As I'd expected, Balgruuf didn't take my request well.

"I must have misheard you," the Jarl said, staring at me as though he was sure I'd suddenly lost my mind. "I thought you asked me to help you trap a dragon in my palace."

"You know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," I reminded him.

"What you're asking for is insane. Impossible!" He spluttered. "You want me to let a dragon into the heart of my city, with the threat of war on my doorstep?"

"It's the only way to stop the dragon attacks."

"There must be another way. The risk is too great."

"There isn't another way, believe me. The threat is worse than you know. Alduin has returned."

"Alduin? The World-Eater himself? But…" Balgruuf floundered. "… How can we fight him? Doesn't his return mean it's the end times?"

I crossed my arms and frowned at him. "It's only hopeless if we give up."

"I didn't say anything about giving up. Now what's this nonsense about trapping a dragon in my palace?"

"It's the only way I can find Alduin before it's too late."

He rubbed his temples, saying, "I want to help you, Dragonborn, but do you think the Stormcloaks will sit idle while this dragon is slaughtering my men and burning down my city? No. I can't risk weakening the city while we are under the threat of an enemy attack."

I hesitated for a moment. "What if you didn't have to worry about an enemy attack?"

"Then I would be glad to help you with your mad dragon-trapping scheme, but getting both sides to agree to a truce will be difficult at this point. The bitterness has gone too deep. Maybe… hmm… What of the Greybeards? They are respected by all Nords. High Hrothgar is neutral territory. If the Greybeards were willing to hose a peace council… then maybe Ulfric and Tullius would have to listen."

"Leave that to me," I said. "I'll talk to Arngeir about it."

"Aye, Dragonborn. Maybe you can stop the dragons – and this war into the bargain."


It took some effort, but I finally managed to convince all the parties to agree to the peace council. Ulfric had only given his word after hearing that Tullius had agreed to it first, the stubborn guar.

As all those involved arrived at the monastery, Arngeir grumbled from beside me, "So, you've done it. The men of violence are gathered here, in these halls whose very stones are dedicated to peace. I should not have agreed to host this council. The Greybeards have no business involving ourselves in such matters."

"I don't like this any more than you do," I murmured. "But this was the only way to get Balgruuf's help."

"Yes, yes. Which is why I allowed this… violation of all our traditions. But regrets are pointless. Here we are. Take your seat at the council table and let us see what wisdom we can find among these warriors of Skyrim."

Before we could head down the hall to where the others were already waiting, the monastery doors opened again. I glanced back over my shoulder and my eyes widened.

It was Delphine and Esbern. She wore a full suit of Blade's armor, just like the kind I remembered everyone wearing at Cloud Ruler, while he was dressed in all black. Both of them stopped before us.

"So," Delphine said, putting her hands on her hips, "Arngeir, is it? You know why we're here. Are you going to let us in or not?"

"You were not invited here. You are not welcome here."

"We have as much right to be at this council as all of you. More, actually, since we were the ones that put the Dragonborn on this path."

"Delphine," I said quietly, warningly.

"Were you? The hubris of the Blades truly knows no bounds."

Esbern touched her shoulder. "Delphine, we're not here to rehearse old grudges. The matter at hand is urgent. Alduin must be stopped." He looked over at the assembled Greybeards. "You wouldn't have called this council if you didn't agree. We know a great deal about the situation and the threat that Alduin poses to us all. You need us here if you want this council to succeed."

Arngeir glanced at the other Greybeards before sighing and relenting, "Very well. You may enter."

We headed down one of the wings of the monastery to a large room where a circular table was set up. The others were already standing by the chairs. While the other Greybeards stood in the corners of the chamber, Arngeir went to the chair at one end of the circle while I went to the one on the other. Tense silence descended. I glanced to my right to see a scowling Ulfric. Tullius glared right back at him from my left. And I was smack in the middle. Great.

"Now that everyone is here, please take your seats so we can begin," Arngeir called. Everyone sat.

Except Ulfric and his lieutenant.

"No. You insult us by bringing her to this negotiation?" He snarled. He was pointing straight at Elenwen, who was seated on the Imperial side of the table. "Your chief Talos-Hunter?"

"That didn't take long…" Rikke grumbled beside me.

The Thalmor Ambassador lifted her chin haughtily. "I have every right to be at this negotiation. I need to ensure that nothing is agreed to here that violates the terms of the White-Gold Concordat." My fists clenched underneath the table.

"She's part of the Imperial delegation," Tullius cut in. "You can't dictate who I bring to this council."

Arngeir rubbed his forehead, obviously agitated. "Please. If we have to negotiate the terms of the negotiation, we will never get anywhere. Perhaps this would be a good time to get the Dragonborn's input on this matter."

