Chương 10: Undisputed Fact
If I ever have to set foot in another ancient Nordic ruin again, it will be too soon. Not only were there mages and necromancers waiting for us deep in the ruins of Ustengrav, but there were also bandits, draugr, skeletons and spiders to deal with as we plunged the depths of Jurgen Windcaller's tomb. Well, when I say waiting for us, I think they were there for their own agendas, but once they laid eyes on Lydia and I, we had to cut our way through them all until we reached the objective.
Was there any good news? Well, there was a word wall where I learned another shout. Despite being Dragonborn, I still wasn't sure when I would ever have the opportunity to use all these shouts. Unrelenting Force, as the Greybeards had called it, was easy enough. I could just blow the enemy away, laughing away to myself as I imagined blowing the enemy off high points, watching them plummet to the ground below. Yes, I know, childish but funny to think about. Sprinting fast and using fire were both self-explanatory and would come in handy. But, as I can't read dragon language, I still don't know what some of these words mean and what they allow me to do. And I didn't want to just shout the word, not knowing what could happen.
After what felt like, and probably was, hours of fighting, we finally made it into the tomb of Jurgen Windcaller himself. And this is when our mission took a turn for the… strange. The tomb holding the first Greybeard was intricately designed though I could not read the words inscribed, being written in the dragon language. The reason I say strange is that the horn was missing. In its place was a note. I scratched my beard, feeling slightly confused as to what was going on.
"Where's the horn?" Lydia asked, understandably confused.
I shrugged. "Here's hoping the note will explain all," I replied, grabbing said note, reading it over before handing it over to Lydia. She read it then looked at me in surprise. "So who's our friend?" I wondered.
"Who else knows you're Dragonborn?"
I thought for a moment, thinking of everyone who could possibly know. "Our friends in Whiterun and the Greybeards. That's it."
"Who in Riverwood could possibly know that you're Dragonborn?"
"Honestly, I have no idea. Ralof, the Stormcloak soldier I escaped Helgen with, wouldn't know as my gift hadn't been revealed then. And he's probably on his way to if not already in Windhelm. No-one else I met would have had the capabilities of descending into this very ruin to obtain the horn unless they found a secret entrance to this room." I sighed, letting frustration get the better of me for a few seconds. "Guess it's back to Riverwood then. I'll be tempted to give this 'friend' of ours a piece of my mind once I get there."
It was pitch black by the time we'd climbed out of the ruin and, not wanting to chance a journey through the marsh, we agreed to make camp next to the ruin, near where the bandits had made their own camp. We built a fire to provide some light and warmth and agreed that we would keep watch during the night, one at a time, until the sun rose. Lydia offered to take the first watch and I figured there was no point in arguing as both of us were going to miss sleep. I slept soundly and will admit that I was surprised that she did eventually wake me up sometime early in the morning, as I went to sleep figuring she'd try and stay awake all night, but there was no missing the exhaustion in her eyes by the time she woke me to take the next watch, hearing the change in her breathing within minutes of her laying down to sleep. I simply sat back, watching the mist and fog clear enough to allow me to watch the sun rise. It was peaceful, though not quiet as the marsh provided plenty of ambient noise.
Lydia woke with the sun and, after sharing a quick breakfast, we were back on our horses and riding fast back to Whiterun. No doubt we put a lot of strain on our animals at the speed which we travelled, but, although we had all the time in the world, I was feeling increasingly annoyed by the fact some stranger, purporting to be a 'friend', was interfering with my mission. Despite the speed, it still took most of the day to back to Whiterun, breezing through both Morthal and Rorikstead without stopping, surprised to actually pass a couple of Imperial patrols on the edge of Whiterun Hold. 'Tempted to share this news with the Jarl when we get back. Wonder if he's aware?'
The bodies had been cleared from near the city gates as we walked through them as dusk settled over Whiterun, signs of battle still in evidence from the blood that still lay on the ground. Life appeared to be going on as normal though appearances can be deceiving. We dumped our gear at home and headed straight to the Bannered Mare. Not because we wanted to gossip but we both wanted a hot meal cooked for us and to share in some conversation with the locals. Thankfully, most of my friends had already reverted to just calling me Ragnar. The guards, those who knew me, still called me Dragonborn. I figured I was going to be known as that until the day I died so figured I may as well accept it with good grace.
