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Posted March 29, 2014
SUMMARY: Conversations are had with both Paarthurnax and Sahrotaar; Harry makes peace with the Commonwealth, realizing his anger was unjustified; an assignment from the guild puts Mazhe up against an unexpected threat; and Mazhe and the circle attempt to interrogate one of Alduin's allies, with deadly results...
32: THE WORLD-EATER'S BANE
14 - 15 Hearthfire, 4E201
Harry couldn't remember when he'd fallen asleep, but as he came awake, he found himself warm and comfortable. Ah, of course. The old dragon had provided shelter among other things—a sympathetic ear as the young wizard had laid bare the problems he faced.
Now in the light of day, his chest and his shoulders felt a little lighter, the invisible burden being lifted, at least temporarily. He had come to several realizations that morning... one of which being, he owed a few people an apology.
Justin had been nothing but a friend—one of Harry's closest, strongest allies—virtually since he'd first become Harry's primary tutor and instructor. He most certainly didn't deserve to be kept at arms' length, such as had been the case since the 'betrayal' in June.
In fact, the Commonwealth as a whole, had really done nothing wrong toward Harry. Outside forces had caused the terrible incident in 2004 which caused so much destruction. Brandon and Eric had also been nothing but friends, keeping watch over Harry and his circle when he'd been at Hogwarts in 2004, then again when he was held prisoner there in the fall of 2005. The hate and anger toward them was unjustified. As soon as the Commonwealth reconnected itself with Skyrim, there would be a few matters he would correct.
"Harry... gods, you were out here all night?" Mazhe questioned. Only his head and shoulders were visible, poking out of the chest, which still rested against the broken word wall.
"Well, not all night. I needed some time to think, and I found a sympathetic ear as I contemplated a few matters."
"And mine was unsuitable?" Mazhe asked, as he climbed out of the chest.
"A new set of eyes see matters from a different perspective."
It was then that Paarthurnax opened his eyes. "Til los vahzen ko ok rot. There is truth in his words, Dovahkiin."
"Drem yol lok, Paarthurnax. Gratitude for lending your ears to my heavy heart this morning."
"You are quite welcome."
"Harry—oh, there you are. Would've been nice had you let us know where you went," said Justin, as he too climbed out of the chest. "Good morning, sir." He inclined his head at the ancient dragon.
"Are the others awake?"
"Miraak is in the Virtual Projection Room, while Tommy is with the others in your room. Crixus is nearly healed, but Spartacus—I mean, Dardanos, he's still out of it. We'll probably want to keep him off his feet for the next day or so."
Harry nodded and gave a smile. "Sounds like a plan."
"You look in better spirits. What happened?"
"Outside eyes and ears help me to see a few matters differently. To that end, there are a few mistakes I have made that I intend to correct presently. Justin, I make apologies for the manner in which I have treated you since you returned to us earlier in the summer. You've been nothing but a friend, undeserving of the distant treatment and barred teeth."
"Harry..."
"No, allow me to finish. I have come to realize, I place fault in the wrong place—you, Brandon, Eric... nid do hi lost trah zey—none of you have grieved me... and yet I treat you as such. I lay the fault at the feet of whoever is responsible for putting tahrodiis stig—that treacherous act—in motion... not Valicadia, a place that has had my best interests at heart since I was first rescued from the Dursleys."
"There are a lot of people who will be glad to hear that, Harry. Will and Alice both knew you would come to that realization eventually. Though, don't be hard on yourself. We all have our judgement clouded sometimes."
"And clouded thoughts can only lead to ruin," said Harry. "Now the next matter will be to convince Tommy."
"He will need time. Considering he was affected most directly by the incident, he's still partly ruled by his emotions when it comes to the matter. He'll come to realize the same thing you have."
"He'll still have to know my changed opinion on matters, and I fear he will take it badly."
"He's a true friend. He's not gonna take off just because you have a difference of opinion on matters. I'm sure he'll have something to say about it, but..."
"Right." Harry blew out a breath. "There will be time to visit such matters in the future. We have more pressing matters at the present... such as how to summon one of Alduin's allies."
"Hmm, yes," said Paarthurnax, "I have been pondering on exactly that question, as you were at rest. Lingrah morah. I have tasted the voices of Alduin's allies on the wind. Pogaan nahlaas, vokrii wah jun(1). There is one who I remember well. Odahviing. He is the one to tell us where Alduin has gone."
