Inheritance of Skyrim
Chapter 4,
Recollections
by R. Reichelderfer
Murtagh was fairly annoyed with how the events of the day had turned out. The Jarl was upset with both the Grey-Manes, and fact that the Battle-Borns had lied on him, and then the Grey-manes had attempted to pull him into their circle, pointing out to the Jarl how underhanded they were.
The Jarl apparently had been having through with them both. From what Murtagh understood was that Balgruuf the Greater had not thrown his lot with either side in the Civil war. Claiming to Murtagh, "I'm on the side of Whiterun. No doubt General Tullius and his friends in the Empire will tell you that I owe them my loyalty, and perhaps I do. Ulfric Stormcloak would say that I owe my allegiance to the Nord people as they fight for Skyrim's independence. Perhaps this is also true. The day might come when I am forced to draw my sword for one side or the other. But that day has not come yet."
Then came that insane preacher, claiming him proof of Talos greatness, and how the Gods were angered at their abandonment of the worship of Talos. That involved Murtagh trying to leave, but when that Preacher grabbed hold of Murtagh and demanded to know if he worshiped Talos or was Talos reborn. Murtagh pushed him away, of course the preacher was arrested, trying to proclaim Murtagh the second coming of Talos. Murtagh was clearly upset. The Jarl at that point explained to Murtagh exactly how important he was. That both sides, Imperial and Stormcloaks would attempt to curry favor with him, if he truly was Dragonborn. It would even attract the Thalmor's attention.
Balgruuf explained that as the Dragonborn, Murtagh would be the focal point for which the war would hinge on. And which ever side he took, Imperial or Stomcloak, could prove decisive. Add into the fact that he was effectively an Elite warrior from a distant land. A Dragon Rider, He and Thorn would most likely assure victory for which ever side of the war he took. Balgruuf offered Murtagh the use of Dragonsreach for Thorn's home. Balgruuf after he learned that Thorn at six months would be at least ten feet tall at the shoulder insisted that Thorn remain in the Dragon's Reach when he comes to Whiterun.
The great porch was massive. Murtagh had learned that it had been designed to hold a Captive dragon. Numinex, The great yoke which held him was still high in the air. Locked in place as great chains held it high and tight. Murtagh commented how foul of a mood he would be in if he found Thorn in that yoke. Once alone, Balgruuf told Murtagh he had no intention of harming Thorn. Balgruuf told murtagh that by now the Grey-Manes and Battle-Borns had sent messages to General Tullius and Ulfric Stormcloak. And beyond a doubt, sooner or later the Thalmor would also hear of him. And more importantly Thorn. Balgruuf told Murtagh that he would protect Thorn for as long as Thorn did not prove dangerous. Murtagh told the Jarl he would hold him to that promise, as long as Murtagh remained in good standing with the laws of Whiterun, which were laws of Skyrim in general. Murtagh would be free to come and go from Dragonsreach when he desired.
What Balgruuf suggested was to get out and explore Skyrim. See the sights. Visit the cities, see how the empire runs things as well as Ulfric. Balgruuf also suggested exploring Whiterun hold. There were plenty of Ruins, barrows, and caves that housed bandits, monsters, and lost treasures. The Jarl even pointed out feeding Thorn as he grows would not be a problem. As the Plains were ripe with Game, and mammoth hunts happened twice a year to keep meat into the markets of Whiterun.
Murtagh and Thorn knew that Balgruff was trying to curry favor with him. When he pointed it out, the Jarl did not deny it, and admitted he hoped that with the Dragonborn calling Whiterun his home. It would keep Whiterun out of the war for a while longer. Still Balgruuf advised for Murtagh to explore the city and countryside. As the sun set over the Tundra plains. It was beautiful. Also as Balgruuf explain that the elves, in the wild would have every opportunity to set an ambush to capture him and Thorn. He was surprised at how much Balgruuf disliked the Thalmor elves. He explained the War with the Aldmeri dominion, as well as the White-Gold Concordant. Which outlawed the worship of Talos.
At that point Murtagh had been talked to and paraded around for several hours. And basically told the Jarl he was tired and wanted rest. So at the moment Murtagh and Thorn were resting in an out of the way alcove of the Great Porch. Murtagh stroked the small horns around Thorn's head and neck. Carefully he pulled thorn into a Hug as he listens to the thoughts of his Dragon. /~We are safe.~/ Thorn was pushing his head up to nuzzle Murtagh's neck and throat. Murtagh wanted to believe it, but experience told him otherwise. No where was safe. Now that he has become some sort of legendary hero. For the moment, the urge to return to Galbatorix his master had abaited. Murtagh and Thorn were no use to Galbatorix dead, so thankfully the oath allowed him to avoid doing any that would deliberately cost him his life.
Looking around the Great Porch as the twin moons rose into the sky. Murtagh could remember that Alagaeisa only had one moon. So where the hell was he. More importantly how the hell was he supposed to get back to Alagaesia. A lack of any direction, much less what his mind was telling him, this was no illusion. Why would Galbatorix torture him and Thorn like this. It made no sense as he had already broken. The sights, smells, the people. It was as if he was in another world.
/~Fight him. Fight for us.~/ Thorn said referring to fighting Galbatorix as Murtagh stroked the head of Thorn. Slowly as he closed his eyes resting on the hail bail. Murtagh began to drift off. Thorn laid on Murtagh allowing his rider to fall asleep. Looking around once he was sure Murtagh was asleep. He stood up and climbed upon a bannister to look around. He could see two guards beside the exit of the porch. Wind came from the open balcony as Thorn inhaled the air. Looking around the young red dragon spread his wings and then glided down out to the stone floor of the Porch. The sound of moment Made Thorn turn his head to see the guards at the Door were nervous as the Young Dragon came over to the Ledge and hop up. Looking down, at the back of the castle he could see the road, and off into the distance. His sharp eyes allowed him to see a dragon flying around a mountain peak miles upon miles away.
Finally he moved off to rejoin Murtagh bedding down to sleep beside his rider.