I was surprised to see the members of the Circle walk into the Bannered Mare later that evening, approaching the counter to grab tankards of mead before taking one of the tables for themselves. Figuring they were there to see me, considering they all kept looking at me, I excused myself from the company of Lydia and others, joining the Circle at their table in a secluded corner of the tavern.
"How was your journey to Ustengrav?" Skjor asked.
"The journey itself was without any major incident. It was the tomb itself that was difficult. Bandits, I can deal with easy enough. But I hate facing mages. And then there was interference in my mission objective."
"What do you mean?" Aela wondered.
"I was sent to retrieve a horn. Sounds simple enough. But someone got there before me."
"Who?" Farkas asked
"No idea. They did leave me a note, though. I was told to meet 'a friend' in Riverwood. I intend to meet them tomorrow and ask a few questions myself."
"There was a reason we all came in here tonight, Ragnar," Skjor stated a little later, "The Circle was wondering if you gave my proposal any further thought."
"I have," I stated simply.
"And?"
I shrugged. "I'll consider it. There's just a lot going on." I then fixed each of them with a stare. "Why the urgency?"
They all shared an obvious glance before Skjor spoke. "I believe we may soon find ourselves at war with the Silver Hand. Three of our Companions were attacked today. The Silver Hand lured them to a cave with a fake contract."
"Are they okay?"
Skjor nodded. "Yes. They managed to fight their way out of the cave but not without receiving injuries. And they did not kill all the Silver Hand present."
I looked back at Lydia, busy in conversation with Ysolda, before returning my attention to Skjor. I nodded. "Tomorrow. Let me deal with whoever this person is in Riverwood then, depending on what happens there, I will return here and we can discuss this further. If I'm delayed, I'll send a message to let you know when I can return."
She would never have said it to my face but Lydia appeared pleased that I would be leaving her at home while I travelled to Riverwood the next morning. I didn't mind. We'd barely stopped since our trip to High Hrothgar, and while she gave lip service to being 'my sword and shield', it didn't take much convincing to suggest I should be fine, the trip to Riverwood taken on horseback barely taking an hour. Lydia said she'd stay busy while I was away, suggesting she would gather some material so, when I returned, we could practice magic. I still wasn't convinced but she was eager to teach me so I figured it was worth a try.
I wasted no time upon waking the next morning, dressing quickly, wolfing down the breakfast Lydia had cooked and was riding my horse towards Riverwood as the mist still rose off the plains around Whiterun, still cold enough that I could see my breath upon each exhale. The ride to Riverwood was even quicker than I thought, getting off my horse as I approached the village. I noticed Whiterun guards now patrolling the length of the village but wondered what they could do in the event of a dragon attack except sending one person to warn Whiterun. But the intention was noble and I knew they'd fight to the death to protect civilians.
Tying my horse up outside the inn, I entered to find the place relatively deserted. There was a man behind the counter and a female sweeping the floor. I wondered who I should approach first, and since the female was closer, I talked to her first.
"Hello." She looked at me expectantly. "I'm staying in Riverwood for the night and I'd like to rent the attic room please."
The look she returned suggested she was my 'friend'. Then she smirked as she obviously looked me up and down. "Attic room eh?"
"That's right."
"We don't have one of those but you can have the first room to your left," she stated, thumbing behind her, "Make yourself at home."
I entered the room, closing the door behind me and sat down in the only chair available, watching the door patiently. If my instincts were correct, I had no doubt my 'friend' would be coming in to visit rather quickly. I wasn't disappointed as she opened the door five minutes later, closing it quietly behind her, carrying a small bag. I simply kept still, waiting for whatever she had to say.
She folded her arms but I couldn't read her face. "So you're the Dragonborn I've been hearing so much about." She sounded sceptical. I gave no reaction so she walked towards me, holding out the bad. "Here, I think you'll want this."
I knew what the bag held but still opened it to see the horn. "Impressive," I stated nonchalantly. 'At least I can now head back to High Hrothgar with the horn. And I will be honest with Arngeir about what's going on.'
"We need to talk."
