The bear knocked him to the ground again but Link kicked upwards and sent it flying into a wall as he got up. The bear charged again, but the Hylian dropped his axe and grabbed the creature by the front legs, skidding across the cavern floor until the bear stopped moving. Link then picked up his axe and swung it at the bear, striking it into the bear’s chest. He then dropped the axe again, reached into the open wound and pulled out the bear’s beating heart, then proceeded to tear the bear in two . Somehow. After the remains of the bear hit the ground, Link closed his eyes and drew a shaky breath as he tried to get his breathing back to normal. He heard approaching footsteps and he opened his eyes to see the large group standing around him, Ulfric, Hadvar and Ralof in front. “...I… I’ll talk to all of you after…” Link picked up his axe where he had dropped it and swung it to the side, splattering the rocks with blood. “I clean up, I guess you want to hug me, I don’t think you’d want to hug me when I’m covered in blood, do you?”He walked out of view, then returned sometime later with clean but soaked clothes and armor, having cleansed himself and his clothes of the blood from the bear in a nearby pool of water. Right away, Ralof hugged Link, then stepped back as Hadvar walked up to the Hylian and looked down at him, then placed a hand on his right shoulder, then hugged him. Hadvar then stepped back as Ulfric approached Link. “I’d say Talos is watching over you, Link. You survived Helgen and you survived the caves.” Ulfric waved to the others to get closer. As several of them healed his wounds and checked him over for hidden injuries, someone by the name of Quinerio used a spell named Fireball, which dried his clothes and armor. The group couldn’t stop talking about how Link had killed the bear and all he could say to that was “I guess I didn’t know my inner strength.”Finally, Ulfric noticed the way out of the caves - natural light was coming from a passageway. He led the group over to the cave exit and they filled one by one out of the cave.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It took some time to adjust to the twilight sky. There was a noticeable tension in the air, obviously it was because of the two warring factions having to work together. In fact, they appeared to be within seconds of fighting, when a roar echoed across the valley and something

huge

flew overhead, which caused the group to hide behind various objects or they dropped to the dirt.

After the dragon was gone, Ralof was the first to rise from a crouching position. The others shortly followed and they started to walk forwards.

“I shouldn’t really be speculating, but you don’t suppose that beast was a male, do you?” Hadvar glanced up at the sky in the direction the dragon had flown off in.

Ralof grinned. “Oh, that dragon was male, alright, did you see the size of his -”

At this point, Link decided to stop listening to the current conversation and he found himself walking next to someone a few moments later.

The person was wearing a wolf pelt as clothing, complete with wolf head as a helmet, but they appeared to be shorter than him.

“What side are you on?”

The person gave him a confused look. “What?” The man had a high pitched voice, a bit surprising, but given the current circumstances it wasn’t really a big issue.

“What side of this civil war are you on?”

“Stormcloak. You know, I’m surprised that the Imperials haven’t tried to kill us yet.”

“Why would they want to?”

The short man with the high pitched voice stopped walking. “I don’t know. Can...Can I tell you something?”

“...I don’t even know your name, but I suppose so…”

The short man lowered his voice.
“I lied about my age. I’m not a man, I’m only fourteen. What do I even tell people?”

Link stopped walking and glanced towards the others, then down at the boy. “If I were you? I‘d find whoever you lied to and tell them the truth. Apologize. What’s your name?”

“Gregory. Gregory Shalmet.”

“For someone that lied about their age, you did a damn fine job of hiding it.” It was Ralof. He had overheard the conversation and had decided to voice his opinion on the matter.

Link looked down at the boy, then back up at Ralof. “Do you think Ulfric will still let him be a Stormcloak?”

“I don’t believe so. He’s underage, and if word gets out of this, it’ll be catastrophic. He is a good warrior, despite what he’s been though, he can fight with us when he’s older, of course, but not
now. Tell you what, we keep quiet about this until we reach Riverwood, then we go from there.”

As Link agreed to this, Gregory glanced towards Hadvar and the others, then up towards Link. “Can I speak to you alone?”

After walking a bit away from Ralof, Gregory looked at the ground for a moment, then took a deep breath and looked up. “What do you think they’re going to do?”

Link moved his gaze over to Ralof the others for a moment before returning his gaze back to the boy before him. “About your age? I have no idea. You seem capable enough, though.”

Gregory nodded.
“I bet I can fight better than you!”

“‘Fight better than me’ how, exactly?”

Gregory grinned. “Well. I can use a bow, hit any target fifty yards away. I can use a one handed sword or axe, or twin daggers.”

‘

He’s only fourteen and yet he can do all of that?’

But all Link said was “Whoever trained you trained you well.”

“Thank you. I never got your name, and can you take off your helmet please?”

Link nodded, reached up, and took off the Stormcloak helmet. “Name’s Lincoln Faremanne, but you can call me Link for short, if you want.”

The boy looked thoughtful. “I suppose you can call me Greg for short then. What can

you

do with weapons?”

Link grinned, pulled out the axe, and flipped it around in a complete circle before catching it. “What can’t I do? Tell you what.” He turned to a nearby Imperial. “May I use your bow for a moment?”

The man handed it over. “Do you also want my arrows…?”

“What sort of question is that?”

The man handed over the quiver, and Link notched an iron arrow to the bow, then glanced over at Greg. “You say you can hit something at fifty yards?” He turned to the man nearby. “What would you say is a good target at a hundred yards out?”

“How about that pine tree down there?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Link raised the bow, and then fired.

The arrow hit the pine tree squarely in the middle and Link handed the quiver and bow back to the man and glanced towards Greg, who was standing there with his mouth open. “How ...How did you do that?!”

“Practice. Lots and lots of practice.”

Ralof walked up. “We’ve decided to make camp here for the night. Hadvar’s got a campfire going. Go get some rest. You’ve certainly earned it.”

Link nodded to Ralof and as he walked past him, the older man clapped a hand on his shoulder.

Once Link had walked far enough away, Ralof looked down at Gregory, who merely said. “Can I speak to you?”

And before Ralof could answer, the boy started to talk. And talk. And talk.

The more he told Ralof, the darker the man’s face grew. He eventually stopped him. “Don’t you worry about a thing. We’ll deal with your father. You have nothing to fear from us.”

Gregory nodded. “Don’t hurt my mother please, it wasn’t her fault. He threatened her, too.”

“I understand. Now, go and get some sleep.”

Ralof received a hug from the boy and he ran off towards the fire. The man watched him go and then headed off to speak to Hadvar. It was time to have a little chat with Frenal Shalmet…

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The next morning seemed to arrive far too quickly. Before Link knew it, everyone had woken up, done various morning things, eaten, and now the group was walking on the dirt path towards some place by the name of Riverwood. Ralof and Hadvar were talking to each other about “the times before”, whatever that meant, and the two men occasionally pointed out landmarks as they passed them. Eventually, the group stopped on the path and both Ralof and Hadvar pointed out a massive black structure in the distance. “See that thing way out there? That’s Bleak Falls Barrow. Hadvar told me once that he used to have nightmares when he was young about it.” “So did you!” Ralof shook his head. “There’s a lot of rumors about Bleak Falls. Nothing good has ever come of it, supposedly those ruins are crawling with undead.” Link gazed up at the towering arches in the distance. “How did they create all of that?” “No one knows. With their bare hands, most likely. Come on, we’ve lingered here for far too long.” Hadvar started to walk down the path and the others soon followed.  Around two minutes later, five wolves of various ages and coat colors stepped from the trees on the right side of the dirt path and gazed at the group for several seconds, before looking at Link. The wolves titled their heads back for some reason, howled, and then trotted back into the trees, as if they had never been there to begin with. “What was that?” Ralof looked confused and so did everyone else besides Link. The Stormcloak shook his head and continued walking. After a while, the group reached three stones, facing each other on a flat rock. “These three stones? These are the Guardian Stones. It’s said that when you get close to one, if it chooses you, you gain some of its power. Go on, walk up to one and see what it does.” As Link stepped up to the first one, Ralod stated what it was. “That one is the Warrior stone, it supposedly makes you stronger in battle. The one to your left if the Thief stone, makes it easier to do various thieving things. The one on your right is the Mage, which helps your magic, if you’ve got any.” Link hesitated, then reached out and laid his left hand on the “Warrior” stone. It felt cold, and there was something carved into it. The stone started to glow, and then it flashed blue, revealing that the carving was someone holding a war axe and shield; then the stone flashed again and shot a blue light into the sky, punching the clouds. As the light died and the stone went silent, Link felt some sort of energy surge through him and he stepped back from the stone. “Well? Did it work?” Hadvar crossed his arms and tilted his head back a bit. “I believe so...I do feel stronger.” Ralof grinned. “Well done. I’d like to stay and see if you can choose more than one stone, but we really must be going, we’ve wasted enough time as it is.” Once again, the group started walking. There was obvious tension in the air due to the fact that two opposing sides were so close to each other. Hadvar and Ralof looked nervous, as if the other soldiers from both sides would start fighting at any given moment. Link ignored them and merely focused on his surroundings. Skyrim appeared to be mostly like Hyrule, with vast forests and dirt paths. Strangely, he felt right at home here. After around ten more minutes of yet even more walking, something came into view. There was a gate in the distance, guards standing on the balcony. The group had reached Riverwood at last.A lot of things happened in quick succession after that. First, the group was surrounded by guards and Ralof had to explain what was going on before the guards attacked everyone. Second, the group slowly disbanded and various soldiers from both sides either returned home in Riverwood or stayed for a bit and then left to go do other things. Third, both Ralof and Hadvar gave Link a tour of Riverwood, then took him to the Riverwood Trader, where the three of them heard muffled yelling from inside the building."Well one of us has to do something!""We are done talking about this.""Well what are you going to do then, huh? Let's hear it!""I said no!..."Hadvar, Ralof, and Link merely shared a confused glance, before Ralof opened the door and they entered the building, only to find that a man named Lucan Valerius was arguing with his sister, Camilla, over something. Lucan shook his head. "...No adventures, no theatrics, no thief-chasing!” He then noticed that they had company.  “Oh, customers. Sorry you had to hear that."Ralof waved a hand. “It’s alright, Lucan, now what’s all this about?” Lucan only said in response, "Yes, we did have a bit of a... break-in. But we still have plenty to sell. Robbers were only after one thing. An ornament, solid gold. In the shape of a dragon's claw." before he went back to arguing with his sister. There was a flight of wooden stairs to Link’s left.  Various food items and plants hung over a fireplace in front of him, while a table and chairs were before the fireplace. To the right of the fireplace was the counter, filled with various displayed merchandise. Behind Lucan was shelves with even more merchandise. At the right side of the room were cabinets and shelves that had more merchandise.Link waited for a bit before walking up to the counter and rapped the counter once with the axe’s pommel. That got Lucan’s attention. “I’m terribly sorry, it’s just that the two of us are at our wits end here. Is there something I can help you with?” “I can get this...Claw back for you, if you want.”Lucan’s face lit up. “You would?! Oh, this is fantastic! I shall pay you four hundred Septims if you can bring it back in one piece. Of course, I will gladly give you supplies before you go.”Link nodded, then got an idea. The Hylian took out his Rupee satchel from the near infinite satchel he had - for some reason it hadn’t been taken from him -  and then emptied it completely onto the counter - twenty five Rupees in all, 5 green, purple, orange, red, and light blue gems. “I’d like to exchange all of these for Septims.” Lucan’s face lit up even more and he started nodding frantically. “I shall give you seven thousand, one hundred Septims for all of them.”“I’ll take it.”The twenty five Rupees were exchanged for Septims, then Lucan told Link that he would receive a ten percent discount on whatever supplies he wanted to buy for the trip to Bleak Falls Barrow. The Septim amount at the end of the transaction - after subtracting from his total Septim count at the time - was six thousand, five hundred and seventeen. Link ended up buying three Iron Arrows for 3, two Potion of Minor Healing, for 17 each so 34, one Potion of Minor Magicka for 20, one Potion of Regeneration for 380, one Potion of Resist Fire for 96, two loaves of bread for 4, three Eidar Cheese Wheels for 13 each so 39, one Potion of Cure Disease for 79, and one iron sword for 25.After this, he tested the iron sword, found it was to his liking, thanked Lucan and his sister for their hospitality, then traveled with Ralof to his sister’s house. His sister was named Gerdur, she had a husband named Hod, and a son named Frodnar.  The house was nice enough. It was in an L shape, with a dining and cooking area on his left, and bedrooms and a bar on his right. However, Link didn’t have time to walk around the house and see everything, because he suddenly felt extremely tired. Ralof must have noticed this, because the man walked him over to a bed, and then he was pitching forwards -  Ralof caught Link as he fell, moved him so he would sleep more comfortably, then walked over to the table where his sister and brother-in-law were sitting and sat down.“So, Ralof, I heard you and the boy escaped a dragon attack?” Ralof nodded. “We did. He somehow convinced those Imperials that traveled with us to cooperate.” “Did he now?” Hod stroked his chin in thought for a second before leaning forwards a bit. “He a Wood Elf? Bosmer?” “No, he says his people are named Hylians.” “Hi-lee-ans?” “Yes. Hylians. He says that he’s from a land named Hyrule, and that it’s most likely past the Summerset Isles, to the West.” Hod nodded. “How old would you say he is? He’s not eighteen, I could tell that as soon as I laid eyes on him.” Ralof leaned back in his chair a bit. “You know, he never told me. I’d say he’s around either fifteen or sixteen, maybe even seventeen.” Gerdur drummed her fingers on the table in thought before speaking. “Well he’s certainly well mannered. I heard he took up Lucan’s offer to go get that claw of his back?” Ralof nodded. “Yes, Hadvar and I are going with him.” “Hadvar? You mean the Hadvar you used to run around with when you were a boy?” “Yes. I suppose we’ve been trying to reconcile, it feels as if our friendship has returned, at least somewhat.” Just then, Ralof was interrupted by something. A black and white wolf with blue eyes was standing near the table, merely looking up at him. Ralof grabbed the sword above the fireplace and held it in case the wolf attacked. Hod grabbed the handle of his axe while Gerdur jumped in her chair from shock. “Hello, how did you get in here?”The wolf wasn’t talking, obviously, and Ralof shook his head, then lowered the sword a bit. “Well, as long as you don’t attack us, I suppose we’ll get along just fine.” The wolf walked over to the door, sat down beside it, and eyed Ralof with a slightly impatient look. “So you need to go out, do you?” Ralof got up from where he had been sitting, crossed the room, opened the door, and watched the wolf calmly walk outside. Hod had gotten up and was now standing beside Ralof. “Well behaved for a wolf, isn’t he?” The two men watched in silence as the wolf walked to the edge of the porch, looked down at the steps for several seconds, slowly walked down them, then disappeared from view around the side of the house. Ralof and Hod shared a glance, then the two men decided to follow the wolf and see what they did. However, when they walked around to the back of the house, the wolf was gone, but standing there on the dirt path, barefoot, unarmed, silently looking up at the blazing lights in the sky, was Link. “First time seeing Skyrim’s Aurora?”  The Hylian whirled around, spraying dirt everywhere as he did so, and looked as if he was ready to fight someone. Then he saw Ralof and Hod and visibly relaxed a bit. “Ralof! What are you doing out here?” The man merely crossed his arms. “I could ask you the same question.” Link began to look everywhere except towards the two men.  “I..I was...Ah...I was just…” “You know what?” Hod glanced sideways at Ralof “I think he was that wolf that we saw.” Ralof tilted his head to the side a bit in thought. “Perhaps. He certainly is avoiding my question, isn’t he?” “You asked me two questions. The answer to both is yes.” Hod nodded. “I knew it. Look, we aren’t mad at you for not telling us before, about the wolf bit, we’re alright with that.” Ralof also nodded.  “Other people might have seen you.” “I didn’t even think about that. Do you think they’ll do anything? Hod looked up at the blazing lights overhead for a moment. “Who knows? I suppose as long as you can control that transformation of yours, it’ll be fine. Now, about the Aurora, it’s been in the sky as anyone can remember. It changes colors and shapes depending on what time of the year and at night it is, and the location of where you are in Skyrim.” Ralof was about to add on to what Hod had said, but was interrupted by a loud scream and then drunken shouting. There were six guards trying to pull apart a Nord and Bosmer, who were drunkenly trying to hit each other. The two men were yelling various insults, such as “milk drinker” and “son of a horker” but those weren’t the main problem - it was making sure that Camilla was safe, for she was currently sitting on the ground, in between the Bosmer and Nord, unable to move.  “Alright, alright, I’ve had enough of you two!” Hod ran up and shoved the two men apart, then started to yell at both of them. “Sven, Faendal, this has gone on for long enough!” The two men shoved their captors back and then the Nord knocked Hod to the ground. Ralof ran up, as did two guards, and the three tried to deal with the two drunken men while the other three guards helped Hod up. While everyone seemed to distracted, Link darted over, ducked under the fighting men, and helped Camilla up. The two shared a glance, then Camilla darted away, towards the porch of the Riverwood Trader, where Lucan was standing. They seemed to talk for a bit, before Lucan ran towards the fight and helped deal with the drunken men. Somehow, no one was injured, the guards took Sven and Faendal to the Inn to “think things over”, while Lucan thanked Ralof, Hod, and Link for their efforts. To their shock, he then offered to give them two hundred extra Septims in addition to the additional four hundred. “Here. I just so happen to have it on me.” He was holding a small cloth pouch filled with said two hundred Septims. Ralof reached out to take it, but hesitated. “How about we split it three ways, of course, one would get one extra.” Hod nodded. “Personally, since Link’s the one who got Camilla out of harm's way, it should all go to him.” Link seemed to reluctantly accept the two hundred Septims before the two Valerius’ returned to the building for the night. “Should we leave for Bleak Falls now or in the morning?” Ralof shook his head. “It’d be a death sentence trying to head there now. We leave in the morning, around sunrise. Are you returning with us?” “No, not yet, at least. I’d like to stay up a while longer.” “Well, stay up if you want, Ralof and I are heading back to the house.” The guards started to return to their posts as the two men left Link and returned to Hod’s house. The young Hylian stood on the porch of the Riverwood Trader for a minute, then walked to the edge, jumped down, then started to walk towards the stone bridge in the distance. When he neared it, he didn’t cross it, but instead walked over to a tree, looked up at it for a moment, then jumped upwards and grabbed the lowest branch. Link then pulled himself up, then continued to climb the tree until he was near the top. Beyond the bridge was a stone path that lead in two directions. He decided that the path to the left had to lead to Bleak Falls, but the right one seemed to disappear in places, for there were hills and valleys covered in various grasses, trees, and wildflowers. Link then sensed something above him and he looked up, only to see a massive thing flying overhead. It was a dragon, and it appeared that he had been the only one to notice the beast. Strangely enough, Link felt as if he wanted to spit fire, to freeze things, to summon storms and wind, to fly, and to stand above all those who exist - the feelings were gone, for the dragon had flown out of sight behind a nearby mountain. ‘ What was that? Why was I able to sense the Dragon before seeing it? And those things I felt, why did I feel them? ...I think I’ll dwell on this tomorrow, something tells me getting that Golden Claw will take a few hours. Or ten.’ The Hylian looked up at the aurora for as long as he could, before he eventually drifted off.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The first thing he realized was that he was once again a wolf. The second was that he was still in the tree. The third was a sudden jolt of pain on his nose, then the wolf dimly realized that he was falling, then he hit the ground, and rolled over a few times before he came to rest on his side. Link lay there for a while, getting his breath back, before he moved to a sitting position and gazed up at the dawning sky. ‘ This is an inconvenience. How long will I stay like this? And does the rest of Riverwood know that I can become a wolf, or just Hod and Ralof?’ Link shook his head, got up, padded over to the river, drank from it - at the same time soothing his stung nose - then spotted Ralof and Hadvar on the stone bridge and trotted over to meet them. “Well? Where is he? He should have been here an hour ago.” Ralof knew he wouldn’t get an answer from Hadvar, but yet he asked his friend anyway. The two men were on their horses, on the stone bridge, and they had been waiting for Link to show up. Hadvar noticed a black and white wolf trotting up to them, and he drew his sword and got down from his horse, then swung the blade at the beast. “Back! For all I know, you’ll call for your pack and we’ll both die!” The wolf yelped with shock and leapt backwards, but didn’t run away. Instead, the beast merely gazed up at Hadvar as if he were cheese brained and shook his furry head.  Hadvar took a step towards the wolf and raised his sword again, then brought it down, only for his blade to hit Ralof’s iron war axe. Hadvar’s arms went numb from the force of the hit and he raised his gaze to his friend, who merely gazed back at him “Hadvar.” Ralof’s voice was soft for once, “The wolf before you is Link, if you do not believe me, look at his left front paw.” And true to Ralof’s word, there was a mark there. Hadvar narrowed his eyes, trying to place it. Yes! Yes, he had seen it before, back in Helgen, before the Dragon... Ralof seemed to be waiting for him to answer and the Imperial lowered his sword. “Link?” The wolf visibly reacted; his black ears perked up and he raised his head a bit towards Hadvar. “So it is you.” The man felt a smile form on his face and he put away his sword, then knelt down and held out a hand. The young wolf hesitated, then he padded up to Hadvar and lowered his head to rest in the man’s head for a few moments, then lifted it and trotted away towards the other side of the stone bridge. Hadvar watched the wolf for a moment, then gazed at Ralof. “He got stung by something, did you see that? I don’t think he’s going to have an easy time breathing through his nose for a while.” “He’ll be fine.” Link stopped, then half turned towards the two men, his cerulean eyes bright with excitement. “I think he wants to race us, Ralof. What do you say?” Ralof shook his head. “He’d win. He’s young, and a wolf .” “Still wouldn’t hurt to try.” Hadvar kicked at his horse and took off after Link, who had already started down the left path of the fork. Ralof sighed, shook his head, then grinned as he too headed after the black and white wolf.The three of them reached the tower that was near Bleak Falls around an hour later. Two bandits were outside, and as soon as they saw the three appearoch, they got up from where they had been sitting and ran inside the tower. Link didn’t need anyone to tell him to start fighting, for the wolf raced after the two bandits and caught the second one as he cleared the threshold, sinking his sharp fangs into the man’s leg. The man screamed and kicked at Link with his free leg but the beast held on, glaring up at the man as he was swung from side to side.  Then Ralof and Hadvar joined the fray and it quickly became a one sided battle. Hadvar struck a woman in the chest with his sword, Ralof killed two with his axe, and Link killed the remaining three, which included the one he had bit on the leg. The entire fight lasted no more than five minutes, and when it was over, Ralof and Hadvar looked around for supplies while Link ate whatever could find, as he had not had breakfast that morning and was starving. After five minutes of searching, the three left the tower and continued to walk towards Bleak Falls. As the three neared the top of the snowy mountains, the snow increased in density. After minutes of walking the whole ground was covered in snow with nothing green in sight.Ralof watched as the wolf’s demeanor changed immediately. Fur visibly started to rise on the back of his neck, he was staring at something him and Hadvar couldn’t see yet, his fangs were bared, he was growling, and he was frozen in place.“What is it?” In response, Link lowered himself to the snow, waited a moment, then pounced. Blood sprayed in the air as a scouting bandit was bitten in the throat and thrown to the ground. Bleak Falls was just visible through the snow fall, and its black obsidian arches towered over the two men and wolf.  Hadvar knelt down next to the dead bandit and studied him. “He must be a scout. If Bleak Falls Barrow is occupied with bandits, then we must be close.” He looked up. “Yes, we are close, see those arches up there? We can’t be more than five minutes away.” The three continued walking until they had reached the foot of the steps. “Now, we need to be careful not to be seen, if we’re quiet enough, I think we can sneak past whatever is up here with us.” Ralof froze as five bandits appeared, each of them wearing furred armor and wielding weapons. The Nord swore, then glanced at Hadvar. “Do you remember when we were mere boys? The two of us would have target practice…” Hadvar nodded, eyeing the five bandits. “Yes. We would practice for hours.” “Would you like to see if all those hours paid off?” “You know I would.” The two men drew their bows as one, notched an iron arrow to each one, then fired. Two of the bandits went down, while the other three scattered. Link sprung up from where he had been hiding and bit one in the leg, sending the man down onto the snow, where the wolf killed him with a throat bite. He then darted after another one, but Ralof shot the woman first and killed her instantly. While Hadvar shot the other one, the wolf spotted a lone figure dart from the shadows and run up the steps. The black and white wolf darted after the man, gained speed, then launched himself at the man’s chest. He connected, caused the man to fall, and the two rolled for a bit until they landed on the stone floor before the giant twin black doors. The wolf continued to roll a bit, the bandit watched curiously as the beast turned a solid black and then froze as he found himself looking at an elf of some sort. Link and the lone bandit gazed at each other for a full five seconds, then the bandit got up and ran for the door with the strange symbol on it. Link got up from where he had fallen and reached for his sword, then decided against it. ‘ I need a bow.’ He took a step backwards, felt something against his right boot, blindly kicked it over his head and he caught it in his left hand. It was in fact a bow, furthermore, it had a single arrow already notched. Link raised the bow to his right shoulder, made sure the arrow was firmly notched, then pulled back on the arrow with his left hand, the Triforce of Courage suddenly blazing with golden light.  It was nearly silent for a few seconds, save for the sounds of muted fighting and his own breathing, then the Hylian let go of the arrow. It sailed through the air, whistling as it did so, and it struck the lone bandit in the neck. The man grabbed at his throat, then collapsed, never to rise again. But Link had no time to dwell on what he had just done, because four bandits appeared, keeping him trapped against the barrow’s outer wall. “What the matter, kid? Scared?” One bandit drew two blood stained daggers and twirled them around in his hands. “I can fight all of you.” Link tossed away the bow and drew his sword, then kicked a shield over his head and he caught it with his right hand. The iron shield was off balance a bit, but it would do for now. No one moved for a second, then the four bandits charged. Link ducked under one, then struck one bandit in the head with the shield, sending the man down to his knees. He kicked the man’s weapons away and turned his attention to the one that had the twin daggers. The man flipped them in his hands again, then darted towards Link, who kicked one of the daggers from his right hand, then used his sword to knock the other one to the ground, then pointed the sword towards the man’s throat. “I’ll let you live if you leave now.” The man eyed him for a second, then looked past him at something. Link half turned, only to be struck on the head by an axe pommel. Gaden eyed the young elf as he swayed for a moment, dropped his sword and shield, then fell to a kneeling position. He raised a hand to stop Makla from attacking again, picked up his daggers, then knelt down in front of the boy. “I’m not going to kill you.”The elf eyed him nervously, his blue eyes slightly gazed over. “You’re not? You have every right to do so.” Gaden shook his head. “No. You fought bravely, I commend that. Besides, you’re just a boy, what are you doing out here?” “We were...Looking for the Golden Claw?” Gaden frowned. “...If you mean that thing in Riverwood, we didn’t take it.” “What?” “We. Did. Not. Take. It. This is all that thief's fault,  Arvel the Swift, curse him. If you really want to get that Claw back, he ran inside. His lackeys are in there, too, my force was just out here, as a guard.” Makla appeared, right behind the boy, and before Gaden could stop her, she drew her sword and ran it through his left shoulder. The elf grew pale, then his blue eyes rolled backwards into his head and he pitched forwards to land on the stone, out cold. A pool of blood slowly began to appear around the stabbed shoulder. Makla pulled the bloodied sword from the boy’s left shoulder.  “That won’t kill him either.” Gaden glared at the woman. “I was merely talking to him, you had no right to do that!” Makla wiped off the blood onto a fallen bandit’s clothing and smirked. “I bet the boy hasn’t been in any real battles before this. It was a good wake up call, don’t you think?” Gaden bared his teeth and threw a dagger at Makla, who dodged it, then pressed her sword against the back of the boy’s neck, drawing blood. “Don’t you dare!” The woman smiled before easing up on her sword. “And you feel so close to this elf, why?” Gaden set his jaw. “Because he’s around the same age as my son!” “And that’s all?” Makla shook her head. “Gaden, this boy killed our men, he deserves to die!” “No. No he doesn’t. I know this was his first battle, and he fought bravely. Step away from him, Makla, or you shall be the one who dies.” The woman eyed Gaden for a bit, then stepped forwards, sword raised to kill the boy - a dagger appeared in the middle of her chest, and then she looked up towards Gaden, who had his arm outstretched. “I did warn you.” Makla screamed, pulled the dagger from her chest, threw it down, then threw her sword towards Gaden. The weapon pierced his chest and the two bandits fell at the same time, one dead, one barely still alive. Gaden watched as two men approached him, weapons drawn, and he held up a hand. “What is it? Did you do this?” “To the boy? No, I saved his life. The woman tried to kill him. What is his name? His first will do.” The brown haired Nord spoke, while another Nord fed the boy a healing potion. Gaden was glad to see his wounds begin to heal. “Link.” Gaden nodded. “A fitting name. I want Link to have my daggers, they saved my life too many times for me to count, I hope they save his.” The man reached into his coat and took out a small ring, thought about giving it to Ralof, then decided it wouldn’t be right. He sensed that Link was now awake, and so he tossed the ring through the air and hoped it landed near the boy. “Tell him...My name was Gaden.” He smiled with a fierce pride and joy. He may have been dying, but he had saved Link’s life, and for this, he would be welcome in Sovngarde. He raised his gaze to the two younger men. “I hope to see you walking there someday.” After a moment, he added, mostly for Link, “My son’s name is Fernas, he lives in Rorikstead.” The blonde Nord laid a hand on his shoulder. “I’m certain he would be very proud of you.” Gaden nodded, then his eyesight faded and everything was gone. Further down the steps, the prone form finally moved a bit, but Ralof and Hadvar paid no mind, as they were building a carin for the redeemed bandit. Link’s vision finally cleared and it centered on the small ring lying in the palm of his left hand. Silver wolf heads were inlaid on a sapphire band with two golden bands around each side of the ring, and several Nordic runes were carved into the inside.‘ I’ll get this ring to your son, Gaden.’ Link raised his gaze to the stone pile, Ralof and Hadvar were walking towards him now, and his gaze moved from the stone pile to the two blood soaked daggers that lay in the bloodied snow next to him. ‘ I promise.’ Link was bored out of his mind. Sure, they had managed to sneak past two bandits in the entrance hall, raid chests for various items, avoid being killed by the arrow trap, figured out the combination to open the door through trial and error - it was Snake Snake Whale - but the next room at least was interesting. There was some sort of book on a table. Link approached the book, which was named Thief , and, thinking about it, he picked up the book and decided to take it with him for further reading later. Link left Ralof and Hadvar in the one room and ventured down the stairs. Three rodent like creatures - Skeevers - screamed and launched themselves in his direction. Link simply kicked them away and kept on walking down the small corridor to a table.  Some sort of potion and a rolled up scroll rested on the table, and Link picked up the potion first and examined it. ‘ Paralysis potion? Now this is useful.’ He set the potion down and picked up the scroll, there was a red seal on it that read Fireball , Link knew it was some sort of magic and wondered if he could even use it. Still, it could be useful in the future. He took the two items with him, dodged the three Skeevers, and ended back in the spell tome room a few moments later. Then, the three of them heard a voice. It was faint, but it was there. “Is... is someone coming? Is that you Harknir? Bjorn? Soling? I know I ran ahead with the claw, but I need help!" Ralof ran over to a door, only to find it being blocked by spider webs. “Help me cut these down, won’t you?” Link drew his sword, nodded to Ralof, then started cutting webs. “What do you think, Hadvar, you think that’s our thief?” Hadvar nodded to Ralof. “Yes. Let’s find him and get this over with, I don’t want to stay here any longer than necessary!”“That voice is closer.”“You think he’d stop or something, he’s been talking non stop for at least ten minutes.” Link ignored the two Nords as he continued to cut spider webs. It really hadn’t been ten minutes, had it? It felt like it, at least. Finally, then were in an open room, it appeared to be empty for a moment, then they heard someone yelling to their left. Hadvar gestured to a man that was hanging upside down in a spider web, behind a locked barred door. “That’s him.” The man yelled something, something about “it’s coming”, whatever that meant.Link took a step forward, gazing at the man trapped behind the spider web with confusion. “What do you mean? ‘It’s coming’?”The man didn’t get to answer, because Link felt as if something was behind him, and he half turned, only to feel a searing pain in his right shoulder. Cursing, he dropped to one knee, and the iron sword clattered to the dirt beside him as he grabbed his injured shoulder. His vision seemed to double a second later, and then he saw it. A massive spider, fangs bared, some legs raised, something dripping from its fangs…‘...Poison!’ Something was wrong, the poison was quickly taking its toll, and, judging by the other displaced skeletons around the room, whoever hadn’t healed themselves had died horrible deaths. But yet…He had something none of the others had.A wolf appeared where Link had been a moment later, which then fell to the ground and started thrashing around due to the poison. Yet, the thrashing slowed, as if the beast’s neurotoxins were somehow flushing out the poison. Still trying to get his legs and paws underneath him, the wolf growled, then it rose to a snarl.No. He would not die here. Not today, not against a giant Faring spider of all things! Summoning some kind of hidden strength, Link leapt to his paws and raced across the stone room, bent down, then launched himself towards the giant spider, who turned to face him, her eyes beady eyes locked onto him.“Why do you fight? My venom pulses through your veins, sapping your life force.”She was mocking him! Link didn’t reply, because then his claws were digging into the beast’s back, his bloodied fangs trying to find purchase on the arachnid’s throat. “The only one who shall die today is you!” he snarled as he bit down harder. The spider started screaming and started to thrash around.His plan was working! Hadvar and Ralof rushed in, hacking at the giant spider until the thing pitched forwards, Link jumping off at the last second, and the three watched the arachnid’s death throes. Then, it was silent. Hadvar and Ralof walked over to the man and the two tried to figure out how to free him when they heard footfalls heading towards them. Their wolf friend had been investigating the various egg sacs around the room, and had now walked over to them. Ralof smiled a bit. “You seem to have experience with killing giant spiders. Maybe you should teach us sometime.” The beast’s gaze became uncertain for a moment, before it settled into a smug look and Ralof grinned, shook his head, then motioned to Hadvar to help him destroy the spider web.Of course, none of them expected the man to simply run away from them afterwards, but they found him dead, pinned to the right wall by a massive spike trap. Somehow, the Golden Claw was unharmed and Link picked it up with his fangs. There were three raised symbols on the claw - a bear, moth, and an owl, in that order. Link determined it could be useful later. Then all of the torches in the room went out. Link set down the Golden Claw and padded forwards, all of his senses on edge. He didn’t near anything besides the three of them breathing, then he heard something shuffling towards him. Thanks to his night vision, he saw the thing a second later. An undead person was stumbling towards him, wearing armor. ‘Is this Skyrim’s version of a ReDead?’Link was proven wrong by Ralof yelling “Draugr!” and the wolf dashed to the side as the monster drew a long sword and swung it at him. ‘Need to be careful...Attack from the side’…Link darted forwards, and swiped a paw at the creature’s right side, but it didn’t do anything except make it grab him and toss him further down the hallway. When Link finally rolled to a stop, three more Draugr rose from coffins and started to stumble towards him, and he rose to his - feet.He was back to normal. The Hylian reached for his sword but it was gone, along with the iron shield he had briefly had in his possession. However, he remembered the twin daggers, and drew them both, flipped them around so they were facing the right way, and then finally saw what they looked like.The fire dagger had various runes carved into the flat blade, which was around six inches long and ended in a sharp point. The runes were also on the curved crossguard, and the entire dagger seemed to be on fire, but yet the heat didn’t hurt - it felt almost welcoming. Then he remembered the draugr and lowered the fire dagger, but the creatures hadn’t attacked him. No, they were merely hovering there, as if they were waiting.  ‘What are they waiting for?’Since they seemed to not be attacking him, Link inspected the other dagger. This one was made of ice, and, again, the ice didn’t hurt him. ‘Interesting. I wonder what happens when I do this.’ Link slammed the two daggers together and the two weapons shot out a mixed shockwave of fire and ice that caused the three Draugr to become ash piles. “...That was entertaining.” The daggers had faded to a subdued glow.‘Is that normal? I’ll have to speak to Ralof and Hadvar about this, maybe they will know something.’ Ralof walked up holding some sort of book. “Looks like our ‘friend’ left a journal. Says something about a hidden power here somewhere. It also says that the Golden Claw was from here, and that it involves some sort of door.”Then Hadvar walked up. “You fight well. I think we should still press forward. Don’t worry about the trap, it’s been disarmed.”“You want me to run through that.”The three were looking at some sort of blade trap that blocked their path. Ralof nodded. “Yes. You’re swifter than the two of us, you’ll be fine.” Link noted that there was an opening between the blades, and took a step forward, ran past the first one, then stopped. ‘ I can wait here until the next one passes. This isn’t that difficult.’ Link dodged the second and third blades, stepped out into the next room, then noticed a chain on the wall. He pulled on it, and the blades stopped moving. The two Nords joined him a few seconds later and they pressed on. The three soon found themselves fighting the  Draugr in a very enclosed space. That wasn’t the only problem - the floor was slick with oil. The daggers weren’t working for whatever reason, but they could still be used as normal weapons. Link darted forwards, stabbed one of the Draugr in the chest, then fell due to how slick the floor was. The fire dagger fell from his grasp and landed a few feet away, then rolled up to a Draugr, who merely looked down at it before the oil caught fire. There seemed to be an explosion of fire, and the second Draugr died instantly, while the third one walked into the fire and turned into an ash pile. After the fire died down, Link got up, picked up the fire dagger, Ralof and Hadvar joined him, and the three continued walking. A minute later, the room opened up into a natural cavern. Sunlight cast light through a massive hole in the ceiling and a waterfall was on their left. A lone Draugr appeared from a coffin and Hadvar killed it. “Well, what do we do now?”Ralof received his answer when he caught movement before the waterfall. “There’s something down there, what is it?” Link was standing close to the edge of the waterfall, the thing down there was covered in fur, it had three eyes, and it looked as if it could put up a fight. ‘ It looks like it could be a Hinox .’ “To answer your question, that is a frost troll.” Ralof paused. “Hadvar, I bet we can kill it up here with arrows.” Hadvar nodded and drew his bow, Ralof drew his, then Hadvar turned to Link. “If you have a bow, you can stay here with us, or go down there and help us finish the thing off that way.” “Never mind, I found an extra one, here.” Ralof handed a spare bow to Link, and soon, a barrage of arrows were hitting the frost troll. The troll picked up a rock and threw it up at the three archers, but they dodged the attack. Link hesitated, stopped firing his bow, drew the fire dagger, then threw it. It struck the troll in the third eye, which was centered on its forehead. The thing roared, threw another rock, which the three also dodged, and then started shooting arrows again. The frost troll fell over two minutes later, finally dead. The two Nords and Link found a way to get down to the frost troll. Hadvar knelt by the troll. “I heard from some alchemist in the army that trollfat is a useful potion ingredient and trolls are hunted for that.”The Nord drew a dagger and extracted a bowl of the troll fat so it wouldn't waste.Link retrieved the fire dagger from where he had thrown it, then the three walked into the next room, where a long Draugr was waiting.  After the lone Draugr finally fell, Ralof, Hadvar, and Link reached the Sanctum.  There was another blade trap, which they skirted around with ease. After a few minutes of walking, they entered a well lit room, as soon as they did so, the lid of a coffin on their left flew off its hinges and a Draugr climbed out and started walking towards them. Ralof killed it, but that got the attention of three other Draugr.  Link didn’t say anything to Hadvar and Ralof about the daggers returning to their supposedly natural glow, he had a feeling that the shockwave would work now, so he tried it. It sent them back a few feet but didn't kill them. Link looked up and saw the lit oil lamps up there, he quickly tossed the fire dagger at one of them, which fell, igniting the oil slick the Draugr were standing in, and they dissolved into ash piles.  After walking for around two minutes, the three happened upon a locked door. Ralof grinned. “I’ve heard about these. They’re called Claw doors. The locking mechanism is controlled by three concentric circles: each is marked with animal symbols and can be rotated. Maybe that Golden Claw fits this door.” Hadvar stepped back as Ralof handed Link the Golden Claw, the Hylian then stepped up to the door, inspected the claw,  then reached up and turned the highest circle until he had the symbol of a bear. There was a subtle click , as if something had unlocked. Link turned the other two circles to moth and owl, respectively, there were two more clicks , then dust started to fall as the door started to rise into the wall. The three of them walked into a large, well lit cavern, then, something caught Link’s attention. Steps were at the end of the room, on a raised stone platform was a chest, a coffin, and then he saw the thing behind it. It was a massive stone wall tha towered over him, with some sort of language carved into it. Above the words was a giant stone dragon head. One of these carved words was glowing, and Link could have sworn he heard voices whispering as he drew closer to the glowing word. Then, white tendrils of sheer energy swirled around him for a few seconds, and then the glow on the wall faded. Yet there was something new , some sort of knowledge . Fus. Link had no idea what this word meant, but it was as if he knew this word already. And for some reason, he wanted more of these words. They felt right . The Hero of Twilight stepped closer to the stone wall, staring at the carved words. He felt as if he somehow knew what they said - Here lies The Guardian, keeper of the Dragonstone, and a force of eternal rage and darkness. ‘ Guardian? What...Guardian? And what is this Dragonstone? ’ Link gazed at the words for a few more seconds before he half turned, noticed Hadvar and Ralof waiting for him at the start of a long corridor, and started to run over to them, wanting to tell the two Nords what he had discovered. However, the cavern had not been empty after all. For no sooner had Link ran for the corridor, had something shot up from the stone coffin in front of the stone wall. Ralof yelled “a Draugr Overlord!” when the thing turned towards him, and as the two men drew their weapons and started to attack the creature, Link looked for an opening and soon joined the fight. However, he was distracted by Hadvar and the Draugr caught Link with the flat of his axe blade and sent him flying into the stone wall, where he fell and didn’t rise. Something flew from the creature and landed near Link - a strange carved stone. His vision was darkening, and the sounds of Hadvar and Ralof fighting the Draugr Overlord started to fade. Just how hard he hit the wall? No, he needed to focus on the carved stone in front of him, it was important . Somehow. With his remaining strength, Link reached out with a shaking hand and pulled the stone object close to him, he heard Ralof yell his name from far away, then everything was gone.  But only for a few moments - as his vision returned. Ralof was kneeling beside him with an empty potion bottle and as soon as he saw Link, he grinned. “Healing Potion. You may not remember, but I gave you one outside after you fought those bandits. Can you stand, we need your help to kill the Overlord.” Link eyed him for a moment, then nodded. Ralof helped him up, then ran off to aid Hadvar. The strange stone lay at his feet, but he could examine it later. Link reached to his sides and drew the twin daggers, then stepped forwards. The monster spun to face him, its glowing eyes seemed to be entirely focused on the daggers. Then, it spoke . "Fin Fron Zahkriiie Se Sul Ahrk Vulon." Link had no idea what the creature had said, but it sounded important. And the way it was looking at the daggers… The Hylian raised the fire dagger a bit and the Overlord stepped back, fear somehow showing itself in its glowing eyes. ‘ It’s afraid of the daggers!’ Link waited a moment, then darted forwards, slashing upwards at the Overlords helmet. The thing cracked in two, the cut turned molten, and the helmet fell to the stone floor, cut in half. Not that the Overlord cared. The Draugr then did something, no, it said something. “FUS RO DAH” Link was thrown backwards a bit but not very far. As he got his balance back, he looked up to see an enchanted axe bearing down on him. He brought up the twin daggers and blocked the axe, only to notice how cold the axe felt when it was near him. ‘ Another magical weapon? Interesting.’  Then it felt as if his arms were on fire - they were frozen, encased in ice, however, he could still move them. The Overlord gazed at Link with a very obvious confusion before the thing raised its axe again. Link feigned left, then somehow brought up both daggers and sliced at the creature’s chest before backflipping backwards - he thought he heard Ralof say something but he didn’t catch what he said - and came to rest a few feet away, gazing at the Draugr Overlord as it looked down at the molten, frostbitten remains of its decayed chest. The Draugr’s eyes seemed to be on fire, and the thing raised its axe and waved it. Distant thuds, then, around a minute later, five other Draugr stumbled into view. Link twirled the twin daggers in his hands while he tried to come up with an idea. Before he could come up with one, Ralof and Hadvar started to fight the Draugr. ‘At least I don’t have to worry about them now.’ Link half turned to see the Overlock walking towards him, and the Hylian slammed the twin daggers again, creating a shockwave of fire and ice that slammed into the Draugr and sent the thing stumbling back. But yet it didn’t die. Instead, the Overlord raised the axe and brought it down. Link dove to the right and came back up as the axe slammed into the ground where he had been a moment before. The Draugr pulled up the axe, and swung it, Link blocked the attack by crossing the twin daggers in front of him, then the fire in his arms grew stronger and he lowered the daggers a bit, watching the creature to see what it would do. The creature had stumbled backwards from the block, but it rushed forwards, axe raised high above its head. Link watched as the axe swung downwards, then he reached out, grabbed the axe, pulled it out of the Overlord’s grasp, tossed it away, then swung the ice dagger at the Overlord’s head. The Draugr’s glowing blue eyes slowly went dark as its now frozen head was separated from its body, and the thing collapsed to the ground, dead. Its head landed next to the body and shattered into ice shards. Hadvar kicked the body with a boot and then nodded. “Well done Link! I don’t know what you did with those daggers, but it worked!” Link nodded and noticed Ralof standing by the stone he had looked at earlier. Hadvar followed him as he walked over to the Nord. “So, any idea what this is? I can’t seem to lift it.” “Let me try.” Ralof gave him a curious look, but said nothing. Link bent down, picked up the stone with ease, then rose to his full height. “How were you able to do that?” “I don’t know, it just happened.” Then Link, along with Hadvar and Ralof, studied the carved stone. Fear. That was what he felt when he looked at the stone dragon head at the bottom of the stone, but why? Above the dragon head, the stone looked like a landscape with X's/four point stars on random spots. “That looks like the location of Kynesgrove.” Ralof pointed to a mark on the west side of the stone. “There’s an old dragon mound there...Say, you don’t think these are the locations of dragon mounds , do you?”  “What are dragon mounds?”“Burial sites of dragons that were formed a very long time ago.” Link took that as a good answer and then turned the stone over. On the back were carved words.  ‘...It’s the same language as the stone wall…’ That meant something, but what? Then he remembered the words on the wall, something about a Dragonstone…That’s what the stone was. This...Dragonstone was important. Link knew that, but he didn't know why.It was time to leave Bleak Falls and search for answers.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The three of them had returned safely. They had returned with the Golden Claw and the Dragonstone, after finding the two Nords’ horses where they had left them, alive.Lucan was delighted to have the Claw back, and he was true to his word. The three of them received two hundred Septims each.After the three of them had refreshed their supplies, they left the Riverwood Trader, only to be greeted by Gerdur. “We need more guards here in case more dragons start showing up. I’m sure the three of you can travel to Whiterun?”Link, Hadvar, and Ralof looked at each other, then nodded at Gerdur.“Excellent. I suspect you’d want to get there as soon as possible, don’t let me keep you.”The two Nords and Hylian walked under the gate, crossed the bridge, and took the right path towards Whiterun.Ralof finally stopped walking. Some sort of structure was just visible in the distance. “See that? That’s Dragonsreach. Whiterun sits around it. There’s three districts. Cloud, which is where Dragonsreach is, Wind, which is where all of the shops are, and Plains, which is where everyone lives. I heard there’s a house there for sale, Breezehome, but it costs five thousand Septims.”Hadvar nodded. “Maybe they’d knock it down a thousand if they really wanted to, maybe someone helps save Whiterun or something.”The two Nords talked a bit about the price of this Breezehome for a bit, before they got a campfire going.“We’ll stay here for tonight, then head for Whiterun at dawn.”It was dark. Then, a thunderous roar reached him, and then his world exploded with color. He was flying, drifting among the clouds, the two moons high above him. He wanted the world to know who he was, that all was to fear him! But something told him that his time had not come yet, but it was close. Soon, he would truly awaken and make Skyrim, no, Tamriel, nay, all of Nirn know the meaning of Fear!His massive golden wings flapped on the air currents as he seemed to fly in the Aurora, its beautiful lights dancing all around him. He spotted goats on a mountain and briefly thought about devouring them, but thought against it. Then he decided to grab just one, and he flew down, claws outstretched, fangs salivating at the taste of blood and meat. And then he said something , and somewhere else, something awoke, if only briefly.“ FUS RO DAH!” The wolf awoke with a yelp and he leapt to his paws, staring out at the moon lit fields before him. He felt some sort of longing, something he had never felt before, and it confused him.‘What...It’s like when I saw that Dragon fly overhead two nights ago, and then at that stone wall...What is going on!?’ It was as if his mind woke up then and he looked down. ‘I’m a wolf again. Why does this keep happening?’He found that he had no answers to his questions and Link stayed where he was standing for a few more moments, then he wandered over to a patch of pines and stared into the trees, wondering if he should leave his two friends and head to Whiterun by himself. As he did so, the wolf’s thoughts wandered to the dream he had had, that sentence the thing had spoken, it had sounded right. That first word, he remembered it from that stone wall in Bleak Falls.‘Fus.’There. Something stirred in him, but only for a moment. That one word meant something, and Link was determined to figure out what that meant, having decided to go ahead and leave. The wolf returned to the campfire for a few moments, gazed at the two Nords that were sleeping nearby, then turned around and started to walk down the hill.It was an hour later, Link was very close to Whiterun now and was quietly stalking a lone goat, intent on killing it and eating it. The wolf crouched low to the ground, waited a moment, then pounced. The goat let out a death scream as the beast bit its throat, instinctively swallowing warm blood as he did so. Link stood still for a moment, his ears flicking for any signs of retaliation. Finding none, the wolf started to drag the goat to where he had been sleeping.He dropped the goat at his paws, looked down at it for a moment, then tore into the dead carcass, raw sinew and muscle and bone disappearing down his throat as he satisfied his hunger.Finally, Link swayed a bit, before he dropped to the ground besides the goat carcass, feeling drowsy. ‘It obviously belonged to someone but I need to eat somehow. Besides it was…’He searched for a word, but all he could think of was…‘Good. I’ll need to find a way to get into Whiterun, but I can dwell on that later today-’Something sent some sort of bird into the air, screaming “FLEE, FLEE!!!” as the creature flew away. Link’s head snapped up, eyes scanning his surroundings. Then, he smelled them. Men.The wolf got up, his muscles tense, ready to run at any moment's notice. Then he heard something whistle through the air, sail over his head, and come down in a field not too far away. The wolf took it as a sign to leave, so he looked down at the goat carcass with dismay - how he wished he could take it with him - and he took off to the left of the bridge, darting left and right every now and then, towards Whiterun. He stuck close to the path and the river, and eventually, his pursuers gave up and he was able to stop running.Link had seen movement on the other side of the bridge, however, he could leap across the river and double back to where he had seen the movement, but yet…The wolf padded over to the riverbank and looked at it, then at the other side.‘I’ve never jumped this far before? What if I fall in?’ Link hesitated, then walked backwards a bit, then ran forwards into the water. It was cold, but he bent down, and then leapt for the other side.Then he felt entirely different.‘...Just ...Why…’Then he fell into the river.  This was not a good day. The giant that had been roaming near Whiterun had decided to venture onto Pelagia Farm, and who had been called to deal with the giant this early in the morning. The Companions. As always.Aela notched an arrow to her bow and fired it at the giant.Then, Farkas came running up.“Aela, we’ve got company.”Aela gazed at Farkas for a moment, then looked to where he was pointing. “...What?”A figure darted up to the giant, then darted away as the creature turned to face them. They earned a hit to their left side and they went down.Farkas winced. “That had to hurt.”The giant started to walk towards them, holding the club up a bit, then the creature roared and dropped to one knee. The figure from before appeared, their left shoulder obviously injured, ran around to the front of the giant, and was hit again by the club.Tovar darted pass the two other Companions, up to the figure, picked them up and darted back before laying them on the ground.“...What’s this? A young Elf? What’s he doing out here?”Farkas grinned. “Maybe he saw us and wanted to help? Not much good now, he’s injured, and - wait, do we have any healing potions left?”Before Aela could reply, a blood covered arm set itself on Farkas’ wrist. “I want to help.”The voice was somewhat young, male, and there was this accent that none of the Companions could place.Aela glanced at the newcomer. “Help? You’re injured. How old are you?”“Seventeen. This blood isn’t mine, by the way, it happened when I stabbed the giant's leg.”Aela smiled. “For how injured you are, you seem to not care. What do you think you can do in your current state?”The Elf - if that’s what his race was - eyed Aela for a second, then slowly got to his feet, swayed a bit, then drew two daggers, one on fire, one made of ice. He ended up holding both of them in his right hand, for all intents and purposes, his left arm was useless - it was simply hanging, unusable at that moment. In addition to that, it was clear that his right ribs were broken. “I guess stab the giant with these until he falls?”Farkas smiled. “Sounds like a plan to me.”Without waiting for orders, the Elf darted forwards, stabbed the giant in the same leg, brought it down to one knee, somehow vaulted up to his neck, and started to stab the creature while the three Companions finished it off. At last, the Giant fell and the Elf leapt from the Giant’s neck, rolled, and came back up as the thing hit the ground.Farkas looked at Torvar, who then started asking questions.“What’s your name?”“Link. Link Faremanne. Yours?”“I’m Torvar, the other two are Aela and Farkas. You’re not from here, are you?”“No.”Before Tovar could ask Link anything else, the Elf became shrouded in a black mist, and when he returned from not being black, a massive black and white wolf was sitting there, looking very annoyed.The three Companions looked at each other, then at the wolf, then back at each other.“Did you know he could become a wolf?”Farkas shook his head. “No, Aela, I didn’t. But look at him, he’s massive!” Farkas looked down at the injured shapeshifter, then moved his gaze up to Dragonsreach. “We’ll bring him to Kodlak. He’ll know what to do.”Torvar bent down next to Link and then looked up. “...That’s fine and all, but how are we going to get him into Whiterun?”  Being a guard was boring. Nothing never really happened, until now.Two of the Companions, Torvar and Farkas, were carrying a massive dead black and white wolf between them, while Aela led. “Guard, we’d like to take this wolf back to Jorrvaskr.”The guard eyed her for a moment, then waved a hand. “Alright, but other people might ask you questions. Pretty big beast you’ve got there, you need help carrying it?”“No, we don’t, but thanks for offering.”The guard let them pass, but kept his eye on the massive dead wolf as Torvar and Farkas carried the corpse inside Whiterun. “Well...That was strange.”The Companions were drinking and talking in the main hall when Aela, Farkas, and Tovar returned, but yet they grew silent when they saw the wolf.“Where did you hunt him?”“We didn’t hunt him.” Farkas set the wolf down on the table, then said something strange. “You can stop playing dead, kid.”The wolf moved a bit, then opened his eyes and focused on Farkas for a moment, before the beast started to look around the room. Farkas turned to Tovar and asked him to go fetch Kodlak. Torvar left, Aelas started to look the wolf over, while Farkas told the other Companions that a young Elf by the name of Link had helped them kill the giant, then he had shapeshifted into the wolf on the table. While the other Companions started talking to each other, Farkas watched as Aela gently pushed the wolf back down when he bolted upright a bit. “Aela, you’re being motherly.” Farkas smirked as he watched the woman tend to the wolf.The woman glared at him before determining just how many ribs were broken. “I am not.”Farkas stopped leaning against a wooden beam and walked over to her. “Yes you are. Is it because of how young he actually is?”Aela set the wolf’s shoulder without warning, then nodded. “I knew it. What are you going to do when he turns back to normal.”“Scold him for being so reckless, of course, what else?”Despite the obvious pain the wolf was in, he shot a smug grin at her and Farkas grinned. “You. I like you, kid, you’ve got fire.”Then Kodlak Whitemane stepped into the room and it fell silent.Kodlak walked up to the young wolf and gazed at him for a second, taking note of the eerie human-like intelligence in the blue eyes. “I’ve never seen anything like you before. ”He looked at Aela. “You said he was a young elf before he transformed?”The woman nodded as she finished stitching Link’s wounds. She noticed the shackle and chain on the wolf’s left arm and lifted the arm a bit, then glanced at Kodlak, who frowned.“A shackle? It looks like it’s been there for a while. What do you say we try to take it off?”The wolf nodded and held his arm out for Kodlak, who took it, then another Companion walked up and said that she would want to try to break the lone shackle. Kodlak nodded, let Njada Stonearm hold the shackle in her hand, then she drew a Skyreach sword and slammed it against the metal. The sword broke, but the shackle had nary a scratch.“....What? How?”It soon turned into a competition to see who could break the shackle.Aela used her sword, Farkas a mace, Torvar an axe. Even Athis tried to open it by using a metal rod as a lever.However, in the end, no weapon broke it. The Companions were insulted; the metal of the Skyforge was supposed to be able to break anything! But not the shackle.Eventually, Kodlak told Torvar to get Eorlund Gray-Mane, who studied Link for a bit before the man nodded.“I believe you when you said he was a young Elf when you fought the giant, his injuries match those of what you described his were, I have a feeling that this shackle is causing these transformations.”Eorlund stroked his beard in thought for a moment, then turned to Farkas. “Get me a Daedric sword.Kodlak gave Eorlund a knowing look and turned to Farkas. “No, bring back my Daedric sword. The Nord ran off to get the weapon and Eorlund moved his hand to the shackle to the paw, which had a strange symbol on it.“I bet you know what this is, don’t you?”A nod.Gray-Mane let the paw fall to the table and half turned to see Farkas standing there with his sword. “Thank you. Now stand back, everyone.”Eorlund  took the sword, picked up the arm with the lone shackle, and lock picked the shackle’s lock with the sword.The shackle made a mute click and it fell from the wolf’s arm from the table, which revealed a scar where the shackle had been. It was silent for a second, the Companions in shock at what had happened.Kodlak picked up the remains of the shackle and looked at them. “Let that be a lesson to you that blunt force isn't always the answer, and you have to be as cunning as you are strong.”The Companions continued to talk to themselves, then went silent as the wolf turned black, then, where the wolf had been sitting, was a young Elf. Eorlund smiled.“Hello, Link, Aela told me how you helped them fight the giant?”A nod.Kodlak helped the boy down from the table, looked him over, checked his injuries, then the other Companions gathered around.They learnt that Link was from a place named Hyrule, and that his people were called Hylians. “Well”, Eorlund was stroking his beard again “I'm offering you a chance to join us, Link. You don’t need to join us now, but I’m giving you the chance to as soon as you think you’re ready.You more than proved yourself when you helped Torvar, Aela, and Farkas fight that Giant, regardless of your injuries.”“Really?”“Sure, it’s the least we can do. Get you new supplies, let you freshen up a bit, send you on your way. What brings you to Whiterun, I wonder?”“I was heading to Dragonsreach to inform them of the Dragon attack on Helgen, and that Riverwood requests more guards in case another Dragon attacks them.”Farkas nodded. “But yet they sent you instead of someone else?”“Hadvar and Ralof should have arrived here at some point.”Kodlak took a step forward. “They’re already somewhere in Whiterun, from what I heard.”Link, after having breakfast and speaking with them for a while, thanked the Companions for aiding him, then left Jorrvaskr.  Whiterun was...massive compared to Ordon. Link was fascinated with the Argonians and Khajiits, and with the way they spoke.“Greetings! I have not seen you in Whiterun before, are you an outsider?”A young male Khajiit hissed at the female Argonian. “Swift! He might be an outsider, but you don’t have to state that!”The two of them were standing behind a stall that had various items, such as food and clothing.The Khajiit had a thick blonde mane, his coat was blonde fur, blue eyes, and was wearing a red tunic and black trousers. The female Argonian was green scaled, she had blue eyes, horns on her head and she was wearing a red dress. “Samson?” Swift was looking up at her friend with a sly expression and he didn’t seem to catch on.“Yes…?”“Those two are at it again.” She pointed a silver claw towards a young man and woman standing close together nearby, around her age.Samson shook his head. “So they are. I wonder if he has asked her the question.”Swift glared at the cat and Samson merely grinned.“Why are you so angry with me, my friend? I know you wonder as well!”Link felt as if he was suddenly intruding, so he said farewell to Samson and Swift, then walked down the hill towards the gates, where he saw a man arguing with a blacksmith.The man was making some sort of large orderThe blacksmith threw her hands up. “Idolaf, I just can't fill an order that size on my own. Why don't you swallow that stubborn pride of yours and ask Eorlund Gray-Mane for help?"Idolaf scowled. “I'll sooner bend my knee to Ulfric Stormcloak, Adrianne. Besides, Gray-Mane would never make steel for the Legion."”Adrianne nodded. "Have it your way. I'll take the job, but don't expect a miracle."Curious, Link walk up to the two and then froze as the man suddenly turned to face him. "Gray-Mane or Battle-Born?”“What?”“Got stones in your ears? I asked what side you're on, Gray-Mane or Battle-Born!”“I... I’m afraid I don't understand the question.”The man sighed. “New in town, huh? Whiterun's got two clans, both old and both respected. Difference is, the Gray-Manes turned their backs on the Empire and we Battle-Borns stayed loyal. So I'll ask again, Gray-Mane or Battle-Born?"“...Can I choose both?”The man shook his head.“Sure, just know that sooner or later, we all have to choose a side."No sooner had Idolaf left the blacksmith than Link overheard two Redguards arguing.“Amren, I am not going to let you go out there again! You’ve wasted too much time looking for that thing! Just accept that it’s gone.”“Saffir! Please give me one more day! I’ll find it!”'Set one foot outside our house, and you won’t see me or your daughter again.” The woman shook her head and started to walk away, while Link stepped up to the man.“Is something wrong?”“My sword! It was a family heirloom, but now it’s gone!”“I could look for it if you want.”“You would? Divines bless you!”The man gave Link a description of his father's sword and then told him that he last had the sword north west of Whiterun, but then two bandits had ambushed him.“I shall give you twenty five Septims if you find my sword and return it to me.”  Link nodded, then heard someone yelling something and went to go investigate.A man wearing robes was wildly gesturing and saying things about “Talos” whoever they were.Somewhat interested, Link took a step forward and the man spotted him.“Hello, my friend! If you seek knowledge about mighty Talos, you have most certainly come to the right person." He gestured to the statue with his hand and Link looked up to the statue, then back to the man. "In mortal life, Talos was a Nord possessed of unmatched tactical skill, limitless wisdom and the power to see into men's hearts. ..."Hemiskr, as the man was named, seemed to be very happy that Link was talking to him. He answered any questions that Link had about Tamriel’s various religions, and pointed him in the direction of the Temple of Kynareth a few feet away if he wanted to know more.Link shook his head. “I’d love to continue speaking with you, but I’ve wasted far too much time already. I need to get to Dragonsreach.”Heimiskr eyed him curiously. “Whatever for?”“Riverwood needs more guards in case a dragon attacks it.”The man nodded. “That’s a good reason. Go on, don’t let me keep you!”Hemiskr waved a hand towards the stairs and the young Hylian left the priest’s company and finally started for Dragonsreach. So Talos was a mortal that ascended to Godhood...Interesting. It seems like these Divines are well worshipped. I may just take up Hemiskr's offer and study these Divines. The building in front of him was massive. Sure, it wasn’t as tall as Hyrule Castle, perhaps half as tall, but it was still massive.Link stared up at the massive twin doors for a moment, then stepped forwards and pushed them open, only to be stopped by three guards.  Jarl Balgruuf sensed that something had changed. Something was bound to happen soon, but what he was, he did not know. There was some sort of commotion at the entrance, someone was being questioned by guards about the real purpose of his visit. Balgruuf stood up from his throne.“Let the boy pass! If he ventured up here, he must have something important to say!”The guards looked at each other for a second, then let the visitor pass.Balgruuf silently gazed at the young Elf as he drew closer. He wasn’t from Skyrim, that was for certain, and the way he was staring at everything told The Jarl that he had never really been anywhere this nice. “So, what brings you to Dragonsreach?”The Elf froze, locked gazes with Balgruuf for a second, then composed himself. “I bring a request from Riverwood, they would like more guards in case of a Dragon attack.”The Jarl leaned forwards a bit. “They send a mere boy to tell me this? What is your name?”“Link Farmanne.”Balgruuf smiled. “Link...A fitting name. That large stone you’re carrying...Do you know what it is?”“I believe it’s called a Dragonstone.”The Jarl blinked, then gazed at the court mage’s room. “Farengar! I need you!”The court wizard poked his head out of his office, then saw what Link was holding. Balgruuf had never seen the man move so fast in his life as he did now.The mage ran over to Link, took the Dragonstone from him, then started asking questions. “Where did you get this, did you tamper with it all at?”“Farengar, let the boy speak, please, I am certain he has a lot to say.”Link started to speak, but when he mentioned his wolf counterpart, the mage stopped him. “So you can transform into a wolf? Fascinating, do you think you could show us?”Balgruuf shook his head. “Perhaps some other people wouldn’t like that, Farengar. I admit, I am curious, let us test this in your study, shall we?”The jarl got up from his throne and the court wizard darted off to his study, Link and Jarl following.  “Utterly fascinating. Your mind is still in there…” Farengar was eyeing a massive black and white wolf that was sitting on a table.  “I’m...Trying to restrain myself because of that, won’t want to make you uncomfortable, or anything of the sort…”Balgruuf kept watch for anyone that would want to speak to him while the court wizard tested various magical reactions.“Odd, you don’t seem to react to magic...You can transform back now.” Farengar stepped back as the wolf leaped from the table, turned black, shot upwards, and then Link was standing there. The mage gestured towards the Dragonstone that was lying on the table. “Where did you find this?”“In Bleak Falls Barrow.”Balgruuf nodded. “Interesting. I must return to my Throne now, lest someone needs me.”The Jarl left the room to go back to his Throne while Farengar and Link studied the Dragonstone for a bit.There was some sort of commotion in the main hall, and Farengar was called from his study.Link stepped out of the mage’s office and followed Farengar up the stairs, where a lone guard was talking to Jarl Balgruuf about a dragon being spotted at the western watchtower.“So, Irileth tells me you came from the western watchtower.”The guard nodded, looking very nervous. “Yes, my lord.”Irileth stepped up. “Tell him what you told me. About the dragon.”The guard shifted a bit. “Uh...that's right. We saw it coming from the south. It was fast...faster than anything I've ever seen.” Balgruuf looked concerned. “What did it do? Is it attacking the watchtower?”The guard shook his head. “No, my lord. It was just circling overhead when I left. I never ran so fast in my life...I thought it would come after me for sure.”Balgruuf clapped a hand on the man’s shoulder and smiled. “Good work, son. We'll take it from here. Head down to the barracks for some food and rest. You've earned it.”The Jarl watched the guard leave, then turned to his housecarl. “Irileth, you'd better gather some guardsmen and get down there.”“I've already ordered my men to muster near the main gate.”Balgruuf nodded.  “Good. Don't fail me. One last thing, Irileth. This isn't a death or glory mission. I need to know what we're dealing with.“Don't worry, my lord. I'm the very soul of caution.” Irileth nodded to the Jarl, drew her sword, then gestured to two other guards. “You two, with me! We’ll show the winged bastard that he’ll regret the day he was ever hatched!”The woman then ran off with a few guards.‘ A dragon? Here? It couldn’t be the one I saw two nights ago, could it?’ Link watched the guards and Irileth leave, then started to follow them, only to stop and gaze at a table nearby. On it laid two clawed objects and a map of Skyrim. Link picked one of the objects up, and half turned to face Farengar. “Where did you find these?”Farengar smiled. “A guard found them by the river. They were in rough shape, and covered in blood. I cleaned them personally and have been trying to figure out how they operate, with no success this far.” “I can show you, if you wish. They’re called Clawshots, and they can latch onto any wooden object and propel you towards them.”Farengar tilted his head a bit in confusion. “And you know how these work, why?”Then young Hylian picked up the other Clawshot, aimed one towards a wooden beam above him, then lowered the weapon. “Because they’re mine. I found them in a ruin back home.”Farengar looked at Link for a moment, then nodded. “Then you may keep them, and the map, if you wish. No, not that one, this one.” The man gave him a smaller map, which he studied for a bit, put it in his satchel, then started to walk down the steps.“Link.”He stopped walking and looked back.Jarl Balgruuf was looking at him with mixed emotions, then the Jarl moved his gaze to the twin Clawshots. “I admit that you have been through a great deal since you awoke in Skyrim, and that, I know without you speaking, that you wish to aid them in fighting the dragon, if there is one. However, I cannot let you leave. It’s far too dangerous.”“... Dangerous ? I’ll have you know that I fought the most powerful warlock back home in Hyrule and survived. A dragon should be no trouble for me.”“Most powerful in your homeland, perhaps, but there are possibly far more powerful mages here, Link.” The Jarl’s tone told Link that he was overstepping some sort of boundary, but yet, to be treated like this was too much after what he had been through.Before Link could take a step forward, he was suddenly frozen. He couldn't move for a second then the feeling passed.“If you’re going to try to retaliate, then I will stop you. Just a warning.” Farengar had frozen him somehow.“How did you do that?”The mage smiled. “Practice. It’s a spell called Paralyze.”The Jarl walked over to Link, then set a hand on his shoulder. “I had received word that two Nords have been asking about you, you may see them before they depart, if you wish.”Link nodded, composed himself, then started to walk down the steps. Link stopped on Dragonreach’s bridge after leaving the building, attached the Clawshots to his belt, then looked out towards the burning watchtower. Something was flying around it, and when he saw what it was, he felt those emotions again, the same ones he had felt when the same dragon flew overhead in Riverwood.“What are you doing out here?”It was Irileth, she was standing there at the end of the bridge, arms crossed. Ralof and Hadvar were standing close together, eyeing the guards nervously.When they saw Link, then ran over to him.“So you’re off to fight the dragon then?”Hadvar nodded. “It’s a tough decision, lad. We’ve seen how you fight, but they haven’t. Besides, it’s far too dangerous.”“And yet you’re going?”The two Nords didn't have an answer to that and Irileth yelled at them that they had to leave.Hadvar ran over to the woman but Ralof stayed there for a moment. “When we return, I’ll tell you everything, alright?”“Not if Hadvar tells me first.”Ralof grinned, shook his head, then walked over to Irileth, who then led the group down the steps and they disappeared from view.A few minutes passed. It was surprisingly quiet on the bridge, and Link looked back at the massive twin doors for a moment, then noticed the wooden beams above and all around him.‘ ...I wonder...Do the Clawshots still work?’ He then noticed how much wood was really around him and he grinned. ‘ Only one way to find out. How I’d love to see the look on Balgruuf’s face when he realizes that I’ve gone off to help.’ Link primed a Clawshot, aimed it towards a wooden beam above the wooden doors, and then fired.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Irileth stopped before the main gates, then turned to face the three guards that were with her. “Here's the situation. A dragon is attacking the Western Watchtower.”

The three guards had various responses to this.

“What?”

“A dragon?”

“We're in for it.”

The woman raised her voice a bit to make herself be heard.  “You heard right! I said a dragon! I don't much care where it came from or who sent it. What I do know is it's made the mistake of attacking Whiterun!”

One of the guards looked at her curiously. “But Housecarl...how can we attack a dragon?”

Irileth thought about her response. How

did

one attack a Dragon? “That's a fair question. None of us have ever seen a dragon before, or expected to face one in battle. But we are honorbound to fight it, even if we fall. This dragon is threatening our homes...our families. Could you call yourselves Nords if you ran from this monster? Are you going to let me face this thing alone?”

“We're so dead…”

Irileth ignored the man and continued speaking.  “But it's more than our honor at stake here. Think of it -- the first dragon seen in Skyrim since the last age. The glory of killing it is ours, if you're with me! Now what do you say? Shall we go kill us a Dragon?”

The three guards cheered and hefted their weapons.

“Yeah!”

“Damn right!”

“Yeah!”

The woman grinned.  “Let's move out.”

Irileth caught movement in the corner of her eye and looked up, but saw nothing.

She thought about shooting whatever caused the movement, but decided not to, and motioned for her men to follow her.

There was something about having the Clawshots back in his possession that Link couldn’t exactly decipher. He wondered how they had been found near the White River, and how long they had laid there before a guard found them. He supposed he was lucky any of his gear had been found at all. But one question still bothered him - Where was the Master Sword?

He was closer to the watchtower than he had been five minutes ago, thanks to the Clawshots, unfortunately, the rest of his journey would have to be on foot. Which was fine. Surprisingly, no one saw him approach and then run into the tower, where he almost ran into a lone guard.

“What are you doing here? It’s not safe!”

“I came to help you.”

The man gazed at him, then shook his head. However, before he could respond, the ruins of the tower shook, and then there was a roar.

The source of the roar belonged to a massive dragon, and it was heading directly towards Irileth and her men.

The lone guard ran outside, waving his arms in panic, but Link ignored him, took his bow off his back, notched an Iron Arrow to the bowstring, then lowered the bow as he realized that he was too far away. He stood there for a moment, then started to run.

Irileth and the guards were currently hiding behind various boulders, watching the tower. She risked standing up and looking around, then dropped back to her previous position. “No signs of any dragon right now, but it sure looks like he's been here. I know it looks bad, but we've got to figure out what happened. And if that dragon is still skulking around somewhere. Spread out and look for survivors. We need to know what we're dealing with.”

The three guards nodded, the group got up from where they had been hiding, and started to walk towards the watchtower.

Then there was a roar. Something massive flew over the mountains and started to fly towards them.

It was a Dragon.

The massive creature swooped down, still roaring, then breathed fire.

The group scattered, running in different directions, but regrouped a minute later.

The dragon started to fly towards them again, but then stopped, and opened his giant maw.

“FUS RO DAH!

”

There was an audible

boom

and a visible shockwave that sent the guards flying in all directions.

"Brit grah.
(beautiful battle)
I had forgotten what fine sport you mortals can provide!"

Then the beast landed - the earth shaking as he did so - before a lone guard, eyed him, reared his head up a bit, opened his maw, and -

A lone arrow appeared from nowhere and struck the dragon in the neck.

Something… Something was wrong.

Link had felt strange ever since he saw the dragon at Dragonreach’s bridge, but now there was something else. The feelings he had felt then had reached some sheer intensity, and not only that, but it felt as if his blood was

boiling

. It didn’t hurt, per say, the sensation was just there.

‘

I don’t understand, why am I feeling these things?’

He notched another arrow to his bow and fired, trying to distract himself. The arrow hit the dragon in the side and it roared, causing the surviving guards to cheer and heft their weapons.
Irileth was yelling at him, something about “the Jarl will hear about this!”, but Link ignored her. He could deal with the consequences of disobeying orders later.

The dragon took to the air, circled the group a bit, then it flew even higher, then was struck by a lightning bolt and everyone, Link included, simply stared at Irileth who merely yelled. “Don’t look at me, focus on fighting that dragon!”

“I didn’t know you could summon lightning bolts.”

Other guards started saying variations of this and Irileth summoned another lightning bolt that hit the dragon on its right wing. “Look, I will tell you later how I can summon lighting, but right now, we need to kill this dragon!”

Another volley of arrows went up, hitting the dragon in various places.

After several minutes of being hit with arrows and lightning bolts, the Dragon landed again, scattering the guards, then pinned Link to the ground with his left wing claw.

The creature’s orange eyes gazed down at him, then the beast

spoke

.

“Hi Lost Ahraanaani, Kiir! Zu’u Werid Hi Ahkrin, Fah Muz Bovul Noli, yet Hi Kriist Ahrk Lufti Naan Hinvomindok! Hi Bormah, Rok Fenaan Koss Kahaan Wah Tinvaak Hi Ok Kul!”

(You have wounded me, child (young drake)! I praise your courage, for men flee from me, yet you stand and face me by yourself! Your father, he would be proud to name you his son!)

The Dragon then reared his head up, and titled it to the side a bit.
“There is something different about you, Kiir
(child)
. What, I do not know.”

“What...What do they call you?”

“They name me Mirmulnir, however, you shall not live to tell the others this!”
Mirmulnir opened his maw and brought his head down, only to slam it against Link’s shield. The dragon shook his head.
“RUTH! You are strong, but not strong enough!”
Mirmulnir reared his head back and opened his mouth again, then whipped his head around and lunged towards five guards, thus allowing Link to finally get up.

The Dragon grabbed a guard in his claw, took off into the air, then dropped him.

Without even thinking about it, Link went wolf, and tore across the battlefield, eyes tracking the falling guard. He had only ran this fast before one another time.

“We need to get to Hyrule Castle! Zelda can help us!”

The wolf shook his head to clear away the memory and kept running.

At the last second, the wolf shifted upwards and caught the guard just before he hit the ground. The two fell to the grass and simply looked at each other.

“I’m...Alive! Did...Did you…save me?”

A nod.

The guard got up, and ran off after thanking Link for saving him.

But yet, something was wrong, Mirmulnir seemed to be planning something, but what?

"You are brave. Balaan hokoron. (
Worthy enemy)
Your defeat brings me honor."
The Dragon roared as he was hit again in the side, then shook his head.
“ENOUGH! I have toyed with you for too long!” Mirmulnir
drew his head back, then roared.

“FUS RO DAH!”

Everyone was sent backwards, including Link, as the shockwave struck the group.

"Thurri du hin sille ko Sovngarde!” (
My lord will feast on your souls in Sovngarde!)

“He’s going for the tower!”

Link found himself staring up at what appeared to be a stone roof. No, it was the second floor of the tower. He couldn’t exactly move, however, there were wooden beams running up the walls.

‘

...I could use my Clawshots.’

The Hylian primed a long Clawshot, aimed it at a wooden beam, then fired the weapon.

They were still fighting the dragon. They had no idea how long it had been, but the beast just would not die.

“Ralof! With me!”

The Nord ran over to his friend and helped him carry an injured guard behind a boulder, then they ran back to the battle.

Then Hadvar grabbed his shoulder. “Link followed us.”

“What?”

“Yes! He’s the one that shot those two arrows at the start!”

Ralof smiled.  “...Well...For his age, he has a pretty good shot, do you know where he is?”

Hadvar shook his head. “A guard said that he was thrown backwards into the tower when the Dragon shouted, I haven’t seen him since.”

The smile faded and the two Nords looked towards the ruined tower.

“There’s nothing we can do about it, we need to help the others.” Hadvar started to run towards the Dragon, which had landed, and Ralof followed. Before they reached the beast, it took again, towards the tower, and the guards and two Nords looked up, only to see someone leap from the top of the tower and land on the dragon’s back.

“...No...It can’t be…”

The figure currently dodging the dragon’s attacks and stabbing its neck was Link.

After several minutes, the dragon shuddered in the air, then fell to the ground. The figure on the beast’s back was thrown forward and hit the ground, but then got up a minute later and stood before the downed beast.

The Dragon snarled, then froze.

“Dovahkiin?!...No…No, no,  no, no!”

He roared. It was the last thing the beast ever said before his head hit the ground.

The guards slowly walked forward a little.

"Is it done?"

"It's finally dead!"

"Wait, something’s happening!"

Tendrils of gold-blue energy rose from Mirmulnir’s skeleton and swirled around the young man standing before the dragon’s skeleton, then the tendrils vanished. Then, the dragon’s body started to catch on fire and burn away.

A few moments later, the dragon’s killer yelled something, a word,

Fus

, and the dragon’s corpse was thrown away from the group, coming to rest in a distant field.

It was completely silent, then a lone guard removed his helmet and shook his head. “I...I don’t believe it! You’re...

Dragonborn!”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“What do you mean, he’s Dragonborn?”

“That thing the lad did was shouting, so he must be Dragonborn!”

“That's right! My grandfather used to tell stories about the Dragonborn. Those born with the Dragon Blood in 'em. Like old Tiber Septim himself.”

“I've never heard of Tiber Septim killing any dragons.”

“There weren't any dragons then, idiot. They're just coming back now for the first time in...forever.”

“But the old tales tell of the Dragonborn who could kill dragons and steal their power. The kid must be one!”

The four guards glanced over at Irileth.

“What do you say, Irileth? You've been awfully quiet.”

“Come on, Irileth, tell us, do you believe in this Dragonborn business?”

The housecarl shook her head. “Hmph. Some of you would be better off keeping quiet than flapping your gums on matters you don't know anything about. The dragon’s dead, and that's something I definitely understand. Now we know we can kill them. But I don't need some mythical Dragonborn. Someone who can put down a dragon is more than enough for me.”

A guard shook his head. “You wouldn't understand, Housecarl. You ain't a Nord.”

“I've been all across Tamriel. I've seen plenty of things just as outlandish as this. I'd advise you all to trust in the strength of your sword over tales and legends.”

The group had left the ruined watchtower and had started to walk back towards Dragonsreach.

A lone guard looked back towards Link and noticed that the left side of his face was covered in blood. “You know you’re wounded, right?”

A nod.

“Don’t worry. We’ll get you back to Whiterun and find you a healer.”

Another spoke up. “You know, I found those clawed things by the White River. Almost broke my back carrying them up to Dragonsreach, yet the kid can use ‘em without any problems.”

“Maybe they were forged for him or something? They’re definitely magic weapons of some sort.”

A thunderclap resounded across Whiterun Hold, and some voice came from the Throat of the World.

“DDDDOOOVVVAAAAHHHKKKIIIIINNNNN”

Everyone stopped walking and gazed up at the mountain.

“Well, that confirms it - the kid’s Dragonborn. Who would have guessed?”

Irileth shook her head. “I’m still not convinced, we should get back to Dragonsreach before all of us faint from sheer exhaustion.”

A guard shook his head. “If any of us are going to faint, it’s the kid. He’s been through a lot.”

Another guard spoke up. “Yeah, with fighting that dragon and killing it, not to mention being Dragonborn…”

“Enough of this Dragonborn business! We’ll speak to the Jarl about it. Now, if no one else has objections, let’s move.” Irileth eyed the group for a moment, then she turned and started walking across the field, then the entire group trailing behind her.

When the group entered Whiterun, people came out of their shops and houses to watch them pass.

The guards seemed to enjoy saying “out of the way, Dragonborn business.” while Irileth merely glared at them with an irritated look.

However, as the group passed Jorrvaskr, someone hailed him.

“Link.” Eorlund stepped forward, holding something in his right hand. “I made this from the remnants of that shackle and tried to get as close as I could to that design you sketched. It turns out that the metal is somewhat magical. Here, I want you to have this.”

Something was hanging from an Iron-Silver necklace, something familiar…

It was the Hyrulian Royal Crest.

Link stared at the necklace for a moment, then reached out, took the item from Eorlund, and lifted the necklace over his head, where it fell to rest at the base of his neck.  “...It’s glowing a bit. The metal. How interesting.”

Eorlund nodded, then gestured towards something behind him. “I need to get back to the Skyforge. Good luck, Link.”

As the man left, the Hylian found himself looking past the seemingly dead tree and up at Dragonsreach, well aware that something had been set in motion, something not even he could stop.

The twin doors of Dragonsreach banged against the wall as they were shoved open. Balgruuf got up from his Throne and watched in silence as Irileth and the three guards walked towards him. “Well?”

“The dragon is dead. But not by our hand.”

Balguuf arched an eyebrow in confusion. “Oh? Then who killed it?”

“I did.” A lone figure was standing by the doorway, his clothes stained with blood and dirt, blood running down his face from an open wound.

The Jarl stood still for a moment, then rushed forwards, hugged Link, then took a step back. “Your wound doesn’t seem to be that deep. Farengar can heal that. But you must tell me, if it was truly you who killed the dragon, how did you do it?”

“I jumped from the tower, landed on his back, and stabbed him to death with these.” Link drew two daggers and flipped them in his hands before catching them.

“...I do not know what those are…”

“I do!” Farengar stepped up besides the Jarl and raised a hand. Link’s wounds healed a second after and the mage grinned. “So, I heard you killed a Dragon. Well done! If I’m not mistaken...Those twin daggers go by the names of Dawn and Dusk. The fire dagger being Dawn, the ice dagger, Dusk. I wonder where you found them…They were made by a servant of Azura to please her, but she rejected the weapons, for a reason that is unknown to this day. ”

Farengar started to talk about various artifacts of old while the Jarl walked back to his throne, and lifted a magnificent sheathed sword off two hinges that were above his Throne, below the skull of Numinex.

Irileth took a step forward. “What...What are you doing? You’re not thinking of rewarding him, are you? Balgruuf, he disobeyed a direct order!”

The Jarl gazed down at the weapon and smiled, then raised his gaze to his housecarl.  “Yes. But if he hadn’t disobeyed me, all of you would have died. And then what? The dragon would have attacked Whiterun!”

The Jarl walked back to Link with the sword. “No, he shall not be disciplined for disobedience, but rewarded. Link, you have done me, and Whiterun, a great service today. Therefore, I wish you to give you this weapon.”

Balgruff placed a hand on the sword’s hilt and drew it, the blade shining as light from the torches reflected off of it. “This is Numinex’s Bane. This very blade slew the dragon whose skull hangs above my throne. My ancestors wielded this blade, it was mine when I was your age, now, it belongs to you.” He sheathed the sword and held the scabbard towards Link, blade first. “Take it.”

The pommel was a blue sapphire, ground to a smooth circle, the hilt was wrapped in fine leather, and the crossguard was twin dragon heads.

Link silently noted that everyone stepped back a few paces, as he placed a hand on the sword’s hilt, then drew it.  The blade curved inwards for about four inches, then returned to its normal shape, where it came to a point around a foot later. But yet, it was glowing softly.

“Well. At least that theory is true. Legend says that if a Dragonborn holds this sword, it glows. Fascinating...”

Balgruuf nodded. “Link, I have been dwelling on what your reward should be for aiding Whiterun...I believe I have up with something reasonable. I will offer you Breezehome at four thousand Septims instead of the aforementioned price of five thousand, you shall be anointed Thane of Whiterun, and that, if you do accept, you will be the youngest Thane to have ever been anointed in any Hold. Furthermore, Lydia will be your personal housecarl..”

Unfortunately, being told all of this at once in addition to fighting a dragon and learning that he was ‘Dragonborn’ was far too much for Link, and everyone watched in mute silence as the boy swayed a bit, then collapsed at Balgruff’s feet.

"I...

really

don't think that's going to do much of anything, Lydia."

"You and your fancy magic and health potions...Alright, fine."

Link found himself sitting in a chair in Farengar’s study, looking up at the man himself and Lydia.

The mage half turned, noticed that he was awake, and grinned. “Ah, you’re awake. Wonderful. How do you feel?”

“...I suppose I feel alright.”

“Good. As for the state of your clothing...I used an alteration spell. Nothing to worry about. Now, what’s the last thing you can remember?”

“...Receiving that sword?”

Farengar nodded. “Yes, I was worried about that...The Jarl wants to speak to you. He’s upstairs, on the balcony. And I’d like to speak to you before you set off.”

The mage helped Link up and let him re-equip his weapons before Farengar and Lydia walked Link upstairs to the balcony, where Hadvar and Ralof were speaking to Balgruuf.

“Ah, Link, you’re awake. Wonderful. I do apologize for telling you all of that at once. I believe you have questions, so ask away.”

Balgruuf nodded to the two Nords as they stepped past him and walked up to Link.

“The two of us are heading out.” Ralof told him.

“You’re leaving? Where are you going?”

“Well, Hadvar is off to Solitude, because he’s with the Imperial Legion, and I need to report back to Ulfric in Windhelm. Don’t worry, we’ll keep in touch.”

Hadvar started to walk away and inside Dragonsreach, Ralof started after him but then stopped. “Is...Is that what I think it is?”

Link looked confused for a moment, then realized what the man was talking about and showed him the ring. “Yes. I discovered by accident that it has magical properties. Well, Farengar found out and told me. Apparently it helps somehow with archery, though I haven’t noticed a difference…”

“Interesting. Well, I’d best be off. Good luck, Link. You’re going to need it.” Ralof walked off and Link then noticed that Balgruuf had his full attention.

“Sorry about that. As for questions...Yes, I do have some...my first is...What is a Thane?”

“A Thane is one who is respected by those in the Hold for providing a great service. it is mostly an honorary title, but it does have some benefits, such as you can buy things from merchants for lower prices and sell things for higher prices. Some people take advantage of the...Not so good things being a Thane can inquire, but I believe you won't."

The Jarl took a gold worn key from his pocket and handed it to Link. “That is the key to Breezehome. The price was five thousand Septims, but for you, I shall only ask four thousand.”

“You don’t need to do that, I have enough…”

“No. I decided it would be four thousand to whoever helped Whiterun, and that person is you, Link. In addition, various furnishings will cost one thousand and eight hundred Septims, and I shall give you a floor plan so you can talk things over with my steward, Proventus Avenicci. Also, Lydia shall be your housecarl.”

“I don’t need a housecarl, whatever that is. Really. I’ll be fine on my own.”

Balgruuf shook his head. “Link, you may not think you need one, but I’m afraid Skyrim is a completely different land than what you’re used to. I believe you’ve already seen some of what Skyrim has to offer?”

The Hylian nodded. “I did. Where’s your steward?”

“Here.”

Link half turned to see a man standing in front of him.

“I’m Proventus Avenicci. Balgruuf has already given you the key it seems…Now, if you’ll just step over here, we’ll make sure you have the payment, then I’ll help you come up with a floor plan; with you being the youngest Thane to be anointed yet, this shall be

quite

interesting….

“Now, you say that you can’t use magic, but that doesn’t mean you’ll not be able to in the future. Therefore, I’m giving you these two spell books. Flames, and Healing. Flames is a fire spell, and Healing...heals you, obviously. I hope you can put them to good use at some point, and if you do, please tell me about it. If you can master these spells, I can teach you new ones.”

Link was back in Farengar’s study, the two discussing Link’s apparent lack of magic. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The mage nodded. “Good. So you’re heading to High Hrothgar, then?”

“Yes. The guards were talking about it.”

“...The...You mean Balgruuf didn’t tell you?”

“I never asked and he never spoke of it.”

Farengar shook his head. “What are you waiting for? Go ask him before you leave!”

Link stepped out of the mage’s study and walked up to the Jarl. “Balgruuf, before I leave, I’d like to speak to you about something. When the dragon died, I absorbed some kind of power from it.”

The Jarl looked at Link from his throne and smiled. “So it's true. The Greybeards really were summoning you.”

“The Greybeards?”

Balgruuf nodded. “Masters of the Way of the Voice. They live in seclusion high on the slopes of

the Throat of the World.”

“What do these Greybeards want with me?”

The Jarl shifted on his Throne. “The Dragonborn is said to be uniquely gifted in the Voice -- the ability to focus your vital essence into a Thu'um, or Shout. If you really are Dragonborn, they can teach you how to use your gift.”

Hrongar spoke up. “Didn't you hear the thundering sound as you returned to Whiterun? That was the voice of the Greybeards, summoning you to High Hrothgar! This hasn't happened in...centuries, at least. Not since Tiber Septim himself was summoned when he was still Talos of Atmora!”

Proventus shook his head. “Hrongar, calm yourself. What does any of this Nord nonsense have to do with our friend here? Capable as he may be, I don't see any signs of him being this, what, ‘Dragonborn.’”

Hrongar also shook his head. “Nord nonsense? Why you puffed-up ignorant... these are our sacred traditions that go back to the founding of the First Empire.”

Balgruuf glanced at the two men, “Hrongar. Don't be so hard on Avenicci.”

Proventus looked a bit guilty.  “I meant no disrespect, of course. It's just that...what do these Greybeards want with him?”

Balgruuf glared at his steward. “That's the Greybeards' business, not ours.”

He then moved his gaze back to Link. “Whatever happened when you killed that dragon, it revealed something in you, and the Greybeards heard it. If they think you're Dragonborn, who are we to argue? You'd better get up to High Hrothgar immediately. There's no refusing the summons of the Greybeards. It's a tremendous honor. I envy you, you know. To climb the 7,000 Steps again...I made the pilgrimage once, did you know that? High Hrothgar is a very peaceful place. Very...disconnected from the troubles of this world. I wonder if the Greybeards even notice what's going on down here. They haven't seemed to care before. No matter. Go to High Hrothgar. Learn what the Greybeards can teach you.”

“I have more questions.”

Balgruuf waved a hand. “By all means, Link, ask away.”

“Thank you. What does it mean to be Dragonborn?”

“Well, in the old tales, the Dragonborn heroes would use the power of their Voice to defeat the enemies of Skyrim. Wulfharth was Dragonborn. Talos, too -- the founder of the Empire, back in the good old days. In the very oldest tales, back from when there were still dragons in Skyrim, the Dragonborn would slay dragons and steal their power.”

“Who are the Greybeards?”

“They're the Masters of the Way of the Voice -- of Shouting. They live up on top of the Throat of the World. If you're really Dragonborn,  they'll want to talk to you. In the old stories, they always summon the Dragonborn for training.”

“How can you protect Whiterun from the dragons?”

Balgruuf thought about it for a second. “With good planning and constant vigilance. Even now, Farengar continues his research into ways we might drive back these terrors. We must also have ample reserves of water to combat the fires that will surely spread after an attack. But our greatest weapon? Courage. For if we cannot kill the beast, we must at least have the tenacity to drive it back. Until brave heroes step forward to destroy these monsters, that is the best we can do. Now, I hope I’ve answered your questions. I believe it’s time you left Dragonsreach and go look at Breezehome. I might come and visit one day, when it is not so busy here...”

Link nodded, said farewell to everyone, then turned around and walked down the steps, then left Dragonsreach.

He was looking up at a massive dead tree.

“It’s a shame, isn’t it?”

A priestess was sitting on a bench, looking up at the tree.

“What is?”

"This is the Gildergreen. It was planted as a seedling in the early years of Whiterun. Disciples of Kynareth could sense something holy in it, and traveled far to hear the winds of the goddess in its branches. They built the temple. Of course, not as many pilgrims these days. It's a bit of an eyesore at the moment. More of a problem for the pilgrims than for me, but not many of them around anymore. A big dead tree isn't very inspiring if you're coming to worship the divine of wind and rains. Kynareth gives life, and we need a living tree to be her symbol."

“A live tree? Is there a way to make this one come back to life?”

The priestess nodded. “To the east of here is a hidden grove where the Eldergleam resides. It's the oldest living thing in Skyrim. Maybe all of Tamriel. Our tree here in the city was grown from a cutting of that tree. You can still feel the glory of the mother tree through it. It's an old tree. Very old. They say it was a seedling when the first men were arriving from Atmora, thousands of years ago. The sap is precious. It can restore barren fields or bring life to rocks. I can use it to repair the Gildergreen, so we can worship properly again.Trees like this never really die. They only slumber. I think if we had some of the sap from the parent tree, we could wake up its child. But even if you could get to the Eldergleam, you couldn't tap it. Not with any normal metal.

“If you really do want to help,  you'll need something to cut into it first. Eldergleam is older than metal, from a time before men or elves. To even affect it, you have to tap into the old magic. You'll have to deal with the Hagravens. I've heard about a weapon they've made for sacrificing Spriggans. It's called ‘Nettlebane.’ The hags terrify me, or I would have gone after it myself."

Link looked up at the dead Gildergreen for a second before he nodded. “I’ll find a way to restore your tree for you.”

"Your spirit is strong. Kynareth's winds will guide your path. It's held in a Hagraven nest called Orphan Rock, it’s North of the road running between Helgen and Ivastead."

Balgruuf had been kind enough to mark everything on Link’s map for him and he quickly found the location for Orphan Rock.

‘

I own a house. An actual house.’

Link was standing before Breezehome, key in hand, simply gazing up at it in mute silence.

“So, you’re the new Thane, I take it?”

The hylian half turned to see a dark skinned man wearing rich clothing standing before him. “I suppose I am.”

“I’m Nazeem, owner of Chillfurrow Farm. Have you been to the Cloud District yet? What am I saying, of course you have, otherwise you wouldn’t be Thane. I happen to be

very

close to the Jarl, by the way, I actually advise him on various political matters.”

“No you don’t.”

Nazeem blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Balgruuf never even mentioned you while I was there.”

The man’s face grew pale and he took a step forward. “You were only there for part of the day, and…” Nazeem’s gaze moved from Link’s new sword to him. “...So he gave you that sword, did he? I wonder why, you don’t seem like a warrior to me.”

“Is this lowly farmer giving you trouble, Thane?”

A lone guard was standing nearby, glaring at Nazeem.

“Not exactly…”

“Well, if he does start bothering you, just let me know.”

At this point, Nazeem walked away from Link and he was free to enter his new house.

A lit fire pit was in the middle of the room, an empty metal cooking pot with a support rack was placed in the middle of the fire pit. Several herbs and food items hung above the fire pit from the ceiling. To his right was an empty bookshelf with two baskets and a glass bowl. Above the bookshelf were three glasses and an empty grain sack on a shelf. A weapon rack was before the bookshelf, and before that was a cabinet in the corner. On the lower shelf where two grain sacks, on the second shelf was a glass, a ceramic jug, and some plates. On the top shelf was some kind of meat, and three glasses. On top of the cabinet were three candle sets. To his left was a table with two chairs, there was a plate with some sort of meat on it, an empty tankard, a wooden bowl and a ceramic water jug. Above the table were herbs of some kind, and hanging on the wall above the herbs was what appeared to be a round carpet of some sort. The entranceway was covered in a blue rug that had bands of orange and dark blue.

Beyond the left table was a three tiered cabinet that had various items on each of the three shelves. Behind the fire pit was another table with two chairs, a set of candles, a wine bottle, and a lone tankard. A table was up against the right wall, past the bookshelf, and it had two glasses, a bowl, and a ceramic pot on it. Two diamond-crystal shaped windows were above the table. Several wooden pillars placed among the walls had small supporting arches, most likely for the upstairs floor. A lone window was between the two tables.

Beyond that table was another table, this one had carved designs on the edges, on the table itself was another wine bottle, various cut cheeses, a ceramic jug, a bowl with cabbage in it, and a lone tankard.

There was a set of stairs to his left, but he wasn’t ready to venture upstairs yet. Under the stairs were two wooden crates. And a few wooden barrels behind the crates. To his right was a cabinet, which held various food items. There was a doorway beyond the cabinet, and Link walked into the room to find that it was a fully stocked alchemy lab.

There was a table with three books on it, next to the three books was a ceramic jug and a glass. A chair was pushed up against the table. The alchemy lab was very interesting. A window was on the right wall, and there were more of those round carpet things, one on the back wall and two on the left. Another rug was covering the tile floor, and it was blue with various colors.

It was finally time to venture upstairs.

Fourteen stairs later, Link was standing in the loft. A table was back against the wall, having only a lone bowl on it. The roof had holes in it for some reason but Link decided he would deal with that later. There was a room off to the right, and he stepped into it to see what it was.

A table was up against the right wall, it had a bowl, a plate with a cheese wheel, and a wine bottle on it. To his left was a bed and a nightstand which had a plate with lit candles, and two jugs on it. A grain sack was under the bed and there was a rug that matched the one downstairs on the floor before the bed.

Link left the room. On the back wall was a shield plaque, and three more of those carpet round things. An end table and chair were in the corner. There was just one more room to check.

A table with two chairs was on his right, there was a book, a bowl with raw potatoes in it, and something that Swift called a “Sweet Roll”. Before the two chairs was a table with a wine bottle, a cheese wheel and plate, another wine bottle, and a bowl.

He stepped further into the room. To his left was yet another table, this one had a wine bottle and two tankards on it. A knapsack was besides the table but Link ignored it and continued to check out the room he was in. A chest was up against the left wall, a double bed was on the right, in the middle of the room, and a nightstand up in a corner, which had a single tankard on it. Above the bed was a shield plaque that housed a shield and twin Iron greatswords.

Link walked over to the bed and sat down on the right edge, feeling it sink beneath his weight a bit.

‘

I don’t believe it. Everything inside this house is mine. I don’t even know where to start...Maybe with that alchemy lab? I tested making various potions back home, I could try to make some here...Yes, I’ll go do that.’

‘Let’s see...Wheat and...Taproot?’

Nothing seemed to happen for a second, then the mixture blew up, sending soot everywhere.

‘

No, that wasn’t it at all. What was it that the innkeeper said? Wheat and Blisterwort?’

Link added the ingredients and the grey mixture in the glass bottle slowly became a light red color.

‘

Did it work?’

There was only one way to find out.

Link picked up the glass bottle, inserted a wooden cork, shook the glass bottle, removed the cork, and downed some of the potion. He felt energy coursing through him and he grinned.

‘

A health potion. This shall be very useful.’

“I didn’t know you were one for alchemy.”

Link set the health potion down on the table and looked behind him. Lydia was standing there in the doorway, a hand on her sword.

“I...suppose I am. I’ve made some potions back home and wondered if I could make some here.”

Lydia smiled. “Good. How much Blisterwort and Wheat do you have?”

Link half turned and silently counted each item. “Twenty of each.”

“Then you can make twenty more health potions. You’re going to need them.”

Link nodded and proceeded to start making the twenty said potions, while Lydia sat down in the chair nearby.

“I strongly suggest that you stay here for the night, but if you truly believe that you must set off tonight, I won’t stop you.”

“I’ve had times where I didn’t sleep for two days. I think I’ll be fine.”

Lydia gazed at him with concern but didn’t say anything.

A minute later, Link created the last health potion, then gazed at the woman curiously.

“What are you doing here?”

“I thought Balgruuf told you. I’m your housecarl.”

“What’s that?”

“A housecarl is something like a bodyguard. I protect you and all you own.”

“I do

not

need a bodyguard, I can handle myself. Besides, I was alone most of the time back home.”

Lydia smiled wryly. “You may not think you need me now, but you might later, when people realize who you are.”

“I can handle threats, I assure you that.”

Several minutes later, after the two bickered back and forth about whether or not Link truly needed a bodyguard, he said farewell to Lydia and left the house.

“Link! A moment, if you can spare one.” Samson was standing a few feet away, carrying a merchant's bag on his back.

“Samson? What are you doing here?”

“Well, I heard that you were leaving for High Hrothgar. I would like to travel with you, as I have

business in Windhelm to attend to.”

"Swift's not traveling with you?"

The Khajiit shook his head. "No. She is too busy. Besides, someone has to watch the stall while I'm away."

“True.”

The Khajiit set the bag down and did various stretching exercises, then picked the bag back up and nodded. “Shall we be off?”

Lydia had informed Link that he could lock up the house and the inside door would still be unlocked, and that she had an extra key, so the Hylian locked up Breezehome, and they were off.

Before long, the two had reached the stables; a horse was trying to get out of its stall, and several guards were trying to get it under control.

“You know, they say they found that mare wandering. She had a strange saddle on her back, it’s still there, see? From what I can tell, whoever owned her took good care of her. Strong horse, too.”

Samson pointed a clawed finger to the horse, then to her back. The saddle on her back was in fact a Hyrulean Royal Saddle, emblazoned with the Royal Crest on both sides.

“It can’t be….”

“Can’t be what?”

“...My horse.”

Without even thinking about it, Link took a step forward and whistled. It was three distinct notes, and the mare snapped her head up and gazed in Link’s direction, notably not fighting the guards anymore.

Link continued to walk forward, until he was able to reach out and place a hand on the mare’s neck. The creature snorted and gazed down at Link with intelligent brown eyes, then head butted his chest and started nickering. “Yes. I know you’re scolding me, even though I can’t understand you right now.”

“So...This horse is yours, then?”

Link nodded to the guard that had spoken and the man helped him unlock the stall his horse was in and the creature walked forward until she was out from underneath the structure.

“It’s strange, really, we couldn’t get her under control, then you come along and she’s fine.”

Link grabbed hold of the saddle horn, put a boot in a stirrup and vaulted upwards and landed on Epona’s back, then moved her with the reins to face the guard. “I know. Only I can ride her. Thanks for taking care of her for me.”

“Not at all, Thane. And perhaps if I talk to the stablemaster, your friend can borrow a horse for free.”

After the guard sorted things out with the stablemaster, Samson grinned, chose a stallion that was black and white in color, vaulted onto the creature’s back, and the two were off, racing along the path that led out of Whiterun, off towards Ivarstead at long last.

The two had been traveling on the path leading east for two hours when Samson suddenly vaulted off his horse and ran for a nearby thicket of trees. The horse the Khajiit had been riding started to run past Link and he caught it by the reins and forced it to stop in its tracks.

‘

What is he doing? I know I shouldn’t pry, but I am curious…’

Link watched the trees for signs of Samson, but when it grew clear that the Khajiit wasn’t reappearing for quiet some time, Link got down from Epona’s back and eventually got a small fire going.

After a few minutes, Samson walked over to the fire and sat down on the opposite side of Link. “I do apologize...I wasn’t feeling well and I suppose traveling for so long didn’t help much either.”

“You know you could have said something, right?”

The Khajiit gave a small nod, obviously embarrassed by what had happened. “Sometimes my pride gets the best of me, but what happened is in the past now. To move on...I wish to know about your people, if there are other races where you are from.”

Link picked up a few sticks and tossed them into the fire before speaking. “Hyrule has a very long and detailed history. In the First Era, the Era of the Sky, my race, Hylians, rode around on massive birds that were called Loftwings. There was a Hero, then, too. Legends have it that he’s the one that started the supposed curse…The three wielders of the Triforce will be locked in an eternal battle until the end of time. I suppose it’s real. After all, I was Chosen, I fought Ganondorf and almost died, I was chosen by the Master Sword…”

“Master Sword?”

Link nodded. “It goes by a lot of names. Evil’s Bane, the Sword of Hyrule, Demonslayer, to name a few. It’s a powerful artifact that slays evil creatures and destroys various curses and dark magic. I believe it’s somewhere in Skyrim, where exactly, I have no idea.”

Samson shifted a bit.

“So...what, you’re the sword’s...protector?”

“Something like that.”

The Khajiit nodded. “I’m going to tell you the creation of Nirn, although I will warn you that this will take some time. “In the beginning, there only existed chaotic nothingness. From this nothingness arose two beings. Anu, also known as ‘Anu the Everything’, who personifies order, stasis, and light; and Padomay, also known as “Psjjjj”, which is purposely unpronounceable, who personifies chaos and change. These two are counterparts, equal and opposite. Being opposites, they fought each other, and being equals, neither of them won. After this clash, Anu decided to create itself a soul in order to reflect and better understand itself. Padomay did the same. The soul of Anu became known as Anui-El, the representation of Everlasting Light and Soul of All Things. The soul of Padomay would be known as Sithis, representation of Nothingness and The Void. Just like Anu and Padomay, Anui-El and Sithis are equal and opposite forces to each other.

“One thing of note at this point is that none of these four exist in the same way as the gods that come to follow. They are just shapeless, abstract beings, which is why some cultures do not consider them gods at all, but simply cosmic forces of nature. And even though Sithis is often shown as a skeletal being and is sometimes called “The Dread Father”, Anu and Padomay and the two they created lack gender and any tangible form whatsoever.

“Just like their predecessors, Anui-El and Sithis had some disagreements. Instead of fighting, however, they laid out a set of conditions, which would result in the creation of the Aurbis, which is a fancy word for universe. Afterwards, Anui-El created itself a soul, just like Anu did, in order to self reflect. Anui-El’s soul was called Auri-El, later known as Akatosh, which would become the chief god of the Divines. Before Auri-El’s creation, the Aurbis was turbulent and unstable. Auri-El stabilized it by creating the concept of time.

