Chapter 30

Sundas, the 3rd of Sun's Height, Year 202 of the 4th Era

Despite what had been a long day, Daenerys did not sleep well. Her people were too vulnerable. She knew that the Thieves' Guild was planning to rob the Dragonguard camp outside of town and probably her people staying at the Bee and Barb. She had also left Aana alone at Honorhall Orphanage. That had made sense politically, but that was before the assassination attempt. Maven was playing for keeps. If Maven wanted a hostage, she could take Aana easily. While Daenerys did not care for Aana as deeply as she had Missandei, she wasn't just a servant. Aana had shown great loyalty both to her and the Dragonguard. However, trying to move Aana to safely would just draw attention to her. Sunrise came too early, but Daenerys was eager to get started. Everyone was surprised when she removed her amulet of Talos to don her armor.

"M'lady?" asked Raina in surprise. "You're not going to wear your amulet of Talos any longer?"

Daenerys shook her head. "Oh no, I am going to wear it. I just decided that I am no longer going to hide it under my armor and clothing. I'm going to wear it openly."

"Oh," replied Raina as she set it aside. "I'll help you with it in a moment then."

As Raina helped her don her breastplate, Sofija, Lydia, and Faralda exchanged glances. They still looked puzzled when Raina secured her amulet back around her neck. Daenerys decided to answer the question they didn't ask. "I'm done hiding my faith in Talos. When I call upon him to heal, the magic flows better and I feel his presence."

Faralda arched an eyebrow. "Won't that be taken as a political statement? That you support the Stormcloaks? I thought you were trying to keep the Dragonguard neutral."

Daenerys paused for a moment. It was likely that a servant was listening, but she decided that she didn't care. "I am, but I believe in Talos and I won't hide that any longer. It's not like the story of Mir-Mul-Nir hasn't spread all over Skyrim by now. By now everyone in Skyrim probably knows that I ended that fight naked except for an amulet of Talos around my neck. That was a sign, and I should have heeded it." Why hadn't she seen that it was a sign before? "I was just never religious before. It took me a long time to accept it, but I have come to believe in Talos. I can't deny that any longer."

"So, this has nothing to do with seeing Nura Snow-Shod today? Or swaying the Snow-Shods?"

"No," replied Daenerys honestly. "After the assassin I tried to reach for my amulet when I healed myself. I knew that I was wearing it, but…" She shrugged. "I wanted to hold it. Talos means too much to me to hide it any longer. Let others think of it what they will." Honestly, it felt good to say all this, to make her declaration of faith.

"Should I do the same?" asked Sofija.

"That's for you to decide, Sofija. I can't tell you what gods to follow. That is your personal choice. Decide for yourself."

"I believe in the Nine," replied Sofija immediately. "However, I have no strong belief in any of them. I have put my faith in you."

"And I value your loyalty and service, Sofija Ēlī Vokēdrie. You are my first faithful." She glanced over to her Lydia and Faralda. "And I value your service as well, Lydia. As well as your mentorship and friendship, Faralda. I know you all believe in me, and I hope to prove worthy. I am many things, but I am not a god. Follow me, advise me, help me fight my battles, but don't worship me."

Barbas gave a little snort. You may not be a god, but you're not a mortal either, Dovahkiin. You'll still be around after they're all dead and gone. The ancient Nords weren't wrong to worship the dragons.

Daenerys glanced at Barbas. "You hush. The rest of you put this aside. We have too much to do today."

There were some mutters, but everyone dropped the subject and finished getting ready. This time she took everyone except Raina with her. It worried her to leave her lame handmaiden alone, just as she'd left Aana alone, but she needed everyone who could fight today. Even Aringoth was wearing leather armor and carried a sword and bow, but that was mostly for his protection. She wanted him as a witness not for his fighting skills.

Hemming was apparently not an early riser. He wasn't waiting for her as she left Mistveil Manor although the officer in charge at the front door asked her to wait for Hemming. Daenerys simply pushed past saying that if Hemming wanted her, then he could follow the crowds. The officer obviously wasn't sure what he should do, but he sent five men to 'escort' her around Riften.

