Dragonsreach earned its name when the ancient Nord hero Olaf One-Eye imprisoned his foe, the great dragon Numinex, within the palace.
Chapter 5
I was inside a wooden cabin, it was small and yet it was comfortable. Then I saw someone lying close to a fire place. There were misplaced furnature and broken chairs, a sign of a struggle. Then close to the dead body was a woman with ashen gray skin and black hair.
At first I thought she was a Dunmer, but she looks different. First she's short compared to a Dunmer. She has a long black hair that reach the end of her neck. Her yes look seductive and yet you can tell she had secrets She notice me, our eyes meet. For some reason I should've known her but I can't. I have a sense that I should be on my guard and in the same time I can trust her.
Then I was at an old ruin, following an old man. He was a season warrior yet when we were confronted by a two headed monster, fear was the first thing he had shown. As the monster charge at us. I took the initiative and attack the creature, slaying it with no difficulty. The strange thing though was that I felt a strange power. A force that I just broke.
"Do you know what you have done!" He express him self. Confused and relived at the same time. He express his concerns, that I alter his fate but he was grateful none the less for saving his life.
We continue till we reach a chamber. In the center of it was a large glowing cylindrical stone. I felt a familiar force into it. The same force I felt when I slew the creature moments ago. He then ask me to touch a cylindrical stone. Once my flesh touches it's surface, it broke apart, and leaving a round tablet stone.
Then everything change. I was standing on a gigantic tree. You can sense that it was alive, ancient with knowledge and wisdom. Then it spoke.
"Will you be a Gardner who's touch heal or a fire that which burns all in your wake."
I felt my self waking up. Light dances in my sight as I slowly open my eyes. I can smell some burning herbs and moaning, there must be someone in pain. I try to stand up, but I can't. I felt my body to be heavy.
"Please don't stand, your still to weak." Said an unknown voice to me. Her voice was unfamiliar to me but it was gentle and caring. I let my self slip back to unconsciousness.
Awoke once more with a jolt. I breath heavily as I look around. I was inside, what looks like inside of a temple. Then I notice the statute of Kynareth. I got up to look for someone who can answer me.
"You're a wake. Good." Said a woman's voice. I turn a round. I saw a woman in steel armor. Her face was expressionless but she was a beautie. She must be between her 20th to 22nd season.
"You should sit down. We need to talk." Said the armored lady.
Then she proceed in asking me what happen then ask me my name. Afterwards she stood up and look at me.
"I'll call the head priestess of this temple."
"Where am I?" I ask her as she walks away.
"Your in the temple of Kynareth. You've been here since last Midas." She said and went to get the head priestess.
Since last Midas, that means I've been asleep for at least a week. It can't be. But I can feel my body being weak, then hunger and thirst. How was I alive. The last thing I remember was my fight with the dragon. Then... I can't remember anything. What happen after that. I have no idea.
The woman then return with the high priestess of this temple. A woman wearing a light brown robe, she should be in her late 20th or early 30th season.
"By Kynareth's mercy your awake. We dread that you would not recover." Said the high priestess as she approach me.
I was sitting trying to get my bearing as I examine my body. The way my muscles ache, the dryness of the lips and the hunger in my stomach. All of this are coming to me.
"Water" I ask as I smack my lips to see if it can be wet with my saliva.
"Here. Surely your thirsty after not having any to drink for a week." Said the woman clad in steel armor as she handed me a chalice of water.
"Head priestess I'll take my leave. The Jarl would want to know of his waking." Said the woman as she said her goodbye to the head priestess and left.
"Who was she? " I ask the priestess.
"She's one of the shield maiden of Dragons reach." The priestess reply back.
"You should stay, lay down and rest. I'll bring you something to eat."
After a two days of rest and recovery, I was strong enough to present my self to the Jarl.
The Jarl welcome me with open arms, a warrior coming back from a long battle. Well I did fought a dragon. But when I look around, the hall seems to be empty. Only two guards on the Jarl side, one was the shield maiden back in the temple, Irileth at the back of the Jarl and his brother on the right side and his steward at his left.
"Tor has told me all that occurred. I must say to ride a dragon on its back then to slay it. Your deed would the sang in all of Skyrim." Jarl Balgruuf said as he smile and laughed at my action.
"But I must ask you to refrain from spreading it." He continued, his tone suddenly changing to that of a serious face.
"I have issue a ģag order to the man who survived and to the rest of my men." He then look at his steward.
"If word spread that Whiterun was attack by a dragon. Ulfric Stormcloak might decide to lunch an attack on us or even the empire." Proventus start to expalin.