“With the Aurbis stabilized, other lesser gods were free to come into existence. These new gods include the beings who would become the Aedra and the Daedra and are collectively called the et’Ada, or “original spirits.” Along with these new gods, new planes of existence came into being for the gods to inhabit, Aetherius and Oblivion. And here is where the drama begins.”

Samson stopped for a few seconds to get his voice back, then continued. “Sithis, like Padomay before him, was a copycat and decided to create itself a soul as well, called Lorkhan. It is believed by some that Sithis created Lorkhan with the intention of undoing the work of Auri-El and returning the universe to a state of chaos.

“Thus began “Lorkhan’s Plan”, you see, the gods weren’t all happy with the planes of existence they had to choose from as their eternal home. Lorkhan approached them with the idea of creating a new plane for themselves. He proposed creating the mortal plane, Mundus, and populating it with beings of their own creation. Many of the original spirits, including Arui-El, were convinced that this was a great idea. However, there was just one problem. Although Anu and Padomay were infinite and could create without consequence, Arui-El and the rest of the et-Ada were not. In order to forge their creations, the gods were giving up pieces of themselves, making them less powerful. Allegedly, Lorkhan knew about this from the start.

“Many of the gods realized what was happening and opted to leave Mundus before it was complete while they still had the chance. The chief among these was Magnus, the architect of Mundus, whose departure tore a hole through Aetherius, creating the sun and allowing magicka to flow into Mundus from Aetherius. The rest of the gods departed made smaller holes resulting in the stars. The last of the remaining gods in Mundus were understandably very upset that they had lost much of their divine power. Auri-El created the Adamantine Tower on Nirn, which would remain standing on the isle of Balfiera in the Iliac Bay for all of history thus far. The remaining gods gathered there to decide Lorkhan’s punishment in the monumental event with the boring name, “The Convention.” It was decided that Lorkhan’s Heart would be removed and destroyed. Upon removing it, however, it was discovered that Lorkhan’s Heart couldn’t be destroyed.”

“Lorkhan either died in the creation of Nirn or was killed by the other remaining gods, or either exiled. Then his Heart was removed and it was intended that the Heart be destroyed, but it was not because Nirn would have been destroyed as well for some reason. Instead of destroying it, Auri-El fired the Heart from his bow into the sea, where it wouldn’t be discovered. The Heart was so powerful that Red Mountain formed around it, whose lava flows created the island of Vvardenfell. After the Convention concluded and Lorkhan was dealt with, some of the Gods were able to leave Nirn and maintain some of their power, but not enough to return to Aetherius, and so were permanently confined to Mundus.

“This group of gods would eventually be known as the Eight Divines. Auri-El, also known as Akatosh, Arkay, Dibella, Julianos, Kynareth, Mara, Stendarr, and Zenithar. Talos would not become a Divine for a very long time, so I shall not speak of him now. The Eight created their own realms within Mundus, which can be seen from Nirn as planets. One final group of gods were either unable to leave Nirn or decided to stay and continue their work., even after learning of the consequences. They were left with none of their Divine power and became the Ehlnofay, who in order to continue their existence, resorted to procreation and they would become the origins of the species of Men and Mer on Nirn. I believe that is mostly everything.

“Now you know how Nirn was created. I am wondering though, how was this...Hyrule created, Link?”

“It varies from different races, but for mine, the three goddesses, Eldin, Lanayru, and Farore appeared one day, and created Hyrule. Din, the Goddess of Power, created the earth that we walk on, Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom, created order and intelligence, and Farore, the Goddess of Courage, created life. Hylia created the various races of Hyrule and taught them to live and work together. The Three left Hyrule, and at the point where they left, the Triforce was created, as well as the Sacred Realm. The Triforce is a powerful artifact; there’s three pieces. Wisdom, Power, and Courage. There’s been three wielders, known as Champions, in each Era so far, including mine. Ganondorf had Power, Zelda had Wisdom, and I, Courage, although I have it again, for reasons I haven’t figured out yet.”

Link showed Samson the symbol on his left hand and the Khajiit nodded.

“The Triforce, when complete, grants the user a single wish, and it doesn’t care if the wish is good or bad, it simply grants it. As for the Sacred Realm, I suppose it’s like Sovngarde. All spirits from all races reside there, and the past Heroes and their Companions reside in a mansion, secluded from the rest of the Sacred Realm.”

“The past Heroes of Skyrim reside in the Hall of Valor. Us Khajiit have the realm of Leswere, or the Sands Behind the Stars, the Argonians’ bodies return to the Hist and their souls swim in an endless river, the Nords have Sovngarde, as you know, the Bretons, Altmer, Imperials, and Bosmer all believe they ascend to Aetherius when they die, the Redguards venture to The Far Shores, the Dunmer souls stay and persist, guiding their descendants and the Orcs venture to the realm of Malacath in Oblivion, known as the Ashpit.

“Those who are blessed and cursed with lycanthropy will go to the hunting realms of Hircine in Oblivion, while Vampires go to Molag Bal's realm of Oblivion, Coldharbour. Clavicus Vile's realm is unknown and no one knows how it is in there, he just collects souls for the sake of having them. Nightingales of Nocturnal become guards in her realm of Oblivion. Those who pledged themselves to Sheogorath or have gone mad go to the Shivering Isles. There are other realms, but I do not think you need to know of them now.”

It was an hour later, the two had hunted for food, killed two hares, and were now waiting for the meat to cook.

“Do you still want to know about the races where I’m from?”

“Yes, if you feel like telling me.”

“I might as well, it’ll pass the time. My race, Hylians, have a separate magic source than those that live here in Skyrim. Magic is internal for us, meaning we can’t use actual magic ourselves, but we can use weapons and items that have magic. However, a few people throughout history have been able to use actual magic. The Gorons are rock people, meaning they’re actually made of rocks and eat rocks for food. They’re the most powerful race, only second to Zoras, which are fish people. Being fish people, they can swim underwater and their armies are quite large. The last Race is the Gerudo. The Gerudo are made up of only women, and they...dislike men. No one knows why.”

“That sounds problematic.”

“It is, every Hero has had problems with them, me included. Fortunately, they bent their rules enough to help us.”

“Good. May I ask you something?”

Link checked the hare meat to see if it was done. “Depends on what you’re asking.”

“Of course. Have you heard of Moon Sugar and Skooma?”

“Not really.”

“Well…” Samson looked around, then took out a small glass bottle filled with a purple liquid. “This is Skooma. My people are fond of it. It alters your mind, and some people will pay good coin. After this trip, I am done selling it. It is far too dangerous.”

Samson put away the Skooma and took the second rabbit from the stick and started eating it.

"You seem to know a lot for just a mere merchant."

"I like to read and study ancient texts."

"You said that could be a scholar? I think you should be one."

"Maybe. But if I get accepted into Winterhold, what would Swift do without me?"

"Bring her with you."

The cat looked up. “But what about the merchant stall?”

“I think they’d let you set up there. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

Samson nodded, then it was silent for a bit as the two teens ate their meal.

“Link! Link, wake up! We’ve got company!”

Samson’s yowl abruptly ended the Hylian’s rest and he bolted upright to a sitting position, then looked around. “What?”

“Bandits.”

Link grabbed

Numinex’s Bane

and got up, then drew the sword.  “How many?”

The cat shook his head, his eyes shining in the moonlight. “Five? Six? I can’t tell. But we should be quiet, I think.”

“I don’t think it’s any use being quiet anymore, Samson, they know we’re here already.”

The Khajiit nodded and raised his gaze to a nearby tower, where both of them spotted movement.

“You’re not a warrior, are you?”

The Khajiit’s eyes moved back and forth, his tail swishing back and forth against his furred legs from anxiety. “No. But I suppose I will have to be one now.”  Samson reached to his sides and drew two daggers.

“Where did you get those?”

“Swift. She gave them to me.”

“Good. Make sure to thank her when you see her again.”

The cat grinned. “Oh, I will, believe me, but I have to survive this, first!”

An arrow whistled through the air and hit a tree near Samson, then the five bandits appeared.

The leader stepped forwards, holding a two handed war axe. “Alright. Hand over your Septims and weapons, and we’ll let you go.”

Link stepped in front of Samson and raised the sword. “How about we don’t give you our things and you walk away from this without a scratch?”

The bandit chief grinned. “Hey, you’re that new Thane, right? I bet you’re walking around with all the Septims you own right now. Hand them over, and we won’t hurt you or your friend.”

Link flipped the sword in his hands around with ease and pointed it towards the bandit chief. “I don’t think so.”

“Your funeral.”

A second later, Link and Samson were fighting for their lives.

Link ducked under a bandit, then hit him on the head with the sword’s pommel, received a gash on his right arm from another bandit, spun around, swung the sword in the bandit’s direction and the man went down, not getting up. Meanwhile, Samson had stabbed one bandit with the daggers and was fighting the other with just his claws.

The last bandit hit the grass and the chief looked impressed. “It’s not every day we deal with milk drinkers, but you two? You’re warriors, I’ll give you that, but I’m not done yet.”

Five more bandits appeared and as Link and Samson raised their weapons, the chief swung his axe and struck Link with the flat of the blade in the side of his head.

He went down to one knee, his vision doubled, but then he got up and proceeded to draw Dawn, the fire dagger, and stab one bandit in the chest with it, then pulled the dagger out and stabbed another bandit with it.

“Link! Behind you!”

The Hylian pulled the dagger from the bandit’s chest and spun around to see the axe bearing down on him.

When his vision came back, what remained of it was focused on Samson, who was being restrained by the three remaining bandits. The chief walked up to him, the axe covered in blood. “Still alive? You won’t be for long if someone doesn’t find you.”

The man lifted the axe a bit and the blood reflected from the moonlight. “This is your blood, did you know that? Oh, and don’t bother about trying to fight me. You dropped your sword and I doubt you can pick it up in your current state.”

The bandit chief walked behind him and sent him to the grass with a kick to his back.  “Take everything he’s got save for his clothes and that sword.”

“You don’t want the sword?”

“No! It’s the Jarl’s sword! I dunno why he has it, but we can take everything else. And maybe figure out where this cat’s caravan is so we can raid them.”

“I told you! I don’t have a caravan! I’m a mere merchant!”

A yowl of pain from Samson as the chief did something.

“Yeah, maybe, but you’ve got to have goods hidden somewhere. Let’s get back to the towers.’”

The last thing Link heard was Samson yelling his name again, then everything was gone.

Ralof had watched the entire fight from the lookout point. When he saw Link get hit not once, but twice, and finally go down, his heart stopped for a second. “We have to go down there.”

He said this to no one in particular, but the leader of this group, a man named Ashler Fanter, nodded. “I saw the whole fight. Shame what happened to the lad, he held his own for quite a while. Let’s get down there and put an end to those bandits.”

The rest of the Stormcloaks cheered and the twelve soldiers ran down the hill and to the towers.

Ralof and Ashler stopped beside the prone figure on the ground, and Ralof knelt beside him. “Do you think a healing potion would do anything?”

“Couldn’t hurt to try.”

Ashler handed Ralof a health potion and the Nord gave it to Link, who awoke a few seconds later and gazed up at Ralof with confusion. “I was on my way to Windhelm when I stopped to check in on the camp here. It’s a good thing I did. Can you stand? You’re friend needs rescuing, if the other Stormcloaks haven’t already rescued him.”

The boy thought about it for a moment, then nodded, and the two Nords slowly got him up, standing on his own, then Ashler handed Link his sword.

“You can get your bearings if you want. Ralof, with me.”

The two Nords started to run for the towers, but stopped halfway as the other Stormcloaks ran out of the first tower, the lead one holding a bounty poster, while a Khajiit darted away from the group and over to Link.

After checking with Ashler and taking the bounty poster from the Stormcloak that had killed the bandit chief, Ralof walked back over to Link. “Here. Don’t know if you accept bounties or not, but I’d say you scored a victory today. It’s fitting, don’t you think?” The Nord offered the bounty poster to the boy, who took it from him and looked down at the drawing of the man that had nearly killed him before he nodded.

“Where do I collect the bounty?”

“Turn the bounty in to Proventus, I assume you've already met him?”

Ralof received a nod from Link, and Ashler walked up to him and returned his stolen items, the rest of the Stormcloaks grouped up, one of them led the two horses over to Link and Samson, and, after getting situated, the group was off towards Ivarstead.

It took a while for the group to reach Ivarstead. In that time, since Link had nothing better to do, he decided to read the book he had found in Bleak Falls, which held information on how to perform the illegal art of pickpocketing. He didn’t want to admit it, but he had had to perform pickpocketing and breaking and entering back home, simply because there was no other option. After all, the fate of Hyrule had been at stake, and sometimes, following the laws and rules wasn’t even on the table.

After reading a bit more of the Thief book, Link put it away and took out the Flames spellbook, read a bit of it, then tried to cast the spell. Nothing happened, and he tried to cast it again. Still nothing.

“Trying to learn magic? It could be that you’re from another realm, since you mentioned your magic is different than ours.”

The Hylian glanced sideways at Samson and then nodded.

“Maybe. Learning magic would be useful.”

“I’m sure you’ll learn it eventually.”

It was around an hour later that the town of Ivarstead came into view. Samson stopped on the bridge and smiled sadly. “This is where we part ways for a time, my friend. I wish you luck in your journey.”

“Yours as well, Samson.”

The Khajiit and his horse took off at a gallop down the other path, towards Windhelm, as well as the Stormcloaks, Link stayed where he was until they had disappeared from view, then he flicked Epona’s reins and the two walked off the bridge and entered Ivarstead.

Two men were standing near the bridge.

"On your way up the 7,000 Steps again, Klimmek?"

"Not today, Gwilin. I'm just not ready to make the climb to High Hrothgar. The path isn't safe."

"Aren't the Greybeards expecting some supplies?"

"Honestly, I'm not certain. I've yet to be allowed into the monastery. Perhaps one day."

The man named Gwilin walked off and Klimmek stayed where he was as the old man watched Link approach.

“Hello. I’m heading up to High Hrothgar. I could take your supplies for you if you want, Although I am wondering what they are.”

Klimmek smiled. “I appreciate that. The supplies are simply just foodstuffs, dried meat and salted fish, that’s all. May I ask why you’re traveling up there?”

“Supposedly I’m Dragonborn, everyone told me I needed to speak to the Greybeards.”

The old man’s eyes widened.  “So it was you who...The whole of us heard shouting from the mountain a few hours ago. I suppose that shout was for you, eh? My supplies aren’t that heavy, maybe ten to twenty pounds, but you look like you can carry a lot. There’s a chest up there, before the monastery doors, simply place the supplies in there. Though, I suppose if you’re entering the monastery, you can just carry them in. And there’s wolves up there, so be careful.”

Link got down from Epona’s back, handed the reins to a nearby stablemaster, paid the man the necessary Septims for the horse to be stabled, took the supplies from Klimmek, glanced up at the mountain before him, then started up the Seven Thousand Steps.

On his way up to High Hrothgar, Link discovered several ancient tablets that were carved with words. The first one he encountered was not even twenty steps up, and it read:

EMBLEM I  ~ Before the birth of men, the Dragons ruled all Mundus.Their word was the Voice, and they spoke only for True Needs. For the Voice could blot out the sky and flood the land.

‘

I wonder who carved this, and if there are more of them. I wonder how long it’ll take me to climb all of these steps.’

The Hylian glanced at the tablet for a few seconds before he continued up the steps.

Five wolves were staring him down ten minutes later. It was silent for a bit, then the lead wolf howled and then the wolves darted forward. However, they weren’t expecting him to turn wolf.

Link slammed into the alpha male, sending the beast back a bit as the other four closed in.

One wolf snapped at him and he bit it in the leg, then received a gash on his right side from another wolf. He whirled around, fangs bared, and lunged for that wolf’s throat. His fangs connected, spraying blood all over him as the wolf slowly died. Link dropped the corpse, looked down at it for a moment, then ducked instlctly as a wolf snapped its jaws where his head had been a second before. Link whirled around, sending snow everywhere, and his fangs found fur. He bit down, until he heard a crack and the wolf below him screamed and started thrashing around. He dropped the beast, having broken its back, then mercy killed it with a skull crushing bite. A third wolf lunged at him, which he sidestepped, then raked the claws of his front left paw down it’s face, blinding it, then Link finished it off with a bite to the neck.

Then, there was a sudden unbearable pain in his left shoulder. His vision went white, he heard something scream in agony, and when his vision came back, a wolf was standing over him, her muzzle covered in blood. Link risked raising his head a bit and glanced down at his left shoulder. He could see bone and the wolf shuddered and moved his gaze to the wolf whom he knew to be the alpha male’s mate. He didn’t want a confrontation, and hopefully the two surviving wolves knew that.

Before he could move, the female wolf left his field of vision and he looked down past his chest; the female wolf was uncomfortably close to a certain region of his body. However, before the wolf could do anything, Link surged upwards and slammed into her, knocking her to the ground.

Then, the Alpha Male slammed into

him

, Link turned and half blinded the other wolf with a bite to the face, then raked his claws down his neck, sending blood droplets everywhere. The other wolf roared and bit down on his left shoulder - the same place his mate had bit Link. Link’s vision went white and when he could see again, he was covered in various wounds and it hurt to breathe. He lunged forwards, not towards the male, but for the female, and his jaws closed over her neck and he bit down. The wolf died instantly and he heard a scream behind him before the male wolf grabbed him and threw him backwards. Link landed in the blood stained snow and rolled over just before the male wolf’s fangs bit the air where his head had been a second before. As Link got up, the other wolf roared again, then slammed into him. The black and white wolf braced himself, then clawed at the other wolf’s stomach, tearing a hole in the beast’s belly and therefore disemboweling him. The older male screamed and then fell to the snow, thrashing around, before Link put the wolf out of his misery with a death bite to the head.

It was silent, save for the surviving wolf’s ragged breathing. Link gazed down at the dead wolves, then as the adrenaline wore off, pain coursed through his battered body and he started shaking uncontrollably. The wolf’s body voided itself as he was violently ill, then he blindly stumbled away towards the landing, where he collapsed and stared up at the sky, still shaking uncontrollably.

‘

Focus. Try to calm down, need to heal myself...Need to...No, I can’t fall asleep here, I’ll die if I do.’

The wolf got to his paws, then surged upwards. Before the transformation was complete, Link had already downed one health potion and was feeling somewhat better.

‘

I’m more concerned about my shoulder wound than anything else. How many health potions is it going to take to heal it? Can I even fight in my current condition? ...I shouldn’t risk it.’

He picked up the supplies bag from where it had fallen, downed another health potion, just to be safe, and kept walking up the steps while trying to distract himself from what had happened, well aware that he was covered in blood, both his own and the wolves’.

It was about four hundred steps before he found the second tablet, and there was a man praying in front of it. The second tablet read:

EMBLEM II ~ Men were born and spread over the face of Mundus.The Dragons presided over the crawling masses. Men were weak then, and had no Voice.

‘Voice? What is that?’

“Traveling the Steps, are you? You met the wolves, obviously judging by your current state.” The Nord who called himself Barknar got up and studied Link’s shoulder wound, then dug around in his knapsack for cloth bandages and started binding the wound.

“Yes. What are you doing up here?”

“I like to come up here ever once in a while, mediate, walk the steps, bag game…”

“Do you know of the Greybeards?”

“They're not the sort to take visitors, but I never go that high up the path anyway. Some folk who make the trip leave them food or other essentials, but not to make conversation. I heard them, by the way, everyone did. Shouted something, a name, it hasn’t happened in centuries. There, your wound should be alright. Might hurt to fight things, but you’ll live.”

Link thanked Barknar and continued walking up the Steps.

It was around five hundred more steps until the third tablet.

The third tablet read:

EMBLEM III ~ The fledgling spirits of Men were strong in Old Times. Unafraid to war with Dragons and their Voices. But the Dragons only shouted them down and broke their hearts’

‘Interesting.’

The sun was setting quickly, far too quickly for Link’s liking. He then got an idea, picked up a fallen torch, then hit it against the tablet. The torch caught on fire and Link used it to navigate the Steps.

The next tablet was around six hundred steps up.

The fourth tablet read:

EMBLEM IV ~ Kyne called on Paarthurnax, who pitied Man. Together they taught Men to use the Voice. Then Dragon War raged, Dragon against Tongue.

‘Paarthurnax? Who is that?’

A woman was meditating before it and he started to walk past her, then stopped.

“Hello.”

The woman who called herself Karita looked around, then saw Link and nodded. “Hello. What brings you up here?”

“Just...Traveling. Did you hear the Greybeards?”

“Yes. I was outside Ivarstead when I heard them. It hasn’t happened in centuries, you know.”

“What are you doing up here?”

“Just meditating. I do this every few years. Barknar fixed your wound, didn’t he? He’s good at that, healing people.”

Link nodded, thanked Karita for speaking with him, then started to walk up the Steps again.

A frost troll was sitting on the path. Unfortunately, there was no way to avoid it, but it hadn’t noticed him yet. However, Link got an idea and raised the torch he was holding, then darted forwards and threw it in the creature’s face. While it was distracted, the Hylian slung his bow off his back, notched an arrow, and fired. The arrow hit the creature in the third eye and it roared, then swung at Link, who ducked, then fired another arrow, then drew Dawn and stabbed the troll in the right arm. The fire dagger burnt the troll and it roared, then Link ripped the dagger from the troll’s arm, vaulted up to its neck, then stabbed it in the throat. It died instantly, Link threw himself away from the troll’s corpse as it fell to the ground and he landed in the snow. The Hylian got up a few moments later, looked down at the dead troll, then kept walking.

The fifth tablet, which was ten steps up, read: ‘

EMBLEM V ~ Man prevailed, shouting Alduin out of the world. Proving for all that their Voice too was strong. Although their sacrifices were many-fold.

‘So these people fought Alduin once and won, that’s good, I suppose.’

The sixth tablet, which was four hundred and seventy steps up, read: ‘

EMBLEM VI ~ With roaring Tongues, the Sky-Children conquer. Founding the First Empire with Sword and Voice. Whilst the Dragons withdrew from this World.’

‘So the Dragons left, and now they’re returned. And I guess I have some role in all of this.’

The rest of the tablets were a thousand steps apart, save for the tenth one, which was two thousand steps after the ninth.

The seventh tablet read:

EMBLEM ~ VII The Tongues at Red Mountain went away humbled. Jurgen Windcaller began His Seven Year Meditation.To understand how Strong Voices could fail.

‘Seven years? That’s a long time to meditate.’

The eighth tablet read:

EMBLEM VIII

~

Jurgen Windcaller chose silence and returned. The 17 disputants could not shout Him down. Jurgen the Calm built His home on the Throat of the World.

‘So...Windcaller’s home is High Hrothgar?’

The ninth tablet read:

EMBLEM IX

~

For years all silent, the Greybeards spoke one name. Tiber Septim, stripling then, was summoned to Hrothgar. They blessed and named him Dovahkiin.

There was a statue of some sort on top of the ninth tablet.

‘Is this Septim? And there’s that word again...Dovahkiin.’

The tenth and final tablet read:

EMBLEM X ~ The Voice is worship. Follow the Inner path. Speak only in True Need.

‘Inner path? What is that?’

As soon as Link read the final tablet, he somehow felt stronger, more at ease, then he noticed he was standing before a massive building.

‘

This must be it.’

Link put the supplies in a lone chest outside the building, then walked up the steps, and entered High Hrothgar.

An old man in monk robes approached Link, raised his hands in greeting, and then smiled. “Welcome, Dovahkiin. We have been expecting you.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“So...a Dragonborn appears, at this moment in the turning of the age.”Link didn’t say anything at first, but rather gazed in silent awe at the building he was in, before he moved his gaze to the robed man before him. “I'm answering your summons.”The man nodded. “We will see if you truly have the gift. Show us, Dragonborn.”“You call me Dragonborn. What does that mean?”“First, let us see if you truly are Dragonborn. Let us taste of your Voice.”Link somehow knew what this man meant, he hesitated for a moment, before the strange energy manifested as he said “Fus”, and there was somehow a boom as the energy seemed to strike the old robed man. The monk merely gazed at Link before he smiled and nodded.  “Dragonborn. It is you. Welcome to High Hrothgar. I am Master Arngeir. I speak for the Greybeards. Now tell me, Dragonborn, why have you come here?”“Who are you? What is this place?”The man motioned for Link to follow him to the center of the room and he did so. “We are the Greybeards, followers of the Way of the Voice. You stand  in High Hrothgar, on the slopes of Kynareth's sacred mountain. Here we commune with the voice of the sky, and strive to achieve a balance between our inner and outer selves.”“I want to find out what it means to be Dragonborn.”Arngeir nodded.  “We are here to guide you in that pursuit, just as the Greybeards have sought to guide those of the Dragon Blood that came before you.”This was new. “You mean I'm not the only Dragonborn?”The Greybeard shook his head.  “You are not the first. There have been many of the Dragon Blood since Akatosh first bestowed that gift upon mortalkind. Whether you are the only Dragonborn of this age...that is not ours to know. You are the only one that has been revealed thus far. That is all I can say. We are honored to welcome a Dragonborn to High Hrothgar. We will do our best to teach you how to use your gift in fulfillment of your destiny.”“What is my destiny?”The Greybeard motioned for three other robed figures to join him and Link in the center of the room. “That is for you to discover. We can show you the Way, but not your destination.”Link nodded. “I'm ready to learn.”Arngeir smiled.  “You have shown that you are Dragonborn. You have the inborn gift. But do you have the discipline and temperament to follow the path laid out for you? That remains to be seen. Without training, you have already taken the first steps toward projecting your Voice into a Thu'um, a Shout. Now let us see if you are willing and able to learn. When you Shout, you speak in the language of dragons. Thus, your Dragon Blood gives you an inborn ability to learn Words of Power. All Shouts are made up of three Words of Power. As you master each Word, your Shout will become progressively stronger. Master Einarth will now teach you "Ro," the second Word in Unrelenting Force. "Ro" means "balance" in the dragon tongue. Combine it with Fus -- "Force" -- to focus your Thu'um more sharply.”Einarth waved a hand and then said a word, somehow imprinting the ‘Word of Power’ as it was called, on the stone floor.  “Ro…” The symbol glowed and then it was gone, and also somehow in Link’s head. 'Balance...Alright, learning these words doesn’t seem too hard.' Arngeir’s voice broke Link’s thoughts. “You learn a new word like a master...you truly do have the gift. But learning a Word of Power is only the first step...you must unlock its meaning through constant practice in order to use it in a Shout. Well, that is how the rest of us learn Shouts. As Dragonborn, you can absorb a slain dragon's life force and knowledge directly. As part of your initiation, Master Einarth will allow you to tap into his understanding of "Ro."”Link half turned towards the Greybeard named Einarth, who smiled at him.It was as if something in his mind unlocked. Link was hardly aware that Einarth was bowing to him, as he was more occupied with the fact that he somehow now knew the true meaning of Ro, it felt something similar to when he absorbed - was absorbed the right word? - Mirmulnir’s soul. Arngeir eyed Link for a moment, then nodded again.  “Now let us see how quickly you can master your new Thu'um. Use your Unrelenting Force shout to strike the targets as they appear. Master Borri, if you do not mind...”The Greybeard named Borri nodded, then Shouted. “Flik Lo...Sah!” Some sort of target appeared. It appeared to be a spectral form of a Greybeard, and Link eyed it before he tested out Ro. “Fus...Ro?” Again, there was a boom as the energy from the Shout struck the target and it vanished. Arngeir smiled and nodded.  “Well done. You should notice that your Shout is more focused. Use that to your advantage. Again. Master Einarth.”
“Flik Lo...Sah!”
Link didn’t hesitate this time and the target was gone. Arngeir: “You learn quickly. Once more. Master Wulfgar.”
“Flik Lo...Sah!”
Again, the target vanished and it was quiet for a few seconds, then Arngeir began to walk out of the room. “Impressive. Your Thu'um is precise. You show great promise, Dragonborn. We will perform your next trial in the courtyard. Follow Master Borri.”A few minutes later, the four Greybeards were outside, standing on a stone circle. Arngeir stopped walking and half turned. “We will now see how you learn a completely new Shout. Master Borri will teach you "Wuld," which means "Whirlwind."”Borri nodded and merely said: “Wuld…”The Word of Power inscribed itself on the ground and then it was gone. ‘ ...Whirlwind....Seems powerful enough. I wonder what it does.’ “You must hear the Word within yourself before you can project it into a Thu'um.”
‘...Right. I think I understand. ‘
“Approach Master Borri and he will gift you his knowledge of "Wuld."”Link and Borri eyed each other for a few moments, then he again felt as if he was absorbing Mirmulnir’s soul again, even though he wasn’t. Argnier nodded.  “Now we will see how quickly you can master a new Shout. Master Wulfgar will demonstrate Whirlwind Sprint. Then it will be your turn. Master Borri.”“Bex!”As soon as the man said this, a gate opened nearby and Wulfgar walked in front of it, then Shouted. “Wuld. Nah...Kest!” The Greybeard somehow seemed to shoot across the area and through the gate before it could close.“Now it is your turn. Stand next to me. Master Borri will open the gate. Use your Whirlwind Sprint to pass through before it closes.”“Bex!”Once again, the gate opened, and Link gazed at a moment before he tested out Wuld.“Let’s see if this works...Wuld.” Another boom was heard and then he was somehow on the other side of the gate, on the ground from when he had tripped a moment before.  Link looked around in confusion before he heard footfalls, and he picked himself up from the snow, then half turned to see Arngier before him. “Your quick mastery of a new Thu'um is...astonishing. I'd heard the stories of the abilities of Dragonborn, but to see it for myself…” “I thought it was this easy for everyone.”“No. Indeed not. But beware that your skill does not outstrip your wisdom.”“I don't know how I do it. It just happens.”“You were given this gift by the gods for a reason. It is up to you to figure out how best to use it.”“Thank you. What's next?”The three other Greybeards had gone back inside High Hrothgar already, and Arngeir waved a hand for Link to follow him. “You are now ready for your last trial. Retrieve the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller, our founder, from his tomb in the ancient fane of Ustengrav. Remain true to the Way of the Voice, and you will return.”“Why are the dragons returning? Does it have something to do with me?”“No doubt. The appearance of a Dragonborn at this time is not an accident. Your destiny is surely bound up with the return of the dragons. You should focus on honing your Voice, and soon your path will be made clear.”“Thank you, Arngeir. I will continue my training.”“Good. Then you will be ready for whatever lies ahead.”“Surely there's more you can tell me.”“There is indeed much that we know that you do not. That does not mean that you are ready to understand it. Do not let your easy mastery of the Voice tempt you into the arrogance of power that has been the downfall of many Dragonborn before you.”“What does it mean to be "Dragonborn"?”“Dragons have the inborn ability to learn and project their Voice. Dragons are also able to absorb the power of their slain brethren. A few mortals are born with similar abilities -- whether a gift or a curse has been a matter of debate down through the centuries. What you have already learned in a few days took even the most gifted of us years to achieve. Some believe that Dragonborn are sent into the world by the gods, at times of great need. We will speak more of that later, when you are ready.”“Why are Shouts in the dragon language?”“Dragons have always been able to shout. Language is intrinsic to their very being. There is no difference in the dragon tongue between debating and fighting. Shouting comes as naturally to a dragon as breathing, or speaking. In mythic times, when mortalkind was in great need, the goddess Kynareth granted us the ability to speak as dragons do. For most people, long years of training are required to learn even the simplest Shout. But for you, the dragon speech is in your blood, and you learn it almost without effort.”"There are only four of you?”“Five. Our leader, Paarthurnax, lives alone on the peak of the Throat of the World. When your Voice can open the path, you will know you are ready to speak to him.”“When can I meet your leader, Paarthurnax?”“As I said, you will know you are ready when your Voice can open the path to him.”“Tell me about the Greybeards.”“We study the Way of the Voice, according to the teachings of our founder, Jurgen Windcaller. Very few are permitted to study with us here at High Hrothgar. But in your case, Dragonborn, it is a privilege to guide you towards mastery of your Voice.”“Why don't the others talk?”“Their Voices are too powerful for anyone not trained in the Way to withstand. Even a whisper could kill you.”“Who was Jurgen Windcaller?”“He was a great war leader of the ancient Nords, a master of the Voice, or Tongue. After the disaster at Red Mountain, where the Nord army was annihilated, he spent many years pondering the meaning of that terrible defeat. He finally came to realize that the gods had punished the Nords for their arrogant and blasphemous misuse of the Voice. He was the first to understand that the Voice should be used solely for the glory and worship of the gods, not the glory of men. Jurgen Windcaller's mastery of the Voice eventually overcame all opposition, and the Way of the Voice was born.”“What is the "Way of the Voice"?”“The Voice was a gift of the goddess Kynareth, at the dawn of time. She gave mortals the ability to speak as dragons do. Although this gift has often been misused, the only true use of the Voice is for the worship and glory of the gods. True Mastery of the Voice can only be achieved when your inner spirit is in harmony with your outward actions. In the contemplation of the sky, Kynareth's domain, and the practice of the Voice, we strive to achieve this balance.”“But I don't follow your philosophy. Why help me learn the Voice?”“The Dragonborn is an exception to all the rules -- the Dragon Blood itself is a gift from the gods. If we accept one gift, how can we deny the other? As Dragonborn, you have received the ability to Shout directly from Akatosh. We therefore seek to guide you on the proper use of your gift, which transcends the restrictions which bind other mortals.”“I will try to follow the Way of the Voice.”    “That is commendable. But remember, the Dragon Blood itself is a gift from Akatosh. Do not try to deny that gift. Your destiny requires you to use your Voice -- why else would Akatosh have bestowed this gift upon you? If you remember to use your voice in service to the purpose of Akatosh, you will remain true to the Way.” The Greybeard took Link’s map and marked the location of Windcaller’s Tomb before handing it back. “Now, is there anything else you would like to ask me?” “.Do you happen to know where Orphan Rock is?” “Orphan Rock...Yes, I do in fact know where it is. It’s exact location is…” A few hours later, Link found himself riding Epona as the two traveled down a stone path. He had spent some time trying to learn the two tomes Farengar had given to him before he had left, but to no avail. Perhaps it was because he had already learned in theory all there was to know about the two spells. Besides, he had never really been one for magic, even on his journey back home, and Midna had been the one to deal with magical knowledge and how to wield it. He suddenly heard her voice, clear as day, as if she was still traveling with him. “Trying to learn magic? It’s not an easy process, I’ll have you know. I’m sure that if you keep at it, you'll eventually get the hang of it.” The Hylian shook his head to clear it, then noticed that he had managed to wander into a Stormcloak camp. There were around ten soldiers gathered around a campfire and all of them got up. Some gazed at Link with suspicion while others made as if to draw their weapons. In response, the Hylian got down from Epona’s back and he silently noted that the Stormcloaks seemed to ease up a bit. “Where’d you get that armor?” A man walked up to Link, looked him up and down, then walked in a circle around him before ending up back in front of him. “Ralof gave it to me.” Link self consciously adjusted his own set of Stormcloak armor as he said this and the man gave a firm nod, silently noting how large the armor seemed on him.  “Ralof’s a good man. If he trusts you, then I suppose we can do the same. Alright, follow me.” As the soldiers took Epona away to be stabled and the leader, who introduced himself as Hararne Eriksen led him over to the campfire, Link learned that, observing from his current position, Orphan Rock was a valley with a stony grass covered plateau in the middle of the valley, only reachable by a fallen tree. But he would dwell on getting up there later. Once they were seated by the campfire, Hararne asked for Link’s name, and he of course gave it. “So, Link, mind telling us what brings you to this location?” His gaze moved from Hararne’s face, to the ground, and back up to Hararne as the Hylian tried to think of some response. Finally, he decided to tell the truth. “I’m here to retrieve Nettlebane so I can restore the Gildergreen in Whiterun.” The entire group of Stormcloaks started laughing at the very thought but it soon faded when they realized that Link was indeed serious about retrieving the dagger. “Look, I know what happened to the tree in Whiterun, I know that Hagraven has that dagger, but I’m afraid we can’t let you go up there.” “Why not?” Hararne shifted a bit and gazed at Link before speaking.  “Do you even know what Witches and Hagravens are?” “No.” The Stormcloak sighed and shook his head. “...You don’t even know what you’re going up against. Hagravens gave up their humanity for more power. Witches are women who are training to become hagravens. Both can cast spells and are very dangerous, regardless if they’re together, in separate groups, or alone.” Various other Stormcloaks nodded and Hararne’s face fell a bit when he got a response. “That doesn’t seem so bad.” “Maybe to you, but to us, it is. We’re not letting you go up there by yourself.” Link thought this over. “What if all of you attacked the Witches at once?” Another soldier shook his head. “No. In fact, we should be out there, scouting-” “We should be focusing on our own mission, not wondering about when our next battle will be.” Hararne cut the other man off and Link realized that the man had been about to give away the reason they were out there. So he changed the subject. “Aren’t you supposed to be the protectors of Skyrim? Doesn’t clearing this place of evil creatures help towards that?” Hararne looked down in thought. Then he looked at his comrades behind him, then back at Link, this time eyes full of determination. “Yes. Yes it does. Tell you what, you want to get that dagger? By Kyne, we’ll help you get it!” After some time, the group reached the center of the valley after dodging several elemental and spike traps that they had observed before leaving the camp. The plateau seemed to be empty from where Link was standing and he noticed a dead tree that seemed to lead up to it before he heard one of the Stormcloaks yell something, then the Witches attacked the group of soldiers a few seconds after. The Hylian caught a flicker of light in the corner of his vision and he spun around, only to see what appeared to be a ball of fire heading straight for him. Due to his previous experiences in Hyrule, he had dodged many, many fireballs, it was merely timing after all. Link dove to the right and hit the ground, only just missing the fireball. However, the spell still managed to singe his right shoulder and he cursed himself inwardly for being so careless. For a moment, he thought he was safe. After all, he had dodged the spell, what else could happen? Then the fireball hit the ground and promptly exploded.Link felt as if he was covered in flames for a few moments before the sensation faded. He had a notion that he was now injured, but he ignored it and got up, discerning that the fireball had come from the plateau. 
‘That must be where the Hagraven is. I just need to get up there.’
Link recalled seeing a dead tree earlier and eventually found it. However, before he could get close enough to the dead tree to walk up the trunk, a Witch appeared before him.The two stared at each other for a moment, before the Witch summoned lighting and threw it at him. Link dodged the attack and ran up to the woman, who pulled out a knife and swung it at him. There was a clang as the knife flew through the air, having been deflected by Link's sword. "I'm afraid you're going to have to try harder than that to kill me." The Hagraven cast another fireball, however, Link managed to dodge the attack and it hit a nearby tree and set it on fire.The Witch cursed at him before summoning more lightning and attempted to throw it at Link, but he was faster.He Shouted. "Fus, Ro!" Using the Shout in combat felt exhilarating. There was once again a boom as the wave of energy forced the woman back, staggering her, and while she was distracted, the Hylian swung Numinex’s Bane , attempting to merely slash the woman's neck for a quick death. However, he underestimated his own strength, for the woman suddenly moved to regain her balance and her head was cut smoothly from her shoulders.The Hagraven cast yet another fireball in Link's direction, which he swiftly dodged, then he ran towards the dead tree that was leaning against the plateau, but before he could set foot on the dead tree, it caught fire and Link was forced backwards a bit. He stared at the burning tree for a few seconds before he made up his mind and ran up the burning trunk, well aware that he was receiving injuries in the process, and managed to reach the plateau just before the tree burnt away and what remained of it fell to the valley floor.Something slammed into him and he went flying to hit what he thought to be a fallen tree, before he fell to the ground and found himself looking at.... something. “What is it that you seek?”The creature could speak, it appeared to be a cross between a bird and a woman. “...Are you a Hagraven?” The creature blinked. When it spoke, its voice was raspy and barely understandable. Which made sense, considering how hideous this creature looked. “What sort of question is that? Of course I am a Hagraven, now answer my question!” At least the thing hadn’t attacked him yet. Link slowly got to his feet and kept his distance. “I’m here for Nettlebane.” The glint of metal got his attention - the creature was holding some sort of dagger. “This? It’s mine, I’m afraid.” Link shook his head. “Sorry, but Whiterun needs it more than you do.” The creature before him screeched and darted towards him, the dagger raised high in the air. Link dodged the attack, drew Numinex’s Bane , and spun around, the blade cutting into the Hagraven’s side. The thing turned on him and cast some spell, which he blocked with the sword. However, doing so caused him to fall to the ground and drop the sword, the Hagraven grinned and prepared to fire another spell at him. The Stormcloaks were still fighting the Witches, so they wouldn’t be of any help. No, Link had to deal with this alone. However, he didn’t have that many options, and he was running out of time to make a decision. He used Unrelenting Force, but all it did was stagger the Hagraven, and it kept advancing... Perhaps in sheer desperation, or because it was the one thing he could do, the Hylian held out his right hand towards the thing advancing on him and yelled ”flames”.  Fire. From seemingly nowhere, it struck the creature in the face and she started screaming and clawing at her face as she stumbled backwards. Link stared at the spectacle for a moment before he moved his gaze to his right hand. A fireball rested in his palm; it didn’t hurt, it was just...there. ‘ Magicka?’ He felt a strange sensation running up his arm, like some sort of energy. ‘ Strange. It doesn't hurt...In fact it almost feels welcoming.’  Link heard something and looked up at the Hagraven, who was screeching about letting her guard down."You're going to pay for that! Once I kill you, I'll eat your heart and ears! Elven hearts and ears are a delicacy, I'll have you know! Especially elven children!" The thing continued to curse at him until Link got up and cast Flames at the Hagraven."One, I am not a child, I am seventeen years of age, and two, I'm not an Elf, I'm a Hylian."The creature let out a deafening screech. Of course, Link couldn't hear now. But he didn't need to hear to finish off the Hagraven.The Hylian de-summoned the fire before he drew the twin daggers, then ran forwards and stabbed the creature in the heart.Whether it was due to his own natural healing, or if the Hagraven didn't try hard enough to truly deafen him, Link never knew, but he regained his hearing shortly after the battle and he realized that a Stormcloak was yelling his name. The Hylian walked over to where the voice was coming from and looked down to find the soldiers looking up at him. The unnamed Stormcloak spoke again. "Stay where you are, we'll find something that you can get down from there with.""I don't plan on going anywhere, you can be well assured of that."They seemed to take that as an answer and Link heard them presumably talking to each other about how they were going to get him down from the plateau. He knew it would take a while, so Link picked up his fallen sword and cleaned it on the Hagraven's clothing before retrieving the twin daggers. There was something underneath the body and Link kicked the corpse over to find the dagger the creature was holding. Link picked up the weapon and examined it.The entire weapon was ebony-green in color with root like patterns on the pommel, hilt, and blade. The pommel was curved, with various designs engraved into it. Further up, about three inches, more engraved designs were in the hilt, just below the crossguard. The blade itself had even more engravings and was six inches, and the flat of the blade was straight while the edge curved inwards and into the blade itself before becoming straight, until it sharpened to a point.Past the dagger, he noticed some sort of body lying on the ground; he walked over and examined it, discovering that it was the 'tree' he had hit earlier. As Link was examining the strange creature, the adrenaline he had felt began to fade, and with it fading, the pain he had been ignoring made itself known. The pain wasn't nearly as bad as his first time becoming a wolf, or the wounds he sustained during his fight with Dragmire, but they still were painful.The Hylian thought of using a health potion, but then realized that there was one other spell he hadn't tested yet, and so he tested it then. Even though the Healing spellbook had said to turn the palms of the hands inwards while casting the spell, Link still felt a bit ridiculous in doing so. Right after he said the word "heal", the pain began to fade and his wounds began to close and heal as if he had used a health potion."I think I can get used to using Magicka."The Stormcloaks found him sometime later, sitting up against a tree, flipping Nettlebane into the air and catching it by the hilt. “So you found it, then?”Link caught the dagger as it fell towards the ground and nodded towards Hararne. “Yes.” Another Stormcloak ran up and said that there were two people in a tent, most likely captives, and that a lone Witch was keeping them prisoner. Hararne nodded, then looked down at Link. “Would you like to have the honor of rescuing them?”Two people that seemed to be Nords were sitting in a tent, hands tied together. The two were arguing about something."Look what you got us into.""It wasn't my fault, you were the one insisting that we run in here with little to no armor.""I didn't know there would be that many things waiting for us, okay?""I knew this was a bad idea from the start."The man shifted and eyed a lone Witch at the other side of the clearing. “”I do not like the looks that Witch is giving me.” The woman grinned. “It’s because of your looks, isn't it? No wonder countless women seem to pass out when they see you.” The Witch walked over to the man and bit the air in front of him, causing him to yelp loudly and the woman merely smirked in his direction. “What was that?” The man ducked his head in embarrassment. “I didn’t know you could be so loud.” “It’s not like I had any choice.” There was movement from the shadows and the Witch collapsed to the ground, blood splattering the grass as the body landed with a dull thud. “...I think we have company.” Link gazed down at the dead Witch for a moment before he tore his gaze away and noticed two tied up Nords staring at him. “Hello.”The two Nords continued to stare at him until the silence was uncomfortable, then the woman nodded and said “hi” back. “Do you mind telling me what you were doing here?” “Being captured.” The woman rolled her eyes at the male Nord.  “We were studying Orphan Rock and mapping it when those things tied us up.” Link walked over and cut the ropes of the two Nords with his sword, freeing them and the two got up. Surprisingly, they didn’t seem injured, just very annoyed that they had been tied up, which was understandable. “Thanks.” The Nord woman rolled her shoulders, then took a step back and looked her friend up and down. “Were you always that tall?” The Stormcloaks had walked up to the tent by now and the two Nords were surrounded and talked to. The woman managed to get away from the group and found Link reading scripture on a table. “Hey.” The Hylian nodded, acknowledging her presence. “It’s a good thing you showed up when you did. Listen, my friend and I, we found something.” The Nord walked behind the tent and the two spoke to each other as the woman started tossing things around.  “Ah, here it is. It's a good thing the witches and that thing didn’t find it.” “That ‘thing’ is a Hagraven.” Her companion responded from inside the tent as the man subconsciously rubbed his wrists while speaking with the Stormcloaks. “Whatever. It didn’t find it.” The woman came back with a magnificent staff of some sort, then held it out to Link, who took it tentatively, then gazed at it. When he looked back up, the two Nords were gone. “...Where…” Hararne walked over. “They had somewhere they needed to be. Didn’t get their names.” Link nodded, as he figured that was a reasonable answer, then examined the staff. He found that it resembled an ancient weapon back in Hyrule, it even had the Triforce emblazoned on the hilt, and the Hylian held it away from him a bit, as if to test the weapon, but then decided to test the weapon on the way back to the camp.The group exited Orphan Rock and began the six minute walk back to camp. The Stormcloak who had told him to wait earlier introduced himself as Eren Fetid and was now walking next to Link. Eren looked at the weapon Link was carrying. "That staff looks strange. Have you looked at it yet?"This caused Link to examine it again. He realized that it was in fact from Hyrule and he had a suspicion about what the weapon actually was, but he needed to test it first to be certain. He held it away from him, towards the stone path, and pressed a switch on the side of the staff. The blood-red orb sitting at the hilt began to light up and then it unleashed a wave of magical fire. "Did you see that? That staff is powerful. Does it have a name?"Link activated the staff again, then grinned. "After all this time, and I found it. My people named it the Fire Rod."It was indeed the Fire Rod. Link knew the weapon had seemed to have been lost to time, it had been mentioned in previous eras and in other Hero's journals, but he had never seen the weapon in person before now. Eren sighed and he shook his head. "At least we didn't have to deal with any damn soul gems. We were lucky those Witches didn't use any for their weapons."Link was now flipping the Fire Rod up into the air and catching it while it was powered on; he caught Hararne glaring at him and the next time he caught it, he powered off the weapon and focused his attention on Eren. "What are soul gems?""Soul Gems come in various sizes. They're needed for enchanting weapons and armor, and are used for recharging magical artifacts. Black Soul Gems, now those are the worst. Those hold the souls of people.""How do these Soul Gems work?" Eren gave Link a look of concern before speaking. "There is a spell called Soul Trap that you use to trap souls in Soul Gems. But you have to kill whatever you cast Soul Trap on, or else it will wear off, and you need to have an empty Soul Gem with you.."Link nodded and silently vowed to never use Soul Gems. He didn't want to kill anything necessary, and taking souls sounded evil. He was lost in thought for a few moments when Eren asked him about what magic he had back home."Magic users in Hyrule are rare, and the artifacts use the magical power of the wielder even if they aren't mages. I suppose I'm one of the few exceptions now."Link raised his right hand and snapped his fingers, thus summoning Flames with ease and he merely gazed at the embers sitting in the palm of his hand before moving his gaze to Eren.The Stormcloak smiled. “You know, I’m from Winterhold. You may or may not have heard of it, it’s famous for a college for mages. Which I hate because they act like asses all of the time, but you? You’re okay in my book. And, you seem to know exactly what you’re doing.”“Well I’m very glad to hear that, Eren.” The camp had come into view by now and the group stopped just outside it. Link noticed that some of the Stormcloaks were talking about food and he de-summoned his magic. "If you don't mind, I could cook for you."Hararne gazed at Link for a second, then started laughing.  "Are you now? Well, what do you plan on making us?""I need a goat of some sort, and various herbs. I don't know what grows here in Skyrim so you're all going to help me out with that."Eren grinned. "We can definitely help you with that."Eren had finished two bowls of the food Link had come up with and was wanting even more. The kid had left the group around five minutes before and had walked into the nearby forest, saying that he “needed time to think things over.” Eren knew better. All of them knew better, they had been his age once, but it was possible that was really what he was doing.Hararne walked over and sat down beside Eren. “Well, did he tell you what this was?”The man nodded. “Said it was something called ‘Ordon Goat Stew’, but then went on to say that it would taste different than what he was used to because Skyrim has different breeds of goats.” Hararne grinned. “Well, if our variant tastes this good, I wonder what his version tastes like, yeah?” The two were interrupted by Link appearing from the forest and Eren raised a hand in greeting, which he returned. “Well? Did you think things over?”He said this quieter than usual and Link nodded. “Good. I won’t ask what you were doing in there, not my right to know.” The kid gave him a grateful look and Eren smiled, then gestured to a lone bedroll. “You look tired. The bedroll’s yours, if you want it.” Hararne got up and walked over to talk to other Stormcloaks, Eren watched him leave, then when he looked back at the bedroll, Link was already passed out on it. However, Eren overheard the others talking about Link moments later. “Did you see how strong he is? How he fights? And he used the Thu’um! The lad’s Dragonborn!” Hararne walked back over to Eren and gazed at his friend. “What do you think he was doing in there?” “That’s none of your damn business. You wouldn't want anyone to ask you, would you? No? Then don't ask him. If he wants us to know what he was doing, he'll tell us." Several hours later, Link had woken up and was staring at the night sky from the bedroll he had found himself lying on. It was peaceful out here, mostly quiet, and he could finally just think about everything that had happened. But then he heard a faint sound, one that was familiar, and he sat up and looked towards the south, eyes narrowed. The sound was a roar, and it belonged to a Dragon. He felt something respond within him, he felt the strange sensation of his blood boiling, and that caused him to get up and walk across the camp, a hand on the hilt of his sword, and he stopped just before the edge, gazing up at the sky. The Dragon roared again, only this time the sound was farther away than it had been, and, as if sensing there would be no fight, the sensation faded, only to be replaced with a freezing cold that didn’t seem to be going away. It seemed that despite not being as cold as Snowpeak in Hyrule, Skyrim’s weather had a certain bitterness to it. Link stood where he was for a moment before deciding that being in the same tent with other people was better than potentially freezing to death, so he walked over to his bedroll, picked it up, and sought out the nearest tent; where he found a place where he hopefully wouldn’t be kicked by sleeping people, tossed down the bedroll, and drifted off shortly after, not waking until morning.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Link was the last one to wake up and leave the tent the next morning.

Eren was sitting by the lit fire and looked up as he approached. "Ah, you're up. Good. We didn't want to wake you, so we let you sleep in." The man waved a hand towards the forest. "There's a hidden stream about twenty feet back if you want to freshen up."

Link nodded, thanked Eren, then walked towards the forest.

When Link returned to the camp, Haranre called him over to the campfire. "Link, your fighting yesterday was something I've never seen before.  And the others say that you're Dragonborn. Now, I saw the Shouting for myself, but for one so young..." The Stormcloak shook his head. "Akatosh must have chosen you for a reason."

Link started to say something but Hararne held up a hand to silence him.

"I have a proposition for you. You'll have to speak to Ulfric formally, but for now I suppose my choice will do. How would you like to join us?"

The conversation was cut short by a distant roar. It grew closer, and closer, until a Dragon appeared from the South.

As soon as Link laid eyes on the creature, he felt the strange sensation again of his blood boiling. He took a few steps forward and drew Numinex’s Bane, ignoring the questions of the Stormcloaks about the weapon.

The Dragon flew overhead and locked gazes with Link, who heard some sort of presence in his mind.

"Dovahkiin."

The Hylian shook his head to clear it, then the Dragon landed with an earth-shaking thud and eyed Link curiously, ignoring the Stormcloaks.

“You don't look like much, but nevertheless my lord will be pleased with your death.”

The Dragon sucked in air, then used Frost Breath.

"FO...KRAH DIIN!"

A thick fog left the dragon's maw before hitting them, then the moisture in the air turned into frost on their skin. The feeling seemed to fade and the group rushed the Dragon, stabbing any spot they could.

Link ended up near the Dragon's neck and he raised his sword, then drove it into the side of the creature's neck. The Dragon roared again, then used Elemental Fury.

"SU...GRAH DUN!"

The Dragon's wings started to beat faster and the creature roared again as he swung his wings back, attempting to hit the Stormcloaks as they continued to stab him. Everyone was thrown backwards, including Link. He hit the ground hard and laid there for a few seconds before he got up, unlatched the Fire Rod from his shield, and pointed it towards the Dragon. A beam of magical fire hit the beast in the side and it roared. The Dragon swung his right wing at Link, the claw caught the Fire Rod and sent it sailing across the clearing.

Link cast Flames, attempting to blind the Dragon, but the beast lunged forwards and rammed his head into Link's chest, knocking him to the ground. However, the Dragon's maw seemed to be slightly burned.

Link got up and backed away, then used Whirlwind Sprint to dodge the Dragon's second Frost Breath Shout. The creature tried to lunge towards Link but was hit with a barrage of arrows from the Stormcloaks.

The Dragon was distracted for a few moments, which allowed Link to discern where the Fire Rod had landed. He used Unrelenting Force against the Dragon before he started to run across the clearing, intending to retrieve the Fire Rod.

Link reached the Fire Rod, picked it up, then used Whirlwind Sprint again to get close to the Dragon. He was close enough that he could use the Fire Rod, so he activated it, aimed the weapon at the slash in the Dragon's neck, then fired.

If anyone had been nearby, they would have seen what appeared to be a fiery explosion. When everyone could see again, the dragon was dead, half of his face burnt away.

"Well. it's dead. That's good, yeah? - Wait, what is that?" No one answered Eren as golden-blue tendrils of energy emerged from the dragon's corpse and began to surround Link. Then they disappeared and the dragon's body started to burn away, eventually leaving only its skeleton.

The Hero of Twilight gazed at the skeleton for a few seconds before shaking his head and walked over to the Stormcloaks, who started asking him questions. "Yes, I am Dragonborn. Yes, I really did just absorb that Dragon's soul. I suppose with me bring Dragonborn, it's up to me to stop the Dragons." Link stopped speaking for a moment, then moved his gaze to Hararne. "About your offer..."

"Yes?"

"I haven't decided if I want to join yet, but if I do join, you'll be the first to know."

Harane smiled and clapped a hand on Links left shoulder. "Good. When you reach Windhelm, tell Ulfric what happened here. Normally, he doesn't let anyone under the age of seventeen into the Stormcloaks, but you, you would most certainly be an exception."

There was a desolate feeling in the air when Link ventured into Helgen, or what was left of it.

However, he didn't have long to look around before two bandits stepped out from behind the gates. The attackers rushed him, but Link merely drew the twin daggers, caught their weapons, tossed them away, and then stabbed both of them at the same time. After a few moments, Link pulled the two daggers out of the bandits and let their bodies fall to the dirt.

After a few moments, the Hylian knelt beside the bodies, looked at them for a few moments, then stood up.

'I don't like this at all. This isn't who I am, I don't run around killing people. However they were going to kill me, so I had to act in self defense.'

he thought bitterly as he started up at the sky.

'What am I supposed to do? Just leave them here?'

Had it really only been eight days since he had been here, awaiting certain death until the dragon showed up? Link took a step forwards, gazing up at the tower at the other side of the ruined village.

The Dragon had Shouted something. He had sent massive fireballs down from the sky, destroying the village.

Whoever the Dragon was, he was certainly powerful.

Three more bandits walked into view. For some reason, one of them was wearing robes, and the man cast some sort of spell that instantly seemed to freeze him. Or at least seemed to cover his face in frost so he couldn't see his surroundings.

While Link tried to shake off the effects of the spell, the two other bandits ran up to him and attempted to attack him. Link tried to dodge, but due to the spell, he wasn't fast enough, and he received a slash to his armor around his left upper chest, while the other bandit slammed the pommel of his weapon down on his right shoulder, making him drop his shield.

Link drew his sword in time to block the first bandit's attack, the two weapons sending sparks flying as they collided. The force of the block caused the bandit to lose his balance and Link ended the man's life with a stab to the chest. As the man fell to the ground, Link leapt backwards to avoid getting his armor slashed by the second bandit, then used Unrelenting Force to send the man backwards. Due to the man being off balance, he was killed swiftly with a slash to the neck.

As the second bandit fell, Link focused his gaze on the magic user, then summoned Flames and started walking towards him. The surviving bandit grinned and readied a spell of his own, then cast Frostbite at Link, who casted Flames. The two spells collided mid air and somehow stayed there. Both magic users didn't notice as the Frostbite spell seemed to overpower the Flames, before the Flames seemed to overpower the Frostbite; as they were focused on channeling their spells. Eventually, both spells exploded, sending fire and ice in all directions.

Link wasted no time leaping forwards, drawing Dusk from his side, and stabbed the bandit mage in the heart.

After downing one health potion, cleaning the dagger, and collecting his shield and sword, Link took a step back, then took off at a run towards the pile of rubble in front of him, then jumped when he got close enough.

No sooner had he vaulted over the rubble and got to his feet, an arrow flew through the air and embedded itself in his right shoulder. The Dragonborn hissed in pain and then half turned, only to find himself gazing at six bandits - an archer in the tower, one right next to him, one off to his left, two in front of him, and one behind those two.

The five bandits on the ground rushed Link, but were soon driven back by the Fire Rod, as the Hylian was using the weapon as a staff. He blocked attacks from one, stunned a bandit by hitting him on the head, tripped two more, and finally powered the thing up and burnt the five bandits, making them retreat a bit.

Then, the archer fired again, however, Link dodged the arrow, unslung his bow from his shield, notched an arrow, then fired. In the near distance, the bandit fell from the tower, a hand to his torn neck, then the least injured bandit rushed Link, weapon raised high, before an arrow appeared in his chest and the man fell.

The remaining bandits surrounded Link, weapons raised high. "Give it up kid, can't you see that you're surrounded?", said the one he had blocked attacks from, before the men rushed him.

Stones scattered as the pure blooded war horse thundered down the road to Riverwood, her sides heaving and her eyes rolling from how fast she was being ridden. Of course, she had never been ridden this fast in her life, but there was a sense of urgency, even Epona knew that, and she sensed that something had happened to her friend, to Link.

The mare had been told to wait at the gates of the ruined village, she had heard sounds of fighting, many sounds of fighting, and there had been a scream, a scream that made her want to kill those that had attacked Link, but they were already dead. He reappeared sometime later, his right shoulder wrapped in bloodied bandages, his face pale - a shaking hand was holding a bloodied arrow shaft.

The Hylian hadn't said a word to her as he vaulted onto her back, then, for the first time in his life, Link had kicked Epona in the sides, and she had started to run. She hadn't stopped once since then.

And here they were, two hours later, still running. The gates of Riverwood were in view, the guards were already looking in their direction, obviously concerned, but Link had no intentions of stopping in Riverwood. However, even though he had downed two more health potions, for whatever reason, the arrow wound hadn't healed. In the meantime, he had reslung his bow onto his shield and had slung his shield onto his back.

In the two hours since he had left Helgen, all Link could think about was the fact that he had killed men that most likely had friends, families, but they had tried to kill him, so what was the better reasoning - the fact that he was still alive, and injured, or the fact that he wasn't more wounded than he was?

Link didn't think to stop in Riverwood to stock up on supplies and heal himself, he simply continued on towards Whiterun. In addition to his wounded shoulder, another thing the health potions hadn't healed was a purple toned bruise on his face that was painful to the touch. But the bruise was minor compared to the shoulder wound.

Link wasn't quite sure how he managed to get to Whiterun. He supposed Epona simply knew how to get there, as he certainly didn't remember the journey. It was dawn when the two of them walked up to the main gates. For some reason, they were open, and the guards let Link through without any problems.

Epona simply walked towards Breezehome, the mare's ears flat against her head, as if she was agitated about something. As soon as the horse stopped before the front door to the cottage, Link fell from her back but caught himself on the door handle, pulled himself up, ignored Samson yelling his name, unlocked the door, pushed it open, staggered inside the house, then collapsed before the firepit.

Epona let out a wild bray as Samson ran up to the house and stopped in the doorway. Lydia appeared on the top floor, looking down at the commotion.

"I told him to be careful!" said the woman as she walked down the stairs and knelt next to Link, who showed no signs of waking.

"You." Lydia raised her gaze to Samson. "Go get Farengar. Now!"

The Khajiit didn't need to be told twice and he turned and started to run towards Dragonsreach.

"It's lucky he arrived when he did, a few more hours, and I'm afraid that even with his race's healing abilities, he would have been beyond help." Farengar had been at Breezehome the entire day, tending to Link, and the mage frowned as he examined the arrow shaft that Link was still holding. He gently opened the boy's hand and lifted the arrow shaft to examine it further, noticing that it was broken at the end.

He turned to Samson and gave the cat a binding cloth. "Wrap this around his chest and make sure it's tight, I don't want the poison to spread any further than it already has. I need to cut the arrowhead out as well." The court mage showed Samson how to tie the tourniquet on Link's shoulder and arm before Samson did the same for Link's chest.

The cat felt strange being this close to his friend's skin - at the moment he was wearing naught but a pair of tan breeches, his weapons and other clothing were on a table nearby.

"He has a lot of scars, doesn't he?" Farengar sounded both impressed and worried and Samson nodded, then pulled up a chair and sat down on it, merely looking at his oblivious friend on the bed in the master bedroom of Breezehome. It was going to be a very long night.

Link had no idea where he was for a few moments. Then he recalled Helgen, riding Epona to Whiterun, then the sensation of falling...

He bolted upright, before noticing a tightness on his arm, shoulder, and chest. There were cloth bindings wrapped around them, and besides those, the tan breeches, and the cold metal necklace, he wasn't wearing anything.

"Link! It's about time you woke up!" Samson appeared in his field of vision, his sharp fangs bared in a grin.

Farengar was there as well, looking relieved. "I suppose I would have woken you sooner but I decided not to. Let me remove those cloth bindings for you..."

The mage did just that, then Link got up from the bed and threw on a white cloth shirt and dark blue pants, then half turned to gaze at the two. "Where's my armor?"

Samson smiled. "It was too damaged to be of use. However, you can buy new armor at Warmaiden's. That's the blacksmith next door, in case you didn't know. If you did know, then I suppose I am just reminding you."

Farengar picked up the broken arrow shaft and showed it to Link. "You removed this broken arrow yourself, didn't you? Normally, I'd call you foolish, but I suppose there was no choice in the matter. Where did you get injured, by the way?"

Link lowered his gaze to the wooden planked floor before meeting the mage's gaze. "Helgen. There were eleven bandits. And yes, I did remove the arrow after it was safe to do so."

Farengar shook his head. "You didn't remove all of it, I'm afraid." He picked up a bloodied arrowhead and showed it to Link "This arrowhead was tipped with poison. When you removed the arrow, you only snapped the shaft. You're lucky you didn't die before you reached Whiterun."

Link knew Farengar wanted to know what happened, so he reluctantly told him and Samson his ordeal at Helgen. He told them of killing the two guards with the daggers, killing two bandits, using his magic against a mage, killing him, then getting shot with the arrow, then stabbing a bandit, shooting the archer that had shot him, shooting another bandit, then of the remaining bandits surrounding him. However, at that point, Link stopped speaking and simply gazed at the floor in silence. He then heard Samson say his name, he looked up, half turned, and then the cat hugged him.

Link stood there for a moment, taken aback by the sudden kind gesture, before returning it. Samson stepped back and placed a hand on Link's left shoulder. "You survived that. You will survive whatever happens next, yes?"

Then that cat's gaze settled on something on the table and his blue eyes widened. "Link! The bounty! You remember, we were attacked at that tower, and those Stormcloaks saved us? They found a bounty and gave it to you to turn in at Dragonsreach!"

Link turned back to the table and picked up the bounty and studied it before he placed it back on the table, then started to equip his gear and weapons.

"Where are you going?"

Link ignored the court mage's question for a moment before speaking. "To Dragonsreach, where else?"

"Since you mentioned that you managed to learn Magicka, I have something to give you." Farengar placed two tomes on the table. "These are two healing spells, a bit more advanced than the one you've learned. Go on, I want to see how fast you learn spells."

Link picked up the first tome and read its title. It was called Fast Healing, and he opened the book. but before he could read the first page the book turned into dust!

Seeing the shock and slight panic on Link's face, Farengar chuckled before talking. "I see you can read them like anybody else now." seeing Link get further confused he started explaining. "You see, generally when we write spell tomes, we put an enchantment on the book so when opened they send the information on how to cast the spell directly into the person's mind. It destroys the spell book in the process."

Link took a breath to calm down. yes, he could sense the new information he got from the book. He picked up Dusk, made a small cut on his left arm, then attempted to use the spell. The cut on his arm healed and Farengar grinned.

"Here, try this one, this one is called Healing Hands and you use it to heal others."

The Hylian moved the first tome to the side, took the second tome from the mage, opened it, and it too disappeared into dust, then motioned for Samson to step closer to him, made a small cut on the cat's right arm with Dusk, then recited the new spell.

Just like his own cut, Samson's cut healed as well and Farengar started hopping up and down in excitement, as if he were a small child. "Excellent!"

Ignoring the mage, Link picked up the bounty and showed it to Samson. "You're traveling with me to Dragonsreach, because you're getting half of this."

Proventus Avenicci turned out to be the one that dealt with bounties, and he gave Link the two hundred Septim reward, which he then split with Samson. After the two left Dragonsreach with one hundred Septims more in hand than what they had entered the building, the two parted ways, with Samson returning to his stall while Link ventured down to Warmaidens.

Ulfberth War-Bear and Adrianne Avenicci were discussing various things when Link entered Warmaidens.

"I swear, Ulfberth! How does that Battleborn expect me to complete this order? I'm not even halfway through it yet!"

The man started to reply but then noticed who was standing near the counter. "So you're the new Thane, then? We haven't been properly introduced, I'm Ulfberth War-Bear, and this is my wife, Adrianne Avenicci." Link shook the man's hand, then Ulfberth studied him for a second. "What's your name, son?"

"Link Farmanne."

The man gave a firm nod. "A fitting name. You look like you have the mind to buy something. What can we do for you?" The Hylian looked around the building for a minute, eyed the merchandise on the counter, then moved his gaze to Adrianne.

"I'd like to buy some armor."

Adrianne looked Link up and down, then grinned. "New armor? What happened to that Stormcloak uniform you were wearing?"

"I was too careless and it got slashed."

The woman nodded. "I see."

"What armor do you sell?"

"Iron."

"I think I'll buy a set then."

The blacksmith eyed Link, then nodded again. "Well, I think I have a set in your size. Wait here and I'll go check in the back." Adrianne left the counter and Link was left alone with Ulfberth.

Ulfberth spoke up after a few seconds. "Do you know why this place is named Warmaiden's?"

Link shook his head. "No. Why is this place named Warmaiden's?"

The older man smiled. "This place is named after my wife. Adrianne, her father gave her the nickname when she was just a child. I hear she played around with swords even back then." Ulfberth paused for a second, then spoke again. "Do you know of blacksmithing? I figured since...You seem to know about weapons and armor, that you could help with my wife the order. Now, you don't have to take up on my offer if you don't want to."

Before Link could respond, Adrianne came back with a set of armor and laid it out on the counter. "I've got gauntlets, greaves, a helmet, a pair of boots, and chestplate. Try these on for me, will you? I'll need to adjust them if they don't fit exactly, of course."

After several minutes, Link was wearing the set of armor save for the helmet and the woman was walking around him, adjusting the armor when needed.  "Where are you going that you need this armor anyway?"

"Ustengrav."

Adrianne simply gazed at him. "

Ustengrav

? That's up near Morthal! What are you going there for?"

"The Greybeards asked me to go there to retrieve something for them."

"Oh. Well, in that case, I suppose it's right that you head there." Adrianne stepped back from Link and motioned to the helmet. "Put that on, I want to see how you look in the full set."

Several minutes later, Link found himself outside of Warmaidens, having donned the Iron Helmet and paid Adrianne two hundred and thirty five Septims for the set. He had also bought fifty arrows for fifty Septims. It felt strange wearing armor, more so wearing a helmet. He hadn't been one for armor, for his chainmail under his tunic had been enough. However, Skyrim was a lot different from Hyrule, and that required armor as well as better weapons.

The Hylian decided to chat with Swift and Samson before he left, and as he was walking towards their stall, he realized that he wouldn't have gotten that bruise at Helgen if he had been wearing a helmet. Not that he was going to say that, of course.  However he was slightly worried that although the bruise was gone, where it had been hurt every so often. Link decided it was nothing to worry about and kept walking.

"Link! That armor suits you!" Samson grinned as his friend walked up to the stall and Swift simply stared.

"How can you swing that sword around with arms like that?"

Even though the Argonian and Khajiit couldn't see much of Link's face, his physical reaction told them that he was greatly embarrassed by Swift's comment, as their friend merely looked at the ground and unconsciously shifted from one foot to the other for several seconds.

Finally, he seemed to compose himself. "I've never really thought about it before."

Swift nodded. "I am wondering about that, though. You look like you've never worked a day in your life, yet you obviously swing that greatsword around."

Samson nodded. "I do not understand why you are so embarrassed about your arms. Us Khajiit do not care."

"It's different for you because you have fur."

The cat held out his arms in front of him and studied them for a moment, then noticed Swift grinning at him. "What?"

"Admit it. You're also embarrassed."

"I am not." However the Khajiit eventually caved and dropped his arms to his sides. "Yes. Fine, I am embarrassed as well.  But you have to admit, it is easier to fight is it not?"

"Well, yeah, I mean of course it's easier to fight now because nothing can get caught on things."

Link drew

Numinex's Bane

and spun it above his head in a complete circle before he stabbed the greatsword into the ground and leaned on it.

"So what have you two been up to?"

Swift rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Don't change the subject."

"What?"

Samson gazed at Swift with confusion. "Yes, why are you so eager to not change the subject?"

The Argonian shook her head. "You mean you haven't told him yet? That the two of us are more than just friends now?"

“...You’re

what

?”

A few minutes later, Link found himself walking towards the stables, still not over the fact that Swift and Samson were together. However, his thoughts were interrupted by two voices and he stopped walking as two people were standing off to the side of the road.

The woman shook her head. "By Ysmir, it's true. A jester - funny suit and all. Just north, by the Loreius Farm. Fool had a coffin in a cart, with a broken wheel. Like to see him laugh his way out of that."

The two of them laughed for a bit before the man spoke. "Well, sounds like you've had quite the journey, Uthgerd. But you were gone longer than usual. I got to thinking maybe you weren't coming back..."

The woman named Uthgerd shook her head. "You sound like my ma. Figured I was lying dead in a field somewhere, is that it?"

The Nord shifted a bit and nodded. "Thought did cross my mind, yeah. War brewing, talk of a riot in Helgen, and now jesters? Skyrim's gone mad, girl. You need to be careful out there."

Uthgerd took a few steps back. "Careful, huh? Thanks, Skulvar. I'll remember that. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

Both Skulvar and Uthgerd walked off in different directions, Skulvar was heading in Link's direction and he stopped the Nord.

"I heard something about someone needing help?"

Skulvar nodded. "Yeah. Some fool jester apparently had his wagon break down at the Loreius Farm. He's probably still there. Why, you thinking of helping him?"

Link nodded. "Of course. Besides, that woman, Uthgerd, she said there was a coffin, right?"

He received a nod in response.

"Then I suppose I'd better go help him then."

An hour later, Link rode up to Loreius Farm on Epona, dismounted, and walked up to a strangely dressed man that was currently kicking at a broken down wagon.

The man hurt his foot, grabbed it, and started hopping up and down, but then noticed Link standing there. "Agh! Bother and befuddle! Stuck here! Stuck! My mother, my poor mother. Unmoving. At rest, but too still!"

Link stared at the man for a moment, then, not wanting to seem rude, walked to the side of the wagon and found himself looking at a coffin.

The man spoke. "Poor Cicero is stuck. Can't you see? I was transporting my dear, sweet mother. Well, not her. Her corpse! She's quite dead. I'm taking mother to a new home. A new crypt. But... aggh! Wagon wheel! Damnedest wagon wheel! It broke! Don't you see?"

"Yes..." Link wasn't sure what to make of Cicero; he decided to examine the broken wheel and found that it would need more than just fixing up. It would need to be replaced.

"I suppose I can help you."

The man started to dance around and then jumped up and down. "Oh. Oh yes! Yes, the kindly stranger can certainly help! Go to the farm - the Loreius Farm. Just over there, off the road. Talk to Loreius. He has tools! He can help me! But he won't! He refuses! Convince Loreius to fix my wheel! Do that, and poor Cicero will reward you. With coin! Gleamy, shiny coin!"

After wandering around the farm, Link eventually found a woman that claimed to be Loreius' wife. When asked where he was, the woman pointed towards the farmhouse.

Link ventured inside the farmhouse and found Loreius. When he told the farmer he had spoken with Cicero, the man merely shook his head.

"That Cicero feller? Hmph. Tell me something I don't know. Crazy fool's already asked me about five times. Seems he's not satisfied with my answer. Why can't he just leave us alone?"

"He said he'd pay you for your services."

Loreius shook his head again. "Pay me? You think this is about money? Have you seen the man? He's completely out of his head. A jester? Here, in Skyrim? Ain't been a merryman in these parts for a hundred years. And he's transporting some giant box. Says it's a coffin, and he's going to bury his mother. Mother my eye. He could have anything in there. War contraband. Weapons. Skooma. Ain't no way I'm getting involved in any of that."

"Well, I agreed to help him. And that's what I'm going to do."

Loreius set his jaw in anger. "What? And just who in Mara's name are you, anyway? Hmm? Come here, telling me my business. And for what? To help a... a... a fool!"

“It’s the right thing to do.”

Loreius seemed to come to reason and he nodded. "Look, I... I... You're right. You're right. Feller might be nutters, might not. But fact is, he needs help. I turn him away, what kind of man am I, hmm? Look, um... Thanks. And I'm sorry for my unneighborly reaction. If you talk to Cicero, you be sure and tell him I'll be down to help soon."

Link nodded. "Thank you. I'll let him know."

Link left the farmhouse and returned to the wagon where Cicero was waiting. As he walked up to the wagon, the jester was muttering something like "Poor mother... Her new home seems so very far.."

"Cicero."

The jester looked up at Link with a hope filled face. "Yes? Have you convinced Loreius to help poor Cicero?"

Link hesitated a moment, then nodded. "I did."

Cicero started dancing again. "Oh stranger! You have made Cicero so happy! So jubilant and ecstatic! But more! Even more! My mother thanks you! Here, here. For your troubles! Shiny, clinky gold! A few coins for a kind deed! And thank you! Thank you again." The man tossed a leather pouch of Septims in Link's direction and he caught it.

As the Hylian walked back to Epona, he counted the Septims in the pouch, which was two hundred and fifty.

The mad man continued to speak even as Link vaulted onto Epona's back and rode past him. "I will wait for Loreius! Oh yes, mother and I will wait right here, right here until he fixes our wheel."

Link was currently hiding in a patch of tall grass, merely watching the camp below him. From what he could tell, the camp was surrounded by wooden palisades and the interior had various wooden structures. A few bandits were walking around, not even knowing he was there, and the Hylian silently unslung his bow from his shield, notched an arrow, aimed it towards the closest bandit, then fired.

The bandit fell to the ground, clutching his neck, and the remaining bandits looked up, spotted Link, and started to run towards him.

Link stood up from his hiding place and notched another arrow, then aimed it at the bandits, who for some reason stopped running and looked at something behind him, then ran back towards the camp.

Link stood there for a moment, confused, then he heard Epona let out a wild bray and he half turned, only to see a giant walking towards his horse.

He wasted no time running over to her, vaulted on her back and she took off across the camp, scattering the bandits in every direction. The giant keep his eyes on the horse and walked into the bandit camp, waving his club around.

Link reached to his side and drew

Numinex's Bane

, then nudged Epona to make her start running forwards. Once he was close enough, he swung the greatsword at the giant, slashing his left leg, which caused the giant to roar and swung his club. But the horse and her rider were already gone, having run to the far end of the camp before coming back for another pass. The giant received a slash to the chest this time.

Link and Epona doubled back to the far end of the camp again, before the giant stopped walking and simply met Link's gaze. The two looked at each other for a few seconds before some wordless agreement was met and they started to run at each other, each one's weapon raised high.

Link whistled, which caused Epona to stop dead in her tracks. The Hylian was thrown from the horse's saddle, towards the giant and Link raised the greatsword above his head and stabbed the creature in the chest.

The giant fell to the ground and as Link stood up and cleaned the sword on the grass, the bandits decided to attack as one and ran towards him.

Link walked into the mine, then looked around. There was a pressure plate half buried in the dirt that activated some kind of trap and he bypassed it, then continued walking down the hallway.

A lone bandit was mining some sort of ore and hadn't noticed him yet, so Link raised his bow, notched an arrow, then fired, killing the bandit instantly. Link found a key on the body that unlocked a gate further down the hallway and walked through it.

The Hylian found himself in a somewhat large room. Six bandits appeared to be skinning some sort of massive furred animal that had two horns on its face and a large snout of some sort.

Link ignored them and moved his gaze to the Orc with the fancy armor. He then raised his bow and shot an arrow, only to shoot a bandit that happened to walk in front of the Orc at the time.

The bandits noticed him and drew their weapons, then ran towards Link, but he was faster. He drew the greatsword and shoved the bandits against a nearby wooden fence with the flat of the blade, then used Unrelenting Force to make then fall to the ground below them.

Unfortunately for everyone involved, the sheer power of the Shout caused the oil lamps to fall from the ceiling and break upon hitting the ground. The oil from the lamps reacted to the oily dirt and caught everything on fire, including the bandits. They started running around and screaming until they finally all fell to the ground, dead.

Link was physically fine; mentally and emotionally, that was an entirely different story. Sure, killing people with arrows, swords, and magic was one thing, but seeing them be burnt alive? That was an entirely different kind of horror.

He heard a roar, then received a hit from a war hammer that sent him flying into a wall. Thanks to the armor, he was only bruised, but it still hurt.

Link picked himself up from the ground just in time to see the Orc from earlier running towards him, on fire, a war hammer in his grip.

The Hylian dodged the next attack, drew Dusk, then stabbed upwards. The dagger punched through the Orc's chin up into his brain, which was literally frozen solid, killing the creature instantly.

It took Link a while for him to realize that he was still alive. He didn't know why he was lying on the ground; he presumed he must have fainted after the Orc was killed, however long ago that was.

The Hylian slowly rose to a sitting position, found Dusk lying in the dirt beside him, cleaned off the dagger, and put it away, then got up.

The pain of his injuries finally caught up to him, and Link downed two health potions, then used Fast Healing to take care of the rest. He then noticed that his armor was ruined and he took all of it off, then threw it away from him, leaving him only in his shirt and pants. It was just him in the mine now, so he was in no real danger.

There was a table with a spell tome that said "Alteration". Link picked it up, opened it, and the tome turned to dust. He learned that "Transmute Mineral Ore" turned iron to silver, and silver to gold.

There was a chest nearby the table and the Hylian walked over to it and kicked it open. Inside the chest was a sword, it fit the description of the sword Amren had told him about and he picked it up and secured it next to his greatsword.

There was something else in the chest besides the gold coins and when Link realized what it was, his eyes widened.

Link finally exited the mine. He was wearing new armor, what it was called, he had no idea, but it fit almost

too

well. The Hylian looked around, found Epona, vaulted on her back, and the two were off for Ustengrav.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Two Necromancers were standing besides a fallen pillar, performing various healing spells and wrapping their wounds with cloth bandages. Eventually, one of them spoke. "Those bandits gave us a lot of trouble. Who'd know they'd have a magic user with them?"The other shook her head. "We didn't know. Thankfully we managed to kill them before they could kill us." The man nodded. "Yes. We must be careful, someone else could come along, seeking the treasure that this tomb must hold." Before either Necromancer could say another word, someone walked into view from around a standing pillar. Whoever they were, they wore armor that was surprisingly well fitting for them; the armor appeared to be studded armor at first glance. The warrior had a bow, two daggers, and a sword and shield on his person, beneath his helmet, dirty blonde hair was just visible, and two icy blue eyes gazed at them from the darkness. "What? We must have missed one. And just when we thought we killed them all." The male Necromancer took a step forwards, eyeing the newcomer. "Although you don't look like you'd be much trouble to me."The man nodded to his ally and the two Necromancers began to raise the bodies of the bandits. The warrior took a step back, eyeing the reanimated corpses, then reached to his side, drew his sword, brought his shield to bear, and charged forwards.The warrior, despite not looking like much, soon proved to know how to fight. He ducked and weaved between the reanimated bandits, blocking when necessary, stabbing when the bandits left themselves open. "...Who is this guy..." The male Necromancer looked at his ally, who shook her head in bewilderment. "I have no idea. That blade he's holding is a greatsword, how in the name of Oblivion is he wielding it with one hand?" The man shook his head and then noticed that the bandits had been killed by the warrior, who was now walking towards them, swinging the greatsword without any effort. The Necromancers backed away a bit, before they summoned their magic and began to fight the warrior themselves.The warrior dodged the various spells the two Necromancers shot at him, ran towards the man, then pushed him to the ground. The woman drew a knife and lunged towards the warrior, but he dodged that as well, spun around, and knocked the knife to the ground with a well aimed sword swipe before pushing the woman down to the ground as well. The Necromancers were shocked - the warrior had somehow bested them, and now they were both on their backs before the man, who was looking down at them, his sword raised a bit. "Please don't kill us, if you don't kill us, we'll leave right now and never speak a word of this to anyone." The male Necromancer closed his eyes and simply waited for the blade to kill him, but it never did. The man opened his eyes to find that the warrior was still standing there, looking down at him, then the warrior lowered his sword, then returned it to its scabbard.The Necromancers noticed that the man wasn't going to attack them, so they stood up, backed away, then walked around the man before they started to run towards the door that led outside.The man opened the door and then noticed the woman wasn't behind him; she was behind the pillar close to the door, merely watching the man as he looked around the room, then walked over to an opening in the wall and vanished from view.Link wondered if he did the right thing, letting those two Necromancers go. After all, they could just do what they were doing somewhere else. Or, maybe they had had a change of heart. He was still thinking about the fight when he came across five Draugrs and he made short work of them with Dawn and Dusk. Two minutes after the last Draugr fell, Link found himself in a room full of vases, most of which were intact. He walked up to one and opened it, only to find that there were fifty Septims inside, but they were out of reach.  Link gazed at the coins for a moment, before he stepped back, then kicked the vase over, shattering it when it hit the ground. The Hylian froze, wondering if anyone had heard the vase shatter before he decided not to worry about it. Not one of the vases was left intact, Link figured that if he didn't break them, time and looters would. He supposed he was doing future looters a favor, having already destroyed the vases.When Link finally left the room with vases after acquiring three potions of minor healing, he noticed a table up against the wall and walked up to it. There wasn't anything of value, simply alchemy ingredients and empty tankards. Past the table, further down the hall, was another room filled with vases. In addition to the twelve intact urns, this room contained another table, which held when inspected - a chaurus egg (lying in a cast iron pot), a potion of minor healing, a potion of health, a draught of the healer, and a book called Mystery of Talara, V2. After thinking about it for a moment, Link decided to take everything, including the chaurus egg and book, the egg for alchemy, and the book for further reading.Link left the second room of vases and continued down the hallway, a hand slightly holding his sword's hilt in case anything leapt at him from the shadows. The Hylian reached the end of the hallway and caught a glimpse of a somewhat hidden staircase to his right just before the next room. Link made his way down the staircase slowly, but encountered nothing, not even as he entered the room at the bottom of said staircase. There was a table at the far end of the room that had twelve Septims piled up, and an old bow of some sort. To the left of the table was a partially hidden pull-chain. When Link activated the pull-chain, it revealed a secret passageway. At the far end of the passageway was a lone chest. Link kicked open the chest and its contents were revealed to be the lantern and conveniently, some lantern oil. Link retraced his steps to the hallway after walking back down the passageway and climbing the stairs, then entered the next room.The room consisted of a narrow, two level main chamber with an overlooking balcony. Link stepped into the room and a lone draugr burst from a nearby sarcophagus with a muted roar.As the creature lunged in his direction, Link drew Numinex’s Bane with one hand and used Flames with the other, burning the Draugr first, then slashing at the on fire creature with the blade. The combination of both Flames and the sword attack killed the Draugr, and as it dropped to the ground, another Draugr was alerted by the commotion and as it ran over to Link, yet another Draugr, this one sleeping, was woken up, and it too, headed for the Hylian to attack him. Link once again used the combination of both Flames and his sword to deal with the two Draugr and once the two undead dropped to the ground, he stepped over them and continued on his way. There was an iron battleaxe by the middle alcove and an iron helmet by the last one, however Link ignored them and walked up the stairs to the balcony, where he found a chest, two potions of minor healing, and one Potion of the Knight. The Hero of Twilight then took two steps over to the chest and kicked it open, revealing the contents to be various useless armors and twenty Septims. Link took the Septims and left the armor behind.There was a stone bridge leading to a blackened carved door down a few steps. In the left corner was some sort of crystal and a coin purse that, when inspected, held fifteen Septims.Link took both the crystal and Septims, approached the black carved door, pushed it open, and stepped through.The dual doors slammed shut with an echoing bang, and as Link slowly walked down the few steps that were in front of him, he caught a glimpse of some massive chamber. However, it was too misty to really see much, other than the fact that there were several tall pillars and some flames.The Hylian eventually met a long Draugr after walking down the natural hallway, and he sidestepped the creature, then drew Dawn and stabbed the Draugr in the chest, killing it instantly. As the Draugr fell to the ground, Link caught something in the corner of his vision and he looked up and to his right a bit.There was a massive cavern of sorts, one with five tall pillars and broken stone. There was a natural bridge that disappeared from view, a lone pine tree perched on rocks, and when Link looked down, he saw some sort of light source at the bottom of the cavern, to his left. There was a water source to his right that was fed by a waterfall and more trees. On the far end of the cavern, there were flames. Skeletons were patrolling another ruin and one of them had activated some sort of flame trap. Watching his footing, Link walked over to a wall and sat down on it, merely taking in the sight before him in silent awe.  'I wonder how long it took for them to build all of this.' , he thought as he absentmindedly swung his legs back and forth a few times. 'I imagine it must have taken a few centuries at least. Maybe I can ask Fangerar once I get back to Whiterun. Gods, Whiterun is so far away from here... Hang on, what is that?' Something was shining on a nearby ledge. Link couldn't exactly tell what it was from where he was, so, after making sure he wouldn't fall to his death, he hopped off the wall he was sitting on and slowly made his way to the shining object, which revealed itself to be some sort of shield. There were engraved feathers, eighteen on the outer rim and eighteen on the inner rim. There were several rivets holding the shield together. The feathers went outwards a bit, then curved in a half circle until they came to a point, with room for one more engraved feather in the empty slot between the two shield halves.In the middle of the shield, there was some sort of raised symbol.Link picked it up and placed the other shield he had where the golden shield had been, then tested the new shield's weight. 'It's not the Hylian Shield, but it'll do for now. Speaking of which, I wonder where it is.' After staying where he was for a few moments, Link made his way back to the main hallway and continued onwards. He passed an iron ore vein and stopped before it for a few seconds, before he figured there was more ore veins in Skyrim than the one he was standing in front of, not to mention that he had no current way of mining the ore, and he left the iron ore behind.Link soon came across four pressure plates, the first right one was lit up in flames due to a skeleton resting on said plate, keeping it active. Link tested the other three pressure plates with a nearby rock before determining that the left side was safe to cross.Once the Hylian passed the flame traps, he discovered that the path before him was blocked by fallen rocks, however, there was an open path to his left and he took it. The hallway opened up to a stone bridge that spanned across a room with tables with various food items on them. A lone Draugr noticed Link as he stepped onto the bridge and the creature lunged towards him with its arms outstretched. Link simply side stepped and the creature fell to the stone floor below the bridge. The Hylian quickly crossed the bridge, ran down the rough circle stone staircase, then reached to his side, drew Dusk, flipped it around so the blade was facing outwards, then ran up to the Draugr that was just then getting up and stabbed it in the chest, killing it instantly.This unfortunately altered the other Draugr in the room of Link's presence, and the creature started to run across the other stone bridge, no doubt on its way to attack him. However, the Draugr never even stepped off the bridge, for Link decided to test out his new bow. A lone arrow sailed through the musty ancient air and struck the Draugr in the neck, killing it instantly and causing it to fall off the bridge to the stone floor.The Hero of Twilight paused, then stepped over the dead creature at his feet, then noticed something being held in the Draugr's left hand. Closer inspection revealed the object to be a small bowl of bone meal. Something told Link that Bone Meal was used for alchemy in Skyrim, so he took it from the Draugr and decided to walk around for a bit.From where he was currently standing, he noticed that there were several tables all around him - five up against the left wall, a table directly to his right, two more further into the room on the right side before a platform, and one more on the other side of the platform. Link approached the tables near the platform first, only to find that the table had various food items on it. He decided to pass up on the food for now as he had no idea how long it had been sitting there and decided not to risk it. There was only a sheaf of wheat on the table on the other side of the platform and he ignored that as well. There was a lit brazier on the platform, and behind that was a stone throne. 
'I suppose this must have been some sort of meeting hall. But why so far underground?'
The Hylian walked over to the five tables and found a charred hide of some creature. His instincts once again told him that this hide was used for alchemy, so he took it. There were other items on the one table, including a branch of lavender and a purple mountain flower, among other things. Link took the lavender branch and flower for later potion making, made his way to the other side of the room, pushed open a door, and found himself in a small room that housed a chest and a stone table that had two potions of minor healing on it.When inspected, the chest held various pieces of useless armor and ten ancient arrows. Link took the arrows, left the armor behind, then climbed a nearby staircase, crossed the second bridge, then entered the next room.The room he was in looked rather bare, save for a few sarcophagi. However, there was a small room to his left that was blocked by two barred gates. The solution to opening said gates was apparent - there was one pull-chain beside the gates, and one more beside a lone sarcophagus to the west of the gates. Link approached the pull-chain to the west first, activated it, then as the second gate retracted, two Draugr awoke - one from the sarcophagus right next to him, the other from another sarcophagus to the north.The Hylian waited until the two Draugr were walking over the oil slick that was between the two sarcophagi, then used Flames to set the undead creatures on fire. Link then retreated to the gate that was still down, pulled the chain to his right, and stepped into the small room before him as the two Draugr burnt up into piles of ash.The room contained a chest and a table that had several things on it - a dagger, a potion of healing, an empty soul gem, and a potion of magicka. Link walked up to the chest and opened it, inside was a simple gold ring and a necklace that appeared to be slightly glowing with a blue hue. The Hylian took both the ring and the necklace, closed the chest, then approached the table. He had only seen two of these before now, one at Orphan Rock, the other in Farengar's study. The mage had called them arcane enchantment tables. There were two Soul Gems on the enchantment table. One was slightly glowing, while the other was dim, signifying that it was empty. Link picked up the filled Soul Gem and looked at it for a second, then at the gold ring., then at the glowing necklace. Link placed the necklace he had found on the table, expecting something to happen, but nothing did. He remembered Farengar doing something to some object and looked down at the glowing necklace, then placed a hand on the table and leaned forwards a bit, trying to study the runes carved into the arcane table.As he did this, Link happened to glance up at the necklace and stared at it as the object started to grow brighter, and brighter, until it was gone. However, where the necklace had been, were now blue tinted runes, floating in the air above the table. The Soul Gem fell to the dirt floor when this happened but Link paid no attention as he heard something in his head.Two words. Resist Frost. The runes then vanished and the Hylian merely stood there before the table, trying to figure out what had just happened.He decided to believe that what had just happened was a side effect of Skyrim's magic, much like the spell tomes, then decided to see if he could enchant the ring much like using spells after placing said ring on the arcane enchanting table.Nothing happened. After a moment, Link placed his hands on the table and leaned forwards a bit, then mentally focused on the enchantment he had just learned. Yet, again, nothing happened. The boy took a step back from the table, then picked up the Soul Gem from where it had fallen, thought twice about using it, and hesitantly placed it next to the ring. After that, he had a notion that perhaps it would help the enchantment process if he once again placed his hands on the table and leaned forwards a bit. The crystal shattered and tendrils of energy surrounded the golden ring before the Resist Frost runes appeared above the ring and then imbued themselves into the metal of the ring. The ring then began to take on the same blue glow the necklace had had. After donning the newly enchanted ring, Link left the small room and walked through the tunnel to the west, up some stairs - stopping to pick up what appeared to be a healing potion - before traveling north.The tunnel eventually opened up to the main chamber.  There was a stone path heading left that had collapsed and it led down to the main room. Three skeletons wielding bows were walking back and forth across the chamber, while another two were patrolling a hallway along the south and west walls. Link took his time walking down the stone path and eventually reached the floor of the main chamber. The five skeletons hadn't noticed him yet, and he dispatched all of them with five well aimed arrows. he then walked around the chamber, finding an alcove with a petty soul gem, a garnet, and a flawless garnet that was past a flame spout trap, a chest that held twenty arrows, and another alcove that was well lit at the left of the bottom of the entrance pillar that held a potion of minor healing, a potion of minor magicka, and a chest that held fifteen ancient arrows.Link approached the throne that was in the northwestern corner and shot the sleeping skeleton that was sitting in it with a well placed arrow before it could wake up, then took the two minor healing potions, one atop each pillar that were standing on either side of the throne.The Hero of Twilight then headed east, down a spiral dirt path that gradually sloped down to the waterfall he had seen earlier, and then stopped dead in his tracks just before the underground stream. Chanting. For a moment, Link didn't remember why this chanting was so familiar, then he realized what the chanting meant. On the other side of the stream was a Word Wall.
'Why didn't I hear the chanting before I started walking down the path? it's certainly loud...I have a feeling I'm going to be finding these Word Walls in the most unexpected places.'
The Hylian eventually found a stone path that he used to cross the stream and approached the stone structure that towered over him. As he did so, Link's vision started to blur and he tried to focus on the glowing symbols that were engraved on the wall. Eventually he couldn't even make out the symbols, rather just that there was this blue glow. Then he could see again, the glow was gone, and there was now a single word in his head. Feim. Link stood there for a moment, wondering what the word Feim meant, then found himself looking at the waterfall. Due to his experience in traveling through various dungeons and hidden locations, Link knew a thing or two about secrets. 
'I bet there's something back there. Even if there isn't at least I checked.'
The Hylian looked back at the now silent Word Wall for a moment before he walked up to the waterfall, hesitated for a second, then walked through it.There was in fact something behind the waterfall. There was a passageway, and a small cave. There was a chest and a sleeping Draugr; it was no doubt guarding the chest. Link walked down the passageway, drew Dawn, and stabbed the undead creature when he got close enough, killing it instantly. He then turned his attention to the chest and saw a sword leaning against it. Link picked up the sword and examined it, then swung it once, noting that the strange sword didn't seem to feel too off balance. He decided to take it with him and ask someone about it later. The chest held one garnet, ten Septims, and a minor stamina potion. The Hylian then spent a few minutes walking back down the passageway, past the waterfall, back up the spiral dirt path, and across a stone bridge to the east.Directly in front of him were three stone posts arranged in a triangle with a series of closed gates straight ahead.  A lone skeleton was walking along a walkway above the gates and Link promptly shot the undead creature with a single arrow, killing it instantly. The Hylian then walked up the stairs to his right and checked the two burial urns, finding that the first one held twenty Septims, while the other held a silver garnet ring. After taking the ring, the Septims, and a single potion of minor healing that was sitting between the two burial urns, Link walked back down the stairs and over to a dead Draugr, where he found a potion of minor magicka. He then returned to the stone posts and examined them.One lit up, causing Link to take a step back and he watched as it turned off. After a few seconds, he walked up to the first one again, saw that it, again, lit up, and then walked forwards, causing the other two posts to light up. In response, the gates opened before him and then slammed shut as the three posts grew dim. 
'So these posts control the gates opening...Interesting. It seems like speed is required...That's it! This must be a test to see if I know Wuld! I think the Greybeards were preparing me for this with that test they gave me.'
Link walked back to the first post, eyed the gates, then took off at a run, once  he passed the three stones, the gates opened, and he Shouted. "Wuld!"  Time seemed to stop as he used Whirlwind Sprint. Link shot across the stone platform and through the gates just in time, as all three closed behind him as he came to a stop in another room.Link found himself in a room filled with rubble and raised plates. There was a raised platform before him with a lit brazier in the middle and he walked up to it, then tested one of the raised plates. Nothing happened and Link stepped onto the raised platform and walked across it to the other side. More raised plates were on the ground before him, before he could move, a frostbitten spider dropped to the ground on one of the raised plates, and then was burnt alive by flames. Due to some trial and error, Link figured out that all of the raised platforms were flame traps, however, he eventually discovered that he could cross the room by walking on the fallen rubble that was everywhere. Another frostbitten spider dropped down at one point, but it landed on a flame trap, and it too was burnt alive.The Hero of Twilight finally made it across the room and to another raised platform.There were two egg sacs in a corner on the raised platform and when Link examined them, they held two Spider Eggs each. He took them, as he figured they would be useful for alchemy. He then walked further into the room, where two Frostbitten Spiders dropped from the ceiling.Link used Flames on one, then decided to test the new sword he had picked up and stabbed the other spider in the head, killing it instantly. He then attempted to wipe off the blade on the spider's corpse and took a few steps forward, then leapt back as a massive spider lunged forwards, beady eyes glinting in the musty air.Link raised the new sword he had acquired and ran forwards, then attempted to stab the giant frostbite spider in the abdomen. He was swatted away by two of the spiders legs and he retreated around twenty paces back, then sheathed his sword, unslung his bow from his shield, and started firing arrows. Ten in all. The giant spider hissed at him as each arrow found their mark in its body, then, before Link could react, the thing charged at him and spat poison. As Link tried to figure out what he was going to do about the dead spider being pinned by the gate, the adrenaline faded and with it, came the realization that he had in fact been poisoned.  He tried to distract himself from the steadily growing pain as he knelt down and rummaged through his knapsack. 
'No antidote...Great. I think healing potions will work.'
Link downed five minor healing potions and waited a few seconds. The pain decreased somewhat, however it was still there. He then used Fast Healing several times until the pain was at a much more manageable level. Then Link noticed that he felt as if something was missing. On a whim, he tried to cast Fast Healing again, but nothing happened. He tried to cast the other two Healing spells he knew, and then Flames. Again, nothing happened.Knowing that he couldn't do anything about his current condition, Link realized that he could, at least, retain some of his magical prowess. He downed one minor Magicka potion and waited. He started to feel somewhat normal a few seconds later - his ability to use spells had returned but he didn't want to risk it. Instead, Link got up and pulled the chain again, however, nothing happened, as the gate was stuck in the spider's corpse. He spent a few minutes using his super strength to first lift up the gate, then to pull the spider from said gate and dragged it to the right side of the hallway. As soon as he did this, the gate slammed up into the ceiling and he was able to enter the next room. Link found himself in a well lit chamber. Down the steps was a walkway that was surrounded by water. At the end of the walkway was a stone coffin. As Link made his way down the steps, four blackened stone statutes rose out of the water and he stopped walking and merely watched the statues until they had stopped moving. 
'That's possibly the first time I've seen something like that. It'd be more amazing if I wasn't poisoned. I hope I can get back to Whiterun soon...'
Link walked down the walkway and up to the coffin, expecting the horn to be there. It wasn't. Instead, there was a folded note on top of the coffin. Link took the note, unfolded it, and read it. "You mean I came all this way for nothing?"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Link felt extremely sickened by the sight before him, yet, he couldn't stop looking at it - the burnt carcass of a horse, strung up on a wooden pike over a smoldering campfire.The exploring of Ustengrav hadn't been a complete loss, as he had acquired useful items and more Septims, however, the fact that someone had been there before him and had stolen Windcallers horn was albeit mildly infuriating. Link had, after raiding the vault behind the tomb, eventually left Ustengrav via a secret passage and walking back through the Nordic Ruins. It had been early evening when he pulled open one of the twin wooden doors and stepped out into the stone laden pit. From there, he had climbed the stairs and greeted Epona as she trotted up to him. Foolish as it was, Link had decided to try to race the sun in order to get back to Whiterun before nightfall, but that was not to be the case. Five hours later, Ustengrav was well behind them and the nearest resting place was a giant camp, known as Bleakwind Basin. And that was how he ended up in the current situation.As Link got up from the flat rock he had been sitting on for the past few minutes and slowly approached the charred horse carcass, he realized the horrifying implications of the giant trying to steal Epona away at the bandit camp, and he stopped walking for a moment. ‘It's certainly a good thing that I killed it.’ Since he was close enough, Link decided to inspect the dead horse to determine how it died, and, after walking around it a few times, determined that it had died naturally; whether it was from sickness or from old age, he couldn't tell, but there were no broken bones or signs that the horse had suffered, which was good.His stomach then reminded him that he hadn't eaten anything in at least five hours and he felt faint for just a moment but the feeling passed. ‘Well, I know it's a horse and all but it died naturally, it's already cooked thoroughly…’ Link reached to his side and drew Dawn, looked at the fiery dagger for a second, flipped it around so the blade was facing outwards, and then remembered Epona was standing somewhere behind him. The Hylian half turned to face his horse, waiting to see how she'd react, but the mare merely nodded her head and pawed the grass with a lone hoof. In other words, she didn't mind at all. "I mean, you eat meat, too. Remember when I gave you some cooked Cucco that one time?" Epona nodded again and trotted up to Link, then gently nudged him with her head."Alright, alright, I get it."Link stepped up to the charred horse, raised the dagger, and attempted to cut into the side of the dead horse. However, it didn't work very well. The Hero of Twilight stepped back a few paces and then decided to cut the carcass before him from the pikes. After he did that, he dragged the dead horse off of the campfire by a leg and then tried to cut into its' side again. This time he was a bit more successful, though not by much, and Link lowered the dagger. 'Well, I have two options. Either I use the greatsword, or I turn wolf. Turning wolf seems the better option to me.' And that's exactly what he did.Moments later, the black fog dissipated and the wolf stepped up to the dead horse, then bit into its' side, eventually tearing off some meat. He dropped it to the grass before him, then went off in search of other food. Link eventually found what appeared to be some sort of cheese in a leather barrel with three sticks, so, after returning to normal, he took what he could carry and returned to where he had dropped the meat. The Hylian sampled the cheese first, finding it to be somewhat musty but yet palatable. 'Not bad. I think it'd go well with Honey Nut Bread and Spiced Cider.' He then, after some hesitation, sampled the horse meat. ‘Interesting. Certainly has a unique taste.’ Link then glanced up at Whiterun, which was just visible in the distance, and then looked back at the setting sun to the west. He then looked at Epona, who was now laying beside him. “How about we rest here for a bit?” A lone guard was patrolling his post outside the gates when he saw a horse and her rider approaching. He stopped them by raising a hand and the rider stopped, having been revealed to be a man no older than sixteen at best. "Isn't it a bit early for one such as yourself to be out at this hour? State your name and reason for being here." The horse shifted beneath the young man as he spoke. "I live here. In Breezehome, and my name is Link Faremanne." "You're the new Thane, aren't you? My apologies, it's just that I didn't expect you to be so...Young. How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?""Seventeen." The guard nodded. "Only seventeen, eh? You've got some growing up to do, I reckon." He stepped forwards, up to Link's mare. "I've never seen a horse like this before. Do you know her breed?""Hylian Thoroughbred.""Never heard of it." The guard stepped back and waved a hand. "Reckon you've got things to do, you being the Thane and all. Carry on." Link nodded and nudged his mare in the side, to which the horse started walking, then trotting, and then ended up galloping down the stone road towards Whiterun.Link entered Whiterun a few minutes later and said hello to various passerby as he walked towards Breezehome. He thought about talking to Adrianne and Ulfberth but decided not to; Link instead found the spare key hidden under a nearby stone and opened the door to Breezehome, then stepped inside and closed the door. He stood in the entranceway for a moment, taking in the sights before him, before he shrugged off his knapsack and placed it on a nearby wooden table, then started to rummage through it and take out what he didn't need."Link?"He froze, holding a potion of health before setting it down on the table. Lydia was standing at the foot of the stairs, watching him."It seems you've been on quite an adventure, haven't you?" Link placed more potions on the table - a potion of the knight, one stamina potion, one weak healing potion, and one draught of the healer. He then placed the Chaurus Egg, two spider eggs  bone meal, lavender branch, purple mountain flower, flawless garnet and ruby and the non flawless garnet on the table as well. He also added the book he had found, which was a copy of Mystery of Talara V2.  "I wouldn't call it that, more like exploring places."Lydia smiled, walked over to Link, then looked over the items on the table. "More alchemy ingredients... Do you plan to make more potions any time soon?"Link shook his head. "Not right now. I need to return Nettlebane to the priests at the temple and give Amren his sword back." His bodyguard picked up the alchemy ingredients and stepped back from the table. "You're leaving now?""I guess. Don't worry I'll come back to see you before I head for Riverwood.""Riverwood? Why are you going there?" Link hesitated. 'Nay it, should I show her the letter? ...No, I won't.' "I need to pick up something there."If Lydia caught the lie, she didn't say anything. "Samson and Swift have been asking where you went, by the way."The Hylian was already standing on the eighth step up but he half turned and gave Lydia a nod. “Okay. I’ll go talk to them."He then took the last six steps two at a time, took a right, walked down the short hallway and entered his room. After thinking about it, Link left half of his Septims - seven hundred and twenty five - in a nearby chest, then stood there for a moment. 'I really don't want to admit it but Breezehome is a lot nicer than my tree house back in Ordon.' Link then left his room, walked back the way he came, down the fourteen steps, said goodbye to Lydia, then left Breezehome."Armen!" The Redguard turned around to see Link walking towards him, and he hailed the Hylian. "Hello, Link, what can I do for you?" Link held up the sword he had been carrying and Armen's eyes widened. "You found it?! Thank you!"Armen took the sword from Link and drew it, then smiled at him."So, you took down all those bandits by yourself?" As Link nodded, Armen grinned openly. "I want to repay you somehow. Ah, I know, I'll teach you a sword and shield technique my father was known for."A few minutes later, Link had learnt the technique and had said goodbye to Armen; he was now walking towards the Temple of Kynareth when he heard a familiar voice."Link! There you are!"Samson waved him over to his and Swift's stall and when Link approached, Swift hugged him and he returned it, then stepped back. The Khajiit grinned. "Heard you went tomb raiding. How'd it go.""Somewhat successful. I mean I found a garnet and a flawless ruby I can sell for Septims.""Wait." Swift interrupted Link and he patiently waited for her to speak. "You found flawless gemstones?!""Yeah. I've got a feeling I'll find more, too."Samson's grin grew wider. "If and when you find more, save some for us, will you?"Link waved a hand. "Yeah. Maybe.""Maybe?"Swift gave Samson a look and he grew quiet, then spoke again. "So... uh, what do you plan on doing now?""I have to go to the Temple of Kynareth to give them this" he showed the Argonian and Khajiit Nettlebane and their eyes widened. "I found it in a Hagraven nest at Orphan Rock.""What will it be used for?"Link handed Samson the dagger and he inspected it, with Swift looking over his shoulder, then the cat handed the object back to Link. "Apparently it's to be used in restoring the Gildergreen, though I don't know the exact details."Swift nodded and pulled on Samson's arm to lead him back behind their stall. "We won't keep you waiting then. You can come back later if you need help with something, we'll be happy to help.""I will." Link started to walk away, then stopped, walked back, stepped behind the stall to hug Swift and shake Samson's hand (the two hugged afterwards), and then left the stall for the Temple.Link felt oddly at home as he stepped inside the Temple of Kynareth. From where he was standing, he saw several wooden benches in the middle of the room, three healing altars, a mosaic tiled pattern in the floor, and two people being treated by healers. One of them was wearing armor and when Link approached, the man simply looked up at him with a glazed over and pained look before looking up at the ceiling."What happened to him?"The healer tending to the man before Link lifted their head a bit and spoke.  "He was stabbed while fighting off bandits. His wounds will heal, although the healing process will take time." The priest stood upright and looked down at Link. "And you are? Wait, don't tell me. Yes, you're Link, aren't you? What are you doing here? You don't require healing, do you? I'm Jenssen, by the way, I'm the Acolyte here.""Fortunately, no, I'm just here to talk to Danica."Jenssen waved a hand. "She's talking to someone right now but you're welcome to walk up to her if you want. Maybe she'll notice you.""Thanks." "No problem, if you have any other questions, just ask."Link left the man to heal the guard and walked across the room over to Danica, who, just as Jenssen said, was talking to someone."What is it... what has happened to the Gildergreen? I have traveled long here to worship beneath its branches." The man speaking stepped close to Danica, who shook her head."It was taken by a lightning strike. Wish I had time to deal with it, but it's hard enough with all these wounded from the war." She looked past the man and across the room before moving her gaze back to the man before her."Please, don't just let it stay like this. It's disgraceful."Danica sighed and threw her hands up for a moment before dropping them to her sides. "I really don't have time to deal with you right now. Please just let me get back to my work.""But this is supposed to be your work." However, the priestess had turned away from the man, and as he walked away, Danica noticed Link and motioned for him to come closer."So, have you gotten Nettlebane back from those filthy Hagravens yet?"He nodded. "I've found Nettlebane for you."Danica adjusted her robes a bit and then smiled. "Oh, I... well, I honestly didn't expect you to come back. Of course, I'm glad you did!" Upon seeing the dagger in person, the smile faded a bit. "Now... I don't really want to touch that thing, though. Do you think you can handle the next steps?""What needs to be done?"Danica nodded. "Eldergleam's sanctuary grove is to the east of here. You can use Nettlebane to retrieve some of its sap."As Danica left Link to deal with the wounded soldiers, the man she had spoken to earlier got up from the chair he had been sitting in and walked up to Link. "Was I correct in hearing that you were traveling to the grove of the Eldergleam?""Can I help you?""I am a traveler. A pilgrim. I follow the voice of Kynareth wherever it can be heard. I've dreamed of seeing Eldergleam for years. Might I travel alongside you? I promise not to get in the way."Link debated not taking someone with him but then decided that if something were to happen along the way, it would be better than dealing with whatever happened by himself. "You're welcome to join me."The pilgrim smiled warmly. "I thank you for your kindness."Link left the temple with the pilgrim following him."I suppose you don't know my name, it is Maurice Jondrelle. If I am to travel with you, I would like to know your name."Link stopped walking and looked up at the dead tree towering overhead before he glanced towards Maurice. "Link Farmanne, and just to let you know, I have something that needs to be seen to in Riverwood before we can go to the sanctuary. You don't mind if we go there first, do you?"Maurice shook his head. "Not at all. Should we leave at once, then?"Link nodded and he led the pilgrim through Whiterun, until he stopped at Samson and Swift's stall in the market.The Khajiit saw him first and waved. "Hello, Link. Where are you going?""First to Riverwood to deal with something, then I'm taking Maurice" - here the pilgrim bowed in greeting - "with me to the Eldergleam Sanctuary."Swift spoke up, her blue eyes flickering between the clothing she was mending and Link. "You're going there? That's great. Sam and I haven’t been but I’ve heard the entire place is amazing."Link and Maurice rode into Riverwood on Epona. They hadn't been attacked by anything while traveling, and so they were able to get to Riverwood faster than Link anticipated. After finding some place to house Epona, Link looked around Riverwood, noting that nothing had changed since he had left the village seven days ago, then stepped into the Sleeping Giant Inn and took out the letter he had found in Windcaller's tomb.
Dragonborn --

I need to speak to you. Urgently.

