Chapter 1

Ragnthor.

Ragnthor stopped on, at least he assumed, the border of Skyrim and Morrowind. He took a deep breath and let out a roar of joy then he adjusted his heavy armor and made sure his greatsword hung right on his back and started to walk down the ridge. He was a Nord and was now home.

He had left Whiterun as a fresh faced youth of 18 and had spent the last 8 years wandering Tamriel learning of both the land and the sword.

He started with High Rock to see its great cities and its many Kingdoms. He then visited the mountain strongholds of the Orcs where he honed his skills against some of the greatest swordsman in the Empire and became an accomplished blacksmith in order to keep his gear in good repair.

Then he made his way to Cyrodiil to see the ruling seat of the Empire. It was there he was given the title "of the Isles" during his time as a fighter in the Imperial City Arena.

Then he went to Elsweyr where he learned new skills with the blade fighting the beasts of the desert. And he picked up more than just blade skills there. He was an ok pickpocket and a decent locksmith.

He then had traveled to Black Marsh and earned a few scars fighting things deep in the swamps. Dark, savage things that had managed to leave there mark on him, even in death.

Then he went to Hammerfell where he hired on as a guard at an estate. He worked that job until the lord was killed while serving an emissary in the Aldmeri Dominion.

Then he went to Morrowind to see its great wonders. It was there, while testing his strength in a tavern that he felt the urge to come home. He left that night.

When he left Whiterun, he was a weak armed lad barely fit to hold a sword. As he crossed the border it was clear he had grown.

He stood almost as tall as an Altmer and was wide enough he barely fit through a normal sized door. His legs were like pillars and he had arms like tree trunks yet he moved with a certain grace through the forest as only a man totally in control of his body could. His armor fit like a glove and he showed no strain despite hiking for many miles. When he drew his sword it looked no heavier than a willow wand and moved like it was part of his body. His dark red hair reached his shoulders with a braid down one side. He had a horker style mustache and his steel gray eyes were bright and clear.

Ragnthor had been traveling for 3 days and was hoping to make a settlement he knew when he heard the sounds of a battle coming through the trees. He drew his sword and charged. He broke through to a small clearing and saw a small number of me trying to fight off a group of Imperial soldiers.

He let out a battle cry and tore into the Imperials flank. As he charged a few archers fired at him. He deflected one with his sword, took 2 on his armor and felt one bury deep in his left bicep.

When he reached them, he drove his sword through the first man then pulled it out and with a one-handed over hand swing that sliced through the second's shoulder plate and stopped somewhere around the middle of his chest. Ragnthor tore the blade out with a gush of blood and let out a roar. A small group turned to face him and while he was working on fighting through them an archer sent a blunt arrow into his forehead, knocking him out.

When he came to he was in the back of a cart with 3 other men. One of them was talking but Ragnthor wasn't paying too much attention until his head cleared and he recognized the voice.

He looked at the man and asked "Ralof, is that you?"

The man jerked and asked "Do I know you kinsman?"

Ragnthor smiled and said "It's me, Ragnthor. My father would sometimes bring me to get lumber from your father."

Ralof smiled and said "I'd hug you right now if our hands weren't tied."

They both laughed and then Ragnthor asked "Who's the man with the gag?"

Ralof looked over "Be careful about your tone. That is Ulfric Stormcloak, the new High King of Skyrim and leader of the rebellion. At least until the Empire has its say."

Ragnthor turned and nodded his head "It's an honor to meet you Jarl Ulfric." Ulfric nodded.

They were all quite for awhile then they began to approach a town.

"This is Helgen" Ralof said "I used to be sweet on a girl from here. I wonder if Vilod is still making the mead with juniper berries in it."

They were quite until they passed a small Imperial man. "That's General Tullius, the military governor. And the Thalmor are with him too. Damn elves."

At hearing the name Tullius he knew that this was more than a simple rebellion. The Emperor wouldn't send Tullius for anything less than a full scale war.

While he was thinking the cart stopped and everyone was ordered out. There was a man there calling out names.

"Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm." And they lead him away.

"Lokir of Rorikstead" at that point the other man that was with them broke into a run.

"Archers" someone yelled and he was filled with arrows.

"Ralof of Riverwood."

He then looked at Ragnthor. "Who are you?"

He looked up and smiled at the man "You should know me, Hadvar. We played together as small children."

Hadvar looked up and said "Ragnthor. You picked a bad time to come home brother. Just follow the captain." And so he was lead to the others in front of the headsman block.

