Ch 2
Bleak Fall Barrow/The Golden Claw
The first thing I saw when finally leaving the cave was the star-filled sky with a few clouds here and there. "Oh, it's night time.. Hey Hadvar do you know where we are going?" I asked Hadvar as Ken moved a head of me to join him as we walked. "Of course young Amara... I wouldn't want us to get lost." As he said this I rushed to keep up with the others despite my legs protesting. It didn't take long for us to find a path that led right. As we walked we kept silent none of us wanting to talk to the other after the amount of blood being spilled this very night. The longer we walked the more turns we took as we tried to stay on the path none of us wanting to be separated. Before long Hadvar finally broke the silence. "I Know with what the other Imperials tried to do will probably put you off... But maybe you could think about joining the Imperial legion.. We could use people like you. And with the Rebels getting out of hand. You'd be a great help." I looked at Ken to see what he would say. "Hmmm before today if you'd asked me to join I would have said no... Straight away. But seeing the Rebels today... I mean first they were trying to get the Imperials to not execute Amara.. But in the end they were just trying to kill him themselves... So I'll think about it." While he was speaking he grabbed a hold of me and pulled me into a side hug as we walked down the path.
"I'm glad to hear it... Hey kid maybe if the war lasts a little longer you could probably join as well." said Hadvar as he turned his head to me however Ken quickly jumped in before I could say anything. "Over my dead body.. If he's there on the battlefield. I'll be too busy circling him making sure No one comes near him... Isn't that right kid." He said as he ruffled one of my feline ears as I just looked up at him with a defiant look on my face. "See that ruin up there? Bleak Fall Barrow. When I was a boy, that place always used to give me nightmares. Draugr creeping down the mountain to climb through my window at night, that kind of thing. I admit, I still don't much like the look of it." Before me and Ken could say anything he continued as he turned around with a slight smile on his face. "These are the Guardian Stones, three of the thirteen ancient standing stones that dot Skyrim's landscape." he says as we come around the curve of the path only to stop to look at these three large rocks with circular halls in the top of them. As me and Ken approach them Hadvar spoke out behind us. "Go ahead, see for yourself." Looking up at Ken and nodding our heads at each other we stepped on the platform with the three stones.
Looking at all three stones I noticed they bore symbols upon them a thief, a mage and finally a warrior. Turning to Ken I gestured with my left hand towards the three stones as I stepped slightly back so Ken could have more room. "You first Ken." Ken lowered his head in thanks as he looked at all three stones before walking straight up to the Warriors stone and placing his hand upon it. For a moment nothing seemed to happen when all of a sudden the Hollow circle of the stone slowly began to glow as a blue light shot up to the sky while the carving of the Warrior glowed in certain areas like a star constellation. "Well isn't that something never seen them do that before." Said Hadvar as Ken step down off the platform and turn to watch me. "Right Amara it's your turn." He said with a big grin on his face. Looking at all three of the stones I couldn't help but feel a pull towards the Mage, I looked at it for a moment longer before slowly stepping forward and placed my right hand on it and just like Ken's it began to glow.
Turning back to the others I jumped off the platform and grabbed Ken's hand as we began walking again. Along the path I noticed some herbs and medicinal plants that could be used in potions so as we walked I picked as much as I could while Ken was talking to Hadvar about getting us cleared by General Tullius. I had just found some mushrooms when all of a sudden Ken and Hadvar ran ahead of me as a pack of two wolves were charging towards us with the intent to kill. Watching them fight the Wolves gave me a good insight on how differently they fight Hadvar attacked the wolf head on bringing his sword down on the Wolves left leg injuring it enough so he could dig his sword in the Wolves neck. Ken however waited for the wolf to jump at him before he grabbed it by its neck while stabbing the wolf repeatedly in its side making the wolf bleed out. "Why do you wait for the wolf to attack you while Hadvar just attacked it instantly before it could?" Ken looked up at me as he was skinning the Wolf of its fur while Hadvar did the same with the other one. "Well everyone has their own way of killing.. Even you could kill in a different way." He explained as he put the fur pelts in my backpack.
After that it wasn't long before we finally made it to riverwood, looking around I noticed it was a very small village with very few people before I could look anymore Ken quickly picked me up and turned to Hadvar and told him. "Look I know it's early morning and we've got lots to discuss... But we've been awake for the full day yesterday and all night last night.. So I don't know about you but I'm taking this little one to the inn and getting us some good night's sleep." "Yeah no worries. We can talk tomorrow." After Hadvar said that Ken quickly took me to the Sleeping Giant inn where we met a lovely woman called Delphine. "Hi there I was just wondering if I could rent a room?" asked Ken as he adjusted me on his hip. Delphine looked at me with a big grin before saying. "Sure thing it'll be yours for a day. That will be 10 coins. Oh and sorry to let you know since we're pretty much full you and the little man here will be sharing a bed." After I was done paying her, Ken quickly moved us to the rented room.
The room was small with a single bed, a chest, a wardrobe, a small table and a single chair. "OK... Well you can have the bed.. And...Er I'll have this chair to sleep in alright." While Kenn was talking he took my backpack off as well as my boots and then placed me on the bed however as I lay down I turned to him and said. "You know... we.. could just... share.. a bed.. like.. the woman... said." I said as I slowly drifted to sleep.
