Skyrim: Legacy of the Voklkihar Vampires

Disobedience of Command

Alester and Serana went back to the Castle Volkihar with satisfied smiles on their faces as they went inside.

But their smiles faded when they saw a figure they didn't want to see for a VERY long time.

'Lord' Harkon.

An annoyed Valerica walked to them. "Alester, this man suddenly appeared and tried to usurp my authority but I made it clear that my position is temporary while you're away. It didn't help that he wished to see you when he heard that you are engaged to Serana." She walked away for a while then brought the couple Garen Marethi while pinching his ear.

She demanded. "Explain." The elf whimpered but turned to Alester who looked furious.

"My lord, I can explain-" He didn't finish as Alester kicked him in the stomach and he fell on his back and saw Alester's foot on his chest. "Lord Harkon has whispered to me in a dream and commanded my body as his thrall. Before I knew it, I found myself kneeling to him at the Cathedral. Fortunately while Harkon is getting used to his body, I took control of mine and ran to Lady Valerica and warned her that Harkon has returned." He rubbed his cheek where she slapped him.

Alester removed his foot from Garen's chest and grabbed the elf in the collar while declaring. "In light of your testimony and the fact that you warned Valerica of this, I'm inclined to show you mercy. It comes with a price however as I am ordering you to head towards Winterhold and buy empty Soul Gems from the College wizards. Go to the College, tell them I sent you and they'll let you buy the gems. Go." Garen Marethi nodded and Alester let go of him then went outside the castle.

When Harkon turned to speak, Alester raised a hand to stop him. "Don't speak. I'll decide what to do with you after my announcement." He turned to Valerica. "Gather my elders. I wish to hear their reports." Valerica nodded as she turned around and leave.

Serana for her part, buried her face on Alester's back. She's afraid for her life and more about her beloved. She blocked out Harkon's attempts to speak to her, afraid of what he'll say to her.

Alester sat on the throne at the dining room with Serana and Valerica sitting beside him. Harkon just stood on the front of the table while he saw his advisors turned elders by Alester stand in front of the table.

Alester loudly announced. "I have returned successfully from the Reach and have brought additional thralls for our people to feed on. Elders! Let's hear your reports."

Orthgolf walked forward, face shining. "The Master Vampire leading the Cave was good but no match for my superiority. He managed to kill some of my followers but now he's dead and I have a new concubine. Oh she screamed my name when we are in bed..."

Serana giggled while Alester gestured for Vingalmo to speak. The elf walked forward, beaming proudly as he spoke. "For Dawnstar, the Dark Brotherhood did their job with flawless precision. Skald is dead and his servant is framed for the murder. For Winterhold, I had captured Korir and his family while Kraldar took his place as Jarl. They tried to hold against my torture methods but in the end, they all break as I made their child my servant and they became my personal thralls."

Alester forgot Falkreach as he asked. "Falkreach?"

"My doing." Orthgolf piped in. "With Vingalmo's help. A murder here, a letter there and all of a sudden Siddgeir is ousted of his position and his uncle too his place as Jarl."

Alester beamed and said to them. "You have done well, both of you. You have completed my instructions to the letter and more. I am pleased with your successes and know that your efforts are appreciated and will not go unrewarded but we will speak of that later." Orthgolf and Vingalmo stood straighter and beamed at his praise.

"You may take your leave. Harkon, stand in front of the table." Alester ordered and the two elders walked to the sides while Harkon stood forward.

Alester intoned. "Harkon. As you may or may not know, I am lord and master of the Castle Volkihar as such I am your superior. As much as Valerica would prefer you die again for your sins against her and her daughter, I aim to be merciful and give you a chance to earn your keep here. But make no mistake, I am the leader of the Volkihar clan, my word is law. When I am not around, Valerica is leader in my stead and you will defer to her or to me. Do I make myself clear?" Harkon nodded.

Feran Sadri ran to the front of the table while saying. "My lord, my spies have reported that High King Mors and one Skaal woman are running around Skyrim with the remnants of the Dawnguard and the Blades plus some cultists pursuing them. What are your orders?"

Alester pinched the bridge of his nose as he said. "As much as I would love to assist my brother, I have urgent matters at hand. I'm fairly sure that Mors and his follower can take of themselves now. I will retrieve them when the time is right."

Feran Sadri came by more news. "My lord, Vigilants of Stendarr are attacking our agents across Eastmarch as well as Haafingar territories. They are also attacking our spies at the Rift, Whiterun and near the edges of the Pale and Falkreach."

