The Blind Dragonborn
Chapter 7
Were-Bears?
Skye had searched throughout Raven Rock, asking for anyone to take her to the temple. It was placed in the middle of the island, but she wasn't sure how to get there by herself. She can very easily run herself off a cliff. Plus, who knew what was out there, waiting to attack her. Just like those ash things from earlier today. Honestly, she didn't want to face something like that again. Skye still needed to figure out how the ash was able to attack her in the first place. Winter had been playing around as usual while they walked through the city, going to each person. Midnight however was calm and calculating as he always is. Even at times when she bring them through Riften where she knew almost everyone there, Midnight was still on guard to protect her. Some of the people were very rude to her and other were a lot more timid than she first believed. Well, not until she mentioned about the temple.
Right now she stood before a mercenary, both wolves were next to her. The man thought about her request. He saw how desperate she seemed to get there. The blind woman would shift from one foot to another, biting down her lip with nervousness. He could even feel in the air around them, which he wasn't good at in the first place. He only knew how to find protect when he is paid to do it. Then he eyed more, seeing if she looked like the person to have a lot of money. This woman might have more money than most that were here, but look were deceiving to everyone.
"500, and no less." He told her in a serious tone. Of course, nothing was for free, she thought to herself. Skye sighed to herself as she dug in her pocket to take out her pouch that she knew had that much in it. And her heart was breaking as she held it in her hands. A thief giving away all their coins was very unheard of and Skye wanted to cry for a bit. The feel of leather were on her finger tips, smooth and rippled by the coins inside it. She was really hoping not spending that much on this quest or all of it, but she couldn't have everything. Winter and Midnight watched as their master placed the pouch into the man's hand. Their eyes seemed to glow at the moment with warning when he hand touched hers just a small bit. The man seemed to catch wind of this and staggered back.
Skye was very doubtful of this man, but what other choice were there? No other person was willing to take her there. Even when she offered them money, the still refused to take her there. It told just how much people were either afraid of that place, or just didn't care for it. It was irritating for her, however, she understood why they were weary to go there in the first place. After what was happening here in in Solstheim of people being controlled by this power of Miraak, they didn't want to attract it's attention. The mercenary was the only one considering it, but she knew that this man wasn't all the familiar to the island. Maybe had been here for a short while, but probably not enough to know each corner of the land. Then again, who was she to judge a person. Maybe he did. Skye would have to find out.
The man opened the small brown bag, counting all the coins that were in there. He mumbled under his breath when he counted it out. Skye had to wait with both arms folded together. "Alright, I will take you there. Once we get there, you are on your own." His voice was stern on his condition. He didn't want to go there either, it was edvident to her. He was only taking her for the money.
"Of course." Skye replied to him. She was fine with that. The less people involved, the better. No one should die over this. All these people do not deserve to fight this battle. It was all on her from the very beginning. It was a dragonborn battle. Skye had to keep herself from cringing at the thought. She had almost forgotten that it was dragonborn business.
The blind woman followed the sound of his footsteps as she ordered the two wolves to start walking with her. They stretched a bit before rushing to her side, still eyeing the man that was before them. Skye made sure to be aware of her surrounding, from scent to noise. Even feeling the air around her. Her bag on her should bumped onto her back, Winter was sniffing the air as if searching for anyone out there. Midnight just kept an eye out on everything.
"How long does it take to get the temple?" Skye asked once they were quite a distance from Raven Rock. It may have been at least almost an hour since they started to travel. The sound of water was still present, meaning they were still close to the beach.
"If memory serves me right, it should take most of the day to get there." The man responded to her. He sounded unsure and it left Skye even more doubtful about his knowledge of the land. What will she do if this man got them lost? How can she get to the temple in one piece? Skye had to keep her sigh silent in order not to offend him or anything. Shadows help her this time around. Bring her luck of guidance at least. Winter and Midnight were now behind her as the man was to be trusted for now. He would be able to get whatever was before them, while they stayed on guard from the end of the line. Their paws crunched the ground below them, letting her know they were still keeping up with them so far.
"Most of the day?" She questioned again.
