a.n sorry for the long wait, here's a longer chapter to make up for it. As usual I own nothing.

"You might want to put that hood on till we get you to Eorlund," whispered Farkas as they approached the gates of Whiterun, Katrine pulled it on over her head thinking as she did I love my hair but right now I really wish that it was not such a distinctive colour.

The guards pulled them up at the gates saying "Who is she, the city is supposed to be closed,"

"She is kin of Eorlund," replied Aela impatiently.

"I also have an important message to take to the Jarl," supplied Katrine, Aela gave her a side ways glance, but said nothing.

The guard thought for a moment before saying "Fine but if she causes trouble its on you," and with that he let them in.

Whiterun was just a Katrine remembered, full of life.

Adrianne was outside war maidens, arguing with a young man in Imperial armour about a job he wanted her to do, there were children playing a game of tag, running in and around the crowds of people.

Katrine could hear Carlotta calling out about fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, as they neared the market, Katrine could see Aronath selling game, and over at the jewellery stand talking with her mother was "Olfina!" cried Katrine rushing forward to embrace the friend she had seen in months.

"Katrine? Gods above girl you've grown," said Olfina as she returned the embrace, Katrine who had always been smaller then Olfina was now noticeably taller and perhaps more muscular, Katrine stepped back and teasingly said "Well you have filled out quicker," making a subtle jab at Olfina's curvier form, Olfina made gave her a look of mock outrage then playfully punched Katrine in the arm.

"Why are you back so early anyway we weren't expecting you to be back in Skyrim till after Harvest end festival, has something happened?" asked Olfina.

"Yes, something has," replied Katrine.

Fralia, the matriarch of the Grey Manes stepped out from behind the stall and gently pulled Katrine's right hand up to examine Martin's ring, she let out a deep sigh and said to Katrine "My dear child I am deeply sorry," she let go of Katrine's hand and turned to Olfina "Take them up to your father, he is in the mead hall with Kodlak," Olfina, who seemed to figure out what had happened, nodded tearfully at her mother, took Katrine's hand in her own and led them out of the marketplace past the Gildergreen tree and up to Jorrvaskr, the legendary mead hall of the Companions.

Katrine had been inside the hall several times as a child, her father had been a lower level Companion though he did have several offers from Kodlak, the harbinger to join the circle but he refused all of them for some reason.

Katrine still felt the same feelings of awe as she entered the hall.

Eorlund Grey Mane, the blacksmith of the Companions was seated at the long feast table in the middle of the hall, along with Kodlak, Skjor, whom Katrine had been afraid of as a child and another young warrior who, though a lot leaner and with shorter hair, was easily Farkas' twin Vilkas.

Katrine remembered Vilkas sitting down with her and helping her when her mother was teaching her to read, they took great pleasure in their mutual love of books and Vilkas had been impressed by the rate at which Katrine had learnt.

Eorlund looked up at their entrance and taking in her daughter's tear stained face, rose from his seat.

Katrine removed her hood and Eorlund's eyes lit up in recognition, Vilkas upon turning and seeing Katrine standing there jumped up, picked her up, pulled her into a hug and spun her around.

"Ah Vilkas put me down," she said, he set her down and then noticed the empty look on Katrine's face, Olfina's tear stained face and the saddened look on his twin, Aela's and Ria's face.

Vilkas looked back at Katrine who patted his shoulder and gave him a placating smile, she then walked over to Eorlund and took her ring off to show him, he looked at the ring for a moment then closed his eyes.

When he opened his eyes there was tears present "Adrian is dead,"

The entire hall went silent, as Katrine nodded.

"How did it happen?" asked Eorlund placing a hand on Katrine's shoulder leading her to sit at the feast table.

"It started as I was practicing with my bow," began Katrine "When Papa ran up to me and told me to run and hide and if he hadn't come to find me by nightfall I was to make my way here, but I was scared so I ran into the forest and snuck around to the forest to see what would happen and that is when I saw the thalmor ambassador Elenwen, some other thalmor and some Imperial soldiers, they grabbed Papa and Elenwen stabbed him with this," she said pulling out the ebony dagger to show Eorlund.

"After they left I went over to him he told me that the Thalmor had been sent by the Emperor because we were the descendants of the Septim bloodline," at this there were many exclamations of shock except for Eorlund and Kodlak, they didn't seem surprised at all, in fact they shared a look .

Eorlund cleared his throat and said "While this is true there is another reason to it,"

Katrine cut him off "Is this about the Emperor wanting me to marry his son?"

Eorlund looked shocked "How did you come to know that?"

So Katrine told him the story of meeting the group of Stormcloaks, of being ambushed, being taken to Helgan, the timely arrival of the dragon and of their escape.

When she had finished her story there was a stunned silence ringing throughout the hall, Aela was the first to recover "A dragon? A real live fire breathing dragon?" She asked.

"Yes and that reminds me I have to deliver a message to the Jarl for Gerdur in Riverwood," said Katrine, she turned to Eorlund.

"Would you mind if I did this?"

"Go ahead girl, mind your back before supper though we need to discuss what happens next," said Eorlund shaking his head in disbelief at what Katrine had told him though he knew Katrine wouldn't lie about this.

"Wait, there is something we need to do first then I will join you," Aela said to Katrine indicating for the younger red head to follow her.

"I'm coming as well," said Olfina quickly following after them.

Aela led them down the stairs to the living quarters of the Companions and down the hall into her room were Ria and the maid Tilma were setting up bowls of different colours of war paint.

"Which colour do you want?" asked Ria turning to Katrine.

Katrine looked over all the colours and settled on a bowl of deep red.

Ria, Aela and Olfina debated over a design for a few moments, while Katrine looked on in amusement before Ria came up with a design that they all agreed to.

"How about one line starting at the edge of her cheek going diagonally up the bridge of her nose, then coming back down to the edge of her other cheek, then another line above that going diagonally up to her forehead and the same on the other side so they cross the other lines?" explained Ria.

"I vote for that one," said Katrine wanting this over before sun down.

It took a whole hour to put the war paint on, as well as an explanation of how to make the red powder into paint, which Ria was only happy to give Katrine as she didn't use red.

The finally Katrine was able to head up to Dragonsreach with Aela and Olfina following along with her.

As the entered Katrine was struck by the carvings and architecture, clearly a lot of thought had gone into building the palace.

As they walked up the hall Katrine could see a long, large table set with intricate platters of rich food and jugs of mead and wine.

As Katrine looked up to the head of the hall she saw a blonde nord, who looked to be in his mid forties, sitting in the throne dressed in rich clothing, that must be the Jarl thought Katrine, he was arguing with a balding Imperial man, that Katrine recognized as Adrianne's father Proventus.

Above them, looking down on the entire hall was the skull of a dragon, Katrine had heard that there was one hanging there but seeing it was a different matter, though Katrine did note that it would have been smaller than the one that attacked Helgan.

As the approached the Jarl a Dunmer in leather armour spotted them, drew her sword and begun to walk towards them.

Katrine held up her hands in a gesture of surrender "Hold friend, I mean no harm," she said hoping the shock of someone speaking elvish would hold the Dunmer's blade.

The Dunmer did stop but she didn't sheath her blade, and when she spoke it was in the common tongue "The Jarl isn't receiving visitors, what is your business here?"

"Gerdur of Riverwood sent me with a message for the Jarl and a pea for aid," replied Katrine.

"As the Jarl's housecarl it is my job to see with any threats to the Jarl and his people so speak," said the Dunmer sheathing her sword.

"Trust me housecarl, you don't want her to say what she has to tell within earshot of prying ears," said Aela.

"It's about Helgan," supplied Olfina.

"You know about Helgan? The Jarl will want to speak with you personally," she led Katrine up toward the Jarls throne, Aela and Olfina hung back to give them privacy.

"Who is this then?" asked the Jarl.

"She has brought news of Helgan as well as a message from Riverwood my Jarl," said the Dunmer housecarl.

Katrine stepped forward and gave a short respectful bow "My Jarl, Helgan has been destroyed by a dragon, it slaughtered the garrison there, myself and a few survivors were making our way to Riverwood when we saw it head in this direction, we made it to Riverwood and received aid from the kind woman who ran the mill, Gerdur who only asked us to bring news to you and ask for you to send guards as they are undefended," said Katrine in a respectful tone.

"I see and the other survivors the ones that travelled with you?" asked the Jarl scratching his beard thoughtfully.

"I believe they meant to travel to their kin in Windhelm, as I had kin here I offered to carry the message," said Katrine.

"So the rumours were true," said the Jarl, he turned to look his steward "Well Proventus, what say you now, should he continue to trust in the strength of our walls against a dragon?"

The Dunmer stepped forward "My Jarl we should send troops to Riverwood at once, it is in the most immediate danger, if that dragon is lurking in the mountains,"

Proventus cut across her with "Siddgier will view that as a provocation, he'll assume we're preparing to join Ulfric's side and attack him we must not,"

But he was cut off as the Jarl got to his feet " ENOUGH! I will NOT sit idle while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people," he then turned to the Dunmer housecarl "Irileth send a detachment to Riverwood at once," Irileth nodded and set off.

