Valor
As he headed towards the barrow in the middle of Labyrinthian, he heard the cries of several soldiers, "The Prince has fallen! The Prince is dead!" he did not turn back though. Valor had a job to do that would affect the fate of Skyrim as he knew it, he could not waste any more time then he already had.
The cries began to fade and the sound of steel clashing drowned his ears once again. Battle was all around, but not inside the small barrow that was right in front of him. It was like a large mound, built of stone. It had decayed overtime, and now just had a round shape where once it may have looked more majestic. Valor did not take too long admiring the architecture however, as he quickly ran inside.
It was run down, as were many of the building inside Labyrinthian. Skeletons lay on the floor, some still clutching weapons, or reaching for them before their life was ended. Valor walked carefully, trying not to step in them, and turned the round corners until he came upon the main area of the burrow. Not much was inside, except for one more skeleton and one dead frost troll that were on the ground. The skeleton had met death upon a large structure that looked as if it had been desecrated many time before. The outlines of many different faces stood out, but none were very visible. Valor then identified the item he had been searching for.
In the skeleton's clutches was a wooden mask, similar to the one that Valor had seen in his dreams. He bent down, snatching it out of the dead man's hands, sparing no time. This war had taught Valor that a dead man was just as dangerous as a living one.
He lifted the mask to his eyes, staring at it. It's the same one from my dreams. If it was indeed the same one, then Valor knew what he must do. He recalled back, when he was in the Dragon Shrine, and the mask was on Valor's face, only slightly burning. He couldn't recall what had happened afterwards, but he didn't care. Forgetting all of the dangers he had feared, he did what he knew was right, and brought the mask to his face.
It did not fall; it stuck to Valor's face due to some kind of magic. But his face did not burn as well like it did in his dreams, instead he felt as if he was somewhere else, gone from Labyrinthian. The cries of the soldiers and the sound of war had faded, and instead he heard silence. He went to remove his mask, but instead his hand was slightly burned. He grimaced and learned to never do that again.
As the mask was on, vision went through his head just like they had in his dreams. But this time they were not visions of the future, or the future's possibilities, but the past. He saw himself and Serana, slaying Harkon together with Auriel's bow, and then he saw Eleriand killing Vingalmo in Castle Volkihar. But then the visions went back even further, and he saw himself in the Battle of Windhelm, striking down Alianor straight in the heart. Then when he had brutally killed Ulfric Stormcloak in his anger. But the visions finally had gone back to when Valor was a child, when he and his mother were heading to nearby cities begging for food and board. Everything had come back to him, and he felt overwhelmed.
The visions stopped soon after that, and Valor went to take the mask off again, and this time it allowed him. When it was finally off his face, he noticed that he was indeed no longer in the battle, but somewhere else, that looked very familiar. He saw the shrine of the Dragon priests that had also been in his dreams, and the masks that were on their respected busts. He pulled them all off, something had told him to do so. Finally, when the deed was done, he had the nerve to put the mask on again, and he knew he was somewhere else, when he heard voices.
He pried the mask off this time, hearing it fall to the ground as he studied the area around him.
It was not a room, as there were no walls, instead the area around seemed endless, wore that he could hear voices beckoning for him as he looked. The clouds that he could see were the shapes of faces long dead, or at least that was what Valor assumed. He could hear the voice of dragons and the sound of their Thu'um, the flap of their wings and power of their souls, yet he saw none. The floor was made of stone, and yet Valor got the sense that there was nothing underneath. Inside the stone were carvings and drawings from the ancients which looked like it was related to the dragons. He saw great wings, priests, and dragonfire. He could read the words, but the pictures remained a mystery. "Here is our savior, the one who would kill the evil one, the devourer of dragons." The words said, "None shall rival his glory."
"So, the Devourer has finally arrived." A voice called out.
Valor looked directly forward, and although he did not see someone before, he now saw the one he was seeking. The Dragon Priest Konahrik stood without fear, his blade in its sheathe. He seemed threatening enough, his armor was covered in gold and black, while his mask looked as if two tusks were protruding from it.