When I finally woke up it was to an empty room even my backpack was gone. Quickly getting up I pulled on my boots and looked around the room again only to find a note. Walking over to the note I picked it up and began to read. : Dear Amara, before you start panicking no I haven't left you. I took your backpack and your money pouch to buy some essentials we'll need for our journey. Be back soon Ken: Taking a deep breath I slowly left the room and walked over to Delphine. "Well hello there sleepyhead don't worry your friend paid for an extra day." she said as she led me to one of the tables and sat me down. Looking up at her I asked. "What do you mean? what time is it?" Delphine chuckled as she brought me a bowl of food and place it in front of me. "Well honey it's 9:00 a.m. Which means you slept a full day and night. Now I don't know about you but I would be super hungry after that long of a sleep. So each your Apple Cobbage stew." Noticing that my boots went tied delphine kneel down and showed me how to tie my own boots as I ate the stew which was actually quite nice.
Once I was finished eating I left the inn to look for ken. Looking around the village I found what looked like the only shop in this village called Riverwood Trader. Walking inside I saw Ken giving the shop owner some money and then asking him a question. "So? Did something happen?" The shop owner lucan hesitated before answering. "Yes, we did have a bit of a... break-in. But we still have plenty to sell. The robbers were only after one thing. An ornament of solid gold. In the shape of a dragon's claw." Before can could say anything I quickly jumped in and answered for him. "Kenchan and I could help you." The shop owner chuckled as Ken put his hand on my head and started to scrach my ears. "Really now.. Well then when you come back with it. I have some gold here for you." All of a sudden a loud bang could be heard as the shop owners sister stood up with her hands pressed against the table and shouted at her brother. "Are you mad Lucan? He has a child to look after Bleak Fall Barrow is no place for a child." I look up at Ken only to see him looking at Camilla with admiration clear in his eyes before he spoke. "Well fair Maiden. I can swear to you that this child is safe with me." Camilla blushed at what Ken said before sitting back down and nodding her head.
Finally out of the shop and with my backpack on my back again. "So? What did you buy?" I asked Ken as we walked towards Hadvar's house. "The usual supplies. Fishing equipment, a map of Skyrim, better armour, better weapons. I had sold the other ones and I even got myself a backpack that way I could help carry some of the burden of life. I also got some food, potions, some bags and jars to put the ingredients you find in them which I've already done the ones you've already collected as well.. Got you some clothes as well as another pair of boots couldn't forget to get winter clothes as well." I nodded my head as Ken listed all the stuff he bought. "Did I see you talking to Sven no. Maybe. Maybe... Nevermind." Me and Ken both stopped at the wood elf seemingly having an argument with himself. "Do you need some help sir?" I asked before he could turn away. "It's nothing really. It's just. It's just that Sven is this guy who writes love notes to Camilla... And I'm worried that she's falling for him... Could you... Could you possibly give her this note and say it's from Sven? I'll be forever in your debt." Said the wood elf as he handed me a note and then walked off to continue his job. Turning to Ken I opened the letter and read it out quietly to him. : My dearest Camilla, I yearn to have you as my own, washing my linens, and my fine blonde hair, to cook my dinners from my stove, and to tend to my house while I wander. Yours truly, Sven:
I lifted up my eyes to Ken and give him an evil grin. "Well if this doesn't get Camilla to stop seeing him I don't know what will... Also it'd be harder for you to pursue her... Don't deny it I saw that look you were giving her." I said as I had my hand with the letter in it on my hip and pointing at him. Turning around I started to skip my way back to Camilla's shop while Ken is laughing as he said to meet him at Hadvar's house when I was done. Walking back into the store I looked around only to see her still sitting in the seat she was before next to the fire. "Camilla I have a note for you from this guy... Oh what was his name... Oh that's it Sven." I said as I handed her the fake note. "Another poem I bet.. He does know how to make a girl blush." She said as she opened up the note and began to read it. Once she was done she looked up at me and said waving the note. "What is this.. If that oath thinks all I'm going to do is clean that filthy house of his... You can tell Sven that he already has a mother I'm not speaking to him anymore." After she was done with her rant I walked out of the store and went looking for the elf. Finally finding him on a bridge crossing the stream where the wood chopping station was I ran up to him to give him the good news. "Guess what? I don't think Camilla is going to be talking to him anymore." When he heard this his face broke out in a huge grin as he grabbed my right hand and placed 20 pieces of gold in my hand and said. "Oh thank you.. Oh thank you.. Here some gold that I saved up while working at the mill." after that he walked away as I slowly made my way to Hadvar's family house.
When I was inside I saw Ken sitting next to the blacksmith at the dining table and talking about Helgen. The blacksmith saw me walk in and quickly got up from his seat and grabbed me by my shoulders as he kneel down in front of me and asked. "Is it true? What their saying? That the Imperials tried to execute you? And about the dragon?" I didn't know what to say so instead of speaking I just nodded my head slowly. When I did this the Blacksmith's eyes widened in shock before standing up and turning to Ken. "You need to tell the Jarl of Whiterun about the dragon so he can send some soldiers here." Ken nodded his head in agreement and pulled out his map and began to read it. After Ken finally finished reading the map he quickly put it away in his backpack and turned to the blacksmith. "Is it alright if we can have a quick meal before we leave?"
