Chapter 9

Morndas, the 11th of Second Seed, Year 202 of the 4th Era

Despite Farkas telling her not to ask questions and to just fulfill her mission, Daenerys suffered no repercussions for not using her fists to solve the problem. Of course, that might be because the Alfhild Grey-mane had been the one to hire the Companions. Daenerys doubted that she complained about the outcome, but she sat down in Kodlak's chair and confessed to him anyway.

"Force a woman to take Dibella's tears?" Kodlak scowled and his voice rumbled like the thunder of a gathering storm. "You did well to refuse. There is no honor in beating up a pregnant woman. I'll be having a few quiet words with Farkas about the missions he accepts on behalf of the Companions." His tone made it clear that while his words might be quiet, Farkas was going to get the message. Kodlak shook his head and changed the subject. "I hear that Eorlund is almost done with your armor. Does this mean you'll be leaving us soon?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Daenerys was a bit surprised to realize that was the truth. She would miss the Companions and the camaraderie she'd found with them, just as she missed the friends she'd left behind at the College of Winterhold. However, she knew she couldn't stay. "I'll be heading to High Hrothgar to talk to the Greybeards. I really didn't plan to linger in Whiterun this long, but you will see more of me for the next few days. I'm hoping to convince some of the Companions to join me. Torvar has already expressed interest, but he wants permission from you or the Circle."

"Permission?" Kodlak laughed. "He doesn't need permission. We're the Companions. Every man his own. Every woman her own. If Torvar needs permission, maybe he should go ask his mother."

Daenerys could help but laugh at the image of Torvar asking his mother for permission. However, she also knew that Kodlak didn't need to order the Companions. They followed him because of their deep respect from him. No matter what Kodlak said about not being in charge, few Companions would join her cause without seeking his consent. "Perhaps your blessing then? Would you mind saying a few words at dinner?"

Kodlak scratched his beard, and then shook his head. "No, I don't think that's a good idea." He chuckled. "No, not a good idea at all. I give you my blessing, and then you stand up and give a speech about killing dragons? I've heard you talk. You have a way of speaking to men's hearts, and a good many of them want redemption after we got our asses kicked by the dragon you killed. My blessing would be like the rock tossed down a hill that starts an avalanche. I'm fine with some of the Companions joining you, but not the whole lot. You can talk to whoever you please. Some of them will join you. I'm certain of that. You can even send Torvar to me. I will let him know that he can go, but we're the Companions, not the Dragonguard."

She nodded ruefully. She couldn't really argue the point because she knew just how much Kodlak's blessing would sway Companions to her cause. She didn't really believe that she was as eloquent as Kodlak claimed. She knew that she wasn't terrible at persuading men, but she had been treated differently when she was just Daenerys the tavern wench. Her words had weight because of the legend of the Dragonborn and the comet in the sky, not because she had a silver tongue. "Very well, I'll convince them the hard way."

Despite Kodlak's confidence in her persuasive ability she didn't have much success. Njada Stonearm turned her down flat, but Daenerys had expected that. She didn't care to much for Njada and the feeling was mutual. Athis declined because as much as he preferred daggers, small quick blades were better for killing men, not dragons. Ria and Farkas were both off on missions. Several other Companions politely declined. Daenerys finally found the one she wanted to recruit most, Aela the Huntress, talking with Skjor. Both were part of the Circle, and Daenerys didn't think they were likely to join, but Aela was the only Companion that was an expert archer. She was at least going to ask.

The huntress was one of the few Companions that favored leather armor over heavy, and the only member of the Circle who didn't wear the special wolf armor. As Daenerys walked up, Aela broke off her conversation with Skjor. She turned and gave Daenerys a feral grin. "Skjor and I were just talking about you. We heard you were making the rounds. Anyone agree to join you?"

"Torvar is interested. He just wanted to talk with Kodlak first. As much as I welcome his sword, or yours." Daenerys nodded to Skjor. "I would welcome your bow even more. Dragons fly."

Skjor stepped forward. He left eye was a milky white from an old injury, but it didn't slow him down and only made his gaze more fierce. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Aela. "We were talking about that as well."

Daenerys didn't know how anyone could look at the pair and not tell that they were lovers. Although they denied the rumors, it was obvious. The way they stood, they way they moved, and their looks at each other, made it so obvious. She had heard that wolves mated for life and whenever she saw them side-by-side, Daenerys believed it. "And did you decide anything?"

"Yes," said Skjor. "But this is not the place to discuss it. Tonight, after the sun goes down, meet us at the entrance to the Underforge."

This was the first time she'd ever even heard of the Underforge. "I take it that it's called that because it lies under the Skyforge. Where is this entrance?" Because she had never seen a door in the rock wall beneath the forge.

Aela laid a hand on Skjor's bicep. It was just a touch, but she had seen kisses with less passion. "The entrance is concealed. There is hidden lever, but it's difficult to find. Look for Skjor. He will be standing by the wall outside. I'll be waiting inside."

