Chapter 18: Fate Approaches

Harrow's POV

"So Dovahkiin, have you considered my proposal?" Odahviing asked when his crimson eyes locked onto Harrow as he entered.

Odahviing's eagerness to be released from the trap was clear. He had been there overnight as Harrow had spent a lot of time discussing options with those he trusted. He had poured through Whiterun's history books but had been unable to find any mention of Skuldafn. Which, in truth, wasn't overly surprising; probably the best place to look for such information would be the College of Winterhold, but that wasn't an option.

His initial conflict with Alduin atop the Throat Of The World hadn't been easy, even with Dragonrend and the assistance of Paarthurnax. Harrow now knew for sure that Alduin was in Sovngarde, devouring the souls of their ancestors and regaining strength. If Harrow waited too long, he wasn't sure he would be able to defeat Alduin.

"I have," Harrow answered, "But I have questions."

"That is to be expected."

"How long will it take to fly to Skuldafn?" Harrow asked as he placed a chair in front of Odahviing and took a seat, "I trust you won't shout at me."

Harrow wasn't sure if dragons could grin, but if they could, he knew Odahviing was, "It is a temptation to be sure," A deep rumble came from his throat, "It would take most of a day from here Dovahkiin, Nii kos onik wah kos resaan. It would be wise to be well-rested."

"I am," Harrow, "I have my pack ready with everything I can think that I might need."

Odahviing said nothing; instead, he emitted another loud approving rumble from his throat.

"You said that all of Alduin's strength is marshalled at Skuldafn. I imagine you weren't just talking about Alduin himself, but those who follow him as well," Harrow leant forward on his knees with his fingers interlocked, "I expect I will encounter other dragons in Skuldafn and may have to fight them. But what I want to know is what else I can expect?"

"Geh. Yes, Dovahkiin, you are wise to ask this. In Skuldafn, you will encounter Dovah, who still follow Alduin. Nuz must aal Ni krif; they may not oppose you. They will likely want to see the fight's outcome between you and Alduin. You may encounter Draugr, but otherwise, there will be only one other obstacle in your way. Fin Dovah-Sonaak Nahkriin," Odahviing said, "He guards Alduin's portal to Sovngarde."

Harrow let his head drop, 'How did I know it would be a fucking dragon priest?' After a long moment, Harrow looked up at the dragon, "I've fought three different Dovah-Sonaak before, and all three were immensely powerful. I imagine Nahkriin is no different."

"I knew Nahkriin in life Dovahkiin; he was gifted his Du'ul, crown, by Alduin for his unwavering loyalty, power and brutality. It was Alduin who assigned Nahkriin the task of guarding the portal to Sovngarde. He performed his task in life and now continues to do so in death."

Harrow's mind was racing, "What can I expect from him if he rises to defend the portal?"

"Nahkriin was a powerful mage. He was a master of Qo ahrk kraas, lightning and healing. As for when he rises Dovahkin, I cannot say, for I do not know."

Harrow stared at his hands as his mind raced, "This may be a long shot, but do you know anything that may be of use in Sovngarde Odahviing?"

"I do not know much. Alduin has always jealously guarded his feeding grounds. But what I can tell you is this. Tiid los sizaan ko Sovngarde. Time is lost, Dovahkin.

"Lost?" Harrow questioned, his confusion apparent, "What do you mean time is lost."

Odahviing gave yet another loud rumble from his throat, "Tiid. Time passes; differently, Savngarde is absent of time Dovahkiin. Your defeat of Alduin atop Monahven to you may be what the Joor, mortals, call months ago. But for Alduin in Sovngarde, it may have only just happened, or it could have been months."

"So you're saying I could be gone for years and not even know it?"

"That is correct, Davohkiin."

Harrow remained where he sat for a long time, without saying a word as he pondered everything that had been said. Finally, he looked up at Odahviing, "I have your word that you will take me to Skuldafn?"

"Yes. Our tongue holds power; our word is our bond. Dovah to Dovah, you have my word." Odahviing answered.