Alester demanded. "Where are their bases of operations if they have any?"

Orthgolf piped in. "On that I can help, three Vigilants attacked us while we were heading back from Falkreach. It is from a Fort according to a letter I have here."

Vingalmo added. "Two forts actually, they have allied themselves with the remnants of the Dawnguard in order to exterminate us. The fools, I thought we already sent them a message by burning down their precious hall."

Feran Sadri explained. "You are correct elders Orthgolf and Vingalmo. They are located in Forts Hraggstad and Amol. They have cleaned the places of bandits and conjurers and are now attacking our agents as we speak."

Alester gave out his marching orders. "Orthgolf, Vingalmo. I'm ordering you to attack those forts with extreme prejudice. As a reward for your previous tasks, I am having my two dragons, Kruziikrel and Relonikiv assist you against the Vigilants and the Dawnguard. Once they have been annihilated, have your vampires occupy those forts and place the hang the bodies on walls to scare those two groups and as a show of our power."

Orthgolf bowed. "It will be done."

Vingalmo bowed too. "It shall be as you say my lord."

Alester stood up from his seat and said. "Follow me, I'll call my dragons and they will assist you.

The three vampires went and outside and Alester called the names of Kruziikrel and Relonikiv, he waited while he shouted a third Shout.

DUR...NEH...VIIR!

Alester immediately spoke after Durnehviir after the undead dragon appeared. "While you're traveling around Skyrim, I want you to keep an eye on Mors Westford and assist him against his pursuers."

Durnehviir replied. "Very well, Qahnaarin." He flew away while Kruziikrel and Relonikiv arrived.

Alester gave out his orders to the two dragons. "Kruziikrel, you will assist Orthgolf in killing the Vigilants and the Dawnguard in Fort Hraggstad. Relonikiv, you will assist Vingalmo in taking over Fort Amol from those vampire hunters."

The two dragons spoke as one. "By your leave."

Alester turned to his two elders. "I am letting you have two of my dragons as support but I am making two things clear: One, these dragons are not pets. Don't treat them as one or they will be liable to go off on you. Two, make sure my dragons survive because if they don't, I'm banning you from entering the castle for a week. Am I understood?" They both nodded and he said. "Let's get to it vampires! Take over those forts then return to me, and make sure my dragons live."

He left them by the boat at Icewatter Jelly and returned inside the castle where he took his seat. He ordered Harkon who stood in front of him. "You are to head to Riften and 'persuade' Maven Black-Briar to back off from threatening Laila Law-Giver. Do not kill her, only to persuade or intimidate her from holding the people and the court under her grip."

Harkon asked. "Can't we just kill her? She is only one mortal after all."

Alester surprisingly shouted. "No! This will have dire consequences if you ever lay a hand over her head and I'm not just talking about Riften itself. She is very influential and her death will have devastating effect towards the Thieves Guild! I'm ordering you to persuade or intimidate Maven from threatening and ruining the people of Riften but DO NOT kill her. Maybe kill some of her people will suffice or influence her to."

Harkon sighed at using subtle methods. "I don't like this order you're giving me."

Alester coldly replied. "I'm not asking you to like it, I'm asking you to do it." Harkon bowed grudgingly then left the castle.

Valerica mused. "I do not trust my 'husband'. His short-sightedness brought his undoing and he won't consider the consequences of his actions. He will find a way to usurp you and fulfill that damnable prophecy."

Alester looked to her and said. "That may well be. I am going to give Harkon a chance to prove himself but if he so much as attempt a coup or disobey me too many a time, he will end up in a fate worse than death."

Valerica raised an eyebrow at that and asked. "And what would that be?"

Alester just shook his head and said. "Later, I'll tell you and Serana my contingency plan regarding Harkon..."

(One week and a day later)

Garen Marethi arrived at Castle Volkihar with a full stock of empty and filled Soul Gems of all types which he gave to Ronthil to store. Vingalmo and Orthgolf walked in with pride but Harkon only looked smug for some reason.

Alester noticed them while he was talking to Serana and said. "You have arrived. I assume that the tasks I gave you are a success?"

After he won against Orthgolf in a Rock Paper Scissors, Vingalmo reported. "We have exterminated the last of those Vigilant Boy Scouts and we have enthralled the rest of the Dawnguard. I am pleased to report that thanks to the dragon you lent to us that we have suffered no deaths while dealing a devastating one against the enemy."

Orthgolf reported next. "I just had my vampires rely on Necromancy and brute force to conquer Fort Hraggstad. For every single vampire those Dawnguard milk-drinkers kill, two more took place. I am happy to report that we have taken over the Fort and killed the rest."