Proventus, looking sour said "If you'll excuse me I will return to my duties,"

The Jarl looked sideways at him "That would be best,"

The Jarl then turned back to Katrine "Thank you for bringing me this information, I trust you'll find this sufficient payment," he chucked a hefty coin purse to her and she caught it and tied its strings to her belt.

The Jarl spoke again "I do have a task for you, if you are interested, one suited to your particular talents perhaps," said the Jarl, Katrine was a little intrigued as to what the task was and what the Jarl thought her talents were so she followed him.

"Come let us speak to Farengar my court wizard, he has been looking into these matters relating to these dragons,"

The Jarl led Katrine into a side room where a man in mages robes was peering over a thick tome, behind him was a small alchemy lab and an enchanting table.

He looked up as Jarl Balgruuf and Katrine entered "Farengar I've found someone to help you with your dragon project, why don't you fill her in," said the Jarl.

The wizard looked her up and down as if sizing her up "So the Jarl thinks you can be of use to me? Yes i suppose I could use you to fetch an item that is vital to my research," he said.

"Fetch?" asked Katrine "It sounds simple enough, what is the catch?"

Farengar scratched his chin in thought "Well when I say fetch I really mean, delve into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not actually be there,"

Katrine laughed under her breath, there is always a catch she thought then another thought came to her but she chose to voice this one "What does this have to do with dragons?"

Farengar looked impressed "Ah no brute mercenary nut a thinker maybe even a scholar, you see when these rumours of dragons began circling most dismissed them as idle fantasy, gossip, impossibilities," said Farengar "One sure mark of a fool is to mark anything outside of his own experience as impossible, but I began to search for information pertaining to dragons, where had they gone all those years and where were they coming from now,"

Katrine nodded her head "An efficient cause of action, but what do you need me to do?" she asked.

"I learnt of a stone tablet in Bleak falls barrow, a dragon stone, said to hold information on dragon burial sites, you need to go to Bleak falls barrow, find this tablet, no doubt housed in the main chamber and bring it to me, simplicity itself," Farengar explained.

Anything that sounds that simple probably is not, thought Katrine "What can you tell me about the barrow?" asked Katrine, thinking she was going to need all the information she could get.

"It's an old tomb built by the ancient nords, perhaps dating back to the dragon war itself, It's near Riverwood, I'm sure one of the locals can point you in the right direction," Farengar answered her.

Alright thought Katrine sourly, go to an ancient tomb probably filled with traps and draugur, look for a stone tablet that he is not even sure is there then bring it to him.

"How did you find out about this stone," asked Katrine feeling a little frustrated with the man and it didn't help when he replied with "Well we must preserve some professional secrets mustn't we, I have my sources, reliable sources,"

They had better be, thought Katrine or I am going to find these sources and introduce them to my foot.

Jarl Balgruuf, who had been silent all through the conversation spoke to the mage "This is a priority now, anything that we can use to fight these dragons we need it quickly, before it's to late,"

The mage bowed his head respectfully and said "Of course Jarl Balgruuf, you seemed to have found me an able bodied assistant, I'm sure she will prove most useful,"

The Jarl turned to regard Katrine "Succeed at this and you will be rewarded, Whiterun will be in your debt," Katrine gave him a bow as he exited the room, then she turned and gave Farengar a polite nod before leaving the room herself.

Aela and Olfina were waiting for her by the main doors as she exited the keep.

"Well what did the Jarl say?" asked Olfina

"He thanked me for bringing him this information and has asked me to do a task for Farengar, who is apparently interested in the dragon," Katrine told them.

"What kind of task?" asked Aela sounding like she already didn't like what Katrine was going to say.

"Going into Bleak falls barrow and retrieving a stone tablet that may hold clues about the dragon," answered Katrine, Aela's only response was to groan.

"We should tell my father," said Olfina.

"Agreed," said Katrine heading towards the market "But first I need to buy some writing materials, I need to get a letter to Mama, Anwen and Tomas, also I want to buy a journal and a sketch book, oh and a hair brush," said Katrine running her fingers through her hair, feeling some knots pulling as she did.

Olfina sighed "I suppose we have to go to Belethor's then,"

Katrine smiled at her "I know he is sleazy but, he always has good stock,"

"You two go ahead, I need to speak with Kodlak," said Aela as they passed the stairs to Jorrvaskr.

Katrine watched her as she left until a snigger from Olfina penetrated her mind, she turned to face her best friend.

"What it so funny?" asked Katrine.

"Oh nothing, just nothing's changed, you still get your eyes turned by a pretty girl," said Olfina teasingly.

Katrine said nothing, she just quirked an eyebrow at her and turned and strode off towards Belethor's shop, Olfina following still chuckling.

"Welcome to Belethor's, let me know if you see anything you like," said Belethor, a Breton and slimier then a toad Katrine remembered her mother saying that to Anwen when she was supposed to be asleep.

"Do you have any writing and drawing materials?" asked Katrine walking up to the counter, trying not to wrinkle her nose at the heavy perfume the man wore.

"I have pencils, parchment for letter writing, charcoal for sketching and a lovely leather bound journal, all for one hundred and fifty septims as a writing set," answered the man giving Katrine a smile.

Katrine handed over the coin for the set and asked "Also do you have any hair brushes or combs?"

"I have this lovely silver comb, forty septims or I can engrave it for an extra twenty," he said.

Katrine examined the comb then handed him the forty septims.

She turned to see Olfina staring out the window, seemingly in her own world.

What is she looking at, thought Katrine stepping up behind her trying to see what it was that had her friend so transfixed.

Outside was a young man whom she quickly recognized as Jon Battle born, Katrine smirked, oh finally something to tease her with.

Placing a hand on Olfina's shoulder she whispered "See anything you want,"

Olfina jumped about a foot of the ground, whipped around and upon seeing that it was Katrine standing behind her she playfully punched her in the arm.

"Let's get back, supper will be soon," said Olfina, a light blush colouring her cheeks.

As they entered Jorrvaskr they saw Aela, Kodlak, Eorlund, Vilkas and Farkas having a close conversation which the stopped as they caught sight of the two girls.

"Ever enter a room and think that someone may have just been talking about you?" Katrine mock whispered to Olfina, who giggled.

Laughing himself Eorlund stood up and pulled out the chairs beside him for Katrine and Olfina.

"Sit down girls, how was the markets?"

"I brought a writing pack and a silver comb, Olfina did not get anything but she had a nice time looking at what she wanted," said Katrine smirking at Olfina, who gave her a dirty look.

Eorlund looked between the two of them then seemed to decide that he didn't want to know.

"Now lass Aela was just telling us about this job the Jarl has asked of you,"

Katrine raised an eyebrow but waited for him to continue.

"A dangerous task to be sure," supplied Kodlak.

Katrine looked between the two "Do you think it is to dangerous of a task for me?" she asked.

"No, well not necessarily," said Eorlund.

Kodlak laid a hand on Katrine's shoulder "It is however too dangerous of a task for you to undertake alone, therefore Aela and Vilkas have volunteered to go with you,"

"We leave tomorrow morning at first light," Aela told Katrine, who nodded she would be grateful of the company and having two seasoned warriors along with her would make the task so much easier.

"I had better write a letter to Mama, Anwen and Tomas before we go," Katrine said.

Eorlund looked saddened "They don't know, do they,"

"No which is why I must write to them before they hear it from someone else," said Katrine, really not looking forward to writing these letters, what could she possibly say.

"Alright but Fralia probably has supper waiting for us, we best be heading home," said Eorlund "Aela, Vilkas you may collect Katrine in the morning," Aela and Vilkas nodded in agreement, Katrine said her farewells and followed Eorlund out.

Magnus was in his decent in the western sky, bathing the land in an orange and purple glow.

Katrine remembered her father telling her it was the Devines way of telling herders and crop growers that the weather the next day would be favourable.

The house of the Grey Manes was the first house after the dead looking Gildergreen tree in the courtyard in the middle of the wind district, so named for strong gusts of wind that blow through from the mountains.

The outside of the house had not changed from when Katrine was little, she found that comforting, outside the house was a small enclosed piece of land with a cow grazing, it looked up and gave a sound of greeting as they got closer to her.

They entered main living room, the second eldest child of the Grey manes, Avulstein was at the dinner table pouring out drinks while Fralia was dishing up what smelt like venison stew, my favourite thought Katrine.

At the sound of people entering the house Avulstein looked up, spotted Katrine, walked over and enveloped her in a hug "I am so sorry Katrine, are you alright?" he asked.

"I really do not know, I feel empty," she answered truthfully

"What you need is a cup of mulled wine, a good meal and full nights sleep, you can sleep in with Olfina that bed should still be big enough for the both of you," said Fralia leading Katrine to the dinning table.

The smell of the stew and the slightly spiced wine made Katrine's stomach ache with hunger.

