Inheritance of Skyrim

Chapter 10
The Calm before the Climb

By R. Reichelderfer

Thorn walked beside Murtagh on the road. The rain had not let up, and after three days Murtagh and Thorn struck out on foot. Covered in a raincloak, Murtagh had the hood up as he moved through the woods. The path from the towers turned north along the north western , northern, and north eastern side of the mountain. Still it was quite the walk on the cobble stone road. Thorn's claws tapped as the two took the opportunity to enjoy the woods. The scents of the rain and flowers that wafted through the air. Being together made the two keenly aware of their environment. Thorn's sharp eyes watching for movement and inhaling the air for strange scents like horses and people. The pair of them kept their eyes on the skies looking for dragons, as well.

Murtagh marveled at the wilderness. It was different than the empire. Many of the flowering plants were different. The trees as well. He was surprised that the road was was deserted, well of people. He could see plenty of wildlife, Deer, Elk, Foxes, even the occasional Wolf was spotted. In the empire he was used to Wolves existed only in the more untamed areas of Alagaesia. Thankfully none of them would have matched the size of the wolves of the Boer mountains. Most animals gave Thorn and Murtagh a wide berth. The only thing that concerned them would be bears, and dragons. The fact that Thorn had killed an older dragon amounted to both luck and circumstance. The City guard had been the key, and out here the two had no one else to assist them.

Of course on his adventures, more than once had been attacked by dragons. But somehow he had managed slay them, Feeling the rush of power had been invigorating. He could feel the power just seething in him, even now. During his adventures he had found a number of walls in the hold of Whiterun, that held strange markings and words that had called out to him. Infusing him with a number of new word he could now use for magic.

In addition to Fus, he knew the following words. Yol meaning fire allowing him to breath fire similar to a dragon. Kaan meaning Kyne and seemed to keep most wild animals from attacking him. It also made hunting easy, too easy. Also using it to hunt felt wrong. Then he had learned three words at once. It allowed him to throw his voice to just about any place he could see. It would prove useful. That event also lead to a very hard battle. Not only slaying the dragon that roosted there. But also a very powerful draugr. A Dragon Priest named Krosis. The Mask he had was also one very powerful item. The fight was one he wouldn't forget anytime soon. He mask he had found was a fairly potent item. Helping him focus on alchemy, archery, and lockpicking a bit easier.

The water ran through the river with a thundering noise as it rushed over rocks and down the waterfalls. Watching the other side he could see massive bears, almost as large as Thorn. They seemed content to ignore both of them as long as Murtagh nor Thorn got to close.

Turning around a bend Thorn turned his head as he watched a rabbit run from under a tree into the woods where thorn couldn't follow due to the trees. He was surprised that the woods were so thick and pristine. Having seen Murtagh's Memories of Alagasia. Normally around towns and cities the area was clear cut for miles to build homes, and real forests were harder to find, normally just a patch of woods where nobles hunted for their own pleasure. From his own flights Thorn had seen the large thick trees, all of them had been there for hundreds of years. He wondered why humans could be so wasteful in Alagaesia. Yet here it seemed the Nords cared for their lands greatly. While the Jarl Imposed hunting limits that were strictly imposed, he did allowed people to hunt for food, both for their family or to make a living. It was whole sale slaughter he preferred to avoid.

Looking down the path Thorn inhaled the scents on the air. With the wind blowing toward him he was able to get a number of scents, the two had been on the trail for a few weeks and wanted to get down to the first bridge before they made camp. Place to get some fresh water and some fish perhaps. As the pair moved down the hill towards the bend south Thorn could hear people approaching from the other side. He alerted Murtagh as it did not sound like guards or soldiers. But people up ahead. Thorn pulled back a bit behind Murtagh as he reached for his sword. As the pair headed to the bend, and found no one. Coming into view up a head was a single person in armor. They were on foot and had a massive two handed warhammer or battle axe on their backs. As the person approached he could see it was an Orc in some strange armor.