Rent the attic room at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood, and I'll meet you.

-- A friend
'Well, I'm here... Guess I rent the room now.' Link folded the letter and returned it to his knapsack, then looked around. People of all sorts of races and backgrounds were seated at wooden tables, drinking and talking to each other. Towards the back of the room was a counter, in the middle of the room was a fire pit, and three doorways leading to unknown rooms.Maurice decided to get a drink and sit at a nearby table as Link walked across the room, past the fire pit, and up to the counter, where a woman was counting Septims. "Yes? How can I help you?""I'd like to rent the attic room."The woman looked confused. " Attic room, eh? Well...we don't have an attic room, but you can have the one on the left. Ten Septims. Make yourself at home."The woman led Link to the left room and left him to his own devices.Strangely enough, there was no one in the room and Link wondered if the letter had been addressed to someone else. He then heard footfalls behind him and he turned, only to see the barkeeper standing in the doorway."So you're the Dragonborn I've been hearing so much about. I think you're looking for this." The woman was holding an aged horn and she held out to Link, who took it. The woman then stepped back out of the room. "We need to talk. Follow me."She led Link from the rented room, across the tavern, and into another room, and then instructed him to close the door.As he did so, the woman opened the room's wardrobe and used a false panel to reveal a hidden passage behind the wardrobe, with steps leading down into some sort of basement.Before she descended into the basement, the woman looked back at Link. "I never got your name.""Link Farmanne. Yours?""Delphine, now, follow me, there's much to discuss."After walking down the stairs, Link found himself in a well lit room with a central table and walls lined with bookshelves and chests.Laying on the central table was a map of some sort and a copy of the Book of the Dragonborn. Link stepped up to the table to get a closer look at the map but Delphine stepped in front of him. "Now we can talk. The Greybeards seem to think you're the Dragonborn. I hope they're right."Link took a step backwards to put some space between both of them. "The Greybeards are right. I am Dragonborn."Delphine gave Link a cynical look. "I hope so. But you'll forgive me if I don't assume that something is true just because the Greybeards say so. I just handed you the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Does that make me Dragonborn, too?"The Hylian narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms in a defensive position. "So what's the part you're not telling me?""Dragons aren't just coming back, they're coming back to life. They weren't gone somewhere all these years. They were dead, killed off centuries ago by my predecessors. Now something's happening to bring them back to life. And I need you to help me stop it.""What makes you think dragons are coming back to life?" Link asked, wondering.Delphine nodded. "I know they are. I've visited their ancestral burial mounds and found them empty. And I've figured out where the next one will come back to life. We're going to go there, and you're going to kill that dragon. If we succeed, I'll tell you anything you want to know."At this, Link let his arms fall to his sides and he attempted to look at the map, yet Delphine didn't move from where she was standing. "How did you figure all this out?""You should know. You got the map for me. The dragonstone you got for Farengar, remember?"This got Link's attention. "The dragonstone was some kind of map?""Yes. A map of ancient dragon burial sites." Delphine stepped aside and let Link look at the map on the table. "I've looked at which ones are now empty. The pattern is pretty clear. It seems to be spreading from the southeast, starting in the Jeralls near Riften." The woman pointed at Kynesgrove's location on the map. "The one near Kynesgrove is next if the pattern holds.""So Kynesgrove is we're headed?"Delphine looked down at the map and nodded again. "Yes. If we can get there before it happens, maybe we'll learn how to stop it."At this, Link stepped back from the table and shook his head. "Hold on. I'm not ready to go yet."Delphine sighed in annoyance. "I can't wait around for you to make up your mind. I'll meet you at Kynesgrove. Don't waste time getting there."The two left the room and returned to the main hall. Maurice looked up as Link walked up to him. "Well?""We're leaving."The pilgrim nodded and he followed Link outside as Delphine walked down the steps in front of them, then turned around."I suggest we split up. I'll go to Kynesgrove now, and you do whatever you need to do before you join me there."The woman whistled for a horse, leapt into its saddle, and took off before Link could say anything. He felt Maurice staring at his back and he half turned to face him. "Kynesgrove? What is at Kynesgrove?" "Nothing you need to worry about. Let's get to the sanctuary."The hot springs were certainly interesting. Epona took her time crossing them, going out of her way to avoid stepping in the hot pools of water on some occasions. Link was currently reading his own copy of the Book of the Dragonborn, having been reminded he had picked it up during his escape from Helgen twelve days ago. 'Have I really been in Skyrim twelve days?' He looked down at the last page and reread the passage called "The Prophecy of the Dragonborn". 'So this prophecy involves me? I'd like to think so. I'll talk to either Delphine or Arngeir when I next see them.' Link reread the passage again, then closed the book and put it away in his knapsack before he looked up at the sight before him. 'Let's see... After I leave the Eldergleam Sanctuary, I suppose I'll take the horn back and then get to Kynesgrove.' "Kynesgrove... Why does it sound so familiar." Link must have said it a bit louder than anticipated because Maurice answered him. "Kyne is Kynareth in the Nordic pantheon. Kynareth is from the Imperial Nine Divines, and Kyne is her equivalent. The other Divines have different names here as well."A distant roar got their attention and both of them looked up."What... What do you suppose that was?"  Maurice asked, looking afraid.Link narrowed his eyes and set his jaw as he saw something moving in the clouds. "I have a pretty good idea." He stopped Epona and then leapt down, Maurice panicking."What are you doing? Why are we stopping?""That's for me to know, and for you to find out. Stay here." With that, he started to walk away and stopped around fifty paces from the horse and pilgrim, then reached to his side and drew Numinex’s Bane.The shape in the clouds soon revealed itself to be a dragon and the beast soon circled and then flew down to land before Link, its head held high and its eyes locked onto him.
"Dovahkiin. It would be an honor to Grah (battle) you. Let me taste your Thu'um, Kiir!"
Link grinned, flipped his sword around, and merely said "Sure", before he Shouted. "Fus, Ro!" A shockwave hit the dragon and sent it stumbling back, before it recovered, growled, and used a shout Link hadn't heard before. "Ven... Gaar Nos!" A powerful wind slammed into Link and threw him back a few feet, leaving several gashes on his face when it dissipated.  "You do not know a full Shout yet, do you?" The dragon eyed him for a moment, then rushed forwards, maw open wide.Link waited until the last second, then kicked off the ground, sword raised, and attempted to stab the dragon in the head.The sword bounced off, and the dragon shook its head and threw Link to the ground before it, then pinned him with its wing-claw. "Your Zun will not harm me." The dragon then reared its head back and brought it down, only to ram it into Link's shield. "Ruth!" it cursed, shaking its head before it growled and breathed fire.Before the fire reached him, Link Shouted again. "Wuld!" A second later he was a few feet from the blood dragon and standing, eyeing the beast with determined eyes. The dragon turned to face him and roared, then charged at him.Link went to stab the dragon but then the beast shouted. "Feim!" To his surprise his attack went right through the dragon it as became see-through. Link nearly fell but caught himself just in time for the dragon to swat him away with a wing as it became solid again, causing him to actually fall this time. The dragon then breathed fire.Link threw himself to the side to dodge the dragon and when he got back up he saw Maurice punching the dragon's side. Before he could say anything the dragon hit the pilgrim with its wing and the man dropped, then got up with an excited look on his face. "Haha! I love a challenge!" he yelled before ducking to avoid another wing swipe.Link merely stared at him before shaking his head slightly and then noticed that the dragon had left itself open. The Hylian took the distraction as a sign to attack the dragon and so he ran up to it and stabbed it in the mouth with his sword, the blade piercing the roof of the dragon's maw, causing the beast to shake its head and throw Link backwards.He was now without a sword but then he got an idea. Link unhooked the Fire Rod from his shield, primed it, then aimed the weapon at the dragon's open mouth. He then fired the weapon and a column of fire shot from the rod and into the dragon's mouth, setting it on fire, then the beast started to burn from the inside out.As the dragon's flesh burned away, white tendrils of energy began to flow from its skeleton towards Link and surrounded him, then vanished. Link was struck by... something, 'Fade...' , he not only knew what 'Feim' meant, he knew what Feim meant, 'Can I...?' "Feim!" He didn't feel at all different, but Maurice was looking at him with wide eyes."You... You're Dragonborn?! Why, you must be, you killed that dragon and must have absorbed its soul... And now look at you, it's as if you're a spirit!""What do you mean?" Link asked in confusion.Maurice pointed at him. "Your body is almost see through. Look."The Hero of Twilight raised his left hand a bit and saw that it did appear to be almost see through. He realized what this meant a second later. 'So I can't be harmed when I'm like this? I get the feeling that, perhaps, if someone tried to cast a flame spell, I wouldn't be hurt, but I could run towards them and hurt them instead.’  He returned to normal and after deciding to ask the Greybeards about this later, Link walked up the dragon's corpse and retrieved his sword from its mouth, then turned to look at Maurice. "I can heal you if you want."The pilgrim smiled slightly. "Oh, I suppose you think you're better than me just because you can cast a few spells?""No." Link walked over to Maurice and used Healing Hands on him, then helped the pilgrim up onto Epona's back, leapt into her saddle and they continued towards the sanctuary.While he kept his eyes to their destination, Link smiled, "You know, Maurice, I didn't know you had it in you to fight like that." Link heard the pilgrim chuckle behind him as Epona kept walking."You'd be surprised. Even though I carry no weapons, I think of myself as someone skilled in hand to hand combat."They both shared a laugh and kept moving.Link and Maurice stepped into the cave, having left Epona to wait outside. There wasn't much to see, just rock walls and a somewhat steep gravel incline before them."Are you sure this is the right place, Maurice?" Link questioned as he gave the pilgrim a confused look. The man nodded."Yes, I am certain of it, just walk down this path and you'll be in the cavern shortly."Link took his time walking down the gravel incline, but nothing prepared him for the awesome sight of the cavern when it opened up. Various plants and flowers that he had never seen before were everywhere, waterfalls cascaded down rock walls in the distance and there was a massive tree that towered over him at the far end of the cavern. "Remarkable, isn't it?"He turned to face Maurice and could only nod, unable to find the words to describe the sights around him. The Pilgrim smiled."I'm also awestruck."Link turned back to face the cavern and took a few steps forward, then finally spoke. "I think I could stay here all day."Maurice walked past him and kept walking. "You may come here as often as you like, I see a wooden bridge over here, I believe we cross it." The two found said wooden bridge and began to cross it when they were hailed by a man who was sitting on a ledge. "Hello there, friend. My name is Sond. Have you come to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful sanctuary, as I have? Truly remarkable, isn't it? If you have any questions, speak to Asta, she's just sitting over there, by the pool up ahead." The man waved a hand to his left, past the bridge, and then stood up from the ledge and walked away.Link crossed the bridge while Maurice decided to go on ahead and eventually found a woman sitting by a pool fed by a waterfall. The woman looked up as he approached and smiled. "Hello, my name is Asta. Amazing that such beauty could exist in a place as desolate as the volcanic tundra. Praise Kynareth for allowing such beauty in the world."Link looked around him. "What is this place?""You are in Eldergleam Sanctuary - just a small glimpse of what beauty Kynareth has to offer. Wonderful place, isn't it??Link sat down next to the woman and looked up at the tree overhead. "Yes. And that tree, is that the Eldergleam?"Asta nodded. "Yes, my friend. Though no one has been able to get close to her for as long as I can remember.""Why not?"The woman waved a hand upwards. "As you can see, Eldergleam's roots are large and stretch far, blocking any path to her trunk. Though, believe it or not, there are rumors of a weapon that even Eldergleam herself would lift her roots for, more out of fear than respect." 'One weapon, huh?' "You mean..." Link reached to his side and drew Nettlebane. "This?"Asta's eyes widened. "The rumors were true... I beg of you, don't harm the tree! Nothing good can come of it.""I'm not going to harm the tree, I promise. Thank you for talking to me." Link got up and left Asta, returning to the dirt path, where he found Maurice standing were the roots blocked the way.As soon as Maurice saw Link approach, he started to lift his hands a bit. "Where did you find that?""Orphan's Rock. Stand back, I don't know what Eldergleam is going to do." Link approached the first branch tentatively, raised Nettlebane a bit, and reached out to rest the dagger on the first root. A second later, the root recoiled from fear and the way was opened slightly. 'Okay. That works.' The rest of the roots followed suit and as soon as the last one recoiled back, Link heard Maurice angrily address him. "I had no idea you were a man of violence, Link! What exactly are your intentions in this blessed place?"The Hylian half turned and looked down at Maurice, being that both of them were standing on an incline. "Well, Danica told me to get sap..."Link took a step back up the incline as Maurice began yelling at him. "You would violate this marvel of Kynareth's glory to fix that half-breed stump in Whiterun? That's abominable. Barbaric. I'll have no part in this. Why didn't you tell me what you intended?" The Hylian mulled over what the pilgrim had said. 'Well, he is right.' He glanced up at the tree overhead before looking back down at the man a few feet away. 'I can't damage the tree. Even I feel drawn to it somehow.' Then he spoke . "Do you have a better idea?"Maurice gazed up at him, then nodded. "Well ... yes. There is something. It won't repair the tree back at the temple, but we could bring them a new one.""What did you have in mind?"Maurice walked up the incline past Link and waved a hand. "Follow me, I think I can convince the tree to help us."Link followed the pilgrim up the incline and up to the tree. Maurice knelt before Eldergleam and silently prayed to the tree for a few minutes. Then a tiny leaf appeared in the soil before the tree, and it, over the course of a minute, grew to the size of a sapling.Maurice looked up at Eldergleam, nodded, and stood. "The Eldergleam has blessed us with a sapling. You should take it to Whiterun. Danica will want to see that the true blessings in nature lie in renewal, not a slavish maintenance."Link looked down at the sapling, wondering how to safely transport it back to Whiterun before he got an idea, knelt down, placed the sapling on the ground before him, placed his knapsack next to the sapling, rummaged around until he found an empty potion flask, placed the sapling inside the flask, sealed it, placed the flask inside his knapsack, tossed it over his shoulder and stood up."What will you do now?"Maurice looked up at the tree overhead. "I believe I'll stay here and bask in Eldergleam's warmth a bit longer." He took a few steps towards the tree, then half turned to look back at Link. "Good luck on your travels. May Kynareth's wind carry only the sweetest scents."Link nodded, turned to walk back down the incline, then turned around and walked up to Maurice. "Thank you."The pilgrim turned to face him and smiled. "Not at all, Link. I apologize for the slight misunderstanding earlier."The two shook hands and went their separate ways. Maurice remained nearby the tree while Link began to walk down the incline back towards the entrance to the sanctuary. A reflecting golden light got his attention and he turned around, only to see a golden patterned-dyed blue sword scabbard resting against Eldergleam's trunk.
'No. No, it can't be.'
He approached the sword scabbard and knelt before it, seeing himself in its reflection. The royal crest of Hyrule was emblazoned at the top in the triangular notch, albeit scratched and dented.
'...I found it.'
Link reached out and picked up the scabbard, then stood, running his hands over it while checking for more scratches and dents. 'If the scabbard is here, then where is the Master Sword? I hope nothing happened to it.' Link looked down at the scabbard before hooking it to his belt beside Numinex’s Bane and then continued walking.As Link rode into Ivarstead on Epona an hour later, he noticed a crowd gathered around three people wearing strange masks and robes. As he approached, one of them spotted him and motioned for the crowd to step back."You there! You're the one they call Dragonborn?" Epona tossed her head and pranced backwards five steps before Link quieted her and leapt down from his horse's saddle, handing the reins to whoever was closest nearby."I... I don't know what you're talking about."The woman (Link could tell by the voice) raised her arms while the other two drew their weapons. "Your lies fall on deaf ears, Deceiver! We know you are the False Dragonborn! You shall not stand in the way of the true Dragonborn's return. She comes soon, and we shall offer her your heart! When Lady Miraak appears all shall bear witness. None shall stand to oppose her!"Link merely drew his twin daggers in response and the three masked figures rushed him.Thankfully, a few guards ran up to him and led one away, leaving him with two to deal with. Link blocked a sword with his shield, then received a deep cut to his lower right arm. He faltered, wavering a bit, before Shouting towards the one who had injured him. "Fus, Ro!"  The woman was sent backwards through the air, slamming against a house where she fell to the ground and didn't get up.Meanwhile, the guards had managed to kill the one they were fighting, but some were shocked by the surviving attackers lighting and were put out of commission. The robed figure tried to stab Link but he was faster, and attempted to stab the person in the upper chest, however, they dodged.Then a sword appeared, the tip of the blade stopping a few inches away from Link. The body went limp and the sword vanished, causing the corpse fall to the ground. A guard was standing there, holding the sword that had killed the attacker and he nodded to Link. "Good work. Although maybe you should get that arm looked at."Link nodded and used Fast Healing on himself before another guard walked up to him, holding a note. "One of those freaks was carrying this. Does anything said in it look familiar?" Link took the note from the guard and looked it over.
Board the vessel Northern Maiden docked at Raven Rock. Take it to Windhelm, then begin your search. Kill the False Dragonborn known as Link Farmanne before he reaches Solstheim.

Return with word of your success, and Miraak shall be most pleased.
Link looked up from the note and found the guard waiting for an answer."No."The guard nodded and waved a hand. "Very well, come on you lot, help me clean this up."As the other guards started to clean up the area, Link said goodbye to Epona, once again paid the necessary Septims to board her for at least an hour, then started to walk towards the seven thousand steps, pausing before the first one.
'Miraak... Should I ask Arngeir who that is? Maybe I shouldn't. I'll decide when I get up there.'
Arngeir was the first to greet Link as he stepped into High Hrothgar. "Ah! You've retrieved the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Well done, Link. You have now passed all the trials. Come with me. It is time for us to recognize you formally as Dragonborn.""What do you mean, formally recognize me?" asked Link in confusion as the Greybeard smiled."You will know shortly, follow me."The Greybeard led Link to the center of the room, where Wulfgar, Borri and Einarth were waiting. Upon reaching them, Arngeir turned to face Link."You are ready to learn the final word of Unrelenting Force, "Dah," which means "Push."" He smiled. "I can see the excitement in your eyes, you feel it, don't you?""Feel what?"The Greybeard waved a hand for Wulfgar to step forth. "You will know it." Wulfgar said "Dah" and the word inscribed itself on the floor before Link. Arngeir then spoke."With all three words together, this Shout is much more powerful. Use it wisely. Master Wulfgar will now gift you with his knowledge of "Dah.""The symbol on the floor glowed and disappeared, the word 'Dah' now in Link's head.
'Just like last time.'
Wulfgar smiled and bowed to him, the Greybeard's own understanding of the word entering Link's mind.He then 'understood' Dah. 'So 'Fus' means 'Force', Ro means 'Balance', and Dah means 'Push'. Fus... Ro... Dah... I did it. I know a full Shout, I feel amazing... Am I supposed to feel like this?' Link eyed Arngeir. "Am... Am I supposed to feel like this?""I assume you mean wanting to test the full might of Unrelenting Force? Then yes, it will be normal to test fully learned Shouts after you learn the last word. After all, to truly know a Shout, you must use it fully for the first time. It will take you some time to fully master Unrelenting Force, but you will. Go ahead Link, Shout at me, I will not be harmed, I assure you."And so, believing the Greybeard, Link faced him and Shouted.
'Wait for it... Now.'
"Fus... Ro Dah!” A shockwave of air hit Arngeir and he fell, only to wave a hand as Link approached."I am fine." The Greybeard rose to his feet and smiled warmly. "Well done Link. Remember, the more you practice a Shout, the sooner you will become a master at it. You have completed your training, Dragonborn. We would Speak to you. Stand between us, and prepare yourself. Few can withstand the unbridled Voice of the Greybeards. But you are ready."Link gazed at Arngeir in confusion before walking to the center of the room and waited.The Greybeard smiled as he and the three others gathered around Link in a circle, then started Shouting at him.
"Lingrah krosis saraan Strundu'ul, voth nid balaan klov praan nau. Naal Thu'umu, mu ofan nii nu, Dovahkiin, naal suleyk do Kaan, naal suleyk do Shor, ahrk naal suleyk do Atmorasewuth. Meyz nu Ysmir, Dovahsebrom. Dahmaan daar rok."
Link was unprepared by the sheer force of the four Greybeards Shouting at him, and he lost his balance and fell to his knees, where he remained until he heard Arngeir say his name, lifting his head to look up at the Greybeard.The man smiled and helped the Hylian up, then made sure he could stand on his own before stepped back and bowing. "Dovahkiin. You have tasted the Voice of the Greybeards, and passed through unscathed. High Hrothgar is open to you."The other three Greybeards bowed to him before leaving the main room, however, Arngeir stayed where he was, looking at him expectantly."What was that ceremony all about? Were you Shouting at me?"The Greybeard nodded. "We spoke the traditional words of greeting to a Dragonborn who has accepted our guidance. The same words were used to greet the young Talos, when he came to High Hrothgar, before he became the Emperor Tiber Septim.""What did you actually say?""Ah. I sometimes you forget you are not versed in the dragon tongue as we are. This is a rough translation: "Long has the Stormcrown languished, with no worthy brow to sit upon. By our breath we bestow it now to you in the name of Kyne, in the name of Shor, and in the name of Atmora of Old. You are Ysmir now, the Dragon of the North, hearken to it.""Far away from High Hrothgar, Alduin perched on a broken Word Wall, his horned head tilted back and eyes closed as he soaked in the warm sun rays. Then he heard the Greybeards. His eyes slid open and his head turned, looking in the direction of the Throat of the World. His eyes narrowed and he hissed, "Dovahkiin", before roaring, and the World-Eater took to the skies and started to fly in the direction of Kynesgrove. ‘It's time to wake an old subordinate up.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Rocks scattered on the cobblestone road as Epona galloped towards Kynesgrove, Link checking his supplies as he self consciously directed his horse towards the intended destination. He supposed he had a lot to think about, whether it was his new destiny, who he was now, the new powers he possessed or the fact that seemingly all of his gear was scattered across Skyrim. The Hylian had to admit that he was rather annoyed about that, although he had had to find everything back home as well. Still, one thing worried him, and that was the fate of the Master Sword.Said sword was... renowned , for lack of a better word. It was known by many names, some of which had been lost to time; the Master Sword, the Blade of Evil's Bane, Evil's Bane, but there was one name that was most renowned of them all - Demonslayer. The name had come up in the old legends many times, and it was said that only the named runes would appear for those who were most worthy. Such as Link. As the Hero of Twilight looked down at the bare sword scabbard hanging from his belt, he recalled first drawing the sword it had housed from its pedestal, and how he had felt as if he had finally earned the title of 'Hero'.His thoughts were interrupted by something whistling through the air and sinking into Epona's right shoulder, causing the horse to fall forwards onto her knees. Link only got to look at the arrow for a second before another one just missed his head and he looked up, only to see an orc standing ten feet away, trying to restring his bow. Fourteen more bandits of various genders and races were standing near the orc, who had given up on his bow and was now holding a war hammer in both hands. Link didn't say anything, but merely drew a dagger, slashed at the saddle, then got up as it fell to the ground beneath Epona. He then drew the ice dagger and started walking forwards, not stopping until he stood two feet from the orc. "Well? You gonna say something before we kill you?" The orc leaned on his war hammer as the other fourteen bandits closed in. "I only have one thing to say to you. No one hurts my horse and lives to tell about it." A second passed, then Link turned and threw the two daggers like boomerangs before he backflipped over an Argonian and caught the daggers as they flew back to him, two bandits dropping to the ground as he did so. The orc stood there for a moment, roared, then charged at him, war hammer held high.Link smirked as he put away the daggers, then drew Numinex's Bane and the Elven Shield, waited until the orc was right in front of him, then took a step back, leapt into the air, and swung the sword. A shockwave of energy arced away from the sword and at the orc, who had no way to dodge the attack. The orc flew backwards, roaring curses as he hit four bandits before landing on the ground ten feet away. The four bandits the orc had hit had been knocked out, and therefore weren't a problem at the moment, however, there were still nine left, including the orc. As the orc was getting up, the remaining eight bandits surrounded Link, who unhitched the Fire Rod from his knapsack and primed it before aiming it at the four in front of him. When they didn't back away, he fired the weapon, a column of fire roaring over the four bandits. While they were preoccupied, Link turned just in time to block an arrow with his shield, then another attack with the staff, then fired it again at two bandits. For the final two, Link decided to do something different. he hooked the Fire Rod to his shield, then held out the sword, waited, then spun in a circle, the blade cutting through the air and then something solid. When Link stopped spinning, he was facing the orc who was not even two feet away, Numinex's Bane soaked with blood. The orc raised his war hammer and swung, but Link blocked it with his shield, knocked the war hammer from the orc's hands with the sword pommel, then knocked him to the ground with a kick to the legs. The Hylian then walked up to the downed orc, wiped the blade clean on the orc's cloak, looked down at the war hammer, then sheathed the sword, effortlessly picked up the war hammer, then swung.Link walked away from the dead bandits and up to Epona, then knelt beside her, examining the arrow in her shoulder. He then, after thinking about it and finding no other options, pulled the arrow out as cleanly and swiftly as possible. As the mare brayed and moved away from Link, he waited until she seemed calm enough, then cast Healing Hands on Epona. The wound seemed to heal, but there was now the problem of the saddle being unuseable, since Link had cut it in the first place to avoid Epona getting caught on something if she had managed to get up and run away. Fortunately, he hadn't had a use for the saddlebags yet, so he left the saddle where it was and eventually got Epona standing, then looked off in the distance, down the cobblestone road. Link stood there in silence, holding the mare by the reins as he checked her wound to find that it was fine, although there was a small scar. "I obviously can't ride you like this, or maybe I can. I don't want to risk it though, but we're pressed for time as it is..." Epona tossed her head as she nickered and pawed the ground with a hoof, while Link looked back at the road, debating on what to do. ‘ Let's see, I have no idea how much father it is to Kynesgrove, I'd rather ride Epona, but I don't know if she can carry me, even if her wound seems to be healed.’ He realized he had been absentmindedly scratching the side of his face and he stopped, noting that it now felt irritated. 'Something must have bit me at some point.' He dropped his free hand to his side and looked back at Epona, who eyed him for a moment before tossing her head again. "I suppose I can't ride you the rest of the way, right?" Link didn't receive an answer, and, after a moment, simply sighed and shook his head, then looked back up towards the road before smiling. "Far it, we'll walk. I hope it won't take more than an hour." He gently tugged on Epona's reins and the two began the hopefully short walk to Kynesgrove.It turned out to be three hours of simply walking up the cobblestone road. Once Link eventually reached Kynesgrove, he noticed people running towards the opposite direction of his. One stopped when they saw him approaching, "No, you don't want to go up there!", the woman pointed towards the nearby hill. "A dragon... it's attacking!" "Where is this dragon?" "It flew over the town and landed on the old dragon burial mound. I don't know what it's doing up there, but I'm not waiting around to find out!" The woman ran past him and Link looked up towards the dragon mound, told Epona to hide, let go of her reins, stayed long enough to see her gallop down the hill, then started to run towards the burial mound, drawing Numinex's Bane as he did so.As soon as Link neared the dragon burial mound, he saw Delphine hiding behind a boulder and she motioned him to walk over to her. He did so, then Delphine pulled him behind said boulder and told Link to hide. Link risked looking over the boulder and saw a massive dragon hovering over the burial mound, the same one that had attacked Helgen. It then spoke."Sahloknir! Ziil gro dovah ulse!" (Sahloknir, ever-bound dragon spirit!)Delphine shook her head. "Lorkhan's eyes! Look at that big bastard! Keep your head down, let's see what it does." The dragon continued to speak as it hovered over the burial mound. "Sahloknir! Ziil gro dovah ulse!" The black dragon repeated, then took a deep breath. "Slen Tiid Vo!" A wave left the dragons maw and hit the burial mound. (Sahloknir, ever-bound dragon spirit!) (Body Time Undo)Link started to move from behind the boulder but Delphine pulled him back. "Steady. I don't know what's happening. Let's watch and wait. This is worse than I thought..."A skeletal dragon burst from the burial mound and raised its head up towards the massive black dragon. As Link and Delphine watched, the black dragon somehow started to bring the dead dragon back to life, as flesh and scales began to form over the skeleton."Alduin, thuri! Boaan tiid vokriiha suleysksejun kruziik?" (Alduin, my Overlord! Has the time come to restore your ancient dominion?) The now revived dragon seemed to ask as it looked up to the larger dragon.The massive black dragon nodded his horned head. "Geh, Sahloknir, kaali mir." (Yes, Sahloknir, my loyal champion.) The two dragons moved their heads to gaze down at Link, as if they always knew he was there and only now decided to pay any attention to him. Link stood up from behind the boulder and stepped into view, Alduin moving to face him. - "Ful, losei Dovahkiin? Zu'u koraav nid nol dov do hi." (So, you're Dragonborn? I see nothing from dragonkind of you.) At seeing the look of confusion on Link's face, the dragon growled. "You do not even know our tongue, do you? Such arrogance, to dare take for yourself the name of Dovah." Alduin looked back at the other dragon. "Sahloknir, krii daar joorre." (Sahloknir, kill these mortals) He said in a low, ominous toneAs the black dragon rose higher into the air, the newly risen dragon flew into the air, looking down at Link as he did so. "I am Sahloknir! Hear my Voice and despair!, Dovahkiin, your Voice is no match for mine!" He roared.Link pulled his sword out as the dragon dived towards him, then ran forward and ducked under the dragon as he slashed the beast’s stomach. Sahloknir roared in pain as he landed on the ground.

“SU… GRAH DUN!”

Link didn’t expect that Sahloknir would start slashing his wings towards him at a speed that should have been impossible for his size. He barely had time to block before he was thrown backward by the blow.Sahloknir got distracted by an arrow hitting him on the neck from Delphine, giving Link just enough time to shoot flames from his hands at the dragon.Sahloknir roared before flying up. The Dragon kept going up and up until there was nothing visible of him in the clouds of the night sky.Link took his bow out after putting away his shield and sword, both him and Delphine looking at the clouds looking for where the dragon could be.Suddenly a huge shape came out of the clouds with high speed, racing towards them like a cannon. “WULD... NAH KEST!” Taking advantage of the surprise, he shouted to gain even more speed and dived towards them.Link was suddenly hit by the legs of the dragon and was tossed backward and into a boulder. That hurt even more than the first time he experienced receiving the Unrelenting Force by the Draugr Overlord. He took out a Health Potion and drank it quickly before getting up after hooking his bow to his shield, seeing that Sahloknir was once again nowhere to be found.The dragon dived down from the clouds again “WULD... NAH KEST!” This time Link was prepared. “WULD!” He shouted and got out of the way of the claws.Sahloknir did a spin in the air and landed on the ground, causing the earth to quake and making a small crater. He climbed out and started moving towards Link. “Impressive, You learn fast and are quick on your feet,” He said in a calm tone, “but no one is as fast as me!” He roared. "SU… GRAH DUN! WULD!” Link barely had the time to draw and use his sword and shield for melee fighting as the dragon attacked him with a fury of wing slashes and bites. Even with his fast reaction time, he was still on the defense, and Delphine’s arrows didn’t seem to distract or even bother the dragon.Delphine took her sword out and attacked the Dragon from behind, but it seemed that just like Link, she had difficulty as the dragon also attacked with his tail.Soon, it seemed that the effect of the Shout wore off, and the two took advantage of it and started attacking with all they had.Link ran to Sahloknir’s side and tried his first complete Shout. “FUS… RO DAH!” The power of the shout dragged the dragon away and into his burial mound and staggered him. Link then took out his Fire Rod and sent a barrage of flames down at the dragon.Sahloknir roared before flying up to the sky and disappearing into the clouds once again.After a long wait, Sahloknir dived down from the clouds, Link pointed the Fire Rod and shot three fireballs at the dragon.Sahloknir dodged the first two but the third hit him in the face. The dragon stopped his dive. “FUS… RO DAH!” Link Shouted. The Shout hit the dragon in the chest and staggered him while Delphine kept shooting arrows from her bow at the dragon.Sahloknir flew high up and dived down towards Link. “SU, GRAH! WULD... NAH KEST!” and grabbed Link by the shoulder with his leg claw and tossed him into a tree.Link, however, managed to avoid hitting said tree, instead landing in its upper branches. After eyeing Sahloknir, he took out one of the two Clawshots after sheathing Numinexs’s Bane in its scabbard and shot a lower branch with it, then started climbing down the tree with the assistance of the Clawshot. Once he was low enough, he let go and landed safely on the ground, holding his hurt shoulder.He looked up at the sky and saw Sahloknir once again was invisible in the clouds. This was getting nowhere, Sahloknir was both stronger and much smarter than every dragon Link fought so far, not to mention faster.While remembering his previous fights, he got an idea and looked down at the Clawshot in his hand. ‘I hope this works, because it worked against Argorok. Then again, I used both and now I’m using only one. Shouldn’t make a difference though.’He ran to the middle of the clearing and looked up at the sky. If he didn’t get the timing right, this could end badly.He managed to find Sahloknir as he dived down from the clouds. ‘Wait for it...’ With five words like before the dragon’s speed increased ‘Wait for it...’ Claws opened for grabbing the boy ‘Not now...’ the distance between them decreased much more. ‘Now!’ “WULD!”As Link moved forward while Sahloknir swiped where Link used to be, he pointed the Clawshot at the dragon’s back and shot.The claw grabbed a fin and the chain pulled Link on the dragon’s back.Sahloknir reared as he kept flying and started to move upwards. “Foolish Joor! You think you can ride on my back?!” (Mortal) Link held on with his life while they went up higher and higher, the cold temperature of the air dropping even lower. Link was thankful that he was wearing the necklace that he enchanted, otherwise he might have frozen from the air, although it didn’t help him from feeling light-headed. Even still, he held on. He took Dawn out and started stabbing the dragon, but all the movement from Saklokir made it really hard.Eventually, Sahloknir stopped going upward and changed his direction to the north “Still you persist, let us see how you react to this!” He started spinning in the air really fast.Link was holding on with all his strength, but the moisture from the clouds made the scales slippery, and the fins that he was holding on slipped out of his grasp as he started falling down.Not giving up, he returned Dawn to its scabbard, pointed the Clawshot at the dragon, and shot the right hind leg. Once the claw grabbed the leg, he shouted. “WULD!” and swung back on the dragon’s back.Taking the roar of fury, Link swung the chain of the Clawshot to get it into Sahlokir’s maw, but he missed and it swung around the dragon’s neck. He grabbed the claw at the other end and pulled on the chains.Sahloknir was beyond furious. “SU… GRAH DUN! WULD... NAH KEST!” and started spinning and flying around with high speed and maneuvering around at hard angles.Link held on with all his might and looked down at Sahlokir’s head “FUS… RO DAH!” He sent the full power of the Unrelenting Force on the dragon’s head and staggered him. Taking advantage of the situation, he took both ends of the makeshift reins in one hand, then drew his sword with his free hand and stabbed Sahloknir’s shoulder.It seemed that even while not very effective he caused great pain as the dragon roared and started diving down.Link looked down and to his horror, they were above what looked like a city. He tried to pull on the chains to maneuver away but it seemed to not do much.He could only watch as the city got closer and closer until he could make out the steps leading to what looked like a palace.
BOOM!
While experiencing great pain, the last thing Link could make out before he passed out was the embers rising from Sahloknir, and from up the stairs, a familiar man looking down at him with a crowd gathering around the fallen dragon as the darkness took him away.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The first thing he noticed was that he was looking up at an unfamiliar vaulted ceiling. It rose above him, wooden beams running across at all angles, wall mounts of various beasts of various shapes and sizes seemed to stare at him with their glazed over eyes as he attempted to figure out where he was. The second thing he noticed was that he had seemed to be lying where he was for at least a day, as he felt rather stiff and somewhat sore. The third thing he noticed was that he wasn't wearing much at all. No armor or weapons, no footwear, no shirt, just undergarments, tan pants, and the Curse Stone and iron-silver necklaces. Bandages covered him in various places, such as his left shoulder and his upper chest.

The room Link found himself in wasn't particularly vast by any means, there was a wardrobe to his left, and two end tables placed next to each other at the far end of the room, two chairs at either side of the two tables.

The Hylian slowly rose to a sitting position, taking care not to aggravate his bandaged wounds. The last thing he needed was to become injured due to his foolishness while healing. A voice then got his attention and he looked towards the door, only to find a man in robes standing in the doorway.

"Good morning. I am very glad to see that you awoke on your own. My name is Wuunferth, I'm the Court Wizard here at the Palace of Kings." Wuunferth nodded and adjusted his robes a bit. ""Whatever you've heard I can do is probably true.", bragged the elderly man as he started to cross the room towards Link. "I have been watching over you for the past three days."

"I haven't heard of you before." Link's voice was surprisingly strong and clear, despite what had happened to him.

"You haven't?" The man looked down at the tile flooring. "Well...erm...." Wuunferth looked back up after a few seconds. "My point still stands. I'm sure you'll hear some of my feats eventually. I used some of them to save you, in fact. You must be curious about your injuries, when Ulfric himself carried you up here, you had lost quite a lot of blood. I used various potions and elixirs to replace the blood you had lost."

Before Link could respond, the court wizard kept talking. "About that dragon you killed. It damn near fell on top of all of us, did you know that? No, I suppose you wouldn't. It's remains are still in front of the palace; by the way, we haven't figured out a way to move them yet. And that fact that you absorbed its very soul...You're Dragonborn."

"What about it?" Link spoke in a guarded tone and Wuunferth raised his hands slightly.

"I meant no harm, I was merely thinking how hard it will be for you. I suppose if you were older, you'd have an easier time going around slaying dragons, but, I also suppose, being how young you are, you're more efficient at fighting, but perhaps not as skilled."

It went silent for a while, around five minutes, before Link spoke up. "Where are my things?"

"Your weapons and armor are being mended and cleaned down below. Some of your clothing was unsalvageable. Now then, you don't seem to be suffering any ill effects, that's good..." Wuunferth crossed the room and held out his hands towards Link. "Let's get you standing, shall we?"

The Hylian nodded and accepted the help of the old man as he slowly stood up and looked around for a few seconds.

"If you want to speak to Ulfric, I believe he's down in the main hall, talking to Galmar Stone-Fist about the war."

Link walked around the room a bit to get his bearings before he started to walk out of the room he was in, then Wuunferth stopped him. "Here. Take these, even while you're here, it's too dangerous to go unarmed." The wizard was holding the twin daggers of Dawn and Dusk; Link accepted them and left the room.

He wandered the palace for a while until he eventually found himself in a massive hall, two men having a very heated discussion at the far end. Not wanting to interrupt, the Hero of Twilight decided to hide behind a wooden pillar and realized that their voices carried, meaning, he could hear everything they were discussing.

Link recognized Ulfric's voice right away.

"He's a true Nord. He'll come around." The man sounded tired, as if he had been talking nonstop for hours.

"Don't be so sure of that. We've intercepted couriers from Solitude. The Empire's putting a great deal of pressure on Whiterun." The unknown voice seemed to sound annoyed.

"And what would you have me do?"

"If Balgruuf’s not with us, he's against us."

"He knows that. They all know that."

The other man began to sound slightly irritated. "How long are you going to wait?"

"You think I need to send Balgruuf a stronger message."

"If by message you mean shoving a sword through his gullet."

"Taking his city and leaving him in disgrace would make a more powerful statement, don't you think?"

"So we're ready to start this war in earnest then?"

"Soon."

"I still say you should take them all out like you did Deadking Torygg."

'Torygg? I've never heard that name before. Who was he?'

Ulfric continued to speak. "Torygg was merely a message to the other Jarls. Whoever we replace them with will need the support of our armies."

"We're ready when you are."

"Things hinge on Whiterun. If we can take the city without bloodshed, all the better. But if not..."

"The people are behind you."

"Many I fear still need convincing."

"Then let them die with their false kings."

'False kings?'

Ulfric's voice sounded far away, as if he had gotten up and was now walking around."We've been soldiers a long time. We know the price of freedom. The people are still weighing things in their hearts."

"What's left of Skyrim to wager?"

"They have families to think of."

"How many of their sons and daughters follow your banner? We are their families."

"Well put, friend. Tell me, Galmar, why do you fight for me?"

Link risked looking out from behind the pillar - 'Galmar' was standing before Ulfric with his arms crossed. Ulfric then seemed to notice Link and he retreated behind the pillar again.

"I'd follow you into the depths of Oblivion, you know that."

"Yes, but why do you fight? If not for me, what then?" "I'll die before elves dictate the fates of men. Are we not one in this?"

"I fight for the men I've held in my arms, dying on foreign soil. I fight for their wives and children, who's¹ names I heard whispered in their last breaths. I fight for we few who did come home, only to find our country full of strangers wearing familiar faces. I fight for my people impoverished to pay the debts of an Empire too weak to rule them, yet brands them criminals for wanting to rule themselves! I fight so that all the fighting I've already done hasn't been for nothing. I fight...because I must."

"Your words give voice to what we all feel, Ulfric. And that's why you will be High King. But the day words are enough, will be the day soldiers like us are no longer needed."

'High...King? Ulfric wants to be king? Why?'

Ulfric spoke again, now sounding as if he had returned to the main room. "I would gladly retire from the world were such a day to dawn."

"Aye. But in the meantime, we have a war to plan. What are we going to do about the dragon?"

"I have no idea. It's been three days, I suppose we could hack away at it's bones and use then for weapons and armor. I still can't believe what happened."

"I don't think any of us can, Ulfric. The kid killed a dragon above the palace and nearly died from the fall, not to mention what happened afterward."

"The boy's Dragonborn, Galmar. You saw what happened, how that dragon burned away and its soul appeared. I felt just a sliver of it pass me before he absorbed it."

"Do you think he's in danger?"

"Link? Most certainly. But he handled himself at Helgen just fine."

"What

did

happen at Helgen, Ulfric? You haven't mentioned it much."

"When the time comes, Galmar.”

"Do you think he'd be a good Stormcloak?"

"Yes. Absolutely. I saw how Link fought at Helgen, despite everything that had happened to him. He's a natural-born warrior, Galmar. Although his age might be a problem..."

"Why?"

"I don't think he's eighteen yet."

"Would you let him join despite his age?"

"I'll have to think it over." Ulfric's voice grew a bit louder. "I believe we have a visitor. You can come out from behind the pillar now."

As Link debated on whether or not he should leave his hiding spot, Galmar also spoke up.

"Ah, so we have an eavesdropper? Come out, we won't bite, I promise."

The Hylian looked out from behind the pillar, then stepped from behind it and slowly approached Ulfric and Galmar. Both seemed friendly enough.

Ulfric got up from his throne and before either him or Galmar could speak, Link spoke first. "I'd like to join the Stormcloaks."

"I knew it. Good. Although I have to ask you, when is your naming day and your current age?"

"Feras twentieth, and seventeen."

"Which is...?"

"The sixth month."

"Ah, Midyear twentieth then. I'm afraid that's a long ways off, however...Yes. You can take the initiative now, and the day you turn eighteen, you can become an official Stormcloak, maybe even have a small ceremony. Does this sound good to you, Galmar?"

The Nord nodded and smiled. "Yes...But first, tell me. Why's an Elf want to fight for Skyrim?"

"I'm not an elf, I'm a Hylian. Why does it matter who fights for you, though?"

"You mistake me. I'm not saying no - just wondering about your intentions. We're not looking for sellswords. The Stormcloaks need dedicated men and women who're devoted to the cause and willing to die for it."

"To answer your other question, Hararne said he'd vouch for me."

"Hararne...I'll have to speak to him about this. Right then, the test is for you to kill three Ice Wraiths on Serpentstone Isle, it's off the coast of Winterhold up north. Bring back their fangs as proof, and you can take the oath and all of that, like Ulfric said, your next naming day is when you officially become one of us."

"Does every recruit have to do this?"

"Only the ones I'm not sure about. This will prove your abilities, but more importantly, it will prove your commitment."

"I'm going alone?"

"Not so sure of yourself after all? At the end of the day, every warrior is alone. Before you can stand next to your shield brother, you need to be able to stand on your own."

"I'm off to kill that ice wraith."

"We'll see about that, won't we?"

Link turned around and began to walk away, then stopped and looked back. "Where are my things?"

Ulfric got up from his throne and motioned for Link to follow him.

Several minutes later, Link had donned his other clothing and armor and weapons and was now standing in the entrance hall of the palace. Some distance away from Link, Ralof and another Stormcloak soldier were talking to each other.

"So, what do you make of the massive dragon skeleton outside, Geras?"

The other Stormcloak crossed his arms and looked up at the ceiling. "I find it hard to believe that someone rode a dragon here." He uncrossed his arms and moved his gaze back to Ralof. "It came from Kynesgrove, didn't it?"

Ralof gave a firm nod. "It did."

Geras shifted a bit, having stood in place for too long. "Did you see the look on Ulfric's face when the dragon landed? Not to mention what happened to the kid..."

Ralof took a step back. "Yes. I couldn't see much, me being near the back of the crowd, but I also saw those golden tendrils of...magic?"

"I think Ulfric called them 'a dragon's life energy'. Or soul, I think." Geras nodded in affirmation. "Yeah. Soul energy, that's what he called it. So the kid that flew here on that dragon is...Dragonborn? You'd think they'd choose someone older, yeah?"

Ralof gave a sad smile. "Fate chose him, Geras, it's up to Link what happens."

"Link? Is that his name?"

"Yes. Link Farmanne. He's an outsider, says he comes from a place called Hyrule, though no one seems to have heard of it."

Ralof happened to notice who was standing nearby and grinned. "Well, look who it is! Why don't you come over and say hello?"

As Link approached Ralof and Geras, Ralof reached out and clapped a hand on Link's uninjured shoulder, then removed it after a second. "This is him, Geras."

The other Stormcloak eyed Link with curiosity. "So, you're Link? I've heard all about you from Ralof."

Link nodded. "Yes. I don't recall seeing you before."

The other Stormcloak grinned. "What, Ralof never told you about 'the feared and renowned Geras Hamel'?" Geras shook his head. "No....I jest, I'm not feared, and I'm

certainly

not renowned either, I'm just a Stormcloak officer." He nodded towards Link. "Ulfric seems to have taken a liking to you, supposedly he never left your side while Wuunferth was healing you. The old wizard nearly killed himself saving you, did you know that? Suppose he wouldn't tell you that himself, it'd hurt his pride too much."

Before Link could respond, Ralof spoke up. "If you don't mind me asking, what have you been up to since we last saw each other?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Tell me. Go on, we've got all the time in the world and nothing better to do."

Geras nodded. "Ralof's right. Besides, we want to hear from you how you killed that dragon."

"Alright. I'll tell you what I've been up to."

Link proceeded to tell Ralof and Geras about his exploits. He told them about climbing the seven thousand steps and meeting the Greybeards, then traveling to Orphan Rock and killing Hagravens with the help of Hararne and his Stormcloaks, then a dragon the following morning. From there, he had traveled to Helgen - as it had been faster than any other route - and had been attacked by bandits. He had survived the bandit attack and had gone to Whiterun to seek healing, which Farengar was happy to give. The following morning, he had set out for Ustengrav and had traversed it, then had traveled back to Whiterun to do various things. From there, he then traveled to Riverwood to talk to Delphine, a Blades member, then to Eldergleam Sanctuary to recover a sapling for the Gildergreen. He then headed for Kynesgrove, only to be attacked by a large group of bandits. He dealt with all of them and made it to Kynesgrove, where he had fought the dragon and had flown it to Windhelm.

Ralof shook his head while Geras simply looked on in amazement. "It sounds like you've had quite the adventure. Not for me, though, all I did was stay in Ivarstead for a day, traveled for three days to Windhelm, and have been merely helping out around here until you showed up."

As Ralof finished speaking, Geras took a step back. "So, Link, how exactly did you kill the dragon? We figured it'd be best to hear directly from you."

"Well, I fought the dragon on the ground, got knocked around a bit, used some Shouts, tried not to die, then I used a Clawshot to grab one of Sahlokir's fins", Link showed Ralof and Geras the Clawshot, then accidentally triggered it and set the claw into a wooden beam about twenty feet above them. A second later, he flew upwards and found himself hanging in the air, looking down at the two Stormcloaks.

"Are you alright? How are you going to get down?"

"I'll be okay, Ralof, I'll think of something." Link eyed the pillar nearby and noted there were small cuts in it, no doubt from the original builders cutting into the beam. He risked unlatching the Clawshot, then shot it into the wooden pillar, ending up holding onto one of the cuts in the pillar with his free hand. The Hylian then did the same thing again, dropping five feet and again catching himself. He did this two more times until he was back on solid ground and he put the Clawshot away, then walked back to Ralof and Geras, who were staring at him with wide eyes.

"Right, as I mentioned, I grabbed onto the dragon's back with the Clawshot, got onto his back, then he took off into the sky. As the dragon climbed, I took out the ice dagger, Dawn," he showed said dagger to both Ralof and Getas, "and started to stab him. Sahloknir didn't like that, obviously, so he began Shouting at me.

“The dragon started to spin around in the air, and it was all I could do to hold onto one of its back fins. However, I eventually fell off, returned the dagger to its scabbard, then used the Clawshot and a Shout to get back on the dragon's back. From there, I tried to stab the dragon in the mouth with the Clawshot, but I missed; instead, it wrapped around its neck and I was able to use the Clawshot chain as reins. - Yes, I steered the dragon like a horse, as amusing as it sounds - Sahloknir really didn't like that, so he began to spin even faster than before and he swooped and dived, trying to throw me off, but I simply Shouted at him, staggered him, then stabbed him in the shoulder with my sword. And I guess that's what killed him. You know the rest."

Geras and Ralof both grinned and then started to compliment Link.

"That's amazing! Absolutely amazing, you must have been fifty feet up at least when you fell!" Geras said as he gave a nod.

"Maybe. The thought of you steering that beast like a horse is in fact amusing, wouldn't you say so, Geras?" Ralof asked, looking at his comrade.

"Yes, my thoughts exactly." Geras agreed.

The Hylian ducked his head slightly and smiled. "Oh, come on, it wasn't like that, I merely just acted on a whim and it all worked out in the end." He then felt as if the lower half of his face had hit a patch of Nightshade and Link absentmindedly scratched his chin and cheeks to hopefully negate the itching. He then stopped when he noticed Ralof and Geras looking at each other while smirking, and as he let his hand fall to his side, he eyed them curiously. "Is...Is something wrong?"

Geras shook his head and grinned. "No. Not at all."

"...Maybe Wuunferth...Could a potion perhaps irritate the face? Maybe. I suppose I'll have to ask if anything he healed me with could cause that to happen..."

Ralof looked up at the ceiling for a second, then back towards Link. "It was nice talking to you, Link. Unfortunately, the two of us were supposed to report to Ulfric and Galmar, and us talking to you for so long...Well, I guess the two of us will see what happens. So I suppose this is where we part ways for now."

Link quickly checked his gear and various items before nodding. "You too, Ralof. I have things to do anyway. You two go and report to Galmar and Ulfric."

And with that, the three parted ways, the two Stormcloaks up the stairs, and Link through the massive double doors and out into Windhelm.

Link wasn't sure to expect when he left the Palace of Kings. Sahlokir's skeleton was still there where he had fallen, guards were standing around it, trying to figure out how to cut the bones into transportable pieces. The Hylian ignored them and left the palace proper, then began to walk in the direction of the main gate when he heard what sounded like people cheering, then a bard singing. All of the noise was coming from Candlehearth Hall, according to a nearby sign.

What caught Link's attention was what the bard was singing. He found himself on the tavern's porch a few seconds later, near the door, simply listening to the bard sing.

"Our hero, our hero, claims a warrior's heart. I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes. With a Voice wielding power of the ancient Nord art. Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes. It's an end to the evil, of all Skyrim's foes. Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes. For the darkness has passed, and the legend yet grows. You'll know, You'll know the Dragonborn's come."

As the people inside started cheering and the bard started to thank everyone for listening, a guard walked up to Link. "They're singing about you in there. We all saw what happened three days ago. If I were you, I'd stop in and say hello, but that's just me."

The guard then walked away from Link, who decided he didn't want to draw any more attention to himself - he had had too much of that back home - so he left the inn and continued on his way.

Link reached the main gate around five minutes later, where two guards raised the gate and he passed under it. A massive stone bridge spanned the river before him and the Hero of Twilight stopped walking for a moment, looked around, then crossed the bridge at his own pace. Once he reached the other side, he noticed stables to his left.

A few horses were visible from where he was standing and Link began to think about Epona, whether she was alright, if she had managed to find safety after they had been separated. The Hylian then heard a horse bray and he looked up to see Epona galloping towards him in the distance.

'You always know where to find me, don't you?'

"I'm beginning to regret not bringing warmer armor. How do the people here stand this?"

It was three hours later; Link and Epona had ventured up north in search of Serpentstone Isle, and neither one was favoring the cold very well. The horse moved slowly, trying not to fall over due to the piles of drifting snow everywhere, while all Link could do was press himself up against Epona's neck and try to shield his bared face from the cold winds. "We have to be close..."

Link then heard distant noises. Epona heard them as well, as she stopped and her ears went straight up, causing Link to look around, but he didn't see anything. Then the horse panicked and reared. Link grabbed onto the saddle and hung on as his horse turned in the air and landed, snorting and trembling.

"Something's here with us. Hang on, I'll go see what it is." The Hylian got down from the saddle and tried to figure out what had scared Epona, but he couldn't see anything. Still, there was the sense of something watching him. He reached to his side and drew Dawn and Dusk, flipping them around in his hands as he took a few steps forwards. He then received a gnash to his right arm as he spun and slashed downwards with Dawn, he managed to hit something and he heard something hiss close by.

Link then realized that the things he was fighting the Ice Wraiths Galmar had told him about. He felt something slice the air in front of him. He took a step back, raised the twin daggers, and simply started to stab at the air occasionally. He couldn't see what he was trying to stab, he merely hoped he would eventually hit something.

The things began to attack him and then fly away, hissing constantly as they seemed to circle him and Epona. The horse began to randomly kick at the air, as well as biting at the things as they dared to venture close. Link swung the fire dagger again and hoped it had connected with something. The Hylian was rewarded with an angry hiss and then was bit on his injured shoulder a second later, causing him to collapse.

Through the cloud of snow that rose up around him, he saw what appeared to be two small flying wingless dragons flying back and forth. They were made of ice, meaning Dusk wouldn't do anything against them. He put the dagger away, then summoned Flames with his free hand as he got up and took a step forward. Link then heard something rush at him and he cast Flames in the hopefully relative direction of the creature.

The one Ice Wraith burst into flames from the spell and as it started to fall to the ground, the other creature flew towards Link, who swung the fire dagger and caused it to burst into flames and fall to the snow as well.

Then the two ice Wraiths melted, only leaving behind their fangs. Link picked them up, inspected them, then placed them carefully in his knapsack. As he desummoned the Flames spell and returned Dawn to its scabbard, he then noticed two small pools of a blue shimmering liquid.

'I don't know what this is, but I suppose it could be useful. I might ask Wuunferth when I get back.'

He then, after collecting the strange liquid with two empty potion bottles, walked back to Epona, leapt onto her back, and continued towards Serpentstone Isle.

Link soon happened to come across a wrecked ship. It was somewhat large, and had been cut in two by the frozen cliffs that surrounded it. After thinking about it, he decided to see if the wreck had anything of use and got down from Epona, then crossed the ice island over to the ship.

He avoided the two bear traps that had been set up and, after some searching, found a way to board the wreck, where he was set upon by two bandits. 
These two were armed to the teeth, but they were weighed down by their weapons and armor, which made Link able to duck and weave as they attempted to kill him. He used the twin daggers, thinking it wasn’t worth while to draw Numinex’s Bane, and proceeded to block an axe swing, duck, and stab one bandit in the chest with Dusk, turning the man into ice. 
Unfortunately, he had been distracted, allowing for the other bandit to swing his sword and catch Link in the head. He collapsed, dropping the daggers as the bandit raised his sword again for the final blow.

The man was rewarded with an arrow to the chest and he stumbled backwards as Link shakily got to his feet, holding his bow as he aimed another arrow at the man, blood from the head wound running down the left side of his face. The bandit charged Link and he released the arrow, dropping the man instantly.

After Link downed two health potions, he left the two bodies were they were and continued to explore the ship. He was attacked by another bandit shortly after and the fight ended very quickly. 
After picking up Dawn from where he had thrown it, the Hylian crossed a wooden walkway and entered the ship’s cabin. He discovered that this ship had been called the Winter War, judging by a few logbooks he found. 
After walking around a bit, he discovered an unlocked closed door and he opened it, only to reveal a bandit chief sleeping on a bed roll in the room.

Unfortunately, as soon as Link stepped into the room, the bandit chief woke up and the two merely looked at each other before the man got up. “You killed my men.”

Link eyed the orc as he readied an arrow and his bow. “They tried to kill me.”

The orc shook his head, reached behind him, and drew his war axe. “You never should have come here, kid.” Then the orc charged.

Link raised his bow and fired the arrow, catching the orc in the chest, but he ignored the injury and continued to charge Link, who put away his bow and tried to avoid the war axe as the orc swung it at him.

He didn’t avoid it. The weapon sank into his injured shoulder and sprayed blood in all directions as the orc pinned him against a wall by his throat. “I warned you, kid, and now you’ll pay the price of crossing me.”

The Hero of Twilight was surprisingly calm despite what had happened and all he said was, “no, you’ll pay the price of crossing

me

.” Before he used Unrelenting Force.

The Shout in such a small space was devastating to the orc and he dropped his war axe as he flew backwards into the opposite wall. Ignoring his grievous injury, Link picked up the blood stained war axe, crossed over to the downed bandit, raised the war axe over his head, and swung downwards.
Link ran across an ice floe and leapt across a gap, landed on the ice floe in front of him, then stopped to catch his breath. He was close to Serpentstone Isle, maybe five more ice floes away, and he looked back at the remains of the Winter War, remembering what happened after he had killed the bandit chief.
He had downed five minor healing potions and had used Heal multiple times, not moving from where he was until he had been healed. He had then found an unlocked chest, which had only held ten Septims and twenty arrows. He had then explored the rest of the cabin, deciding to take the war axe with him for extra protection. Link had found a locked chest, which he eventually smashed open with the war axe after he couldn’t unlock it. Inside the chest were fifty Septims, two Soul Gems, and a locket. When he put on the locket, the cold in the air seemed to decrease significantly. Link had then found a story book of sorts that was called Surfeit of Thieves, and had taken it to read later in case he got bored.

He had then left the ship and continued north. Which led to him crossing the ice floes.

Link eventually reached the small ice island and leapt off of the last ice floe, nearly fell in the water, but caught himself and stood. He then heard the somewhat familiar hissing of an Ice Wraith and he once again drew Dawn and summoned Flames.

The Ice Wraith circled him for a few minutes before he saw it charging at him and he swung Dawn and cast Flames, burning the Ice Wraith.

Link then collected the last fang and more of the strange blue shimmering liquid, then noticed some sort of stone nearby. He walked up to it, then reached out and wiped off some of the snow from the stone. It then began to glow, then a light spiraled upwards from the top of the stone and punched a hole in the clouds before it faded. The light on the stone depicted a serpent and Link looked at the glowing snake unnervingly before the glow faded. He then checked his gear and then looked back in the direction of the wrecked ship.

Link and Epona returned to Windhelm a few hours later, the horse was stored at the stables for the price of twenty-five Septims, then Link crosses the bridge and entered Windhelm.

He then entered the Palace of Kings shortly after, walked up the steps, and entered the main hall.

“So, the Dragonborn returns. Were you successful?” Ulfric called out to Link as he approached and he nodded, then spoke to Galmar, who was standing there with an open hand.

“Three Ice Wraith fangs.” He took said items out of his knapsack and dropped them into Galmar’s awaiting hand, then stepped back as the man inspected them.

“Good. You more than passed the test.” Galmar Stone-Fist nodded. “It’s time for you to take the oath.”

“What is the oath?”

Galmar smiled. “It’s the creed all Stormcloaks follow. You’ll have to take it if you want to join us. Mind you, you’ll have to repeat what I say.”

Link nodded in acknowledgment. “I’m ready to take the oath.”

A second passed, then Galmar started speaking. “Very well. Repeat after me. I do swear my blood and honor to the service of Ulfric Stormcloak..."

Link waited a few seconds, then repeated the words with uncertainty. Ulfric nodded and waved a hand for Galmar to continue.

"...Jarl of Windhelm and true High King of Skyrim."

Link again repeated the words, this time he sounded a bit more sure of himself.

"As Talos is my witness, may this oath bind me to death and beyond..."

Link sounded even more sure of himself this time.

"...even to my lord as to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms."

He now sounded as if he was caught up in the energy in the room.

"All hail the Stormcloaks, the true sons and daughters of Skyrim!"

Although he didn’t sound quite as enthusiastic as Galmar, Link still finished the oath and watched Galmar and Ulfric for their reactions.

Ulfric got up from his throne and walked up to Link, smiled, hugged him for a few seconds, then stepped back and walked into another room. The man came back holding a set of clothing and he handed the clothes to Link. “There. That’s the outfit for Unblooded such as yourself. Hide helmet, the Cuirass, fur gauntlets and boots. You can use any of the rooms if you want.”

Link took the clothes from Ulfric silently, looked down at them, the nodded to the man and walked off into a room to the left, then, as an after thought, he reached out and pulled the door shut.

When he returned to the main hall, he was wearing everything but the hide helmet. Both Ulfric and Galmar nodded approvingly when they saw Link.

“They fit him well. Almost too well. You think he has what it takes, Galmar?”

Stone-Fist grinned. “I do. Of course, we have to wait until his next naming day until he’s made official. But he’s more than proven himself.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It had been around ten minutes since Link had received the armor and was now standing before Ulfric and Galmar, who were instructing him on how to keep his armor presentable.

They both seemed happy that he wanted to join them, yet he could sense they were worried, and for good reason. He was currently underage, he wasn’t native to Skyrim, he supposed he had absolutely no idea how horrifying and devastating wars could be, and now that practically everyone in Windhelm knew that he was Dragonborn…

Link’s thoughts were interrupted by suddenly not being able to see and he blindly stumbled around for a few seconds until he heard Galmar say something about a guard helmet. The Hylian reached up and felt metal face plating and realized someone had set a guard’s helmet on his head, which was much too big for him.

Link then heard Ulfric say something about “lifting the helmet up” and when he lifted the helmet enough so that his eyes aligned with the eyeholes, his vision came back, only to see a group of guards nearby, one without a helmet. They seemed to think his current situation was hilarious and were all laughing.

“Look at him! Sure, the armor fits him well enough, but not the helmet!”

“Maybe you should take your helmet back, Wilson.”

The un-helmeted guard stopped laughing and recomposed himself. “Yes, I suppose I should.”

Link watched as the man walked over to him and his vision went dark for a second as Wilson took back his helmet.

A second later, the Hylian could see properly again, Wilson was looking down at the helmet in his hands before the guard put his helmet back on and stepped back. “Really sorry about that, Ulfric wanted to see how you looked in the full guard attire, guess no one was figuring you’d be too short for the helmet.”

Before Link could respond, he heard Ulfric speak. “Thank you Wilson for volunteering. Yes, I admit I didn’t think the plan through...” His gaze moved to Link and he smiled. “Despite the wrong helmet size, you looked like a guard for around two minutes.”

Before Link could respond, Galmar spoke up. "He did. If I was allowed to, I would have given you a guard's helmet, lot more protective than the one that's issued with the outfit and all." The Nord waved a hand. "Put that helmet on, let's see how you look in the full attire."

The Hylian looked down at the fur helmet he was holding, before he turned it around, lifted it, then set it upon his head before adjusting it a bit before he dropped his arms to his sides and stood there waiting for a response.

Ulfric glanced over at Galmar. "What do you think, friend. Does he look presentable?"

Galmar nodded. "Yes. I admit, the clothes look a bit big on him, but we can adjust them if needed, or, he might grow into them, we'll see." The Nord walked up to Link with a stern expression before it turned to a wide smile and the man hugged Link for a few seconds before he set his huge hands on the Hylian's shoulders. "Now, remember, you're not officially one of us until you turn eighteen, but until then, you can wear the clothes, and we might send you on order delivery every now and then. Maybe even take you on a tour of the forts we have, get yourself acquainted with the lay of the land, that sort of thing."

Galmar let go of Link's shoulders and took a step back as he nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Someone raised you right, didn't they. What will you do now?"

Link took a few moments to collect his thoughts before answering Galmar. "I don't know. Maybe wander around Windhelm a bit, might head back to Whiterun..."

Galmar nodded. “A bit of traveling will do you good.”

Some time later, the doors to the Palace of Kings opened, and then closed behind Link as he stepped from the massive building and passed the dragon skeleton. Numerous guards were standing around it, audibly wondering what they were going to do with the remains.

It wasn’t that hard to navigate the streets of Windhelm and soon Link was out of the city and nearby the stables.

He heard a wild bray, then saw a familiar horse galloping towards him from the right.

Epona leapt over a nearby wall and landed beside Link, snorting a nuzzling him as the Hylian walked up to the horse and vaulted on her back. “You always know where to find me, don’t you.” Link then set Epona at a brisk walk as they started towards Solitude.

He had gotten Ulfric’s blessing to leave Windhelm and learn more about Skyrim as he roamed the land, and he was going to make full use of it.

Before long, Link happened to come across Delphine, who hailed him from the side of the cobblestone road. He stopped Epona and looked down at the woman from atop the horse. “Hello.”

“Hello indeed.” Delphine smirked. “I’ll be dammed, you actually did it. Well, considering you basically fell to your death and somehow didn’t die, I’d consider it to be a success. Before you ask, I ran all the way to Windhelm once I realized where you and that flying lizard were headed. I got to the palace a few hours after some of the guards I talked to said that you had fallen from the sky,  and and heard that you...” She faltered. “Absorbed that dragon’s soul... I didn’t see it, but based on how many people saw it happen, I can’t deny it, you’re really Dragonborn.” Delphine sighed. “I owe you some answers, don't I? Go ahead. Whatever you want to know. Nothing held back."

Link nodded. “Right. Who are you, really, and what do you want with me?”

“I'm one of the last members of the Blades. A very long time ago, the Blades were dragonslayers, and we served the Dragonborn, the greatest dragonslayer. For the last two hundred years, since the last Dragonborn emperor, the Blades have been searching for a purpose. Now that dragons are coming back, our purpose is clear again. We need to stop them." Delphine sounded like she didn’t want to be giving up this information.

“The Blades?” Link echoed. “Who are they?”

Delphine sighed. “Exactly. Nobody even remembers our name these days. We used to be known across Tamriel as the protectors of the Septim Emperors. Those days are long gone, though. For the last two hundred years, we've been searching for the next Dragonborn to guide and guard, as we are sworn to do. But we never found one. Until now. Meaning you.”

Link felt Epona shift beneath him impatiently. “What do you know about the dragons returning?”

Delphine shook her head. “Not a damn thing. I was just as surprised as you to find that big black dragon here."

“I’ve seen that dragon before, the one that got away.”

Delphine looked surprised. “Really? Where?”

“It was the one that attacked Helgen. I suspect it showing up saved my life. I was on the chopping block when it landed on a nearby tower and started to destroy Helgen, I helped Ulfric escape from the Imperials... as well as prevent both sides from fighting each other.”

Delphine nodded. “Interesting. Same dragon...” She then swore. “Damn it, we're blundering around in the dark here! We need to figure out who's behind it all!"

Link couldn’t help but agree with that. “What’s our next move?”

“The first thing we need to do is figure out who's behind the dragons. The Thalmor are our best lead. If they aren't involved, they'll know who is."

That didn’t sound right. “What makes you think the Thalmor are bringing the dragons back?”

Delphine shook her head. “Nothing solid. Yet. But my gut tells me it can't be anybody else. The Empire had captured Ulfric. The war was basically over. Then a dragon attacks, Ulfric escapes, and the war is back on. And now the dragons are attacking everywhere, indiscriminately. Skyrim is weakened, the Empire is weakened. Who else gains from that but the Thalmor?"

That sounded intriguing. “Why are the Thalmor after you?”

The woman laughed bitterly. “Before the Great War, the Blades helped the Empire against the Thalmor. Our Grand Master saw them as the greatest threat to Tamriel. At the time, that was true. Maybe it still is. So we fought them in the shadows, all across Tamriel. We thought we were more than a match for them. We were wrong."

It was silent for a few minutes, then Link asked another question. “So, we need to find out what the Thalmor know about the dragons. Any ideas?"

Delphine nodded. “If we could get into the Thalmor Embassy... it's the center of their operations in Skyrim... Problem is, that place is locked up tighter than a miser's purse. They could teach me a few things about paranoia..."

“So how do we get into the Thalmor Embassy?"

“I'm not sure yet. I have a few ideas, but I'll need some time to pull things together... Meet me back in Riverwood. If I'm not back when you get there, wait for me. I shouldn't be long. Keep an eye on the sky. This is only going to get worse. If I were you, I’d lay low for a while, what happened in Windhelm drew a lot of attention to you. I’d bet all of my Septims that the Thalmor are interested in you as well.” Delphine then turned around and began to run off in the direction of Riverwood.

Link watched the woman soon vanish from view.

’The Thalmor Embassy... Why does that place sound so important... like... something valuable is there...’

He shook his head.

’It’s probably nothing.’

The Hylian nudged Epona and the horse set off at a brisk walk towards Solitude.

It was by Link’s guess around two hours later when he heard something roar. It was close by, close enough that he decided to investigate.

He rode Epona off the cobblestone path and through a field of flowers, then over a small hill. What he saw gave him pause.

A dragon. But the creature looked different to the ones he had seen and fought before.

The dragon was by a large lake and as the Hylian got down from his horse and slowly began to approach the beast, he noticed the creature was... crying?

Link froze when the dragon noticed him. Yet it didn’t attack. Instead, it spoke.
“You. You are Joor, mortal, yet you are not.”
The dragon’s voice sounded feminine, and the creature didn’t look like the dragons Link had fought before.

“Dovahkiin!”
Spoke the dragon as she reared her head back a bit.
“And yet... you are young, a drake, a kiir, child, not even do bok, of age... Yet Akatosh chose you...”
The dragon got up from where she had been and moved over to Link, who could only look up at the creature as she seemed to visually examine him, perhaps even gaze into his very soul.

“I am a Jill, my sisters and I protect time, and deal with instances known as Dragon Breaks if need be. When such instances happen, we fix the affected timelines by devouring some extra aspects of the world.”

’Female dragons. Somehow I get the sense that if I find more they won’t attack me.’

“Is there a reason you’re not attacking me?”

The dragon eyed Link.
“For what reason would I harm you? I am not like those brutes, wanting power and to rule over all of existence. You need a guide, aak, I sense you will have many in the months to come. Compare yourself to... a hatchling, just learning to fly. One day you will be powerful, but not yet.”

Link nodded. “That makes sense. Do you have a name? All of the dragons I’ve heard of and fought before had names... I think.”

“Some do not wish to reveal their names to you, young one. I am one such creature.”
Said the Jill as she rose to her full height and looked down at the human.
“What do you call yourself?”

“Link Farmanne.”

The Jill nodded.
“A good name...”

“The soul inside me, I wasn’t born with it?”

“No. I sense you have already done much, that you saved the land of your birth, wherever that may be. Akatosh thought you worthy of such a gift and placed the soul of what could be considered a hatchling inside you. Both of you will grow, will become powerful... but that day is far off from this one.”
The Jill moved closer to Link and eyed him with curiosity.
“Akatosh chose well...”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You are a natural kendov, warrior, a hunter. Akatosh saw your strengths... Yet there is more... You were chosen by your own Divines, were you not?”

“Divines?”

The Jill nodded.
“Gods.”

“I was.”

The Jill nodded again.
“I know you have more questions.”

“I do. Is there a reason why Alduin dislikes me so much?”

“Because you are destined to end his terror over the world, young one. Not now, not for a long while, but some day.”

“So... I kill him?”

“More like send his soul back to Akatosh after the two of you battle for the fate of the world. But he is the World-Eater, one day he will rise again after you slay his mortal form.”

“Battle for the fate of the world?”

The Jill nodded.
“Yes, Alduin is the World-Eater, he intends to eat this world and devour many countless souls. It is your destiny to stop him. Wherever and whenever that will be, not even I know.”

“When I approached you, you seemed to be upset about something.”

The dragon looked down.
“Yes. My mate was killed in the last dragon war, I thought he would have been brought back when I was summoned to this plane, but he was not.”

"The first dragon war... That must have been centuries ago, at least. To be alone for that long, must be difficult...’

Before Link could ask another question, an arrow pierced the dragon’s right wing.

The Jill roared and reeled back in pain as Link turned around and saw Delphine standing a few feet away, lowering a bow as she took out a sword and dagger, then ran forwards.

Delphine stopped moving once she saw Link approaching with the elven shield and iron war axe, held in a defensive position. “Do you intend to stop me? All dragons must die, that is the position of a Blade, we are dragon slayers, you know this.”

“If you insist on attacking that dragon, then yes, I do intend to fight you.” Link raised the war axe slightly and glared at the woman.

Delphine gazed at him in silence, then threw her dagger without warning in his direction. The dagger hit the elven shield and spun out of view into the tall grasses surrounding the two.

“...So that’s how it is... Alright.” Link made as if to run forward and swing the war axe at Delphine but then paused, dropped the weapon and drew his sword before he ran forwards, only to slam the blade against Delphine’s sword as the woman blocked his swing, sending sparks flying.

“You really think you can beat me in a fight?” Delphine gazed at Link from behind her sword. “You may think you’re a good fighter, but can you best someone who’s been fighting longer than you’ve been alive?”

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”

Before Delphine could respond, Link moved away from her, then began to circle the woman, being both offensive and defensive. “I don’t appreciate you showing up and interrupting conversations.”

“You were talking to that dragon?” Delphine asked in disbelief her eyes widened when Link nodded. “Why? It’s a

dragon

.”

“Maybe if you decided to study them, you’d realize that the dragon I was talking to was a Jill, which are very important. I learnt a few things about my destiny and my dragon soul, I would have learnt more if you hadn’t shown up.” Link lunged forwards and swung Numinex’s Bane at Delphine, who blocked it with her own sword.

“You don’t understand.

All

dragons must die.”

“So you would kill Akatosh? He’s a dragon.” Link kept his face neutral as he saw the conflicting emotions on Delphine’s face.

“He’s depicted as a dragon, that doesn’t mean Akatosh is one.”

“Exactly.” Link backflipped away from Delphine and got into a defensive position again. “You can’t kill every dragon, it’s impossible.”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t try.” Delphine ran forwards and tried to knock Link to the ground, but he dodged and managed to cut her arm with his sword as he swung it at her.

“I have a feeling we’re equally matched.” Link once again swung his sword at her but Delphine blocked it with her own.

“Surely you can do more than just swing that sword at me.”

“I’m trying to be fair.”

“Fair isn’t how you survive in this world.”

“Well it’s worked for me so far.” Link dodged Delphine again and tried to disarm her, failed to do so, and blocked a sword swing with his shield.

“Your tactics won’t later forever.” Delphine responded as she moved away, then picked up her dagger and threw it again. It ended up sticking out of the elven shield, having narrowly missed impaling Link’s arm.

The two were interrupted by the dragon taking off from behind them. Delphine was knocked down by the wind created by the dragon’s flapping wings while Link turned around and looked up as the Jill lifted herself into the air. He watched as the dragon circled him, then flew off to the north until she had vanished from view.

“So that’s it, then? You managed to distract me and you let the dragon get away.” Link looked back to see Delphine getting up from where she had been knocked down.

“I did, and if I had the choice, I’d do the same thing a second time.” He turned to face her and waited until she had gotten up. “Did you follow me here?”

"Not exactly. I was on my way to Riverwood when I heard the roar and decided to investigate. Seems you did the same thing.”

Link nodded, then removed the dagger from his shield and gave it to Delphine, then put his sword and shield away. “You’re still traveling to Riverwood?”

Delphine inspected the dagger. “I am. I assume you want to see what Skyrim has to offer before you return to Riverwood?”

“Seems to be that way, I was intending to head for Solitude.”

“Solitude... You have a ways to go for that. About the fight and argument... I hope this doesn’t affect us working together.”

“I suppose it doesn’t. At least for now.”

Delphine nodded. “I’ll see you in Riverwood then.” She turned around and walked away in the direction of her destination. Link looked on until he couldn’t see her anymore, then he left the lake to go check on Epona.

She turned out to be fine, thankfully. As Link checked his weapons and armor, he remembered he had left the war axe at the lake.

The Hylian returned to the lake and eventually found the iron war axe, as he picked it up from where he had dropped it, he noticed a nearby cave. His curiosity got the better of him and he decided to investigate.

The cave was fairly sized, big enough to comfortably house two large dragons. The entrance was recently opened, judging by the claw marks on the walls, floor and ceiling. Moonlight was filtering down from a hole in the cave roof, shrouding the moss covered rock walls in an unearthly pale glow.

Link discovered various animal remains that had been picked clean to the bone, such as rabbits and birds, some skeletons missing half of their bones entirely. Near the back of the cave, he found three hundred Septims and he decided to take them.

Yet there was something else. A lone chest against the far back wall. Link noticed that it had numerous scratches in its metal and wooden surface, as if something had tried to get at whatever was inside. He took a step closer to the chest, only to feel something give under his furred boot and he looked down.

What he saw appeared to be broken bits of polished terracotta, as Link knelt down and picked up a piece, he found that the side facing him was a brilliant shade of green, almost emerald in color.

He began to lower the object to the stone floor but then turned the piece of pottery around to face him. Something colorless was reflected by the moonlight overhead, what appeared to be some sort of sticky sap was covering this side of the pottery, though he couldn’t see it, rather feel it.

Link then noticed he was surrounded by more of these bits and pieces of polished terracotta and slowly came to the realization that these weren’t pottery, but rather eggshells. Something had hatched from the remains of the eggs, of which he could tell there had been five of them in various colors.

Yet… Link caught something shimmering in the moonlight, something the color of blue ice - there was a lone intact egg, surrounded by the empty eggs of its siblings

The Hylian stepped into the nest and up to the lone egg, then knelt down before it and placed a hand on its surface. It was cold and the surface felt smooth, yet strong. He could somehow sense life inside the egg and he made a quick decision.

Link carefully lifted the egg from its resting place and placed it inside his knapsack at his side. He made sure the egg wouldn’t be jostled around too much, then he stood and turned to leave the cave, then remembered the chest. Walking up to it and kicking it open revealed a strange glowing object that appeared to be hexagonal yet round in shape. Link picked up this object to examine it further and nearly dropped it when he heard a voice.

“A new hand touches the Beacon.” A loud and powerful, attention demanding, feminine voice resounded in his head.
“Listen. Hear me and obey.”
The voice commanded.
“A foul darkness has seeped into my temple. A darkness that you will destroy. Travel to my figure on Mount Kilkreath, near Solitude, and I shall make you the instrument of my cleansing light.”

Then the echoing voice was gone, leaving behind the feeling of a faint pull in the direction of his new destination.

‘Strange mysterious lady wants me to… what… destroy something in a sacred place? I can do that… and it’s on the way to Solitude…’

Link looked down at the strange glowing thing in his hands, and then set it inside his knapsack, next to the egg. Was it just his imagination, or was the egg glowing? Perhaps it was just the moon overhead reflecting on its surface.

After leaving the cave, the Hylian soon found Epona, and after reorienting himself, he vaulted on the horse’s back and took off for Mount Kilkreath and Solitude.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was around midnight by the time Link reached the general vicinity of Mount Kilkreath. He was used to traveling around at night and therefore could navigate Epona in the near darkness with ease.

He took time to reflect on things, such as his new destiny and purpose.

‘Why did this Akatosh choose me and not someone else? Someone native to this land, someone who was more mature and responsible? I guess I’ll never know.

’

A flock of birds passed by overhead and he watched them fly off into the distance.

‘I like it here. Everyone I’ve met so far is nice… It’s not Hyrule, though.’

Link stopped Epona at the base of Mount Kilkreath and looked up at its slopes before he got down off of his horse, and after a few minutes, found a set of worn stone steps carved into the mountain. He started to climb them and around halfway up he heard something. Something familiar.

Chanting.

It was faint, coming from the top of the mountain nearby, but there was no mistaking it.

The Hylian saw what appeared to be the head of a statue just off to the right as he stepped off the stone steps and took an ancient path further up the mountain. He eventually reached a clearing that was off the path to the right. Link entered the clearing and saw that there was a structure directly to his right, some sort of temple, and just to the left was the word wall.

Link raised a hand to block out the increasing light as he approached the carved stone wall, his vision blurring as the chanting grew louder for a few moments and tendrils of light surrounded him. Then as the chanting and tendrils of light vanished, as his vision slowly returned to normal. The word wall became silent as the carved glowing light faded away.

A new word formed itself in his head.

‘Su.’

Due to the recently absorbed soul of Sahloknir, he felt the familiarity of the newly gained word and the Hylian sat down on the overturned dirt and grass with his back resting against the word wall to think things over.

Once again he began to feel familiarized with Su as he had with Fus after absorbing Mirmulnir’s soul. Eventually it was if the meaning of the word had been fully unlocked in his mind - Su was part of a Shout by the name of Elemental Fury, and its effect was that of making his weapon strikes faster.

To test this, Link got up, stepped forward away from the word wall a bit, reached behind him and held the iron war axe at his side, then waited a few seconds before he Shouted.

“Su!”

The now familiar

crack

accompanied the Shout and he tentatively swung the iron war axe in both hands. It cut effortlessly through the cold Skyrim air and if he looked closely, he thought he could see tiny ice particles. He swung the axe twice in a row, to the same effect.

‘This is incredibly useful.’

Link soon felt the effects of the Shout fade and he looked up to the stone steps of the nearby temple, only to find himself looking at some sort of statue.

‘I think that’s where I need to go.’

He set off towards the statue, which from where he was looked like a person with wings.

The statue was massive, towering over him with twin wings of ancient carved stone as he slowly approached. The figure was that of a woman, taking an eternal step forward as her hands were held above her hooded head as if she was expecting to either hold or catch something. Before the statue was a container of some sort, depicted as two people wearing hooded robes holding hands.

As he approached the statue, he heard a voice.

“Look at my temple, lying in ruins. So much for the constancy of mortals, their crafts and their hearts. If they love me not, how can my love reach them? Restore to me my beacon, that I might guide you toward your destiny."

The Hylian took out the object from his knapsack and looked down at it, then stepped forward and carefully set it down on the container.

Once Link had placed the Beacon on the shrine, a ray of light shot up into the sky and his vision went white.

When it returned, he was standing in the air, high above where he had been, gazing at a blinding ball of light.

“It is time for my splendor to return to Skyrim. But the token of my truth lies buried in the ruins of my once great temple, now tainted by a profane darkness skittering within.”
The voice sounded both angry and sad.

‘Profane darkness… I don’t like the sound of that.’

“The Necromancer Malkoran defiles my shrine with vile corruptions, trapping lost souls left in the wake of this war to do his bidding. Worse still, he uses the power stored within my own token to fuel his foul deeds.”
The same emotions were there, except the anger had turned to rage.

‘A Necromancer… sounds annoying to deal with.’

“I have brought you here, mortal, to be my champion. You will enter my temple, retrieve my artifact, and destroy the defiler. Guide my light through the temple to open the inner sanctum and destroy the defiler."
The voice sounded commanding now, and possibly a bit insane, considering the woman had repeated herself. Maybe it was just nerves.

‘Artifact?’

Link found that he couldn’t move or look away from the light, but he could speak.

“Tell me more about this artifact.”

“Mortals call it Dawnbreaker, for it was forged in a holy light that breaks upon my foes, burning away corruption and false life. You will enter my shrine, destroy Malkoran, and retrieve this mighty blade.”

'A powerful sword….’

“It doesn't really sound like I have a choice in the matter.”

“But a single candle can banish the darkness of the entire Void. If not you, then someone else. My beacon is sure to attract a worthy soul. But if you are wise, you will heed my bidding.”

*It

is

a holy sword… Obviously it will be useful…’

“I'll do it.”

“Of course you will. I have commanded it!”
The ball of light flashed for a second, then died down to its usual brightness.

“Malkoran has forced the doors shut. But this is my temple, and it responds to my decree. I will send down a ray of light. Guide this light through my temple and its doors will open."

With this, Link’s vision went white again as he felt himself begin to fall back towards the ground far below.

And then he was standing before the statue, a ray of light before him. He watched as it shot over his head and hit some sort of pedestal, then went out of sight down the steps.

After a few seconds, Link turned around and walked away from the statue, down the steps, and followed several pedestals with this light shining through them over to a door with a carved dragon head on it. The door was easy to push open, and he stepped into the ruins.

The entrance opened up into a wide passage with stairs to the south. What was visible was covered by a profane darkness, one of thick blackened fog. Link walked down the worn steps to find some fallen masonry. Behind it was a patch of Namira’s Rot. Link picked it up and kept walking.

The passage was staggered to the left by a statue and three burial urns. Further along the passage was a locked door. Link had acquired 20 lockpicks while traveling, and so he took one out and knelt before the locked door, intending to open it.

The first one was so rusted it broke upon turning it once. The Hylian shook the rust off his hands before he took out another lockpick and tried again. This time he managed to find the sweet spot before he overshot turning it and it shattered.

The third one got further, but then jammed in the lock, breaking it in half. It took a minute to clear the lock of the broken pick, but then the fourth one opened the door, which revealed a short passage with a lever at the end.

Before entering the short passage, Link looked to his right and saw a metal gate blocking the way forward. Common sense told him that the lever before him unlocked the gate, so he entered the short passage and threw the lever to the left, as it had been right before. He heard the sound of the gate rising in the ceiling and left the short passage to see that the way forward was now clear.

The Hylian walked under the gate and found another short passage to his left that led to a chest with an ancient Nord sword up against it. He took the sword to resell later and checked the chest, which had a sapphire necklace. He decided he could sell it as well and left the short passage.

The main hallway turned to the east and then split. From where he was standing, Link could tell that both paths led to the same room. When he entered the room, it opened up into a large chamber with stone arches and large pillars supporting the ceiling high above.

In the center was a refracting gem on top of a pedestal with light streaming into it through a hole in the roof. To the right of the pedestal, next to a statue that had been knocked over by falling masonry, was an iron shield. There were large double doors at the far end.

Link picked up the shield to sell for later, then turned to the pedestal with the light. He walked to it and examined it, then reached out towards the pedestal. As his hand neared the light, it shot up towards another pedestal high above him.

The double doors opened as the light hit the higher pedestal and Link walked through them, then walked down a long flight of stairs to another set of double doors. There was a White Fungus mushroom and Link took it with him to make potions later.

Then the Hylian noticed two dark figures beyond the door, which appeared to be smokey outlines with various armor. They appeared to be hostile.

‘

Must be the shades that light warned me about. ….Darkness hates light…’

He took out the lantern and lit it, noting that the two shades drew back a bit, as well as the fog around him lifting slightly.

Link then set the lantern down and took out the Fire Rod, then primed it as he walked towards the shades, who drew weapons as he approached. He flicked a switch and a wave of fire left the weapon and rolled across the floor towards the dark creatures. The two shades turned and ran away a bit, then were caught in a cone of fire from the magical weapon. They soon burnt away to ash piles, leaving behind weapons and something akin to the Ice Wraith Essence, save for it was dark in color.

He took the iron sword and dagger to resell later, took the strange essence with him and picked up the lit lantern before he entered the next room.

Through the doors was a large room with rows of stone benches facing towards another pedestal with a refracted gem on top on the first of three rising levels. There was a door down a short passage to the south. As mentioned, the pedestal was on the first level. On the second level was a set of shelves holding a candlestick and many ruined books and a sideboard with an empty soul gem on top. The final level had large urns at either end and double doors in the middle.

Link walked forward and activated the pedestal, sending the light through a set of double doors that had been opened by the pedestal activating. The Hylian found a short set of stairs that led to the second level, where he took the empty soul gem from the sideboard and continued on his way. There was a set of stairs leading up to the third level, where he checked the urns to find they were all empty before noting a nearby ledge. His previous dungeoneering adventures told him something was on the ledge, so he looked around for a way to get to said ledge.

He found it via a bookshelf, which he jumped on top of, then jumped to the ledge. It was in front of a barricaded room containing several burned books, a leveled invisibility potion and damage health poison, which were out of reach.

He noticed a strange looking book on the bookshelf he had been standing on. He jumped back to the bookshelf, then knelt down and grabbed the book’s spine, then pulled it out and examined it. It was a spell tome for Telekinesis. As he read the tome, it dissolved in his hands and he felt the knowledge of the spell enter his mind.

Telekinesis was a spell that let you pick things up with your mind and move them in all directions. You could even use weapons with the spell if you were skilled enough.

Link turned to the ledge, jumped back over, then looked at the barricaded room and held out a hand, then focused on the invisibility potion, then imagined it floating across the room into his hand. He watched as it ever so slowly rose up into the air and began to move towards him. Eventually, he felt the dust coated potion hit his hand and he caught it before it fell and broke.

The Hylian placed the potion in his knapsack before he suddenly felt drained. He turned around and leaned against the wall as he closed his eyes and waited for his strength to return.

’It seems this new spell I learned is really taxing. I’ll have to be careful… Wonder if there’s a way to increase my magical prowess here.’

After a few minutes, Link opened his eyes and turned back to look at the damage health poison.

‘Do I really need it?’

He gazed at the filled bottle for a while before he shrugged and used Telekinesis again.

The poison landed on the ledge and just as it did, Link’s vision blurred and he felt himself pitch forwards.

-

His senses returned an unknown amount of time later. The first thing he focused on was the poison bottle, sitting on the ledge.

‘How long… It doesn’t matter, I needed the rest…’

Link closed his eyes for a few minutes and mentally checked himself for injuries. He found none and opened his eyes again.

‘Note to self… Do not use Telekinesis until I find a way to increase my magical prowess.’

He picked up the poison and put it in his knapsack, then got up and jumped the short distance from the ledge to the bookshelf, then to the stone floor of the third level. Link then walked towards the double doors and passed underneath them, only to discover that there had been a cave-in, with a small gap that the beam of light was shining through.

Link then remembered the door to the south and backtracked to the first level of the room, then walked through the door that he had noticed earlier.

Two more corrupted shades greeted him, and he used Fireball on them since they were so close. The two shadow figures caught on fire due to being so near each other, but they kept approaching with weapons raised.

Link drew Dawn with his free hand and swung the fire dagger at the closest shade, who turned to ash.

The second one seemed to be more intelligent as it dodged the dagger, then attempted to run Link through with its sword. He ducked under the blade, then used the Fire Rod. Due to how close the remaining shade was, it didn’t have time to dodge and it turned to ash.

Link took the iron dagger and sword to sell for later and then looked around after gathering the shade essence.

Besides the two corrupted shades, the room contained several large urns, several windows on the left into the room behind the cave-in and a set of shelves on the left. There was also a wooden door at the end of the room.

Link checked the urns to find they held nothing and then entered the next room after opening the wooden door.

The door opened to a passage that took a couple of turns and descended a flight of stairs before there was another door to another room that contained a sideboard holding a minor potion of healing and an unlocked chest, which held nothing. Link took the potion and continued onward.

There was a passage heading east into another large room with balconies on three sides and wooden stairs leading up to the south and east. There were two corrupted shades in this room, one on the lower level and an archer on the balcony to the north.

The two corpses hadn’t noticed him yet, so Link took out his bow and sniped them both with well aimed arrows. He then walked to the lower level to get the essence before returning to the balconies.

The balcony to the east linked with the one to the north. There was also a bridge linking the northern balcony to a central platform with a refracted gem on a pedestal in the middle and a second span to the southern balcony that had collapsed, although, from looking at it, the gap could be jumped.

Link made his way to the pedestal and touched it, watched the light move onward, then noticed a door past the second balcony. He decided to check the north balcony first, getting the shade essence on his way.

He found an arcane enchanter with a petty soul gem resting on it. A gate and locked door were to his right.

Link broke two lockpicks opening the door. Upon it opening, he saw a lever. He stepped forward and threw the lever to the right, as it had been left before. He heard the gate rise up and he left the alcove to see that a chest had been behind the door. Link opened the chest to find it held 50 Septims, which he took.

He then returned to the enchanter and placed the sapphire necklace on it, then set his hands on the table and leaned over it.

’Hmmm… I still don’t understand how these things work.’

He thought back to Ustengrav and what had happened there.

‘So… Do I just think of the enchantment I want to use?’

He tried it.

The Resist Frost runes appeared above the necklace and vanished. The necklace started to glow a light blue a few seconds later and the object was cold to the touch. Link picked up the necklace and examined it before he stepped back from the table and put the necklace on.

‘Okay… so… Let’s see… I have… the ring, locket, and now this necklace. I guess ice magic won’t be that much of a problem anymore.

’

The Hero of Twilight looked back at the arcane enchanter before he walked over to the broken bridge, then jumped the small gap to the southern balcony. He then noted that the door before him was now open and the pedestal light was going through a hole in the nearby wall. There was a short passage that Link followed until he reached an iron door and opened it to reveal the morning light.

Before him was an outdoor balcony, the light bouncing off of six statues overhead. Fallen snow was crushed underfoot as the Hylian stepped onto the ancient weathered stone.

From where he was, he could see some sort of river winding its way until it vanished behind trees. There was a mountain to the southeast that gave him a strange feeling when he looked directly at it, as well as a possible settlement towards the southwest.

Link followed the stone path and came across a locked chest. He knelt down and took out a lockpick, then inserted the pick into the lock. Somehow, something told him to turn the lock a certain way and he opened the lock on his first lockpick. Link threw open the chest and stared.

Laying inside the chest was his bow. He recognized the elden wood and goat emblem, the hand made leather wrapping for the hand rest…

The Hylian lifted the bow from the chest and stood, running a hand over the carved wood before he notched an arrow to the still strong bow string, and aimed the bow towards a nearby tree. He let the arrow fly and it suck into the tree’s trunk.

Link lowered the bow and grinned before the cold started to get to him, and he crossed the remainder of the walkway and entered the ruins again.

Through the iron door on the balcony was a passage heading north. A flight of stairs upward with a couple of turns opened into a large room guarded by three corrupted shades on the ground level, and a fourth on a caged walkway above that wielded a greatsword.

The shades hadn’t noticed Link yet, so he crouched in the doorway, eying their movements before the Hylian took out three arrows and shot the three, one at the time. This caused the fourth one to notice him and it vanished from view, no doubt having a way to get to him. Link made his way to the ground level of the room and waited.

The remaining shade didn’t show up and Link decided it was safe to keep going. There was a locked iron door in the middle of the south wall. In the southwestern corner was a table with a desecrated corpse on top. A broken stone table beside it had three loose septims, a gold emerald ring, and a burial urn. When checked, the urn was empty. Link took the three Septims and the ring and then noticed wooden stairs leading up to a balcony, and he climbed the stairs after getting the essence of the three shades.

There were two sideboards flanking another locked iron door. One of these held a Major Potion of Magicka and a Potion of Resist Magic. There was also a short walkway out onto a platform with a refracted gem on a pedestal. Link took the potions, then walked out to the platform and activated the pedestal. Activating it opened the door on the balcony.

The passage behind the balcony door led to a room guarded by one corrupted shade. It was dispatched by a single arrow.

To the east was a trap connected to a wooden door that triggered a spear trap from the floor, with a desecrated corpse leaning against the door. This door opened into a smaller room containing an unlocked chest, a set of shelves holding a candlestick, a pair of iron boots, Draught of the Knight and a Major Potion of Healing. Opposite this was a sideboard with an unlocked, empty strongbox on top. Link took the two potions for himself and the boots to sell later.

Link continued his journey via a passage to the north, with an unlocked chest to the left that held nothing. The passage turned to the west, where a tripwire had triggered a swinging blades trap in the passage beyond. A small pile of ash was in the middle of the trap, no doubt the remains of the fourth corrupted shade.

At the far end was a lever. Link carefully dodged the spinning blades and made it to the lever safely; when thrown to the left, as it had been right, the trap was deactivated. The Hylian backtracked to get the shade essence before leaving the trap corridor.

From here, the passage led out onto the caged walkway, passing over and around two platforms to a third platform that wasn’t caged, where the fourth corrupted shade was originally.

A narrow walkway crossed to the north and a small area, with a broken span to the west, and a locked door ahead.

Link jumped to a separate platform on the left, then touched the pedestal. Doing so opened the locked door. Link jumped the gap again.

In the northwestern corner was a stone table with a desecrated corpse on top, and a novice-locked chest between two sets of shelves holding an iron helmet, gauntlets, two minor potions of stamina, a minor potion of healing, and a copy of a book titled Battle of Red Mountain. The chest, when unlocked, held nothing.

Link took the potions to use later, and the iron gauntlets and helmet to eventually sell or trade. When he skimmed the book’s pages, he saw that its contents were about shield blocking techniques. The Hylian took the book with him to read at a later date to improve his blocking skills.

Through the now unlocked door, the passage led to another large room guarded by two more corrupted shades. Link watched them for a while, then got an idea and lit the lantern again before he held an arrow to the flames and set the arrowhead on fire, then noticed the arrow to his bow and fired it at one of the shades. It was killed instantly by the flaming arrow and the flames jumped to the other corrupted shade and killed it as well. Link took the two shade essences, then made his way to ground level after picking up the lantern.

There were four desecrated corpses on the ground level. Two flights of wooden stairs led up to two of four raised sections around the room. The other two areas were blocked by wooden walls. The stairs on the west wall, when accessed, led up to a small area with a potion of strength on a plinth with a weight sensitive plate. Link eyed the plate before he picked up a rock and carefully set it on the plate, then ducked before the plinth and removed the potion of strength. Nothing happened. The Hylian got up and left the small area.

At the top of the stairs against the east wall, Link jumped to a wooden ledge on the north wall where there was another desecrated corpse. To the east was a doorway to a wide passage, turning after a few paces, before it led back out onto a platform high above the large room with the caged walkway. On the platform was another refracted gem on a pedestal and another desecrated corpse. When Link activated the pedestal, the door on the ground level far below him opened. He could either backtrack or jump from a few visible platforms.

Link decided to jump to the top of the cage. He stayed there to get his bearings before he then jumped to a platform, then the ground. He then entered the door and walked down a short flight of stairs, which led to another iron door. He opened it and stepped inside the room.

Through the door was a wide passage that descended a flight of stairs, and after a couple of turns, led into a large room. There were three desecrated corpses, one of which was leaning against the raised section in the middle of the room with an iron dagger and three loose septims beside it. In both the northeastern and southeastern corners, on small raised sections, were two potions of magicka. In the southeast corner, there was also an unlocked chest that held nothing when checked.

Activating a final refracting gem on top of a pedestal opened a set of double doors to the east that led to a large room. Link took the dagger, the three Septims and the two potions before moving towards the unlocked doors.

When Link stepped inside the room, it was quiet. Too quiet. Various corpses lined the walls of the large room. On Link’s immediate left was a Potion of Healing. Link followed a wall to the right, where he found a Paralysis Poison on a broken table. He then found a Potion of Stamina on a stone table to the northwest. Link had taken all three filled bottles when he had found them, and was putting the stamina potion in his knapsack when he heard footsteps, and turned back to find himself looking at a man in robes, surrounded by seven corrupted shades.

“Are you Malkoran?” Link’s words sounded hallow to his ears as the man didn’t respond, but instead took out a staff of some sort and shot ice in his direction.

- It didn’t do much. Sure, the ice felt cold and it hurt just a bit, but it didn’t do anything else. Malkoran blinked, then motioned to the seven shades to attack Link, who took out the Fire Rod, primed it, then sent fire towards the creatures.

While they were burning to death, the Hylian drew Dawn and ran towards the Necromancer, who sent another wave of ice in Link’s direction. Link charged through and swung Dawn at Malkoran, who attempted to block the attack with his staff. The dagger sliced the staff in two and cut into the man’s robes.

Malkoran looked surprised as he retreated a bit, then cast a frost spell and sent it towards Link. The Hylian was sent back a bit and hit the floor, rolling a few times as his vision became unfocused from cold.

He stopped rolling and got back up, then downed a minor health potion, taking the cold with it as it healed any potential injuries. Link then ran forwards and stabbed Malkoran in the heart.

After a few seconds, the Hero of Twilight pushed the man away and watched as his body hit the ground. “That should be it, right?” Link looked around as he put away his weapons, noticed the ray of light was hitting a raised statue of some sort, and began to walk towards it. He then heard some sort of noise and looked back to see the Necromancer’s body… reforming?

No, it was… something else?

The thing before him was a floating, wraith-like skeleton surrounded by a dark mist. The wraith gazed at Link before it hissed and tried to set him on fire.

The Hylian rolled out of the way of the flames and came back up, eying… was this thing still Malkoran? Then again, it looked like the corrupted shades…. maybe this thing was Malkoran’s Shade? Whatever the creature before him was, it was angry.

Link fired an arrow at the shade and the thing shrieked as the arrow hit it. It then moved its hands and put up some sort of ward, protecting itself.

The Hero of Twilight circled the shade, putting away his bow and getting out Dawn and the Fire Rod.

The shade then shocked Link with some sort of lighting spell, then lunged towards him and sent him flying into a nearby wall. His vision went dark for a second or two and when it returned, he was half lying on the ground, half up against the wall, his weapons beside him, watching as the shade drew closer and closer with a ball of fire in one hand, and a ball of ice in the other.