Harrow stood, called to the guards standing watch who manned the trap's mechanism, "Release Odahviing!"

The guards hesitated but complied when they saw the look Harrow gave them. All ropes used to secure the dragons were loosened before the trap was released. The massive wooden beam used to lock Odahviing's head in place rose swiftly to the ceiling as the counterweights lifted the trap.

Odahviing raised his head immediately and moved it out of the way of the trap, "I will honour my promise Dovahkiin, I will await you. But know that I will not take any others."

"Thank you. I'll try not to keep you waiting too long."

The sizeable crimson dragon turned without a word and walked to the Great Porch where he remained, his head raised high.

Harrow turned to find that Ghorbash, Balgruuf and Irileth had entered.

"So, it worked," Irileth said, making no effort to hide her surprise.

"Wasn't that established yesterday?" Ghorbash asked no one in particular.

Irileth ignored him. He had been tormenting her all morning for his amusement.

"When do you leave Harrow?" Balgruuf asked as he looked past Harrow at Odahviing.

"Soon as we're finished here."

Balgruuf stared at him as though he were trying to understand what was happening, "I have something for you, Harrow." The Jarl pulled an Amulet of Talos from his pocket, "I had this made. I have nothing more that I can give you that will be of use against Alduin. I know how strong your faith is in the Nine Divines, especially Talos. Perhaps it'll give you courage."

Harrow took the amulet and inspected it. It was like any other Amulet of Talos, resembling an upsidedown battle-axe, only this one was made of silver. The engraved pattern on the amulet had been laced with gold. But the most significant difference was the Dragonborn symbol engraved into the centre.

"Talos was Dragonborn, just as you are. It only makes sense that it be on yours. Eorlund crafted it, and I had it enchanted so that it can't be damaged," He added.

"Thank you, my Jarl," Harrow answered as he admired the amulet before replacing the one he wore. Harrow looked between them, "I have spoken with Odahviing, and he has told me that time passes differently in Sovngarde."

"It's a possibility; you are to enter the Halls of our ancestors."

"Odahviing believes that what may seem a short time to me could be years for you. So there is no telling how long I may be gone for," Harrow said.

Ghorbash grunted, "I doubt that Ulfric or Tullius will be willing to wait years to find out if you were successful or not. Sooner or later, someone will break the treaty, and the war will resume."

"He's right," Irileth added, "We're lucky a treaty was signed in the first place."

Barlgruuf frowned, "Yes," He looked from Irileth to Harrow, "The longer you're gone, the more tensions will rise until the war recommences. I fear Whiterun won't be able to remain neutral either; someone may force our hand. You may come back to find us at war."

"Let us hope that does not happen," Harrow said before he extended a hand, which Balgruuf gripped firmly, "Talos be with you, Harrow."

Harrow nodded and looked at Irileth.

She stood with her arms crossed, staring at him, trying to give off a strong demeanour. "You're either the bravest person I've ever met or the biggest fool. Don't get yourself killed," She forced herself not to shed a tear.

Harrow smiled before looking at Ghorbash. They shook hands briefly before the Orc pulled Harrow in and embraced him with one arm, their hands still gripping the other's forearm between them. When they withdrew, he said, "If you survive, good. If not, fight and die, well, brother."

Ghorbash had no emotion in his voice, nor did any show on his face. This was about as sentimental as the Orc got. Harrow, unsure what to say, nodded, then he turned and walked to Odahviing after he donned his pack. Ghorbash, Balgruuf and Irileth behind him, they stopped behind the dragon. There they watched and waited.

Odahviing lowered his head to Harrow's level and looked him in the eye, "Are you ready to see the world as only a Dovah can?"

"I'm ready. Take me to Skuldafn."

"Zok brit uth! Once you have flown the skies of Keizaal, I warn you that your envy of the dov will only increase," Odahviing said as he lowered his head to the ground, allowing Harrow to climb onto his neck. Harrow gripped Odahviings horns tightly and squeezed his legs to get as firm a grip as possible.

