Chapter 29
Argis stepped outside in time to see Dovahkiin fly away on a dragon's back. He remembered a while back his fear of flying, he was still leery, but was quite used to dragons now. He couldn't imagine this place without a dragon here at any given time. He glanced around, watching the people mill around.
"Where is Dovahkiin off to?" Gregor asked urgently. He didn't like that Dovahkiin had left without any protection.
"I am not certain," Argis answered, he was used to Dovahkiin disappearing, but was surprised that Dovahkiin hadn't taken anyone with him.
"Do you think one of those over grown lizards will fly me to where he is?" Gregor asked with fear in his voice.
"If you wish a ride call us by our name, joor," a red dragon spat.
Gregor swallowed fearfully as he stared at a great red dragon who met his gaze with mocking ones. Gregor could feel his body tremble in fear, he saw the difference between this dragon and other dragons. This dragon wasn't to be messed with.
"I don't know your name," Gregor answered nervously.
"Odahviing," the dragon answered with amusement. "If you wish to protect your thane I would suggest you hurry with your answer."
"Odviing, can you give me a ride?" Gregor said hurriedly before his fear truly overrode his senses. This would be a first for him, riding on a back of a dragon. He had seen many of them, even been near quite a few of them, but never on the back of one.
Odahviing rolled his eyes and snorted his annoyance. He lowered his head, allowing the shaking man to climb on his neck. He would have to fly fast to catch up to Dovahkiin, he just hoped this mortal knew how to hold on and didn't scream too much. He hated the screamers. He would never allow Lydia on his neck ever again, they were going to go to Solsthiem, but that changed as soon as she started screaming.
With a great flap of his wings he hurtled towards Dovahkiin. He could see them dots in the sky as they flew slowly. Odahviing chuckled when the man on his back grunted and gripped onto him tighter. He glanced back to see the man was sheet white, his eyes huge and his body shaking like a leaf in the wind.
"Relax mortal, you will not fall unless I allow it," Odahviing said as reassurance, but it seemed not to work, the man only gripped tighter.
"Is there anyway to go faster so we can get this ride done faster?" The man yelled, thinking he wouldn't hear otherwise. Odahviing scowled at the man's shout, he wasn't deaf. He thought about dipping low to the ground but decided against it.
"Hold on Mortal," Odahviing warned, before he gave a few great flaps of his wings and shot forward. He felt the man's grip tighten even more that it was starting to hurt. He was surprised by the strength of the man, but wasn't impressed that he was on the receiving end of his grip. He couldn't get to Whiterun fast enough as far as he was concerned. He propelled through the air, diving towards Whiterun only breaking his fall at the last moment.
He landed heavily beside Volthuryol and smirked as the man on his back groaned. "Odahviing, what are you doing here?" Dovahkiin asked, rushing over to him. Odahviing purred his delight to have his companion nearby once more.
"Bringing your guard, but give him a moment," Odahviing said with amusement and sighed when the grip on him disappeared. He nuzzled and licked Dovahkiin affectionately, his purrs growing deeper, he had missed his adoptive son since he left to other lands. He had seen him once, but it hadn't been enough.
Odahviing couldn't express his happiness any other way, words were in adequate. He showed him the only way he knew how. He showed him as if he was a dragon himself which was very close to the truth. He could smell the dragon that he was, the power he held. He didn't need to see his power, it was there for all dragons to feel.
"I am your sword and shield, my place is by your side, especially when you are unarmed," Gregor said as he stood straight. His body had stopped shaking finally, and he never wanted on another dragon, but he knew that was a useless thought. It was something he would have to get use to and he would try his best for his Thane.
"Then follow me, I am only here for information," Dovahkiin stated and left the two dragon on the balcony.
Dovahkiin gave a small smile as he glanced around the first place he had ever lived. He knew all these people, bedded most of them except the guards and the elder. He glanced at the door where his room had once been and wondered who slept there now.
A smile planted it on his face when he saw Jarl Balgruuf walking his way. "It's good to see you again," Dovahkiin murmured in greeting.
"Its been awhile friend, how has your travels been?" Balgruuf asked with a smile of his own.
"Good, finally returned home. I am glad to be back here, Solsthiem isn't to my liking," Dovahkiin answered as they made their way to a set of chairs.
"What of this Miraak, the one who sent the cultist after you?" Balgruuf asked.
"He is at my place as my slave for now. He was once a dragonborn, but has lost his powers," Dovahkiin explained.
"Why didn't you just kill him?" Balgruuf asked, leaning forward showing his interest.
