=Ch.24 The Enemy of Tamriel=

Whiterun city.

Before heading up north to Winterhold the dragonborn traveled back to his Breezehome in Whiterun.

Arriving at the base of the hill the city was built on he noticed more defenses along the walls and forts. Namely large ballista's and what looked like some crystal orb. Must be some magic item Farengar created to protect the city in case of dragon attack. The dragonborns home was right by the south-west gate so it was a quick trip there after entering the city.

Upon entering his hose a armored women turned to him. "Long time no see Hargvir. You've been away for awhile?"

The dragonborn placed his backpacks and gear down along the wall and walked over to the table. "A lots happened since going up to High Hrothgar Lydia."

The dragonborns housecarl huffed in anticipation of a answer. "Were Nords, we love stories especially ones about winning glory in battle?"

The dragonborn took the question as it was and recanted to Lydia all he's been through since departing to High Hrothgar to meet the greybeards. While leaving out the parts about the Thalmors schemes and Delphine being a member of the Blades knowing how that could go if word got out too soon.

Lydia smirked raising her eyebrows. "A impressive story. First you go to meat the reclusive greybeards and they send you off to find a old artifact of their groups founder only to find it already stolen, and recently too by someone that wants to meet you. And then this Delphine wants you to prove that your really a dragonborn by slaying a dragon and eating its soul. Then she sends you to infiltrate the Thalmor embassy to learn if they know anything about the dragons. Then you get sent again by her to Riften to find one of her old comrades. You should have taken me!"

The dragonborn chuckled at the open request. "Sorry but I have to go on this next trip alone too. I appreciate you keeping the home cleaned and Lucia safe. Speaking whom, where's Lucia by the way?"

"In school with the other kids. It's been interesting taking care of her. She's a smart kid and can take care of her self if need be."

The dragonborn laughed. "Heh! You sound like a hose wife!"

Lydia rolled her eyes with a huff. "Not that I haven't thought about it but I'm not ready to settle down at this stage in my life. But this little fake family thing we have going on isn't too bad. But remember I'm still just your housecarl."

"Of course. Haven't seen much of Lucia since I adopted her so I'll stay a while."

"You only stayed in Whiterun a few days after you adopted her. Try to spend a bit of time with the child. Kids can be great if you put in the effort to show them how to behave properly." said Lydia.

"Yeah yeah. It's the responsible adult thing to do."

The dragonborn picked his gear up and went up stairs to organize and put it away. After organizing his money and loot the dragonborn went out to buy some food. Lydia left to saying she needed to go help some of the Jarls men deal with a group of bandits before she left too. Locking the house the dragonborn wished Lydia a good hunt and left for the market.

Walking up the hill to the market the dragonborn passed hundreds of people coming and going on their own business through the city. Though its taken a neutral stance in the civil-war Whiterun has remained prosperous mainly because of it being one of the largest holds in Skyrim and the one with most of the best farmable land making it the most self sustainable. Much of the crops farmed in Whiterun are sold in many of the other holds of the province allowing Skyrim to remain independent from the other provinces of Tamriel.

This is also the reason jarl Balgruuf the greater hasn't been forced to choose a side in the ongoing civil-war as it's his hold that feeds both sides. There were rumors about Balgruuf being neutral in the war because it would allow him to sell his holds food to both sides at a higher price while also using it as a excuse to remain neutral in the first place.

Now that the dragonborn thought about it, Whiterun hold does look a lot more lively and the people look like their wearing more extravagant clothes then before. Shaking the thoughts off the dragonborn went about buying preserved salted meat along with fruits and vegetables. After paying for the food and returning to his house the dragonborn left for Dragonreach the home of jarl Balgruuf the greater.

Along the way he passed by the school in the upper district. Peeking in through a window he saw Lucia at her desk studying with the other kids her age. She was a far-cry from the starving, cold, orphan he had found on a rainy day. Grinning at his good deed but not getting a big head about it the dragonborn continued on his way.

Upon ascending the steps to Dragons-Reach the guards all looked upon him with respect and gratitude. Passing through the great doors he entered the great longhouse known as Dragons-Reach.

Jarl Balgruuf was in his office going through the normal daily paper work related to his duties at Jarl. Contrary to how most people think he doesn't always sit on that throne in the main hall all the time.

Proventus Avenicci walked in. "Jarl. Hargvir has arrived and is requesting a private meeting with you!"

Balgruuf set his quill pen down. "A private meeting?! I wonder what he wants to talk about? Send him in."

Moments later the Hargvir the dragonborn stood before the Jarl in the privacy of his office. Proventus Avenicci closed the door and stood outside as guard. The thick timber door and walls doing well to keep all from listening in on what was said within as much as they helped to hold the roof up and protect from the cold wind.

Jarl leaned forwards clasping his hands together. "So what brings you here? I heard you wanted to have a quite talk in private?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt your work jarl Balgruuf but I've discovered something and would like your opinion on it."

Balgruuf thought a moment. "Does this have anything to do with the dragons? Or perhaps the civil-war. If your requesting a private meeting then it must be controversial?"

The dragonborn nodded. "It is." The dragonborn pulled out a file handing it to the jarl. Balgruuf opened the documents giving them a thorough reading. His reaction to the Thalmor files was much the same as Hargvir and Delphines.

Closing the documents Balgruuf sighed with a heavy heart. "By the nine this is! I can't believe the Thalmor would go this far. Everyone knows their liars and schemers but to murder and replace Elisif and everyone in the blue palace just to frame Ulfric and start this civil-war! Know I know why you only wanted me to know this. I trust Proventus but the more people that know about this!?"

"I know its hard to believe. I almost didn't either. But this is the reality were in. Now that you know this jarl what are you going to do? Will you remain neutral or join Ulfric?"

Balgruuf gave the dragonborn a long stare. "I... need time to think. If I do join Ulfric I need to reveal this information to the people. Everyone will be wondering why I suddenly changed my stance and joined Ulfric. But this information becoming public may make things worse?!"

The dragonborn nodded. "I can respect that. I'm leaving Whiterun tomorrow or the day after."

"Where are you heading if I may ask?"

"To Winterhold. There's a few things I need to pick up from there."

Balgruuf hummed in thought. "Mm? Going to buy some of those magic items from the Azure forge then?"

The dragonborn was caught a little off guard. "You know of it?"

Balgruuf smirked. "Oh their items are becoming quite famous around Skyrim. Just a few days ago I bought one of their fancy washing machines. My wife and the house maids love the thing. It can clean clothes much easier then by hand. They have so much free time now that they've started their own hobbies to keep busy. And just to let you know that little shop also sells a potent potion that can keep your... stamina going for hours if you catch my meaning."

