Chapter 19:
Solstheim
The journey to the volcanic tundra of Eastmarch took them another week. From the top of Lydia's proposed path which took them up into the hills close to a giant camp they could see the Bonestrewn Crest. As Emily stood atop a rocky ledge, a ragged black shape passed in front of the misty plateau.
"Did you see that?" she asked Serana who had likewise been surveying the landscape.
"A dragon," she replied, "And it looks like he's guarding that crest." There was nothing more to be said so they continued on.
They camped out in the mines at Darkwater Crossing and set out onto the volcanic tundra as soon as the sun sank behind the Yorgrim foothills. The smell of sulphur hung thick in the air as small geysers bubbled and spewed water up from hidden depths. Lydia spotted a buried Nordic ruin in the distance and told them it had once been the site of an ancient Nordic city. She then asked Serana if she had ever been there and Serana just laughed and told her it was long before her time.
The rocks were covered in red tendrils of creep cluster, Jazbay and Dragon's tongue grew in profusion on the coarse earth and most surfaces were covered in a thin layer of lichen. The moonlight glittered on the shallow pools and shone on the large pale rocks that stuck up out of the ground like giant's teeth. Emily saw the beacon that marked the site of a giant camp on the horizon and heard the faint distant rumbling of the mammoths as they browsed.
The Bonestrewn Crest stood out in the middle of the volcanic marshes, the tallest structure for miles around. Near the top the silhouettes of the great hawk headed monoliths stood out from the surrounding rock.
"How near do you think we'll be able to get before he spots us?" Emily asked her companions.
"Hopefully we'll at least make it to the base of the crest," Lydia replied, "Without cover I don't fancy our chances."
"Lydia's right," said Serana, "And I think I know how we can gain the top without being spotted."
"Invisibility charm?" Emily asked. Serana nodded.
"My thanes, while you may be gifted in the art of magic, I am not," said Lydia, "I will follow along behind and keep to the shadows."
"There's no need," Emily assured her, "Before Serana taught me to turn invisible she could turn me invisible along with her." She held out her hand to the housecarl and after a moment's scepticism she took it. Emily willed herself to vanish and slowly the accustomed fuzzy unreal feeling crept over her and judging by the way the housecarl flinched she had experienced much the same sensation.
"Did it work?" the piece of empty air once occupied by the housecarl asked.
"Yes," Emily replied, "I'm afraid my spell isn't perfect. It always leaves a slight shimmering but I don't think a dragon will notice it. At least, I hope not."
"Let's hope you're right," said Lydia as they began the climb to the Bonestrewn crest. They soon discovered that the rocky plateau was aptly named for bones of all shapes and sizes lay scattered about, adorning the rocks and lodged in gaps and crevices. The empty eerie skulls of fallen mammoths watched the three invisible adventurers from their lofty perches atop rocks far too steep for the creatures to have climbed in life. Emily ducked, almost letting go the housecarl's hand as her ears were filled by a mighty roar. They looked up as the dragon swooped overhead and at first they feared he had spotted them. But he continued on his path with ragged wingbeats, landing heavily on the stone word wall that lay at the far end of the plateau where the bones lay thickest. Even from this distance they could hear his deep growling breath as he sat, crouched with his wing claws and mighty talons gripping the stone. Emily heard the faint sound of a bow being drawn and looked in the direction it emanated from. Then the air sang as an arrow burst from the empty air and shot towards the dragon on its lofty perch. The arrow embedded itself between two scales and the dragon swung his mighty head around in the direction the arrow had come from. He growled savagely as his reptilian eyes surveyed the landscape.
"Ni vonun ko vokun, Nikriin! Grind dii Thu'um!" he yelled as he reared back. Emily saw the orange burning light building in his throat.