Once we were finally fed and received some gifts from the blacksmith we headed on out of the house. Turning left we walked down through the town until we finally reached a bridge. Walking across it I couldn't help but feel the coldness in the air as it began to snow. However, before we could cross the bridge two men approached us one being an orc any of our just a man. The human man spoke first as he handed Ken a letter. "A letter from the Jarl. Moving up in the world." Once Ken received the letter the man quickly left as the orc began to speak. "You there. You look like someone who would enjoy killing vampires. come down to the Dawnguard enjoying us and killing those blood suckers." Ken looked at the orc before speaking. "I'll have to think about that but thanks for letting me know." Once the orc left I grabbed out my leather bound book and a pencil made out of a tree branch. "What are you doing?" Ken asked as I began write in the book. "Well we've been asked by multiple people to do them a favour or to just help them. So I'm writing everything we've been asked in the book when we're done we cross it off the list."
Looking at my book me and Ken were both shocked at how much we'd been asked to do. We've been asked to talk to the Jarl of Whiterun, retrieve the Golden Claw, discover the significance of Crimson Nirnroot, find out about the Dawnguard, speak to the Jarl of Falkreath and finally join the Imperial Legion. "That's a lot to do." Said Ken as he nudged me forward so we could cross the bridge. "So what are we going to do first?" I asked Kenchan as we got off the bridge while Ken grabbed my book and reddit one more time before handing it back and pointing at the talk to the Jarl of Whiterun. "The people of Riverwood need protection, so do that one first." I nodded my head as I followed Ken as he turned right down the path. However, we had to stop as the snow was coming down heavier and was becoming even more colder. Ken grabbed out our winter clothes and got us quickly changed before continuing to move.
Continuing down the pathway I kept a look out for any type of plants that I could pick. Suddenly I saw Ken grab out his sword as a howl could be heard in the distance slowly we moved forward but kept our guard up in case of a wolf attack. Sure enough a wolf jumped out of the bushes however before Ken could do anything the wolf pounced on me and began to lick my face profusely, I struggled to open my eyes while the wolf was licking my face but when I did finally get my eyes open I squealed in happiness at the face I saw or should I say the faces I saw. "Apollo, Talia. I can't believe it you're really here. Wait does that mean the others are here too?" With that I felt a mental connection form with six of my familias the other two was still in their eggs at this point. ~Amara you will probably notice that we're not all there with you.~ Said Hedwig as I pushed Apollo off me while gesturing to Ken to put his sword away. ~We as your Familias have decided that Apollo and Talia will stay by Your Side as me or Hedwig come and go at any point in time.~ said shadow as he landed on my head and settled down. ~That means Amara if Hedwig is with you then shadow will not and if shadow is with you then hedwig will not... As for me and Starlight we will be travelling around Skyrim collecting anything we think you might like or need. However it will be Hedwig or shadow who brings it to you.~ explained Adivaki as I turned to Ken who was looking at me as though I was mad for standing so close to a wolf. "OK I understand." Before Ken could say anything I quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him along as I started to walk along the path again with Apollo moving alongside me. Talia bounced on Apollo's back with each movement he made.
"Right so I've got a lot of explaining to do." When I said this Ken gave me a stern look as if to say yes you do. "Well... Okay it's really hard to explain and to be honest some of it I don't want to tell you... Don't give me that look you obviously got secrets and I've got mine... However what I can tell you is that I have multiple animals called familiars a wolf, a rabbit, an owl, a panther... It's a big black cat, a lion... You might see them in the future so don't ask and finally a raven." Before I could continue Ken cut me off. "Obviously that's not it... Don't think I haven't forgotten those two eggs wrapped against your stomach." Blushing as I placed my right hand on one of the eggs I looked up to him and said. "Look I know this is hard to understand but I have a mental connection with my familias. Can we just leave it at that please?" Ken looked at me suspiciously before slowly nodding his head in understanding knowing what it's like to have to keep secrets.
Finally after what seemed like hours we finally saw it Whiterun however we didn't stop walking as it was already very late and can wanted to get to the inn before meeting the Jarl. We heard a war cry as well as feeling the ground Shake, quickly running to see what the noise was about only to see a group of Warriors killing a giant as it fell to the ground. A woman from the group walk towards us and said irritatedly. "Well weren't you two some help? It was lucky we knew how to handle ourselves." Before Ken could say anything I walked up to her while pointing my finger at her. "Don't you dare.. We only got here as you finish killing it so don't you dare try to say we wouldn't of helped.. If we got here any sooner Ken would have been more than happy to rush in to help you. So instead of assuming you know us actually talk to us and get to know us." Ken had to grab me and pull me back while trying to keep my wolf from jumping to my defence. However as the woman pulled out her sword after seeing my wolf Ken quickly grabbed out his sword and block her view of us while I wrapped my arms around Apollo. "The animals are Amara's familiars so unless you want me to cut you down I suggest you. Put. Your. Weapon. away." Each time Ken paused he stepped closer to the lady making the message very clear don't attack what you don't know.
Putting his sword away as he turned to me while the lady and her group left I couldn't help but give Ken a thankful smile. "Come on kid let's get to that Inn I definitely need a good night sleep after that." He said as he pulled me to my feet as we began to walk again luckily enough we weren't too far from the city's Gates where a guard stopped us. "Halt! No outside us are allowed not with the rumor of a dragon about." I wasn't sure what was said as Ken leaned forward and whispered to the guard however I wasn't complaining as the guard quickly moved to the city gates and open the door for us to enter.