"Yes. The temple is through the mountains. Sometimes it takes longer than that due to maybe storms, or animal attacks." The man explained to her. Skye slumped at this. She needed to get there as quickly as she can. But she knew better than to rush things as well. She would need some sort of plan. Though, how can you form a plan if you never been inside the temple or even know who this Miraak is? All she knew is that Miraak was supposedly dead for thousands of years, but somehow controlling the people here, and that he might be at this temple. There was nothing else to it. There were still more to learn about what was happening.
It was silent within the two people, not knowing what to say to the other. Skye was just fine with the silence. She lived most her life in silence. It took her a while to get use to the rowdy people in the thieves guild. At the thought of them, her shoulders slouched. Winter was the one to come up to her in comfort. Her hand patted the white wolf's head gently. Skye missed them. She wondered how they were doing and what they were up to. She could imagine Delvin taking advantage while she was away to flirt with Vex. She could see now which made her smile to herself. Then she thought of Rune as he was still trying to learn the language that he was shipwrecked with. And than Brynjolf came to mind. He was either in his office, doing paperwork or out in the town conning the people there into buying his false products. Skye could remember the first time he did that with her in town. It was how she got into the thieves guild.
As she was thinking about the guild, the mercenary was humming out a tune he heard at the inn, fingers drumming on his leg. He was not use to silence it seems, she thought once she was brought back to reality by his humming. Then he said something that she couldn't remember, and honestly she didn't care. It may had something to do with his job maybe. He was silent for the most part, only saying something about the weather or how the travels were so far.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" He asked her at one point while pointing out something, forgetting that she was blind.
"I would not know." She spoke lightly, highly amused by what he just did. However, she wasn't really offended by this. She find it a compliment if the person does forget that she is blind at all. It made her feel normal. Then the man laughed nervously to himself. She could imagine that he scratched his head in a nervous habit. A smile spread across her round face with humor.
"Sorry." He felt bad. It was clear that he was not use to people with this certain disability. Which was fine with her. She rather have them make that mistake than to insult her for the disability she was born with. It could not be helped that she couldn't see at all, no one needs to look down on her for it. No one needs to treat anyone poorly just because they were different in a physical accept. Or any kind of disability. Skye could remember a man with one hand and was berated for it. That poor man, Skye thought to herself.
"No worries. I am quite use to it." She heard Winter yawn behind her, her pace slowing a bit. It was a good sign for all of them to take a break. Get back some energy back. Skye needed to rest up while she still can. "Let's take a break." She told him while stopping. She wasn't going to give him a choice, but he was fine with that.
"Great idea." They sat by a tree, eating the food they brought with them.
Winter and Midnight laid right next to Skye, cuddling and taking a short nap. Midnight had his head over the white wolf's head, ears always perking when hearing a rustle of something or the howling wind. Skye patted both their heads, soothing them for a moment. They were anxious and they have good reason to be. She knew that Midnight could always feel something that is not right, like this island and of course Winter picks up on this with Midnight, causing her to get anxious. The man had kept his eyes on the wolves, cautious to be near their master at all. He knew better not to cross anyone with wild beasts by their side.
He was eating fish. The foul smell invading her nose. Fish wasn't bad, she thought. But it was something she would prefer not to eat all the time like some she knew back in Riften. The was now something she was quite use to now. Back in the early days, her gagging reflex would start just recalling how it smelt. Skye had hated the scent more than anything. She bit into her apple, the juicy sweetness watering her mouth. She always had a sweet tooth. Sweet rolls were a must reward food back in the guild for her and also a birthday food. Honestly, she very well be the sweet roll thief. Sadly, someone else has taken that role. Skye had always wondered who it was and still does even now.
"Are you from Tamerial?" He asked lightly, not wanting to the strange peacefulness that fell over them. Something that both were taking advantage of.
"Skyrim." She told specifically, taking another bite from her apple. "But I wasn't always there. I traveled a lot through Tamerial for most of my life." Skye thought when she try to remember when she first left her parents. She was no more than eight years old. When she decided to leave forever. Skye wondered if her parents ever went out to look for her. Or were they still living the lie they always did when she was there. It would be no surprise if it was the ladder.
