"Bloody claw's more trouble than it should be," Hilda muttered as she tossed the golden claw into her pack with the other valuables she'd managed to collect throughout the barrow. She situated herself in the armor she had stolen off a bandit, which was well too big on her, before heading through the puzzle door.
Much to her surprise, the scenery around her completely changed.
No longer were there endless crypts and roaming draugr, but an open chamber with a small stream. Hilda eyes roved over the main chamber with a smile on her lips.
And they had always warned us not to go in the tombs.
Slowly, Hilda began to make her way across the small land bridge when she felt some something come over her.
Her body seemed to move on its own as she made her way up the steps and faced the wall of another language. Tentatively, Hilda moved closer to the wall. With each step, her vision seemed to darken until a certain group of symbols seemed to be illuminated.
As if it were a gust of wind, power seemed to burst from the wall and pushed against her. Hilda struggled to keep her balance as she finally felt the full power of the strange force.
The redhead let out a strangled breath as she collapsed before the wall, the world around her going silent.
Days had passed and not a single word.
"Good for nothing milk drinkers," Galmar spat as he read the most recent note from the group he had sent after Ulfric went missing. "Still need their mother's tit to-"
"Galmar," Yrsarald said from behind him, nearly giving the second-in-command a heart attack.
Galmar threw him a dirty look and was going to give him a stern "piss off" before he noticed the officer's eyes were elsewhere. Quickly, Galmar snapped his gaze to the throne room to see Ulfric taking his seat. The old man let out a laugh, "You mad bastard."
Ulfric nodded to his second, "Galmar, you been keeping the place in order in my absence?"
"Ysmir, where in Oblivion have you been?"
"We were ambushed." Ulfric said simply.
"No, I thought you went to Whiterun for a nice chat with Balgruuf." The housecarl said in a dry tone.
The Jarl rolled his eyes, "They took us to Helgen to be executed, even brought along Elenwen." This name rolled off his tongue with a poisonous tone. His fingers tightened on the arm of the throne.
"Helgen?" Galmar crossed him arms, "They men have been saying there's been a dragon attack there. That true?"
Ulfric nodded, "I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, friend."
Galmar was quiet for a moment, "How'd you make it out?"
Ulfric smiled a bit before he responded, "Guess the gods want me here."
Gradually, Hilda regained consciousness in time to hear the final crypt open. With curses spewing out of her mouth, the red haired Nord stood to her full height and prepared for battle with the rising draugr.
The draugr let out what seemed to be a taunt before it began to run towards her.
With eyes narrowing, Hilda met the undead's sword with her own, quickly twisting to shove the iron dagger in her other hand into his chest.
The draugr let out a cry before trying to swing at the woman again, "Dir Volaan!"
Hilda let out a sharp breath as she side-stepped the ancient sword. She quickly lunged towards the undead with her sword.
Unnatural eyes locked on to her as the draugr took a firm stance. The long-rotted shoulders moved back. As Hilda approached, the unliving snapped his body forward, familiar words leaving him: "Fus Ro Dah!"
The red haired warrior faltered in her approach as the strange magick pushed against her. She let out a frustrated growl as she staggered back, glaring at the beast. As quickly as she could move, Hilda stomped on the draugr's boot and paused for the reaction she needed, and got. The draugr's attention was drawn to his boot as he backed away, lowering his sword. As the undead moved, Hilda quickly brought her sword up, swinging it in an arc.
Waiting for a moment, the red haired Nord finally allowed herself to breathe when she heard the body hit the stone at her feet. She quickly looked to see the headless body and the head coming to a halt not too far away from the rest of the now dead draugr. Shaking her head, Hilda wiped off her sword and dagger on the little fabric that remained on the draugr, placing them in their appropriate sheaths when they met her satisfaction.
Casting another look at the motionless body, the red head gave in to the urge to loot whatever he had left.
"What in Oblivion…" she lifted to large stone that had been buried in the poor man's rib cage. After closer inspection, Hilda's eyes widen slightly. "A map… but for what?" she mumbled to herself as her hand brushed the strange craving on the bottom of the stone tablet. Her brows furrowed as she looked up to the giant wall in front of her.
Dragons.
After a moment to fully pack away the stone, Hilda stood and looked around the area for anymore treasures before she finally decided to leave the barrow.
Her walk back to Riverwood was calming after the seemingly endless battles she faced in the ancient Nordic ruin. Pushing any thoughts of the tomb out of her mind, the woman focused on making it to the trader before dusk.
With a lighter pack and a heavier coin purse, Hilda stopped by the mill to bid farewell to Gerdur. As they spoke, she found out that Ralof, the man she escape Helgen with, had already left to rejoin the Stormcloaks in Windhelm.