"I think that's rather obvious."
I made sure I used a tone that would easily suggest I wasn't happy. She noticed and nodded. "I can understand your frustration but there is a very good reason I've got involved in all this. It's why I've had Farengar investigating all this for me to start with."
The penny dropped as I sat forward, hands on my knees. "That's who you are."
"It seems the Jarl was right about you, Ragnar. You have a knack for getting the job done." She gestured again. "Please, I can explain everything if you'll just give me some time."
An explanation for what was happening would be nice so I followed her into the bedroom opposite. She asked me to close the door as I followed her in, and there was obviously more to this woman than met the eye as the false back to the only wardrobe in the room led to a pair of raised eyebrows on my part. A set of stairs led down to a secret room, stocked with weapons, armour, ingredients, maps of Skyrim and each Hold and even an enchanting table. On the table in the middle of the room was a large map, which I couldn't figure out, and a book, titled 'The Book of the Dragonborn'.
"You may want to take that with you, Ragnar. It will explain a lot of things." I nodded, waiting for this woman to get to the point. "The Greybeards seem to think you're the Dragonborn. I hope they're right."
"I can demonstrate my Thu'um if that's what you need."
"Anyone can learn to shout. It just takes lots of practice. I need to know if you're of the dragon blood."
I folded my arms and made sure I returned a hard stare. "You know who I am. So just who are you?"
"My name is Delphine."
I waited for her to continue but she didn't say anything. I almost sighed. "Listen, you said you'll give me answers but I'm not convinced. You managed to get the horn somehow so you're clearly not some innocent innkeeper. But unless you start giving me answers, and I mean right now, I walk."
She returned the stare before she relented. "Listen, someone in my position, who I am and what I've done, you can't be too careful. Thalmor spies are everywhere."
"The Thalmor? What do the Thalmor have to do with any of this?"
"I had to make sure this was all legitimate. I had to make sure that you truly are Dragonborn before I approached you. I can hear the frustration in your tone, Ragnar. I know you think I'm interfering. But I'm not your enemy. I just need you to hear me out." I looked around for a seat and grabbed one near the wall. I took a seat and gestured for Delphine to continue. "Thank you. Okay, if you're wondering how I know it's you, the Jarl told me. Don't blame him, he's an old friend and considering how heavily you've been involved in all the work, he figured you wouldn't mind. Now, as to who I am, well, I'm part of a group that been looking for someone like you for a very, very long time. As I said, I need to know one hundred percent if you are Dragonborn so I need to make sure if I can trust you."
"I can say exactly the same thing, Delphine. You're not exactly giving me a lot here. As I said, I could easily demonstrate my Thu'um, give you a taste of power and show that it isn't just something I've learned in a few days."
"You don't trust me?"
I resisted laughing in her face. "You've given me nothing so far to say that I should."
"Then you're a fool to have walked in here."
I was ready to walk out and had to prevent the muscles in my legs moving the rest of my body. I know I'm Dragonborn and don't need whoever she was doubting that I was. But, like usual, there were obviously larger powers at play here, no doubt beyond my realm of understanding, so would likely have to hear her out. 'She may actually provide information in the end. Play the game, Ragnar.'
"Okay, how about you tell me what you do know. The horn. How did you know about that?"
"I knew the Greybeards would send you there. A predictable move."
I nodded. "Okay, I guess if you know the Greybeards well enough, I can accept that. Why are you looking for the Dragonborn?"
"The book in your pack will explain it better but the basic reason is that the myths about the Dragonborn fail to state one thing – that the Dragonborn is the ultimate dragonslayer. You're the only person who can kill a dragon permanently by devouring its soul."
"That's what happened outside Whiterun. Speak to the town guard. They'll tell you exactly what you need to know."
She shook her head. "Not good enough. I need to see it myself. I need proof."
I wanted to groan but resisted. At least I was getting something out of her, though not a lot. I could guess where the conversation was going, about needing proof, but that wouldn't be a problem. "Okay, you obviously want to keep things close to your chest. Fair enough. What do you know that you can tell me?"