Daenerys wondered just what was going on that required a secret meeting place, but this didn't feel like a trap. Both Aela and Skjor were too forthright for that. If they had wished her harm, they would have simply attacked her. The only thing she could think of was that they wanted to do something that Kodlak wouldn't approve of. "I'll be there with Lydia."

Skjor nodded. "Tonight, shield sister." He turned and walked away.

"Tonight," echoed Aela as she turned to follow him.

Daenerys spent a few hours talking to other Companions. Word had gotten around and they knew what she would ask before she opened her mouth. Some asked questions, but only Tovar committed to joining her. Vignar Grey-mane did have interesting news for her.

"I'm a bit too old to fight dragons, but has my niece, Olfina, spoken with you yet?"

"No, she hasn't." Nor had she seen Jon Battle-born since the confrontation in the prow.

"Hrmph. She told the family she would be joining you. Told us, mind you. She didn't ask. Just declared she would be joining the Dragonguard and practically dared the family to make an issue of it." He chuckled. "She's getting more like her mother every day."

Daenerys smiled at that. "I will certainly be glad to have her." Although she had to wonder if Olfina would be joining with or without Jon Battle-born.

"You better bring her back alive." Despite the jocular tone, there was a serious edge to his words.

Daenerys smirked at him. "I'll be sure to tell Olfina you said that."

Vignar sputtered a moment and then laughed. "That's a low blow there. I'm just looking out for my family."

"So that's a yes, you want me to tell her?" She grinned at his flustered expression. "Don't worry, I won't tell her, and she'll be trained to fight dragons. I know their strengths, their weaknesses and how to exploit them. To fight a dragon is to dance with death, but gods willing, she'll come home. If not, you'll see her in Sovengarde."

"You're just like her and her mother. No talking sense into any of you." He sighed and shook his head. "Well, then looks I'm coming with you."

"Really?" Vignar was getting on in years. She thought his fighting days were done. She had never seen him in the practice yard.

"Is that really so hard to believe? I fought that dragon you killed. Didn't land a blow on it, but I survived. I'm know what I'm getting into. She's family and too stubborn for her own good. Someone has to look out for her." He stuck out his hand. "I will raise my shield in your defense."

Daenerys reached out grasped Vignar, not in the handshake of greeting, but as the Companions did, clasping his forearm while he clasped hers. "I will stand at your back that the world may never overtake us."

"I will raise my sword in your honor," continued Vignar.

"And my mace stands ready to face the blood of your foes." Daeneryrs smiled at him. "Good to have you, shield-brother."

Vignar released his clasp. "May the Nine watch over us, shield-sister."

.oOo.

Daenerys waited until the sun had fully set before going to meet Skjor and Aela at the Underforge. She found Skjor standing by the rock wall beneath the Skyforge. It was a clear night, but the moons were high overhead making him easy to find. He stared at her with the same flat gaze that he usually had. Daenerys could easily imagine him plotting how to kill her before she could get off a Shout.

"About time. I see you brought your housecarl. Was she with you at Dustman's Cairn?"

"Yes, Lydia was with me at Dustman's Cairn." She was a bit annoyed that Skjor was making an issue of it now. She'd told him that she was bringing Lydia with her.

"Then she can watch." Skjor shifted his gaze to Lydia and growled a warning. "But you will say nothing about what happens in the Underforge."

Lydia didn't flinch. "I am sworn to keep my thane's secrets."

Daenerys decided to interrupt the staring contest. She did not appreciate Skjor trying to intimidate her sworn follower. "What exactly is the Underforge?"

Skjor turned his gaze back to her. "Here's all you need to know. Jorrvaskr is the oldest building in Whiterun. The Skyforge was here long before it was. And the Underforge taps an ancient magic that is older than men or elves. We bring you here to make you stronger. Are you prepared?"

Stronger? Her mind raced. Did that mean what she thought it meant? She had just been accepted as a Companion. Surely they weren't going to induct her into the Circle! It was far too soon, but that would explain the secrecy. Kodlak was trying to stamp out the 'blessing' of Hircine, not spread it. In fact, it seemed obvious in hindsight.

"Well?" growled Skjor. "Are you prepared?"

"I am," replied Daenerys, but she was far from certain. She was stalling for time. She hadn't really considered becoming a werewolf herself. Partly because she had believed it would take years to be judged ready. Partly because Kodlak was trying to put an end to the practice.

"Are you certain? This is no test, new blood. This is a gift. Come inside." He touched some hidden mechanism and a hidden door receded revealing a passageway. Skjor stalked inside.

Daenerys followed Skjor down a rough-hewn tunnel trying decide if she wanted this or not. Unfortunately, the tunnel was quite short and almost immediately opened up into a small circular chamber. In the center of the room was a rough stone basin on a pedestal, but it was no birdbath. It was stained the color of dried blood. Standing behind the stone basin was a werewolf.

