Part 10 - The Greatest Sin

Chapter 169 - The Dragon Rider

The dream Miles was having slowly faded to darkness and he found himself staring into the bright eyes of the Watcher.

"I have shown you what will come to pass should Dei Volente prevail. This world will crumble to dust and nothing will remain for the souls still trapped within the stones. He leads the Sunor people not to freedom, but to their demise while claiming it is freedom he gives them. Honestly if I could truly free the Sunor I would, but I can't interfere. Through your victory, they will receive their liberty."

"What do I do with the Fanor?"

"You must gain the trust of the Sunor. Lead the Fanor against the Tuta Empire and they will be in your debt. Now I must leave you to rest before your mind crumbles. You will find your own way to the first victory."

Miles had fallen asleep on Paarthurnax's back. The dovah tried to fly as smoothly as it could so as not to disturb him. However, soon it sighted land and decided now was the time to wake him up. Miles jumped as Paarthurnax shook and roared.

"Awake, Vonunn Bormah! We near the shores of the Far North!"

The spider saw the dark line on the horizon growing steadily. He groaned, having hoped the flight would take a little longer so he could plan a way to get the allegiance of the Fanor. Leading armies wasn't his field of expertise, nor did he want the resulting blood on his hands. However, as the Watcher had shown him, if he didn't do something to undermine Max things would be a lot worse.

"Hey Paarthurnax."

"Hmm?"

"Anything I should know about these guys?"

"They despise the Tuta, and the Tuta fear them. There has been a truce for nearly four hundred years since Furore Mortale fell to this world."

"But what about the actual people? Any cool powers? What's their battle strategy like?"

"They are mortal human as you are. They bear much resemblance to the Nords of Skyrim."

"That doesn't help much."

"There are ten holds spread throughout the Empire, each led by a Konung. One Konung is the Great Konung who leads the Empire in times when it must rally behind one leader. Perhaps a better comparison would be to Vikings."

"I know a bit about them."

"They may appear threatening, but they are welcoming. Especially to those who arrive on the back of a dovah."

"Yeah, I'd guess that has some honour with it."

Hirrov stared down at the smouldering remains of the city. He turned to his guards who had been on duty.

"What happened?"

"The dov, King. Two of them were fighting and burned the city down. The green ones are dead. The white and brown ones tried to fight the fire, but failed. The brown left with a rider at dawn, heading northeast. The white returned to the mountain." Reported the captain.

Hirrov nodded, slowly turning back to the view.

"Dispatch a battalion and deliver aid to the survivors. I'm going to speak with the dovahhe that remain."

Odahviing and Yolsotwuth were squaring up with each other.

"Dei Volente has lost his way. We must not intervene in the affairs of mortals." Yolsotwuth argued.

Odahviing bared its teeth.

"Is that why Paarthurnax has left us to carry a mortal? When he interferes, all dov follow him."

"Paarthurnax's reasons are his own. We must set a finer example and remain here. Dei Volente will come for our strength; we must not bow to him."

"To not bow to him is to die."

"And to bow to him is to do the same!" Hirrov shouted as he dismounted his horse.

"Should you not be tending to the needs of your…subjects?" Asked Odahviing.

"I have soldiers taking supplies to the survivors. But this tragedy would not have happened if it were not for your kind. I want…no, I need an explanation."

"Our brothers fought over their allegiance. The mortal dead are tragic, but an accident."

"You don't care for the perhaps thousands of people killed tonight?"

"A dovah's will is to dominate. Your…faith is misplaced, Dovah King."

"You have made that evident. I must warn you, however, that to side with Dei Volente means only death."

"Ni. To stand against him is death." Replied Odahviing.

"I will not stand beside a God driven by delusion. You have my allegiance, Dovah King." Replied Yolsotwuth.

"Very well. I hope you will reconsider, Odahviing. Yolsotwuth; as proof of your allegiance, I must tell me where Paarthurnax has gone."