"That is a long story in itself and one I don't want to get into right now. Just know that I couldn't without harming myself," Dovahkiin answered softly so people nearby wouldn't hear.
Balgruuf glanced at the man standing guard by Dovahkiin. He was surprised Dovahkiin allowed it. The man he once knew wouldn't allow it, he would have thought it a weakness when in actuality it was a power move. It seemed like Dovahkiin had grown and accepted his place among us. He was glad for that.
Balgruuf really looked at the man guarding Dovahkiin, he wondered if this man could be trusted, or would he have to watch what he says. He glanced at Dovahkiin with a questioning look. "My housecarl from Dawnstar, my other housecarls are at my home," Dovahkiin answered his questioning look.
"Your home, you mean your castle. I haven't seen it yet, but have heard many things of it," Balgruuf said with a chuckle.
"What have you heard?" Dovahkiin asked with a shrewd look.
"That you have a hold of your own. I've also heard that your hold is larger than some of the other holds. Word has spread that Ulfric is leery of you having this power, be careful he might try and force you to join his rebellion," Balgruuf stated.
"Any other news I should be aware of?" Dovahkiin asked.
"Ulfric and Tullius are at a stalemate, there has been no movement on the war. Bandits are becoming quite few since you left, but the problem with dragons has calm considerably. The dragon that you have posted here has helped out with that considerably." Balgruuf informed him.
"Why have you not gotten rid of the bandits?" Dovahkiin asked with an annoyed glanced.
"We've tried, but I lose too many men each time, so I haven't bothered sending more." Balgruuf answered, not meeting his eyes. "I can't lose many more men, if a war happens here I will need everyone I can get."
"Gregor, have Odahviing bring Argis here," Dovahkiin ordered. "I'll send some of my men out to clear out the places. Give me the locations and it will be taken care of."
"I'll have Irileth give you the locations. So what brought you here?" Balgruuf asked with a smile, now that his troubles were taken care of.
"I need to speak with Farengar about a few things. Hopefully he knows where an object is, or where it can be found," Dovahkiin said with a sigh. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration, he knew Balgruuf wouldn't look down at him. He trusted this man, more so than most Jarl's.
He watched as Balgruuf nodded to someone and watched that man walk off. They sat in silence for a few moments. Dovahkiin smiled when he heard Farengar's annoyed voice, "Dovahkiin, I am surprised to see you here when you have a hold of your own." Farengar said.
"I need information and you are the first that came to mind. I need a special key that is used to get into Labyrinthian," Dovahkiin stated.
"Why would you need to go there?" Farengar asked astonished that someone else wanted to go there. It had been ages since that place was locked down. He knew where the key was, but getting it wouldn't be easy. He knew the archmage wouldn't give it up without a very good reason.
"That is where the dragon priest kept their slaves collars and I need one," Dovahkiin explained.
"You realize slaves are not allowed," Farengar hissed his annoyance.
"Yes I know this, but trust me. If he is not a slave then he will be a dragon's meal and I would be dead. So he shall remain a slave until I deem him trustworthy," Dovahkiin explained quickly before the mage threatened to turn him into the gaurds. He didn't think that would happen, but it was a hassle he would like to avoid.
"You'll have to speak to the Archmage, he has it in his possession," Farengar answered when he received a warning look for his Jarl.
"Thank you," Dovahkiin said with a nod.
"If that is all you need…." Farengar said and was about to leave.
"No it's not. Someone pointed out that I should have a wizard working for me. Do you know of any that wouldn't annoy me?" Dovahkiin asked with a scowl.
"That wouldn't annoy you? That a large ordered, everyone annoys you," Farengar said with a laugh.
"Not helping," Dovahkiin muttered with a glare.
"The archmage would have a better idea, or you could ask the other holds if they have mages looking for work," Farengar said with a shrug.
"Ok, I will do that," Dovahkiin grimaced, he really didn't look forward to sending missive all over the place.
"My Thane, you summoned me," Argis said with a slight bow.
"Yes, show Jarl Balgruuf the ring you wear," Dovahkiin ordered. He received a confused look, but Argis didn't argue at all. He moved close to Balgruuf, extending his hand to show the ring with the symbol of the dragonborn on it.
"Any who wear this symbol you can trust, I will be only giving it to a select few," Dovahkiin said as explanation. "They are still being made, hopefully done soon."
Balgruuf eyes widened when he saw the exquisite craftsmanship of the ring and the odd symbol on it. He knew it was an ancient Nordic symbol but didn't know what it meant. "So any wearing this ring?" Balgruuf asked.