The dragonborn raised a eyebrow. "I... see. Well just another thing I need to look for while I'm up there."

"Oh one last thing Hargvir." Balgruuf said. "It's been big news for a while now but while your up there could you investigate how the mages at the college raised the earth from the sea. The restoration of the lands and the city of Winterhold has made significant waves all over Skyrim since Winterhold was once the capital of the province. And after jarl Korir improved his statues and respectability by finding the helm of Winterhold and personally slaying that necromancer. I'm not trying to imply anything but odd things have been happening up there. It would be nice if I hade a trustworthy man to see what's what up north?"

The dragonborn nodded. "Sure no problem."

Collecting the Thalmor files the dragonborn departed returning to his house. A few hours later Lydia returned a little bloody but non the worse for where. Soon after Lucia returned. The former orphan happily greeted Hargvir hugging him tightly and talking about all she's been through in school and the small job and apprenticeship she got in Arcadia's Cauldron apothecary. Lucia talked about how she wants to get into herbology and medicine maybe even taking over the job of running Arcadias Cauldron one day.

The dragonborn smiled knowing the kid could secure her own future and had a path already picked out. The false but warm family talked through dinner and spent the early night talking until late. The next morning the dragonborn and Lydia took Lucia out onto the great open plains of Whiterun hold picking and hunting for ingredients for Arcadias Cauldron. Lucia learned to use a bow and arrow as well as how to kill certain beasts with a spear and blade and then how to properly dismantle the animals bodies to maintain their quality and preserve the medical properties. Later back at the breeze-home they cooked up some of their spoils of the hunt and Lucia learning to respect her kills and that their flesh keeps her alive.

late into the night the sleeping-child was carried by the dragonborn to her room. The next morning the dragonborn escorted Lucia to school before gearing up for his trip to Winterhold. With warm clothes tightly wrapped up on his horses saddle the dragonborn said farewell to Lydia and departed for the north.

=Meanwhile=

The trip north was just as perilous as traveling the rest of Skyrim. During the trip the dragonborn was attacked by no fewer then three dragons and two bandit groups on top of one troll attack. Where ever he went it seemed he always drew trouble. Luckily a stern glare was all it took to make the wolves think twice about attacking.

Upon reaching Winterhold the dragonborn felt a odd sense of deja-vu as the construction of the new city of Winterhold was well under way. Workers and people migrating from the borders around front lines of the civil-war between the stormcloaks and imperials flooded the city. The dragonborn him self had passed no fewer then twenty wagons fully loaded with wood and other materials for construction on his way.

Passing under the main gate the dragonborn noted how fresh and new they looked. New construction surrounded him as buildings of stone and wood were being erected everywhere. All in various stages of completion. Few were finished and many others were yet to be completed. A tent city filled one half of the new city lands as the people both migrating here for jobs and to make a new living injected new life into a previously dead hold. All under the order of Ulfric stormcloak who saw the strategic value of having another whole city added to his domain.

The sense of deja-vu the dragonborn felt was quickly connected to Riften when he noticed both cities were under going a rebirth of shorts. In that moment the dragonborns thoughts felt off like they meant something he couldn't put his finger on. Then another realization hit him. His gut instinct told him that the activity in Winterhold and in Riften were connected to the great enemy Talos warned him about. If true then he must warn the jarl of Winterhold before something horrible happens.

Stopping off at the makeshift stables the dragonborn dropped his horse off before heading straight for the jarls long house. The old long house had been abandoned for a new one more then twice the width and length of the original.

"Hold! What's your business stranger?" asked a guard standing watch in front of the longhouse.

"My names Hargvir. I'm here to see the jarl." the dragonborn handed the guard a pendent and note.

The guard took the items raising a eye brow at the pendent before reading the note. The pendent identified the dragonborn as the thane of Whiterun. And the note was written by jarl Bulgruuf as a letter of introduction.

"Ok you can go in. But the Jarl isn't home at the moment. And a guard will escort you until you leave."

Another guard was called over to escort the dragonborn in. Entering the three story longhouse the dragonborn instantly felt it was trying to out do Dragonreach in Whiterun in terms of scale but the inside was still quite bare and utilitarian in looks. But the structure looked like it had only recently been completed so it would take time to decorate. Winterhold maybe having a restoration of its glory but it's economy is still basically non-existent.

"Whos there? Guard who is this?" asked a women in rather fancy clothes.

The guard saluted. "Lady Thaena. This is the thane of Whiterun. He's here to speak with jarl Korir."

Thaena gave the dragonborn and thane of Whiterun a serious examination. "Really! The thane of Whiteun and famed dragon-slaying dragonborn here to speak with my husband. Curious?! My husband is in a meeting over at the mages college right now. But he should get back in a hour or so. Till then why don't we talk some. That is if you don't mind?"

The dragonborn shook his head. "No ma'am. I can wait. What do you want to know?"

The dragonborn entertained Thaena recounting his early life in Cyrodill and his motivation for coming to Skyrim. Him getting captured by a group of imperials while just crossing the mountains and being in the area of Ulfric while he was doing something in the same place. Then being sent to Helgen fort nearly losing his head and the dragon attack that saved his life. Escaping with another survivor who just so happened to be a member of the stormcloaks and the long trip to Riverwood. Then after all that he reached Whiterun only for them to get attacked by a dragon. And after slaying the beast Hargvir learned he was a dragonborn and was shortly called to High Hrothgar by the greybeards.

Thaena smiled. "My... that's a quite the story. It must have been quite the shock for you to learn of your true nature and powers?"

The dragonborn thought a moment. "Yes it was. But I adapted. Though my duty to my mission is a harsh one. I'm taking things one day at a time."

The conversation was interrupted by the door opening drawing their attention.

"Ah my husbands back. Oh honey come over here. I think you'll be shocked at whose come to visit."

Jarl took off his heavy coat placing it on a coat rack by the door before walking over.

"What is it Thaena? And whos this?"

"Jarl Korir. I'm Hargvir the dragonborn."

Jarl Korir stood a moment looking the man over. "So your the famous dragonborn that's been slaying dragons all over Skyrim lately. I have to say I'm disappointed. You look like a strong responsible lad if a bit young."

"I'll be thirty the end of this year so I'm not that young."

Both Korir and Thaena laughed. Korir invited the dragonborn to dinner with his family where he once again recounted his travels and adventures across Skyrim. Omitting the more sensitive information. Korirs son was quite exited at the dragonborn as well as his stories of his adventures. The boy hounded Hargvir for over a hour with his question's before his mother sent him to bed. It was then that the dragonborn had a private moment with Korir.