General Tullius was talking to Ulfric. "Some here in Helgen call you a hero. But a hero doesn't use a power like the Voice to murder his King and usurp his thrown. You've plunged Skyrim into chaos and I'm going to put you down!" With that he turned and walked away.

The first man didn't even wait for the priestess to finish the blessing. He just walked up, knelt down and it was over in a flash. Then it was his turn. As he walked he was testing the strength of his bindings to see if he could snap them at fight. They forced him to kneel. He was about ready to make his move when, as the headsman was ready to swing, a dragon appeared and the tower next to them and the world was truly flung into chaos.

The next moment he was lying on his back. He broke his bindings and stood. Ralof yelled to follow him and they took off toward a tower. Inside were the rest of the Stormcloaks.

Ulfric was yelling and saying that everyone need should move up the tower and jump over to the inn. There was a woman lying on the floor bleeding. He ripped off a hunk of his shirt and stuffed it in the wound and asked if she could walk.

"No, the pain is too much." He picked her up and ran up the stairs.

About half way up when the wall exploded and the dragon stuck his head in and blew out a jet of fire before flying off. This proved as much as a blessing as a curse because it made to jump to the inn easier. They landed with a thud and he looked down to see if she was alright. She nodded and the jump down to the ground floor and ran out of the building.

The dragon was less the 50 feet from them. Hadvar had a boy in his arms and together they hid behind a burning pile of rubble to avoid his fire.

Hadvar left the child in the care of an old man and said "Still alive Ragnthor. Well follow me if you want to stay that way" and he took off toward the gate.

Ragnthor followed and after following a twisting path through the ruin they made it to the keep. And met up with Ralof.

"Ralof, you damn traitor, get out of my way!"

Ralof smiled "We are leaving Hadvar and you're not going to stop us. Follow me Ragnthor" He nodded, and with the woman still in his arms, followed Ralof into the keep.

They entered a small round room with a table and a man on the ground. Ragnthor laid the woman on the table.

"What is your name lass?"

She moved her hand from her stomach and groaned saying "Brasella".

He smiled "That's a strong name. Now I'm going to pull that sword point out of your gut and try to heal it with a spell I can use. Now I'm no mage so by the nine this will hurt."

And with that stuck his hand in her wound and pull out the sword point and then cast a Healing Hands spell. Brasella screamed and passed out but the wound had healed. Ralof brought him some armor and a greatsword and gave him a smile of thanks.

After he had put on his armor he woke her up. "We still have to get out of Helgen lass." She got up, pulled out her ax and nodded.

With that they walked through the underbelly of Helgen Keep. There were a few fights on the way out but between the 3 of them they were able to make short work of them. When they emerged from the cave it was morning and Ralof and Brasella were almost out of energy. They still had a day's worth of travel to get to the nearest town, Riverwood. Ralof was the one to suggest that.

"We should head to Riverwood. My sister still lives there. You remember Gerdur?" Ragnthor thought back to his childhood. Gerdur was the first girl to ever beat him in a fight. "Well she has taken over our father's place as head person in the village, due to us owning the sawmill. If we can make it there I'm sure she will help." Ragnthor nodded and they took off down the road.

They stopped for lunch near the White River. Ralof had managed to get a few rabbits with his bow and Ragnthor made a fire. As he cooked the rabbits Ralof watched over Brasella.

While her wounds were healed she was still in danger of going into shock and was still weak from the loss of blood.

As they ate Ragnthor asked what had changed in the years he had been away. "Well Gerdur married that drifting lad Hod and they have a son named Frodnar. That's the biggest thing. We did get a new store. Not much has changed here."

Ragnthor nodded and then he asked about Whiterun. "Well I really don't know. I haven't had many reasons to visit ever since you left."

He then asked "What happened to Lydia? Is she still in Whiterun?"

Ralof gave him a pained look. "She is still there. After you left she joined the Jarls service. She has made it to the rank of Housecarl now. I went down to visit her a few times but after you left she grew cold and distant. I think she resented that you didn't take her with you when you left. I got the feeling you had been…close."

Ragnthor nodded and sighed "We were more than close. And I hate that I left the way I did but I had hoped she would understand. After my father died and my brother and his wife took over the farm I felt unwelcome. And I had nothing to offer her and that was the other reason I left. I hoped to become the kind of man she needed. I guess it turns out I already was."