I wasn't even going to spread and boast of that. Truthfully every thing that happen was a blur to me. But I refrain from speaking or even interpreting the steward of Whiterun. He then continued.
"If any of the party involve in the civil war found out that Whiterun might be vulnerable. They can lunch an attack on us. Then we might have ask for another dragon than fight an army on opposite sides."
Well it actually make sense. But I have no clue what really is happening in Skyrim. I just got here and I'm not one to get involved in politics. I'm just a simple Nord, raise by an uncle that is now dead. And have grown up on the street of Cyrodiil.
"I gave you my word, I will not speak of this incident. Or even bring this up." I said.
"I'm a simple man, just trying to live his life."
"Simple indeed." Said the Stewart.
"I said this before, but won't killing a dragon and telling it and letting it spread be better to us than simply keeping it secret. It will show that Whiterun can beat a dragon and it would be foolish to wage a war against us." The Jarl's brother, Hrothgar, said.
"Yes we have discussed this and as I have pointed out. If this information spread, many would want to investigate. And then what. They will know that we've lost a lot of men to slay a dragon. Then they will know that only a single person slew it. They will see that our men won't be a threat and instead will push for war." The steward retort back.
"True." Said Irileth
"But still... many would hesitate to invade a hold who's man can boast of killing a dragon. It would be a great way for as to..."
"Enough Hrothgar. This is not the time to discuss this. And I would be damned if I let this war reach our gates." Said Balgruuf as he cut off his brother.
"Beside today is not about us but him." Balgruuf said pointing at me.
I don't know what's going on, but I felt uncomfortable when the Jarl said this. Then Jarl Balgruuf took a deep breath, the way he look at me was grim, the expression he made seem that there is a threat to me or to his hold or that I'm the very threat.
"Do you know what a Dragonborn is?" He ask me as he move forward, his elbow rest on the side of his throne and his chin rest on the back of his hands.
I shook my head and answer no. I don't know what a Dragonborn is. Only that the previous rulers of the empire claimed that title. Then the Jarl's brother told me what is a Dragonborn. Some sort of mythical warrior that can use the power of the voice, the Thu'um, the same power the dragons posses.
"It seems the Graybeards have called you. They think that you are a Dragonborn." The Jarl said to me as he keep looking at me, waiting to see something unnatural that I'll show to him, or if I'll react to what he just said.
Why would they think I'm a Dragonborn and what do they want with me. I don't know anything about this Graybeards or me being a dragonborn. But it seems that the rest of them know what it means. Or at least their figuring out about me.
"What do these Greybeards want with me?" I ask the Jarl. Knowing the purpose of the this Graybeards, I can avoid any unwanted trouble.
"The Dragonborn is uniquely gifted in the Voice - the ability to focus your vital essence into a Thu'um, or Shout." He explain.
"If you really are Dragonborn, they can teach you how to use your gift."
Ok so this Graybeards can teach me something like the shout. What ever that is. But I don't even know if I can do it.
"How did they know, that I'm... Dragonborn? Surely there must be a mistake." And more importantly how did the Jarl know I'm a Dragonborn.
"If they think you're Dragonborn, who are we to argue?" Balgruuf shrug it off as if it been a fact.
"You'd better get up to High Hrothgar immediately. There's no refusing the summons of the Greybeards, it's a tremendous honor." He then look to the side, his face seems to change to that of one looking for a peaceful place.
"I envy you, you know. To climb the 7,000 Steps again..." He then look back at me.
"I made the pilgrimage once, did you know that? High Hrothgar is a very peaceful place. Very... disconnected from the troubles of this world." He seems to long for a place that takes him away from all of the politics that came with his title.
"I wonder that the Greybeards even notice what's going on down here. They haven't seemed to care before... No matter. Go to High Hrothgar. Learn what the Greybeards can teach you." Balgruuf suggested, but to me it's more like an order.
He then stood up. With his hand, he gesture something like 'get me that thing' to one of the guards. The guard approach the Jarl and gave a dagger. It wasn't that fancy but the scabbard shows an etching of a horse head.
"You have done Whiterun a great deed. For this I shall award you the title of Thane. It's a honorary title, one that will make you a minor noble, but this will give you a status above the common folks."
"Take this dagger as a symbol of your status toward this hold." He then presented me the dagger. He then look at the woman from the corner.
"Lydia will be assigned as your shield maiden. A well respected member of my shield maidens and one of the best."
Lydia steps in and present her self.
"It is an honor to serve you Thane. I'm Lydia Fieldblade, and I'll be at your service from now on."