His sister smiled as she told Hilda that he truly wanted her to go to Windhelm to fight for Ulfric's cause.
Hilda couldn't help but shake her head and laugh at the man a bit.
After bidding Gerdur farewell, Hilda began her walk to the hold's capital, Whiterun.
The path to the city seemed almost eerily peaceful. The warrior kept her hand on her sword at all times, her eyes roving her surroundings almost constantly.
"Farkas!" A woman screamed in the distance, causing Hilda to jump.
There some deep breathing from in the tree line before a deep voice boomed a response, "I'm fine!"
"Great job, icebrain." Another woman shouted.
An annoyed growl came from man as he exited the wooded area.
After a moment, Hilda heard heavy stomps coming from the direction the voice were coming from. With a confused look, the traveler moved into the line of trees as quietly as she could. She held her breath when she saw the giant being fought by three warriors.
Looking to her left, a small smirk spread across her lips when she noticed the small home. Remaining in my crouched position, the red head sneaked to the home and found a climbable ledge. Once on the roof, Hilda cautiously moved closer to the battle as she fished out her bow and quiver of steel arrows. Taking a deep breath, she took aim at the beast and released the first arrow.
The giant let out a cry as the arrow embedded into its shoulder. Its gaze fell on Hilda, who had already notched back another arrow and aimed it at the giant's neck.
"Come on then," she muttered as she waited for it to move.
The giant rumbled the land as it began to bound towards the home.
Hilda cursed as her aim faltered, the arrow sailing past the giant and into the dirt. She quickly stood and took out her dagger.
Noticing her distress, the dark haired man was the first of the three warriors to react as he let out a battle cry and ran towards the giant, his steel sword ready.
"Get the beast's attention!" Hilda shouted, "I have an idea of how to bring him down!"
"Got it!" The man replied as he swung at the giant's leg, which the creature retaliated with a swift punch towards the man.
Hilda leapt from the roof and on to the giant's back.
With her arms tightly wrapped around the giant's neck, she was able to stay on the beast as it struggled to get her off. Quickly, the red head readied her dagger and slit the creature's throat.
Hilda quickly loosened her hold and her feet met the ground.
After regaining her breath, the three other warriors slowly began to approach her, "You handle yourself well. You could make for a decent Shield-Sister." The auburn hair woman said, smiling a bit.
Hilda raised a brow, "Shield-Sister?" She looked at each of the three, "You must be members of the companions."
Each nodded.
"They're taking in new recruits?" The traveler asked with a brow perked.
"Aye," the lone man replied. He nodded to the Imperial woman, "She's the newest member."
The woman nodded a bit sheepishly with a smile.
"If you're thinking about joining, go talk to Kodlak Whitemane up in Jorrvaskr. The old man's got a good sense for people. He can look in your eyes and tell your worth. If you go to him, good luck." The auburn haired Nord said before she nodded to the other two and made their departure.
Hilda remained there for a moment, "Why not?" She said to herself after her contemplation.
Approaching the home of the Jarl, Dragonsreach, Hilda couldn't help but pause to admire the Nordic architecture. Entering the lone building in the cloud district was a new experience entirely.
The Jarl, seated at his throne, was in the midst of discussing Helgen with his steward.
"My lord. Please. You have to listen," the Imperial pleaded. "I only counsel caution. We cannot afford to act rashly in times like these. If the news from Helgen is true... well, there's no telling what it means."
The Nord frowned deeply, "What would you have me do, then?" He paused, "Nothing?"
"My lord. Please. This is no time for rash action. I just think we need more information before we act. I just..."
His eyes went to her, causing Hilda to freeze. "Who's this then?"
A Dunmer approached with her weapon drawn, "Speak your reason for interrupting this court," she spat at the Nord woman, her red eyes narrowed and her lip in a thin, disapproving line.
"Riverwood has sent me to ask the Jarl for protection." Hilda replied, looking to the Nord leader.
Balgruuf's brows raised, "It's all right, Irileth, I want to hear this."
The Dunmer scowled, "I've got my eyes on you." She spat before sheathing her weapon and walking back to her place beside the Jarl.
"Now, what is this about Riverwood being in danger?" The Jarl asked when the red haired woman stood before him.
"My Jarl, Gerdur has sent me to ask for protection after Helgen was destroyed by a dragon."
"Gerdur?" He paused, "she runs the lumber mill, if I'm not mistaken… Are you sure Helgen was destroyed by a dragon?"
"Yes, my Jarl. I was there… last I saw it was heading this way." She admitted.
"By Ysmir, Irileth was right!" He paused before turning an angered looked at his steward, "What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon?"