"So we know his name. How will that help draw him to us?" Mazhe asked, doubtful.
"Ah, I forget how little you know of the dov. Our names are always made up of three Rotmulaag - Words of Power. You see - Paar-thur-nax - a Thu'um - a Shout, yes?"
Mazhe still looked doubtful. "But... why would he come to us though?"
"He is not compelled to come, but the dov are prideful by nature. Few could resist such a challenge. Especially from you, Dovahkiin. But Odahviing, he is... headstrong? Boziik. Rash. Even among the dov, he was known for this. He will not resist the challenge of your Voice, Dovahkiin. He will come. Now - hear his name. Odahviing. Taste it on the wind. Od-ah-viing. Know it in your su'um. Od-ah-viing!"
Mazhe could feel the words imprint themselves in his inner conscience as though they had always been there: Snow-hunter-wing. He gave a bow of the head.
"Thank you for your help. I can only hope that he will have the answers we seek."
"Trust your instincts, they will lead you where you must go," spoke the ancient dragon.
An interruption came in the form of two mobiles ringing; first Justin's, and then Mazhe's. While they went off in two separate directions to handle their calls, Harry thought for a moment.
"Paarthurnax... um... would it be possible if I might spend time with you? I would like to become more fluent in your tongue."
"It has been many years since I have taught one of your kind my language. I would be more than willing... and perhaps, we might see if you may learn a little more than to just speak it. You are aware that one does not have to be Dovahkiin... to learn the thu'um."
"Of course. Arngeir and the others... they are masters of the thu'um, but yet are not blessed with the inborn gift, such as Mazhe or Miraak. But... that sort of thing, it isn't something that is learned overnight."
"No, Harry, it is not. Waan hi fenvon wah doj, zu'u fenvon wah mind—If you are willing to learn, I am willing to teach."
"I would like that very much."
He glanced over just as Mazhe rejoined them.
"Uh, Harry... Delvin just gave me a priority assignment. A client in Rorikstead is paying a lot of coin for a recovery."
Mazhe made a finger gesture on the small screen of the phone, which caused it to enlarge to the size of a notepad. Another gesture produced a map.
"The client thinks the thieves took the item here." Mazhe pointed to a spot on the map. "It's called Broken Fang cave."
"And that was Guardian Elaine," said Justin, "They've just reopened the portal at the College. They'd like to come through and meet."
"Go," said Mazhe, "I think I can handle a few bandits."
"Call us if you need help," said Justin, "We can port key to your location with the phones, remember."
"Be safe, we'll meet up at the College," Harry suggested.
"Sounds good."
After collecting the chest, the group first port-keyed to Rorikstead, since it was Justin's mobile that contained the address. There, Mazhe parted ways with them, heading back east. Harry and the rest of the group, meanwhile, port-keyed back to the courtyard at the College. Sure enough, the large blue gateway was once again present, and a pair of S.O.U. Members stood watch. Harry didn't recognize either of them. On sight of the group, one of them pulled out a mobile of his own, and punched in a number. The call was connected almost immediately. "Yes. They're here... yes ma'am." He hung up.
Only seconds after, another pair of S.O.U. members stepped through the gate, immediately followed by Elaine, Will, and Alice. Immediately following them, came Eric and Brandon. Harry gave an incline of the head.
"I once again welcome friendly faces. Has the matter involving the dark mage been resolved?"
"We have taken some steps, but he still remains at large," answered Elaine.
"The mage made off with one of our experimental phones," said Justin, "As much as I'd like to stay and chat, I need to get back to the Arcane Sciences division so we might limit the phone's use."
"Go then. We'll be here at the College for the time being, but you can certainly get in touch with us if not," said Elaine.
Justin squeezed Harry's shoulder, before vanishing through the gateway.
"You look in better spirits than when we last spoke, Harry. Something has changed?"
"I have broken words with one who carries much more age and wisdom than I do—one who has likely forgotten more than I will ever witness across my lifetime. He helped me to see things from a different angle. Madam guardian... Eric... Brandon... Apologies for the anger thrown in your direction these past few months. My judgement was clouded by anger and fraan tahrovin—perceived treachery.