"Amativ! Mu bo kotin stinelok!" Odahviing said as he raised his head. Then with a thunderous beat of his wings, Odahviing launched himself into the air. Instantly they were several hundred feet above the ground as the Great Poarch disappeared from beneath them. As Odahviing ascended, reality finally hit him.

Ghorbash's POV

Ghorbash snorted in amusement as he watched Harrow on the back of the dragon, "He looks like a spastic trying to hold on."

Beside him, Balgruuf and Irileth smiled, "He's probably the first person ever to ride a dragon," Balgruuf replied as they watched the dragon climb higher.

"Yeah, fuck that."

"May I take my leave, my Jarl?" Irileth asked. Balgruuf gave her a nod; she turned as left the Great Porch, leaving Ghorbash and Balgruuf alone.

When the dragon was out of sight, Ghorbash asked, "Balgruuf, be blunt with me. Where do you stand on the war?"

Balgruuf looked at him, surprised by the question.

"You have maintained Whiterun's neutrality throughout the war so far, but you know it will not stay this way."

"What is it you want to know, Ghorbash?" Balgruuf asked as he led them back into the keep.

"I want to know your plan; who will you side with?" Ghorbash asked frankly. For some time, the Jarl of Whiterun had refused to voice an opinion on the matter, and it had begun to frustrate Ghorbash.

Balgruuf sighed, "I agree with the idea of an independent Skyrim, and we should be able to worship our god. But I also understand the bigger picture. Skyrim is not strong enough to defend itself against the Aldmeri Dominion, and they will take the opportunity to invade Skyrim if Skyrim does gain independence. The other issue I have with a free Skyrim is Ulfric."

"You don't like him?" Ghorbash asked.

"I do, and I respect him, but he is not the man who should be Skyrim's next High King. His treatment of anyone who isn't a Nord had no place in this era."

"I think you should be High King."

Balgruuf chuckled, "No, I have no ambition to be High King, and I don't believe I would be the best suited. I am happy with my hold and my people."

Ghorbash couldn't disagree more; to his knowledge, there was no one better suited to be High King. Balgruuf was fair to all his subjects and well respected. But Ghorbash decided not to put it for the time being, "So you will likely side with the Imperials?"

Balgruuf stared at him, "If it comes to that, yes. Ulfric will challenge us eventually, likely through giving us an ultimatum and when that time comes. Whiterun won't be able to hold out alone."

"I'll be here to fight for Whiterun," Ghorbash answered.

Balgruuf smiled, "Maybe, maybe not. I have a letter for you, and I feel you're not going to be happy about it."

Ghorbash looked at him with a questioning look as Balgruuf pulled a letter from beneath his robe.

"It arrived yesterday. I thought it best to wait for Harrow to leave before giving it to you; this may have only distracted him," Balgruuf continued as he handed Ghorbash the letter.

Ghorbash looked at the imprint on the wax seal, he didn't recognise who it belonged to, but it was undoubtedly from the Legion. He sighed as he opened the letter and began to read out loud.

Leutenant Ghorbash Gro-Dushnikh

The Imperial Legion is calling all current and veteran service personnel capable of aiding in defence of The Empire against the Stormcloak Rebellion. With the temporary peace treaty in place to allow the Dragonborn to deal with the dragon menace, the Legion has placed recruitment its highest priority. As a result, we regret to inform you that you are being recalled into service. This summons is at the command of General Tullius, the Military Governor. Noting your experience and accomplishments in The Great War against The Aldmeri Dominion and abroad in Skyrim, General Tullius offers you a promotion to the rank of Captain. You are required to present yourself to Commander Caius at Castle Dour immediately upon your arrival in Solitude, after which you will be given further direction.

Long live the Emporer! Long live the Empire!

Legate Rikke, Imperial Legion Field Commander.

Ghorbash looked up from the letter to Balgruuf, "Well, fuck."

Balgruuf tried to resist, but a small smile still showed, "What are you going to do?"