As they all sat down to eat Katrine noticed that there was one person noticeably absent then she remembered what Gerdur had told her.

"What happened to Thorald?" she asked.

Eorlund looked down at his plate, then he looked back up at her "He has been missing for almost a month now,"

"I am sorry, is there something I can do?"

"No lass, but thank you, now eat up or it will get cold,"

After dinner Olfina led Katrine up stairs and showed her where to put her things "You can use the desk to write your letter, quill and ink is here, leave them with me and I'll send them off tomorrow," Olfina said to her "Um I work at the Bannered mare in the evenings, but I'll be back latter alright?"

"That is fine, I am going to write these letters and go to bed anyway," said Katrine thinking that tomorrow was going to be another big day and she would definitely need a full nights rest.

Olfina looked like something was bothering her, but she didn't want to say.

"What is wrong Olfina, you look troubled," Katrine said.

Olfina bit her lip before blurting out "You will be careful won't you, I mean I know you're going to be with Aela and Vilkas and you're a good fighter, but I don't want to loose someone else that I care about,"

"Hey do not worry, I will be fine," said Katrine in a comforting voice "It is just a fetch quest, Aela and Vilkas must have gone on a hundred by now and honestly it can not be bad as running from a dragon through a burning city with my hands tied can it," joked Katrine.

Olfina laughed and shook her head "I worry about you some times,"

After Olfina had left Katrine started on her letters, she decided to write her to mother first.

'Dear Mama,' she wrote.

'Papa has been murdered. I am staying with our kin, Olfina sends her love. There is more to the story but I dare not say more lest this be intercepted, I am about to write to Anwen and Tomas, I can only hope that my letters reach them before someone else does and I can not stress this enough our family is in danger and the only way we can be safe is to be together. Come home, stay alert and please stay safe,

Your loving daughter, Katrine.'

Katrine folded the letter, sealed it with dripping candle wax and wrote the address on the front.

She sat that letter to the side then started on the letter to her brother.

What am I supposed to say to him or to Anwen she thought, she shook her head I can explain everything when they get here for now they just need to know.

'Tomas, there is no easy way to write this, but you have to know. Papa is dead, murdered, I am in Skyrim with our kin, Olfina sends her love. I cannot say more, come home, stay alert and please stay safe,

Your sister, Katrine.'

After sealing the letter to her brother and setting it to the side she started the letter to Anwen.

This is probably going to be the most difficult letter that I will ever have to write, she thought, and that is without writing what I want to write.

'Dear Anwen, it pains me to write this to you but you have to know. Papa has been murdered and I fear our family is in danger, I cannot say more. I am staying with our kin in Skyrim, Olfina sends her love, please come home and please stay safe.

Katrine.'

Katrine let out a sigh, she wanted to say more, she wanted to tell them how sorry she was, how brave Papa was at the end, she wanted to warn them exactly who was to blame and most of all she wanted to tell them how scared she was.

But as it was it wasn't safe to do so, the abruptness of the letter will catch their attention and hopefully they will catch her clue as to where she was, anything else will have to wait till they get here.

Getting up from the desk she walked over to the window and stared out at the stars thinking as she did about how to make the Emperor pay for what he had done.

If his empire was so important to him then she would take that, it was hers and her brothers by right, after all their line had built it and all the Mede dynasty had done to the once great empire was give it to the Thalmor on a silver platter.

But how to take the empire, she wondered, it is not like I can walk into the Imperial city and demand to be made Empress, even with Martin's ring they could still denounce my claim to Septim blood.

The easiest way would be to marry in, kill the Emperor and my husband, but Papa died to keep me from marrying into that family, what am I saying for his sacrifice if I were to just turn around and do that.

Tiber Septim conquered the empire, but he had his army and he was Dragonborn, I am not even military trained.

But I do have some skill, training since I was eight made sure of that and I can put it into practice, I showed that when I went up against those Imperials, of course scraps like those are not wars nor have I ever learnt how to plan battles so I would definitely need to learn how to do that.

But if I could convince men to follow me into battle and we won more would follow, especially if I was able to convince them I was Talos' true heir.

So I need training in battle and war tactics, maybe some extra magic training also and I would need to find something to verify that I am descended from Martin Septim and not just his ring, Papa might have something at Lakeview.

Katrine was pulled from her thoughts by Fralia knocking at the door "Katrine dear, I have a night shift here for you," Katrine walked over and opened the door for her.

Fralia laid the shift down on the bed "It was mine but I've kept it in good condition, made from silk all the way from Elsweyr, it was the first gift Eorlund gave me after we were married,"

"It is beautiful, thank you," said Katrine running her fingers down it, the shift was indeed made of a silk of sapphire blue and it was incredibly soft.

"Your welcome, I had hoped to give it to Olfina but she is more curvier then I was, you're more closer to my build so I want you to have it, it will bring out your lovely blue grey eyes,"

Katrine didn't know what to say so she hugged the woman, who gave her a comforting rub on the back "There now, I have some warm water for the water basin and a towel, you look like you could do with a wash, then you can brush your hair and be in bed you have another big day tomorrow,"

An hour after Katrine had laid down she felt Olfina slide into the bed beside her, listening to the even breaths of the girl beside her Katrine was lulled into a sleep that was once again filled with battle and blood lust.

Katrine woke early the next morning, Magnus' gaze had not even begun to grace the sky.

Gently, as not to wake her sleeping friend, Katrine eased herself out of the bed to begin the day.

She splashed some leftover water from the water basin on her face, dressed in her armour, ran the brush through her hair, applied the war paint, slipped the dagger into her boot, grabbed her bow and quiver and quietly left the room.

In the dinning area at the table Fralia sat holding a slightly steaming mug.

"Good morning," Katrine said softly, Fralia turned and smiled at her "Good morning, dear, why don't you set those down and get yourself a nice mug of frost miriam tea, mugs are in the cabinet and the kettle is on the fire,"

Katrine settled down into the chair next to Fralia and sipped at the warming beverage.

"I really can not thank you and Eorlund enough for taking me in like this," said Katrine "I will find a way to repay you,"

"Oh nonsense dear, we are kin," said Fralia reaching to gently pat Katrine's hand "But that does beg the question of what you're going to do after getting this tablet for the Jarl,"

"Well I was hoping to get training in combat with the Companions, other than that I have training in alchemy, some smithing experience, archery training and training in most of the schools of magic," said Katrine.

Fralia thought for a moment then said "Well I'll talk to Eorlund about you helping out around the forge, Aedra knows he could use it, as for the Companions they are always willing to give training,"

They sat in comfortable silence for a quarter of an hour, sipping the tea, when Fralia asked "Why was your mother called to the college this time, do you know?"

"One of her colleagues brought back some Dwemer machines from an expedition and Mama's try to help them in their studies, I think they were wanting to figure out how the machines function so long after their makers have disappeared, Mama's always been good at figuring out a machine's workings," explained Katrine.

It was then that they were joined by Eorlund who had risen as Magnus was beginning to rise.

"Good morning," he said bending down to kiss his wife, he then turned to Katrine "Here put that on and tell me how it feels," he said passing her an iron helmet.

She placed it on her head and shook her head to see if it would shift around or fall off during combat and was pleased when it didn't.

"Good, good," said Eorlund examining the fit "Now I know your best with a bow but your father did tell me that you are quite capable at handling a sword," and with that he handed her a steel sword, she held out in front of herself tho check the balance then spun it around in her hand.

"Yes that feels good, it is not too heavy or to light and it feels well balanced," she said.

"Eorlund smiled and handed her the scabbard and showed her how to fit the scabbard onto her belt, they were just finishing when there was a knock on the door.

"Eorlund it's Aela, is Katrine ready?" Aela's voice was slightly muffled by the door, Katrine grabbed her gear and rushed over to the door.

"Yes I am,"" she said opening the door to reveal Aela, all war painted and with her bow.

Aela gave her once over with her eyes and smiled obviously pleased with what she saw "Good, Vilkas is waiting by the town gate, we will meet up with him there,"

"You take care of her Aela," Fralia called out to the huntress.

"I will, don't you worry about that," replied Aela slinging her arm over Katrine's Shoulder, avoiding her quiver and bow as she did.

Whiterun was quiet as they walked down towards the gate, Aela still hadn't removed her arm from around Katrine and she was suddenly grateful for the helmet covering her face because she was most definitely blushing.

As they neared the gate they saw Vilkas leaning against the wall talking to one of the gate guards, as they got closer he looked up and smiled teasingly "Well now, who is this strapping young warrior?"

"Knock it off Vilkas," said Katrine.

Vilkas gave a look of fake shock "Katrine, why I didn't even recognize you," he said jokingly.

Aela shook her head at their antics "Enough you two, I want to reach Riverwood by midday," she said.