"The Commonwealth of Valicadia has been nothing but fahdon ahrk jaariliik—a friend and a protector to me, and though terrible things happened a year—nearly two years ago, those things are not the fault of the Commonwealth. I owe all of you a debt that can never be repaid—and righteous anger is not an appropriate—"
"Harry. You had all the right in the world to be angry. We knew that. Perhaps, we should have warned you of the findings... considering we were informed a few days before they were actually made public. But it is done and over, and all we promise, is to find those responsible."
"Mrs. T. was absolutely livid about the findings—never mind Her Majesty! An entire platoon of our guys, subjugated into doing the bidding of some dark wizard," said Eric, his face barely masking his anger.
"Was it Voldemort?"
Brandon scowled. "We don't know. The bastards were clever enough to cast a Fidelius Charm on the memories of the men."
"A Fidelius Charm cast on just memories? Gods... didn't think that was possible," said Harry, shaking his head. "Uh... let's go to my rooms, they're still set up for our use."
"As good a plan as any," said Will, as they started to cross the courtyard, "Where is Mazhe?"
"Off on an assignment for the Guild," Harry answered, "All he said, was a client was paying a lot of money for the guild to get something back for them. He'll join us once he's done."
"And Tommy?"
"Inside the chest, along with Miraak, Pietros, and a few others. A strange incident happened not long after you guys closed the portal," Harry answered.
"What sort of incident?" Elaine pressed, as Harry pushed open the doors leading into the Hall of Attainment.
"Both Crixus and Dardanos—I mean, Spartacus... ended up in the chest this morning."
"Hmm... that should have been impossible, Harry," said Elaine, as they entered Harry's set of rooms.
"What I said," Harry agreed, "But they both arrived bearing terrible injuries—Dardanos almost died anyway, or would have, without some strong spell casting. He's still recovering."
"Dardanos?"
"It's his real name. He was more than adamant we know."
"What were his last memories before he was brought to you?"
"About to be killed by Marcus Crassus—a powerful Roman general, if my history is right."
"Indeed. Then it would appear his return to you has no consequences for us," said Elaine. Relief was quite evident, as she took a seat at the large round table.
"I was equally relieved, madam Guardian," said Harry, "I know all too well the importance of not meddling with the wuldsetiid—currents of time. I believe that, since time was done with them, they had fulfilled their destinies, they were allowed to once again join me here—and with it, gain the promise of better things. Likewise, I have dear friends returned to me."
"Their destiny may yet lie here," said Elaine, "Do remember that, three of those who participated in the ritual that brought the Orb of Magnus into our world... are now present with you once again—"
"Actually, all of them are here. When I entered the chest, I found Varro had remained there from the previous nights' events."
"You prevented his death during that boy's birthday party, if I remember correctly," said Brandon.
"A situation of his purpose already being filled. So fate found a different way of removing him from the equation—though luckily it did not result in his death," said Elaine.
"Speaking of my chest..." Harry produced it, and set it down in its usual spot—directly beside his bed. He pulled the lid open. "Tommy! A word?"
Moments later, the man in question climbed out of the chest. He scowled, seeing Eric and Brandon present.
"I see they connected up with us again."
"Just let it be for now," said Harry, "Justin's returned to... well, I guess he's gone back to the lab in San Francisco to deal with the security breach."
"Tommy. We understand your anger. We're all just as angry that this kind of thing happened. Her Majesty demoted me just for the hint of involvement—which I swear to all things holy, I most certainly did not have anything to do with what happened to you or your family," said Brandon. "There were a lot of furious people when that report came out in June."
"So who did it then? Who answers for the shit I'm still dealing with two years after the fact?"
"All we know for sure at this point, it was a terrorist organization. They subjugated our guys... and the frustrating thing is, whoever did it, they covered their tracks too well. Tommy, quite honestly, we may never know who did it, or how."
"They put Fidelius Charms on them. You remember us talking about that, right?" Harry reminded him.
"Yeah." Tommy blew out a breath, frustrated.
"Just realize, the Commonwealth wouldn't order an operation like that. Gods, putting so many innocent lives at risk—no, that wouldn't ever get off the drawing board," said Brandon. "Now quite honestly, we were looking to recruit you for exactly the role you find yourself in—just not at the cost of your family."
