"I go forth to meet my death with honor. If you are worthy, take up my blade and do the same."
ACILIUS BOLAR
Chapter 6
The next day I've woke up and readied everything that Lydia and I needed to head to Solitude. Everything from food, water, some few clothes and our weapons.
While I was sitting on this comfortable bed, I look at the axe that I lazily place next to the bed. The Axe of Whiterun. I was never an axe person, and my uncle who have trained me to use almost every weapon out there, from dagger to a war hammer. The weapon I hated to use the most was the battle axe. It's to big for me, while I can say the same thing with a war hammer, there is a difference between using the weight of your weapon to crush your opponent and just swinging what you can say is a giant axe.
Then I took the enchanted sword. It looks old and one can see that it has seen worst. I carefully examined it to see if there were any problem. I've already sharpen this last night before I went to bed, and base on how it feel when I touch it, it's enchantment hasn't run out.
I was finishing my final preparation when I heard a knock on my door.
"My Thane, I'm coming in." Said Lydia as she entered my room.
"I'm all set and ready to depart. Just say the word." Said Lydia as she stand in front of me.
"Lydia how good are you with an axe." I ask her.
"Pretty good I must say. Irileth trained me to use all known weapons." Lydia answered.
I nod and stood up. I reach for the axe and pick it up and present it to Lydia.
"You can use this." I said.
Lydia look at me, then at the axe.
"I can't. Is this not the Axe of Whiterun. The Jarl has given this to you to use." Lydia protests.
"Yes he did. But I'm not good with this weapon. In fact I hate using this type of weapon. And it will be a shame if it became a decoration on my back." I said.
Lydia was looking hard on it. Contemplating my decision.
"Your my housecarl, and you have sworn to protect me. Think of this as my way of trusting you with my life." I said hoping to convince her.
In truth, I just want to get rid of it. And rather than sell it, I prefer if Lydia can use this. Beside I prefer to use a sword and axe are not my cup of mead.
"I will use it and protect you with my life." Lydia reply.
We head out towards the gate, were we arrive at the stables. It seems that the Jarl has prepared two horse for us to use. A chesnut colored horse and Appaloosa, a white horse with black spots.
I felt bad that I'll be heading to the opposite direction when the Jarl though that I'll be heading to High Hrothgar. But I made my resolve. After I finish my promise to my dead uncle, I'll head there and see what the Greybeards wants.
Lydia prepared everything and ready our horses and our stuffs. She was about to mount her horse, the Appaloosa one, when she notice me not yet mounting mine.
"What seem to be the problem my Thane?" She ask.
"I've never ridden a horse before." I reply honestly.
"I understand." Lydia simply reply and approach me.
She then instructed me on how to mount a horse and told me that we will taking it slow as to not only help me learn to ride but also to help me bond with it.
She continued her teaching, if you can call it that. How the sigil of Whiterun, the white horse on a yellow field, represents the vast land it has. And the horse that graze on it. I guest Whiterun has vast open plain for the horses to run.
As we continue are travel while Lydia talks about the hold of Whiterun, we've arrive on a familiar place. The Watch Tower. I can see the evidence of an attack. The top of the tower blacken by the dragon's breath, the scorch land and the more damage wall that has almost become nonexistant.
They were a few guards station, vigilant for any threats that may come. Among them I notice a familiar face, Tor, one of the guards that joined me when we fought the dragon Mirmulnir.
I still don't know why I know the dragon's name or why I know some things that I've never seen before. And the words...
We've approach the tower and Tor greeted us.
"Its good to see you well lad." He said.
"I'm glad to see you to Tor... how've you been?" I've ask.
"I'm great lad." He simply reply with a smile.
"And I heard that you've been made Thane. Such great honor to be made one, eh lad." He commented.
"Tor! I will remind you that the Thanehood of Ymir Ironice is still a secret. To sa..."