As the made their way out the gate and towards the stables Aela spoke to Katrine "Now I know this is your task but I hope you won't mind that I have laid a plan out,"

Katrine smiled at her "I am not one to turn down wisdom from someone who must have done things like this as a profession, so what have you got in mind,"

"I talked to Ulric, who is a cart driver on his war to Falkreath and he has agreed to drop us off at Riverwood, then we leave any unnecessary items with my friend Ognar, ask around the village about the barrow, head up there grab this tablet, get out, head back to Riverwood, get any gear we left behind and depending on how late it is we either head back to Whiterun or get a room at the inn," Aela explained.

Katrine nodded her head thoughtfully "It sounds good, thank you,"

What had taken Katrine and the Stormcloaks the batter part of a day only took Katrine and the two Companions roughly about three hours in the back of the cart.

They kept themselves entertained by discussing the things that they were likely to come across in the barrow, draugur, traps, frostbite spiders and skeevers, that last one made Katrine shudder, as well as strategies to deal with those obstacles, Aela laughed when Katrine warned them she would set any skeever alight, and what they would need to take with them and what they would leave at the inn which wasn't much manly emergency supplies that the Companions always took, herbs to make more health potions, bandages and the like, just in case one of them were injured beyond Katrine's healing capabilities and they had ran out of potions.

As they stepped of the cart in Riverwood Aela stared up at the barrow "It's snowing up there have you got a cloak Katrine?" Katrine shook her head, she really ought to have thought of that.

"See if you can get one in the trader and make sure to ask about the barrow, we just need to drop of these packs with Ognar," said Vilkas.

As Katrine entered the trader she saw Lucan arguing with his sister, Carmelo was it? No Camilla, yes that was it she remembered Gerdur saying that there were two men fighting over her.

"Well one of us has to do something!" Camilla shouted at her brother.

But what ever they were arguing about Lucan wasn't moving an inch "I said no, no theatrics and no thief chasing!"

Katrine awkwardly cleared her throat, the two looked guilty at being caught arguing "I don't know what you heard, but we still have plenty to sell," said Lucan.

"I need a traveling cloak, something sturdy, but not to heavy that it weighs me down," said Katrine looking between the brother and sister.

"Ah yes, I have just the thing here," said Lucan handing Katrine a cloak, "Midnight black, light weight but it should keep you warm even in blizzard conditions in which case it has a hood, try it on,"

Katrine took of her helmet to see if it would fit with the hood up , looking in the mirror that Lucan had provided she was quite pleased with what she saw she happily payed fifteen septims for it.

Finally her curiosity got the better of her and asked if something had happened.

"Yes we had a break in, though the thieves only took one thing," Lucan told her "An ornament, solid gold in the shape of a dragon claw, they're hiding out in the barrow as far as I know,"

"Well it is your lucky day my friends and I are headed up to that barrow, if we come across that claw of yours we will bring it back," Katrine promised him.

Lucan looked astounded "Thank you so much, I have some extra coin left over from my last shipment it's yours if you can get the claw back," he said excitedly.

Camilla walked over and stood beside Katrine "I'll show her and her friends to the path up to the barrow,"

Lucan growled "By the Eight fine, but only to the end of the bridge," he snapped, Camilla just rolled her eyes as Katrine grabbed her helmet.

Aela and Vilkas were waiting for her outside the inn, as she approached them they looked up at her and noticing Camilla Aela gave Katrine a questioning look.

"Thieves broke into the trader and stole a golden dragon claw, they fled to the barrow, I said that if we find it we would return it, Camilla has offered to show us the path that leads to the barrow," explained Katrine, then she noticed something, Aela had a large sack folded up underneath her arm.

"What is that for?" she asked.

"Well I don't know about you but I really don't want to be lugging what is possibly going to be a very stone tablet around in my two hands, I can't imagine Farengar being happy with us if we dropped it and it broke," Aela explained.

Katrine nodded in understanding then she turned to Camilla "Lead the way,"

As they walked down the path out of the village Aela nodded to a couple of guardsmen as they passed "Looks like the Jarl made good on getting guards here,"

Once on the bridge that led out of town Camilla wondered out loud "I wonder why the thieves only took that claw, I mean we have other things that would be worth just as much," she then pointed out a trail going up the mountain "That's the trail leading up to the barrow, before you get there is a group of bandits hiding in an old tower, so please be careful,"

"Do not worry," said Katrine "We will get the claw back,"

Camilla gave Katrine a dazzling smile "Well I'd better get back before Lucan throws a tantrum, he can be such a child," she gave Katrine one last smile then headed back down the road to Riverwood.

"What was that about?" asked Vilkas scratching his head.

Katrine shrugged her shoulders "Search me, I think she was just being friendly," she said.

Aela rolled her eyes "Yes of course she was,"

Katrine glanced up at the sky "It looks like Magnus' gaze is catching up with us, we had better continue on,"

The trek up to the barrow was quite cold, Katrine was glad of her cloak as the snow started to fall, luckily she got a chance to warm up with the bandits that attacked them as they passed by the tower.

As the reached the barrow Aela spotted two sentries, she gestured at Katrine to take one out while she felled the other.

Taking out the sentries alerted the lone guard at the door of the barrow, although why he thought taking on three well armed people was a good idea Katrine would never know.

As they drew closer to the barrow entrance Katrine shouldered her bow and drew her steel sword.

As they faced the imposing door Vilkas turned to Katrine "Are you ready for this kid?"

Katrine steeled herself as she thought about everything they were possibly going to face in there, Draugur, frostbite spiders, skeevers, a numerous amount of traps and Devines only knows what else.

"Let's go," she said with a confidence she wasn't sure she possessed and pushed open the door.

As they entered the massive chamber they heard voices of a male and female coming from the other end of the chamber.

As they crept closer they could hear what the two were talking about.

"You're just going to let Arvel go off alone?" asked the female voice.

"If that elf wants to go on ahead, let him," replied the male.

Crouching behind a fallen pillar Katrine could see the camp, the female was closest to them, sitting down with her back to them, the male was standing at a fire warming his hands.

Katrine whispered to the others "I have an idea," she drew her bow again and took down the male.

While the female bandit rushed forward to check on her companion, Katrine once again shouldered her bow, this time drawing her dagger, she snuck up behind the female bandit, grabbed her and held the dagger to her throat.

"What do you want?" the woman asked shakily.

"Where is the claw?" pressed Katrine.

"Claw, what claw? I don't know anything about any claw," the bandit was not a good liar.

"Do not lie to me!" hissed Katrine "Where is it?" Katrine pressed the dagger harder into her neck.

"Alright, alright Arvel took it with him, he's gone deeper into the barrow, God's please don't kill me, please," sobbed the bandit.

Katrine loosened her grip just slightly but didn't let go "Who is Arvel?"

"He is a dark elf, wearing hide amour," Katrine released the bandit woman who fled out of the barrow as fast as she could.

"Well," said Vilkas "I guess there's only one way to go now," gesturing deeper into the barrow.

Katrine sheathed her dagger and once again drew her sword.

They followed the corridor along and down a set of dubious wooden stairs, passing a dead skeever and some burial urns.

They came to another chamber where another bandit was walking towards a lever in the middle of the room.

"Wait!" shouted Katrine, but the bandit had already pulled the lever, activating the trap that sent out a multitude of arrows downing the bandit before Katrine, Aela and Vilkas could reach him.

Katrine knelt next to him and felt around for a pulse.

"Well? Is he dead?" asked Aela coming to stand beside her as Vilkas walked off to examine the pillars on the side of the chamber.

"He is definitely dead, one of the arrows pieced his heart and another punctured his lungs I would wager, but even if they had not," she paused, carefully pulled out one of the arrows and handed it to Aela who examined it, brought the tip near her nose and blanched "Poisoned," she said.

"I would say so," said Katrine getting to her feet "He is not a Dunmer so I do not believe this is Arvel, he must be further in," she said as Vilkas made his way back over to them.

"I think the gate has something to do with those pillars over there," he said "They have three symbols on them, a whale, a hawk and a snake, we just have to figure out the combination,"

Katrine looked around and noticed above the gate were two carvings, both of a giant head with their mouth's wide open, each had a carving of an animal in their open mouth, a snake and a whale, however between the two it looked like one had crumbled away.

Katrine walk over to a pile of rubble, while Aela and Vilkas were discussing possible combinations.

As Katrine got closer to the pile of fallen stone she could make out the faint carving of a snake, she strode back over to the pillars and turned them until the faced snake, snake whale.

"Katrine are you sure that is right?" asked Vilkas.

"Absolutely," she answered, crossing her fingers behind her back as Aela pulled the lever, she braced herself waiting for the worst but all that happened was the gave was raised, Katrine relaxed, letting out a breath she didn't know she held.

They exited the chamber, weapon's once again drawn, a descended another wooden staircase.

As they reached the bottom they heard a voice calling out for help.

Rushing towards the sound they came to a doorway that was covered in a thick layer of spider web, Katrine thinking that it was going to be to strong to cut pulled her magica into flames, the web was destroyed in seconds.

As they rushed in the first thing they saw was a Dunmer stuck in a giant web over the opposite door.

