Inheritance of Skyrim
Chapter 8
On Destiny's Precipice
By R. Reichelderfer
Jarl Balgruuf listened to Murtagh's story with interest in his private quarters Murtagh had wanted to speak away from prying eyes, and ears. Irileth and Farengar held their position beside the Jarl. Both of them understood Murtagh a bit more, as he explained that Galbatorix had salvaged three dragon eggs from the fall of the riders. One Blue, Red and Green. He explained his situation regarding his father aiding Galbatorix, Galbatorix rise to power. His raising, escape from the empire, adventure with his then unknown brother Eragon and his dragon Saphira. Followed by his subsequent recapture. Torture, and then his dream of the flaming dragon.
Balgruuf believed it was Akatosh chief of the nine divines that had delivered him to Skyrim. Because it was a fire dragon that he chose the form of when he appeared to fight Mehrunes Dagon in the Oblivion Crisis. Balgruff had admitted that he suspected that Murtagh and Thorn were held sway but some sort of magic. But knew that as Dragonborn and elite warriors from this Alagaesia, they would break the shackles. Murtagh was surprised that Balgruuf would have had that sort of faith. Irileth also pointed out that such heroes such as her homeland's Nerevarine. Who had been a prisoner of the empire when sent to Vvardenfell by the Empire in the Third Era. And a few years afterwords, the Champion of Cyrodiil. Seldom can such heroes be controlled against their will.
Explaining more about Galbatorix and his plans, which included breeding a new generation of dragons and riders. All under his command and control, and when he learned of Skyrim and Tamriel once he secured Alagaesia, he would surely extend his reach to Skyrim if he could. It did not surprise Balgruuf or IIrileth, what surprised them the most was when Murtagh said Alagaesia had one moon, not two. Farengar had explained that there were twelve planets in the universe, and some of them only had one moon. So it could have been that he was brought from one of them to Nirn. But in all his knowledge not one inhabitant from any of those other worlds had been seen. And travel to them was all but impossible.
This of course meant that chances of Galbatorix coming to Skyrim was slim to none, as was the possibility of Murtagh's return. That actually did not bother Murtagh so much, he had admitted to having little love for a place that showed him little kindness. But he was concerned for his Brother and his dragon. He didn't want Eragon and more importantly Saphira to suffer the same fate he had. Which gave Both Murtagh and Thorn new heartache. How to get back and rescue Eragon and Saphira. Balgruuf had reassured Murtagh that if it was his destiny to return to Alagaesia, he would find it in due time. For the time being it suited Murtagh, although Thorn was less happy about it.
In Murtagh's mind it suited him fine. It was given Thorn a chance to grow, gave him time to learn of magic beyond what Galbatorix Knew. And perhaps he could find away to repay the king with Vengeance. The idea of unleashing new and strange power on Galbatorix for torturing him. Leading a massive army against his old master appealed to him. If the Dragonborn of each Era conquered Tamriel. Why shouldn't he. That got him into an argument with Thorn. Thorn made sure that his voice was heard by Balgruuf, Irileth, and Farengar. Thorn was firmly opposed to the idea. That their duty was to protect, not rule over. Murtagh argued the fact if he could find away back, imagining taking a fully trained and battle ready army. The two clearly were having a clash over the idea. It was getting heated to the point that Balgruuf had to step in and end it.
His words were eloquent, clear, and to the point. "The two of you, weather you like it or not are tied to fate and destiny of Skyrim, at the very least. And most likely to all of Tamriel. And there is nothing that could change that. Unless the pair of you run as far away as possible and hide like cowards." That stung Thorn's pride as a dragon making him turn to face Balgruuf.
/~Do not dare call me a coward! I risked my life to save your city!~/ Thorn growled baring his white teeth.
"And for that you have my thanks and gratitude. But if Murtagh is Dragonborn. Then he is to be one of the greatest heroes of Tamriel, If it's his destiny to raise a New Empire in his name." Balgruuf looked into Thorn's eyes. "Then so be it. There are many in Skyrim who would follow a Dragonborn, both into battle and into war, as well as those who would follow him to found a new empire."
Thorn seriously disliked the idea of Murtagh becoming an Emperor, a Conqueror. The same thing as Galbatorix. From what Murtagh had learned from Eragon, the Riders were impartial mediators. They never took sides. Something Murtagh was inclined to believe. Balgruuf explained that remaining impartial most likely would not be possible in this war. Sooner or later, someone would make them take a side. And sooner or later, someone would consider him a threat, and choose to try and eliminate him.
Murtagh thought on all this and finally asked Balgruuf. "Do you think I should travel to High Hrothgar now and find out if I truly am this Dragonborn?"
"Aye, that I do. Once the Greybeards proclaim you Dragonborn. It will give you protection from both the Stormcloaks as Ulfric won't dare risk offending you. General Tullius won't move against you for fear of forcing your allegiance to the Stormcloaks. The only group I would worry about would be the Thalmor. They might see you as a threat to their plans and goals. I don't think they know who you are, not yet. Although I am sure rumors of a Dragon Roosting in Dragonsreach has surely reached their ears."
Weighing his options Murtagh turned from the three of them as he said. "Then it's time I traveled to High Hrothgar. I put it off long enough." Murtagh said firmly, "Thorn you stay here."
The declaration made Thorn recoil. /~That Trip would take weeks or months for you to complete!~/
"Thorn your Scales would make you stand out like a sore thumb in the forest, and the road."
/~I am coming!~/ Thorn said stomping his right foot. /~I am tired of being stuck up here while you have adventures. Are we not Rider and Dragon. Do you not love me?~/
That made Murtagh shrink from Thorn and feel sheepish. /~I may be too young to ride but, I will not sit here doing nothing while waiting for your return.~/
"Alright, Alright." Murtagh said exasperated. "I wonder if Eragon had these conversations with Saphira."