"What brings you here then?" He asked then. "I would think this would be the last place to come. You know, with all the ash and everything that came with it." She was silent for a moment.
"Something came up that led me here." The man learned where the line was at. That was much appreciated. He knew that the person in hire might have their own secrets that they don't want anyone to know. Which he understood. It's only when things gets suspieous on certain things, like robbery or murder. From what he could tell, she didn't seem like either one of those. Oh, if only he knew her job by choice.
Then Winter came up to Skye, bumping her head against Skye's arm. Midnight was still lying down, still on guard with everything as the other wolf did her thing. Winter licked her master's face, causing Skye to smile at her. "Well trained wolves. Where did you find such beasts?" He wondered.
"I found them while back when I was a bit younger. They just decided to stay with me after that." After finishing her apple and him finishing his fish. She stood to her feet and wipe off the dirt on her clothes. Her bag was back on her shoulders again The man had followed suit, grabbing everything that he had brought with him for this job. "Ready to head out?" Winter and Midnight both stood on each side of her, watching him carefully. He swallowed at this, unnerved a bit. It was strange how two wolves can make it seem like their were reading your mind.
He hummed out at this, taking the lead again. So far, their trip has been peaceful as it can get. But that didn't let her guard down for one second. If being a hunter taught her anything, it was to expect the unexpected. Everything was not what they seem a lot of the time. That was for certain. Bandits could come out of nowhere, bears could be able to bit off your leg, or other creatures could be waiting for you to walk into their trap. Skye could relive most of the things that she had to go through in order to learn what not to do and what to do if in any of those situation.
Skye had paused when she heard a rustle to her left. The man also stopped as well, having heard it himself. He had his body turned over while the blind woman stayed still. Her ears listened carefully, slowly turning over to face whatever was there behind the bush. The man had his hand on his weapon, his body in stance with her. Winter took her place to the left side in front of Skye, growling. Midnight moved over to the side, out of plain sight. They waited for it. All there was, was silence as the rustle stopped for a moment.
Then suddenly the thing came out with a roar. Skye thought it sounded like a bear. Great, just when you think you are free from one animal, she thought bitterly. The creature went after the three before it, but missed Midnight who jumped at it. The black wolf managed to push it out of the way of his master, but was clawed at causing him to whimper. Damn those bears, she thought.
"Werebears!" The man shouted out in realization. Skye raised a brow at this. She had paused at this with a brow raised up.
"Werebears?" She questioned loudly, missing the fact that the bear was coming to her. It was last second when she realized her mistake, and felt his claw scratch her face. Winter was next to push it away from the small woman, giving her distance. Skye pulled out her bow that she brought along with her. A deep breath was heard as she pulled the string. With perfect aim, Skye had put an arrow through the werebear's eye. But it was not enough. The man, already having his weapon out went for the attack, only to be pushed back by the bear. Another arrow was sent to the leg. Winter finally went on it's back, biting down while Midnight followed suit. Skye shot another arrow while the man put his weapon through the werebear's neck. It went lifeless after that. The bear slumped to the ground. The two people panted out while her two wolves climbed down from the bear seeing it form into a man.
Midnight was now licking off his wounds. Winter had went over to Skye, pushing her body against her leg. Skye placed a hand on her cheek, feeling the liquid on her face. She cringed at this. "Are you alright?" The man asked her.
"Yes." She answered him. Then Midnight and Winter jumped on Skye with excitement after they were done licking their wounds. They both licked her wound, in joy that their master was still alive after what happened. Skye laughed at this, petting their heads and slowly bringing them back down to the ground.
"Nice aim you got there." The mercenary complianment her. He cleaned the blood off his weapon before putting it back in his sheathed.
"Just another day of the hunting life." She told him. "You said werebear earlier. What is that exactly?" She was confused, and he doesn't blame her. It was not common outside of Solisthiem.
"You heard of the stories of werewolves, right?" She nodded her head, knowing the stories all too well. "Well, it's just like them, but they change into bears instead." Just when she thought bears were bad, it just became worse for her. A brow was raised at him.
