Day Forty

It had taken six bottles of mead to dull my mind enough for me to fall asleep. It did not matter how I slept, my shoulder hurt. When I awoke, as I feared it was no better but now it was stiff, something I normally enjoy in the morning.

Lydia joined me after breakfast to go to see Danica. The priestess tried what she knew but it made no difference. I could use my arm and my grip was fine, but I could not raise it past my chin without excruciating pain. Besides thinking this was something permanent, I wondered how I was going to continue to fight to gain dominion over the dragons and all of Skyrim. My only training had been with a two-handed sword and lately with a bow. While useful, no one was going to be quaking when I charged at them with a stupid bow and arrow. If I used a regular sword I think I could use a shield with my bad arm. It was still strong, just limited in motion. My skill with a one-handed weapon was basic at best. I would need someone to help train me so I did not get myself killed my first real fight out.

This injury threatened to put a serious crimp in my plans. I could not think straight. Maybe I should have bought some skooma, yesterday. Lydia was waiting for me to finish talking with Danica so I hurried it up and we left Whiterun. I decided to take my sword with me. Perhaps one of the mages at the college could do something, though I was loath to ask. I got the impression they knew how I felt about their kind. Except, of course, for Faralda. Maybe she would put in a good word for me.

We hired the carriage to take us to Winterhold. The driver tried to talk but I was in too foul a mood to answer civilly. Lydia glared at me but right now I could not care less. I lost myself in my thoughts and used my injured arm for the only thing it was good for now: bringing bottles of mead to my lips. By the time we reach Winterhold, night had fallen so we got a room at the inn. After dinner and I just went to bed, in pain, angry, and overwhelmed with something new to me - actual fear.

Day Forty-one

In the morning, I did not even feel like eating so I forced myself to eat a few apples and then I hurried Lydia along with her usual big meal. She wanted to go to Septimus but I would not even entertain the idea. I insisted we go to the college first to see if they could do anything for me. She was obviously not thrilled with the idea, either because of her moral sense of duty to adhere to my pledge to Septimus or, what I really thought, her jealousy of Faralda. It was a tough burden I shouldered, having most women wanting to claim me for their own, whether they openly admitted it or not. I understood and just did the best I could.

I found Faralda on the bridge once again leading to the college. I attempted just an affectionate hug but she had other ideas and nearly melted the snow where we are standing with her greeting. Afterwards, she acknowledged Lydia with a mere nod and a knowing smile.

"You've returned sooner than expected, Dragonborn," Faralda said, "A warning would have been nice, but I may be able to get the night off."

"We will definitely have to see about that, won't we?" I said cordially, "In the meantime I was hoping to speak with your Master of Healing?"

"Colette?" Faralda asked, "And what would you want with her?" The elf leaned to my ear and whispered, "Did you pick up something from your concubine? I would like to know now rather than find out later."

"No, no," I assured her, "Nothing like that." I smiled at Lydia, hoping she did not hear any of that. "I suffered an injury and I was hoping your mage could help me with it. My magic seems to be doing little to mend it."

Faralda looked stricken, "Injury? You didn't injure...?" She left the question open but glanced down.

"My shoulder, Faralda. I was struck by a horse. No something like that other thing and I would be much more despondent. Can you perhaps arrange a meeting with this Colette for me, as soon as right now? I have a dangerous mission that awaits and I am eager to fix this problem before I leave."

"I suppose. Come, she usually hangs around the Arcaneum where no one will bother her. Lets try there first."

Colette was in the library and Faralda convinced her, or threatened would be closer to the truth, to take a look at my shoulder. I remembered passing the Breton once last time I was here. Her white lips and grating voice were hard to forget.

"No one gives Restoration magic a second thought until they're hurt," Colette complained as she applieed her magic, "Then it's 'ow, ow, help, please do something.' Don't you agree?"

Her spell seemed to be doing something so I gritted my teeth and managed to say, "Of course. They're just jealous."

She was pleased with my answer and smiled when she stopped her spell, "There you go. All better?"

It did feel better. I reached back to grab my sword but when I unsheathed it, the extra weight brought the pain back and I dropped the weapon, nearly impaling the Breton's foot. I cursed so foully Colette acted as if she had to heal her ears.

"I'm sorry, Sir Dragonborn," Colette said, "That was the best possible magic. I do not think that will ever heal completely. Might I suggest you take up magic? You seem to have an aptitude for it. You could be one of us."

Lydia tackled me to the ground as I leapt for the healer's throat. Colette ran off shrieking as my housecarl roughly pinned me to the ground, using her hefty hips for balance and leverage atop my chest. If my shoulder did not feel like it was being torn out, I might actually have liked it. As it was, I was nearly tempted to shout her through the ceiling.

"Attacking the citizens of Skyrim," Lydia said, "especially ones trying only to help you is definitely not Thane-worthy."