"We would have paid handsomely," Elaine picked up, "Along with most of the privileges you have now."
Tommy let out a sigh. "I guess... I guess that makes sense."
"And you did gain a different sort of family," Harry pointed out, "And I gained a big brother."
"I thought that was Mazhe," said Will, confused.
Tommy snorted. "Yeah. Until they started sleeping together."
That got a scandalous look from both Will and Alice. "And when did this happen?"
"When you guys opened a portal to the villa in Capua. I... err... sort of let my feelings out of the bag, and Mazhe wouldn't let me just hide them again. I mean, it's not been all that long, but... I guess it was the natural progression."
"And sleeping—"
Harry frowned and muttered something incoherently. "Can't believe you brought that up..."
Tommy, meanwhile, couldn't help but smirk at Harry's discomfort.
"Y'know, there was the night we were... what's the word... snogging?"
"Yeah, thanks to my deviant boyfriend! Never mind the fact he had pleasure in doing it also! Gods, this is just not the proper conversation about now."
"I can agree with that," Tommy muttered, "I've got no interest in what you two might be doing... though sometimes you guys forget to use silencing charms, and the entire flat knows..."
Harry glared at Tommy. "Thanks for sharing that."
Will and Alice, meanwhile, had a tough time hiding their amusement.
"Harry," Will finally said, "You're an adult now, on paper, and pretty much now by physical factor. We can have Healer Ferris do an age test to confirm it, but physical maturity is at seventeen."
"What's that gonna mean, exactly?" Tommy asked.
"Inheritance," Elaine answered, "Early Adult Rights only granted him partial rights—mostly protected him against people trying to control him and so on. Matters such as family inheritances and so on only go into effect with physical maturity."
"It means I can finally see what mum and dad left for me. I only gained partial access to the family vault when I was granted Early Adult Rights. The money means very little—my place in the Guild has earned me a small fortune as it is—but the other treasures they may have left behind... those will be priceless. Journals, maybe... photographs... family heirlooms."
"The reason you went back to Hogwarts for your second year, rather than telling Dumbledore to fuck off," Tommy remembered.
"For exactly that reason, yes."
It was then Harry's mobile rang. He pressed a button to connect the call.
"Mazhe?"
"Harry... gods... need help at once. Potions... healing potions... potion of Cure Disease... get here quickly!" The call disconnected.
"Mazhe?" He put the mobile away. "Bloody hell... Mazhe's in trouble."
"Go. We'll continue when you get back."
"Brandon, Eric. I would welcome your wands and eyes once again," said Harry, as he slammed the lid closed on the chest, caused it to shrink, then pocketed it.
"We have your back," said Brandon.
"Where we going?"
"If Mazhe's still where he said he was going, it's a cave. We're using my mobile to get us there."
"Mobile?" Eric looked confused, while Brandon looked baffled.
"Just gather around. It's one of Justin's new toys."
Both S.O.U. members glanced at Elaine, who simply gave a nod.
"How's it work?"
"Grab on my arm," said Harry, "Like Tommy's doing."
Once Brandon and Eric had grabbed onto Harry's arm and shoulder, Harry activated his mobile, flipping through a list of names. He chose Mazhe's, then pressed the icon at the bottom of the screen labelled 'PK TO'. They vanished in a blur of limbs.
They landed a moment later at what was clearly the entrance to a cave. Mazhe was nearby, slumped up against a boulder, looking more dead than alive.
"H...harry... thank the nine."
"What happened?" Harry was by his side in an instant, digging through his rucksack for healing potions.
"They... th-th-they weren't bandits." His mate was shaking like a leaf, looking deathly white. "V-v-vampires. P-powerful vampires."
"Here. Potion of Cure Disease, and the strongest healing potion I've got."
"Thanks. Life-saver, Harry."
Mazhe popped the cork on the healing potion, and downed its contents, passing back the empty bottle. Almost instantly some of the colour started to return to his flesh, while he opened the second bottle. He still waited a few moments before consuming the contents, also returning the empty.
"Okay to stand?"
"I... let me rest just a few minutes."
"Were you able to find the item the client lost?"
"Have a look."
Mazhe reached into his own rucksack, pulling out an ornate amulet. He was no longer shaking, as the potions quickly did their job. "Fortifies all resistances by twenty five percent. I'd guess it to be worth five or six thousand septims."
