THE SAVIOR OF MANKIND

Since my journey to Whiterun-a task given to him by Gurdur of Riverwood, sister to Ralof the stormcloak soldier-I was entrusted by Jarl Balgruf with assisting his court wizard with a project he had been working on. Farengar sent me to a place called Bleak falls barrow to retrieve an ancient stone tablet.

The mission was nearly perilous as it was over run with bandits and draugr. Riddled with booby traps and all kinds of ravenous creatures! I was thankful to Mighty Talos to make it back to Dragonsreach alive!

When I came back I assumed my help was no longer needed by Balgruf. I quickly learned that I was wrong when Irileth retrieved me from Farengar's study, alerting me to yet another dragon attack just near the western watchtower.

"You'll need to come see this." She said. I wondered if the dragon was anything like the one that destroyed Helgen. Still seeing his crimson red eyes burning the back of my mind. She took em upstairs to speak with the Jarl as well as Avenicci. There stood a soldier who was on duty at the time of the attack. He detailed the events that took place.

"It came after us, faster than anything I have ever seen! I ran along with the others, praying that it wouldn't come after me."

"What did it look like?" I asked.

"It was huge! Brown hide with large horns at each side of it's head. It's wings spread as wide as Palagia farm!"

"Where was it headed? Where did it come from?" Questioned Irileth.

"We don't know where it came from. All I know if that the tower is nearly standing on it's stones as it is. There's still men inside. We have to do something!"

"And we will son." Replied the jarl.

His promise seemed hopeful as he thanked the soldier for bringing the attack to his attention. He claimed the man acted bravely, although I am uncertain about. Never the less, the matter at hand required me to assist Irileth and her men at the western watch tower to help kill the dragon. Of course, I was more than happy to help.

"Meet me outside the front gate Bjorn. We shall deal with this dragon."

"Housecarl, how are we to know what we are up against?" I asked.

"What do you mean Bjorn. You're not turning tail on me now are you?"

"No, I wouldn't do that. But I have seen what a dragon can do. Plain arrows won't pierce it's hide. We will need to prepare ourselves properly if we are to prevail against this damned lizard."

"What do you propose? It's not as if we have time to forge more weapons. The dragon could swoop in at any moment!"

"I have a plan. Just follow my lead."

"I don't know about this. You're barely wet enough for battle like this."

"You doubt my abilities Irileth?"

"I doubt anyone inexperienced in battle. Let's be honest for a moment Bjorn. Your being here is by chance and nothing more. The Jarl finds your being here worth it. I on the other hand do not!"

"Be that as it may, I am her, and I am going to help you whether you like it or not!"

Irileth did not agree with Balgruf's decision to have me involved in their affairs. She strongly believed that there were more qualified nords to handle such matters like this. But I knew that even despite my inexperience on the battlefield, I knew more than anyone what I could do.

Everything within my told me that I was meant to be here. Were it not true, I would not be alive! If I could not convince her by my words, I would have to prove it through my actions. Killing this dragon would do just that!

"You and the others go on ahead. I will meet you outside the watch tower soon."

"And just what do you think you are doing?"

"Trust me for God's sakes!" I said. Reluctantly she went on.


THE BATTLE BEGINS

Irileth and the others headed out for the western watch tower to scope out the scene. Before they approached the tower, Irileth and the others scoped out the territory to see what kind of damage the tower had taken. So far it looked as if the dragon was just there moments ago. Small flames covering the grass and certain parts of the building itself. Half of the tower was crushed!

"It sure looks like he's been there. Not long ago by the looks of it."

"What do we do housecarl?" Asked one of the soldiers.

"Bjorn seems to think he has a plan." She replied.

"We cannot wait here forever for him! We have to get moving, get our men out of there before that dragon comes back!"


"Agreed. Let's move out!"

WARMAIDEN'S

It was clear Irileth's opinion of me. She clearly had no confidence in my abilities. But I knew of a way to deal with this dragon. One that I was certain would prove to be successful to defeat him. I remembered a time years back when I was out hunting in the forest near home. I got cornered by a troll that had settled near a cave.

My experience with the beast was nearly fatal as it attacked me. No matter how many strikes I had made, no matter how many times I stabbed him and beat him, it kept coming! Getting stronger and stronger, almost as if it healed just as fast as I struck it. It was not until mid way into the fight that I had the idea of burning the beast. After that, striking it with my blade proved to be effective. Fire was it's weakness.

I learned that day that every beast has a weakness. Trolls have fire, and I'm certain that dragon's are no different. Only difference is that instead of fire, I plan to use it's own greed against it.

