Chapter 18

Fredas, the 12th of Midyear, Year 202 of the 4th Era

The Greybeard wanted to taste her Voice? Most of the Shouts she knew were dangerous, but a few would make a good demonstration. Shul would certainly be impressive. That Shout made her glow brightly and spread warmth all around her. However, there was another Word that would hold a special meaning to the Greybeards – provided it didn't offend them. She didn't' think it would, not after what she read at the shrines along the way. It would honor their beliefs.

"Long ago dragons ruled Skyrim, but the men of old were bold and unafraid. They warred with the dragons, but men had no Voice, and the dragons shouted them down. Men died by the thousands. One goddess took pity on man." She paused and bowed her head. This was not a Word to be used lightly. She took a deep breath and Shouted, "Kaan!"

The Word of Kyne filled the entrance room with her presence. This time it came with the shriek of a sudden wind. The windows of High Hrothgar were open, and the wind gusted inside rattling shutters. The wind was clearly unnatural, blowing about the room, sending dust of years flying. Daenerys felt her hair blow in the breeze, and she smelled the strong scent of pine. She curtseyed deeply as she felt the weight of a presence upon her. As she did, she worried that she might have offended the goddess. Perhaps Kyne wouldn't appreciate being invoked again for something so minor? However, if anything the presence felt amused. An old memory stirred in her mind. From when she'd been small and innocent, an old woman mussed her hair and laughed good-naturedly. She didn't remember who the woman was, a servant maybe? A cook? A maid? Whoever the woman was, she had been kind. Maybe, she had lived at the house with the red door. As the impression faded, she realized she was still standing in a curtsey. She rose back to standing. The Greybeards all had their heads bowed in respect and her people were kneeling, so she kept her own head bowed and waited.

As the presence slowly faded the same Greybeard who challenged her to Shout spoke. "Truly, the Dragonborn has come. Welcome, Lady Targaryen, to High Hrothgar." He walked forward a few steps and bowed at the waist. "I am Master Arngeir. I speak for the Greybeards. Allow me to present my brothers: Master Borri, Master Wulfgar, and Master Einarth. Each man bowed as they were presented. With the cowls of their cloaks pulled low and their faces hidden by beards, the four looked very similar. Master Borri's beard was a little fuller. Master Wulfgar was the youngest. His beard still had traces of brown. Master Einarth was the oldest judging by his fully white beard, the wrinkles on his face, and his slow stooped walk.

Daenerys curtseyed again, but not near as deeply. She respected the Greybeards, but they were just men. "It is an honor to meet you." She rose back into standing. She thought it odd that the other three just nodded. "You said you speak for the Greybeards. Are the others forbidden to speak?"

"Not forbidden. It is just dangerous for them to speak, not to them, but to you and especially to your companions. My brothers have delved so deeply into the Way of the Voice that they have a hard time speaking normally any longer. If they spoke, it would be in the dragon tongue, Dovahzul, and if their focus slipped their words would roll like thunder."

"Truly?" A part of her was amused. She could imagine joking with Missandei about old men who lacked control. However, Missandei was dead and gone. Judging by Arngeir, the Greybeards were too full of their own importance to receive such a joke well. No, this was not the time or the place for such jokes. "So, are the four of you the only ones?"

Arngeir glanced at the other three Greybeards.

Einarth nodded. Borri shrugged. Wulfgar didn't react at all.

Arngeir frowned but nodded back at them before turning back to face her. "There is also our leader, but he is not here. He lives alone on the peak of the Throat of the World."

That statement revealed some important facts. First, the Greybeard order was dying. Master Wulfgar looked to be the youngest and he had to be at least sixty. If they didn't get new blood soon, their order would end with them. Second, they were all Nords and all male. Coincidence or prejudice? However, the most important thing revealed was that their master lived at the summit. She had suspected before with her dreams of speaking with a dragon atop a mountain. Feeling the presence of an ancient dragon atop the peak had built upon that suspicion. This confirmed it. "Paar-Thur-Nax."

Arngeir bowed his head for a moment before raising it. "Paarthurnax is indeed our master. How did you know?" asked Arngeir. "Few have heard of him at all, and most of those who have heard believe him long dead."