Once they were out of sight of the Mistveil Keep, Daenerys immediately took charge of the five guards that were following behind her. "Well, are you here to follow me around town or escort me? I'm meeting my quartermaster at the Bee and Barb for breakfast. Form a wedge so I can get through the crowds!"

They immediately did as commanded forming a wedge in front of her. "Yes ma'am." "Yes, Lady Targaryen." "Do we say Lady or Ysmir?"

Daenerys was amused. She seriously doubted any of her escort had been deliberately planted to spy upon her. She chalked this confusion up to Hemming Black-Briar having been just put in charge of the Riften Guard. Either he had meddled with the chain of command, or he just hadn't issued orders, or maybe he simply slept in. Regardless, she had just gained five soldiers to order about until an officer found out and took charge.

Some people gawked at her as she walked through the market, but most of them were merchants too busy setting out their goods for the day to do more than spare her a glance. It didn't take long before they arrived at the Bee and Barb. The entrance was partially blocked by a green-scaled Argonian up on a ladder scrubbing what looked like dung off the sign showing a bee perched on a fishhook. The few Argonians she'd seen before were bald, but this one had a few green feathers on his head.

The Argonian looked down at her. "Oh, it's you. Let me assure you that there are no assassins lurking at the Bee and Barb. I tend the bar and keep the place clean. Keerava runs the place. Yes, we're Argonians, but we don't know anything about the idiot who attacked you. Keerava runs a clean establishment."

Daenerys put the dung on the sign together with the Argonian's hostile attitude and realized that Nords being Nords they had blamed all Argonians for the assassin that attacked her. "I'm sorry if you or Keerava have been troubled. Some of my Dragonguard are staying here, and I planned to eat breakfast here. I wouldn't do that if I blamed every Argonian. Maybe if people see us eating in your common room it might settle some of those rumors."

The Argonian gave a sigh that sounded more like a hiss. "It would probably help. When word gets around that the Dragonborn ate here… I apologize for my foolish tongue. I would jump down and show you to a table, but I've got dung on my hands. Please, go on in. Keerava will take care of you."

Daenerys went on inside as directed. The Bee and Barb was much larger and better lit than the Sleeping Giant Inn back in Riverwood. Instead of long bench tables, many round tables stood scattered around the room. Two human tavern wenches were working the room passing out breakfasts and taking orders. Daenerys spotted Jon Battle-Born, Olfina Grey-Mane and Camilla Valerius sitting at a table with a huge woman and a teenaged lad. She relaxed a little at the smiles on their faces. Obviously, either no one had tried to steal from them in the night, or the thief had been easily handled. She headed over to their table to join them.

Before she could get there an Argonian with tan scales wearing a dress hurried up to her. "Ah, Lady Targaryen, your people only just informed me that you would be coming, but not with such a large party. Allow me to push some tables together for all of you."

Daenerys was flummoxed. This must be Keerava, the innkeeper that the Argonian outside had just mentioned, but Daenerys was trying hard not to stare at the low neckline on her dress. Keerava had breasts! Argonians were lizard-people. They had scales, and a tail, and they laid eggs. Daenerys pushed those thoughts aside. Just another one of those things that everyone in Skyrim knew and didn't bother to tell her. Female Argonians had breasts and large ones judging by Keerava. She focused on meeting the innkeepers gaze and gave her a polite nod. "Thank you. We'll wait while you push the tables together. Oh, and the Riften Guards aren't in my party, but if you'll give them a table off to the side, I'll pay for their breakfast as well."

"Of course, Dragonborn." She gestured to the tavern wenches and helped the two of them push tables around.

While the tables were being pushed together, Daenerys studied the guests at the table with her Dragonguard. The big woman was obviously Mjoll the Lioness. Nord women were large, but Mjoll was larger than even Brienne of Tarth. She wore steel plate armor and the hilt of a two-handed sword was visible sticking out upon her back. Her hair was the color of honey. She wore it in a simple style, brushed back and left to fall around her shoulders. The left side of her face was painted with a broad vertical stripe of woad blue. Despite being a simple stripe, the color contrast gave her a fierce and disturbing look.