Link tried to focus his vision as he reached for the Fire Rod, primed it, then aimed it in the shade’s direction and flicked the switch.

A wave of fire hit Malkoran’s Shade and it flew back, away from Link, to the other side of the room, alight with flames. Link downed three minor health potions before standing, then used Heal on himself for extra measure before he eyed the shade.

The thing was still alive and it started to screech at him in rage, still on fire. Link blasted it again with the Fire Rod, and again, and a third time. He started to alternate between Fireball, the Rod, and occasionally, his trusty flame dagger.

Eventually - Link wasn’t sure how long he attacked the shade for - the thing began to turn to ash and dust. The Hylian turned away from the dying creature and began to walk away when he felt a great force strike him in the back and he went flying into the pedestal that the light was shining on.

-

He eventually heard a voice.

“It is done. The defiler is defeated. Take Dawnbreaker from its pedestal.”

It took him a while to recognize who the voice had been. Meridia. He had somehow won.

But yet… Had he? He was still alive… right?

Yes. That much was certain. The last thing Link remembered was hitting something, and now…

He was… lying before the pedestal where the light had been. The Hylian saw something that hadn’t been there previously, up on the pedestal. Whatever it was, it was glowing.

Link closed his eyes and mentally thought

‘Heal

’. He was too out of it to even think of using potions or to say the healing spell. He felt the pain retreat a bit and his headache fade tremendously, but it was still there. After a while, Link dared to open his eyes and he slowly searched his nearby knapsack until he found a major healing potion and downed it. He felt his injuries fade and his vision became clear.

The Hylian didn’t move from where he was for a few minutes, but gathered himself and got up, collecting his dagger and Fire Rod from where they had been thrown a bit away from him before he turned to the pedestal.

A brilliant glowing sword was positioned blade first, resting inside the pedestal before him. Link stepped to it, gazing in awe at the weapon, before he slowly reached out and gripped its hilt before he drew it with ease from its resting place. Before he could complicate what he had done, he felt like he was floating and then his vision went white.

Link found himself standing in the air again, high above Skyrim. The ball of light was bouncing around in the air.
“Malkoran is vanquished. Skyrim's dead shall remain at rest. This is as it should be. This is because of you. A new day is dawning. And you shall be its herald. Take the mighty Dawnbreaker and with it, purge corruption from the dark corners of the world. Wield it in my name, that my influence may grow.”

"I'll keep the sword. But find someone else to spread your religion.”

‘Sure, I’m sure she’s a good god… whatever they call them here, but I’m not going to just run around doing things in her name.’

“It matters not. The plant cares nothing for the rays that bring it the warmth of the sun. As you carry Dawnbreaker, so will my light touch the world.”

But then, Link began to realize the benefits of potentially having a being of power like this on his side. “On second thought, I'll wield this mighty blade in your name.”

Meridia seemed pleased with his answer.
“May the light of certitude guide your efforts.”

With that, Link felt himself begin to be lowered to the ground and his vision went white again.

When it returned, he was standing before the statue, holding the sword he had retrieved from the ruins. He looked down at it, noting its gold color and how the gem at the center of the crossguard radiated a holy light. He swung the sword once in front of him, feeling the blessed energy coursing through the blade as the gem seemed to grow brighter for a moment.

Link looked up at the statue. “Thank you.” He then turned and made his way down the steps and the long winding path down the mountain until he reached Kilkreath’s base, where he found Epona waiting for him. The Hylian checked his knapsack and found the egg was still intact… it was warmer. Perhaps it would hatch soon.

Link decided to not worry about it and he vaulted onto Epona’s back, then checked what he had gotten from the ruins and counted his new Septims. He came up with a total of the current Septims he had on his person - 6816. The Hylian looked down at the sword in his hand before he took the empty scabbard at his side and slid Dawnbreaker into the scabbard. It wasn’t a perfect fit, nor was it the right sword for the scabbard, but it would do for now. Link then turned Epona in the general direction of Solitude and the two set off for the distant city, surrounded by morning birdsong.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The stone road to Solitude was long and windy, mostly flat with small inclines. The walls and gate of the city soon came into view up a steep massive hill, past a guard tower, windmill, docks, and stables.

Link stared in silent awe from atop Epona. He had never seen a place like this before. From where he was, there was a natural arch formation that spanned the river to the other side, there were buildings on this arc, ending with some sort of castle-like structure.

The Hylian nudged his horse’s sides and she started to walk up the path. The two soon reached the stables and Link stopped Epona, then got down and led her over to the stable master, who was a man with full brown facial hair.

“Name’s Geimund. What can I do for you?” The man stepped away from a white horse and eyed Link.

“I’d like to have my horse stay here for a while, though I’m not sure for how long.”

Geimund eyed the boy before him and seemed to study Link. After gazing at the Hylian for a while, the man nodded. “Right. How about this then. You pay me for one night, and at the end of your stay, however long that is, you pay me for the rest. Sound good?”

“That sounds fair.” Link agreed as he gave Epona a look over.

“I’ll take your horse then. Should be a short walk up to the gate. There’s more guards than usual up there. Wonder why...” Geimund held out a hand for Epona’s reins.

Link gave the reins to Geimund and the Nord visually examined the mare. “Good horse... she got a name?”

“Epona.”

“Epona...” Geimund mused. “A good name. She’s strong and no doubt fast... could be a good war horse...” His gaze moved to Link. “Stormcloak armor?” He questioned.

The Hylian gazed at Geimund, inwardly cursing himself. He had forgotten to get new armor after leaving Windhelm. “I...” He paused. “I don’t know if you heard... A dragon fell on Windhelm a few days ago.”

To Link’s surprise, the man grinned. “So, that was you? I heard about it alright, the entire province knows about it!”

“Right...Um... My old armor was destroyed in the fall... So Ulfric gave me this armor...”

Geimund inspected Link again. “Armor looks just a tad too big on you, just my perspective, though. Now, I have to warn you that Solitude doesn’t take too kindly to Stormcloaks. Even those that wear the armor, but aren’t part of the faction.”

Link nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The Hylian left the stables and continued to walk up the long winding path. The cobblestone road was steep, but manageable. Link passed the large windmill on his left; on up he passed a two storied guard tower, and soon he approached the massive wooden and metal twin gates.

Two guards were standing before the gates and one of them held up a gloved hand as Link approached. “Halt. State your business.”

“I’m just here to look around Solitude.”

The left guard examined Link. “What’s with the armor? You a Stormcloak sympathizer looking to cause trouble?”

Link shook his head. “No. I was the one involved in the dragon falling on Windhelm. My old armor was destroyed in the fall, so Ulfric gave these to me to wear until I could find better armor.”

The two guards looked at each other, then the right one spoke up. “Alright. You pass. I suggest going to the blacksmith and getting new armor. Or at least new clothes while you’re here, the clothes shop is Radiant Raiment. There’s also an execution taking place to the right as soon as you get past the gates behind me, some idiot gate guard I think... might have already happened.”

“Thanks for warning me.” Link stepped back as the two guards moved to open the gates.

“You’re welcome. Just don’t cause any trouble, and we’ll get along just fine.” Remarked the left one.

The two guards stepped aside for Link to pass after opening the gates, and so he entered Solitude.

The thing that got Link’s attention wasn’t the massive buildings, nor the large square, nor the many different paths that led away from the square. No, what got his attention was a rather large crowd to his right. Being as short as he was, he couldn’t see what was going on, but he could still hear it.

The Hylian wandered over to the back of the crowd and tried to look in between people to see what was happening up front, but soon gave up and hovered at the edge of the gathered mass.

The desperate tone of a young girl rang out. “They can't hurt uncle Roggvir. Tell them he didn't do it."

A rough sounding voice spoke a single word. “Positions.” Perhaps some sort of high ranking official?

A man spoke next, he sounded drained. “Svari, you need to go home. Go home and stay there until your mother comes."

Another order. “Lock the city gates.”

A woman’s voice sounded next, one that sounded haughty. “You should tell her that her uncle is scum that betrayed his High King. Best she know now, Addvar."

The man snapped back. “You're all heart, Vivienne."

The rough voice from before spoke again. “Roggvir. You helped Ulfric Stormcloak escape this city after he murdered High King Torygg. By opening that gate for Ulfric you betrayed the people of Solitude."

A different male voice yelled “Traitor!”, while a another yelled “He doesn’t deserve to speak!”

Then Link heard a voice that was possibly only a few years older than him. The man sounded resolute. “There was no murder! Ulfric challenged Torygg. He beat the High King in fair combat."

Another voice. “Liar!”

The man, who had to be Roggvir, spoke again. “Such as our way! Such as the ancient custom of Skyrim, and all Nords!"

Several people booed at the man’s words, it was impossible to tell who.

“Guards, prepare the prisoner.” Spoke the rough voice again.

Roggvir responded. “I don’t need your help.” There were sounds as if someone was kneeling.

“Very well, Roggvir. Bow your head." Footsteps.

“On this day... I go to Sovngarde."

Link caught a glimpse of something metal as it rose over the crowd, then it vanished. There was a thud, then mixed cheers and cries of horror.

The metal thing appeared above the crowd again, except this time, it was dripping blood, some of it running down the wooden handle of the weapon. It was a large bladed sharp axe with a long and sturdy wooden handle. For a second, he was back in Helgen, seeing the same axe rise above him, glinting in the midday sun -

A voice got Link’s attention and he looked around, then noticed Hadvar standing nearby. As the Hylian walked over to the Nord, the crowd began to disperse, and Link saw the aftermath of what he hadn’t been able to see - a bloodied woven basket was before a makeshift wooden table of sorts, with a headrest. Inside the basket was a head.

Hadvar caught Link staring and stepped in front of him to block the sight from view. “It’s good to see you again… Is that what I think it is?”

Hadvar talking to him seemed to bring Link back to reality and he shook his head, then looked down at the golden sword pommel. “The sword?” Link asked Hadvar.

“Yes. Is it Dawnbreaker?”

Link drew the blade and showed it to Hadvar, who nodded. “Just as I thought. So Meridia chose you?”

“Seems like it.”

Hadvar looked Link up and down for a second as he returned the glowing sword to a scabbard that didn’t match it at all. “You look really out of place here. Radiant Raiments sells clothes, let’s see if we can find some for you there.”

As the two started walking away from the crowd, Link kept looking back at the grisly scene up on the stand until he finally tore his gaze away to eye the various buildings passing overhead and tried to forget about it. “What happened to him?”

Hadvar sighed. “Roggvir let Ulfric in and out of the gates the day High King Torygg died, as Captain Aldis said.”

Link side eyed the Nord. “I’ve heard people talk about what Ulfric did, what really happened? If I overheard things right, the Jarls…. what…. they meet every few years to elect a main ruler?”

Hadvar nodded. “Yes. The Moot is a council made up of the Jarls of each hold in Skyrim that is convened upon the death of the High King of Skyrim to formally choose the successor to the throne from any qualifying members of the royal family. In the absence of a legitimate heir, the Moot instead chooses a successor from among the Jarls. The Moot can reconvene during a living High King's reign if he breaks some taboo which makes the Jarl’s lose confidence in him, such as refusing a challenge made in the old traditions. Ulfric challenged Torygg to a duel, which is honorable, but then Torygg was killed when Ulfric used the Voice against him.” Hadvar was about to say more but then noticed where he was. “Here we are. Radiant Raiments.”

As soon as the two stepped inside the building, they were greeted by two women standing behind a counter. They appeared to be elves of some sort with strange skin colors. “Oh look, Endarie, it’s… what was his name… Hadvar, I think.” Said the one in black robes.

The greenish-skinned woman gave a tight smile to Hadvar, who nodded back before her gaze turned to Link. “And who might you be? That armor you’re wearing doesn’t fit you. How can you even hold weapons, you look scrawny enough as is.” Her tone was matter of fact as she stepped out from behind the counter and walked up to Link, who found that he had to look up at her due to their height difference.

“I’m here to get some clothing.”

Endarie gave Link a look over. “Clothing? Are you scared of the possibility that wearing that armor here could get you killed? Because it’s a very high chance.”

“Pretty much.”

The woman shook her head. “Acting brave won’t get you far in most places.” She walked back around the counter and returned with some sort of measuring tool. “Stand still while I measure you.” She ordered.

It took several minutes, with pauses due to Endarie writing down various measurements, but eventually she stepped back. “Hmmm… I

think

we have clothing in your size, it’s not out here though, possibly in the back. Go ahead and look around while I go and check.” The woman then walked to another room.

The other woman behind the counter smiled. “Hello. I’m Taarie. My sister… she doesn’t like most people, I’m surprised she was that friendly with you.”

“It’s fine.” Link noticed something on a nearby shelf and stepped over to it. It was a dark green sleeveless tunic with a belt around the waist. Next to it was a pair of tan pants, neatly folded.

The Hylian turned around when he heard Endarie’s voice. “I couldn’t find anything in the back - Oh, did you find something?” She was standing by the counter, gazing at him.

Link nodded and he half turned, picked up the two clothing items and showed them to the woman. “How much for these?”

Endarie put a hand to her chin in thought. “Hmm… Strange, you’re the first person I believe to ask about those. We didn’t put a price on them… Let me see… Ten Septims each?”

Before Link could respond, Taarie took something off the shelf behind her and stepped out from behind the counter, then walked up to Link while holding a pair of boots. “Here. You’ll need these if you’re staying here for long. They’re fur-lined boots. For the cold. Five Septims for these.”

Link took the pair of boots from the woman and set them on the ground beside him, then shifted the clothes he intended to buy to one arm as he reached into his knapsack. “Do I pay either of you?”

Taarie nodded. “Yes”.

Link took out the twenty five Septims and made sure they were all there. “...Twenty three…. twenty four… twenty five.” He handed the coins to Taarie, who smiled at him, then pointed to a side room.

“Thank you. You can use that side room to try on the clothes.”

Link nodded, picked up the pair of boots, then walked into the other room.

He returned a few minutes later wearing the new clothing. The Hylian had neatly folded the Stormcloak armor and had set it in his knapsack for later. Hadvar smiled when he saw Link and the two women nodded in approval.

Endarie gave a small smile. “The clothes suit you well. Might even serve as armor if you’re good at dodging. Maybe. That’s a high maybe. You can wear armor over those clothes, so I suppose what I said is true.”

Taarie turned to her sister. “Endarie, I think Roggvir had an Amulet of Talos, do you think his sister would want it back?”

Endarie eyed her. “Yes, but how do you know about this?”

“She told me when she stepped in the other day to buy gloves.”

Link spoke up. “I could possibly get it.”

Both women turned to face him. Endarie raised an eyebrow. “Do you really think it’s wise to loot a fresh corpse?”

“No. But it’s just an amulet, if I’m returning it to a relative, it shouldn’t matter, should it?”

“No.” Hadvar intervened. “And if the Captain starts anything, I’ll talk to him.”

“Great.” Link then paused and turned to the women behind the counter. “Who should the amulet be given to?”

Taarie answered him. “Greta. Tall, long blonde hair, wears farm clothes. Roggvir was her brother.”

“Thanks.” Link motioned for Hadvar to follow him, then left the building.

Walking up the steps and over to a decapitated body to retrieve an amulet hadn’t been in Link’s plans for that day, but there he was, doing just that. Hadvar was standing below the stand, watching for any signs of trouble.

The body was lying on its front, flies already swarming the visible bone and muscle of the cleanly cut neck. It hadn’t begun to bloat yet, which was good.

The Hylian looked around, then knelt next to the body and began to rifle through Roggvir’s pockets.

‘Didn’t expect to be doing this.’

His left hand hit something cold and he grabbed it and pulled it out, then examined what he had found. It was a beaded necklace, with a small hook to hold the necklace together. The centerpiece was a combined arrow and axe.

‘This has to be it.’

Link stood from where he had been kneeling and jumped down from the stage, then walked over to Hadvar. “I think I got it.” He showed the necklace to the Nord.

Hadvar inspected it. “Yes. Thankfully, no one noticed you up there. Let’s go find Greta.”

Link nodded and looked down at the amulet as it reflected the sun overhead. He thought he saw some sort of inhuman golden eye looking back at him, then he blinked and it was gone.

‘What was that?

’ He decided to not tell Hadvar and stayed silent as the two walked the streets of Solitude.

A few minutes later, the two came across a sad looking woman that fit Endarie’s description of Greta. She noticed them and then the amulet. “Where did you get that?” She asked in a weary, saddened voice.

Link stepped forward and showed the amulet to Greta. “Was Roggvir your brother?”

The woman nodded and continued to eye the amulet.

“I think he would have wanted you to have this.” The Hylian offered the amulet to Greta, who reached out and took it, looked at it, then smiled with eyes that shone with gratitude. “Talos bless you, child.” She whispered. “You risked your life to bring this to me, did you know that?”

Link shook his head. “No.”

Greta looked around her carefully. “Listen carefully. Talos was outlawed to be worshipped or even spoken of by the Imperials and their White-Gold Concordat.” Her voice was quiet. “If they catch you talking about him, you get a warning, if you get caught worshipping him… it’s being tossed in a dungeon, or worse.”

“They kill people for worshipping someone? That doesn’t make any sense!” Link spoke a bit louder than usual due to his sudden outrage.

“Keep your voice down!” Greta hissed, looking frantically around her and then froze for a second as she saw a guard looking in her direction with suspicion. She then began muttering “you fool” as the guard began to walk over to the three.

“What’s going on here?” Ordered the guard as he got close enough to speak.

Greta turned around and Link felt something cold be pressed into his hands as the woman began to talk with the guard. “Nothing at all, this young man is new to the area, I was just telling him that worship of Talos is outlawed.”

The guard eyed Link from where he was standing. “Hmmmm…. Very well.” He stepped back from Greta. “I’m keeping an eye on you. You may have saved Whiterun and Windhelm from dragons, but you still have plenty of opportunities to get into trouble.” The guard then turned and walked back to his post.

Greta watched the guard leave, then turned to face Link, who was now holding the amulet. “Keep it.”

Link gazed at the woman with confusion. “What?”

“You keep the amulet. I realize now that I can’t have it, It’ll give me away as a Talos worshipper.” Greta smiled sadly. “Oh, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I just have to find another way to worship the Ninth Divine. Besides, you look like you need his protection more than I do. And remember, try not to wear the amulet in Imperial controlled territories or near the Thalmor.”

Link looked at the amulet in his hands. “Maybe you’re right.” He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked back. It was Hadvar.

“We should get going.” Said the Nord.

Link nodded, then moved his gaze to Greta. “Thank you.”

The woman smiled at him. “Not at all child. May Talos bless you and guide you on your journey.” She then walked away, leaving the two in the street.

As Link watched Greta walk away, he found himself gazing at the amulet. For a second, that golden eye from earlier was visible, then it was gone. He then noticed the amulet had a faint blue glow to it, and barely visible in the middle of the small metal axe was a faded carved dragon skull. The Hylian felt something... otherworldly about the object he was holding, some sort of divinity to it. It sort of felt like his Triforce piece.

Hadvar eyed Link. “You never told me what you’re doing here in Solitude.”

Link looked up from the amulet as he lifted it over his head and let it fall over his neck, hidden beneath his new clothes. The metal felt cold against his skin. “Um... I’m just here to see the scenery....?”

The Nord shook his head and smiled. “You and your love of nature. Tell you what, Tulluis is looking for recruits right now, you’re not old enough, sure, but maybe you could become a recruit in training.”

Link gazed at Hadvar, unsure of how to respond due to Ulfric accepting him as a Stormcloak. Thankfully, he was saved from answering by his knapsack shaking. He grabbed at it. “Listen, can we talk later? I went through some ruins earlier and haven’t had a chance to rest since then.”

Hadvar nodded. “Sure. There’s a inn called the Winking Skeever. Beds there are cheap, food is good, lots of books to read and people to talk to. In fact I’ll head there myself, see you around, Link.” With that, the Nord walked off.

As Hadvar walked away from Link, there seemed to be some sort of commotion out front. He was too far away to hear what was being said, nor was he able to see exactly who was talking. When Link got closer, he saw a man with brown hair standing on the steps, looking up at the Blue Palace. He then saw Link. “Greetings. I am Viarmo, current headmaster of the long established Bard’s College. I am afraid that if you want to become a bard, that is not possible at this time.”

Link eyed the man, suddenly fascinated that that was even an option here. “Are you sure? What’s the reason for?”

Viarmo gazed at the Hylian for a second. His face then grew serious. “The Queen has ordered that the festival be canceled.”

Link blinked. “Cancelled?” He repeated. “Why?” He didn’t know what festival it was, but he knew something serious had happened.

The Altmer sighed. “Due to the recent murder of High King Torygg, the mourning widow and current Jarl, Elisif the Fair, has put a stop to the festival. She reasons that burning a king in effigy is in poor taste, which, I suppose now that I think about it, might be true. I’m looking for someone who can somehow help me restore the festival.”

Link nodded. “Do you have some sort of plan?”

Viarmo smiled brightly. “Yes. Yes I do, it would be better to discuss that inside though.” The man went inside the building and Link followed him.

Inside the Bard’s College were bards of various races and both genders. They had a lot of instruments, some were sitting in windowsills or on chairs, talking or practicing songs, while others were eying Link.

Viarmo was standing in the middle of the room, hands clasped behind his back as he waited. As Link approached, the Altmer relaxed and eyed him. “I suppose you want to help? Very well. Elisif has forbidden the Burning of King Olaf, a Festival put on by the Bards College. We need to change her mind. To convince her, I want to read King Olaf's Verse. A part of the Poetic Edda, the living history of Skyrim. Unfortunately the verse was lost long ago."

“It was lost?”

“Yes. According to Giraud, our histories keeper, the portion of the Edda dealing with King Olaf might still exist in Dead Man's Respite. I need you to retrieve the poem."

“Do you know why Elisif forbade the festival?”

“As you may be aware, Elisif's husband High King Torygg was recently killed. Elisif mourns her husband deeply and she feels that a festival that burns a King in effigy is... distasteful. I've tried to convince her the festival is many centuries old and celebrates Solitude but I need proof. I believe King Olaf's verse will provide that proof."

“What is the Poetic Edda?”

“I think Giraud here would give you the best explanation of both it and the history of King Olaf's Verse. You should speak to him about it." Viarmo smiled at Link. “I wish you luck in finding the verse."

Link was directed to a man in brown robes with a strange hat, who turned to greet him. “Greetings, you must be the one Viarmo was talking to?”

Link nodded as the man grinned. “He's sending you after King Olaf's Verse then? That's good, we shouldn't leave it lying around now that I've figured out where it is. My name is Giraud. The Verse was Svaknir's contribution to the Poetic Edda, the living history of Skyrim. Each bard adds to the Edda in his or her time."

“What was the verse about?” Link asked in curiosity.

“The verse criticized the reigning King Olaf. He was so incensed the bard was put to death and all the copies burned. At least, that's what we thought until I translated some ancient texts a year or so ago. We now believe King Olaf buried the truth with the bard. If I'm right Svaknir and King Olaf's Verse lie in Dead Men's Respite, along with the burial chamber of King Olaf himself."

“Sounds fascinating.”

So I go to this place, get the book, then leave. Should be easy enough.‘

Giraud nodded. “It is. Now then, I’ll send you on your way so we can hopefully reinstate the festival.”

Two bards blocked his path as Link started to walk away from Giraud.

“So sorry to bother you, but I heard you were going to Dead Man’s Respite?” Asked an elderly woman in a green set of robes.

“Yes….?”

“It’s just that I and two of my fellow teachers have had our instruments stolen by bandits. Over a year ago, thieves broke into the college and made off with a lot of valuable things. Mostly gold and silver. But they also stole Finn's Lute. We just learned where the bandits fled to, and I very much want that lute back.”

The woman gestured to a woman with blonde hair with golden robes and a fur shoulder cover. “Pantea has had her flute stolen by a student and given to a Necromancer, believing my friend’s story that the flute could raise the dead.”

The elderly woman then started to speak, but Giraud stopped her. “Thank you for speaking to him, Inge. The bandits were scattered a few months ago, those two items were taken to Dead Man’s Respite, as well as a drum that would be very important to retrieve.”

“What drum would that be?”

“Rjorn's drum! Nobody knows where he died, and therefore where his drum might be. Halldir was the missing link. Rjorn entered Halldir's Cairn in secret, and presumably died there. Now all I need to do is find someone to get it. And that someone is you, since you’re going to Dead Man’s Respite.”

“Sure.” Link paused. “Where is Dead Man’s Respite?”

Giraud pointed to the Hylian’s knapsack. “Take out your map and I’ll show you.”

Link rummaged in his pack for a few seconds, then took out a folded map and set it on a nearby table, then unfolded it and stepped back a bit.

Giraud stepped up to the map and grabbed a nearby quill. “See here? The ruins near Morthal?” The man tapped at the location on the map and Link nodded.

“I think I’ve seen something there.”

“Yes. That’s Dead Man’s Respite.” Giraud marked the location on the map with an ‘x’ and the location's name, then stepped back. “There you go.”

Link took the map from the table, then inspected it before he returned it to his knapsack. “Thanks.”

Giraud smiled. “Good luck, you’re going to need it.”

The Hylian nodded and then left the College.

Dust particles rained down as Link got the door open and walked inside. It had been a quiet, pleasant journey from Solitude to where he was now, but that ended here.

Once his vision settled due to the low light, he saw a ruby carved claw resting on a small raised pedestal that was on a table. As Link went to pick up the claw, he noticed a ghost standing on the other side of the table. It beckoned to him, then vanished, as if the ghost wanted Link to follow it.

The Hylian gazed after the ghost for a second, then looked down at the ruby dragon claw and picked it up from the pedestal, then stepped back. As soon as he picked up the claw, four Draugr rose from the ground and began to lumber and stumble towards Link, who reached to his side and drew Dawnbreaker, the holy sword’s glow lighting up the room.

As one of the creatures lunged towards him, Link swung the sword and it connected with the Draugr’s shoulder. To Link’s surprise, the creature caught on fire and began to flail around, knocking into the other three in its frantic movements. They too, caught on fire, one lunged towards him with a sword and nicked his right arm, and then all four turned to ash. When they did, a ring of fire erupted from the ash piles and sent things flying all around the room as a nearby gate rose and hit the ceiling. Link had to quickly duck to avoid being hit with a clay urn, which shattered upon impact with a nearby wall. The Hylian gazed at the sword he was holding for a second, grateful he had chosen to put back on his Stormcloak armor after leaving the college and Solitude proper, then grinned mischievously. If the sword could catch things on fire, then make them explode… what else could it do? He decided to find out.

Link decided to look around the room he was in. There were two burial urns nearby that held ten Septims each when opened, in the southwest corner was a coin purse that had thirty Septims. To the northwest was an iron door. The door opened into a small, seemingly empty room, holding only an iron sword and a minor potion of healing. Link took the sword to sell later, the potion, and coins in the main room and walked through the open gate.

He followed the passage, noticing a pressure plate that, when activated by a thrown rock, triggered a spear trap just before the intersection. Link carefully walked around the spear trap and turned left, heading north. As the passage descended, he saw two empty soul gems on a sideboard and picked them up. Eventually, Link reached the end of the passage and activated a pull chain that activated several rotating doors in a row.

The Hylian got past the rotating doors after waiting for a chance to walk through them, and when he did so, he walked into more catacombs, with more rotating doors. After he passed several of these, he began to notice spider webs. Link reached the end of the corridor and turned in a western direction to be confronted by two frostbitten spiders, which glared at him as they skittered across the room in his direction.

Link waited until the spiders were close, then took out the Fire Rod, primed it, then fired. The spiders were covered in flames and ran around for a while before two daggers flew through the air and put the two creatures out of their misery. Link retrieved Dusk and Dawn from where he had thrown them, then passed an alcove on the right that held an Orcish Warhammer. Link took the Warhammer and continued on his way.

At the end of the corridor was an urn that was empty when checked, and after Link sliced through some webbing, he found a locked chest that held fifty Septims when unlocked.

Link returned to the room he had been in previously and found thick webbing blocking his way. He cut through it and entered the next room. There was another pull chain and he pulled it to activate more rotating doors. Two Draugr were waiting for Link as he approached the rotating doors and he picked up his bow from where it was hanging on his shield, notched an arrow, then fired. It hit one of the creature’s in the chest, killing it. The other continued to stumble towards him as he hooked his bow to his shield and drew Dawnbreaker, then swung it towards the Draugr, who burst into flames upon contact, then turned to ash.

Link then noticed some sort of trap on the floor and half picked up the remaining Draugr corpse, then tossed it onto the pressure plate. It caused a wooden battering ram to swing into the opposite wall with a dust raining

boom.

The Hero of Twilight gazed at the wooden object for a few seconds before he darted around it to see what was in the small room past it. On a table was a book by the name of

The Buying Game

, that detailed in persuading shopkeepers to barter with you for prices. Link took the book to read for later, as well as taking a coin purse with twenty Septims, a Major Potion of Magicka, and an empty soul gem.

Link walked through the passage to the north, encountering one more draugr slumbering in an alcove in front. He snuck past it and continued onwards. At the top of the following stairs was an urn and a burial urn in the northeast corner. At the bottom of the first set of stairs was a pressure plate that, when activated by a piece of broken wall that he picked up and threw on the plate, activated a flamethrower trap. Link bypassed this by carefully stepping around said trap and then slowly walking away from it, then returned to his normal walking speed once he had reached a safe distance. There was a doorway blocked by light spider webs and the Hylian used Fireball to burn the webbing away, then stepped into the next room.

Two frostbite spiders dropped from overhead. They were dispatched by the use of Fireball, due to Link learning that Spiders caught fire easily.

There were two bookcases with a Major Potion of Magicka and an empty soul gem on the shelves. To the right of the bookcases was a pair of Elven boots. At the rear of the room was a sideboard in the northwestern corner with a pair of iron gauntlets on top, along with some sort of drum. An Orcish greatsword and another pair of steel boots was to the right. Opposite in the northeastern corner was another sideboard with an urn that was empty when checked, and a leather strip on top. Link took all of these items and continued onwards, bypassing the three Draugr corpses as he walked over the trapdoor grates and activated a nearby pull chain, which opened a nearby trapdoor in the floor to reveal a well filled with water. Link walked over to the well, seeing no other option but to jump into it.

There was nothing of interest at the bottom of the well, and the way forward was to the east. Link emerged from the water into a partially flooded passage, and then into a larger cavern. A skeever was nosing about in the shallows, and a Draugr was standing on a ledge, straight ahead overlooking the room, beside a visible soul gem. Another Draugr emerged from the sarcophagus below the ledge, and more - two of them - ambushed Link from the left. All of them were killed with a combination of the Fire Rod and Dawnbreaker.

Link collected a small coin purse that held ten Septims and four loose gold coins from under the bottom of the wooden spiral ramp winding around the pillar to the right, then ascended the ramp. A trapped iron gate barred the way across a stone bridge. Link looked for a disarming mechanism, and found one in the bottom right hand corner. He managed to disarm the obvious trap, then unlocked the door and walked across the bridge, noting the various blades resting in the walls. There was a chain at the far side of the bridge, which had been to disable the trap if it had been set off. Link walked past it and continued onwards.

Link followed the next wooden ramp up and passed through a set of iron doors at the top. In an alcove to the right in the following corridor after passing an urn along the wall was an arcane enchanter built into a table, with a steel helmet to the left. A Major Potion of Healing was on a sideboard to the left. Opposite the enchanter, to the west, along a short corridor was a magically sealed door and a sideboard with a stone bowl containing three canis roots. A passage to the right headed down some steps.

Link took all of the items, then felt himself be drawn to the enchanter.

As he leaned forward a bit and placed his hands on the cold surface, he didn’t feel like he needed to enchant anything… The Talos Amulet had some sort of divine effect, the locket and rings were enchanted... wait.

The forged necklace from the shackle.

Link took it from his neck and set it on the enchanter’s surface, then gazed down at it. He noticed an Elven helmet on the table that was slightly glowing green. When he checked it, it had an enchantment called “Poison Resist.” It seemed useful; as he gazed at the helmet, it seemed to melt away and he saw green runes floating in the air. He then felt the knowledge of the new enchantment enter his mind, then the runes faded. He then took a petty soul gem from his pack and set it next to the necklace, then thought about adding poison resist to the necklace. The petty soul gem exploded and the necklace began to glow a faint green. Link picked up the necklace and let it fall against his neck, stepped back from the arcane enchanter, and then he walked down the stairs.

He was greeted by more draugr to deal with, four of them. They were quickly dispatched by his new combination of the Fire Rod and Dawnbreaker, which were proving to be quite deadly.

At the intersection, Link first went to the left, passing a burial urn on a shelf to the left that was empty when checked. The Hylian didn’t notice the pressure plate in the nearby doorway until it was too late, and activated the trap, which shot cold icy air in his direction. He found that removing a nearby soul gem from an alcove deactivated the trap. He took another soul gem from the opposite alcove, stepped over a dead draugr that was lying on the floor, then picked up the Major Potion of Stamina and Elven greatsword that were next to the creature. A scroll of Circle of Protection was just inside the doorway on a plinth and he took that as well.

Link then backtracked to the other side of the junction, heading north, to find a locked door, behind which was a locked chest with open hundred and ten Septims, a black metal ingot, a Ruby, and a steel horned helmet.

The Hylian left the room and proceeded down the stairs on his left. As he entered the circular room, the iron portcullis closed behind him, and the other gates in the room opened, expelling five Draugr.

Once again, the combination of the Fire Rod and Dawnbreaker dispatched them all quickly.

The first gate on the south wall, where two of the draugr came from, had an unlocked empty chest with a locked trap that triggered a poison dart trap. It was easy enough to avoid the spray of darts from the ceiling by opening the chest and then jumping backwards quickly, allowing Link to escape unharmed.

The other two gateways in the room held nothing of interest, although an urn was found in the northeast corner of the room that was empty when checked. Link activated the chain to open the trap door in the center of the room, and he followed the wooden spiral stairs down.

At the bottom, the handle opened a section of the wall, revealing Svaknir's body and an ancient looking worn book in the skeleton’s hand. The ghost was sitting nearby the body in a corner, silently smiling at Link.

“Svaknir?” The ghost nodded as Link spoke his name and watched on as the Hylian knelt down before his body and carefully removed the book from the bard’s hand. The ghost vanished and Link heard the sounds of multiple doors opening. He stood and turned to leave, then saw a flute lying next to the bard’s body. He picked it up and left the small room.

He made his way back up the spiral stairs to see Svaknir waiting for him. The ghost of the bard motioned for him to follow, and led him to a door with symbols. Link briefly remembered Bleak Falls Barrow, where he and Ralof and Hadvar had encountered a door like this.

The puzzle required the correct combination of symbols as well as the Ruby Dragon Claw, which he had found in the first room, to operate. When Link inspected the claw, the object revealed the correct order of the symbols: Wolf—Hawk—Wolf.

Link spent a few moments turning the symbol locks into their right orientation, then stepped back as the three locks rotated and moved into place. The door then rose into the ceiling, dust raining down as the next room was slowly revealed. It was a burial chamber, Svaknir seemed to be standing in a small pond in the middle of the room.

It was very large, with twenty one Draugr sitting in chairs, eight on each side of the room, in the middle of the room was a table with a few items on it. At the back was a lone sarcophagus, up a set of stairs past a ledge with four Draugr seated in chairs. As Link walked down the steps towards the middle of the room, he heard the ghost speak.

“Olaf! It is time!” The spirit’s voice made the entire room tremble, in response, eleven Draugr got up from their seats and began to stumble towards him, to which the spirit drew a sword and ran towards the creatures.

Link drew Dawnbreaker and started to walk forwards, five of the undead choosing to attack him while the other six attacked the spirit.

As the first one reached Link, he swung the holy blade upwards, catching the Draugr in the chest. It crumpled to the ground, and the others advanced.

The ghostly bard ducked and weaved as he dodged the six Draugr. He uppercut one with his sword, then ran another one through a second later.

Link spun around with Dawnbreaker held out before him, slicing through a Draugr that had tried to get behind him. He then rolled backward as one with a steel war axe tried to bring it down on him.

Svaknir impaled two creatures at once, then swung his sword into another undead, the two impaled skeletons knocking the other to the ground.

The Hylian got up from the roll and dodged a swing from the war axe, then bashed at the Draugr with his shield, making it be off balance. It fell to the ground and Link raised the sword, then stabbed downwards.

The bard kicked the two Draugr off of his sword, then knocked another to the ground with a shove and decapitated it. Svaknir then stabbed the remaining creature in the chest.

Link eyed the two remaining Draugr, then summoned the Fireball spell and held out his hand, a wave of fire engulfing the two creatures as Svaknir faced the sarcophagus and called out “Arise, Olaf! My vengeance is at hand!”

This caused the four Draugr on the ledge to get up from their seats and jump down, drawing various weapons as they approached.

Link swung Dawnbreaker as one neared him, it was blocked by an ancient axe, the owner glaring at him with glowing eyes from behind its weapon.

The Hylian glared back, then shoved the Draugr as he swung Dawnbreaker again. This time, the blade sunk into the creature’s neck, decapitating it.

Link felt a presence behind him and he spun around to catch a war axe with his sword as it bared down on him, the Draugr making an angry growl as sparks flew from the two weapons colliding.

The Hylian rolled to the side, then came back up and raked Dawnbreaker up the Draugr’s back, burning the bones and melting away the faded old clothing as the creature soon turned to ash.

Link took a moment to breathe, then looked around. Svaknir seemed to be handling himself just fine. The bard dealt with the two remaining Draugr, glanced at Link for a second, then faced the sarcophagus again. “Olaf!”

The lid to the grave flew up and shattered against the nearby wall as something screamed out “Insolent bard!” A rotting corpse climbed out of the sarcophagus and glared at Svaknir with blue glowing eyes.

“Die!”

It screamed as it rushed the bard.

The Draugr overlord wore battle armor, had a long horned helmet, and an axe in one hand. It was King Olaf.

Link eyed the corpse as it stopped halfway between its sarcophagus and Svaknir, then slowly turned to face the Hylian, who raised Dawnbreaker in response. Olaf ran towards Link, swinging the axe when the creature got close. Link ducked and then swung the holy blade in an upwards arc, catching Olaf in the chest, burning the chest armor as the creature screeched and stumbled backwards.

The Hylian rose to a standing position and felt a coldness pass through him as Svaknir ran through the human and towards the dead king. The two locked weapons and began to fight soon after.

Link couldn’t help but try to suppress a shiver as he willed the coldness to fade, watching on as the bard and dead king dueled. But Link was unaware that Olaf didn’t need to fight him directly. The dead king Shouted.

“Fus Ro Dah!”

A visible shockwave flew towards Link and he was sent across the room due to the Unrelenting Force Shout. When he got his bearings, he was up against the stairs opposite the sarcophagus, Dawnbreaker was lying on the floor before Olaf, who was gazing down at it with a tilted head in curiosity.

Then the dead king tried to pick up the sword, only to be set on fire from the holy blade. Olaf roared in anguish as the creature turned to glare at Link, who slowly got up from the stairs and glared back, then ran forwards down the steps, across the room, picked up Dawnbreaker from the floor and ran the dead king through the chest.

Olaf looked down for a second, then grabbed the sword and tore it from his chest, then tossed it away, lunging towards Link and knocked him to the floor of the chamber. Olaf then brought his axe down upon Link, only to miss his mark as the Hylian had rolled to the left and had gotten up.

The dead king was kicked by Svaknir, who sliced at Olaf with his sword relentlessly as Link retrieved his sword from where Olaf had thrown it.

Olaf reared up and took Svaknir by the throat, attempting to strangle him. The bard said nothing as he stabbed Olaf in the throat.

This caused the creature to drop Svaknir and then turn around in an attempt to run away, but ended up facing Link, who eyed Olaf, then pushed back the dead king with

“Fus!”

Link then leapt into the air and swung his sword in a downward sideways arc, decapitating Olaf.

Svaknir turned to face Link and bowed as a lute appeared in the spirit’s hands. The bard then walked away from the Hylian and vanished in a ray of light, having been freed by the death of Olaf, who had dropped a glass war axe and a key.

Link took the key and war axe, then picked up the soul gem and the Major Potion of Healing that were on the stone table in the middle of the room. As he examined the key, something got his attention at the very back.

Chanting.

He walked across the room and up the steps, past the empty sarcophagus as he gazed at the glowing carved words before him.

The stone dragon head seemed to glare down at Link as he approached, reaching out to lightly run his hand across the various carved words as blue glowing tendrils surrounded him, his vision blurring as he fell to one knee before the word wall, knowledge forcing its way into his mind.

Nah.

Link wasn’t sure what Shout the word was part of, yet he got the feeling that it was part of one that he knew. Unfortunately, the dragons he had slain thus far had no knowledge of the word, so he was unable to unlock its full potential at this time. The Hylian’s vision slowly returned to normal as the chanting faded, and he soon stood and turned away from the now silent stone.

To the right of the word wall was a medium coin purse in an alcove that held one hundred Septims. King Olaf's key opened the locked door to the left, revealing an unlocked treasure chest, a major potion of strength, and an iron greatsword. Opposite the chest, in an unlit brazier, was a large coin purse that held three hundred Septims. To the right of the chest was a lever which opened the wall, providing a shortcut back to the small room by the entrance to the barrow. Link went to walk down this small natural corridor, then stopped when he noticed a lute lying on a table. He picked it up and examined it, then noticed there was a strap, designed to be worn over the shoulder. Link slung the lute over his shoulder and walked down the path, ending up near the front of the barrow. He looked around, then made his way out of the barrow entirely.

The sounds of a lute, drum, and flute playing in harmony echoed throughout the Bard’s College as their owners sang a rousing rendition of “Ragnar the Red.”

“There once was a hero named Ragnar the Red, who came riding to Whiterun from ole Rorikstead!

And the braggart did swagger and brandish his blade, as he told of bold battles and gold he had made!

But then he went quiet, did Ragnar the Red, when he met the shieldmaiden Matilda who said...

"Oh, you talk and you lie and you drink all our mead! Now I think it's high time that you lie down and bleed!"

And so then came the clashing and slashing of steel, as the brave lass Matilda charged in full of zeal!

And the braggart named Ragnar was boastful no moooooree... when his ugly red head rolled around on the floor!”

There were cheers from all around the room. More songs were called out by students and teachers alike.

Link was sitting at a nearby table, half paying attention as Viarmo talked to him about what he had found. He had returned to wearing just clothing, having removed the Stormcloak armor before entering Solitude.

“I have to admit I didn't think it would actually be there. Now let's take a look at this…” The Altmer examined the book that was lying on the table, the book opened to a random page. His face fell as he visually read the page’s contents.

“Oh. Oh-no. This won't do at all. The copy is incomplete, it's aged to the point that parts are unreadable. And the parts that are readable... well... bardic verse has come a long way since ancient times." Viarmo shook his head as Link leaned forward a bit to gaze at the page. It was true, entire sections were completely unreadable due to age, and the sections that were readable didn’t make much sense.

“This doesn’t make any sense.” The Hylian sat back against the chair and gazed across the table at Viarmo, who nodded in agreement. “So… what does that mean?”

"It means I can't read it to the court. Without the verse, I won't be able to convince Elisif of the importance of The Burning of King Olaf Festival. If she isn't convinced of the festival's importance, then she won't reverse her decision to stop the effigy burning. It means that the Burning of King Olaf, which the Bards College has held for time immemorial, won't be happening." The Altmer sounded a bit panicked as he looked down at the page again.

“I have a suggestion.” Link paused until he had the bard’s attention. “We can try making up new sections.”

Viarmo frowned. “Make it up? That doesn't seem appropriate... I suppose I could copy his style based on what you brought me but I have no idea what happened in between these verses. Perhaps you can come up with sections?”

“I can try.”

“Excellent... let’s see here…” The bard cleared his throat and seemed to silently read the page, then spoke aloud. “O, Olaf, our subjugator, the one-eyed betrayer;"

"death-dealing demon and dragon-killing King."

"Your legend is lies, lurid and false;"

"your cunning capture of Numinex, a con for the ages."

Viarmo then paused. “King Olaf was Olaf One-Eye? He famously captured the dragon Numinex and took him to Dragonsreach. What do we say really happened?"

Link had to think of options.

‘From what it sounds like, it’s trying to falsify Olaf...’

He thought of how to present the verse as if Olaf had been unfair. “Well… I suppose we could say Olaf found him asleep?”

Viarmo visually pondered this, then shook his head. “No, it sounds too boring, I’m not sure the court will like it. Try to think of another suggestion.”

“...Olaf made a deal with Numinex?”

“Hmmm… It is probable… but I’m unsure if the court will like the option. Can you think of anything else?”

As Link gazed at Viarmo, he let his mind wander, trying to think of another option...

He looked down at his massive white paws, trying to ignore the heavy weight of the shackle. He then looked up at the glowing sword in the middle of the ruins, padded towards the weapon, felt his body start to change shape...

He found himself looking at a golden wolf, who then turned a black color, its shape contorting in the black mist that surrounded the creature until an undead warrior stood before him.

A four legged boar stood before him, its crimson eyes boring into him from across the throne room. He growled, baring his fangs at the creature, who tossed its head and emitted an angry bellow before it charged....

“Olaf was Numinex.”

Viarmo gazed at Link, then he smiled. “I think the court will love it. I’ll write it in.” The bard wrote down a few lines, then read the next section. “Olaf grabbed power, by promise and threat;"

"From Falkreath to Winterhold, they fell to their knees;"

"But Solitude stood strong, Skyrim's truest protectors."

"Olaf's vengeance was instant, inspired and wicked."

He then paused a second time. “Strange. According to history Solitude attacked Winterhold, but Aesgeir seems to be saying Olaf reacted. What do we say happened?"

‘I have to think of something else that involves Olaf being unfair.’

“Olaf ordered disguised troops to attack Winterhold?”

“I’m thinking no. While the court may like it, it isn’t likely that it would have been successful.”

“He convinced Solitude to attack Winterhold?”

Viarmo waved the quill in his hand. “Too realistic, the court will be bored, I think.”

“He sacked it and used magic to blame Winterhold?”

The Altmer made as if to write it down, but then paused. “That sounds good, however I'm not sure the court will believe that Olaf had wizard powers.”

‘Since Olaf in this verse is now a dragon, I should come up with something related to that.’

“Olaf decided to raid Winterhold in dragon form?”

“Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Oh, that is exciting! I'm sure the court and the Jarl will love it. I'm writing it in now." Viarmo smiled to himself as he wrote words down on the page, then looked up. “It has a few final lines but that's all we needed to add. I need to head to court immediately and present this. You should join me.”

“When do we leave?”

The Altmer got up from his chair. “Now.”

The Blue Palace was massive. As Link looked around in silent awe, Viarmo cleared his throat. “Do you mind waiting here while I go and see if my voice is good enough to perform the poem?”

“Not at all.” Link decided to sit down as Viarmo walked off into a side room. He could distantly hear the bard practicing with his voice.

As the Hylian sat there in a chair near the entrance, he looked around the room he was in. There were multiple pieces of furniture, a few bookshelves, and a vaulted ceiling high overhead. He then began to feel slightly off, it felt like he was slowly going mad.

The feeling vanished as Viarmo returned. “I think my voice is ready. I hope we've done this well." He motioned for Link to follow him.

Link got up from the chair and followed Viarmo up the winding stairs and found himself in an open room. Wings of the palace were to the left and right, a few people stood at either side of the room, and a throne was in front of him, occupied by a middle aged woman, who rose from the throne and spoke as the bard approached. “Ah, Viarmo. I assume you are here to petition for the reinstatement of the Burning of King Olaf Festival."

Viarmo nodded. "I am, Jarl. I wish to present King Olaf's verse from the Poetic Edda. Recovered this very day from the Bards Tomb."

Elisif raised an eyebrow. "Ah, you mentioned something that would convince us the festival should take place, but I didn't expect King Olaf's lost verse. Please proceed."

Viarmo smiled at the Jarl, took a deep breath, then began to speak in a dramatic voice. “O, Olaf, our subjugator, the one-eyed betrayer; death-dealing demon and dragon-killing King. Your legend is lies, lurid and false; your cunning capture of Numinex, a con for the ages.

No shouting match between dragon and man, no fire or fury did this battle entail.

Olaf was Numinex in human form, on moonless nights he would spread wings and sail.

Olaf grabbed power, by promise and threat; From Falkreath to Winterhold, they fell to their knees; But Solitude stood strong, Skyrim's truest protectors.

Olaf's vengeance was instant, inspired and wicked.

Because Solitude would not soon bend knee, Olaf would hurt them while his status accrued. He sacked Winterhold in dragonform, and bent their minds to blame Solitude.

So ends the story of Olaf the liar, a thief and a scoundrel we of Solitude commit to the fire.

In Solitude bards train for their service, they also gather each year and burn a King who deserves it.”

The Altmer then fell silent and waited for the Jarl’s decision as the small crowd of people politely clapped and discussed the poem in quiet tones.

“You have proven your point, Viarmo. The festival is truly a celebration of Solitude and a condemnation of false kings." Elisif finally said with a smile.

Viarmo bowed. "I thank you and the college thanks you, Jarl."

Elisif continued speaking. "Furthermore, I believe that such a fine poem deserves some payment of Patronage. The college will be generously rewarded."

Viarmo nodded, returning to a proper standing position. "Thank you yet again. I will make sure our applicant, who was instrumental in... recovering the poem, will be well rewarded."

The Altmer took Link aside as the court began to resume their various duties. “Unbelievable! You have done us a great service here. I can't begin to thank you enough."

“Does this mean I’m a bard now?”

Viarmo shook his head. “Soon, soon. These things must be done properly, you will be inducted as part of the Festival itself. I need you to return to the college and speak to Jorn. Eye paint, white long hair, wears a green short sleeve tunic, arm bands, tan pants, fur boots, can’t miss him. He was preparing the Effigy of King Olaf. Tell him to finish the preparations, the Festival is back on.” Viarmo left Link alone in the throne room and left the palace.

Link stepped into the college and eventually found someone matching Jorn’s description checking over papers while sitting at a table. Jorn looked up at Link as he approached. “Ah, the bard-to-be. Did Viarmo send you?"

“He did. He told me to tell you that ‘the festival is on’, per his words.”

Jorn smiled and nodded. “I'll tell everyone we're ready, but we'll start the festival at dusk. Come talk to me after dark, we'll get the festival started when you do."

Hadvar walked into his commanding officer’s room and politely stood there. “General Tulluis, you wanted to see me?”

Tulluis looked up from his desk, where he was reading a document. “I did. What do you know of the boy who we captured near Helgen several weeks ago?”

Hadvar gazed at the older man. “What do you mean?” He asked. “I helped him escape Helgen and walked him to Riverwood, sir. We then went to Bleak Falls Barrow and I got a taste of his fighting ability there.”

Tulluis leaned forward in his chair, folding his arms on his desk. “And what of it? His fighting style?”

“Sword and shield, occasional bow.”

The older man nodded. “I see...”

“Are you thinking of something, General?”

Instead of answering Hadvar right away, Tulluis instead moved his gaze to his assistant, a young Nord named Rikke, who met his gaze and nodded at him.

Tulluis shook his head. “He’s too young.” He looked down at the documents on his desk and mulled over his thoughts for a while before he heard Rikke speak.

“Sir, I think he’s proven himself despite his age. Have you heard what he’s done?”

Tulluis looked over his shoulder at the Legate. “That he made a dragon fall on Windhelm? I have.”

“Then why are you hesitant?”

“Because he’s not of age, Rikke. Do you think I want to have it on my conscience that if he joins, he

will

fight in the war? That each time he leaves here, he could potentially die due to my decision to let him join?”

Hadvar decided to interject. “If I may speak... Like Rikke said, Link has proven himself time and time again, General Tulluis. He’s fought several dragons, survived Helgen, and now has helped the Bard’s College. Will you at least reconsider?”

Tulluis gazed at the solider for a while, eying Hadvar, before he finally responded. “I’m proposing that he be inducted as a member of the Legion.”

Hadvar gave a small smile. “I think he’d like that.”

Tulluis raised a hand. “On one condition. You train him personally. Tomorrow morning, I’ll speak to him here, give him the trial, if he’s successful, he can join.”

The area of Solitude around the Bard’s College saw a flurry of activity during the next few hours.

Bards came from all over Skyrim to practice mock competitions and warm up for the festival, while food and drink providers shared recipes and tasted each other’s dishes and spirits.

Buildings were opened to the public to either have a place to sit and talk or eat whatever they bought at the festival. Tents were set up with various toys and games for young children of all races. The toy makers compared toys they had made and tested them to ensure they were the best quality.

Inside the college was a different story. It was quiet and peaceful, with none of the atmosphere that was going on outside. The younger bards of the college were sitting together, discussing what Link had done earlier with the retrieval of the lost verse.

Link was up on the upper level, reading various tomes and books when Viarmo walked up to him. “It’s almost dusk.”

Link looked up from the book he was reading, which was another copy of *The Buying Game*. He set the book on a nearby table and turned to face the college headmaster. “It is.”

“I never got your name, by the way. Yes, yes, I know, you’ve done all of this for us and I never bothered to ask for your name. My apologies.”

“It’s fine.” Link replied. “Name’s Link Farmanne.”

Viarmo shook the Hylian’s hand. “Link... A nice name. Short for Lincoln I assume?”

Link nodded. “Yes.”

Viarmo looked out a nearby window. “Seems to be the time... I’ll go outside and get things ready, Jorn will let you know when you can join us.” The Altmer walked away from Link and down the steps to the main floor then vanished from view.

Link suspected at least half of Solitude was outside the college, out in the large stone courtyard. Jorn had gone up and told him the festival was ready to start a few minutes ago and he had walked downstairs and out the nearest door.

Now, he was standing near the back of the courtyard, next to the entrance, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with just how many people were gazing at him. Thankfully, Viarmo soon got their attention.

“Welcome, people of Solitude! We of the Bards College are pleased to be here to celebrate the Burning of King Olaf!” The headmaster was standing near a carved wooden body, which was hung up on a wooden pole. Viarmo was holding a lit torch in his hand.

“The festival would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our latest applicant,” at this, Viarmo noticed Link and motioned the Hylian to come and stand next to him.

Link made his way across the courtyard and turned once he had reached the headmaster to gaze at the crowd gathered there.

“Link Farmanne.” Viarmo continued. “He was the one who traversed the barrow by the name of Dead Man’s Respite to find the lost verse of the Poetic Edda. He did this so that the tradition of burning a wooden effigy of the false king could continue for countless more generations.”

The crowd in the courtyard clapped as Viarmo raised the lit torch and stepped towards the wooden structure. “With the lighting of this effigy....” The headmaster paused as he lowered the torch to the wooden effigy and it soon caught on fire. “He becomes a full-fledged member of the Bards College. Please welcome our newest Bard!"

Viarmo was nearly drowned out from the cheers of the crowd. As he watched the wood burn, he turned to Link and spoke quietly. “I think they like you.”

“Seems to be that way.” Link watched as the flames ate away at the effigy of the false king and smoke rose into the star dotted sky, the twin moons lighting up the courtyard in a pale glow.

Viarmo smiled and shook Link’s hand. “Congratulations, you are now a full-fledged member of the Bards College. Thanks to your efforts, Elisif has declared the Burning of King Olaf should become a weekly event. We should discuss the reward she gave me to give to you.”

“Which is...?”

Viarmo smiled and placed a bag of Septims in Link’s hands. “Five hundred Septims, straight from Elisif’s vault.”

The streets of Solitude were empty, the effigy having burnt out some time ago.

Link was in an upstairs room at the Winking Skeever, lying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. He was currently barefoot, his clothes were a bit loosened, and his weapons were strewn on a nearby wooden table.

’Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten that many meat pies.’

He thought as he remembered having been seated at a table and given a lot of food to sample.

The Hylian struggled to stay awake as he lay there on the bed, half aware of various voices downstairs. He was

tired

, today had been a

very

long day.

Link’s gaze moved from the ceiling to the sack of Septims on the table, next to Dawnbreaker.

’Five hundred Septims... Do I really need it? Then again... maybe I’ll have something happen and need it later....’

He closed his eyes and started to drift off to sleep when he heard a loud

crack

.

Link opened his eyes and rolled over, gazing at his knapsack, which was placed on the nightstand next to the bed. He watched as it shook once.

'What...’

The Hylian reached out and picked up the pack with one hand, then pulled it towards him onto the bed and sat up, then froze as the bag shook again.

He slowly relaxed and undid the protective flap on top of the knapsack, then flipped it over to reveal a cracked large blue egg.

‘...Is... Is it hatching...?’

Link reached into his knapsack and slowly lifted the egg out of it, then carefully set the egg before him on the bed and watched as the cracks grew and got larger. Pieces of eggshell started to fall onto the bed and the Hylian started to hear small noises from within the egg.

The egg moved slowly in a circle, wobbling back and forth as the creature inside tried to free itself, stopping constantly due to growing tired from its movements. Link occasionally heard chirping from within the egg, but he wasn’t sure what the sound was supposed to mean or allude to.

Another crack appeared, along with a tiny glimpse of blue scales as a piece of the blue shell broke off and fell to the bed.

’Should I help?’

wondered Link as he moved back slightly to give the hatchling some space.

He watched as the egg began to slowly roll across the bed in his direction, it seemed the creature had caught his scent and was trying to get to him. Link reached out to stop the egg’s roll and felt the cold smoothness of the egg before a visible crack appeared under his hand. For just a second, he also felt something like rough ridges before the feeling was gone.

The hatchling started to chirp a bit louder as it continued to bite and claw at its egg, more and more pieces slowly falling to the bed.

Link heard a tiny hissing noise as he felt hot air be blown against the palm of his hand, then a forked tongue slightly brushed against his hand before the chirping took on what he assumed was an excited tone.

‘I really think I should help...’

Link removed his hand from the egg and he saw a bright green dragon eye staring at him from within the blue shelled egg.

The hatchling blinked slowly, still gazing at Link as it attempted to get its head through the small hole it had made. Link reached out with one hand and gently broke pieces of the egg away from the hole, allowing the hatchling to get its head through.

The Hylian felt cold, rough scales rest against his hand as the hatchling headbutted his palm, still chirping as it continued to try to free itself from its egg.

He found that he couldn’t stop smiling.

‘A dragon... I get to raise a dragon...’

The hatchling slammed its head into the eggshell above it and broke it in two, it continued to bite and claw at its surroundings until most of it was visible. It simply sat there in the open shell, blinking slowly, those green eyes locked onto Link.

Link brushed off small pieces of eggshell as he gathered his hands beneath the dragon and gently picked it up, then set the hatchling in his lap and looked down at it.

The dragon chirped and closed its eyes as it made itself comfortable and its breathing grew steady, as if it had fallen asleep.

‘... I don’t believe it... I’m going to raise a dragon...’

Fear began to creep in.