She gave him a slight smile. "If you had wanted it kept secret, maybe you shouldn't have carved his name in stone on one of the shrines on the 7000 Steps. When will I speak with him?"

Master Arngeir laughed. "So young and so eager. You must complete the trials first. Then you can speak with our master. Now we have a question for you. Dragonborn, why have you come here?"

She wasn't happy at the mention of trials. She had killed two dragons. Wasn't that proof enough? She held her tongue, but a bit of her vexation leaked into her answer. "I have many reasons. I have come because the gods have led me here. On the night that I slew the dragon Mir-Mul-Nir the red comet first appeared in the sky, and it pointed to the Throat of the World. I have come to learn about the Way of the Voice, so I can end the threat of the dragons that plague Skyrim. I have brought with those that I believe have some talent to see if they can learn the way of the voice."

Arngeir didn't seem entirely pleased by her reply. "We are honored to welcome a Dragonborn to High Hrothgar. We will do our best to teach you how to use your gift in fulfillment of your destiny. I am certain that the appearance of a Dragonborn at this time is not an accident. Your destiny is bound up with the return of the dragons. Just as certainly, the gods had a hand in the red comet. The sky is but a veil separating us from Aetherius. Perhaps the gods were sending you here, but we did not see that. When the red comet appeared in the sky, we saw it pointing south toward Cyrodiil. We can show you the Way, but not your destination."

There was something about Arngeir's reply that bothered her. Why exactly had he asked if he didn't want an answer? "And will you test those I have brought with me?"

Arngeir nodded, but he didn't seem happy about it. "Yes, we test any who make the climb and wish to be tested. That is our duty." He swept his gaze out across her followers. "However, I hope you do not expect them to learn with the ease that you do. A Dragonborn can learn easily what even the most gifted of us take years to achieve."

Another yes, but no answer. It brought to her mind the nobles and warlocks of Qarth with their polite manners and gentle demurrals. They had acted so friendly with pretty dresses, fine wines, and other gifts. A feast every night, a dance, a play, no need to hurry. Always the pleasant faces, but never the ships she needed, never enough supplies to simply leave on her own, never what she needed. Did the Greybeards think her a naive child that they could lead her around with promises? "Let us not focus on what cannot be done, but what can be done. How can you aid me?"

"You have shown that you are Dragonborn. You have the inborn gift. But do you have the discipline and temperament to follow the path laid out for you? That remains to be seen." There was the tone of a lecture in his voice like that of a parent to a child. "Without training, you have already taken the first steps towards projecting your Voice into a Thu'um, a Shout. Now let us see if you are willing and able to learn. When you Shout, you speak in the language of dragons. Thus, your dragon blood gives you an inborn ability to learn Words of Power. All Shouts are made up of three Words of Power. As you master each Word, your Shout will become progressively stronger."

Daenerys nodded her understanding. "I suspected as much. Yol-Toor-Shul fit together so well, and I heard an ice dragon Shout Fo-Krah-Diin even if it was from a distance." Not to mention that both dragons she had Inhaled had names composed from three Words of Power.

"You already know Yol-Toor-Shul?" There was a note of disbelief in his question.

She smiled at having knocked Arngeir off his script. "I also suspect that Dah is the third word of a triple when combined with Fus and Ro."

"Yes, Fus-Ro-Dah, is indeed a Shout. In fact, it is the first Shout we teach, and Fus is the Word we use to test for the gift. Since you already know Fus and Ro, we will have to use Dah for your next trial. That will be more painful and dangerous for you."

"I see." That meant they were going to Shout at her. Daenerys glanced around to meet Faralda's gaze. Her mentor gave her a slight smile in return. They had been so close! That had actually discussed having her repeatedly shout Yol at Faralda to try to teach her the Word, but had decided it was too dangerous. It also suggested Faralda could feel a vibration from Yol because she survived when Mir-Mul-Nir Shouted Yol-Toor-Shul at her. "We will need more room as well. I suggest that my companions watch from the top of the stairs."

"That would be wise," agreed Arngeir.

Slowly her people moved around and up the stairs. They were quiet and respectful as they went and didn't approach any of the four Greybeards closely.

"Is the second trial? And, does it have to be Dah?" asked Daenerys. "I would rather learn Fo." Three of the four dragons she had encountered so far had been fire dragons. Learning Fo-Krah-Diin, Frost-Cold-Freeze, seemed more useful than Fus-Ro-Dah.