Alester looked pleased and said. "Excellent. I am assuming that both of my dragons survived as I would've felt it if they died. For your reward, consider those forts you conquered yours. You are free to rule it and maintain them as you see fit. We can use those forts to keep an eye on Solitude and Windhelm while expanding our presence in Skyrim."

Seeing both elders beam at him for the reward, he added. "Have additional vampires occupy the Fort and before you leave, talk to Garan Marethi and Ronthil and tell them to install portals linking your forts to my castle." They both bowed in respect to him then they left to speak to Garan.

Then he saw Harkon walk towards him and reported. "Alester, Maven Black-Briar won't be a problem to Riften anymore."

Alester said. "Excellent. May I ask how did you get her to back off?"

Harkon puffed up his chest and said. "I held her and her son captive and threatened to kill her servants."

Alester looked slightly impressed and asked. "Interesting choice of tactics. Just which of her servants did you kill?"

Harkon looked deadpanned and simply replied. "I killed her son and then her. I don't make empty threats." Hoping that this would please Alester.

Instead it did the opposite as it, Alester glared at him and shouted. "You did what?! Harkon you fool! What part of my instructions did you not understand?! I ordered you NOT TO kill her as she's an influential person!"

While Alester went off on Harkon like that, Valerica asked her daughter who just look grim. "Is killing Maven a bad thing?"

Serana nodded and sadly explained. "My love here is the Guild Master of the Thieves Guild and the Guild is heavily reliant on influential people sympathetic to their causes. Because of Maven's death, the guild's influence in Riften will be set back considerably."

Alester finally finished shouting as he said. "I'm willing to bet 1,000 gold that I have here now that I'm responsible for her death and the Guild has expelled me for that! I want you to head back to Riften and make Reparations to them! Don't come back until you have done so!" He pointed to the entrance of the castle to make Harkon leave.

He turned to Valerica. "Valerica, tell Garan Marethi to come to me. I have a task for him." When she did so, he ordered the elf. "Garan, you are to tell the çourt to grant the one person in the prison named Sibbi Black-Briar a pardon then have him take over his mother's place as head of the family and the meadery."

Garan bowed and replied. "It shall be done." He left the castle after that.

Alester turned to Serana. "I'm afraid that Sibbi has big shoes to to fill if he were to follow in his mother's footsteps. I'm not sure if he can handle the massive amount of responsibility Maven did."

Serana nodded in agreement.

Valerica however made a prediction. "One of these days, Harkon might end up disobeying or subverting your orders."

Alester only sighed.

(Twenty days later)

Harkon managed to make Reparations to the Thieves Guild and it didn't help that he suffered a broken jaw from Brynjolf when Harkon told him that he was the one who killed Maven.

Sibbi was given lessons by Maul about his mother when the man was pardoned by the court at Garan's influence. Since then, he proved that he really is indeed his mother's son as he maintained a tight grip on the house and still be an influential person.

Right now at Castle Volkihar, Alester has gathered his court to make plans in making the truce between the Stormcloaks and the Legion becoming more permanent. According to Orthgolf's scouts, the two factions began making skirmishes against each other but no real assaults. Vingalmo added members of one those factions resorted to threats and insults that might provoke the opposing faction into a fist fight.

Alester rubbed his face as he heard Vingalmo's explanations. "The hatred between those two factions is too steep. Influencing them through Illusion magic can only do so much, I believe that it's best that the instigators of those would just...disappear."

Alester replied. "Very well. Have Fura Bloodmouth take care of those troublemakers." He turned to his love. "Serana, you will go to both Tulius and Ulfric to remind them of their..obligations...take Garan Marethi with you as your escort." Serana nodded.

Harkon and Valerica stood on the sidelines as the former said. "I can't believe that he has taken my place as Lord of the castle."

Valerica snorted. "Given that he defeated you and has taken control of your court, I can't blame him."

Harkon watched with a slight amount of jealousy as he watched Alester order Serana around. "I still don't understand how that man can order Serana around and her letting him. So what if they're doing this in benefit of the mortals? We are vampires! We must fulfill the prophecy and rule over the world as the superior species!"

Valerica sighed. "Alester IS fulfilling the prophecy in a way that will make sure that the humans and the vampire hunters won't turn on us. I support his decisions and I'm confident that he will bring us to a new golden age."

Harkon snorted and said. "This civil war Alester is worried about shouldn't be our concern. I was THIS close to perfecting the prophecy if those two hadn't stand in the way. If I had my way, I'll just sacrifice my daughter and him so that the vampires can rule over the lesser species!"