I look at her then back at Jarl Balgruuf. This can't be right. Just by killing a dragon, I was awarded a title and a servant?! There must be something going on here. I know there is. It's to good to be awarded with such boon with no strings attached. But I can't voice my thought just yet. And if there is something else with this title, I'll find a way to fix it, but still what in oblivion! I suspect that this is one way for the Jarl to make sure I don't break my promise. But right now, all I want is to head to Solitude and finish what I came here in the first place.
After the ceremony, I was given a chamber to rest for the night while I'll have to make my preparation for my departure. It wasn't to fancy but it had a soft bed, you can really be envious to this highborns when you look at their confort and when I was reminded that I had to sleep in the street of Cyrodiil. I lay down on the soft bed and let my worries be the problem for the me tomorrow.
The next day, I went straight to the market district and purchase the necessity for my travel to Solitude. Yep, I won't be heading to High Hrothgar immediately, instead I'll be heading to Solitude. I just hope that Hadvar manage to get back there in one piece and that he had clear my name. I don't want to end up on the chopping block again.
Lydia insisted to a company me. It seems improper for a Thane to walk around without a bodyguard with him. I told her that I won't need one and it will be more discrete to do so. But she was persistence in her duty. So yeah, I cave in and let her. But I did told her to lose the shield and as much as possible not to mention of my status. She agree and then we head out.
The first on my mind was a map. When I mention this to Lydia she immediately said that we can acquire one from the court mage or from the Stewart. I did not object to this but seeing the opportunity to get rid of my shadow. I ask Lydia to get me a copy. After Lydia left, I immediately went to the Market district of the City. It was bustling with people, many trading their wares and other just browsing around.
I started searching for the general good store to start my shoping. Once I found the store I was greated by a Breton. Bit friendly for my taste, but I can't argue.
"I'm looking for some supply I need for my travels. Can you show me your wares."
"Sure I can. What do you need any way?" He ask.
I told him that I'll need provision for a long journey between Whiterun hold and Solitude. He showed me the best item he can sell me but also ask if I have the Septim to pay him. I sigh internally for this one. I show him my coin poch and let the sound of the coins convince him that I can pay.
After buying the essential for two person, Lydia approach me with a stern look.
"My Thane, I have once inform you that it's not a wise choice to move around with out an escort." Lydia reprimanded me as she look around for any trouble.
"The Hold may seems peaceful but you do not know who would do you ill, as such you should be carefull."
"Honestly if you act so protective and paranoid around you, people will suspect a thing. And that will just invite trouble." I told Lydia of this.
"Beside, if you want to avoid trouble in a crowded place, you need to blend in."
"I see, I guest I did not know about this." Lydia reply back, she look in deep though.
I won't say any more. But I wonder if Lydia has ever travel before. This will be troublesome, specially since she's older than me.
Since both Lydia and I have weapons already, it wasn't necessary to buy a new one. Although I look at the axe I was given and it's not my style, I was taught to use a sword and bow, but still I can't complaint. Specially now that I have both an enchanted sword and an axe. I wondered if Lydia was as good as the Jarl said. Anyway I'll trust her for now. I won't judge her ability until I see it for myself.
I continue to look around just incase I missed anything from that general goods store. The market was large, with a lot of space for people to walk around. And it seems that it's also well guarded. A thief would have a hard time picking pockets without bumping into a guard.
I notice Lydia stop for a moment. She eyed something from the distance. I look at the same spot she's looking and saw a young man with long blond hair and a beard to match. He's wearing a nice set of clothes, one that shows his status as either a highborn or at least someone in a wealthy family. On his waist strap a sword. Seems to be looking at something. Then he seems to look at us, and slowly walk toward our direction.
"Who is he?" I ask her. She look at me and took a deep breath.
"Hello Jon, it's been a while." Lydia greated the young Nord.
"It has been to long since we last meet, Lydia. How's life treating you?"
"Fine." She said plainly.
I'm guessing she wants to end their conversation but it seems that Jon was not yet satisfied with that simple answer and look at me.
"And who might this lad be Lydia?"
"Ymir Ironice. Nice to meet you." I reply back before Lydia can reply for me.
"Well met, kinsman. What brings you to Whiterun?" He ask. But before I can answer him he look over my shoulder then head to the fruit vendor, and start to talk to a young woman around the same age as Lydia.
"Let's leave before he decided to return back." Said Lydia. For some reason there was a bit of bitterness in her tone.
We head over to the tavern close to us, and even though it's still morning, the place is full of people willing to spend their coin for entertainment. We search around and found an empty spot at the very corner of the place. I set all my stuff just under the table and sat. Lydia on the other hand just stood next to me and act as my guard.
"Lydia you can sit down... like I said, if we stand to much, well be gaining a lot of attention." I said and gesture to the next sit across me.
She followed and sit down.