In his private study Korir carefully considered the dragonborns words. "So you think this enemy from beyond Nirn is the same person responsible for what's happened here in Winterhold and Riften? That's a odd argument considering both holds have improved. Riftens thriving now that their not under the sway of that witch Maven black-briar anymore. And my holds seeing a return to its former glory. If this enemy is trying to conquer us. Then making our cities stronger is a odd way to go about it don't you think?"

The dragonborn shrugged taking a moment to put his words in order. "It's just a ploy to manipulate you. He or whatever it is just wants you to submit to his rule and kneel to him. If he gets a foot hold in Skyrim then he'll just spread his influence across the empire. To all of Tamriel and beyond until the whole of Nirn is his. Well that's the feeling I get from Talos words anyway."

Korir thought on the dragonborns words. "You make a point. But you don't even know who this invader is let alone what he's really after. I respect you as dragonborn but the divines rarely speak to us mortals. But if one were to I guess the dragonborn would be the one they would speak to. What exactly do you expect of me if I were to aid you?"

"It would help to first identify who this invader is first. Is there anyone that stands out as odd or different?"

Korir thought a moment thinking about the one person that matches. "The only one I could think of that it could be would be the owner of the Azure Forge. He's a argonian. Short with blue scales."

The dragonborn shot Korir a loot of surprise and shock. "It was that argonian from before in the embessy! No wonder I felt so strangely when I met him. He did just short of appear out of thin air."

Korir look of curiosity. "Embassy?"

"It's a long story but I recently infiltrated the Thalmor embassy looking for what they knew on the dragons appearing."

Korir nodded accepting this. "That long story can wait. If what you say is true then we can't let a daedric being, or one like them go free to do what they want. But speaking honestly I owe Azure for all he's done to help restore my holds reputation and honor. Before I commit to this I want him to confess to him being what you say he is. And I want it to be in front of me. Second hand confessions wont be accepted."

The dragonborn nodded meeting the jarls eyes. "Understood. I'll complete my other business here in Winterhold before acting on this. My other mission is just as important. Though now that I'm thinking about it maybe this Azure is the one whos bringing the dragons back?"

Korir raised a eye brow. "That's another baseless insinuation. We need a confession! Evidence."

The dragonborn agreed and so departed to collect the items the thieves guild asked him to get for them. He departed from the Jarls longhouse making his way to the famous Azur Forge magic items shop. Upon entering the dragonborn glanced around the rather large shop. It looked like it had just had renovation and expansion work done based on the stones colors and dust lines.

The dragonborn took his time and looked around. The number of magical items on display was astonishing. Most of people across Tamriel feel magic is more trouble then it's worth and reject or distrust magic users to some degree. This was mostly brought about by the oblivion crisis and the many many people that died. It's understandable that people would distrust magic even many years after such a event.

The dragonborn saw that there were two young women at the counter and two other customers in the shop at the time. The dragonborn spent his time looking around for any items that matched what he needed. During his search he came across some of those stamina potions Jarl Balgruuf mentioned. The name sexual performance enhancer was all you really needed to know about it.

Shrugging the dragonborn grabbed one bottle and moved on. Making his way through the store he didn't see any of the items he was looking for. There were potions of invisibility for a high price but there weren't any rings or items of significant power out on the main display. If they were sold here then they must be in a back room and only sold at a vary high price.

The dragon born grabbed a few more potions paid for them and left. He went to a inn only to find it completely full up. He went around town looking for any place to stay only to realize that there was no available rooms anywhere. Sighing at his only option he went to a general store and bought a warm double layer tent and a sleeping bag and joined the many hundreds of others in the tent city.

He waited passed noon at night till downing his last potion of invisibility. Knowing that they only worked for a limited time he sprinted to the Azure forge taking the shortest path to the now closed shop. Upon arrival he lockpicked a side door open and snuck in closing the door behind him. Quietly sneaking around he made his way passed the counter into the back rooms. He came cross a storage room only to find a secret cellar door which he also lockpicked open. Descending into the underground cellar the dragonborn found the jackpot as many stacks upon stacks of boxes of items.

Eventually he came across a row of glass case's that held rings, earrings, bracelets and other items no doubt all magical. Luckily for the dragonborn they were all labeled. Quickly finding multiple rings of teleportation and invisibility. He opened the cases and took the items dropping them in his sack.

Along the wall on top a pedestal a Stone Gargoyles eyes glowed. The creature specialized in protecting their masters property came to life uttering a low growl as it leaped down to the floor.

"Grrraaah!"

The dragonborn turned to the roaring stone beast wielding a great axe. "By the divines what is that thing?"

The stone creature slowly stomped over raising its giant axe over head. The dragonborn shouted whirlwind sprint dashing away as the axe slammed down cutting into the stone floor. Pulling it's axe out of the split stone the Gargoyle stared at the dragonborn with its red eyes growling hostility. The dragonborn figured it was some kind of magical guard meant to attack when something was stolen. With that in mind and seeing this as a unnecessary battle he rushed back up stairs and out of the Azure Forge shop. He turned back wondering if the beast would follow him.

The door nob turned. With its wings tucked in the Gargoyle crouched stepping through the doorway and turned staring right at the dragonborn its red eyes glowing in the snowy blackness of the night.

"Shit! Whys the invisibility not working!"

Too bad for him Gargoyles can see through illusions. Invisibility is considered a type of illusion.

The dragonborn turned running out of town at full sprint. The Gargoyle took five steps forwards extending its rocky wings sky-words. Despite their hard stone nature the magical wings functioned just fine as they came down. The force propelling the Gargoyle sky-words in one flap. With a second flap of it's wings the Gargoyle accelerated towards its target.

Looking back the Dragonborn didn't see the creature anymore. "Maybe it gave up since I'm so far away?"

The dragonborn's theory was crushed with almost him as the heavy beast glided into him throwing a wave of snow through the air along with the dragonborn as it crashed into the ground. The force of the impact knocked the air out of his lungs. Gasping for air on the ground the dragonborn rolled over standing up and turned to the creature drawing his axe.

"Fine were fighting then!"

As the Gargoyle lunged swinging its axe the dragonborn just barely blocked a blow as the force was enough to push him back. The two pushed and struggled back and forth against each other. Eventually then the dragonborn had had enough. He was worried about attracting attention if he used his thu'um but this thing was going to kill him if he didn't do anything.

Sucking in a chest full of cold air the dragonborn unleashed a unrelenting force. The point blank hit from the shout sent the the stone beast flying backwards in the snowy ground. Looking back to the city the dragonborn hoped he was far enough away that no one heard him. It wouldn't be a stretch to put two and two together implicating him seeing as the number of people that can use the thu'um was small. Hopefully he was far enough that no one heard the shout being used.