He was silent and pondered love lost then he shook his head and smiled. "Well let's pack up and head out. I want to sleep in a house or at least a barn tonight." And with that they put out the fire and started down the road.

They were about 2 hours away from Riverwood when Brasella passed out.

Ragnthor caught her "That wound must have taken more out of her than she was saying." He picked her up like a baby and thought for a moment then asked "Ralof. You think you can make it to Riverwood by yourself. I will be moving slower carrying her and I don't think that all of us walking in together would be good." Ralof nodded and took off.

Ragnthor followed shortly after. When he got there Ralof and Gerdur were waiting outside and helped him get Brasella to the house.

When he laid here on the bed she woke and asked "Where am I?" Ragnthor smiled and said "Safe and with friends." She smiled and went back to sleep.

He turned and said "Thank you Gerdur. I own you a great deal of debt."

Gerdur smiled "You are an old friend Ragnthor, even though I hardly recognize you. You will always be welcome here. Just give me some warning next time. Though there is something you can do for us here. The Jarl needs to know that there is a dragon on the loose."

He stood and shook her hand "Of course Gerdur. I was on my way there anyway. I haven't been home in 8 years. It was time to come home and see my family."

Ralof cleared his throat "About that. Your brother and his wife were killed about 3 years ago. Bandits. He was never really the fighter you were, even though he was much bigger. They were buried over in Falkreath. Their daughter did survive but no one knows where she is. Your mother's sister took over but they ran out of money about a year ago. The Jarl took over the land and held it for you out of respect for your father, the last Thane the hold had. If you decide to settle down there and rebuild I would be glad to come help."

He shook Ralof's hand "I might take you up on that. It all depends on what Lydia says. If she can't stand me then I will move on, maybe even go back to wandering. If she doesn't hate me then I will stay."

Ralof nodded "I can understand that. And now I think it's time for bed." And everyone but Ragnthor went to bed.

Ragnthor stepped outside and looked at the stars. He was awestruck by the perfect clarity that the sky in Skyrim had, everything was so sharp and clear. He chuckled and spun around, welcoming the growing joy at being home and around friends. After a while he went back inside and laid his back against the wall, quickly succumbing to sleep.

The next morning Ragnthor stopped by Alvor's blacksmith to pick up some heavy armor and a new sword. Then he started off down the road to Whiterun. He made it there just before dark.

The guard stopped him at the gate but let him through when he said he had information about the dragon. He made his way to the inn. When he walked in the townsfolk were having some kind of party. He walked over to the owner and asked for mug mead and a room.

When she looked up she asked "Is that you Ragnthor?"

He nodded and held his finger over his mouth "Yes, it's me Hulda. I don't want to interrupt the party and I might not be here long. Just here to talk to the Jarl, maybe see Lydia and to see if Arcadia could make a trip to help a friend. I just need a room for the night."

She nodded and brought him a bottle of mead "Take the mead and the room on the house. The room is just up the back staircase. It's good to see again. Stop by when you leave if you don't plan on staying around."

As he walked toward the stairs he looked over at the door and saw a woman who looked like he remembered Lydia leave. Then he ran into Jon Battle-born.

"Sorry Jon."

Jon looked up "Who are you?"

He looked around and said "It's me Ragnthor. I'm just back for a while and don't really want to be noticed. Just one question, was Lydia here?"

Jon laughed and slapped him on the back "Still pondering over lost love. Yes she was here. Don't know why, she didn't have fun."

Ragnthor sighed "Damn. I must have hurt her more than I thought. Well Jon it was good to see you but I have a meeting with the Jarl in the morning. I will buy you a mead afterword." With that he walked up the stairs and went to bed.

As Ragnthor was riding back to Riverwood he wondered who he ended up going back to Riverwood. He marked it up to his good nature. At least he had a horse this time. Balgruuf was pleased that he had made the trip to warn them. While it did lead to a little fight between the Jarl and the Steward, the Jarl's Housecarl was glad to know what she needed to do to get the hold ready. Then the Jarl dragged him to his court wizard. The wizard needed something gotten out of an old Nordic ruin.

"Where am I going and what I am fetching" he had said.

What he didn't know was he was going to need to go back to Riverwood. He had begged a horse from the Jarl so he could move faster. And he asked the Jarl to keep his name quiet as long as possible. He explained that he didn't want people to know he was here before he chose to settle down. And he managed to convince Arcadia to make a trip to go check on Brasella.

He walked out of town slow hoping for another glimpse of Lydia but was not that lucky. So off he went to Riverwood. And then deep into Bleak Falls Barrow.