All eyes suddenly turned on me. I swallowed.

"What do you think?" Tullius asked me. "Are we going to let Ulfric dictate terms to us before the negotiations even start?"

"No. She may stay."

"How dare you–"

"The General is right. She is part of the Imperial delegation. However…" I stood and rounded the table so I was standing right behind her. Then I added in an undertone, "You put one toe out of line, say one word I don't like, and you'll be dead before you take two steps toward that door. You're here because I'm in a good mood and I feel like listening to Tullius, not because of some damn treaty. Am I clear?"

Her golden eyes caught on the amulet that swung around my neck and widened slightly. Then she sneered, "Completely."

"We walk then," Ulfric's crony snapped.

Ulfric held up a hand, stopping him. "No. We'll stay. Out of respect for the Dragonborn and our Greybeard hosts."

I nodded curtly at him and retook my seat.

"But she is to observe, nothing more. We are not negotiating with her, is that clear?"

She smiled in a cold, serpentine way. "Ulfric, why so hostile? After all, it's not the Thalmor that's burning your farms and killing your sons."

"One more word, Elenwen," I snapped. "Now be quiet."

She stared at me from across the table and I stared back, hard.

"Now that that's settled, may we proceed?"

"I have something to say first," Ulfric said.

"Here we go…"

"The only reason I agreed to attend this council was to deal with the dragon menace. There's nothing else to talk about… unless the Empire is finally ready to renounce its unjust claim to rule over the free people of Skyrim."

"I knew he wouldn't be able to resist," Rikke groaned.

"We're here to arrange a temporary truce to allow the Dragonborn here to deal with the dragons. Nothing more." Somehow, I felt this wasn't the case. "I consider even talking to the Empire a generous gesture."

"Are you done?" Tullius asked curtly. "Did you come here just to make speeches? Or can we get down to business?"

"Yes, let's get this over with."

"Are we ready to proceed?" Arngeir asked. Silence. "Jarl Ulfric. General Tullius. This council is unprecedented. We are gathered here at the Dragonborn's request. I ask that you all respect the spirit of High Hrothgar, and do your best to begin the process of achieving a lasting peace in Skyrim. Who would like to open the negotiations?"

"Yes, let's get down to it." Ulfric stared at Tullius and demanded, "We want control of Markarth. That's our price for agreeing to a truce."

For the first time, the woman sitting between Rikke and Tullius spoke up. "So that's why you're here, Ulfric? You dare insult the Greybeards by using this council to advance your own position?"

"Jarl Elisif, I'll handle this," the General murmured.

"General, this is outrageous! You can't be taking this demand seriously! I thought we were here to discuss a truce!"

"Elisif! I said I'd handle it." The General took a deep breath. "Ulfric, you can't seriously expect us to give up Markarth at the negotiating table. You hope to gain in council what you've been unable to take in battle, is that it?"

"I'm sure Jarl Ulfric does not expect something for nothing," Arngeir cut in. Ulfric's face paled somewhat.

"Yes," Rikke mumbled, "that would be entirely out of character…"

"What would the Empire want in return?"

Elisif turned to Tullius with wide eyes. "Wait. General, you don't intend to just hand over Markarth to that… traitor?"

"This is how the Empire repays us for our loyalty?" Balgruuf snapped.

"Enough!" Tullius set his fists against the table. "First, let's be clear. This council wasn't my idea. I think it's a waste of time. You are a traitor to the Empire, and deserve a traitor's death, but I at least will negotiate in good faith." He looked at me solemnly. "Since we're all here at your request, I'd like to hear what you think Markarth is worth."

I looked at him, then at Ulfric. The Jarl of Windhelm stared at me coldly. I tried to think about what could possibly match the worth of Markarth and put the Empire back on even ground. There was really only one option.

"Riften," I said.

Ulfric's eyes widened and he abruptly got to his feet. Rikke chuckled.

"You heard what she said, Ulfric," Tullius said, looking like he was holding back a smirk as well. "We've made you a fair offer. Are you serious about these talks, or are you just here to posture?"

"I expected better from you, Dragonborn," Ulfric spat. "I came here in good faith, despite your known Imperial sympathies."

I got to my feet, too. "And I'm here to make sure everything comes out fairly. You get Markarth, they get Riften. An even trade. Now sit down," I snapped, pointing at his seat.

"No!"

"Stop! Are you so blind to our danger that you can't see past your petty disagreements?" Esbern looked between us and stood slowly. Then he began pacing. "Here you sit arguing about nothing, while the fate of the land hangs in the balance!"