"He has left for the Fanor Empire carrying Vonun Bormah. It is a long way; to follow him is hopeless."

"Perhaps. I'm sure we will meet again."

Miles was glad when Paarthurnax began to descend towards a sprawling city. He wasn't afraid of heights, but it was cold at the altitude dragons flew. Paarthurnax picked out a clear spot in the middle of a market square and let out a roar to make people back off a little. He touched down with a thump. Almost immediately, people dropped to their knees in praise of the dovah. Miles wondered if they were bowing to him as he climbed off the dragon's back.

"Where to, Paarthurnax?"

"The keep at the top of the hill. Or perhaps the Konung will approach at my arrival."

"The Great Konung or just a regular one?"

"Ni. No. You must not be hasty; you have much to prove to these people."

Miles nodded and was about to set off when he was distracted by a small child running through the crowd. They shouted something in a strange language excitedly, pointing at Paarthurnax and looking at a woman running through the crowd to catch them before they were mauled by a dovah. Miles chuckled internally as he thought about how persuading a dragon to kill you would probably be an easy way into the history books. The child ran right up to Paarthurnax's head; the audience held their breath, not sure what this great conduit to the Gods themselves would do to a toddler. Paarthurnax snorted and retracted his neck a little, but the child persisted so he gently nudged them away towards their mother. She held out her hand, calling to them, but still the child persisted. Paarthurnax glanced at Miles for help, not wanting to hurt them but not enjoying the attention. The spider sighed and approached the child who repeated the same thing they'd said when they first appeared. Miles just shrugged and tried to signal the child to return to their mother, but to no avail. Giving up diplomacy, he picked them up gently and carried them to the mother who took them and said something Miles assumed was a 'thank you'.

"Kogaan, [Thank you,] Vonun Bormah." Said Paarthurnax.

By this time, a man had appeared with some guards. He looked quite wealthy, and Miles assumed this was the Konung. He glanced at Paarthurnax to be sure, who gave a slight nod. He turned back to the Konung and bowed. He was about to speak but realised they didn't have any common languages. He turned back to Paarthurnax who had realised the dilemma as well.

"Greetings, Konung. My acquaintance does not speak your tongues. You must forgive him." The dragon said in Dovahzul.

"He is forgiven, Paarthurnax. Tell me: what brings a dovah so far from Dovah Island?" The Konung replied in Dovahzul as well.

"Perhaps it is better for my acquaintance to explain?" Paarthurnax switched back to English and said to Miles: "Speak, Vonun Bormah. I will translate to my own tongue. He wishes to know why you have come, with me, to here."

"Right. Dei Volente is back and he's stirring up a Sunor rebellion." Miles replied.

"I doubt Dei Volente has returned. And a Sunor rebellion simply stands to weaken the Tuta Empire." Replied the Konung, translated by Paarthurnax.

"It's kinda more complicated. But I was hoping you might side with him and invade the Tutans from the north."

There was silence, then the Konung began to laugh heartily. The people who understood Dovahzul joined in and the rest of the audience followed as it was slowly translated through the crowd. As it died down, the Konung spoke again:

"We owe you nothing, stranger. Make yourself known to us, show us you can be trusted, and perhaps the Great Konung will allow you some of his precious time."

"But Dei Volente…"

"Give us a sign of Dei Volente's return and we will believe that part of your story. Until then, as a rider of the dovah, you are welcome in my halls as a guest."

Thoughout the day, Miles thought endlessly about ways he could prove Dei Volente was back, but by the time the sun had set he had still had no idea. The rest of the city was asleep as he walked out onto the large balcony where Paarthurnax was asleep. He sat down, leaning against the dragon for warmth against the bitter cold of the far north of the world.

"Watcher, I need some ideas. I know you said I'd have to find my own way but…I dunno anymore."

Nothing happened, but Paarthurnax snorted loudly and lifted his head. Miles saw he was awake and sat up straight so he wasn't leaning on him.

"Sorry. I was cold."