Mjoll's companion was much less impressive. He was a slight young man. If he was out of his teen years, he was barely into his twenties. He wore a nice tunic and breeches, nothing fancy, just something a shopkeeper could afford. He was a bit shorter and darker of skin and his features had an Imperial cast to them. Although Daenerys wasn't certain whether he was Imperial or not. While Imperials, Bretons, and Nords were considered different races of men, Daenerys found that the differences were mostly cultural. It wasn't always easy to tell them apart at a glance. Although there were exceptions.

Once the tables were in place, everyone stood and bowed as she approached and took a seat at the table. "Please, everyone sit. Vignar, would you please make introductions while we order."

Daenerys listened as Vignar went around the table. Mjoll the Lionesswas no surprise. The woman looked her in the eye and nodded seriously. Her companion was introduced as Aerin, a warrior who had saved Mjoll's life when he found her outside a Dwemer ruin. It was immediately obvious to Daenerys that Aerin was desperately in love with Mjoll, but she was either clueless or indifferent to his affections.

Once introductions were done, Daenerys was curious about the two who were missing. "Camilla, I thought you were supposed to have two soldiers from the Dragonguard with you as well."

"We do," agreed Camilla. "Unfortunately, we had a thief try to break-in last night. Whoever it was picked the lock, but knocked over the stack of cups we had behind the door. They ran and didn't come back, but I didn't feel like leaving a chest full of gold unguarded."

"A wise precaution," agreed Daenerys. "Mjoll, I'm not sure how much Jon, Olfina, and Camilla have filled you in. Would you let me know what you've been told and if you would be willing to help?"

"I'm certainly willing to help. I might even join your Dragonguard, but I have made a vow to cleanse Riften of the corruption that plagues it. They've told me that you want to do the same and you need my help. I'm all for that. However, I don't understand why all these plans are necessary. I was there in the crowd last night when you faced down Hemming Black-Briar. Why didn't you just kill him there and then and been done with it? You're the Dragonborn. If you lift up your banner the whole city will rise up to follow you."

Daenerys wanted to slap Mjoll for saying that loudly enough to draw attention. "That's both treason and a bad idea. I support Jarl Law-Giver," she said loud and clear so that everyone can hear, then she lowered her voice. "And I'll explain why, but we're in a tavern. So, let's not start rumors."

Mjoll nodded. "That was foolish of me."

Daenerys shrugged. "Perhaps, but it was also honest. I have considered trying to raise a mob, but as I said, it's a bad idea. An angry mob is like a sword without a hilt. It cuts the hand that holds it. A lot of innocent people would die. The Riften Guard may be corrupt, but that doesn't mean that every one of them is corrupt. How many of them are honorable Nords who would fight and die in the service or their jarl? How many people will die trying to storm Mistveil Keep? How guilty is Jarl Law-Giver? If I call up a mob, I'll have to depose her too. Do you think she is corrupt as well?"

Mjoll frowned. "I don't know, but she is part of the problem."

"Fair enough. Suppose that I depose Jarl Law-Giver as well. Who rules Riften? I have my own destiny. I have to stop the dragons and Al-Du-In. I'm not going to be able to stay here and rule."

"Well, there are other clans. And you have that elf, Aringoth… No, that wouldn't do. Maybe the Snow-Shods?"

"Do you think that would work?" asked Daenerys. "Or would the clans fight among themselves?"

"They'd fight, but someone would eventually emerge victorious." She sighed. "Very well, I see your point. We try to break the Thieves' Guild and the Black-Briars without a mob."

"I'm glad you agree." Daenerys didn't even mention the political reason. If she seized power of one city by starting a rebellion, every jarl would trust her less. Most would accept it because Riften was a stinking skeeverhole, but they would still be wary of her. She didn't need that. "Good, because…" Daenerys leaned forward and lowered her voice to a whisper… "I plan to break the back of the Thieves' Guild today, and I need your help. Will you help me?"

"Today?" Mjoll laughed loudly. Then she looked around and realized no one else was laughing. She lowered her voice. "That wasn't a joke. You're serious."

"Yes, I'm serious."

Mjoll stared at her for a moment and smiled broadly. "Of course, I'll help you. I don't think you'll do it, but even a chance to strike a serious blow against them is worth it."

Mjoll's friend, Aerin, laid a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe we should at least ask what the plan is first?"

