Dragon Rise
Hey guys I wanted to thank Lord Protector95 and Mandalore for favoring and following my story. I hope you enjoyed the first chapter and now onward to the second. I also put in a game reference in this story so I do not own that similar quote.
Chapter 2- The Great Escape
Lake stood tall as General Tullius addressed Ulfric Stormcloak in front of the prisoners before the chopping block. "…You started this war and plunged Skyrim into chaos, and now the Empire is going to put you down and restore peace!" Tullius roared.
It was only then Lake's ears pricked up the sound of roaring creature and something else. Wings? Lake thought. That sounded like giant wings. His thoughts broke away when Tullius commanded that the execution should proceed. A priest of Arkay began to give Lake and the rest their last rites.
"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 praised.
"Oh shut up and let's get this over with!" roared a rebel who stepped forward the block. The priest looked surprise and gave a sigh "As you wish."
They lowered the man over the block and the rebel began to mock The Executioner. "My Ancestors are smiling at me Imperials. Can you say the same?"
The only answer The Executioner gave was a swing of his axe that decapitated the head of the rebel. The head rolled on the floor right near Lake's feet. Lake felt no remorse for the man.
Serves you right for defying the Gods Bastard thought Lake. The captain kicked the body aside and looked for the next victim. "The Nord in the rags!" shouted the Captain pointing at Lake.
Lake looked up and met her gaze. "Who? Me? Sorry didn't catch that I don't speak idiot." Lake replied with a smile. It was only then the same roar and the sound of wings were louder and closer. Hadvar looked around to see what it was "What was that?" he asked.
"I said next prisoner" the Captain growled. Hadvar took Lake's arm and gently moved him to the block.
"Come on friend nice and easy now" said Hadvar. Lake looked at Ralof and gave him a respected nod and walked towards the block. Lake looked back at the Captain and stared right through her black heart.
"You know if I wanted to hear a bitch I would have gotten a dog" he spat. The Captain heard enough and forced Lake onto his knees. Lake closed his eyes and started to picture his new home in Sovngarde, but the axe did not come instead he heard Tullius shout "What is that?"
Lake opened his eyes and saw a giant black lizard with wings land on the tower near the block. Its horns spiraled up into the heaven and its eyes were red as fire. Lake knew what that thing was as soon as he saw it. A Dragon. It was only then a voice from the crowd finally put it in words.
"DRAGON!" they shrieked. General Tullius began to bark orders at all the guards to take arms and rescue the village. The dragon shot a burst of hurricane air that blasted the crowd away. Lake rolled to his feet and looked at the beast again. The sky above it began to turn into a purple spiral and circle above the monster. The dragon took a full breath and blew a fiery inferno upon the village of Helgen.
"Hey! Kinsman! Get up! The gods won't give us another chance!" Lake turned around and saw Ralof waving him down. "This way!" he yelled and ran towards a tower. "Wait! Ralof!" called Lake, but Ralof was still running. Lake threw a frustrated yell and followed Ralof into the keep. As they reached the keep Lake could see Ulfric inside the keep as well and without being bound or gagged. Lake was the last one in and he kicked the door shut. Ralof locked it and turned to Ulfric.
"Jarl Ulfric could the legends be true?!" asked Ralof.
Ulfric frowned "Legends don't burn down villages" he said grimly.
Lake looked down and realized that his hands were bound up. "Anyone got a knife?" he asked. Ralof shook his head and Ulfric changed the subject.
"We need to move now!" Ulfric cried.
"Look up here. Here's a way out!" Lake gestured to the staircase. They ran to the top where they found another Stormcloak trying shift some rocks out of the way. "We just need to move-ugh" a blast came from outside the tower and chunks debris landed on the unsuspecting rebel. And the black dragon poked its head into the tower and saw the three Nords trying to escape. Lake heard something from the dragon he would have never expected from the beast. Words. The dragon took a breath and opened its mouth.
YOL TOOR SHUL
"Look out!" yelled Lake and he dove at Ulfric and Ralof tackling them away from the dragon's fire. Lake was amazed.
How can the dragon talk and breathe fire from those words? Lake shook his head and stood back up. Ralof and Ulfric stood behind Lake as they look through the giant hole unto the burning city of Helgen.
"See that inn on the other side? Jump through the roof and we will follow you" said Ralof. Lake nodded and soared through the air and landed at the Inn's floor. Lake rolled on his feet and looked back at his fellow prisoners.
"Now your turn!" Lake shouted. Ralof was about to jump until Ulfric held him back and shook his head. Lake looked puzzled and shouted again. "Your turn! Come on Ralof! Freedom!"