’But yet everyone here fears dragons, what’s going to happen when they find out?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Fish?”
Corpulus studied the youth before him, who was standing on the other side of the counter. ‘A bit on the lanky side, has a few scars, got a look in his eyes that says he’s been through a lot, sorta looks like a Wood Elf … and a Nord… Wonder if his parents were mixed?’ “For what reason would a person like you be needing fish?” The bartender watched as the younger warrior shifted a bit. “Well, I heard Solitude is known for their fish, I figured I could try some while I’m here.”Corpulus noted the tone of uncertainty, was he telling the truth? Possibly. But a sell was a sell. “How many were you looking to buy? I’ve got so many, I’d give them away for free if I could… One Septim each.”“I’ll take ten.”
’Why so many? If it’s just him, he only needs two at most. Suppose he could be buying a lot to avoid buying more later. ... I heard Wood Elves are cannibals, could it be he’s here buying fish to spice up - no. Surely not. Most likely it’s that weird diet those elves have.’
The Imperial then turned to the fish stock behind the counter. “Take your pick, I have salmon, Silverside Perch, River Betty, Histcarp, Cyrodilic Spadetail, and Abacean Longfin.” “On second thought, I’ll take two of each.”Corpulus got the desired fish and wrapped them all in seaweed, then leather and placed the wrapped fish on the counter. “Twelve Septims.” The warrior took out the Septims and dropped them into Corpulus’ awaiting hand, then picked up the fish and dropped them in a bag at his side. “Thanks. Do you happen to know of any rumors? I’m not from around here.” ‘That’s clear as day.’ “There is one… People say there's a man wandering the streets near the Blue Palace. He seems distressed but he's not making any sense. Keep saying something about ‘helping to free his master’, whoever that is. If you intend to head up there, I’d stay clear.”“I’ll keep that in mind.” The younger man turned to leave but then turned back, Corpulus looking on as twenty Septims were tossed on the counter. “For letting me stay the night.”The Imperial smiled. “No problem. Enjoy the fish.” As the elf walked away, the barkeep could have sworn the knapsack shook a bit. It was probably nothing.As Link walked away from the barkeeper and left the Winking Skeever, he heard a voice call out to him from across the street. The voice belonged to an older gentleman who looked like he had seen better days. As the Hylian approached, he got a better look at who had called out to him. The man in question wore nothing but ragged clothes and shoes, one of his eyes was white, indicating that he was half blind, and he had an iron dagger tucked into the ragged shirt. “Spare some gold for a veteran?”Link eyed the old man, then reached into his knapsack, noting the dragon hatchling had spilled his Septims all over the bag after eating the fish, and was now curled up on the resulting gold coin pile, seemingly asleep. He took out thirty Septims and handed them to the old man. “Here. I have more of these than I know what to do with.” The man stared at the coins, then reached out with a shaking hand and took them from Link, his remaining eye shining in the morning light. “Arkay bless you. My name is Noster Eagle-Eye. You seem the curious sort, I assume you must have questions, ask away.” “Are you really a veteran?” Link mentally kicked himself as soon as he finished speaking. The man had said as such when he had asked for currency. Noster scoffed. “What? You see a man fallen on hard times, and you think he's been like that forever? I was there. I fought in the Great War. I was on the field at Anvil. And when I was struck down and lost my eye, they left me. You understand? They left me for dead. I didn't leave them."“Is there any way I can help?” ‘Shouldn’t have asked that, but at least I know what happened to him.’ “I was the finest scout in the Legion, once. Tracked down all the places in the wilds that were causing people trouble. Lost my helmet in one of the old forts up near Dragon’s Bridge. My pretty, pretty helmet. Life just got worse after that. Kept losing things. So many things...." Noster trailed off and seemed lost in thought. “I could go find it for you.” “Oh, you could? I sure would love to have it again. Could show you some of my old scouting tricks." “Scouting.” Link thought it over in his head. ‘Could use the knowledge, I still don’t know all of the dangers this land has. “… Sure.”“Might help you get less scars.” Noster gave Link a warm smile and waved him off as the Hylian happened to notice Hadvar approaching. “I see you found Noster.” Hadvar reached the two. “Hello, Hadvar, this young man offered to find my lost helmet.” “He did? Link’s reliable, I’m sure he’ll find your helmet quickly.” Hadvar turned to Link. “General Tullius wants to see you in person.” “What for?” “He wants to see if you’re Legion material.” Hadvar reached into his bag and handed Link a sealed letter. “Tullius sent me in person to fetch you and take you up to Castle Dour, but he wrote this letter for you.” The Hylian gazed at Hadvar for a second before he took the letter and broke the seal, then unrolled the paper and silently read it. 
We of the Legion have heard of your exploits since Helgen. You have caught my interest despite your age, and I would like to test your merits and possible value to my army. Please travel to Castle Dour as soon as possible, and we can speak of your integration into the Legion. - General Tullius
“I myself believe you’re more than capable, but that’s for General Tullius to decide.” Noster had wandered off while Hadvar waited for Link’s response. The Hylian double checked the letter before he rolled the paper up and placed it in his knapsack. “When are we leaving?” “Now.” The double doors to Castle Dour opened and Hadvar led Link inside. The trip there hadn’t been noteworthy, and there hadn’t been that much outside, save for someone training archers at the far end of the courtyard. “Here we are. I’ll go tell Tullius that I brought you here and then come and get you, you can look around if you want or wait here.” Hadvar walked off to a set of doors straight ahead, leaving Link alone.The entrance led into an antechamber containing a sitting area on the left with a wooden bench against the south wall with a low table in front with a copy of Dwemer History and Culture on top. Against the east wall was a narrow table with a plate of red apples, a bowl of bread and a sliced eidar cheese on top. To his right was a long wooden table with a book - when inspected, the title was The Legend of Red Eagle - on top and two bookcases beside it holding a couple more common books.To the right of the double doors was a table with a built-in alchemy lab, while to the left was a table with a built-in arcane enchanter. There were stairs to the north and south.Link inspected the book shelves; they held no titles of interest, so he took the two books from the two separate tables and found somewhere closeby to read them. He didn’t understand most of Dwemer History and Culture , save for the Dwemer were a long vanished race of people that lived in metal fortresses mostly underground and they had advanced mechanisms and weapons.  The other book, however, greatly got his interest. It told of a long dead warrior named Faolan, who was nicknamed the Red Eagle due to circumstances of his birth, and how he fought back against the first Empire taking over the Reach. It also spoke of a sword, one that had been lost when Red Eagle had given it to his people, and that if it was returned to where Faolan had been buried, that he “might rise and lead them again.”  ‘Finding a lost sword. How hard could that be?’ Link was about to read more of the other book when he was interrupted by Hadvar, who had left the room he had entered. “Tullius is ready to see you now.” The Nord stated. Link got up from the wooden bench and walked over to Hadvar, who nodded and held open one of the doors. The Hylian entered the room, the Nord right behind him.The first thing Link saw was, when he got closer, a pair of long wooden tables placed end-to-end with a large tactical map of Skyrim, a copy of Mixed Unit Tactics and a couple of rolls of paper. There were many banners unique to the castle hanging from the walls, while against the east wall, to the left when entering was a narrow table with a bottle of spiced wine on top. To the right was a small cupboard with a bowl of bread and a piece of cheese on top. There were stairs leading up in the middle of the south wall. In the southwest corner were a couple of wooden benches with a low table in front. Against the west wall was a small cupboard with a locked display cabinet on top containing an iron sword. In the middle of the north wall was a door leading to the legate's quarters. To the left was a chair and at the rear of the room, in the northwest corner was a small cupboard with a wardrobe and set of shelves in an alcove to the left. On the shelves were, when asked about, two quicksilver ingots.An armored man and woman were standing at the table, examining the map and having a heated conversation. The woman shook her head. “I'm telling you, Ulfric's planning an attack on Whiterun."Tullius scoffed. "He'd be insane to try. He doesn't have the men.""That's not what my scouts report, sir. Every day more join his cause. Riften, Dawnstar, and Winterhold support him."Link got the feeling he wasn’t supposed to be overhearing this conversation. ’Those names, are those villages? No… what do they call them…? Holds?’ Tullius shook his head. "It's not a cause, Rikke. It's a rebellion.""Call it whatever you like, General. The man's going to try to take Whiterun."
‘Ulfric plans to take Whiterun? Why?’
"Jarl Balgruuf..." Tullius corrected. Rikke paused for a second. “Balgruuf refuses the Legion's right to garrison troops in his city. On the other hand, he also refuses to acknowledge Ulfric's claim.""Well, if he wants to stand outside the protection of the Empire, fine. Let Ulfric pillage his city."Rikke nodded curtly. "General."Tullius picked up a quill and wrote something on the map. "You people and your damn Jarls."Rikke tilted her head a bit. "Sir? You can't force a Nord to accept help he hasn't asked for."Tullius looked down at the map again. "If Ulfric's making a move for Whiterun, then we need to be there to stop him. Draft another letter with the usual platitudes, but this time share some of your intelligence regarding Ulfric's plans. Embellish if you have to. We'll let it seem like it's his idea."
‘So spies exist… That gives me an idea.’ 
Rikke nodded. "Yes, sir."“You Nords and your bloody sense of honor." Tullius remarked. "Sir."“General.” Hadvar spoke and the man standing at the table, looking down at the map, raised his head. “Ah. Good, you brought him.” General Tullius turned his steel gaze on Link, seeming to silently scrutinize him for a few moments before the man stepped away from the table and over to Link. “It’s quite hard to believe the one we found lying under a tree near the border nearly a month ago is Dragonborn, but reality is harder to bear then mere legends and myths. You accepted my invitation to join the Legion, so tell me, why do you want to join the Legion and not Ulfric’s army? You aren’t from Skyrim, you have no loyalty to anyone.”“I do to those who saved my life.” Link responded, finding that he had to tilt his head back to look up at Tullius. “I see. How old are you?”“Seventeen, although I come of age on the twentieth day of the sixth month, I think Ulfric said that month was…” Link trailed off, trying to remember. Rikke spoke up. “Midyear.”“You’ve got nine months and sixteen days until then. Quite a lot of time for events to occur.” Tullius went silent, still gazing at Link. Finally, he spoke. “Rikke, do you think he’s capable, despite his age?”“He’s been killing dragons, sir, I think he’s the most capable person in Skyrim at the moment.” Rikke responded from behind the table. “Of course.” The Imperial nodded. “You mentioned Ulfric. If you were in Windhelm, why didn’t you join him?”Link thought about how to respond. He could lie about it, or he could tell most of the truth. “I only ended up there because I flew a dragon there from Kynesgrove. It fell in front of the palace and I was rendered unconscious for three days. Once I awoke, I stayed there and recovered.”“And Ulfric didn’t tell you to join?” Tullius gazed at Link with suspicion. Link hesitated, he again wanted to lie, but just saying “no” would be too suspicious; he had seen Ulfric in person and talked to him and it wouldn’t be like the leader of the Stormcloaks to not present his cause for fighting. “All he said was what started the war and why it was still happening.”Tullius gazed at Link for a few more seconds. “Very well. I believe I have a task for you, young mister Farmanne, but you will have to speak to Rikke for more information. Successfully complete this task, and report back to me. Then we shall see about you getting inducted into the Legion.” Link nodded as Rikke stepped around the table and walked over to him as Tullius returned to the table to look over the map. “There’s been word of bandits making camp in an old fort nearby called Fort Hraggstad. Go there and take them out, secure the fort, then report back here.” Rikke marked the location of the fort on Link’s map. The Hylian wasn’t exactly sure on how to respond, so he merely nodded, replied with “Yes, ma’am“, and then left the room. “Hmm. Well mannered.” Rikke looked over at Hadvar. “We need more people like that.”Hadvar gave a nod in return, but couldn’t help but worry that Link’s politeness would get him into trouble someday.Once Link left Castle Dour and made his way back down to the main area of Solitude, he was stopped by a man running up to him. “You there! You have to help me free my master!” “Your what?” “Yes, yes! You seem fully capable! He’s trapped in the Pelagius wing, in the Blue Palace. Here!” Before Link could respond, the man shoved some sort of bone in his hands. “Oh, so sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Dervenin! Remember, the Pelagius wing!” Link watched as the man ran off into the shadows, then looked up the road toward the Blue Palace and started walking.Dervenin was clearly the man the bartender had spoken of. Something was off and Link was determined to figure out what.When the Hylian entered the Blue Palace, he tried not to look suspicious as he wandered around, looking for the mysterious Pelagius wing. He was soon approached by the castle steward, Falk. “What are you doing?” “I need to get into the Pelagius wing.”“Absolutely not. That wing has been sealed for hundreds of years, and for good reason. They say the ghost of Pelagius the Mad still haunts it. Ghost or not, there are reminders of his dark rule that are best left buried away.”Link tried to think of a response. “I’ve fought dragons, I’m pretty sure some mad ghost won’t bother me.” Falk seemed to agree with that, but wasn’t too happy. “I'll make an exception for you, but do not bring anything out when you leave. Too many dark deeds transpired in those halls…” The man handed Link a key and then guided him to the unused hall, then walked away.  The Pelagius wing was cold and dark. It was clearly abandoned, with strewn about furniture and cobwebs everywhere. Link couldn’t help but feel apprehensive as he started to walk forwards, but a flash of light caught his attention and he looked down. The Triforce of Courage was pulsing every now and then, and his hand felt somewhat numb and tingly. There was something evil here. As the Hero of Twilight continued deeper into the abandoned palace wing and moved upstairs to the second floor, he began to feel extremely tired, noting there was starting to be a thick fog that soon almost blinded him and obscured his vision. Eventually, Link found himself next to an apparent bar, and felt so tired that he took another step forward, then felt his legs give way beneath him and he knew no more. "More tea, Pelly my dear?" A strange voice roused Link from unconsciousness and he quickly realized a few things.One, he was sitting at a table that was lined with food, in a forest, with a man in royal clothing sitting to his right, and a man wearing strange clothing to his left.Two, he was currently a wolf.Three, he was somehow wearing fine clothing. The other man shook his head. "Oh, I couldn't. Goes right through me. Besides, I have so many things to do... So many undesirables to contend with. Naysayers. Buffoons. Detractors. Why, my headsman hasn't slept in three days!"At first glance, this man could be passed off for a human, but if one paid more attention, they could notice that there were some minor things off about him, his face structure and ears resembled some of the "High Elves" that Link had seen. He had blond hair that was neatly combed back and blue eyes.
‘Where… am I?’
The man with the strange clothes tsk’d. "You are far too hard on yourself, my dear, sweet, homicidally insane Pelagius. What would the people do without you? Dance? Sing? Smile? Grow old? You are the best Septim that's ever ruled. Well, except for that Martin fellow, but he turned into a dragon god, and that's hardly sporting... You know, I was there for that whole sordid affair. Marvelous time! Butterflies, blood, a Fox, a severed head... Oh, and the cheese! To die for."Weirdly, despite looking more human, one would immediately figure out how much more off this man looked. It wasn't from how his eyes had no pupils, but much more. Just looking at him was a challenge. Worse yet, there was a feeling of power and danger coming from him, but it wasn't as bad as the feeling of... madness...?The strange man had purple eyes and white hair. He wore a very unique outfit that consisted of a white handkerchief around his neck, a purple shirt, and black pants and boots. Pelagius sounded bored. "Yes, yes, as you've said, Sheogorath, countless times before..." ‘Sheogorath…?’  Sheogorath looked annoyed. "Hafrumph! Well then, if you're going to be like that... Perhaps it's best I take my leave. A good day to you sir. I said good day!""Yes, yes, go. Leave me to my ceaseless responsibilities and burdens..." Pelagius vanished and Sheogorath then noticed Link.“Ah! So you decided to finally show up! Wonderful! Do you know you look so adorable like that? Where are my manners, I’m Sheogorath! The Mad Prince, Fourth Corner of the House of Troubles, the Skooma Cat, Lord of the Never-There, Raver, Comforter of Men, and Sovereign of the Shivering Isles!”‘ That’s a lot of titles.’ thought Link as the wolf looked down at the strange clothes he was somehow wearing. “Titles? Well of course I have a lot of them! I’m that important! But enough of that, what about you? ” Sheogorath seemed to study Link. “Hmmm… Well no wonder the big dragon brute took such an interest in you, your own gods did as well!” Link nodded, still unsure as to how he got here. Then he realized something. ‘… You can… understand me?’ “I’m one of the Princes, Lincoln! Of course I can!”  ‘Right. Who were you talking to, and where are we?’  “Emperor Pelagius III. Now surely even you know about Pelagius' decree? On his deathbed - oh, and this was inspired - he forbade... death! That's right! Death! Outlawed! We’re inside the mind of Pelagius, silly. Oh. Is it your... first time?"  ‘Obviously.’  “I love that little spirit of yours!” Sheogorath got up from the chair he had been sitting in and walked over to Link. “Although I don’t know why you’re here specifically at this exact moment. Care to tell me?” 
‘I brought you a message.’
"Reeaaaallllyyyy? " He asked with an almost literal world shaking voice, there was a sudden feeling of power, it reminded Link somewhat of Meridia. Then Sheogorath's expression suddenly went from dangerous to child-like excitement.“Ooh, ooh, what kind of message? A song? A summons? Wait, I know! A death threat written on the back of an Argonian concubine! Those are my favorites. Well? Spit it out, mortal. I haven't got an eternity! Actually... I do. Little joke. But seriously. What's the message?"
‘Um… Someone named Dervenin gave me a bone of some sort and wanted me to free you.’
“A bone! Get it? Because you’re a wolf? No? Pah, you’re no fun.” The Mad God paused. “Dervenin! Such a wonderful loyal servant. So he wants me back?” The wolf nodded, now beginning to regret entering the forbidden wing. Sheogorath clapped his hands together. “Excellent!”
‘I think I made a mistake coming here.’
“Oh, no no no! No mistake at all. What you made was a choice. Granted, not a very wise choice, but these things happen. Ah, the folly of youth..." He then went on to elaborate about his past. "You know, you remind me of myself at a young age. All I cared about was riding narwhales and sleeping in honeycombs and drinking babies' tears... Word of advice if you ride a Narwhale. Mind the pointy end." Sheogorath then seemed to remember why Link was there in the first place. "Ah, but there I go, waxing poetic about my misspent youth. Now where were we? Ah yes. You're the mortal messenger. And I am...? Honestly. Have you any idea?" ‘You’re Sheogorath. The Mad Prince, Fourth Corner of the House of Troubles, the Skooma Cat, Lord of the Never-There, Raver, Comforter of Men, and Sovereign of the Shivering Isles.’ Link deadpanned as he refused the urge to tear the clothes he was wearing from his fur. ‘Do you plan to leave?’ “Now that's the real question, isn't it? Because honestly, how much time off could a demented Daedra really need? So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to leave. That's right. I'm done. Holiday... complete. Time to return to the hum drum day-to-day. On one condition. You have to find the way out first. Good luck with that."  ‘There has to be a catch to this.’  “Ha! I do love it when the mortals know they're being manipulated. Makes things infinitely more interesting." Sheogorath grinned and gestured for Link to get down from the chair, which the wolf did so. Awkwardly. “Care to take a look around? This is not, I dare say, the Solitude botanical gardens. Have you any idea where you are? Where you truly are? Welcome to the deceptively verdant mind of the Emperor Pelagius III. That's right! You're in the head of a dead, homicidally insane monarch."
‘How fun.’
"Now, I know what you're thinking. Can I still rely on my swords and spells and sneaking and all that nonsense? Sure, sure. Or... you could use... The Wabbajack! Huh? Huh? Didn't see that coming, did you?"
'The… what?’ 
Sheogorath then held out a massive stick to Link, one that had screaming faces carved into one of the ends. “Here!” He then took it back. “On second thought…” The Mad God had a mischievous look on his face. Sheogorath then threw the Wabbajack away. “Fetch!”  ‘…I’m starting to dislike you.’ Still, the wolf instinctively ran after the large stick and leapt in the air, catching it in his jaws and then landing. ‘What am I supposed to do with this?’  “Simple. Your task is to free Pelagius. Although I suppose you can’t do so like that, can you.” Sheogorath sighed. “Pity, I would have loved to see you run around in those clothes swinging that stick and such.” The Mad God clapped his hands and the wolf became shrouded in a dark fog. Link found himself back to normal a second later, except his balance was off and he pitched forward, but caught himself and stabbed the grass with the staff he was now holding, landing on one knee.“Good! Now you shouldn’t have any trouble at all!” Link looked up at Sheogorath. “Are you going to just sit there, or inform me on what I should do?” “I already told you, you have to free Pelagius to set us free! Although, I suppose you want a detailed explanation, you heroes and your need for information. Very well. First, you must travel to the Arch of Paranoia, to your left, to make Pelly feel safe. Next, the Arch of Night Terrors, to your right,, to wake him up. Finally, the Arch of Confidence, behind me, to help Pelagius love himself again. Do these three things, and we can leave. Sound good? Good.” The Hylian stood, shaking himself like a wet dog as he did so due to the transformation. “Never like that, the turning back and forth.”, he muttered as he inspected the staff he was holding. “What does this do?” “The Wabbajack? Why not find out for yourself? It’s no fun being told what something does!”“True.” Link couldn’t help but agree with that. He left the table area and headed left, somehow hearing Sheogorath’s voice in his head as he got further away from the clearing, passing under a large stone arch.“Oh, good choice. Well, good for me. I find everyone being out to get you so terribly entertaining. You might find it... less so. You see, Pelagius' mother was... well... let us say 'unique.' Although, I suppose in the grand scheme of things, she was fairly average for a Septim. That woman wielded fear like a cleaver. Or did she wield a cleaver and make people afraid? I never get that part right... Oh, but she taught her son well. Pelagius learned at a very early age that danger could come from anywhere. At any time. Delivered... by anyone."The Hylian soon reached a small fort-like structure with steps leading up to the edge. In the middle of this structure, there was an arena. When Link approached, he saw a version of Pelagius with two other men sitting behind him, watching two creatures fighting. They appeared to be made out of floating rocks in the shape of a humanoid and were lit up by blue lighting. “Storm Atronachs. Nasty things if you let them get the better of you. You’re up there though so you should be fine!” Sheogorath’s voice echoed in Link’s head as he studied the creatures.Link heard the Mad God’s voice in his head again. “The objective here is simple, you simpleton! Use your Wabbajack to defeat the enemy, while they do the same!"Link ignored the insult and gazed at the staff he was holding, then swung it towards one of the monsters. The monster was changed into a duck, as one was transformed, the other one was as well, and they continued fighting. “Hmm... Your creature doesn't appear to be fairing any better than before. Methinks your aim is off."Link used the Wabbajack on the opposite atronach, this time turning it into a goat. He watched as the other duck was also turned into a goat and realized that this would keep happening. He instead looked at the two men sitting behind Pelagius. They were different… Link used the Wabbajack on them and the two men turned into wolves, which proceeded to attack the Emperor. "Oho! I thought you'd never figure it out." As Pelagius and the wolves disappeared, Sheogorath announced, "With the threat gone, Pelagius is under the delusion that he is safe, which means you've helped him out... sort of. And we're that much closer to home. Onto the next arch!” Link returned to the clearing with the table and headed right this time, passing under another arch. “You've headed down the path of dreams. Unfortunately for you, Pelagius suffered night terrors from a young age. He would lie in bed, paralyzed with fear, imagining his own nightmares coming to life. Ooohhh... Scary." Link happened upon a bed in the middle of the forest with Pelagius sleeping on it. “All you need to do is find something to wake our poor Pelagius up. You'll find his terrors easy to repel... but persistent."Link looked around for something to wake up the sleeping man with and then realized he was supposed to use the Wabbajack, so he swung the staff in Pelagius’ direction and leapt back when a wolf appeared. The wolf lunged at Link, who rolled to the side and swung the Wabbajack at the wolf, which turned into a harmless goat.  ‘Right. So I just use the staff on Pelagius, then on whatever is summoned? Sounds easy enough.’  Link hit Pelagius with the Wabbajack again and watched as a bandit chief appeared. He swung the staff at the bandit before they noticed him and the bandit turned into an apparent younger version of Pelagius. “Still can't wake him up? Perhaps you're barking up the wrong tree? Get it? You are part wolf after all!” Link ignored Sheogorath and used the Wabbajack again, this time summoning a Hagraven. The creature screamed at him and turned into crows, which swarmed Link. He swung the staff and the Hagraven was turned into a young woman. The Hylian used the staff a fourth time and some flame creature appeared. The creature was very feminine in appearance, and as Link tried to figure out what this creature was, it launched flames in his direction. Link dodged the flames and swung the staff at the fire creature, turning it into a bonfire. “Never seen a Flame Atronach before? Now you have!”
‘Flame Atronach… Alright. Good to know for later.’
When Link used the Wabbajack on Pelagius again, something rose up from the ground in front of the bonfire and floated in the air. It had a mask for a face and a strange staff.“Dragon Priest. Nasty things. Have fun trying not to die!” The Dragon Priest lunged for Link and the Wabbajack was knocked from his hand to land before the bonfire. Link eyed the floating creature, waiting to see what it did next. The creature lunged for the Hylian and he dove out of the way, picking up the staff as he landed, rolled over and swung it at the Dragon Priest, which turned into a chest behind the bonfire. “Well now, that's something to crow about. With Pelagius up and about you're moving right along. We'll both be home in no time. I hope you're having a good time. Actually, I hope I'm having a good time. I could care less about you."“I could say the same thing.”“You can? You just did! You know, despite what I said, I can’t help but begin to feel that I sort of like you, mortal. Although you’re not really mortal, not anymore.” “What do you mean?” “When Akatosh stuck that soul inside you - without your permission, might I add - turns out the brute gave you a tiny itty bitty slice of immortality! Isn’t that wonderful?”“I guess.” Link got up as the turned creatures gathered around the bonfire, finding himself gazing at the chest. He walked over to it and opened it, to reveal…“No way.” The Ball and Chain weapon. “Oh, that thing! It showed up a little while ago, thought it was interesting, decided to keep it until someone like you came along. Feel free to keep it.” Link picked up the weapon and spun it around to the side, grinning. ‘Glad to have this back.’  He returned to the main clearing and walked behind Sheogorath to pass under the last arch."Ah, now this is a sad path. Pelagius hated and feared many things. Assassins, wild dogs, the undead, pumpernickel... But the deepest, keenest hatred was for himself. The attacks he makes on himself can be seen here fully. They are always carried out on the weakest part of his fragile self." As he entered a small clearing, Link saw two versions of Pelagius' beating up each other, one huge, the other tiny. "The self-loathing enhances Pelagius' anger! Ah, but his confidence will shrink with every hit. You must bring the two into balance." ‘Okay… Let’s see if this works…’ Link used the Wabbajack on the tiny Pelagius, and watched as the man grew a bit. Then the larger man hit him and he returned to the size he had been previously.  ‘… So the tiny one becomes smaller when hit.’  The Wabbajack was used on the large man and he decreased in size slightly. Link then used the staff on the small man and he increased in size a bit, then the larger man hit the smaller one and their sizes seemed to somehow return to their original starting point. The Hylian heard Sheogorath’s voice in his mind again. "You seem to be having a small problem... or perhaps it's a big problem? Maybe if you shrunk the whole thing down a little first?" Link then got an idea and used the Wabbajack on the larger man until he was as tiny as the other tiny one, then used the staff on the original tiny one until he was as large as the now tiny man was. "Wonderfully done. Pelagius is finally ready to love himself... and continue hating everyone else. I have a saying - I'm not going to feel what you have to like. Or something like that."Link soon returned to the main clearing, where Sheogorath was waiting. “I fixed Pelagius’ mind.”“Hmmmm... 'Fixed' is such a subjective term. I think 'treated' is far more appropriate, don't you? Like one does to a rash, or an arrow in the face." Sheogorath paused for a second, as to internally debate this. "Ah, but no matter. Heartless mortal that you are, you've actually succeeded and survived. I am forced to honor my end of the bargain. So congratulations! You're free to go!"He then gave Link a friendly reminder of his domain  "I... have been known to change my mind. So... go. Really."“I did as asked.” The Mad God sighed and snapped his fingers. “Pelagius Septim the Third, once the Mad Emperor of Tamriel, now so boringly sane. I always knew he had it in him!" Sheogorath began to summon various things. "Well, I suppose it's back to the Shivering Isles. The trouble Haskill can get into while I'm gone simply boggles the mind... Let's make sure I'm not forgetting anything. Clothes? Check. Beard? Check! Luggage? Luggage! Now where did I leave my luggage?"Dervenin was summoned opposite him, overjoyed. "Master! You've taken me back! Does this mean we're going home? Oh, happy times! I can't wait to..."Sheogorath waved a hand. “Yes, yes, that's quite enough celebration. Let's send you ahead, shall we?"After Dervenin disappeared, Sheogorath addressed Link. "And as for you, my little somewhat mortal minion... Feel free to keep the Wabbajack. As a symbol of my... Oh, just take the damn thing." The Mad God then gave Link a genuine smile. "You take care of yourself, now, strangely, I find that I like you in a sort of… endearing way. And if you ever find yourself up in New Sheoth, do look me up. We can share a strawberry torte. Ta ta!" Sheogorath clapped his hands together and Link’s vision went white.Strangely, when Link returned to his senses, he didn’t feel as if he had passed out, but rather as if he had merely fallen asleep. He felt completely rested and he found that he was more than content to just stay where he was; which as he became more aware of his surroundings, was a defogged and much less evil Pelagius wing. The Hylian saw a set of clothing and a carved staff in front of him, as well as the ball and chain weapon. Link gathered everything and got up from where he had fallen, looking around and then focusing his gaze on the Wabbajack. ‘Maybe I can use this at that one fort.’ It was worth a try. Before leaving, Link decided to look around. He was still upstairs, next to the bar, and decided to follow the hallway. It led to another stairwell that led down past a boarded up doorway to a basement, which showed signs of being lived in. The basement held various wines and meads, a bed roll in the far corner, a lit lantern, an iron sword, a copy of the Thief of Virtue , two crates - which supported an unusable chain mechanism - and another book, this was called Surfeit of Thieves . Link took both books and examined both of them. When he skimmed through Surfeit, he realized he had already read it, so he left it where it was. Curiously enough, by the entrance to the basement, there were three stacked boxes containing a lot of burned books. Link took the Thief of Virtue and the sword with him and left the basement, returning to the upper level of the wing and descending the other set of stairs to end on the main level. He then left the Pelagius wing and quickly found Falk again. “Hello. You can have the key back.” Falk eyed Link and then took the key from him. “Did you find anything?” “I freed Pelagius, if that’s what you’re asking.” Link then turned and walked away, leaving Falk to ponder what the Hylian had said.Link got down from Epona and tied her to a nearby fence post, then looked up at Fort Hraggstad. It had taken him maybe twenty minutes to get here after leaving the Blue Palace. From outside, the fort didn’t look very big. The sizable courtyard and walls were patrolled by seven bandits. A forge was along the southwestern wall, with an unlocked chest to its left. On Link’s right as he passed the arch into the courtyard was an empty stable, with several food barrels found around the courtyard. The bandits of course noticed Link and soon surrounded him. “You got a lot of nerve walking in here, kid? Are you lost?” “He’s not even wearing any armor or weapons!” “I’m here to give you a warning.” Link had purposely chosen to leave most of his gear at Castle Dour, under the assurance of Tullius that all of it would be looked after. All he had now was his everyday clothes, his knapsack, and the Wabbajack, which he was using as a walking stick. It was probably a very stupid idea, Tullius had said as much, but there was a chance he could fool these bandits. “A warning?” Asked the leader of the seven bandits. “You think you can just show up unarmed and tell us that?”“I overheard there will be Imperial patrols heading this way soon.” The bandits looked at each other. “Should we believe him?” “He’s not here to kill us, that’s plain as day.”“That walking stick looks weird though.”The bandits converged to discuss amongst themselves, then the leader walked over to Link. “Did you just show up for supplies?”“I did. I was hoping in exchange for the information, you will be willing to give away things.”The leader continued to look at his group, then smirked as he turned his gaze back to Link and nodded. “We’re okay with it, the chief, though, maybe not so much. None of us like him anyway, so I suppose you’d do us a favor if you somehow took him out. You can go inside and look around.”“Thanks.” Link watched as the seven bandits made their way out of the courtyard and then looked up at the towers. On top of the two intact towers were a few various bows and quivers of arrows on tables, with the top of the tallest tower also having a longbow. Link already had a bow, but he gladly took the extra arrows, which he counted out to be fifty. He then walked back down the tower stairs and entered the fort. He was greeted by a bandit, while another was making their way down the stairs. “Easy. We heard the news, thanks for warning us.” Stated the one bandit as he waited for the other to reach him before they left the fort.To the left of the nearby fireplace was a cupboard holding clutter, a garlic bulb in a wooden bowl, and three books, while leaning against the fireplace was a woodcutter's axe. To the right of the fireplace was a doorway leading further into the fort, and in the northeast corner was a wooden table with iron armor, helmet, sword, and a battleaxe all on top. Link took the weapons and armor to sell later and walked through the doorway.Through the doorway was a cart at the bottom of a flight of stairs, containing an iron shield, a long bow, iron gauntlets, and a potion of minor healing. Link took everything and climbed the nearby stairs. Climbing the stairs lead to a large room, with a bandit leaning against the wall, and the bandit chief at the back of the room in an area being used as sleeping quarters. It appeared that this bandit had also heard of the patrol warning and left the room, leaving Link alone with the bandit chief, who turned out to be a Khajiit. “So, a wanderer brings news, yes?” The cat rose from his chair and drew a sword. “And tells Khajiit’s fellow bandits to leave? This will not do.” “I’m unarmed. You’re really going to attack me?” The Khajiit grinned. “This should be quick, then.” He lunged across the room in an instant. Link found himself backed in a corner, the Khajiit prowling back and forth with the raised sword. “You shall die, and Khajiit shall be victorious.” The Hylian eyed the cat and then got an idea. He brandished the Wabbajack. “What is that? A stick? Khajiit is not afraid of a mere stick!” Link then swung it in the cat’s direction and the bandit was turned into a duck, the sword clattering to the floor as the bird began quacking and preening its feathers. ‘Should have brought at least one weapon… Then again, I could have used one of the ones I found here…’  The front half of the room was being used for storage, with several food barrels under a wooden structure in the northwestern corner. On this structure was a locked chest, which contained a hundred Septims, and a small wooden table holding three potions of minor healing and some foodstuffs.Against the north wall were two sets of shelves containing three bottles of alto wine, a bottle of wine, some food, a gourd, an iron sword, and eight books. Opposite the shelves was another wooden structure, with a food barrel and a table holding a small mead barrel and three potatoes. Link took the Septims, the three portions, the sword, and kept exploring the fort. There was a raised section in the middle of the room with a small wooden table holding two bottles of wine. Against the south wall was a single bed and a dresser. On the dresser were three loose septims, a bulb of garlic, and some bread and cheese. In front of this was an end table with a gourd on top, and against the north wall is another single bed and another table with a leg of goat roast and a loaf of bread on top. Link took the three Septims and continued onwards. The western end of the room contained four more single beds, an unlocked chest, and a table holding a tactical map of Skyrim which the bandit chief was studying, a baked potato, a garlic bulb, a gourd, an iron helmet, and a copy of a book called The Gold Ribbon of Merit . When Link read it, he noted it was a book on archery and he took the book with him for further reading.Against the north wall, between two of the beds, was a cupboard holding a leather helmet that when inspected, had Noster’s name carved into it. Link took the helmet and checked the rest of the room. Between the other two beds against the southern wall were an end table and a table with a set of iron armor, iron gauntlets, and an iron mace on top, while leaning against the end table was an iron greatsword, with a pair of iron boots next to the nearest bed. Link took all of the items and entered the prison. Upon entering the prison, Link was in a room with a bandit roaming about and a second bandit sitting at a table to the left.Unfortunately, these two hadn’t heard the warning and attacked him. With quick thinking, Link swung the Wabbajack at the two approaching bandits and they were both turned to rats. The Hylian ignored them as he explored the prison. On the table was a small coin purse containing twenty Septims and a satchel that contained nothing when checked. There were a couple wooden benches and a set of shelves holding only clutter behind the table, with a knapsack on top of the shelves that was empty. Against the northeast wall, almost opposite the entrance, were a second set of shelves holding a woodcutter's axe, banded iron armor, iron gauntlets, and an iron helmet. There were a door leading downstairs in the southeast corner. Link took all of the items in this room and headed downstairs.At the bottom of the stairs was a room containing a set of shelves full of more clutter against the northeast wall, and a small wooden table in the southeast corner with a rock warbler egg on top. To the southwest were stairs down to the cells, which were guarded by another bandit. The bandit saw Link and ran up the stairs towards him, but was turned into a cat by the Wabbajack. There were a total of seven cells, with four against the southwest wall, and three against the northeast wall. All of the cells were empty and unlocked. On his left was a table holding an iron battleaxe and a book. Behind the table was a chair, and against the southeast wall was an unlocked chest, which held ten Septims, to the right of two sets of shelves holding several pieces of bread and cheese as well as clutter.Link took the battleaxe and the ten Septims and then began to backtrack through the prison.Outside, the bandits were gathered around a fire. “What do you think of that kid? Pretty stupid of him to just walk up and ask for supplies.”“Sure, we don’t like the chief, but it’ll be fun to see that cat mess with him a bit before killing him.”The leader heard some sort of quacking noise and looked up to see a duck waddling towards them. “What is that?” The duck walked up to the fire and nestled down before it, its frightened quacks now turning to rage induced ones. Then, before the bandits could respond, two rats and a cat ran out from the fort and over to the duck. “… What in Shor’s name?”As Link made his way out into the courtyard, he saw no bandits. He then finally decided to go sell all of the excess weapons and gear he had, not noticing that a few animals had been kicked into the nearby river.“So let me see, all together, you have… one Ancient Nord sword, two iron daggers, three iron swords, four Iron Helmets, three sets of Iron armor, one Iron mace, two pairs of Iron boots, six pairs of Iron Gauntlets, two Iron Shields, one Orcish Warhammer, one Orcish greatsword, one Elven Greatsword, two Iron greatswords, one Steel horned helmet, one Steel helmet, one pair of Elven boots, two Iron battleaxes, and one Woodcutter’s axe.” The store owner counted up the total while he caught his breath.  “The total amount of Septims is… two thousand, four hundred and thirty nine.” said the Nord in disbelief. “Where did you find all of this?” “I’ve been exploring ruins. And bandit hideouts.” “I see.” The blacksmith checked over the items. “Name’s Beirand, been the smith here for many years, now.” Beirand then counted out the many Septims and handed them to Link. “Here you go, spend those coins and don’t waste them. Or keep them for later if you want, in case something happens.” Link nodded and took the coins, then placed them in the knapsack, where the dragon was still asleep on top of the gold pile. “Heard the bandits left the old fort near Dragon’s Bridge. Did you have something to do with that?” “I did. Told them an Imperial patrol was going to go there soon and they all left.” “Really? None of them fought you?” Beirand saw the kid on the other side of the corner shake his head. “Huh. Guess they didn’t want a fight then. They’ll get found soon enough. I have a feeling you might be a repeat customer, you mind if I get your name?” “Link Farmmane, sir.”“Link… Alright. Suppose you have places to be so I won’t keep you.” The Nord nodded. “I’ll let you be off then, remember to stop by if you need armor or more weapons.”“I’ll keep that in mind.” Link looked around the store, noting all of the various armor and weapons on the walls, before he stepped out. Link had been walking towards Castle Dour when he passed by a familiar looking face. “Noster!”The veteran had been dozing on a wooden bench when he heard someone call his name. He woke up and looked around, then noticed a familiar face walking towards him holding something. Noster got up from the bench, watching as Link approached. “Good evening to you.”Link gave a friendly nod and held out the thing he was holding. “Your helmet.”Noster gazed at the leather helmet, then reached out and took it, running his aged hands over the faded material. “Look at it. That's real Nord craftsmanship, that is! Thank you for going out of your way to help me.” “It was no trouble at all.”“No?” Noster watched as Link shook his head in confirmation. “The bandits were dealt with, I take it?”Link nodded. “They were. I told them a patrol was on its way there, and they all left.”Noster smiled. “Serves them right.” He put on the helmet and adjusted it. “Let me show you an old trick I learned as a scout. Makes it harder for the enemy to notice you."When Link returned to Castle Dour after receiving scouting training from Noster, Tullius and Rikke were still standing over the map, having a conversation. Unfortunately, he had been too late to hear any of it, as Rikke stepped back from the map and noticed Link standing by the door. “You’re back. Got anything to report?” Link nodded and stepped closer to the table. “The bandits have been taken care of.” “Good. I’ll get some men together to retake the fort. This was a good test of your abilities, I think you’re more than ready to join us.” The woman focused her attention on Tullius. “What do you think?” Tullius studied Link. “Yes, I do believe so. In joining the Legion, you'll be taking an oath binding you to the service of the Emperor and thus to every citizen of the Empire."Link found that he didn’t quite like the sound of being bound to serve some far off Emperor. “I think I need a few minutes to decide.”  "I see... Well, the Legion will still be here when you change your mind. Rikke believes in you. And I'm starting to see why. Consider this. What greater glory than to serve the Emperor and his citizens here in Skyrim, in these days of greatest need?"Link nodded and left the room, then exited Castle Dour to lean against a nearby wall and stare out at the grand city before him. ‘Do I really want to join?’ He wondered. ‘I’d learn new fighting techniques, get to explore the world more. Yet I’m also with the Stormcloaks, if either of them find out… No, I’ll make sure they don’t. Somehow. I want to save as many lives as possible in this unneeded war, even if I have no experience. … I’ll take the oath and join, then I’ll have to figure out what to do next.’ Link soon returned to the war room of Castle Dour. “I’m ready to take the oath.”Tullius nodded. "Well then. Repeat after me." He cleared his throat and then began the oath. "Upon my honor I do swear undying loyalty to the Emperor, Titus Mede II..." ‘No turning back now.’ “Upon my honor I do swear undying loyalty to the Emperor, Titus Mede II...""...and unwavering obedience to the officers of his great Empire." 'Do I regret doing this?’ "...and unwavering obedience to the officers of his great Empire.""May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty." ‘No. I’m doing this to save lives.’  "May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty.""Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!""Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empire!" ‘There. It’s done. I’ve joined both sides. I’ll take full responsibility for this if anything happens.’ “Hmm… Voice could use some work, but the enthusiasm is there.” Tullius muttered, then continued. “Welcome to the Imperial Legion, soldier. Just remember, we take care of our own. Once you're in the Legion, you're in it for life. Speak to Beirand, he's normally out by the forge. He'll get you outfitted. You can train with us, and start real work when you turn eighteen.”Link nodded in response and left Castle Dour shortly after. “Link! Back so soon?” Beirand set down a sword he was cleaning as Link entered the store. “General Tullius sent me to you to get outfitted.”“Ah. So you’re who he was referring to. Right. I have just one question for you. Light, medium, or heavy?"Link took a second to process what the smith had said. “What?”“Light armor for scouting detail, heavy armor for full on combat, or something in between?" The Nord explained. “Hmm… I fight more than scout out things, so I suppose heavy armor.”The smith nodded. “Right. Take a seat anywhere and I’ll fetch it for you.” Link walked over to a bench and made himself comfortable. While he waited, he thought about everything that had happened that day and found himself tapping the Wabbajack, the staff set against the bench next to him. ‘I really hope getting this was worth it.’ “Here you go. Decided to give you a full plated helmet. You can try everything on and see how the armor looks on you with the mirror over there.” Beirand gestured to a floor mirror and then went back behind the counter.Link got up from the bench and walked over to the counter. “Why the helmet?”“Don’t know where you’re from, but you must know by now how dangerous Skyrim is. You’ve gotten lucky so far, but there's worse out there than bandits and dragons. Figured you’d need it.”Link nodded. ‘ Can’t argue with that.’ He lifted the helmet from the counter, gazing at his reflection in the metal surface before he turned it around, lifted it above his head, and donned it. His head was now completely covered save for his eyes. It felt strange, but he figured he would get used to it. Thankfully, his vision wasn’t obstructed at all and he put on the rest of the armor, walked over to the floor mirror after retrieving the Wabbajack from the wall, and examined himself. “Feels weird seeing my head completely covered.” Link noted how his voice seemed to now echo a bit. “Never had a full plated helmet before? Protects you a lot more.” Beirand commented. “Armor fits you well.” “It does.” Link then got an idea while studying his reflection and drew Dawn and Dusk, then got into a battle stance. He flipped the daggers into the air and caught them as they came back down. Link then began to mock fight in front of the mirror, trying to get a feel for his new armor. “Seeing how it fits?” Beirand asked from behind the counter. Link had been spinning around with the two daggers at arm’s length and froze, eying the Nord from across the room. “Yeah.” He finally responded, absentmindedly tapping the two daggers together as he slowly returned to a normal stance.“Just make sure to not break anything.” Beirand commented before he turned around and began to clean things on the shelves. “Noted.” Link turned back to the mirror and looked down at the two daggers, before he put them away and drew Dawnbreaker. When Link exited Beirand’s store, he stood in place for a while, getting used to the feel of his new armor. He adjusted the chest armor as he shifted from side to side slightly and examined the gauntlets as he raised one to adjust the full plated helmet. The bag at his side then shook and the Hylian threw the flap back. The dragon hatchling was awake and was staring up at him. Link couldn’t help but smile beneath the helmet and looked around, then inserted a gauntlet covered hand into the bag. The creature squeaked happily and began to bite at the gauntlet. “I think I’ve decided on a name for you.”The dragon hatching titled his head, tiny sharp fangs still latched onto the gauntlet. “I’m going to call you Cobalt.”Link didn’t expect Cobalt to let go of the gauntlet, then fly out of the knapsack and around his head, squeaking happily before he settled on one of the Dragonborn’s armored shoulders. Cobalt continued to make various happy noises as Link reached up and began to run his gauntlet covered  fingers across the blue scales. He kept a close watch for any passerby, but thankfully there was no one out and about at the moment. The hatching called him “Zeymah” at some point, now biting at the gauntlet. Link didn’t know what that meant. ‘I’ll ask Arngeir next time I see him.’  Link then heard a roar and he snapped his head up toward the sky. A dragon was flying over Solitude. Cobalt went silent and pressed himself against the metal armor as Link put a hand on Dawnbreaker’s hilt and tracked the flying beast’s movements. No. It wouldn’t do any good to fight the dragon here. If it was still around in the morning, then he could do something about it. The Dragonborn watched as the dragon roared again, then flew out of view behind some nearby mountains. Link then coaxed Cobalt back into the knapsack and went to the Winking Skeever to get another room. 
‘I’ll head down to Morthal in the morning and then see what happens next.’ 
“Did you hear? The guards caught some bandits.”“They did? How so?” Link had been reading the copy of Dwemer History and Culture that he had taken from Castle Dour earlier that day, sitting in a corner of the Winking Skeever close to the fireplace. His helmet and knapsack were on the table in front of him, his weapons on top and on either side of the bag. Occasionally, he could see Cobalt’s green eyes looking at him from within the knapsack. The talk of bandits got Link’s attention though, and he looked over at an Orc and Dummer sitting at a nearby table. The Orc smirked. “Found them in a muddy ditch just outside the city, near the river, unclothed and disoriented.”“Really? Were they drunk?” The Orc shook his head. “Nope. They claimed to have been turned into various animals by some strange staff.”The Dummer scoffed. “No, they had to have been drunk.” The conversation dissolved into arguing, which Link ignored as he gathered his things and got up from the table he was sitting at, then walked across the tavern up to the counter. “You again.” Corpulus set a glass he had been cleaning on the counter. “Joined the Legion, did you? Good choice.” Link nodded. “Is the same room available?” “Think so, let me see…” Corpulus looked at the ledger behind him. “It is.” He turned back to face Link. “The Septims you gave me this morning paid for it, you’re free to go up.” The Nord handed him the room key. “Thanks.” Link stepped back from the counter and then headed upstairs. When he entered the room, he closed the door and locked it, then tossed the room key on the nearby table as he took off his armor and weapons and set them by the door. He then set the knapsack on the bed stand and threw open the room’s lone window, setting the Wabbajack against the wall as he looked out over the sunset lit buildings below.  ‘So many things happened today.’ Link’s gaze wandered over to the staff and he picked it up from where it was and examined the Daedric artifact in the dying sunlight. ‘Went through a lot to get this. Wonder if there’s a limit to its powers. Sure, it can turn people into animals, but what about objects...’  The Dragonborn thought about testing it, but decided not to. Unfortunately, he accidentally activated the staff…The Wabbajack fell to the floor of the tavern room as Link slowly picked himself up after the staff’s activation. ‘…… I bet Sheogorath is laughing right now.’  Link had turned himself into a goat. He stared at the door for a while in annoyance before he looked down at the staff and resisted the urge to kick it into a wall. Link instead sighed and turned to the window, then managed to stand somewhat upright and set himself against the windowsill, his hooves resting on the wooden edge. ‘Guess I wait and see how long it takes for me to turn back.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Link left Solitude early the next morning after dealing with the goat incident. He had decided to take the snowy scenic route for his travels and wondered if the journey would be disrupted by something. A brown shape appeared up the cobblestone path, obscured by fog and Epona stopped, clearly on edge as the shape got closer, which was increasing in speed. It was revealed to be a bear a few moments later. Cobalt flew out of the knapsack and towards the bear, snapping and screeching at the creature as it turned towards him and roared, stopping in its tracks. Link got down from the horse and drew Dawnbreaker, eying the bear as it noticed him and then began to shuffle towards him, then charge at the last second. Link attempted to dodge but was swatted to the ground as the bear reared up and prepared to claw its adversary to pieces. The bear was kicked in the face by Epona and crumpled to the ground, its jaw clearly broken and the beast either dead or unconscious. Link slowly got up from the path and checked himself for injuries, then vaulted onto his horse’s back and looked around for Cobalt. The hatchling circled him, then glided off and Link found it hard to keep up even while on Epona due to how fast Cobalt was going, even though he was switching between crawling on the ground and gliding. Cobalt’s squeaks grew farther and farther away as they left the forest and found themselves on the open plains until his noises weren’t within hearing distance, then the dragon appeared from a nearby barrow, twisting and turning in the air as he landed on the ledge and then began to glide again. Link worked out where he was as he got his breath back. It was Ustengrav. But why did Cobalt bring him here?He didn’t have time to ponder, as Cobalt continued to crawl and glide towards the entrance to the tomb. Link got down from Epona and followed the hatchling inside.The sound of metal boots clacking on stone echoed throughout the tomb as the Dragonborn entered Jurgen Windcaller’s chamber. Link finally caught up to Cobalt and gazed at the stone statue and crypt as Cobalt glided over to Link and landed on his head, the Hylian couldn’t help but feel as if someone was watching him. It was probably nothing. Link approached the crypt and looked down at it, then noticed golden tendrils beginning to rise from the stone and fly towards the warrior. As the tendrils swirled around him, Link felt off balance and he lowered himself to one knee as he bowed his eyes and closed his eyes, almost overwhelmed by the sudden raging blood coursing through his veins “So you have returned.”Link didn’t recognize the voice and he ignored it, instead focusing on the single word now in his mind.  Nah . He now understood what it meant. Fury. Link soon opened his eyes and saw a spirit standing on the other side of the tomb.“Nah.” The spirit nodded. “The second word of Whirlwind Sprint.” Link slowly rose and gazed over the tomb at the spirit. “Who are you?”“Jurgen Windcaller.” Jurgen smiled. “And you are Lincoln Colton Farmanne, chosen by your own gods to save your homeland, and driven by your courage and integrity, Akatosh chose you to save Nirn.” “How do you know my name?” “Young Dovahkiin, Akatosh has granted me the ability to know a lot of things. Who you are now, and who you were before Akatosh chose you, are just a few of them.” Link began to respond, but the spirit stopped him. “I also know of your tragic past. Your hardships and sacrifices. I believe Akatosh chose you because he wanted you to have a second chance at life.”“A second chance?” Link watched as the spirit nodded and folded his hands together. “Yes. You were forced to grow up long before you wanted to, to do and see things no child should have to endure or witness. You traveled to the darkest of places, ones where no light shone, and emerged as a husk as your former self. Akatosh saw this, and took pity.”Jurgen studied Link. “Tell me, how are you feeling in this very moment?” Link had to think about it. “I suppose I feel like I did back home, wanting to just live a normal life and not have to go out and defend everyone from dangerous creatures, not having to save the world and risk losing myself in the process.”Windcaller stayed silent for a bit. “I see. Do you resent your gods and Akatosh for putting you on this path?” “I don’t know.” Link answered honestly. He hadn’t thought about it much, hadn’t had the time to. The thought had crossed his mind a few times back home, when he had been at his lowest, but not here in Skyrim. “A question you haven’t thought of much, I understand, fate can be a cruel mistress, and it can also be convoluted and unforgiving.” Jurgen stated. “Yet here you stand before me, despite what has happened in your life. The spirit smiled. “You do have many places to be, so I won’t keep you. I did enjoy your company, perhaps you can return every now and then?”Link nodded as he got up from the overturned urn. “I will.”“Did you hear about the house?”“Yeah. Burned clear to the ground, it did.”Two guards were standing at one of the entrances to Morthal as Link rode up on Epona. “Did something happen?” As Link got down from the horse, one of the guards pointed out a charred and destroyed house that stood next to the apparent Jarl building across the wooden walkways. “See that? Hrogaar had a wife and child, the two died in the house during the fire, and Hrogaar shacked up with Alva the next day. Foul play, if you ask me. Course, you’re from out of town, so you have no idea who I’m talking about. You’ll find Hrogaar and Alva soon enough, though.”The other guard then eyed Link. “Joined the Legion? Good, we were thinking of asking Tulluis to send a few down from Solitude to investigate.” Link eyed the destroyed house from where he was. “Say I decide to help, who do I talk to?” “Jarl Idgrod, but she’s asking that anyone who wants to help to go check out the house first, just to see what you’re getting into.”Link nodded. “I’ll go and do that.” He got down from Epona and the guard he had spoken to led his horse away as the Hylian eyed the distant house and started to walk towards it. Burnt and blackened grass was crushed underfoot as Link stepped off the wooden pathway and into the remains of the charred wooden stone house. The scent of death and ash filled the air and he suddenly wanted to leave, a brief memory coming to the forefront of his mind as he stood there. Link shook his head and started to look around, not expecting to find much. The Hylian flinched as the memory returned, forcing him to relive the last moments of his childhood on his tenth naming day, the burning house and roars of monsters prominent in his mind. Link quickly left the house soon after and wandered Morthal for a while before he found the Jarl’s building, which was marked by a sign that read “Highmoon Hall.” Upon approaching the building, he found the doorway being blocked by three Nords. “What's the Jarl going to do about it, Aslfur?""How are we supposed to feel safe in our own homes?"Aslfur held up his hands. "Please, enough already! Jurgen and Thonnir, I have told Idgrod of your concerns. She'll look after you. Please, go back to your business." He then turned around and made for the door of Highmoon Hall. "We've no need for wizards in our midst!""Morthal has enough problems as it is!"Aslfur didn’t respond as he had already entered the building. Jurden turned to face the other Nord with an annoyed expression and shook his head. "Bah, it's no use, Thonnir. Let's get back to it then." The two began to walk away from the building. As they walked away, another Nord passed by and stopped. “Who are you?”“Someone from the Legion. I want to help investigate the house fire.”“You?” The man laughed. “Look at how small you are, and scrawny too, does the armor even fit?” “If you’re asking for a fight, I’ll give you one.”The Nord stopped laughing and studied Link. “A fight… How does one hundred gold sound, kid?”“Sure.”He clearly hadn’t expected Link to accept and was caught off guard but he soon nodded. “No armor or weapons or magic. Wouldn’t be fair to me, you respect your opponents, don’t you?”“I do.” Link took off his armor and weapons and then set them against the door of Highmoon Hall, then got into a defensive stance. “Feel like upping the reward?”The man seemed to think about it. “Two hundred gold?”“That works.” The Nord grinned and swung a fist at Link, who twisted to the side and tried to sweep the Nord’s legs out from underneath him. He avoided the attack and kept his distance from Link, choosing instead to circle him and then try to get a hit in. It connected to the Hylian’s chest and Link was forced back a few paces, feeling like the wind had been knocked out of him. “Done already?” The brawler asked, bringing up his hands and moving in for another punch. Link shook his head and dodged another swing, then uppercut his opponent, sending the man into the nearby water: The warrior sat up, shaking his body. “Should have watched my footing.” He muttered as the Nord got up and back onto solid ground, he then dug around in a pouch and gave Link the bet money. “You might need to dry them off, but all two hundred are there. You're a real fighter, boy. I like that. Name’s Benor. You ever need my steel by your side, you just ask." Benor gave a nod at Link and then wandered off. “You’re sure you’re alright?” Aslfur asked with concern as he opened the door and stepped out. At Link’s nod, he sighed and shook his head. “I would say that I am glad to see a visitor but tensions are high at the moment. I assume you’re here to speak to my wife about the burned house?”“I am.” Aslfur nodded. “Wonderful.” He stepped over to the door and made as if to open it.“What was that argument outside the Hall earlier?”Aslfur let go of the door and turned to face Link. "Ah, you saw that, did you? Life in Morthal has been troubled lately. The people are uncertain, restless. They merely look to the Jarl for leadership."“What's going wrong in Morthal?” "There's news of rebellion against the Empire. Strange noises have been heard in the marshes at night. And then, the tragedy with Hroggar's home. The men simply seek wisdom. Everything will be fine. Now, if you follow me, you can speak to my wife about investigating the fire." Stated the steward as he stepped back inside the building. Link looked down at the ground for a second, then used Heal on himself and followed Aslfur inside.An old woman was sitting in a chair at the end of the building, gazing at Link intently while Aslfur was standing at her side. “So you fought Benor and won. I heard from my husband that it was a good fight.”Link nodded. “I hear you want someone to look into that house fire.” He said as he approached the woman. “Are you Idgrod?”The woman nodded. “Hroggar's house fire? He lost his wife and daughter in the blaze. My people believe it to be cursed now. Who am I to gainsay them?"“I already went to the house and looked around, but didn’t find anything.”The old woman leaned forward on her chair. “Did you? Perhaps another search will reveal answers.” “Maybe. Is there anything I should be looking for?”Idgrod nodded. “I never did get your name. As to what you should be looking for, a spirit was reported to be seen at the house.”“Link Farmanne.” “Link… Very well. The spirit is said to be rather shy, it might take a while for it to appear.” Idgrod told him. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Link left Highmoon Hall soon after and returned to the burned house again but nothing happened. He then looked up at the sky. ‘A shy spirit… what if she meant nightfall?’ He had around three hours until then, if he was reading the sun correctly, and he thought back to the conversation that had taken place before Highmoon Hall. ‘I wonder who this wizard person is.’ Link left the house and returned to Highmoon, where he found Aslfur sweeping the wooden planks outside with a broom. “I want to talk to you about what was being discussed earlier.”The steward looked up and set the broom against the side of the building. “Yes?”“Who is this wizard they were speaking of?”Alsfur gestured to the nearby swamp. “Falion. He’s the resident court wizard here. Likes to keep to himself and has weird experiments. He should be home at this time of day though.”“Thanks.” As Link walked away, he saw Alsfur picked up the broom and resume sweeping. On the way out of Morthal, Link passed a woman who was sitting in a chair in front of a house and followed him with her eyes as he walked by. “Going somewhere?”He turned around. “Me?”The woman smiled. “Yes.”“I’m off to see Falion.” Yet something didn’t feel right about this woman. “Are you? Such a shame, you’d learn a lot more about magic from me.” The woman pouted. “Still, I’ll give you the satisfaction of knowing my name. It’s Alva.” Link nodded, feeling like he should not respond and just walk away. The feeling was increased by his Triforce flaring up, and he hid the golden glow by summoning a Fireball and tossing it up and down in his hand. “I’d like to learn magic from you, but I’m going to see what Falion can teach me first.” He then turned and walked away at a decent pace, but once he was out of sight, he increased his speed. ‘I really don’t like her.’ The Hylian found a house next to the water on the outskirts of Morthal. There was a sign that read “home of Falion, Morthal’s court-wizard”. Link figured he could just step in, although he knocked first.A voice answered. “Yes?““Are you Falion?”“I am, what can I do for you?”“I wanted to see what tomes you have.”“An aspiring mage. Let me get the door.” The door opened to reveal a dark skinned man in blue robes. “Hmmm…” He looked Link over. “Do you happen to know any spells?”Link listed the three he knew. “Fireball, Heal and Healing Hands.” Repeated the man. “So you are capable… Follow me.”Link followed Falion into the house and looked around. There was a counter with potions and boos on it, bookshelves, and apprant living quarters, “What spells are you looking for? Illusion? Destruction or Conjuration? Restoration or Alteration?” “I’d rather look first.” “If you are here to purchase, I have many spells available.” Falion walked behind the counter and laid out various tomes. Link inspected all of them until he stopped at one that he recognized, but then decided he wanted more information on. “What’s a Flame Atronach?”“Ah, an apprentice leveled tome. Flame Atronachs are Elemental Daedra native to a collective realm full and made of lava and fire. They are a source of Fire Salts, their appearance is of a woman made of flame wearing metal armor, and they can be found in the wilderness or summoned to act as guards.” ‘So that’s why it sounded familiar. I dealt with one in Sheogorath’s realm.’ “If I wanted to summon one, how much would the tome cost?“Falion checked something behind him and then turned back around. “The price is thirty Septims.” Link gave Falion the needed Septims and picked up the tome, then opened it. Just like the tomes in Breezehome, this one also turned to dust, and he felt the knowledge of the tome enter his mind. “If you want to test the spell, please do so outside. I suppose I could make sure nothing goes wrong, since this will be your first time summoning something.” Falion commented. Link nodded and headed outside and behind the house, Falion following him. “How does the summoning work?”“Simply hold out your hand in front of you and recite the summon.” The Redguard stated. “Okay.” That seemed simple enough. Link held out his hand and said the spell. The spell began to manipulate his magic in a way that felt similar when he used Fireball or Heal, yet it was different in that this magic was twisting in on itself. A woman made of flame appeared in a fiery vortex that faded away, then looked around. She then turned and seemed to study Link with curiosity. Link gazed back. “Um… Hello.” “Excellent. You seem to have a natural affinity for summoning spells.” Falion smiled slightly. “This Atronach is bound to you, now, whenever you need her aid, say the spell and she will appear.” The Flame Atronach floated towards Link and circled him, then tilted her head to the side before she smiled and nodded in approval.She then vanished and Link turned to Falion. “Is there a reason she left?““The spell has a time limit. Perhaps with more practice, the spell could stay active longer.” Link remembered the strange feeling as the magic dissipated. “Is there anything special about the spell?”“Conjuration is a special school of magic that involves tapping directly into the plane of Oblivion.” Falion stated. Link turned and shook the Redguard’s hand. “Thank you Falion.”Falion smiled. “You’re welcome. If you require any more tomes, feel free to stop by.” “On second thought, do you happen to have any tomes that provide light sources?” Falion knew the excited expression Link had. “I do. Follow me.” He led the youth inside and laid out a selection. “I suggest Candle Light.”Link looked at the tome in question. “What does it do?” “It creates a ball of light around the user. It’s useful for seeing in the dark and seems to ward off evil, from reports and my own experiences.“ “I’ll take it. How much?”“Ten Septims. You can try out this spell in here if you wish.”Link paid the ten coins and was handed the tome, he then opened it and the tome turned to dust from him learning the spell. He then said “Candlelight” and a second later, a blue ball of light began to circle him, casting a soft glow around the room. Falion nodded. “Good. Do you need anything else?”“I don’t think so, no.”“Then I won’t keep you then. If you want more tomes, just come and find me.”Link left Falion’s house and returned to the destroyed building, then stood in the center, trying to ignore the faded and best forgotten memories of his youth as he looked for anything he might have missed. “Hi!” A young girl’s voice came from nowhere and the Hylian turned to find himself looking at a spirit. “Hello.”“You’re a soldier? That’s so cool! My name’s Helgi. What’s your name?”“Link.”The girl nodded. “Cool.” Link found himself liking the spirit already. “Do you know what happened here?”Helgi nodded. “I was here with my mother. There was smoke and flames, I felt tired, so I laid under a table and fell asleep… Then I was like this.” The spirit gestured to herself, then her face lit up. “Let’s play a game?“Link was taken back by her emotional shift. “A… game?” He asked slowly. Helgi nodded. “Hide and seek. I hide, and you find me!”Hide and seek. This couldn’t be that hard. “Is there a catch to this?”“You have to find me after dark, so the other player can join in!” Helgi exclaimed. Link looked up at the sky. It was already twilight. He then moved his gaze back to Helgi. “’Other player’? Who are they?”At this, Helgi looked around with a scared expression on her face and she shushed the warrior. “The other one is close and might hear me! If you can find me first, I’ll tell you!” Then the girl’s spirit vanished and Link was left alone in the charred broken house. Link returned to Highmoon Hall and approached Idgrod, who got up from her chair. “Did you find anything?”The Dragonborn nodded. “I… spoke to her spirit.” Idgrod nodded. “And what did she say?”“She told me of what happened, then wanted to play a game with me and she wants to talk to me after dark, though she didn’t tell me where she would be.”The old woman didn’t speak for a few seconds. “The graveyard.” Idgrod finally stated solemnly. “Her coffin is there. She does seem to be fond of you, Link.”Link nodded, unsure of how to respond.Idgrod got up from her chair and looked out a nearby window. “I’d say it’s dark enough that you can head there now, but be vigilant.”Link left Highmoon Hall and made his way to the graveyard, where he found a woman standing before an unburied coffin. “Hello.”The woman spun around, staring at Link as she held a dagger in her hand. “Who are you?” She demanded. “Just someone investigating the burned house. Are you Laelette?” The woman pointed the dagger at him. “So you’re the one wandering into things you should keep your distance from!” She slashed the dagger towards Link, causing him to step back as it scratched his chestplate. “If I kill you, our secret can remain hidden!”Laelette lunged towards Link, who sidestepped and watched in silent horror as she fell on the shovel she had been using to dig up the coffin. The woman didn’t get up and Link knelt beside her, checking for a pulse. There was none, and as he moved the body away from the shovel, he noted it left a blood trail as he set the corpse in the middle of the graveyard, then stood and approached Helgi’s coffin. “You found me before she did!” Helgi’s voice came from within the coffin as it began to glow softly. “I did. The Jarl wants to know what happened.” And so, Helgi told Link of how an unwilling Laelette was forced to burn the house. Laelette, in an effort to save Helgi, attempted to turn her into a vampire, but Helgi was too far gone from the fire and perished.Link sighed as he took off his helmet and closed his eyes as he nursed what he knew was an encroaching headache. ‘Why must I be the one to deal with this?’ “Are you hurt?” Helgi asked from within the coffin. “No… it’s just a headache, that’s all.” He muttered as he opened his eyes. “Oh.” There was a beat of silence that was marked by bird calls. “I’m tired, I think I’ll go to sleep now. It was fun meeting you, Link.” “You too, Helgi.” Link watched in silence as the coffin’s glow faded and hung his head, staring at the ground. ‘I need to deal with this now before anyone else is hurt.’ Link head footfalls and lifted his head to find a man standing there, looking down at the fresh corpse. “Are you Thonnir?”The man nodded and then knelt beside Laelette. “I thought she had left me to join the resistance, and now I find her dead!”“Was there anything strange going on before she left?”Thonnir looked up and then stood.. “My wife… had begun to spend a lot of time with Alva, they were supposed to meet on the night she vanished. When I asked Alva, she claimed Laelette had never shown up.” “Thonnir.” Link chose his words carefully. “Alva is a vampire, and she turned Laelette. Helgi told me that Laelette tried to turn her as well, but she was too far gone from the fire.” Thonnir gazed at Link for a second before he suddenly lashed out at the warrior, ignoring the boy’s yelp of pain as the man’s fist gave the warrior a black eye and sent him back a bit. “I refuse to believe Alva is a vampire!” Thonnir yelled. “I refuse to believe your lies! You have no proof!” Link kept his distance in case the man attacked him again as he raised a hand to his face, covering his black eye. “Do you normally attack people like that?” It was unable to keep the hint of pain from his voice. The grief stricken man was kneeling next to his dead wife and got up when he heard Link speak. “I think you should stop interfering with things that you shouldn’t get involved in.” Thorrin curled his hands into fists. “Maybe I have to teach you a lesson.” He then walked over to Link at a fast pace and swung a punch. Link caught the fist with his left hand, and chose not to give the man a response as he drew his other hand back, and knocked Thorrin to the ground with a well aimed punch to the jaw. The Dragonborn looked at the unconscious man for a few seconds, then turned away and left Thorrin there where he fell as he walked through the graveyard. He reached the end of the graveyard, then stepped around the corner, leaning against the wooden frame of a house as he used Heal on his eye and waited for the spell to take effect. ‘Great. I need to get proof somehow…’ Link’s gaze fell on a suspicious looking house nearby. ‘Wait a second, that’s Alva’s house.' It looked just like the one he had passed on the way to see Falion. A few minutes later, Link stared at the lockpick in his hand, then gazed at the locked door he was standing in front of that was lit by a nearby torch. ‘It’s now or never,’ He knelt before the door and inserted the lockpick into the lock, carefully twisting and turning the pick until the door was unlocked and he slowly opened it, a hand on one of his twin daggers as he stepped into the house. No one was inside. Link found no sign of Alva as he searched the house, although he did find a wooden coffin in the basement. Upon opening it, he found what appeared to be a journal. He normally wouldn’t go through someone’s personal belongings, but this time was a bit different. The Dragonborn picked up the journal and then skimmed through it. Some of it wasn’t that interesting, something about a romance, most of it was intriguing however. It detailed how Alva had fallen in love with someone named Morvarth, and how he had turned her into a vampire. Morvarth was to take over Morthal and enslave everyone, courtesy of Alva seducing all of the capable fighters. Link couldn’t help but wonder if that included him. He spent some time looking around the basement and house, hoping to find anything else. Link didn’t find anything, so he returned to Highmoon Hall and approached Idgrod. “Here. I found this journal in Alva’s house.” Idgrod reached out and took the journal from Link while setting a small pouch of Septims on the table. “Your payment.” Her eyes narrowed as she opened the book and read its contents. “I knew it.” She muttered darkly. “Movarth still lives, and it says that he turned Alva into one of his own kind… there’s something in here about…” The old woman’s eyes widened. “‘Enslaving the town of Morthal for their blood.’”Idgrod slammed the journal shut and tossed it on a nearby table, her face dark. “I appreciate all that you’ve done for us, young mister Farmanne, but I’m afraid there’s one last task - go to Morvarth’s lair and slay all of the vampires that you find there. I’ll find a group to go with you.”Link stood there in thought. ‘I’ve never heard of these creatures before. Judging by what I've learned, they most likely sleep in coffins and can turn people somehow.’ “What are vampires?” He asked in curiosity. “Creatures that are created by the Daedric Prince, Molag Bal. They prey on all living things to suck their blood for nourishment. They loathe the sun due to it burning them, and they’re able to turn others into Vampires by biting them.” Idgrod explained. A nearby guard spoke up. “They say if a Vampire scratches you, that is enough to turn you into one of them.” The man looked peckish from just imagining it. “And once that happens, there’s no return.” He finished ominously. “Shouldn’t be any trouble at all, I’ll just go find this cave and deal with them, then return here.” ‘I just have to be careful, and I’ll be fine.’ “You forget what you’re dealing with, boy.” Idgrod reprimanded. “Vampires are an entirely different breed of monster. I don’t care who you are, Dragonborn or not, if one of them bites you, you’re as good as dead if you don’t get the bite treated in time.” “Why is that?” Link questioned as he reached down and picked up the Septim filled pouch from the table, momentarily distracted due to counting out the Septims, which ended up being a total of two hundred.“Because you’ll turn into one of those bloodsucking fiends, and then you’ll be killed.” Link looked up. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He stated, then paused. “You don’t need to give me this much, I have more than I know what to do with.”The old woman smiled. “That may be true now, but you may need those someday. Keep them.” Link thought about responding but decided not to and nodded. “Since you don't want me to go alone, who are you sending?”“Thonnir, for one. He’ll gather the others. Let me see your map.” Idgrod stepped back as Link set his somewhat marked map on the table, before the Jarl marked a location close to Morthal. “That’s the cave.”“I didn’t see Alva.”“Then she’s most likely there.” Idgrod stated before she placed a hand on Link’s shoulder, making him look up at her. “Be extremely careful.” “I’ll try.”When Link stepped out of Highmoon Hall, he was greeted by Thorrin and several others. Thorrin didn't seem too happy to see Link. “So Idgrod sent you?”“Yes.” He saw Benor in the crowd and walked over to him. “Are you sure you want to go with us? Vampires are dangerous.” Benor stated. “I’ll be fine.”“That attitude of yours is going to get you killed.” Mentioned a nearby guard. “I’ve survived worse.” Link answered as he watched Thorrin gather the others. “Today, we go to rid Morthal of a vampire who dwells nearby in a cave. We must stop it and its thralls before it attacks our hold.” Said the Nord as the others drew close. The others cheered and waved their various weapons in the air as they turned and ran out of Morthal, Link followed at a decent pace in silence, thinking about what Idgrod and the guard and told him about Vampires.The journey took the group out of Morthal and through the marsh, they passed by various creatures that Link didn’t know the names of, and soon they reached a cave entrance. Link noticed the others hung back as he walked up to the opening and looked in. He turned back to face them. “Aren’t you going to fight?”Thorrin looked nervous and he visibly hesitated. “We are… however…”Someone else in the crowd spoke. “What are we waiting for? Aren’t we going to go in?”“Now that I think about it, I don’t want to be torn to shreds or worse by vampires! We should have never agreed to this!” The man who had spoken broke off from the crowd and started to run back towards Morthal. “So you’re all afraid and you don’t want to admit it.” Link stated in an annoyed tone. “That’s fine. I will go in and slay all of the vampires by myself, since all of you seem to be completely incapable.” The Hylian turned and entered the cave without another word.The entry tunnel led to a wooden platform over a room with two frostbite spiders. Link eyed the spiders as they skittered across the wooden platform, then he reached to his side and drew Dawnbreaker, watching as the two spiders started to back away from the flaming sword. The spiders backed away enough that they fell from the wooden platform and died upon hitting the floor below. There was a ramp to the left of the platform that descended into the chamber. There was nothing else of interest in this first room, except the dark tunnel to the south which led to another room, where a vampire's thrall was sitting at a table with a lantern. The Thrall made as if to get up, but ended up being pinned to the chair by Dusk, the dagger soon freezing the thrall solid. Link retrieved the thrown dagger and continued on his way, wondering why he appeared to be alone here in the caves. Beyond the thrall, along a short twisting path, was a small room with three carts filled with the remains of a few people, and an imp stool growing in the middle of the room. There was a hole in the rock wall to the left, but it was too high to reach.The path deeper into the network of caverns was to the north of where the vampire's thrall sat. Another low-level vampire was working in this room, burying corpses in a hole in the northwest portion of the room. This vampire was ran-through with Dawnbreaker from behind, Link kicked the corpse off of the sword and looked around. There were three piles of rocks around the room littered with remains. There was a table to the left of the entrance with some generic clothes, another to the right with more generic clothes, and a bleeding crown growing at the base of the second table. By the western wall was a cart and a table with more clothes. By this table was a pickaxe, a barrel with a potion of minor magicka, and beyond that a bleeding crown. The corpses of three Nords and a Redguard lay in the hole, and the only thing of note was that the Redguard carried a lockpick. Lastly, on the other side of the room, there was a bed roll and another bleeding crown.Link took the alchemy items as well as the lockpick and magicka potion, then pressed onwards. The next tunnel was to the north, and split into a higher and lower pathway. The higher path was bridged with wooden planks, and there was an iron ore vein in the wall. This path led around the wall to a bedroom of sorts. The tunnel to the northeast led to the other side of the bedroom area that the higher wooden path led to. There were two imp stools growing in the northeast tunnel. The room was split in two: one part with a single bed, and another section with three bed rolls. By the single bed was a copy of the book 2920, Sun's Dawn, v2 , a pair of boots that had Movarth's name on them (which appeared to be enchanted somehow), and a shelf with a large assortment of boots (which included a pair of Imperial light boots and a pair of Stormcloak officer boots). The only item of note by the bed rolls was a potion of minor healing on a dresser. Link took all of the items and turned to leave the room when he heard a voice. “Leaving so soon? How disappointing.” Link looked over a shoulder to see Alva sitting on the bed, he didn’t like the way her eyes lit up. “A strong warrior like you… I was hoping to have a bit of…  fun.”  Link remembered what he had read in Alva’s journal and then knew what she wanted from him. “I’m not interested, sorry.” He really didn’t like the way she was looking at him, the feeling grew as she slowly rose from the bed and slowly walked over to him. “I’m afraid this isn’t a choice. My plan can still work.” Alva bared her fangs as she drew closer; Link tried to suppress a shiver as he saw the glint of some sort of poison in the dim light. “I can’t think of any better first victim than you. ”“I could easily kill you.” Link tried to keep his voice steady as he started to reach for Dawnbreaker.Alva laughed. “I know.” She was inches away now, she leaned forward, enjoying the look in Link’s eyes as he started to back away. “But you won’t get the chance to.” ‘I have to get out of here.’ Link looked around for the room’s exit while he kept himself facing Alva, who was drawing closer by the second. Alva bared her fangs, then lunged towards the warrior, as she scratched at his neck, he twisted away and drew Dawnbreaker, swinging it at Alva and slashing her across the face. The Vampire screamed and clawed at her face as it seemed to catch fire. “It burns!” She wailed as she stumbled around the room before Alva snapped her head up and lunged towards Link again, her yellow eyes glinting in the low light and her fangs bared. Link swung Dawnbreaker again and slashed Alva’s chest, then noticed that the sword had stopped glowing. He didn’t think much of it as Alva slashed at him again, causing deep scratches in the chestplate and slicing it, the inverted metal cutting into his skin. The Dragonborn got his bearings and then took out a Clawshot, then pierced Alva in the heart after firing it. The weapon got stuck on bones and as the Vampire collapsed, Link tore open her chest with Dawnbreaker, gore and blood flying in all directions as the claw and chain retracted. It took him a second to note that Alva’s heart was stuck on the blood soaked claw and he almost dropped the Clawshot. Link held the weapon away from him and swung it a few times, trying to dislodge the heart. It finally hit the wall and slid to the floor, leaving a blood trail on the stone wall.Link chose to leave the room then before he passed out from shock.Link slowly walked down the corridor, stopping every now and then to catch his breath. His clothes and armor were disheveled and stained with blood as he reached out and caught himself against the wall before he fell. Thoughts swirled in his head as he leaned forward, closing his eyes as he rested his head on the cold dirt wall. ‘I’m still alive…’ His legs gave out and he sank to the ground, just now noticing that his neck hurt.More than hurt, it burned . Were mere scratches supposed to hurt this much?Link reached up and took off his helmet, gingerly feeling his neck injury as he moved to a sitting position against the wall. He tried to not remember how Alva had died, that had been too much, even for a vampire. After a while, Link recollected himself, got up, and continued walking. The lower path led to the main chamber, where the master vampire and one of his followers were feasting. Link watched from the shadows, a hand set on Dawnbreaker’s hilt, able to see more of his surroundings now that his helmet was off, having been placed in his knapsack. No, he couldn’t attack just yet. “Do you know who I am, child? I am Movarth Piquine. I must admit, you have been a thorn in my side ever since you learnt of Morthal’s secret. But that ends here.” snarled the master vampire as he rose from the table and  his eyes locked onto where Link was hiding. “I can see you. Come forth from the shadows.” Two more vampires appeared, one from the south tunnel, and the other from the northeast as Link stepped from behind a standing pillar, drawing Dawnbreaker from its scabbard and smiling as the vampires stepped back for a second before their resolve returned. As Morvarth and his followers surrounded Link, he closed his eyes, drew a deep breath, then opened his eyes and used Unrelenting Force. The Dragonborn watched in silent satisfaction as Morvarth was sent backwards by the Shout and impaled on a metal spike at the back of the room, his followers scattered in all directions. Link spun Dawnbreaker in his hand as he eyed a vampire that had gotten up and was approaching him. Once the creature got close enough, the Hylian ran forward and slashed upward, before spinning around and catching the vampire in the side. The creature screamed and collapsed as Morvarth freed himself from the metal spike. Morvarth turned into a cloud of bats and flew towards the warrior, screeching and clawing at the air, then scattering as Link cast Fireball at the bat cloud. Morvarth reformed before Link and snarled. “I see Alva was slain by your hand. You shall pay for your insolence.”Link eyed the master vampire nervously and then raised Dawnbreaker, the holy sword seeming to blaze in the presence of evil from the light of the nearby torches. “So that’s how it is, then. Very well.” Morvarth stated before he shocked Link with lightning. Link blocked most of it with Dawnbreaker, channeling the lightning into the sword itself, then swinging it towards the vampires that were enclosing in on him to the left and right. They convulsed in place and then collapsed. “Your reign ends here, Morvarth.” It somewhat hurt to speak and Link tasted blood as he got into a defensive stance, eying the remaining vampire.Morvarth laughed. “Look at yourself, child. You are wounded, fatigued, and unable to speak. If you surrender now, I may let you live.”The Dragonborn narrowed his eyes and growled as he lunged forward, sword poised at Morvarth’s chest. Morvarth twisted away, leaving Link off balance as he tried to correct himself. He failed to do so and fell to the ground, rolling out of the way as the vampire stabbed downwards with his own sword. Link got up and began to circle Morvarth, the vampire always keeping his front towards him. “Give up, you’ve already lost.” The Dragonborn shook his head and lunged forward again, skewering the vampire to the wall by Dawnbreaker. Morvarth looked down and then slashed at Link with his sword, narrowly missing his right eye as the vampire then tried to pry himself from the sword. “You haven’t won, child. Not against your mind.”Link cast Fireball again at Morvarth’s face, but he missed due to the sudden pain of his Triforce burning again, this distraction caused Morvarth to free himself. “I say it once again, surrender, and I might let you live.” Commanded Morvarth as he cast a spell upon Link that made some sort of red mist leave his body and gather on the vampire’s palm. Strangely enough, Morvarth’s injures seemed to be disappearing. Several more vampires appeared and Link found himself backing away, knowing that he was now outnumbered.  ‘Wait a second.’ He realized. ‘I’m not alone after all.’ He held out a hand and called out “Summon Flame Atronach.”“What are you doing?” Questioned Movarth as he drew near the warrior, then found himself leaping back as a woman of flame appeared in a roaring fire. The Flame Atronach frowned when she saw Link, then turned around in the air and noticed the vampires. She gazed at them for a moment, then summoned fire and began to cast it at the undead. Morvarth started to flee, but Link ran after him as the summoned Daedra took care of the others. Link cornered the Master Vampire at the end of the room and stabbed him in the shoulder with Dawnbreaker. “You can’t kill me, I am invincible, immortal, a mere child can’t possibly-“ Morvarth went silent as the Flame Atronach appeared behind Link and gazed at him with disapproval. The vampire then turned to ash after the creature rained fire upon him and the sword clattered to the ground.Link winced from the sword slash as he picked up Dawnbreaker and closed his eyes for a few seconds,  then opened them and looked around as the Flame Atronach vanished. He thought about finding somewhere to sleep in the cave due to feeling so tired, but thought against it and checked the contents of the room. There wasn’t much in the main room. The table was covered with food and drink, with a medium coin purse, two small coin purses, and a fair bit of loose gold. The table also held an enchanter's potion, as well as remains of the vampires' victims, clothes, armor, bones, etc. Lastly, there were two Namira's rot growing between the table and the southern tunnel.The three coin purses held in all two hundred Septims, and the loose gold numbered twenty, which Link took as well as the alchemy ingredients. Behind Movarth's throne to the east in the main chamber was a wooden ramp to a small room with another vampire. A well timed throw of Dawn caused the creature to burst into flames and make an ash pile on the floor. There was an empty chest and an alchemy lab here, along with a set of shelves holding a potion of healing and a copy of Immortal Blood , a book about Movarth. Link took the potion of healing and downed it before he examined the book briefly. He took it with him to read later. The tunnel to the south led to one final room. There was a vampire on the platform to the left. Link and the vampire eyed each other before Link ran forward and cut the creature down where it stood by decapitating it. He wondered how the remaining vampires hadn’t heard the fight in the main room. To the right was a wooden platform with a bed roll, an empty chest, and a poison bottle on a dresser. At the top of the stone ramp was another imp stool, with a large coin purse that held fifty Septims, an orcish bow, and ten arrows on the cobweb-covered table to the left. Link took everything and continued onward. A tunnel to the right led to the opening above the small room with the three carts filled with remains, providing a convenient return to the entrance.He didn’t expect Helgi’s spirit to show up. “You’re hurt.” The girl frowned. “I’ve survived worse.” Link tried to make light of his situation, but he wasn’t so sure that what he had said was true. “I don’t sense any of the vampires.” “No. Helgi, I avenged you and your mother.”“Mother’s calling me. It’s time for me to sleep now. I’m so tired, thank you for making her feel better.” As the girl vanished, Link felt like he was being hugged for a second, then the sensation faded. Yet he felt as if the pain had lessened slightly as he left the cave. Had that presence been Helgi’s mother? Link would never know.When Link stepped out of the cave, no one was there to greet him. He slowly made his way back to Morthal, feeling his damaged chestplate injure him more and more until he stopped and inspected his injury. He slowly pried the bent metal from his chest and then removed the chestplate, letting it fall to the ground next to him as he looked up at the dawning sky. A light cold rain was falling, Link closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he felt the rain wash over him and somewhat cleanse his wounds. He then knelt on a somewhat dry marsh surface and rummaged through his bag until he found a major healing potion, then downed it, then used Heal on himself. His chest wound slowly healed, but strangely enough, the scratches on his neck didn’t heal at all. There was still the issue of his Triforce burning. Link decided to not worry about it and collected his things, then continued to walk across the marsh to Morthal. “What happened to your armor?” Idgrod asked as Link stepped into Highmoon Hall holding his damaged chestplate. “Alva.” Link responded as he all but collapsed at the long table in the middle of the room, then removed all of his armor and tossed it on the wooden surface. Link didn’t even realize he had fallen asleep until he felt someone roughly shake him and he lifted his head and slowly focused on Idgrod. “If you were in better condition, I’d suggest you get a room at the inn, but you’re clearly still injured…” Idgrod trailed off in thought. “I’ll make an exception. I have a side room for important guests, I’d say you’ve earned the right to use it.” She helped Link up from the table and walked him over to the side room. “Unfortunately, we don’t happen to have a blacksmith, but your armor can still be cleaned. You can tell me what happened after you’ve rested.” The second that Idgrod left the room, Link disarmed himself completely and let all of the weapons fall to the floor as he set his bags on the nearby table. He didn’t even remember falling onto the bed.Link awoke several hours later, feeling somewhat better. He gathered his things after leaving the bed and then left the room. Idgrod was sitting on her throne at the end of the hall, as she usually did. The Hylian approached her. “Hello.”Idgrod looked up from where she had been reading some book. “You seem more coherent now. I take it the rest did you good?”“It did, thank you. I think I remember you telling me I could explain what happened after I woke up?”“Yes. You mentioned Alva when I asked about the state of your armor.”Link decided to sit at the long table. “I fought Alva in the cave. She tried to kill me, but I ended her life.” “Good.” Idgrod nodded in approval. “And what of Morvarth?”“Dead.” Link responded. “I spoke to Helgi’s spirit before I left.”“You did? What did she say?” Idgrod leaned forward in her chair a bit in curiosity. “She thanked me for avenging her and her mother.” Link responded, then changed the subject. “I met Falion.““What did you think of him?“ Idgrod questioned. “He’s nice. Seemed happy to teach me how to learn spells.” “Good. He taught at the College for a while but didn’t like it there. He must have been thrilled to have a student like you.”“College?”“The College of Winterhold, to the northeast. Mages of all sorts live there.” The Jarl explained. “I’ll have to visit someday.” Link commented before he saw his armor lying nearby. It was so clean he could see his reflection in the metal, although it was still damaged. It looked like the twisted metal had been worn down enough so it wouldn’t bother him. He donned his armor and then got up from the table. “I hope your hold is more peaceful now.”“You certainly helped, Link. How do you feel about becoming Thane?““I’m already the Thane of Whiterun.” Idgrod nodded. “A Thane of another hold can still be Thane in others. I won’t hold you back, however, as I foresaw you doing great things. And from what I’ve heard, I would choose no other to bequeath the title of Thane. Because of what you did, all you need to do is take the hearts of my people, and I shall make you my Thane. “Thank you, Idgrod.” Link left Highmoon Hall and walked to the stables, retrieved Epona, then finally left Morthal.Water didn’t fill his thirst, neither did food fill his hunger. This was something else entirely. The heat of the sun overhead was overbearing and seemed to burn at times. The burning of his Triforce had increased to be almost constant, yet there was the new sensation of his Twilight curse also being affected. Link soon came across a Sabertooth cat that was wandering around nearby his location a few hours after leaving Morthal. He didn’t pay it any mind, but when it attacked Epona, he intervened, leaping from the horse’s back and drawing his sword as he brought it down upon the cat’s back.The cat screamed as the sword sliced through its spine and pierced its stomach, blood coating the ground below as the Sabertooth twisted and raked claws down Link’s hand, causing him to draw back and let go of the sword. The Sabertooth fell to the ground and started to spin in circles, being half paralyzed. Link gazed at the cat for a while before he drew one of his daggers and stabbed the creature in the head, killing it instantly. Link found himself eying the sword that was stuck in the corpse, the sight of the blood soaked blade nearly driving him mad. He lowered his head to the metal surface and tasted - He froze mid-lick, his eyes went wide and he pulled back, leaving the sword in the dead cat as he retreated from the dead Sabertooth.  'Why did I do that?’  He stopped and looked back at the dead cat, feeling the strange hunger surge again. Link felt himself shifting and changing - he was now a wolf. The beast salivated at the scent of blood, and he tore across the grass over to the cat and started to tear into the corpse, not stopping until his hunger and thirst were satisfied. The Sabertooth was nearly picked clean by the time he was done and the wolf lounged by the bones as he rested. After a while, Link realized what he had done and he stared at the bones in horror and mortification. What Idgrod and the guard had said ran through his mind as he lay there. He felt faint and the world started to spin, causing him to drop his head and close his eyes as he listened to his panicked, ragged breathing. ‘I can’t be… I can’t…’  Link forced himself to rise and stagger away from the corpse, focusing his gaze on Epona as he felt himself shift back to his human self. Somehow, looking at the horse helped him calm down slightly as he managed to find a nearby stream and get the taste of blood out of his mouth. The Hylian then noticed that his eyes were now yellow in color, then watched as they turned to a dual black and red, then to his normal sky blue in the water’s reflection. ‘Might be my current state of mind, but that is interesting.’  Link then left the stream to return to Epona, and he looked back at the Sabertooth to see the sword sticking out of it. He slowly walked over to Dawnbreaker and uprooted it from the ground, noting the blood-stained grass as he turned away, heading back to Epona. ‘This can’t be happening.’ Yet it was.  ‘I need to get to Whiterun.’ He thought frantically as he leapt onto Epona’s back and kicked her roughly in the sides for once as the horse took off across the plains. ‘I need to-‘ Pain coursed through his body and his vision turned red for a few moments, then slowly returned to normal. ‘-Great. They didn’t tell me about this.’  It would be a long few hours to Whiterun. Dancia knew the symptoms of Sanguinare Vampiris when she saw it. When she saw a somewhat familiar face slowly walk into her temple, she set down the paper she was writing on and swiftly walked over to him. “Where in Nirn did you get bit by a Vampire?” “Morthal.” Dancia took Link by the shoulders and met his gaze. “I will help you, my life is devoted to helping those inflicted with the curses. You have nothing to worry about.”The Priestess guided the frantic youth to an unoccupied cot and made him comfortable. Dancia handed Link a filled potion bottle. “Here. Drink this. It’s a Cure Disease potion, but it’ll make you sleep for a few hours. Looks like you need to rest anyway.” Link grabbed the potion from the woman and drained it, almost dropping it in the process. He felt extremely tired afterwards and made himself comfortable on the cot. “What happens now?”“I’ll watch over you while the potion cures you. You’ll awaken in a few hours, and you should be cured.”Link didn’t even know that he had fallen asleep until he noticed that time had passed the next time he opened his eyes, finding that his armor and weapons were gone and that he was covered by a heavy blanket. There were no more painful red flashes, the sun’s rays, shining through the windows of the temple, didn’t seem to burn him, and he no longer had that insatiable hunger and thirst. He noted that his Triforce no longer burned and he slowly rose to a sitting position, feeling relief that he had made it to Whiterun in time. “You’re awake.” Dancia walked over. “Some of the Companions stopped by and decided to take your things to Jorrvaskr.” “How long has it been?”“Six hours since you arrived.” Dancia sighed. “You were incredibly lucky you arrived here when you did. Another day and the process would have been irreversible.” “Irreversible… It was a good thing you managed to cure me then, I wouldn’t have wanted to be stuck like that forever.” Link responded, then added. “I believe I have something to give to you. Where’s my bag?”Dancia handed him his magically enchanted knapsack and Link sifted through it until he carefully took out the sapling and held it out to the priestess. “Here.” Dancia’s eyes widened. “Is that an Eldergleam Sapling?”“It is.”The woman took the sapling from Link and looked down at it. “I thank you. But... I can't run the Temple without the support of people who are inspired by the Gildergreen. How can this little tree bring new worshippers?"“Maurice told me, specifically, that renewal is more important than maintenance.”"I... you're right of course. It can be hard to hear the winds of Kynareth when all you hear are the rabble in the temple. Death feeds new life. I'm sure that, in time, this little sapling will grow into a new Gildergreen that will tower over Whiterun. Thank you. You’ve risked so much to help everyone, I hope seeing the sapling in the square will help ease the burden of all that you’ve sacrificed.” Dancia then stepped out of the temple and Link was alone.But not for long.The door soon opened and a familiar Khajiit and Argonian stepped in. “See? I told you he was here, Swift.” Said the Khajiit. “And did you believe that yourself? No.” Responded Swift as she crossed the room and hugged Link, who gladly returned the hug. “You really need to stop getting into situations like this.” “I don’t think that’s possible.”Samson walked over. “No. The life of a warrior like yourself is fraught with danger, yes?” Link rose from the cot and grabbed Sam’s hand, then hugged him. “It’s been awhile since I saw the two of you.” He felt the soft fur of the Khajiit before he stepped back and then properly hugged Swift, then let go and eyed his friends. “It has.” Swift commented. “But a vampire? What were you doing?”“Saving Morthal. Avenging deaths. The usual.”Samson grinned. “Sounds about right.” “I have to go to Jorrvaskr, my things are there.” Link said as he attempted to walk across the room and then stopped halfway. “I might need help getting there though.”Sam nodded. “Sure.”The Khajiit and Argonian walked with Link out of the temple and outside; the Gildergreen was gone, and a sapling was in its place. Dancia stood from where she had been planting the sapling and noticed Link. “The Gildergreen was finally cut down earlier today.” As she said this, the tiny sapling started to grow and the four of them watched as the sapling grew into a small, thin and alive tree. “I’m not sure how long it shall take for the tree to grow into its full size, but seeing an alive tree in the square makes me not worry as much.” Dancia turned to Link. “I thank you again, if you ever need my services, my temple is open to you.” She then walked away back into Kynareth Temple. Swift walked over to the small tree and began to examine it. “So this will grow into the massive tree that was here before?”“At some point, I assume.” Sam answered as he also inspected the tree. Link said farewell to Samson and Swift, then turned and walked up the steps towards the overturned boat. The doors to Jorrvaskr opened as Link stepped inside. He was greeted by multiple Companions, Farkas included. “Welcome back. I’m glad to see that you’re awake.” The man wrapped Link in a bear hug and ruffled his hair before stepping back. “I visited you during the few hours you were asleep at the temple.”Aela approached from the stairs. “We all were wondering what happened to you.”“I saved Morthal from a vampire clan, and happened to be attacked when I was in the cave dealing with the vampires. Nearly became one of them, but I got to Whiterun and was cured in time.” Farkas and the others in the room complemented Link. “Yes, we heard about Morthal being saved.”“We heard rumors that you had fought a master vampire. Seems they were true after all.” Said Aela. “You’d be a good fit here.” ‘I would? In that case…’ “I want to join.” Link stated. A man approached that Link recognized as Vilkas. “You do?” The Nord studied him. “You think you can even hold a sword in your condition?”“I’m not sure. Why?”“Part of the initiation is fighting me in a sword duel.” Vilkas answered. Farkas reprimanded Vilkas. “You know he can’t properly join until the Harbinger approves of him.” He turned to Link. “Go and speak to Kodlak, he’s downstairs at the moment in his room.” Link nodded and headed downstairs. There were several rooms that were bedrooms, judging by what Link could see from the hallway. Eventually, he reached the end room and found Kodlak sitting in a chair. “Voices carry from upstairs. So you want to join?”“I do.”“Would you now? Here, let me have a look at you.” Kodlak motioned for Link to sit down at the other chair and he did so. “Hm. Yes, perhaps. A certain strength of spirit.” Kodlak eyed Link from across the table. “You’ve gained new scars since I saw you last. And from what I’ve heard, you’ve been all over Skyrim. Tell me, out of the holds that you’ve been to so far, which one is your favorite?”Link had to think about it. ‘Solitude is massive and it’s in a snowy region, Morthal is built on a marsh, Whiterun is on plains, Windhelm is in snow as well but it’s surrounded by a large birch forest.’ “I’d have to say the Rift.” “A good choice, but what is your reasoning?”"It’s nice there. Lots of forests to walk through. High Hrothgar is nearby on the mountain, and everyone I’ve met there is friendly.”Kodlak nodded. “That’s the case everywhere, mostly. Skyrim is full of outgoing citizens.” He seemed to study Link some more. “They asked for my approval? They have it. Go upstairs and talk to Vilkas.”“Thank you, Kodlak.” Link responded as he got up from the table and headed upstairs. “So?” Farkas questioned when Link approached him. “I’m approved.”“Good.” Vilkas said as he walked over. “If you’re up to it, I can test your worth.” Link walked over to the table and sat down at it. “Considering I was cured earlier from almost turning into a Vampire, I’m not so sure fighting anyone is a good idea at the moment.”“Here. If you can’t fight, you can still help us, and I can duel you later on.” Vilkas set his sword on the table before Link, which caused him to become alert. “Take this up to Eorlund at the Sky-Forge to be sharpened. I don’t expect you to do it right away. Farkas has something to give you when you get back.” Link examined the sword before he nodded up at Vilkas and slowly got up from the table, taking the sword with him as he left Jorrvaskr and headed for the Sky-Forge. He could hear the banging of metal as he climbed the steps, feeling the heat of the forge as he drew close to the lone man forming something into shape. “Eorlund?”The man looked up and smiled. “Link!” He dropped the tool he was using and attempted to clean his soot covered hands with his apron as he approached Link and shook his hand. “You’ve been through a lot in the past few days, from what I’ve heard. Been to Solitude and Morthal, have you? News does spread quickly around these parts. What can I do for you?”“Vilkas sent me so you can sharpen his sword.”Eorlund frowned. “Sending you to do the mule’s work? Suppose you could use the experience. Come on over here.”Link and Eorlund approached a grindstone, where the smith took the sword from Link and began to sharpen the sword. “Shouldn’t take too long at all.” A few minutes later, the sword was sharpened and Eorlund tested the blade’s prowess by swinging it at a training figure made of straw. The sword cut through the straw figure’s head. “Good.” He then handed the sword to Link, then turned to the forge and picked up a shield. “This goes to Aela.” Link took the shield and examined it. “Do be careful out there.” Eorlund said, going back to his forge. “Can’t make any promises.” Link watched the man work the forge for a while before he returned to Jorrvaskr, deciding to give Vilkas his sword first. Vilkas and Kodlak were talking in Kodlak’s room when Link walked down the stairs and approached the room. “Vilkas?”The two men stopped talking and Vilkas got up from his chair. “Let me see.” Link handed the sword to Vilkas and the man inspected it. “Perfect. Aela is wanting a shield, did you also get that?”Link nodded. “I wanted to give you your sword first.” Vilkas smiled. “Good. You’re free to leave.”“Wait a moment, Vilkas.” Kodlak said, eying Link. “Let me speak to him.”Vilkas gazed at Link, then nodded and stepped out. Kodlak gestured to the now empty chair at the table. “Sit.” Link joined the older man at the table. The Nord eyed Link and sighed. “I heard what happened in Morthal.” He said quietly. “That you dealt with an entire vampire clan. That you were nearly turned…” The man shook his head. “I can’t imagine what it was like for you.” The warrior didn’t respond and lowered his gaze to the table. “Link.”He looked up at Kodlak. “I want you to know that you are safe here. As long as I live, nothing will hurt you here in Jorrvaskr.” Kodlak smiled. “You will always have a place here.”Link gazed at the man for a moment, then smiled back. “Thank you.” ‘Maybe I will be okay.’  “I believe you have a shield to deliver.” Kodlak got up from his chair. “Aela should be down here somewhere.”Link didn’t expect to be hugged by the Nord as he stood. He was taken aback but then gladly returned the gesture for at least twenty seconds before they separated. Aela and Skjor were talking when Link walked down the steps with the shield after going upstairs to retrieve it. “Aela.” The woman turned. “My shield?” Aela took it from Link and eyed it. “This is perfect, thank you.” Skjor looked down at Link. “I think you’ve grown since I saw you last.” “You think so?”“Mayhaps.” Skjor concluded, deciding that he wasn’t able to tell. Kodlak stepped out of his room and Vilkas walked down the stairs. “Is he ready to join us yet?” Kodlak looked at Vilkas. “I’m still deciding on that. Question is, does he think he’s ready?” All four companions gazed at Link, who began to feel uncomfortable and shifted from side to side a bit.That was when they heard a roar. “What was that?” Voiced Vilkas. Link raised his gaze to the ceiling, his senses on high alert. He knew that roar. Kodlak frowned. “Whatever it is, it’s massive.”There was a second roar and dust rained down from the ceiling. “Where are my things?” Link asked the four Companions and Kodlak took him to a side room where he found his weapons and armor. He had finished adjusting his helmet when he realized what was attacking Whiterun. “Dragon.” Link hissed as he felt a nearly overwhelming rage and more dust rained down as the beast roared a third time. He wanted to punch something. “Save your anger for the dragon.” Kodlak gently told Link, who nodded mutely and reluctantly followed the four Companions up the stairs and outside, where he was greeted by a red and black scaled dragon that was swooping down and terrorizing the citizens of Whiterun. He tracked the dragon’s movements as it dove upon the city, and finally used Unrelenting Force to get its attention as he and the Companions ran down the steps to the market. “Dovahkiin!” Roared the beast as it turned on a Septim and landed before Link, baring its fangs as dust momentarily blinded him. “Face me in battle!”  As the dust cleared, Link felt strangely… calm. He closed his eyes for a second, then reached to his side and freed Dawnbreaker from its scabbard and opened his eyes as he swung the blade at the dragon. “Whiterun is under my protection. If you leave now. I’ll let you live.” The dragon snarled and racked a wing across the cobblestone, sending dust and stone shards in all directions. “You? Making demands?” The beast then laughed. “Au wen (On whose) authority?”  “Mine.” Except Link didn’t say it in the common tongue. He had actually said “Diil.”The dragon reared its head back. “You’ve learnt Dovah?” The beast questioned. Had he? “Maybe.” The dragon growled as its tail lashed back and forth, knocking over the well that was behind it. “You are but a child, and I shall put you in your place!” It roared and glided across the market towards Link, who then got an idea and brought out the ball and chain, then swung it at his side until it became a blur. When the dragon got close enough, Link let go and the weapon flew into the beast’s chest.  “Ruth!” Screamed the dragon as it crashed to the ground and clawed at its bloodied chest, glaring at Link with blazing yellow eyes. Link reached out and caught the weapon as the dragon tore it from its chest and threw it at him. His arm was almost seemingly torn from its socket and he winced before he dropped the ball and chain at his side, then raised Dawnbreaker and charged at the dragon. Link saw flames appear in the beast’s open maw and he dove out of the way as the Dragon Shouted. “Yol…. Toor shul!” A wave of fire rolled over the square as the dragon then snapped his jaws at Link, who stabbed upward with Dawnbreaker and then got up from his dive. The dragon roared in pain as the sword sheared off a few fangs and the Dragonborn was coated in blood. Link was tossed into the air by a wing and he ended up on the dragon’s neck as it took to the air and continued to bite at him. All Link could do was avoid getting bit and hang on for dear life as the beast twisted and dove, trying to rid itself of the human on its neck. The Dragon then flew towards Dragonsreach and Link saw guards readying their bows.A few arrows flew through the air and struck the beast’s wings, causing it to drop altitude as it turned and headed for the balcony. The dragon crash-landed inside the large room after being hit with more arrows and Link vaulted off and rolled when he hit the ground, then stood and got out Wabbajack. He waited until the dragon had stood and regained its bearings before he used the staff against the beast, watching as both fire and ice left the staff and hit the dragon in the head.  ‘That’s new. Does this thing have elemental powers against dragons?’ Link didn’t have long to ponder this as the door opened behind him and numerous guards entered the room, firing arrows at the dragon. One guard unfortunately got too close and was snatched by the dragon and eaten alive. This only infuriated the remaining guards as they all drew their swords and began to directly attack the beast, who was still focused on Link. There was no more conversation between the two, Link was now in his element as he used both the Wabbajack and Dawnbreaker to attack the dragon. But then Wabbajack stopped firing elemental spells and the dragon began to take off again. Link ran up to the dragon after desummoning Wabbajack and managed to vault onto its neck before the dragon turned in the air and flew out of the room and over the balcony, still being struck by arrows courtesy of the guards.The dragon began to lose altitude as it flew over Whiterun, and soon it fell to land in the market square, sending the remains of stalls in all directions. Something in Link snapped and he raised Dawnbreaker above his head, then a red fog covered his vision until he heard someone yell his name. Farkas.“Link!” He found himself sitting on the downed dragon’s neck in the ruined square, Dawnbreaker buried deep within the beast’s head. “It’s dead! You can stop attacking it!” Link shook his head and looked around, finding the Companions standing around the dragon.  ‘What happened?’ He thought as he reached out and set both hands on the pommel of the sword and hung his head in exhaustion. He felt heat around him and knew the dragon was burning away to bones. The scent of burning flesh and fat and blood combined into a sickly concoction that didn’t bother Link at all. Perhaps it was because he was part dragon. The dragon skeleton was now visible and Link closed his eyes as he caught a glimpse of the now familiar tendrils reaching towards him. He felt an invisible wind flow around him as a new found strength coursed through his veins. The remaining pain in his throat from the vampire scratches was gone, and he felt more alert. He felt a tad bit light headed, but the feeling soon passed, and the warrior opened his eyes and focused on Dawnbreaker. He then reached out and pulled upwards on the hilt, sending bone shards flying in all directions as he then thought on how to get down. “Need help?” Vilkas approached the dragon skeleton. Link nodded and slowly got down from the bones with Vilkas help, the other Companions surrounding him as he finally touched solid ground. The Dragonborn found himself looking towards the Throat of the World, alit from the midday sun. Tomorrow, he would head there to get advice from the Greybreads, but for now… Now he just wanted to rest. He turned his gaze towards Breezehome, suddenly wanting to do nothing more than fall into his bed there. Link felt older than he really was, had felt it for a long while, even back home, but he really felt it in that exact moment. ‘Sleep would be nice.’  He stepped away from the Companions and began to walk towards the distant house, ignoring Farkas and the others as they questioned where he was going. It didn’t take Link long to reach Breezehome, and he stared at the door for a few seconds, before he looked into his knapsack and spent some time looking for the key. Cobalt found it for him and Link unlocked the door, then picked up the hatching and hugged the creature as he stepped inside the house and then closed the door.Link cradled Cobalt in his arms for an unknown amount of time, overwhelmed with joy to see the tiny dragon again. Cobalt was happy to see him, too. “Link?”A voice made him freeze and he looked up to gaze upon Lydia. “Um… I can explain…” Link was interrupted by the woman hugging him fiercely, feeling bewildered as Lydia began to switch between scolding him and checking him over. Finally the woman stood back. “I visited you while you were at the temple.”“You did?” Link was somewhat distracted by Cobalt climbing from his shoulders to his head and constantly repeating the motions. Lydia nodded. “I… I’m just glad you’re safe.” Link reached up and removed the hatchling from his head, wincing as Cobalt playfully nipped at his hand. “Yeah…”Lydia smiled. “Does he have a name? Where did you find him?”Link then realized that no one knew that there were female dragons, so he decided to come up with something on the spot. “His name is Cobalt… And I found him back home one day and decided to raise him. He somehow ended up here in Skyrim and I found him.” Link found somewhere to sit down as he set all of his weapons and armor on a nearby table. “I plan to go to High Hrothgar tomorrow.”“No you’re not.” Lydia responded as she checked Link’s equipment. “You haven’t been taking care of your armor.”“I just got it yes…” Link trailed off. “What is today’s date?”“The eight of Hearthfire, it’s Mondas.” Lydia looked over her shoulder at Link.  “…I guess it has been four days, and I’ve been here for just over a month.” He sighed and made himself comfortable in the chair he was seated in. “Why can’t I go to High Hrothgar?”“Because you need to rest.” Lydia turned back to the items on the table. “I can’t argue with that.” Link decided to make himself useful and began to sort out his gear. After a while, he went upstairs and brought down everything out of his room and sorted all of that as well. All in all, what he had currently was the following: For books, he had copies of Book of the Dragonborn, A Brief History of the Empire V2, Thief, Mystery of Talara V2, Surfeit of Thieves, Battle of Red Mountain, The Buying Game, Thief of Virtue, The Golden Ribbon of Merit, 2920, Sun's Dawn, v2 and Immortal Blood. He found a Transmute Mineral Ore spell tome that he decided to learn then. He also found a scroll of Circle of Protection that he thought was useful, so he also learned that. For alchemy items, he had a lavender branch, a Chaurus egg, two spider eggs, a purple mountain flower, bone meal, three Ice Wraith essence, eighteen shade essence, three Namira's rot, three canis root, three imp stools, one leather strip, two bleeding crowns, and one ebony ingot. He put all of the ingredients under the stairs for later. For potions, he had one weak healing potion, a draught of the healer, two Major healing, three major Magicka, two major Stamina, sixteen minor healing, a potion of resist magic, potion of invisibility, a draught of the knight, a major potion of strength, a damage health poison, a bottle of regular poison, two minor stamina, four minor Magicka, a potion of the knight, a paralysis potion, and one potion of healing.For soul gems, arrows and lockpicks; he had five petty, two normal, and three empty gems, one hundred and twenty eight Iron Arrows, twenty five ancient arrows, and seventeen lockpicks. For gems, he had one flawless ruby, two garnets, and one ruby. For armor and weapons, he had the following: Numinex’s Bane, Dawnbreaker, the Master Sword’s scabbard, the Dawn and Dusk daggers, the Lantern, the Ball and Chain, the Clawshots, the Fire Rod, Stormcloak armor, the Hero’s Bow, Normal clothes, fine clothes, a Locket of Resist Frost, the shackle necklace enchanted with poison resist, a Sapphire Necklace of Resist Frost, an Iron War Axe, a Woodcutter’s axe, Legion armor, an Amulet of Talos, a Gold Emerald Ring, an Orcish sword, a silver ring, an Orcish bow, Morvarth’s boots, Light Imperial boots, and a pair of Stormcloak Officer boots. He put aside the imperial boots, Stormcloak boots, the Orcish bow and sword and the iron war axe to sell. He then put Dawnbreaker on the table and let Lydia look at it while he painstakingly counted out how many coins he had, which was made more difficult by Cobalt choosing to play with them. The total number of Septims he had at that point in time were thirteen thousand, three hundred and sixty.As Link looked over the items, he picked up Sun’s Dawn and skimmed the book’s pages. The book was about historic events that had taken place in the month of Sun’s Dawn, in the year of 2920, and as he read it more thoroughly, he learned there were spells that could tamper with the minds of enemies. He made a mental note to see Farengar before he left Whiterun.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Farengar.”

The court wizard looked up to see Link enter his study. “Long time no see. For what reason did you decide to visit?”

“I happened to come across a copy of the second volume of Sun’s Dawn. It was…” The Hylian trailed off, trying to think of a word to describe what he had read. “Interesting. What got my attention though, was it mentioned throughout the book of magic that did things to the mind. Would you happen to know anything about that?”

“Ah, Illusion magic.” Farengar nodded. “Yes, I do in fact know a great deal about it. Take a seat anywhere you like.”

Link found a seat at the nearby table and gave Farengar his full attention.

“Illusion magic is one of the six schools of magic, some of the others you already know of. The school of Illusion deals in changing your perspective of the world around you, so things aren’t always as they seem. This can range from Spells that manipulate the senses like Muffle, which dampens the noise your armor makes when you move, to spells that manipulate the emotions like Pacify, which makes those affected become easier to control and calm them to the point of non aggression unless they are attacked first; Courage, which allows the user to increase confidence in those the spell affects, and prevents those affected from fleeing; and Frenzy, which makes the user fast paced and unusually very aggressive.” Explained the court wizard.

Farengar then looked at Link for a moment. “May I see those two daggers of yours?”

“Sure.” Link got up from the table he had been sitting at, laid Dawn and Dusk on the counter, then stepped back as the court wizard inspected them.

Farengar, who had picked up a book from his table that Link didn’t remember being there on his last visit, looked between the daggers and a page of the book, as if comparing something. “It seems you named them almost correctly, these are actually the daggers of Dawnfang and Duskfang.” Farengar commented. “I don’t know how they ended up in Skyrim, or how a bandit came into contact with them.”

“Are they artifacts?”

“Well… it’s strange, really. Somehow the sword got split into two. You see, the sword is originally from Akavir, it is transformed by the sun and moon to become fire and ice enchanted, respectively, but somehow…” The mage gestured at the two daggers. “As I stated previously, the sword is now two daggers.” Farengar handed them back to Link, who returned the daggers to their scabbards and then walked over to a nearby bookshelf.

He noticed a book called

Lost Legends

on the shelf and picked it up.

The book detailed various folk tales from Skyrim’s past, such as the Pale Lady of Morthal, and Red Eagle of the Reach. However, as Link read further, he happened across a “Forbidden Legend”, one that spoke of a man named Gauldur.

Gauldur was said to be one of the most powerful archmages to have ever lived, then his three sons killed him and fled to the mountains. One was said to have been killed at some ruin named Folgunthur, nearby Solitude.

“So you found that book, I take it?” Farengar spoke from the counter. “I’ve done some looking into it. I believe the unnamed ruin spoken of is Dustman’s Cairn, past Dragonsreach. I’m not sure what you’ll find there if you decide to look into the legend yourself.”

“I’m not sure when I’ll head north again, but it’s something to think about.” Link returned the book to the shelf and was about to leave the study when he saw a familiar face walking towards him. “Jarl Balgruuf.”

The man smiled. “Hello again. It certainly has been a while. What brings you to Dragonsreach?”

“I wanted to learn about Illusion magic, I figured Farengar was my best option.”

The Nord nodded. “I see, there is something that I was wanting to speak to you about. Farengar.” Balgruuf nodded to the court wizard as he led Link away and up the stairs to the large room.

“What is it?”

“I’d like to thank you for killing that dragon yesterday, despite what I heard happened in Morthal.” Balgruuf began. “I know you most likely don’t want any sort of payment, but if there’s ever anything you need help with, let me know and I’ll get things situated.”

“Thank you. What’s the real reason you wanted to speak to me?”

The Jarl gestured for Link to join him at a nearby table. “I wanted to speak to you about the war, and how I fear that my hold will be at the center of it soon.”

“What about it?” Link asked as he pulled up a wooden chair to the table and sat down.

“You’ve seen the walls around my city, do you think they’ll hold off an attack?”

“Depends on what is used, I think. They don’t seem to be easily scalable.“

Balgruuf nodded. “I heard you were at both Castle Dour and the Palace of Kings. Answer me truthfully, did either Tulluis or Ulfric ask you to join their cause?”

“They did, but they both decided I was too young.”

“Makes sense. People have been asking me why I made you Thane. I told them that age doesn’t determine a person, it’s who they are, how they act around others, things like that.” Balgruuf paused for a second. “I wonder, what is your opinion of vampires?”

That caught Link off guard for a second. “I only fought evil ones, there has to be good ones somewhere… it’s like… an illness, right? I was cured of it, and I assume once you’re too far gone, you can’t be cured…?” He looked to the Jarl for confirmation.

“It depends. Powerful spells and potions can cure a vampire, but only if they’re willing. That’s rarely the case.” Balgruuf then looked around, then reached to his neck and showed Link a familiar necklace. “I happened to notice you have one of these.” His voice was quiet.

“That Talos necklace?”

The man shushed him. “Keep your voice down! His worship is outlawed here!” Balgruuf then nodded and continued in a whisper. “Where did you happen to find yours?”

Link took the hint and tried to speak more quietly. “When I reached Solitude, there was… someone that was being killed for letting Ulfric in. I found the necklace on his body and returned it to his sister, who told me to keep it.”

Balgruuf seemed to accept this answer as he nodded. “Keep that hidden and safe. I’m not a Voice user but Ulfric talked about feeling some sort of power from these necklaces. Do you also feel it?”

“I don’t know what ‘it’ is, but I do feel something, yes.” Link responded, once again getting the feeling that his Shouts had been somewhat altered. Did the necklace have magical Thu’um powers?

The Jarl slowly got up from the table. “The others will be wondering where I’ve gotten off to. Walk with me, might as well see you out.”

Link followed Balgruuf down the stairs. “Where are you off to now?” The Jarl asked him.

“High Hrothgar.”

“Why so?” Balgruuf looked at Link with interest.

“Figured I’d need more training. I feel as if the dragons I’ve fought so far have been weaker than those I’ll be fighting in the future, and so I’ll need to prepare for that. Practicing using the Voice and such.”

“I understand. Best to not keep you then. Farewell Link, and good luck.” Balgruuf left Link near the entrance doors as he vanished into Farengar’s study while Link opened a door and stepped outside.

It didn’t take long to reach Jorrvaskr from Dragonsreach, just a few series of steps and over a wooden bridge past the Gildergreen sapling up to the overturned massive boat on the left.

Fortunately for Link, Vilkas was the first to greet him when he stepped inside. “Back again so soon? What can I do for you?”

“I’d like that duel now.”

Vilkas gazed at Link for a second, then nodded. “Of course. Follow me.”

Link and Vilkas walked out to the back. There wasn’t much out there, just a covered porch with tables and chairs, then down the steps were tied bales of straw and straw training dummies up against a stone wall.

“Right.” Vilkas turned to Link and drew a sword, motioning for him to do the same. “No magic, this is a duel to see if your skills are up to par.”

“What if I lose?” Link asked as he drew Dawnbreaker.

“Then I get to train you.” Vilkas said matter of factly,

“Are there rules to this?”

“First one to be disarmed loses. Lydia will probably kill me if you’re injured, though…” Vilkas muttered as an afterthought as he seemed to study Link’s stance, then got into a defensive position.

Vilkas then swung his sword in an upwards arc without warning, intending to knock Link’s sword away.

The Hylian dodged, seeing sparks fly as the blade hit the cobblestone before he sliced at Vilkas with Dawnbreaker, pausing when he saw that he had given the man a cut to the face.

“It’s fine. Keep going.” Vilkas responded as he wiped the blood away with his free hand. The Companion then spun his blade around in his hand as he leapt at Link, who blocked the attack with Dawnbreaker.

“Your balance is off.” Vilkas stated as he easily pushed Link back across the cobblestone as his next sword swipe connected with Dawnbreaker. “Focus on keeping your weight steady.”

Link nodded and quickly attempted to correct his stance, managing to successfully push Vilkas back somewhat when the Nord swung at him.

“Good. You have a lot to learn, but at least you learn things quickly.” Vilkas uttered as he blocked another swing, and another, and a third. Finally he held up his free hand. “That’s enough.”

“What? We’re just getting started, aren’t we?” Link gave the Nord a confused look.

“Maybe. It’s clear to me that you’re more skilled than you’ve let on. Consider this a win for you, kid.”

“I didn’t really even do anything.”

“No, you did.” Vilkas smirked. “Trust me. What I meant with you having things to learn is true, but you know your way around a blade. Question is, who taught you?”

“A few people.” Link didn’t bother to say more and Vilkas didn’t ask, the man instead walked Link back inside the overturned ship.

“Now that you won the duel, what do you plan to do now?”

“Travel to High Hrothgar.”

“That old castle place up on the mountain? Never did see the appeal of it. Did the monks summon you again?”

“No. I need more training.” Link explained. “I just have this feeling that more dragons are going to show up and I need to be prepared for when that happens.”

Vilkas nodded in understanding. “You don’t need to waste your time standing here talking to me then. Go, I’ll tell the others you stopped in.”

Link shook Vikas’ hand and then walked out of Jorrvaskr.

Before Link left Whiterun, he stopped to talk to Samuel and Swift, who were once again at their stall in the market. The dragon skeleton was gone, having been taken apart to use for various purposes; however, as Link was soon to find out, his friends had acquired some of these bones.

“Link!” Swift hugged him as he drew near the stall. “Look at this!” She showed the warrior a bone necklace that was made of various sized teeth. “These bones were part of the dragon skeleton. Sam gave this necklace to me, but I think it’d look a lot better on you. I’m not a warrior like you are.”

“You might be.” Link couldn’t help but smile as Swift looked down at the tooth necklace and held it up to her neck, her eyes shining.

“You really think so?” She asked excitedly.

“I do.” His smile grew wider as Swift hugged him again and after a second, he returned it.

“Thank you for this.” Swift told Link once they separated. “I actually wanted to be proficient with weapons ever since I could remember.”

“I’m not the most qualified, I leave a lot to learn myself, but that doesn’t mean I can’t teach you some things.”

“When can we start?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to want to start now…” Link paused, trying to decide on a good starting date. “I’m leaving Whiterun today and I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but next time I show up at your stall, we can start then.”

“What are you doing here, Link?” Asked a heavily accented voice.

Link turned to find a familiar Khajiit looking down at him with arms crossed. “Hi, Sam.”

Sam gazed at his friend with a cool look. “You seemed to be speaking to Swift about something. What was it?”

Swift was unable to contain her excitement and bared her fangs in a grin as she hugged Link again from behind. “Sam! Link said he’ll teach me how to fight with weapons!”

“He did?” Sam drew his head back a bit in surprise as Link nodded and untangled himself from Swift’s hug.

“Yes. Whenever I return from High Hrothgar though, if I’m going there to train, I don’t know how long they’ll want me to stay.” Link responded.

Sam put a few claws to his chin in thought. “I see. Don’t let us keep you then.” He held up a claw before Link could step away from the stall. “Before you leave…” He rummaged through a nearby pack until he pulled something out and handed it to Link. “Here.” The Khajiit smiled. “My mother made this when I told her about you.”

It was a small carved wolf statue made of quartz. Link gazed at it for a second, then took the object from Sam and examined it. “So she carves statues?“

Sam nodded. “Always has for as long as I can remember. My father is a trader in Rimmen. My home village is Riverhold.”

“In Elsweyr.” Swift added.

Link set the statue inside his own pack and then hugged Sam and Swift before he left their stall and headed to Breezehome.

He found the key in his pack and opened the door with it, then stepped inside and closed the door, taking a second to look around the room before a blur of scales struck his shoulder.

“Hello, Cobalt.” Link reached up and scratched the hatchling’s side as Cobalt chirped happily in response.

“Going somewhere?” Lydia had stepped out of the room under the stairs.

“High Hrothgar.”

Lydia sighed. “You don’t like to rest, it seems. If you’re so adamant on going, then go. I can only persuade and pressure you so much.”

“I wanted to train more with the Voice. They can help me with that.” Link responded as Cobalt climbed down from his shoulder to the pack at his side. “I won’t be gone for too long.”

‘I should also ask them about the hatchling, they seem like knowledgeable people and maybe can tell me how to raise him.’

“If you remember, stop in before you go to some other hold, people are starting to wonder if anyone actually lives here.” Lydia remarked as she gave a friendly departing nod to Link and walked into the room under the stairs.

Link left Breezehome shortly after and lingered in front of the house for a few moments before he walked down the cobblestone road, over the bridge, past the gates, down the path, and finally started on his journey to High Hrothgar after retrieving Epona from the stables.

Link left Whiterun and began to head towards Ivarstead, and High Hrothgar proper. When he passed the Valtheim Towers, he noticed movement at the far end of the second tower and got down from Epona, then walked up to the previously bandit occupied structure and stepped inside, walked through the tower and across the bridge, and then stopped halfway.

He didn’t expect to find a skeleton standing in the entrance room. The thing didn’t attack, but instead tilted its head to the side as if it was wondering why Link was there. Link drew Dawn, then ran forward and stabbed the monster in the chest. Seeing the light fade from the undead’s eyes, Link kicked the skeleton to the side and then turned around to look at the interior of the tower. There were alchemy and enchanting tables, and books on shelves that he had never seen before.

Link stepped out into the bridge; further on, there was someone standing in the clearing before the second tower, they were waving their arms and saying strange words.

Flame appeared around the figure and then some monstrosity was standing before the robed person. The figure waved their arms and the creature vanished. Link took a step back, narrowing his eyes as he watched the flames arc into the air and then dissipate.

‘Perhaps I should stop whatever this person is doing.’

He tried to be silent as he started to walk across the bridge.

The person raised their head, having noticed Link, and sent an ice spike in his direction. Link drew Dawnbreaker and shattered the ice spike as he swung at it. The sorcerer then sent a hail spell in Link’s direction; quickly thinking, Link returned Dawnbreaker to its scabbard, then dove to the edge of the bridge, and ended up hanging from it.

Link looked down at the rushing water far below. He then looked up at the bridge he was hanging from.

‘This might hurt.‘

He then let go and spent a few seconds in free fall before he hit the water and sank beneath the surface.

It took him a few seconds to get his bearings, and he quickly felt like he was freezing when he narrowly avoided being run through with ice spikes as they shot through the murky water and out of sight.

Link shook his head and started to swim upwards, only to feel a sensation that he had felt a few times before, a sensation that made him turn himself around, lightning arced through the water towards him -

- Link was floating on the water’s surface, looking up at the bridge high above him. He didn’t recall how he had ended up on the surface, instead he was focused on remembering how to breathe, how to move. Had he died? The thought briefly crossed his mind, but then he dismissed it as he forced himself to get his bearings and start treading water.

Link swam the short distance to the other side and slowly exited the water, shivering as the temperature of the air and wind seeped through his waterlogged armor and clothes.

He shook himself like a wet dog to try to get rid of some of the excess water, then looked up at the tower set in the rocky cliff high above him.

‘Could the Clawshots work?’

Link wondered as he reached to his pack and took the two weapons out, then primed them.

Only one way to find out. Link aimed one at a sturdy looking ledge, then fired. The hook launched from the Clawshot and sailed through the air, creating sparks and grooves in the rock face as it sank the hooks into the hard surface and went taunt. Link pulled on the weapon and then ran through the same motions with the other Clawshot.

He then let himself be pulled up the cliff to the ledge, then rested for a few minutes before he got up, primed the dual Clawshots again, then aimed them towards another ledge and fired.

He did this twice more before he ended up on the bridge before the tower, feeling utterly exhausted. But he couldn’t stop now, and so Link got his bearings, picked himself up, and staggered inside the tower.

He found himself facing skeletons and other undead a second later. As they rushed him in the small room, he cast Fireball at them, relishing the warmth the spell brought to his water drenched form as the fire moved in a wave through the undead, turning most of them to ash while the remainder stopped in place.

It was silent for a few seconds, then the remaining  monsters charged Link with raised weapons. Link used a Clawshot; the weapon punched through five skeletons and sent bone shards in all directions.

He caught a sword blow to the side of his head and he sank to his knees, having been half stunned. Link’s vision cleared just in time to block a killing blow with Dawnbreaker and he struggled to his feet, swinging the sword in a blind upwards arc and he caught out of the corner of his eye the recipient draugr turning to ash.

A large dog sized lizard creature knocked him to the ground and dug its fangs and claws into his chest armor. Link’s movements were sluggish as he raised Dawnbreaker and used the pommel and hilt to hit the lizard in the head and mantle repeatedly, attempting to knock it off of his chest.

Ribbons of metal were torn from his armor as the creature fell to the ground beside the youth. Link rose to a sitting position and raised his sword, then decapitated the lizard monster in a single swing. Except his aim had been off and he had missed. The creature slashed his face with its claws, nearly missing his left eye as he tackled the beast and enclosed his hands around the scaled throat. He kept his grip there until the lizard stopped struggling and breathing, only then did he let go and he kicked the creature away from him.

Link closed his eyes for a few seconds, listening for any signs of movement. He didn’t hear any, so he wearily opened his eyes and looked around. Everything was dead.

Link sighed heavily and slowly got to his feet, swaying slightly as he gave a fatigued look at the stone stairs.

‘I can’t keep going like this. I need to heal myself somehow…’

He looked down at the bloodied sword in his hand, then ran the blade across a nearby tapestry hanging on a wall, mostly cleaning it of blood, and returned Dawnbreaker to its scabbard. He then walked over to the stairs and all but fell to rest on them, leaning back and closing his eyes as a wave of dizziness coursed through his body.

‘Would healing magic even work?’

It might have worked for the probable head injury and lightning burns, but certainly not for this mysterious illness he now had. Still, it was worth trying, and so Link focused, used Heal on himself, and waited.

He felt just a bit better and he opened his eyes as the dizziness faded. He rose to a sitting position and waited until his vision focused before he rose from the stairs and turned around, then slowly began to climb them.

There was a second floor filled with more monsters. Link didn’t get a chance to draw his sword or any other weapons before they were upon him. A few desperate Fireballs were cast, but all of them missed due to the small fighting quarters. Link retreated backwards and then found himself in free fall, twisting his body around as he hit the first floor hard. He had fallen down the stairs.

Link slowly picked himself up, wincing as he felt aches and pains all over his body. Nothing seemed broken at least. He looked up as the horde of undead made their way down the stairs and he drew Dawnbreaker, waited until they got close, then started swinging the holy blade in all directions. Blood and bone matter soon covered the floor and the Hylian as he carved his way through the mass of summoned creatures.

Then there was a massive lizard creature that towered over him. He didn’t know what it was, he didn’t care to know what it was called, he only knew that he could easily die in his current state. The thing roared and tried to grab him, but Link dove out of the way, throwing Dawnbreaker like a spear and hoping it wouldn’t miss. His heart sank as he saw the sword vanish from view behind the lizard and he took out the two daggers, keeping his distance as he tried to get behind the lizard to get his sword.

The two legged beast noticed this and lunged at Link, knocking him to the floor and sending the daggers flying to rest underneath a table. The creature reared back with a clawed fist and tried to run Link through, but he grabbed the arm with his hands and attempted to stop the attack. He could only watch as the clawed arm got closer and closer to his chest inch by inch, his hands slowly losing their grip on the reptile’s arm as the creature bared its fangs in a grin.

Link felt like his chest was on fire as the beast overpowered him and slashed at his chest, cutting his armor into shreds of metal, tearing his skin and muscles. The reptile then bit down on his left shoulder and lifted Link into the air, then tossed him away like a sack of flour and stalked across the room to where he had ended up, up against a wall, barely conscious.

He was, however, next to his sword. It taunted him as he lay there, that gleaming gold shining in the darkness that was forming across his vision. The creature was getting closer, its fangs and claws dripping crimson with his blood. The will to live rose in him and he grabbed the sword and got to his feet, watching as the creature bent down and leapt at him from across the room.

Link swung Dawnbreaker upwards, catching the lizard creature in the stomach as the youth paused for a brief second, then carved deeper into the lizard’s body and angled the sword further down.

The resulting scream made his ears ring as Link was tossed away from the mutilated creature, the beast stumbling around and clutching at itself as Link rose from the bloodstained floor and spun Dawnbreaker in his hand. The lizard gave the youth a death glare and charged him, but Link kicked off of the floor and tried to decapitate the creature.

Dawnbreaker stopped halfway through the creature’s neck. This only made it angrier, it reared its head back and drew a deep breath, then spat blue fire at Link as it sank his claws into his left shoulder, tearing through nerves and muscle until they struck bone. The sword blocked most of the fire, yet the injured shoulder received some of it and Link’s eyes went wide with silent pain.

He went limp in the creature’s grasp, somehow still conscious as the fight came to a standstill; having been caused by the sword in the creature’s neck - it was stuck, unable to be driven deeper into the torn flesh. The creature was unwilling to move forward due to this, and so it became a stalemate.

Footsteps drew Link’s attention and he slowly moved his gaze from the monster to the stairwell.

As the figure stepped down the stairs and drew closer to Link, they reached up and dropped their hood, revealing a male Dark Elf that was wearing red robes.

The man stepped forward. “Intriguing. I don’t tend to get very many visitors, those that do visit me perish quickly. You however… are formidable.” The man had red eyes, dark gray skin, black hair that went to his shoulders, and a black tinted face pattern that ran below his left eye and curved down to the left side of his face. “Release him.” The Dark Elf ordered the lizard creature.

Link landed on the floor as the creature removed its claws from his shoulder and retreated into the shadows of the room. The man appeared in Link’s line of sight. “Get up.” Commanded the Dark Elf. “I want to see you prove yourself, prove to me that I have a good reason to not end your life here and now.”

Link ignored the man and instead focused on healing himself with a quick use of the Fast Healing spell. He then moved to a sitting position and cast Fast Healing again before standing, searching through his pack for a healing potion. He found one and only managed to down half of it before it was swiped from his hand; causing the potion to fall to the ground and shatter into tiny glass shards, the red potion pooling on the stone floor.

“Telekinesis. A useful spell to know.” Stated the Dark Elf as Link gazed at him for an explanation. The necromancer then fired a volley of Ice Spikes in Link’s direction. The youth dove out of the way, feeling some of his injuries begin to heal as he came back up and ran back over to the table to retrieve his daggers.

“SU!”

He then used Elemental Fury and tried to get close to the necromancer, but was driven back by more Ice Spikes. Link chose to get out the Fire Rod and start casting fireballs in the man’s direction, managing to slowly get close to the Dark Elf as he did so.

“I’m tired of you hero-types barging in and ruining everything. Why must you always interrupt my work?” Complained the necromancer as he sent a frost spell in Link’s direction.

Link’s vision was greatly impaired by his spell and he stayed in place while he waited for the spell’s effects to wear off. “Your work? You mean the horde of undead that you sent to kill me?” He dodged the massive lizard creature as it lunged at him from the shadows and twisted around to stab it in the neck, this time, the sword struck true and downed the beast.

He then summoned the Flame Atronach and watched as the creature turned to face him with a concerned look, then the flame woman noticed the necromancer and flew towards the dark elf with fiery wrath.

But the dark elf waved a hand and muttered something like “Banish Daedra” before the Flame Atronach even touched him.

The woman made of flames vanished a second later in blazing sparks. “So you are capable of learning magic. Show me.” The necromancer said, casting Ice Spikes at Link, who dispelled them with the Fire Rod.

“What is your reasoning for this?” The youth stepped to the side to avoid another frost spell and then continued to use the Fire Rod against the dark elf.

“My reasoning? Do you mean to ask why I practice necromancy, or something else? I practice this magic in order to summon powerful shades to the land of Nirn.”

“Shades?” Link found that he was somewhat interested. “Of what sort?”

Curiously, the dark elf stopped sending spells at him. “So you are wanting to know more of my work? For what need would you desire to know of my magic?”

Link got the feeling the fight was over and stayed his hand, turning off the Fire Rod and leaning on it for support. “It’s a long story, but basically my undead ancestor helped me save my homeland.”

The Dark Elf went silent. “I suppose I could help you summon this ancestor of yours here.” He said in a pondering tone.

“You would? How?”

“I am a Necromancer, but also a Conjuror, summoning from other worlds is what I do best. My name is Galsdar Darevalo.” Galsdar leaned on his staff and eyed Link. “If you take up my offer, you shall become my apprentice for the next two weeks. In exchange, I’ll summon this ancestor of yours. Is this acceptable?”

‘Being an apprentice sounds interesting, but I need more information.’

“Why are you doing this?”

“I have not had an apprentice in quite some time. No, you shall be my disciple if you accept my offer. You shall train under me how to use the various arts of Necromancy. What you do after you leave my company is out of my control. I shall ask again, do you accept?” questioned the Dark Elf.

‘Learn how to use necromancy… it’s evil, yet if I learn it, maybe… maybe I can see him again…’

Link weighed the various options in his head as he stood there.

‘I could learn more spells, create… I suppose they’d be like guardians to fight alongside me if needed… I think the pros of this outweigh the cons…’

“I do accept your offer.” He finally decided.

“Wonderful.” Galsdar looked pleased as he returned to a normal standing position.

Link looked around. “This place has really been cleaned up since the last time I was here.” He commented, ignoring the bones of skeletons and the stains of his and monster blood covering the floor and walls. “Had to deal with bandits, killed a few, got ambushed, a few Stormcloaks showed up and helped me out.”

"So it was

you

who cleared out those bandits. I was wondering who did that for me, it would have been troublesome bringing my things here from out of the region if this tower had been occupied.”

“You’re not from here?” Link questioned.

Galsdar shook his head. “No, I’m originally from Ebonheart of Morrowind.”

“Why are you here in Skyrim?”

“I heard that there were rumors of advanced Necromancy spells that could summon shades rather than just reanimated corpses. I traveled here to investigate, but ran into dead ends, so I am conducting my own research into enchanting until I can decide on how to proceed.” Darevalo said as he inspected the staff he was holding.

“Spells that can summon shades?” Link questioned.

“Yes. As I stated, the rumors are unfounded, and with no concrete evidence.” The necromancer looked at the sky through a nearby window. “It’s late, perhaps we should turn in now, and we can start when the sun rises.”

Link nodded, feeling his fatigued and battle worn injured state catching up to him as some part of his mind decided he could finally rest. As Galsdar started to walk towards him, the Dragonborn closed his eyes and felt himself fall backwards, not knowing when he hit the stone floor of the tower.

Several hours later, Link was in a state of being half awake and half asleep, looking up at the cloud filled night sky. He had found himself lying on a sleeping roll outside of the tower up against the outer wall, his injuries having been healed and the mysterious illness was no more.

A wolf lunged out of the darkness and pinned the half awake Link to the ground. He quickly woke up and rolled over, drawing back as the canine began to bite and claw at him. He made it as if to get up, then the wolf lunged at him again. Link grabbed the wolf by the neck without even thinking about it and threw the creature away, watching as it hit the ground with its neck at an unnatural angle. He tried to calm himself down from his startled state as he lowered himself to a sitting position against the wall. His state wasn’t helped by Galsdar’s voice.

“Good morning, I see you were so eager that you got yourself a test subject. Wonderful, we’ll start right away.”

Link gazed up at Galsdar for a few moments, then let his head fall back and hit the wall, closing his eyes. “Do we have to do this now?”

“Yes, you’re already awake and we have a test subject. Get up. I need to show you around this place.” The Necromancer picked up the dead wolf and carried it to a nearby table inside the tower as Link got up and followed the Dark Elf past the table and into another room.

The main tower had four levels. The first was the entrance hall, the third was the living and sleeping quarters, and the top floor was for storage, there were stairs leading up to the roof.

The second floor had a door that led out to the bridge spanning the river, this level held most of Galsdar’s equipment and spells and tomes and various ingredients. The first tower was merely a vantage and lookout area for passerby, as well as extra storage.

Once the tour was done, Galsdar and Link returned to the main tower, ending up before the wolf corpse.

“Watch this spell very closely.” The Dark Elf said as he turned to the wolf corpse. He uttered “Reanimate Corpse.”

To Link’s surprise, the wolf stood up as if it was alive, although it clearly wasn’t.

“Reviving corpses is something that Necromancers can do. We can also kill the revived corpses when we wish, as so.” Galsdar hit the corpse and it fell to the ground. “Now I shall let you try.” He then paused. “You will need to know the spell first, though.” The Dark Elf walked over to a nearby bookcase and ran his fingers across the spines before he pulled out a book and returned to Link’s side. “Here.” Galsdar handed the book to the youth and stepped back. “Learn the spell, then attempt to raise the wolf’s corpse. This is Raise Zombie, it’s a more easy and simple variation of the spell I used earlier.”

Link opened the spell tome and the book turned to dust as the spell was absorbed into his mind, granting him new knowledge. He stepped up to the wolf corpse, then recited “raise zombie.” Nothing happened.

Link tried a second time, and a blue light appeared in his hand, then flew towards the wolf and struck it. Once again, there was no movement.

He tried a third attempt, and the blue light flew from his hand into the wolf’s body, the wolf twitched for a second before going still.

“The first time one uses this spell, it seems to take a while for it to work. Keep trying until you get it right, it will happen eventually.” Galsdar told his new apprentice as Link nodded and recited the spell again.

The wolf jerked on the table this time as the blue light stuck it, but didn’t get up. Link recited the spell for the fifth time and as the wolf spasmed in the blue light, he suddenly felt a bit weak and had to sit down in a nearby chair.

“The spell uses a lot of magicka for someone of your skill level. Take as many breaks as you need in between attempts.” The Dark Elf said as he looked on at the scene.

Link nodded and waited for his magicka to return, then he got up and walked over to the wolf corpse, then tried again.

He attempted the spell ten more times, all ending in failure much like the first five times, the blue light striking the wolf each time, taking several breaks to recover his magicka every so often.

Link then recited the spell for the sixteenth time and watched as the wolf opened its glazed over eyes as the blue light hit it in the face, then slowly rose to its paws, swaying left and right as it stood before him.

“Well done.” Galsdar remarked. “Now you need to go get more test subjects.”

“Why? Isn’t the one enough for now?” As soon as Link asked the question, the wolf collapsed and turned to dust.

“That is the reason why. When reanimated corpses are killed, or the spell’s effects wear off, they turn to dust. Unless you reanimate a dead thrall, the effect of that spell lasts forever. Or you’re extremely skilled in the art of Necromancy to the point that you know a few soluble tricks, in which case they won’t turn to dust.” Galsdar explained.

“Why can’t I make an undead thrall now?“

“The skill required to successfully be cast is far beyond your level at the moment. Not to mention that judging by how much you rested, you don’t have near enough Magicka to cast said spell.” The Necromancer replied.

Link nodded as he opened his pack to see if the dust had gotten on anything. He was about to close the pack when he looked again.

Cobalt wasn’t there.

“Lost something?” Galsdar inquired.

“I believe so, I’ll be back.” Link left the tower and looked around. It was early morning, a few hours before dawn, and so it was hard to see anything. He then heard splashes of water and headed towards the river.

He soon found the dragon hatchling gorging himself on various fish. Cobalt squeaked when Link picked him up and turned the hatchling to face him. “We really should have some way of communicating. If you’re going to be running off like this constantly, I need to somehow know where you’ll end up.”

The dragon looked at Link for a moment, then nodded and struggled out of the youth’s grasp, then glided onto his shoulder.

——-

Link returned to the tower with Cobalt and fish in tow, finding that he had to keep the dragon away from his new test subject as he returned the hatchling to his pack, then placed the fish on the table and once again recited “raise zombie.”

Nothing happened, other than the blue light hitting it.

Link tried again, this time getting slightly better results as the fish flopped around for a few seconds after being struck by the blue light before again going still. A third use of the spell caused more flopping for a longer length of time, before the fish stopped moving.

On the fourth try, however, the fish kept flopping. After around a minute, the fish soon turned to dust.

“Good.” Galsdar said, having been sitting at a nearby table. “I saw the entire display. It was good of you to find an easier test subject, as more simple creatures are better to work with.”

“They are? I thought I was getting better at the spell.”

Galsdar gave Link an amused look. “You will eventually.” He left the room and then returned with something in his hand.

“Here.” The Dark Elf handed Link a leather bound journal and a quill. “Enchanted to always have ink within the quill, you can use this to write down your thoughts, or keep track of your items, or what happens from day to day. An adventurer like you needs something like this.”

The Necromancer stepped inside his room, then stepped out partially. “We start at dawn later today in a few hours, maybe something with that Flame Atronach of yours.”

Galsdar then turned and re-entered his room, lighting a lantern, then closing the door as Link examined the thing in his hands.

The journal had many pages in it, it seemed to be well made and the quill did seem to work as the Dark Elf had stated.

Link found someplace comfortable nearby and gazed at the open journal for a few moments, then he lifted the quill and began to write.

I never had one of these before. Back home, I had a ledger that was just for keeping track of goats and such, not something like this. Suppose I can keep track of what I find while wandering, what people tell me to do.

Today

The Hylian paused. So much had happened. After a while, in which the ink had dried, he started writing again.

is the first day of my two week training under a necromancer by the name of

Link noticed the thing on the table and realized that Galasdar had written his name on a small piece of parchment, which he of course copied into the journal.

Galasdar Darevalo. I killed a wolf after it snuck up on me and then had to bring it back to life with various spells. I like to think I did a good job, Galasdar seemed to think so.

The current date is

Link had to think about it for a while.

Hearthfire 9th, which is a Tirdas, and the year is 4E 201. Strange that I seem to not even think of the months and days back home. It is easier to use this realm’s dates.

I miss home. I miss running through the open plains and fields, walking through the forest near Ordon, visiting the locations of the various tribes and seeing how they’re doing.

Link paused again, his thoughts turning to a certain someone.

I wonder how Ilia is faring in my absence. Never mind just her, what about Midna?

Link became lost in thought for a while, long enough for the ink on the page to dry. He gazed at the words on the page for a while before he wrote again.

If only everyone back home could see me now, the stories that I would tell them. Is time passing there? I have no way of knowing if it is.

He stopped writing again as he tried to think of a good closing note.

I hope I can put an end to this stupid civil war by myself. I don’t really see any point in it, just two old men fighting over nothing. I wonder what tomorrow will bring for my training.

Link looked over the page, found it to his liking, then waited for the new ink to dry before he got up from the table and took the journal with him to his sleeping quarters.

“Sleep well, I take it?” Link awoke to find Galsdar standing in the doorway of his temporary room.

“I did. Thanks for the journal, I think I’ll be using it a lot.” Link responded as he slowly got up from the bed.

The Dark Elf nodded briefly. “Someone like you needs to keep track of things. Now then, today, you shall be learning more about Conjuration, Daedra, and Oblivion.” Galsdar gestured for Link to find somewhere to sit.

“The definition of Conjuration is as follows - it is the granted ability via spells to summon creatures or items from other realms. I could go over the history of Conjuration, but I believe that would take a few hours. If you wish, I could go over the history later.”

“Sure.”

Galsdar took a moment to acknowledge Link’s agreement, then continued. “The subject of Daedra is quite broad and varied, so I shall be brief - they are immortal beings that did not take part in the creation of the Mundus, and thus retain the full potential of their power. There are many types of Daedra, from the Scamp, to the Atronachs, to the Clannfear. Different cultures have their own myths and names for Daedra; they are studied under the name of Daedrology, and those that study Daedra are called Daedrologists.

“With that said, I’m going to be teaching you more about bound Daedra. Go ahead and summon that Flame Atronach of yours, then take this fire proof necklace, place it around its neck, and dismiss it.” Galsdar told Link, handing him a fire proof necklace.

Link got up from the chair he was sitting in and summoned the Flame Atronach. “Do you mind if I test something?”

The flame woman looked curious and nodded, eyeing the necklace that Link was holding. She floated to the ground and towards him, allowing him to put the fireproof necklace around her neck. Link then waited for the Daedra to vanish into flames.

Galsdar quickly grew frustrated. “Dismiss the spell with a mental command rather than wait for the spell to wear off.”

“How would I do that?”

“You should still feel the spell’s magic around you, simply think about it going away.”

‘So I just think about the spell’s effects wearing off?’

Link then felt the summoning effects fade, watching as the Atronach vanished in flames. He then felt his magicka return shortly after, and summoned the Daedra a few seconds later, noticing the necklace was still around the creature’s neck.

“Good, now dismiss the Daedra again.” Galsdar commented.

Link then dismissed the Flame Atronach, then focused his attention on Galsdar.

“Summon it again, but this time, focus on asking for something else.” Responded the Dark Elf.

Link resummoned the Flame Atronach, except this one wasn’t wearing the necklace.

“As you can see, the bound daedra are usually the same, but you can make another Daedra answer your call each time you use a Conjuration spell if you wish to do so.” Galsdar explained. “I shall now tell you about Oblivion.”

“Oblivion, which is also known as the Outer Realms, is a realm within the Aurbis - the known universe - and is home to many types of Daedra. There are sixteen major ‘planes’ of Oblivion, with many, many more smaller ones, over thirty seven thousand that have been documented or rumored.

“The planes of Oblivion are basically pocket realms with various descriptions and locations. There are an unknown total number of these realms, and mortals aren’t really allowed to go into Oblivion, unless they are summoned for some unknown purpose.

“Oblivion is

extremely

dangerous, you can easily get lost if you’re not already swarmed by various Daedra who want to eat your soul; the very void you see in the sky is Oblivion, the the sun and stars are holes in that very realm which leads to Aetherius, another realm in the Aurbis.” The Dark Elf lectured Link, who had returned sitting in the chair to listen to Galsdar’s words.

The lessons continued until around noon, after that, Link helped Galsdar with whatever work needed done until very late in the evening. The Dark Elf finally sent Link off to his room, and the Hylian fell into a deep sleep while dreaming of the goddesses and Daedra.

“Today, you shall go out nearby the towers and forge for ingredients.” Galsdar walked over to the bookshelf and pulled a book from the shelf, then walked back over to Link and handed him the book. “This book has the ingredients, where you can find them, and what creatures you can get some ingredients from. I expect you to be back by dusk, if you are back before then, I will assume you didn’t search long enough.”

Link opened the book, which was called

Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim

, and briefly skimmed its contents. It didn’t just contain some plants and creature parts, it was clearly a complete edition, with detailed descriptions of what the items were, what they did, and how to get these items.

“I’m running low on supplies, which is why I’m sending you out to look for them. Here is a list.” Galsdar handed Link said list, which had various ingredients on it.

Link silently read the list. “I’ll find everything on this nearby?”

“Correct.” The Dark Elf confirmed. “Now go, the longer you stand there, the less time you have to look for ingredients.”

Link nodded and left the tower soon after. Wandering into the nearby forest, Link got out the book and started to search for ingredients.

The Hylian spent some time in the forest, checking the book constantly as he found various flowers nestled between rocks and trees. He found Deathbells around some sort of animal skeleton, and lavender in a forest clearing.

Some ingredients weren’t on the list, such as honeycombs and Pine Thrush eggs, yet Link spent some time acquiring what he could.

The honeycombs he found at the base of a pine tree, the hive had been knocked to the ground and bees were swarming it, yet as he slowly approached the hive, the bees didn’t seem to notice him, so Link was able to quickly grab a few pieces of honeycomb, then get away from the hive.

The Pine Thrush eggs were found at the scene of a massacre - for the bird, anyway. Some predator had desecrated the Pine Thrush and left its bones scattered everywhere, leaving the eggs in the elements. Link climbed the tree, took the eggs, then climbed back down and kept exploring the forest.

Link sensed movement sometime later and froze, scanning the nearby brush. He soon spotted a lone doe walking through the undergrowth close by; he watched as the deer lowered her head and began to eat various plants.

‘Deer meat and fur is on the list…’

Link thought to himself as he silently drew his bow and notched an arrow to the bowstring. He pulled back on the arrow as he raised the bow, kept the weapon steady, then he let the arrow go as he lowered the bow, watching as the arrow sailed through the air and found its target - the doe sank to the ground, her open eyes glazing over as life left her body, the arrow having pierced her heart from the side.

Link ran over to the downed beast from his position and knelt beside the doe, drawing one of his daggers and cutting the arrow out of the creature. He then began the long and tedious process of skinning and preparing the fur and various meat. After some time, he carefully wrapped the meat in the furs, and put everything into his magically enchanted bag. He then took his dagger and carved the small antlers from the doe, put them in his bag, then got up and left the carcass where it lay - other wildlife would see to it later.

As Link walked in the direction of the tower, he passed by a creek. There was a high pitched droning noise. It was somewhat annoying at first as he soon found the source to be a plant that was sitting in water near the creekbank. Thankfully, the droning noise stopped when it was uprooted.

Link checked the book that the dark elf had let him borrow, and found that the plant he had found was a Ninroot. Interesting name.

He put the Ninroot in the gathering satchel the Dark Elf had loaned him, next to various flowers such as Deathbells and Lavender. Link then looked up at the nearby tower and noticed how late it was.

When he reached the tower and stepped inside, Galsdar was standing over the alchemy station. The Dark Elf turned to greet Link. “You’re back. Did you find anything?”

“I did.” Link walked over to a clean table and carefully took what he had found from his pack, laying it out for Galsdar to inspect.

Darevalo stepped over to the table and spent some time looking over what Link had found. “I see you found ingredients that weren’t on the list. How thoughtful.” He paused. “I was wrong about you, it seems. I shall spend the rest of my waking hours figuring out what to do with all of this.” He turned to Link and waved him off. “We’re starting early tomorrow morning, get some rest while you can.”

Link spent some time tending to Epona outside the tower before he returned to his room and read the ingredient book for a while, then eventually fell asleep on the bed.

“I want to see that fire weapon of yours.” Galsdar stated the next morning.

Link took out the Fire Rod and primed it, then drew back as Darevalo took the weapon from him.

“Interesting, this item seems to use a completely foreign magical source.” Stated the Dark Elf as he tested the rod to summon Fireballs and Flame Storms. “Yet I can tap into my own magicka and it seems to work just fine.”

“My people have… I suppose it’s a weak natural magic, we can only use various magical weapons.”

“By that statement, it’s no wonder you can’t use our spells and items properly, your body still isn’t attuned to Nirn’s natural magic sources.” The Necromancer shook his head as Link’s eyes widened. “I felt that your magicka isn’t natural to Nirn. I care not where you’re from, only if I can teach you.”

‘I can accept that answer.’

“Thank you.”

The Dark Elf handed Link the Fire Rod. “Let me explain Soul Gems to you, as understanding how they truly work will allow you to almost nearly keep your weapons and armor forever charged.”

Link took the Fire Rod and found someplace to sit as the Necromancer continued speaking. “Soul Gems are used as vessels to enchant and power weapons and armor. The more powerful a soul, the more powerful the Soul Gem will need to be to contain it. There are several types - minor, petty, lesser, common, greater, grand, and divine. Black gems are the result of sapient beings, while white gems are of lesser creatures. This is just a matter of speech, being that black soul gems are forbidden to use. The soul gems you have are of white souls.”

Link took out the various Soul Gems he had and showed them to Galsdar. “So these were once people?”

“Their souls, yes. Or animals, those as well.” Galsdar gazed at Link. “May I see that artifact of yours? The sword?”

Link drew Dawnbreaker and handed it to the Dark Elf, who took the weapon and examined it. “Hmm… It’s not every day you see a Daedric artifact. How did you obtain this?”

“Meridia asked me to deal with a necromancer inside her temple.” Link responded.

“I see.” Galsdar didn’t ask about the necromancer as he went over to the enchanting table and waved Link over. “One of your soul gems, if you will. Place it on the table.”

Link placed a Petty gem on the table and then looked at Galsdar for further instruction.