"You there, I've been looking for you Murtagh." That made Murtagh start to reach for his sword as the Orc said. "If I was here to fight I'd have slammed my hammer in your head by now. The Dawnguard has heard of you and your... dragon. We're looking for people to help us fight against the growing vampire menace. What do you say?"

Both Thorn and Murtagh had heard of the rumors of brazen attacks made by vampires. And Thorn had at night seen and felt those foul beasts when he was out hunting at night. While Thorn had destroyed them, both had considered it just rumors blown out of proportion in retelling.

"What's the Dawnguard?" Was Murtagh's question.

"We're vampire hunters. We search out and destroy those bloodsucking scum where ever we find them."

"Other than a few rumors, I haven't noticed any vampire menace."

The Orc almost snarled. "You're not paying attention then. Like most everyone else around here. Haven't you heard the Hall of the Vigilants has been destroyed? They never took the threat seriously, and now they've paid the price."

Not wanted to really get tied to any group, and retain his independence and knowing that he was simply. "Thorn and I will have to give it some thought and consideration." At the mental urging of thorn Murtagh relaxed his hand from his sword. "Serious consideration." Thorn nodded his head as the Orc seemed less then pleased with the answer but, his reply was acceptable.

"Alright if you decide to join us, Let me mark where Fort Dawnguard is on your map. Just remember, the longer you dawdle, the stronger the Vampires will become." Pulling out a map of Skyrim. The Orc pointed out where Fort Dawnguard was. Going on his way Murtagh shook his head as Thorn asked.

/~What do you think?~/

"I can understand an order to destroy the monsters, but I still don't want to owe allegiance to anyone."

/~Remember what Balgruuf said. Sooner or later we may need to choose sides.~/

"And what if that side leads to me decided I want to take the Imperial Dragon Throne for myself?" Murtagh asked point blank to Thorn.

Thorn wasn't surprised by that question it had been something of a dark point between them. And thinking for a while as the pair continued onward. /~If events of our deeds lead to you assuming the Imperial Dragon Throne, then I will stand by your side steadfastly. But as for you intentionally seeking out the Imperial Dragon Throne. Do you honestly want to rule others? To handle the day to day aspects of telling people what to do? What about when you become tired of it? In a hundred, or two hundred years? would you step down and allow someone else to assume the throne? What happens when you return and they do not wish to give up the throne? While I am sure that you would be a better king than the false one who enslaved us, do you really want this responsibility? To be chained to one place, needing to stay there making choices and decisions instead of delving into ruins long forgotten, and finding treasure and gems?~/

The questions made Murtagh think on it and he couldn't deny it. In his heart Murtagh knew the answer. "No I don't want the Imperial Dragon Throne. But I also don't want to give my loyalty to anyone either. And I fear that as Dragonborn, I will be forced to choose one side or the other. And as such they will seek to protect their own interests. And expect an oath of loyalty from me."

/~Then do not choose a faction until you know in your heart it is one you would serve willingly. Freely. Not by force or need. Let us search out Skyrim. See how this Empire manages it's lands, let us see how this Ulfric rules his people. In your heart see how subjects live under their respective ruler-ships and then let your heart and instincts guide you. They will not lead you astray.~/

As the pair seemed to reconcile their difference of opinions they reached the bridge when someone said, "Alright this..." And from behind a tree stepped a Khajiit in Glass armor with a hood on his head. Looking over Murtagh but then having seen Thorn turn his head over Murtagh baring his white fangs and growling deeply.

"This is where you get lost right?" Murtagh said sharply as the Khajiit said,

"Yes, yes this one will not trouble you again." at that point the Male Khajiit ran off across the bridge as fast as he could while Murtagh and Thorn began scouted for a place to make camp. The pair found a path up to some Nordic Ruins and with Thorn managing to get into the under lip was able to settle down as Murtagh started to set up camp out of the rain. "You get much bigger you will have to stay out in the rain." Murtagh teased as Thorn snorted softly in amusement. Thorn was nearly three months old, as near as Murtagh could guess. He figured that in a few more weeks he might try to start flying and riding on Thorn. Last time Thorn struggled so hard he could barely hold up the collective weight. He had chosen he wouldn't try to ride Thorn again until he was at least four months of age. Give thorn more time to grow and gain strength. Now, he was massive, not as large as Saphira was when he met her. But he was getting close.