"No, they will be wearing this ring or ebony armor with this symbol." Dovahkiin explained.
"What of your other guards, how will we tell them apart?" Farengar asked.
Dovahkiin stopped, hesitating, he hadn't thought of that. He had more guards, but not many of them he trusted. He would have to think of something, but he didn't know what.
"Might I make suggestion Dovahkiin," Balgruuf asked hesitantly, not sure how Dovahkiin would react. He wondered if he was about to be shouted at since there was witnesses to him making this suggestion.
"What is it?" Dovahkiin asked with a hopeful look. He hoped Balgruuf had a solution, because he didn't have one.
"Use the rings to tell your men apart, but give all your men armor with your sigil on it," Balgruuf said quietly. He glanced nervously at Dovahkiin not sure how he would take this. If the others weren't here he wouldn't have worried, but there was his two housecarls and Farengar, so that made a difference.
"Sounds good, though the ones with the rings will be wearing ebony, the other's won't be," Dovahkiin said, he nodded to Argis, hoping the man understood his orders.
"I'm taking Volthuryol back, I am not getting on Odahviing's back again," Argis grumbled with a scowl.
Dovahkiin chuckled, "Go ahead, and talk with the smithy. I'll be back in a few days, I will be going to Jorrvaskr after this, " Dovahkiin warned him. He turned back to Balgruuf, "Do I have Breezehome still?"
"Of course," Balgruuf answered, surprised that he would ask such a question.
"That is where I will be staying until I return, have Breland purchase some horse since none there enjoys flying," Dovahkiin muttered.
Argis bowed and left quickly to do the jobs intended. He glared at Odahviing as he chuckled upon seeing him. He turned his back on the dragon, trying to insult him but it didn't work as plan, the dragon only laughed harder. "Dovahkiin said I can take you back to the fortress," Argis said to the other dragon.
"I will not be flying as fast as Odahviing, I am tired from all the flying I have had to do lately," Volthuryol stated as he took to the air. He couldn't wait to rest, he had been busy protecting what was Dovahkiin's and hadn't had a chance to rest.
~ooooooooooooooooo~
Dovahkiin headed to the Companions, he wondered what his greeting there would be like. He walked in the door and was surprised by the cheer that went up. "Your people have been keeping us informed of you deeds. Sit, have a drink," Skjor yelled out with a mug of mead in his hands. Dovahkiin grinned grabbing a mug of his own, taking a seat beside Vilkas.
"You ready to spar in the morning?" Dovahkiin asked with a chuckle.
"Aye," Vilkas said with a grin.
The night was boisterous, songs were sung, stories were told. People slowly stumbled down to room or passed out at the table. Dovahkiin decided to crash here instead of going to his house in town. To be honest he wasn't sure if he would make it there. He glanced at Gregor and shook his head, the man was still sober, he hadn't touched the mead or ale. Instead he had stood guard through it all, laughing with the rest.
"I'll be sleeping here," Dovahkiin slurred.
Gregor nodded, he knew not to offer helping him home. He followed Dovahkiin down the stairs to a room filled with beds. There was only one bed free, barely enough room for one person. Gregor sighed, he knew he would be taking the floor, but he wasn't sure where without getting trampled when people woke.
He glanced at Dovahkiin and caught the man looking at him and then glancing towards the bed. "We'll go to Breezehome, but if you say a word that you had to help me, your head will be a trophy on my wall," Dovahkiin hissed. Gregor had to hide his amusement, what was supposed to be threat sound more gibberish than anything, he caught a few of the words, and knew it was a threat.
Gregor helped him stumbled up the stairs and out the door. He steadied the drunken dragonborn through the streets. He flinched when they past a few guards who were watching them intently. "I would keep what you see right now to yourselves. He has already threatened to put my head on his wall, what do you think he will do to you?" Gregor asked, the warning clear in his voice.
"Didn't see a thing," one of the guards mumbled and hurried away to spread the word. Gregor chuckled as he watched them scurry past. He looked down at his charge that was now almost past out and only being held up by his arm. He rolled his eyes and hoisted the dragonborn onto his shoulder.
~oooooooooooooo~
Morning came way too soon for his liking. His head screamed at him, the dragonsouls that he held within him were pissed, he could hear their snarls at his weakness. He groaned and ducked his head under the pillow hoping to block out the light.
"I have a potion here that will help," Gregor said as he walked into the room. He had heard Dovahkiin stir and came to see if he had a hangover. He wasn't surprised at all, not after all he had drank. He passed the green hued man the potion and wondered if he would be able to keep it down long enough.