"I know las, but it's not a secret among us, is it?" Tor reply back before Lydia can say anymore.
Lydia seems to give up and just release a heavy sigh.
"So lad, where you heading. I tought that you'll be heading to High Hrothgar, with the Greybeards summoning you an'all." Tor inquire.
I wonder how much he knows about me being Dragonborn, but I shook it off my head.
"I'm heading to Solitude, got something do there first, it was the reason why I've come to Skyrim in the first place." I reply honestly.
Tor then look west, and I notice he grip his sword and his expression change, like he just saw an enemy he want to cut.
"You should be careful then lad..." Tor said.
"Why?" Lydia ask.
"Two days ago a group of Thalmore went by, they even ask what happened here." Tor answered.
"Of course we told them that a fire broke out, but they don't seem to accept this as the truth... and it seems that they are in a hurry, something about someone that they just found." Tor continue. His word full of bitter hatred toward the high elves.
I glance at Lydia, I can see hatred in her eyes as well. And you can't blame this two Nords. In fact if you ask me I have my personal reason to hate them. Don't get me wrong I don't hate the Mer kind, but i have a grounded reason to hate the Thalmors. And it's not some thing to do with the great war. No, this hate I have is personal.
"I understand, will keep to our selves and away from them... and thank you Tor." I reply back.
We continued our journey toward Solitude. And even with the horse, it will take days, about a week or two. And with my poor skill as a horse rider it will slow us down. And I don't want to be involved with any unnecessary trouble and I hope that the Thalmors would be far away by the time we reach Solitude.
It was nearing sunset when Lydia suggested for us to rest. And in truth I would also like to rest. My back was already aching and I felt like I was the one being ridden by the horse.
Lydia help me dismount and she took care of preparing the camp while I started the fire and prepared our meal.
"I did not know you can use magic my Thane." Lydia commented when she saw me ignite the fire woods.
"My uncle thought me how to use some of the basic magic... he thought me a lot of things."
"Where is he now?" Lydia ask.
"He's gone" I simply reply...
Lydia did not said much but what she did was offered to cook tonight's meal. I was excited to taste the food Lydia made. Normally I would just roast the meat on the fire and call it a meal. I want to eat a meal made by someone that isn't a tavern meal.
While Lydia prepared to cook l, I question her about Whiterun and anything I need to know. She was some how happy to tell me all about Whiterun and it's people. This includes the history of Dragonsreach and the current house that rules Whiterun, and the current house of Thanes.
"And since you're the youngest appointed Thane, your house will be written in the history of the hold." Lydia finish as she handed me a bowl of beef stew.
It looks good but did I just saw a large piece of wood in the stew... maybe just my imagination, probably just a piece of meat that looks like a large piece of chop wood. I thank Lydia for the food and dig in...
Once the stew enter my mouth, it remains in my mouth. My body refuse to consume the food. A mixture of taste bombarded my senses, and it was not good.
Lydia was looking at me expectantly. I had to force the thing in my mouth down my throat.
"So Lydia, can you tell me anything about the other holds." I ask, trying to move the topic and avoid commenting her awful cooking.
"Well since were heading to Solitude, we can start with that." She said, half disappointed that I have not commented on her cooking and half understanding of my inquiry.
I made a mental apology to her. But to tell her about the awful food would break her confidence.
She gave me what she knows of each hold. Including who are the current Jarls and their current standing with the war.
Basically the province of Skyrim is divided in to two the west side and the east. Falkreath, Haafingar, Hjaalmarch, and the Reach, is siding with the empire, while the Stormcloaks control Eastmarch, the Pale, the Rift and Winterhold fighting to "free" Skyrim and be independent.
"So what about Whiterun? What side is it on?" I ask.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not a loyalist, and I care to little about the empire as its citizens, but I know and a lot of the people know that the true enemy is the Thalmors.
The empire already lost Hammerfell. And High Rock seems to be to distant to the empire.