Murtagh also noticed something. Every muscle under Thorn's scales where tightly packed and corded. His scales were stronger than steel plates. A bear had raked his claws against Thorn's scales and left no blemish. Soon, not even arrows would be able to harm Thorn. He carried the weight on him now with no effort. Thorn was also very strong, he noticed that his wings held the same strength Saphira's had when was being tended to by Eragon after their flight from Giliad. Thorn was stronger than her. By the time he reached her age, Thorn would surely out class her. Murtagh's thoughts of Saphira had gotten his attention and Murtagh shared what he remembered of her.

Inwardly Thorn saw her beauty, her strength and power. She would make a perfect mate. But her knowing who Murtagh was the son of... made that prospect difficult. But perhaps once she learned that Murtagh and Eragon were brothers. Then it might be possible. Still he might need to show her his strength. But then again, Galbatorix would have forced them to mate, and that was unacceptable. As Thorn turned his eyes to the forest beyond he could see flashes of lightning. No he would not take a mate, not as long as Galbatorix still drew breath. Until the false King was dead, Thorn resolved himself he would never become a father, he would never take a mate.

As Thorn and Murtagh settled in, The pair of them listened to the sound of the rain, and the thunder. Helping to relax them as the smell of cooking food came through the air.

-

The rain had broken and after a couple more weeks of travel, finally Murtagh and Thorn were near the outskirts of Ivarstead. The Murtagh was about to suggest to Thorn to remain hidden, but Thorn was adamant that he would accompany Murtagh into the areas of cities, towns, and villages. If the two were to be heroes and help protect this land from what ever evil was stalking it. Then Thorn would need to be able to move and act around these places with out needing to worry about being shot by archers. Thorn even laid down to allow Murtagh into his saddle so he could ride Thorn into the village. Even if Thorn was walking.

Against his better judgement. Murtagh got into the saddle and allowed Thorn to carry him into view of the town. To say there was a commotion was an understatement. Guards of the town had called an alarm and some came running, weapons drawn. Thorn turned to allow Murtagh to be seen in the saddle which caused the guards to stop in their tracks. Communicating silently with Murtagh thorn explained, /~Guide me as you would a horse. Let them think I am more animal than anything.~/. Thorn was playing dumb as he looked around, as Murtagh tapped him on the sides with his feet and Thorn turned to have Thorn walk towards the village. A number of the guards were just dumbstruck at the sight.

One came up and said, "You you can't bring that beast into town!" Thorn held back any response to being called a beast as Murtagh looked down and spoke firmly.

"Thorn is harmless unless you provoke, antagonize. or pester him." Murtagh said firmly.

"I said..." and the guards words were cut off as Murtagh turned and gave a very nasty look. Thorn also responded making the guard back off. Turning with a softer gaze at that point.

"And I said Thorn is harmless. Don't worry he has recently been fed, and as long as he's left alone he won't harm anyone." Murtagh said as he continued to ride thorn into town. In the four weeks it took to get to Ivarstead, and Thorn had a massive growth spurt. His shoulder stood well over Murtagh's head. And stood just over ten feet tall. Moving through town people were peeking out of their homes at the sight. A dragon was one thing people ran from but seeing someone actually ride one into town was a sight. Leading Thorn towards the local tavern he also spotted a Barrow, and changed the direction of Thorn as he moved through the cobblestone road. Moving out side of the building and under the trees, Thorn laid down on his belly allowing Murtagh to dismount and then pointed to the top of the Barrow which had a massive stone cover and said. "STAY!"