“Good.” The Necromancer leaned over the table and placed his hands on the cold stone surface. “You have figured out enchanting by now, seeing as you're wearing those rings and necklaces. Recharging works the same way.” The Dark Elf ran his gaze over Dawnbreaker before he straightened his posture and stepped back. “Go on. See if you can recharge your weapon.”

Link stepped up to the arcane enchanter and looked down at the artifact and the soul gem. He then went through the motions of enchanting, except this time he focused on recharging the weapon on the table. As he watched, a mist rose out of the quickly darkening soul gem and then entered the artifact. The soul gem shattered in the process and Dawnbreaker started to glow a few seconds later.

“There. See? Your weapon is charged again. The Soul Gems are consumed in the process, but you can find filled ones all over Skyrim, whether it be in caves or dungeons or shops. You can also fill empty ones you find yourself, once you properly learn how to fill them.” Galsdar said, nodding in approval. “That’s enough for today, return to your quarters and rest, we’ll try something new tomorrow.”

“Here.” Galsdar took a broom off of hooks and handed it to Link, who stared at the object for a second, then slowly reached out and took it from the Necromancer. “You’re cleaning the tower today, fixing it up, repairing it. In the meantime, you can practice your known spells. If you do good enough, perhaps I’ll teach you other Conjuration spells.”

“…I guess this is better than fighting things.” Link muttered dejectedly as he eyed the broom and then turned to look back at the sorry state of the tower.

‘Might as well get started then.’

He half-heartedly lifted the broom and walked away from Galsdar into another room of the tower.

This room was the storage room. It was dark, damp, and very unclean. “How does he store all of this…” Link saw something on a wooden crate that appeared to have once been an article of clothing. He picked up the fabric, briefly examined it, then tossed it towards the door. “First hour of however many cleaning this place is starting now…”

He began by awkwardly sweeping the floor of the storage room, once that was done, he then tackled the shelf contents. Link spent some time carefully taking small boxes off of the shelf and placing them on the floor, then  recoiled when he saw a dead Skeever on the second highest shelf.

Link gazed at the dead creature for a few moments, then he got an idea and uttered “Raise Zombie”. To his surprise, the usual blue light shot from his hand and entered the Skeever, then, the creature slowly got up and started sniffing around as if it was alive.

‘I didn’t expect that to work so fast.’

Link thought as he got the Skeever down from the shelf and continued cleaning.

——————-

“Raise skeleton.”

A blue light appeared around the pile of bones, but nothing else happened.

‘Come on, it shouldn’t be this hard.’

Link chided himself as he tried the spell again. This time, there were more favorable results, as the blue light appeared once more and began to swirl around the bones, lifting them into the air until eventually, a reformed skeleton was standing before Link.

The skeleton gazed at him in silence.

‘Right, it expects an order, doesn’t it?’

“I need help repairing the tower.”

The skeleton nodded, but didn’t move.

Link vaguely gestured towards the crumbling wall to his right and the skeleton ran over and started to slowly piece together said wall.

There were other skeletons already reformed, likely by Galsdar, and they all moved to help the first rebuild the wall, allowing Link to clean up what was left. He had moved on from sweeping to dusting to hand cleaning windows and other surfaces. He admitted to himself that cleaning was actually very relaxing, it helped him take his mind off of things, and it was a lot more fun than fighting creatures and people.

He stopped every once in a while to rest for a short period of time, before he continued cleaning. Little by little, the condition of the tower began to improve.

Eventually, Link all but collapsed on the first flight of stairs and leaned back to rest on the second through six steps. He heard chirping and saw Cobalt appear in his line of sight. “Cleaning is hard, Cobalt.” He shifted to accommodate the stone digging into his back through his clothes. “Place is looking better though.”

“What are you doing?” Galsdar’s voice reached Link as Cobalt returned to the bag, and soon the Dark Elf was looking down at him with a stern expression.

“Resting.”

Galsdar began to inspect the room Link was currently in, making various remarks as he walked around the room. “You didn’t clean this window, there’s still dust on this table, the floor beneath it is supposed to be spotless…”

Galsdar then noticed a pile of dust nearby, he walked over to it and inspected the dust pile. “…A Skeever… I noticed a reanimated skeleton… Did you forget you can only have one summoned corpse at a time?” The Dark Elf gave Link, who was currently gazing at the floor in vexation of his failure, a disappointed look. “I expected you to do better.”

‘Well, if you want this place to be clean, then why don’t

you

do it?’

Link bit back a retort and stayed silent.

“I want this floor cleaned in an hour, if not… then I’ll decide something.” With that, Galsdar turned and left the room, leaving Link alone.

Link sat up from lying on the stairs and swallowed an annoyed growl as he glared at the retreating figure, feeling utterly exhausted as he pushed himself to his feet and looked around.

‘I’ll clean this place so well he’ll be able to see his reflection on the floor.’

—————-

It was done. The entire second floor was completely spotless, and Link had discovered a new level of fatigue and exhaustion. He was more or less dead on his feet, somehow still awake as he thought about tossing the broom he was holding against the wall out of spite, but he instead carefully set it against the nearest wall and went off to find Galsdar.

Galsdar didn’t seem to care about Link’s condition when he entered the main room. “It’s done then? Let me see.” The Dark Elf left the room and Link decided to collapse in a nearby chair. He was halfway asleep when Galsdar returned. “Well done. You actually exceeded my expectations.”

The Dark Elf then seemed to think of something. “Where did you find the Skeever that you turned to dust by reanimating a skeleton?”

“The storage room, it was on one of the shelves.”

“Despite your error earlier, I think you’ve earned the right to learn a new spell, so watch carefully.” Galsdar undid Link’s spell, which caused the skeleton to turn to dust. The Dark Elf cast “Reanimate Corpse”, on another pile of bones and a skeleton was formed a few seconds later, then he explained to Link on how to cast the spell. “Now you try.”

Link eyed a second pile of bones, then recited “Reanimate Corpse”, just as Galsdar had. However, nothing happened.

“It seems your ability to manipulate magicka isn’t quite there yet.” Galsdar walked over to a nearby bookshelf, then came back and handed Link a tome. “Here. This is the tome for the spell.”

Link promptly opened the tome, and just like the other spells before that he had learned, the book turned to dust, and he felt the spell’s knowledge enter his mind. He then focused on the bone pile once more and again recited “Reanimate Corpse.” This time, the blue light flew from his hand and struck the bone pile, causing a skeleton to rise from the ground a few seconds later.

Link felt like more of his magicka had been depleted than normal, the spell was clearly more advanced, yet it felt more easier to cast.

“You’ve mastered the Raise Zombie spell, therefore when you use each subsequent powerful spell, you’ll have a much easier time of doing so. This is another reason for not teaching you more powerful spells first, aside from you lacking the needed magicka to cast them in the first place.” Galsdar explained. “You’ve done well for today. Go and rest, I have something planned for you tomorrow.”

Link got up from the chair and slowly walked to his room, he was so tired that he didn’t remember falling into the bed.

“You’ve mastered summoning that Flame Atronach of yours, so today, you’re trying something a bit different. You’re going to learn to summon a Clannfear, if you master that, then you’ll learn to summon a Frost Atronach.” Galsdar explained as he handed Link a book. “Read through this, it will tell you how to summon them.” He then left the room and Link was alone.

Link opened the book and skimmed through it. It mentioned that to summon Daedra, you had to imagine the creature that you were summoning, where they lived, what they looked like. And this one in particular told what the Clannfear were, where to look for them when contacting Oblivion, and how they felt when contacting them for a contract so he wouldn’t be fooled into summoning another Daedra. Seemed easy enough.

He looked at the summoning altar Galsdar had made for him a few minutes earlier, then recited the spell. As expected, nothing happened. Link tried again, when that failed, he tried the spell a third time. Yet again, nothing happened.

‘What am I doing wrong?’

Link read the book more closely this time, taking note of each step of the summon.

Link gazed at the summoning altar again, then stepped up to it and skimmed the incantation again before he closed his eyes and attempted to clear his mind. He thought of summoning the Clannfear, forming bones and sinew and everything in between. He thought of the bottomless fire pits and chasms of Oblivion, of dark places and crumbling ruins.

He finally felt something - someone making contact with him, and after feeling his intentions, a bond of sorts was formed.

A purple portal formed for a moment as a Clannfear appeared in the middle of the summoning circle, flexing its claws and making small chirping noises as it seemed to study Link from a distance.

“Good. I’ve said before that you have a natural talent for learning quickly, but this further proves what I said.” Galsdar walked up to the altar and examined the Clannfear, which took a few stumbling steps forwards before the creature shook its head and wandered over to Link.

Link gazed at the Clannfear, then was knocked over as the Daedra chirped and rammed its body into him as a sign of acknowledgement.

Galsdar nodded. “Spend time with your Clannfear, then work on practicing the Frost Atronach summon.” The Dark Elf then walked off, leaving Link alone with the Clannfear.

The Clannfear snapped its jaws and waved its tail around, hopping from side to side occasionally as it tilted its head and chirped at Link as he picked himself up and rose to a sitting position.

The Daedra eventually stepped closer and made itself comfortable in Link’s lap, curling up into a ball shape like a cat.

‘Guess I’m not getting up any time soon. That’s fine. I don’t think Clannfears are supposed to be this affectionate, though.’

A few minutes later, the Clannfear vanished in fiery sparks, allowing Link to get up. He then found a second  summoning book nearby the first and looked through it, then focused his attention on the summoning altar.

He thought back to when he had met Sheogorath, he had first seen a Frost Atronach then, and he focused on that memory, what the creature looked like, what he had felt when he had been near it…

“Summon Frost Atronach.” Ice particles swirled around in the summoning circle, yet nothing else happened. Link tried again, and this time was successful.

A Frost Atronach appeared in the summon circle through a purple portal. Standing tall and unmoving, the air around it seemed to freeze solid as it looked around and settled its gaze upon Link.

“Hello.”

The creature continued to look at him, then eventually nodded, as if it had been deciding what to think of the human who had summoned it.

The Frost Atronach soon turned to ice particles and they fell to the floor, glistening in the midday sun’s rays through the nearest window.

Link found somewhere to sit as he waited for his magicka to recharge. Now he understood why this spell wasn’t for beginners. The amount of magicka he had used for the spell was far greater than the Flame Atronach. Considering how big it was and how strong it must be, there was a good reason for the increase in magicka needed to summon the Frost Atronach.

Link then spent the rest of the day practicing summoning his three Daedra and becoming more acquainted with each of them.

“You’ll be learning to Soul Trap today, and to fill Soul Gems on your own, this will be very useful to charge your weapons whenever you want.” Galsdar explained to Link, handing him a spell tome. “This is the Soul Trap tome, learn the spell, then practice it until you get it right.”

Link took the spell tome from the Dark Elf and opened it, the tome becoming dust as the spell was forced into his mind.

To use the spell, he had to say the words, then kill something before the spell’s effects wore off. The spell seemed to be quite simple.

Link soon found a half dead Skeever in one of the tower’s rooms on the third floor. He took out a dagger and approached the Skeever, but it took off as soon as he recited the spell, and ended up having to run after it. He felt the spell’s effects fade just before he cornered the creature, and so, despite failing, Link put the creature out of its misery anyway.

Not to be discouraged, Link found an enchanting table in another room, as well as a dark furred rat nibbling on some sort of decayed food on the table.

“Soul Trap.” As Link said the spell, a blue energy left his hand and hit the rat. He swiftly drew Dawn and killed the rat with a stab to the head. As the rat fell to the table, a white mist rose from the body and flew into the soul gem, turning the soul gem a purple color.

“I did it.” Link picked up the filled Soul Gem and eyed it, then went off to find Galsdar.

“You succeeded?”

Link showed Galsdar the filled Soul Gem.

“Wonderful. Now that you’ve learned Soul Trap… I’ve decided that I want to get to know you better.”

“Why is that?”

The Dark Elf gestured for Link to take a seat in a chair as Galsdar did the same. “In order for me to try to determine how to summon your ancestor, I need to know a lot of things, such as who he was, where you’re both from, etcetera.”

“My ancestor…” Link took a few seconds to drag a chair over, situate it, then sit down. “Lived around five hundred years ago. He was involved in time travel, and had to turn back between the age of nine and sixteen constantly. He hasn’t told me how that affected him, and I don’t expect him too. He ended up saving Hyrule from an evil warlock, and some sort of time shenanigans happened where he both was sent back to relive his childhood, and he stayed in his future.”

Galsdar got up from his chair and left the room, then came back with a quill and paper. “Yes, there is a reason time travel isn’t studied much. Continue.” He stated as he returned to his chair.

“My ancestor’s name in life was Link Kakariko, he was the son of a knight and his wife from a neighboring kingdom, this kingdom was caught in a civil war. His father was killed defending the castle, and his mother fled on a horse for many days, until she reached a forest which was home to the Kokiri people; she died at the base of a magical sentient tree, known as the Deku Tree, and the people there took in my ancestor until he was nine years of age.”

“A magical sentient tree… Intriguing. The Argonians have a sentient tree known as the Hist. Go on.“

“He soon met the Princess, who told him that evil was rising and that he needed to gather the three tribal artifacts, so he did that, and returned to the castle to find that it was under attack. The Princess fled with her bodyguard, and my ancestor was given a magical artifact known as the Ocarina of Time. This artifact allowed time travel, and basically was a spell conduit.”

“A musical instrument that acts as a spell conduit… I’ve seen and heard of stranger things…”

Link continued. “Anyway, my ancestor entered a temple that was known for having time-related magic, and found a powerful sword. Once it was pulled, my ancestor was forced to sleep for seven years until he was capable of wielding the sword. My ancestor awoke to a changed world - the warlock had sieged the castle and had taken it over, and was now ruling the kingdom.”

“Strange that a sword could make someone sleep at all…” Galsdar waved a hand for Link to keep speaking.

Link took some time to catch his breath and finished his retelling. “To make a very long story short, my ancestor had to go around finding elemental medallions in various places. Once he had gathered enough of these medallions, and various weapons, he climbed the castle and faced the warlock in the throne room. He rescued the princess, and they had to escape the falling tower. Once they had done so, my ancestor had to fight a boar demon - the warlock’s transformation - and won. He was sent back to relive his childhood with the ocarina, but some form of him stayed behind. He was mostly forgotten, and lived in regret until he met me.”

“A fascinating tale. What does your ancestor look like now?”

“A skeleton, wearing decayed armor and clothes, has a broken shield and sword. He lost an eye at some point, the remaining one glows red.”

“I see. What is your homeland like?” Galsdar asked.

“Hyrule has many different regions. Sprawling forests, a vast desert, lots of open plains and fields, highlands, snow capped mountains, a volcano…”

“Sounds a lot like Tamriel, although I suppose this ‘Hyrule’ is a lot smaller.”

“It is.”

Galsdar checked the notes he had been writing. “I think that’s all of the questions I want to ask now.”

“There’s something else, though. My ancestor was granted the ability to turn into a golden wolf after death.”

“Is that so? Why do you wish to tell me this?”

“Because I can also turn into a wolf.”

Galsdar set down the notes on a nearby table. “Really? Show me.”

Link nodded and showed Galsdar the crystal necklace. “This is the curse shard, it’s what allows me to turn into a wolf.” He then demonstrated; a black fog surrounding the youth and when it vanished, a black and white wolf was sitting where Link had been.

“Remarkable.” Galsdar said. “You can turn back now.”

The wolf nodded and a black fog surrounded the creature, then Link was back to normal. “I gained this ability not long after I left my home village, but I wasn’t after to control it until I gained a sword that repels curses.”

“Why can you control it now?”

“I don’t know. Since I got here, I assumed it was because of this realm’s magic.” Link responded.

Galsdar looked out a nearby window. “It’s late, we can continue discussing this tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Link got up from the chair he had been sitting in and returned to his room, where he soon fell asleep on the bed.

“Do you mind going out and foraging again?” Galsdar asked Link the next morning.

“Sure. What do you need?”

“Anything, really. Whatever you can find.”

Link left the tower soon after, taking Epona with him as he set out to find various ingredients.

He found various plants scattered about, such as mountain flowers and mushrooms, as well as chitin from mudcrabs.

Link came across an empty bird nest at some point that had feathers in it. He took those and continued on his way, and soon after, he found a boar in a forest clearing.

He silently got down from Epona’s back, took out his bow, notched an iron arrow to the bowstring and looked down the arrow at the blissfully unaware boar that was eating some nearby grass. He tracked the beast’s movements for a while before the Hylian released the arrow, sending it into the boar’s neck. As the creature fell to the ground, Link ran over to the boar, then knelt beside it and quickly slit its throat with the retrieved arrow.

Link then spent several minutes carving the boar, separating the fur from the edible meat and burying what wasn’t safe for normal consumption. He then gathered the edible meat and wrapped it in various lengths of parchment before he secured the boat meat to Epona’s saddle and vaulted onto her back, then headed back to the tower.

However, the Dark Elf had something in mind when Link returned and set the items he had gathered in the foraging table. Once Link had found a chair to sit in and rest, Galsdar joined him in a nearby chair.

“That mark on your left hand. What is it?”

Link looked down at his left hand. “It’s called the Triforce. There’s three separate pieces - Wisdom, Power, and Courage. I have Courage, a powerful warlock has Power, and the ruling Queen has Wisdom.”

“A warlock… How ‘powerful’ are they?”

Link looked up at Galsdar. “Very. All of the spells that I’ve seen here in Skyrim, he was capable of casting. He was able to control various dark magics, and he knew his way around a sword.”

“When I was healing you the first day, I saw a wound that ran from your left shoulder, across your body, down to your right side.”

“That was from him during our battle outside the castle. I ended up killing him, but it nearly cost me my life… I spent, I think, two weeks unconscious, and many more days recovering after I woke up.”

Galsdar leaned back in his chair. “I see. Has that injury affected your ability to fight at all?”

“It hurts sometimes… But not really.”

“Does this… Triforce… grant the owner any special powers?”

“I’m good with weapons, the holder of Wisdom is smart and can use holy magic, and Power can cast dark magic and turn into a massive pig creature.”

“Is your wolf transformation… a side effect?” Darevalo asked.

“Courage prevented me from turning into a spirit, and I was turned into a wolf instead, so I suppose it is.”

‘And the boy’s ancestor could also turn into a wolf…’

Galsdar thought to himself. “This Triforce, did your ancestor also possess it?”

“Yes, it chooses one person out of each era.”

“What if there was a way we could somehow tap into this Triforce of yours…” Galsdar pondered aloud. “There must be some way…” The Dark Elf shook his head. “We can discuss this tomorrow, with how long you were gone for today, you must be wanting to rest. Go on.”

“Are you sure? You don’t want to know the history of the Triforce or anything?”

“I do, but you can simply write whatever you want down and give to me later on.” Galsdar responded as he got up from the chair and went to inspect the ingredients and items on the table.

Link soon went to his room and found some pages, then spent an hour or two writing all that he could remember about the Triforce, and how it had affected the history of Hyrule and it’s various races throughout the ages, before he became too tired to continue and soon fell asleep on the bed after waiting for the ink to dry on the pages.

Galsdar entered Link’s room the next morning and found the pages on the table. The Dark Elf scrutinized the words he read, taking them back to his quarters as he waited for his apprentice to awaken.

He learned that this Triforce was a divine artifact, much like those of the Daedra, if all three pieces were combined with one user, that person could be granted a wish, and that the artifact would grant that wish, no matter how devastating or heinous - for the artifact had no sense of right or wrong, it simply granted whatever was asked of it.

Soon, Link woke up, and Galsdar confronted him about the pages’ contents.

“This Triforce of yours could be used as a catalyst if we’re able to tap into its magic.” Galsdar stated.

“What do you mean?”

Galsdar held out a hand. “Let me look at the artifact.”

“I can’t just - it’s not something I can summon. If you want to study it on my hand, that’s one thing.” Link placed his left hand in Galsdar’s right and stood there awkwardly.

“Hmmm… Yes this is divine, alright, I can sense the same energy that Dawnbreaker has.” Murmured the Dark Elf. “When does it usually activate?”

“Not sure. I suppose when I’m in great danger or in a fight. Why do you ask?”

“If we can get it to activate outside of battle, perhaps we can use it to summon your ancestor, as you said this artifact also chose him. Therefore, the two of you have a connection through it.” Darevalo explained, letting go of Link’s hand as he examined the pages again. “Figuring out exactly how the spell works will take some time, why don't you go and continue to practice your spells?” He suggested.

“Sure.” Link left Galsdar to his own devices and went to another section of the tower, where he began by summoning the Flame Atronach.

The flame woman appeared in sparks and spun around in a circle. Her face appeared to lit up as she saw Link and flew towards him, enveloping him in a hug.

Link expected to be burned alive, but that didn't happen. It felt like he was standing in warmth, the usual coldness of the stone tower vanished for a while until the Flame Atronach flew backwards and moved in a backwards circle before disappearing in a wave of flames.

Once the Flame Atronach vanished, he then summoned the Clannfear, except nothing happened.

He tried again, thinking of the contract, and this time was successful. The Clannfear knocked Link over and chirped at him. Link rose to a sitting position as the Clannfear fell against him and rested its head on one of his legs like a loyal dog.

The Clannfear soon returned to Oblivion and he got up and summoned the Frost Atronach.

The Frost Atronach towered above Link and looked down at him with an unreadable expression. It then turned and made a mock punch at the air, then straightened and then stomped at the ground, creating four large icicles around it. The icicles soon vanished and the Daedra turned to Link and bowed, then disappeared in ice particles.

Once the Frost Atronach vanished, he then began by finding a broken down skeleton and using Reanimate Corpse on it.

There was no effect, so Link tried again, and this time the familiar blue energy left his hand and struck the pile of bones. The skeleton soon rose as it reformed and wandered off.

Link found an empty soul gem on a table and decided to try Soul Trap again, so he went off to find a suitable creature to fill the soul gem with. He found a Skeever lurking in the storage room and he recited “Soul Trap” before drawing a dagger and killing the rodent. Just like before, a white mist rose from the creature and entered the soul gem, turning it a purple color.

Link felt as if his magicka was depleted, so he then left the tower to check on Epona, and spent some time looking over the riding gear and making sure her coat was clean and smooth. Cobalt crawled out of the pack at some point and made himself at home on Epona’s back like a cat.

Link returned Epona to the small stables, Cobalt was put back in the pack, and Link walked back to the tower, as he felt his magicka had replenished itself. He found Galsdar still looking over the pages. “Are there any new spells I can learn?”

Galsdar looked up and set the pages down on the table. “What is your knowledge of Destruction magic?”

“What is Destruction?”

“Magic that hurts others directly. The most common are Frost, Fire, and Shock, with spells of varying effects and difficulties.” Galsdar tapped a finger on a tome that had been lying on the table, Link recognized the symbol as the palm with flaming fingers.

“I know Fireball and Flames.”

Galsdar got up from the chair he had been sitting in and walked over to a nearby bookshelf, then took two tomes off of it, walked over to Link, and handed the tomes to him. “You should catch up with the other elements. These are Frostbite and Sparks. Practice them well.”

Link took the two tomes and opened Frostbite first. He felt the knowledge be absorbed into his mind, then he did the same with Sparks. Both tomes turned to dust and Link went off to practice his new spells.

He left the tower again and found several hay bales in the stables. He dragged one out onto the grass and decided to test Sparks first.

"Sparks.” Nothing happened. Link recited the spell again, this time there was a small ball of lightning in his hand that shot out small arcs of electricity. He tried a third time, and an arc of lightning shot out and struck the hay bale, causing it to burst into flames.

He then tried out Frostbite on the same hay bale. “Frostbite.” Nothing happened on the first attempt, save for ice particles swirling around his outstretched hand. The second attempt was much better, as a wave of ice launched itself from his hand towards the burning hay bale. The fire was put out by the ice particles as they impaled the hay bale, and the ice melted away soon after.

Satisfied with his ability to learn spells more quickly, Link went back to the tower and returned to his room for the day.

The next morning, Link had woken up before Galsdar, and was thinking about what he had learned so far.

‘I’ve learned a lot about Conjuration. Elemental spells, how to summon things…’

He then got an idea.

‘I could summon something on my own, I know how the general spells and summoning work, it shouldn’t be that hard.’

Then he thought about it some more.

‘If the summoning does work, maybe I can summon Shade… Maybe I can find a way to get back home…’

‘Yet Galsdar wouldn’t want me to do this… I’ll have to do this in secret.’

Link traveled up to the third floor in silence and called open his magic, then opened a connection to Oblivion. Since there was no spell this time, he wasn’t summoning anything in particular. He didn’t expect something to answer his call, though.

Link attempted to grasp whatever had answered his call and bind it to a contract like he had done with the other Daedra, but to his surprise, whatever he had connected with rejected the offered contract.

‘I don’t think that’s supposed to happen.’

Now having second thoughts, Link attempted to cut the connection with Oblivion, only to find that he couldn’t. Whatever had contacted him had latched onto his magic and wasn’t letting go.

‘No, it’s not. I sort of regret this.’

Link attempted to forcefully cut the connection, only for the magic to cause an overload.

There was an explosion and he was thrown back against the nearby wall by the spell overloading. Link watched as something rose from the ground from an opening Oblivion portal, some sort of armored creature.

The armor wearing creature looked around as the portal closed before it spotted Link. “Are you the one who summoned me? Foolish mortal, you do not understand what you are meddling in.” The creature drew its sword and advanced upon the downed warrior.

Link had turned into a wolf and had retreated a safe distance before turning back. “What are you?”

The creature turned towards him. Link was able to see this creature better - they had black hair, red face paint, grey skin, curved horns on their head, and they wore strange armor. “A Dremora Lord. A powerful Daedra that not even the most skilled wish to summon.” The creature answered with a savage, yet proud grin, showing its rotten and sharp teeth.

‘So this is what that rejection was.’

Link very quickly recognized his grave error and he drew Dawnbreaker, noting that the Dremora Lord took a step back.

‘I deeply regret this now.’

“So you are the Keeper’s current champion.” The Dremora Lord grinned. “This shall be quick.” The Dremora slowly made his way over to Link, allowing him to get into a defensive position and attempt to figure out what the Dremora was going to do.

The Dremora Lord suddenly charged at Link, who quickly executed a backflip and, with quick thinking, attempted a technique he had learned. He retracted his arm back, then swung Dawnbreaker at the Dremora Lord as he tried to get behind the creature. It wasn’t exactly a Jump Strike, but it was close enough.

The Dremora caught Link’s sword as he fell towards the ground in its blade’s crossguard and Link’s wrist was almost forced from its socket. Link was able to free himself though, and retreated while nursing his sore wrist.

‘It’s not taking any of this seriously.’

Link thought as he watched the Dremora Lord start to playfully swing its sword while still grinning and advancing towards him.

‘Time to change that.’

Link brought his shield to bear and waited for the Dremora Lord to get close, then ran forward to perform another technique, Shield Bash, but the Dremora leapt back before Link was able to pull off the move.

‘Need to get behind it.’

Link backed away and waited for the Dremora to attack, then he dodged and rolled to get behind the creature. He then ran up and slashed upward with Dawnbreaker, slicing the armor open and ducked as the Dremora Lord whirled around. Link then rolled again and came up behind the creature again, then attempted another Shield Bash.

But the Dremora Lord had caught on, and sent Link away with a sword swipe. Link managed to land on his feet when he landed and skidded across the floor a bit before he regained his balance. As he began to move again, he felt his chest start to sting and he looked down. He had received a large cut across his chest.

Link then ducked as a spell was sent in his direction. It looked like a fiery lightning bolt.

‘What spell is that?’

The Dremora Lord prepared another spell and Link readied himself. As the spell was cast, the Dremora called out “I will feast on your heart!”

Link cast Flames and the two fire spells collided in the air, sending fiery sparks in all directions. The Hylian was momentarily blinded by sparks and he took several steps back as he tried to clear his vision.

The Dremora Lord was before him when his vision cleared and Link had no time to defend himself as the creature cast the fire spell again and swung its sword in his direction.

Link took the fire spell directly to the face and reached out and caught the weapon by the blade with his left hand. He fought through the pain and slowly drove back the sword from impaling his person. Link gathered his strength and shoved the Dremora Lord back, favoring his sword hand as he switched Dawnbreaker to his right, his shield to his left, and tried to clear his vision of ash.

“You are weak, mortal.” The Dremora stated as he swung his sword again, Link managed to block the attack with Dawnbreaker, feeling his grip on the shield grow weaker until he dropped it.

The Dremora Lord cast some sort of ward or barrier when Link took Dawnbreaker in both hands and ran forward, causing the Hylian to hit the barrier and fall to the ground.

Link rolled to the right as the Dremora slammed the greatsword into the ground, leaving glowing cuts in the stone floor as Link grabbed Dawnbreaker and got up.

‘I think it’s taking this seriously now.’

Link thought as he backed away, then remembered he had acquired new spells. He cast Frostbite, then Sparks at the Dremora Lord, but didn’t expect the creature to raise its sword and block the attack. Or rather, block and send the spells flying back at Link.

Link was hit with ice, then electricity and he fell to the ground, somewhat frozen and paralyzed as he tried to get up, but to no avail.

But then, as the Dremora Lord advanced upon the downed warrior and started to raise its flaming greatsword, a barrier of sorts appeared in front of the Dremora. “What is this?”

Galsdar appeared in Link’s line of sight, his face distorted with fury and fear, but also relief. “You’re alive,” he said aloud as to confirm it before he stepped over Link and raised his staff, creating a ward behind him as he approached the Dremora Lord; the barrier before it faded away.

The Dremora noticed Galasdar and laughed. “A new challenger, and a Necromancer as well! Come, face me in battle, I will end you just as I nearly did him.”

Galsdar raised his staff. “You nearly killed him, my apprentice, when he summoned you as a reckless,

foolish

mistake.” His voice was but a whisper filled with fear and rage.

“Your apprentice? Is that who he is? Perhaps you should know his whereabouts!” The Dremora Lord cast Firebolt in Galsdar’s direction, but the Dark Elf reflected it with a ward spell and then swung his staff at the Dremora, who fell into a summoned Oblivion portal. The portal then closed and Galsdar leaned heavily on his staff.

“Are you injured?” He managed to ask, looking back over his shoulder at his downed apprentice.

Link had regained some of his magicka and he cast Fast Healing on himself until his magicka depleted again. “Yes.”

Galsdar crossed the room and knelt beside Link, then helped him rise to a sitting position and looked him over.

“I thought that if I created a new spell, I could summon Shade, maybe even get back home.” Link uttered bitterly as he closed his eyes and leaned back against the Necromancer. “Now I realize just how

stupid

that was.”

Galsdar said nothing as he continued to look Link over, and Link made no movement to go and retrieve his weapons.

Link opened his eyes and looked up. “Galsdar, are you angry with me?”

“Yes, yes I am, Link.” Darevalo said quietly as he deemed Link to be in stable condition. “I told you

several

times that Oblivion is dangerous, nor did you heed my warnings. It was

very

reckless of you to even

attempt

to play with such powerful magic in your current state when you’ve barely even learned anything -“ Galasdar stopped mid sentence and closed his eyes, then took a deep breath. “….I’m just glad I found you in time.” He whispered.

It was then Link knew how much Galsdar cared about him and he went silent, staring at the nearest wall as he struggled to come up with some response.

Galsdar opened his eyes and began to heal Link as needed. “I hope you realize that a punishment is needed for this.”

“Which is?” Link was brought out of his thoughts.

“I think cleaning out the stables is a fine punishment.”

“The stables?” Link gave Galsdar a confused look. “Why? That doesn’t seem suitable for what I did.”

Galsdar got up from his kneeling position. “Can you stand?”

“I won’t know until I try, let’s find out.”

Galsdar inspected Link’s left hand. “It’s scarred now, but should still be functional.” He then offered a hand to Link, and the Hylian took it, then slowly rose to his feet. “As I was saying, you need to learn discipline and responsibilities, it seems. I can’t recall when the stables were last cleaned. You have the rest of the day to clean them, and I want the entire area practically spotless.”

“Sure.”

The Dark Elf blinked in surprise. “I’m sorry, I thought I heard you

agree

to your punishment.”

“I did. I used to tend to goats back home. Should be similar.” Link responded. “Might help to take my mind off of… this.”

Galsdar looked Link over one last time before he walked over and picked up the sword and shield, then returned the items to Link. “Very well. Come find me when you’re done, I’ll keep thinking of a way to use your artifact.”

Link adjusted the sword and shield and then made his way down the tower and out to the stables.

The first thing he did was take Epona out of the stables, then assessed them for a while.

There was the ash from the day before, refuse coating every surface of the wood structure, and there were holes in the walls and roof.

Link started by clearing away the ash as much as he could, then he returned to the tower and found various items; such as a broom and rags to clean the wood and floor.

He then returned to the stables and began to sweep away the refuse on the floor, then found a filled water trough up against an outside wall, wet the rags he had taken from the tower, and began to scrub and wipe down the stable interior.

This took a few hours. Once the inside was relatively clean, he started on the outside. Link wasn’t sure if Galasdar wanted the holes in the roof and walls to be fixed, so he left those alone for the time being.

He discovered a dead Skeever family in the back of the stables and he took some time carting the bodies away and cleaning the area he found them in. Link then found somewhat fresh hay bales in an offshoot of the stables and placed them where he thought they would look nice.

Link went out to the water trough and tipped it over on its side, then found a clean wooden bucket, went to the river under the bridge, and made several trips back and forth from the river to the water trough to fill it with water.

Finally, Link deemed the stables to be clean, other than the holes in the roof and walls. He went off to find Galsdar in the tower, who was sitting at a table looking over notes.

“It’s clean.”

Galsdar looked over his shoulder. “Is that so? Let me see.” The Dark Elf got up from the table and followed Link outside the stables, then began to inspect them.

“I didn’t know what to do about the holes in the roof and walls.”

“Those can be fixed… But you did a remarkable job. I’m impressed.” Galsdar stated as Link brought Epona in and tied the rope around her neck to a fence pole.

“Like I said, I tended to goats back home.”

“It’s been a very long day for both of us. Go some rest, we’ll continue your training tomorrow.” Darevalo responded as he walked past Link towards the tower, then stopped and looked back. “Cleanse yourself before you return to the tower, I don’t want my living space smelling like the stables.” Then Galsdar continued walking.

Link looked down at himself. In addition to the bloodstains from the Dremora fight, there was also refuse and bits of hay stuck to his clothes. “…Right…”

Several minutes later, Link returned to the tower after taking a swim in the river. He found new clothes and switched them with the old ones, then went to bed and fell asleep soon after.

It was the eleventh day of Link’s training. Galsdar had also suggested another foraging trip that morning.

And so here he was, attempting to catch fish.

Fortunately, being a wolf was a lot better than being human for this.

The canine’s jaws snapped shut around a salmon, bright red caviar spraying in all directions as the wolf waded from the river’s flow and dropped the salmon on the slowly growing pile of assorted fish, then laid down beside it, breathing heavily as he looked out at the landscape before him.

After a while, Link examined the pile of fish and deemed it good enough for Galasdar, if not, then he’d just return here later.

However, the fish had attracted unwanted attention. A bear was lumbering towards Link along the stream bank.

Link eyed the large creature warily, moving to stand in front of the fish basket as the bear continued to shuffle in his direction.

Link heard a chirping noise and saw Cobalt struggle to free himself from the nearby dropped pack, the hatchling then ran over to Link and then noticed the bear. The dragon tried to roar at the bear, but only succeeded in making a tiny squeaking noise.

The bear roared and charged Link, who managed to avoid the attack and then bent down, then leapt forward, claws and fangs bared as he latched onto the bear’s side. He tasted blood and fat as his fang sank into the larger carnivore’s body and he started trying to gouge the bear’s exposed stomach with his claws.

The beast screeched in anger and pain, its eyes locking onto the lone wolf as it sent Link spinning away with a claw swipe to the side.

Link watched as Cobalt crawled towards the bear and struggled to rise from where he had been thrown, his panic and fear rising as he saw the bear focus its attention on the dragon hatchling.

Cobalt lunged at one of the bear’s legs, latching on with tiny sharp fangs as the enraged carnivore growled and tried to shake Cobalt off. When that didn’t work, the bear raised a paw and raked its claws down the hatchling’s back.

The bear only had a second to acknowledge the dragon’s cry of pain before it was rammed in the side by Link, who then leapt towards the bear’s face and sank his fangs into the beast’s maw, then began to tear away the yielding flesh.

The wolf was freed, spitting out a part of the bear’s face as the beast roared and clawed at its injury. Cobalt made the injury worse by running up and biting it, then darting away as the carnivore blindly swung a paw in his direction.

This fight was becoming somewhat boring to Link, and he wanted it to end fairly quickly, so while the bear was still pawing at its face, he ran around its side and snuck up behind it, then bent down and leapt towards its neck.

The wolf felt muscle, fat, and bone break under his fangs as blood filled his mouth, himself being tossed around as the bear entered its death throes. Link still held on, securing his grip as he tightened his hold on the bear’s neck; it slowly stopped moving and fell to the ground, no longer breathing.

Link slowly loosened his hold on the bear’s neck, then fell to the ground beside the newly made corpse and closed his eyes as he tried to get his breathing back to normal. After what seemed to be a few minutes, he heard worried chirping, causing the wolf to open his eyes to see Cobalt looking down at him.

The wolf got up and wandered over to the stream, then entered it to cleanse himself. Once he exited the stream, he shook his fur, water flying in all directions as a dark fog surrounded him, covering his shifting form as he shot upwards to return to normal.

Link then took the time to skin the bear and fold the furs, then he cut up as much meat as he could and wrapped meat with the furs.

After Link got his bearings, he gathered the fish into a nearby basket, picked up Cobalt, and the fur wrapped meat, and headed back to the tower.

Once he reached the tower, he was greeted by Galsdar. “What happened to you?”

Link set everything down on the nearest table. “Caught fish, fought and killed a bear who wanted the fish.”

Galsdar approached the table and looked everything over. “So that’s where you’ve been.”

Link attempted a shrug. “You told me to forage earlier, so I decided to fish.”

The Dark Elf nodded. “I see. There’s a few more ingredients that I want you to find, but let’s save that for tomorrow. When you return from foraging, I’ll teach you more spells, I noticed you don’t have a familiar, so we’ll take care of that tomorrow as well.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Galsdar waved Link off and the Hylian wandered off to his room and fell asleep soon after.

“You’re off for more foraging today. I need feathers and more plants.” Darevalo told Link the next morning.

“Am I using that book again?”

“Yes.” Galsdar handed Link the

Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim

book from a nearby shelf. “Take all the time you need.”

Link soon left the tower and went off into the nearby forest.

He found Felsaad Tern feathers caught in a bush at knee level, when he looked behind the bush, he found the tower of the feathers, half eaten by some predator. He took the feathers and continued on his way.

Link found various colored mountain flowers in a forest clearing, as well as Deathbells, Blisterwort, and Bleeding Crown mushrooms. He took all that he could and put them in his pack, then checked the book.

It said that Grass Pods, Canis Root, and Giant Lichens were found in the region, so Link went off and searched for those.

He found the plants around a hawk nest. There were claws and feathers in this nest, he took all of the ingredients and then decided to head back to the tower.

There was a note from Galsdar on the table when Link returned.

“Here are two spell tomes for you to use, Conjure Familiar and Bound Sword. I’m still working on that spell, but I left to forage for some ingredients myself. I will be back shortly.”

The first tome was Conjure Familiar. Link picked it up and opened it, as he did the spell was absorbed into his mind. He then picked up the Bound Sword tome, opened it, and absorbed the spell into his mind as the tome turned to dust.

He heard Galsdar’s voice behind him. “Good afternoon.”

Link turned around. “Hello.”

“Your magicka reserve has grown slightly from all of your training.”

“It can do that?”

Galsdar nodded. “Yes. Just as your skill with weapons can increase, so can your prowess with magic.”

The Dark Elf motioned for Link to follow him as he left the room. Once the two reached an open area of the tower, Galasdar stopped and turned to face Link.

“Before we begin, I must tell you that unlike other Conjuration spells, to summon your Familiar, you must call a spirit of Nirn to your side instead of a Daedra from Oblivion.” Galsdar explained. “They are spirits that reside in Mundus, and we can call upon them to help us.”

“Okay.”

“Let me summon mine to demonstrate.” As Galsdar said this, a spectral owl appeared and flew up to the Dark Elf’s shoulder. “All you need to do is think of asking a spirit of Nirn to answer your call and come to your aid. Try to summon your Familiar now.”

Link nodded and recited the spell as he thought of not exactly a contract, more like merely asking for some creature to answer him. “Conjure Familiar.” A purple mist formed in his hand and he threw the spell at the ground. He watched as the mist turned into a spectral snake.

Link watched as the snake slowly approached him and hissed. When he reached down, the coldness of the snake’s nose touching his hand felt real. He looked back at Galsdar for approval.

“A snake… Interesting… You’re seemingly blessed by Orkey..” Galsdar commented. “Try the other spell next.”

“Bound Sword.” A purple ball appeared in Link’s hand and as he said the spell, it vanished with a

crack

. He watched as a purple flaming sword appeared in his hand. “I thought it would take more attempts.”

“The reason you find these two spells easier to cast is because they are Novice spells, and you have moved onto Apprentice and Adept spells.”

“What do you mean?”

“In Nirn, there are five levels of spell difficulty. Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, and Master.” Galsdar explained. “You have progressed in your learning ability and you could also learn to retain more magicka when casting spells.”

Link was surprised to learn that was possible. “How?”

“It’s not something that can be taught, you’ll have to discover that yourself.” Galsdar responded.

“Seems reasonable.” Link cast Bound Sword again, then once the sword vanished from his hand, he cast it a third time.

Once the sword disappeared again, he then summoned his familiar. The snake slithered towards him, its forked tongue flicking in and out of its mouth as the creature raised itself into a coiled position.

The snake then vanished, and Link summoned it again. This time, he knelt down and watched as the snake wound itself around his arm and stared up at him.

Link noticed tiny flaws in that what he did wasted magicka constructing the sword and the snake’s body.

Then something clicked inside his mind. He dismissed the snake, then resummoned it, then conjured the sword, noticing that he had only used up half of his magicka this time.

‘I can cast spells with half the magicka now. Galasdar was right.’

Link thought to himself as he mentally went over the other spells that he knew, and realized that what he had discovered wasn’t compatible with the incantations of those spells.

‘These two Novice spells at least.’

“Can this ‘saving magicka when casting’ happen with other spells?”

“Absolutely, each level of each school has, let’s call them ‘quirks’ that you can use to save your magicka. There are other things you can learn on your own, such as making your spells stronger by dual casting; for another example, you can learn to keep your reanimated corpses intact and not turn to dust when the spell wears off.” Galsdar then continued. “You can also have more than one Conjuration at the time, and your spells can be cast much quieter.”

Link nodded, silently taking this information in.

‘Neat.’

“You can return to foraging, I still need to double check things for the eventual spell cast.” Galsdar stated, then left the room.

Link left the tower and walked to the stables, then brought Epona out, vaulted onto her back, and took off away from the tower.

He didn’t exactly know what to search for, but he still had the book, so he absentmindedly flipped through it as Epona slowed to a walk while they passed through an empty field.

Cobalt crawled out of the bag and onto Link’s right shoulder, Link then got an idea and summoned his Familiar, and watched as the snake curled up in a ball around the saddle horn. It looked comfortable enough.

Link reached out and felt the snake’s tongue flicker over his hand a few times as it hissed at him in what he thought was a friendly tone. “Hello.”

The snake bobbed its head up and down and hissed again, then shifted and closed its eyes, as if it was falling asleep.

The creature then vanished a few seconds later and Link chose to tap Epona’s sides, which made her speed up a bit more. “Let’s see here… He didn’t give me a list this time…”

Link looked over the book a few more times, then decided to just forage for random things, and he let Epona break out into a canter as the tower got further and further away behind them…

“Sparks.” An arc of lightning hit a lone boulder before the tower.

‘This should be working, right? I should be able to use half my magicka with other spells…’

Link had been out there for a while, practicing his spells, attempting to save half of his magicka when casting the other conjuring and destruction spells, but he always felt somewhat weak around the usual cast rate.

‘… This isn’t working.’

Link thought as he readied Flames, then cast it at the boulder. He then cast Frostbite and Sparks, feeling the now familiar depletion of his magicka. Any further attempts were interrupted by Galsdar showing up.

“I’ve found a place where we can perform the spell, follow me.” Galsdar led Link deep into the nearby forest, to a run down and destroyed tower. “I’ve set up a ritual that is meant to reach out to far beyond, even more so than Oblivion. I do not know if your homeland is an undiscovered part of Nirn, Aetherius, or even Mundus, but I intend to reach out to it.”

“How will that work?”

“Much like you summoning your Familiar, or making a contract for Oblivion, this summoning will be mostly the same.” Galsdar explained. “But I must know, what else does your artifact do?”

“It… bolsters my emotions and as I already said before, I’m good with weapons. As soon as I pick one up, I know how to use it,.” Link had never really thought about it before.

“Anything else?”

“When I was being corrupted by the Twilight - it’s a dark magic in my world - my Triforce protected me from turning into a spirit, and I turned into a wolf instead. It also reacts whenever I'm near Daedric Princes, like Sheogorath.”

“What do you mean?”

“I met him.” Link held out a hand and summoned the Wabbajack, showing it to Galsdar.

“I don’t believe it… Yet that artifact is real… Where did you meet him?”

“In the Blue Palace. It’s a long story.”

“Interesting.” Galsdar looked up at the sky. “We shall attempt the spells tomorrow due to the position of the twin moons and stars.”

“Why tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow is the best time in the reasonable future for the alignment. Certain spells need specific star and moon alignments to be successful.” Galsdar explained as he showed Link how the ritual would work. “See these soul gems on the table? We’ll be using these to power the ritual. You’ll need to form a bond with your ancestor over the course of the summoning, so that we can summon him to Nirn.”

“Sounds easy enough.”

Galsdar gave Link a smile, not one of agreement, but one that told Link the summoning would be anything but easy.

“Here. These are Ice Spike and Lightning Bolt.” Galsdar handed Link the two tomes. “You should practice your aim while using these spells.”

“Why?”

“Because these take precision to cast, they’re not like frostbite where it’s just a wave, it’s a single projectile.” Galsdar explained. “A missed spell is nothing more than wasted magicka, and could be the last thing you ever do.” He added ominously.

Link nodded and went off to learn the new spells. He opened the Ice Spike tome first, it turned to dust and he felt the spell be absorbed into his mind. He then opened the Lightning Bolt tome, it turned to dust, and he absorbed that spell as well.

He decided to try Lightning Bolt first, and recited the spell, choosing to aim the conjured lightning ball in his hand at a nearby mountain.

He then cast the spell, but he watched as it hit the ground and burnt the grass.

He tried again, and this attempt caused the electricity to arc off into the sky above him.

‘Why am I not aiming well? Is it because I’m used to it with weapons and not spells?’

Nothing happened. Link tried again, but there was nothing but small arcs of electricity. He tried a fifth time, and was rewarded for his efforts.

The sky lit up and there was a booming

crack

as a lightning bolt hit the mountainside opposite the river.

Once Link got over his surprise, he couldn’t help but grin.

‘I like this spell. I like this spell a

lot

.’

He then tried Ice Spike. When he recited the spell, a blue light mist formed inside his fist and started leaking out of his closed hand along with the noise of ice forming. Link kept his hand facing the mountain and waited.

Once the noise of the ice forming had stopped, it left the quiet hum of magicka behind. Link knew it was ready, so he let go and threw the spell at the mountainside.

Ice Spike had a better start, as it hit just one meter off of Link’s mental target.

He tried a second time, and was successful. A large icicle was launched from his hand over the river and it embedded itself into the mountain side.

‘These spells are pretty useful.’

Link tried Ice Spike again, and a smaller icicle flew across the river and cut the larger one in half as it cut into the mountainside.

‘Wait, if I have to charge Ice Spike to use it… I didn’t do that for Lightning Bolt…’

Link recited Lightning Bolt again, and instead of just outright casting it, he waited. Dark blue light appeared in his hand as he heard the sound of crackling electricity, both light and sound grew in intensity until they stopped.

Link then cast the charged spell, and he was momentarily blinded by the bright flash of light that followed as the lightning bolt struck the two icicles.

Once Link regained his sight, he saw that the lightning had scarred the mountainside and had melted the two Ice Spikes.

‘I have to charge these. That’s why Lightning Bolt didn’t exactly work the first time I cast it.’

Link felt proud of himself for figuring this out on his own.

He continued to practice charging and casting Ice Spike, Lightning Bolt, and Fireball for a while, then returned to the stables to check on Epona.

As Link took out the house of the stables and hugged her, his thoughts started to wander.

‘I get to see him again. It’s been… two months I think since I was in Hyrule…’

Link couldn’t help but start to feel excitement.

‘I have so much to tell him…’

Cobalt crawled out of the pack to see what was going on and leapt to Link’s right shoulder. The hatchling gave Link’s offered hand light bites of affection - not breaking the skin, but just putting pressure on the hand.

“I just hope the spell works out.” Link retracted the hand and returned Cobalt to the pack before he walked Epona back to the stables and tied her up, then returned to the tower to await the next day.

“Okay, I think we're ready.” Galsdar stated as he made last second preparations.

It was late at night, and Link and Galsdar were at the ritual site, about to attempt to summon Link’s ancestor.

“What do I need to do?” Link asked. Galsdar had given him the entire day off to keep his magicka full for the ritual. He had been taking care of Cobalt and Epona, but for the entire day he hadn’t been able to hold his excitement and anxiety back.

“Place your hand inside the circle, here.” Galsdar pointed to a place on the ground with arcane symbols and a small palm-sized circle on it. “Then we can begin.”

There were several filled soul gems on the ground around the circle, and next to it, right in front of Galsdar, was a larger circle intended for the summoning itself. It too, had several filled soul gems and runes surrounding it.

Link walked over and placed his left hand on the smaller circle after moving to a comfortable sitting position. He felt magic attempt to tap into the Triforce, and it began to glow as well as pulse a few times before it dimmed.

Galsdar took his place opposite Link. “We will use your artifact as a guide, to help us reach your realm and summon your ancestor. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Then let us begin.” Galsdar stated as he closed his eyes and began chanting in an unknown language to Link.

Link had a familiar feeling to the extra sense he had when he had reached out to Oblivion, only this time it was him and Galsdar’s senses merged as one, which felt weird to Link. Galsdar, the stronger of the two, was in control.

Galsdar at some point in his chanting, began to search for another realm. A realm which Link had described a few days earlier.

First, they searched Mundus, but there was nothing to react to. Next, they searched Oblivion, Link was impressed at how snakelike and skillful Galsdar’s movements were at dodging the Daedra. Then, after finding nothing, they pierced the veil of Oblivion and moved onto Aetherius, where Link felt its pure magic for the first time.

After finding nothing there, they moved on, going far beyond Aetherius in the hopes of reaching the new realm. This strained them both, but thankfully, they eventually found a realm that the Triforce reacted to. It suddenly became emblazoned, like it had been set on fire.

Both Galsdar and Link dove into this realm, looking for someone with a connection to the Triforce.

The two eventually felt something, like a presence watching them. The presence didn’t seem hostile, but curious.

Galsdar paused in his chanting briefly. “Do you feel that?“

“I do.”

“Focus on it.”

And so Link did, and the more he focused on this presence, the more familiar it became.

“Is this presence your ancestor?”

The curiosity turned to questioning, which turned to outright joy and elation.

“Galsdar, we found him.”

“Excellent! Now, form a bond with your ancestor.”

“Like the contract?”

“Something like that, yes.“

And so, Link focused more on the presence and he began to set up the bond. He thought of Shade, who he was, what he was, who he had been as a person and how Shade had helped him on his adventure.

Link felt something connect to his mind and he motioned to Galsdar to start activating the soul gems.

The soul gems began to glow as the bond was formed, and slowly, Shade started to be pulled into Nirn.

A portal appeared, one that showed rolling fields and a massive castle in the distance, its spires vanishing behind clouds.

Something stepped from the portal as it vanished, a  skeleton that was wearing rusted armor, a tattered red cape, and it had a sword, a shield, and a single glowing red eye. “How peculiar, this isn’t where I was.”

Galsdar stepped forward. “What is your name?”

“My name was lost over the centuries, but you may call me Shade. Who might you be?” The undead warrior leaned on his sword and gazed at the Dark Elf.

“I am Galsdar Darevalo, an experienced Necromancer. My young charge and I summoned you from your home plane of existence.”

“Did you now… Intriguing. And who might this charge of yours be?” Shade’s head turned to the right, his gaze fell on Link and he went silent. The single eye went wide. Then he smiled. “Of course.” He said softly. “I didn’t believe it at first when I felt your presence, but I am glad to see you.”

Galsdar watched on as Link got up, then swiftly walked over to the skeleton and hugged him. “I assume you’re the one Link calls his ancestor?”

“He is my direct descendant, over the course of five centuries from when I passed on due to old age in my slumber.” Shade explained as he returned the hug.

“I see.” Darevalo nodded. “How does it feel to be so close to a living descendant, I wonder…”

“I feel as if he is my own son. I saved his life many times back home, let him speak his mind when he had no one else to talk to, taught him all I knew about weaponry.” Shade explained.

Shade then slowly vanished from view. “I am afraid the summoning spell is temporary and will need many days to recharge. With that said, as you continue to practice the spell, you will be able to cast it more frequently, and your ancestor can stay on Nirn for longer periods of time.” Galsdar informed Link as he saw his apprentice begin to visibly panic.

Darevalo then gave the Hylian a sad but proud smile. “I have nothing left to teach you as of now. When we first met, didn’t you say you had somewhere to be?”

Link took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. “High Hrothgar. You’re letting me leave, though? I thought there was more to learn.”

“There is. But you must reach a higher skill level first, become more attuned to your own inner lifeforce and magicka, and receive more experience.” Explained the Dark Elf. “You can, however, choose to write me letters if you wish, and whenever you feel like it, this tower is open to you if you wish to avoid surviving in the wilderness.”

“I’ll take up your offer at some point.” Link walked over to Epona and checked to see how she was, then ran inside the tower and gathered various things before he grabbed his sword from the table, returned to his horse, and secured his things to her saddle, then vaulted onto Epona’s back. He then turned the horse to face Galsdar. “Thanks for everything.”

Galsdar nodded. “You’re very welcome, Link. Remember, there are very distinct differences in Necromancers, people may fear you, but only use your new magical abilities for good.”

“I will.” With that, Link turned Epona away from the tower and finally set off for Ivarstead after two weeks of training.

As Link rode Epona away from the tower, he felt ecstatic that he saw Shade again, and could summon him to Nirn whenever he wanted - magicka notwithstanding, of course.

’It’s amazing to me that I can learn all of these spells, that I had the capability all along, I just needed someone to teach me how to unlock it. Necromancy… I can see why it’s feared, yet it is useful.’

His mind then turned to the Greybeards.

‘I wonder how they’ll respond when I ask them for more training. Guess I’ll find out.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was the next morning when Link reached Ivarstead. He spotted a large crowd nearby the steps to High Hrothgar as the morning sun cast golden rays on the buildings and flora, and guided Epona over.

As he got closer, he saw the group was largely made up of Imperial soldiers. Some of them waved to Link as he drew near the group, however, a man who appeared to be a high ranked soldier stepped forward. “Halt. What brings you to Ivarstead?”

Link slowed Epona and looked down at the officer. “I’m traveling to High Hrothgar.”

“That old monastery up on the mountain behind me? What for?”

“To ask the Greybeards if they can help with training.” Link answered truthfully.

Then one of the soldiers spoke up as Link decided to get down from Epona and stand beside the horse. “Don’t you know who he is, Legate Adventus? He’s the Dragonborn we’ve been hearing so much about.”

The Legate went silent for a second and then nodded curtly. “I see. I must warn you that we were tasked to escort someone up to that monastery. I assume you don’t know who I am, so let me introduce myself. I am Legate Adventus Caesennius, and I expect you to be on your

best

behavior while you’re up there in order to represent the Legion. Despite who you are,

Dragonborn,

you’re below my rank, and thus you answer to

me

. Is this understood?” Adventus looked down at Link with disdain.

Link grit his teeth beneath his helmet as he stood there next to Epona, feeling a rare sense of vexation. He ignored the stares of the others as he slightly nodded. “Yes.”

Despite the incorrect response, the Legate smirked. “Good. At least you of all people still know your place.”

Link wasn’t necessarily violent, not intentionally, but he suddenly wanted to punch the smirk off of Adventus’ face. He drew a deep breath and tried to keep his voice steady. “May I at least know who you were escorting?”

“No. I’m afraid that information is

highly

classified, and not for the likes of

you

to know.” The Legate paused. “…Although, if you are indeed heading to the monastery , you’ll find out soon enough.”

Link was thankfully distracted from further conflict by the local stable hand walking up to him. “May I take your horse?”

“Sure.” Link gladly handed the stable hand Epona’s lead, paid the twenty five Septims, then started to walk towards the soldiers, who were standing before the steps.

“I wish you luck on your travels.” Stated Legate Adventus as he stepped back and let Link pass by him and his soldiers as the stable hand led Epona away.

“Who does he think he is? Although if he treated

me

like that, I don’t want to think of how he treated his own men.” Link muttered to himself as he made his way up the steps.

The Hylian stopped briefly to admire the view from where he was - he could see Ivarstead down below, then off to the right were rivers and various forests. Beyond that was Windhelm, and some sort of city amongst the birch forest.

‘I should try to summon Shade.’

Link thought as he turned away and continued to walk up the steps. He passed by where he had fought the Frost Troll - its corpse was still there and he didn’t bother to question why - and continued walking until he had reached the last stone tablet.

He then stopped before the chest in front of the doors, thought about opening it to see if there was anything inside, then decided not to. Link then turned around , and leaned against the chest and stone structure it was up against.

‘Let’s see… Galsdar told me that I needed to focus on back home, on Shade in particular…’

And so Link closed his eyes and focused. He thought of the rolling green and flowering plains of Hyrule, of the vast ancient forests, of flowing rivers and lakes and of Death Mountain. Link then thought of his ancestor, who the man had been in life, and who he was now.

“…Summon Shade.” Link opened his eyes…

Nothing.

‘…Okay. So I’ll just try this until I’m successful.’

So Link tried again. And again. A fourth time. Fifth. Sixth. And so on, until he found Shade’s presence. Just like the other summons, he sort of latched onto the presence, and attempted to bring the undead warrior from Hyrule to Nirn. By doing so, he felt something change.

It wasn’t a good change.

But at least he had

finally

been successful in summoning Shade.

“What are you doing out here? Don’t you find it rather cold?”

Link looked up to see his ancestor standing a few feet away, looking down at him with confusion. “…Not really.”

“You’ve changed. A few months ago, on Snowpeak…” Shade smiled. “I found you as a half frozen wolf.”

“…I remember.” Link wasn’t too fond of the memory. He didn’t bother to move from where he was, and he watched as Shade walked up to him.

The two then embraced.

As this happened, Link then realized what he had done while summoning Shade. He had felt something like this once before - in Ustengrav. “It happened again… I must have used up all of my Magicka to summon you.”

Shade tilted his head in confusion. “Magicka?” He echoed as he looked down at Link.

“I told you, remember? I can use this world’s magic.” Link paled slightly and stumbled but then caught himself before he fell.

“Are you alright?” Shade asked in alarm.

“I’m fine, just - help me inside.” Link waved a hand in front of him towards the steps.

Shade looked up and saw the doors. “Of course.” He smiled as he helped Link inside High Hrothgar.

On the day of Tirdas, the 23rd of Hearthfire, the cold winds of the outside air vanished as Link opened the doors to High Hrothgar and stepped inside.

He had recovered some of his strength from using his Magicka outside, and so he stepped away from Shade, then turned to face him. “Thank you for helping me, but I can walk the rest on my own.”

Shade nodded, then looked around the room. “I’m certain this place is nice, but I feel as if I’d rather be exploring. An entire new realm, never before heard of… Yes, that sounds like an excellent idea.” After giving Link a parting nod, which he gave in return, Shade then turned and left the building.

The doors closed behind the undead warrior as Borri noticed Link and bowed in his direction, before the monk walked off, and soon returned with Arngeir.

“Link, it is good to see you again. What brings you here this time?” The master Greybeard asked Link as he turned to face the monk.

“I want to somehow further master the Thu’um, is that possible?” Link responded.

“Of course.” Arngeir nodded. “Tell me, what Words of Power have you learned besides what we have taught you?”

“The second word of Unrelenting Sprint, and then two others, Fiem and Su.”

“Ah, Become Ethereal and Elemental Fury.” Arngeir nodded. “Fade and air. Nah is also good for meditation, being the word of fury.”

“I spoke to Jurgen.”

Arngeir stopped speaking and gazed at Link in silence for a few seconds before he responded. “Is this true? Did he really speak to you?”

“Yes. His spirit appeared before me in Ustengrav, when I returned there with the horn.”

“Most intriguing that Windcaller would appear before you. I do have my questions, but we must discuss this at another time. Follow me after you take off your armor. You can set it on any nearby table.” Arngeir began to walk away from Link, towards a side room.

Link spent some time taking off his armor and set it on a nearby table, then went to follow the Greybeard, but then he heard a voice behind him.

“Hello. I am Prince Romulus Mede. Who might you be?” The voice belonged to someone of the Imperial race - brown hair and eyes, pale skinned. He wore golden robes and had a sword and shield at his sides.

Link knew the man expected an answer, so he stopped following Arngeir and turned to face the Imperial. “Link Farmanne.” He said simply.

“The Dragonborn. Yes, I have heard about you.” Romulus looked Link up and down. “I assume you traveled here for Voice training?”

“I did. What brings you here?” Link inquired, finding that he was very curious about Romulus.

“My father - Titus Mede the Second - is dealing with the civil war here and so many other things back in Cyrodiil. Due to being a Tongue, my father suggested that I travel here to better familiarize myself with my powers, and so, here I am.” The Imperial sat down in a nearby chair, then looked around the room. “Skyrim is very different from Cyrodiil.”

“How so?”

“More open, very vast, more villages and people, lots of ruins - of more cultures - different climates and general atmosphere.” Romulus said matter of factly. “Where are you from?”

“Somewhere called Hyrule.”

“Never heard of it.” Mede frowned.

“No one here has.” Link shook his head. “It’s not anywhere on Nirn, as far as I know.”

Romulus tilted his head a bit to the side. “Interesting. If where you’re from doesn’t exist here - as in no one has heard of it, so they can’t confirm its existence - how did you end up in Skyrim?”

“Akatosh. Don’t exactly remember, but I guess he decided to make me Dragonborn and left me at the ambush site. Woke up in a cart on the way to Helgen in rags.”

“Ah. Must have been unpleasant.” Romulus said sympathetically.

Link’s face fell slightly. “It… was.” He looked at the doors across the hall. “Think I should be going now, it was nice meeting you.”

Romulus sensed that the conversation was over for the time being and nodded. “Of course. I hope we can meet again soon, to discuss our training.”

Link left Romulus to meditate and managed to find Argnier in a side corridor, one that had lit alcoves and meditation rugs.

“Sit.“ The monk lowered himself onto one of these rugs and motioned for Link to take the one opposite him.

Link did so, and Arngeir gazed at the youth. “I will warn you, Link, that choosing to accelerate your power, and growing too fast, could affect you negatively. Do you still accept this?”

“I do.”

The monk nodded, then instructed Link to close his eyes and relax. As Link did this, Arngeir continued. “Let us start with Nah. When you think of fury, what do you imagine, what feelings are invoked?”

“… Fear and anger… an inability to save… someone…”

“Focus on those feelings.” Arngeir told him sternly. “Tell me what you see.”

“… A burning forest.”

“Good. You’re already progressing, it seems. Being Dragonborn gives you the ability to master the Voice far more quickly than a mere Tongue, even after years of training.” Arngeir explained. “Are you able to discern anything else?”

“… Dragons. They’re in the forest, and can’t escape…”

“And what of these dragons? Is there anything special about them?” The monk pressed.

“…There’s a massive one… and… he’s fatally wounded. He feels… a lot of things. Anger. Sadness. Fear. But he’s worried about the other dragons. If they’ll survive the fire, and those that are now hunting them…”

He suddenly Shouted, yet the voice wasn’t exactly his. It sounded more animalistic, more untamed… and it was somewhat loud.

Arngeir frowned as Link seemingly left his meditation state. “This is most troublesome.”

“What?” Link slowly cleared his vision and then focused on the monk. “…What happened?”

The Greybeard motioned for Link to get up as he himself stood. “Shout at me.”

Link quickly stood and eyed Arngeir. “Why?”

“I must see if my suspicions are true.” Arngeir responded. “Go ahead, Link.”

The Hylian hesitated, then nodded, and then Shouted at Arngeir. The only reaction he had was that his cloak moved as if it had been struck by a powerful wind.

The monk bowed his head slightly. “Good. You have slightly progressed since we last met… But this is exactly the sort of thing that I’ve warned you of.”

“What do you mean? I entered that meditation state, like you told me to…” Link’s voice trailed off into silence.

“Yes. But you must learn to

withstand.”

Arngeir told him.

“…Withstand?”

Arngeir nodded. “Yes. We shall teach you how over the next week. Follow me.” The monk began to walk down the corridor, and as Link managed to keep pace, Arngeir spoke again. “You and Romulus will train together by our teachings, and perhaps help each other progress.”

And so, Link learned to withstand the Voice. Romulus trained with him off and on, but with Link being Dragonborn, as well as a disciplined warrior, he learned to keep his Voice lower in volume, as well as to restrain it. This took several days, and in the process, his Voice became more precise.

One of the different Withstand training techniques, was to multitask while Shouting. Link pondered how to accomplish this, and soon decided to try to handstand while shouting. The entire idea was ridiculous, yes, but it ended up working. Romulus tried to mimic him with mixed success.

At some point, a week later,  Link decided to ask Arngeir a question.

“How do the Shouts not hurt you?” Link asked Arngeir.

The monk smiled. “I’ve had many years to become resilient. There is something that you need to learn.”

“What is it?“

“You must learn to swallow your Shouts when needed.” At Link’s confused look, Arngeir continued. “Let me explain. When you Shouted at me earlier, it didn’t hurt like it was supposed to.”

“Why is that?”

“The Shout doesn’t affect me, nor does it boost my own abilities. I simply absorbed it - or

swallowed

, as it’s called. It merely passed through my body with little to no effect.”

“…That’s useful.”

Arngeir nodded. “Yes. Now, there are things you must know. You can only swallow Shouts that you already know, and if someone is more powerful than you, it will fail, or be significantly weaker.”

“Okay.”

“Furthermore, to actually activate Swallowing, you must be at one with the Shout you are using, as well as you must think of the true meaning of the Shout at the right moment.”

“I think I understand.”

‘Doesn’t seem that difficult at all.’

“Let me tell you a story. A story about our founder, Jurgen Windcaller.” Arngeir smiled and beckoned for Link to follow him as he walked throughout the monastery.

“Long, long ago, Jurgen was in meditation, as he liked to do so every day. His Shouts, much like yours now, had grown in power and in volume.”

Arngeir stopped to nod at Wulfgar as they passed in the corridor. “They were becoming unstable, and so, he began to search for a way to control the Voice. Through much meditation, and trial and error, he learned what I told you, and began to practice it every single day, for as long as he lived.

“But there is much more to this story.” The monk checked a few books on nearby shelves and made sure Link was still following him as they stepped from a corridor into the main open room.

“Jurgen returned to the ancient Tongues after seven years of Meditation following the Battle of Red Mountain. The seven Tongues then fought Windcaller, for they feared what he had realized about the voice - that it should be used solely for worship and glory of the gods, not the glory of men. It was a means of attaining enlightenment, and not power. Jurgen fought the Tongues for three days straight, and Swallowed their Voices until they lay exhausted.”

“What happened next?” Link asked Arngeir, who soon continued.

“They acknowledged the superiority that the Way of the Voice had given Windcaller, and traveled to where High Hrothgar stands today. This vast building was constructed here, and just as it was long ago, the principals are still the same. High Hrothgar is devoted to the studies of the Way of the Voice, as a philosophy of peace and inner balance.”

The Greybeard finished, stopping a few seconds to catch his breath, before he spoke again. “Now do you understand?”

Link realized that this is what he needed to be better with fighting dragons.  “… This is what I need, Arngeir, this is what I need to be better at fighting dragons. Can you teach me?“

Arngeir smiled warmly at Link’s eagerness. “Link, I -

we

have trained for

years

to train one such as you. Yes, we will teach you.”

While Link and Arngeir were talking, Cobalt crawled out of the knapsack and stared at the Greybeard, slowly blinking his green eyes. The hatchling yawned wide enough to show his tiny fangs and then jumped up to Link’s shoulder, curling up like a cat while continuing to gaze at the elderly monk.

“A dragon hatchling.” Arngeir said as he slowly smiled. “What do you call the creature?”

“Cobalt.”

Arngeir nodded. “For his scales, I take it. A good name, for a mere hatchling. I would delve into Dragon names, but our master would be better suited for this topic.”

“Your master? Who are they?”

“You will meet him in due time, when you are ready. For now, continue to train in the Way of the Voice, meditate, and learn new Words of Power.” With this, the Greybeard walked away and left Link to his thoughts.

‘Well. Seems I’ll be here for longer than I thought. Although…I could…’

“Summon Shade.” It took a second, then Shade appeared in a flash of light.

The undead looked around. “This is a nice, quiet, quaint place. My type of dwelling, actually.”

“You look like you’ve been somewhere.” Link commented.

Shade nodded. “Yes, I wandered down to Ivarstead after I left here. I found something out, care to guess what?”

“…What?”

The undead warrior grinned. “I can still drink spirits!” He exclaimed.

“I suppose you’d be happy about that.”

“I am.” Shade smiled. “And what have you been doing in my absence?”

“Training.”

The undead Hylian looked interested as he sat down in a nearby chair. “Really? Training of what sort?”

“The Voice.”

“Which is…?”

“It’s…” Link paused and tried to explain it. “It’s some sort of ability that I have.”

“Really?” Shade’s single eye glowed and he leaned forward. “Do tell me more.”

Link found a nearby chair and moved it over to where Shade was, then took a seat. “I can’t really explain it, it’s just something that happens.” He paused. “… The Voice is… I suppose it’s something like incantations that have various effects.”

“Are you able to demonstrate?”

“Sure.” Link got up from the chair and faced the open room. He made sure nothing was nearby that he could run into, then used Whirlwind Sprint. The Hylian closed his eyes, took a few breaths, then inhaled first.

“…Wuld…”

Then exhaled.

“Nah!”

With a

crack

, he rushed forward in a blur, and ended up in the middle of the room not even two seconds later. Link then turned to face Shade after he opened his eyes. “How was that?”

“Remarkable.” The undead warrior complimented with a wide smile. “The mere fact that you’ve been able to learn this, as well as different magic entirely… Makes me wonder if it’s possible for me…”

“…I think I’ve regained some of my Magicka if you want to see some of the spells I’ve learned.” Link suggested.

Shade nodded and got up from the chair. “Of course.”

So the two went outside, where Link showed Shade various spells such as Frostbite and Sparks. He also summoned his Familiar, who took great interest in Shade.

They then returned to the warmth and comfort of being inside, where Shade finally noticed the small dragon that was still resting on Link’s shoulder. “When were you going to tell me you acquired a dragon?”

“…At some point.” Link said after he thought of how to respond after a few seconds.

Cobalt noticed he had gotten someone’s attention, and the hatching moved to a sitting position and looked up at Shade.

“… I had a dragon hatchling once.” Shade commented softly as the dragon suddenly glided from Link’s shoulder to his. The undead warrior gazed at the small creature, then smiled sadly. “Her name was Volvagia.”

“…The one that was corrupted?” Link asked tentatively. He didn’t like where this was going.

“…The very one.” Shade then decided to change the topic. “Let us discuss something else. I discovered something in Ivarstead over the… has it been a week?”

Link nodded. “Since I summoned you outside, yes.”

“The week, then. It’s quite exciting.”

“What is it?”

Shade smiled, then leaned in close. “It’s a secret. A surprise, if you will.” The undead warrior stepped back. “I will tell you that I am investigating something for the people of Ivarstead.”

“I shouldn’t keep you then.” Link said. “I still need to finish my training.”

“Very well.” Shade nodded to Link as Cobalt glided back to Link's shoulder, then the undead warrior walked across the open room to the doors, opened then, and left High Hrothgar.

The next week went by in a blur. Link spent his time learning how to get better at meditation, with more focus on the Words of Power that he currently knew. Finally, on Tirdas, the 7th of Frostfall, Link successfully “swallowed” Arngeir’s

Fus

Shout. He managed to keep both feet on the stone floor of the building, and also keep his balance.

A few hours later, Link crossed the vast open room over to the doors. He pushed one of them open to find that a man wearing everyday clothing was standing at the doors of High Hrothgar with a satchel at his side. “Greetings. If you’re the person I’m looking for, then I have a letter for you.”

“A letter? For me? Who gave it to you?”

“That’s the question isn’t it?” The man dug around in the satchel. “I’m one of the many couriers that roam Nirn delivering things and letters to people… Let’s see here…” The courier took out a letter and handed it to Link, who examined the official looking elk ink stamp in silence.

“As for your question… the letter is from the Jarl of Falkreath himself. From what he told me, he’s interested in meeting you after hearing about your various exploits. Looks like that’s everything, but I have no doubt you’ll receive more letters. Until next time.” The Courier left Link’s presence and he was free to open the letter and read its contents.

“Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Siddgeir, and I have the honor to be the Jarl of the proud and ancient city of Falkreath.

The fame of your exploits across Skyrim has brought you to my attention. If you are interested in becoming a Thane of Falkreath, I invite you to speak to me the next time you are in Falkreath. Aside from the honor that accrues to the title, my thanes are entitled to a personal housecarl. I also can tell you privately that a choice parcel of land in Falkreath would be available for your purchase should your services prove useful to me.

I look forward to meeting you in person.

I remain,

Jarl Siddgeir of Falkreath Hold”

Link read the letter a few more times, then turned to look back at Arngeir, who had walked up to see what the Courier wanted. He held up the letter. “Seems I’m going to Falkreath next.”

‘Seems I have the opportunity to build an actual house… Not sure if I want that, Breezehome suits me just fine…’

Shade appeared in a flash of light and looked at the letter in Link’s hand. “A letter? How did you get to be so well known that people are sending you

letters

?”

Link turned around. “Where have you been?”

“Exploring a barrow.” Shade smiled. “And you?”

“I’ve been here the entire time.” Link looked back to see a confused Arngeir. “Oh, right. This is Shade, my ancestor.”

Arngeir slowly approached the undead creature. “… A non-hostile Draugr? No… You’re not a Draugr, are you?”

Shade shook his head. “No. After my death, I was given a task by my own gods to watch over the land for as long as I could. For five centuries, I watched over my home land…” The warrior gestured towards Link. “And then he was born. My purpose changed then - I was to look over him until he came of age, and then help him.”

“Help him how?” Arngeir inquired.

“A tyrant took over, and covered the land in a mist known as Twilight. The lucky were transformed into animals and spirits, the rest… were turned into corrupted creatures known as Twilight Beasts. The ruling regent was locked away in a castle tower…” Shade reached out and placed a skeletal hand on Link’s right shoulder. “And so, he found me, and I taught him all that I knew.”

“I assume you ended up dealing with this tyrant, then?” Arngeir asked Link.

“I killed him.” Link responded with no hesitation.

Arngeir widened his eyes a bit, but nodded. “Continue.”

“I ended up nearly dying, and ended up unconscious for several weeks… earned a lot of scars… but I stabbed him in the chest, and I assume he was turned to stone…”

“If you do not remember all of the details, that is fine. I don’t expect you to want to tell me all of that, considering what happened to you.” Arngeir concluded. “I believe you have advanced far enough in your training for now. If young Siddgeir wants you to visit his hold, you shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

Link nodded, then turned to face his undead ancestor as Arngeir walked away and vanished from view down one of the corridors. “What now?”

“I do have something for you.” Shade reached into the leather side bag that he carried, and took out some sort of crystal object. He then held it towards Link. “Take it.”

Link reached out and took the crystal thing from Shade, then examined it. At closer inspection, the thing was a sapphire dragon claw. “Where did you get this?”

“A place named Shrouded Hearth Barrow. I’ve been investigating it for the past two weeks.”

“What did you find there?” Link asked.

“Some mage who pretended to be a spirit. Said to have vanished a year ago, I suppose he went mad being in there by himself the entire time. I ended up dealing with him, he won’t be bothering Ivarstead ever again.”

“…You killed him?” Link naturally concluded.

Shade nodded. “I did. It wasn’t even a fair fight - he tripped over his own weapon and landed on it. I merely finished the job so he wouldn’t suffer.”

“Okay.” Link didn’t know what else to say. “Did you find anything?”

“Undead that were friendly towards me. They led me through the barrow and gave me coins and goods. I also found some sort of carved stone wall.”

“…The Draugr didn’t fight you?”

“Draugr… Is this what they call undead here?” When Link nodded, Shade continued. “No, they did not.”

“Interesting, and you said you found a carved wall, can you describe it more?”

The undead warrior nodded. “Certainly. When I approached the wall, it had carvings in another language, one that I had never seen before. There was a dragon head made of stone perched atop the wall.”

Link looked at his undead ancestor for a second in silence, then he slowly smiled. “Shade, you found a Word Wall.”

“A word wall? What is that?” Shade asked in curiosity. “Did I find something valuable?”

“You did.” Link responded eagerly. “Word Walls contain Words of Power. Dragon Shouts.”

“Let me think… Were the two words you used to fly across the room a week ago one of these Shouts?”

Link nodded. “Yeah. First two words of Whirlwind Sprint. Each Shout has three words in total… but the fact that you found one so close to here… Are you able to get me into Shrouded Hearth?”

“I can most certainly try, though I don’t know what the undead there will do.”

Link looked down at the sapphire dragon claw he was holding. “…Guess we’ll find out.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

An undead warrior stepped out of the warm interior of High Hrothgar and looked around, then began to head for the worn stone steps that led down the mountain. He briefly paused to read a carved inscription on a stone tablet, one that was set upright in the snow against the mountainside. “…So this ‘Voice’ whatever it is, is worshipped… expected to follow the inner path… wonder what that is… Speak only in True Need… Interesting.” Shade then turned from the stone, and started the long walk down the steps. On his way down, he passed some sort of white furred creature that looked like it had been set ablaze. The corpse was up against the mountainside, away from the stairs. The undead merely acknowledged the dead beast’s presence before he continued onward. He passed several more of these stone carved tablets, as well as encountered two pilgrims further down, named Barknar and Karita. When asked, both were praying and meditating on the emblems, and hunting. Shade soon reached the town below, where he was greeted by a regiment of wide eyed soldiers and a hardened higher ranking man. “Greetings.” He said to them as he neared the group. The younger soldiers didn’t respond, however, the higher ranking man stepped forward, then looked Shade up and down. “What’s an old man like you doing wandering about? Shouldn’t you be cooped up in some house by a fire?” Shade scowled beneath his cloak, feeling thankful that no one had bothered to actually look under said material at his appearance. “You should know better than to question your elders.” The younger soldiers all gasped and then began to talk over each other to “Legate Adventus”, as they called him. Adventus glared back at Shade. “Do you know who I am?” He demanded. “Do you know what I could have happen to you?” “I don’t. And I don’t care to know. I’ve already learned enough about you to know that even thinking of speaking to you is a waste of my time.” With that, Shade walked past the group of soldiers, leaving a flustered Imperial in his wake. Shade then wandered through the small and quaint village until he happened upon a sign hanging from a lamppost that read: Vilemyr Inn. He stood there for a moment, pondering under the sign, then he made up his mind and entered the inn. The old undead warrior was used to being in taverns and inns, so the noise and happenings didn’t bother him at all. Yet, as Shade slowly walked up to the bar, he couldn’t help but overhear something interesting. “Have you heard about the ghost in the nearby barrow, Lynly?” The man behind the bar counter asked the nearby woman. “Wilhelm, everyone knows that story. Mothers tell the tale to their children to keep them away from Shrouded Hearth.” Lynly looked like she was about to respond again, but then her eyes widened slightly. “We have another customer.” Wilhelm turned to face Shade, and watched as the cloak covered figure slowly pulled out a chair from underneath the counter, then made himself comfortable. “Isn’t very often we get ones of your age in here. Can I get you anything?” “One of my age.” The cloak covered figure mused, then he raised his head. Wilhelm stepped back as he caught a glimpse of a single red glowing eye. “I find myself becoming colder and colder as the years pass. I don’t suppose you have something that will warm me up?” The Nord blinked, then quickly nodded. “Yes, I serve quite a number of meads and ales and such here.” “Do you perhaps have a list?” Wilhelm nodded, then ducked under the counter for a second and then came back up holding a paper with written names on it. “Take a look.” He slid the paper across the counter over to Shade. Shade reached out with a darkened-with-age skeletal hand and pulled the list closer so it was easier to read. He glanced up when he felt multiple eyes on him. “Yes?” “Your hand.” Muttered the woman. “May I ask what happened to it?” She had stepped behind the counter during the small drink conversation. Shade mulled over his answer as he returned his attention to the drink list. There were quite a lot of options… “If you truly want to know…” The undead warrior sat up straight, raised his head, then reached up with both skeletal hands and threw the cloak hood back, revealing his skeleton self. The two Nords retreated a bit, then slowly drew close once they both realized that the undead sitting at their counter wasn’t going to attack them. “I was involved in a terrible magical incident.” Shade said simply. “…Are you… Alive?” Wilhelm asked. Shade shook his head. “Only in spirit, I’m afraid. I did have a full life, fell in love, got married, had children, spent most of my life on a massive ranch… lived until..,” He frowned. “Eighty something.” He then smiled fondly, as if he was remembering things. “You weren’t lying when you said you were old then.” Piped up Lynly. The undead chuckled. “No, I was not.” He then grew somber. “Once I died, I was brought back to life a year later, as the being you see before you. I was tasked to look after the homeland I saved in life. And so I did… for five centuries.” “Five centuries? Wow.” Exclaimed Wilhelm. Shade nodded. “Then my direct descendant was born, and I received a new purpose - to look after him. And I’ve done so. …and still can, thankfully.” “What do you mean?” The Nord woman asked. “The one that’s up at the monastery… he’s my descendant…” “That kid that’s saved Whiterun from two dragons?” Lynly asked. “… Dragons?” Shade widened his remaining eye. “He never told you?” Wilhelm questioned. “No!” Shade scoffed. “He’s been running around killing dragons?” But yet the undead was smiling. Both of the Nords nodded. “I see… I’ll have to talk to him next time I see him.” Shade returned to look at the drink menu. “Is the Spiced Wine available?” “It is.” The Nord barkeep turned around and began to mess with the bottles on a wine rack. He then turned around and handed Shade a bottle filled with some sort of liquid. “Here you go.” Shade took the bottle and eyed it, then expertly uncorked the bottle, and neatly poured some of its contents into a conveniently placed wine glass before him. “What are your names?” “Wilhelm. Don’t have a last name.” “Lynly Star-Sung. …What’s your name?” Shade looked down at the wine in the glass. “My real name has been lost to time… You may refer to me as Shade.” Wilhelm nodded. “Shade… Alright. If you really are some old dead man who somehow was… halfway resurrected… Do you mind telling us how you lost an eye?” Shade continued to eye the filled wine glass, then he picked it up, and raised it to his jawbone. “Even though I'm undead… still have my senses…” The skeleton muttered as he drained the glass of its contents, then gently set the glass on the wooden counter. He then nodded approvingly. “Very fine wine, aged quite well.” The undead warrior then raised his gaze to Wilhelm. “My eye… It was quite stupid, actually. I didn’t get a wound treated when I was much, much younger. I became terribly ill, and the sickness took my eye.” Wilhelm frowned. “Sorry to hear that.” Shade waved a hand. “Don’t apologize for my younger self’s foolishness.” He then seemed to think of something. “I overheard you two speaking of ‘a haunted barrow’. Do you mind telling me more?” “It’s just a mere ghost story, nothing to it, really.” Lynly said hurriedly. “A ghost story?” Shade echoed. “Consider me interested.” “An old man, sipping away at his mead at my counter, asks about a ghost story? Must be pretty boring then, if you’re asking me.” Wilhelm then continued. “Shrouded Hearth Barrow, a place that’s outside the town. Ancient Nord crypt. It’s haunted, and I suggest you stay away.” “Haunted?” Shade smiled and shook his head. “I’ve dealt with more hauntings than perhaps the years you’ve been alive. Please, do continue, and humor this old man.” The Nord looked around, then leaned in close. “I… Did actually see the spirit. And… I must confess that the haunting is affecting my business.“ “Of course, I understand. Is there anything that can be done?”“…I think you’re daft for even wanting to check out the place, but if you really insist - An adventurer by the name of Wyndelius Gatharian who went to explore the barrow a year ago. He never returned, and screams were heard that night. His spirit is rumored to haunt the burrow.”“A spirit…” Shade’s remaining eye shone with curiosity. “I haven’t had an adventure for quite some time… perhaps this will do me some good.” Lynly blinked. “You’re considering it?” “Of course? Why wouldn’t I? We all benefit - you and Wilhelm can keep running this inn, the townsfolk don’t have to live in fear, and I get to go on another adventure.” Shad said as he set down the now empty wine bottle and slowly got up from the chair. “Here. I want you to have this.” Wilhelm held out a filled bottle. “It’s Ashfire Mead.” Shade looked at the offered mead bottle, then he slowly smiled as he reached out with his skeletal hand and took it. “I do thank you, young mister Wilhelm. May we meet again.” He slowly got up from the table, and then frowned. “I am afraid I have no way of paying for this.”Wilhelm smiled and then shook his head. “No, you can keep it.”“Are you certain? It doesn’t feel exactly right to not pay.“ “No. You’re doing me - no, everyone - a favor. Consider the mead your payment for helping. I’m sure we can scrounge up some other reward when you get back.” Wilhelm replied. Shade nodded in return and departed from the inn, heading to the barrow nearby the town.The door to the barrow slowly swung open as Shade stepped inside. He then closed the metal door and walked away from the entrance. Even though he was undead, the ancient warrior was still on guard, for anything could happen there. Shade found himself facing a wooden staircase, which he slowly descended. There was a landing, which held some sort of potion, a small purple gem, and a small burial urn. When checked, the urn held twenty gold coins, which Shade took, along with the potion and gem. The undead warrior moved past the landing and continued to walk down the wooden stairs. He found corpses in wall alcoves, but let them rest where they had been placed. Shade did however, find a coin purse that was tucked into the bottom crypt on the left - that contained ten golden coins - which he took and moved onwards. The passage ended in an intersection. There was a  locked gate to the right, and when Shade approached, a ghost appeared. “You are not welcome here. Leave this place.” Before Shade could respond, the ghost vanished. There was a room to the left, and Shade entered it. There were four levers in this room, with two on either side of the door. Shade looked at the four levers, then chose to pull the one to the far left. It didn’t do anything. Shade then pulled the one on the right that was closest to the door, which opened an iron gate that was on the other side of the passage. Shade investigated the room before he left it, and found a burial urn stuck in rubble in the right corner of the room, as well as some table that had a book on it. Shade took the book, which was called Before the Ages of Man , and inspected the urn, which had ten coins. In the next room, there were doors on either end. One was locked, and the other had a portcullis with a pull-chain. Shade brute forced the locked door and entered, but then leapt back as spears rose up from the floor. The undead looked at the floor and saw a pressure plate. “…Slow and steady always wins…” Shade muttered as he slowly entered the room. Thankfully, the pressure plate didn’t activate, and he was able to make his way over to a chest. There was a tensioned cable, which Shade carefully disarmed, and then he opened the chest, which contained a ruby and sapphire. He took the gems, then carefully returned to the main room. He then walked over to the pull chain and activated it, which lifted the gate. A spear trap was activated, but it was timed, so all Shade had to do was wait for the spears to retract into the wall, then quickly made his way across the room. There were stairs, which Shade took downwards. At the foot of the stairs were two iron doors, one that was tension cable rigged, and the other was opened with no incident. Inside the non trapped door was an iron sword on a table, which Shade took. He then carefully deactivated whatever trap the cables caused, and continued onwards. There was some strange carved door at the other end of the next room, but Shade didn’t want to approach the door to look at it, as he felt as if it would be opened at a later time. However, there was a locked door, which Shade opened by brute force. Directly behind it was a pressure plate, which proved to be faulty, as it activated a spike trap that was nowhere near the pressure plate. Beyond the spike trap was an obviously trapped chest, which Shade ignored as he walked over to a chain on the wall and pulled it, which opened a gate. He walked through the gate and nearly avoided another spike trap. The undead retreated a few steps, then slowly moved over the pressure plate. Shade then entered the next room…And found a corpse resting on a table in the middle of the room. Shade cautiously approached the corpse, and walked past it, then turned when he sensed movement. The corpse was in fact alive, and it was beginning to stir. Not wanting to take any chances, Shade took his greatsword and swung downward, which knocked the body from the table.The body then sprung upwards, covered in open wounds from the greatsword. Shade knew this was Wyndelius. “You come here and try to kill me, fool!?” The wounded man yelled. “I’ll kill you first!” With that, Wyndelius wielded his own sword and stepped forwards, only to drop it. Shade waited for Wyndelius to pick up his sword, but then as the man did so, he tripped and landed on his own weapon. The undead warrior quickly stepped up, raised his greatsword, and brought it down, mercy killing the unfortunate mage. Afterward, he noticed that some sort of potion bottle had rolled away from Wyndelius, and inspected it.“Philter of the Phantom… So this was just a ruse then, but why…”  Shade picked up the potion bottle, then saw a book on a nearby table. When inspected, the book turned out to be Wyndelius’ journal. Shade skimmed the journal’s contents. They consisted of Wyndelius looking for some treasure, but he couldn’t solve ‘the puzzle’, whatever that was. The man made up the ghost ruse to keep others away so that he could work in complete solitude. From what Shade could make out from the writing, Wyndelius had gone insane from the isolation and genuinely believed himself to be the guardian of the barrow.Shade took the journal, then checked the rest of the room, finding a small satchel, two books, a fire pit, some sort of potion, a pair of gauntlets and a pair of boots. The undead warrior took all of the items, and backtracked out of Shrouded Hearth. However, before he could return to Ivarstead, the world around the undead vanished, and then he was standing in a familiar forest, looking at crumbling ruins. “…We’re going to have to work on the summoning times and how long the spell lasts for, aren’t we…”Sometime later, after wandering the forests of back home, Shade felt a familiar presence in his head. “Took you long enough.” the elderly undead muttered as he accepted the connection… … and appeared in a flash of light, ending up in the monastery he had briefly been inside previously. The undead warrior looked around. “This is a nice, quiet, quaint place. My type of dwelling, actually.” He commented. “You look like you’ve been somewhere.” A familiar voice got Shade’s attention and he looked down, then smiled. “Yes, I wandered down to Ivarstead after I left here. I found something out, care to guess what?” “…What?” The undead warrior grinned, then learned in a bit. “I can still drink spirits!” He exclaimed. “I suppose you’d be happy about that.” “I am.” Shade smiled. “And what have you been doing in my absence?” “Training.”The undead Hylian looked interested as he found a nearby empty chair, then sat down in it. “Really? Training of what sort?” “The Voice.”"Which is…?”  The undead questioned. “It’s…” Shade waited as Link paused and tried to explain it. “It’s some sort of ability that I have.” “Really?” Shade’s single eye glowed and he leaned forward. “Do tell me more.” Link found a nearby chair and moved it over to where Shade was, then took a seat. “I can’t really explain it, it’s just something that happens.” He paused. “… The Voice is… I suppose it’s something like incantations that have various effects.” “Are you able to demonstrate?” Shade asked. “Sure.” The undead warrior watched as Link got up from the chair and faced the open room. He then shouted two words that Shade couldn’t quite make out, but then…With a crack , Link rushed forward in a blur, and ended up in the middle of the room not even two seconds later. Link then turned to face Shade. “How was that?” “Remarkable.” The undead warrior complimented with a wide smile. “The mere fact that you’ve been able to learn this, as well as different magic entirely… Makes me wonder if it’s possible for me…” “…I think I’ve regained some of my Magicka if you want to see some of the spells I’ve learned.” Link suggested. Shade nodded and slowly got up from the chair. “Of course.” So the two went outside, where Link showed Shade various spells such as Frostbite and Sparks. He also summoned his Familiar, who took great interest in Shade. They then returned to the warmth and comfort of being inside, where Shade finally noticed the small blue dragon that was resting on Link’s shoulder. “When were you going to tell me you acquired a dragon?” “…At some point.” Link said after a few seconds of silence. “… I had a dragon hatchling once.” Shade commented softly as the dragon suddenly glided from Link’s shoulder to his. The undead warrior gazed at the small creature, then smiled sadly. “Her name was Volvagia.” “…The one that was corrupted?” Link asked tentatively. “…The very one. Her body was different, though, with proper four limbs and wings.” Shade then decided to change the topic. “Let us discuss something else. I discovered something in Ivarstead over the… has it been a week?” Link shook his head. “It’s actually been a month.”“… A month? Very well then...” Shade corrected. “It’s quite exciting.” “What is it? What did you discover?” Shade smiled, then leaned in close. “It’s a secret. A surprise, if you will.” The undead warrior stepped back. “I will tell you that I am investigating something for the people of Ivarstead.” “I shouldn’t keep you then.” Link said. “I still need to finish my training.” “Very well.” Shade nodded to Link as the dragon hatchling glided back to Link's shoulder, then the undead warrior walked across the open room to the doors, opened then, and left High Hrothgar for Ivarstead…Once Shade entered the inn, Wilhelm spotted him and called the elderly undead over. Shade approached the bar counter and wordlessly handed Wilhelm the journal, which the human took and examined. “You managed to get it? Let me see… Ah, this explains a lot. Thank you for recovering this. I hope Wyndelius didn’t give you too much trouble.” Shade shook his head. “No. He tripped and fell on his own sword, I finished him off out of mercy.” “…I see.” Wilhelm paused. “Well, it seems you need a reward, so…” He turned around and rummaged around the shelf’s at the back, then faced Shade. “Here.” The man was holding some sort of clawed claw. Shade noted the claw was made of sapphire and he could feel raised ridges, but couldn’t tell what they were. “Are you sure you want me to take this? It seems quite valuable.” “Yes, I have no need for it. Perhaps you can find its true purpose.” Wilhelm told Shade. “Perhaps I will.” Shade responded before he left the inn.Shade walked into the barrow sometime later, then walked through the barrow until he reached the round locked door with carvings and symbols. He looked down at the crystallized carved claw in his skeletal hand. As he looked at the claw, he saw three carved symbols that appeared to look like a moth, an owl, and a wolf. He then looked at the carved door. The top ring had a carved symbol of a wolf. “…Could these rings be turned?” The undead walked up to the door, then twisted the wolf carving to the right. He stepped back as the ring slowly moved to the right, revealing a moth carving. “…Yes.” It took two tries to move the second ring to the correct symbol, as before that, it was a bird and whale. The third ring took only one movement, being a moth. The door slowly rose into the ceiling, and once it receded, Shade continued onward. He found a broken table beneath a stone etching that had some sort of clear broken gem, and some sort of helmet. Shade took both and kept walking. The narrow passage took a left turn, then descended. It passed a sideboard with some sort of mace weapon, which Shade took. He wandered into a large hall that contained five five sarcophagi: two around the perimeter and three up on a raised dais. There was a stone pedestal with some sort of book on it in the middle of the hall. As Shade moved to check the book, portcullises on both ends closed, trapping him inside. “That’s somewhat troublesome.” Shade muttered as he looked around for a way out. He spotted a small illuminated alcove in the eastern corner of the chamber, which was located to the right of the dais. This alcove, when Shade got closer, had a lever. Shade pulled it, and then stepped back as the five coffins opened. The five undead didn’t attack Shade, but merely stared at him, then slowly approached, as if they were studying him. “You… Alive?” Asked one of the undead. “My spirit is trapped in what remains of my body.” Shade answered. “You… carry… weapons.” Spoke another undead. “Yes, I still need to defend myself, even as I am now.” The five undead near Shade nodded all at once, then one ran over to the raised pedestal and removed the book, then ran back over. “Here… take…” Shade was offered the book. Shade reached out and took the book from the undead. When the spine was looked at, it was marked Oakflesh , whatever that was. The five undead then slowly returned to their coffins and Shade was left alone. As Shade left the undead behind and moved on, he saw a large urn that sat before a winding staircase. He noted the trap door grate on the floor with water below, which was located at the base of the staircase. Shade moved around the grate, but checked its contents from above. It housed a skeleton with a greatsword and a few golden coins. They weren’t worth jumping down to retrieve, so he moved on. Shade climbed the stairs and found a door, but decided to pass it for now and continued to climb the stairs.He found a door on the third floor that was locked, and proceeded to use brute strength to force the lock. Upon opening the door, he found a purple gem lying beside a chest. Shade picked up the gem, and then checked the chest, which was locked. The undead again used his strength to force the lock, then found two hundred golden coins, as well as what appeared to be a child’s toy - a slingshot. “…That’s a good haul…” He gladly took the coins and the slingshot and gem, then returned to the first floor. Just inside the door was a pressure plate that activated a dart trap. Shade avoided the dart, then stepped off the pressure plate and slowly walked over it. At the bottom of the stone stairs was a second pressure plate. Shade activated it, but was surprised when the battering ram that appeared didn’t hit him. Instead, as he found out, it struck a skeleton around the corner. On the left was a sideboard with some potion, which Shade took. The next door opened onto a balcony of a large room. To the direct left of Shade was an urn, which when checked, had ten gold coins. Next to the urn were two sarcophagi, each with a handle that no doubt activated them. Shade ignored these and moved on. Shade saw a chest through a hole in the wall. He saw a handle up against the wall, so he got curious and pulled it. A nearby sarcophagus opened, allowing Shade to check the chest, which was unfortunately empty. However, the small room had some items in it, which were a small clear gem, a sword, and a small urn, which was empty.Shade then looked through a nearby wooden bulwark upon returning to the other room after taking the gem and sword. He saw five skeletons standing in some oil slick. He left them alone as he figured they wouldn’t bother him. He then went down the platform stairs nearby, then crossed the pit and walked up the other side of stairs to another balcony. More undead were lying in wait, but they merely let Shade pass. A small empty burial urn was in the rubble at the top of the stairs, and a mace was on a broken table tucked in the northwest corner of the balcony, which Shade took.The next door opened to a stairway with a tripwire. Shade deactivated the tripwire and climbed the stairs. He avoided the undead that was at the top of the stairs and eterded the next room. More undead roamed this room, but again, Shade ignored them all, as they were ignoring him. A pressure plate activated a spike trap, which seemed to kill a few of the undead that were unlucky enough to be standing where the trap was on the floor. There was a passage heading east, which was guarded by even more undead. Shade moved past them, then found an unarmed undead guarding a door. Shade checked a nearby small urn - which was empty - before he approached the armored undead. The undead eyed Shade as he approached, then hissed and swung the rusted sword it was holding in his direction. Shade easily dodged the sword swing, then rushed forward, picked up the undead by the neck, and swung the corpse into the wall next to him. The undead hissed again as it dropped the sword. It then resorted to weak punches and scratches, none of which affected Shade. Shade soon grew bored and killed the undead by crushing the neck bones. He let the silent corpse fall to the floor, and found a lone key on the ground. Once Shade collected the dropped key, he used it to unlock the door, then proceeded onwards. The room led to an underground stream and a stone bridge. There was a nearby chain that seemed promising, so Shade made his way to the wall chain, then activated it. It raised a nearby gate, which when walked through, revealed a coin purse and skeleton underwater. Shade took the coin purse - which held thirty coins -  then after a moment of deliberation, moved the skeleton to higher ground - to give some respect to the corpse - and then closed the gate with the pull chain. He then decided to check out the bridge. When it was walked across, there was an alcove that held one of those small purple gems and some gauntlets. Closer inspection deemed them to be made of iron. Shade took both items, then inspected the nearby waterfall. Some sort of sword was behind it. It seemed valuable, so Shade took the sword, and returned to the stairs by walking across the stone bridge. He found a pressure plate in the middle of the room that did nothing when stepped on, and four rotating pillars. Shade decided to ignore these pillars for now and entered the next room through the doors. Another undead was in his way, but the creature let him pass unharmed. There was a coin purse on a table, as well as a burial urn and a pair of steel boots. A small urn sat on a shelf to the right. Shade took the items - the two burial urns contained ten coins each, and the coin purse contained thirty - and continued on his way. There was a pressure plate that didn’t seem connected to anything, yet the undead warrior decided to step on it anyway. Once he did so, he saw four doors open to reveal carvings. These doors were set in acolves, and the more Shade looked at the four carvings on the doors, he realized that they held a pattern. A whale drawing, followed by an eagle, then a snake, then another whale. The order had to have some sort of significance.Shade returned to the outer room and walked up to the four carvings. One by one, at a simple touch, the four stones slowly revolved to the pattern in the other room. Shade then stepped on the pressure plate, which lowered a wooden bridge. A nearby portcullis was also opened. The undead warrior crossed the bridge and looked around. Something like a throne was to his left, and there was a table with a potion and a war axe to his right. Shade grabbed the two items and walked forward. There was an undead waiting in the passage just ahead. The thing raised its weapon and hissed, then lowered it once the creature saw Shade. It stayed silent as Shade walked past it, choosing to get out of the way by moving to the side of the passage. Shade chose to thank the unfortunate soul as he passed. Inside the doorway was some sort of pressure plate. Further inspection revealed it to be connected to a spiked-wall. Shade avoided the pressure plate and moved on. Further past the gate was an urn in an alcove to the left, and a dagger and purple crystal in another alcove to the right. Shade searched the urn, which contained ten coins, and then took the crystal and dagger. There was a locked door on up again, which was easily broken by brute force. Inside, was a gold ingot atop a pedestal. It seemed like a trap, so Shade approached the pedestal from the side, quickly grabbed the ingot, then moved back. Flames shot out from all around the pedestal, but they didn’t affect Shade since he was in the doorway of the room. He decided to go back to the main passage, where he found a tripwire further on. Shade stepped over the tripwire, then found another undead wandering around up ahead. He ignore the undead as he climbed the slight incline, and found a small burial urn on a table, as well as some sort of potion and a bow. Shade checked the urn, which was empty, then grabbed the bow and potion, then walked up to the set of double doors and threw them open……To reveal a great hall with descending stairs. Shade looked around and found a red potion on a nearby table, which he took as he walked down the stairs. Once he entered the hall, he noticed a great stone temple in the center, as well as thirteen sarcophagi surrounding it. Shade waited in the doorway for a few moments, knowing a fight when he saw one, then stepped into the room. The large gate slammed down behind him, locking him into the room. As the gate closed, the coffins opened, revealing six skeletons and seven undead. Shade grinned as he reached behind him and drew his greatsword, then took a battle stance. “Come and humor this old warrior.” He taunted at the undead, who raided their weapons in anger and charged. Shade skewered the first undead that reached him, then swung the greatsword in an arc, slamming it into two more undead. The undead that was on the sword flew off, and the three undead fell to the ground. He then grabbed a fourth undead by the throat and threw it to the ground, then crushed the creature’s neck by stomping down on it.For the fifth and sixth, he waited until the two undead had reached him, then grabbed their heads and smashed them together with great force. The seventh undead silently moved behind Shade and leapt at him, ending up on the elderly warrior’s back as it tried to run him through with its rusted sword. Shade merely reached behind him and plucked the undead from his cloak, then threw the creature against a wall. The eight and ninth undead approached from the left and right, respectively. Shade ducked under a sword swung from the left, then ran the undead through. He then quickly drew his ancient bow and shot the ninth undead with an arrow. He did the same to the tenth, but then had to put the bow away and return to sword fighting for the eleventh and twelfth undead. These two were dispatched by a quick sword spin. Finally, all that was left was the armored undead with the horned helmet. This undead held a waraxe, and it grinned, then rushed Shade, who swung the greatsword just in time to strike the waraxe. The two undead strained and slid across the damp cold stone floor due to the interlocked weapons, before Shade was able to break the hold. He then took the greatsword in both skeletal hands, and swung the blade upwards. The armored undead was beheaded, and its body hit the ground not even a second later. The battle was over. Shade was unharmed, and as he took the time to look the corpses over, he heard both gates open, one in front, one behind. He found nothing of value on the thirteen undead, so he moved on, walking up a narrow wooden plank to a stone tunnel. The tunnel ended up in a large room with a very large and decorated chest, which was located front and center. Shade checked the chest, but he saw that it was armed with some sort of trap. He disabled it, then opened the chest, which only contained a strange wooden shield with sharp spikes embedded in its surface. Shade had never seen this type of shield before, he figured it was valuable, and so he decided to take it with him. A large coin purse, an axe, and a healing potion rested by the chest, which Shade took. He then found another healing potion, as well as various armor and weapons against the left-hand wall. Furthermore, there was a small burial urn and a coin purse on a nearby table. Shade took all of the items - all of the coins in total added up to three hundred - then made his way past the chest, where he found himself looking at some sort of carved wall. The wall itself was curved, with a stone dragon perched atop the wall. Strange carved symbols were etched into the wall. “How interesting.” There was a chest in the nearby pool of water. Shade looked around as to how to access it, and eventually figured out he had to stand on the edge of the wooden platform leading to the strange carved wall, and face northwest. He then jumped down into the water, and turned to face southeast. In a small alcove, just under a large support beam for the platform, was the submerged chest. Said chest contained one hundred gold coins, a few various potions - which Shade figured he’d sort later - and thirty iron-tipped arrows. Shade took the items and returned to solid ground. To the left of the carved wall was a broken bridge. Shade inspected the bridge to see if he could reach it, but eventually decided that whatever was at the other side of the bridge wasn’t worth it. The exit was across the intact stone bridge to the right. This led back to the barrow and into a small, circular room with a pull chain. The chain opened a hidden door leading into a partially collapsed tunnel. The tunnel ended in another pull chain and secret door. There was also a warhammer in Shade’s path as he approached the end of the tunnel as well as a small urn by the secret door. Shade took the warhammer, and checked the urn - it was empty - before pulling the chain. The chain caused a secret door to open into Wyndelius Gatharian's chambers. Shade looked around, then left Shrouded Hearth. Once he was outside, Shade felt (and saw) the world around him vanish, and he was once again back home. “…Wonderful…”Shade eventually felt Link’s presence in his head. He immediately accepted it, then appeared in a flash of light and looked at Link, who was holding a letter in his hand. “A letter? How did you get to be so well known that people are sending you letters ?” Link turned around, as he had been facing away from Shade. “Where have you been?” “Exploring a barrow.” Shade smiled. “And you?” “I’ve been here the entire time.” Link said as he looked back at a man that Shade didn’t know the identity of. Shade watched as the man slowly approached him. “… A non-hostile Draugr? No… You’re not a Draugr, are you?” Shade shook his head. “No. You may call me Shade. After my death, I was given a task by my own gods to watch over the land for as long as I could. For five centuries, I watched over my home land…” The warrior gestured towards Link. “And then he was born. My purpose changed then - I was to look over him until he came of age, and then help him.” Shade paused, as he thought it was rude to continue without knowing the robed man’s name. “What is your name?” “Arngeir. I am curious, how did you help Link?” The robed man inquired.“A tyrant took over, and covered the land in a mist known as Twilight. The lucky were transformed into animals and spirits, the rest… were turned into corrupted creatures known as Twilight Beasts. The ruling regent was locked away in a castle tower…” Shade reached out and placed a skeletal hand on Link’s right shoulder. “And so, he found me, and I taught him all that I knew.” “I assume you ended up dealing with this tyrant, then?” The robed man looked at Link as he asked this. “I killed him.” Link responded with no hesitation. Arngeir widened his eyes a bit, but nodded. “Continue.” “I ended up nearly dying, and ended up unconscious for several weeks… earned a lot of scars… but I stabbed him in the chest, and I assume he was turned to stone…” “If you do not remember all of the details, that is fine. I don’t expect you to want to tell me all of that, considering what happened to you. I believe you have advanced far enough in your training for now. If young Siddgeir wants you to visit his hold, you shouldn’t keep him waiting.” Stated the robed man. Shade watched as Link nodded, then turned to face him as Arngeir walked away and vanished from view down one of the corridors.His descendant then asked what they should do next. “I do have something for you.” Shade reached into the leather side bag that he carried, and took out some sort of crystal object. He then held it towards Link. “Take it.” Link reached out and took the crystal thing from Shade, then examined it. At closer inspection, the thing was a sapphire dragon claw. “Where did you get this?” “A place named Shrouded Hearth Barrow. I’ve been investigating it for the past month.” “Actually, it’s been two months.” Link corrected. “What did you find there?” He asked. “Some mage who pretended to be a spirit. Said to have vanished a year ago, I suppose he went mad being in there by himself the entire time. I ended up dealing with him, he won’t be bothering Ivarstead ever again.”“…You killed him?” Shade nodded. “I did. It wasn’t even a fair fight - he tripped over his own weapon and landed on it. I merely finished the job so he wouldn’t suffer.” “Okay.” Link clearly didn’t know what else to say. “Did you find anything?” “Undead that were friendly towards me. They led me through the barrow and gave me coins and goods. I also found some sort of carved stone wall.”“…The Draugr didn’t fight you?” “Draugr… Is this what they call undead here?” When Link nodded, Shade continued. “No, they did not.” He paused. “Most of them didn’t. There was a gate guard that held a key, then thirteen at the end that were hostile.” “Interesting, and you said you found a carved wall, can you describe it more?”The undead warrior nodded. “Certainly. When I approached the wall, it had carvings in another language, one that I had never seen before. There was a dragon head made of stone perched atop the wall.” Link looked at his undead ancestor for a second in silence, then he slowly smiled. “Shade, you found a Word Wall.” “A word wall? What is that?” Shade asked in curiosity. “Did I find something valuable?” “You did.” Link responded eagerly. “Word Walls contain Words of Power. Dragon Shouts.” “Let me think… Were the two words you used to fly across the room a … month ago - one of these Shouts?” Link nodded. “Yeah. First two words of Whirlwind Sprint. Each Shout has three words in total… but the fact that you found one so close to here… Are you able to get me into Shrouded Hearth?”“I can most certainly try, though I don’t know what the undead there will do.” Shade pondered aloud. Shade watched on as Link looked down at the sapphire dragon claw he was holding. “…Guess we’ll find out.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Shade merely guided Link through the passageways of Shrouded Hearth Barrow until they reached the chamber where Shade had very briefly fought Wyndelius. The corpse was still there, but Shade walked past it and felt for a secret door up against a wall.

