Sovngarde

I did not know how long the trip through the portal took, but I did seem to have more growth to my beard than when I left Skuldafn. One thing that had not changed was my urgent need to relieve myself. I barely had time to unleash the Dragonwyrm before it was too late. As I waited, I passed the time trying to recall the time in the portal. I remembered seeing people, shades of their former selves, floating about on unseen currents of time. They were lost and searching for the way here. One even tried to grab my ankle, a warrior, but her etherial hand passed through me, leaving only a chill and a memory of her death in battle. She died bravely and would surely find her way here.

"You have to leave. Don't let him find you."

I jumped, nearly spraying on myself, at the sound of a voice. I looked over at a Stormcloak standing just below on the steps.

"Damn it, man," I cursed at him, "Can't a person have a moment of peace even in the land of the dead?"

"You can not be caught out here. Alduin will devour your soul."

"Well, he'll have to wait. There's no stopping the song once the one-eyed bard gets to singing."

Once I was done, I joined the soldier and for the first time took a look around. I was still on the top of a long stone staircase and despite the darkness, I could make out several towering statues along the sides. I assumed they were heroes of ages past. I wondered if the person who made them was still here. I was willing to stay long enough to pose for my own in order to insure he captured my likeness to a tee.

"Now then," I said, "You said Alduin is about?"

"He is out hunting for souls to feed his appetite. With each soul his power grows. Soon he will be unstoppable."

"Yeah, I've heard that before, from Alduin himself, no less. I didn't believe it then after I sent him fleeing with his tail between his legs, and I don't believe it now. I'm here to kill that puffed-up lizard so if you can point me in his direction, I'd appreciate it."

"You don't sound like the others here," the soldier said, "You even look different. You should head to the Hall of Valor. There you will find others who speak as you do."

"You mean there are others as brave as I?"

"Or as crazy. The Hall lies somewhere through the mist. Alduin created the screen to confuse us while he hunts us down. May I accompany you to the Hall? There is safety in numbers."

"The only number that matters is one, number one, that is, and that's me. You may follow, but if Alduin attacks, I expect you to fight, not run off like some black-hearted mage."

"Fight Alduin? On second thought, I think I left my bottle of mead here somewhere. I'll catch up when I can."

I left the coward sitting on the steps and headed into the mist. My dragon voice was still depleted from the storm call shout I did in Skuldafn or I would have shouted for Clear Skies. Instead, I simply followed the stone path. Where else would it lead but to the Hall of Valor?

I had to pay attention to the ground to follow the stone path or I would have easily been lost in the fog. Every now and then I'd catch a glimpse of a dragon flying around. It had to be Alduin, but he was never still long enough for me to get his attention with a shout or an arrow. Once I heard someone cry out but their voice faded away followed by a dragon's roar. I can only imagine what had happened.

Through gaps in the fog I finally spotted a building in the distance. The path lead me towards it until finally the mist ended. The building stood on the other side of an enormous chasm. The only way I could see across was a questionable bridge made of bones. I went to cross it but was stopped by some shirtless brute with an axe on his back and a belt so wide it nearly reached his sternum.

"Nice belt, Mongo," I said diplomatically, "Is that your school wrestling belt or are you the new Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion?"

"None may pass this perilous bridge until I judge them worthy."

"Really? I'm Ralos Ravenclaw, Dragonborn. And you are?"

"I am Tsun, and no shade are you. You dare the land of the dead? It has been a long time since I faced a doom-driven hero of the dragon blood."

"I'm not driven by doom, but by destiny, and maybe a little too much mead. Now stand aside, I've got more pressing interests than tangling with you."

The big warrior took the axe from his back and barred the way. "By decree of Shor, you must be warrior tested first."

No fool, I got out my sword and shield. "Look, don't make me..."

Before I could finish my threat, the big man moved like a greased skeever. I barely got my shield up in time to block his attack. His power nearly bowled me over and his follow through jarred the teeth in my skull. I quickly rethought my tactics and took off running, downing a bottle of healing and some more soup as I went. He followed and actually force shouted at me. The shout barely caught me, however. Now that I knew what to expect, I stopped and faced him. I shouted by fire breath at him then managed to dodge his next power strike. I bashed my shield into him then struck with my elvish blade. Knowing his strength, I did not wait for him to attack but took off running again. He was strong, but not as agile as he needed to be. I repeated my attack, relying on a pattern of stun and strike to whittle him down. Three times during the prolonged fight, my shield did nothing to him and I was forced to absorb the damage from his weapon and heal with magic as I ran and dodged. Oh, how I missed my greatsword and the massive damage it used to do.