"I knew you would come, it would be against your character not to." He said, his voice reminded Valor of Miraak. It wielded the same confidence, yet Konahrik sounded more threatening, his voice possessing a dry rasp that made him seem more of an enemy then before.
"It seems fate has brought us here, the will of a Daedra is not one to be trifled with. I have no doubt this was all part of his plan."
Valor still did not say anything, although he would admit, Konahrik was not intimidating him as much as he did in Valor's dreams.
"Still nothing to say? No matter, Hermaeus Mora's wishes will become law no matter what you or I have anything to say about it." Konahrik said, "The final pieces have been set, Hermaeus Mora has been playing us both, this was all part of his plan, no doubt."
"What do you mean?" Valor asked, instantly thinking that was a stupid question.
"The game is coming to a close. Mora has guided us both to each other, and I have no doubt he is eagerly waiting to see who will be the victor here today." Konahrik said, "Unfortunately for you, I believe he favor's me."
"How did you come to interact with Hermaeus Mora?" Valor asked.
"A good question, Dragonborn." Konahrik said, "It would be what all seek from the Lord of knowledge and fate. After I had risen by the will of ones I cannot yet explain, I eagerly searched for knowledge of what had happened when I was gone. This search had led me to Hermaeus Mora, who told me of Alduin's return, and the one who had slain him. With his help I raised an army large enough to conquer Tamriel, and yet still my conquest was thwarted by those who opposed me."
Get to the point. Valor thought, yet he did not dare say it.
"Little did I know that Mora had you in his grasp the whole time, while I searched feverishly for the one who had slain my master and my God. But it seems now you have come to me, as I had expected."
Valor stayed silent, he wanted to hear more yet he did not, he…was not sure what he wanted.
Konahrik began to pace back and forth, staring at the words and pictures carved into the ground below them. Valor's eyes followed him, the Dragon Priest could strike at any time, yet so far he had done nothing.
"Do you know that the ancient Dragon cult prophesied that there would be one who would challenge, and ultimately defeat Alduin, our God? He was said to be gifted with the ability to devour a dragon's soul. He was commonly referred to as the devil, the evil one, or the Devourer." The Dragon Priest began, "It was also said that there would be one to avenge the death of Alduin, to seek out the Devourer and wage war against him. The one who would defeat the Dragonborn was said to be one of the beloved Dragon Priests. And after commune with my brothers, they all came to the conclusion that I was that savior."
"A savior?" Valor asked, almost disgusted, "You have done nothing but end innocent lives for your religious quest."
"True, many lives have been sacrificed in order for a God's revenge to be brought down to you, Devourer; yet I am not the only one who has killed innocents." Konahrik said, "Your war against the Stormcloaks cost many lives, perhaps you remember your good friend, Alianor? A delicate one, yet you killed her all the same to further your own goals."
Valor felt like he had just slapped him across the face. "How do you know about that?"
"You would be surprised at the amount of knowledge I have gained concerning you, Devourer. I know everything that has happened in your life, I know about your parents, your childhood, your past lovers, your current lover, I know everything about your past. And I know your future as well, it has already been set."
Does he mean to scare me? "The God's protect me; my future is safe from you or Mora."
Then, Konahrik laughed, and it sounded terrible. It rang through his head and began to give him a light headache. Valor stared at the priest, and as he laughed Valor wondered what he looked like beneath that mask.
"Your false Gods cannot save you. The will of Alduin and the dragons will come to fruition. Haven't you realized by now? Nothing can save you. I figured you would have learned that by now." Then Konahrik paused, "Mora will claim you either way, no matter who is the victor here, he profits. He cares not for you or me, it does not concern him who lives and who dies, only whose soul he will claim next. The Daedra are all evil beings, had I not needed his help, I would never have been caught into his web of lies and empty promises."