"All right, I just lost my temper," I said, "Now let me up or slide on down and get busy. I can't breathe."

Lydia sighed with disgust then slowly released me. At least only Faralda and the Orc were witnesses to me being so unceremoniously dumped to the ground. I rubbed my other shoulder which took most of the weight of my fall. "Where's Colette?"

"She ran off, probably to get the angry Atronochs Urag spoke of before."

Instead of Atronochs, a Dunmer in fancy robes flanked by two other mages approached me. He looked at me with obvious disdain then addressed Faralda.

"One of your's, Faralda?" he asked her.

"He's a friend who was seeking healing magic from Colette," she explained, "It didn't go as well as he hoped."

"It's not her fault," I said quickly, "It's mine. I overreacted and I'd like to apologize to Colette."

"Mmm, well, Colette is recovering in my chambers. Poor dear nearly fainted before she could get up the stairs. I am Savros Aren, Arch-mage of the College and I'm afraid I must ask you to leave. Violence will not be tolerated here unless it is part of an experiment."

"We were just on our way out," I said. "Thanks for the help, Faralda."

"I'm sorry it did not work, Dragonborn," the high elf said. "Perhaps you should look into a more... suitable follower. Your protection is vital to the prophecies."

Lydia took a step towards her but I put a hand out to stop her. "Hold now, Housecarl. Violence is not our way, remember?"

Through gritted teeth, Lydia said, "As you will, my Thane."

"Good-bye, Savros," I said. "Sorry for the commotion. And Faralda, as fun as the other night was, I'll take Lydia as my companion over anyone, especially now."

I took my time leaving. From behind I caught Savros admonishing Faralda. "Really, Faralda, you must be more discerning," Savors said, "These charity cases you choose to bed get seedier every time..."

I picked up my pace as Lydia was on the verge of laughing at Faralda. Back in Winterhold I stopped in at Brina's to see if she had any weapons I can use. The only weapon she had happened to be a basic iron sword. I buy it and fixed it so it stayed in a loop at my belt. I could not go on without some sort of weapon. I told Lydia now we could go see Septimus.

We trekked back North to cross the water to Septimus' cave and I remembered the overland route we took on the way back. I followed that as closely I could but I still got impatient at a few spots and jumped into the water to take the path more directly. Once again, we encountered nothing but groups of horkers and arrived tired and wet.

Septimus was standing next to the dwarven door, running his hands over it like a pregnant woman's belly. This man needed some fresh air. I handed the cube over to him and he was like a child on his Nameday, surprised and giddy.

"Oh, I see now. The Dwemer are too clever once again for the simple human mind of Septimus. Curse my racial inferiorities!"

"Now what, Insanimus?" I asked as I tried to use my flame magic to dry my clothes.

"The cube can only be activated with the blood of all the Altmer races. I need to collect a sample of the blood from each of them and unlock the cube which will unlock the door."

"What's in there, anyway?" I asked. "Is it really worth all this trouble? Do you even know?"

Septimus turned serious and his voice grew deep. "Inside this box is the key to everything, it is the existential consciousness of the universe, the very heart of a God."

"And what do you plan to do with this... treasure?"

"To look on it will be enough to keep me busy the rest of my life. I have one more task to beg of you. Take this," the old man forces an object into my hands, "It is an extractor. Seek out the blood I need, a little from each of the Altmer races, and I will allow you to share in my discovery, the likes of which will put all other concerns to shame."

"I think I'm done..."

"We'll do it," Lydia interrupted, taking the metal tool from me. "It may take some time, however."

I gave Lydia a look which she blatantly chose to ignore. Why was she keeping me tied to this maniac?

"I have time," Septimus said, "Time to study, time to think, time to ponder what I will do when my dream is made real. Go, don't let me keep you. The Gods demand blood, blood is what they will get."

I decided to wait until we were outside to ask Lydia what she was thinking by continuing this madness. On our way out, however, the exit was blocked by a dark, wretched presence, like some abyss out of a nightmare. It spoke to me.

"Hold for a moment and bask in my glorious presence."

"He sounds like you," Lydia said to me. "Friend of yours?"

"I am Hermaeus Mora," the voice continued, "I have been watching you, Dragonborn. Most impressive. Septimus' use is coming to an end. He is boring me. Once the box is open, I will no longer have need of him."

"What's that got to do me? I wanted to be done with him today but the Helping Housecarl here had other ideas."

"When the old man is done, you will take over as my emissary. Hmm? What say you? I have skooma by the barrel and women by the beds. All for you."

"Really? I mean, never, vile demon!" I shouted, "I can't be played like some addle-brained mage who has more rhymes than reason in his speech. Be gone! I am through talking with you."

It laughed evilly. "Many have thought as you do. I have broken them all. When next we meet, I will not be so pleasant."