The Imperial was stunned, simply blinking at his lord.
"My lord," Irileth spoke, "we should send troops to Riverwood at once. It's in the most immediate danger, if that dragon is lurking in the mountains..." Her words fell as she, as well as the Jarl and the traveler, thought of the outcome of a dragon attack on Riverwood.
Proventus finally found his voice and objected, "The Jarl of Falkreath will view that as a provocation!" He cried, "He'll assume we're preparing to join Ulfric's side and attack him."
"Enough!" The Jarl shouted, "Irileth, send a detachment to Riverwood at once."
The Dunmer sported a victorious smirk as she replied with a simple "yes, my Jarl" and began to walk out of the hall, presumably to the guard post.
Proventus, again, tried to protest, "We should not-"
"I'll not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people!"
Hilda blinked at the Jarl's outburst.
Like a scolded dog, Proventus quickly mumbled about getting back to work before he walked out of the room with his tail between his legs.
Hilda snorted as quietly as she could.
Milk drinker.
"Well done. You sought me out, on your own initiative. You've done Whiterun a service, and I won't forget it." He paused, "I must know your name."
Blinking, the red head straightened her posture, "I am Hilda Stormborn, my Jarl."
Balgruuf was taken aback, "Stormborn?" He examined her for a moment, taking in each of her feature before he smiled. "I never thought I'd see another Stormborn in my presence again."
Hilda smiled sadly, "Is there anything else I can do for you, my Jarl?"
"Actually, there is." He said as he stood, "Come, let's go find Farengar, my court wizard. He's been looking into a matter related to these dragons and," he paused, "rumors of dragons." He motioned for her to follow, which she did. "Farengar... he can be a bit... difficult. Mages, you know."
The Jarl and the traveler entered the mage's area to find him cursing over his desk.
"Farengar," the Jarl boomed, causing the court wizard to jump. "I think I've found someone who can help you with your dragon project. Fill her in on the details."
Hilda listened intently until he brought up the strange stone. "Hold on," she said as she opened her pack and removed the stone. "I hope you're talking about this map." She stood and handed the tablet to Farengar.
"Incredible," he whispered, "this is it! My client will be very satisfied, and this will help immensely in my research."
"What, exactly, does it show?" Hilda asked, motioning to the small markings. "I could tell it was a map of Skyrim… but those marks."
"There are rumors that they represent ancient-"
"Farengar! Jarl Balgruuf!" Irileth came running into the room, "There's been a dragon sighted attack at the western watchtower!"
Balgruuf and his loyal court wizard hurried upstairs to the briefing room while Irileth persuaded Hilda to come along. Much to her regret, Hilda agreed.
"It was fast! Faster than anything I've ever seen!" The guard recounted.
"What did it do?" The Jarl questioned, "Did it attack the watchtower?"
"No, my lord, it was just circling overhead when I left." He exhaled shakily, "I've never ran so fast in my life. I thought it would come after me for sure."
"Good work, son. We'll take it from here. Head down to the barracks for some food and rest. You've earned it." He patted the guard's back lightly before turning to his housecarl, "Irileth, you'd better gather some guardsmen and get down there." He looked at Hilda, "And take our new friend here."
Hilda raised a brow.
"I'm sorry to do this to you again, but you've had more experience with dragons than anyone else here."
Hilda sighed, "I will do my best, Jarl Balgruuf."
He smiled and lightly pat her head, "I know you will, friend."
As the conversations continued around her, Hilda turned to the stairs, her eyes wide.
I'm going to die.
Ulfric stood beside Galmar as they stared at the map of Skyrim. The little blue and red markers infuriated the Jarl of Windhelm to no end.
"He'll come to his senses soon, Galmar." Ulfric said after a moment, "Even with his temper, Balgruuf knows what's right."
"Knows what's right?" Galmar sputtered, "The only thing that son of a bitch knows is to kiss ass for gold."
Ulfric sighed and rubbed his temple.
The silence in the room was suddenly broken by a thunderous call: "DOVAHKIIN!"
Ulfric's head snapped back to looked out the window, his brows were furrowed deeply and his eyes wide in shock.
"What in Shor's name was that?" A few collective voices exclaimed, one belonging to Galmar.
"The Greybeards." Ulfric replied. He slowly turned to face his second in command, "They were summoning the Dragonborn."
And here is the second chapter of Lineage!
Sorry it took me so long, I had a bit of trouble finding long stretches of time that I could write and meet all the things I outlined for this chapter, which I luckily succeeded in doing.
I'll be trying to post a new chapter every week, but this is truly permitted by my job and motivation, but I do have a bit more time since I'm no longer fretting over my summer course!
Any who, as last time, reviews and ideas are always welcome!