AN: You might not understand the dragon tongue, but you're pretty much stuck with Petra's perspective on this. And...yeah...um...
Chapter 50.
Shearpoint
I did okay, I think. I know it wasn't the best sort of...sight to see, but I know that I had help which is fine, I don't know if there's shame in not doing it alone. You think yourself Dragonborn and suddenly you're instantly strong enough to kill them on your own. But that's hardly been the case. People have helped me whittle them down for me to start attacking but... Delphine had explained that her group, the Blades, were once a collective of dragonslayers and that my role, or my predecessors roles were the ultimate dragonslayers. She was trained but after the Great War she'd been trying to find a purpose for herself and the Blades, after they'd been hunted down by the Thalmor.
I'd moved, for once but it took great effort on my part. I was afraid, but utilised and focused on aim and attack. My whole body was arguing with me but I had to force myself to move even a single step. The pressure had mounted. It's an interesting situation for sure, but when you're swimming with just...a sea of emotion that swells like mine, you're in a rut.
When I saw Alduin I panicked, my heart threatening to escape from my chest, the hot flushes, the watery eyes. Everything that accompanied and forced me to remember Helgen. The flames, the seared flesh...I...I can't...ugh...
It...it still makes me sick. The shakes and...Oh Gods, I still hear the screams...just...
Brynjolf took us back to the nearby inn. I was okay, but him and Ayisha kept smiling, saying I was doing great. But...when you're like me, you never really believe it. You can assume, but you can't say for sure. The others, they have their opinions and I'm supposed to take them as comfort but...
They're too good for me. I know they're just being nice, but I need to step the game up. I have to make sure that all of this...all of what I am and what I'm trying to do will mean something in the end. I'd rather not have Bryn involved, but...he can handle himself and I just can't help but worry...I need to be strong. Be strong Petra. You are capable. But you...just...
I relaxed a bit more, the time to bide myself and recuperate was now. To get back all the strength lost in the turmoil and the effort involved was huge. I...would never be able to take a dragon lightly.
It took strategy but it ultimately took guts and a lot of instinct. To pride myself in bringing out the spirit within me and taking charge. That's where I am meant to be.
I see a goal to just be better than I am because it's just how, in my mind, it should be. My own worry is that I psyche myself up and tell myself I am prepared, I am ready! Then once you find yourself in front of a dragon, it mostly falls apart very quickly, like a heavy armour that melts away.
But it's not just for me. It's for Brynjolf. It's for Ayisha...it's for everyone here dying because of my phobia. I bear every burden every death by dragon because I am not there. I am, supposed to be where they are, saving lives and protecting the weak. But I am a Thief, I act with guile and selfishness and constantly breaking the law. But now we weren't on the behalf of the Guild, but my own mission here. I don't want people to think I am the ideal person to be Dragonborn and the epitome of all Nords.
I'm definitely not. This has to be not in the knowledge of who the dragonborn is and how that, when hearing my adventures that they speak of a champion but not speak of she who has the power to slay dragons and steal their power.
Brynjolf would tell me it's not my fault. I can't be every where at once because I am the only one who can do it. I am mortal and that the Gods themselves know that. And wouldn't have otherwise if they felt that I couldn't.
I was fine in the morning as we ate breakfast and made our way out of Kynesgrove, the sky a bit cloudy but fine, and on our way to Shearpoint, to find the book to determine Bryn's real lineage. From what he's told me that his father was a terrible man. To be..controlled like that. It's terrible. I don't imagine that bodes well with anyone's psyche. But Bryn pulled through and was fine. I really do wish I had his strength.
It made me want to protect him more.
We trekked passed Fellglow Keep, and far up the mountains to seek out the area. I had a gut feeling about something, so we stopped and I got off my horse. My heart wrenched and I closed and opened my fist. Brynjolf stood next to me.
"Something up there lass?" Brynjolf asked, wondering why we stopped.
I didn't know, but...I know finding this book was our priority. But...
I kept Ayisha close. A dark power was clouded nearby as we got back on our horses and went the rest of the way. I...sensed something. A brooding energy...a warning..
It wasn't until we reached the summit that we'd made a terrible mistake. I stopped dead in front of a dragon, sleeping on top of a word wall and some strange black sarcophagus.
My eyes widened, locked onto the dragon itself. I couldn't cope with another dragon so soon, I just couldn't...
Brynjolf got off his horse and walked forward. I didn't want him going any closer.
"Papa! W-" Ayisha called out, before I put my hand her mouth.
But it was too late.