Finally inside Whiterun we quickly looked around for the inn as there was no one around to help us with it being so late. After finding it can pulled me in side and out of the cold. "Hi there Ma'am I'll like a room for a night?" said Ken as he handed 10 pieces of gold to Hulga who led us to a room with a double bed. Taking off bags, shoes and clothes we climbed into bed as Apollo and Talia got settled at the bottom of the bed while Shadow got himself comfy on the dresser. "Night Kenny." "Night kid." I giggled when Kenny groaned at his new nickname before finally settling down and going to sleep.
In the morning after getting dressed and some nice food in us by Hulga, we finally left the inn and were heading to the Jarls' home. Shadow was flying above us circling round and round keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, Talia was in my arms happily eating a leaf from one of the cabbages I had in my backpack and Apollo was in front of me and Ken happily bounding around while wagging his tail. "Why does Apollo and Talia have to wear a leather strap around their necks?" I finally asked Ken as we walked through the city. "So other people know he's yours." He said as we made it to a large set of stairs leading to the Jarls' home. "Hey Kenny what's that building?" I asked him as I pointed to a small wooden building close to the stairs. "I think that is the bathhouse? Some places have public bathhouses so they can get clean." Just as Kenny was about to start walking up the stairs I quickly grabbed him and dragged him to the bathhouse and dragged him inside. "Amara we need to go and see the Jarl we don't have time for this." Stopping quickly as the door shut behind us I quickly turned around to Kenny and grabbed him by the ear. "Ken we haven't washed in three days maybe longer.. We. Are having. A bath." Ken quickly nodded his head in agreement as I grabbed his hand as the lady led us down some stairs before leaving us alone.
"Wow this place is huge." I say in awe as Ken sighed heavily while he helped me get my clothes and bandages off as I placed the two large eggs down on my pile of clothes. Ken sighed as he looked at the two eggs. "We could have come here after we've talked to the Jarl you know?" He said as he joined me in the water fall scrubbing section and began to help me wash my hair after untying it. I just scoffed as I turned my head slightly. "We're going to meet a Jarl. A Jarl. I don't want to give him the impression that I'm homeless." I said as Kenny finally finished washing me and let me go to the bath section of the room with my two eggs in my arms. Placing the two eggs next to the fire to keep them warm I sat down and waited for Ken. "Oh you've got a point there. Good thing you dragged me to the bathhouse." he said as he finally finished washing himself and joined me in the giant Bath. Looking at Kenny I couldn't help notice he had some bandages covering different parts of his body. "Did you get hurt in Helgen?" I asked as I lifted up his left arm trying to see past the bandages. "Did you think after all that fighting I would come out unscaved? Wait a minute... Are those scars?" He asked as he grabbed me and turned me around so I was facing away from him before I could answer he turned me towards him looking at my chest, arms and legs. "How?... How did I not notice these before?... Kid who did this to you?" He asked as he grabbed my face and looked into my eyes. "You couldn't of noticed before because my skin is so pale... Plus I was covered in bandages securing the two eggs to my stomach... And as for who did this to me? It doesn't matter, I'm away from them now and I'm safe." I said as I looked at Ken with pleading eyes. Heaving a heavy sigh Ken looked at me for a moment longer before nodding his head. "Fine but if you see whoever did that to you again let me know because I'm going to go up to them and cut their heads off." he said in a matter of fact tone of voice that made me giggle.
Finally done with the bathhouse and with my eggs strapped to my stomach again. I was now wearing kid's sized leather armor made by Ken and Ken was wearing his iron armor that he had recently made in Riverwood. I however refused to put the helmet on where Ken put his on straight away. "Well at least we know people get their exercise when they go to meet their Jarl." I joked as Ken looked at me approvingly in my new armor before we began to walk up the stairs. Once we were finished walking up the steps we took a minute to catch our breath. "I thought you were kidding when you said that be an exercise." When Ken said that we both bursted out laughing before walking up to the door and walking inside.
Looking around I was amazed at how large it was inside. It was very roomy however I groaned out loud before saying. "Come on why are there more stairs?" This made Ken chuckle as he grabbed my hand and pulled me up the stairs just as a dark elf female drew out her sword and made her way towards us. "What is the meaning of this? Jarl Balgruuf isn't expecting any visitors." Ken raised both of his hands as he explained about Riverwood being in danger and the dragon attack on Helgen. At first the sheelf didn't look as though she was believing us until we mentioned the dragon attack. "Well then that explained why the guards let you in. Come the Jarl will want to speak with you both." She said as I looked up at Kenny and grabbed his hand nervously as we slowly approached the Jarl. "You two where at Helgen? When the soul called dragon attacked?" Asked the Jarl as we stopped in front of him as he sat on his throne. Ken step forward as he spoke. "Yes the Imperials were just about to kill Amara here when the Dragon came out of nowhere and began to destroy Helgen." The sheelf gasped when she heard the Imperials trying to kill me. The Jarl turned his head to me before asking. "Is this true? But you're just a child why would they want to kill you?" I stepped forward as I took off my left glove showing him the scales on my hand and then flicked my tail left and right. "The female captain looked disgusted when I told her I was part of the Breton, Khajiit, Dark Elve and Argonian race and she called me a mixed breed. Me and Kenny weren't even on the list to be executed but she still ordered us dead." The Jarl looked furious at my explanation before apologizing for the Imperials actions he then turned to his Proventus and questioned him if they should rely on the cities walls to protect them. It was the sheelf who spoke up and suggested a plan to the Jarl however the Proventus tried to put in an argument but the Jarl stopped him then turned to the sheelf and told her to send out a detachment to Riverwood at once.