As they were about to rush forward to cut him down a giant frostbite spider lowered itself from the ceiling.

Aela distracted it by shooting it with arrows while Katrine and Vilkas got closer to take it out with swords and, in Katrine's case magic.

Katrine sent a blast fire of at it's eyes effectively blinding it.

Roaring in pain it struck out blindly with one of its legs hitting Vilkas in the chest flinging him back, seeing this Katrine darted forward and plunged her sword into the spider's head.

The spider collapsed as Katrine pulled her sword back.

With a grunt of pain Vilkas got to his feet "Is it dead?" he asked.

"Very dead," said Aela coming over to examine it.

Arvel, who had been silent until then said "Yes, well done you killed it now cut me down,"

Katrine walked towards him pulling her dagger from her boot but stopped short of cutting him loose.

"Where is the claw?" she asked, the Dunmer's eyes brightened at the mention of the claw.

"Yes the claw, I know how it all works, the claw, the markings in the hall of stories, let me down and I'll show you, you wont believe what the ancient nords have hidden there," he said excitedly.

Katrine quickly cut the web off him.

No sooner was he free than he rushed off shouting out as he did "You fools, why should I share the treasure with anyone,"

Vilkas, Aela and Katrine raced after him.

Aela called out "Stop you troll brained idiot, you'll wake the draugur,"

They stopped up short when they heard Arvel scream out, then when silent.

They listened intently and a low grunting noise could be heard.

"Draugur," said Vilkas scrunching his face up in disgust as they crept through the catacombs and down a set of stairs and into another larger chamber.

They could see four draugur standing over Arvel's body.

Katrine handed Vilkas her sword as she drew her bow and notched an arrow, she turned her head to look at Aela who had her bow ready.

After quickly taking care of the draugur they rushed forwards, Katrine knelt by Arvel and felt for a pulse.

"Well?" Aela asked her, Katrine looked up and shook her head.

Vilkas let out "Arggh! Now we'll never get the information from him,"

"Maybe not but he may still have the claw, is it in his shoulder bag?" Aela asked.

Katrine felt around in the bag, the claw was there, it was quite heavy, about the size of Vilkas' hand, pure gold and it had an owl, a butterfly and a bear carved into the centre of it.

She also found fifty septims and a battered journal.

She decided to take the shoulder bag with her, sliding it over her head, she positioned it in a way that wouldn't interfere with her quiver or bow.

She carefully placed the claw back in the shoulder bag and put the septims in her coin purse.

"What's that?" asked Vilkas as Katrine began flicking though the journal.

"It is Arvel's journal, perhaps he left some kind of hint of what he knew," Katrine told him.

However when she got to the last page she frowned in annoyance.

"What is it?" asked Aela catching her look.

Katrine cleared her throat and read "When you have the claw the solution is in thee palm of your hand, riddles, not exactly what I was hoping for," she said stuffing the journal in the shoulder bag.

"Well maybe it will become clearer the further we get in," said Aela helping Katrine her feet.

Passing through the corridor leading out of the chamber, slaying a few more draugur as they went, pausing when they came to a passage with a swinging blade trap.

"Look for the release," said Aela, as they began to look Katrine noticed a pull chain on the other side, watching the blades Katrine noticed a pattern in the swing.

Reading herself, she waited for just the right moment than she darted forward with her head down before Aela or Vilkas could figure out what it was she was doing.

Aela and Vilkas rushed in after she pulled the chain to help kill they draugur that rose.

"A little warning would be appreciated next time Katrine ," said Vilkas, taking down one with a slice to the neck.

"I will try to keep that in mind," said Katrine as she blocked a swing from the last draugur, she kicked the feet out from under it and drove her sword into its neck.

"Ok, water break," said Aela as she pulled out a water skin, took a sip from it then handed it to Vilkas.

Katrine rolled her shoulder around to loosen some of the stiffness out, thought as she did 'damn draugur, I need to get a shield, that last block did a number to my shoulder,'

"You alright Katrine?" asked Vilkas as he handed her the water skin.

"I am fine, that last hit from the draugur jarred my shoulder a bit," Katrine told him.

She took a sip of water then chucked the water skin to Aela, she pulled the shoulder strap of her armour down, rested her hand on her shoulder and focused her magica into a healing spell and let it seep though her skin and into the muscle, she sighed in relief as the pain faded.

"Alright let's get moving," said Aela.

As they moved forward they came to a cavern with a single draugur, which Aela happily took down, and a waterfall with a portcullis with a corresponding pull chain.

They followed a stream they found themselves in an even lager cavern.

Vilkas whistled as he stared around at the expense "How big is this place?" he asked.

"The dragon cult liked to build their temples in and around naturally occurring caverns that were famed for their size," Katrine explained as she pried some glowing mushrooms from a pillar.

"Ok two questions, one were did you learn that and two what are you doing?" asked Aela coming to stand beside her.

"Well firstly I read about the dragon cult in some of mama's books and secondly glowing mushrooms are prized by alchemists for their restorative properties and are a key ingredient in resist shock potions," said Katrine as she carefully placed the mushrooms into her bag.

As they headed on Katrine noted a vantage point from which she could see their path headed out to a natural bridge which was being patrolled by a lone draugur, using her bow to take it out she noticed that she was low on arrows and made a note to get some more.

They crossed the bridge and entered back into men made structure, followed another corridor and past by a table with a couple of fireball scrolls, which Katrine was only to happy to pocket, to a set of doors which upon opening they were faced with another set of swinging blades.

Katrine turned to Vilkas and smiled "Fair warning, I am about to run though that corridor," and with that she darted though, these were a bit faster and she only narrowly made it though, pulling the chain to let the others in once again had the effect of waking the draugur.

Katrine ducked under its swing and rolled though its legs, coming up behind it she grabbed its neck and twisted its arm, making it drop its sword she used it as a shield to block that two archer draugur were firing at her.

While they were setting up to re-notch Katrine raced Vilkas up the stairs as Aela provided cover fire.

Once the draugur were taken care of Katrine knelt down to examine the arrows the draugur had, finding them to be of good quality she gathered them up and put them in her quiver, continuing on they crossed a bridge and pushed open a heavy set of iron doors.

Upon entering Katrine could not help but let out "Gods, look at this place," the carvings on the walls were more detailed then any thing she had ever seen.

Taking a closer look at them she noticed they seem to depict some event "I think this is the hall of stories," said Katrine examining a carving of an ancient and powerful looking man with his arms raised out to his sides.

"Who do you suppose these are supposed to depict?" asked Aela looking at a carving of an equally powerful, beautiful woman.

"I think this one is Akatosh, father of dragons and time," said Katrine.

"That would make sense, then this is Kyne," said Vilkas standing beside Aela, as she walked away from the carvings Katrine noticed that at the end of hall was a strange door, the likes of which she had not seen, even in her mothers books on the ancient nords.

It had nordic carvings etched on the top of it, swirls and circular patterns but bellow that where three rings, each with a carving of an animal in the centre of it, below that was a carving of a dragon claw, however looking closer Katrine noted that the golden claw would fit into the door like some kind of key.

Aela and Vilkas came up to stand beside her "Are you sure the journal doesn't say more about this?" asked Vilkas.

Katrine thought about what the journal had said, the solution is in the palm of your hand, she looked down at her hands, too bad if you were a dragon you would never get into the chamber, wait she thought, hand not hands.

"That's it!" cried Katrine, Vilkas and Aela started.

"What's it?" Aela asked.

"In the palm of your hand, dragons do not have hands they have claws," said Katrine pulling the claw and examining the carvings in the centre of it.

"Right we need an owl on the bottom ring, a butterfly in the middle and bear on the outer ring," Katrine told them.

Once that was done she tentatively placed the claw into the slot and twisted it until she heard a click then, cautiously she pulled it out and backed away, the effect was instantaneous the door lowered itself into a slot in the ground.

Katrine looked at her two companions then drew her sword and steeled herself as they entered the long forgotten chamber.

It looked like it had been a grotto before it had been touched by man, with its running stream and natural light coming down from an opening in an impossibly high ceiling, yes this cavern was not made by man or mer thought Katrine, however what caught her eye was a giant wall with a strange face carved at the top.

They walked across a bridge and up to a stone centre where a single coffin resided, next to it was a table with a single soul gem lying on it, which Katrine pocketed, on the other side was a chest, inside was a hide shield with a fire enchantment placed upon it and a coin purse with one hundred septims in it.

She slid her arm though the straps of the shield and pulled on them till it fit more securely, she passed her sword to Aela and said "Here give me a swing," she braced herself as Aela gave the shield a hit.

"How's that?" asked Aela as she handed Katrine her sword back.

"Better than just blocking with a sword," answered Katrine as she sheathed her sword.

"What do those markings mean?" asked Vilkas.

"Someone enchanted it to resist fire," said Katrine

"I've always wondered how that was done," said Aela.

"You take a filled soul gem, then you use the soul gem to draw a specific rune onto whatever you want enchanted, the rune translates as what you want the enchantment to be, the runes on this shield would translate to resist fire," explained Katrine.