The Dragon lifted it's head up, awakened. Brynjolf got out his bow as I got mine out. The dragon flew upwards and around as it roared and sent echoes down the valleys nearby. Brynjolf was cautious as he started firing at it. I ordered Ayisha to hide and take the horses with her as I jumped off my horse and went to go assist Bryn.
But there it was again. That phobic sickness came in. One foot after the other Petra...Move it.
It was agonising to do so. I didn't want to see it but the rush and the halting of my blood made things extremely difficult. Nocturnal, give me the luck to move!
I donned the armour again, needing to protect myself against the harshness of the cold breath shout it was casting. Brynjolf did the same as he continued to fight it.
I felt the deepness of the horror, knowing he was fighting anyway. No, Brynjolf just stop!
"Petra...I know this is hard for you!" He yelled out to me, barely avoiding the freezing shout.
"I promise not to die on you."
I scrunched my eyes and pulled out my bow and grabbed an arrow. Time slowed around me as every step took every inch of my strength, and I was still mentally exhausted from yesterday.
"Bryn...I..."
The Dragon dived over me, forcing me to drop down a bit and cover my head and violently shake.
I then saw the sarcophagus pop open, with a strange type of draugr floating out of it and screaming like a banshee.
It adorned stranger types of garb and a mask and wielded a staff. I couldn't recongise it, but as we made struggle, Bryn withdrew his weapons and stared at the creature. I witnessed his eyes going dark and finally black, giving off an odd calmness and his face still as he stared it down. No...this couldn't be what I thought it was...
I pressed myself combating the dragon and it killed me from the inside, my stomach ill with anxiety. No...go Petra! You know what that creature was...
A Dragon Priest.
The dragon disappeared for the moment as the Priest wasn't hostile, as it looked at Bryn, as if he was familiar to him.
"Zoklotinhaar" The Priest spoke as if greeting Brynjolf like an old friend.
Bryn had his hands by his sides as he continued to stare at the Priest in a weird conversation. I snuck around, seeing Bryn's face as deathly pale with black vein streaks coming out from his cheeks and his forehead. I myself froze with fear, knowing I couldn't move. No Bryn, come back...his eyes...no soul to them...just...I couldn't see.
"Krosis..." Brynjolf muttered, the power of a thousand echoes booming.
"Fahvos dreh hi gufahdey voth hokzii do un in?" The Priest spoke.
I wasn't sure what he was saying, only that it was in dragon tongue. I felt a tug on my hand, feeling the fur of Ayisha's fingers. She kept behind me, invisible.
"They speak...Papa is not Papa but the spirit of the Priest within." She whispered to me.
This...this whole ordeal was to help stop this from happening but no! This just made it a lot worse. Arngeir, you better have not lied to me.
"Dreh hi lost faal Sahqo Deykel?" Brynjolf spoke again. His face...his manner. It just wasn't him. I could feel his spirit gone and...it's just heartbreaking to see but I couldn't move myself. This...I can't...Bryn please stop!
"Hi fen siiv vahzen til. Hi lost Alduin's hundah. Daal wah mii, ahrk mu fen drun faal Bron rigir ko uth fah un in!" Krosis worded. I heard the word Alduin but that was about it.
I breathed heavily as Ayisha clung onto me. What am I supposed to do? What I am I supposed to know? I can't...
"Faal Dovahkiin los dii in. Dii lokal fah ek lokiig irkbaan ko dii hil!" Brynjolf roared, suddenly ferocious and defensive and sending out greater chills as his face became more twisted and filled with hatred. What I would give to understand what they were saying...but...Dovahkiin...I understood. I fell to my knees and whimpered. They were being talkative at least, but...
"Hi. . . . un zeymah. kinbok do un uth. Hi fen ni vodein Alduin's mil. Faal Zaag do Kriind fent lost hi, faal Dovahkiin ahrk faal Raziir ahrk fen fent drun hi rigir nol vorohah ahrk siir daar lein. Vuun zaan nii! " Krosis boasted...at least, I think he was boasting. The only words I could get were Alduin and Dovahkiin again...but I was totally locked out of this conversation.
Ayisha hugged me even tighter revealing herself, obviously worried. I forced myself to take care of her. But I too, was unsure of what to do...given I don't know what they were speaking of, but they were having an intense debate.
"The Priest speaks of reclamation of this land and serving Alduin. He calls Papa as his brother. Zoklotinhaar." She told me.
I looked at her with disbelief.
"How do you know the dragon language so well?" I questioned.
She looked down.
"You wouldn't believe Ayishas who says that she had stolen a dragon's tongue. Mama won't understand. But Ayisha now understands why they need her." She answered.
I browed, unsure but all I could do was make assumptions.