"I have no choice," Ghorbash said, "I took an oath when I joined the Legion. I will answer the summons, but I have something I must do first. A task I'm already committed to."

"Perhaps I can assist you with this task?"

Ghorbash shook his head, "No, it's something I have to do." Ghorbash placed a hand on the Jarl's shoulder, "I may not see you again for some time; Harrow has his fight, now it seems I have mine." He withdrew his hand.

"Good luck Ghorbash," Balgruuf said.

As Ghorbash walked away, he turned and said as he walked backwards, "The shit thing is that I probably won't get the chance to have an ale for a while."

Balgruuf grinned in response as Ghorbash turned and continued to leave.

Once down in the city, he picked up some supplies before going to The Bannered Mare for a final meal.

Ghorbash sat by himself, eating his meal and drinking his ale quietly as he thought about the summons and where it might lead. While lost in thought, he hadn't even noticed Saadia sit at his table with a meal of her own. Only when she drummed her fingers on the table was it that he noticed her.

"You look depressed."

Ghorbash snorted, "Na, just thinking."

"You? Thinking?" Saadia said as she began picking at her meal, "Sounds like a traumatising experience for you; anything I can do to help?"

Ghorbash said nothing; instead, he stared at her for a long moment.

"We saw the dragonfly off; I'm assuming Harrow was with it."

"Yes, he was, and there's no telling how long he will be gone," Ghorbash answered.

"Well, if the gods are kind, he'll return," Saadia frowned as she looked at him. "Whats actually bothering you?"

"The legion has recalled me to fight in the Civil War," Ghorbash answered.

Saadia was dumbfounded, "Oh... but you haven't been in the Legion for years."

"Thirteen," He replied bitterly, "They must be desperate for soldiers if they're calling on veterans."

"When do you leave?"

"Soon as I've finished this," He said as he took another bite, "But first I have to go south, something else I have to deal with, which I blame you for."

"Blame me? What did I do?"

"Doesn't matter," He said. Ghorbash was reluctant to tell her or anyone that he was performing a task for a Daedric Prince.

"Well," Saadia said, "If and when Whiterun gets pulled into the war, I hope you're on our side."

Ghorbash smiled, "Balgruuf isn't an idiot; he'd be a fool to side with the Stormcloaks. I do not doubt that we'll be on the same side."

Saadia smiled, though it was forced, "What about Harrow?"

"What about him?"

"What do you think he will do when he returns. No doubt both sides will fight to get him on their side."

Ghorbash nodded, "They will. As for who he will fight for... I can't say I'd lean towards The Empire, though."

"Why do you say that?" Saada asked as she took a drink.

"Harrow dispises the Thalmor, just as I do. His faith in Talos reinforces his hatred for them. But he also doesn't completely agree with the idea of Skyrim seceding from The Empire," Ghorbash as he thought about it, "He wants to stay out of the war. He doesn't want to be involved, but that being said, he knows that he'll be forced to pick a side eventually. His loyalty is to Whiterun. So I guess that he will side with whatever side Whiterun does."

Saadia didn't speak for a while. Instead, she picked at her food deep in thought.

"I need to get going," Ghorbash said as he stood, he wanted nothing more than for this conversation to end, "I have a lot to do and not much time. I'll be seeing you, Saadia."

"Stay safe, Ghorbash," She said with a sad smile.

As he turned to leave, he overheard her say, "The war is starting to hit home."

Ghorbash made his way down to the stables; he let out a heavy sigh as he collected and saddled his horse. Ghorbash let his head drop; the Great War had taken a heavy toll on him. Like any Orc, he enjoyed the rush of battle and longed for a good death, but what he had seen showed a darker side to war. He had failed the soldiers under his command, and though he never let it show, it always weighed heavily on him.

Taking a moment to compose himself, he heaved himself into the saddle. Ghorbash urged his horse into a canter; he had a lot of ground to cover, first south to Ilinalta's Deep, then back north to the Shrine of Azura, and Solitude after that.