"So who was that guy?" I ask Lydia, a bit curious to the encounter and the fact that she was in a first name basis with that Nord.
"Jon Battle-Born of clan Battle-Born. He and I were once old friend." Lydia said as she towards the fireplace, her expression seems lonesome and hurt. I decided to not push the conversation further.
By this time a barmaid arrive. She's a Redguard woman around her late 20th or probably early 30th season. The one thing I notice about her was her beauty but she has a scar below her right eye.
"What can I get you? Ale, mead..." She ask with a smile.
"Two mead and what's currently on the menu?" I said
"We have a roast chicken and some beaf stew. We also have a fresh bake bread."
I ordered the roast chicken and bread. After that she left and headed to the kitchen to get our meal. While we wait for the meal to arrive, I want to plan our travel to Solitude.
"Lydia can you show me the map you got from the steward." I ask Lydia.
She presented me the map and lay it on the table. It wasn't as detailed as I hope. The map only shows the entire hold with marking where each known town and city can be found, red line indicate it's boarder with the nearby holds and a dark line indicate the main roads to each holds. I inspect the map and look at the road that lead to Solitude from Whiterun. There were several options I can choice to head to Solitude from Whiterun.
"Lydia, can you tell me anything about the roads between Whiterun and Solitude?" I ask her.
"Hmm... Well according to some reports I've heard most roads are actually very dangerous. With the war going on most road are littered with bandits." She reply back.
"But do you know which road would be safer to travel?" I ask her only for her to shake her head.
Damn... I need to know the safest route from here to Solitude. I don't mind fighting a couple of bandit but it would be troublesome if we end up fighting an entire group.
By this time the food arrive. I decided to fill by belly before thinking of anything else. But I need to get more information. Then again I'm in a tavern, which means gossip and information can be aquire here.
I look around and notice two man drinking heavily, there face seems defeated. But I might get something from them. I told Lydia to continue eating and order two more mead.
"Can I join you?" I said as I hold the two bottle of mead in my hand and put it on their table.
"By all means, join us." Reply by one of the two guys.
Now that I look at him closer the guy who reply look like a cyrodiilian, black short hair, a beard that does not grow to much to cover his face and a tan skin. The other one looks like a breton.
"What bring you two here in Whiterun? Trade?" I ask as I offer them the mead.
"You can say that." Reply the breton as he take the offered mead and start to drink.
"We hope that we can sell our good... but damn I never realized that this froze place would ruin us."
Said the cyrodiilian as he look deep into the fireplace and start to drink as well.
"What do you mean?" I further ask.
He the told me what happen. Apparently they arrive in Solitude with a large number of good Including a stock of Daggerfall forge armor and sword. Like me, they were planing their route and decided to use the route that lead them from Solitude to Markarth but was ambush by Forsworn, a clan of Reachmen who are fighting a long war of independence and seek to retake Markarth from the Nords and free the Hold from Imperial authority. It's seems that they were able to survive and escape but lost their goods and a partner, a cyrodiilian merchant. A patrol of Whiterun Guards were able to aid them just next to the town of Rorikstead.
I gave my condolence to them and offered them an additional two more mead then I headed to the inn keeper.
"Heard any news between here and Hjaalmarch." I inquire.
"Why?" She ask back while cleaning a mug.
"I plan to head there by the morrow. Want to make sure." I answered her with a lie.
"Then you need to forget it." She said as she put down the mug and lean towards me.
"I do not know if this is true, I heard that that place is curse. A lot of people disappeared and they say that it's the steward of Morthal who's the cause if it, other say... it's vampires. Either way only few people travel here to Hjaalmarch." I left her with a silver cyrodiil then head back to my table and finish my meal and mead.
I look at the map once more and decide on the path.
"Well Lydia, I know what to do now, and it's going to be a long journey." Said to her and tap on the map. Pointing the road from here to Solitude.
Author's note: Finally another chapter done. I sincerely apologize that this one took longer. My original notes for this chapter and the next chapter were lost. But with the quarantine and all I figured that I'll be re-writing this chapter with the next one. Do hope you give a constructive comments on this Elder Scroll Fanfiction so I'll know if I have to make some correction. Gods know I have a lot to fix.
Disclaimers:
The elder scroll series V: Skyrim is an intellectual property of Bethesda studio. All stories, character, and any other mechanics fond in the games that was use in this story is rightfully own by Bethesda studio.
Kingdoms of Amalur is an intellectual property of Big Huge Games and 38 Studios. All stories, character, and any other mechanics fond in the games that was use in this story is rightfully own by Big Huge Games and 38 Studios. This story is a non-profit, fan fiction story and is not consider cannon from the source material.