"It's not just a simple case of dragons coming back. They didn't just disappear for centuries just to return. No, they are coming back to life. My predecessors and yours, those of the dragon blood, other Dragonborn, killed off the dragons. But something is happening out there that is bringing the dragons back to life. And, I'll be honest, I need your help to stop it."
"You need my help yet you doubt that I'm Dragonborn?"
"If you help me with this and prove that you are Dragonborn, I'll tell you everything. Absolutely everything."
"Sounds like another test," I muttered under my breath, "Okay, you clearly have an idea."
She gestured for me to stand next to her, pointing at a map. "The dragons are being woken up somehow. I have no idea how but there are a couple of ancient burial mounds nearby that are now empty. I know for a fact they once held the bodies of a dragon." She pointed continuously at the map. "See this pattern?" I nodded. "I know where the next dragon will be woken up."
"Now we're getting somewhere. What's the destination?"
"Kynesgrove."
"Never heard of it."
"It's near Windhelm. But just outside Kynesgrove is a burial mound. If the pattern is correct, that will be the next dragon to be woken up. If we get there in time, perhaps we can stop it."
"I can head back to Whiterun and get us some help."
She thought for a moment before nodding. "Very well. As long as the dragon dies and you devour its soul, that will be proof enough. I'll head out immediately and meet you near Kynesgrove. There's an inn there called the Braidwood. I will meet you there. Hurry, Ragnar. Time is of the essence."
I raced back to Whiterun, forcing my horse to run as fast as possible, leaping out of the saddle as I threw the reins at Skulvar, yelling I'd be back for it within a few minutes. Through the gates I ran into Breezehome, figuring I'd better get into my armour and grab all my weapons. Lydia was full of questions and I answered those I could. Once I mentioned a dragon, her eyes lit up. I had to let her down, not particularly gently, that I was going to get the Companions to help. Thankfully, while understandably a little upset at being left out, she understood my reasoning.
I headed up to Jorrvaskr as soon as I was ready, thankful to see most of the Circle still around. They all looked up as I burst through the doors.
"What's the rush, Ragnar?" Farkas asked.
"Who wants to go fight a dragon?" I asked in return.
"Where?" Skjor asked.
"Kynesgrove. I can explain on the way. But it's only me and one other person and I figured I'm going to need some help. I thought of the Companions immediately."
Aela was the first to stand up. "Lead the way, Ragnar. Killing a dragon will bring honour to the Companions." Skjor, Vilkas and Farkas followed her example, heading downstairs to grab their weapons. Ten minutes later, all of us now on horseback, our convoy was leaving Whiterun stables, this time heading east towards the meadery. I was in two minds about either turning north or continuing east, Skjor seeing my hesitancy and suggested heading further east before turning north would be the best idea. We practically raced along the road, following the White River, where I knew we would eventually have to turn left and head north.
It was the same way Lydia and I had travelled when heading to High Hrothgar but this time the scenery passed in a blur, eyes only for the road ahead. We crossed the bridge heading north after only an hours ride such was the pace I was keeping, feet in the stirrups and barely sitting in saddle as I urged my horse on. I knew our horses were eventually going to falter so I held up a hand to back the pace off a little. We'd made good time so far and it was only the middle of the day. We still had plenty of time left to make it to Kynesgrove while it was still light.
Skjor came up alongside as we trotted along. "How do you know this dragon will be there?"
"Someone I spoke to this morning is sure that the dragons are coming back to life. And she had evidence to suggest the next dragon would wake near Kynesgrove."
"Who is this 'someone' you speak of?"
"Delphine."
Skjor barked a laugh. "The innkeeper?" He laughed again. "My, my, my. Little Delphine has kept that one quiet. Now I wonder who she really is?"
"No idea. But she said people like her had been looking for someone like me for years."
"People like her? I wonder who she means?"
I shrugged. "She told me that I would be told everything once we've defeated the dragon. It took nearly the entire town guard plus some Companions to bring a dragon down last time. I have no doubt this battle will be just as difficult."
"Do you have a plan?" Farkas wondered. It was a sound question.
"Get the dragon on the ground and fight it like we did last time. If necessary, I'll use my Thu'um. I know a few words that could help us."