Harry was confused. "Six enchantments? I thought it was only possible to put one, maximum of two enchantments on something."
"Depends on the enchanter," Mazhe answered, as he put the piece away. "A master enchanter... he could probably do just about whatever he wanted." He climbed to his feet, and Harry put his arm around his shoulder to support him.
"W-we need to get back to Riften so I can turn this in. Where... is Guardian Elaine waiting?"
"Yeah. She knows we came for you. It won't hurt if we're a few minutes longer," said Harry, "You... sure you're all right?"
"Still feel a little off... but they were vampires, Harry. I wouldn't expect anything to sort out the damage with any speed. Trust me, I'll be fine. Let's get back to Delvin so we can then return to the College."
Less than ten minutes later, his satchel minus one priceless amulet, but a thousand septims richer, Mazhe and the circle again returned to the College and to Harry's rooms, where Elaine and the two social workers waited.
"Good grief, Mazhe, you look of death," said Elaine, appraising Harry's mate.
"Vampires, Madam Guardian. Very nasty vampires. I ended up using all my healing potions, then a bunch I found in their lair, before escaping back outside to call Harry."
"We can contact healer Ferris."
"No, I think the extra potions Harry gave me were adequate." He grinned, and flipped the hair out of his face. "Glad to see the Commonwealth return. Has the situation you were facing resolved?"
"Not to satisfaction. We are doing what we can to close the security breach. And as far as us being here, we have a few extra security precautions put in place within the chamber itself. Curse breakers have again modified the wards. A person must now be keyed into the wards before they can ever enter the chamber," Elaine explained.
"How does that work?" Harry asked.
"A sample of blood. Mazhe, we'll require a sample of your blood so we may add you to the access list, given your relationship to Harry."
"How much?"
"A few drops will do."
Harry was already pulling out a small vial. "Hold out your arm... great." He touched a finger to it, and a few drops of blood splattered into the vial.
Will was impressed. "Gods... wandless and non-verbal."
"Come on, guys. Such things are a stroll in the park for me by now. I've finished most of my course load for grade ten, and level six magic. Justin wants to do a review and have me sit my exams, hopefully at the end of Hearthfire—September, I mean."
He held the vial out, but didn't relinquish it when Elaine's hand closed around it. Instead, a single thin golden line of magic began to snake around their hands.
"Do you make the vow that this vial of blood will not be used in any other manner than to add my mate's name and essence to the wards protecting the Magnus Chamber?"
Elaine arched an eyebrow, but Harry gave her a hard look. "I will not have my partner's blood misused... or used against him."
"I give my vow as asked."
"So mote it be."
A second swirl of golden magic bound the two hands, before Harry let go.
"What was that?" Tommy questioned.
"My time in Capua zaknah pogaas fruk—was very productive. It was a variation of the unbreakable vow. This form only requires the two parties... and should the vow be krent—broken, the one grieved has the choice of what consequence the violator shall suffer. Though I do trust Guardian Elaine, I feel I must protect family."
"What would you do—"
"I won't get into that, Tommy, because I know I will never have to enact it," Harry answered, his voice carrying an air of finality. "Realistically, I trust the Commonwealth to have our best interests at heart."
Mazhe let out a snort, before parking himself in a seat at the table. "A direction completely opposite that you were travelling a few days ago."
"A path that would only lead to ruin," Harry answered, "I find it corrected by eyes and ears much older, and much wiser than mine."
"Yes, as you said this morning. What were you two talking about while I was speaking to Delvin, anyway?"
"Paarthurnax has agreed to teach me to speak dovahzul—tongue of the dragons."
"Ah. Taking me up on my advice, then?"
"Yeah."
"Who is this Paarthurnax?" Brandon asked.
"A very important ally in the fight against Alduin," Mazhe answered, "He's master of the Greybeards, and he's given us a plan, and possibly how to deal with Alduin once and for all."
"Just like Hermaeus Mora has provided me with the means to dispose of Tom Riddle once and for all. I only need some way of enticing him to read one of the Black Books. I'm open to any suggestions on that."
"Your friend Hermione might have suggestions."
Harry snorted. "Right. After she lectures me on the irresponsibility of such a course of action."
