History challenge! 10 awesome points to whoever can tell me what famous war strategy General Tullius was using in Chapter 3! I'll give you a hint, it was from the American Civil War.
Chapter 4: The Confession
"Dovahkiin?" An old but strong voice asked.
"Arngeir," Burz said with a smile.
"Dovahkiin, come in... Come in!" The Greybeard said excitedly. Burz walked up the old stone steps. The old man opened the door wider for the large orc. "The hour is late, and the weather fierce. What brings you to High Hrothgar after all these years?"
"There is a storm brewing, Master Arngeir." Burz replied. His expression became solemn.
"I see. But first I have questions for you. You never completed your training. You gave us your word you would continue your training once the Rebellion was over, yet you have not step foot on this mount since your confrontation with Ulfric. What has kept you?" Arngeir asked. His expression was blank, but Burz could sense sadness in his eyes.
"Master, I am sorry. I have no good excuse. You see, I settled down in Markarth after the war, and have been there since." Burz admitted. His head hung slightly.
"Then what has kept you, Dovahkiin? Paarthurnax will be grateful to see you again."
"Guilt my Master. Guilt has kept me from this place." His head hung lower.
"What kind of guilt could keep you from completing your training?"
"Master, as you have said, the hour is late. Might we discuss this in the morning with the rest?"
"Of course young one. Rest as much as you need."
Burz did not sleep well that night. Thoughts of what he would say to the Greybeards kept racing through his mind. How would he admit that he let his hate get the better of him. He had misused the power of his Thu'um. He slowly feel into a deep sleep.
He awoke with a deep breath. The sun was streaming through the windows as Burz looked around. His bed felt moist to the touch. He looked down at his bed with confusion. "You sweat profusely last night. You were tossing and turning all night, Dovahkiin. Come, the others are gathered. Tell us what is troubling you." Arngeir said softly as he came into the room. Burz nodded and stood up and began to dress. He and Arngeir walked outside and up to the top of the Throat of the World. Paarthurnax and the rest of the Greybeards were gathered to hear what Burz had to say. Even Odahviing was present with a few other dragons.
"Ah. Dovahkiin. It is... Good to see you once again. I feared I would not see you again before death stole you away." The old familiar voice of Paathurnax said. He lowered his head to be level with Burz. "Now tell us. What has kept you from us?"
"Master Paarthurnax. I apologize for my absence. I felt I could not return due to my guilt." Burz admitted. His heart was beating hard in his chest, and his lungs seemed to have forgotten how to function.
"But what do you have guilt for, young one?" Arngeir asked.
"My Masters, I have strayed from the Way. The war... It was difficult on me. I should not have left your tutelage before I was ready." Burz said. His expression was solemn.
"How have you strayed? This is what we do not understand." Paarthurnax spoke. His eyes were narrow.
"In my final conflict with Ulfric I let my temper control me. I misused my voice. I destroyed Ulfric Stormcloak and defiled him with my Thu'um. And then I hid this from you." Burz said as he hung his head. He was choking back rare orc tears.
"This is unexpected, Dovahkiin. But just as we lived to guide Talos, we must guide you. Talos is depicted as being free of mistake. As if he could do no wrong, but I assure you, he made plenty of mistakes. We are happy to take you back and guide you. You are Dovahkiin. You are not bound by the Way as I teach my followers." Paarthurnax said with what Burz thought was a smile. His tone was reassuring.
"We are more forgiving than you give us credit for, Burz gro Ka." This was the first time Arngeir had used his regular name. Arngeir smiled. "Now, I assume you did not come simply to confess. If you had, you would have been here a decade ago."
"I was asked to request your aid in a war, Paarthunax." Burz stated, looking into the eyes of his Dragon master.
"Dovahkiin, you know we do not concern ourselves in mortal matters." Paarthurnax stated with surprise.
"I know my master. And I would not have come if I were not worried for your safety. We are in opposition to the Aldmeri Dominion."
"The elves you told me about? Why should you worry about them threatening our safety?" Arngeir asked. His expression was quizzical. Living on a mountain top for decades had erased much of what he knew about the world.
"The Empire has never concerned itself with your dealings since learning of your existence. The Aldmeri however, are. They would see to it that you and the remaining dragons that reside here were killed. And they would not care about the cost." Burz said.
"We would be in the same danger if we were to go to war, Dovahkiin. You know this. How would we save ourselves by putting ourselves in danger?" Paarthurnax raised his head. It seemed his neck was tired of the lowered position.
"You would be fighting with the Legion. You would not be alone. And for the Legion to win, we need you. I need you, Master. Please heed my call." Burz bowed to his Dragon master. A respect he had not yet shown. Paarthurnax stared at Burz for a few moments. He was thinking about the Dragonborn's request.
"It had been centuries since I have flown in battle, Dovahkiin. But your words speak truth. You have my wings. I shall bring with me all of my kin. What would you have me do first?" Burz look at him with amazement. Even Arngeir had a look of shock. Paarthurnax would fight for the Empire.
"First, we will need to fly to High Rock. We must convince the Bretons to fight by our side as well." Burz said, a smile spreading across his face.
"Ah, High Rock. It has been a long time since I have been there. I have a friend there. Similar to Arngeir. We should seek his council in the state of High Rock's citizens." Paarthurnax said. Odahviing flew over to where they were.
"Dovahkiin, you already know this, but I shall fight by your side as well." The Red Dragon said.
"I can not express my gratitude, my friends." Burz said, a large smile grew on his face. "But thank you for your support." He had not expected to convince Paarthurnax so easily. It seemed the Divines were indeed on the Legion's side.
"As I said before, Dovahkiin, we will always support you." Paarthurnax said.
"Until you prove to be unworthy to lead as Alduin had, I shall follow you till my dying day." Odahviing rumbled. It was good to have such a loyal warrior on his side. "Now, to Hammerfell? I am dying to pick me teeth of mer's armor." He began flapping his wings in excitement. Burz and the dragons began to laugh while The Greybeards left. They had always been a little stiff in Burz's opinion. He thought it had been Paarthurnax's influence, but after getting to know the dragon, he found this was not the case.
"Let us wait until tomorrow my friend. I am sure the Dovahkiin is still tired from his journey here. We should let ourselves have time to prepare." Paarthunax said after the three were done laughing. Burz enjoyed his time on the Throat of the World. He felt at home among the Dovah. It must be his dragon blood coursing through his veins.
"I see... Well, don't keep me waiting." Odahviing stated in a frustrated tone as he began to fly away. Paarthurnax laughed at this. He turned his head to Burz and nodded. He began to flap his wings to catch wind and lift himself into the air. Burz stood on the mountains peak, breathing in the crisp Skyrim air. He felt more at ease about what was to come. He felt that he might return to Ghorza after only a year or two. He would get to live out his elder years with his love in his arms as a free man, with free men around him. Then a cynical thought entered his mind. No matter the outcome of the war, he would never be free. No one would ever really be free. They would always live under the thumb of what ever government was in place. No matter who ruled, there would never be peace. There would always be some group looking to contest the throne. Some group would want power.
But at least he could have a temporary peace with the woman he loved, and he could know that he helped create this peace. He was doing the right thing.