"Wonderful." She whispered to herself. Her hands run through her grey hair, moving it over to one side of her head. Winter and Midnight were now cuddling with each other, both having to make sure that each one was alright. "I am afraid to ask what history they have with these weredears."
"Good, because I do not know much of them. I only know that they exist, which is bad itself." He went to move on. "Come on. Let's get out of here before more decideds to find us." Skye wasn't told twice. She hurried over to him having both wolves follow suit with her. Skye was thankful not to have such creatures in Skyrim. Bears were bad enough, but people who can turn into them. She shiver at the thought. It was her worse nightmare brought to life.
It took another few hours to travel to the temple. They were already in fur gear since the air began to get cold on them. At least it wasn't snowing. They were not far from it. She could faintly hear people there. Skye was hestitant to move up there. The man took notice of this. "Let's camp out here for the night. Then you can head up there in the morning." He suggested. Skye nodded at this, but she was scraed to fall asleep. Would the same thing happen again? And where would she be this time? Exhaustion was what made her stop and set up camp with the man. Hopefully, by nocturnal, she could get good sleep.
They set up the tent, building a fire to get warm. They sat side by side once they were done with everything. Winter and Midnight were lying on the other side of the fire, lying together. Their tails wiggled a lot, if the thumping on the ground wasn't any indication for her. The heat was intense, but was very much welcomed to her. She hummed out in pleasure as she took in the warmth. The man was cooking their food. "You are burning the meat." She commented to him. The man scoffed.
"Then you haven't cooked well enough." He told her. Skye sighed at this, shaking her head.
"Yes I have. I use to be a hunter, remember?" She told him. The man chuckled at this. Skye then turned her head to where she heard the people at the temple. The man was not able to hear it like she can. A frown formed her face as she listened to them. It was the same as at the stones. And that chant they were saying over and over.
"What's wrong?" He finally asked her after a few minutes of silence. She sighed out at this, not sure what to say to him.
Skye tilted her head back, feeling the cold wind blowing over her face to cool her skin off. "With being blind, all the other scenses get heighten." She began to explain. "My hearing, my scent, and even my intuition is heighten." The man listened carefully, wanting to understand what she was saying to him. "I can hear something from miles away if I concentrate hard enough. I can tell what someone had to eat the night before just by smelling their breath or clothes even."
"Where are you taking this?" He wanted to know what was going on.
"Right now, I can hear those people, poessed like the ones at the stones." She told him. The man grunted at this, realizing what she was saying. It was what he figure is why she was here in the first place. But he wasn't going to ask her that. "It heart breaking for me to hear it." Skye finished. The man went to star at the sky, wondering what kind of burdan it must be to have such ability to have. But then again, it could a blessing as well.
"What do you do now? For a living?" He asked her. Skye smiled at this.
"I work for someone. To protect something special for them." It wasn't a total lie on her part. She is a protector of the key. The man nodded, knowing she couldn't mention much of her job. "I also have people in Riften. The family I got there." She hummed out. The man smiled at this.
"Anyone special?" He asked her.
"I do not know." She frown at this. "Me and him knew each other for a while, but he never shared the same feelings for me. And now everything is complicated." She told him. She then thought. Why not ask a man who she doesn't know? She wasn't going to see him again, and if she did it might not be for long. She shifted her body to the side, facing him. Her eyes shifting with confusion. "Tell me something. If a man tells you to stay after breaking a girl's heart, what does that mean?"
The man thought on this. "Well, I believe he feels regret of what happened." He told her. "He might have the same feelings, but of course he could be keeping her around for something. Who knows?" He shrugged at this. Skye turned away at the answer. Regret? Bryn was never known to regret a lot of things. Maybe trusting Mercer, but no one can fault him on that. Everyone trusted him, even she did for a moment. He lied to everyone there for his own personal gain.
"Yes, who knows?" She repeated after him. They were quiet after that, letting everything sink in. The night sky was moonless that night, not that bothered the blind woman. The cool air grew colder as the night went out. Thankfully it didn't snow or rain at that moment so the fire could keep going throughout the night for the two. They were starting to freeze up a bit while they slept in their bed roll.