"For you Kinsman! Not for me…" and with that said Ralof turned his back and left with Ulfric.
"RALOF!" screamed Lake, but Ralof did not return. Lake turned around and ran through the burning Inn until he rounded a corner and saw Hadvar helping a villager and his son away from the dragon. He turned around and saw Lake.
"Still alive prisoner? Good follow me if you want to keep it that way." Lake sighed and nodded for he had no choice, but follow Hadvar. Not only for it's his chance to survive, but he is bound by honor to follow his Legionnaires even though he left for another life. Hadvar and Lake ran through the burning city and Lake's head was pounding with the words of that dragon's evil voice. They were just about to escape when they ran into Ralof.
"Ralof you damned traitor out of my way!" growled Hadvar.
Ralof retorted in retaliation "We're escaping Hadvar and you will not stop us this time!" he challenged. Hadvar's temper flared and the pointed his sword towards Ralof.
" Fine!I hope that dragon takes you all to Sovngarde!" he roared. And with that being the end of the conversation Hadvar ran to the north tower. "Prisoner, this way I can cut you loose." Hadvar gestured with his sword. Ralof looked at Lake and gestured to join him.
Lake shook his head "I'm sorry kinsman" and he ran towards Hadvar.
Once inside the tower Hadvar closed the door and turned to Lake. "I think we're the only ones who made it. Here let me untie you." He took out a small knife and walked towards Lake. Lake stepped back away from Hadvar who stopped in his tracks. "Don't worry I'm not going to hurt you. I believe your story." Hadvar said.
Lake thought for a moment and considered his options he could either fight or put his luck into this man's hands. "Alright, what do I have to lose" said Lake and he offered his hands to Hadvar.
Hadvar cut the binds and sheathed his knife. "What did you say your name was? Cake?" he asked.
"Lake."
"Oh sorry. Lake" Hadvar said. He gave Lake a smile and walked over to a chest and opened it up. "Here's your gear that they took from you Lake. Your welcome to have it back" said Hadvar.
Lake peered inside the chest and grabbed the large pack from inside. He pulled out a Penitus Oculatus Armor Cuirass with Imperial boots and a closed Imperial helmet. The last item Lake pulled out was a steel sword that had been shined as if it was brand new and the knob contained a bright red ruby in the middle. Lake slipped on the armor and spun the sword in his hand. Hadvar was amazed.
"You really were telling the truth weren't you" he asked.
Lake nodded "This armor is my father's, I turned in my armor when I left the Legion."
"Where's your Pa now?" Hadvar asked. Lake looked down and closed his eyes.
"He died in the final days of the Great War. When the war was over I gathered his armor gave mine away and resigned from the Legion. I came to Skyrim to start a new life and then I was captured by you." Lake looked back at Hadvar who gave him a bow of respect.
"I am sorry. But wait if you were in the war how old are you?" he asked.
Lake stifled a laugh. "I was born in 171 of the Fourth Era just as you were, I joined the Legion of my 20th winter during the middle of the Great War which makes it my 31st winter in a few months. Before that I was working as a smith to help my family. My sisters married and left home and my brother settled down as a merchant. My mother is gone, and now my father is gone. Now I'm here" said Lake.
Hadvar stood there in a trance as if he was hypnotized by a spell. After a moment he held out his arm to Lake with his hand pointed to the ceiling. "Lake. My name is Hadvar, I will follow you till the end my friend" he said.
Lake took his hand and cupped it. "Thank you. Friend." Lake said. They let go of each other, Hadvar picked up Lake's pack and handed it off to him, "Let's get out of here, that thing is still out there." Lake nodded and followed Hadvar out of the room.
Hadvar and Lake fought their way through Stormcloaks, spiders and snuck past a bear until they were outside the walls of Helgen. As Lake stepped out into the sunshine, he saw the black dragon swoop over their heads from the village.
"Get down" he whispered to Hadvar. As they law crouched behind the rocks and bushes the dragon roared once more and flew northeast towards the snowy mountains. Hadvar grabbed Lake's shoulder and smiled.
"Come with me to Riverwood and my uncle can help us." Lake shook his head and grinned.
"Hadvar I really appreciate you freeing from those wretched bonds, but I cannot go with you another step. I must make my own life now. Hadvar frowned at Lake's words, but he understood what he must do.
"Alright my friend, travel to your destiny then and good luck to you my friend." Hadvar gestured his hand to Lake once again and Lake seized it. Hadvar turned on his heel and began to travel alone to Riverwood. Lake watched his companion leave him, but Lake felt very much alone.
