Of Dragons and Men

by GravixKnight

This is the story of Wolf Shadowblood, a young Nord abandoned at birth and raised as a hunter. His life takes a turn for the worse when at age 10, his father is killed and he is chased from the province. After many trials, he reluctantly returns to his Homeland and is swept up in a destiny ages in the making. NO SEXUAL CONTENT OR REFERENCES Rated M to keep with the Game's Rating

7. Ardriel - A Dire Missive

From the Writer

Just for a little clarification, Due to 's wonderfully annoying chapter system, I have renamed all the chapters already published to reflect the POV that the chapter uses in the hope of avoiding any possible confusion that could arise from changing POV from one chapter to the next.

That being said, Hope you enjoy! – Gravix

A Dire Missive

"Look, I know he went too far but you have to admit that your father really handled that badly. You know he hates talking about or hearing about his father on a good day, but to make it worse Storn said the only reason Alistair took him in was that he sensed Wolf's power. You had to know that wasn't going to go well." I say to the scowling Skaal, "He nearly killed Wulf and Deor! It doesn't matter if my father was out of line, he should be above that kind of outburst! Fanari has spoken, he is not welcome here." She says adamantly, "Trust me, he has no interest in coming here. I was asked to relay a message so that's what I'm doing, if what he says is true, you'd do well to listen." I say taking the letter from my satchel, "Sorry, that came out rougher than I meant it to." I add, "This is bad Frea, really bad! You know Wolf, if he's worried enough to have me and Mira go to Skyrim of all places, then it's got to be bad. He said to tell your father "That the Old Masters are stirring once more" I have no idea what he means and I'm pretty sure I don't want to…" "What did you say? He said those words, you are sure? But that is not possible." Frea says, visibly worried, she looks out past the village "Let me see the letter." She says as she grabs the parchment from my hand. "I must show this to my father, come with me." She says as she begins to walk towards the small wooden shack. "What is it? What's wrong" I ask as I catch up to her,

"Father, I must speak to you." She says as we enter, "Wolf Shadowblood has sent a warning from Skyrim. It is dire." She adds before handing the old man the letter, "So, does the Wolf intend to use threats and violence then?" Storn says, the words practically dripping with venom. As he reads the letter his eyes grow wide and his brow furrows, the old shaman grows pale as he takes a seat and hands the letter to me, "Is he here?" he says, his voice shaky and frail. "No, he is in Skyrim. Can it be true, Father? Can they really be returning?" Frea asks as she knees next to her father, "Ok, now I'm really worried. What's going on, Who are the Old Masters?!" I ask. Storn lets out a heavy sigh before motioning for me to sit, "Frea, warn the hunters and send for anyone outside of the village. No one is to leave here unless I say otherwise and tell Fanari to come and speak with me. When you are done, begin gathering the ingredients for the barrier." Frea nods and rushes out the door. After a few moments pass, a woman enters "Storn, what is so important that you have ordered our seclusion?" She asks. Storn gestures for her to sit, "Fanari, this is Ardriel, a hunter of renown and a friend to Wolf Shadowblood, he brings a grave warning from Skyrim." He says as she sits and she grows tense at the mention of Wolf, "How many fires am I going to have to put out because of this mess?" I wonder as her gaze turns bitter before turning back to the shaman. "The Old Masters are beginning to stir, he warns. Ill tidings indeed. No doubt the two of you know of the Dragon remains that dot the path to the Tree Stone. These ancient Wyrms are known to us as the Old Masters, and if they have begun to stir, then I fear the End has begun. Prophecy tells of this day when the Dragons return, and the World-Eater destroys this World. Now we must hope that my suspicions are true. Ardriel, do you know why there is a conflict between the Skaal and your friend?" he asks, "All he told me was that you implied that his father only took him in because he sensed some power within him." I reply, "Yes, from the moment I met him, I could sense a power within him, a greatness that lay dormant and buried deep within him. If I am correct, then Wolf Shadowblood will, no he must play a vital role in this Prophecy. Fanari, do you remember the old tales of Miraak, the First Dragonborn and traitor of both mortal-kind and Dragon?" He asks, "I do, but what does that have to do with Wolf?" she says with growing concern, "This Prophecy also speaks of a Great Hero who will rise to face the Dragons, a Dragonborn who will stand as a bastion of humanity. I have long believed Wolf Shadowblood to be a Dragonborn, and now if it is true that the Dragons are returning, I believe him to be this Hero." He explains slowly, letting the words sink in. "No, you must be mistaken. Wolf Shadowblood is a dangerous fool, he is no hero." Fanari says angrily, "Recent actions do not display his true self. Set aside your emotions. Surely you felt it as I did, his aura? He possesses a strength of will that I have never seen before, an air of confidence, of power. You feel it the moment he walks in a room, a subtle sense of awe, a hint of tentative fear. People are drawn to him but are hesitant to get too close. He is like the heat of a hearth, welcoming yet capable of great destruction." He says, looking deep into the fire "This I know you have seen. When the Were-beasts descended on our village, it was Wolf Shadowblood who held them off and led the charge that ended their assault. When the Reavers laid siege to Raven Rock, it was only with his aid that they were repelled, and it was Wolf Shadowblood who drove the Rieklings from Thirsk Hall. He is capable of incredible feats, but also incredible kindness, the rescuing, and adoption of the Redguard child Mira, the freeing of Baldor from the clutches of the Thalmor, even taking young Aeta under his guidance was done purely out of compassion. We must believe that this is as it is meant to be. It is my belief that Wolf Shadowblood is the Dragonborn of Prophecy and is Destined to face the World-Eater." He says before slowly rising to his feet, "Ardriel, the message is received. Now, go to Skyrim and relay what I have told you. Go with all haste." He says before turning to Fanari and adding "We have much to do and little time with which to do it. Come."

I get back home in good time and am pleased to find that Mira is already packed for the voyage to Skyrim. With everything packed and prepared we for the short jaunt to Raven Rock and from there to Skyrim. Shortly after passing Bloodskaal Barrow, Amira, who had been uncharacteristically quiet asks, "I thought Papa said he'd never go back to Skyrim. Did something bad happen?" Hearing the concern and fear in her voice makes me choose my words carefully, "No, at least I don't think so." I say as kneel to look eye to eye, "He's concerned about some things going on there and wants us to join him so that I can help him and to make sure you stay safe." I explain, hoping to mask the fact that I don't know how bad the situation is, "Do you know how long we'll be there? Or where we'll be staying? Or if we're going to come back?" she asks as I sling the knapsack over my shoulder, "Honestly, no I don't know. But I do know this, your father is worried and that means whatever is going on is very serious. So that means we need to hurry, ok?" I say as we pass into Raven Rock. We make our way to the docks and board the outgoing vessel to Windhelm. "From one cold and barren wasteland to another it seems. What wonderful messes Wolf gets me into." I mutter quietly as I pull a cloak over my shoulders and we set sail for what may be the longest nine hours of my life.