"It is fine, Vonun Bormah. Your mind is troubled?"

"Yeah. I dunno how to prove Max is back."

"Hmm. It would be wise to know of the signs the Church of Dei Volente believe signal his arrival. Perhaps there are a few you may show?"

"Wow. You've had a better idea than me in five seconds than I did in five hours."

"The mind of a dovah is stronger than that of a joor. A mortal."

"Sure. You've got a big head and a thick skull to stop it being knocked in a fight."

"You are tired, Vonun Bormah. You have not slept well last night, nor in the nights before. Sleep, and we will begin our search at sunrise."

"Yeah. Can I sleep up here? I dunno why but it's comfier than my bed in my room."

"You may."

As soon as the city started to wake up, Miles and Paarthurnax made their way to where the Konung had said there was a temple to Dei Volente. It wasn't quite as grand as the spider had pictured, but a temple was a temple and there'd be someone there who could answer their questions. A priest was clearly waiting for their arrival. They bowed to Paarthurnax and offered their hand to Miles. The dovah spoke first in Dovahzul:

"My friend does not speak your tongue. I must translate for him."

"Of course. There are many things to discuss."

The priest showed them through to an area of the temple split off from the rest by a grand archway where he and Miles took a seat. Paarthurnax was staring at the paintings on the roof looking amused, but turned his attention back to the subject at hand when the priest began to speak.

"Your arrival signals a new chapter in our world. The Konung is right to be sceptical, but the Book of Prophecies clearly states that one of the signs of Dei Volente's return is the dov carrying mortals to war once more. You are mortal, yes?"

The question was aimed at Miles, who nodded when Paarthurnax had finished translating.

"Then one of many signs has been shown to us today. Or perhaps yesterday. Another detail mentioned is that the rider would know the true name of Dei Volente. His true name has been hidden from those who are not members of the Church of Dei Volente, and those who are are sworn to secrecy. Therefore, if you know the true name of Dei Volente, you are the rider that has been prophesised."

"His real name is Maximilian. Or if you want to spend a lifetime saying the full thing, it's Maximilian George Jefferson 'Max' Morales-Stacy."

"You know more of his name than even the Dovah King. To us he is only Maximilian Morales."

"He'd hate that. Call him Maximilian Stacy if you're calling him by his full name. He hates me, and I give him the 'Morales' bit."

Paarthurnax hummed and shook his head.

"He does not despise the name 'Morales'. He merely detests you as a person."

"So comforting…"

The priest looked confused.

"You speak of Dei Volente as though you are his father. Dei Volente created this world, therefore he cannot have a father."

"That's where you're wrong, and back me up on this Paarthurnax. He was born a mortal like me, then when he was fifteen he received his current power so he could defeat the Scarlet King."

"The 'Scarlet King'?"

"I dunno if your mythology talks about him. Big red guy, spikes on his head. Obsessed with the number seven."

"You describe the Blood King."

"Sounds like a good name."

"So you are his father?"

"Yep. Not sure if I'm happy to admit it yet."

"But Dei Volente created this world. I do not understand."

"Cos I wasn't born in this world. There were worlds before yours, and there'll be worlds after yours. I'd take a DNA test for you to prove it, but I doubt you even know what DNA is with your current tech. Anyway, can we get back on track? What other signs are there of Max coming back?"

"It is said he will bring an end to those who live in hatred of their fellow mortals."

"Yep, he's starting a war with the Tuta over the slavery of the Sunor."

The priest looked a little worried now.

"It is also said the home of the dov will be raised by their own flames."

"Yes. This has happened." Said Paarthurnax.

"Dovah Island has been burned down?"

"Every bit of it. All that's left is the palace." Said Miles.

"Two of my kin battled over the side they felt they should take in the coming war. It was their own undoing as much as that of the thousands of mortals slain that night." Paarthurnax explained.

"Finally, it is stated that the world be brought to its knees by the wrath of the High Elder Gods and only by the will of mortals it will be saved."