"Yes, learning a Shout merely from hearing it once is the second trial." Arngeir paused and sighed. "But, your second question reveals how much you still have to learn. We can guide you upon your way. Fus-Ro-Dah is the traditional first Shout, but not all Words are compatible. As you have learned Yol-Tor-Shul already, you are too attuned to fire. For you to even attempt Fo would be risky. Perhaps after your trials are done, if our master approves."

This time he actually had a good reason and quickly shared it. Not that she was giving up on learning Fo-Krah-Diin. If it was opposed to Yol-Tor-Shul, then it would probably be the best Shout to use against fire dragons. She would revisit this later. She had the feeling that she was pushing them already, so she decided to ease up and follow their script for now. She dipped her head in acknowledgment. "I did not know that. Thank you for your wisdom."

"You are welcome, Dragonborn." He nodded and smiled. "Please, prepare yourself."

Daenerys smiled back at him. She could play along for now, and she was learning a Word out of it. She eyed the distance carefully. She knew roughly how far Fus-Ro could reach. If she was just outside that distance, she should be close enough to Fus-Ro-Dah to learn the word Dah and far enough away to survive. Deliberately she took two steps back to what she felt was the best distance. "I am ready."

"You will want to face that way." Arngeir sounded amused and gestured to his left. "Master Einarth will now teach you Dah, the third word of the Unrelenting Force Shout. Combine it with Fus and Ro to focus your Thu'um more sharply."

Daenerys shifted to face the Master Einarth and again braced herself. Despite knowing that she was about to be smashed by a giant wave of force, she took comfort in the bit of humor in Arngeir's tone. Maybe she was reading too much into his manner. Maybe the Greybeards were simply intimidated by meeting a Dragonborn and trying to hide their nerves.

"Fus-Ro-Dah!" shouted Einarth.

Even braced for impact, she was still knocked off her feet and sent flying as surly as having been slammed by the club of a giant. She flew backward skidding along the stone as the word of power rang in her head. Dah. Push. To strike. To hit. To Impact. Fus was Force, but it could mean pull as easily as push, or spin, or many others. Dah gave it direction. The three Words fit together like links on a chain. Force with Balance and Push. Just like Yol-Toor-Shul, the three fit together and were more than the sum of their parts. She Pushed up from the floor, moving with Force, regaining Balance. She stood there feeling it all together as she took a deep breath and Shouted.

"Fus-Ro-Dah!" Her words became Force that exploded out from her in perfect Balance and Pushed back. She had aimed up and away to avoid hurting anyone, but she hit a candelabra. It snapped free of the rope it hung on and went flying across the room. When it hit the far wall, it shattered into pieces.

"Your quick mastery of a new Thu'um is... astonishing. I'd heard the stories of the abilities of Dragonborn, but to see it for myself…" He shook his head in amazement. "You truly do have the gift. I envy you, Dragonborn. For us learning a Word of Power is only the first step. We must unlock its meaning through constant practice in order to use it in a Shout. Whereas you simply must experience the Word firsthand to know it. Now, there is one more trial."

"Before we go on to the next trial, my followers have been patiently waiting." She gestured to where they were watching from the stairs. "Would you test them before we go on to any more trials?"

Arngier frowned. "I suppose we could. May I ask why? We believe that Words of Power should not be used in war, only for True Needs. A war against dragonkind is still a war. You are Dragonborn. If the gods have set you on this path, I do not question it. What does bother me is that you seem to be seeking Tongues to use as weapons in your crusade. Is that indeed your plan? Or will they be staying here at High Hrothgar where we follow the Way of the Voice and only use Words of Power for True Needs?"

There was no good answer to that because it wasn't that simple. She doubted her followers wanted to become monks, but she didn't see them as mere weapons even if she was hoping that some could become Tongues. Her followers were already risking their lives. What she was doing was giving them better weapons so they could kill dragons without dying. Besides she didn't see the virtue of sitting atop a mountain in isolation. What was the point of learning to use Words of Power if they didn't actually use them to do anything? What True Needs were the Greybeards fulfilling? Meanwhile, the people of Skyrim suffered from dragons. They truly needed help.