The dragonborns worries were redirected to the stone fiend as it raised back up staring at him intently with its red eyes as cracks ran along its body. The dragonborn noticed the creatures tail waving back and forth behind it and the dragonborn then noticed its tip had two protrusions that looked like axe heads.

The realization came just in time as the Gargoyle took one step forwards and spun around. The dragonborn blocked the heavy tail strike but was again sent flying back into the snow. Spitting the snow out of his mouth he felt the bloody but small slash on his side as he got back up and charged. The Gargoyle blocked the attack and countered with a kick.

The dragonborn anticipated the move side stepping it. He reeled his axe back and brought it down on the Gargoyles shoulder. The axe only cut a half inch into the hard body of the beast. The Gargoyle reached up chocking the dragonborn by the neck lifting him up into the air. As the Gargoyle stared him in the eyes the dragonborn felt light headed as his neck felt like it would snap in half.

Thinking fast the dragonborn brought both his legs up to the Gargoyles chest and raised his axe, slashing down on its head to stun it he then kicked off pushing himself out of its grasp. Getting to his feet the dragonborn rolled away as the beasts axe came slamming down missing him by inches.

Rolling back onto his feet the dragonborn readied his axe and shouted whirlwind sprint. In a burst of sudden speed he brought his axe down cutting deep into the Gargoyles chest. Bringing a leg up the dragonborn pushed off pulling his axe out while retreating a distance away. Grasping the crack along its chest the Gargoyle roared as the dragonborn used whirlwind sprint once more striking the same spot. The crack suddenly spread across the body stunning the Gargoyle.

Backing off once more the dragonborn used whirlwind sprint one last time. The final strike split the Gargoyles body shoulder to hip. The two halves collapsed into a pile of stony body parts. Gasping from the effort the dragonborn huffed out a painful sigh.

"What... was that thing? It was nearly as tough as a... dragon. Almost. Would have been much easier if I could use my unrelenting force shout more."

It was at that moment the dragonborn realized he needed better gear. Namely enchanted armor and weapons. Looking at his axe the dragonborn sighed before turning to the even larger axe of the stone beast. Picking up the heavy weapon he tested its balance and feel giving it a few swings with one hand then two. It was almost twice the weight of his old great axe but that just made its blows that much stronger. And would be even more after getting a nice enchantment or two.

The next morning the dragonborn woke up in his small tent feeling the pain of his wounds. His body ached from the battle last night. He had cast a healing spell on him self before returning to his tent and even though it closed the cut on his side and mended a few broken ribs the strain of his muscles still remained. After freshening up and getting something to eat at the vary busy eating house the dragonborn left for the jarls long house. He was going to expose this Azure person for what he really was.

A hour later the dragonborn and jarl Korir stood in the jarls private office.

Jarl Korir looked nervous. "Ok he's should be on his way. How exactly are you going to get him to expose him self. You don't have any evidence that I know of?"

"And I doubt there is." the dragonborn replied. "That's why I'm just going to confront him."

Korir turned from the window staring at the dragonborn. "Openly. Do you plan to fight him?"

The dragonborn shrugged. "That's the plan."

"It sounds... hasty. Don't you think there's any other way to get him to openly confess?"

The dragonborn shook his head. "No. If it were that easy I doubt he could keep his identity hidden this well or manipulate you. Obviously he's thought this through quite well. Openly confronting him is the only way. Now we should get things started for when he arrives."

The jarl felt that this plan of subterfuge and deception was a little beneath him. But is Talos really did warn the dragonborn about Azure being some invader from beyond Nirn then the chance to absolve Azure of any wrong doing should be worth it. For all he's done Korir was starting to really like that short argonian.

Minutes later Azure arrived entering the jarls private office.

"Jarl Korir you called for...!" the argonian or what looked like one froze at the scene before him.

A man wilding a giant axe stood over the bloody body of the jarl. The argonian raised a scaly eyebrow staring at the man as he turned to him.

"I know what you really are!"

The argonians face showed recognition at the dragonborns face.

"So your the dragonborn. You were talking with C.C. at the party in the Thalmor embassy." The dragonborn felt a shiver run down his spine as the argonian smirked and for a moment radiated a aura of dark and purple energy. Azure smiled shifting personality with a grin. "You know I didn't really think any of the Aedra were going to interfere with me so long as I didn't stop their worship. Not that I care. I prefer loyalty and respect rather then worship. Religious zealots are like a flail or nunchuck. Crud, unreliable and unpredictable. But low and behold it seems one of the nine divines decided to warn the mortals about me. Hm? Let me guess. Talos?"

Taken off guard by the beings openness the dragonborn shifted gears. "Then you openly admit to you came to conquer Skyrim and Tamriel?"

Azure laughed a moment then took on a completely serious look as he stared the dragonborn in the eyes. "Yeah I confess. I'm a evil perverted demon-lord from another universe and I'm here to take this worlds resources for my own use. And I'm even going to conquer those Daedra in the planes of Oblivion while I'm at it."

Azure pointed a finger at the dragonborn producing a small ball of light at the tip of his claw. The dragonborn dived out of the way as a beam shot from Azures fingertip blasting a hole through the wall.

With a grunt the dragonborn stood up looking out the giant hole in the wall big enough for a horse to go through. He turned back to Azure with a defiant glare as the argonian or rather demon-lord in the guise of a argonian had a giant grin on his face.

"Come on. Lets fight!" Azure shouted in challenge.

Jarl Korir who was just laying down with some fake blood on his coat quickly stood up grabbing his enchanted frost sword off the wall. "So it is true. You were manipulating us this whole time!"

Azure smirked. "Yeah yeah I did. But it's not like I was going to kill you Korir. I had planned on making you the next high king of skyrim and was going to let you and your people continue worshiping Talos. But I guess that plans gone out the window now. Unless you want to stay on my side?"

The dragonborn half turned to Korir as the man thought. "Jarl Korir?"

Korir was shocked at that proposal. Him becoming high king. It was beyond his expectations. Then again with everything Azure had done finding the helm of winterhold. Suggesting Korir personally slay that necromancer to improve his reputation. Helping to restore Winterhold to its former glory literally. Throughout history, Winterhold had been the historic capital of Skyrim and was the center of progress in the entire province. But Winterhold lost that status after the Great Collapse, when a large majority of the city had plunged into the Sea of Ghosts due to the constant storms.

The jarl thought of how his house could become the next ruling family and his son would one day become high king. But then he remembered his honor as a Nord and what betraying his own people so this creature could conquer Skyrim and the rest of Tamriel would mean.

"Sorry Azure or whoever you really are. But my honor and loyalty to my people is more important then the throne of the highking!"