There was a silence and some members of the court were staring at Harkon.

When he saw Valerica glare at him, he spat. "What? It's our destiny!"

Instead, Valerica pinched his ear and dragged him to the courtyard. "OUT."

When they did go outside, Harkon said cooly. "Just don't get so hot-tempered Valerica, I am lord of the castle."

Valerica swiped his shoulder as she exclaimed. "This is a war room, not a court holding!"

Harkon said arrogantly. "I'm one of the most powerful vampires ever lived but your daughter's got me sitting in the sidelines."

Valerica angrily slapped her former husband in the face as she shouted. "OUR daughter is queen of the castle. A little humility might earn her respect."

Harkon just became smug as he said. "Humility? I don't recognize that word and I'm sure Molag Bal doesn't."

Valerica made a hard push at him then said. "Molag Bal is a tyrant! Vampirism made us an even bigger one!" She grabbed his circlet then stomped on it.

A few minutes later, Harkon would come back with a swollen eye while Valerica would be too with a broken nose.

(A week later)

"My love, Tulius and Ulfric are reminded of their obligations. To make matters even better, High King Westford was present and reinforce those obligations at the threat of a shout." Serana reported.

Fura Bloodmouth added. "Those troublemakers are no more. We have done so discreetly and made sure that one side doesn't link to the other."

Alester nodded. "Good work, the both of you. I wish I can procure you a reward but I'm not sure what I can give you that you already have."

Fura assured him. "I need no reward. Those troublemakers gave me the blood I need."

Serana just hugged his arm. "Of course, I wouldn't mind if we had some time in our bed. You looked exhausted."

Alester sighed and said. "As my queen demands. Fura, you tell Valerica that she's in charge while I'm absent. And tell her to keep her husband on a tighter leash." Fura nodded then Alester let Serana drag him to the bed.

While Valerica ruled in Alester's stead, she found Harkon to be increasingly resistant to her orders and downright disobedient. Whatever she orders, he does the opposite. She's at her wits end and had to bring it up to Alester while he's in bed with Serana.

But one of the things he has been completely furious for is that Harkon disobeyed a direct order from him when he ordered the man to NOT attack the Imperials while they waited for reinforcements to deal with the cultists in Whiterun Hold. It didn't help that Mors witnessed it while being chased by the Blades and told Alester. As a result, the Imperials retaliated and killed Harkon's vampires while Mors helped them out. As punishment, Alester had Harkon stay behind while he and Serana leave for the Castle Volkihar in order to reflect on his actions.

Eight days later, while Alester and Orthgolf are discussing what to do with the Stormcloaks, Alester's head suddenly snapped further as if he got hit in the back.

"Are you alright my lord?" A concerned Orthgolf asked.

Alester waved his hand to say that he's alright then walked outside. He summoned Durnehviir's name then the dragon reappeared and said. "Qahnaarin. I bring you news most dire. Harkon and a select number from your court have left the castle to assist the one known as Mors Westford. I tried to aid him as best I could but my time in Kaizzal has ended."

Alester cursed and said. "Dammit! I hoped to delay those pursuers and not reveal to them my presence but it seems Harkon is intent on forcing my hand!" He called Kruziikrel and Relonikiv again and ridden the former. When they flew up, he ordered. "You will take us to Mors. Kruziikrel, Relonikiv, follow Durnehviir. Durnehviir, Lead the way."

Orthgolf went outside just in time to watch them leave. Serana and Valerica saw him and the former asked. "What's going on? Why did Alester leave?"

Orthgolf sighed and told the two women. "I'm afraid that Harkon has made Lord Alester another grievance."

Valerica buried one hand on her face as she groaned. "Alester's going to kill Harkon if he ever comes back."

(With Mors)

Mors bashed one cultist and rammed his shield at his throat and pushed him away. His follower Frea slashed one Blade throat and threw her third axe at a cultist on her left. He fired his Dwarven Bolt at one cultist while he bashed a Blade that stunned him long enough for Mors to reload and fire another at his head again.

"You will pay for betraying and killing our grand master traitor!" One female Blade shouted.

Mors spat. "Bring it then! I'm glad that bitch died at my hands and I'm happy that ego-driven Dragonborn died by Herma-Mora's tentacles!" He blocked one sword from a cultist and countered by decapitation.

The female Blade charged but found her throat constricted and tossed aside. It revealed to be Harkon who is in his Vampire Lord form, Hestla, Modhna and Namasur.