She looked over at the wall and said "I really hope that is not the dragon stone," she could see kind of runic symbols.

"Perhaps we should copy down those symbols on paper and take it back to the wizard," said Vilkas, Katrine nodded and walked forward and pulled out Arvel's journal and picked up a piece of petrified wood, she looked back up at the wall but before she could copy the symbols down her vision blurred and when it cleared the symbols had morphed into some strange language that Katrine felt like she should understand.

"Gods!" she exclaimed.

"What is it, are you alright?" asked Aela rushing over to her.

"The symbols, they turned into words," said Katrine, blinking to see if it would change.

"I can only see some kind of runic symbols, are you sure?" asked Aela sounding concerned.

"Maybe this is what we need, write it down quickly then tell us what it says," said Vilkas.

Katrine wrote down what she saw then placed the journal back into her bag, turned back to the wall and began to read aloud.

"Het nok faal vahlok, dienmaar do dovahgolz ahrk aan Fus do unslaad rahgol ahrk vulom," as she read two things happened, one her voice took on a strange accent that Aela and Vilkas both had trouble understanding, and two the word Fus started to glow and some strange from of energy shot out and it seemed to be absorbed into Katrine's body.

She went rigid, her whole body felt like every part of her had come alive, like the time a horse she had been riding had took off at a run and she was left holding on for dear life but this was ten times that.

She felt like some secret part of her, a part she had only felt hints of when she was really angry, awoke.

Then she collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily.

""Katrine!" shouted Aela and Vilkas rushing over to her.

"Are you alright?" asked Aela as they helped her to her feet, but before she could answer a loud crash sounded from behind them.

A single draugur rose from the coffin, Vilkas scoffed "Ha, let me handle this," he said drawing his two handed sword.

This draugur was different Katrine's newly heightened senses could feel the magica and power coming off it like a wave of heat "Vilkas wait!" she cried out but too late.

The draugur opened its mouth and shouted "Fus!" the shock wave hit Vilkas, knocking him off his feet and his sword out of reach.

The draugur stalked forward, battle axe raised to bring down on Vilkas' head, it however was stopped short by Katrine's shield.

The weight of the axe's swing bringing it close to Katrine's face and she could feel a chill coming off it, an ice enchantment she thought.

A twang of a bow string was head and the draugur was distracted by Aela's arrow lodging itself in its shoulder long enough for Katrine to push it away and she begun to attack it with a level of strength and ferocity that Aela and Vilkas had no idea she possessed.

She blocked another heavy hit aimed at her head, however this time she was ready and she used the momentum of the block to push the draugur back making him stumble.

She brought her sword up in a slash across the draugur's chest, then brought it back across to slice its throat, severing its jugular.

The draugur fell backwards and Katrine twisted her sword around to deliver a final blow, stabbing her sword into its chest.

"Is it dead?" asked Aela helping Vilkas to his feet and handing him his sword.

"Yes, are you alright Vilkas?" asked Katrine as she sheathed her sword and walked over to them.

"Yeah just a bit dazed I think, plus a headache," he said groaning.

"Hmm, hold still," Katrine told him as she brought his hands up to cup his cheeks, she focused her magica into him, stopping once she saw his eyes cleared and the pained look on his face faded.

"That feels better Katrine, thanks," she smiled and looked around at the coffin the draugur had risen from, something was sticking out of it.

She walked over to the coffin and picked up what appeared to be some form of stone map of Skyrim.

"This is it," she said to the others.

"How can you be sure?" asked Vilkas.

"That thing was guarding it, it has to be important," she answered.

"Right well we had better head back, Katrine hand that to Vilkas he can carry it and lets see if we can't find a quicker way out of here," said Aela.

They followed the path up a staircase on the left hand side of the chamber that led to an alcove that had a pull chain that opened a secret door.

The exited through that which led them to an iron door and out into a balcony on the other side of the mountain.

Finding a path down was a slightly difficult but Katrine was just happy to be out in the open air.

They endeavoured to get back to Riverwood as quickly as possible because Magnus' gaze was beginning to turn away from Nirn and no one wanted to be caught out after dark, still Katrine felt as if she could take on anything with this energy brimming inside of her.

They arrived back in Riverwood just as Magnus' gaze had fully disappeared behind the hills, Gerdur waved a greeting to Katrine from the road and waited for them to approach.

"Evening Katrine, what brings you this way?"

"Good Evening Gerdur, just getting something for the Jarl's wizard and returning something that was stolen from the trader, said Katrine as they walked.

"I heard that it had been robbed, glad to hear that there are people brave enough to take those thieving scoundrel down a notch," said Gerdur "Will we see you in the Sleeping giant, I'd like to hear that story,"

Katrine turned to Aela and Vilkas to get their input.

"We won't be going anywhere tonight, my friend Ognar has saved us some rooms we just have to return the stolen item to Lucan first," Aela said.

"I'll see you in there then, Devines know it would be a nice change from Sven's singing," said Gerdur.

"Another one of your fans Katrine?" asked Aela teasingly once Gerdur was out of earshot.

"Hardly, that is Ralof's sister," answered Katrine as she pushed the door open to the trader.

Inside Camilla was sitting at the table reading a book by the candle light and Lucan was at the counter pouring over a peace of parchment.

He looked up as they entered "How did you go? Did you find it?" he asked wringing his hands together.

Katrine pulled out the claw and placed it on the counter "You found it, ha ha there it is, strange it seems smaller than I remember" said Lucan examining the claw closely "You've done a great thing for me and my sister, I'll never forget this, here five hundred gold and take this as well," he handed Katrine a heavy coin purse and a small satchel, which Katrine took and saw three amethysts.

"And thank you again," said Lucan.

As they turned to leave Camilla gave Katrine a dazzling smile.

"You sure know how to make friends Katrine," said Vilkas laughing as they walked towards the Sleeping giant inn.

"You are just jealous Vilkas," said Katrine as she pushed the inn's door open and entered into the warmth, albeit smoky main hall.

Gerdur was sitting with Hod and Frodnar at a table off to the side, their dog Stump at their feet.

Katrine turned to Aela and Vilkas "You both go on ahead I will be over there," said Katrine walking over to Gerdur and Hod's table.

"Katrine good to see you friend," said Hod as he jumped up and clasped her arm in greeting.

"Is Uncle Ralof ok? Did he get on a wagon? Did the Jarl believe you about the dragon?" Frodnar fired off questions before Katrine could answer them.

"Frodnar let the poor girl sit down," scolded Gerdur while motioning for Ognar, who walked over.

"Yeah what can I do for you?" he grunted.

"A tankard of mead for my friend, my treat," said Gerdur.

"You do not have to do that," said Katrine as Ognar sauntered off.

"Nonsense, I owe you for getting that message to the Jarl, plus you look like you could use it, no offense but you look like you crawled through the barrow," said Gerdur.

"Well I did not crawl," said Katrine as Ognar placed a tankard in front of her.

"What? Are you telling me that you actually went into that Gods forsaken place?" asked Hod.

"I had to," said Katrine "The Jarl's wizard needed an artefact from there,"

"Well that is your business, but did my brother get off ok?" asked Gerdur leaning forward.

"I said my goodbye to him at Whiterun's stable, I watched the cart pull away, Nine willing we will be hearing from them soon," said Katrine "And yes little one, the Jarl did believe me about the dragon," said Katrine, speaking softly to Frodnar.

"What did it actually look like? Was it big? Did it breathe fire? What colour was it?" The boy asked.

Katrine thought for a moment before answering "He was twice the size of this inn at least, he could definitely breathe fire and he was as black as the deepest of caves,"

"Wow, I'm going to tell Dorthe," and with that he ran over to a young girl sitting on the other side of the fire.

Katrine turned to Hod and Gerdur "The blacksmith's daughter," said Hod with a strange smile.

"He seems to like her," said Katrine looking over at the two.

"Yeah, he is at the age when girls start to be interesting," said Gerdur smiling.

"There is something I wanted to ask you, about that dragon," said Hod.

"Do I think that was the only one?" guessed Katrine.

Hod's eyes widened "How did you..."

"Because I have been wondering the same thing myself, the answer is that I do not know," said Katrine as she drained the last of her mead.

"I had better get back to my friends, if I hear anything about that dragon or Ralof I will let you know," said Katrine as she stood, she clasped Hod and Gerdur's arms in turn and headed over to where Aela and Vilkas were sitting.

"So, what did they want?" asked Aela as Katrine sat down.

"Gerdur wanted to know about her brother and Frodnar, that is the boy wanted to know about the dragon," Katrine told them "We should get something to eat then split the coin,"

"No," said Aela firmly "No the gold is yours splitting and no paying us,"

"We will however let you buy us dinner and a round of drinks," said Vilkas, giving her a cheeky smile.

Katrine laughed and motioned for Ognar.

"What can I get for you,"

"I will have some of your venison broth, a Black briar mead and I will pay for what ever they order," said Katrine.