"Well done. You sought me out on your own initiative. You've both done Whiterun a service, and I won't forget it. Here, take these as a small token of my esteem." He said as he handed Kenny golden elven arma. He then turned to me and handed a war axe to me before saying. "There is another thing you could do for me. Suitable for someone of your particular talents, perhaps. Come, let's go find Farengar, my court wizard. He's been looking into a matter related to these dragons and... rumors of dragons." Me and Ken quickly followed the Jarl as he led us to an open doorway on the left side of the hall where a middle aged mage stood looking at a large map. "Farengar, I think I've found someone who can help you with your dragon project. Go ahead and fill them in with all the details." Said the Jarl before he left the room as Fatengar moved away from the large map and walk towards us. "So the Jarl thinks you can be of use to me? Oh yes, he must be referring to my research into dragons. Yes, I could use someone to fetch something for me. 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." He said as he looked at me incredulously before turning to Ken. "Alright then. Where are me and Amara going? And what are we fetching?" I took a look up at Ken squeezing his hand slightly as I gave him a smile. Farengar however looked very shocked that Kenny was going to take me along with him on a quest. "I like how your straight to the point and don't need any hows or whys. I really do like that. But surely you're not actually going to take a child no more than seven summers old on a dangerous Quest?" Before Kenny could say anything I gave a gasp of outrage at being called a child. "Excuse me. I might be a child but I have seen things and done things that will even put you to shame. And another thing I will have you know I am 11 summers old not seven." I said as I pointed my finger at him.
Ken had to cover his mouth to stop himself from laughing even Farenger had to cover his mouth for a moment before he spoke. "Well I see I have nothing to worry about then. I, ah, learned of a certain stone tablet said to be housed in Bleak Falls Barrow - a "Dragonstone," said to contain a map of dragon burial sites. Go to Bleak Falls Barrow, find this tablet - no doubt interred in the main chamber - and bring it to me. Simplicity itself." As Kenny asked questions about the place we were going I quickly grabbed out my book and wrote down our new quest before quickly putting my book back.
After we finally left the Jarls home and headed down the long flight of stairs with Apollo waiting for us with Talia playing with a small group of children at the bottom of the stairs. As we walk through the town we were stopped by a homeless old man and asked us if we could steal some wine for him. In the end I had to pull out my book of quests as Kenny asked anyone if they had anything they needed help with assumingly to get some gold out of it and sure enough we got another quest from a woman being harassed by a man, a trait's woman who needed help to get a mammoth's tusk, a little boy who was having trouble with a girl, a man didn't give us a quest but told us about the Companions who often hand out tasks and quests to do and we even met a little girl who was begging for money and told us how her mother had died. When I finally got the chance to put my book away I turned to Kenny and said. "When we get a house of our own we should get that little girl to move in with us. I think it'll be nice to have a little sibling." Ken gave me a smile as we left through the gates of Whiterun.
As we were walking away from Whiterun I had told Apollo and Talia to head out and to explore the area. "Hey kenny how much gold have we got left?" Without answering Ken just grab my money bag off my wrist counted what was inside of it tied it back to my wrist got out his money bag counted what was inside before telling me we had over a thousand pieces of gold. Thanks to him working at the Blacksmiths before we had left Riverwood. "Is there any chance we could get a horse? I think it would be easier to get around if we had one." I explained as I pointed at the nearby stable. Ken didn't hesitate to run over as it began to pour down with rain and ask the stable man how much the horse was. With a grin, Kenney led the dark brown horse over to me before helping me on the horse and jumping on himself.
"One thousand pieces of gold. The horse probably cost that much because it already came with the saddle." He said as I got comfortable in front of him and by the time we got to the bottom of the mountain leading up to Bleak fall barrow I knew as we were very close to Riverwood. Our horse also refused to go any further which forced me and Ken to walk on foot up the mountain. The rain was still coming down quite heavily with a few bits of thunder and lightning here and there. We were nearly halfway Up the mountain when Kenny had to grab my arm when I nearly slipped and fell because of the mud. It was when that happened when we notist a tower with a man leaning against the tree outside of it. As we approached Ken was forced to pull out his two-handed sword as the man pulled out a two-handed Warhammer at us. It was then I noticed there were two others inside the tower one of them now shooting Arrows at us. "AMARA NO!" Kenchan shouted as he fought against the man with the Warhammer while I ran past him and ran inside the tower. Once at the top of the tower I slowly sneaked up behind one of the bow women and pushed her off the edge of the tower however I instantly regretted this when the orc who was standing beside the woman suddenly turned around with his sword drawn. I had just enough time to pull out my one handed war axe and jump out of the way of the orcs attack as I dodged again when the orc swung right I had just enough time to swing my axe at his lower left leg causing him to fall to his knees. Once the orc was on his knees I lifted my axe up as high as I could before swinging it down only for my wrist to be caught by the orc. However, this distraction gave Kenny enough time to come up the tower and attack the orc from behind.
Once the orc was dead Ken dropped his sword and grabbed me by my shoulders. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" He shouted as he Shook Me Gently. "I was thinking if I stayed there doing nothing the arrows would have hit you." When I said this, Kenny's face went from anger to understanding at once before he pulled me into a tight hug. "OK at least you got him good. However once we're done with this little Quest. We're going straight to the Companions getting in. And I'm going to teach you how to fight, forge, use a bow and hunt. Do you understand?" I nodded my head with excitement clearly showing on my face at the prospect of learning how to fight but before we left I quickly asked kenny. "Ken is there any chance I could learn other stuff as well? I know how to cook and bake I know art, design clothes, gardening and taking care of different animals. But I was wondering if I could learn more about picking locks, potion making, alchemy and a lot more maybe I could even learn how to play music?" When I said this Ken looked at me strangely before breaking out in a huge grin. "We could always talk to the Companions about it but for now let's get this quest done with." he said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the tower and further up the mountain.