Daenerys decided to sidestep the question entirely. "I should explain to you that we have visited Word Walls. All of those who I have brought here with me have at least felt a vibration. Some can even hear a faint chant. You have already told me that it takes years to learn to Shout for anyone who is not Dragonborn, if any wish to stay here, I will not stand in their way. Isn't it your custom to test any who make the pilgrimage?"

"It is." He didn't seem happy to admit it. "I'll have to admit that I am curious. Even though your intentions may be questionable. There are many Words of Power in Skyrim, carved in the Dragon tongue waiting to be found. They resonate with the power of the Thu'um. Some of them we know, but there are many we do not. I suspect that you are correct. It will be interesting to see…" He sighed deeply. "Very well. We can test them next." He turned to face her followers. "I want you all to know that even if you have the gift, learning the Way of the Voice will take you years. It is a path of service and humility. It is not for everyone. Nor will the testing be painless. We will be testing you with Fus. You will be thrown back by it. Some have even died in the testing."

Daenerys wasn't surprised that none of her followers looked at all like they would back out. They had all signed up to fight dragons. Being thrown back violently might hurt, but the Nords revered Shouting. A little risk and some pain were a small price to pay to learn if they had the gift. She also looking forward to seeing who, if any, could learn to Shout.

Daenerys raised her voice. "Sofija, Ēlī Vokēdrie, Dragonslayer, come forward."

Arngeir nodded respectfully as Sofija came forward and bowed deeply. "Seeker, step into the center of the ring and prepare yourself. Master Einarth will administer the test."

Sofija nodded solemnly and moved to the indicated circle and braced herself much as Daenerys had done. "I am prepared."

Master Einarth stepped forward and stopped so that Sofija would be right on the edge of his Shout. He paused for a second or two and then he Shouted, "Fus!"

Rather than go tumbling Sofija was blown straight backward and fell on her back. She skidded on the stone floor for several feet before halting. She lay there for a few moments and then got back up to her feet.

"Tell me, child, what word did you hear?" asked Arngier.

"Fus," replied Sofija.

Daenerys grimaced. What Sofija had said wasn't even close to the true pronunciation. It lacked the overtones and undertones needed. It was wrong in the same way that singing badly offkey was wrong even if the singer got the words correct. So, that was all there was to the test. She had expected something more elaborate and felt immensely foolish for overlooked the obvious.

"Can I try again?" asked Sofija.

Arngeir frowned. "I advise against it, but custom dictates you have three chances."

"Has anyone ever succeeded on a second or third try that failed on the first?" asked Daenerys.

"Supposedly," admitted Arngeir. "But not in living memory."

Daenerys looked at Sofija and gave her a nod. Living memory consisted of only four old men. Not exactly a large sample to base a conclusion on.

"Then I will try again!" insisted Sofija. She tried and failed. She tried a third time and failed again.

"A moment, Arngeir, then we will continue." Daenerys took Sofija to the side. "Character is about how we face failure as much as how we face success. Others besides you will try and fail today. You are still the Dragonslayer and my chosen successor. Can you set an example for the others?"

"I understand," agreed Sofija. "I am not a child to cry and pout because others have something that I do not. I have my magic and the gods have guided me to you."

Daenerys gave her a nod of approval. "You are my first faithful, Sofija. Be proud."

One by one she called the others up. It surprised her not at all that three of her followers could pronounce Fus better than the others: Ull, Jon Battle-born, and Olfina Grey-mane. They didn't get it right, not on their first try, but she could hear a shadow of the true Word. Those who could only feel the vibration: Steinarr, Bjalfi, and Karita failed even with three tries. After each testing she spoke with the candidate private, giving them either quiet words of congratulations or consolation. Finally, only Faralda was left.

"Faralda, mentor and friend, it is time." Daenerys turned to Arngeir. "I want you to test her with Yol. Faralada is a Mistress of Destruction and is gifted with fire. She can ward herself against the Shout."

Arngeir frowned. "Some can manage a single Word. That doesn't make them a Tongue. We don't usually accept that sort. Also, casting spells requires focus. Her mind needs to be open." He looked over to his fellow Greybeards. They began having a silent conversation that consisted of gestures.