"Find cover," she cried and the three of them broke formation, reappearing as they did so. Lydia found cover behind a mammoth skull as a ball of fire erupted from the dragon's maw. It careered toward the two vampiresses as they ran for cover. Serana grabbed Emily's hand as she leapt over a large rock, pulling her over with her and they crouched down on the far side. Emily felt the air above her suddenly superheat as the light became intense. Then came an explosion of heat and light as the fire struck the rock behind them. It sent up fiery motes that smouldered in their cloaks. Emily saw them reflected in Serana's eyes and knew the fear she felt. Scared of little in this world, fire was one of the few exceptions.
She pulled Auriel's bow from her back and nocked an arrow from their hiding place and she saw Serana do likewise. But the dragon was on the move so most of their arrows whistled harmlessly past. One tore through the wing membrane and caused him to falter momentarily in the air. Then he changed direction and soared toward them, mouth unleashing tongues of flame. They broke cover just in time as the flames licked over the rock they had been sheltering behind. They shied from the open where they would be twice as vulnerable. Emily's eyes were frantic, darting around the burning earth. They settled on a stone pillar and now was her turn to take Serana's hand and hurry her over to it. They dove behind it as another pillar of flame struck the earth behind them. The dry air stung their eyes and caught in their throats. Emily coughed on the acrid smoke, tears pricking the corners of her eyes.
"How are we going to stop this thing?" she choked out.
"Nivahriin joor," thundered the dragon as he landed before the pillar. The ground beneath their feet trembled. Emily stumbled back against the pillar, collected herself and nocked an arrow, leaning out from behind the stone. The dragon's scaly head was only a few feet from her. She released the arrow and it shot forth. The dragon reared back, thrashing his head from side to side and lashing the ground with his tail. The shaft of the arrow was sticking out of the beast's left eye and it loosed a tongue of flame in its pain and anger. Emily withdrew back behind the pillar as the flames licked over the stone. Serana had conjured a ward and she now pulled Emily behind it as the heat around them grew intense.
"I hope Lydia's okay," Emily shouted over the din.
"Lydia's a capable warrior," Serana shouted back, "Right now we have to look after ourselves." As she said this she was forced to pull Emily back as a chunk of rock came loose, crashing down in front of them. Flames were devouring the thin layer of lichen present on its surface. The hungry smouldering remnants were too close for comfort and so they broke cover. They caught sight of Lydia lining up another shot as they ran from the burning pillar. The dragon turned its half-blinded head to them, flames billowing about its fangs. Lydia fired and the air sang with the arrow's flight. The dragon roared as the arrow struck it in its remaining eye, blinding it wholly and entirely. And then the three converged on the downed beast, now incapable of flight. They attacked with blades, dancing out of reach when the dragon reared, lashing out with tail, wings and tongue of flame. When one was forced to withdraw the other two would hurry forth, blades slashing and tearing at the soft underside. Then as the dragon lunged at Lydia she leapt at its scaly head, grabbing onto one of its twisting horns. The dragon roared in frustration, flailing its head to and fro but Lydia kept her position. Then when it paused she let go the horn and gripped her blade in both hands, plunging it down into the dragon's skull. The blade sank deep and Lydia clung tightly to the hilt, boots braced against the scales as the dragon tossed its head back and forth. Then it shuddered and a gurgling cry erupted from its froth corrupted throat and a mixture of blood and foam spilled out over the mighty jaws and wetted the droughted soil. It's head sank to the ground as its sturdy legs collapsed beneath it and its wings scraped along the dusty earth. Then it lay still.
Emily and Serana slowly approached the housecarl standing atop the dragon as a hunter might stand with one foot on the deer they just felled. Her armour was still steaming and her hair was singed in places. She leapt from her lofty perch as they drew near, landing on the dusty earth as the first flames sprung up from the dragon's carcass. The light around it grew in intensity as it flowed from the beast's prone form to Emily. It filled her eyes with light until she could see nought else. And then it was gone and before her lay a mound of bones to add to those the Crest was named for.
"That was well fought," said Lydia, "Now the word awaits you."
"We couldn't have done it without you, Lydia," Emily replied, "And now it's time to return to Master Arngeir. We need to tell him all that's happened. Will you go with us to Solstheim?"