Once at the foot of the ruins I couldn't wait to get inside as I could already feel myself becoming numb from the coldness. "Amara get out your axe." I did so without question as I try to look where Kenny was looking at only to see a group of three people guarding the entrance to the ruins. We slowly moved forward trying not to be spotted that didn't last long as an orc grabbed out his two-handed weapon and ran towards Kenny. As Kenny was dealing with the orc I snuck around a pillar right behind an archer who was shooting Arrows at Kenny. I lifted my axe as high as I could before bringing it down on the archer's head. The first hit didn't kill him at first however when I swung my axe again I caused part of his skull and brain to detach from the rest of his head spilling the blood and juices from his skull. Looking up to see Kenny I saw he had finally killed the other Archer and was looking at me with pride clear in his eyes.
Once we had searched the three corpses for any money we walked into the temple. Before going in any further Ken kneeled down in front of me. "I'm proud of you Amara. But this just shows me that taking you to the companions for some teaching is a good idea." he said as he led us forward only to see another two bandits inside standing next to a fire. I watched as Kenny snuck up behind the male Bandit and cut his head off. I quickly ran forward and grabbed the female bandits bow and yanked it out of her hands as Kenchan grabbed her by the back of her head before smashing her head against the stone floor over and over and over again until all you could see was her shattered skull instead of her face. "That was a bit much." Ken just chuckled at me as he looked around. "Right it's quite late there's a bed roll get some sleep. I'll wake you up in the morning." I looked at Ken in disbelief. "Sleep after just seeing you do that? You must be mad." I said as Ken grab the other bed roll and placed it next to the other one before grabbing me and laying me down beside him. "Kid I don't Know how you were raised. But something you do need to understand out here. If someone attacks you first it doesn't matter how you get rid of them along as you do.. Just remember everything you see me do I will never do to you." As he said this he lifted my head and placed it on his shoulder and hugged me to him rubbing my upper back as he helped me fall asleep.
When Ken finally woke me up he said it was going to turn eight o'clock in the morning in about 16 minutes as he handed me half a loaf of bread which didn't exactly fill me up but would last me until lunchtime. Once we were fed we both got up and headed down a circular tunnel with steps scattered along it as well as spiderwebs that Ken had to use his sword to get rid of them. As we were exploring the tunnel we then turned left and turned right which had steps covered in vines and roots walking down them and along the tunnel before having to turn right again we found a corpse of an overgrown rat next to a pillar with fire hanging from it. Turning left we saw at the end of the tunnel was a circular doorway where a man walked to the center of the room and pulled a lever only to have arrows shot at him killing him in the process.
Entering the room with the lever I looked around as Kenny searched the corpse for anything useful. As I looked around I noticed three pillars with different animals on them one being an eagle, a whale and finally a snake. "Six pieces of gold and 2 lock picks not much from a bandit." I turned to look at Ken as he talked only to see a stone face with a snake in its mouth. Looking up to see where it had come from I saw two more stone faces with animal symbols in their mouths. "Kenchan there's three heads with symbols in their mouths and three pillars with the same symbols. I think we're meant to match them up? Snake, snake and whale." as I said this Ken got up and walked to the three pillars and changed the Pillar furthest away to a snake, then changed the middle pillar to a snake again and finally he changed the Pillar closest to the gate to a whale. "OK pull the lever." Said Kenny as I walked over to the lever and pushed it as hard as I could and as the gate opened I jumped up and down and squealed into the light. "I solved the puzzle." Ken chuckled as he ran over and hoisted me over his shoulder and carried me through to the next room only to find a book about thieves and how to pickpocket which I happily put in my backpack. We also found a health potion, a soul gem, 13 pieces of gold and finally three lock picks.
Once we finished searching the room we slowly walked down the spiral stairs which led deeper into the ruins. We were attacked by overgrown rats but they were easily killed by Kenny. Once at the bottom of the stairs we walked into a room and found a scroll of fireballs and a potion of paralyzation II which we happily placed in our backpacks. "Are you hungry? Amara." as I nodded my head at kenny's question he turned me around and went into my backpack and pulled out two dried Brook bass fish and handed me one which I happily ate as we continued walking through the temple. When all of a sudden we heard a man shouting. "GET AWAY FROM ME GET AWAY!" When we approached the shouting we saw a man weaved in a spider web with a large spider in front of him remembering the large spider which tried to drag me into the hole I squeaked in fright drawing the spider's attention to us. Taking a deep breath I ran into the room getting the Spider to look at me as Kenny snuck up behind it and swung his sword hitting it as many times as he could as black blood splattered and squirted everywhere before the spider finally fell.
"You actually killed it? Now set me free before more of them come." I walked over to him and pulled out my axe to start cutting him free however Kenchan grabbed me and pulled me back he asked. "Where's the Golden Claw?" I was confused why Ken was asking this man this until the dark elf began to talk. "Yes. Yes. I have it here. I know how it works. I know what the symbols mean cut me down and I'll show you how it works." however as he said this something Inside Me was telling me not to believe a word he was saying except for the fact he had the claw. "Kenchan don't trust him something doesn't feel right." I told Kenny as he looked at me for a moment seemingly thinking about something before finally turning back to the man. Neither me or the dark elf had time to react as Kenny Drew out his sword again and thrust it straight through the man's stomach making him scream in agony and pain and as the blood began seeping through the wound and through his mouth he grabbed the handle of his sword and lifted it as much as he could before pulling it out causing blood to splatter everywhere.