Azure shrugged. "Oh well it was worth a shot. Guess I'm just going to have to make a...hostile take over!"

At those words Korir stiffened as a strange feeling surged through his whole body as it felt like it was becoming cloudy and distant.

The dragonborn got ready to charge the self proclaimed demon-lord with the jarl. "Your heard the jarl he's not going to.." Hargvir just barley blocked the strike as Korirs blade struck his axe several times over and over forcing the dragonborn back. Sneering at the biting frost covering his axe and hands the dragonborn stared in shock at Korir. "What are you doing?"

"Sorry mortal I only serve my master." the jarl replied almost sounding like a different person.

Korir struck at the dragonborn again and again as Azure smirked standing behind the jarl. The dragonborn defended him self but was forced back to the hole in the wall. Glancing down at the snow covered ground the dragonborn turned to the argonian.

"What did you do to the jarl?!"

Azure smirked pointing to his head. "Just activated my sleeper agent in his head is all. The jarl is no longer in control of his own body."

Hargvir gritted his teeth in fury at this evil. He saw that the situation had changed and he was now on the defensive. He couldn't kill the jarl and so he turned to beat a hasty retreat leaping out the hole. The instant he fell stone spikes erupted from the ground below him. In the brief instant after they appeared he instinctively shouted whirlwind sprint. The dragonborn accelerated away from the stone spikes landing in a heap on the snowy ground with blood leaking from his legs as they had just barely struck the spikes.

"Ow! Gonna feel that tomorrow!"

Standing up he cast healing on his legs sealing the cuts. Looking backup at the longhouse he saw Azure and the mind controlled jarl Korir walk up to the hole staring down at him. Azure pointed his finger at the dragonborn but was interrupted when Hargvir countered with a unrelenting shout. The Thu'um crushed the thick wood of the house and sent the two flying back away from the hole. While they were down the dragonborn reached into his shack and put on the teleportation ring identified by the name tag still on it. He glanced up at the hole once more to see Azure stand up glaring at him.

The next moment Hargvir was in Riften surrounded by the bustling crowds.

"That... was close. I really need better gear. And better shouts and more dragon souls."

After taking a moment to rest the dragonborn descended into the ratway. Upon returning to the ragged flagon Brynjolf eagerly greeted the dragonborn.

"So you got the goods?"

"Yeah." Hargvir demonstrated the rings powers teleporting around the room and turning invisible and casting illusions to prove they were real.

"Well I'll be a trolls uncle the lad did it." commented Rune.

"So now that we got the fancy magic do-dads lets bust Vex and the others out now!" stated Niruin.

Brynjolf took the bag of magical items. "Me, Rune and Niruin will rescue our comrades. As for you oh great thief. The man your looking for, Esbern, is in the eastern part of the ratway warrens, which is past the vault just through that door over there. Also just so you know a group of Thalmor arrived a short time ago. They had to take the back route through the ratway to the vault but I would wager their after your guy as well."

The dragonborn narrowed his eyebrows giving a annoyed growl. "Thanks for the info and warning. Good luck getting your guys out."

The dragonborn entered the ratway-vault with haste. But as soon as he entered the vault a Thalmor agent on a lower level spotted him.

"Its the dragonborn kill him!"

"Shit!"

Cursing the dragonborn drew his great axe and charged at the Thalmor agent as he charged up a lightning bolt. The axe sunk deep into the Thalmor's skull. The crackling energies in his hands dissipating. But another Thalmor agents lightning bolt flew striking the dragonborn in the side scorching his leather armor and making his nerves and muscles jerk at the electrocuting spell. Turning to the enemy the dragonborn shouted unrelenting force turning the altmer mage into a formerly living ragdoll filled with broken bones.

The dragonborn fought his way passed five more Thalmor agents and spent twenty minutes wondering the multileveled confusing vault area until finding the entrance to the warrens. After killing a few rather violent thugs and lowlifes that actually live down here and were less then nice the dragonborn finally found a rather well locked door knocking on it.

"Hello?"

There was no response. Was he not in? Some where else? The dragonborn knocked again.

"Go away!" came from inside.

"Are you Esbern?"

There was a few seconds of silence before the slide window on the door opened revealing a elderly man with a rather impressive greying beard.

"What! No my names... caligula. Never heard of a Esbern. Now go away!"

The dragon born wasn't born yesterday and could smell Giant shit when he smelled it.

"It's ok Esbern I've come as a friend. Delphine sent me here to get you."

Esbern shut the slid. "I told you I'm not Esbern now leave. I don't want to talk to anyone."

The dragonborn shook his head annoyed. "Look old man I just nearly gotten killed by a flying stone beast wielding a giant axe and a self proclaimed Demon lord to get the info from Brynjolf on where to find you and then killed a bunch of Thalmor agents while walking through this Skeever infested dung hep so. Please listen would you."

There was a moment of silence before the slid window opened. "Stone beast and a... demon-lord?! And did you say Delphine?" Esbern questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. She contacted me and told me all about the Blades and how they were dragonslayers who in ancient times hunted dragons and served the dragonborns of the septim dynasty. Oh and I'm the dragonborn by the way."

The old man looked the dragonborn over. "Prove it!"

The dragonborn sighed dropping his head. "Delphina said to remember where you were on the 30th of frost fall."

Esberns expression softened. "Ah! Indeed, indeed. I do remember. You really did meet Delphine then? Sorry for my paranoia. One can't be too carful with the Thalmor after you."

The dragonborn shrugged. "Understandable."

After Esbern spent a moment undoing all the locks on his door he ushered the dragonborn in and relocked the door.

"So your... really a dragonborn? Is it really true?"

The dragonborn felt like rolling his eyes. "Want to go and watch as I slay a dragon and eat its soul!"

Esbern chuckled. "Hehe! Did Delphine have you do that to prove your a dragonborn. Ha! Sounds like her."

"Yeah yeah. She said you were the Blades lore master or something and that you knew everything about dragons."

"Yes I am. I spent many years of my life investigating and reading about the old legends concerning the dragons and their return. And I learned of the great enemy that was approaching. But after the Blades were broken by the Thalmor and what survivors were scattered I could do nothing but just wait for our doom to approach helplessly."

The dragonborn was vary interested in that wording considering his experiences with that dragon cloaked in darkness who is bringing the others of its kind back to life and that self proclaimed demon-lord that almost killed him.

"Doom? Does that have anything to do with a black dragon cloaked in darkness. Or a uh a Demon-lord?"

Esbern blinked in surprise and mild confusion. "I... don't know? But I do know that the dragons return is the final portent of the end of days."

"End of days!? As in the end literal end of the world?"