Dragons are very possessive. They gravitate towards shiny objects, vasts amount of it. Gold being one in particular. Now, the western watchtower would not have any gold, and I'm certain that none of the men would have enough to catch its attention. So I would have to work fast to create an object that would grasp the dragon, and once he was distracted, land a fatal blow. If I could do it, I could prove myself to Irileth.

As soon as Irileth left, I came to Warmaidens and hired Adrienne Avenicci-Proventus' daughter-to craft me a weapon strong enough to pierce the hide of the dragon. While she would do that, I would gather the items needed to lure the dragon.

"You want me to do what? And on what notice that you ask me to create such a thing?"

"I realize it's far fetched, but I'm willing to make it worth your while."

"What do you have in mind?" She asked.

"Name your price, I'm willing to do whatever you ask. But for now I need you to do this for me. What do you say?"

"Very well. I will make your weapon, and in return you will perform a special task for me of my choosing."

"Deal. Now please, hurry!"

I ran as fast I could to Belethor's, purchased every shiny piece of material I could find in his shop, and put it together. In an hour Adrienne managed to just finish forging my weapon. A long, steel great sword. The butt of the weapon heavy yet designed perfectly to fit my hand in it's grasp. I tested the weapon out to see how it handles the air. A good weapon handles well in a fight as father would say.

"My finest work if I must say. You won't find a better sword out there."

"Not bad for an hour's time. Thank you Adrienne."

"You just get moving and kill that dragon. Go!"

And so I did. I ran towards the valley near the western watchtower in great haste, hoping I was not too late.


THE SCENE OF BATTLE

Irileth and her men carefully approached the tower to investigate what happened. They were hoping to find the rest of the men inside, unharmed and alive. Thank the God's they were. Two of the men remained inside, alive no less. But one of them came charging out of tower warning Irileth and the others to go back.

"Go back! You can't be here!" He said.

"What? What are you talking about? We are here to save you!" Said Irileth.

"You don't understand, that thing killed five of us with one breath! You need to turn back."

Just then, a menacing sound bounced through the air, echoing in the trees. The sound of a great beast roaring, signalling it's approach. The soldier looked into the sky and noticed something in the distance.

"By the God's, here it comes!" He warned.

"DRAGON!"

"This is it men, rally...RALLY TO ME!"

"HRRYYYYAAAAAA!"

The archers readied their arrows, aiming it at the dragon, ready to shoot upon command. Those wielding swords gathered around Irileth to protect her, preparing themselves for what may come. The dragon circled overhead, preparing it's decent to the ground.

As soon as it was within their sights, the archers began shooting as many arrows as they could spare, trying to wound it. So far nothing seemed to penetrate it.

"We have to switch tactics Irileth, all we're doing is pissing it off!"

"Gidri, climb atop the top of that rock formation over there, see if you can shoot the beast from height!"

"Aye housecarl!"

All of the men ran to their positions continuing their assault on the dragon, trying to put it down. But it appeared to be useless as nothing worked so far.

"Where is Bjorn?!"

"I don't know. He'd better get here soon if he knows what's good for him!"

I was coming. I ran as fast as I could to get to them. I was nearly there when I saw the dragon flying overhead. Just a few clicks away from the battle I was. My plan to distract the dragon would have to be timed precisely if it was to work. The shiny objects I brandished together would have to be used as a reflective distraction. But how was I to do that in an open valley.

Using the sun's light to reflect against the shine of the gold object in my hand, it's light would shine in the dragon's face and distract him, focusing his attention on me. Quickly I pulled the device out and stuck it in the ground, turning it towards the sun. The light from the sun bounced off the device, shining a blinding light into the dragons eyes.

"What the hell is it doing?" One of the men asked, confused as they saw the dragon turn around and fly off. Irileth looked on and saw me standing in the middle of the valley.

"It's coming towards Bjorn!"

"What is he doing?!"

"Is he crazy?!"

Maybe I was. A person would have to be crazy to do something like this! I stood there, mind racing a thousand miles a minute, scared witless but refused to move. I needed to do this, I needed to prove that for once I could do something! In my head I began praying to my ancestors, praying to Talos and all of the divines for strength. Finally the dragon was getting closer and closer to me, until finally it landed directly in front of me!

The moment it touched the ground, the earth beneath me quaked under my feet. It's massive size and height equivalent to that of half of dragonsreach! There I stood face to face with what would certainly by either my victory or my death.

"Oh shit!" I said to myself. Slowly it began moving towards me. It's hot breath steaming from it's nostrils. The stench of soot and flesh caked in it's breath, repulsing me. Still I stood before it, awaiting to make my move.