The presence vanished and the ladder leading out was visible again. Did everyone want a piece of the Dragonborn, I wondered? I led us back out into the fresh air.

We returned to Winterhold with no incidents to speak of and planned to have a lunch while I pondered what to do next. As soon as we got to the town, however, I was pissed.

"Where is he?" I yelled out then approached the nearest guard. "The carriage driver that was here. Did you see where he went?"

"I sure did," the guard said, "Some arrogant noble lost his horse and needed a ride to some wedding. He flashed so much coin at the driver that if he said no I would have carried him there on my shoulders."

"I told him to wait until I returned."

"Did you pay him extra to wait?" Lydia asked.

"I gave him my word as the Dragonborn that I'd pay him extra when I returned."

"The last Dragonborn took centuries to return," the guard said and snickered behind his helmet.

I so wanted to lop off the fool guard's head but I did not think I could do it with my new iron sword. Perhaps I would arrange something simpler like, say, an arrow to the knee. "Now what?" I asked Lydia.

"We could go back to the Windhelm stables and take their carriage to Iverstead."

I heaved a sigh of exasperation. "Fine, let's get going. It's already afternoon."

"What about lunch? We should eat first."

"We'll eat on the way. I'm in no mood sit and wait."

I started walking and Lydia followed but did not do so quietly. "Are you going to be like this from now on?"

"Like what?"

"This. Moody and miserable. This is Skyrim, Ralos. We've all dealt with adversity in some form. So you have to learn to fight with just one hand instead of two. Do you think you're the only one to have to do something they would rather not do?"

"Using the sword I was used to would have been the best way to ensure victory."

"You mean the easiest. Now you'll just have to do it a different way. You've still got your shouts and you can use magic if you want to. Not everyone can say that. Time to show you actually believe in this destiny you speak of instead of talking out of your ass as usual."

I dwelled on her words for a ways along the road. I was Dragonborn and I was sure I could learn to fight better than anyone using any weapon I chose. And if not, I could always shout them off a cliff or something.

"Fine," I said finally. "I'll lighten up. I'll try to find someone to give me a few pointers and while we are at Windhelm I'll find a better weapon to use and maybe a shield. Happy?"

"Your whim is my desire, Thane," Lydia said.

"I like the sound of that. Perhaps I'll put that to the test later."

"Perhaps I'll let you, but don't bet your Voice on it."

I saw a familiar building up ahead, Fort Kastav, I believe Lydia said it was. Last time we managed to kill the skeleton sentry and sneak past. Since I only had this crappy iron sword, I decided we would do that again.

"Hey, you there," a voice behind me said.

I jumped despite myself and reached behind my back for my two-handed sword, wincing in pain as I realize I could not. Lydia had her axe out immediately though. A haggard man in fur armor was standing in front of us. He shoved a shield into my hands.

"Hold this for a moment until I get back. Don't double-cross me or you'll regret it."

"Umm," is all I got out before he snuck off.

Why do people keep giving me stuff to hold? I put the shield on my back. Why the Hells would I wait for him? "Thanks for the shield, Scumbag. Let's go, Lydia."

"Maybe there is something to this Destiny stuff after all," she said.

"Why? What are you talking about?"

"Look what just happened? You have to learn to use a one-handed sword, and someone just handed you a shield, an enchanted one by the looks of it."

"See? Now you're beginning to believe, aren't you. Even the Gods want me to succeed. There's no fighting it. Play your cards right, and I may put you on my list of top choices for Empress."

"There's a list? Why not just have us wrestle for it?"

"What do you think the list is for?"

Suddenly a man ran up to us, a hunter by the looks of him. He was holding a dagger in one hand. "Have you seen a man run past here. The bastard stole something from me."

"Oh, eh, yeah," I said, "He went that way."

The hunter stalked away in the direction of the fugitive. I went the other way.

"That's probably his shield, you know," Lydia said.

"Shield? What shield? All I've got is this Righteous Barrier of Destiny. Come on, let's get going. No one's going to show up with a Sword of Brilliant Destiny so I need to go find one."

I took out the skeleton watchman again with my bow, at least I could still use that, and we crept past Fort Kastav. We followed the road to a posted road sign and took the way that pointed towards Windhelm. Not far from that I suddenly heard Alduin's distinctive roar and saw him flying overhead. It figured he would show up when all I had to fight with was a rusty iron sword. I could hear him speaking again just before I noticed the ground near the lake break open. Another dragon materialized from its burial mound and Alduin flew off, his work done here. So that was his game, still? Raise dragons in front of me to fight his battles for him? He must definitely have something to fear from me.

I saw the newly reborn dragon take flight but he did not get far before he started fighting with something that I could not see. "Let's go after this dragon while he's distracted," I said to Lydia.