"Oh yes! The prophecies make clear the signs that will proceed the end times. One by one I've seen them full-filed. One was the oblivion crisis and the self sacrifice of the last living member of the true septim blood line. Another was Alduins return."

The dragon born chuckled dryly. "Yeah about him. I was going to get my head chopped off in Helgen when Alduin showed up and literally saved my neck before he destroyed the fort."

Esberns eyes widened in shock. "What! He actually saved you? That's not in the prophecies?"

"Also I had already mentioned it but when me and Delphine went to Kynesgrove a black dragon that looked a lot like Alduin but cloaked in a shroud of darkness resurrected the dragon buried there. It didn't do anything else but land resurrect the dead dragon there and then left."

Esbern looked troubled. "Two Alduins? This... is wrong. The prophecies don't talk about two Alduins! Hm. But I believe I know where to go to learn the truth of this matter. A ancient Blade sanctuary called sky haven temple right here in Skyrim."

"So if we go there we can learn more about this prophecy about the end of the world?"

"Yes I believe so. I was never able to get there dew to the Forsworn having a camp right at the base of the mountain."

"Well in any case we need to get out of here and meet up with Delphine."

"Wait a moment I need to collect a few essential's before we depart." Esbern sad as he went about collecting a few things in his room.

After leaving the warrens and fighting through another group of Thalmor agents both the dragonborn and Esbern departed for Riverwood on horse back. Along the way the dragonborn got curious about something as they traveled the road westwards.

"So is I may ask, what happened on the 30th of frostfall?"

Esbern looked into empty space recounting the memory. "Hm. It was a cold day with wind that could cut through even a hearty Nord. The end of frostfall is nearly winter in the jarall mountains. We heard the news at Cloud Ruler Temple by courier riding hard from the imperial city. 30th of frostfall, 171. Thirty years ago. The day the great war started. And the Thalmor ambassador delivered his ultimatum to emperor Titus mede, the heads of every Blade agent in the Aldmari dominion. I knew that day that it was truly the beginning of the end."

The dragonborn silently processed that story and its meaning.

"My turn. You mentioned a demon-lord before in the ratway warrens?"

"I was planning on telling both you and Delphine about that when we got back to her place. But I'll say this. When I was up at the greybeards temple I received a vision of Talos. He told me that the world of Nirn was facing a threat from beyond our realm but not from the Daedra of oblivion. I encountered this demon-lord and nearly died. If I hadn't teleported out of there I may not have gotten away."

Esbern narrowed his eyes furrowing his lips. "I wonder if this demon-lord is connected to the prophecies?"

"Guess we'll find out when we get to Sky Haven Temple."

The two hurried along on their trip to Riverwood stopping only when they needed to water the horse's and collect needed provisions. And slay the odd dragon that seemingly appeared randomly. The dragonborn was starting to think these dragons were actually looking for him. Well if they wanted to kill hum they could try fighting in groups for once.

=Meanwhile=

In Riverwood Delphine paced about the inn as Orgnar stoked the fire. "Relax Delphine your going to wear the floor out if you don't stop."

"Sorry Orgnar. It's just that he's been gone for a while. He should have been back by now?!"

Orgnar walked back to the counter. "I'm sure he's just fine. If he really is the dragonborn I highly doubt he'll go out easily. Especially if he can take dragons on by him self and win."

Delphine stopped. "Your right. I should have more confidence in him."

The door opened.

"Miss me." said the dragonborn.

Delphine turned around. "Hargvir! What happened your were gone for days?"

"Took my time and ran into some trouble. I'll explain everything. But first I think you two have some catching up to do."

The dragonborn stepped out of the door way revealing Esbern.

Delphines eyes widened as a slight smile crested her lips. "Esbern!"

Esbern grinned. "Delphine! I... It's good to see you again."

Delphine stepped forwards giving the old man a hug. "It's been too long old friend."

Esbern patted Delphine on the back. "You too. For a long time I was worried that I was the only one left."

Orgnar smirked. "Aw! You do have a heart Delphine."

Delphine rolled her eyes. "Shut it Orgnar!"

Orgnar chuckled.

The dragonborn smirked at the friendly banter. "If you two are done saying your greetings we should get to the secret room. There are... things I need to explain."

Esbern nodded. "Yes yes. You need to explain all about what Talos told you."

Delphine narrowed her eyes. "Talos?! What's he talking about?"

The dragonborn walked towards the secret room. "I'll explain just come on."

Esbern and Delphine followed the dragonborn to the secret room. As they left closing the door to Delphines room behind them Orgnar watched staring intently. Once he was alone Orgnar raised the ring on his hand to his mouth.

"Master Drakar. The dragonborn has retrieved Esbern and the three of them are in the secret room talking about some vision of Talos Hargvir had."

"Good. You have done well my servant."

Down in the secret room Esbern, Delphine and the dragonborn all got comfortable.

Esbern took a seat. "Ah sorry. These old legs are a little stiff."

"That's fine Esbern. Now Hargvir what's this about you meeting Talos thing you haven't told me?"

The dragonborn lowered his head remembering as much as he could. "It happened after Kynesgrove when I returned the horn of Jurgen Windcaller to the greybeards. I had a vision of Talos. He looked just like the statues of him.

Delphine sighed lowering her head in thought. "Well you are the dragonborn. I guess it's not out of the realm of possibility for one of the nine divines to contact you. What did he say? "

"That a great enemy had arrived in Nirn from beyond. And that it wasn't a Dadric prince or any of their kin. I had to go to Winterhold to get some things for that acquaintance of yours Brynjolf before he would help me find Esbern. While I was there I learned that this invader from beyond Nirn may have been in contact with the jarl of Winterhold and the mages college. I think he had a major part in the college mages restoring Winterhold land along the coast to what it once was. And I was right unfortunately."

Delphine sighed feeling something went wrong. "What happened?"

"I met the jarl Korir using my status as thane of Whiterun and managed to convince him that the one that had been helping him was in fact using him and his hold as a staging point for a invasion. He wanted proof and so we concocted a ploy to have the suspected person to expose himself. The person in question was a short blue argonian named Azure. Though I'm sure the 'invader' was just using a disguise of some kind."

"I suspect it didn't go well for you?" said Esbern.

The dragonborn shook his head. "No it didn't. When I confronted the... argonian he actually openly admitted to being what Talos said he was. Even calling him-self a... demon-lord?"

Esbern raised a eyebrow. "Demon-lord? Never heard of the term before."

Delphine shrugged with a sigh. "Well I guess he's not a daedric prince then."