Valor felt a strange sense of similarity between himself and the Dragon priest, although he would not admit it. Both had been tricked and fooled into serving Mora, not realizing the consequences later would be severe.
"Mora will not kill me, he can'tkill me." Valor blurted out, yet he instantly knew that was not true. Valor feared what Hermaeus Mora would do to him if he got his tentacles back on the Dragonborn.
"Miraak said the same thing when he rebelled, he was powerful, far more powerful than you, he could have served Mora faithfully and well, yet that did not stop the Daedra from doing what he wanted."
"I defeated Miraak, I was the superior." Valor said.
"You defeated no one. Hermaeus Mora had already defeated Miraak before you even arrived at Apocrypha. Miraak had already been mentally bested by Mora before you two crossed swords. At full power he could have rivaled me, but he was also a Devourer, and destined to be destroyed."
Valor had no reply to what Konahrik had said. Was he right? Had Valor only triumphed over an already defeated enemy? Was he really as powerful as he had led himself to believe, or was he just another pawn in Mora's game?
"I see the conflict in your eyes, Devourer; you know what I say is true. Miraak was betrayed by his master, you did not best him. You will not best me as well, and with your soul I will fulfill the will of my long dead brothers, and claim vengeance for Alduin."
My soul? How can he…Then Valor remembered the dream, when he had been stabbed by the priest and he saw his soul being absorbed. Valor did not hesitate and drew his steel, getting into a fighting stance; he would wait for his enemy to make the first move.
Konahrik then also unsheathed his blade, and Valor saw as it looked to be forged from Dragonbone. It did not take long, but soon enough some spell had been activated, and fire had circled around it, engulfing it in flame. "Behold, Dragonfire; my blade. You will find out its affect soon enough."
The Priest walked forward very slowly, taking long, wide steps. Valor did not move, he just kept his sword up and waited for his enemy to strike. He was always on the defensive during the beginning of a battle.
Konahrik stopped walking, and stared Valor in the eyes; he was not ten feet away. Valor wondered what the Priest's eyes looked like; he imagined them disturbing, and very threatening, full of anger and hate.
Then, it began.
Konahrik did not spare any more time, summoning his strength and leaping forward with great momentum. His sword came down with him, but Valor had leapt to the side, dodging the blow entirely. Even though the sword did not strike, the flames did. Valor had been slightly burned in his left arm as he had dodged the blow.
Konahrik saw this, and as Valor was looking around to find his enemy, he soon noticed that the Dragon Priest was to his left, looking at him with what would seem as amusement. Then, his fist came forward, and what seemed like the teeth of dragons was upon them. His blow landed right in Valor's face, and knocked him back, cutting his face.
"Slaying Alduin was a great deed, but you will find I will not be as easily defeated as my master."
Valor then began to rise slowly, drops of blood running down his face from his cheek. He could not feel the pain for some reason, yet he knew that the blow was not a soft one. His hands felt where he had been hit, there were three small cuts, but as he touched them they began to hurt immensely.
Son of dragons…Dragonborn
The voices came about as he felt the injury, and Konahrik just stood and watched. Valor could sense the arrogance in the Priest. He had thought Valor was already defeated, when the battle had just begun. It's only just begun, he hasn't won yet.
Valor wasted no more time, and sprinted forward this time, conjuring the little energy he had with him. His steps were long and he was running very fast, and soon enough he had brought his blade down with a great force. He closed his eyes and felt the sword thud, and heard the clash of steel against Dragonbone. He looked and saw their blades locked together, and Konahrik looked to be even more amused by the sound of his voice.
"This has been fun, Devourer, but it has gone on long enough." And then the Priest raised his hand and cast a spell that Valor had never seen or known before. Energy came about, and Valor felt himself launched back, being burned at the same time. He did not feel a terrible pain, as not many flames had lashed out, but the armor he wore had been scorched at the chest plate. He skidded across the stone, scrapping some of the skin on his arms that were not covered.
