Chapter 5-Whiterun's Woes
Ra walked from the Sleeping Giant warmed and alert from the coffee. He knew the walk to Whiterun was not long so he thought he would enjoy the scenery along the way. The mountains and river were beautiful. As he worked his way down the winding path the landscape opened before him and he saw the vast plains of Whiterun. Never before had he seen such an open area dominated by long grass and farms. Sure he had seen his share of vast open plains, but most of those had been deserts. As amazed as Ra was with the views, Ank seemed completely impartial to them. Trying to take in everything was a challenge, especially when he noticed a band of warriors fighting with a giant. It looked like they were handling themselves well, but when facing a giant one can never have to much help. He brought around his bow and strung an arrow. Aiming for the head to not hit the warriors at his feet Ra loosed his shot. It landed in the giants shoulder and seemed to anger him more than hurt. Ank was almost as quick as the arrow in getting to the giant and clamping down on his calf. With a roar the giant swung his club and sent what appeared to be a nord woman flying. Ra drew his sword and ran toward the giant, two steps in the giant stomped on the ground and staggered the loan warrior still in front of him, also knocking Ank loose and sending him sprawling. Using this to his advantage Ra put one foot on the big mans shoulder and launched himself in the air, the giant saw him just a moment to late and Ra plunged his blade through the giants throat. He was left dangling from the handle as the giant dropped to his knees and fell over on his side dead, with Ra trapped under his head hand still gripping his sword.
The big guy Ra had launched from rushed over and began trying to lift the giants head off of him. Once they saw his struggling the two women who had helped him and the farmers who lived there all rushed to help lift the head. They finally raised it high enough for Ra to scoot out from under. After the head was dropped back down the big guy reach out to help Ra to his feet, "Thanks for the assist. Things weren't looking to good there for a moment. Names Farkas, this is Aela and Ria. We're members of the companions" The big guy said helping him up and pointing to the women who had been fighting along side him.
"Thank you, I am Ra hel Kotu, the wolf there in Anka Ba. Who are the Companions?", replied Ra.
"An outsider eh, no worries we're a band of warriors who seek honor helping our fellow man.", replied Farkas, "You should come to Jorrvaskr and join us."
"So you are like the fighters guild in Cyrodiil. I might seek you out once I have concluded my business with the Jarl. I must warn him of the dragons." Ra stated plainly, not surprised at the disbelief he saw on their faces as he said dragons. They didn't argue though only offered to walk to town with him and point out The Jarls palace, a place called Dragonsreach. Ra agreed and he and Ank walked along in a companionable silence as the companions bickered over who had gotten in the better shots. They were all stopped at the gate into town though.
"Cities closed with the dragons about.", declared one of the guards seeming to take joy in his ability to refuse entrance to the group.
"We are companions you idiot, you just let us out and hour ago." Aela shot back with very little patience for this guard.
"I don't care if you are Emperor Titus Mede hiself'. You ain't getting through this gate 'less the Jarl says so.", came the guards reply.
Just as Aela was about to draw her weapon Ra stepped forward, "I have news from Helgen of the dragon attack. I was there, and Riverwood also seeks the Jarls aid. They have little defense should a dragon attack.", his cool demeanor earned a nod of appreciation from Farkas and a grunt of disdain from the guard.
"Fine, you may enter the city. Go straight to the palace and report to the Jarl, and we'll be watching you.", the guard tried to make the last sound like a threat, but did not have the authority in his voice needed.
The companions toured Ra through town pointing out the smith, the fletcher, the alchemist, the general store, and the Inn. In the marketplace they headed up a set of stairs toward a large white dead tree. To it's right was another set of stairs with what looked to be a boat turned upside down at the top. "This is Jorrvaskr, home of the companions. If you decide to join us talk to Kodlak Whitemane. He'll know if you've got what it takes. May honor guide you friend.", Farkas clasped Ra's hand in a warriors grace bidding him farewell. "The steps there will lead you straight to Dragonsreach, good luck with the Jarl.", and with that the companions walked up the stairs to their mead hall.
Between the stairs to Jorrvaskr and Dragonsreach was a massive statue, Ra assumed it was of one of these Nords gods considering a man in monk robes stood there ranting at the top of his lungs about him and how we were not worthy. Ra ignored him the best he could and walked up the stairs to the palace, Ank staying by his side every step.
"Hold, what business have you in Dragonsreach?", the guards at the doors barred his way.
"I have come from Riverwood, and before that Helgen. I wish an audience with your Jarl to inform him of what transpired.", just because he hated politics did not mean he was clueless as to how and approach them.
The guards looked at each other and parted, "Go straight to Jarl Balgruuf. He'll want to hear your report personally.", the guard tried to sound professional, but the awe in his voice was all to clear.
Entering the palace Ra was surprised at how large and open everything was. Looking up he could barely make out the ceiling in the shadows above. Before him were more steps, these nords and their steps what is it with them. He continued up these stairs and saw another smaller set at the other end of the room, where he saw a big blonde nord between an Imperial and an elf who were arguing. The man looked like his patience was reaching his limit. The Jarl noticed Ra crest the stairs which drew the elf's attention to him as well.
She unsheathed her sword and held it ready as she approached him, "What is the meaning of this? The Jarl is not receiving visitors at this time."
Holding up his hands to show he meant no harm to anyone Ra decided to try and get on with this he really did not want to repeat himself again after this woman was satisfied. "I have already told your guards at the front gate and at the palace gate my reason, do I really need to repeat myself again before I get to speak to the man in charge?"