"The Jarl, Balgruuf the Greater, wish not to join this conflict. For him, it is a pointless bloodbath." Lydia reply.
"Even inside Whiterun, this war has divided two house that once call each other friends." She continued.
"Because of that, the Jarl has made a point not to be part of this war. But in exchange he has possibly made two enemies."
We notice that the sun had set and it has become dark. I offered to be the first watch but Lydia insist to take it first. We argue for a while but I gave up and agree to take the second watch later.
I start to lie down on my roll bed and watch the fire, slowly I enter my dream. Fire, that was the first and last thing I saw that day.
I was heading home, my usual days back in Cyrodil was the same. I went to the city of Kavach, earn some money, then head home.
But on that day, as I head to my place a saw the forest lighting up with the the color ember. And I can hear a noise, steal on steal, and shouts of command.
I rush toward my home only to see it burn and my uncle face with five hooded figures. Their height and the weapons the carrier gave away who they are. Thalmors.
I want to rush in and help my uncle, but with out a weapon, all I can do is wait for an opportunity.
I hid my self among the shrubbery and examined the situation. My uncle has been cornered but still fighting, but he seems calm as he hold his two sword. On his left was the gladius that I always see, and on his right was a slightly curve looking sword with a single edge. This was the first time a saw such a sword. I never knew he has one.
Two Thalmor already wounded but still able to fight, the other two slowly approach him and the last one was standing a far, waiting for the moment he can deliver the final strike.
"My, my, my... I was informed that there was a possible Blade in this area, but to think it's you who we manage to find... what a catch." Said the Thalmor at the very far.
"I'm surprised that you've manage to find me at all... I guest your people isn't as dumb as they look." Said my uncle.
"Enough. You four surround him. Make sure he doesn't get away." The Thalmor order.
I want to charge in and help my uncle. I move my self only to stop immediately. My uncle was looking at me. 'Not yet.' That what his gaze gave me.
"So... they sent five Thalmor to hunt an old man. How pathetic your organization really is, a place for cowards." My uncle taunt.
The Thalmors did not said much, but it's clear they don't want to be look down. And the two injured Thalmor charge at my uncle.
"Die dog!" One of the injured Thalmor yelled and he attack my uncle.
The other one followed and attack at the same time as his allied.
'Clang'
The two elf was block, and my uncle quickly kick the other one to create a distance, with no hesitation, he move his freed hand and stab the neck of the first Thalmor.
As he fell to the ground, my uncle immediately move to close the gap between him and the second attacker. He kick the elf again and using the momentum he lift himself off the ground and strike the Thalmor down, freeing the sword his opponent have and finishing him of with a single move, beheading the elf.
The sword landed close to my location. I want to charge in and grab the sword and help my uncle, but before I can make a move, two more Thalmor charge at him.
With no hesitation, I rush in and grab the sword...
"Crack"
I woke up with the sound of the firewood cracking as the fire continues to burn.
"My Thane are you ok?" Ask Lydia as she look at me with concern.
"I'm fine... had a dream." I reply, still faze from the dream I had.
"It sound an awful dream... you were tossing and moaning about something." Lydia commented.
"I'll take over from here Lydia. You can sleep." I said. Tying to move away from a potential awkward reply to a topic I don't want to discuss.
Lydia nodded and head to her bed roll.
"You know, my Thane , if you ever want to talk about your dream, you can tell me." She said.
"I know" I simple reply.
Lydia must have realized that I do not want to talk about it and just simple nod and sleep.
I watch the fire as it continues to burn. Remembering that day and that last Thalmor, and the wound I gave him, a mark that I will never forget.
When morning came, Lydia and I cleaned our camp and head out. It will still be a long journey before we can head to Solitude but we're getting there.
Two day had passed since we began our journey. During that time I have got to know something about Lydia, not everything, but some.