It had been 2 or 3 years since he gone deep into the earth in search of treasure. But this time it wasn't for him, it was to help save his homeland.

He tore through the bandits on the upper floors but his first sight of drauger startled him. It spoke to him in a strange tongue as he cut it down. He tore through several more groups until he had reached the final room. There was a wall there covered in what looked like organized scratches.

He felt drawn to the wall and as he approached some of the scratches started to glow. As he focused on it he somehow knew what the word was. It was said fus but it meant force. Then there was the popping sound of a coffin opening and a large drauger rose out of it.

It wore more armor and looked more confident than the others he had cut through. It drew its sword and charged. The fight last longer than most. By the end Ragnthor had cut off an arm and his sword was stuck in its chest. It swung its sword one last time and Ragnthor took it on his armor then grabbed its head and ripped it off. He searched its bag and found the stone he was supposed to find.

Ragnthor was bleeding from many small wounds after the fight but was too tired to use his healing spell. Not caring about the scars he would get, he patched his wounds with bits of cloth from his pack. He then wound his way back through the crypt and back to his horse.

He pushed his horse hard back to Whiterun and gave the stone to Farengar who was happy to have it. Then Irileth came in and said the Balgruuf wanted to speak to us. Upstairs in the war room Balgruuf was talking to a guard.

When we approach he said "This guard was over at the Western Watch Tower when a dragon attacked. Ragnthor I need your help again. I need you and Irileth to go to the watch tower and see what happened to this dragon. Irileth you can take your finest men. We need to stop this before it destroys the hold."

Ragnthor nodded and said "Of course my Jarl. When I get back we need to about what will happen to my family's land. I have made my choice. I can be of help here so I will stay, if I can have the land." Balgruuf nodded.

He then turned to Irileth. "Irileth, I move faster on my own. I will meet you there." With that he turned and ran out to his horse.

Unknown to him Lydia saw him rush out and wondered both where he was going and why he was here.

Ragnthor left his horse on the far side of the ridge before the tower. He then walked to the top and knelt and surveyed the area.

He heard Irileth and her men ride up and dismount. "I haven't seen any movement. Go down and talk to your men. I am ready when you are." She went down and gave her men a talk then they came up the ridge.

"We need to look for survivors. And remember to keep an eye out for the dragon."

Ragnthor walked into the tower when a man came out and said "It's a trap. It's coming back."

Ragnthor ran out and saw a dragon coming over the mountain. He drew his sword and yelled "GET READY FOR BATTLE! THE DRAGON IS COMING!"

The guards drew their bows and managed to damage a wing enough it crashed into the ground. Ragnthor looked around and saw only light armor. "Keep back and let me handle it" and he charged. He managed to dodge its fire and closed in on its head. With every swing of his sword scales broke off, revealing more and more of its flesh. It snapped at him and he dodged and, coming up, drove his sword clear through its neck. As it entered its death throes it tore the sword from his hands. When its neck thudded on the ground he tore the sword out with a sick squish. Then something strange happened.

The skin melted away and a kind of beautiful light came towards him. The moment it touched him there was instant, almost overwhelming, pain but there was a feeling of deep peace inside him.

One of the guards came up to him. "You just took the dragon's soul didn't you?"

Ragnthor shrugged "Maybe. I don't really know."

The guard looked excited and said "You might be Dragonborn. The only way to find out is to try and Shout. Go on, try it."

Ragnthor thought about it on something clicked. This was connected to the word he found on the wall.

He summoned his strength. "FUS" and some kind of force propelled from him and hit the guard, knocking him back about 5 feet.

"By the gods, you are Dragonborn. Just like the legends of old. The only one who can stop the dragons by taking their souls."

Irileth walked over and said "I don't care about old stories. You should put more stock in the strength of your sword arm. Look at what we have done."

The guard shook his head "You wouldn't understand Housecarl, you ain't a Nord."

She shrugged it off and turned to Ragnthor "I bet Balgruuf would like to speak to you. Will you come with us?"

Ragnthor shook his head "With your permission I would like to lay our former brothers in arms to rest. I should be back to give my report by evening." Irileth nodded and took her men back to Whiterun.

Ragnthor walked over the ridge to get his horse then pulled a shovel out of his pack and got to work. After a few hours he was done. He got on his horse and galloped back to Whiterun to make it in time.

If he could have known what was going to happen….he most likely would have done everything the same way. He always was a stubborn man.