When eventually he had stopped moving near the edge of the stone floor, he looked downwards and saw that there was indeed nothing beneath, just the same clouds made of faces that he had seen above. Valor immediately jumped up and got as far away from the edge as possible.
"I wonder what your people will think once they learn their precious hero was defeated." Konahrik said, "I wonder how many will try to join me. How many do you think? They all will realize the error of their ways, and the Dragon cult will be restored once again. They will rule over Tamriel, and no one will be able to stop them."
"I'm not dead yet." Valor said.
"You will be; you are a dead man walking." The Priest began, "Perhaps after you are dead I will reanimate you, and you can be my undead servant. You could punish the people, who rebel, kill them all for me. Wouldn't you like that? To serve the dragons, your brethren?"
He's speaking nonsense. Valor thought. He would never serve the dragons; they brought nothing but death and destruction to the world.
"I will never serve the dragons, all they bring is death, and they are dangerous and deadly creatures." Valor said.
"If all they bring is death, and they are dangerous," Konahrik began, "Then what does that make you?"
Valor had never thought of that, and then the words rang in his mind just as Miraak's did not long ago. What does that make me? He thought. Was he just as deadly and dangerous as the dragons? Was he a threat to the safety of Skyrim and Tamriel?
Konahrik watched Valor, making no notion that he was about to strike. Valor contemplated in his head what he should do next, he could try to strike with his blade again, but that would do no good. He would have to keep away from that blade; else it would absorb his soul.
He made a decision. If he was truly just like the dragons in not only spirit but in mind, then he would do as they did. He would fight with power and strength, worrying not who he was facing, and as he embraced their language one more time, he shouted the words, "YOL TOR SHUL!"
Fire erupted from Valor's mouth, the words bringing power and destruction. Flames engulfed his enemy, and when Valor watched a smirk crept across his face, the true battle had begun; now it was time.
When the fire had diminished, he saw Konahrik standing unscathed, a ward spell up and ready from his hands. Valor's smirk died on his face, replaced by a frown of disappointment.
"A good display, but your effort is in vain." Konahrik said, "Your Thu'um is strong, yet not as strong as I had imagined it would be."
Does he mean to mock me? "You will know it's true strength soon enough." Valor said.
"Ah, the ego comes out. Perhaps the battle will grow more interesting now that you have your confidence." Konahrik said, "It will do you no good, however. But be it as it may, the battle will be far more interesting."
Then, Konahrik answered back with his own Thu'um, and as he shouted out the words, " FO KRAH DIIN!" then, a blast of frost came forward, quickly with great speed and momentum. Valor was still, not sure what to do, but it was too late, the cold had come forward, and caused Valor to stumble backwards while his body began to numb. Valor began to panic while on the ground, Get up! You can't die, get up! But it was as if his body would not respond to his commands. He could do nothing, and as he felt his blade fall from his grasp, he knew he had been defeated.
"Rise, Devourer; I expected more from you." Konahrik said, "I grow bored, get up and fight with the power you were said to possess."
Eventually, his senses came back to him, and gradually over time he was allowed to move again. He rose very slowly this time, not rushing at all. Valor felt defeated already, he knew not of what to do. Konahrik was too powerful; Valor knew he could not stop him. Was I truly meant to die here? Am I really the devil he thinks I am?
"I can see it in your face, you have already been defeated." The Dragon Priest began, "How could one like you defeat my master, Alduin?"
Then Valor began to question if he was as truly powerful as people claimed him to be. The Greybeards had been amazed with his voice, Harkon had feared him, and Hakon and the other heroes of Sovngarde had put their faith in him. But now he felt powerless, was this all part of Mora's plan? Did he mean for Valor to be killed by Konahrik?
"I expected a better fight from one like you, Devourer. It seems that you were not as powerful as Mora said you were. Then again, the Prince is full of lies, he fooled me into thinking you could match my strength. How foolish of me to believe him."