She had seen Farkas as a werewolf, but at a farther distance, and Farkas had been fighting the Silver Hand. This time Daenerys had time to really study the creature. Aela, for it could be no one else, stood head and shoulders taller than Skjor in her wolf form. Her hands and feet seemed huge, vastly larger than a human would be if scaled up to that size. Enormous claws the size of daggers sprouted from her hands. The head of the werewolf was also much larger than human and with equally large teeth. Fur of a dark mottled grey was the creature's only covering. Because Daenerys was looking she could make out the swells of slight breasts, only two, but the fur was thick enough to preserve Aela's modesty.

Skjor went to stand beside Aela. He stroked her fur gently and then turned to face Daenerys. "I'm glad you came. It has been a long time since we had a heart like yours among our numbers. That pitiful ceremony behind the hall does not befit warriors like us. You are due more honor than some calls and feasting. I would hope you recognize Aela, even in this form. She's agreed to be your forebear. We do this in secret because Kodlak is too busy trying to throw away this great gift we've been granted. He thinks we've been cursed, but we've been blessed. How can something that gives this kind of prowess be a curse? So we take matters into our own hands. To reach the heights of the Companions, you must join with us in the shared blood of the wolf."

Grandfather had warned her to beware the Daedric Princes, but they seemed to be a lot more involved in the world. First Azura, then Meridia, and now Hircine. This was not like the lunar forge where she was dealing with an unknown entity with vague promises of power. Or Meridia's demand to clean up her temple and become her 'instrument of cleansing light'. With Hiricine she knew exactly what was being offered – vastly improved combat prowess. She also knew the cost, her soul would be forfeit to Hircine, claimed by him after death to roam his Hunting Grounds. That didn't scare her all that much. She had too much innocent blood on her hands. She deserved much worse than the Hunting grounds when she died. To be honest she was more concerned about disappointing Kodlak. He was a good leader and good man. On the practical side she would have to keep it a closely held secret. Werewolves were generally regarded as monsters that needed to be slain.

Skjor scowled at her. "You're quiet. You said you were prepared. Are you having doubts now about joining your spirit with the beast world?"

Daenerys shook her head. "It's not the joining that I fear. It's being discovered. If my followers learn that I am a werewolf, will they still follow me? Even a werewolf cannot defeat a dragon alone."

"You worry too much," replied Skjor dismissively. "The Companions have kept this secret for generations. Just don't transform where they can see you. Even in human form you will be faster and stronger. Your senses will be sharper, and you will recover more quickly from injuries. We will not force you, but you are already a predator. This will just make you a better one."

Daenerys frowned as she continued to weigh the offer. It was a good deal. Faster, stronger, better senses, and faster recovery. The Hunting Grounds were better than she deserved. So what if Kodlak wouldn't approve? She was leaving Whiterun and he had made it clear that his support was limited. She would still try to help him find a cure. Would it cost her the help of the Aedra? Talos had already sent Grandfather. However, she wasn't Grandfather. She believed the Aedra were real, but she wasn't a priest to just trust in the gods that everything would work out. Mir-Mul-Nir had almost killed her. The speed, power, and stamina of a werewolf was an edge that she could use to survive the next dragon and the other challenges she faced. If the gods turned their back on her for that, so be it. She'd make her own way.

"Yes. I'm ready." She said it forcefully. One of the lessons of being a queen. It was always important to appear confident, no matter what doubts and fears you had inside.

"Then strip. You don't want to be wearing armor when you make the change."

"Unless it is Eorlund's special wolf armor?" Daenerys asked as she began by removing her belt and setting aside her weapons."

"Even wolf armor is a painful to change in, shield-sister. Always strip if you have time." Skjor drew a dagger and approached Aela. She lifted up her paw and offered her arm to him. Skjor grabbed her by the paw and calmly slit her wrist. Blood spurted forth, it was the kind of wound that could prove fatal. Indeed, she had heard that some committed suicide by slashing the wrists, but Aela's wound seemed to already be sealing on its own.

Daenerys shucked off her boots. Lydia helped her get the rest of the armor off and she was soon naked.

Skjor nodded his approval. "The blood calls, sister, and waits for you to drink from the fountain."

Daenerys stepped toward the basin which was now filled with thick red blood. She once ate the raw heart of a stallion. She could do this. She lowered her face to the blood. Rather than lap at it like a dog she submerged her face into it and drank deeply. It tasked like blood, but it burned her throat going down. She thought her stomach would revolt at first, but after the first few gulps it stopped tasting disgusting. It tasted delicious. The most intense and satisfying drink that she had ever tasted. She continued gulping blood from the font, not even pausing to breathe. The blood lit a fire in her belly like strong alcohol, a fire that spread out into her limbs and then turned to pain.

With a cry she fell to the floor as whipcracks of pain surged through her body. Her arms and legs twitched. It felt like thousands of ants crawled along her skin biting and stinging as fur sprouted all over her body. Her bones ached and her sight vision swam, and she rolled on the floor. Her cries of pain turned to whines and growls. She pushed herself up onto all fours and howled in pain.