"The Jarl appointed me to protect you both with my life," Lydia replied, "And I will do whatever is necessary to fulfil that promise I made to him when I swore fealty."
"Then we'll be glad to have you with us," said Emily, turning from the housecarl to the word wall. It was like the others they had encountered and the familiar chanting filled her ears as she stepped nearer to it. As all around her faded and dimmed the word grew brighter until its meaning was emblazoned on her mind. She felt the newly absorbed consciousness of the dragon meet with the words, coiling about them and arranging them in order, filling them with meaning.
"Did it work?" Serana asked as Emily turned back to them. She nodded and turned her attention to one of the still smouldering boulders. Then she conjured up the newfound energy and shouted.
FO KRAH DIIN
A blizzard erupted on her breath, swirling with frozen shards and ice crystals. It struck the rock with its icy blast, immediately extinguishing the flames leaping on its surface, coating the rock in a thick layer of frost. The newly heated and now cooled rock cracked under the second sudden temperature change it had experienced in under an hour with the sound of a gunshot. Emily looked back to her companions.
"I think it's time we speak to Arngeir," she said. Serana nodded.
Just over a week's travel found them back outside the doors to High Hrothgar. Lydia's breath formed clouds in the night air. The tumultuous winds that normally beset the higher slopes were wholly absent and the night was still. It matched perfectly the sombre thoughts of the three adventurers.
Emily put her shoulder to the door and heaved. It swung slowly open, metal grating against stone and they stepped inside. Master Arngeir was meditating in the main hall and he looked up when he heard their approach.
"Dragonborn, you have returned," he said, "I sense something different in your approach."
"We met those robed strangers on the road," Emily explained, "They stopped us on our journey from Skyborn Altar to Bonestrewn Crest. We were passing through Whiterun Hold at the time."
"And what happened?" Arngeir asked.
"They told me I was the False Dragonborn," Emily replied, "They said they would offer my heart to someone named Miraak who they claimed to serve. They came from Solstheim."
"Miraak, that is not a name I am familiar with personally," Master Arngeir replied, "However, I am familiar with its meaning in Dovahzuul, the Dragon tongue. It means Allegiance Guide. What kind of omen this signifies, I do not know."
"I think we need to go to Solstheim," Emily replied, "And find out what's going on. If we don't I'm sure this Miraak will send more of his followers."
"Maybe so," said Arngeir, "But we must not act hastily."
"Arngeir," Serana cut in, "If we hadn't killed them, they would have killed us. I'm not going to wait for them to strike again and put the lives of those I care about in anymore danger." Master Arngeir looked from Serana to Emily and then to Lydia.
"It seems you have already chosen your path," he said solemnly, "Very well. Do you believe you are ready?"
"As ready as we can ever be," Emily replied, "I'm afraid Serana's right. If we wait, they'll only come after us again."
"Very well then," said Master Arngeir, "Then the best I can do is wish you a calm voyage and a swift return."
"Thank you, Master Arngeir," Emily replied, "We'll leave tonight."
The passage to Raven Rock brought them to the ancient city of Windhelm. Unlike other cities in Skyrim the buildings in Windhelm were built of solid stone, grey and cold as the winds that whistled through the cramped alleyways and narrow streets. Snow coated every surface in a permanent blanket during all seasons of the year. Outside the city boats were clustered in their moorings about the piers and even at this late hour they could see dockworkers hefting cargo off the big sailing ships and loading longships with casks and barrels, boxes and large burlap sacks.
The three adventurers stood on the hill overlooking the city. Emily shouldered her bag, turning to her companions.
"So, ready for a maritime voyage?" she asked. They headed off down the hill towards the city. They passed by the stables where the horses lay in their stalls, their breath rising up in clouds of steam. A lone stablehand was shovelling hay into the stall nearest to him. He looked up and nodded to them when he caught sight of them.
The city gates lay at the far end of a stone bridge heavily manned with guards in deep blue livery.