"It does look like things are gearing up between Dei Volente, Hermaeus Mora and the Watcher." Miles replied with a sad grin.

The priest stood up slowly, turning his head to look up. Directly above was a depiction of Max in his spider suit holding off a horde of tentacles with Furore Mortale in one hand and catching a punch from a glass fist with his other free hand. Paarthurnax picked up on Miles being upset.

"You are troubled, Vonun Bormah?" He asked in English.

"Yeah. Me and Max butt heads over everything, but he's my son. If it's gonna fall to mortals to stop what's coming, and knowing my luck it'll be me specifically, I don't think I can do it. I can't kill my own son; I love him, stuck-up overpowered a-hole or not."

"Perhaps this task will fall to you for this reason? Perhaps through your failure to complete it, it will destroy this world. But does that not make way for the next one?"

"The next world can look after itself. I just save people, and I don't kill."

"Rinik vazah. [Very true.] Another proclaimed hero once told me the same thing."

"I'll work it out. Maybe it won't be me for once?"

"But will you be able to live knowing you stood by and allowed your own son to be condemned to death?"

"I dunno. You can see some of the future, apparently. You tell me."

"Ni. Not even those who ride the currents of time can see past time's ending."

"'Time's ending'. Really comforting, Paarthurnax. Thanks."

The dovah didn't reply, deciding Miles' mind was being tested enough by itself. Instead, he turned back to the priest and asked in Dovahzul:

"For the world's sake, what must be done?"

"The Great Konung must hear of this. He will know what part the Fanor must play."

"We need to side with the Sunor and gain their trust by helping them wipe out the Tuta. Then the Watcher can give us the next unhelpful hint." Miles replied, still staring into the burning spider suit eyes of the painting of Max.

"That is for the Great Konung to decide."

Around mid-day, the Konung, Miles and a number of soldiers boarded what looked like Viking longboats. Paarthurnax soared overhead as they set off, sailing inland. A drum beat steadily, keeping time for the men who were rowing. Miles sat on an empty bench at the bow of the ship. He wondered how Max would react when he discovered the father her hated so much was coming to his aid. Another thought crossed his mind: how had Max stirred up a rebellion in such a short time? Had he tried to slow time? Or maybe the Sunor were secretly preparing for it already? It didn't matter; it had begun and nobody could change it.

It was well into the night by the time the ship reached its destination: a towering city that reminded Miles of his vague memory of Minas Tirith. However, instead of being built into a mountain, it stood on its own spiralling high into the sky. It almost seemed as tall as some of the skyscrapers in New York. The ship passed through a gate and docked. Paarthurnax roared as he came in to land so he wouldn't crush anybody. Almost immediately, the city was awake. Only a dovah could make that sound, and all wanted a look at the first to come to the Eastern continent in centuries. Miles disembarked, staggering a little now he was used to the odd movement of the ship.

"This place is cool."

"Stan Konungens. City of Kings. It is the capital of the Fanor Empire, I am led to believe." Replied the dovah.

"Sounds Swedish or something."

"Indeed. The Fanor language draws many parallels with the old tongues of mortals. Nii los nuz los ni. It is but is not."

"What happens now?"

"I do not know, Vonun Bormah. Perhaps you require some rest."

"Yeah. I need a power nap."

Miles was woken up too early for his liking, but there were things to be done so he forced himself to get up. As he was escorted past the river harbour, he noticed a lot more boats were moored. He was escorted up the seemingly endless spirals of the city until he reached the top where a grand palace stood. Immediately inside was a large hall with nine long tables. At the far end was a table on a slightly raised section. In the centre was a throne, currently occupied by a muscular man with a large number of scars. Miles saw something moving towards him out the corner of his eye and saw Paarthurnax carefully lumbering over.

"Drem yol lok, Vonun Bormah."

"Hey."

The man at the throne rose and raised a goblet in greeting. He cleared his throat and said in English, much to Miles' surprise:

"Welcome, Miles Morales; father of a God, dragon rider, hero of New York. Come, sit by my side."