"Thanks," Dovahkiin mumbled and chugged down the contents. He closed his eyes, fighting his stomach not to revolt and waited for the potion to do its magic. He slowly opened his eyes when the potion kicked in, his stomach was settling and the thought of food didn't turn his stomach as it once had.
"Is there any food here?" Dovahkiin asked.
"Yes my Thane, I went shopping while you were sleeping. There is a stew ready to eat," Gregor answered with an amused smile.
"Hmm, good. After I eat we're heading back to Jorrvaskr. I am supposed to practice with Vilkas while there," Dovahkiin said as he slowly rose from bed. He glanced around for his armor but saw none. His scowl returned with a vengeance when there was no armor in the trunk, or any weapons. He wasn't impressed at all.
"Do you have a spare sword?" Dovahkiin asked, he hated asking, but he had no choice, Vilkas was expecting him.
Gregor smile grew larger as he passed Dovahkiin his one handed sword. He could see the dragonborn discomfort for asking something. He had to admit his new thane was interesting. He hadn't known what to expect when he was told that he would be protecting the dragonborn with his life. This was an honor that all warriors hoped for and he was one of the lucky ones. He planned on doing his job the best he could even if that meant keeping secrets from others.
He grabbed a bowl while the dragonborn ate, not really sure if he should. He could see that the dragonborn didn't really care. He had noticed Argis do the same thing, and saw it as a good sign that he didn't get in trouble for not waiting until his thane was done.
He really wondered if he would receive one of the rings he had heard him speak of. If he did, it would be an honor like no other and he would live up to what that ring meant. He would do whatever was ask of him even if it went against something he believed it. His main worry was Dovahkiin's standing in the war, he knew with all the people staying on his lands it could cause problems if he chose a side.
If Dovahkiin did decide to choose a side Gregor knew for certain that him and the other housecarls would step in if there was a problem. He was pretty sure after talking to a few of the mercenaries that they would step in too. Not all of them, but a few wanted to stay, others still wanted to roam the land.
Gregor stood off to the side and watched them spar. He wanted to step in and protect his thane but he knew that wasn't allow. His Thane would be pissed and that was the last thing he wanted. He had heard the rumors about his Thane and new it wouldn't be good for his health to piss of the dragonborn.
He smirked as he remembered when he heard the rumors. A man who could make a dragon bow to him, or a man who rode dragons. His favorite and the one he really hadn't believe, the dragonborn ruled all dragons. Then there was the rumors how he could shout a person to death. He had heard the same thing of Ulfric, so he wasn't sure if it was an exaggeration of the truth. He hadn't really seen his Thane use the voice yet.
Then there was rumors how his Thane would kill anyone who looked at him wrong. He wasn't sure if that was true, but if it was, then so be it. There were so many, some good, some bad, and other that were so hard to believe. That he could change into a dragon. He still didn't believe that one. Or that he was a lover of the red dragon, now he wasn't sure of that one with the show of affection of that balcony. That one might be true. He really didn't want to think about that too hard. That was just beyond him and he didn't understand how it was possible.
The other one he didn't believe at all was, Vorstag and that Miraak fellow shared Dovahkiin's soul. That was way too far fetch. He scoffed every time he heard it. Until either Argis, Lydia or Dovahkiin told him differently he wouldn't believe it.
He turned his focus back to the spar and saw his Thane flat on his back shaking his head. "I see you have learnt to keep your anger under control," Vilkas murmured approvingly.
"Yes, with some help," Dovahkiin muttered through gritted teeth, he hated admitting it, but it was the truth.
"When do you head out next?" Vilkas asked.
"Probably later today, I have things to take care of at home," Dovahkiin answered with a grunt as he got to his feet. "The Companions are more than welcome there whenever they want." He smirked as Vilkas eyes widened.
"If we are in that area we might take you up on that offer," Vilkas warned in case it wasn't a true offer.
"Do what you will. There are bed and food there for any who comes," Dovahkiin said with a shrug as he walked over to Gregor passing him back his sword.
"What of your training?" Vilkas asked as they started leaving the yard.
"At the moment I don't have time to keep coming here for training. If you wish to train me more come to my place while I am there. If there is a dragon here, you can ride on its back and it will take you there if you tell him I gave you permission," Dovahkiin called back. He didn't catch the surprised look, he had too much on his mind. He had plans, and wanted to get them started soon. He had already started on the first phase, but there was a lot more to do.
And this is the last chapter for a little bit. I am going to correct the other chapters, and might rewrite a few others. So that is why it will be a bit.