"Is he with you, Delphine? If so, I advise you to tell him to watch his tongue."

"He is with me," Delphine told Ulfric coldly, "and I advise you to listen to what he has to say before you do anything rash."

"Don't you understand the danger? Don't you understand what the return of the dragons means? Alduin has returned. The World-Eater! Even now, he devours the souls of your fallen comrades. He grows more powerful with every soldier slain in your pointless war! Can you not put aside your hatred for even one moment in the face of this mortal danger?"

"A very pretty speech," Elenwen said, "but what does it have to do with–"

"Shut up," I snarled.

"If he's right about Alduin… we both have just as much to lose here, Tullius. Remember that. Now, back to the matter at hand." The three of us took our seats. "Don't hand me a mug of sheep's piss and call it mead. These terms are still not acceptable."

"I'm sure you have something in mind."

"Damn right we do," Galmar grumbled.

"You surrender Hjaalmarch to us, and take Idgrod Ravencrone with you. Sorli the Builder will take over as Jarl of Morthal."

"Where do these demands stop, Ulfric?" Tullius groaned. "Do you expect me to surrender all of Skyrim?"

"It seems I have no choice but to let the Dragonborn decide. Although I'm starting to doubt your fairness."

I glared at him. "It was a fair trade, Ulfric. But if you're too damn netch-brained to see that, you can–"

"Don't," Rikke murmured, stopping me.

I glared at Ulfric and took a deep breath. "Fine. The Empire doesn't need to give up any more territory, and neither do you. You're both on even ground at this moment, and we are not here to give one side or the other the advantage."

"Even the Dragonborn betrays Skyrim."

I leapt to my feet, fury boiling in my veins and pulsing in my throat. "I'm betraying no one, you pompous, stubborn, no good son of a–"

"Stand down!" Rikke grabbed my arm and tugged me back into my seat.

"These terms are not acceptable, you know that."

"I'm listening," Tullius said, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't play dumb, Tullius!"

Ulfric looked away with a hint of a growl. "Bah! This is a waste of time. I can see we won't get better terms from this council. So be it. The sons of Skyrim at least put the greater good above our own interests."

With obvious relief, Arngeir said, "It seems we have an agreement. Jarl Ulfric, General Tullius… these are the terms currently on the table. Markarth will be handed over to Ulfric's forces. Jarl Igmund will step down, and Thongvor Silver-Blood will become Jarl of Markarth. The Stormcloaks will withdraw from the Rift, allowing Imperial troops unhindered access. Jarl Laila Law-Giver will step down and Maven Black-Briar will become the Jarl of Riften. You both agree to this?"

"I shouldn't agree to terms that so blatantly favor the Empire," Ulfric sniffed. "I have no choice, though, under the circumstances. But once Alduin is defeated, then it will be the Empire's turn. Remember… "Evgir Unslaad."" He smirked at the woman seated between Rikke and Tullius. "You should be pleased, Elisif. You've done well for yourself as the Empire's pet Jarl. But beware – the Empire's loyalty is fickle. They will tire of this war, and then I will be the one dictating terms to you."

Elisif turned her head away and her eyes narrowed angrily. "I have nothing to say to that murderer. General, you've proven yourself a good friend to Skyrim. I continue to trust that you will do your utmost to safeguard our interests."

"Thank you, Jarl Elisif. I appreciate your loyalty," The General said, inclining his head to her in acknowledgment of her words. "The Empire can live with these terms, yes. For a temporary truce, until the dragon menace is dealt with. After that, Ulfric… there will be a reckoning. Count on it."

Ulfric and his man stood and walked out of the room.

"Giving up Markarth is a heavy price for this truce, Dragonborn. I hope it was worth it," Jarl Balgruuf said to me.

"It will be."

"Jarl Balgruuf, I assume you are familiar with the Dragonborn's plan?" Arngeir asked.

"Yes. I'm ready to do my part. Just say the word, and my men will help you spring this trap."

"But the difficulty remains… how to lure a dragon to Dragonsreach at all?"

"Well, that's an excellent question," Tullius said, crossing his arms. "You haven't overlooked that little detail, have you?"

Before I could even think of a response, Esbern beat me to it.

"I believe I can be of help here," he said. "I anticipated the problem. While you were arranging this meeting, I was busy in the library of Sky Haven Temple. An unguessed trove of lost lore… but the important thing is that the Blades recorded many of the names of dragons they slew. Cross-referencing this with Delphine's map of dragon burial sites, I believe I've identified one of the dragons Alduin has raised up."

"How does that help us?" I asked.

"Don't you see? The names of dragons are always three Words of Power. Shouts. By calling the dragon with the Voice, he will hear you wherever he might be."

