THE AKAVIRI CELEBRATED THEIR VICTORY WITH DRINK, FOOD, SONG AND JON LOVED IT. It was Skyrim's first victory over the White Walker's against Ulfric and his captain the Night King. Yet the Night Watch commander knew that the victory, although significant was small and Ulfric and the Night King had an almost limitless supply of troops due to their conquest of Oblivion. However, as Jon watched his fiancé Brianna dancing with her cousin from the Northern Kingdoms, he allowed himself a small amount of hope. Jon had fought with some of the finest warriors in Westeros and other lands, but here in Skyrim the Akaviri Knights represented the greatest threat to the Night King. And his fiancé Brianna and her father represented the greatest danger to Ulfric and the Night King. Jon had watched in disbelief as she dissipated the lightning storm that the Dark Lord had hurled at her cousin Ciri with her bare hand and knew that kind of power was extremely rare in this world. He was glad that she had not allowed her abilities to corrupt her like so many other mages. As he took a drink of ale from his tankard, Ciri joined him; her toned muscular arm flung around his neck. Jon could smell the alcohol on her breath and knew she was very drunk.
"If you'rrre going to marry my cousssin, you better not hurt her. Witcher's are expertttss at hunting thiiings down" the young Witcher told him slurring her words. "I'll tink you a monster" she yelled slapping his back and laughing.
"Good to know" Jon answered with a laugh.
"Now, share a drink wit you'rre future in-law" Ciri said grabbing a bottle of ale and downing half of its contents before handing the bottle to Jon.
"I think you've had a bit too much Ciri" Daenerys said to the young woman handing her a green bottle. "Drink this potion and it'll dispel the effects of the alcohol. Nord ale will give you a headache that you'll remember for the rest of your life." Daenerys looked at Jon and mouthed sorry causing him to smile. The potion took the effects away and Ciri joined Brianna dancing again. Daenerys stood by Jon watching her daughter enjoy the evening's festivities.
"Her entire life, all Brianna has known is conflict. Thank you, Jon for giving her a sense of normalcy" Daenerys told him.
"I've never met anyone like her. I can hardly stand to not be around her. All my life I was driven by lust, but I'm glad I've finally found someone I actually love" Jon answered as Arya joined them, a cup of water in her hands which Jon found strange. Everyone was drinking except Arya and the realization struck Jon like a punch.
"I guess congratulations Arya, but you do know your brother is not going to be happy. First learning that Talion is going to sit on the throne of both Tamriel and Westeros probably did not please him, and now his sister is with child is going to cause him to lose his temper" Jon told his friend. "Your child is going to be a threat to his power."
"I didn't tell him about the prophecy. I was going to, but when he tried to have both of us return to Westeros, I couldn't do it. Kellian's and I's child will serve the Dragonborn and Tamriel" she replied as Delphine walked up to Jon.
"Jon, Arya will you follow me please?"
Jon noticed that Brianna and Daenerys had disappeared. Jon and Arya followed the Akaviri Master outside where a roaring fire burned. There Daenerys, Kellian, Maius, Adelaisa, Esbern, Brianna and the Dragonborn stood. Delphine joined the seven around the fire and the Akaviri Master spoke.
"Generations ago the Akaviri pledged to serve the Dragonborn. Tonight, I am giving the both of you the same choice" Delphine offered. "The two of you have shown you're capable of defending yourselves and I believe you would be a valuable addition to the Akaviri."
Jon was shocked at the offer and Arya's jaw dropped and had difficulty speaking. The Blades were a legendary and honored order and joining them would bring glory to their houses. And Jon then remembered the words of the Dragonborn: one of you will have to make a sacrifice and Jon knew what needed to be done and took a step forward. He drew Longclaw and offered it to Delphine and took a knee with his head lowered.
"Jon" he heard Arya say quietly "are you sure?"
"I understand your reluctance Arya because of your brother's position. But to best serve Westeros, I renounce my fealty to your brother and pledge myself to the Akaviri."
"Then I too renounce my oath to my brother" Arya joined Jon drawing Needle and offering her weapon to the Akaviri Master.
"Then repeat after me: 'I pledge to rid Tamriel of dragons and all of her enemies . . ."
ULFRIC SAT ON DAGON'S THRONE AND EYES BURNED YELLOW IN ANGER AT THE LOSS OF THREE THOUSAND TROOPS. The battle was a rout and he was humiliated and inwardly raged. Fortunately for him, Easterlings, Nilfgaardian mercenaries, Uruks, former Stormcloaks and others were pouring into Oblivion answering the call of the Ring. Already he had replenished his losses at Sky Haven and was busy choosing a new target. The Night King approached Ulfric and the Dark Lord gave him a disapproving look.
"You should have turned the girl" Ulfric said in annoyance.
"Kind of difficult when your fighting for your life against a Witcher my Lord" the Night King answered. "She had the same strength as I. I am fortunate it was an inexperienced Witcher and not Geralt of Rivia."
Ulfric outstretched his arm and the Night King flew into his hand, his neck being slowly crushed under the mystical attack while Ulfric stood.
"Don't give me excuses for your failure" Ulfric snarled. "Return to the Psijic sanctum and get me everything on the Istari. I need to know how to defeat my enemy."
"The girl is nothing compared to the Dragonborn" the Night King barely could manage under strangulation. Ulfric relaxed his grip remembering he needed the Night King and could see the runes on the Ring flare brightly. And a thought came to his mind and smile crept across his face. Ulfric thought about the time Sauron described the Witch-King of Angmar and told him he was linked to the One Ring. But Eowyn had defeated the Witch-King and now he was locked in the Void with Melkor, Sauron and their other lieutenants like the Black Hand.
"If possible, I would like you to capture the young Witcher. I think it's time for this world to be reintroduced to the Witch-King of Angmar. With the two of you by my side I will recover the Silmarils and free my Master and Melkor. And Tamriel will be mine" Ulfric hissed.
"Yes my Lord" the Night King could only manage. The Night King had heard stories of the Witch-King and knew he was Sauron's deadliest and most powerful servant. If Ulfric brought him back, he would no longer need his services for the Witch-King was far more powerful. Even the great Gandalf the White feared the Witch-King for it was said that no living man can kill him. The returned king Aragorn fought him at Amon Sul defending the Ring bearer Frodo Baggins and couldn't defeat him. Ironic that it took a halfling with an enchanted blade and a woman to overthrow him, but perhaps they were just lucky for both nearly fell in the battle the Night King mused. The Night King bowed his head and left the throne room while Ulfric once again sat on the throne. Ulfric sighed and rubbed his eyes and heard a familiar voice.
"You can't do this alone. The Dragonborn is too powerful" a voice told him.
Ulfric looked up and found himself staring straight into the yellow eyes of Sauron.