Daenerys shook her head. "Not here, even while whispering it isn't safe enough. I'll fill you in as we go. I promise you won't have to do anything dishonorable."

Mjoll patted Aerin on the shoulder, the kind of gesture a big sister might make to console a younger sibling. "It will be fine. She's the Dragonborn. I trust her honor. I'll help just so I can say that I was there." She looked back to Daenerys. "But you will fill us in?"

"Yes, and my plan starts with breakfast." She gestured to the two tavern wenches approaching with trays burdened down with food. "The rest will have to wait for a little while longer."

.oOo.

Snow-Shod manor was two stories tall and set off from the city by a stone wall and a small garden. The exterior of the manor was unremarkable for such a high ranked family. The bottom story was mortar and stone, but the upper story was wood and stucco. The garden held carefully tended patches of flowers in full bloom.

A boy of about twelve was poking at the dirt with a stick. He came to attention with a squeak. "Lady Targaryen, ma'am! Please, please come in. This way." He pulled the front door open for her.

Daenerys ordered the five Riften guards she had acquired to wait in the courtyard and went inside to find an entry room. The walls were lined with benches and winter coats. Two warriors wearing polished steel armor politely asked for her to leave her dog there before they escorted her through the Snow-Shod Manor. Meanwhile, the boy darted ahead running through the halls.

She was escorted to a large dining hall. It wasn't anything compared to the hall of a jarl, but the single large table would seat twenty easily and was loaded with a vast amount of food: cut fruits, breads, cheeses, and a full roast pig. Clearly, the Snow-Shods kept the Nord tradition of feasting well. There were a half-dozen people sitting at the table which to Daenerys meant that the Snow-Shods had been waiting for her party to arrive. Daenerys wasn't sure if this enthusiastic reception boded good or ill. They might be under the same misconception as Saerlund that she had declared for the Stormcloaks. On the other hand, they might just be thrilled to host the Dragonborn.

Vignar introduced Camilla Valerius, Sofija, Lydia, Aringoth, Val, Mjoll the Lioness, and Aerin, and ended with her. Then he introduced her to the Snow-Shods. She had already met Asgeir Snow-Shod at the Black-Briar Meadery. While that had only been the day before, so much had happened that it felt like she hadn't seen him in a week. Vulwulf Snow-Shod was the clan patriarch. He was gray of hair, but still looked healthy, but had started to grow a bit of a belly. Clearly his warrior days were past. Nura Snow-Shod had red hair shot with streaks of silver. She looked to be quite a few years younger than her husband, or at least better preserved. Vignar also introduced several others who oversaw the Snow-Shod farm, but Daenerys focused on those three.

Vulwulf was the first to start speaking once the introductions were done. "I welcome you all to my home and my table. Please, everyone. Sit down. Eat. Everything here was raised on my farms and is the best food you'll find in Riften!"

Daenerys sat. She hoped to sway the Snow-Shods to her side or at least move them to being not so much on Maven's side, but she didn't have the time or the appetite for a second breakfast. Still, she had to at least nibble at something to avoid being rude, so she sampled some of the sliced fruits.

"Now, Lady Targaryen, I see you are wearing your famous amulet above your armor. Is that a statement of intent? Vignar told me how you were trying to keep the Dragonguard neutral and seek a peaceful solution, but dare we hope that is a declaration that you have chosen to support the Stormcloak cause?"

"I haven't changed my position. I support the right of all Nords to worship the Nine including Talos. I believe that all the citizens of the Empire should have that same right. However, I must focus on ending the dragons that are plaguing Skyrim. That is what the gods have asked of me, and that is what I will do. That is why the Dragonguard is, and will remain, neutral."

"Yes, yes, I understand duty and obedience to the gods. My beautiful wife is a priestess of Talos! And she didn't change to another god even when the Empire banned Talos worship! But I don't see how you'll ever get the Empire to just let you do it. Vignar shared your plan, but you have what? Whiterun and yourself supporting a non-violent approach? And Balgruuf is just a fence-sitter. Always has been. Always will be."