"Because you are a Priestess of the Moons?" I asked her.
She shook her head.
"Ayisha's story begins in Elsweyr. Her power as Priestess is not gifted by training but honed by it. You and Ayisha are not so different." She admitted.
I blinked. What?
"You're right, I don't understand..." I muttered.
The Priest and Brynjolf continued to have a chat...but...
"Hi los maht enlaag zeymah. Mu fent praad hi nol hin laag ahrk gron hi wah dahrin!" Said Krosis.
I turned to Ayisha to look for a translation. She glanced intently at the pair.
"You are still asleep brother. We shall awake you from your slumber and bind you to reason! " She interpreted.
The roar of the Frost Dragon was heard, and the dragon returned by shooting up from behind us and attacking us once more. I ordered Ayisha to hide while I picked myself up again with a heavy heart.
Krosis and Brynjolf fought as well...but Krosis had frost magic while Brynjolf only had his Nightingale armour and assorted melee weapons. I don't...this wasn't going to end well at all.
You will not touch Brynjolf! NO!
I charged at Krosis as he inhaled and shouted the first words for Unrelenting force, but I solved that by sticking my Nightingale blade into his throat and cut it.
"Too bad my blade is sharper than your throat!" I taunted, then pulled the blade out.
I saw the Dragon flying around again as Brynjolf had gave the rest of his attention to it. Oh Gods help me. I quickly dealt with Krosis, as he was easier, but I always kept my eye on Bryn. His power, undeniable. He was more swift and agile than normal. But it wasn't him. It wasn't.
He cast a spear of frost to me, I panicked then remembered.
"FEIM!"
I got that shout at Ustengrav. Ethereal or something I believe, my body became one as a spirit for the moment and the ice spike went right through me. I glared at Krosis and charged again slicing the Priest to pieces.
"Don't you dare Speak with Bryn like that! Do not bring him down to your level, understand me?" I yelled, all my fury went into repeated slices like I always do.
The power of my dragon self empowered me, the strength returning as I continued to ruin Krosis's day. I roared and I became more than myself for that moment, like I always do.
My final attack came with the clashing of weapons. I ended up kicking him back and used both Chillrend and the Nightingale Blade to take it's head off.
Good riddance.
But the Priest itself turned to ashes, it screamed, leaving behind only it's strange bronze mask, having greenish aura to it. I tucked it away, finding Brynjolf continuing to fight, but then he'd run out of arrows and brought out his dwemer blade. I took a deep breath as the phobia made itself known once more.
The Frost Dragon was now land-bound as I took every step carefully and analysed myself. Go...Petra...JUST GO!
But Brynjolf's swings and just general ferocity were nearly comparable to my own dragon-selfs fury. No...I simply refused to get him injured yet again. I ran up to Brynjolf and pushed him out of the way then jumped on the dragon itself and hacked at it again, the dragon-self screaming as it did. My heart was pounding through my head and I'd almost lost balance as the phobia battled with me as well. Everything was so shaky and awkward but. I must! I must!
I stabbed it unceremoniously through it's skull, forcing me yell in agony and released frustrations. I then fell off the dragon and on the ground with the strength just dissipating. With a tightened throat it was hard to claim air once again. I was sick, but...at least I wasn't vomiting, which was a plus.
I absorbed it's soul and commanded the Nightingale armour away. I laid on my side in the snow, trying to get myself to calm down. Breath damnit...
I heard hastened footsteps. It was Ayisha who jumped on me. It caused me to smile.
"Mama, you're okay!" She called out.
I hugged the girl. I was getting waaaay too used to this mama business. But it wasn't that bad.
"I'm fine. Where's papa?" I asked.
I heard more footsteps. I looked up as a shadow overcast on me, seeing the big red-headed bastard looking over.
"Right here." He said outright with a grin on his face.
I felt relieved he was back to normal. He picked me up and got me on my feet and rubbed my head.
"Oh good...good. Dragons...dragons dead...just Bryn?" I said.
"Yeah?" He replied;
I smirked. Thank the Gods.
"Just don't do that again." I told him outright.
He just shrugged, then pulled out a red book with a gold binding.
"Noted. I thought you wanted to read it. However, it's in another language. Possibily Daedric. Ayisha?"
The Khajiit shook her head.
"Ayisha cannot read Daedric. Only Dragon." She announced.
Brynjolf thumbed his chin.
"Hm...I might know of a guy who might be able to. An old friend in southern Skyrim. Has a property near the border of Skyrim and Cyrodiil. I know you want to head there so I'm happy to head down there if you so choose. You're the Dragonborn after all...it's your journey."