Not trusting the strength of the dome with his weight Thorn moved to the side and laid down. Murtagh took off a couple of things from his saddle and began to adjust the straps of Thorn so he would be more comfortable. Thorn laid his head down and closed his eyes. It had been an exhausting four weeks of travel Thorn looked forward to some rest and sleep. With the sun starting to set behind the mountain Murtagh headed to the tavern. He did not want to start climbing the mountain and end up there at night. So heading into the tavern the sound of usic could be heard as he over heard someone say, "I don't want you going near the barrow, I told you it's haunted, now it's got that dragon laying beside it!"

The Haunted barrow got Murtagh's interest peeked, He got a message from thorn telling him, /~I can hear someone coming to the surface inside the barrow. I smell them as well.~/ The information that Murtagh got was fairly eery as he heard what sounded like a ghostly voice telling him to Leave the place. Thorn moves his head into the area of the barrow and issued an extremely loud growling sound as Thorn could hear someone running off behind a circular depression and slamming a door shut.

From what Murtagh gathered it wasn't likely haunted. Most likely someone hiding in the barrow looking for some sort of treasure. Heading up to the bar as he said, "Trouble with the Barrow?" He asked the tavern keeper.

Swallowing hard and unsure what to say to someone who had managed to tame and ride a dragon. "Yes sir. There ain't much more to tell... they're haunted and you should stay away. Look, I've seen one of the spirits with my very own eyes. When it glared at me, I swear it burned right through my soul."

"The ghosts bother or come into the town?" Asked Murtagh.

"Fortunately, they seem to be sticking to the barrow. I think they're guarding it. Certainly isn't helping my business any; who'd want to rent a room anywhere near a haunted barrow?"

"Maybe I could do something about it. Has anyone in recent memory enter the Barrow?"

"If you think there's anything you can do, be my guest." With "About a year or two ago, some fella named Wyndelius came through; said he was some kind of a treasure hunter. I warned him not to go in there, just like I warned you. The very next night we heard screams from the barrow, and that was it. We never saw him again."

Murtagh gave a nod as he says, "Alright. I'll take a room for two weeks." And pulling out a number of coins that could keep the Tavern owner happen Murtagh said, "Keep the excess."

"Yes sir, This way to your room." And Murtagh

-

Heading into the barrow after he had left his bags in his room. Murtagh looked around as he opened the door to the stair well. He drew his bow and readied an arrow. Moving down the wooden stair case. He was careful descending it, making sure that he stepped on no loose boards or planks. He had at least once had someone rig one of these steps to collapse under him. Making sure that it would support his full weight before he went on. The Barrow was musty, with the smell of fetid meat. Walking around the place he focused on his surroundings. Looking down the hall he could see lit torches and fires braziers keeping the place well lit. Moving carefully he narrowed his eyes making sure that he was on guard. That was something that always creeped Murtagh out. How and why those fires were always lit.

As he moved down the hallway his boots stepped on the cold hard stone as he heard someone in the distance. He could see a fallen support column leaning from the left side of the hallway impacted into the right wall, roots or vines hung down from the ceiling, and the stone worked floor was all broken up due to roots from trees in the forest coming down. The holes in the barrow walls held the remains of long dead nords as the young Dragon Rider crept along.

What had happened he wondered. Before coming to this land, this world. Murtagh almost never took risks that endangered himself. Preferring to live a life of safety and anonymity. Now, he was delving into long forgotten tombs, searching for treasure, and building his power. That didn't explain why he would go out of his way to help people he did not know. Such as Ysolda, retrieving the Golden Claw. And while he had indeed retrieved it, he had bought the claw from the Riverwood traders for ten times it's weight in silver. Finding Aren's Sword. Still, he wondered. Had he changed that much?

And if he was changing, who or what he would be come. His thoughts were instantly brought back to the present as he heard a voice.

"Does someone Live, among the dead?" The voice was hallow and errie as he moved down the hallway. He could see in the distance a portcullis with a gate in the top of it, as the voice came once more. "Leave, leave, leave this place!"