Daenerys was a bit amused by hearing Balgruuf described as a fence-sitter. While she disagreed with him about some things, he seemed a competent jarl who thought things through and did what was best for his people. "I believe the empire is willing to accept a compromise. I've had polite conversations with two Imperial legates. Both of them listened politely and thought my suggestion had merit. They promised to pass my compromise along. To be honest, so far the Empire has given the Dragonguard more direct aid than the Stormcloaks."

"What aid?" asked Vulwulf.

"Troops. The empire has assigned twelve men including two officers to the Dragonguard directly under my command. They also helped me resupply the Dragonguard after the dragon Lok-Nos-Dov destroyed my supply chain. The Stormcloaks on the other hand, have done little for me. Jarl Kraldar gave me three men. Ulfric Stormcloak gave me nothing."

"Well… That won't do! I'll speak to Gonnar Oath-Giver! That's an outrage. The Empire supporting the Dragonguard with four times as many men as the Stormcloaks. I can see why you think they're listening to you, but I have to warn you. When an Imperial says he'll 'pass an idea along' what he really means is he's going to ignore it. That's what Imperials do to kill something they don't have the balls to do. They pass it along and pass it around and around until it is far too late to do anything."

Daenerys shrugged. "Perhaps. I have little direct experience with the Empire." Trying to chop off her head had not made the best first impression, but she thought the way they had refrained from escalating the Skyrim rebellion was smart, not avoidance.

"Well, if you continue wearing that amulet, you'll get direct experience with them soon enough. So, if it was not a declaration, why are you wearing an amulet of Talos?"

"That is something that I would prefer to speak about with your wife, privately." She looked to Nura Snow-Shod. "The sooner the better. I appreciate the hospitality, but I really have much to do today."

"You won't be staying for lunch?" Vulwulf was predictably offended.

Nura laid a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Wulfie, I'm going to pull rank on you. This is a matter of faith. Let me talk to the Dragonborn, privately. You can entertain for a while."

Vulwulf let out a put upon sigh. "Really Nura, in my own house? At my own table?" Despite his words, there was a good bit of humor to his words. It was clear he adored his wife. "Fine, fine, who am I to argue with Talos? Go have your talk."

Nura rose and kissed her husband's cheek. "Thank you, dear." She beckoned to Daenerys to follow.

Daenerys wasted no time in following. That had been a very interesting dynamic between husband and wife. She had wanted to ask Nura questions about faith and Talos, but speaking to her might also be the best way to sway the Snow-Shods. Nura led her down a hallway into a small room draped with tapestries which held a small shrine to Talos.

Nura pulled back a tapestry and tied it off to expose a window and let more light into the room. "I would offer you a chair, but I usually just kneel on the floor. Would it be alright to just stand here and talk about what is troubling you?"

"That's fine," agreed Daenerys. "How do you know something is troubling me?"

"Dear, you look like you have the weight of the whole world on your shoulders. Besides, why else does anyone seek out a priestess? Very few ever seek us out when things are going their way, but when they have trouble, then they ask the gods to solve their problems."

Daenerys laughed. "I don't think that would work in my case. The gods sent me to stop the dragons and save the world. That's why I'm here. They might be helping, but it's my job."

"Oh, you poor dear. Is this about the Dragonborn prophecy? You think you have to save the world all by yourself? When the gods choose a champion, they aid them. Vignar told us a lot about you last night. You killed a dragon with a half-dozen men. You got the Grey-Manes and the Battle-Borns to agree upon something. You built up a small army out of nothing, and that's before you impressed the Greybeards enough that they named you Ysmir. Yesterday, an assassin that should have killed you didn't. The gods may have laid a heavy burden upon you, but you have been blessed. The gods move in subtle ways most of the time, but it's a lot more obvious around you."

Daenerys frowned. "Are you saying the gods just gave me all that? Because I struggled for it. The Dragonguard paid in blood to defeat Lok-Nos-Dov. I have paid… nevermind what. Nothing I've done was handed to me."

Nura raised up her hands. "No, no, you got me wrong. The gods won't give you anything, but they help. As I said, they're usually subtle. Prophecies have weight to them as does being named the Dragonborn and Ysmir. Those things give your words weight. Talos doesn't speak to me in words, but I knew your coming was important for the Snow-Shod Clan, for Riften, even for the world. People want to help you. They want to believe in you. That's the power of faith, and sometimes, rarely, but when you need it the most, their hand is obvious."