Ognar turned to Aela and Vilkas, Vilkas scratched his head thoughtfully "You got any mammoth steaks?"

"Just got some in, how'd you want 'em?"

"Very rare, still bloody along side some roast potatoes and grilled leaks and a dark ale, same for you Aela?" he turned to the huntress who nodded.

"I'll have that right out for you," grunted Ognar.

Katrine turned to Vilkas and Aela "Very rare still bloody mammoth steaks, why do you not just eat them raw?" she asked slightly horrified.

"Don't be silly, we're not wolves," said Vilkas.

"Speaking of which where is Oddok," asked Aela.

"With Mama, I did not want her to go to Winterhold alone," said Katrine, she smiled up at Ognar as he placed two plates of mammoth steaks in front of Vilkas and Aela.

He then turned to Katrine "I'll be right back with your broth, but did you want me to add a bit of alto wine to that it's my special recipe, adds a bit of a kick to it,"

"Yes please,"

As Ognar walked off Katrine went over the days events in her head, why did that lettering appear only to her? Why did she feel as though she should recognize the language and what was that strange force that enveloped her? She could still feel its effects running through her blood.

She supposed she would have to see a healer when the got back to Whiterun, she sighed she was not looking forward to that.

She started as a bowl of broth was placed down in front of her, as well as the mead and dark ales that they ordered.

"There you go," grunted Ognar, Katrine prayed him and he strolled back to the bar.

Aela cleared her throat "I'd like to raise a tankard in honour of Katrine's first fetch quest, to Katrine," Aela said as she raised her tankard in a toast.

"To Katrine," said Vilkas, as his tankard met Aela's.

Katrine shook her head in amusement "It would be arrogant of me to toast my own name, so I will raise my tankard to the barrow,"

They talked while eating about their first quests with the Companions, Aela's was an animal extermination "I'd been sent to clear out a sabre cat den in Dawnstar, what the Jarl failed to mention was that there was also frost trolls about, so on my way out of the den I came across one, lucky I saw it before it saw me,"

Vilkas' was capturing an escaped criminal "I tracked that basted from Markarth to Windhelm before I finally caught him and then I had to march him all the way back because the Jarl wanted that piece of trash to rot in Chidna mine,"

After dinner and over another tankard of mead talk turned to what Katrine wanted to do next.

"Fralia said that she would talk to Eorlund about me helping him out at the forge, but I would also like to get some training in combat," she told them.

"I'd be happy to help you train when I'm not on quests and I know Farkas would as well," said Vilkas.

"Count me in kid," said Aela as she gave Katrine's shoulder a squeeze.

After they had finished their drinks they headed to bed, Katrine felt quite light headed from the mead, three full tankards, she thought, I do not believe I have ever had that much in one sitting, I hope I do not wake up with a hangover.

Her dreams that night were of soaring high above the clouds, fire raining down onto the fields below.

She awoke the next morning to, thankfully a clear head but she could still feel the energy from yesterday running through her body.

So strapping on her sword and helmet and with a nod to Ognar she went outside, the air was crisp and a little moist as she jogged up to the start of the south road, where the guards had had set up a little campsite for themselves, then back past the inn and to the end of the bridge that led to Whiterun and the path to the barrow.

She then jogged back and chose a large tree with some low hanging branches in view of the inn, she removed the sword and scabbard from her belt and lent it against the tree.

She then jumped up and grabbed the lowest hanging branch and pulled herself up till her chin was touching the branch then let herself drop till she was hanging, her boots grazing the tips of the grass, she had seen her Mother do this exercise of a morning, she had said it built up upper body strength as well as a person's stamina, however Katrine thought perhaps she ought to think of a way to protect her hands while doing it.

After doing ten of these exercises Katrine headed back inside the inn, once in the privacy of the room Katrine slipped out of her armour and used the wash basin to have a bit of a rinse as well as wash off the old war paint, she then got redressed and reapplied her war paint to her face thinking as she did that her mother would approve of the structure, perhaps she would make a morning routine of it.

Gathering her gear she walked out to greet Aela and Vilkas, who was waiting for her.

"Heard you had an early start this morning," said Aela greeting Katrine.

"Yes, I woke up and felt like and going for a jog," said Katrine as they walked out of the inn.

As they travelled to Whiterun Katrine thought to herself she might save up to buy a horse if she was going to be travelling so much, but the day was beautiful and the road to Whiterun was fairly smooth so she didn't think on it too much.

They arrived at the Whiterun stables at around midday and it was then that the energy in Katrine began rising within her, she felt agitated, she stopped and looked around for some unseen danger.

Aela noticed something was off with her asked her if she was alright.

"I'm uncertain, I feel as if though my body is readying its self for a fight that my mind is not aware of," she answered, her gaze falling on the western watch tower.

Vilkas removed a gauntlet and pressed the back of his hand to her forehead "You feel a little warm, you should go see Danica at the temple," he said.

She smiled at him "I will, just as soon as I have taken the dragon stone to Farengar,"

Entering Whiterun was like coming home to Katrine, she felt safe here, as she walked up though the plains district she smiled at various people and waved to Fralia, who looked overjoyed to see them safe.

As they entered the wind district Vilkas turned to Aela "I'll take our stuff in, make sure she goes to see Danica,"

Once inside Dragonsreach Aela placed a hand on Katrine's shoulder "I'll wait here,"

As Katrine walked to the wizards room she head voices coming from the room, that of Farengar and a woman Katrine didn't know, peering in Katrine saw that the woman was dressed in leather armour and hood that covered her face.

"You see here, I'm convinced this is a translation from a much older text perhaps dating back to the dragon war itself," said Farengar.

"Very good Farengar, my employers will be most impressed, get it translated and to me quickly, remember this isn't some hypothetical question, dragons are returning," said the woman.

"Oh never fear the Jarl himself is now interested, so I've been given as much leeway in this as I wish, now let me show something else, something I'm sure your employers will be most interested in,"

But what ever he was going to show her never happened because the woman as if sensing Katrine's eyes upon her looked up and spotted her.

"You have a visitor,"

Farengar looked up "Ah yes, the Jarl's protégé, back from Bleak falls barrow, you didn't die it seems,"

Katrine didn't know if she should be insulted by the shocked tone or not "No need to look so surprised," she said pulling out the dragon stone from the sack and gently placed it on the wizard's desk.

"Ah the fabled dragon stone, my colleague here will be most impressed, she learned of it's location though ways she has yet to tell me," he then turned to the other woman.

"So your information was correct and we have our friend here to thank for recovering it," he said.

The woman looked at Katrine "You went into the barrow and got it? Good job,"

Katrine ignored her comment and instead asked Farengar about what was next.

"This is where your job ends and mine begins," he said, "The work of the mind, sadly under valued in Skyrim, now was there anything else you wished to discuss with me I'm sure the Jarl is eager to hear of your success,"

Katrine hesitated for a moment, thinking how to word what she was about to say "Actually there is, I did not go into the barrow alone and while we were in there we came across a wall with strange runic symbols carved into it, when we moved closer to it one of my group swares that the symbols changed into a strange lettering,"

Farengar looked shocked "I'm certain I've never heard of anything like that occurring before, have you a copy of this lettering?" he asked.

Katrine pulled out the piece of parchment that had the lettering on it and handed it to Farengar who quickly copied it down.

"I've never seen a language like this," he turned to the woman who was staring at Katrine as if searching for something.

"Have you seen any thing like this?" he asked her.

"No, I am certain that I have never seen runic symbols change into some form of language,"

Now if there was one thing Katrine had learnt from having a mother like Annika Hanson it was that it was possible for a person to lie while telling the truth, it was all in the way you worded your sentence and that woman had clearly done just that.

Taking apart what she had said Katrine came to the conclusion that, the woman while not seeing that phenomenon, she knew of it happening, seeing that Farengar had gotten the location of the dragon stone from her it probably had something to do with dragons.

All while these thoughts were running through her head Katrine was locked in a staring contest with the woman, it was slightly off putting to be in one with a person whose eyes you could not see but if she could stare down her mother for a record one minute then she could do this.

Oblivious to the tension between the two women Farengar said to Katrine "Did anything else happen?"

"No, nothing," said Katrine.

The woman seemed to deflate and she sighed in what sounded like disappointment "Send me a copy of the dragon stone and that text once you translate it, I will also be interested in that lettering if you find out anything more about it,"

Katrine picked up the piece of parchment and placed in back in her shoulder bag "Good luck with that stone," she said as she made to exit the room but was instead met with the Dunmer housecarl rushing in.

"Farengar, you must come at one, a dragon has been spotted near by," she said then turned to Katrine "You should come too," Katrine followed as the Dunmer led them up the stairs to the second level.

"A dragon where was it seen? What was it doing?" asked Farengar who seemed like a child at the morning of new life festival, Katrine however felt as though the bottom had fallen out of her stomach.

Another one, she thought, I barely survived the first one, or is this the same one come to finish me off.