"And why would he come when called?"

The old Blade chuckled. "He's not compelled to, but dragons are prideful by nature and loath to refuse a challenge. Your Voice in particular is likely to intrigue this dragon, after your victory over Alduin. I think it very likely that he will be unable to resist investigating your call."

"So what's his name?"

"Ah, indeed." Esbern fumbled for a moment before pulling out a scroll. "I'm no master of the voice like these worthy gentlemen, but it is written here in this scroll. Od-Ah-Viing. "Winged Snow Hunter," as I read it."

"Thanks."

Everyone stood and slowly filtered towards the doors. As they left, I could hear Rikke chortle, "I'd give a week's pay to see the look on Ulfric's face again, when he had to swallow the terms of the truce."

I started to follow them out.

"There's one more thing. We know about Paarthurnax."

I tensed and I could almost feel the blood in my veins turn to ice. The sound of receding footsteps echoed down the hall as a cold silence descended between Delphine and me.

"You know… what?" I asked her. My throat suddenly felt very dry and my heart pounded.

"Paarthurnax. The dragon that the Greybeards have been protecting for all these years," she said.

I turned slowly to face her. Her pale blue eyes were icy with disdain. I'd kept it from her. She didn't trust me. She never trusted me.

"What about him?"

"He needs to die. He deserves to die. And it falls to you to kill him."

"What?" I gasped."He helped us! Why would you–"

"We needed his help. Now we don't, and it's long past time for him to pay for his crimes. He was the right hand of Alduin. He committed atrocities so infamous they are still remembered, thousands of years later."

"You're going to punish him for something that happened thousands of years ago? Is it so hard to give him a second chance?"

She slammed her hands down on the table and stood. Her eyes flashed. "Here's the big picture. He helped Alduin enslave our ancestors. He may have betrayed Alduin in the end, but that makes him worse, not better. We can't afford to give Paarthurnax the opportunity to betray us in turn, and return to his old master."

"He's changed, Delphine. He saved my life when Alduin came after me. He doesn't deserve this."

"I wouldn't expect you to understand. You don't–"

"I don't? I don't what, Delphine?" I shoved my face into hers and snapped, "I don't know about second chances? I'm not a child! I wouldn't be here to save all your sorry arses if I hadn't been given another chance. I'm alive because I couldn't save the real hero, so now I've got to set things right. And I'm not about to mess it all up just to kill one of the only souls left in this world who really deserves to live!"

"You dare call yourself a Blade?"

"Not anymore. Not if this is what you've stooped to." My chest constricted painfully as I growled, "There was a time when Blades stood for so much more than this. When they willingly took in a man who wasn't the hero they were expecting. He was no one. He was a no one who had once been a servant of an enemy, but they fought with their lives to protect him!"

Esbern and the Greybeards raced into the room. They looked between Delphine and me, utterly stunned.

"If you won't bring Paarthurnax to justice, then I'll do it myself."

"No!" Arngeir cried. The walls shook.

Delphine drew her sword. I drew my own.

"Step aside," she said coolly.

Power roiled through my veins and coiled, serpent-like, around my heart. "Zun haal viik!"

Her sword was wrenched from her hands. It clattered and skidded away across the stone floor. Her eyes widened.

"You'll never be half the Blade Baurus was," I snarled. "Now, get off this mountain before I throw you off."

Silence. Then, "You're nothing but a traitor, Mara Fides."

Nodding to Esbern, the two of them left.

I stood there in the emptiness that followed, fists clenched, my whole body shaking. Turning on my heel, I marched out of the council room. One step. Two steps. I had to keep walking. I couldn't look back and see the Greybeards' staring faces. My anger at Delphine wasn't dissipating. It was building. I had to get out.

I shoved open the monastery doors and walked out into the courtyard with measured steps as I fought to control myself. The energy was roiling in my veins and burning on my tongue. I swallowed it down. I had to keep calm. I took a few more steps. My boots crunched through the snow.

Traitor… traitor… traitor…

I gripped the sides of my head and hissed through my teeth. My breath came out in tendrils, like wisps of white smoke befitting the dragon that I was. Human, dragon, hero, traitor. What was I?

Misstep. I fell to my knees in the snow, still holding my head. My hands trembled. The more I came to know about myself, the less I seemed to understand. What was I? What had I ever been?

I couldn't run. I couldn't hide. Trying only led to war and ruin. I wouldn't be free. I couldn't be free. And the knowledge that the one comfort I craved would forever elude me sent another shard of grief into my heart.

"Forgive me," I gasped. "I'm trying. I'm trying. I wish you were here. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do…"