She told me about her training with Irileth and how hard it was... and she put it mildly. The way she reminisced, it put a shiver down my spine, and I made a mental note not to cross Irileth.
It was late noon when we heard a thunderous sound. My horse got spoke and almost throw me off it's back. But luckily Lydia manage to come it down.
"What was that?" Lydia ask as she look around.
She was on guard and so was I. I don't know what's going on, but I know it was magic. Specially since the sky was clear and no thunder cloud on sight.
Then from a distance not to far, I can hear screaming, and a sound of steal hitting each other. Someone is fight not to far from us. Then it hit me... the Thalmors. They were spotted by Tor a few days ago.
Remembering my dream, I didn't hesitate to get down from my horse and approach the source of the sound. Lydia scream something but I ignored it.
Was I stupid to do this when I know I shouldn't be messing with the Thalmor, the answer was a big yes. But remembering what happened that day, the day I lost the only family I have, I couldn't help it. It was just out of impulse.
Nearing the source of the conflict. I saw one old man and four armored elves and one cloak in a black hooded robe, typically worn by a Thalmor Justiciar, I was about to draw my blade when I felt like someone tackled me from behind.
"I'm sorry Thane, but what are you doing?!" Lydia ask as she breath heavily.
"I...I..." for some reason I can't reply back.
In my head, I was also wondering why I'm doing this. Who ever was being hunted by the Thalmors was not my concern, but when the memory of that night flash before me, I couldn't help but act. Was this for vengeance, or is there something else.
"I dont know why I'm doing this Lydia. I just remember what happen to my uncle, and I..."
Before I could say anything else, we heard someone scream in pain. As I look closer, I notice five Thalmors, including their Justiciar.
"You were hard to find... Bolar." Said the Justiciar as he slowly walk closer to the old man.
"It took you this long to hunt me down? I must say, you Thalmors have always been idiots." Bolar reply back with a sneer.
"Is that your last word, dog... " the justiciar said.
He then gave an evil sneer. He look at the old man, as he move his hand to give a signal to move forward and end the old tired warriors life.
"You know, he was the same as you... The human I killed in Kvatch." The justiciar comment.
"What was his name again... ah... yes, Titus, Titus Quintus I believe. What a fool he was, thinking he can match the strength and power of the Thalmors, but in the end he beg for his life, pleading while he cry for mercy." The Thalmor mock.
When I heard the name Titus Quintus, my vision went dark, my breathing became heavy and my hand grab the hilt of my enchanted sword.
My though abandoned me, any reasoning for me to walk away disappear and a new emotion enter my mind... Rage.
With no hesitation I charge at the Thalmors and took on the closes one. Surprise from the uninvited opponent, the Thalmor closes to me was unable to defend himself and was dispatched immediately.
Lydia followed my lead and attack the second closes to me. But this Thalmor was already aware and manage to block Lydia`s attack.
"Who the fuck are you!" Yell the Justiciar as panicked and anger fill his thought.
"You where there... " I said, my voice was strain and hatred fill my mind.
This bastard was there, at that night I lost the only family I had. And he will pay.
I charge at him, but I was block by another Thalmor soldier. Our sword clash. I wasn't backing down on them even if I wanted to, i won't.
The last soldier had move towards me, Lydia was occupied just handling one Thalmor, I had no choice but to fight two on one. This was the worst position I'll be but I have to fight.
I only have a few second to react, but it was enough to wave the Flame sigh in my hand and use the spell to distract my attacker.
As the magic reach the Thalmor, he use his hand to protect his face and stop his momentum. This was enough to give my self and my current opponent the distance I need.
I kick my opponent to the side and land a strong slice attack on the charging Thalmor, the sword reach his neck and cut it off his shoulder. Sending his decapitated head flying off.
The Thalmors I kick manage to recover and try to engage me in combat. I reacted enough to block his sword. Returning us to were we began.