She shook her head, do not be absurd, why would a dragon be interested in one person, the housecarl meanwhile was scolding Farengar "I'd take this a bit more seriously if I were you, if a dragon attacks the city I don't know if we can stop it,"

As they got to the second level the Jarl was stood there arms crossed with a pale face he spoke to a guard that stood before him.

"Irileth tells me you were at the watch tower, you saw this dragon with your own eyes?"

The guard nodded "That's right, we saw it coming from the mountains, it was fast, faster then anything I've ever seen,"

The Jarl thought for a moment then asked "What did it do? Is it attacking the watch tower?"

"I don't know my lord, I just ran I've never ran so fast in my life, I thought it would come after me for sure," the guard said Shakily and Katrine wondered if she should go stand next to him, he sounded as if he was going to faint.

Jarl Balgruuf seemed to be on the same thought and laid a hand on the guard's shoulder "Well done, go to the barracks for a mug of mead and a rest, you've earned it," as the guard walked off the Jarl turned to his housecarl.

"Irileth take a detachment to the tower and find out what's going on and remember this isn't a death or glory mission, so be careful," Irileth pressed her fist to her chest in a salute.

"Don't worry my lord, I am the very essence of caution," she said with a smile.

The Jarl turned to Katrine "There is no time to on ceremony my friend, I need your help again, you were at Helgan you have more experience than anyone else here," Balgruuf told her "But don't think I've forgotten the service you did for Farengar in retrieving the dragon stone, I've had this personally made for you," it was a set of scaled armour.

"Thank you my Jarl," said Katrine, as she took the armour.

"Go quickly, put that on and meet Irileth at the gates, she will wait for you,"

Katrine hurried the stairs and met Aela at the door "Can I use your room to put this on, there is not much time," she said

"Of course, but what is going on?" asked Aela.

"A dragon was sighted heading for the western watch tower," Aela was stunned into silence but followed Katrine into Jorrvaskr and into it's living quarters.

She quickly slipped into the new armour, braces and boots, she couldn't fault the fit.

As she and Aela rushed out fully armoured and armed they met Olfina in the main hall.

"What is going on the guard's are in a panic," said Olfina.

"A dragon has been spotted, I'm sorry but we have got to go," answered Aela.

"We?" asked Katrine as they rushed through the town.

"Yes we, you didn't think I was going to let you take on a dragon alone, did you?" Katrine just shook her head.

They met Irileth by the gate, the Dunmer looked up and smiled in relief as they approached.

"Ah good you're here, we're just waiting for the men to arrive," she told them.

"How many are coming?" asked Aela.

Irileth frowned "Unfortunately we can only spare ten, but that's thirteen with us, plus the three that are already there," Katrine felt weak at the knees and had to hold on to Aela to keep herself upright.

The guard came down the path and fell into line in front of Irileth, as she explained the situation to them Katrine noticed Olfina talking with Jon Battle Born, who looked over at Katrine with wide eyes, then back to Olfina and gave her a reassuring look, he the begun to walk towards them.

"Looks like we are about to get another volunteer," whispered Katrine to Aela, who followed her gaze.

"That can only be a good thing, do you think we should bring in the others?"

Katrine shook her head "If we fail we need people here protecting the town," They nodded at Jon as he came to stand beside them.

Irileth having finished briefing the guards turned to regard Aela and Jon "Do you really think bringing them along is the right thing to do? The Jarl wants the kept as quiet as possible,"

"Well two things housecarl, one is I have got a feeling that I could not stop them if I tried, two and this is the most important one, I saw about two hundred Imperial soldiers in Helgan before the dragon attack, during I saw fifty still alive before I made my escape and the didn't look like they were doing to well, so the more people we have the better our chances are," said Katrine, Irileth's face paled.

As they exited Whiterun and made their way to the tower Aela asked Katrine "What is the best strategy?"

Katrine thought of Helgan, how the dragon stayed in the sky for the most part and was a near impossible target, on the ground a beast that large would be impossible to miss "Get it to land," she said.

As they neared they could see smoke billowing from the tower and scorch marks were littered up its sides.

"No sign of any dragon, but it sure looks like he's been here," said Irileth surveying the damage "I know it looks bad but we've got to find out what's happened, spread out and search for survivors,"

She, Katrine, Aela and Jon made to look inside but a guard came rushing out "No get back," he said.

Irileth rushed forward "Guardsman, where is this dragon, quickly,"

"I don't know, Rokki and Tor were grabbed as they tried to make a run for it,"

Aloud roar filled the sky and Katrine drew her bow and quickly notched an arrow, she cried out as she did "Get ready!"

The first thing she noticed as it flew into view was that this dragon was smaller, then she noticed the difference in colour, it was a different dragon, there were more than one.

She let the arrow fly from her bow, the dragon screeched in pain as it hit, the others elated by Katrine's success begun firing their arrows, or in Irileth's case magic, at it.

But know matter what they hit it with they couldn't get it to land.

The Katrine had an idea, a mad idea to be sure, but it was better than continuing to fire at it till she ran out of arrows "Get it close to the tower, " she said to the others.

She raced inside the tower and up the stairs, she waited for the dragon to pas by and with sword drawn, she raced to the edge of the tower and leapt on to the dragons back.

Realising it could discover her there and shake her off she quickly darted down its neck and plunged her sword into its head, as she did she head the dragon cry out "Dovahkiin no!" as it dropped it out of the sky.

She jumped of its back before it hit the ground, she rolled then turned, stalking back to it sword ready in case it wasn't dead, as she got closer it began to burn , shocked she stood her ground as the crackling flesh dissolved an ethereal energy began swirling out and shot towards Katrine and all she could think before it hit her was, oh not this again.

As the energy filled her veins she saw a life time of images pass though her mind and a voice inside her head said "I am Mirmulnir, Dovahkiin,"

More images and words flew though her mind but one stood out, Fus.

She understood it now, Force.

The energy swirling inside her was beginning to be unbearable, she had to let some out.

She found that she could call forth this energy like magicka, focusing it she breathed in, let it build in her throat and let it out "Fus!"

A wave of force left her sending everything in its path flying.

Katrine felt light headed fell to her knees.

"Katrine!" Aela called out and rushed to her side, "Are you alright?"

"I believe so," she said as Aela helped her to her feet.

Jon, smiling widely clapped her on her shoulder "Ha, you did it my friend, you brought down a dragon," he said.

"She did more than that, she took its soul," said a guard from behind them.

"What are you talking about?" Katrine asked him, he couldn't mean.

"In the very oldest tales the Dragonborn would slay dragons and steal its power, you must be Dragonborn, like old Tiber Septim himself," the guard explained.

Another of the guard chimed in with "I don't remember Tiber Septim killing any dragons"

"That's because there weren't any idiot, their just coming back now since ... forever, but that thing she did was shouting in the thu'um and only the Dragonborn can do that without training, she must be one," said the first guard.

Irileth, who had been quiet up until that point spoke "You all had best be quiet, rather that flapping your gums about things you don't know anything about, here's a dead dragon, now we know can kill them," she said "But I don't need some mythical dragonborn, someone who can put a dragon is good enough for me,"

The first guard spoke again "You wouldn't understand housecarl, you're not a Nord,"

"I've been all across Tamriel, I've seen plenty of things just as outlandish as this, I'd advise you all to trust in your sword arm over myths and legends," said the Dunmer housecarl, she then turned to Katrine "You should head back to Whiterun, get checked out by a healer, then inform the Jarl of our success here, I'll see that anything salvageable from the beast's corpse is brought to you," and with that she went to ordering the guards to assess the damage.

Katrine steadied herself and began walking back up to Whiterun wit Jon and Aela.

"Are you certain you're alright Katrine?" asked Aela with a concerned look on her face.

"I am fine now, but that was certainly an interesting experience," Katrine said thinking back to the images that played though her mind as well as that power she used.

"What was that anyway and that dragon, where did it come from?" asked Jon.

"Mirmulnir," said Katrine.

"What?"

"Its, no His name was Mirmulnir," Katrine told them.

"How do you know that?" asked Aela.

"That energy, when it enveloped me I could feel him inside of me, I saw flashes of his life," Katrine explained "And there was something else, he was sent by someone, another dragon, he was on a mission,"

"What was his mission?" asked Jon, though he looked almost scared of what the answer might be.

Katrine thought over what she had both seen and felt before answering "Destruction, he was to cause as much destruction as he could,"

She stopped in the middle of the path, her ears picking up a low sound "Do you hear that?" she asked the other two.

In the distance a rumbling sound could be heard, oh please do not let that be thunder.

"It sounds like thunder," said Jon, as he looked up to the sky "But I don't see any clouds,"

Aela cocked her head to the side "It's getting louder or closer," she said.

Suddenly it was if it was on top of them and the sound was so loud it shook the ground and the sky filled with voices "Dovahkiin!"

"The Grey beards," said Aela reverently.

It was then Katrine wondered, are the Gods playing some kind of joke on me?