"hi fon malmindok." It said. I did not know these words. I didn't even realize that it could talk. The closer it got to me, the more I felt my heart beat thump in my chest. I was certain it would kill me! Then once again it spoke.

"hi fon malmindok. wo los hi? "

"I do not speak your tongue dragon." I said. "But it will not matter."

"Hmph! And why is that...mortal? hefhah...do you really think you can stand against me? I have lived for more years in this world, than any of you puny weaklings!"

"That may be true, but like most things that are born...they die."

Irileth started to approach from the rear, she began trying to talk to me to convince me to back off.

"What are you doing?!"

"Shh! Back off Irileth. This does not concern you!"

I stood before my foe staring him directly into his eyes with the utmost intent. I needed to see into the soul of my enemy. For that one moment I knew him. It felt like I was seeing into his past. A brief vision was revealed to me, showing me events that had taken place in another era. A time where men were slaves, and dragons ruled the earth.

Images of men and women, children as well, being treated unequal to dragons. The children of Akatosh ruled this world, and their leader-a darker, more sinister dragon. The darkest of all the dragons ever created, revered as their leader, the elder dragon. His eyes-dark and judging as he looked on at the men below him. So much fear and tears shed. So much fighting and struggling.

"You were there!"

"Yes...I have been on this world for many years, and I have seen many men come and go. And you will be yet another ant...crushed beneath my feet!"

The dragon was certain that he could kill me. His face directly into mine as he looked me intently in my eyes. But what he was not aware of was the weapon I carried with me. Now that he was close enough to me, I quickly unsheathed my weapon and as it was removed from it's sheath, the blade slashed across it's face, angering the beast!

He roared in pain! I ran to the side of him to get a better angle to stab him. He came after me to eat me, gnashing it's teeth in my direction. When he could not catch me, he inhaled deeply preparing to breath fire in my direction.

"Mikel, look out!" Warned Irileth.

I ducked out of the way, rolling across the grass closest to the dragon. His flames could not affect him, which allowed me to cover myself from the flames.

"Bjorn, get out of there!" Yelled Irileth. But I ignored her. I needed to keep going. And so I pressed forward continuing my pursuit of the dragon until I found a spot to attack. As soon as there was an opening I leapt on top of it's back, raising my sword above my head preparing to impale it!

"BJORN!"

"HHHHHRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYAAAAAAA!"

In one strike I had driven my blade deep into the back of my enemy, and in a matter of seconds his life was no more. And there I stood over the body of thine enemy, looking over my comrades in arms who watched in amazement.

Suddenly as I stood there, I felt a sudden surge of energy pulsate through my body. It felt like electricity gently stinging the nerves in my hands and fingers. A light radiated off of the dead dragon, and all of it's essence poured into me. I had absorbed him into me until he was no more than a skeleton on the ground.

All of the men stood in awe as they watched me. It was as if they had never seen anything like this before.

"What? What is it?" I said.

"You...you absorbed it's very soul!"

"I did?" I looked around and then realized that I must have done something.

"This has not happened in...well, over a hundred years! You must be dragonborn!"

"What is this nonsense you speak of? There is no such thing!'

"There is my lady. The tale of the dragonborn is as old as time itself. For many generations the dragonborn has been the savior of mankind. The fact that his power has been made present in this era can only mean one thing."

"And just what would that be?" Asked Irileth.

"The return of Alduin the world eater. The harbinger of the end times."

I had not heard of this so called Alduin, and asked more about him. I was told he was the elder dragon, the first child of Akatosh.

"Alduin is the black dragon of yor, the cruelest of all of Akatosh's children. He lead his brothers in the great war many years ago against the ancient heroes. They fought to vanquish him. The fact that he is back cannot be good."

"I am dragonborn...what does that mean? Do I have powers?"

"Well, you absorbed it's soul. That means that you will have now learned a shout."

"A shout, you mean the ability to throw my voice? That has to be learned friend."

"Not for the dragonborn. The dragonborn can learn it naturally. Give it a try. See if you can shout!"

I was unsure about this. Dragons returning to Tamriel, villages burning, and now this?!...I didn't know what to expect but I had to try. I had to see if it was true. I closed my eyes and concentrated. And then suddenly my powers escaped from my breath with ease!

"FUS!"

Everyone standing nearby were shaken, moved ten feet from where they once stood. I was amazed at my new found power. I never I could do anything like that, not in my most wildest of dreams! But I was intrigued to learn more.

"We need to be heading back to dragonsreach. The Jarl will be pleased to know that the dragon is dead."

"Aye, I agree with that one." I replied.

As we were heading back to the city we were halted in our tracks as the earth began to shake once again. This time a voice rang out from the skies calling out. "DOVAHKIIN!" It said.