It was hard to deny that was true. People did flock to her because she was the Dragonborn. She would also have died to the draugr lord at Ironbind Barrow. How much of this was true? She'd heard priests talk this way before. When good things happened, praise the gods. When bad things happen, beg the gods for mercy. However, the gods were a lot more real here in Tamriel. "That's not the kind of help I wanted to ask you about."

"Then what kind of help do you seek?"

"Magic. I trained in Restoration magic at the College of Winterhold. They taught me to use the desire to ease another's pain as the Seeming, but Colette Marence, the Mistress of Restoration, also said that faith could be more effective for Restoration. Faith didn't work for me then, but…" She reached up and touched her amulet. "It does now. I can feel Talos working through me when I call upon him to heal. I'm not sure what it means. We had many gods in my homeland, but I didn't believe in any of them. I believe in Talos and I don't even know who he is. I've heard of Tiber Septim the man, but Talos the god? He's so central to everything Nords believe, but what does he stand for? Nords don't even talk about it that much. It's like water to fish. They don't notice it because they swim in it. I've found a seed inside myself. How do I grow that seed?"

Nura touched her own amulet of Talos. "Are you asking to become an acolyte of Talos?"

"No," replied Daenerys with a shake of her head. "I don't have time for an apprenticeship. Al-Du-In won't wait that long. I'm called to be a champion, not a priestess. I have far too much to do, but this is important as well."

"It is. Very well, I'll do what I can. Kneel and pray with me." Nura got down on the floor and knelt. Once Daenerys joined her, Nura started to pray out loud. "Talos, your champion comes in search of guidance. She wants to serve your will, but doesn't know how…"

Daenerys listened as Nura prayed. She tried to pray along and mean it, but she wasn't good at faith. Everything Nura was saying sounded like the same words priests always said. Put your trust in the gods. Let them guide you. Daenerys didn't know what she had expected. She had just hoped for something more than platitudes.

"… listen Talos and guide us as we pray together in silence." Nura reached out and touched her shoulder. "Just pray like you're talking to him. Tell him your fears, your doubts. I'll be here beside you."

"I understand," lied Daeenrys. That had been rather useless really. Just talk to Talos? And tell him what? That her plan for defeating Al-Du-In was about as good as the contents of her chamber pot? Build an army. Somehow find the lost horn of Jurgen Windcaller and train up some Tongues. Somehow locate an Elder Scroll and bring it back to the top of the Throat of the World. Somehow use it to learn the Dragonrend Shout. And kill more dragons on the way, because each dragon she Inhaled made her stronger. That wasn't a real plan. She was just making it up as she went along. Even her plan for Riften was incomplete. She could probably take down most of the Thieves' Guild, but some would escape and could start again. As for taking down the Black-Briars, she had struck some blows, but nothing to change things. How was this helping her kill dragons?

"Talos," prayed Nura aloud. "I hear what you are saying to my heart, and I will obey." She rose to her feet. "Rise, Lady Dragonborn. I was being an old fool. You may not have time to become an acolyte, but you need training. You need to hear the stories of the life of Tiber Septim of who he was. Only then will you understand why he is Talos, god of the Empire and all mankind. Since that will take more than one day, it is obvious what I must do. I'm joining the Dragonguard. I'll go where you go and teach you as I can."

Daenerys nodded her acceptance immediately. "I'll be glad to have you. Your presence will give heart to the Dragonguard." And another healer would be very welcome. There is no way she could turn that down. Learning the stories of Tiber Septim also made a lot more sense to her than trying to talk to Talos in her head. Tiber Septim the man had been a military and political genius. She could learn a lot merely by studying his stories. It would also move the Snow-Shod Clan into alliance with the Dragonguard, or at least she hoped it would. "Will this be a problem with your husband and the Snow-Shod Clan?"

She shook her head. "Leave my husband to me. I know how to manage him."

"As you wish." This could work out very well for the Dragonguard. If Nura could deliver the military and political support of the Snow-Shod Clan, then her plan to take down the Thieves' Guild today just became a lot closer to reality. "We should return to the dining hall then. I don't want to rush you, but today will be a very busy day for the Dragonguard."