The dragonborn continued. "Anyway when he openly admitted to it Korir drew his sword and joined me. But Azure actually propositioned the jarl to join him and if he did he would become high king of skyrim. But the jarl refused. We were going to attack together when Korir nearly took my head off."

Delphine gasped. "Why would he take back his word like that?! Was he just deceiving you to get you to lower your guard?"

The dragonborn shook his head. "No. Azure admitted he had taken control of the jarls mind somehow."

Esbern crossed his arms deep in thought. "Insidious! And a cunning tactic if a dishonorable one. I assume you escaped."

"Yes by the skin of my teeth. Azure had blasted a hole through the wall of the longhouse nearly killing me. But he also provided my escape route. I leaped out the hole and use my thu'um to buy time to use one of the teleportation rings I had stolen from Azures own shop to move instantly to Riften."

Delphine raised a eye brow. "Teleportation ring?! That's a high class magic item!"

Esbern frowned. "You said you stole it from Azures own shop?"

"It was apart of the deal with Brynjolf for the information on your location. I thought to keep some of them but considering they were created by Azure I didn't feel safe wearing one so I just gave them all to the thieves guild."

Delphine mused in thought. "Smart call. I kind of feel bad for them if those rings are some trap of some kind. Still better safe then sorry."

Esbern stood up walking to the table. "I agree. But now that that's been explained we need to focus on what we can do. And what we can do is learn the truth about the prophecies concerning the end times and Alduin." Esbern took a book out of his bag opening it to specific page. "You see here. Sky haven temple, constructed around one of the main Akaviri military camps in the Reach, during their conquest of Skyrim."

Delphine gave the book a look. "And what are we looking for there?"

Esbern shh! Delphine. "This is where they built Alduins wall, to set down in stone all their accumulated dragonlore. A bulwark against the forgetfulness of centuries. A wise and prudent policy. Despite the far-reaching fame of Alduins wall at the time - one of the wonders of the ancient world- its location was lost."

Delphine stood back. "So what's on this wall of Alduin?"

"Alduin's wall was where the ancient Blades recorded all they knew of Alduin and his return. Part history, part prophecy." Esbern sighed looking forlorn. "The Blades archived held so many secrets... I was only able to save a few scraps."

The dragonborn placed a reassuring hand on Esberns shoulder. "What you did save... was enough."

Esbern nodded. "Yes yes."

Delphine pulled a map out looking at the reach hold. "Guess were heading to the reach then. We better pack a lot of supplies."

The two Blades and the dragonborn packed up their gear and supplies loaded up their horses and departed for the reach hold to the north-west. From Riverwood they traveled along the main road north-east until reaching a east going road just before Fort Sungard. Traveling eastwards they passed by ruins of Valthume. Going north from there they arrived on a small lake with a island on it. The small island had a tall mountain on its northern side and a Forsworn camp at its base on the island.

The intrepid warriors were laying on the ground atop a raise over looking the Forsworn camp.

"There's the Forsworn camp!" said Delphine. "How are we going to get passed all of them?"

Esbern looked through a hand held telescope. "I see a few hag-ravens and a few tough warriors. If we force our way through it will be a difficult battle."

As the dragonborn thought things through a familiar roar sounded over head. The three looked skywords as a blue frost dragon swooped down leaving behind a trail of frozen men in the wake of it's icy breath.

The dragonborn smirked. "Lets let the dragon do our work for us."

And so the three waited as the dragon systematically killed the Forsworn to the last man. Then once they were all dead the dragonborn ran out to deal with the dragon him self. Drawing a arrow on his bow the dragonborn loosed the ballistic missile striking the back of the dragons head. The beast turned to him roaring with murderous intent.

The two charged each other as Esbern and Delphine watched.

Delphine noticed the look in Esberns eyes. "Fist time seeing a actual dragon Esbern?"

Esbern looked on with almost childish fascination. "Huh? Oh yes. Reading on dragons is one thing but seeing them in the flesh is... quite another. If I was forty years younger I would be down there with him. Ah! watch out!"

Delphine smirked. "Don't worry I've seen the dragonborn fight. He can hold his own in any fight. However what I'm really worried about is that self proclaimed demon-lord?"

Esbern turned to her. "Yes as am I. Whoever that being truly is they are intruding in this worlds destiny. Disrupting the natural flow of time and history. If the dragonborns destiny is to defeat Alduin then how will the flow of time and fate be changed by this outside force?"

Delphine shrugged. "No idea. I just hope your Sky Haven Temple has more clues for us."

A moment later the dragon was slammed into the cliff wall by a well timed unrelenting force shout. The dragon stunned the dragonborn went in for the kill.

=Meanwhile=

High above on a nearby mountaintop Kalameet and Paarthurnax watched as the three mortals entered the mountain.

"Paarthurnax, are you sure about these mortals?"

Paarthurnax nodded. "The dragonborns destiny is to defeat Alduin. That is all I know."

Kalameet groaned in thought a moment. "I feel as though you are letting destiny drag you along without even attempting to forge your own path. After most of my kin were slain in my own world and I was left alone I angerly lashed out at all I could while wondering aimlessly. I was alone and lost without purpose. And perhaps just waiting for death to release me from my isolation. But after arriving here and meeting you and talking... I've realized that I never want to lose anything again. If this dragonborns fated to kill your brother then shouldn't you stop him. If Alduins only reason for wanting to destroy the world is his hatred of humans then shouldn't you stop him your self. Or are you content to lose another blood kin?"

Paarthurnax narrowed his eyes looking skywords. "Perhaps you are right Kalameet. Perhaps I have been little more then a cowered all this time letting others do what I was too cowardly to do my self. I spent all those thousands of years waiting for Alduin my brother to return atop High Hrothgar only to have my voice fail me when he finally returned. We didn't even have a proper exchange of words before he vanished into the sky."

=Meanwhile=

Entering Karthspire the dragonborn and his companions drew their weapons ready to deal with anymore Forsworn left over.

The Forsworn in the cave weren't unprepared as they had already standing atop a elevation bows at the ready.

"There they are kill them!" the Forsworn leader shouted.

The others drew their bows launching a volley of arrows.

Arrows hit the dragonborn in the shoulder and thigh but while they may have injured him and drew blood they hardly slowed him down. With a single whirlwind sprint shout he dashed up to the elevation swinging his axe. As one Forsworn's head rolled another was hit by Delphine's arrow. Esbern held back as his advanced age reduced his combat ability to almost nothing and he was too valuable to risk in a fight.

After the short skirmish the Forsworn lay dead and the three continued onwards to their objective. After moving through the cave a little bit they came upon the ancient Akaviri ruins.

Delphine glanced about the impressive and vary old ruins above them. "This looks promising."