When he was back on his feet, Valor went to pick up his sword, but he knew it would prove useless to him. He could not defeat Konahrik in this state. Perhaps the prophecy was true after all, maybe his death was destined. Perhaps he would finally be rewarded for his service to Mora like Miraak had said.
"How disappointed your friends will be once they learn of your fate. And what would Serana think? I am sure she will feel betrayed, the one who told her she would never be alone again. She will curse your name most likely, for breaking your promise."
What did he just say? Valor thought, but he did not say anything. Konahrik's constant mocking was really making Valor angry. He tightened the grip on his blade, and then ran forward, sprinting. Konahrik was waiting for him, and at that moment when he had dealt that particular strike, he felt the Priest slice across Valor's chest with Dragonfire. Flames scorching he area that had already been cut. Valor fell down around five feet away from the Priest, falling to his knees first. He looked down and saw the huge gash across his chest. The blade had cut through his armor and done great damage to his chest. Valor didn't want to fight anymore; he just wanted to lie there in defeat.
Then, Valor felt as if something was leaving him, making his weaker. He didn't know what it was until he saw parts of what seemed to be his soul leaving his body and going into Konahrik's blade. It felt like it did when Serana had taken some of his soul to enter the Soul Cairn, for the brief days he had cured himself of vampirism while looking for the Elder Scrolls.
"I am very disappointed, Devourer." Konahrik began, "Even in his state, how could Miraak have been defeated by someone like you?"
Miraak…Valor thought, yes…I know now…Konahrik did not know, but he had just given Valor an idea. Valor did not rise; instead he used the one thing that Valor could thank Miraak for. He summoned the last of his strength and called out the words, "MUL QAH DIIV!"
Then, Valor felt he power Miraak had told him about coursing all over. He had never used the shout before, but he knew its power when he fought Miraak. He looked down and saw the gash in his chest began to heal, it burned slightly, but eventually it closed, new skin forming. The small cuts on his face began to heal as well, and Valor felt more powerful than ever before.
He rose very quickly, once again reaching for his blade. When he was once again back on his feet, he looked straight into Konahrik's mask. Valor looked more powerful than ever before, and Konahrik knew it. He had summoned the power he had learned in Solstheim and was now protected by the Dragon Aspect. Ethereal armor covered him from head to toe, and now Valor was ready.
"I see, you have mastered Miraak's shout, but you do not possess his-!" Konahrik began, but Valor was already running forward, newfound energy coursing through him and giving him strength. With brute force he sent his first strike, but Konahrik's flaming blade caught it and blocked the blow. Valor did not take too much time after that to release another strike to the legs, but Konahrik blocked that one too.
Then, the Priest sent his flaming sword flying, attempting to take another piece of Valor's soul. But the Last Dragonborn blocked the attack entirely, while also sending his fist forward at Konahrik's face. He knocked the Priest back, but Valor was not done; he punched him again, and then again, until the mask was cracked in the middle, then Valor reached forward, his hand gripping his enemies mask, and ripped it off. He threw the mask on the ground, and looked at Konahrik's true face.
His face was not that of any normal mortal man, yet he was not undead either. It was black and charred, as if it had been extremely burned once before. He had eyes, yet they were completely black and lacked color. Konahrik's mouth was missing, so Valor had no idea how he spoke. He looked at Valor with hate filling his eyes, and there were no lips to move as he spoke.
"So, you have seen my true face? Revel in it, for it will be the last thing you see!" he said, his hands lashing out to grab Valor by the neck, his hands squeezing as he held Valor. The Last Dragonborn could feel life slipping away, until Konahrik released him, and a familiar voice could be heard.
"We meet again, Dragonborn."
Valor was on the ground coughing, but he could still see the figure before him. His body looked different than it did years before, due to it being completely spectral, and looked to be formed of the same energy covering Valor. But even though a shock of fear ran through him, he knew that the one who spoke to him was under his service. Valor could recognize Miraak anywhere.