The further north we travelled, the colder the weather turned though it was only when we hit the outskirts of Windhelm that the snow finally started to fall. And did it fall thick. 'This will make fighting a dragon just that little bit more difficult.' I'd never seen Windhelm and, even from a distance, it appeared to be an imposing city. Grey and, if honest, slightly forbidding. It did not look welcoming. But it was also home to Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. To half of Skyrim, a rebel and traitor to the Empire. To the other half, a hero rising against a weak Empire, promising freedom of religion and for its people. When I'd first arrived in Skyrim, I'd wanted to march up to the city gates, walk to the palace and offer my services directly to him. Now I saw the gates, far in the distance, and turned away. I had another fight, some would say a more important fight, to win.
We found the road up to Kynesgrove and Delphine waiting for us outside Braidwood Inn. She leapt on her horse immediately and rode towards us.
"I know you mentioned help, Ragnar, but I did not expect this. Hail, Companions," she stated, bowing slightly at my colleagues.
"They helped take down the dragon at the watchtower. They have just as much experience as me at fighting dragons. Plus, we're going to fight a dragon. We need the numbers. And this weather isn't helping either."
"Agreed, Ragnar. I'm certainly not complaining." She turned slightly in her saddle and pointed. "The burial mound is up there. We should head towards it immediately."
Delphine took the lead as we cautiously followed the narrow path up the hill towards the burial mound. As we started to reach its crest, we all heard the roar before a dragon swooped above the tree tops before swinging around away from us. I breathed a sigh of relief it hadn't taken any notice of us yet. Delphine held up a hand for us to stop before gesturing for us to get off our horses and walk the rest of the way. Crouching down, we kept to cover as we heard the dragon roar again.
Rounding a large rock, we came to a stop as we saw the dragon come to a stop, floating above the ground as we watched… something… happen to the burial mound. The dragon then started to speak in a language I didn't understand. Though I knew immediately what it was. 'Dragon language. The same I find on the word walls.'
I don't know what the dragon said or did but the ground started to rumble before the cover of the burial mound started to shake and then exploded, sending stones, mud and dirt flying in all directions. I was ready to ask Delphine what the dragon was doing when my question was answered as the skeleton of another dragon climbed its way out of the ground.
"We're too late," Delphine muttered.
The skeletal dragon started to reform, in the opposite way to the dragon I killed near Whiterun, as the two dragons then conversed between themselves. I glanced back at my companions, who were all ready to go, weapons in hand, obviously waiting for my signal. I knew we had to kill the dragon, to prove I was Dragonborn, but I admit, I was interested to see if this dragon would speak to me. It then looked right at me and did exactly that.
"You do not even know our tongue, do you? Such arrogance, to dare take for yourself the name of Dovah."
The floating dragon then said one more thing to the other one, and if my hearing was right, I think it was called Sahloknir. Whatever the case, the floating dragon disappeared from view as Sahloknir roared and ascended into the air. It flew directly over us and we broke ranks, heading into the open. Aela and Delphine were armed with bows and were waiting for the dragon to come into range while the rest of us had to wait until the dragon finally hit the ground.
Sahloknir flew in circles around us. I turned slowly, tracking it with my eyes, sword unsheathed and already in hand, shield attached to my left forearm, ready to block anything heading my way. It continued to circle before it started to descend, shouts of 'Duck!' as we found ourselves under fire. Unlike the dragon outside Whiterun, this one appeared to use frost. Farkas and Vilkas, both without a shield, took the brunt of the attack.
"Are you okay?" I shouted as the dragon ascended again.
"Fine. Just a little cold," Vilkas replied with a laugh. Perhaps their heavy armour helped keep away the worst of it.
"It's taken some hits," Aela yelled, "I put at least four in it."
"Count three for me," Delphine added.
The dragon circled over us again, continue to speak in dragon language that none of us could understand. I simply yelled back for it to get on the ground and actually fight us. It was certainly a brave suggestion. Braver than I felt, despite the fact I was Dragonborn and had already killed a dragon.
"Use your Thu'um!" Delphine suggested.
'Not a bad idea. But which one? I want to knock it out of the ground.'