“What are we here for besides the Word Wall?” Link asked as he came up beside his ancestor and waited for Shade to open the secret door.

“Anything that I might have missed or looked over, which I believe is very little, as I was quite through.” Shade replied as he managed to find a hidden latch that was connected to the pull chain on the other side. He activated the pull chain, then stepped back as the secret door opened.

“Why are we going this way instead of through the dungeon?”

“Because to me, this way is faster. You wanted to get to this ‘Word Wall’ first, did you?” Shade looked back at Link, who nodded, then motioned for the Hylian to follow him down the newly revealed passageway.

As Shade vanished into said passageway, Link briefly looked around, then followed his ancestor further into the dungeon…

…The two found themselves in a partially collapsed tunnel. Further down this tunnel was another door and pull chain, which Shade activated. This revealed a small circular room, and before them, a stone bridge.

The two crossed the bridge, then, to Link’s left, he almost immediately heard the tell-tale sign of a Word Wall - chanting.

The Hylian walked over to the Word Wall, then placed a hand on the cold stone to steady himself as his vision blurred. Knowledge filled his mind, his vision returned, and the chanting slowly faded.

Kaan.

Thanks to the soul of the dragon he had slain at Whiterun, he knew now that he had the ability to have animals be calmed in his presence and not attack him for a limited time.

‘Now this could potentially prove to be very useful.’

Link stepped away from the wall and walked back to where Shads was.

After Link had claimed the Word of Power, Shade pointed out an alcove across a collapsed bridge that he hadn't been able to reach on his previous visit.

Link gazed at the sight before him and grinned, then walked to the edge of the broken bridge, and used Whirlwind Sprint. He flew across the gap and landed on the other side, where he discovered only a petty soul gem and a steel greatsword. He took both items anyway, then waited for his mind to prepare for another Shout usage before he used Whirlwind Sprint again to get back to Shade.

Once the two were reunited, Shade then led Link through the dungeon in reverse. Yet, as they traveled through the barrow, they discovered something

very

interesting - the Draugr that they walked past began to wordlessly follow them.

“That’s not normal.” Link commented as he looked back at the silent shuffling undead.

“Perhaps not, let us continue and see what happens.” Shade said as he led Link and the following multitude of Draugr towards the barrow’s exit.

Once they reached Wyndelius’ chamber, the Draugr that had been following the two all kneeled at once before Shade.

“How peculiar. Perhaps… No, that can’t be it.”

“Do you know why they’re doing this?” Link asked his ancestor.

“In theory, when I killed the armored undead in the final room, perhaps ownership of this tomb was… transferred to me.” Shade concluded as he saw a few undead nodding towards him.

“…So what does that mean?”

“I believe they are expecting their next orders… Let me think…” After some thought, Shade decided to order the undead to guard the tomb and surrounding area for as long as they were able, and to occasionally check up on Ivarstead.

“For your new orders, I command all of you to guard this tomb as long as your spirits remain in your bodies. Furthermore, I implore you to venture forth from these burial chambers and survey the surrounding area, as well as protect the village nearby.”

All of the Draugr agreed to this as they stood from kneeling, and Link and Shade were free to leave Shrouded Hearth.

“Now, I’m going to warn you, that dungeon was full of items.” Shade told Link. The two were sitting at an empty table in the corner of the Vilemyr Inn, having walked from Shrouded Hearth Barrow.

Link nodded. “Let’s get to it, then.”

Shade reached into his magically enchanted bag at his side, and first took out forty gold coins. “What do you call these?”

“Septims.” Link confirmed.

“Septims…” Shade closely inspected one of the cold golden coins. “I see.” He then put the coins to the side, then placed a red potion, a small purple gem, and a book on the table.

Link inspected all three items. “This is a minor healing potion, this is a petty soul gem, and this…” He skimmed the book. “‘

Before the Ages of Man…

Eh, I’ll keep it for later reading, seems interesting.”

“Very well.” Shade then placed a ruby, sapphire, iron gauntlets, iron boots, a small piece of a mint plant, another red potion, two more books, and the potion Shade had gotten earlier from Wyndelius.

“

The Gold Ribbon of Merit

and

The Buying Game

. I already have these, so you can keep them. I can sell the armor pieces…” Link took the gems, then picked up the red potion. “…A major healing potion. Good, I’ll always need more of these.” He then looked at the strange potion. “What’s that?”

“It’s called the Philter of the Phantom. Wyndelius used it to appear like a ghost. Perhaps it’ll be useful to you.”

Link nodded, then reached out and picked up the mint. “…Haven’t done much with alchemy… Maybe I should.”

“In the lower section, I found a lot. We’ll go over everything slowly, so it’s not all over the place.” Shade stated. Once Link had made two clear piles on what he wanted to sell, and what he wanted to keep  - the iron gauntlets were by themselves, and everything else was close by - the elderly undead placed some more items on the table.

There was a Sapphire dragon claw, an iron helmet, a broken soul gem, an Oakflesh tome, a greater soul gem, and a lot of Septims. However, the last thing that Shade took out of the bag had Link’s full attention.

“Where did you get that?”

It was the Slingshot

.

“I found it in a chest.” Shade replied as he handed over what to most people, was a mere child’s toy, but to Link, the wooden thing had saved his life a few times.

Link quickly counted up the Septims - two hundred in total - before he set the iron helmet in the ‘to sell’ pile. He then picked up the tome and opened it.

Shade watched in silent awe as the book crumbed to dust in the Hylian’s hands. “What happened?”

“I learned a new spell. It’s called Oakflesh.”

“What does it do?”

“Good question, but I shouldn't test it here, though.” Link placed the Septims together into a larger pile, then placed the two soul gems in his bag. He then picked up the dragon claw and inspected it, then set it on the table to his right. He once again picked up the slingshot, seeming to be lost in memories.

Link then raised the object slightly, then used a free hand to lightly pull back on the tensed band. “…Still seems to function as it did.” He put the Slingshot in his bag, then, after thinking, put the Septims in the bag as well.

Shade took that as to take out the next set of items. There were some Septims, a strange curved sword, another soul gem, a healing potion, and a steel mace.

“Hmmm…” Link picked up the curved sword first. “Interesting.”

A nearby inn patron stated that the sword was of “Redguard make”, which made Link decide to keep it. Because it simply looked cool.

There were forty Septims, the soul gem was of petty status, the healing potion was entirely normal. Link put the mace in the ‘to sell pile’ and put the other items in the bag.

Shade placed more items on the table once it was relatively cleared.

There was another petty soul gem, more Septims - which numbered fifty - and iron gauntlets. There was a sword, but Link had never seen anything like it before. When he picked it up, it felt almost lightweight. It was darkened, and curved slightly with jagged edges. “Wonder what this is…”

Link set aside the strange sword in the ‘to keep’ pile, put the septims and soul gem in his bag, then put the gauntlets in the ‘to sell’ pile.

Shade decided to place more items on the table. There was a waraxe, a dagger, a soul gem, another potion, and ten coins.

“…Let’s see… steel dagger, I can sell that; Orc waraxe… Do I sell the one I have and keep this one… Yeah sure. Ten Septims, a normal soul gem and… a potion of the knight.” Link put the items in the bag, and to keep pile. He then got out the iron waraxe, and replaced it with the Orc one. He then put the iron waraxe and the steel dagger in the ‘to sell’ pile.

The next pile consisted of a golden ingot, an iron bow, a minor potion of stamina, and a strange wooden shield that had rusted spikes embedded in it. “Wonder what this is…”

The person behind the counter seemed to notice the shield, and stepped out from behind the counter and wandered up to the table. “Is that what I think it is? The

Targe of the Blooded?

How did it end up in Shrouded Hearth? I thought it was in Aftand to the far north!”

“What is Aftand?”

“It’s a massive complicated mess of a Dwemer ruin. Advanced civilization.” The man explained. “Oh, I never gave my name, I’m Wilhelm, I’m the owner of Vilemyr inn. If you want to sell anything to me, perhaps I may buy some things.” The Nord walked back to the counter, while Shade placed the last of the items on the table.

The rest of the items were the following: four hundred Septims, an iron axe, iron helmet, steel leggings, orc sword and chestplate, a steel warhammer, thirty iron arrows, and four potions - a minor potion of healing and three majors ones, which were of healing, magicka, and stamina.

Link spent some time adding up the totals to everything, then he checked his items to make sure he wasn’t going to sell anything that he didn’t want to sell - he was good there - and then put the three armor pieces and three weapons into the ‘to sell’ pile.

He counted the Septims first, then his soul gems, lock picks, and arrows, and then the potions.

Before counting the Septims he had gotten from Shade, Link knew he had 13360 Septims. Link determined he had received 740 from Shade. He counted the total, and ended up with a new total of 14,100 Septims.

For soul gems, arrows and lockpicks; he had nine petty, three normal, one greater, one broken, and three empty gems, one hundred and fifty-eight Iron Arrows, twenty five ancient arrows, and seventeen lockpicks.

For potions, he now had one weak healing potion, a draught of the healer, four Major healing, four major Magicka, three major Stamina, eighteen minor healing, a potion of resist magic, potion of invisibility, a draught of the knight, a major potion of strength, a damage health poison, a bottle of regular poison, two minor stamina, four minor Magicka, two potions of the knight, a paralysis potion, and two potions of healing. And he had that one potion, what was the name… Right, the Philter of the Phantom.

Link then got up from the table and began to carry what was in the ‘to sell’ pile across the inn floor over to the counter, where Wilhelm was waiting.

“All done? Let’s see here… You want to sell me…” Wilhelm took out a quill and parchment and wrote each item down as Link set it on the counter. “For weapons… a steel dagger, iron axe, iron bow, iron waraxe, orc sword, steel greatsword, steel warhammer, steel mace. For armor… two iron helmets, steel leggings, orc chestplate, iron boots, and two iron gauntlets.” Wilhelm paused to get his breath back. “Give me a few moments to get the total…”

“For the weapons… 75 for the orc sword, steel mace is 65, steel greatsword is 90, steel warhammer is 110, steel dagger is 18, the bow is actually an Orcish bow, not sure why it has iron on it - 150, iron waraxe is 30, iron axe - technically also a waraxe so 30… Give me a moment… 568.”

Wilhelm handed Link the Septims, which the Hylian pocketed, then continued. “As for the armor… steel leggings are 625, orcish chest plate is-“ The Nord stared at something on the counter. “…One thousand. … The iron boots are 25, the two iron helmets are 120, and the two iron gauntlets are 250. So… Give me a moment… 2,020.” Wilhelm handed over the Septims. “Turns out you’ll get rich if you just wander into dungeons.”

“…Seems to be that way.” Link thanked the Nord and then walked back over to Shade.

Link reached out and picked up the helmet, then put it on. It was somewhat hard to convey emotions now that his entire face was obscured save for his eyes, but he stepped over to Shade and hugged him. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

Shade looked down, then returned the hug. “As am I. Let me walk you out.”

The two separated, and as they began to walk towards the door, they heard voices from a corner of the room.

“Did you hear about Geirmund’s Hall?” A Nord asked the lone Orc at a table the two were sitting at.

The Orc nodded. “Yeah. Heard it’s haunted by a spirit.”

“Did you also know one of the Gauldursons is rumored to be there?”

“No. Is it true?” The Orc asked.

“Beats me.” The Nord threw back the contents of the mug he was holding and slammed it on the wooden table. “If it is true, I wonder why no one has gone in there yet.”

Link thought back to the book he had read in Dragonsreach. He figured now would be a good time to see if the “Lost Legend” was really true.

He waited until Shade had walked him out of the inn before he spoke. “I think we should go check out the barrow-“

Shade wasn’t there anymore. It seemed he had been de-summoned.

“…Or I can do it by myself…”

Upon entering, Link noted there were many fungi growing in the cave, including fourteen bleeding crowns, nineteen fly amanita, and five white caps. Two skeevers suddenly launched themselves as Link as he descended the dirt path after collecting all of the plants for later alchemy shenanigans.

The Hylian merely kicked both rodents to either side of him as he continued walking. To the west of the rather large hole in the ground, Link found a dead adventurer. A copy of

Lost Legends

was resting nearby on a rock.

Link then approached and looked down into the dirt hole, and saw he was standing above a pool of water. There seemed to be items down there. It was the way forward.

He hesitated, not sure of how to reach the water, before he gradually realized he had to jump.

‘Hope this works.’

Link took a step back, then ran forward and kicked off the ground, ending up over the sinkhole… and then he fell.

He landed with a splash into the pool and sank down due to his armor. As soon as he got his bearings, Link swam upwards and breached the water’s surface.

He then looked down. There seemed to be some sort of blue potion at the sandy bottom.

‘Could be useful.’

Link stopped treading water and let his armor take him to the bottom of the pool, where he grabbed the potion, then swam back up.

Link then realized what the potion was.

‘…A water breathing potion?’

He slowly grinned to himself, and before his better judgement could tell him no, he unsealed the bottle and drank its contents.

Link felt the familiar sense of magic from the potion almost immediately. He could still breathe above water, so he quickly submerged himself…

This was very similar to the Zora Armor, Link determined as he slowly got used to breathing underwater. Now, at least, he could get the rest of the items safely.

There was an urn, which was empty, and a short dead-end passage which contained a burial urn, which had twenty Septims, and at the end, an unlocked chest which held a steel sword, a medium coin purse, which contained one hundred Septims, and an empty soul gem.

Link grabbed all of the items, then expertly swam the short distance to the main pool and neared the surface.

But unfortunately, as he breathed in water and somehow converted it to air, he suddenly breathed in pure water.

The Hylian’s eyes widened and he breached the surface of the underground pool, then swam over to the shore before he removed his helmet and dropped it beside him as he struggled to simply

breathe.

His lungs and throat hurt as he lay there half in the water, half on rubble as he coughed up water.

‘Could have been a lot worse.’

Link thought as he raised his gaze to…

…There was the iron door he had seen up above to the west, with wooden stairs leading up to it out of the water. Opposite, among some rubble, was a burial urn and a large coin purse.

‘Okay. At least there’s no monsters here.’

Link let his head drop to the cold stone and closed his eyes, merely focused on getting his breath back.

After what felt like a few minutes, Link had recovered enough to retrieve his helmet and get up. He then checked the burial urn, which was empty, and grabbed the coin purse - which contained fifty Septims - before he looked up at the iron doors.

Two frostbite spiders greeted Link once he walked up the stairs and opened the iron doors.

The two spiders gazed at him for a second, before they skittered forward in attacking positions, their fangs glistening with poison.

Link drew Dawnbreaker and braced himself with the spiked shield.

The first spider leapt forward, and Link swung his shield arm at the creature, which promptly impaled the thing with the spikes.

The spider writhed around in agony, still trying to impale the Hylian with its fangs as its lifeblood slowly dripped down the spikes and wooden planks of the shield, to the dirt below.

Link kicked the arachnid off the spikes and then stabbed it with Dawnbreaker, putting it out of its misery. He then swung the shield to try to get the blood off, then spun the sword in his hand as he eyed the other spider.

‘Never seen a shield like this. I’ll have to be careful with it.’

Thought Link as the remaining spider hissed, then skittered towards him.

The thing leapt at him, but Link was able to dispatch the spider quite easily with a well timed sword swing.

While Link paused to rest, he checked out the rest of the room. There wasn’t much, just a small passage behind a locked door that held an Orcish chestplate, an Elven shield and a major potion of healing. The Hylian unlocked the door with a lockpick, took the items, and moved on.

The passage to the south held a chest on a dresser. Link slowly approached the chest and examined it for traps. Finding none, he then found it was locked, and used one of his lockpicks to unlock the chest.

It only held fifty Septims and a potion of Stamina, but Link took the coins and potion.

Directly next to the dresser was a pressure plate, which triggered some sort of trap judging by the holes in the walls.

Link managed to walk around the pressure place and be continued down the corridor.

He walked down some stairs and ended up in flooded catacombs that held rotating pillars.

There were symbols on the walls, and Link stepped closer to inspect them. They read from left to right: Eagle, Whale, Snake, Whale.

‘So it’s one of these things.’

Link had seen these symbol puzzles before.

‘I just have to find the matching pillars and get them in the right order. Seems simple enough.’

In the middle of the room was a table that held some sort of soul gem, which was resting on an obvious pressure plate. Link grabbed the soul gem and retreated, narrowly avoiding being injured by a battering ram in the form of two mammoth tusks and a skull. The Hylian took the potion that was on the table, then examined the rest of the room.

There were a few burial urns, but when checked, all of them were empty. Link walked down the nearby stairs and found a Draugr waiting for him. The creature was stabbed with Dawnbreaker and Link stepped over the resulting ash pile, then stepped up to the pillar and rotated it so that it matched the eagle symbol in the main room.

After turning right down the corridor, he found the second pillar, which was guarded by a Dreadlord. Once the Dreadlord was dealt with, Link stepped up to the pillar and activated it until it was a symbol of a whale.

There was a third pillar behind a table. A Draugr with a sword lied in wait, but Link used Flames to deal with it quickly. He rotated this pillar until the symbol on it was a snake.

The fourth pillar was behind Link and to the left. After quickly dealing with the lone Draugr, Link rotated the pillar so that the symbol on it was that of a whale.

There was a lever on a wall to Link’s right. Once he activated it, a door opened to the north. After he checked the area he was in, he entered the doorway and continued onwards.

There was a short tunnel with various plants. It led to an open room with a ramp. There was a walkway above the area that had a Draugr walking around on it, which Link easily dispatched with his bow and arrows. He then checked the area at the base of the ramp.

There was another undead close by, but it hadn’t noticed him yet, so Link chose to hit the Draugr with a combination of Sparks and Flames from a somewhat close distance. The Draugr fell to the ground and didn’t get up.

There was a well-hidden large coin purse - which held fifty Septims -  in the second shelf of the fallen bookshelf at the base of the ramp; only the very top of it showed through the sand. A second hidden large coin purse - which held one hundred Septims - was among some rubble to the southwest. To the west was a sideboard with a Orcish bow and a single arrow on top. To the right was a set of shelves holding four leather strips and a greater potion of stamina. Link took all of the items, then walked up the ramp to more solid ground.

There was a broken bridge on the west side of the room. Link spent a while deciding how he was going to reach the door at the other side of the bridge, before he used Whirlwind Sprint.

Link landed safely, then checked the door for possible traps. There was a tension cable before the door, and he cut it with Dawn. Firebolts shot forth, and the Hylian had to quickly get out of the way. There was a nearby soul gem that when taken, disarmed the trap, and Link was able to see what was behind the door.

There was nothing in the small alcove save for a chest, which was locked. Link knelt before the chest, took out a few lockpicks, and spent some time opening the chest. After breaking two lockpicks trying to find the sweet spot, he managed to open the chest, which held two hundred Septims and a greater potion of health. He took the items, then left the alcove and used Whirlwind Sprint to get back to the main area of the room.

There were three Draugr waiting for him, one adorned in armor with a greatsword, the other two had a bow and mace.

Before the Draugr moved, Link summoned his Frost Atronach. The creature moved immediately, heading for the Draugr with the bow. Once the Deadra reached the undead, it stomped the ground, sending ice shards in all directions. This caused the undead to be impaled with ice, which killed it.

The Frost Atronach then focused on the undead with the greatsword, which left the one with the mace to Link.

The mace wielding undead ran towards the Dragonborn, but Link used Lightning Bolt, then Frostbite on the Draugr. The undead fell to the ground and Link watched on as the Atronach and Draugr fought each other.

Chips of ice flew across the room as the greatsword carved into the Atronach again and again, but eventually the Deadra picked up the undead and slammed it into the ground, killing it instantly. The Frost Atronach then turned to Link, bowed in his direction, then vanished through an Oblivion portal, which then disappeared.

Once the three undead were defeated, Link took the key from the armored undead. He then noticed an epitaph on a nearby table and inspected it.

It was addressed to “Lord Geirmund”, who had been an archmage of Windhelm. Geirmund in death had been assigned to guard the outside world from “three traitors and their charm of strife.”

To the east of where Geirmund had been was an empty urn, with an unlit brazier in front which contained a steel mace. There was a door to the right, which Link unlocked using the key he had taken from Geirmund.

Once he stepped through the door, there was an enchanting table, which Link ignored. A Skeever leapt at him from the shadows, which Link merely grabbed and threw aside as he checked a nearby set of stairs. There wasn’t much, just a potion of invisibility, and an urn, which was empty. Link checked what was on the enchanting table, which was an orcish battleaxe and a bottle filled with poison. On the ground was a normal Soul Gem. Link took these three items, then continued onward.

There were two bookcases, one of which had an iron helmet. Link took the helmet, then picked up a small coin purse - which had ten Septims - before he climbed the stairs.

There was a Draugr waiting for him, which Link stabbed with Dawnbreaker. The undead soon turned into ash from the resulting flames.

There was a sideboard with a Potion of the Knight, a pair of steel boots, and an orcish bow. Link took the items and soon found a raised drawbridge.

There was a lever, but there were also holes in the wall that were pointed in the direction Link was facing. He chose not to activate this lever, and instead looked around the room. The correct lever was hidden in a corner, and when thrown back, one half of the drawbridge lowered.

Link crossed the drawbridge and easily dealt with the lone Draugr that was on the platform. He then activated another lever, which lowered the other half of the drawbridge. Two more Draugr were on the other side, which Link killed with his bow and arrows, two arrows each.

Unfortunately, they fell to rest on pressure plates, which activated sharp swinging axes. Link walked up to the hallway, then carefully timed his steps to avoid being hit by the axes.

There was another Draugr with a staff lying in wait around the corner. Link decided to use the Wabbajack on it, which turned the undead into a lizard.

There was a chain on the wall which deactivated the axes, and a set of stairs. Link walked down the stairs and found a sideboard with a bottle of poison on it. Link took the bottle and then walked around a corner to find himself standing on a ledge.

From the ledge he was standing on, Link saw a very large and mostly empty room, save for a lot of plants and hanging moss that grew everywhere, and a lone sarcophagus in the middle of the room.

Link jumped down from the ledge and began to walk towards the middle of the room. As he neared the sarcophagus, it opened forcefully.

The lid narrowly missed hitting Link as something climbed out of the stone coffin, then faced him.

This was Sigdis Gauldurson.

Link got into a defensive position with sword and shield raised as he waited for the undead to make the first move.

He was surprised when Sigdis teleported across the room, leaving two copies of himself in the undead’s wake.

“That’s new.”

Then the two copies started to cast various spells in his direction.

Link decided to use the new spell he had learned. “Oakflesh.” As soon as he said the spell, he was hit by a frost spell directly, but it didn’t hurt as much as it should have. Link then looked down at his armor. What skin was visible seemed to have the appearance of oak wood.

‘Is this spell a defensive one? Seems pretty useful.’

Thought the Hylian as he drew the twin elemental daggers and ran forward, poised to leap up and stab Dawn in one of the copies’ chests.

When that happened, Link noticed that Sigdis teleported away and ended up across the room. Another copy of the undead was created.

The Dragonborn then decided to attack Sigdis directly, opting to cast Sparks against the undead. This time, both copies stayed, and Sigdis didn’t teleport.

‘So don’t attack the …illusions. Got it.’

Sigdis then recovered from the attack and prepared to cast some sort of spell.

With quick thinking, Link hid behind the tomb to shield himself from the attack. There were small stones at his feet, and he got an idea.

He took out the slingshot, picked up a stone, positioned it correctly, then risked looking over the tomb as he pulled back on the tensed band.

Sigdis seemed to be waiting for Link to attack, and certainly didn’t expect a rock to strike him in the face. The undead growled angrily and started to move towards Link, who waited for the undead to get close before he vaulted over the tomb and swung Dawn at Sigdis, only for him to vanish.

Sigdis seemed to have teleported at the last second, so he retreated a bit as he tried to figure out which undead was real.

He decided to simply just start attacking, and if he hit the real Sigdis and not an illusion, that was good.

A use of Sparks prompted another teleport, and a few spells dodges as Link summoned the Flame Atronach.

The flame woman looked around, then waved at the Hylian before she flew upwards to avoid an ice spell. The Atronach then dove towards one of the three undead with arms outstretched. Unfortunately, this was also an illusion, and Sigdis once again teleported.

‘I can just see where he teleports to. Why didn’t I think of that earlier.’

Link thought as he ran over to who he thought was the real undead and tried to stab Sigdis with Dusk.

The undead was covered in ice where the dagger had struck, and attempted to run Link through with the sword he was holding.

With quick timing, Link backflipped away, managing to somehow kick off the blade as he used the Unrelenting Force Shout on Sigdis.

The undead flew across the room from the Shout, then teleported closer after getting up from where he had hit the wall.

Meanwhile, the Flame Atronach was keeping the two illusions busy by keeping them distracted. They appeared to be chasing her around the room.

She then turned and flamed both illusions, which caused both to vanish and Sigdis to teleport again.

It was at this point the Flame Atronach was summoned back to Oblivion, and Link was once again alone to face the undead.

The Hylian chose to retreat behind the tomb again, and decided to use the slingshot once more after kneeling behind the tomb for cover.

The first attack resulted in another teleport, but the second rock throw was successful. Sigdis charged the tomb while he raised the sword in his skeletal hands.

Link got up from his kneeling position as Sigdis reached him and dodged a spell, then swung the spiked shield and impaled Sigdis in the undead’s midsection.

He then stabbed the thing in the chest with Dawnbreaker, watching as the undead caught on fire.

Once Sigdis fell to the ground, Link noticed that the two illusions had vanished. There was something metal and shining on the floor, when Link picked it up, it was some sort of amulet fragment. There was also some sort of bow as well as a writ of sealing. Link decided to read it - it was basically a sealing of Sigdis, to make sure he never left the barrow. When the bow was inspected, words were engraved into the wood - Gauldur Blackbow.

There was a tunnel behind the tomb, which led to a room filled with items and a large chest. There was a plate on a table which held three pearls, one smaller than the other two. Link took these, then turned to the shelves. On the shelves were an iron helmet, steel plated gauntlets, a greater potion of magicka, a greater soul gem, an elven shield, and a book.

Link took all of the items, and then inspected the book, which was called

Words and Philosophy

. When he skimmed through it, he felt as if he had gained some knowledge of using various two handed weapons.

The chest was unlocked, and held the contents of five hundred Septims, two Greater Soul Gems, and an Orcish greatsword. Link took everything from the chest, then looked around the room.

There was a passage to the south, which when taken, led to a lever. Link activated the lever, which raised a hidden door that led to the first room of the barrow. The Hylian briefly looked around before he left Gerimund’s Hall, intending to finally make his way to Falkreath.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was mid morning when Link finally reached Falkreath. There was a sort of somber atmosphere as he rode Epona down the well traveled dirt road further into the village; and after he paid the local stablemaster the 25 Septims to look after Epona, Link wandered further into the village.

He happened across a lone guard that was looking in the direction of a path that led out of the village. “You there. You haven’t seen a strange dog, have you?”

“No, I only just got here myself. Why do you ask?”

The guard continued to look down the path for a second before he turned to Link. “No one knows where the dog came from, and we can’t get it to leave. If you see the dog, maybe you can do something about it.”

“Maybe. Do you know where the Jarl’s building is?”

“The longhouse?” The guard corrected. “Sure, I’ll walk you there myself. But why do you want to see the Jarl?”

“He had a courier find and give me a letter to see him.”

“Must be someone important then if Siddgeir asked for you by name. Follow me.”

The guard led Link across the town over to a large house, then opened the door and stepped inside.

The Longhouse was largely open, with a fire pit in the middle, dual wooden stairs on either side of the room, and at the far end was someone sitting in a chair.

“Who’s this?” The man asked.

“He said you sent him a letter, Jarl Siddgeir.” The guard responded.

Siddgeir’s face lit up. “Oh, he finally showed up? Wonderful! You can leave now.” The Jarl waved a hand, which the guard took as a sign to leave the building.

Once the guard was gone, Siddgeir seemed to study Link. “…So you’re the one they call Dragonborn?”

“I am.”

“…Must be why you took so long to get here then, I sent the letter I think two weeks ago or more… Or it could be that the courier took forever to find you…” Siddgeir trailed off, then leaned forward in his throne. “Now then. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jarl Siddgeir, the youngest Jarl… ever, I think. You seem trustworthy and helpful, so I’ll offer you this: help my people, and I’ll make you Thane.”

“…We only just met and you’re offering that to me?”

Siddgeir nodded. “Of course! Someone of your standing will help me greatly.”

“…What do I need to do?”

“Simply perform various tasks for my people. Once I think you’ve helped enough, then we’ll see about your reward.” Siddgeir stated. “Although there is one thing…”

“Which is?”

“There’s a group of bandits located at a fort somewhat close to here. It’s called Cracked Tusk Keep. I want you to go there and clear them out. After you do this, return to me and I’ll come up with some other task for you.” Siddgeir replied.

“Where is Cracked Tusk Keep?” Link asked.

“It’d be easier to mark it on your map, if you have one.” Siddgeir motioned for Link to step closer, when he did, the Jarl marked the location of the keep on Link’s map. “There you go. Just don’t take too long on this, but with what I’ve heard about you, this should be no problem.”

“We’ll see about that.” Link stated as he turned and walked away from Siddgeir.

Once Link left the longhouse, he decided to wander around Falkreath.

In the center of town, he came across a building with a sign out front that read: Grey Pine Goods.

‘I do need to sell the weapons and armor I found in Gerimund’s Hall… Why not?’

Link entered the building and got the attention of a male Nord behind the counter to the right. “Welcome to Grey Pine Goods. My name’s Solaf. What can I do for you?”

The Hylian approached the counter. “I have some things that I’d like to sell.”

“Sell, eh? Place what you’ve got on the counter here and I’ll look it over.” Solaf stepped back away from the counter.

Link spent some time placing the armor and weapons he had gotten from Gerimund’s Hall on the counter.

Solaf was silent as he looked over the items. “So you want to sell… a Steel Sword, an Orcish Chestplate, two Elven Shields, two Orcish Bows, an Orcish battle axe, a pair of Steel Boots, an Iron helmet, and a pair of Steel plate gauntlets. Let me figure up the total for you…”

Solaf went silent as he counted up the selling prices. “…1,980.” He turned around and slowly counted out the Septims, then turned back, handed the coins to Link, and started to take the items off the counter. “Is there anything else?”

Link put the Septims in his bag. “Not at the moment, no.”

Salof nodded. “Pleasure doing business with you.”

Link left the store and continued to wander around Falkreath.

Towards the back of the village, up on a small hill, was a graveyard. There were three people standing before a freshly made grave - a priest of some sort with raised arms, and a man and woman. Perhaps they were husband and wife.

As Link got closer to the event, he heard the priest saying something.

“The god Arkay was once like us, bound to winding mortality. But he willingly gave up this existence that we might better understand the vagaries of life and death. It is through the ebb and flow of this cosmic tide that we find renewal and, in the end, peace. May the spirit of Lavinia and all those who have left this world and its suffering know the beloved serenity of Aetherius... and may we one day rejoin them in eternity." The priest lowered his arms and turned to face the couple.

“Mathies and Indara, if there is anything that I and the people of Falkreath can do for you, please let us know.” The priest stated somberly as Mathies knelt before the grave and carefully placed various flowers on the freshly turned dirt.

“Thank you, Runil.” Mathies stood and hugged his wife as the two tried to visibly control their grief.

The three soon went their separate ways, Mathies and Indara walking toward a house in the near distance, and Runil staying at the grave site.

Runil noticed Link approaching and raised a hand in greeting. “On better days, I would be glad to welcome a stranger like yourself to Falkreath, but today has held nothing but tragedy. I’m Runil, Falkreath’s priest. Who might you be?”

“Link Farmanne. Do you mind telling me what happened here?”

The priest frowned. “You’ll have to ask Mathies about that. You’ll usually find him tending the fields behind Corpselight Farm, just down that road there.” Runil pointed out the road to Link. “I’d offer to walk you there myself, but unfortunately I’ve lost my journal, and so I have to keep looking for it.”

“I could find it for you, do you know where you last were when you had it?”

“Sunderstone Gorge. Let me mark it on your map.” Runil marked the location on Link’s map after Link showed it to him. “But you would really go and find my journal for me?”

“Sure.”

“Thank you.” Runil said graciously. “But be careful, I believe a group of necromancers has taken up residence there.” He warned.

“I can deal with necromancers.”

Runil gave Link a stern look. “That overconfidence could get you killed. I’ve seen it happen to so many that I’ve lost count.” His gaze softened. “Still, you seem able enough.”

“I’ll be careful.” Link said as he turned and walked away from the priest, checking his map as he headed in the direction of Sunderstone Gorge.

Two sets of skeletal remains and blood splashed cairns led up to the gorge's mountain entrance. A single necromancer was standing beside the entrance and he spotted Link. “You there! Leave or I’ll be forced to deal with you!”

“I’m not here to attack you.”

The necromancer went silent. “For what purpose are you here for?”

“To find a journal for a priest.” Link answered truthfully.

“I don’t believe you. It’d be one thing if you walked up here unarmed, but you’re standing before me with weapons  and armor.” The necromancer readied a spell and cast it at Link, who dodged and responded with a dual cast of Sparks and Flames.

The necromancer took the spells in the chest and stumbled, then cast Frostbite at Link and summoned two skeletons.

Link drew Dawnbreaker and slew the two skeletons with ease, then turned towards the necromancer and cast Ice Spikes.

The spell hit the necromancer and caused them to fall to the ground. Link then cast Flames again, but then felt as if the spell had failed.

Link then had to deal with more skeletons as the downed necromancer cast a spell that made ten of them run out of the cave entrance. This took a while, with dodging weapons and lunges and spells from the necromancer, but eventually the ten skeletons lay in pieces all around Link.

The necromancer got up and advanced upon Link, only to freeze, then fall to the ground with a ghostly sword in their back. One of the skeletons had been reanimated, and as the spell wore off and the skeleton fell to the ground, Link was left with more questions than answers.

‘How did that happen? …What spell was that? Did I cast a different spell instead of flames?’

The Hylian looked down at the skeletal remains.

‘Galasdar’s lessons must have gotten to me if I really did cast that reanimation spell by accident.’

Once Link walked inside the gorge, the path led downward to a pressure plate. Link looked around to see if it activated any traps, and noticed a large boulder practically overhead. He was careful not to activate the trap, and continued down the path where he found a lone mage sitting by a fire.

The mage spotted Link and got up, then sent a Sparks spell in his direction. The Dragonborn reflected the spell with Dawnbreaker, then ran up and swung the spiked shield at the mage, who was caught by said spikes and flung into a wall.

The passage opened up into a space with a second pressure plate that no doubt triggered a mammoth skull trap, judging by how close the thing was to Link. He spotted a skeleton patrolling the small cavity occupied by the trap, and he got an idea. The Hylian got out his bow, notched an arrow to the bowstring, and fired. The arrow struck the pressure plate, which activated the mammoth skull trap, which killed the skeleton.

A major potion of healing and a large coin purse - which held 200 Septims - were found on a small ledge just behind the mammoth skull, on the east wall. Link took the coins and potion. The path continued through a narrow passage on the south wall.

Before entering the next room, Link saw a pressure plate next to the left corner of the opening that was next to an oil slick. It obviously triggered some sort of trap.

‘Maybe I can use this to my advantage.’

Link thought as he readied a Flames spell, then cast it at the oil slick. This caused it to be set alight, and whatever enemies were in the next room were burned.

Link continued down the passage, passing some sort of ledge, and urn - which was empty - and some ore veins. A Skeever launched itself at Link, but he merely kicked it aside and kept walking.

The main path continued north through a crevice revealing the open sky above, with water raining down into the pathway feeding plentiful hanging moss that Link harvested occasionally.

He soon came across another oil slick. There were numerous oil lanterns hanging from above, as well as a spike wall at the mouth of the clearing. A necromancer, a skeleton, and two fire mages stood on the raised platform and in the clearing ahead.

‘They haven’t noticed me yet… Let me try something…’

Link used two spells at once - Ice Spikes on the spike wall, and Flames on the oil lanterns. Both traps activated at the same time, and killed the enemies in the room.

Opposite the spike wall, against the wall was an open crate containing a sheaf of wheat and two potatoes. Beside the crate sat a barrel with a hammer, a lantern, a bottle of ale and a coin purse. Link took the coin purse, which contained 20 Septims, and moved on.

A small room to the right contained a locked chest. Once the chest was unlocked, it contained 100 Septims. There was nothing of note in the area behind the spike wall, so Link continued up the two ramps to a landing.

On the landing, Link looked around, and noticed a bucket to the south. Behind the bucket, tucked into a niche, was a chest. Once he reached it, he discovered it was locked, and used one lockpick to open it. The chest contained two normal soul gems.

Link followed the bridge across the room, and headed east to an intersection. He took a left at the intersection and found a wooden door leading to the next room along the eastern wall.

The doors opened to the living quarters where a fire mage and a conjurer were waiting. They didn’t see Link, but he did notice another oil slick, which he made use of. Unfortunately, the two enemies didn’t fall right away, so Link resorted to a use of Frostbite and Sparks.

Then, flames shot out at the Hylian from a trap. Link made out a soul gem in the fire, so he managed to dodge the flames, and removed the soul gem, which disabled the trap.

Three spider eggs were found in a broken urn to the left of the first pillar, with an orange dartwing in a second broken urn along with a large stone pot against the same wall. On the right side of the room, just past the soul gem trap, a wooden door opened to a storage room. Link took the alchemy items, then walked over to the door.

Link opened the door, then narrowly avoided being hit by some sort of dart. He quickly stood to the far left of the door, then noticed some sort of tension cable. He managed to disarm this, which stopped the dart trap from working.

Inside the room was a shelf with a soul gem, an apothecary's satchel and a chest. Next to the storage room was an alchemy lab. A number of ingredients and a health potion were on the table with the lab. On the table was a Stamina potion, three bunches of juniper berries, a bowl of fire salts, a piece of canis root and a bowl of moon sugar.

Farther in the room were three holding cells containing nothing of interest. Across from the cells, the room opened up into the living quarters. On the dresser by the two beds, Link found some loose septims - ten - and a deathbell flower. A cooking spit and a shelf with a mage's robe were against the wall. In the alcove at the far end of the room, nestled in the rubble was a chest. To the left was a plinth with an Elven helmet, and to the right was the narrow trail leading onward.

Link checked the chest, which was empty. He then took the various potions, alchemy ingredients, the helmet and mage robes, the loose Septims, and checked the other chest. It was locked, and when it was opened, it held 100 Septims and two magicka potions.

The trail led to an iron door that opened to a large room with two fire mages on the dais. A flame atronach appeared once Link stepped into the room.

The three spotted Link, who drew Dawnbreaker and summoned the Frost Atronach all in one motion.

The Frost Atronach took a second to gauge the situation, then began to move in the direction of the mages. Once it reached them, it picked one up, then threw the mage at the other one. The two collided and fell to the ground.

Meanwhile, the Flame Atronach approached Link and tried to burn him with fireballs. Link countered them with Frostbite, then used Ice Spikes on the Deadra, which caused it to burst into flames.

The Frost Atronach had dealt with the two mages by now, and it stomped over and punched the Fire Atronach, which killed it. The Deadra then turned to Link and bowed, then disappeared through an Oblivion portal.

As Link stood there, he began to hear a familiar sound. Chanting.

‘Must be a word wall nearby.’

And there was, at the top of a set of stone stairs.

Link walked up the stairs and placed a hand on the carved stone wall as his vision blurred. A word forced itself into his mind, but he didn’t understand what it meant - Yol.

Once his vision cleared, he noticed two bodies - one Wood Elf, the other a Redguard - on a table. There was also a strange gem that seemed valuable. Link took the gem, then walked down the stairs.

To the right was a large decorative chest, an arcane enchanter, an urn, and two small burial urns. There was a book on the enchanter, which had the words “Runil’s journal” on the cover when read.

‘I found it. Seems to be in good shape.’

Link took the journal, then checked the urns, which were empty. In the large decorative chest was a Flame Cloak Scroll, and…

At the very bottom of the chest was a small wooden carved object, in the shape of a horse head. A worn leather strap had been threaded through a small hole, as if the entire thing was a sort of necklace.

'…Is that…’

Link slowly reached down and picked up the thing, as if he was afraid he’d break it.

‘…Now I’m more confused as to how all of my things ended up all over Skyrim.’

He had found the Horse Whistle, an item that let him summon Epona from anywhere. It held great significance to Link, and as he stood up and let the necklace fall against the others, he found himself smiling beneath his helmet as he checked the rest of the room.

In the center of the platform was a copy of Frostfall, v10, on a plinth with a soul gem on stands, on either side. A bowl of fire salts and a Stamina potion were on the embalming table on the way out. Link took the book, soul gem, potion, and alchemy ingredient, then left the room.

He found a chain to the left of a portcullis, when he activated it, he was allowed access to the next room. The small work area was lined with shelves. The first shelf to the left held a bowl of vampire dust and an amethyst. The next shelf held a scroll of fireball, a scroll of conjure familiar, and a scroll of cure wounds, along with a garnet. On the other side of the room was an alchemy lab, with a potion, a bowl of fire salts, a sample of creep cluster, and a piece of canis root. Next was an urn and then a set of shelves with a cast iron pot. Looking inside the pot, Link found a sample of giant lichen and a human heart. A pull chain was next to the urn.

Link took the scrolls, gems, and various alchemy ingredients - except for the heart - he then activated the pull chain and left the room.

The path led to the short side passage Link visited previously, only now he was on the stone wall looking down. On the far wall, above the giant stone face, there was a coin purse.

‘How do I get that…’

Link gazed at the coin purse for a second, then, on a whim, Shouted.

“Fus!”

The Shout caused the coin purse to fly off the wall and land on the ground. Link jumped down from the ledge, picked up the coin purse - which contained 50 Septims - and began to backtrack through the area.

Once he was outside, he checked his map, and headed for Cracked Tusk Keep.

The grounds had a wooden palisade surrounding the keep. Link made sure to keep himself hidden from view as he studied the bandit’s movements and patrols, a light rain falling over the area.

After watching them for a while, he determined he wasn’t getting into the keep without a fight, so the Hylian readied an arrow, raised his bow, and then fired.

The chosen Nord bandit grabbed their neck as their fell off the wooden plank they had been walking on. This alerted the other bandits, who began to search the camp.

One Orc managed to wander close enough to Link that he reached out and grabbed them from behind, then knocked them unconscious with a well aimed punch to the head.

He let the body fall and began to move closer to the keep. This got the remaining bandit’s attention, and they rushed the Hylian.

Link drew Dawnbreaker and swung the sword to collide with a waraxe, with his other hand, he readied Lightning Bolt, then aimed the spell at the three bandits.

Due to the close proximity, the three Nord bandits were struck all at once, and they all fell to the ground.

Five more bandits appeared from all directions, intending to ambush the Dragonborn.

Link tried to get around them for a better angle of attack, but he wasn’t fast enough, and was stabbed in the side by a dagger, the weapon finding its way past his armor as it sank into yielding flesh.

The Redguard bandit who had stabbed him was punched in the face; they fell to the ground, clutching at their now broken, bloodied head.

Link ignored them and focused on the ones that were still a threat. One of the bandits swung a war axe in his direction, but the Hylian quickly ducked, causing the Nord bandit to instead decapitate a Khajiit bandit due to the weapon’s trajectory.

As this bandit collapsed, the one who had killed them began enraged, and charged Link with their war axe held above their head. Link cast Ice Spikes on them, and watched as the bandit was impaled by a large icicle. The war axe fell to the ground, but the still alive Nord, through their willpower and natural resistance to ice magic, picked up a warhammer that the decapitated Khajiit had dropped, and moved swiftly.

There was a loud

crack

as the warhammer came down on Link’s left shoulder, causing the armor to become damaged and his shoulder to break. In response, Dawnbreaker fell to rest in the mixed mud and blood, and all Link could do was back away from the remaining bandits as he tried to come up with a new strategy.

He ignored the pain of his injuries, choosing to summon the Flame Atronach - but that didn’t happen, as Link suddenly felt weak and unfocused, his injuries flaring up as he stumbled and then sank to his knees before the remaining bandits.

As a last ditch effort, Link reached down and tore the dagger from his side, then threw it at the Nord who had broken his shoulder. Blood flew in all directions as the dagger sank into their left eye, and they fell to the ground.

The last Orc bandit walked forward, and swung their sword. It caught Link on the side of his helmet, and his vision flashed white.

‘I’m going to die if I don’t do something.’

This realization made Link surge to his feet, then he used the spiked shield in his good hand to impale the remaining bandit in the chest. But Link didn’t stop there, instead, he bashed the shield against the Orc in various places, such as the arms and head. He then dropped the shield and picked up Dawnbreaker, and ran the bandit through.

The bandit fell to the ground, and Link was left alone in the courtyard.

‘…So much for trying to not be violent… I haven’t fought bandits as strong as these before… Maybe I need to come up with a new battle strategy.’

Link used Heal on his arm first, waited a few seconds, then used Heal on his side wound. He stayed where he was for a few minutes, choosing to rest under one of the courtyard structures.

After he recovered somewhat, he retrieved Dawnbreaker and the spiked shield, then left the bandit bodies where they had fallen as he searched the area.

Link found himself looking towards the western tower ruin. From where he was, he spotted what was no doubt a chest. He looked around for a way to access the tower, and found a pile of rubble that was climbable.

The chest was locked when approached, and Link broke four lockpicks trying to open it. On the fifth attempt, he succeeded, and the chest contained 500 Septims, and five major healing potions.

There was a chest at the very top of the keep, which Link managed to get to by using the keep’s series of ramps and lookout platforms. He then climbed up a pile of rubble to the top of the keep, and unlocked the chest, which held two soul gems. Link then returned to ground level.

From left to right around the courtyard was a smokehouse with a variety of meats being cured and various animal pelts, a small rest area containing a copy of The Code of Malacath, and then the main door to the keep.

Across from the door was the fully equipped smithy, complete with a forge, workbench, grindstone and a tanning rack. There was a steel sword on top of the workbench. Inside the smithy's shed was a table with a selection of poor quality armor and weapons and a copy of a book with the title of Light Armor Forging. When read, it merely detailed how to forge light armor.

Link took the two books, ignored everything else, and entered the keep.

Link entered the keep through the main door, and found himself in a well lit room. He didn’t get a chance to look around at his surroundings before he was ambushed by two bandits.

Link drew Dawnbreaker and blocked a sword swing, then used Frostbite on the other bandit. This caused the bandit to drop their weapon and retreat while clutching at their face.

The sword-wielding bandit advanced upon Link, but the Hylian merely swung the spiked shield and sent the bandit into a nearby wall. They didn’t get up, which left Link to deal with the second bandit.

The remaining bandit charged Link, but the Dragonborn merely side stepped, then swung Dawnbreaker. The sword caught the bandit in the side and sent them to the ground. Link struck them in the head with Dawnbreaker’s pommel, then stepped over the bandit and looked around the room.

A dresser just inside the entrance on the left had a potion of minor healing and a potion of minor stamina on top. Opposite the entrance was a cupboard holding two books, a bottle of alto wine and a bottle of wine. There was a counter against the northeast wall with a haunch of raw venison, a joint of raw beef, a sliced goat cheese and two carrots on top. Hanging above from racks was a rabbit and pheasant. To the right was a barrel with a basket containing a cabbage and some red apples. To the left of the counter was a wooden door with stairs leading down to the cellar. There were six bed rolls on the floor.

Link ignored all of the food, grabbed the two potions, and continued onward.

There were stairs against the rear wall leading up to the upper level, where a long table and benches were laid out with a baked potato, a portion of grilled leeks, a leg of goat roast, a tomato and a loaf of bread. There was a chair by the top of the stairs with an iron shield and warhammer leaning against it. There was an end table along with several food sacks around the walls and a set of shelves against the southwest wall holding a steel sword, a major potion of stamina, a medium coin purse, five books including a copy of The Legend of Red Eagle and several food sacks. In the eastern corner there had been a cave-in.

Link took the iron shield, steel sword, and iron warhammer to sell, then checked the coin purse. It held 100 Septims. The Hylian took the coins, then the potion, and moved onto the next area.

There was a wooden door to the southeast. Through the door was a room with a fireplace on the right and a pair of leather boots on the hearth. There were food sacks on either side and a ladder to the left that when checked, led to some trap door.

There was an opening that, when inspected, turned out to be a bedroom. There was a double bed coming out from the northeast wall with a dresser on the right with a  key on top and a basket beside it containing two sheaves of wheat. Link didn’t have time to check the rest of the room before he was noticed by an Orc that was wearing heavy armor, as well as holding a warhammer.

“You dare trespass on Ghunzul’s land? I pay the Jarl to leave us alone, so why are you here?”

Link drew Dawnbreaker. “Siddgeir sent me.”

The Orc went pale. “He did? But that means…” Ghunzul realized what this meant, then roared and he charged Link with the raised warhammer.

Link dodged, then readied Ice Spike and sent the spell in the Orc’s direction. The ice spike impaled the Orc, but he merely laughed and charged the Hylian, who was sent backwards by the force of the warhammer swing.

Ghunzul swung the warhammer again, but Link caught it before the weapon could hit him. He then pulled the weapon from the Orc’s grasp and threw it away, then leapt up and hit the Orc with a sword swing to the head.

Ghunzul fell to the ground and didn’t get up, blood beginning to pool around the Orc as Link took a few moments to rest before he examined the rest of the room.

To the left of the bed was a set of shelves holding a Orcish helmet, a steel mace, a small coin purse, a potion of healing, and nine books. At the foot of the bed was an unlocked chest and in the corner a round table and chair with a copy of The Code of Malacath on top. Link took the helmet, mace, the potion, the book, and the 50 Septims that were in the coin purse. The chest was empty; Link thought about searching the Orc’s body, but decided against it, and instead took the key that was on the dresser.

Link then left the room. Through the door on the ground floor to the northwest was a passage that descended a flight of stairs. At the bottom was a cupboard holding only clutter, with a pair of iron boots to the left. The Hylian took the boots and then checked the rest of the area.

Beside the entrance was a long wooden table with an alchemy lab built in. On the table was a potion of magicka and an iron dagger, while hanging above were two bunches of dried elves ear and three bunches of dried frost mirriam.

To the right was a cupboard holding several ruined books, two empty soul gems, a sprig of snowberries, a thistle branch, a major potion of healing and a food sack.

Beside the cupboard was an end table with a basket of potatoes and a pair of Orcish gauntlets on top. Opposite the table was a dresser containing clothes with a longbow, a quiver of iron arrows and a potion of minor stamina on top. Link took the potions, the arrows, the alchemy items, the soul gems, the gauntlets, and the dagger, and continued onwards.

There were a couple of barrels and sacks around the room and in the southwestern corner was a passage blocked by spears with a locked cage on the wall, containing a button that activated the spears. Link tested the key he had taken from the dresser, and found that it unlocked the cage. He deactivated the spears, and walked down a flight of stairs down to a wooden door. He opened it and continued onwards.

There was a passage behind the door leading down to the southeast. In front was a counter with a potion of healing and two empty soul gems on top. Beside this was a basket containing a gourd. Link took the items, ignored the contents of the basket, and walked down the stairs.

At the bottom of the stairs was a room with spears blocking access. To the right was a button that lowered the spears when pressed.

The room contained a dresser, cupboard and set of shelves holding a small coin purse containing 20 Septims, a steel mace, an iron dagger, a copy of Lost Legends, a potion of minor healing and a poison. Link took the items, left the book, and checked the rest of the room.

There was also a broken table in the corner with a potion of minor stamina, a healing potion, an empty petty soul gem and a filled greater soul gem among the remains. Link took the items and moved further down the passage.

Slightly farther along the passage, on the left was another room, again with the spears and button. Link activated the button, then walked inside the room.

Inside this room was a set of shelves holding clutter with a fox pelt on top and an elven shield leaning against it, a wooden bench with a copy of Rislav The Righteous at one end, and a potion of healing at the other. There was an iron battleaxe on top of a couple of barrels and beside these was a cupboard holding a set of iron armor, a iron helmet and gauntlets. Link took the armor and weapons, picked up the potion, then took the book and skimmed through it. It detailed the life of a Nord named Rislav, who eventually grew up to be a powerful king.

Farther along, the passage opened up in front of double sets of spears that blocked the passage both horizontally and vertically. On the left was an unlocked chest and an iron helmet with a set of shelves that had been knocked over by a cave-in, knocking a potion of magicka onto some more barrels. Link checked the chest, which held 200 Septims. He took these, as well as the helmet and magicka potion.

There were pillars with levers either side of the passage that activated the spears, when activated, the spears retreated, allowing Link to move on. Beyond the spears were three tripwires in a row along the central passage. Link carefully stepped over the tripwires, and came across a fourth tripwire. He also avoided this one, and found a chest nearby that was locked. When checked, the chest was empty.

At the end of the passage was a plinth with the shards of a strange dagger. The plate they were on seemed to be weight sensitive, so Link picked up a nearby rock and placed it on the plate, then quickly removed the dagger shards and retreated in case the possible trap activated.

The trap didn’t activate, and so Link backtracked through the keep to outside, and made his way back to Falkreath, all the while thinking about what the Orc chief had said.

‘The bandits were paying Siddgeir… but why? Should I ask him? …I’ll worry about that later.’

“Runil.”

The priest looked up and noticed who was approaching. “You’re back! Were you successful?”

Link nodded and handed Runil the journal. “Had to deal with a few mages and undead, but they weren’t any trouble.”

Runil flipped through the journal. “It’s still intact. Thank you for recovering this.”

“You’re welcome. I should go see Siddgeir and ask if he has more tasks for me.”

“More tasks? What for?”

“He said I could become Thane if I help people here.”

“…Sounds like him, I shouldn't keep you waiting then.”

Link returned to the Longhouse and was greeted by Siddgeir. “Welcome back, were you successful?”

“I was. I dealt with all of the bandits.”

“Wonderful!” Siddgeir got up from his throne and approached Link. “Here, take this. 750 Septims for your troubles.” The Jarl handed Link a large coin purse, which he accepted. “I like you.” Siddgeir stated. “You’re straightforward, and you get jobs done quickly.”

Siddgeir looked thoughtful. “…I wonder… Would you be potentially interested in purchasing property?”

‘Property? But I already have Breezehome…’

“I’ll think about it.”

“Very well.” The Jarl said. “Once you make yourself well known in Falkreath, I’ll make you Thane.”

“How did you become Jarl?” Link asked. “And why did you send me to deal with the bandits?”

“My dearest uncle stepped down due to health problems, and I became Jarl in his place. As for the bandits, they’ve been a problem for a long time. I tried to pay the bandits, to persuade them to leave, but they got bold… So I’ve been looking for someone to deal with them. Guess I’m lucky you happened to show up.” Siddgeir replied.

‘Something’s off about this.’

Link didn’t respond, but simply nodded and left the Longhouse…

… And soon found himself sitting at a table in the local inn.

No one bothered him, which was nice, and the corner he was in was relatively quiet. Link was brought out of his thoughts by a voice.

“You alright, lad?”

Link turned to see that an old man was sitting next to him.

“… Relatively fine, I just dealt with some bandits recently.”

“Cracked Tusk Keep?” When Link nodded, the old man sighed. “Yes, I heard about it from my nephew…”

'…His nephew…’

“Are you Siddgeir’s uncle by chance?”

The old man nodded. “That I am. Name’s Dengeir. What can I do for you?”

‘What do I ask first…’

“Siddgeir said you had to step down for health problems, is this true?”

“Aye, not so long ago. Some'll tell you I stepped down on account of my old age. Truth is, I found out about all the Imperial spies crawling around Falkreath. A few well-placed bribes, and they bought themselves some friends."

“…There were spies?”

“There’s spies everywhere in war.” Dengeir said. “And coins make the world go round. After the bribes, the nobles were calling for a new Jarl, and all the while their pockets were jingling with the sound of Imperial septims."

“Then what happened?”

"They named me Thane.” Dengeir replied. “And they got my nephew Siddgeir in my place. A real friend to Cyrodiil, that one."

“What do you mean?”

Dengeir scowled. “He’s an Imperial symphasizer. Probably all cozied up to you because of the armor you’re wearing.”

He paused. “…You do seem capable…Yes, I do believe there is something you can help me with.” Dengeir looked around, then lowered his voice. “How do you feel about performing a task for me?”

“Depends what it is.”

“Indeed. Now, the task that I have in mind is as follows - I believe that the local blacksmith, Lod, is writing a treasonous letter. I want you to steal it, and bring it to me.”

“…You want me to steal a letter?” Link asked quietly, realizing that this needed to be kept a secret.

“Yes.” Dengeir nodded. “Shouldn’t be too hard, I believe Lod isn’t home right now, though I may be wrong. His house is near mine, three doors down, on the left. …My house is in the center of town, and has a well out front. Lod’s house has a hanging anvil sign and various forging equipment.” The old man quickly sketched a rough map and handed it to Link. “Be careful.”

Link left the inn and approached the blacksmith’s house. He saw movement in one of the windows and hid behind one of the walls.

Soon, the door opened, and a Nord stepped out holding a bucket. The Nord walked away from the house and down the road; Link quickly made his way towards the house and entered through the open door.

He didn’t spend too long in the house, and soon found a letter on a bedside table. Link grabbed the letter and made his way out of the house, then returned to Dengeir in the inn.

“Here’s the letter.” Link stated as a waiting Dengeir noticed him approach.

Dengeir took the letter from Link, unfolded it, and read it. “What’s this? Some sort of code? ‘Need all the iron ore you can dig up’” He paused before humming to himself.

“It seems I might have been wrong. This is just a note requesting more iron. … Lod is most likely not up to treason after all.” The Nord paused. “But it’s obvious that the Empire is getting large orders from him. Likely for something big that will happen soon…”

Dengeir set the letter down. “Still, you do deserve something for this.”

Dengeir reached into a nearby bag, took out a coin purse, and tossed it over to Link, who caught it. “200 Septims. There is something else you can help me with.”

“What is it?” Link asked.

“It’s about my ancestor.” Dengeir motioned for Link to sit next to him.

Link did so. “What do you mean?” Their conversation wasn’t able to be heard over the noise of the patrons and inn goers.

Dengeir sighed. “You may have seen the open grave in our graveyard. Most of the townsfolk think it's the work of a corpse thief. The truth is less pleasant. It is...was, the grave of Vighar, my own ancestor, dead for centuries now. He is also a vampire. My family is entrusted with keeping him buried, but recently someone stole the wardstone, and Vighar escaped."

“…Isn’t it important that this wardstone is recovered?”

“No. It's too late for the wardstone. Vighar must be destroyed. If this gets out, my family will suffer great shame. I tracked the vampire to Bloodlet Throne. It’s near Helgen. Here, take out your map if you have it, and I’ll mark the location for you.”

Link took out the map and handed it to Dengeir, who marked a location on the map, then gave it back to Link.

“There you go. You should set off as soon as possible.” The old man stated.

“I’ll go now.” With that, Link got up from the table and left the inn.

The walk to the fort had been uneventful. Link simply traveled to Helgen, then left through the east gate and followed the path until he reached the fort. The exterior seemed to be unguarded, so Link merely climbed the steps and entered the fort.

Some sort of howling noise filled the air as Link stepped inside the building, and he was greeted by a flame trap.

He was standing on a pressure plate, so he stepped off of it, then slowly moved past the trap.

Through the doorway was a corridor with crates and barrels strewn everywhere. Link heard someone speaking ahead. The corridor turned to the north, and there were bars on Link’s left. Through the bars, Link could see a vampire and vampire thrall talking. The Hylian managed to sneak past the two guards. Beside the bars was a dresser, but nothing interesting. Just past the barred section, the corridor turned to the west, and stairs descended into the room with the two vampires.

From the top of the stairs, Link saw two gargoyle statues, one on either side of a large archway, as well as two lit braziers. There were three oil lanterns hanging from the ceiling above oil slicks on the floor that can be used to kill the guards. There was a wooden door to the south, but it was barred from the other side.

Link eyed the lanterns, then readied a Flames spell. He then aimed the spell at the lanterns, then fired the spell. The spell struck the lanterns and caused them to fall to the floor, which caused the oil slick to catch on fire. The Hylian didn’t stick around to witness the aftermath.

As Link approached the gargoyles, the one on the left burst to life.

Link took out the Fire Rod and aimed it at the stone creature, then activated it. Judging by the roars, the gargoyle wasn’t pleased with this, and Link had to dodge a few claw swipes. Yet, this had left openings in the creature’s body.

Link drew Dawnbreaker, then ran up to the gargoyle and stabbed it in the neck with the weapon. The stone creature fell to the ground and didn’t get up.

Past the arch was an area with shackles on each of the three walls and human bones littering the floor. There was also a wooden bench against the west wall.

Under the bars was a corridor heading east to an open wooden door and stairs heading down; Link heard someone speaking and silently took out his bow and notched an arrow to the bowstring.

At the bottom of the stairs, the corridor turned to the north and entered a large room containing a vampire on the right.

The vampire never saw Link, as they were shot in the neck by an arrow. Their body fell to the ground and Link properly entered the room.

On the left there was a wooden block with a leather strip and iron dagger on top. Against the west wall was a dresser, on top of which was a candlestick and a copy of The Wolf Queen, v5. On a raised area to the right was an end table and a bookcase containing a deathbell, a frost mirriam sample, a potion of plentiful healing, a potion of minor stamina, a potion of plentiful magicka, a potion of minor healing, two bowls of bone meal, a bulb of garlic, a tomato, a bleeding crown fungus, and two sacks.

Link took the book, the various potions and alchemy items and continued onwards.

On Link’s right as he entered the room was a bench against the east wall, and to the left on a matching raised area was another end table with a bowl on top, and also a second bookcase that contained copies of A Dance in Fire, v3, The Song of Pelinal, v2, The Bear of Markarth, Yngol and the Sea-Ghosts, Spirit of Nirn, Antecedents of Dwemer Law, an imp stool fungus, and two sacks. Link took all of the books and checked the rest of the room.

In the center of the room was a small round wooden table and two chairs; on the table were two wooden plates containing bloody human hands. There was a snowy tunnel heading north from this room and then bearing west.

The tunnel was lit by two braziers on stands. At the far end was a cave with a wooden ramp leading up, and to the right of this was an iron ore vein. At the top of the ramp were two openings leading into a huge cavern with a wooden structure and ledges around the room.

On a ledge to the left above Link was a vampire thrall, which was quickly dealt with by a usage of Ice Spike.

There was a ramp down to the cavern floor on the left, followed by a smaller ramp leading slightly back up to the main floor level. There was a stack of barrels on the right, and a lit brazier and a stack of crates and a sack. To the left of the barrels was a shallow pool of water with a skeleton floating in it.

A vampire was wandering the cavern floor, with a second sitting at a long wooden table with two chairs to the right. The two spotted Link and charged the Dragonborn, but Link merely used Unrelenting Force, and sent the two Vampires flying into a wall.

The table was filled with the gory remains of a meal, and there were blood splatters all around the table.

To the right of the table was a set of shelves containing copies of The Wolf Queen, v4, The Bear of Markarth, and Uncommon Taste. It also contained an apothecary's satchel, a cast iron pot with a potato inside, a draught of health, a potion of health, a draught of extra magicka, two bottles of wine, a sample of snowberries, and a sample of lavender. There were more blood splatters on the ground. Link took the alchemy items, the potions, and the books, then continued on.

There was another wooden ramp leading up in the western corner of the cavern. At the top of the ramp was a small cage. The cage door was locked, and contained the body of a Khajiit, a deathbell, and blood splatters over the floor of the cage. To the right was a lit brazier with a crate to the right of that. On the crate was a woodcutter's axe, with an arcane enchanter beside it. On the right was another ramp up and a cart full of human bones. Torches lit the way as Link walked up the ramp.

At the top was a ledge with crates and clutter, and also a path to the north with a gargoyle statue to the right.

When Link approached the statue, it became alive, and he had to dive out of the way of the now living gargoyle.

He used Flames, then Ice Spikes on the creature, but that seemed to do nothing as the gargoyle roared and swung its claws at Link.

Link then used Summon Flame Atronach, and the flame woman appeared in a flash of fire.

The gargoyle retreated as the Flame Atronach waved at Link, then flew towards the stone creature.

The gargoyle was soon turned to molten rock, thanks to the Flame Atronach’s attacks. She soon returned to Oblivion via a portal.

To the right were the gargoyle had been were a couple barrels, one of which had a goat hide on top.

Link was at the same height as the first ledge seen with the vampire thrall; the ledge was connected to another via a wooden bridge. The second ledge was above the cage to the west.

The path entered an icy tunnel and headed to the west-northwest, and was lit by a succession of braziers on stands. It opened into a collection of small areas. The first was on the right, and contained an alchemy lab in the middle with two sets of shelves around it. The first set of shelves contained copies of The Book of Daedra, Antecedents of Dwemer Law, Ancestors and the Dunmer, a potion of vigorous healing, a healing potion, a mead barrel, and a sack. The second set of shelves contained a healing potion and copies of The Oblivion Crisis, Dunmer of Skyrim, Song of the Askelde Men, The Real Barenziah, v4, Argonian Account, Book 3, and another mead barrel. Link took the books and potions and moved on.

There was a long end table farther along with the base of a shrine on top. Passing this, in front of Link was an icy tunnel to the southwest with an opening in front to the west, where Link saw round cages hanging from the ceiling, a square cage containing a wolf, and to the north, a gated opening with a lock.

Through the locked gate was a small room with crates, sacks, barrels, and a small square wooden table holding an enchanted iron dagger, a filled soul gem, a medium coin purse - which held 200 Septims - a health potion, two poisons, a scroll of Blizzard, a scroll of Fury, and a copy of Incident at Necrom. Link took all of the items and briefly skimmed through the book. It detailed warriors dealing with an illusionist, as well as the group going through a dungeon.

One of the barrels contained ingredients, and both had sacks on top; there was an unlocked empty chest to the left of the barrels. There was a second locked gate to the west, which was easily opened.

This opened into a bedroom area with two vampires sleeping, one in a double bed against the west wall, and the other in one of two single beds against the north wall.

There was a set of shelves on the right containing copies of Antecedents of Dwemer Law, Spirit of Nirn, Biography of Barenziah, v2, The Wolf Queen, v5, and Gods and Worship, as well as a filled soul gem, a flute, and a leather strip.

To the left were the single beds with a long end table between them. On the end table was a potion of minor stamina, a potion of plentiful healing, a scroll of Calm, a scroll of Fear, a medium coin purse - which held 100 Septims - and an iron dagger.

At the end of the double bed was an unlocked chest, and behind the head of the bed was a set of shelves containing copies of The Cake and The Diamond and Vernaccus and Bourlor, as well as a sample of snowberries and one of lavender.

Link managed to take all of the items in the room without waking the vampires. But then he turned to face the beds.

‘…I should probably deal with them now, so they don’t catch and kill anyone else.”

Two daggers flew across the room and found their marks in each vampire’s throat. One burned alive, the other was frozen. Link waited a few seconds, then retrieved Dawn and Dusk and continued to check the room

The south end of the room contained the cages seen previously. There were three small cages hanging from the ceiling, one of which had the gory remains of a human, and the square cage, which contained a living black dog with a spiked collar. This cage was locked. Link debated unlocking the cage, but decided against it and moved on.

The icy tunnel that headed to the southwest was lit by a string of braziers on stands and led to an area with a waterfall down the wall to the south, two rock pillars supporting the ceiling, and the path turned to the northeast.

At this turning was a ledge that was one of the two ledges joined by a wooden bridge above the first huge cavern. Crossing the bridge, there was a basket containing three pieces of firewood and a bucket containing an iron mace. Link took the mace and kept walking.

The path turned to the south and descended to raised spears blocking access to an arena-styled area; the chain to lower the spears was on the right.

Once the chain was activated, the spears raided themselves, and Link entered the large area.

It was large, with bones and bodies and blood stains everywhere. Two vampires were seated on a ledge above, having a conversation, one of which was decked out in armor.

The lone vampire noticed Link. “And who is this, Vighar?"

Vighar scoffed.  "It is no matter, this fool will be the next act of the show. The Death Hounds will finish him off quickly.”

With these words, Vighar pulled the handle by his side and caused several black dogs to be released from their cells.

They were easily dispatched with Frostbite and Sparks.

Yet the dogs weren’t alone, as a third Gargoyle leapt into the arena and charged Link.

The Hylian summoned the Frost Atronach, who immediately stopped the gargoyle from charging. The two creatures struggled in place, each one trying to beat the other, then the Frost Atronach slammed an iced fist into the ground, which froze the gargoyle. The gargoyle was then punched, which broke the frozen stone creature into pieces.

After seeing his creatures be taken down so easily, Vighar growled in anger before he himself jumped down and attacked Link, who managed to dodge the first sword swing as he noticed the Frost Atronach walking up behind the vampire.

The Frost Atronach grabbed Vighar, then lifted the vampire into the air, then slammed him to the ground. Vighar didn’t get up, which allowed Link to use Lightning Bolt on the vampire, followed by Flames.

Afterward, the Frost Atronach turned to Link and bowed, then vanished through an Oblivion portal.

The other vampire leapt down from the landing and ran towards Link, who drew Dawnbreaker and swung it at the monster. The vampire was caught in the stomach, and was sent flying into a wall. They didn’t get up.

Link located the pull chain in the western alcove and headed upstairs. He followed the path to a chest that held 500 Septims, then removed the door bar and gained access to the first huge chamber.

He then left Bloodlet Throne and headed back to Falkreath.

Back at the inn, Link was sitting next to the old man at a table.

“I don’t believe it, you killed Vighar and all of the vampires at Bloodlet Throne?” Dengeir asked Link.

“I did.”

“Wonderful news. I wish I had more to give you than just gold…” The old man stated as he handed Link a large coin purse. “500 Septims. I suppose you can go see my nephew now.”

“…Actually I think there’s one more thing I need to do before then.” Link stated.

“And what would that be?”

Link got up from the table, then looked back. “I heard about a werewolf problem, it shouldn't be too hard to deal with.” Then he left the inn.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

After Link left the inn, he wandered down the path until he encountered Mathies at what was presumably the man’s house. He was in the back, working the various crops that were growing in the soil.

‘How do I approach this?’

Link decided to just walk up to the man and hope for the best. “Hello, are you Mathies?”

“Yes. Name’s Mathies Caerellia.” Mathies leaned against the hoe he had been tending the crops with and looked down at Link thoughtfully. “You’re the one that’s been running around dealing with the dragons, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I’m sorry to trouble you about what occurred at the graveyard earlier.” Link briefly hesitated. “What happened to your daughter?”

Mathies sighed. “Lavinia was ripped apart by a laborer named Sinding, now rotting in jail for his deed. I’d go question him myself, but I’m certain the murderer himself would be dead by my hand before morning. The only saving grace he has is that my daughter didn’t suffer.”

“I could ask him for you, if you want.”

“You would do this?” When Mathies saw Link nod, the grieving mad smiled a bit. “Thank you. He should be housed in the village jail, which is located in the barracks.”

“Where would I find those?”

“I’ll walk you there myself.” Mathies set the iron hoe against a nearby wooden barrel and motioned for Link to follow him.

Several minutes later, Link found himself in the basement of the Falkreath Barracks. A lone guard walked up to him. “A new face, don’t see many of those around here very often, what can I help you with?”

“I’m here to question Sinding on behalf of Mathies.”

The guard scowled. “Him? He’s sitting in the northeastern cell, awaiting his death sentence. He already confessed, not sure why Mathies wants you to talk to him, but fair enough.”

After heading in the direction pointed out by the lone guard, Link soon came across an occupied circular cell with a large grate in the middle. A man was sitting on the sorry excuse for a bed behind the bars, which was located on a small raised platform accessible by a wooden ladder.

Before Link could say or ask anything, the man noticed him. “Are they sending Legion soldiers to question me now? What do you want?”

Link shifted from side to side slightly in the hallway. “…I just arrived in Falkreath not too long ago and came across some people over at the graveyard. I asked them what happened, and they revealed that apparently… You killed their daughter. …You are Sinding, aren’t you?”

The man sighed and nodded, confirming his identity. "Believe me, it wasn't anything I ever intended to do. I just... lost control. I tried to tell them, but none of them believed me. It's all on account of this blasted ring."

“Ring? Of what sort?”

Sinding got up and lumbered over to the bars, then looked down the hallway for any passing guards before he pointed to a ring he was wearing. “This is the Ring of Hircine.”

Link inspected the ring from where he was: it was being worn by Sinding on the man’s right ring finger, the ring itself was steel, adorned by swirled carvings and a small carved wolf’s head. “Does the ring serve a purpose?”

Sinding nodded. “It allows lycanthropes - werewolves - to be able to turn whenever they want, whenever they want. Unlimited transformations.”

“Sounds pretty useful to me - wait you’re a -”

“Quiet!” He hissed. “Don’t let the guards hear you.” The shapeshifter interrupted Link, who realized his error and nodded in return. “To answer your question, yes. I stole the ring from Hircine himself, to try to control my transformations. Due to my actions, Hircine discovered what I had done, and cursed the ring.”

“Then what happened?”

“My plan backfired, and I was standing before Lavinia, and then… I turned. The girl never stood a chance. I have a plan to, not necessarily

fix

the current issue, but to at least get rid of the ring. I've been looking for a way to appease Hircine. There is a certain beast in these lands. Large, majestic. It's said that Hircine will commune with whoever slays it. I tracked it into these woods, but then I had my...

accident

with the child. I want to beg for his forgiveness. Give him back the ring. But while I'm stuck in here, the beast wanders free."

“I could take the ring off your hands if you want.”

Sinding blinked. “You would do this? For me? A complete unfortunate stranger?”

Link nodded. “I’m not exactly like you, however…” He looked down the hallway - no guards were nearby - then quickly turned into a wolf and shook himself.

“This is absolutely wonderful.” Sinding seemed delighted with the outcome, and as Link then returned to normal, the prisoner reached down, took the ring from his finger, and held it towards the Hylian. “Here. Take the ring, I don’t ever want to see the wretched thing again.”

Link took the ring from Sinding. “What happens now?”

Sinding moved back from the bars to the middle of the cell and looked up. “You must seek out the White Stag. It wanders the nearby woods. Kill it, and Hircine may appear before you if you win his favor. As for me, I’ll take my leave. Thank you, and if we meet again, perhaps it’ll be a favorable meeting for both of us.”

Before Link could respond, a blackened mist or fog started to surround Sinding, he appeared to almost fold in on himself as he wildly waved his arms about - and then there was a massive bipedal wolf standing in the cell.

The Hylian took a step back from the bars.

‘Seems painful, but do the benefits of the form outweigh the negative ones…’

He watched as the beast growled and sniffed in his direction, then lumbered towards the bars.

Link waited in silent apprehension as the werewolf gazed at him with unblinking golden eyes. The beast then nodded towards the Dragonborn, looked up, then leapt towards a wall and climbed it. Sinding then vanished from view, dust raining down on the now empty cell from the disturbed wall.

‘Guess I should leave now.

’ Link thought to himself as he looked at the ring in chain in his hand.

‘Sinding said the ring was cursed, will it also affect me?

’ There was only one way to find out, and so, Link took the ring and slid the metal piece onto one of his fingers.

As he moved away from the cell and started to walk down the hallway, Link fell forwards, and when he landed on the mossy dirty floor of the barracks, he was a wolf.

‘…Well this is a problem.’

The transformed human thought to himself as he instinctively shook his furred body. He then looked around, then started to trot down the hallway, hoping that no guards would find him.

When he rounded the corner, however, Link felt himself shift, and he managed to catch himself against a wall to keep his balance.

‘How frequently does the ring activate? Didn’t Sinding say it was uncontrollable? This is worse than when I first appeared in this world. …Seems like I need to find that stag as soon as possible.’

Link waited a few seconds, then pushed himself away from the wall and continued to walk towards the barracks exit.

A passing guard noticed him and approached. "You... I saw that you were talking to that murderous savage. And then he escaped somehow. What are you hiding?" He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Link.

“I’m not hiding anything.”

“Then how did he escape?” The guard pressed, setting a hand on the sword at his side.

‘What do I say?’

“He climbed the wall.”

“Climbed the wall…” The Guard repeated. “Stay here. I’ll go see if what you say is true.”

Link let the guard pass and watched as the man walked around the corner. A minute later, the guard returned. “There are claw marks on the wall. Alright, you’re free to go.”

The Hylian didn’t stay longer than was necessary, and quickly left the barracks. He then headed off for the stables.

Fortunately, the ring hadn’t activated again until after Link had retrieved Epona from the stables. Thankfully, Link hadn’t been injured by the sudden transformation, and no one had seen it happen.

“Are you alright?”

"That depends on what specific topic you ask me about.”

The horse and wolf were resting in a grove some yards away from Falkreath, who were now in arms over an escaped werewolf and “rampaging beast.”

Link was grateful he could finally talk to his friend, and she responded back in a conversation. This hadn’t happened very much back home, so he decided he would take this opportunity whenever he could.

“You’ve been quiet.”

“Yes. And?”

The mare moved closer to the wolf and attempted to hug him the best she could, by essentially trapping him with her front legs and bending her head to rest upon his.

“I’m worried about you.”

Link allowed the horse to hug him as he rested.

“You have every right to.”

The two were interrupted by nearby branches breaking.

An animal with a coat the shade of white stepped into view of Link and Epona, then began to drink from the small pond.

“That’s it.”

“Him.”

Epona blatantly pointed out with a nod.

“Ah, yes… him.”

Link corrected himself and stood, feeling awe at the sight of the White Stag.

“…Do we follow him?”

“That Hircine fellow told you to hunt the stag, correct?”

“Yeah.”

“Then let me help.”

Link turned his head to gaze up at Epona.

“Are you sure? What if you get hurt, or if you fall, or if -”

The mare reached down and nuzzled the canine reassuringly.

“I’ll be fine. When have I ever been in danger?”

“…Too many times to count.”

Link responded before he felt himself shooting upwards -

He fell forward, managing to stay upright by grabbing onto Epona’s coat. “…This accursed ring…” Link muttered before he regained his balance and vaulted onto Epona’s back.

Link then adjusted himself and checked to see if the White Stag had noticed his movements.

The creature had lifted his head and was gazing in Link’s direction, but hadn’t moved yet. But then the White Stag threw his head back, and made a noise - something like a howl or bellow - and took off at a gallop up the mountain.

The chase was on.

Epona took off after the stag without any guidance from Link; it was as if she intended to keep her earlier promise to help down the creature.

The stag led them through forests and over streams, always a bit too far in distance to down efficiently. However, over the course of the run, this changed. Perhaps the stag was growing tired, as he was now slowed down compared to when he had first started the chase.

“Try to keep up.” Link told Epona as he reached behind him, got out his bow, got an arrow from the quiver, notched it to the bowstring, raised the bow towards the fleeing stag, and let go.

The arrow sailed through the air and hit true, as it sank into the right hind leg of the White Stag. The stag bellowed and slowed slightly, then continued moving at a much slower pace.

They were almost side by side now, and Epona slowly gained the small distance; as the horse did so, Link got an idea.

The Hylian drew Dawnbreaker and readied himself, then freed himself from Epona’s saddle, waited, then took a leap of faith towards the stag.

Mid air, the ring’s curse activated, and Link landed on the White Stag’s back as a wolf, the sword landing somewhere nearby. He quickly lunged forward and sank his fangs into the back of the stag’s neck, and hung on as best he could as the creature bucked and jumped while trying to throw him off.

To no avail, for as the stag’s strength slowly waned, he fell to his front legs, then to the ground as Link leapt from the creature’s back, then ran around to the White Stag’s front and went for the jugular.

Hot blood sprayed in all directions - mostly landing on Link - as the fangs tore into muscle and bone. The stag died moments later, which caused Link to step back and try to clear his vision of blood, slight panic threatening to overwhelm him.

As he sought a water source to clean himself, the turned Dragonborn failed to notice something rising from the stag’s corpse.

A few minutes later, the wolf returned from having found a small pond and thus cleaned himself of blood. Link then felt himself return to his human form, and only then did he notice the thing floating in the air. “What are you?”

The ghostly stag turned to face Link. "I am the spirit of the hunt, just one glimpse of the glorious stalker that your kind calls Hircine."

“Are you able to remove the curse from the ring?”

"I may consider it. But you must first do a service for my glory. The one who stole it has fled to what he thinks is his sanctuary, what mortals refer to as Bloated Man’s Grotto. Just as a bear climbs a tree to escape the hunt, but only ends up trapping himself. Seek out this rogue shifter. Tear the skin from his body, and make it an offering to me."

“And if I refuse?” Link asked as Epona walked up beside him.

“It would not be wise, child. Either you do so, or someone else will do as I command.” The stag spirit faded away and the two were left to ponder over what the Aspect of Hircine had said.

The grotto wasn’t that hard to find. Link left Epona outside the entrance, and when he stepped inside, he was greeted with trees and waterfalls. There was a small pond nearby and - were those bodies?

As Link crossed the clearing, he looked up and saw that the sky was red. Somehow, there was a moon in the sky that was the shade of blood.

’Wonder what that is.’

He reached the bodies and found they were all Khajiit, and that one was still alive.

The fatally wounded cat noticed Link. "The prey is strong. Stronger than the hunters. But more will come. Bring him down, for the glories of Lord Hircine.” The Khajiit smiled. “Do not worry about me, I go now to the Sands Behind the Stars.” Then the cat closed his eyes and went limp, having passed away.

‘These must have been the other Hunters Hircine sent here. Did Siding kill them?’

Link briefly examined the bodies and wasn’t able to come up with a true answer. He left the bodies alone, then checked the camp.

There was a locked chest behind the camp, when unlocked, it held five minor healing potions, a steel sword, and 100 Septims. Link took the items, then noticed there was another chest nearby the waterfall.

It was easy getting to the chest; this one was unlocked, and held 200 Septims, a major magicka potion, and an orcish bow.

Link took the items, then stood from the chest and made his way across the small lake back to solid ground. After that, he followed the nearby path until he happened across a rock ledge.

Then the beast appeared with a howl. A massive bipedal wolf was peering down at Link with golden eyes; he was standing on the rock ledge. “You. I know you, you helped me escape from that cell. Why are you here? Did you take back your promise and plan to slaughter me?”

“…Hircine told me to do so.” Link responded.

"I can't stop you if that's what you want to do. Hircine is too powerful. But if you spare me, I can be a powerful ally to you. And I would promise to never return to civilized life. I know now that I can't live among people. I shall await your response.” The werewolf said before he suddenly leapt from the rock ledge and landed before Link, who had to step back and tilt his head to look up at the beast.

‘I don’t want to kill him.’

He decided. “I’ll go against Hircine and spare you.”

Sinding tilted his head to the left. “You will?” The werewolf asked. “Wonderful. Thank you for doing so, I was afraid you weren’t.” Sinding stepped closer to Link and bent down to eye level. “I sense it. I remember, back in the cell, you turned… Turn for me, and together, we shall take part in the Great Hunt.”

Right then, the cursed ring activated, and when Link’s vision cleared, he was sitting before the werewolf as a wolf.

Sinding seemed delighted as he circled Link, sniffing loudly at times. “Yes. You shall do. When you are ready, follow me, and we shall hunt our prey.” The werewolf bounded a few feet away, over to a moss covered carved stone stairway.

‘Not as if I have a choice.’

Link got up and silently followed Sinding, who was always a few feet ahead of him as the two wandered down the path.

Then Sinding stopped. “Quiet. Do you hear them?”

Link stepped up next to the werewolf and strained his hearing…

Three hunters leapt down from the stairs and surrounded the two beasts. One stayed back and started to shoot their bow at Sinding, one stayed midrange, and the other went for Link.

Link let Sinding deal with the two other hunters while he started to circle the Khajiit that had chosen to attack him.

The wolf paused, then darted away once the Khajiit leapt at him with drawn daggers. He then leapt at the cat’s hands and managed to knock the daggers away, then Link started to claw at the Khajiit’s chest, hoping to get past the armor the cat was wearing.

His vision flashed red as the Khajiit racked sharp claws across his face, which caused Link to back away and try to clear his vision.

‘This isn’t going well. If only I had more I’m used to fighting as a human, not a wolf! What am I going to do…’

The Hylian turned wolf eyed the Khajiit, who was advancing towards him.

‘And they got back their daggers, great.’

Link inwardly groaned in annoyance as his tail lashed back and forth.

‘…Think, there has to be some way out of this.’

Sinding threw the body of one Nord towards the Khajiit, which knocked the cat down. The Werewolf then went back to fighting the remaining Nord.

‘…That works.’

Link thought as he rushed up to the fallen Khajiit and leapt, aiming for an unprotected part of the cat’s neck.

He then bit down, and didn’t let up until the Khajiit stopped thrashing.

The remaining hunter saw this and charged Link, but Sinding grabbed the Nord and clawed him to death.

“Are you well?”

Sinding’s voice reached Link, and the wolf moved away from the Khajiit and sat down.

“…No.”

He eventually told Sinding.

The werewolf dropped the dead Nord and headed over to Link, then checked him over. “The ring’s curse should turn you back soon. Heal yourself, then we will move on.”

“…I’m fine. Let’s keep moving.”

Link stated as he got up and waited for Sinding.

“Very well. Follow me.”

The werewolf led Link further into the grotto, and soon they reached another clearing. At this point, the cursed ring activated and Link became human again.

He went ahead, trying to be silent as he crept on the hunters that had made camp in the clearing.

They saw him though, but they didn’t attack.

At this point, Link heard sticks and leaves being broken and crushed behind him, and he half turned to see Sinding rushing towards the clearing with fangs and claws bared.

There was a yell of “werewolf” and “there’s our prey!” - and then Link found himself being grabbed, his head tilted back and cold metal at his bare throat. “You thought you could distract us while the werewolf attacked, didn’t you?”

His attacker was the Nord, and as Link struggled to free himself, he noticed movement to his left, some sort of weapon being swung towards him. He twisted his body away from the Nord, feeling a slight pain as the dagger ran across his throat, then looked back to see the Orc had injured the Nord.

The pain was growing worse by the second, so Link used Heal on himself and hoped that would be enough.

Sinding was fighting the Redguard, which left Link to face the other two hunters by himself. He quickly realized that he had no choice but to fight for his life, and begrudgingly reached to his side and drew Dawnbreaker.

The Orc charged first, Link easily side-stepped and then swung Dawnbreaker to the side, catching the Orc in the lower abdomen, which sent him to the ground.

Link ignored him as the Hylian then ducked, then rolled away from the Nord, who had ditched the dagger and was now holding some sort of war axe. “You’re

dead

, kid. And the werewolf too.”

“Not if I can help it.” Link got up out of the roll and raised Dawnbreaker and the wooden spiked shield, then began to circle the Nord.

“Maybe after we’re done with the werewolf, we’ll have some fun with you - before we kill you.” The Nord grinned and then laughed maniacally. “Oh, that’ll be

exciting

.”

“You’re insane.” Link responded bluntly.

“We’re

all

insane here, kid! You’re just lucky we haven’t killed you yet. In fact…” The Nord grinned. “Oh,

hello

, Eriana.” He said delightfully.

Link spun around and caught a glimpse of the Redguard standing in front of him, only to be disarmed and forced to the ground after something struck him from behind.

As he tried to make sense of what was happening, he felt someone take hold of his helmet and start to try to remove it. “He’s part of the legion, it seems like. Are they so desperate that they’re recruiting kids now?” He couldn’t tell who’s voice that was.

Link tried to get up, or at least find Dawnbreaker, but he was pinned to the grass and couldn’t move. But then suddenly he could move, and once he got his bearings, he saw that Sinding had launched himself at the three hunters and was now fighting them.

‘Do I help him?’

After a moment of thought, Link decided to heal himself. He risked removing his helmet and searched through his pack for a healing potion, and then downed one when he found it.

He then again used Heal on himself, then grabbed his helmet, donned it, then stood and searched for Dawnbreaker. 
As soon as Link picked the sword up, the Redguard was there, and she tried to disarm him. Link realized that he needed to end the fight very quickly, or both he and Sinding were going to be overwhelmed. So he decided to stop ‘being nice’ and started to ruthlessly attack Eirana, who kept trying her best to stab him. 
She got a lucky hit in, on his sword arm, but Link ignored it and side-stepped the Redguard’s next attack, then spun around with Dawnbreaker outstretched and -

Eriana was ran through.

The Orc slammed into the Hylian and sent him flying as the Orc caught Eriana before she could fall to the ground.

Link managed to catch himself as he was knocked down, then he got up and spun to face the hunters, not sure as to where Sinding was.

He quickly found out, as Sinding threw the corpse of the Nord at the Orc and Redguard, which knocked both of them down. He then stopped beside Link. “Stay here, I shall deal with them.” Then the beast was running towards Eirana and the Orc.

The Dragonborn had the notion to turn away from the scene, and he did his best to ignore the sounds that started a few seconds later. He instead focused on healing himself and checking his gear.

Soon after, Sinding returned to Link’s side, loosely holding Dawnbreaker. “I believe this is yours.”

“It is.” Link took the weapon and tried his best to clean it of blood; as he did this, the ring activated.

Dawnbreaker fell to the ground as Link turned into a wolf, and before he could get his bearings, three more hunters appeared.

A female Orc ran towards Link with some sort of war axe primed to come down on him. Fortunately, the wolf was faster, and he ran to the side as the war axe slammed into the ground.

While the orc was distracted, Link turned and leapt for her throat, deciding to no longer have any qualms about killing in self defense.

The wolf’s fangs sank into the orc’s throat; Link hung on as best as he could as the orc tried to pry him off, and soon the orc woman fell to the ground, no longer breathing.

Meanwhile, Sinding was fighting two bandits at once, two male Nords. Link leapt up and ran over to help the werewolf, but was kicked in the side by one of the Nords and sent spinning away, down into a nearby ditch.

Link looked up just in time to roll to the side as the Nord brought down his weapon where Link had been.

‘I’m not prepared for this at all. My attacks aren’t coordinated or clean, I’m practically just dodging and hoping Sinding can kill them all…’

The wolf growled in frustration as he got up and spun to face the Nord. 
‘Wait… Will it work?’ A tiny bit of inspiration hit Link. ‘Let’s see…’ “Sparks.”
To the Nord, the wolf before him had just barked. But yet, Link started to feel

something

start to creep up through his fur.

‘….What is that…’

The feeling wasn’t unpleasant, but he had never felt it before.

The feeling continued to grow, Link felt all of his fur start to stand on end, and he got the feeling of as if he was about to be struck by lightning.

‘What the -’

The building energy suddenly released in a bright flash, Link heard a scream, then when he could see again, the Nord was lying before him, covered in burns.

‘…Did… Did I somehow channel Sparks?’

Link thought in bewilderment. And then he slowly grinned.

‘I can do so much with this.’

A ball of electricity sailed over Siding’s head and slammed into the remaining Nord, who stumbled, then turned to face a fast approaching Link.

Link then leapt up and channeled Sparks again, feeling his fur become a bundle of lightning as he collided with the Nord hunter.

The Nord fell to the ground and didn’t get up. Link landed a second later and shook himself, then looked up at Sinding.

“What did you do?”

“I can channel my spells! Isn’t that great!”

Sinding smiled slightly. “You sound like an excited small child. Though I do suppose you being able to somehow use your magic as a wolf is good.”

Link nodded, and then followed Sinding further into the grotto after he awkwardly picked up Dawnbreaker in his jaws.

“There are more hunters still.” The werewolf stated. “But you fight well, they shall be dealt with swiftly and effectively.”

“I’m not sure about that.”

Link said to himself, not caring if Sinding heard him.

Sinding’s ears flickered, but he didn’t respond to Link. He then suddenly leapt forward and knocked Link to the ground as an Argonian nearly missed skewering the wolf.

Three more hunters leapt from the shadows towards Sinding.
Link waited until Sinding let him get up, then he dropped the sword, found himself facing an advancing High Elf, and thought about summoning Sparks again, but then decided against it. ‘Let me try this…’ “Summon Flame Atronach.”
Nothing happened, so he tried again, envisioning the lava fields and brimstone mountains and spires of Oblivion.

An Oblivion portal appeared, causing the hunters to fall back slightly as a woman made of flames appeared in a burst of molten fire.

‘Yes, it worked!’

Link thought as the Flame Atronach looked around, then spotted him and flew over.

She seemed to check him over for injuries, then floated up and turned in mid air towards the hunters. The flame woman gazed at them coldly, before she summoned multiple fireballs and started to throw them at the hunters.

The Argonian leapt towards Link once more, but he chose to dodge, and then thought of summoning Ice Spike.

It didn’t work the first time, nor the second. Link dodged another sword slash and tried to focus.

‘Ice. Huge massive sharp icicles.’

He grew frustrated.

‘Come on - work -’

The Argonian was impaled by a shard of ice and they fell to the ground.

‘Alright. That’s progress.’

Link thought as the High Elf leapt towards him again and he dodged the attack, then paused as Sinding appeared and clawed the High Elf to death.

The Flame Atronach had caught a Nord hunter in her attacks, and she soon was summoned back to Oblivion by a portal. It closed, and the Nord ran towards Link with his battleaxe poised to swing.

Link waited, then somehow backflipped away and landed on his hind paws. He then dropped to the ground, as he did so, the ring activated.

The Nord paused, which allowed Link to pick up Dawnbreaker - which was lying nearby from where he had dropped it earlier as a wolf - and run the man through.

He kicked the dying man off the sword and spun it in his hand as the final hunter approached, having been wounded by Sinding at some point. The Redguard charged, going into a slide to try to knock Link off of his feet.

The Hylian was faster, managing to leap over the sliding attack. He spun around as he landed and met the Redguard’s sword with his own.

The two were locked in a standstill, neither one able to best the other. This is when Sinding appeared behind the Redguard, and skewered their chest with his sharp claws.

The distraction allowed Link to get the upper hand, and he slashed his opponent across the chest.

The Redguard fell to the ground as both Link and Sinding stepped away, and the two took a few moments to rest.

“We shall head for the entrance. Try to keep up.” Sinding eventually told Link, and the werewolf bounded away.

Link followed Sinding, and soon realized they were heading back to the campsite, and when he and Sinding reached the camp, they found it was occupied by seven hunters, four of which had bows.

The remaining three that didn’t have bows, consisting of a male Nord, and two Khajiit - one of each gender - got up from the fire and charged Link and Sinding.

Sinding caught the female Khajiit and ran his claws up her front, which cut into her armor and left gashes in her fur. The Khajiit fell to the ground and the werewolf pounced towards her, taking an arrow to the side in the process.

Meanwhile, Link was ducking and weaving to try to avoid both the Nord and Khajiit’s attacks - as well as the multiple arrows being fired at him. Out of desperation, he swung the spiked shield towards the Khajiit and impaled his chest. The Nord moved in to deal a finishing blow, but Link saw this and twisted away, which caused the Nord to kill the male Khajiit instead.

Link freed the spiked shield from the now dead Khajiit as an arrow pierced the shield, and raised Dawnbreaker as the Nord turned to face him.

The Nord didn’t bother speaking to Link as he raised his own sword, and ran towards the Hylian.

The two blades met in a clash of sparks, but Link didn’t get to fight the Nord for very long before he was grabbed from behind by Sinding, and lifted into the air.

Link quickly got out of the way, and Sinding threw the Nord away from him. The Nord hit a nearby tree head first and fell to the ground, his neck broken.

As soon as this happened, the four hunters that had been attacking with bows on a ledge leapt down into the campsite, and they swapped to other weapons as they ran towards Link and Sinding.

The ring activated once more, forcing Link into his wolf form as a Breton hunter reached him. The hunter kicked Link in the face, then in the side, then before Link could retaliate, another hunter, this one a female Nord, ran up and struck him over the head with something.

They must have thought he was dead, because the two hunters ran off to deal with Sinding instead of checking to see if he was still alive.

‘…That could have been worse.’

Link tried to heal himself with one of his healing spells, but it didn’t work. He tried a second time, no result.

‘This isn’t working. I’m thinking like a human when I should be thinking like a wolf… let me see…’

Link imagined the healing magic coursing through his changed body, his bones, his muscles…

He then felt the pain fade, and the fog of battle dissipate.

‘It worked.’

Link got up and shook himself, then ran over to the remaining hunters - Sinding had killed one of them already - and dodged a sword swing from an Argonian.

Link then got an idea, and attempted to summon the snake Familiar.

The spirit snake appeared before Link and eyed him curiously, flicking its forked tongue as it weaved back and forth.

Link then got an idea, and he gently picked up the snake in his jaws, then tossed the snake at a nearby Nord.

The snake landed around the human’s neck, and the creature started to coil around itself, thus constricting the Nord’s neck until they fell to the ground, unconscious. The snake then sank its fangs into the Nord’s neck, the poison quickly killing them.

The ring activated again, causing Link to return to normal. This startled the Khajiit that had been sneaking up behind him, and Link was able to avoid being stabbed by the cat’s sword.

Link felt the spirit snake wrap itself around one of his arms as he drew Dawnbreaker and spun it in a circle, eying the Khajiit as the cat raised his sword and charged.

Sparks flew as the two blades clashed amongst the fighting, the Khajiit baring his fangs in a snarl.

Link chose to stay silent, risking a glance towards Sinding to see how he was faring.

The werewolf was fighting an Orc, and Sinding seemed to be winning, thankfully. The werewolf ducked under the swing of a battleaxe, then clawed at the Orc’s face.

Link was brought back to his own fight by narrowly avoiding a face slash by the Khajiit’s claws. The Hylian stepped back, then kicked off the ground and slashed downwards.

The Khajiit’s body fell to the ground, minus the head as it sailed through the air and struck the Orc in the chest. This distracted the Orc long enough for Sinding to claw out their throat.

Sinding relaxed once the fight was over, then looked down at the dead bodies strewn at his feet, and then nodded towards Link. "Thank you for your help. I will make my home here, away from anyone I might hurt."

“There might be more that try to hunt you.”

“Let them come, then. I shall deal with them.” Stated the werewolf. “I shall walk you out, it is the least I can do.” Sinding motioned for Link to follow him.

When Link left the grotto, he was greeted by the ghostly stag of the Aspect of Hircine. This caused Link to become slightly defensive.

“Greetings, child. You continue to amuse and impress me.” Stated the Aspect.

Link looked at the ghostly stag in confusion. “I stopped the hunters from doing what you wanted.”

‘I wonder why he’s impressed…’

The Aspect continued. "You helped the beast slay my hunters... By bringing down my other Hunters, you turned the chase inside out. And they were no base prey.” The spirit stag kicked at the ground. “Though you did not do as I initially commanded, there is no doubt that I find you worthy. Go forth, with my blessing." The Aspect nodded his head again, and a blue tendril snaked out from the ghostly stag and into the cursed ring.

“The curse is removed. I shall allow you to keep the ring, as your reward. Perhaps we will meet again.” The ghostly stag then vanished, leaving Link alone at the entrance to the grotto.

He soon found Epona, who was very happy to see him, as the horse wouldn’t leave his side for one second as they slowly traveled back to Falkreath…

Once Link returned Epona to the stables and walked under the gate to Falkreath, a few guards walked up and greeted him as he passed by.

“Did you see the rogue werewolf?” One of them asked.

Link stepped walking and turned to face the guard. “I happened to run into the creature out in the wilderness and slew it.”

‘I hope they don’t go investigating.’

“Good. One less beast to worry about.” The guard nodded and stepped aside.

As he made his way towards the Jarl Longhouse, Link saw Runil and Dungeir and made his way over to them.

Dungeir saw Link first and raised a hand in greeting. “I heard you’ve been dealing with a werewolf. How did that go?”

“Well enough.” Link replied. “What were you two talking about?”

Before Runil could answer, all three of them heard some sort of roar, and they looked up at the sky.

A dragon was flying high above them, swooping and soaring amongst the clouds that were over Falkreath.

The three weren’t the only ones to have seen the dragon, as the people of Falkreath started to leave their homes, panicking and running about.

Runil spoke up. “…You…

do

slay dragons, don’t you?”

“Part of the profession.” Link responded as he ignored the commotion around him and watched the dragon’s movements.

He put a hand on the hilt of Dawnbreaker.

‘I just hope the guards can get everyone out of here if the dragon does land.’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The people of Falkreath watched in muted fear as the dragon started to swoop lower and lower upon the village, until it roared, flapped its wings, then went into a dive.

It landed in the middle of town, in the open area before the Longhouse, sending dust in all directions as the white-grey creature snapped up a nearby unfortunate guard in its maw and shook them like a dog’s chew toy.

The dragon then discarded the guard’s body by tossing it at a nearby stone wall, then quickly focused on the lone figure standing nearby.

“Dovahkiin.”
The beast snarled, crouching a bit and raising its wings.
“Mu fent die grah!” (We shall do battle)

Link raised Dawnbreaker in answer and ran towards the dragon, who decided to breathe some sort of ice shout.

The Hylian couldn't make out the Words of Power for the shout over the noise, and he only just managed to dive to the dirt to get out of the way, a nearby guard wasn’t so lucky as they were pelted by large chunks of ice and snow.

The body fell to the ground and the dragon immediately picked up the dead guard, then threw the corpse in the air and caught it, then swallowed the body whole.

“Pruzah, bovul ko faas, fah fenti nak hi pah!” (Good, flee in fear, for I shall eat you all)
The beast roared afterwards.

The dragon’s tail swung around and knocked down a wall of one of the nearby houses. This caused hot coals from a fireplace to rain down upon the beast’s body. The dragon snarled in anger and turned to face the regiment of guards nearby.

The guards all raised their weapons, let out various battle cries, and charged the beast, who took to the air and began to breathe fire upon those in the square.

Link was taking cover behind a currently untouched house. He took out his bow, notched an arrow to the bowstring. took aim, and fired. The arrow launched through the air and sank into one of the dragon’s eyes, which caused the beast to scream in angered pain as it started to circle Falkreath.

Link stayed where he was, thinking of how to deal with the dragon.

‘There’s only so many ways I can attack with the Clawshots, but they may be my best option.’

He took out the two Clawshots and fired them at the dragon’s throat. Both weapons sank into scales and muscle and bone, spraying blood in all directions as the dragon let out a choked roar, the beast flailing around in an attempt to dislodge the things piercing its throat.

Numerous guards then ran forward, using their weapons to attack the dragon as it collapsed to the ground.

Link ran out from behind the building and retracted the Clawshots, then shook them free of blood and put them away in his pack.

Then the dragon breathed frost, burning and freezing several guards in the process as those that were uninjured braved the shout to drag the wounded guards away.

Link, however, only had time to raise the spiked wooden shield before he was caught in the Shout’s effects. He felt intense cold on all sides and he could have sworn the shield was splintering and freezing at the same time…

The frost shout eventually stopped, which allowed Link to lower the shield. He then ran forward, Dawnbreaker held high, and he brought the sword down on the dragon’s neck.

Link was knocked back by the dragon wacking him with one of its wings. He soon regained his senses and got up.

He then ran forward, and stabbed the beast in between the eyes while the various guards distracted it.

The dragon let out a death roar as Link retreated, the beast throwing its head back, then it fell out the ground, it’s eyes glazing over as the body began to burn away…

And with it, multicolored shimmering tendrils appeared, flowing all around the dragon’s body as it quickly became a skeleton. These tendrils sought out Link after a time, and he closed his eyes and braced himself.

He felt sheer power and knowledge a second later.

Yol. It meant Fire.

And then reality returned, Link realized the people of Falkreath had gathered around the skeleton, and as he turned to face them, he suddenly felt exhausted. But he couldn’t rest yet.

Link left those standing around the dragon skeleton to talk about what happened, and he slowly made his way to the longhouse. Once there, he entered and approached the throne at the end of the hall.

“You killed the dragon?” Siddgeir was sitting forward in his chair, his full attention on Link.

“I did.”