Awfully kind of him to change his mind, not to mention a little odd. I just didn't want either Ayisha or him to get hurt. The Khajiit clasped her hand with mine and gripped tight.
"Ayisha doesn't want to Mama...Ayisha wants to stay here with you!" She cried.
I frowned and kneeled down before her.
"You and Papa are very important to me. You'll be fine with my parents. They're nice people."
Ayisha started tearing up. Poor girl, desperate to not let go. But...it'd be the only way. I don't want either of them subject to more dragon attacks. I rubbed the tears from her eyes.
"But...but..." She whimpered, voice quivering.
I hugged her.
"It'll be alright..."
After what had unfolded, Brynjolf...was unreasonably perky and all smiles. I wanted to tell myself it was nothing but I couldn't help but feel suspicious and worried, but the man said he was fine and adamant to find out his own lineage secrets. I took the words from the word wall, but I think I still needed time to understand some of them. I got one, which was Zul, which meant, voice. I wasn't sure how to use it but I got the gist of it.
We rode our horses to where ever Bryn's friend was and to find out what it meant for him and for the rest of us. But the further away he was from Skyrim, the better in my opinion. I never felt Ayisha cling on to me that tightly before.
We continued our trip down south on a rather splendid and clear day, then coming into the evening as we passed Riverwood. Brynjolf oddly didn't acknowledge sleeping the night at the inn, probably because he didn't like Delphine. I'll meet up with her afterwards, after getting Bryn and Ayisha settled with my mother and father.
I hadn't seen them in ages. Most likely tending to the farm still. It would give them happiness to let them know I'm still around. May not have made the choices that were the greatest, but I'm okay. That attack on that dragon was even better than yesterday and I was beginning to feel more confident within myself. Which was fantastic. The less I can worry about myself the more I can with Brynjolf and helping solve his problems as soon as I can. It's the least I can do for him.
I was curious as to what the book contained. Massive amounts of secrets and all kinds of interesting notes taken down as to who was related to whom. But the fact we needed it translated was a pain, but I wondered who Bryn's friend was.
Later on that night we came close to the border. I looked around the house Brynjolf mentioned. Probably high on the mountains or something. We had to get off our horses as we were on the path, but Bryn mentioned the property was nearby. Ayisha was scared but I assured her it's fine.
Brynjolf lead the road to the house itself, hidden amongst trees. We got higher up, seeing a cabin nestled in there. I nodded and went forward, seeing a small bonfire in the middle. I could barely see much, other than a balding nord with a red beard. He stood up and smiled at Brynjolf.
"Bryn! You...I can't believe it's really you!" The man said, elated to see him. He wore odd black robes with bronze plate shoulder pads.
Brynjolf nodded. Someone from the guild maybe?
"Aye. We need your help." Bryn acknowledged.
I looked around, smelling something off. I didn't notice Ayisha was shivering. It was dark and I could hardly see. But to my right, I saw something odd. A trail of blood, leading to...
Oh Gods...
I stood back a little. I saw dead bodies hanging off a pole, only lit by the flames of the fire. A blue dress for the woman...long brown hair...and the man...long greying hair and a...beard...wearing...
No...
No no no no no no...
I shook my head with disbelief as Brynjolf and the man talked.
"Bryn..."
I shivered and I shook with ultimate despair and anxiousness.
Those...
No...
Can't be...
Impossible.
"BRYNJOLF!"
Brynjolf turned to me as I called out to him. His eyes...black as the void and glaring at me.
He approached me and grabbed me by the throat. The other man came from the side and clapped his hands.
"Wow...did not actually think that would work..." He said surprisingly with sarcasm.
Ayisha started bashing on Brynjolf and ordered him to drop me. Only for him to kick her and sent her crashing against a tree and knocking her out.
"AYISHA!" I cried out.
No...this...Bryn..
"Brynjolf...you've got...to take...control!" I called out to him.
The bald man chuckled and crossed his arms.
"We've negotiated with several of the Dragon Priests and Krosis was the easiest to find. Sealing him on Shearpoint? Most open and easy area. I gave Arngeir the information for the book when I visited him last. Well, when I say me, I sent a courier. Didn't want the old man to get suspicious now did we?"
I tilted my head and gasped for air as Brynjolf tightened his grip.
"Who...who are you?" I spluttered.
The old man started pacing around.
"I'm a member of very old order. You may have heard of them. Or not. The Cult of Slaughter sound like anything in particular?" He asked, voice very smug and arrogant.
Oh...dear Gods...no.
"You're...the descendants of Dragon Priests. Should of have known you would have conjured this up..." I grumbled.