Finally I hit Tsun across the chest and he nearly went down to the ground. I thought maybe I only pissed him off more, but instead he put his weapon away.

"You fought well, though more like some wimpy elf than a true Nord. Still, it was effective. You may pass."

"Don't feel too bad, Tsunny," I said. "You fight great, but I'm a great fighter. You started off kind of rocky, but your true fighter's creed showed through. No hard feelings?"

"Uh. Watch your step, Rolo. I'd hate for you to fall. I don't think you're full of enough hot air to save yourself, though it is close."

He walked off, scanning the mist.

"It's Ralos, not Rolo...ah, forget it." I started across the bridge.

The bridge was indeed perilous. Bones definitely would not have been my first choice for building materials, especially since the waterfalls below were misting up and making them slick to walk on. I slowly made it across then entered through the tall, narrow doors.

The inside of the Hall of Valor was brightly lit and smelled of a mid-winter's feast. You never would have known by just looking that there was a demon-dragon flying around outside eating the souls of the dead. People milled about nonchalantly while two cows turned on spits over a blazing pit. The tables were filled with food and drink. So far, the afterlife was looking pretty comfortable. I helped myself to a few delectables.

The first person to greet me was a long-haired warrior in old fashioned armor. I couldn't place him, but he seemed to know me.

"Welcome, Dragonborn," he said. "Our door has stood empty since Alduin made this his hunting grounds."

"You all look to be suffering greatly," I said sarcastically. "And you are?"

"Why, I am Ysgramor. By Shor's command we sheathed our blades and ventured not out into the mist."

"What? So instead you feast while the beast wreaks havoc on the land of the living? Is there no one here with the onions to stand up to Alduin and be done with this menace?"

"There are three who await to loose their fury upon the foe, though one will always lack the 'onions', as you say. Gormlaith, Hakon, and Felldir. They wait for you over there."

I looked over to where the old warrior pointed and left him standing at the door. On my way I grabbed a bottle of wine and drained half of it. I needed something to quell my growing anger. Stoic was one thing, scared was not to be tolerated, not of a race of warriors.

The first one of the three to notice me was a woman with red hair and stripes of war paint across her face. She must have heard what I told Ysgramor because she drew her sword before I even had a chance to explain.

"At long last," she said, "Alduin's doom is now ours to seal. Where is the army you brought?"

"Army?" I said, taking another swig and tossing the bottle onto a nearby table, "Honey-treat, you're looking at it. I'm a one man legion of kick-assedness."

The man in the middle spoke, a mage by his robes and slippery words. "Hold, comrades - let's talk about this before we blindly follow this... dragonborn into battle."

"Listen here, Magus Cowardus, I'll have you know... wait, I recognize you three from the Elder Scroll. You're Felldir. You're the one that sent Alduin back in time to get rid of him."

The mage smiled, "That was me. You saw that then?"

"Yeah, great job. You really solved that problem, huh?"

Felldir stammered but the third man spoke, "While I'm loathe to wait, Felldir has a point. That mist of Alduin's is a problem."

"I'll admit it does give him an advantage. I'm sure I can shout it away, though, especially now that I've slaked my powerful thirst. You know, Gormliath, back in Skyrim I'm known for honeyed tongue." Wink.

The warrior put the tip of her sword to my throat. "Perhaps the chef can make room on the cow spit for a pig as well? After we take care of Alduin, that is."

"Now, now, I know that look," I said as I move her blade away, "But I believe you may have some competition for my affection."

"Perhaps Alduin will take care of that, if he severs your hands off."

"Enough, talk," Felldir said. "If you know how to Clear Skies, then the combined force of all of us just might do it. Today, we take our well-tempered revenge on the blasted Wyrm!"

To his credit, the mage whipped out an ancient greatsword and ran for the door. Gormliath and Hakon followed, both with their own weapons drawn. Now we were getting somewhere. I ran after them through the other door and out into the cool, misty air.

The three of us ran across the whale bone bridge. Tsun saw us coming and stepped out of the way.

"Come and join the fun, Big Man," I said to him as I ran up to him.

"Uh, well, I'd like to but, you know, someone's got to guard the bridge. And my knee..."