Getting down to the end of the hallway, Murtagh saw another draugr body in the area ahead of him and then to his right he head that same eerie voice. Standing on the other side of a gate, Murtagh saw a Spirit. As it began to Wail Murtagh on reflex lifted and drew back his bow before the Spirit could react and let the arrow fly. The arrow struck between the gates and impacted the shoulder of the Ghost. Making him recoil and pull back. "Blast it all!" he heard screamed out as he watched the ghost run off down the hall. On the ground he saw splatters of fresh blood trail off. Looking around Murtagh couldn't see a lever or chain. Behind him he could see another room and what looked like a couple levers. The room had another portcullis and after getting in he noticed the four levers.

The Puzzle was fairly simple to solve, once he realized that one lever sprayed poison darts. Simply lift the two levers closet to the door. And it left all three of the doorways open. Following the trail of blood Murtagh came to another doorway. It was a double doorway, stairs leading down and on the bottom a second lowered portcullis. He could see on the right side of the wall two holes where spikes would jet out. Looking around to make sure that spears would not strike him Murtagh pulled the chain as it opened the Portcullis and while he was looking for possible trip wires or pressure plates, the spikes jutted out and then retracted.

"Clever." he thought and would remember that if he needed it. Following the blood he moved down the hall and around the corner. At that point Murtagh was almost taken by surprise as he heard the flames, crackling and then as he turned his head around the corner saw the ghost holding a charged fireball in both hands. And when he saw Murtagh he unleashed it into the room.

"NONE SHALL TAKE MY TREASURE!" He screamed out as Murtagh pulled back and the room he was in exploded with fire. The magical fire burned, searing his hair, eyebrows and made him retreat. His skin blistered and burned as a second fireball was throw into the room. Staggering back Murtagh moved back to the stairs as the foot steps began to approach him. The second fire ball burst into the room and was followed rapidly by a third. Taken back by how powerful that spell was he moved up the stairs and grabbed hold of that chain. Pulling it through a groove he watched and listened for the man to approach. And as he heard him coming up the stairs Murtagh pulled the chain as it slammed the Portcullis down, followed by a second one.

Moment later he heard, "None shall!" and then he heard the sound of the spears jutting out followed by a scream of pain, and a gurgle. He had not seen a chain in the area between the two stairs so Murtagh pulled back as he lifted his hand up and used magic to sooth his wounds. As the healing magic flowed through him he gasped feeling the burning start to sooth as his armor was still hot and burning. The magic channeling through him began to heal the blistered skin and burned face. He could feel his heart beat strongly as the magic mended his wounds. He could hear the gurgling of a death rattle from the other room, as Murtagh held his place to make sure that every ache and pain was gone. Now all he had to do was wait for his mana to recover as well.

This time ready with a Ward up and and full strength Murtagh had put away his bow, and drawn his sword. Going through and down the area where the gate was Murtagh looked through the gate and saw the no spectral form of a male Dunmer with two bloody splotches on his chest. One in the torso and the gut. Blood ran down his lips as he laid there. His Red eyes still as he looked dirty and decrepit. Coming over Murtagh could see blood on the left side of the wall as Murtagh stabbed his enemy into the head making sure that he was really dead through the grate and then he lifted the gate so he could investigate the barrow.

Returning from the Barrow with a number of potions in his back and some other loot. Murtagh headed into the tavern. Slowly approaching the innkeeper Murtagh as he said. "Here I think you should read this." and handing the journal to the innkeeper.

"Let me see that! ...I can't believe this... It was all just a fabrication of this Wyndelius character? I can't believe we were so stupid. Well, least I can do is give you something for taking care of him. If you won't accept it as a payment, consider it a gift." With it the innkeeper had headed over to a Chest and produced a claw similar to the Gold dragon claw, The body of the claw had to be made of gold. While the claws them selves were made out of beautiful and ornately carved sapphires. Holding it up Murtagh spoke.

"This must be the Claw he was referring to. Thank you. I'll explore and clear out the Barrow soon enough." At that point Murtagh headed into his room to remove his armor and get some much needed rest after the weeks of travel and that impromptu adventure.