What am I doing? The least I can do is help him for helping me! Lake took off his helmet and placed it in his pack and began to run towards Hadvar. "Hadvar! Wait!"
Hadvar turned around and saw Lake running towards him and gave out a hearty laugh. Lake stopped in front of him and laughed as well. "You know I've been gone a long time and things may have changed, so I would gladly accompany you to Riverwood." Hadvar clapped Lake on the back and they began their journey to Riverwood.
After an hour of traveling and sharing stories, Hadvar and Lake finally came to Riverwood. As they walked through the small village they heard an old crone yelping about seeing a dragon. Hadvar stopped in front of a house next to a forge and knocked on the door. Lake's head had circle around the village and spied a lovely young maiden by the Trading Post. She was an imperial girl with long brown hair tied in a bun, and wearing a long yellow gown. Lake smiled as the girl gave him a lustful wink and went back inside the Trading Post.
Hadvar saw Lake's gaze upon the woman. "That there is Lady Camilla, sister of Lucan Valerius" he said to Lake. Lake snapped out of his trance and focused back on Hadvar.
"She's a beautiful lass" said Lake.
Hadvar nodded in agreement "Yes she is, but she has trouble on her hands best to keep your distance" at that moment a nord wearing a blacksmith's robe answered the door.
"Yes?" he asked. Hadvar stepped forward from Lake. "Uncle Alvor…" Hadvar began.
"Shor's Bones! What happened to you boy? Are you in trouble-?" asked Alvor
"No Uncle, please let us talk inside it's important" Hadvar interrupted. Alvor wrapped his arm around Hadvar and led him inside the house, he looked back and saw Lake. "Who is this?" he asked. Before Lake could speak Hadvar jumped for the answer.
"He is a friend and he saved my life" said Hadvar.
Alvor gestured Lake to follow "Come with me boy Sigrid will fetch you both something to eat."
Lake nodded and followed them inside and closed the door.
Once inside, Alvor's wife Sigrid came running up stairs and looked in shock to see two bloodied and scuffed soldiers standing there in her kitchen.
"Hadvar we were worried about you! Please you to sit and I'll fetch you something to eat" she said. She went over to the fire place and served beef stew into two bowls and served Lake and Hadvar.
Lake whispered "Thank-you" and received a polite smile from Sigrid. Dorthe, Alvor's daughter, ran to Hadvar and sat in his lap.
"Now then my boy," Alvor spoke, "What is this big mystery? It looks like you both lost to a cave bear."
Hadvar told him of how Lake's story about his father and his time in the Legion and how he was prisoned by The Empire and was sentenced for execution. He spoke of how the dragon attacked Helgen and for what they know they are the only survivors.
"If it weren't for my friend Lake I'd probably be dead." Sigrid whined ran over to Lake and kissed him on both cheeks and returned the same gesture to Hadvar. Alvor was still in disbelief "You're not drunk are you boy?"
Hadvar shook his head "No uncle, I wish I was" he said.
Alvor turned his attention to Lake " I thank you for helping Hadvar, but now I need your help."
"Alright then, what is it?" asked Lake.
"I need you to go to Whiterun and ask the Jarl for help, he needs to know there's a dragon on the loose and Riverwood is defenseless please for us-" said Alvor. Lake was already ahead of him.
"Of course, that's where I planned to go anyway. I used to live there long time ago" he said.
Alvor smiled "Thank you, I would offer you to stay, but we have limited room I can pay for you to stay at the Inn here-"
"No thank you I will pay for my room. However, I would appreciate some supplies for my journey and as a start for my new life here in Skyrim" said Lake.
"Of course I will go to the Trader and fetch you supplies" pipped Sigrid. She grabbed her cloak and headed out the door without a moment to lose.
Lake stood thanked Alvor for the hospitality and excused himself from the table and walked to the door with Hadvar following him. They went outside and Hadvar stopped him.
"Lake, I cannot go with you to Whiterun, I must return to Solitude and report to Tullius." Lake nodded
"I will see you again my friend whether it will be on the field of battle or at the Inn with some mead". Hadvar laughed and clapped his hand on Lake's shoulder who also returned the gesture.
"Come visit me my friend" said Hadvar.
"And to you as well" said Lake "I make my journey at dawn." Lake turned on his heel and walked up the road to the Inn.
Chapter 2 finally done, don't forget to review or message and I'll get 3 up soon as possible and that's where the fun begins.