"As we would do just as quickly. Savos Aren most certainly filled us in on the deities which exist in this world," said Elaine, "Associating with a demon—no matter how noble the reason... I urge you to tread carefully."
"As Mazhe has already warned me. I keep that advice at the forefront of my mind during any dealings with him—what did Frea's father call him... Herma Mora?"
Mazhe gave a nod.
"I know there would be a good number of people who would use such an association against me," Harry continued, "Even if I am using it to be rid of Voldemort. But know this. There is very little I will not do, if it means ensuring the safety of those I hold dear to me. That's the only reason I will deal with Voldemort... considering he's a monster Dumbledore effectively sired—what?" he snorted, seeing the dubious looks he was getting, "Like I said, I had loads of time over the past year, plenty of it spent with research. Reading back issues of the Daily Prophet and the National Daily Chronicle... birth records... school records... I've been able to piece together more than a few things that pertain to Tom Riddle. He's a creation of the great Albus Dumbledore. Nid zuk—Nothing more.
"I have to wonder if that's what he was trying to do with me. You know, make me into tozeinnu mal kolraav—perfect little soldier. Soft, malleable, easily guided into doing just about whatever the old man wanted. Luckily for me, I was saved from such a fate. Unfortunate that no one saved Tom Riddle. He needed it far more than me. I... why is it your future self could not go back... back to the time of Tom's youth... and save him?"
"That is a question I cannot answer, Harry," Elaine answered, sadly, "But you are right. We, too, know much about the man's history, his terrible life at an orphanage. It was most definitely irresponsible for the school to leave him in such an environment. Even then, had he been here in the Commonwealth, the Ministry of Social Services would have intervened long before he began his education."
"My age... when I was rescued."
"Sooner," said Alice, "The Ministry has ways of knowing when a magical child is born. Let's take Riddle's case. His father abandoned his mother before the boy was born. His mother died almost immediately after the boy was born, living only long enough to give him a name.
"In his case, he would have been made available for adoption. Placing a child in an orphanage is the last thing we would ever want to do and all."
"What if that happened?"
"My department keeps a very close eye on the orphanages we have. The children there are well taken care of—though still not as good a situation as an adoptive family. Tom would have still known what it was like to be cared for... likely made friends... had something to live for and look forward to. If something's wrong, we quickly search for a solution, rather than letting things fester and spiral out of control."
"Tom Riddle is a glaring example of how wrong things can go, if children are neglected. We have a standing promise that not one child in the system will ever be put in a position where they have no choice but to turn to darkness. Thus far, we have never failed on that promise," said Will.
"We've come close, but never an outright failure."
There came a pop, and Dobby was standing beside Harry's seat. "Master Miraak is looking for Mazhe."
"Oh. Uh... sort of forgot. Let's take this into the chest. Dobby, you mind putting out a few snacks?"
"Right away, Harry Potter sir!" With a pop, the elf vanished.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with the social workers catching up on events that were happening in Skyrim. It was unsettling to learn Harry and his mate were facing the dragons, and the end-times prophecy. However, they simply made available whatever resources Harry and Mazhe might need to defeat the enemy.
Justin returned just before dinner, appearing somewhat relieved. He took a seat at the large table.
"The protocol was adjusted to prevent the prototype phones from working—I'll need to see everyone's phone to make a slight change... or actually a couple."
"We're allowed to keep them?" Tommy looked surprised.
"It took a couple of hours to make a change to the protocol. The phone in the hands of the enemy won't work anymore. And neither will ours—at least back in the Commonwealth. I need to change a few numbers, and I'll be modifying the controller here. And..." He reached into his own satchel, and pulled out two more mobile devices.
"Since Brandon and Eric will be joining us from here on out..." He laid them on the table. "I'll give you guys a rundown on how they work and how to program them."
"And you're sure we'll not have a repeat of the incident two days ago." Brandon still looked doubtful.
"Unless they know exactly how to reprogram the phone, then no."
"Good grief, we've been here all afternoon," Guardian Elaine noted, "I do need to get back to the Magnus Chamber."
Harry glanced up at the clock mounted on the wall beside the corridor leading to the rooms. "Just about time for dinner as it stands. Brandon and Eric, I assume you both will be staying with us."
"Until her Majesty decides otherwise," Brandon answered.
