Edric V

I walked to the court mage's room, my bandages needed to be changed yet again.

"Aye, back again I see." The older man laughed as he began to unwrap the bandages around my stomach.

"How are things in the Reach?"

"Patroculus is losing supporters. Apparently one of Madanach's younger sons is gaining a following. He started a camp, and not long after the camp is the size of Kynesgrove. He names the camp Karth after the river valley he is sitting in and declares it the capital until he takes Markarth back."

"Really, how is he getting away with that?"

"Well Patroculus is too busy keeping the Stormcloaks and the Legion out so Karth is growing and no one is stopping it."

I went to say something else when he cut me off. "Have you talked to your father yet?"

"No, I've put it off as long as I can."

"You need to see him." The elder looked down his nose at me.

"Aye, I know I do. I just dread it. I've lead the fight so far, I did not need him."

"Edric, you have done one hell of a job." Wuunferth laid a hand on my shoulder. "You had no way of knowing the Legion was in the way. You had no idea the Bretons had made it from High Rock."

"Aye, but I had to retreat. It was a defeat."

"Your first?"

"Yes."

"Everyone loses sometimes. You have been miraculous on the campaign. You haven't lost in three years. You have taken all but Solitude and Morthal."

I interrupted," and the Reach."

"I think you have seen how your father took the Reach. War won't help you take the Reach. They just soak it in and send it back to the Nords."

I just looked at him.

"Edric, you are an amazing military leader. However, there is more to being a leader than winning battles. I think that's something your father never figured out."

"How can you say that?"

"How can you not? You, his bastard son, who he only claimed when you 'proved' you were his son." Wuunferth looked in disdain. "You who have seen your whole life how he treats the other races and mages."

I had noticed that segregation of races and his disdain for magic.

"Wuunferth, why has he kept you around for so long?" I looked at the court wizard. He began to rub some form of poultice on my ribs.

"I'm his uncle, your great-uncle." He said matter-of-factly. "His father Hoag, was my younger brother. I was the heir before my magic began to act out and I was sent to the college. When I came back our father told me I was dead to him, hence Wuunferth the Unliving. I was sent back to the College where I taught destruction magic until my father died. Hoag, your grandfather asked me to come back as his court wizard. I served him and now I serve Ulfric and if the Divines are willing I will be able to serve you."

As we were talking a group of guards came running into Wuunferth's room.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Wuunferth threw his hands out wide, flames burning in his hands.

"You are under arrest for the murders that have taken place in Windhelm." Jorleif the steward walked in.

"Had the whole city gone mad? I have been looking for the murderer myself!" Wuunferth shouted.

"Make your excuses from your cell. Guards, get him out of here."

"Sir, the flames extinguish them." One guard motioned at the wizard's hands. Wuunferth closed his palms leaving a hissing noise.

After they had escorted Wuunferth out I caught up to Jorleif," What was that about?"

"We have evidence that puts him at every murder and in the house where the experiments were going on."

"What evidence?" I asked.

"I don't have to tell you anything, boy." Jorleif scowled.

"I am no longer the bastard, Jorleif. I am heir to Windhelm. Give me the evidence." I looked at the steward. "If you want to stay in the castle I would hand it over."

And hand it he did. Following that confrontation I went to the Bloodworks, what the jail is called, and sought out Wuunferth. I showed him the necklace and the journals.

"Well this confirms my theory." He stroked his beard. "I thought this was having to do with a necromantic ritual. This is the necromancer's amulet. An ancient artifact, well the name says it all. Anyway, there will be an attack tonight in the Stone Quarter. Be there and save a life. Edric, a strong sword-arm wins battles but a keen mind wins wars. Think everything through, be smart." I thanked my uncle and set out.

It was close to midnight when I saw the Butcher.

The wife of the stable master had just walked out of the Candlehearth Inn and went over to the market. I followed behind at a distance with two guards at either side. I noticed a man with a black cloak sneaking behind the woman.

"Draw your bow, watch that man." I ordered the guard on my left.

The would be killer pulled out a dagger and made to close the distance between himself and the stable master's wife. "Shoot him now. Try not to kill him."

The arrow pierced the man's leg and he crumpled behind the woman. She turned around and saw him. She seemed to catch on quick as she started screaming. "Take her to her husband. Ma'am, if your husband bores you I suggest fixing that with him. Don't try seek pleasure elsewhere." She nodded as she sobbed and the guard ushers her home.

"Bring him to the throne room." I told the other guard.

After my father and Jorleif were woken and brought forth to the throne room I had Calixto brought to them.

"Here is your butcher. I and two other guards caught him while he attempted to kill the stable master's wife."

Jorleif shuffled awkwardly. "Thank you, Thane Edric. What can I do to repay you?" He asked.

"Release my great uncle, Wuunferth and apologize to him."

"Well done, my son." Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak said, he voice loud and deep. "Since we haven't talked since you returned why don't you tell me how you got out of the Reach."