Esbern nodded as he carefully scrutinized the ruins. "Indeed. This is certainly early Akvairi stone work here."

They moved up the old stone steps finding that the builders had made the place to be a kill zone in case of any attackers. There was no way through at first sight.

Delphine noticed the wall across the pit looked like something. "I think that's a bridge? We need to get it down some how?"

Esbern looked around to find anything that could be a mechanism to lower the bridge. "Over there! Those pillars may be apart of the mechanism to lower the bridge?"

The dragonborn examined the short square pillars in front of them. "Huh!? These look like the rotating image things I run into while delving into old Nord ruins. They seem to be popular with some of the ancient Nords. Oh and their always boobytrapped so get it right the first time or we could get a few poison darts or arrows in us."

Delphine scoffed. "That's a comfy thought. Hargvir since your experienced with them how do you think we can get past this?"

"Hm? Sorry. This place is way older then those other ruins. Perhaps the traps in the other ruins were based on the ones made by the Akaviri. I don't recognize any of these symbols."

Delphine sighed. "Guess your up Esbern."

Esbern was already reading the symbols. "Hm? Yes! These are the Akaviri symbols. Lets see... you have the symbol king and warrior... and of course the symbol for dragonborn. That's the one that appears to have a short of arrow shape pointing downward at the bottom."

The dragonborn thought a moment then rotated the far left pillar counter clockwise so the dragonborn symbol showed and then rotated the middle pillar counter-clockwise twice so all three pillar's showed the dragonborn symbol. There was a mechanical clank as the stone bridge slowly lowered bridging the pit.

Delphine smirked. "Well that worked! Lets see what those old Blades left for us up there."

Hargvir huffed a grunt of sarcasm. "I bet there's more traps along the way."

"I think your right." said Esbern.

It didn't talk long for that prediction to be full-filled as the three soon found themselves in a chamber where the floor was covered by stone plates carved with more Akaviri symbols.

The dragonborn shrugged. "Yeah this looks familiar. In one ruin I went in there were pressure plates that shot flames out of holes in them. Roasted a few giant spiders that way."

Esbern examined the chamber. "It looks like the same symbols as before so the solution must be the same."

The dragonborn moved forwards glancing around at the plates noticing a trail of the dragonborn symbols. He stepped on one plate then moved two right, forwards two, one left, two forwards, three right, two forwards, two left, two forwards and three right arriving at a old chain. As he pulled it there was a clanking noise.

"Is it safe now?" asked Delphine.

The dragonborn turned to her. "Only one way to find out."

Much to Delphine and Esberns dismay the dragonborn stepped on one of the incorrect plates. Nothing happened. "It's safe."

Esbern and Delphine walked over each punching the Dragonborn in the arm for risking his own life like that.

"Ow! What? I was sure it was safe."

Moving onwards the three had to cross another bridge. Passed through a normal spider infested cave and climbed up a long winding spiral staircase before reaching more ruins high above. The chamber was peculiar as it had a large chest in the middle and a large stone face on the back wall.

The dragonborn stopped at the chest then looked up to Esbern and Delphine who had both moved on to the giant stone face in back. "Do you think this is a trap?"

Delphine glanced back. "If you get turned into a frog I'm not kissing you."

The dragonborn rolled his eyes opening the chest. Inside he found a amethyst gem, a bunch of coins, a gold emerald ring, a silver ring and some old leather armor that has NOT survived the test of time.

"Ew? Old leather!"

Tossing the old rotten and dusty leather armor aside the dragonborn pocketed the gems and rings. Upon putting the gold emerald ring on the dragonborn felt invigorated like he was a energetic kid again. When he put the silver ring on he found that his movements were swifter and easier.

"Enchanted rings! The old Blades had some nice stuff! Now to get some enchanted armor and weapons."

While the dragonborn was chest diving Esbern and Delphine were examining the face sculpture.

"Wonderful! Remarkably well preserved too."

In the back-round the dragonborn threw the old leather armor off to the side.

Esbern looked down at a engraving on the floor in front of the face sculpture.

"Ah... here's the blood seal. Another of the Akaviri arts. No doubt triggered by... well blood."

Delphine made a knowing expression. "I see. No doubt the dragonborns!"

"I would assume."

The dragonborn joined the two. "So how are we getting in there?"

"Your blood." said Delphine.

"What?"

"She's right dragonborn. Look here! You see how the ancient Blades revere Reman Cyrodiil."

The dragonborn looked at the face sculpture.

"Yeah... I guess."

Esbern continued. "The Akiviri blood seal can only be opened with the right kind of blood. Your blood."

The dragonborn sighed. "I can live with a little blood loss."

The dragonborn stood over the engraved blood seal as Esbern mumbled something about Remen stopping the Akaviri invasion or something. The dragonborn pulled out his war axe placing its sharp blade on his palm. With a quick yank the blood of a dragonborn flowed onto the seal. The moment the blood landed on the seal it glowed white and its pieces started rotating until forming the Akaviri symbol for the Dragonborn. Then the stone face retracted upwards revealing the path forwards.

Esbern stared at the wondrous example of arcane magic and mechanical mastery. "After the so-called battle of pale pass the Akaviri went into Remans service forming the foundation of the second empire."

The three stood at the entrance.

"After you Dragonborn. You should be the one to have the honor of setting foot in Sky Haven Temple after all this time." said Delphine.

The dragonborn shrugged. "Sure why not."

Ascending the stairs the dragonborn pushed open the stone doors. Beyond was... more stairs.

The three ascended the stairs together igniting old fire basins to light the way. Along the way Esbern stopped at a carving in the wall.

"Fascinating!. Original Akaviri carved bas reliefs... almost entirely intact!"

The three continued their way up the stairs along the way igniting more old fire basins.

Esbern stopped at another carving. "Amazing... you can see how the Akaviri craftsmen were beginning to embrace the more flowing Nordic style..."

Delphine placed a hand on Esberns shoulder. "Were here for Alduins wall right Esbern. You'll have time later to look at all the sculptures you want."

"Ah! Yes of course. Sorry for getting so distracted."

Getting back on track the three continued their march up wards reaching a much larger open chamber. Delphine and the dragonborn went around igniting more fire basins along the walls as Esbern approached a large stone relief.

"Shor's bones! Here it is! Alduins wall... so well preserved... I've never seen a finer example of second era Akaviri sculptural relief."

Having brought light to the room Delphine approached Esbern.

"Esbern. We need information not a lecture on art history."

The dragonborn joined them. "Hey the guys just admiring the things he loves. Give him a break."

Delphine sighed. "I... sorry. I'm just a bit in a hurry is all."

"Don't worry Delphine I don't take it personally. Now lets see what we have here?"

=Chapter End=