"Halt," said one as they reached the city gates, "What business do you have in the city, outsider?"
"We wish to seek passage to Solstheim," Emily replied.
"You've picked a late hour for travelling," said the guard, folding his arms.
"Nevertheless our coin is good and we will see to it that the captain is well paid," Emily replied.
"Very well, let me see the colour of your coin then, outsider," he said. Begrudgingly Emily opened her coin purse. A few minutes later the guard let them through after pocketing one hundred gold for himself.
"Damn it," Emily muttered as she stowed the drawstring purse back in her bag, "I hope we still have enough for the boat."
"If we don't I'll just have to persuade the good captain," said Serana.
"Really, my Thane, there is no need for violence," Lydia said hastily.
"Who said anything about violence?" Serana replied slyly.
"Lydia, Serana is a master illusionist," Emily explained, "She once stopped a whole mine full of miners noticing us when we were camped out in there for the day." Serana smiled at these words and Lydia, somewhat placated, fell silent.
They found themselves standing in a large stone plaza. Ahead of them lay a large building that, judging by the orange glow in the windows and the sign creaking in the wintery breeze blowing in over the high stone walls, looked to be an inn. On the weather-beaten sign were the words, 'Candlehearth Hall,' below an illustration of a single candle. Lydia pointed them in the direction of a narrow street which led off to their right and they followed it down steep frosty steps and through cramped alleyways where the buildings almost touched over their heads as they leaned over the cobblestones.
"This is the Gray quarter," said Lydia as they walked along, "After the Dark Elves fled from Morrowind they came here and Ulfric Stormcloak decreed they should all live here. I don't envy them."
"Why did-," Emily began but Serana gave her a gentle nudge and whispered, "I'll explain later."
"Why did what?" Lydia asked.
"Uhh.. why did Ulfric send them all to live here?" Emily asked.
"Because Ulfric doesn't trust anyone who isn't a Nord," Lydia explained, "It's for the same reason that the Argonians aren't allowed into the city at all."
"That's awful," said Emily quietly as the street they were in opened out onto another stone plaza. Before them stood another heavy gate similar to the ones that led into the city. This one, mercifully, did not have a guard on duty and they were able to head down to the docks without their purses being further lightened. The docks were lit by lanterns swinging from wooden beams hammered in between the heavy stone blocks and snow swirled about the workers in flurries as they continued loading and unloading the heavy cargo. They spoke to the harbour master, an older man with a knotted beard and he pointed them to the last ship in the berth. It was a sturdy looking vessel with a heavily barnacled hull. It's sails were furled and two men were heaving a heavy wooden crate on board. Another stood at the gangplank, one heavy boot resting on the wooden railings while the other was firmly planted on the pier. He held a book in one hand and a quill in the other and seemed to be checking off items from a list.
"Captain Gjalund?" Emily asked as they reached him.
"Aye," he replied, ticking off one last item before turning to them, closing the book.
"We'd like to book passage to Solstheim," said Emily, removing the drawstring pouch from her bag.
"Put that away, lass," he replied, "I'm not going back to Solstheim anymore. You'll need to look elsewhere."
"How come?" Emily asked.
"Because of those strange people in masks," he replied, "I remember them coming aboard ship and then the next thing I remember I'm here in Windhelm and they're gone."
"So, you brought them from Solstheim?" asked Serana.
"Yes, I..wait, do you mean to tell me you've seen them?" asked the captain.
"Seen, fought with and killed them," Lydia confirmed.
"They targeted us outside of Whiterun," Emily elaborated, "So we'd like to go to Solstheim and find out who sent them and put a stop to them."
"That's all well and good but I have to look out for my own interests, lass," replied the Captain, "It isn't right losing whole days like that. I'm not willing to go through that again."
"Please, it's urgent," said Emily, "If we don't stop them, I don't get the impression they'll just get bored with the idea of hunting me down. They'll try again. Look, what's your usual rate?"
"Two hundred and fifty gold," replied the Captain.