"Great. I haven't spoken to Dardanos or the others yet, but I think they would benefit from proper training. Whatever the pair of you would be willing to teach. They're already familiar with the early morning training routine, of course."
"It will be up to them, but if they're willing, I can easily accommodate. Likewise, Tommy..."
"No," Tommy answered, coldly, "Harry's ready to forgive... but..."
"Just leave it be for now," said Harry, wanting to stave off an argument.
"I'll likely return in the next day or two," said Elaine, standing.
"Likewise. And we would like for you to see healer Ferris."
"Yeah, I know. She's been wanting to have a chat with me since the Commonwealth rescued me a couple of weeks ago. It will really depend on what unfolds over the next few days. We have told you about the short term plan."
"I still shudder at the idea of you two facing a dragon, of all things..."
"You've all forgotten about the first task of the Triwizard tournament already?" Harry shook his head. "I faced her, and then I lacked the proper tools for facing such a being. Now we're armed with the proper tools."
"And we'll be there," said Eric.
"Right, fine. All we can ask is that you not do anything too insane, Harry," said Will, also standing, along with his colleague.
"You know me."
"Yes, the frightening fact of it all. Be careful, Harry."
After dinner was concluded, they found Dardanos/Spartacus had regained consciousness. Both he and Crixus were looking much more themselves, rather than death warmed over.
While Justin made changes to everyone's mobiles, they were treated to another version of events that transpired in the two years after the Commonwealth's departure from 73 BCE Capua. The lot of them had lost many friends and warriors—though Harry had already known that would happen. Crassus and his powerful army had all but obliterated the slave revolt, then proceeded to crucify a staggering six thousand rebel slaves along the Appian Way. Harry had plenty of time to read up on history, at least in the latter part of his stay at the villa—at least, before he began doing surveillance on the house.
"What will become of us now?" Spartacus at last asked.
"Your life is yours to do with it as you will. Though I would suggest you remain with us for now, at least until you gain a better grasp on the change of culture. You all do understand, our culture has changed in no small way."
"How far into the future have we travelled?" Crixus asked.
"About two thousand years," Justin answered, "We're 2006."
"Gods... I would see this world, then!" Pietros looked excited at the prospect.
"In time, you will. And you've actually seen a small part of it," said Justin, "When we visited the laboratory for my experiment."
"Actually we visited a few places," said Harry, "Though you probably don't remember much of them, considering we only remained briefly."
"Most appeared as this place does."
"As was the plan, Dardanos. Though you each participated in the experiment, we did somewhat limit your exposure to our world, since it was expected that you wouldn't be remaining with us," said Justin. "Had your present circumstances unfolded with someone else, it's very likely the government would be doing some serious investigations."
"But because it involves me, son ahmiin ofan—less attention is given."
"Yeah, considering the government is busy kissing his ass right now," Tommy snorted.
Varro looked confused. "For what reason?"
"Terrible events took place two years ago that I won't go into detail concerning," answered Harry, "But Tommy lost family, and a lot of people were killed or hurt. A few months ago, information revealed who was truly responsible. Unfortunately for me, I reacted before all of the information was given, and I believed the government was directly at fault for the incident, rather than a terrorist organization. Tommy and I fled from the Commonwealth, and it is only recently that I learn the truth.
"The Commonwealth wants to remain in my good graces, because they need me more than I need them."
Eric and Brandon both frowned. "Harry..."
"I mean no malice with my words, but speak the truth. I also add that, the sons and daughters of Valicadia give me gut zuk dahrin wah krif—far more reason to fight Voldemort than do the people of Wizarding England. Save for a few friendly faces, as far as I'm concerned, the English Wizarding world can all go hang.
"That said, the responsibility for dealing with the Dark Lord ultimately falls to me, and it is not only the English Wizarding world I must act for. Something I will do, but most definitely will not do it alone. Just as much as Mazhe will not face Alduin alone. Mu kroson ol dopaan—we work as a group... as a team."
"More shoulders carry the burden," said Crixus.
"Exactly."
"Harry has suggested the four of you be trained in our tactics," said Brandon, "We are willing to do so."
"It would be an extension of the morning training we did, before your normal training with Doctore," said Harry.
"Your instruction is welcome," said Crixus, "I would attend."
"As will I," Dardanos/Spartacus agreed, with Varro and Pietros quickly adding theirs.