"And perhaps rescue whoever is being attacked?" she said as we started running.

"Yeah, that too, I guess."

When we got close enough, we saw that the dragon was having a battle with two ice wraiths just inside the woods. I began unleashing arrows into the dragon and Lydia summoned Kynval to attack him directly. The dragon turned to face us as one of my arrows embedded itself into his head.

"Numbers matter not to Viinturuth," the dragon declared, "I will defeat you all and feast on your hearts."

"That's my line, flying lizard!" said Kynval, "You will die this day!"

The dragon flew off and I followed it with my bow. Lydia and Kynval meanwhile finish off the weakened ice wraiths. The dragon landed near me but I had the cover of a rock ledge to protect me from his breath. He tried to walk around it to hit me but only managed to catch my feet in his stream of cold. Kynval and Lydia arrived before he could fly off again. They hit him a few times and I planted a couple more arrows into him. He let out a roar of pain as one of his wings crumpled under his own weight. The ice wraiths must have damaged him more than he let on if he was already unable to fly.

I jumped on top of the rock ledge and used my fire breath shout on him. His entire body caught fire. I jumped down and soon all three of us were taking turns either avoiding his jaws or cutting into his rough hide with our weapons. My new shield did not help much against his mass. Finally his head lifted to the sky and he fell forward, his head nearly crushing me.

I absorbed his dusty soul and Lydia approached me.

"So how was it using the sword?" she asked, "Got the feel for it yet?"

"I felt I did learn something, but it was going to take some actual training for me to feel proficient with it."

"Well, I suggest you learn quickly. Alduin is obviously still watching you. He may even know about the Elder Scroll you've got, in fact it could be the reason for the attack. Maybe he even knows about your injury."

"That's just what I was thinking. I hope Windhelm has something to offer in the way of weapons. I know I can find something in Whiterun, but I was hoping not to have to go all the back there for it."

I scoured Viinturuth's bones for anything valuable, finding only a ruby and some gold, and some of my arrows. We continued to Windhelm.

It was well past dark by the time we reach Windhelm. There was a carriage at the stables but it was not the same driver that left me stranded at Winterhold. I decided against berating the driver for something someone else did, but it is tempting. Inside the walls of the city there were not many people about, suggesting the shops were probably closed. Damn Alduin. I would have made it in time if not for his ambush.

I could not help overhearing an argument in front of us. Two men were harassing a dark elf woman, calling her an imperial spy and suggesting they may pay her a visit later tonight. I heard Lydia mumble an angry curse and take a step forward but I stopped her and took the lead.

"If you boys need something to do tonight, perhaps you'd join me for some weapons practice outside by the stables? Of course I can't vouch for your safety. Accidents happen, people die, slowly, that sort of thing."

"Bah, you're not even from Windhelm," the uglier of the two said, "What do you know of our troubles? You're probably one of those Elf-lovers anyway."

"I've been known to allow the occasional elf to partake of my lover's comfort. It's like being a connoisseur of foods. The difference between red apples and green apples is subtle but a knowing tongue can tell the difference," a thought occurred to me and I turned to Lydia, "Too much?"

"Bordering."

The dark elf, mildly blushing, I think, spoke up, "Don't waste your time trying to talk to these hooligans. Windhelm is full of prejudice. I don't know why any of my kind waste their time here. If you're smart, you'll move on as well."

Both parties left us standing there before I could ask for directions. I really did not want to bother the elf, and the two men had joined a few others and were conferring quietly. That could not be good. I struck off in one direction looking for the blacksmith.

An hour later and I was completely lost in this maze of a snow shrouded city. I finally found the smithy but it had long since been closed for the night. I had a feeling this city was going to be a waste of time. With those men still walking around I did not even feel like it would be safe to spend the night here. I grabbed Lydia and we headed back out to the stables.

"Now where are we going?" she asked after the gate closed behind us. "I'm hungry and I haven't had a proper meal all day."

"I know, and I apologize, but I don't want to stay here. I get a bad feeling about this place. We'll take the carriage to Whiterun."

"Whiterun? That'll take all night."

"I've got food and you can have my blanket to sleep. I just want to be away from here and find myself a decent weapon before I'm caught lacking."

"It's all right. I'll cut you a break after standing up for that Altmer tonight. That's definitely something a true Thane would do. I'm proud of you."

"You know, that's the second time you've said you're proud of me," I said as we approached the carriage.

"Leave it to you to keep track of that. And how many times have I called you a pig?"

"You've called me a pig?"

"I should have known you were the type to hear what you want to hear."

"Why, yes, I enjoy being near your rear."

"Divines, help me, I'm in for a long ride. Wait, forget I said that. Let's just get going. All I want to do is eat and sleep."

"That's more like it. Driver! Wake up! My woman is eager for our bed! Make haste!"