The man shrugged. Uncaring for my plight.
"I'm a humble Acolyte, who married a woman who contained a great power inside of her. But when my son was born that all changed. But it's foretold that you are the one to kill Alduin. Most of us knew of his eventual return. And the Dragonborn destined to stop him. My wife told me...that the one girl, with icy eyes and a hair of dark gold shall cross the border...the child of labor. I had scouts around the area in Cyrodiil. Your parents were helpful as well, but sadly, they were no longer useful as you can see..."
What? No...it can't be...don't cry Petra, don't cry.
"You're Brynjolf's father?" I croaked with disbelief.
"Yes. I am Prolg. I am the tamer of the mystical powers that my son wields. He is the last descendant of a very powerful dragon priest. So great, Alduin got him to lead the other Priests. But was killed by a Dragonborn."
No...no this...this isn't...
"So...you're going to kill me to get revenge? IS THAT IT?" I roared, trying to break free.
"Our Dragon lord masters would surely reward us if we killed you ourselves...but LET THE SPIRIT AWAKEN!"
I looked at Brynjolf who was still, those eyes of unholy draconic darkness. I shook my head. It wasn't him, it wasn't him. But the letter I received. It made more sense. Why I had come back to Skyrim...the letter...
"You sent me the letter to come here..." I choked. I was shaking and trying to breath.
Prolg had the worst grin known to man.
"Of course. But then the bloody Legion got to you first and hindered our plans. But our group stuck to the shadows, like my son here and worked a way around that issue. We knew you would go to the Word Walls at one point. And Krosis was the basis. Shame that he had to die, but we'll find another Priest..."
I turned to Ayisha...no...
"You are not...serious. She isn't even a nord!" I called out.
Prolg just laughed.
"No way would we accept a cat as a Priest of our order. No! The Cult of Slaughter needs her as part of the ritual. Well, what she is is capable of the most interesting things. We went to Elsweyr to find a particular artefact and we found it."
I was more shaking with rage than with fear. Then I recalled Bryn's story.
"Bryn...ugh..I was told you were a Priest of Talos...why...what changed your mind? Talos was Dragonborn. WHY?" I cried out.
He clasped his fingers. I hate when sinister people do that.
"Talos was a good example of how a good leader ascends to god hood by doing great things for the world. Like you said, he was Dragonborn himself. We will do great things to the true father of dragonkind. Your...mortal parents may be dead now! But your spiritual father...you are consuming the souls of your brothers when you should be our ally! But, if we couldn't touch you then it would cause big barriers. We choose this because this is what it must be! Son! Take her down..."
Please Brynjolf don't do this! Don't...
I cried...I cried and I cried. Damn this is the most powerful and...most betrayed and conflicted feeling I've ever had. Why? WHY?
"I love...I love you Brynjolf please!" I called out.
Prolg laughed even louder.
"To think, that something is pathetic as love was destined to bring out the brilliance within him. Just as the curse was designed." He revealed.
Wait...Bryn...he was...he was a virgin because of this?
"Its poetic, worthy of a great tale. The power of the chosen makes love to her cursed prince, only to unlock the darkness with in him. I warned Brynjolf to lay off the ladies and away from temptation. My once lovely's wife's prophecy always said that passion would lead to disaster. It's all coming together quite nicely."
I'm so...desperate. The fires around me were charging as the world was lit in flames. No...
NO!
NOT HELGEN AGAIN! STOP WITH THE SCREAMING! I CAN'T TAKE IT!
BRYNJOLF STOP!
PLEASE!
"Hin sil los do daar do un Dovah in. Nuz hi los joor ahrk los ni do faal Rah bahlaan. Hin sil. .. vozahlaas los bahlaan ko Sovngarde nuz in Alduin fen naak dilon til. Siiv drem Dovahkiin." He spoke with a thousand echoed voices, snarling at me with those dead eyes of his.
Fire...fire everywhere and it's tearing me up. I can't escape. No! The air around us, heated up, making me sweat, making me sick and I can't stand it. This wasn't possible. I refuse to believe it. That isn't Brynjolf...that isn't Brynjolf...the fumes rise as Bryn tightens his grasp, making me yelp.
"TAKE CONTROL BRYNJOLF PLEASE! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!" I yelled as loud as I could.
"Nox hi fah hin lokal. Zu'u los. .. krod." He muttered, his black eyes turning a bright blue, like...like those of the Dragon Priests...Dear Gods...no no no no no no...
I felt a sharp pain in my chest..and...
It went cold.
Mother...father...will I join you soon enough?
"Nox hi."