He beckoned to an empty chair next to the throne. How well he spoke English made Miles suspicious. Was he one of the ninety-eight remaining souls in the soul stones? The spider didn't recognise him. Fortunately, Paarthunax was able to provide an explanation.

"He is the Great Konung. He asked that he may learn a few words of your tongue."

"I think I like him better than everyone else I've met in this world already, then. At least he's making an effort."

Paarthurnax grunted.

"I cannot reach the far end of this room. I will be unable to translate fully, only that which he says loud for all to hear."

"Sounds like a problem."

"You are certain there is no translator in your costume?"

"For Earth languages, and maybe Quintari and stuff, yeah. For Fanor, no."

"Perhaps Maximilian will make this change at your next meeting."

"The only change Max will make for me is spare me the trouble of living the rest of my life."

"Ni. He will not kill you for the sake of his mother."

"Whatever. I'm gonna go sit down before it's like I'm ignoring the Great Konung."

"A wise decision."

Miles made his way to the Great Konung who offered his hand. The spider shook it and they sat. The Great Konung looked thoughtful for a second, then slowly said in English:

"I am Radnar Radnarson, Great Konung of Fanor."

"Miles Morales."

Radnar paused again for a second then said, while miming with his hands in case he made any mistakes:

"We eat, then we discuss matter of war."

"Great. I'm starving."

"'Starving'?"

"Err…need food."

"Ah. You may eat until you may eat no more."

"Thank you."

There was a lot of laughter and shouting in the hall as all nine tables filled up and the people tucked in. The atmosphere was merry, and Miles wished he could enjoy it, but both the language barrier and his thoughts didn't let him. Eventually, Radnar banged his fist on the table. Silence fell in the hall. He shouted in Dovahzul, which Miles found he suddenly understood. He looked over to Paarthurnax, who was muttering the words. Had he used a Shout on him? Did it matter?

"We are here to discuss the matter of war. Word has reached all our clans of the Sunor uprising; it falls to us to decide the ending of this war. Do we join, ending the Tuta menace? Or do we roll around like pigs in mud, drinking ourselves into the ground as our old friends and enemies bathe in their own blood?"

"I say we fight!" Yelled back one of the Konungs at one of the nine tables, backed up by roars of agreement along the table's length and at a few other tables.

"It is not our war! I say let them slaughter each other!" Yelled another from a different table.

There were boos from the tables that had previously cheered, and cheers from those that had previously been silent.

"Cowards! The Fanor have never refrained from a good war! The Sunor were once our allies! We must fight beside them again!"

"You want a war? Let's go right now!"

Two of the Konungs climbed to their feet and started squaring up to each other. There were cheers and boos as the first blows started to be thrown. Miles sighed, realising the Fanor weren't quite as civilised as he'd first thought. Suddenly, it was interrupted by a loud bang. All eyes turned to the door where a figure stood in a dark grey, red and teal spider suit stood with a sword sheathed on their waist. Max looked at the scene, looking a little amused. Then his eyes turned to the Great Konung, and the person now half-standing beside him. Father and son locked eyes, and Miles found himself being plunged into a vision.

"So I'm not the only one trying to cosy up to the Fanor, eh? How'd you get off the island?" Dei Volente asked.

"Paarthurnax, and yeah. I'm tryna get them to fight with the Sunor."

"Why?"

"I don't like slavery any more than you do."

"I thought you hated killing."

"I do, but this is a bit different. This is war, not a bank robbery."

"It was a war with Null, but he's still alive because you not only failed to kill him but you saved him."

"Is that why you hate me so much?"

"That, your excessive asking about my strong dislike of drug jokes, you abandoning me and Charlotte as kids, and of course you keeping us back even though the world needed spider people. Not Ethereal Legions; spider people."

"How many times have I said I'm sorry and I'm not that Miles anymore? And the drug jokes thing: you think I'd be mad if you took them or something? You were a teenager; sure it ain't good but it's not gonna kill you unless you overdo it. Pretty sure I read something once that some have health benefits."