I held my palm up to his face to stop his excuses. "Whatever. Watch and learn, and maybe you'll be given more than guard duty."

I joined the three dragonslayers at the edge of the mist.

Felldir said, "Let us clear this evil mist and bring Alduin out of hiding. All together now."

"Wait, all of you can use shouts?" I said.

"Of course," Gormliath said, "Did you think you were special? Wait, what am I saying? Of course you did."

"Save it, Carrot-top. You had your chance to woo me. Let's just do this, and don't be afraid to try some other shouts. I've got one in particular I plan on showing Alduin again."

The four of us shouted to Clear Skies and the mist dissipated.

"All right," I said, "Bring it on, Aldu... what the hello?"

Alduin could be heard roaring somewhere in the distance then the mist rolled back in.

"He'll not give up his shield so easily," remarked Felldir. "Once more."

We shouted again and the mist left, but once again returned.

"His power is incredible," Hakon said, "Has it no end?"

"Pipe down, Shivers-in-boots," I said. "You can tell he's weakening. I can keep it up all day. Like I said, Gormliath, you had your chance."

"Pig. Once more, warriors of Sovengarde. Alduin will be ours today!"

We shouted and this time the mist did not come back. Instead, Alduin roared, closer this time. I got my sword and Sanguine Staff out, ready for battle. Before I could move, Alduin swept in from behind us and the world was set ablaze.

Alduin's breath only grazed me but it's fuel continued to burn on my skin. I summoned Kynval then switched to my healing spell. I healed as best I could while keeping track of Alduin. The giant dragon flew in for another attack and I let rip my dragonrend shout before he could use his fire again. It struck him full in the chest and he shuddered in the air before peeling off in another direction.

"Come out and fight, coward!" Kynval shouted as he and the others ran about with their weapons held high, waiting for a chance to strike. I took the moment to drink a potion labeled, 'In case of fire, drink'. I chilled instantly and the feeling seemed to cover my whole body. I grabbed for my shield as Alduin landed in a could of dust, the purple aura of my shout bathing him.

All of us converged on him, surrounding him before he could leave again. Hakon took the point, striking at the wyrm's snout with his axe. I darted in towards his tail and legs. I managed one shot at his leg before his wing caught me with my shield down. I had been hit before by a dragon's wing, but this one seemed more solid, like the skin was armored. I hit him again then noticed his body shift. Suddenly his neck craned towards me and Alduin's face was inches from mine.

I saw a fire burning within the dragon's throat as he was about to release his breath upon me. Immediately I bashed my spiked shield into his face. His focus broke and he reared back. I took the moment to sprint down along his side towards his tail, away from his crushing maw.

I heard Gormliath shout, "For Skyrim! For Shor! For Sovngarde's freedom!"

We each struck him a few more times before he started taking flight again. In the heat of battle, I had forgotten to keep him grounded with my shout. He flew off but unleashed a shout of his own. I recognized it, and suddenly fiery rocks began falling from the sky.

"Take cover!" I yelled to the others, "Watch the skies. I'll bring him down next time he passes."

Watching the skies was easier said than done, however, since the meteors fell from all different directions. While I waited for Alduin to return, I used both hands to keep myself healed. Finally the dragon returned and I was able to catch him in mid-flight with my shout. He roared in anger, being forced to circle once then land again. I did not see Kynval so I summoned him again then drank another anti-fire potion and charged into the fray with my sword and shield.

Before I even reached him, he turned and bathed me in his breath. Besides the heat, the oxygen seemed to vanish from the air and I could not breath. I kept running, however until the ground erupted in front of me as a meteor struck, nearly crushing me. I was flung into the air. I fell to the ground, dazed and burning. I could hear the sounds of battle, of the heroes and Kynval shouting, of Alduin roaring, but all I could do was lie there. I felt my life flickering and was barely aware when I ignited my healing magic to keep myself alive. I had to finish what I started. I had to return... to her.

I heard Alduin laugh then address me, "I've defeated your friends once. I do not fear them. There is no Elder Scroll to save you this time." Then I felt the rush of wind from his wings as he took flight again.

I somehow righted myself and stood staggering as the last of my magicka drained away from healing. I was dizzy and not fully healed, but the red shade of impending death had left my vision though I could not see straight. Rough hands grabbed me by the shoulders.

"Pull yourself together, Dragonborn," a female voice said then I felt a slap across my face.