"Right, then I'll double that if you'll take us over," said Emily. The captain mulled it over for a time. Then he sighed.
"Very well, I have to make a living after all. But I'm not hanging around," he said, "When you want to return you'll have to find someone else."
"Very well," said Emily, dropping the pouchful of coins into the captain's outstretched hand. They climbed on board and made for the below decks where the bunks were situated. The boat swayed to and fro as it was released from its moorings and the anchor raised. Captain Gjalund ordered his crew to unfurl the sails once they reached open water.
Emily climbed into the bunk she was sharing with Serana. Serana had a book propped up on her lap and she looked over as Emily lay down next to her.
"Sera," she said quietly.
"Hmm?" Serana replied.
"Remember earlier you stopped me from asking Lydia about the Dunmer?" Emily asked, "Was the reason they left Morrowind something I'd be expected to know about?"
"Yes, I was afraid she might suspect..well, y'know," said Serana.
"Thanks Serana," Emily smiled, nestling in closer to the vampiress, "As you know yourself from when I told you, it's not the easiest thing to explain." Serana put down the book and rolled over to face Emily. She smiled, reaching one hand up to run her fingers through her hair.
"I know," she said.
"So, why did they?" Emily asked.
"Hmm?" Serana replied.
"Why did they leave Morrowind?" Emily elaborated.
"Because of the eruption of Red Mountain, of Mt Vvardenfell," Serana explained, "Long ago a great rock known as Baar Dau hovered above Vivec City, held in place by the demi-god, Vivec. Then during the Oblivion Crisis Vivec vanished."
"Why?" Emily asked.
"Who can truly know the mind of a demi-god," Serana replied, "But shortly after he vanished two Dunmer named Ezhmaar Sul and Vuhon created the Ingenium to keep the rock afloat with the help of Clavicus Vile."
"Who's he?" Emily asked.
"He is the Daedric Prince of Power, Trickery and Pacts," Serana explained.
"Someone who deals in trickery doesn't sound like a good one to ask for help," said Emily.
"And you'd be right," Serana replied, "The Ingenium was powered by his plain of Oblivion but in exchange he asked for souls. At first they used the souls of the dead but as you can imagine they ran out and they started to sacrifice the living."
"Did the people revolt?" Emily asked, "Word must have got out surely."
"No doubt it did but it wasn't the people who revolted," said Serana, "It was Sul. Vuhon tried to sacrifice Sul's wife and he tried to stop him. Their ensuing battle damaged the Ingenium which caused both of them to be sucked into Oblivion. With the Ingenium damaged Baar Dau fell and its impact caused Mt Vvardenfell to erupt."
"So now the Dunmer live in Windhelm," said Emily, "Things don't sound live they've improved much for them."
"Not all of them," Serana replied, "Where we're headed now, there's a large Dunmer settlement there from what I've read. Solstheim used to be under Skyrim's control but it was given to the Dunmer as a place of refuge."
"How long will it take us to get to Solstheim?" Emily asked.
"I don't know," Serana replied, "A day, maybe two."
"I hope we arrive by night," said Emily.
"And if we don't I'm sure I can persuade Gjalund to let us stay below decks," Serana assured her.
"I hope it doesn't come to that," said Emily, "That poor man's already had those cultists mess with his mind and I doubt they were as gentle as you would be." Serana smiled fondly at these words.
As it was Serana's talents in illusion were not needed as the island of Solstheim came into view shortly before midnight on the second night. Serana and Emily were stirred from their bunks by the call of, 'Land, ho!' from on deck. They got out of their bunk, electing to leave the sleeping housecarl where she was as it would be one of the few nocturnal rests she would have the luxury of whilst in their company. They climbed the wooden steps that led up to the deck where they stood, looking out over the sea. On the horizon was the island. Parts of it were covered in sparse pine forests and grey flecks of ash drifted through the air and coated the decks in a fine layer of grime. As they drew nearer they could make out the pillars of basalt that made up much of the coastline. They crossed over to the bow and stared out into the gloom.