“Fantastic. That’s one less thing to worry about.” Siddgeir tapped his chin in thought. “Let me see… I received word that you helped my uncle and Runil… I did hear about the werewolf incident. And you also saved Falkreath from the dragon. I think that’s far more than enough.”

The young Jarl got up from his chair, then left the room. He then returned carrying a bow. “I think you deserve this. It’s the Bow of Falkreath.” Siddgeir faltered. “Not a very good name… Anyway, I’ll also give you the title of Thane. There still is the property offer, and you’ll also be given a housecarl.”

“I’m not so sure I need another bodyguard, and I already have Breezehome in Whiterun… Balgruuf gave both to me when I became Thane.”

“Oh, you do? Well then, I…” Siddgeir frowned as he absentmindedly tapped a finger on the wood of the bow he was holding. “Tell you what, I’ll hold off on the house and housecarl for now, and give you the bow and title.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Siddgeir smiled. “Then it’s settled.” He paused. “…I’ve never liked ceremonial things, so… You’re now Thane of Falkreath, and if you ever decide to take up the house offer, let me know.” The Jarl handed Link the bow he was holding. “Go on, try it out. Just don’t… actually fire it…”

Link accepted the bow, then inspected it for any damage. Not finding any, he mocked raising and pulling back on the bowstring. “…Whoever made this knew what they were doing.”

“Glad to know you like it.” Siddgeir smiled, sounding a bit relieved.

Link lowered the bow and hooked it on the lantern at his side, he then turned away from the Jarl as he started to walk towards the door.

“Wait.”

The Hylian looked back. “Yes?”

“I have information that may be useful to you.” Siddgeir said as he returned to his chair and picked up a glass with some sort of dark liquid in it. “There’s been reports of a dragon - one of a different color than the one that attacked Falkreath - close to Helgen. Apparently its lair is called Ancient’s Ascent.”

“How do I get there?”

“There’s a place nearby Helgen called Bonechill Passage. Go through that, and you’ll find the dragon’s lair.”

Link continued to look back at Siddgeir, then he turned and walked up to the Jarl. “Do you mind marking this Bonechill Passage on my map?”

“Sure.” Siddgeir replied as he waited for Link to show him the map. “Well, this is pretty filled out on the right side and up north…” Siddgeir used his free hand to mark a location near Helgen with a quill. “There.” He then picked up a nearby bag that was filled with Septims and offered it to Link. “I decided to pre pay you with the bounty now. 1500 Septims.”

Link inspected the marked location as he waited for the ink to dry, then he put the map away and accepted the bounty Septims. “Thanks.”

“Of course, anything for a new friend of mine.” Siddgeir raised the glass he was holding. “Do visit sometimes if you’re able, or at least write letters.”

“Writing letters may be easier.” Link responded as he waved a hand in farewell, then left the Longhouse…

As Link followed the path from the road that led to Helgen, he passed a small house that had been attacked by something. He became curious, so he wandered up the dirt path towards the ruined house.

Two charred corpses were found outside, Link didn’t bother to check them, and instead stepped inside what remained of the house.

A note to the authorities on the end table revealed that the owner assumed if the dragon was simply ignored, it would leave him and his wife alone. The two corpses outside presumably proved the owner of the house deadly wrong. Next to the note on the end table were a lantern and silver necklace.

A copy of the book Purloined Shadows was lying next to the bed. When read, the book was about what happened to someone who attempted to steal Nocturnal’s Cloak.

Between the bed and end table was an unlocked chest that contained 500 Septims. Link took the book, Septims, and necklace, then left the house.

From the house, he followed the path to the east around an outcrop of rock.

As Link approached, he saw a huge stone square arch over the steps leading up to the entrance. There was a silver ore vein just west of the base of the steps.

Upon entering, Link was in an ice tunnel heading south.

There was a skeleton to the left with a coin purse beside it that contained 100 Septims. Opposite the coin purse was a pair of elven boots. A lone Skeever was wandering the path ahead.

Once dealt with, Link took the Septims and boots, then moved on.

Further down the path, on the right, Link passed a mammoth skull with a dead bandit and a major potion of healing lying beside it. He took the potion and continued walking.

Further along also on the right, there was a knapsack next to another skeleton and a copy of the book 2920, MidYear, v6. When read, it detailed various happenings of someone by the name of Vivec, as well as the Empire. Link took the book for later reading.

The tunnel narrowed and turned to the east, then opened out into an unroofed section with a bridge across a chasm with a skeleton on the far side.

On the left at the start of the bridge was a dead goat.

Under the bridge were two skeletons, one of them having a minor potion of stamina beside it. These and the one across the bridge were taken out by three carefully aimed arrows. Link carefully maneuvered down enough to grab the Stamina potion, then he returned to the bridge.

Once Link walked across the bridge, the tunnel rose quite sharply and after a couple of turns led to the exit.

There were three snowberry plants to the right of the path after exiting Bonechill Passage. There were a couple wide flights of stairs leading up to a plateau in front of the word wall, with lit braziers at the bottom and top of each flight.

A green scaled dragon soared overhead, then noticed Link and banked, turning around in mid air before landing before him.

“Dovahkiin.”
The dragon briefly acknowledged his presence before it used a single word that caused an ice storm.

Quickly thinking, Link decided to try to counter the Shout with one of his own. 
"Yol!” Breathing fire wasn’t what he expected it to be. He was amazed that it even worked, and then realized that he didn’t want to know how it worked. 
The dragon reared back and snarled, sending Link backwards with a wing swipe.

Link hit the ground and rolled, then blocked a bite with the spiked shield and slammed it into the deagon’s face.

The beast retreated, which let Link stand.

He had to dive out of the way as the beast used Unrelenting Force, an earth shaking

boom

sounding off somewhere behind Link as he got up and drew Dawnbreaker, then turned as the dragon reared up on its hind legs.

The dragon then took off into the air, and began to swoop and dive as it used various Shouts on Link.

Link took out his bow and notched an arrow, then took aim and fired it at one of the beast’s wings.

The dragon roared as the arrow pierced a wing and it dropped altitude slightly, but it soon regained height. It then flew down and hovered before Link, then used the ice storm Shout again.

Quickly thinking, Link braced with the spiked shield and held firm, skidding back a bit against the snow and stone ground as the force of the Shout bore down on him.

The dragon then decided to land, and it snapped its fangs at Link, who managed to dodge. 
Link then ran forward, choosing to Shout “Su!” This allowed him to strike at the dragon quicker than he normally would, and the dragon couldn’t avoid the attack. 
The Dragonborn got a lucky hit in, striking Dawnbreaker against the beast’s upper chest, before he was knocked back by another Unrelenting Force Shout.

Link got up, then kept his distance as he fired another arrow, striking the dragon in between its eyes.

When this happened, lightning came down from the sky and struck the dragon.

’What was that?’

Link thought.

’Did the bow somehow cause it?’

The dragon growled, then shook its head as it tried to fly off, but the arrow had disoriented it, so it stayed grounded.

Link approached, then slashed the dragon a few times before he stabbed it in the chest.

The dragon’s scales became covered in blood and it roared as it tried to pull away from the sword embedded in its body.

Too exhausted to fight anymore, the dragon collapsed and closed its eyes, its breathing slow and labored.

“Hi lost pruzaani, Dovahkiin, dreh ol hi fen. (You have bested me, Dovahkiin, do as you will)”
, said the beast as it made an effort to open its eyes once more and locked on to the lone human standing before it.

Link looked at the dragon, then pulled Dawnbreaker free from the beast’s chest. He then leapt up and stabbed it in the head, which caused the dragon to finally die.

Its body began to burn, and as the scales and flesh faded to ashes, colorful tendrils emerged from the charred bones.

After he received the dragon soul, Link then walked past the dragon skeleton and up the flights of steps to the Word Wall. Link placed a hand against the fold, worn stone surface, and closed his eyes as the Word of Power entered his mind.

Raan.

It meant Animal.

Due to the dragon he had just killed, he also gained knowledge of what the Shout did.

Raan would allow him to gain an animal ally for a short period of time.

Link circled back to the stone arch and found a large, ornate chest. It was unlocked, and inside was 100 Septims and two sapphires.

He didn’t need to heal himself at this time, so Link slowly made his way back down towards the passage, walked through it, and eventually emerged near the path to Helgen.

Epona was still nearby, so he vaulted on her back and the two took off in the direction of Whiterun…

As Link left the dragon lair, he heard a voice. “Hey. You. Do you have a minute? It’s really important.”

Link looked around but didn’t see anything.

“Down here.” The voice responded. When Link looked down, he saw a dog standing before him.

“You can talk?” Link assumed.

“‘Can I talk’ -

of course I can talk!

Skyrim’s host to flying lizards and two legged cat-men, and you're surprised that I can

talk

? I’m not Barbas, the Hound of Clavicus Vile, for nothing after all.” The dog growled.

“What do you want?”

“It’s simple, really, even someone like

you

could understand - Vile kicked me out, cast me to the side. He has forsaken me out of annoyance, forcing me into the body of this dog, to roam Tamriel. Being forsaken greatly limited my power.” Barbas growled as his tail lashed back and forth.

“What do you want me to do about it?” Link asked.

“Straight to the point, as usual with you mortals. I want you to help me in my redemption. Help me reconcile with Clavicus.” The dog said.

“How do I do that?”

“We have to go to his shrine, isn’t that obvious to you?” Barbas responded.

“I won’t be able to help you for a while, I have a lot of tasks I need to fulfill first. It’d be more convenient if I helped you then, after I’ve dealt with some obligations.”

Barbas seemed to think about this. “Sort of makes sense. Plus, with who you are, you’re probably being sent on errands all over Skyrim. Listen, when you’re ready to do something useful for once and help me out, meet me outside Haemar’s Shame, near Falkreath. ‘Till we meet again, Dragonborn.” The dog ran out of sight, and Link was left to ponder over the conversation.

‘How does he know I’m Dragonborn?’

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was early morning when Link opened the right gate door and stepped into Whiterun, but he didn’t have long to look around before he was almost knocked over by someone barreling into him.

“Where have you been!? We thought you were dead!”

Link found himself in a tight embrace, in fact, he could swear he was being lifted off the ground slightly. “I’ve been busy.” His voice was muffled due to his helmet currently pressed against the Argonian’s shoulder.

“Busy. You could have sent a letter, or a parcel!” Swift reprimanded.

“I didn’t think of that.” Link admitted as he was freed from the hug.

Swift was standing there with her arms crossed against her chest, her tail lashing behind her. “You have five seconds to tell me where you’ve been for the past two months.”

“High Hrothgar and dungeon delving.” Link replied as he reached up and removed his helmet.

“Dungeon delving.” Swift repeated, her eyes narrowing. “And I suppose you took your time and brought back lots of useless weapons to sell? How much gold do you even have?”

“Enough.” Link looked up from placing the helmet temporarily in his pack.

“I see.” The Argonian went silent, as if she knew she wasn’t going to get a proper answer. “What were you doing at High Hrothgar?”

“Voice Training.”

“How does that work?” Swift eased up and let her crossed arms fall to their normal positions at her sides.

“…It just… does.” A simple explanation. “Never really thought about it, it just happens.”

Swift rolled her eyes. “Lamest explanation I’ve ever heard, but I imagine it must be hard describing something like that.”

“It is.” Link then thought of something. “I never thought to ask before. Khajiit have… interesting names, so why…” He didn’t know how to finish the question, but Swift seemed to catch on.

“It’s because his first name is near impossible to pronounce, so everyone calls Sam a variation of his middle name instead.”

“…Makes sense. Do you think if I asked him, he’d tell me?” Before Link could get a response, he nearly tripped as Swift grabbed his arm, then began to drag him up the cobblestone road towards the market.

He got a few questioning looks, to which his response was to give an awkward wave with his free arm.

Soon, Link found himself before Sam’s stall, the Khajiit giving him a curious look. “Where have you been?”

“He said he was ‘dungeon delving and at High Hrothgar.’” Swift responded for Link.

“Interesting.” Sam set down a wooden object he had been fiddling with and stepped out from behind the stall, then quickly hugged Link. “It is good to see you again, my friend.”

Link gladly returned the hug, then freed himself from the Khajiit’s embrace. “You as well.” He glanced at the wooden object on the table. “What’s that?”

Sam picked up the wooden object. “This?” He showed it to Link, revealing it to be a carved dragon statue. “I was making it to sell, but now that you’re here, do you want it?”

Link thought about it. “Sure. How much do you want for it?”

Sam shook his head. “No. You’re a friend, I won’t accept payment.” The Khajiit offered the statue to Link. “Take it.”

Link accepted the offered gift and inspected the carving. “I didn’t know you carved statues.”

“I’ve been doing it for a few years now.” Sam said. “Only recently have I started to take pride in my work.”

Swift walked up to Sam and hugged him from behind. “And you’ve gotten

very

good at it. Have you told him the news yet?”

“About what?” Sam asked.

The Argonian playfully swatted a clawed hand at Sam. “That our parents are traveling here to visit.”

“Oh. That. No, I haven’t told him yet, though I suppose *

you*

just informed him.” The Khajiit replied.

Swift smiled, then looked over one of Sam’s shoulders at Link. “They’ll be here during the warmer seasons, for our wedding, but we have a lot to plan first.”

Sam nodded. “I think they were wanting you at Jorrvaskr, Link, some of them were asking about you a week ago.”

“What for?”

“None of them would say. Said it was ‘Companion business’.” Swift released Sam from the hug and stepped around him. “We’ll keep you informed about the wedding as it gets closer.”

“Suppose a congratulations is in order.” Link offered as both the Argonian and Khajiit gave parting hugs.

“Eventually, yes, but not yet.” Sam responded as he and Swift let go of Link. “Go on, do whatever needs to be done, we’ll be here when you get back.”

“I had one question.”

“What is it?” Sam asked.

“Swift told me everyone calls you by your middle name, because your first is too hard to pronounce.”

The Khajiit bared his fangs in a grin. “She told you that, did she? That is true, perhaps one day, I will tell you.”

Link stepped away from the market stall, raised a hand in farewell, then turned and began to walk towards the overturned boat in the near distance.

Link was greeted by Tilma when he entered Jorrvaskr.

“Hello dear. We haven’t seen you in a long while.” Greeted the elderly woman.

“I’ve been up at High Hrothgar.”

“Did those Greybeards summon you again?” She questioned.

“No. I just decided to go there for Voice Training.”

“Training… and do you believe you were successful?”

“I’d like to think so.”

“Good. Now, there shall be

none

of that Shouting here, understood? I trust you to be on your

best

behavior.” Tilma scrutinized Link, who nodded.

“Of course.”

Tilma smiled and leaned on her broom slightly. “They should feed you more, a still growing warrior like you needs more meat on those bones of yours.”

“We’ll keep him well fed, Tilma.” Farkas’ voice reached the two from somewhere to Link’s right.

Tilma looked over. “Farkas.” She briefly acknowledged, before she moved her gaze back to Link. “Know that you are always welcome here, child, no matter what happens. I’ll take my leave now, have my own things to do…” The old woman took her broom and walked away, past the long table and towards the stairs leading to the living quarters.

“She didn’t bother you at all, did she? Sometimes she asks too many questions.” Farkas walked up to Link.

“No.”

“Good. Thought I should mention that Skjor wants to talk to you.”

“Did he say why?” Link asked.

“No, he just said something about “proving honor”. You’d better not keep him waiting any longer.”

“Do you know where Skjor is?”

“No need to look for me, I’m right here.”

Link found Skjor sitting in a chair, nursing some sort of drink in a metal tankard.

“You wanted to see me?”

“I did.” Skjor finished his drink and set the tankard down on a nearby side table, then leaned forward in his chair. “It’s time for you to prove yourself. Last week, a scholar showed up, claiming to know where we could find another fragment of Wuuthrad. He seemed like a fool to me, personally, but if the scholar is right, the honor of the Companions demands that we investigate this claim.”

“Wuuthrad?”

“An ancient axe used by Ysgramor to slaughter countless Elves.” Skjor explained. “It was destroyed by cultists in the Second Era, its fragments scattered across Skyrim, and presumably lost to time. Dustman’s Cairn, a barrow nearby Dragonsreach to the north, was the location the scholar told us about.

“Your Trial - something each initiate takes to truly become a Companion - will be to investigate this claim. Farkas will be your Shield-Sibling on this venture. He’ll answer any questions that you might have. I would answer them, but I am unfortunately pressed for time at the moment.”

Skjor got up from the chair he had been sitting in and stepped around Link. “Try not to disappoint us. You may think yourself able in combat, but all you seem to have fought are undead and dragons and bandits, not real warriors.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You have a lot to learn still, Link.” With that cryptic response, Skjor left Link’s presence.

“I wouldn’t take what Skjor said personally, he’s just seen a lot of potential Companions get themselves killed due to stupidity.” Farkas announced.

The Nord had wandered up to the table while Skjor was speaking, and Link turned around to face him. “And does he think that will happen to me?”

“Not if I can help it.” Farkas responded. “That’s why I’m going with you.”

Link went silent for a moment, then asked, “What do you know about this scholar Skjor mentioned?”

Link was lying on his bed in Breezehome, staring up at the vaulted wooden beam ceiling overhead.

After he had questioned Farkas, the two had left Jorrvaskr, only for Farkas to suggest seeing Lydia and Breezehome before the two set off.

So, here he was, upstairs in his room while the two warriors had their conversation around the fire pit downstairs.

‘What do I want out of this?’

He asked himself.

‘To keep everyone safe? Yes. To what extent?’

He was interrupted from his thoughts by the pack on the nearby table rustling - a series of chirps and squeaks alerted him to the dragon hatching’s presence.

Link got up from the bed and crossed the wooden planked floor over to the pack on the table, moved his armor aside, then un-did the drawstrings and threw the flap back. He was rewarded with Cobalt scrambling upward and gliding into his waiting arms.

The dragon hatchling preened happily and leaned against Link as he walked over to the window and looked out at the plains and beyond.

The muffled voices of Lydia and Farkas floated up from below, and as Link set Cobalt on the windowsill and allowed the dragon to look outside, he came to a conclusion.

“Cobalt.”

The dragon hatchling turned his head to look back at Link.

“I’m afraid you’re going to have to stay here with Lydia for a while.”

Cobalt squeaked in confusion as he turned to face Link, then nearly fell off the windowsill. Link caught the hatchling before that happened.

“It’s getting too dangerous for you to travel with me.” Link lifted Cobalt so the two were looking at each other.

The hatchling shook his head and emitted a sorrowful chirp.

“I know. I’m sad too, but I don’t want to take any chances.” Link told the hatchling as he placed Cobalt on the bed, then began to sort through his pack.

Soon, Farkas called for Link, as he was ready to leave. Link quickly donned his armor, then picked up Cobalt and left his room, then walked the balcony and down the stairs.

“All set?” Farkas asked Link as he approached.

“As much as I can be.” Link replied as he turned to Lydia. “I want you to watch Cobalt until we get back.”

Lydia held out her hands and watched as the dragon hatchling leapt from Link’s shoulder and glided over to her. “I can do that.”

Farkas motioned for Link to follow him out the door, and they were off to the stables.

It had been around a thirty minute ride over to the barrow. However, it seemed it wouldn’t be so easy getting in.

There was a near deafening roar as a dragon flew low and nearly missed colliding with Link and Epona.

“Not again, I fought two of them yesterday!”

“Two?” Farkas questioned as he leapt off his borrowed horse and slapped the beast on the rump to cause it to take off.

“Yes, two.” Link didn’t bother going into further detail as he reached behind him and drew an arrow from the quiver as he unhooked his bow from his shield.

“Don’t you get tired of fighting these things?”

“It varies.” Link notched the arrow to the bow string and took aim as the dragon turned and began to fly towards him.

“Dovahkiin!”

* Roared the dragon as it flew overhead.

Link let go and watched as the arrow sailed through the air, quickly embedding itself in the dragon’s chest. “I bring it down, then we finish it off together?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Farkas agreed.

Link then got an idea. He put the bow away, then took out the Clawshots; he then released the chain on one, causing it to plunge into the ground. Link gave the chain a pull, making sure it was stable, and then aimed the second Clawshot upward and fired.

Blood sprayed as the weapon sank into the dragon’s chest. As it roared, Link yanked on the chain, causing the dragon to plummet towards the ground.

Before the dragon landed, Farkas was already running towards it, greatsword poised high.

Link leapt off of Epona and drew Dawnbreaker, then headed towards the downed dragon. Farkas was ducking and weaving around it, dodging bites and wing attacks as the dragon became more injured by the minute.

Then Farkas got sent back by the dragon’s tail, causing Link to run up and swung Dawnbreaker at the dragon’s face. He then dodged a bite attack, then leapt up, grabbed one of the dragon’s horns, and swung himself onto the dragon’s head.

Link had to focus to keep his balance as the dragon tried its best to dislodge him, meanwhile, Farkas had recovered and was attacking the beast’s wings.

“This thing can’t last much longer! Kill it!” Farkas yelled as he ducked to avoid being knocked back by one of the wings.

Link held onto one of the horns with one hand as he raised Dawnbreaker, then stabbed downward.

The dragon let out a death roar as it reared back, then fell to the ground, Link jumping from the head at the last second. As Link landed and regained his balance, Farkas stepped back and watched as the corpse began to burn away.

“Strange how it does that.”

Link nodded in silent agreement as the tendrils rose from the dragon and began to swirl around him, soon being absorbed.

“We can enter the barrow now.”

The entrance to Dustman’s Cairn was set in the ground, being accessible by a series of stone steps that were placed in a curved formation against the circular wall.

There was nothing of note outside the barrow, save for a lone empty stone coffin set against the right wall, and a raised lit brazier set before the carved stone doors.

Farkas opened the left door and stepped inside, Link following close behind.

Once the door closed, they were standing before a series of descending carved stone steps.

“After you.” Farkas waved a gauntlet covered hand and stepped aside.

Link quickly walked down the steps and entered the first room. There wasn’t much. A table in the middle, three dead Draugr from upright sarcophagi, a chest next to the table, some burial urns and some side tables.

Link approached the table first and picked up a book lying on a pedestal. It was a copy of the Battle of Sancre Tor. He put it in his back for later reading, then checked the chest directly to the left.

It was locked, but soon after, it was open. The chest held twenty Septims and a ruby gem. Link took both, then he and Farkas advanced past the open doors.

The next room held several alcoves, some filled with bodies, others were empty. There turned out to be a series of these alcove-filled rooms, and each of these rooms held one Draugr each.

The two warriors made quick work of the undead, and pressed on.

There was a short tunnel that led to a small room, and a set of descending stairs, then Link and Farkas found themselves in a room with various tables and shelves with items.

Link took all of the various alchemy items, and things that he thought were useful, then he passed the arcane enchanter and towards a room with a lever.

“Seems the way forward is blocked. Go ahead and pull that lever, perhaps it will open the door.” Farkas told Link.

Link entered the small room and collected the items in it, which were some potions and more alchemy items. He then walked up to the lever and threw it to the side, only to look back as the gate closed, locking him inside the room.

“I should have figured that.” Farkas shook his head as he walked over to the gate. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you out of there.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. It’s time to die, dog.” An ominous voice rang out as the nearby door slammed open.

Multiple people flooded into the room, all wearing armor and wielding weapons.

Link retreated away from the gate as the newcomers quickly surrounded Farkas. “Who are they?”

“Stay calm, Link. I have this under control.” Farkas looked back and smiled slightly before he focused on the person closest to him.

“We knew you’d show up here, Companion.” The woman smiled cruelly. “A piece of your founder’s weapon? No one would pass up the opportunity to take it. That’s why myself and these other Silver Hands laid a trap for you.”

“Who’s the kid?” Asked one of the Silver Hands.

“That doesn’t matter.” The woman snapped. “He wears that armor, he travels with these beasts - he dies.”

“Should be pretty easy.” Laughed an Orc. “Killing you both will make an excellent story.”

“None of you will live to tell it.” Farkas growled, raising his greatsword. “He’s under

my

protection.”

“He is? Why? He looks like he’s never fought a real battle in his life!” The woman questioned.

“He’s fought dragons, if that tells you anything.” Farkas remarked.

“Dragons?”

“Enough!

She

ordered us to slay as many Companions as we can, and we’re starting with these two!” The woman ordered.

The group of Silver Hand advanced upon Farkas until his back was up against the gate.

“Any last words before we kill you?” The woman smirked.

Farkas dropped his greatsword, then looked back at Link before he breathed deeply and closed his eyes. The Nord then turned to face the woman. “May Hircine take you all.”

And then, Farkas’ body began to twist, and contort in shape, bones cracked, claws and fur and fangs grew…

There was an enraged roar as the werewolf sprang up and tore into the nearest Silver Hand. Link was helpless, all he could do was stand there in the safety of the room and watch as Farkas decimated the group of attackers.

‘He’s a werewolf.’

Link thought faintly.

‘When was he going to tell me this?’

Soon, the Silver Hand lay dead, and the werewolf turned to face Link. The beast growled softly, then backed away from the gate, and ran off through the now open doors.

A second later, the gate opened, and Farkas reappeared, kicking the greatsword aside as he ran up to Link and hugged him. “You’re okay.” He seemed to be reassuring himself.

Link returned the hug. “You’re a werewolf?”

“Yes. I hope I didn’t scare you.” Farkas said as the two separated.

“Scare me? No. When were you going to tell me?”

“Hopefully never. Unfortunately, they forced my hand.” Farkas took a deep breath. “Only some of us Companions are ‘blessed’ enough to have gained Hircine’s Favor. We’re known as The Circle.”

“…Can I join?”

“No. At least not for a long while. …Kodlak would probably kill us personally if you were turned properly … I don’t know what happened to you for you to gain your wolf transformation, but the process of gaining Hircine’s blessing is… brutal. Here’s what you

can

do though, prove to me that you have the honor and ability to be a Companion, and

then

we’ll talk.” Farkas left the room and stopped to pick up the greatsword before he walked over to the open door.

Link followed, finding that he had more questions than answers.

The open door led then down a twisting path until it opened up slightly. Two Silver Hand were standing on the other side of a raised section.

They spotted Link and Farkas, drew their weapons, and charged.

Farkas immediately decapitated one, then slammed the other against the wall with the greatsword. While the remaining Silver Hand was stunned, Farkas ran the man through, then kicked the body aside.

“I’m going to warn you now, the Silver Hand - they will stop at

nothing

to kill you. Understand?”

Link nodded silently.

“I know. I should let you fight something… but I don’t want to risk you getting hurt. I don’t want to carry you to Jorrvaskr on my back.” Farkas explained as he turned from the bodies and continued to walk down the tunnel.

Link preoccupied himself with taking the various alchemy items that were scattered throughout the tunnel, as well as taking a flawless amethyst and a few Septims from a raised pedestal in an alcove.

The two soon came across an iron door and opened it, then stepped though then turned right and went across a raised bridge with a caged walkway.

They dodged arrows from various attacking Silver Hand and entered a sloped hallway lined with alcoves. Some had dead Draugr, others were empty.

They weren’t alone for long, as the Silver Hand that had been in the bridge room soon found them, the fight also awakened the various sleeping Draugr, and it soon became a bloodbath.

Link was left to take care of the Draugr while Farkas took care of the Silver Hand, simply because Link was unprepared to fight real warriors, as others had stated previously. He had fought hunters before, but not trained killers like the Silver Hand.

The first Draugr lunged at Link, but he tripped the undead and stabbed it in the chest. It turned to ash… and then the weapon sent out a shockwave that killed the remaining undead.

Through the next door were more catacombs. After dealing with a lone Draugr, a nearby urn was checked - it contained twenty Septims - and the two walked into the next room.

There was a lone Silver Hand standing over a dead Draugr, and another member standing on a walkway at the far side of the room.

Farkas dealt with the one on the ground, while Link hid behind a pillar, he and the Silver Hand exchanged arrows back and forth until Link got a lucky shot in, and the Silver Hand clutched at their chest and fell off the walkway.

Once the other Silver Hand was dead, Link checked the contents of the room. There was a locked chest under the stairs, which contained thirty Septims and a Flawless Ruby. The tow climbed the wooden stairs and found a pull chain to the left. It opened a hidden room with a chest. The chest contained two hundred Septims and various elemental arrows, which Link gladly took.

Past the hidden room was a dead Silver Hand lying on a  stone coffin, and a lone Draugr. It was slain with Dawnbreaker. There were several burial urns around the room. Most were empty, but those that weren’t contained a total of fifty Septims, two amethysts, a ruby, and a gold ring.

Through the door to the east contained another locked chest, and a large coin purse that contained three hundred Septims. The chest took three lockpicks to open, and it contained a spell tome for what Link learned was Telekinesis. When the tome was opened, it turned to dust, and knowledge of the spell entered his mind.

There was a Pine Thrush Egg, a silver amethyst ring, and some hanging moss near the basket to the left. Link took these, then descended the stairs to the south.

On a table to the right of the stairs was a steel sword, eleven loose septims, two potions of minor magicka, and two potions of minor healing. Link left the sword and took the items, then checked the various burial urns. All of them were empty.

There were more Draugr in the next room. They were quickly killed. Another Silver Hand was alerted to their presence, and ended up rushing Link.

Link twisted to the side, which allowed Farkas to approach and fight the Silver Hand. Farkas swung the greatsword and decapitated the Silver Hand member.

The two stopped to rest, then moved on. Down the slope was another locked chest, with two burial urns in an upper alcove. The chest contained two sapphires and fifty Septims, and the two burial urns contained ten Septims each.

The next room had more Silver Hands. Farkas snuck up on the first one and killed then instantly. The other three members were alerted and soon rushed Farkas, leaving Link to ambush them with arrows. Once the Silver Hand members were dead, the two entered the next room.

Behind the door was a coin purse that held one hundred Septims, along with the rings. Link took these and walked down the stairs, avoiding the obvious pressure plate trap.

Two Silver Hand members ambushed him, and Link found himself pinned against the wall in a chokehold while the other Silver Hand faced Farkas with a raised weapon. “One step forward, and he dies.”

While Farkas distracted the one Silver Hand, Link got an idea, and he drew Dawn, then reached up and stabbed the Silver Hand holding him hostage.

The warrior let go, and Link retreated to let Farkas again deal with the Silver Hand. They were easily killed as the others had been.

There was a chest to the far left corner. It was unlocked, and contained twenty Septims.

When Farkas and Link entered the crypt, there was a lone Silver Hand waiting for them. Not wanting another ambush, Farkas rushed forward and engaged the warrior.

Link risked opening the door while Farkas was preoccupied, and saw two Silver Hand below an enclosed walkway. They seemed to be fighting some Draugr, so Link left them alone.

Farkas soon killed the one Silver Hand, and after that, when the two entered the walkway, they discovered that a Silver Hand member and a Draugr had killed each other.

Once Link and Farkas crossed the walkway and entered the next corridor, more Draugr ambushed them. They were killed nearly instantly.

After the Draugr were dead, there was a Silver Hand around the corner and three more Draugr to fight.

Farkas dealt with the Silver Hand, while Link fought the undead with Dawnbreaker.

Once the Silver Hand members and undead were taken care of, Link collected the various alchemy ingredients, and checked a nearby chest. It contained twenty Septims.

The next corridor ended above a room with a lone Silver Hand. They were killed with a well aimed arrow. Link checked the nearby apothecary satchel and checked its contents, which were a few deathbells, before he took the whole thing. There were numerous burial urns down the stairs, as well as various alchemy ingredients, one potion of cure disease, and a locked chest. The burial urns were empty, the chest contained an emerald and twenty Septims, and Link collected the alchemy ingredients and potion before he and Farkas moved on.

The next room was the one Link had seen from the enclosed walkway. There was nothing of value save for a chest, which contained a key, and various alchemy items. Link took these, then walked up to the large iron doors and tried to open them. They were locked.

“Maybe that key you found will work?” Farkas suggested.

Link tried the key and it unlocked the door.

Once the door was unlocked, the two were greeted by several Skeevers. Link merely kicked them out of the way and continued walking.

There was a door that led to a room with an alchemy lab, and a table with three dead Draugr lying on top.

There was a locked door to the southwest. When the door was unlocked, there was an urn and a potion of minor healing on a shelf. The urn was empty, and Link took the potion before checking the rest of the room.

There was a cave into the west, with a burial urn in the rubble, and a door to the east. The urn was empty as well. Farkas and Link walked through the door and continued on.

More Skeevers attacked the two, but they were killed instantly. There was another alchemy lab in the next room, and a door to the east.

Down a tunnel were a few Frostbite spiders. A few dodged poisoning attempts and the spiders were soon dead. The two headed downstream over a series of natural bridges, and through another door.

There were yet more Skeevers and Frostbitten Spiders, and they too were no match for the two warriors. The two took the higher path around the side of the cave and entered the next room.

There were two Draugr that were easily dispatched. Down the corridor was a wall carving - a ruby was lodged in the carving which was easily removed - and the room after that contained various alchemy items and dead Draugr. The alchemy items were collected, then Link and Farkas followed a path until they happened across an iron door.

The two walked through the iron door and were greeted by a
grand sight: sealed alcoves and coffins lined the room of the vast hall, but that wasn’t what Link focused on.

There was a Word Wall up the stairs, far away from where they stood. There was a table with items on it, but they would have to get closer to tell what they were.

“I don’t like the look of all these coffins. Be on your guard.” Farkas told Link as the two made their way across the room up to the table.

There was some sort of fragment on a small raised pedestal, as well as some soul gems and healing potions - revealed to be two petty and one black soul gem, and two grand health potions - there was a large chest next to the Word Wall, which Farkas opened while Link approached the glowing carved symbols.

His vision blurred as the familiar chanting reached a crescendo, and then faded away as a word forced itself into his mind -

Toor.

It was the second Word of Fire Breath.

“What was that? You just stood there for a few seconds, as if you were frozen.” Farkas reached out and plucked the fragment of Wuuthrad from its resting place.

“I absorbed a Word of Power.” Link explained.

“I see.” Was all Farkas said.

Then, the air was filled with the sound of stone hitting the ground, followed by weapons being drawn and footsteps.

Seventeen Draugr left their resting places and began to slowly walk towards Link and Farkas from various sections of the room.

“I hope you have some sort of idea as to how we deal with these.” Farkas growled as he raised his greatsword.

“I’ll think of something.” Link responded as he watched Farkas run over to the closest Draugr and promptly slice it in two.

Link drew Dawnbreaker and swung it at a Draugr that swung its own weapon at him. The weapon stabbed the undead, and it burst into flames.

Farkas decapitated another Draugr and looked over at Link. “Need help?”

“No.” Link responded as he ducked under an undead swinging a waraxe, then spun to slice at an approaching Draugr.

“Fair enough.” Farkas replied as he brought the greatsword hilt down upon an undead’s head, killing it.

Link turned back and stabbed the Draugr that had swung the waraxe at him, then picked it up and threw it at yet another approaching undead, which cut it in half.

Farkas looked on in approval, then ran two Draugr through at once with his greatsword.

Link then used Frostbite against a Draugr, then Ice Spike against another, both were killed nearly instantly.

Farkas swung his greatsword in an uppercut, slicing a Draugr from waist to shoulder.

A Draugr tried to ambush Link from behind, but he spun  and disarmed the undead, then ran it through with Dawnbreaker. As well as turning to flames and ash, a wave of light curved from the weapon and struck another Draugr, also turning it to ash.

Farkas then ran the final two through with the greatsword, then stopped to rest briefly.

Link turned to Farkas to see his fighting progress, only to be sent back by the last Draugr that turned out to know shouts, and it used Unrelenting Force.

Dawnbreaker was knocked from Link’s hand and it spun across the stone floor towards Farkas.

Farkas ignored the weapon and charged the Draugr, only to be locked in a stalemate as the undead’s weapon was caught in the greatsword’s crossguard.

Link was without a sword for a moment, but he didn’t need it to fight. He quickly approached the undead and used the Fire Breath shout against it.

The Draugr turned to face Link and lunged towards him, flames consuming the monster as Link easily dodged the attempt to attack.

This allowed Farkas to swing his greatsword at the Draugr, chopping off an arm, which made it drop the warhammer.

The undead didn’t seem deterred though, as it picked up the weapon with its remaining hand, then swung it into Link’s shield.

Link was sent back by the attack, so he took his bow  and fired an arrow.

The arrow struck the undead between the eyes, and then it was also struck by lightning.

“What was that?” Farkas asked Link.

“It’s something with the bow. It must be enchanted.” Link responded as he waited for the undead to focus on him again.

Link decided to use Ice Spikes against the Draugr. It went down to one knee, prepared to Shout again, and was run through by Farkas.

“That’s the last of them.” Farkas declared. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Link picked up Dawnbreaker, then found a lever that opened up a winding dirt tunnel.

Farkas followed him through this tunnel, and they came across another lever. When it was pulled, it opened up a sarcophagus that ended up being in the first room.

“What is that bow?” Farkas asked Link as they walked towards the barrow’s entrance.

“I’m the Thane of Falkreath now, Jarl Siddgeir gave it to me for helping out various citizens there.” Link explained.

Farkas looked impressed. “You’re the Thane of two holds already? I wonder if it’s possible for you to gain the title in all of them…” He led Link out of the barrow and up the stone stairs outside. Once they reached the top of the stairs and onto solid ground, Farkas turned to Link, and then hugged him. “Well done. You’ve more than well earned the right to join us.” Farkas then stepped back from Link and walked over to his waiting horse.

Once Link had vaulted onto Epona, Farkas turned the horse to face him. “I’ll give you the things I found in that large chest once we get back, let’s get going.”

“You’re back.” Skjor was standing by the doors that led outside to the back, once Link and Farkas entered Jorrvaskr after dropping the two horses off at the stables. “Were the two of you successful?”

Link held up the fragment of Wuuthrad as proof.

“Well done.” Skjor smiled. “Did you encounter any resistance?”

“The Silver Hand were there.” Farkas growled darkly.

“The Silver Hand?” Kodlak’s voice reached Link and Farkas, and they turned around to see the other Companions gathering.

“Yes.” Farkas nodded. “They were mostly there for me, somehow they knew one of us would travel there.”

Kodlak scowled. “We’ll need to be more vigilant. They’re getting more daring.” He looked at Link. “Are you alright?”

“I’m still alive, so I suppose so.” Link responded.

Skjor looked Link over while he accepted the weapon fragment. “…I think it’s time. Kodlak, gather the others and meet us outside.” He and Farkas led Link out the doors and to the courtyard.

Once the other Companions gathered outside, Kodlak walked to the front and turned to face Link.

“Today, all of us gathered here bear witness to a tradition since times immortal, since the days of the Five Hundred Companions. Link, today, you risked your life to retrieve a fragment of Wuuthrad from Dustman’s Cairn, with Farkas as your Shield-Sibling, for your Trial.”

Kodlak turned to Farkas. “Farkas. Would you say that Link passed the Trial?”

Farkas nodded. “He exceeded my expectations. When the Silver Hand ambushed us, he fought them valiantly and courageously. He didn’t waver in combat… and helped fight a dragon before we entered Dustman’s Cairn.”

“The two of you fought a

dragon?”

Aela asked.

“We did.” Link confirmed.

“…I see… Farkas, would you battle alongside Link, defend him if needed, and if offered, raise a glass in his name?”

“I would, Kodlak.”

The Harbinger nodded. “And what of the rest of you? Do you say the same?”

Kodlak was rewarded with several variants of “yes”

“Then it is settled. Link, by all the honor that I, Kodlak Whitemane can bestow upon you, I welcome you into the ranks of the Companions.” Kodlak smiled. “You’ve made this old man

very

proud.”

“Thank you.”

The Companions gathered around Link and offered him their greetings and congratulations, then walked back inside Jorrvaskr. Farkas then approached him. “Well, you did it. I knew you had it in you. How does it feel to be one of us now?”

“Great, all things considered.”

The two heard footsteps approaching, Link turned to see Eorlund Gray-Mane walking towards them from the Skyforge.

“Eorlund.” Link greeted the blacksmith.

“I heard you were accepted to be a member. Well done. You may buy Skyforge Steel weapons from me if you wish, and I will give you one for free, of your choosing.” Eorlund offered.

“The renowned Eorlund Gray-Mane, giving away Skyforge Steel? Never heard of it.” Farkas joked.

“I remember a bright eyed young lad spending hours fawning over a dagger before eventually picking that very same greatsword.” The blacksmith responded with a smile.

Farkas muttered something the other two didn’t catch, and walked past them into Jorrvaskr.

Eorlund walked Link up to the Skyforge and let him look at the various weapons scattered about.

He eventually picked a battleaxe after much deliberation.

“Just like Ysgramor himself. A fine weapon.” Eorlund complemented. “You know, I think they might have a huge feast soon. You’d better get back before they take all the food and drink.”

Link shook Eorlund’s hand, then walked back to Jorrvaskr and opened the doors.

He wasn’t expected to be greeted by two goats. “…What is this?”

“I remember you once telling us you tended to goats back home.” Skjor began. “We all figured you’d want to do that again. Don’t worry, we’ve already planned everything, we’ll even escort you home after the feast.”

Link was rendered speechless and all he could do was nod as he was led to the table…

The next few hours were full of feasting and conversation. Farkas gave Link the contents of the large chest they had found, which included the following: 500 Septims, an Ebony Waraxe, and a Scroll of Fire Storm.

After some time, Link was indeed escorted to Breezehome, along with the two goats.

He was reunited with Cobalt, and after more conversations, Link found himself in his room, lost in thought.

‘I won’t forget today for a long while. I think it’s time I finally head to Rorikstead…’

But, as it usually were, fate had other plans…

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Legend of Zelda: Skyrim - Chapter 29 - Cats and Dogs and Some Hysteria

Hello. I am still alive. Even though I ported these chapters from FFN, I did so over the course of a few months, whereas...
This took over a year and half to write because I finally got the dreaded “insanely long writer’s block”. At least it wasn’t 5-10 years. I very recently beat the writer’s block curse, so hopefully chapter 30 does not take this long. 
I started to play Skyrim again so stuff will be more descriptive and “interesting.” 
Rain pounded against the glass windows of Breezehome, but the occupants of the modest two-story wooden and stone house didn’t really mind it. Link was sitting at a small wooden table by the fire pit, taking some time to count out the amount of golden coins he had collected. To save some amount of sanity, he had decided to arrange the coins in stacks of twenty. After at least an hour of counting, the total number of Septims came to 26,689. Which meant the entire table was covered in small golden coins. “Do I even need all of these?” Link questioned aloud as he leaned back in his wooden chair. “Need all of what?” Lydia had walked downstairs after leaving her room. Link vaguely gestured at the ridiculous amount of Septims on the table. “The coins.” Lydia approached the table and lightly touched a few of the Septims. “Perhaps. You could come across a rare spell that requires a lot, or some one of a kind weapon or artifact.” She smiled slightly at Link’s shocked expression. “I know that you practice magicka, and I have no problems with it.” “There’s people that are against spell use?” Link naturally deciphered Lydia’s statement. The Nord woman gave a slight nod. “Most Nords look down on magic, but no outright hostility. As for those that are against magic, they’re somewhat of a minority scattered about Tamriel, but I wouldn’t doubt that some are here in Skyrim.” “Should I be concerned about them?” “No.” Lydia assured. “Like I said, they are small in number and most likely wouldn’t dare to attack you.” Link was silent as he continued to silently sort through the pile of golden coins on the wooden table. After a short while, he looked over at Lydia. “What you said earlier, about spells costing a lot of gold, is that true?”Lydia nodded. “Yes, I haven't seen them in person myself, but I have heard that certain spell tomes cost thousands due to how rare and powerful they are.” “…Could be a way to get rid of some of this,” Link commented as he picked up a few Septims and let them fall to the gold pile. “Or you could save it all like I suggested,” Lydia stated. A knock on the door got their attention, a clap of thunder almost drowned out the voice. “Link! Are you home? It’s Samson, I want to speak to you!” Link left the Septims on the table as he got up to answer the door while Lydia walked upstairs to her room. Upon the door opening, a drenched Khajiit ran inside towards the lit fireplace. “Are you alright?”“You don’t have to worry about me, I’ve been out in worse weather than this,” Sam stated as he got closer to the fire. Link was about to ask what Sam meant, then noticed that his friend had tracked water into the house.He proceeded to summon Fireball and channel it, before Link knelt to the wooden floor and began to evaporate the water by holding the flames close to the standing water. “It’s not like I’m going to burn the floorboards.” He told Sam when he noticed the concerned look on the Khajiit’s face. Sam shook his head as he rubbed his clawed hands together in an attempt to warm them. “You worry me sometimes with your magicka usage.” “I can wield real magic now, so I should use it to its full potential.” Link looked over at the scattered coins on the table as he dismissed Fireball and stood, then reached out and focused on them with his mind. He then tried to make a coin fly across the room into his hand. Nothing happened, which was to be expected. Telekinesis was an adept spell, after all. Link tried again. This time, a lone coin moved slightly across the pile of shimmering metal, with no other result. “…Is something supposed to be happening?” Sam questioned. “This may take a few tries.” Link admitted as he refocused on the coins. Same watched curiously as his friend seemed to be doing something involving the coins on the table. “What are you doing?” “Just wait, I haven’t practiced this before.” Link momentarily lost focus, then tried several more times to levitate the coin before he finally had success. A single coin was floating in the air above the table. Link pushed back his excitement at this and mentally thought of the coin flying across the room towards him. Nothing happened. Link tried again, and was nearly struck in the face by the coin as it obeyed the mental command. He caught the coin at the last moment and looked at it, then held up the coin and showed it to Sam. “What spell was that?” The Khajiit asked. “Telekinesis.” Link couldn’t help but grin as he flipped the coin in the air and caught it. Sam crossed his arms and leaned back slightly. “…You know Telekinesis?”“Yeah. Found the tome in Dustman’s Cairn yesterday. I’m part of the Companions now.” Link walked over and handed the Septim to Sam as the rain continued outside. “Fascinating. You don’t seem to be well practiced with it.” Sam pointed out as he took the coin and inspected it. “You’re with the Companions? Whatever happened yesterday?” “Farkas and the others got a lead on some war-axe fragment. Skjor decided to test me, so he sent Farkas and I to Dustman’s Cairn to get the fragment, and we found it. When we got back, I was inducted as a member.” Sam tapped his chin with a claw in thought. “I remember there being some sort of commotion up the stairs last night.” “That was the feast.” Link commented as he took the coin back from Sam and returned it to the pile on the table. He then looked at said pile of coins. “Did you use some of those coins to pay for the feast?” Sam joked. “No, the Companions made everything.” Link reached down and picked a few coins up, then let them fall to the table. “Not sure what I’m going to do with all of these.” “That reminds me.” The Khajiit walked over, grabbed a chair, turned it to face Link, then sat down. “I’ve been planning to go to Falkreath.” “What for?” “Have you heard of the Khajiit caravans, Link?” Sam watched as the human shook his head. “My kind likes to travel all over, selling goods and various services to others. They move around in caravans, never staying in one place for long. Skyrim has a lot of them due to…” Sam’s ears flattened a bit. “Various hostilities and not being allowed in cities.” There was obviously more to that, but Sam quickly moved to a different subject. “Anyway, I want you to travel with me to Falkreath. I know you want to know more about my culture, so why not see for yourself?” “That sounds like a great idea. Sam.” Link stated as he started to separate the coins into hundred piece piles. “There has to be a way to better organize this. Maybe there’s different valued coins like there are for Rupees.”Sam seemed to ignore Link as he continued speaking. “Then it’s settled.” He grinned and got up from the chair. “It shouldn’t take us long to get there.” - The Khajiit went silent as lightning lit up the room and thunder boomed close by. - “…After this storm stops, of course.” “Does it usually take this long to get to Falkreath?” Sam asked from atop his loaned horse. “I call this the scenic route.” Link called back over a shoulder as he lightly dug his heels into Epona’s sides, which caused the mare to speed up. The two horses cantered down the cobblestone road, taking care not to slip from the still-slick stone from the earlier storm, until the Falkreath gate loomed into view from around a corner. Just before the gate were a few various patterns and colored tents, as well as a few carts. They were almost hidden by all of the foliage and trees. There was a fence post nearby to tie horses to, so Link stopped Epona and got down from the saddle, then tied her harness to the post. Sam did the same with the loaned horse, then the two started to walk towards the tents. A massive black furred Khajiit with green eyes - he towered over Sam - bared his fangs in a smile as the two approached, and walked across the cobblestone with his arms held away from his sides slightly. “Zoardargo Ravihir!” The yet unnamed Kahjiit boomed as the red robes he was wearing swished from side to side. ‘Who is that?’ Link thought to himself, resisting the urge to back away from the massive bipedal cat as they continued to walk towards him and Sam. Sam’s ears flickered as he crossed his arms against his chest. “I thought I told you to not call me that, Ji'asha.” “What? But that is your name.” The large Khajiit blinked as he stopped in place. “Yes, but it is hard to pronounce for the non-Khajiit.” Sam’s tail lashed back and forth as he looked over at Link. “Samson is my middle name, you see. My father suggested it to my mother long ago.” “…What do I call you then?” Link finally voiced with a bit of confusion. “Either or, it does not matter to me. You will have a much easier time still calling me by my middle name, though.” Sam pointed out with a grin as he let his arms fall to his sides. Link noticed that the large Khajiit was close by. “Pardon me for asking, but what species of Khajiit are you?” The traveling merchant laughed a bit. “A Pahmar-raht, this one’s sub-species is the strongest out of all of the fur-stocks!” He boasted. “But don’t let the others tell you that.” Link had to lean his head back to look up at the merchant. “What’s your name?” “Pardon this one’s manners, as your friend said earlier, this one is named Ji'asha Rohir.” He paused. “Ji'asha has been trying to attract customers all day, however you two are the first to stop and look.” “It’s no wonder, brother, with all of the racket that you make!” Yowled a voice in one of the tents. A house cat poked her head through the fabric and narrowed her eyes at Ji'asha. “Sasha, we have customers!” Ji'asha looked back briefly and tried to save face. “Ji'asha is sure they will buy some of our wares, yes?” The large Khajiit gave a pleading look at Link and Sam as he clasped his massive clawed hands together. “Depends on what you have and their prices.” Link responded. He wanted to say something about the talking house cat, but decided not to. “It seems that my insufferable brother wants you to buy some of our goods.” Spoke an accented, feminine voice. Link looked down and saw a small black cat with gray eyes staring up at him. “Were you the one speaking earlier?” The cat rolled her eyes. “Oh look, someone else who assumes I’m just a normal cat.” She shook herself, then sat down. “Yes. Believe it or not, I can speak. I am Sasha, an Alfiq.” She tilted her head over to Ji'asha, who was engaged in some conversation with Sam. “You have already met my brother, though I have to admit that I am rather curious about you, what is your name?” Link briefly looked over at the two Khajiit before he focused his attention on Sasha. “I apologize for assuming you were a normal cat. It’s just not…” He paused, thinking of how to phrase the thought in his head. “Normal where I’m from. My name’s Link Farmanne, it’s nice to meet you, Sasha.” Sasha blinked. “Likewise. You said that the beastfolk are not normal where you’re from? What do you mean by that?” “I’m from somewhere very far away. Khajiit and Argonians don’t exist in my homeland.” Link explained to the Alfiq. “In fact, the other human races don’t exist there either. The humans that do live back home don’t really have any magic to speak of; but my race, Hylians, we do possess some natural magic.” Sasha narrowed her eyes a bit as her tail swished back and forth. “Very interesting.” She got up and started to walk towards the nearby tent. “They're most likely going to be talking for a long time, I suggest that you step into the tent to have our own conversation, one that I’m eager to continue.” Link walked away from Sam and Ji'asha and entered the tent. He stopped at the entrance while he got used to the change in lighting. “How are you speaking….” The Hylian paused briefly as he thought of how to finish his question. “…Not like a Khajiit?” “You see, I am in fact a mage.” Sasha raised a paw after she sat down on the colorful rug that was in the middle of the tent, and summoned a blue floating light, before it quickly vanished. “I used to speak like my brother, but I was away from home for several years, and retrained myself to speak normally. Well, not normally , not Khajiit-speak - I suppose like… everyone else.” She explained as her tail slowly waved back and forth. “And don’t worry about upsetting me, Link. I can tell you have questions.” “It sort of depends on what questions I have.” “You can sit there, on the little wooden stool.” Sasha swished her tail towards a small four legged oak stool near the tent wall, next to a wooden dresser. “I have a feeling my brother and your friend will be speaking for a while, at least. Ji'asha always finds ways to entertain potential customers.” Link glanced at the stool and decided it was too small for someone like him to sit on. “I think I'll stand, but thanks for the offer.” He thought for a while as to what his first question would be. “How long have you and your brother been in Skyrim?” Sasha made a sort of short purring noise. “Not very long, a few months. We were headed for Whiterun when we received news of that dragon attack at the watchtower, so the two of us have decided to stay around Falkreath and the eastern holds for the time being, at least until the dragon attacks stop.” “I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a long time then. I’m the one who has to go out and deal with them all, and even I can only do so much.” Link explained to the Khajiit. “In addition, for the dragons to truly go away, I have to take care of Alduin, their leader.”“You?” Sasha meowed with laughter. “Go out and slay dragons? How amusing.” She narrowed her eyes and kneaded the ground for a few seconds. “Yet something tells me that you’re not lying.” The small cat continued. “I did hear something about someone killing a dragon near Whiterun a few months back. Forgive me for being slightly skeptical that it was you. The thought is just so unfathomable…” “I can hardly believe it myself, and yet I’m the one who’s been slaying them and absorbing their souls.” Sasha blinked slowly. “Hmm… In any case… I sense a magical source around you, are you also a mage?” “Me? I suppose so, I spent two weeks with someone learning spells and training…” “Have you heard of the College of Winterhold?” The Alfiq questioned. “Maybe. I’ve heard the name once or twice, but I don’t know much about it.” “It’s a school for mages to the far north, past Windhelm. Most of the hold collapsed into the cold waters up there some years back, and only the College remained mostly unharmed. I’ve been wanting to go there to learn higher tiered spells, but the journey is treacherous, especially for someone like me.” ‘Maybe I should travel there soon. If it only took me two weeks to learn all of those spells, perhaps it wouldn't be that difficult for me to learn more difficult ones…’ “If you’d like, we could travel there together.” Sasha’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You would do this for me? Someone you have only known for not even an hour?”“Why not? You seem to know your way around magic, and I could use a traveling companion for the journey—”The two were interrupted by Samson calling out Link’s name from outside the tent. The Khajiit abruptly entered the tent, his fangs glinting as he grinned. “I managed to make a deal.” Sasha blinked and then rolled her eyes. “Do you ever knock?” Sam opened his mouth slightly and then closed it. “…I don’t think you can knock on fabric, Sasha.” Link looked between both Khajiit. “Do you know each other?” Sam nodded. “They’re from Riverhold. My parents live there. You could say we grew up together.” He said shortly, eying both Shasta and Ji'asha as the much larger Khajiit stuck his head through the tent flap. “Sasha! They wish to buy our magicka items!” Ji'asha exclaimed with bright eyes. The Alfiq blinked slowly. “They did? How many of each?” Samson and Ji'asha merely looked at each other as if to agree on something, before Sam spoke up. “I believe we agreed on ten of the Welkynd Stones, and two of the Varla ones.” Link half turned to stare at Sam. “How much is that?” He asked with a touch of concern. ‘Does Sam intend for me to spend all of those coins I showed him?’ Sasha seemed to be figuring out the total by checking a ledger book. “That will be two thousand and five hundred Septims.” She pointed with her tail to a clear rug nearby. “You can place the coins there, I will count them soon.” Link spent some time doing so, double checking every hundred coins to make sure he had given the right amount. ‘This bottomless coin purse that I have is a great invention.’ “Do you know if there’s any increase in coins besides the individual ones?” ‘I thought they would be worth a lot more, yet I can’t help but wonder what these stones are.’ “What do you mean by that?” Ji'asha asked from where he was standing by Sasha. “Ji'asha does not fully understand your question.” “Back home, the currency there has different values.” Link didn’t feel like explaining the various Rupee types that were used to barter with back in Hyrule - it had been enough of a headache exchanging the ones in Riverwood several months ago. Sasha nodded in understanding. “Yes, there are five, ten, twenty, fifty, and hundred coins, as well as the individual ones. I believe there is a sort of bank up in Solitude you can use to solve your money issues. I also heard there is a rare thousand valued coin for very large transactions, but I do not know if that rumor is true.” Link continued to slowly count out the individual coins while Sam and Ji'asha briefly left the tent again to presumably retrieve the magical items. “Sounds pretty convenient to me.” He looked across the growing coin pile at Sasha. “About what I said earlier, I’m not sure when I’m going to journey up north.” “I have to make various arrangements regardless, I’m sure you’re a very busy individual yourself. Simply send a letter to Falkreath when you’re able, and we can schedule a meeting.” The small cat smiled. Link nodded in agreement as he picked up a single Septim. “Do you know if there happens to be some sort of coin exchange here in Falkreath?” Sasha licked the back of her right paw and ran it over her head, her eyes slightly narrowed as she watched the human’s attention return to the coins. “Perhaps.” Her tail flicked back and forth as she lowered her paw to the ground while watching Link continue with the Septim dilemma. “I remember overhearing something like that. Maybe you can ask the Jarl?” “Maybe…” ‘ Might as well, Siddgeir may want to talk to me anyway.’ The idea of talking to the Jarl brought up something that had been in the back of Link’s mind. He finished counting the coins, then gently pushed them a bit across the rug and looked over at Sasha. “Would Samson be allowed in Falkreath if I was with him?”“…You’re proposing to attempt to rebuild Helgen?” Jarl Siddgeir stared at Link with wide eyes. “Not necessarily.” Link quickly corrected. “More like setting things up in the chance that Helgen could be restored sometime in the future.” The two humans were seated at the long table in the Jarl’s Longhouse, deep in a conversation of the overall fate of Helgen. The Jarl of Falkreath eyed the Hylian sitting across from him and steepled his hands together in thought. “Link, I appreciate that you already care so much about Skyrim and that you want Helgen to be rebuilt, but I don’t believe it to be at all possible. Who’s to say that the dragon who attacked the town all those months ago won’t come back and lay siege again? Even if you happened to be there during the rebuilding?” Siddgeir shook his head. “I’m sorry, but what you’re suggesting cannot happen.” Link started to respond but a raised hand from the Jarl quietened him. “As such, I’m afraid you are forgetting your place. While it is true that I consider you an ally, you are Thane, and I am Jarl. Despite that you are also Dragonborn, we are not equals, and my word is law.” All Link could do was nod, knowing that this topic of discussion was over. “…I understand, Siddgeir.” “Good, now that that’s out of the way, are you and your… friend… intending to stay the night?” The Jarl questioned.   Link caught the underlying tone in Siddgeir’s voice. “We’re staying at the inn.” He confirmed. “I expect to be treated differently due to my friend being a Khajiit, but I’ll deal with it.” Siddgeir fidgeted in his chair, but Link continued. “We were accosted by guards when we entered Falkreath, did you know that?” He pressed. “No, I did not.” The Jarl shook his head. “Though now that you’ve informed me, I’ll speak to them about what happened.” Siddgeir seemed slightly irritated. “Do you want any sort of compensation for what happened?” “Not really, but you may want to inform your guards and everyone else here in Falkreath of where I stand with their standings on Khajiit.” Link informed the Jarl. Siddgeir leaned back in his chair and eyed Link. “What would those standings be? Do you mean the caravans outside Falkreath, or the Khajiit themselves?” “I expect them to be treated as equally as I have. Their customs and a lot of other things are different, sure, but that doesn’t mean they should be cast out of the settlement or degraded. As for the caravans… why do you not let them enter Falkreath?” “You don’t know? Most of the caravans specialize in selling Skooma.” Siddgeir clarified to the Hylian. “I won’t allow that in my city. However, if you can prove to me that the current small caravan just outside the town walls does not sell Skooma, then maybe I will allow them to enter for a few days.” “There’s an Alfiq and a Pahmar-raht, they’re siblings, they know my friend, Samson, and from what I can tell, they’re honest and just trying to make a living so they can provide for their parents back in Elsweyr.” Link went over the items he had seen on display and showed Siddgeir the Varla and Welkynd Stones. “Interesting.” Siddgeir commented. “I will have some guards speak to these two Khajiit within the week.” He stood up from his chair and stepped away from the table. “Is there anything else you wish to ask or inform me of?” Link then recalled the reason he had entered Falkreath in the first place. “Is there a Septim exchange service here?”Thankfully, the Orc lady at the bank was helpful. It took some time figuring out the exchanges, but Link ended up leaving the building with the same amount of Septims that he entered with, but with much fewer coins. He found himself examining a 100 Septim coin as he walked along a dirt side path behind some buildings. ‘I should have done this earlier, it’ll be a lot easier paying for things now.’ Instead of having over 24 thousand individual coins, he now had forty-eight 500 coins, one 100 coin, eight 10 coins, and nine individual ones, which was far more manageable. Link continued to wander around Falkreath until he ended up at the Dead Man’s Drink. He was somewhat familiar with the place, having helped Dengeir earlier. Upon entering, he noticed Sam sitting at a table and headed on over. The Khajiit looked up at Link as he approached and bared his fangs in a grin. “Where have you been?” Samson asked his friend as the Hylian sat down beside him. Link adjusted himself and responded. “Speaking with Siddgeir. What are you doing here?” Sam looked like he was going to ask what the conversation had been about, but then chose not to. “I intend to get a room for the night, but I am unsure of the reception I’d get if I asked.” “I’ll do it.” Link stated firmly as he caught a passing glance of a nearby armored Nord who was looking at Sam with narrowed eyes. ‘ Hopefully no one starts anything due to Sam being here.’ Although he had just sat down at the table, the Hylian stood and walked over to the counter. “You must be the new Thane. Name’s Valga Vinicia, I’m the innkeeper here, is there anything I can do for you?” A woman greeted Link as he approached. “I’d like to get a room for the evening.” “Of course. The current rate for a room is fifteen Septims, here in Falkreath we do have an up charge that increases by the amount of people that will be in the room. Will you be staying by yourself?” “No, I have a friend with me.” “That will be thirty Septims.” The woman stated, before pausing. “I will inform you that the rate increases significantly if you choose to share a room with… unsavory types.” Link looked up from where he had been counting the few coins in his hand, having been about to pay the woman in exchange for the room key. “Is that so? Do you mind telling me what you mean by that?” “Khajiit. Orcs. Argonians. Some Elf types.” Valga narrowed her eyes and briefly looked past Link. “Is that a cat I see over at that table? You won’t be in alliance with them, would you?” Her voice was dripping with revulsion.“Perhaps.” Link remarked with a hint of displeasure, but his expression didn’t change. “You said the room rate would increase significantly?” The woman began to visibly panic at Link’s reaction. “I changed my mind, you can have the room for fifteen Septims, the original price - I won't include the extra person up charge.” With shaky hands, Valga turned away from Link and pulled open a drawer in the counter, then faced him to hand the Dragonborn a key. “Here’s the room key, the first one upstairs on the left, just leave the coins on the counter.” She practically shoved the metal object into one of his hands, then left to go see to the customers. Link watched her leave, then briefly examined the key before placing the fifteen Septims on the wooden counter. He then walked back to where Sam was and motioned for the Khajiit to get up from the table. “I got us a room. Upstairs, first one on the left.”The room Valga had given them was nice, all things considered. Two beds, a few pieces of furniture including two couches, a small table and set of chairs, a fireplace on a far wall, windows (including a balcony), and several privacy screens. Sam had chosen to sit in a chair and lit the fire, while Link had chosen one of the beds to spend some time resting. The Khajiit glanced at the roaring fire nearby, the reflection of the flames dancing in his eyes. “The thirteenth of the Evening Star…” he muttered, slowly reclining in the chair and moving his gaze over to his friend. “Yeah, today’s the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, what’s so special about that?” Link asked Sam from where he was lounging on the bed on the other side of the room. “It’s almost Saturalia!” Samson crowed with excitement, his tail lashing back and forth beside him, “when gifts are given to ones you feel close to and a lot of food is eaten!” “…You mean Gift Giving Day?” It took Link a second to realize what Sam had said, and he felt a sudden surge of sadness - he would be spending the winter holiday mostly alone and very far from home. “Is that what they call Saturalia in Hyrule?” Sam questioned, at a nod from Link, he continued, “I am wondering, do you have any sort of traditions?” Link became silent as he thought for a while. “…Yeah, each race that lives in Hyrule has a lot of traditions for various holidays. For Gift Giving Day… I remember there’s a large market set up in Castle Town, with baked goods and handmade crafts and such. For the Zora, they have a sort of ice sculpture competition since they live around a lake that usually freezes over. The Gorons like to have a… I think they call it a ‘lava race’. Not sure exactly what it entails but I believe they do something like ride the lava flows down Death Mountain somehow…” Sam was staring at Link with wide round eyes. “…Do tell me more,” the Khajiit uttered in a low meow of amazement. “The Gerudo have their own form of a market out in Gerudo Town, that’s the only time of year that they more or less allow the men of various races to walk around the settlement. Before you ask, no, I’m not sure of the history for that rule, it just exists.” “Are you subject to it?” Sam questioned, then felt his ears flatten against the top of his head as he saw Link give a nod. “Why? If you are the savior of your homeland like you have stated several times, why do they treat you differently?” he growled, the Khajiit’s excitement momentarily forgotten. Link attempted a shrug as he pushed himself up to a sitting position, the bed shifting slightly. “I’m not sure myself. Even when the Gerudo did allow me into their settlement when I was saving the world, they certainly didn’t like me being there. I don’t want to be treated any different anyway, I’m ostracized enough as is. As to here? Yeah, it’s happening everywhere I go, and I don’t like the attention.” Silence filled the inn room, marred by the sound of the fire. Finally, Sam spoke. “Have you thought of voicing your concerns to those that give you strife?” “Not really. I mean, I have a feeling I’m only treated nicely by others is because of what I’m supposed to do, what’s expected of me due to my new title.” Link voiced his inner thoughts in a hesitant tone, as if he hadn’t dared to think of such things before. “I don’t believe that,” his friend bared his fangs in slight anger, “they should get to know you as a person, not just because you run around and kill dragons.” More silence followed, before Link attempted to restart the conversation. “…Do you mind telling me more about Saturalia?”Samson gave a short nod, visibly reigning in his anger and he swallowed, sighed, and then spoke. “I can do that. Let me tell you what Swift and I are planning…”The next morning arrived quickly. The two friends had spent a few hours discussing plans before going to sleep, and Link had been invited to a Saturalia celebration. Link had spent a while thinking this over. After the two left the inn, Sam told Link that he was going to stay in Falkreath for a few more hours, and Link was free to leave and continue with his day after fetching Epona from the stables. Link didn’t get far from Falkreath before a dog appeared, momentarily stopping him in his tracks. “There you are! I know you’ve only been gone for a short while, but I’ve gotten bored of having to fend for mere scraps all day.” The cursed Daedra commented. “It’s nice to see you too, Barbas.” Link spared the talking dog a glance as he and Epona walked past the canine, who quickly fell into step next to the Hylian and horse. “There’s been rumors of… the unsavory type. You know, undead, suck blood, have thralls? …Vampires?” “I know what vampires are.” Link deadpanned as he continued to walk along the cobblestone road towards what remained of Helgen. Barbas easily caught up, and ran ahead of Link before settling into a trot. “Sure you might, but have you dealt with true vampires, or just people pretending to be ones?”When Link didn’t respond, the dog continued. “Just as I thought. They’re holed up in Haemar’s Shame, near what’s left of Helgen.” Barbas paused. “I think there’s bandits…” “I dealt with them a long time ago.” Link’s tone of voice told Barbas to not press further, and instead the dog trotted faster to get ahead of the Hylian. “Follow me, if we move fast, we should be there before sunset.” Barbas informed Link, and so the two set off in the direction of what remained of Helgen. After a while, they happened across a stone bridge in the near distance that was occupied by some bandits. Epona stopped short of a line of pines while Link surveyed the situation. ‘I don’t want to fight them, so how do we get past…’ It didn’t take long to come up with a solution. “I think if we run fast enough, we can get past them without any bloodshed.” Link informed Barbas as Epona nodded in agreement. Barbas seemed to look over the bandits before replying. “I’m not sure if I trust you, but I must admit that I’m somewhat interested to see how this plays out.” The dog set off towards the bandits at a fast trot, before breaking into a full out run. Link and Epona were right behind him, the horse’s hooves pounding against the cobblestone road as she effortlessly reached the bridge and charged through the unsuspecting bandits - some jumped off the side of the bridge into the water below to avoid being trampled. The three left the angry and bewildered bandits behind them and didn’t have any issues getting Helgen. It didn’t take them long to walk through the ruined town. Not much was left after the looters had gotten to it in the months since Alduin’s return, and there were no bandits or the like to get in their way. Barbas led Link through the east gate and up a snow covered path into a mountain pass. They soon reached a clearly occupied cave, judging by all of the items scattered before the entrance. Barbas ran ahead while Link briefly paused at the few broken barrels, the lone empty cart, and the presumably fresh bloodstains on the trampled snow before the cave entrance. As Link got down from Epona’s back and turned to briefly adjust her saddle, he recalled how he had almost turned into a vampire himself - the various side effects he had experienced, he never wanted to bare witness to those horrors again. Mentally forcing away those memories so they wouldn’t cause him to spiral, Link tied Epona’s reins to the empty cart, drew Dawnbreaker and stepped forth into Haemar’s Shame.Once Link’s vision adjusted, he was standing in a dirt tunnel. He cautiously traversed the passage, turned south shortly after, and then stepped into an open chamber. A large wooden scaffold perched haphazardly against the wall several feet off the ground - it seemed to be supported by several wooden wall beams - and there appeared to be two barrels sitting against the dirt wall beneath the wooden structure. There was a lone figure occasionally walking back and forth on the scaffolding.From where he was, Link was mostly hidden by shadows, and therefore whoever was wandering the scaffold didn’t notice him. This gave him time to think of a plan.  ‘I could try the peaceful approach, maybe if I pretend to be going to the shrine, they won’t attack me…’ Even if it wasn’t that thought out, it was better than nothing. Barbas had other plans; the Daedra turned dog launched himself forward and ran up the wooden ramp. There was the sound of angry barking, brief fighting, then a cut off scream. Barbas’ head appeared through the holes in between the scaffolding. “They’re dead, let’s go.” Link made his way up the wooden ramp and stepped past the dead body - a male Redguard - over to a table next to a wooden chair. He picked up three iron arrows, then checked the nearby chest. It was unlocked, and contained twenty Septims. The two walked into a nearby passage, which took several turns before it opened up into another chamber. Barbas used his tail to point out a pressure plate, which on closer inspection would trigger a spiked wall trap when activated. Link was able to step around this pressure plate,  but then stopped when he noticed a pale figure patrolling the area. This Khajiit vampire was downed with a single arrow to the neck, he clutched at his neck before collapsing to the ground. Link walked down the wooden ramp and froze, then quickly retreated into the shadows while reading another arrow and his bow. There was another vampire who had been sitting in a chair by a lit campfire, and was now on alert and walking around the small room. “Come out wherever you are,” the male Nord taunted. “I can scent your blood.” Across the room, there was a third vampire standing on a raised wooden platform in the southern corner, near two barrels. Link silently motioned to Barbas, who was nearby, and the Daedra crept forward towards the suspicious vampire.While Barbas engaged the creature, Link stuck to the shadows and moved towards the other vampire. There was a loud crashing noise, the sound of objects hitting the floor and walls, and a ferocious barking from Barbas. This distraction was all that Link needed to run up to the side of the vampire on the wooden platform and swing Dawnbreaker towards the unsuspecting creature. The holy weapon cut into the Argonian vampire’s neck and she was beheaded seconds after. The head flew off into the shadows while the body toppled over and landed on the dirt beside the wooden platform. Once the commotion died down, Link checked the room's contents. He ignored the blood covered bowls and helmet on the two tables, and focused on a cupboard that held a petty soul gem and some books. These books were The "Madmen" of the Reach, Ruins of Kemel-Ze, Biography of Barenziah, v1, Biography of Barenziah, v2, and The Song of Pelinal, v1. To the right of the cupboard was an unlocked chest, which held twenty Septims. Link took the books and Septims, and moved on. There was an alchemy lab up against a wall, and under the wooden ramp was a set of shelves that held a bowl of frost salts, a bowl of void salts, a giant healing potion, a magicka potion, and two stamina potions.Link collected these items, called out for Barbas, and the two exited the cave. They passed a table that had a dead body lying on top of it. Link didn’t stop to investigate, and instead followed the passageway downward until he entered a chamber with two levels. A wattle fence surrounded the upper level with a wooden ramp at the far side of the room allowing access to the ground floor.There were two vampires on the top level, one on either side, and one on the lower. None of them had spotted Link and Barbas, which allowed the Hylian to think of a plan. “Got any ideas on how to handle these three?” Barbas looked up at Link, who nodded. “I do, stay here or follow me, up to you.” Link decided to summon the Frost Atronach and Clannfear. After greeting both of the summoned Daedra, he directed them towards the vampires. All he had to do was stand there and watch as the Clannfear leapt down from the landing and landed on the Orc vampire on the ground floor. Meanwhile, the Frost Atronach had reached the High Elf vampire to the left. The ice Daedra pulled back one of its spiked arm appendages, then impaled the undead creature with ease. Unfortunately, the final Vampire had noticed Link and was quickly running towards him with drawn twin daggers. Link turned to intercept the undead Imperial and ducked to dodge a spinning slash, then summoned Sparks and shot a lightning bolt towards the Vampire. The undead creature took the hit and froze in place, which allowed Link to leap forward and slash the Vampire in the chest with Dawnbreaker. The creature turned to dark ash, at the same time, the two summoned Daedra reappeared before Link, bowed, and vanished behind Oblivion Portals. The two portals disappeared and Link was free to explore the room. Link swung Dawnbreaker to dispel it of blood, then investigated the tunnel on the upper level. It contained a set of shelves holding various items such as a potion of ultimate healing, a potion of minor healing, and copies of The Real Barenziah, v3 and v4. Link took these four items, ignored the rest, and checked the chest up against the wall. It was locked, and after a quick lockpicking session, was opened to reveal only 20 Septims. Link took the coins anyway and left the tunnel to walk down the wooden ramp in the northwest corner of the main chamber. The ramp left to a hallway that led left and right. To the right was a wooden table and chair at the end of the tunnel; a Breton vampire was sitting at the table and hadn’t noticed Link yet, which allowed him to silently draw Dawn and throw the fire dagger towards the undead. The elemental dagger sank into the vampire’s throat, instantly turning her to ash. Link passed three dead bandits lying on the ground and continued past the pile of ash to approach the table. There were some items on the wooden flat surface: two ruined books, two minor potions of healing, a deadly aversion to magic poison, and copies of Antecedants of Dwemer Law and Response to Bero's Speech .After retrieving his dagger, Link picked up the copy of Response to Bero’s Speech and opened it. After skimming its contents he learned of some ways to strengthen Flames, Sparks, and other elemental spells. He took the other items and continued down the hallway. There were two sets of shelves behind the table holding copies of Aedra and Daedra, Dwemer Inquiries Vol III, Song of the Askelde Men, and Mixed Unit Tactics.  There was another set of shelves to the right of the table holding copies of The Book of Daedra, Ancestors and the Dunmer, two copies of Chance's Folly, The Song of Pelinal, v5, Mystery of Talara, v 1, The Wolf Queen, v7, Brief History of the Empire, v3, and Brief History of the Empire, v4.  Link took all of these books, then backtracked to where he had left Barbas, who was standing at the left tunnel. “This leads to Haemar’s Shame. Let’s go.” Barbas barked, before turning and running down the tunnel. Link took his time following the Daedra-turned dog further into the cave.Link and Barbas followed the tunnel until it opened into an open chamber. A Frostbitten Spider dropped from the carven roof and lunged at Barbas, but the dog leaped towards the creature and bit it in the face. Link then summoned and used Flames against the spider, causing it to turn on him. Barbas let go, allowing Link to kill the arachnid with another usage of Flames. Another tunnel led them to a room with a few hanging cages. There was a table up against the dirt wall that had a lone iron dagger on it, along with a salt pile in a bowl. Another table, this one with a built in arcane enchanter, was further down. This one had a Common Soul Gem resting on its surface. Up against another wall was a lone chest, and a set of shelves. On the shelves were a few books: Antecedants of Dwemer Law, Brief History of the Empire, v1, Brief History of the Empire, v4, The City of Stone, and Spirit of Nirn , as well as another iron dagger. Despite the extra copies, Link took the books anyway, figuring he could give them out to others. Link then checked the chest, which contained a Sapphire gemstone and thirty iron arrows. He took the items and then entered the next tunnel. It turned a few times, a stream ran alongside it to the left. Link was able to sneak past a Dark Elf vampire thrall, and finally the small space opened into a cave that had two levels. There were four people in this room, at a first glance they appeared to be praying before a large moss-covered statue. The statue seemed to be missing something - its arm was outstretched to empty air.Link watched them for a while. ‘What are they doing?’ He could only make out some words, but they seemed to be… asking for a cure? To what?Barbas ran ahead and launched himself at the group without warning, causing the group to rise from their praying positions and draw their weapons. Link caught the glint of sharp fangs in the nearby torch light. ‘Of course they're Vampires.’ He begrudgingly followed Barbas over to the four undead and drew Dawnbreaker, then started swinging the sword. The first Vampire approached Link from the left with some readied spell. The male Argonian fired it without hesitation, the red magic striking Link a second later. Link felt weak, as if his strength was being drained from his body. ‘What sort of magic is this?’ He quickly ran towards the undead creature and swung Dawnbreaker, causing the holy weapon to slice into the Vampire’s face. The creature fell to the ground, where Link then finished them off with a blow to the head. His strength returned slightly, and he assumed it would take time to recover fully. ‘Strength draining magic. That’s something I need to be aware of and find a way to counter it.’ Meanwhile, Barbas had cornered one of the other Vampires up on a ledge, nearby the statue. Link summoned and fired off an Ice Spike towards the male Wood Elf that was attacking Barbas, then intercepted the third Vampire with a swing of Dawnbreaker. The female Nord was too distracted by the near-blinding light of the circular crossguard to notice the attack, which allowed Link to quickly disarm and knock the Vampire to the ground, to which he then directed Barbas - who had managed to kill the Wood Elf with the assistance of the lone Ice Spike - to end the undead’s life by any means he saw fit. While the Deadra did that, Link looked around for the final opponent and soon spotted them nearby the large statue. The largest of the Vampires - and the one with seemingly the most seniority - raised his arms. A strange mist flowed from the Orc’s hands over to the dead body, and the corpse rose to their feet, drew their weapon, and charged towards Link. ‘The one spell?’ The dead Imperial wasn’t moving very fast - at a mere shuffle - so Link had time to study his foe and think of a plan. There was a body of a bandit nearby at the bottom of an earthen ramp, which gave Link an idea. ‘I haven’t used it since training with Galasdar Darevelo almost three months ago, will it work?’ He wasn’t as practiced with it as the various summoning spells, but Link attempted it anyway. He focused on the bandit’s body - a female Redguard - and uttered: “Reanimate Corpse.” The body glowed and twitched, but didn't react otherwise. So Link tried again, his concentration breaking mid spell, for the Orc Vampire had been steadily approaching the entire time and was now close enough to swing the warhammer towards Link’s chest. There was a hollow metallic thud as the weapon struck the chestplate, causing Link to stagger back, although he wasn’t harmed at all. ‘Time to change tactics.’ Forgoing the spell attempt for now, Link got Barbas’ attention again and ordered his current companion to bite at the Orc’s legs. Barbas seemed to happily agree at causing more violence, and launched himself towards his intended target. This distracted the Orc enough that Link could return to attempting the spell. Two more tries, and the nearby Redguard’s body began to glow, then she got up as if the corpse was still alive. Link wasn’t sure if the woman’s soul was still in her body, or if there was any sort of sentience left. ‘Might as well be courteous regardless.’ “So sorry to disturb your rest, but I need help dealing with these Vampires. Do you mind dealing with the Imperial over there?” He directed the undead’s attention to the nearby figure shuffling around, the Redguard drew her weapon and walked off towards the unsuspecting creature. With that very minor threat temporarily dealt with, Link was free to focus on the Orc. Barbas was nowhere to be seen, but a quick survey of the room revealed that the Daedra turned dog was lying on his side several feet away. ‘I’m sure he’s fine…’ Link felt a tad bit guilty of letting Barbas get hurt. ‘I didn’t hear anything, maybe he’s okay and it’s just a distraction?’ There was no time to ponder that, as the Orc had noticed Link and was now sending a lightning spell in his direction. Link brought up his shield and mostly blocked the effects of the spell, yet he was left stunned enough that the remaining Vampire clearly saw an easy victory, as the Orc strode towards Link with a smirk on his face and his weapon loose in his hands. This happened to be the Vampire's downfall, as the Orc was unprepared for an enraged young dragon trapped in the body of a mere mortal. The numbness was fading, only to be quickly replaced with a sudden want to teach this creature a lesson. Link’s thoughts temporarily went to the wayside as something else took control. By now, the Orc was close enough that Link could easily reach out with a hand and touch the Vampire’s armor. A warmth began to fill his chest, a burning sensation that formed deep inside his body and traveled upward to visibly form into black smoke that poured from beneath his helmet.A low growl rumbled in his throat, which surged into an animalistic roar as he tried to draw himself up to intimidate the Orc. Try as he might, there was still a noticeable height difference. The Vampire hesitated, perhaps wondering if the human before him had gone mad due to being attacked. Taking full advantage of this, Link made a wild charge at the Vampire and literally spat fire as he used the full power of Unrelenting Force against the creature. The Orc only had time to drop his weapon and raise his hands as the powerful shockwave from the Dragon Shout struck his chest. His body was nearly torn apart as the Orc flew across the cavern and vanished from view behind a rock outcropping. Loose rocks from the cavern roof rained down and fell where the Vampire had landed, burying the creature under a pile of boulders. Dust filled the cavern due to this and slowly dissipated as the warmth in Link’s chest slowly faded. “I’ve never seen anything like that before. If you ask me, I’d say that your dragon soul didn’t like the Vampire very much.” Barbas’ voice brought Link back to reality, and he turned to spot the Daedra-turned-dog sitting up and staring at him from where he had been lying prone earlier. There were two bodies lying nearby - the two resurrected undead had seemed to have fought each other until the spells had worn off. Link didn’t respond to the dog’s inquiry, and instead began to walk over to the large statue up on the platform. ‘What even was all of that? I suppose I need to go see the Greybeards again…’  Barbas got up and followed Link, bounding past him to leap up the stone stairs, where he immediately targeted the various food that had been laid out before the statue as apparent offerings. Link walked up the stone stairs towards the large statue, still lost in thought, while Barbas began to noisily munch on the food before the shrine. “So you’re the mortal who’s been causing the other Princes to be in a frenzy. I must say, you’ve somewhat impressed me.” A male voice echoed from the large stone statue, directing Link’s attention. For a first impression, the Daedric Prince wasn’t making a good one. Vile sounded pompous and arrogant, as if the deity would rather be somewhere else than speaking to him. ‘I traversed this cave and risked my life to be treated like this?’ Link became annoyed enough to break his silence. “Clavicus.” “I sense an animosity towards me in you,” Vile grumbled. “Still, you did grant the last wish of my last worshippers.” Link ignored the first statement. “What do you mean?” “They essentially realized that being vampires didn’t suit their lifestyle, and traveled here to beg me to save them from their fate. Then you showed up and ended their curse when you cut them down mercilessly. I do love a good bloodbath. Now, you’ve got that look about you that says that you want something in return. So, what is it, what is your heart’s desire?” The voice of the statue echoed in the near empty cave. ‘My heart’s desire?’ Link hadn’t expected Clavicus to offer him anything, let alone something he desired. He spent some time thinking about his choice. While it was true he had come to think of Skyrim as a second home, there was something about Hyrule that he dearly missed. What that was, he couldn’t quite place it.‘Am I making the right choice?’ “I’ve made my decision.” “Wonderful, I was so bored of waiting for you to make up your mind. So, what is it? What can Akatosh’s Chosen possibly want from me?” The voice from the statue questioned. “I want to return home. Not permanently, mind you, just for a few days or weeks…” “Hmmm… A way for you to return home…” Clavicus mused. “Let me think…” An uncomfortable silence grew as Link waited for the response. Would Clavicus Vile be able to grant his wish? “Nope, sorry, I can’t fulfill that wish. I don’t do the whole sending people to other dimensions thing, that’s more of something that Sheogorath has experience with. Now tell me, what are you really here for? I see you managed to find that miserable mutt Barbas and drag him here with you. What sort of bribe did he make to get you to go along with his plans, I wonder…” Link quickly grew agitated. Clavicus didn’t seem too happy to acknowledge Barbas, and the fact that he had told the Daedric Prince his most wanted desire, what would Clavicus do with this information? He briefly looked down at the lone dog still eating the food offerings, then returned his attention to Vile’s shrine. “Barbas wants you to forgive him.” ‘I may as well try to resolve this the best I can.’  “Nope. Not happening.” Clavicus stated. “That miserable pup has annoyed me and meddled in my plans for the last time. We’re through , and I won’t let him sit at my side ever again.” The voice then paused. “Unless…” Clavicus chuckled, “Unless, oh yes this will be excellent - You go get an item for me, and bring it back.” Link had to bite back an exasperated response as he almost immediately became irritated. “What item do you want me to find?” ‘I may have made a mistake offering to help Barbas…’  “The item I'm looking for is called the Rueful Axe. The last time I heard of its whereabouts, it was in some place called Rimerock Barrow up north. As for its exact location, all I can tell you is that it’s east of Solitude.” ‘It’s not a lot of information but it’s a start.’ “Is there anything I should know specifically about Rimerock Barrow?” “As in, any monsters ? …A heroic type such as yourself lives for surprises, yes? I’m not going to give away all the fun of discovering a new location.” His disdain of the ‘man’ only grew. “If that’s all you’re going to tell me, I suppose I’ll be off.” “Going so soon? The conversation just got started!” Clavicus sighed. “Fine. Go on, leave and bring back the Rueful Axe whenever you manage to find it.” The glow from the statue faded and Barbas trotted up, having finally consumed all of the offered food. “Clavicus is… a certain sort of person.” The dog offered sympathetically. “That doesn’t mean I have to deal with him for very long.” Link turned and walked away from the statue, with Barbas following close behind. A set of stairs nearby led to an unlocked large chest, which contained 2 Amethysts, 2 Ultimate Healing Potions, 20 Fire Arrows, and 200 Septims.Link took the items from the chest, then began to look for the cavern’s exit. Barbas noted how silent Link was and chose not to engage in conversation until they had left Haemar’s Shame - having witnessed Link’s anger personally, Barbas didn’t want to enrage him further. It didn’t take long to leave Haemar’s Shame via a conveniently placed tunnel at the back of the cavern, though it was slightly hidden behind a large rock formation. Once he was outside, Link immediately rounded on Barbas. “Before you say anything, I did agree to help you. However, I am not under any circumstances returning to that statue. I will go up north and get this Rueful Axe, but you have to deliver it to Vile, not me.” Barbas blinked slowly. “Clavicus got on your nerves that much, huh? I’d like to remind you that I don’t have hands at the moment, you’re underestimating the size of the Rueful Axe - you’re going to have to carry it back here whether you want to or not.” “You don’t have —” Link inhaled sharply and buried his face in his hands as he tried to calm his sudden anger. “Okay,” he muttered after quite a few seconds of standing there. He let his hands fall to his side as he glanced at Barbas. “I will figure this out later. We’re leaving.” With that, Link walked away from the yawning hole in the rock wall and towards the nearby cobblestone road. Barbas chose not to argue with the change in plans and instead continued to follow Link down the dirt path. “Where are we going next? I suppose I’m journeying with you for the time being.” “Whiterun. If we’re going to be gone for a few days, I need to tell people where I’m going.” “Fair enough,” Barbas uttered as he waited for Link to retrieve Epona when they reached the road, knowing it wouldn’t be wise to argue. “Lead the way.”Link wasn’t back in Whiterun for too long before there was an incident. A man, and two women, one elderly, were having a confrontation at the market up the hill.  Link made his way up the street and almost literally barged into their argument. “May I help you?” He inquired loudly as he approached. The younger two in the argument turned to face Link, one of them looked vaguely familiar. “Ah, Thane, you’re just in time.” The man boasted, “this member of the Grey-Manes has been harassing us endlessly, saying that we somehow had a hand in her son’s disappearance. Why she continues to hound and bother us, I haven’t a clue. Maybe you can get some answers out of her.” “Is that so?” Link walked past the man and woman and up to the elderly woman. “What’s your side in this matter?” "My son, Thorald, is being held somewhere by the Imperial Legion... if only I knew where…” She jabbed a bony finger towards the other two people involved in the argument. “The Battle-Borns know something, they’ve been trying to get rid of my family for months!” “Do you have any proof that this accusation is truthful?” “Olfrid and Idolaf can tell you! They can tell you everything!” The old woman pointed towards each person as she said their name. “Her son was killed in a fight with Imperials. Don’t believe a word she tries to tell you. Now, if you excuse me, I have much more important business to attend to.” Olfrid sneered as she turned to walk away, Idolaf following close behind. Link watched them walk down the hall, then turned back to glance at the old woman. “Are you alright?” The woman paused. “That is a difficult answer nowadays. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Fralia Gray-Mane.”Link started to introduce himself to the old woman, but she temporarily held up a hand to silence him. “I know who you are, young man. The current Thane, on top of having to go out and kill all of those dragons…” Fralia slowly shook her head. “In all honesty it’s a wonder you’re still alive…” She then grew serious. “I know you wish to help me find my son, you’ve got that look in your eye.” ‘A missing soldier? If he’s so important, then why didn’t I hear anything when I was at Windhelm?’ “I can’t just stand by while a fellow Stormcloak is in mortal danger. So how may I be of service?” “If you wish to inquire further, it would be safer to speak in my home. You can’t miss it - it’s left of the Hall of the Dead, up the hill. Knock two times, then four, then once.” With this cryptic message, Fralia walked away from Link. Several minutes later - after stopping at Breezehome to explain to Lydia that he would be gone for a few days - Link walked up to the house that was next to the Hall of the Dead up on the small hill. ‘I hope I’m at the right location.’  He reached up to the door and knocked two times, then four, then once. The door slowly opened on its own and Link stepped inside… Only to nearly be slashed by a large axe. “Trespasser! How do you know the knock combination to enter my house!?” A muscular bearded man towered over Link. “Avulstein, no! He’s the current Thane! Put down that axe!” Fralia rushed into the room and over to them, then lifted the battle axe away from Link and back into the man’s hands. The man took one glance at Link and gave a short laugh. “ Him? Are you sure, mother? Look at how young he is, and so thin! Can he even swing a battle axe like mine?” “I can, and if you want me to prove my strength to you, I will.” “That’s enough, Avulstein.” Fralia scolded the man as she turned to Link. “I apologize, my other son isn’t that trusting of strangers. When I told him that the Thane was interested in helping us find Thorald, I suppose he didn’t expect you to walk in the door.” “It’s fine, really, just tell me what you need help with.” “We believe my younger brother, Thorald, is still alive, despite what everyone says. We think he’s being held somewhere by the Legion, and that the Battle-Borns know where he is.” Avulstein told Link, clearly seeing his impatience. “How long has he been missing?” “A few weeks. We got separated, he told me to meet at our usual spot that we found one day, but he never showed up.” The Nord stated.“Tell me about these Battle-Borns.” “Oh, I could spend hours telling you about those infuriating no good horkers!” Raged Avulstein as he visibly gripped his battle-axe. “To make things brief however - before the Civil War, my family and theirs used to be on good terms, then the war started and everything changed. We picked sides, and we’ve been hostile towards each other ever since. They support the Imperial Legion with their lives, and we the Stormcloaks.” “Let’s move out of the entranceway, yes? Find some chairs to sit down in, perhaps?” Fralia suggested to the two warriors, who wholeheartedly agreed - more so when she offered warm tea. A few minutes later, Link knew pretty much everything about both the Gray-Manes and Battle-Borns.  The tea had been finished and now the three were sitting by the lit fire. “You say they support the Imperial Legion?” “They full-heartedly do.” Fralia growled. A half-formed idea began to emerge in Link’s head. He got up from his chair and turned to Fralia. “I’m going to need a piece of parchment and a writing utensil.” ‘It seems like these Battle-Borns are fiercely loyal to the Legion, but if their loyalty was questioned…’  Link spent some time looking for a piece of parchment and a writing utensil, then laid out the parchment on a small table next to the chairs and fire, and began to write. He sensed the two Gray-Manes were hovering behind him. “I can forge a document that will hopefully convince the Battle-Borns to let me search their house. If this happens, I can rummage around until I find this probable document, then return to you.” “You think this idea of yours will work?” Avulstein stroked his beard in thought. “If it doesn’t, I have something that can strengthen said idea.” ‘I can trust these people.’ Link stated as he straightened from his writing and showed the other two his forged document. While Fralia took the parchment to look it over, Link placed his bag on the table, then took out his Imperial Legion helmet and showed it to Avulstein, who marveled at it. “Is it a war trophy?” “No.” Link braced himself for a potential confrontation. “This is mine.” He watched as shock appeared on both Gray-Manes faces. “I joined both sides of the Civil War to attempt to prevent more deaths. Having both outfits has proven useful so far…”“… A traitor to both sides?” Avulstein questioned aloud with wide eyes. “Preposterous! Unlawful! Absolutely unheard of!” He stopped, a thoughtful look on his face. “…Perhaps we can use this to our advantage…” Both Fralia and Link waited for the man to continue. Avulstein began to briefly pace back and forth in thought. “Yes, since you’re wearing Stormcloak armor now, and you just told me you have a Legion outfit on you, if you act like you’re part of the Imperial Legion with that document, they’ll most likely let you into their house!” He concluded brightly. Fralia frowned slightly. “It sounds rather dangerous, what if he’s found out?” Avulstein waved a hand dismissively. “He’s the Thane, mother, they won’t be able to do a thing to him! Doing so would be questioning the authority of Jarl Balgruuf himself.” He turned to Link, picking up the forged document and practically shoving it into the younger warrior’s hands. “Here, take this and go to the Battle-Born house. Play the part of a Legion soldier who was ordered to inspect the house based on accusations, get in and find what we need, then leave without incident.” “I can do that.” Link stated confidently as he left the two Gray-Manes to discuss the plan amongst themselves. As Link stepped out of the Grey-Mane house and closed the door behind him, he stood on the doorstep and pondered his options for a while. 
‘I’m sort of already on bad terms with the Battle-Borns, I am Thane, but will my status make this any easier…  I did forge the document, but will it be convincing enough…’
Link continued to dwell on this as he stepped away from the house and saw a flash of brown fur. He then got an idea. A wonderful, perfect idea. “I know a mortal’s scheming's when I see them, what’s on your mind, kid?” Barbas asked from where he had been patiently waiting in the small garden nearby. “Barbas,” Link began as he motioned for the Daedra turned dog to get close.  Once Barbas got up and walked over to him, the Dragonborn continued with a wide grin. “How would you like to be a distraction?”Bergritte Battle-Born was sitting by the fire, sipping a cup of lavender tea and reading one of the books placed on a table, when she was rudely interrupted by a sudden knock on the front door behind her. The elderly woman grumbled to herself as she daintily set the cup on the saucer, marked her place in the book and placed it on the shelf just within reach, then gripped the sides of the large cushioned chair to pull herself upright. “Whoever’s choosing to interrupt my peace and quiet, they have a lot to answer for.” Bergritte muttered darkly as she briskey strode over to the front door after crossing the wooden planked floor and stopped just before it. “Who’s out there!?” She demanded. “I’m with the Legion, may I speak with you?” A bright male voice, muffled by the door, reached her ears.“A Legion soldier?” The elderly Battle-Born questioned, choosing to slightly open the door and look out. “What can I do for you?” Her glazed over eyes filled with suspicion while she rested her hands on the door frame. ‘That armor looks far too large on him…’ “Ma’am, I’m sorry to bother you at a moment’s notice, but my superiors have received reports that may or may not suggest your loyalty to the Legion,” the soldier began, nothing visible of his face behind the helmet save for two brilliant sapphire tinted eyes. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to enter your residence and give it a glance-over.” Bergritte visibly recoiled as she clutched at the door with such force her hands turned white. “I beg your pardon?” “I’m only following orders.” The soldier briefly looked down to reach into a side bag, then took out some papers. “I have them here if you want to read the documents yourself.” “My family’s loyalty is being questioned? ” She hissed, her eyes flashing with anger, as she took silent satisfaction at the soldier taking a step back. “How dare you even suggest such a thing!?” “Now, now, I didn’t say this, my superiors did.” He raised his hands slightly in appeasement. “I did offer to show you the documents.” Bergritte slowly loosened her hold on the door frame as she thought to herself. ‘He could be telling me the truth. I suppose looking at these papers wouldn’t hurt.’ “Fine, hand them over.” She opened the door and held out a hand to receive the documents. Once they were given to her, the old woman scrutinized their contents. “Let me see…” The script was slightly hard to read at first glance, but the elderly Battle-Born could make out a “Legate Rikke” at the bottom of the first page, and “has given Link Farmanne explicit permission to search your home on account of several reports of your family members aiding the Stormcloaks” at the top of the second page. Where had she heard that name before? Bergritte squinted her eyes at the documents as she sought to recall the vague memory. “You’re the Thane Jarl Balgruuf appointed a few months ago.” She announced, lowering the papers to gaze at the lone Legion soldier standing before her. “I am indeed. I don’t have any official documents for that, unfortunately.” The old woman frowned. As far as she could tell, these orders were real, and on account of the Thane standing on her doorstep… She sighed and waved a hand while opening the door fully. “You might as well step inside, although I haven’t the faintest idea why the Legate suspects my family dares to aid the enemy…” The soldier thanked Bergritte and waited until she had moved out of the way before entering the house. Not a few moments after, a streak of brown fur rushed past the two and vanished into the depths of the Battle-Born residence. “What was that?” Bergritte snapped as she turned away from the door. “I’m sure it was nothing.” A dog’s head appeared from around a corner. The creature barked a few times before its head retreated from view. “A dog? In my house!?” Bergritte nearly screamed at the thought. The unfathomable amount of destruction one creature could cause in such a short amount of time… Link seemed to pay the dog little notice as he turned from Bergritte and began to walk to the room on the right. “Not my problem, I was only asked to look for evidence, not deal with a lone stray dog.” “Regardless of your standing with the Legion, you are also Thane.” Bergritte hissed. “You must deal with this wretched creature.” Her guest turned on a Septim to stare at her. “I must? On whose authority?” Bergritte quickly inhaled. She was outranked here, no matter the age difference. She swallowed her pride. “If I allow you to search my home, may you please take care of the infernal creature?” “Of course.” Link stated brightly, “this shouldn’t take long at all.” He turned around and stepped into Bergritte’s bedroom. “Don’t you dare sift through anything!” The elderly woman yelled after him, choosing to return to her chair by the fire in an attempt to calm herself. After a while, Link reappeared from the bedroom and then continued to search the rest of the house. Bergritte watched him like a hawk the entire time. Even if he was the current Thane and also a Legion soldier, she still didn’t trust him. Fortunately he didn’t seem to be searching for anything in specific, just for general evidence. “I haven’t found anything so far, and I’ve searched most of the house…” “Of course you have not found anything! Whatever is on that parchment is false accusations. Now, if you are done with your search, please go take care of that… creature.” Bergritte shuddered at the thought of the dog destroying her house. “Of course.” Link strode off in the direction of where the dog had vanished. The elderly Battle-Born went to sip her tea after walking to the small table, but then scowled - it had gone cold due to the unexpected events. ‘I should have him make me a fresh batch, that would certainly make him useful…’  It didn’t take long for Link to appear. He was holding the stray dog in his arms, and the creature seemed to be content with how it was being handled. Bergritte slacked her jaw slightly in shock. “How in the world did you tame such a beast?” “He’s actually been following me around for the entire day, I suppose he feels comfortable enough to obey orders.” Link told her as he walked past to head for the front door. The old woman followed him closely. “Leaving so soon? You can’t have possibly searched my entire house in such little time!” She watched on as Link opened the front door, set the dog on the soil outside, then stepped out onto the front steps. The current Thane then half turned to look back at her. “Honestly there wasn’t much to search for. A few dresser drawers and cabinets here, a bookshelf and table there. I completed my task as I didn’t find any evidence, so I’ll be taking my leave now. Good day.” Bergritte Battle-Born stayed near the front door as Link and the stray dog left her premises. She couldn't help but wonder how the boy had even managed to get into the Imperial Legion in the first place.Link managed to walk from the Battle-Born residence up the small hill to the Gray-Mane’s garden before he utterly lost his composure. After a near breathless laughing fit, he calmed himself and then rested on the steps leading up to the front door. Barbas was sitting on the stones before the steps, looking confused yet wagging his tail. “I always liked pulling tricks on mortals, but this occasion felt refreshing.” “I feel sort of bad for doing that to the old lady, and yet I don’t. I just don’t get how easy that was to pull off.” Link was almost disappointed with how “uneventful” it had been, and that the plan had been completely successful. “Some mortals are pretty easy to deceive, besides, you were pretty convincing.” “Yeah, I think I was.” Link couldn’t help but smile to himself, then looked down at Barbas. “You’d better stay out here for now.” As he stood up from his rest, Link briefly opened his bag to look at the folded piece of parchment inside, and then turned around to face the wooden door. After knocking on the door with the cryptic message a second time, Link was let into the Gray-Mane house. “Were you successful? You’ve been gone for a while.” Avulstein greeted Link by the entrance-way. In response, Link reached into his bag and took out the folded piece of parchment, which he then handed over to the man. “It’s an Imperial Missive, and it has all the information you could ever want.” After looking over the paper, the warrior swore loudly, a sullen look on his face. “…I knew it. The kid’s too valuable to be killed - they’ve moved him to a Thalmor stronghold near Solitude called Northwatch Keep.” He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and looked down at Link. “I can’t thank you enough for helping my mother and I, but there’s one last thing you need to do - you’re coming with me.” Avulstein said in a tone that meant no disagreeing. Link wasn’t too keen on going so far away from his intended destination of Rimerock Barrow, but he stayed quiet and watched on as Fralia spoke up. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Avulstein? Link can clearly handle himself, but if something happens…” “We’ll be fine.” Avulstein brushed off his mother’s words and seemed to study Link. “What you’re wearing now won’t work. You’ll need a different helmet at least, to cover your face more.”“A face cover? I already have a helmet, won’t that be enough?” “No, the armor you have now is too revealing. I believe we have a set of steel soldier armor lying around. Wait here.” Avulstein got up from his chair and walked up the stairs to the right. He soon returned carrying a few articles of metal and clothing, which he set on a table up against the wall. “Take a look.” Link walked over to the table and inspected what had been placed there: The armor featured a completely enclosed helmet save for a horizontal slit for the eyes, chainmail to protect the neck, a chestplate with padding underneath, a set of bracers for the arms and hands, shoulder pauldrons, two black cloth pieces that went over a shoulder and around the waist, leggings, and a pair of boots. He picked up the helmet and studied it, then took off the Imperial Legion helmet and set it on the table, then put on the new one. His vision was somewhat limited - he couldn’t look up or down as much - but at least his head was fully protected. There was a room off to the right, past the stairs. After getting permission from Fralia to use said room to change armor sets, Link took the items on the table and went off to try on the gifted armor. He returned a short while later wearing the new armor. It fit surprisingly well and it was easy to move around in. “Perfect.” Avulstein announced as he looked Link over. “The armor seems to suit you well.” He turned towards the old woman sitting in the nearby chair. “How soon do you think we should leave, mother?” Fralia set down the book she had been reading. “You seem quite eager to go now, so I say go on. The longer we delay, the more danger Thorald will be in.” Avulstein agreed to this, and so the Nord walked over, hugged his mother, then strode over to the door, opened it, and stepped outside, clearly expecting Link to follow. Link adjusted his new armor, then turned to Fralia. “I’ll make sure they return here alive. I can only heal so much.” The old woman smiled. “You have no idea how much you’ve already done for me Link, now go on, you’d better hurry after Avulstein before he gets too far ahead.” On that note, Link quickly left the house and went off to find the older warrior.The journey to Northwatch Keep took a few hours. The sun was setting by the time they reached the area, and Avulstein had decided to wait until nightfall to ambush the Thalmor residing in the fort.In the meantime, the rescue group was resting around a large fire that had been set in an empty forest clearing close to the fort.“When do you plan on going to get the Rueful Axe?” Barbas piped up from where he was lying down while gnawing on a charred bone. Link looked down at the Daedra-turned dog who was resting beside him. “Soon.” Thankfully Barbas had been silent the entire journey to the fort and he hadn’t caused any issues. Barbas merely looked up at Link and returned to his bone without another word. Link had kept his distance from the other members of the group for the entire journey from Whiterun - he wasn’t that comfortable around bulky, scarred, aged warriors who spoke loudly and constantly spouted crude phrases. They had seemed to get the message, for they were all by the fire and they hadn’t asked Link to outright join them. Which was perfectly fine. At least until Avulstein called out to him. “The flames are getting low, do you mind going out and getting us more firewood? You can use the axe over there, or use your own, if you’ve got one.” Link almost declined the man’s request, but then thought about it. It wasn’t something he necessarily would have wanted to do, but it would help pass the time, and he needed the practice after having not done it for so long. “Sure.” He soon agreed to performing the meager task, and went off to go find a suitable tree to cut down, or fallen log to chop into pieces. As Link passed Barbas, he motioned for the Daedra to follow, and the two headed into the nearby patch of trees. “What are you doing?” Barbas implored. “They asked me to get more wood for the fire, and I agreed.” Barbas gave the equivalent of a canine shrug and ran ahead out of sight past a few bushes. This left Link alone to find a sturdy tree that could be used as firewood. It didn’t take long to find a solid and dry large fallen tree that could be chopped into pieces and carried back. Due to Link’s strength, he was quickly able to start creating a pile of wood. Barbas was still missing, but that didn’t concern Link at all. The Daedra would wander back and find him at some point. The repetition grew somewhat tiring - make a small notch in the fallen tree, swing the axe a few times, create a section that could be divided into smaller pieces, and repeat until the pile was of decent size. After a while, Link was about to pick up another small log and add it to the now large wood pile when he caught sight of something across the vast waters in front of him. “What is that?” ‘I’ve been here for a while, how have I not noticed it until now?’  Barbas perked up his floppy ears and trotted over, having heard Link’s exclamation from where he had been tormenting Mud Crabs on the beach. “Did you find something?” “That structure on the water over there.” Link directed the newly-returned dog’s attention to the distant building on the fog-shrouded island by pointing the axe at it. “Huh. If you think I know what that is, you’d be mistaken. I may be a Daedra and the Hound of Clavicus Vile, but even I don’t have infinite knowledge.” The structure looked like a castle, or fortress, yet something about it felt… wrong.  Almost as if Link wasn’t supposed to know it was there. He quickly returned his attention to the half cut fallen log. The others were expecting the firewood, and if he really wanted to know what the thing was out on the water, he could later find a scholar to talk to.