"Lydia?" I croaked, my throat tight.

"Your nursemaid's not here, boy," Gormliath said, her face becoming clear before me. "This may be our last chance to defeat Alduin. We have him weakened but we need your help to keep him grounded and your sword to make him bleed. Are you able?"

"Yes," I said, finishing my healing.

"I can't hear you. Are you willing?"

"Yes!"

"Are you a man of destiny or a loudmouthed boy?"

"Destiny! I am the Dragonborn and the world will be mine!"

"Then let's finish this!" Gormliath cried out. "For Skyrim! For Shor!"

"For Lydia!" I yelled then gathered my strength and ran to the others, dodging the still falling meteors and searching for Alduin. I spotted the dragon diving towards us and shouted my dragonrend at him like I never had before. It stopped his attack and forced him to the ground.

I summoned Kynval then switched back to my shield and sword.

"I sense your staff is empty, boy," the dremora lord said. "Unless you have another crystal to recharge it, I suggest we make this the last stand. I want to see this beast slain and leave this boring, lifeless place."

"There'll be one more death on this plane today, demon, and I don't plan on staying here either. Be ready, here he comes."

Alduin landed, though not as gracefully as he did last time. Gormliath was right, our attacks had taken their toll and, his bravado aside, he knew he is in trouble. As a team, the five of us converge on him leave him little room to maneuver. Again I stayed at his flank but when he moved trying bite at me, I moved as well and always kept too far away. My sword sliced away chunks of his hide, leaving a burn of frost each time and each time I jabbed my spiked shield at him, I left him bleeding even more. This time I used my dragonrend shout before he even had a chance to take flight. He would have no rest until his body was broken.

"Stand fast!" Hakon shouted, "The fell worm's death is ours at last! The light returns!"

Alduin blasted away Kynval with his dragon fire but his breath sounded ragged and his legs shook as he moved. I abandoned my shield and used my free hand to heal myself since my potions were gone and I had no more food to help sustain me. I redoubled my efforts and timed my strikes to with what little bits of stamina I was able to muster.

I struck his flank and a cluster of black scales broke away. I reached back and though the pain was excruciating, used both hands to plunge my sword into the exposed flesh. Alduin's shriek was so painful to hear, the four of us covered our ears and stepped back. The ancient dragon paid us no heed as he writhed in throes of agony. His body started to disintegrate. He cried out in his dragon tongue, angry and disbelieving. He spread his wings out fully then his mortal flesh exploded from his skeleton, leaving only his bright, powerful soul encased in bones. Unable to maintain its integrity, the dragon's soul flashed and a moment later all that was left was ash.

The silence afterwards was unnerving. I dropped my shield to the ground and sheathed my sword. At the moment, I wanted nothing to do with fighting, or bleeding, or dying. Alduin was a scourge to all of existence but his death tugged at my dragon blood in a way I had not anticipated. My view of dragons and their place in Skyrim was changing by the day.

"This was a mighty battle," Tsun said, approaching me from the stairs. "Sovngarde is cleansed of his evil snare."

All I could do was nod. Felldir and Gormliath were striding towards the Hall of Valor with their arms around each other for support. They seemed happy and eager to spread the word of Alduin's demise. Hakon stood nearby, exhausted and thoughtful.

Tsun continued, "They will sing of this battle forever. But you, your fate lies elsewhere."

That caught me by surprise. "What do you mean?"

"When you are ready to rejoin the living, I will send you back."

"You mean you're the one responsible for that?"

"I am Shor's Thane. I guard more bridges than just this one made of bone. I await your word, Hero."

Hakon clapped a hand onto my shoulder, luckily the uninjured one. "I'll look for you, friend, when you return. It will be an honor to have you rejoin our ranks when your time is up."

"Thank you, Hakon," I said, "And sorry about the Shivers-in-Boots crack. You held your own when I needed time to recoup and gather my wits. You are indeed a hero." I turned to Tsun. "But, as much fun as this was, I have an actual life to still live. I want to return. Now."

"Then return you shall. But first I grant you this boon, a shout to bring forth a hero of Sovngarde in your hour of need." Tsun spoke the words of power and the shout embedded itself into my soul like second nature.

Hakon held high his battleaxe, "All hail the Dragonborn!"

Tsun inhaled then shouted at me, "Daal...Vus!"

A blinding light enveloped me and I felt myself fall back into the unknown.