"I did not want to take them."

"Peer pressure. Been there. Guess I just stuck with no and walked the other way."

"No! Not peer pressure! I swear if you ever bring this up again, I will kill you."

"Point taken."

"Take a wall too."

As the vision disappeared, Miles was sent tumbling back against the wall. Some of the Fanor roared with laughter, but Max looked so angry he might explode. Miles picked himself up and tensed his muscles ready for a fight if it came.

"Point taken?" Max asked him, this time out loud for everyone to hear but not understand.

"Point taken. I already said it. Please just chill out, Max. I don't want to upset you."

"We'll talk about this later." He switched to Dovahzul which Paarthurnax translated in Miles' head. "My name is Maximilian Morales: Dei Volente and leader of the Sunor uprising. We need your help."

"If you are Dei Volente, why don't you just snap your fingers and change it?" Asked one of the Konungs.

"It doesn't work like that. Will you help or not? It's a simple yes or no question."

Radnar stood up.

"All Konungens in favour of war with the Tuta Empire, speak now."

All but one agreed.

"Then it is agreed: the Fanor and Tuta Empires are enemies once more. Return to your clans, assemble your men: we march on Fort Norrguard in seven dawns."

The erupted in roars of approval, eventually fading into war chants. Max and Miles locked eyes for a moment, and in that moment the former gave the latter a time and location where they could talk. The God turned and walked away briskly after giving a nod of thanks to Radnar. Miles sighed; at least Max was willing to talk.

It was late in the afternoon. Miles had left the city and was a little way along the river. Max was sitting on a rock, fiddling with blades of grass. He sensed his father approaching.

"Don't think this'll be an 'all sins forgiven' sort of conversation."

"I wasn't."

"Good."

"Can I sit?"

"Couldn't hurt."

Miles sat down next to him, glancing at the soul stones on his arms.

"Don't even think about it." Max snapped, sensing his thoughts and throwing a normal stone in the river.

"I won't. Max; Gwen, Grace, Charlotte, Jacob, everyone wouldn't want us fighting like this. We have to figure it out."

"Do we? You seem very insistent on finding out the most sensitive bit of my past."

"Why is it so sensitive?"

"Because it's why I am who I am."

"Are we talking about the Scarlet King or the drugs thing?"

"The drugs thing."

"How'd that make you a God?"

"It didn't. I meant my temper, how unforgiving I can be. I meant who I am as a person, not…this."

He held his palm out and a ball of light appeared in it for a few seconds.

"Tell me what happened? Did you take drugs and swear not to ever again or something?"

"It's a bit of it, missing most of the important bits. I…"

He buried his face in his hands. Miles suddenly realised he was talking to the human Max who was just as vulnerable and broken as everyone else. He put an arm on his shoulder, but it was shaken off.

"I…can't talk about all of this at once. It's like taking poison: taking it in small doses you can deal with. Taking it in larger doses is lethal."

"I'm sorry. I just like knowing these things."

"No. I'm sorry. I've been an asshole. Three googolplex years on your own in a void the size of a large backyard will break anyone."

He stood up, and Miles stood beside him.

"It's OK. I'm here for you."

Max nodded, then his expression hardened again and he shook his head vigorously.

"Fuck. You really know how to get under my skin."

"Guess it's a skill parents have. Wanna do this again?"

"You kidding? Fuck no. I'm not letting you in on my secrets."

"I really thought we were making progress there."

"Keep thinking it, and dreaming. We'll never have the father-son relationship you want us to have."

With a snap of his fingers, Max disappeared. Miles sighed, sad everything was being thrown away. He wished he could talk to Gwen; maybe Max would open up to her?

Crossovers in this Chapter

- Skyrim

Fun fact: this chapter was originally two chapters but I botched my numbers and made two chapter 163s, so I merged these ones to fix it and make it a nice round number again.