"I have been watching intently, waiting for when you would utilize your shout, finally allowing my spirit to manifest itself once again." Miraak said, "Although, sad to say, I am still bound to your will."
"Miraak?" Konahrik said, surprised, "What sorcery is this?"
"None, Konahrik, only the power of the Dovah." Miraak replied, "I have waited a long time to test my power against yours, to see which of us is superior."
Wait…he's helping me? Valor thought, yet he did not say anything.
"You hope to defeat me?" Konahrik said, "You will be sadly mistaken, I have already taken some of Valor's soul, do you wish for me to take yours as well?"
"My soul belongs to the Dragonborn," Miraak began, "My power is his now, for I no longer possess any free will. I will dispose of you because the Last Dragonborn bids it."
Then Valor watched, as Miraak drew an ethereal sword that looked identical to the one he wielded while battling Valor in Apocrypha. Tentacles lashed out as Konahrik and Miraak fought to the death, each trading blows. Miraak's blade managed to cut Konahrik in several places, yet not enough to cause any severe damage. Valor prayed for Miraak's victory, something he never thought he would do. And as he tried to rise, he picked up his sword again, and slowly approached Konahrik.
Miraak's blows were enough to tire out the Dragon priest, and yet there was not one clear winner. Konahrik could not land a hit, but Miraak did. Two of the most powerful beings in Tamriel dueled one last time to the death. The betrayer and the Savior fought. Valor wondered if Hermaeus Mora was laughing at them right now.
Then, Miraak lunged forward one last time, going to deal one last blow to end it all. But Konahrik was faster; he leapt to the side and stabbed forward, his blade protruding the ethereal spirit of Miraak. "No!" Miraak shouted, and then the blade Dragonfire began to absorb his soul. Konahrik laughed, "Your power goes to me and Hermaeus Mora!"
But Valor was directly behind him, and he raised his blade and sent the most powerful swing he had ever given straight at the Priest's neck. Konahrik screamed, and Valor dealt another, and another, and another, until he finally dealt the blow to end the conflict. Konahrik's head fell to the ground and rolled away after Valor's stroke was completed.
The sword was still stuck inside Miraak however, and in his last moments before his soul would be absorbed into the blade, he said to Valor, "I served you this time and lost, Dragonborn; yet I will live on forever in your memories." And then his ethereal body disappeared, and the blade dropped to the ground.
I did it…I killed Konahrik. Valor thought to himself as he studied the dead body before him, then looking to the blade, and then to the mask. He had conquered; his death was not destined after all. Or at least it means that Konahrik was not the savior.
Valor then searched for the wooden mask, and during that time he felt the power he had gained leave him, the ethereal armor was fading, as was his new energy. He grabbed the wooden mask that had brought him here, and knew it would lead him out. He donned the Dragon mask, and felt himself leaving that dreaded place. I hope I never have to return.
When he finally had left the dreaded place, Valor heard the sounds of battle all around him. He had returned to the present Labyrinthian, and could hear the clash of steel. He took a few steps forward, taking the mask off, but when the power of Dragon Aspect completely faded, he fell in exhaustion. He didn't want to move anymore. He had done what he was meant to do; now he wanted to rest. And as his eyes closed, he felt his consciousness leaving him, and the darkness creeping in.
Well, this has been the longest chapter in the entire story, and rightfully so. I hope you guys enjoyed it, as I REALLY enjoyed writing this one. I have been waiting for this chapter for a long time.
In case any of you were confused about Miraak's return: He returned because Valor had absorbed his soul, and he returned as one of the Ancient Dragonborn that aid you if you are near death while using the Dragon Aspect shout. He was bound to the Dragonborn because he owns Miraak's soul, so I hope that cleared up a few question you all may have had.
Anyways, I hope this chapter lived up to your expectations, since it is probably what I would consider the ultimate climax of the story.
ASOIAF quote of the day: "Those are brave men, let's go kill them!" –Tyrion Lannister.