I move quickly and engage him in sword play. He try to parry every move I make, but i know that one of us will give and land a good hit. Then in the corner of my eye I notice the Justiciar chanting, lines of light start to surround him, as his hand move around, I can see lightning forming around him, and with out warning, he unleashed the magic.
The magic was aimed at me but I manage to break away from my opponent before it can hit me, but rather than hitting me, it struck my opponent, then it bounce to the next target... Lydia.
She was aware of the situation and push her opponent to the path of the magic and manage to avoid getting hit.
I turn around and notice the Justiciar in shock and panic. He just killed two of his man. And the last one was finally been dispose by the old man.
Before we can react, the old man fell to his knees. Lydia approach him and said him. I on the other hand close my distance with the Thalmors.
Seeing me getting close, the Thalmor draw his sword, but I manage to get it off from him with a swing of my blade. In panic, he fell off on his butt.
"Who are you! Do you know that I'm a Thalmor Justiciar! And you have interfered in an official Thalmor Business."
I stood over him my sword read to struck him down, but I keep my rage in. In my mind I know I'll be able to find him and kill him, but I did not hope that it would be this soon.
"You... where there... did you kill Titus?" I said with anger ready to struck him down...
"So what if I was. He was a weakling who cried for mercy under my hand..." he reply as he sneer at the revelation...
I can senses Lydia's eyes were on me and so was the old man. But I did not care. For me, this moment was something I wanted to happen.
I pointed my sword at the Thalmor, making sure he understood that he was not in a position to claim dominion or superiority. No I'm sure he should realize who I was, if it was him who kill my uncle, the wound would have been a scar by now.
"Do you know what will happen to you if you continue to point your weapon at me! Now state your name, and release me, if you do, I'll make sure your death would me swift and painless."
"You don't remember me!?"
"And why should I remember anyone lesser." He reply.
I realized that he was not there, only one Thalmor survived that night...
I use the edge of my sword and lifted his hood. No scar on his left eye, it should be there. But no, there was not.
I felt defeated. My chance to avenge my uncle was not yet over. And yet I still fill this anger. To this mer claiming to have killed my uncle.
"Your not the one who killed Titus Quintus. The man who almost killed him had a scar on his face, on his left eye!" I yelled at the Thalmor.
Before I knew what happen, my body moved and killed the Thalmors Justiciar. Stab him straight through his heart.
I fell empty inside, then I look at Lydia and the old man. And I was afraid that they would judge me, condemn me for what I just did. But instead they look at me with understanding.
I head towards them. Lydia was already treating the old man's wounds. But I already can see that the old man was dying.
"I do not know what to do."Lydia said as she try desperately to keep the man alive. But she knows that he won't last.
"Titus Quintus, you know him..." the old man ask as I got close to him.
"Yeah... he was my uncle." I reply back.
"Then he is dead... was it him who killed Titus?" He ask.
I shook my head.
The Mer I'm looking for manage to escape when i injured his eyes. But I know his out there... and I'll deliver the final blow and kill him.
The man then look toward the entrance of a cave.
"Inside, you'll find my sword, take it, it will serve its purpose in your hand." He said.
After his last word were said, he passed away. We gave him a proper burial. Lydia and I gathered all the wood we need to build a pyre. And Lydia said the last rites to send off the warrior to Sovngarde.
As I watch the fire burn the old man, i look at the letter that was attached to the sword the old man basically give to me. And I wonder how many of them are there... the Blades.
Author's note:
Man I have been procrastinating this whole time... but that's not the whole story. I've been preoccupied with my job(thank God I still have one) and I've been busy moving to my new place. And its not easy with covid still going around. But like I said still going to do this even if it's only one person liking this story. But I'll be soooooo happy if there will be more.
Hopefully I'll finish this Volume before 2021 end, and with my notes gone, it was hard to rewrite everything from this chapter to the next one.
Thanks again to Fenrir070 for being the first to comment. And hope you stick around till the end.
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 the 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.