I didn't question kenny's quick reaction to kill the thief instead I walked over to his corpse and searched his body finding not only The Golden Claw but also the thief's journal. "The thiefs journal it might come in handy." I say as I place the journal in my backpack and hand Ken The Golden Claw while we began to walk through the doorway that the thief was stuck in with the web. Walking into another room we found over 500 gold pieces and another soul gem and when we walked through a small tunnel we found ourselves in some sort of tomb full of corpses. Before Kenny could ask me I wore along the wall where each tomb was looking for any types of gold, lock picks and anything else the corpses might have. While I was searching one of the corpses I suddenly heard Kenny fighting something and when I turned around I was shocked to see he was fighting two skeleton corpses who were covered in armor and had shields and a sword each. However Kenchan was that concentrated on the two corpses in front of him that he didn't see the third sneaking up behind him, turning myself fully towards the Corpse I lifted my hands, called upon the fire element and pushed it through my hands turning the third corpse into Ashes as Ken finally killed the other two.
Without saying anything to each other knowing we must be silent in case there are any more of the moving corpses. Spotting a trap on the floor I pointed to it as I got Kenny's attention and we quickly moved past it without tripping the trap. However, it was then I spotted another one of the Walking corpses that hadn't awoken yet. "Ken look there's another one I can't see if there's any more." I whispered to him as he came up behind me. "OK keep down. I'm going to try to kill it with my bow." As he said this he pulled out his bow and drew an arrow trying to aim for its head unfortunately despite the arrow hitting him it took two more arrows to finally kill it. Staying in the crouched position we slowly moved keeping an eye out for any more of the corpses and sure enough there were three no four more. Pulling out my axe I moved to the female corpse that was just getting out of its tomb and smashed its head twice and thrice with my axe. Here in Ken struggling I turn around just in time to see Ken kill one of the corpses as I ran over and hit the second male corpse that was attacking him in the back of the leg causing it to fall to the ground as Ken turn around and cut its head clean off its shoulders. After all the corpses were killed we searched them all before heading to a short corridor with three axes swinging side to side. "Here take this." I say while giggling as I take off my backpack and hand it to Ken who had a confused look on his face only to shout and scream at me to come back as I lay on the ground and shimmied my way underneath each axe as I was small enough to fit through without being cut. Once on the other side I pulled the metal chain stopping the axes from moving instantly.
Standing back up with the tip of my tail wagging slightly in happiness as Ken handed me my backpack. "I'm going to die with fright if you keep on doing stuff like that." He said as he nudged my shoulder once my backpack was on securely which only made me giggle when I saw Ken's exasperated expression on his face. "Oh you will laugh now. You won't be laughing when I fall to the ground clutching my chest at the sight of you underneath three axes swinging side to side hoping to the eight divine that your tail doesn't lift up." I blushed at the realization that I had completely forgot about my tail. Seeing my face Ken couldn't help but burst out laughing while making fun of me for forgetting my tail. Walking through the large tomb kenny was able to sneak up on one of the corpses and knock it to its knees before cutting its head. Off when we turned around the corner we saw a long line of flammable liquid on the floor and two fire lamps right above the liquid. Taking out his bow and drawing back an arrow Ken shot one of the corpses forcing it to wake up and step in the liquid then shotat one of the fire lamps shooting it down as Ken grabbed me and pulled me back just in time as the flammable liquid burst into flames as not only the corpse that Ken had shot but also two others ran towards us burning in the flames before they could reach us.
"Well that's one way to get out of fighting with the Dead." I said making Kenchan laugh as he stepped over the burned corpses after the flames finally went out. Taking a couple of turns here and there we walked up a flight of stairs and went through a doorway coming face to face with one of the dead which Ken made quick work of since the only weapon it had was a dagger. The corpse however wasn't what grabbed my attention as there was a large chest in the room which I quickly opened to find 18 pieces of gold, a restore magic II potion and a Warhammer which Ken got me to leave in the chest as we didn't need it. Moving back towards Ken as he pulled a metal chain opening the iron gate where there was running water going down before having to turn right just to get out of the water. Through the cave-like tunnel I couldn't help but feel even more hungry than before. "Kenny do we have any more food?" I asked him only for him to look through my backpack and pass me three carats which all though did film me up a little bit it wasn't enough to satisfy my hunger however I kept my mouth shut about still being hungry just until we got back to the inn where I could get some proper food.