"What in Oblivion was that?!" I asked.

"I don't know." Replied Irileth.

"Come on. Let's get out of here before something else happens.


DRAGONSREACH

"You have done Whietrun and her people a great service. Not very many men who would volunteer themselves in service to a village not of their own. Your ancestors will be proud of what you have done this day."

"Thank you Jarl Balgruf." I replied.

"As reward for your efforts, I grant you citizenship here in Whiterun. You may purchase a home here if you like. Also I offer you the title of thane. You will be given Lydia. She will serve you well as housecarl."

"Many thanks to you for your gifts Jarl."

Irileth seemed displeased with me. But then again she always looked displeased. I stood proud at what I had done. Thankful to the God's that I was able to remain alive on this day. I could only imagine what father and mother would think of me if they knew what I was. Where I had been, what I had seen in such a short amount of time.

I started to leave the castle when I was approached by Lydia, my new housecarl. A stocky young woman by the look of her. Strong and confident. Very much attractive. She wore fur iron clad armor, wielding an iron shield which she claimed to have forged herself. "It is custom for a warrior to know how to forge her own weapon." She said.

"So, it seems you and I will be working together from here on in." I said.

"That is right my thane. I will fight at your side, protecting you with my life if need be."

"Awesome!"

"Is there anything you require of me my thane? Carry your things, sharpen your weapons maybe?"

I stood there a moment thinking over all the things I could possibly want from anyone at this moment. Still feeling the rush from the battle I had with the dragon I had an unnerving desire to release some...aggression. The more I continued to look at Lydia the answer eventually came to me.

"Actually there is one thing you could do for me." I said.

"And what might that be my thane?"

I wanted to tell her what I wanted without being openly bold about it. So I whispered in her ear to tell her what my desires were so no one could hear. I fully expected her reaction to be completed repulsed and angry with me. But to my surprise she did not push me away at all.

Without even one word she grabbed me by the hand and took me to her private quarters beneath the cellar in dragonsreach. The moment we were in private quarters she shut the door, and grabbed me, tearing my clothes off of my body! Both of us entangled in a passionate and rough embrace, kissing and tearing at each other in an intense heat.

She then reached for my trousers, pulling them down to my ankles as my manhood sprung free. She knelt before me, gazing at my length with amazement. Mouth agape as she prepared herself to take it fully into her warm mouth. Slowly she took it until I had reached the back of her throat. She gagged a little, unable to fully take my length into her mouth. But it did not sway her away. Instead she smiled and reveled with excitement, continuing her oral assault on my manhood.

Her movements becoming more rapid as the pace quickened. Faster and faster, and even faster until I finally spilled into her mouth! The intensity of the experience itself felt incredible! Wave upon wave of ecstasy had overtaken me as she swallowed the last of my seed.

"How was that?" She asked me.

My eyes closed still, trying to come down from the erotic high. "That was good. Now it's my turn." I said. The next several hours we spent together in her room until we were both passed out. It wouldn't be until the middle of the night before either of us were remotely alert. I lay there beside her, staring up at the ceiling. My thoughts are that of home. Though I was happy, I missed my family. Mother, father, and Erin. I wished for just one second to be with them again.

I must have been staring at the ceiling for quite a while, because I had not noticed Lydia calling my name.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

"I am fine." I replied plainly.

"Today was a good day. Better than I could have ever imagined."

"Why is that?" I asked.

"Before today, I was no more than a reject waiting to be taken seriously. No one ever wanted to hire me for anything. Not even the companions wanted me. Day after day I remained here going nowhere."

"How is that possible? You're a warrior? Surely the Jarl chose you for a reason."

"Balgruf and I have known each other for many years. He has been like a father to me. The only reason I lived here to begin with is because of him. But never the less, nobody will hire a woman to kill a man. Not someone like me."

"I wouldn't say that. You seem like you can handle yourself." I replied turning over in the bed.

"Will we be leaving for an adventure tomorrow?"

"I doubt it. I don't expect for there to be any more missions anytime soon."

But I was wrong. From that day moving forward, my life continued to change. I was summoned to the temple of the Greybeards, tested by the revered order to see if I truly had the gift of the dragon. In just a matter of days it was proven that I had the gift within me. The blood of akatosh coursed through my veins! I was able to hone in on my abilities by learning the way of the voice.

There are others who had embarked on such a journey, and have not been able to retain the gift of the voice for many years. But my understanding was natural as I could absorb all the knowledge that not only my mentors had to give me, but from the very souls of the dragons I killed. However with great power comes issues. Not everyone was happy to hear of the return of the dragonborn.