I tracked the dragon, waiting for it to swoop in again, watching its body language for the moment it would change direction. It took what felt like minutes before it finally did. As soon as it changed direction, heading right for me, I shouted with all my might. The force of the shout caused its wings to flutter and collapse against its body and it flew right above my head before crashing into the ground behind me. With a roar of my own, I turned and charged towards it, the dragon recovering quickly as it founds its feet and turned to face me.
It looked ready to breath frost again, so I slowed and raised my shield, hoping to prevent the worst of it.
"Die, dragon!" I heard Skjor yell from beside me, taking enough of its attention that it didn't cover me in frost. I hoped my colleagues were lined up beside me as surely our numbers would eventually tell.
The dragon stepped forward and snapped its massive jaws, causing me to step back while I swiped my sword in reply, missing completely. I heard the others rush past me and soon I heard the sounds of weapons being swung. I stepped forward and bashed my shield into the face of the dragon, hoping to keep its attention while the others attacked. I heard someone yell out before glancing to my left, eyes only, to see someone was sent flying by a kick from the dragon.
"Watch out, it's…" Delphine didn't finish her sentence as Sahloknir took off again.
Arrows continued to fly, some hitting their mark, as it was a case of rinse and repeat about trying to get the dragon on the ground. But the dragon remembered what I had done last time and didn't come closed enough to take the full force of my Thu'um. But I still had other shouts up my sleeve. I just had to bide my time. It circled again and again and I just watched and waited, hoping it would make a slight mistake, just enough to leave it open. It made to swoop and I readied myself, but it was deceptive. Smart dragon. Then it swooped but it didn't fly above me, exposing itself, but instead stopped and floated. I threw caution to the wind and approached the dragon as it looked ready to fire. I fired first, fire somehow escaping my mouth, sheathing the dragon in flame. It collapsed to the ground and we fell upon it at once.
Again I headed straight for its head, leaping as I drove the sword through the top of its mouth, missing the jaw bone and going straight through, my sword then slicing into its tongue. The dragon threw its head back, taking me with it as the sword slid out and I ended on the dragons back. It was a hard landing and I couldn't help groaning. Then I felt it move.
"Don't let it take off!" I yelled.
I turned and got on my knees and, holding my sword in both hands, I simply drove my sword down into its back. I heard the dragon roar as I drove it down again and again, drawing plenty of blood. The dragon tried to move but we were doing tremendous damage and I saw sure the dragon would have to die soon. I got to my feet and staggered forward, falling on its neck and driving my sword in again.
"It's head, Ragnar. Attack the head!" I heard someone yell.
I was worn out. Covered in blood, thankfully none of it my own. My sword was covered in blood. Talos knows where my shield had disappeared to. I was sitting on the back of a dragon that refused to die. A thousand thoughts passed through my mind, even as I was fighting, about where my life was heading. 'Farm life doesn't look so bad at the moment.' I inched my way down the dragon and I knew it would recognise what I was doing, hoping my colleagues would keep it distracted long enough for me to get the killing blow.
Not distracted enough as the dragon shook its entire body and I felt to the ground below its head. I got to my knees in an instant and drove my sword upwards into the underside of its head, blood immediately covering me. The dragon tried to shout out before it shuddered as I drove the sword in even further, covering my hands and arms in its blood before I recognised it was about to die, withdrawing my sword and rolling out of the way as it finally collapsed to the ground.
Then it happened again. The dragon appeared to disintegrate and what I now knew was the soul of the dragon flowed into me. I didn't feel any different but I still wasn't sure what it all meant. All I know is that I glowed while the dragon was eventually left as the skeleton it had been when awoken by that other dragon. Once I stopped glowing, Delphine approached me and it wasn't hard to miss her change of demeanour.
"It's true, isn't it? You really are Dragonborn."
"I am."
"We should head back to Riverwood. I know I have a lot of explaining to do. It's a long story and we probably shouldn't discuss it here."
"Of course. I'll see you back in Riverwood."
"I'll let you celebrate this victory with your companions. Until later, Dragonborn."
I turned to my fellow Companions. Bloodied. Bruised. Battered. But a respect in their eyes I had not seen before. If they weren't believers before, they were now. Each of them greeted me as a warrior, grabbing each other by the forearm. Then, with one final look back at the skeletal remains of another dragon, we mounted our horses and started the trek back to Whiterun.
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