Once we were out of the tunnel we were in a large cave like room covered in glowing mushrooms which I was more than happy to harvest. Ken found some iron ore he could mine while I harvested the glowing mushrooms. Once we were done harvesting the iron ore and the glowing mushrooms they were quickly placed in our backpacks as I found another chest which had 28 gold pieces, a fire storm scroll and a fireball scroll. Once done emptying the chest we moved along turning right in the cave that led us further down. Coming across a snow covered bridge I ran forward and pushed off a corpse who landed on its head killing it instantly as I shouted. "Why are there so many dead people?" While pouting at Kenny as he just pulled me along through yet another tunnel which led us to a room with a corpse guarding a large door. Thinking this corpse would be easy just like the last few kenny walked into the room barely holding onto his sword properly as the corpses charged at him. After dodging one of the corpse attacks Ken lazily swung his sword at the corpse who quickly blocked it surprising Kenchan in the process. Quickly realizing this corpse wasn't like the other ones Ken quickly changed his tune and swung, dodged and even blocked as much as he could before having to quickly grab out a health potion as I quickly jumped in with my sword instead of my axe. All I did while Ken was trying to get his health back up was Swing My Sword in front of the corpses face before dodging every attack he made giving Kenchan enough time to catch his breath and Heal himself before jumping back into the fight however it was too late I had aimed the sword forward and run straight at the Corpse plunging My Sword in the stomach of the Corpse. Ken had to quickly pull me back without my sword as it was stuck in the wall with the corpse trying to grab at me.
Kenchan chuckled to himself before saying the same joke I made when he wanted a quick escape from fighting. "Well that's one way to get out of fighting the Dead." I just gaped at him while the Corpse was still trying to reach out to us. Coughing and crossing my arms together I went straight through the door leaving Kenchan laughing behind me. Without wasting any time we began on a gentle jog trying to get through the rest of the temple as fast as we could only having to stop as we came across three swinging axes again. "Are you going to climb underneath them again?" Ken asked while I still had a pout on my face. "Are you going to apologize for laughing at me?" I said as I looked up at him with a Defying look on my face which only made Ken start laughing again. Narrowing my eyes at Ken as I dropped my backpack to the ground and got onto my hands and knees then lay on my stomach with my axe in hand and shimmied my way across the floor trying not to be caught by one of the three axes. Once on the other side I grabbed the chain and pulled it stopping the axes as I looked around the room only to have to jump out the way of a sword aimed at my head. Before I could get up Ken flung my backpack into my arms as he started to fight the Corpse that had attacked me. Once my backpack was secure on my back I charged at the Corpse pushing it down in a puddle of flammable liquid realising what I was in I rushed to get out of it just as Kenny shot one of the flame torches off the ceiling killing the Corpse in the process.
Spotting two more corpses above us, he quickly drew one of his arrows and shot a ceiling pot of fire down. It exploded as it hit the ground killing the Two other corpses. Climbing the wooden stairs we walked around until we stood on a bridge above the lower ground. "You've got quick reflexes.. I'm surprised That you've lasted this long in here." said Kenny as we walked through a door which led us to a large room big enough to hold a grand feast. "I've always had to be quick in my life... And plus the corpses are easy enough to get away from.. They're not even good aims with a bow." I said as we walked down to a large door with three animal symbols on it a bear, an owl and a firefly. Remembering The Golden Claw I grabbed it from kenny's backpack and looked at the three symbols on The Golden Claw it went bear, firefly and then owl. "Kenny, I'm too short for this the top symbol is meant to be a bear the middle symbol is supposed to be a firefly and The Last Symbol is supposed to be an owl." As I said each symbol kenny made sure to change the correct rings before I put the claw in the Keyhole and sure enough it was correct as the door slowly lowered itself as I gave Ken the claw.
Not much happened after that as we made it to what looked like a large cave however the further we walked into the cave the more it changed. There was a large flight of stairs as well as a small bridge leading up to a platform which had a curved wall with a picture of what looked like a large helmet on it. All of the sudden the air seemed to get thicker with every step we took as strange markings below the helmet began to glow and some sought of energy began to flow not only to Kenny but also to myself. When we were right in front of the glowing words all of a sudden I felt a rush of power before the words began to fade it was then the tomb behind us began to shake and break open as a heavy armored corpse climbed out with a large two-handed sorwd.
"Amara separate. It can't get both of us if we're far apart." When Ken said this I quickly move to the left as Kenny moved to the right however we weren't expecting the Corpse to suddenly shout causing Kenny to become badly injured. We ended up fighting long and hard with this Beast as it was very powerful and with every hit Ken gave the creature, the beast hit 10 times harder causing Kenchan to have to tap out for a couple of moments just to heal himself enough so he could get back into the fight. The Beast brought down his axe on my left leg causing me to scream out in pain as blood quickly rushed to the open wound trying to start the healing process. ~AMARA!~ Shouted all my familiars in my head. Kenny was able to get the upper hand on the Beast as he cut the beasts back legs forcing it to its knees and then cut right through the beasts waste in half. Kenchan rushed over to me and quickly put pressure on the open wound as he took off his backpack and grabbed a leather strap and some cloth.
Once my wound was bandaged up as best as it could with a single cloth and leather strap Ken got up and searched around looking for anything we could take before we left. Opening a large chest with the helmet symbol on it, Kenn grab a sphere object as a otherworldly voice spoke out "Look at my temple, lying in ruins. So much for the constancy of mortals, their crafts and their hearts. If they love me not, how can my love reach them? Restore to me my beacon, that I might guide you toward your destiny." Ken Just shook his head as he ran over to me and lifted me up into his arms and began to carry me up the large flight of stairs hoping to find a way out. And sure enough we found a handle which Kenny didn't hesitate to pull making a stone wall lift up enough for us to squeeze through. It was a very tight squeeze especially with Kenny carrying me bridal style in his arms. At some point Ken came to a part of the cave where he had to jump down because there was no way of being able to climb down thankfully when he got back up to his feet weird finally made it to the exit of the cave and by that point I had passed out from the pain and blood loss in my leg.