Daenerys wasn't sure if she believed that a ward would interfere. Faralda had shielded when Mir-Mul-Nir breathed fire on her. That was probably why she felt Yol at the Word Wall of Dustman's Cairn.

The Greybeards had apparently made some decision and Arngeir turned back to her. "It's unusual, but as you are the Dragonborn. We'll test the mer as you say."

Faralda gave Daenerys a slight nod and strode into the circle with her head high. She turned to face Master Einarth and brought up a Ward.

Master Einarth shouted, "Yol!" and breathed a jet of flame at Faralda.

Faralda stood steady with her ward in front of her as the fire splashed off it. When the flames died down, Faralda very deliberately said, "Yol."

Daenerys heard none of the resonance with the deeper meaning of Yol, but she couldn't bear to say it to Faralda.

Apparently, she didn't have to say a word. Faralda merely looked at her and nodded. "I see. I will try again."

Einarth gathered his breath and Shouted.

Faralda shielded, tried again, and failed again. She tried a third time and failed yet again. "Very well, that is it, then. I cannot be taught at all."

Arngeir shook his head. "Can a deaf child learn to talk when she cannot hear a sound?"

The youngest Greybeard, Master Wulfgar, raised up a single finger. Then he cupped a hand to his ear as if straining to hear something.

Arngeir shook his head and looked angry. "That's just a legend. We don't even know if it is true. Besides, she would have to finish her trials first."

Master Wulfgar crossed his arms and just looked back.

"What is just a legend?" asked Daenerys.

"When your Voice can open the path, you will know you are ready," replied Arngeir cryptically.

"Is that a riddle? For all that you claim to follow the Way of the Voice instead of the way of the gods, you answer like a priest. What is it that Master Wulfgar is trying to say?"

Arngeir glanced at the other Greybeards. Master Wulfgar still had his arms crossed. Master Einarth nodded his head. Master Borri just watched. Arngeir's face wasn't easy to read hidden by a beard and cowl, but he clearly wasn't pleased. "Master Wulfgar is suggesting that there may be a way, but it is a tale from the age of legends that might not even be true."

Daenerys laughed. "Well then, it must be Tirdas. Tell me about this legend."

Arngeir sighed. "Very well, it is a tale of Jurgen the Calm who founded our order. When he was known as Jurgen Windcaller, he fought in the War of Succession. This was after the fall of the dragons when Nord Tongues used their Shouts in war against the Dwemer, the Chimer, and even each other. With the power of the Thu'um the Nords usually carried the day. However, it was because of the crushing defeat of the Nord army at the battle of Red Mountain that Jurgen had his revelation. He realized that the gods were punishing us for our arrogant and blasphemous misuse of the Thu'um. It was Jurgen the Calm who founded our order and taught us that the Way of the Voice should only be used for True Needs."

Daenerys waited a moment for Arngeir to continue, but he did not. "I already knew this story. I even read it again today inscribed upon the shrines. "Obviously, you have misgivings, but will you tell me the rest? Or should I drag out paper and quill and hand them to Master Borri?"

Arngeir looked over at Borri again who met his gaze impassively. "Very well. The legend that Borri is referring to is about the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. It might help, but it has been lost for ages. Not even Tiber Septim could find it."

"A horn? To make Shouts louder?!" She could imagine using it for Shouting, amplifying her Shouts to devasting effect. There were stories of Nords shouting down the walls of cities. Was this how it was done?

"Not the kind of horn you blow," clarified Arngeir. "The kind that old folk hold to their ear to hear better."

"Oh," so not an item to let her shout down the walls of cities, but powerful in its own way. In fact, that kind of horn would be better. If the horn would let even Faralda learn Words of Power, then it would work for the others who could just feel a vibration. Perhaps they all could become Tongues! That would change not only her war against the dragons, but everything… The red comet had led her here, but the Greybeards saw it pointing to Cyrodiil. Was that accident or the gods pointing her to the throne? Or another interpretation, first Skyrim, then the Empire. No! She pushed thoughts of glory and thrones from her head. She would not chase another Iron Throne. If it lay in her future, she would deal with it then. For now her war was with the dragons and Alduin, and the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller could be the key to winning the war.

She smiled at Arngeir. "So, tell me, where would I look for this legendary horn?"