"If you want to walk from here with all of your body parts attached you'll answer my question right now.", the elf left little doubt she didn't care what he had been through he was not getting to the Jarl as long as she was there.
With a sigh Ra decided to handle two birds with one stone. He raised his voice making sure everyone in the room heard him including the big guy on the Throne. "I have come from Riverwood who seeks the Jarls aid, and before that from Helgen where I was one of few who survived the Dragon attack that left the city in ruins."
This got everyones attention, and Ra just heard the Jarls comment of, " So it is true then, the Dragons are returning." He looked up and met Ra's eyes then called out, "Irileth let the man through he has important information for me." The Jarls pet elf sheathed her sword and stepped aside, unhappy as it made her to do so.
"So you were at Helgen, and saw the dragon. What was it doing, where was it going?" inquired the Jarl.
"The last I saw he flew over the mountain north of Riverwood with the barrow on top, which unless I'm wrong means it was headed this way." Ra stated not the least bit concerned about the reaction his words would get.
The Jarl stroked his beard for a few moments then began barking orders, "Irileth send a detachment to Riverwood at once."
The imperial man whom had remained silent until now finally spoke, "But Jarl Siddgeir will view that as a provocation and think we have joined Ulfric and are preparing to attack him…"
Whatever else the man would have said ended there as the Jarl interrupted him, "Enough, I'll not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people. If Siddgeir feels threatened he can send a courier to ask what I am doing. The most he will do in response is increase his patrols which is a good thing if there are dragons roaming Skyrim again." Leaving no doubt as to his feelings on the matter the Jarl turned his attention back to Ra. "Thank you for coming here, you have done me and my people a service. See Irileth before you leave and see if she can't get you some better armor than that. There is another task I would ask of you, something fitting someone of your talents if you will. Come let's go find Farengar, my court wizard."
The Jarl got up and started walking to an office to Ra's left without another word, which Ra took to mean he was expected to follow. Not having agreed to do anything, he felt it was a bit arrogant on the Jarl's part to expect his compliance. However this was not a fight he wished to have so he followed.
"Farengar, I think I've found someone to help you with your dragon project. Fill him in on all the details.", said the Jarl once inside the office.
Ra stepped around the Jarl expecting to see a haughty elf standing there, ready to berate him for not praising the ground he walked on. Instead he stared at a nord. Thinly built with a tussle of dark brown hair peaking under his hood, which he kept pulled far forward to mask as much of his face as possible. "Ah, yes you must mean the Dragonstone. Indeed I could use someone to run that errand for me. And by errand I mean delve into an ancient crypt full of undead in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not be there." Farengar had a tendency to prattle on obviously and Ra did not have time for it.
"Just tell me where I'm going and what I'm getting." Ra interrupted him.
Farengar took it in stride which told Ra he must be use to people interrupting his rants to get to the point. "Ah yes you are eager to be off. Understandable, so I need the Dragonstone, it is a map of ancient dragon burial sites. All of my intel says it should be interred in the main chamber of Bleak falls Barrow. It is sure to be a harrowing recovery, one of which I am simply not up to." Farengar stopped talking and looked at Ra with a look that said he expected him to say something in return.
Instead Ra turned to the Jarl, "So let me get this straight. I survived a dragon attack, took two days to travel from there to here to let you know about it, and now you expect me to just become your personal errand boy for dangerous tasks?" There was no amusement in his tone, though there was in his heart.
The Jarl actually had the nerve to look confused, as if the thought of some random person coming into his castle to deliver a message being asked to delve through a crypt and retrieve an artifact was an everyday occurrence.
The Jarl's eyes cleared as he thought he understood what the hold up was, "Ah of course there will be coin in it for you. I will reward you upon your return and anything you find in the dungeon is yours for the taking to sale or keep."
"It's not about money." Ra said in disgust. "I fight for honor. Money is of very little consequence to me. It is the fact that you know absolutely nothing about me. I just walked into your palace and delivered a message to you. For all you know I could be an assassin sent to kill you, which I'm not.", he added as Farengar made to prepare his spells.
"Do you make it a habit to ask people you barely know to run important missions for you? Surely you wish to send someone you trust on this mission, or at the very least take some time to get to know me better before you ask." Ra was getting irritated and it was getting harder to hide it.
The Jarl suddenly understood the hitch, "I see your point, and I understand your questioning this. I have none under me I can spare to take this task on. As for knowing you better, as you said, you survived Helgen and walked two days to deliver word of it to me. No-one paid you to do this, no-one asked you to, and you surely could not have known if I would reward you for it or call you insane and throw you out. That alone tells me I am dealing with an honorable man who does the right thing. Add to that the fact that a wild animal follows you around as if it were a common dog, something no-one I have ever seen has accomplished. That is why I feel confident in asking for your help." The Jarl aloud the air to settle for a moment before he continued.
"Now can you help me friend?" Was the Jarls closing statement some minutes later after letting Ra think on his words.
"Sure I'll help you, by the way my name is Ra, Ra Hel Kotu. I am from Sentinel and have undertaken my walkabout to try and draw my Shiehi and return the Yokudan Ansei." Ra reached out to shake the Jarls hand, as with Farkas, Balgruuf gripped Ra's arm at the forearm rather than the hand, the greeting and farewell of warriors.
Before leaving Dragonsreach Ra found the elf Balgruuf had told him to see about armor. She was not thrilled with parting with anything from the armory, but knew that if he was to undertake Farengar's task he would need better armor to protect him. She finally agreed to give him a leather chest piece that covered more and protected better than the Hide armor he was wearing.
Ra considered stopping in at Jorrvaskr and seeing if the big guy would tag along then had a better idea.