Harkon looked down at Mors and Frea as if they are insects, nevertheless he spoke. "I am Lord Harkon, lord of the Castle Volkihar. Of course that is until Alester took it from me. I am here to rescue you and bring you to my castle in order to be my puppet."

Mors raised an eyebrow while Frea readied her axes. "I'm assuming that Alester doesn't know you're here?"

Harkon just waved it off. "He doesn't need to know. All you need to know is that you will owe us your life and that follower of yours and you will come with us. You don't have another choice."

Before Mors could decided, a bright light appeared and it hurt the vampires heavily. Mors and Frea weren't affected as they aren't vampires.

One Blade gloated. "Feeling the fire you monsters? These spells work on vampires like you when we bought if off the Dawnguard before their destruction. Now feel Stendarr's Aura and Vampire's Bane!"

More Blades used those spells against the vampires but they resisted defiantly. They would've died had it been several Frost and Fire Breaths that killed several cultists.

It was Alester, Kruziikrel, Relonikiv and Durnehviir. Alester, who is riding on Kruziikrel ordered the dragon to burn the cultists while he had Relonikiv land and Durnehviir cover him.

He told Mors. "Mors, ride on Relonikiv and he'll take you to the castle where my lover will look after you and Frea."

Relonikiv added. "Climb aboard, Dovahkiin and I will take you both there." Mors nodded and he and Frea rid on him then he flew away.

Hestla tried to speak. "Lord Alester I-aaahh!" Only to be Burned by Kruziikrel's Fire Breath.

Alester angrily shouted. "You fools! Just because I couldn't help Mors now doesn't mean that I wouldn't help him later on. Because you have disobeyed my commands, you have fallen into the Blades trap of Sun damage! Explain why I shouldn't order my dragon to Incinerate you all!"

Hestla pleaded. "It was Harkon who suggested this idea my lord! I tried to stop them or warn Lady Valerica but he threatened me. Saying that he would kill me if I told either of you.."

Modhna added. "We are humbly sorry! We accept whatever whatever punishment you dish out on us!"

Alester ordered. "All of you, eliminate the Blades and their cultist allies! If you return Harkon, you and I will discuss your punishment." He said coldly.

Harkon protested. "Can't you aid us against them?! Use the bow! You can blot out the sun and give an advantage."

"I can but I won't. I want to see how you fare whilst in sunlight. Either come back victorious or don't come back at all." Then Alester flew away on Relonikiv with Durnehviir.

When Relonikiv set both Mors and Frea done, they were welcomed as guests by Serana and Valerica. They stayed there for a while till Alester came back.

(With Alester)

Harkon's group properly punished by taking the long route back home. Harkon made the last straw by daring a match against him. Alester agreed and the two made their own conditions.

If Harkon wins, Alester and Valerica will die and he will take his rightful place as lord of the castle. Also Serana will be sacrificed for the prophecy. The Auriel's Bow will be in his possession.

If Alester wins, he will be lord of the castle and he will have Serana as his wife. Harkon will be stripped of his honors and vampirism and banished to the Soul Cairn.

They both agreed to the terms.

They both went into a spell-casting match but Alester is proficient in all schools of magic. While he summoned Dremora Lords and casting Incinerates, he subtly used Frenzy to make Harkon commit rookie mistakes that would turn the battle into his favor.

Harkon tried to use Vampire Lord but Alester wouldn't have that as he used Auriel's Bow with Sunhallowed arrows. Harkon tried to use his sword but Alester countered with Miraak's sword and staff.

Mors told Frea and Serana that Alester is just toying with him and doesn't consider Harkon as a threat. Serana knew that her love has long surpassed her father when it comes to being a Vampire Lord so it proved to be a nice plus.

Alester used Marked for Death to weaken Harkon but while he managed to get some hits with his spells. Alester proved to be victorious by casting Bane of the Undead that damaged Harkon heavily.

With the defeat of Harkon, his fate is sealed.

Harkon was taken to Falion and had his vampirism cured (not by choice) and then Valerica deliberately Soul Trapped him and finally banished to Soul Cairn with nothing but the clothes on his back.

Lord Harkon traveled around Soul Cairn for a bit and resided in Valerica's chambers. A life within the court had failed to prepare Harkon for a long hard life on his own and he thought that he could command the undead around.

Big mistake.

Instead they used him as their punching bag and the Ideal Masters used this as entertainment. One arrow to the face ended his life and he is now resurrected as a soul within the Soul Cairn with no identity but only his life before he submitted to Molag Bal.