The ship made for a coastal town surrounded by high stone walls. Fortifications lined the docks and wooden piers jutted out into the sea. The ship's sails were furled as they guided it toward one of the piers and the ship juddered as it made contact with its moorings.
"Alright, we're here," said Captain Gjalund, "Now, if you could hurry, I don't want to hang around here any longer than I have to."
"I'll go wake Lydia," said Emily to Serana. She disappeared below decks and reappeared a few minutes later alongside the tousle-haired housecarl. They disembarked and the Captain wasted no time in guiding the ship back to open water and out of sight.
"Alright, where should we start?" Lydia asked.
"We should probably speak to who's in charge around here," Serana suggested, "See if the name Miraak means anything to them. Who's in charge around here?"
"I wasn't privy to many political matters in Dragonsreach," said Lydia, "But I believe I heard through some correspondence Proventus Avenicci had with Solstheim that Councilor Morvayn is the Mer we need to speak to."
"Where do you think he is?" asked Emily.
"At home in bed like most decent folk," yawned Lydia.
"We'd better ask the guards," Serana suggested as they left the jetty behind. They passed through a street which led up into Raven Rock proper and found a guard standing by the wall. They wore helms that extended out the back in a conical shape which gave them an almost alien appearance. Their armour was yellow in colour and seemed to be made from a thick leathery material and their faces were obscured.
"Excuse me," said Emily, "Could you tell us where we could find Councilor Morvayn?"
"He lives here, outlander," said the guard, gesturing to the door, "But you've picked a late hour for visiting? What's your business here?"
"We wanted to get information on someone named Miraak," Emily replied.
"Miraak," said the guard thoughtfully, leaning back in a contemplative manner, "Miraak. That name…it sounds familiar somehow. I think I heard it in a dream. I don't get a good feeling from it however. Very well, you may enter." He opened the door and called in to someone sitting in the main hall.
"Girasi," he said, "Show these three strangers into the main hall. They wish to speak to Councilor Morvayn."
"But Edrys," the woman replied, "The Master is in bed, as are the second councillor and his good lady."
"I believe it's important, Girasi, you'll have to wake them," Edrys said, "These strangers mentioned Miraak. That name I told you I heard whispered in my dreams."
"Azura preserve us," Girasi said quietly. Then she ushered them inside and after exchanging a few more words with the guard, closed the door.
"Wait here," she said before disappearing up the stairs.
"Seems this Miraak has got the people here in a stir," Emily said quietly.
"If he speaks to them in dreams," said Lydia, "He could be in league with Vaermina herself."
"You're closer to the truth than you realise," Serana replied, "At least, I think you are. I was thinking about what he told you, Emily." She said these last words meaningfully, "This Miraak, if I'm right, is in league with Hermaeus Mora." Lydia shuddered involuntarily at the use of the name of the Daedric Prince of Fate.
They heard footsteps overheard and a Dunmer with red hair and beard descended the stairs. He wore fine blue robes and greeted each of them in turn.
"I believe you're here about Miraak," he said. Emily nodded. The Dunmer took a seat in a throne at the far end of the room. "I'm afraid there isn't much I can tell you. It's a name I know, if only just, a name spoken in my dreams and in the dreams of many of my subjects. I did, however, receive a vision in one of my recent dreams that may provide you with some clue."
"And what would that be?" Emily asked.
"I saw a temple, it was definitely on Solstheim," the councillor replied, "The ash drifts surrounding it were unmistakable."
"A temple?" said Emily, "You wouldn't happen to know where on Solstheim it would be?"
"I'm afraid not," the councillor replied, "Though it looked to be somewhere high up, on the top of a hill. There is a hill overlooking Raven Rock. You might want to look there."
"Thank you," said Emily.
"What do you intend to do should you find it?" asked the councillor.
"We intend to stop Miraak," Emily replied, "He's been sending his underlings to Skyrim to kill us. I hope that in stopping him we can stop these strange dreams for you and your people."
"I would be grateful of that," he said, "I wish you luck."