"It will likely be a few days before we can begin, since there are pressing matters we're dealing with right now."
"And we should see those matters over and done with shortly." Mazhe stood in the doorway, with Miraak standing just behind. Both looked exhausted, though Mazhe looked more tired than his fellow Dragonborn.
"I see training continues without us," Harry noted.
"It was a spirited evening, yes," Miraak agreed.
"I need some rest," said Mazhe, "But we will call Odahviing in the morning. Hurry to bed so we get plenty of sleep."
"I will be along presently, we are just finishing."
"Go. Be with your love," said Dardanos, "Or regret the time lost."
"We'll handle things from here," said Justin, "Get some rest."
"I'll be dragging your asses out of bed at dawn, just so you know," said Tommy, smirking.
Harry smirked right back. "Two words: locking charm."
Unfortunately, the following morning, things did not go as planned, as Mazhe received another call from the Guild, this time from Brynjolf.
"Can't we just postpone it for now?" Harry asked, as Mazhe began to explain the matter.
"No. It's Maven Black-briar. She's asked to speak to me specifically. It's one of those times I can't just say 'no'. Last thing we want to do is offend the Black-briars."
Harry let out a huff. "Great. A much more important matter is once again delayed."
"Actually, I'd like you to port key back to the Skaal Village, and collect Sahrotaar. We could use his help in dealing with Odahviing. Fill him in on what's going on.
"Meantime, I'll speak with Maven, find out what she wants. Once I find out, I'll call you and we can go from there. Hopefully it won't be anything major, and we can then summon Odahviing. Miraak, I would have you travel with Harry."
"I think we'll all be coming along," said Justin.
"Wait. Where would we be going with Sahrotaar?"
"Lost Tongue Overlook, the word wall southwest of Riften. Port key him there," Mazhe suggested.
With the chest collected and stored away, Harry and Mazhe once again went in separate directions. Mazhe activated his mobile, and vanished. Harry then produced his mobile, and with Brandon, Eric, Justin, and Tommy holding onto him, he activated his.
A few hundred miles made a dramatic difference in the weather. Tommy immediately felt under-dressed at the sharp decline in temperature—never mind the swirling snow and biting wind. Harry quickly produced his chest again, propping it up against the side of the great hall, and pulled open the lid. Tommy wasted no time in climbing inside to fetch a warmer change of clothes.
"Bloody hell... forgot the climate change," Harry muttered, gesturing to himself with a hand. His lighter clothes were exchanged for winter gear—namely a heavily-lined parka with a strong warming charm on the inside of it. The others did the same, though both S.O.U. Members now dressed in Arctic gear as apposed to the dark clothing they wore only moments earlier. They wore goggles which protected the eyes and most of the face from the biting wind and cold.
"Where are we?" Brandon asked.
"This is the island of Solstheim, and more specifically, the Skaal village. The people here now see us as allies, considering what we did for them," said Harry. He glanced around, and frowned. "Looks like everyone's inside."
"The great hall then," Justin suggested.
"No. Frea's house is there." He pointed to another house nearby.
They took little time in reaching it, and Harry knocked, being polite. Seconds later, it opened a crack.
"Harry. What can we do for you?" Frea asked.
"I once again seek Sahrotaar. We have need of his help."
"Is there anything we can do for you?"
"No. It's a matter we're dealing with on the mainland. Mazhe's needing information from another dragon."
"We wish him luck as he walks the All-maker's path. Sahrotaar has... travelled to your temple," said Frea, frowning at Miraak.
"Gratitude. We will seek him there, then," said Harry.
"Do be careful." With that, the door closed.
"Shor's balls... we'll have to fly there."
"In this weather," Tommy muttered.
"Lucky for you, you can stay in the chest."
"Not a chance."
"Come on then, let's fetch brooms, let the others know, and collect the trunk..."
Only fifteen minutes later, they circled the enormous stone lattice-work that crowned the entrance to Miraak's temple. The temple's owner currently rode on the back of Harry's broom, with Tommy pairing up with Justin. Eric and Brandon, meanwhile, flew on their own individual brooms—a futuristic model that looked like they were made of metal—quite menacing if Harry had to describe them.
Sahrotaar rested on the top of the lattice-work, and watched as they approached.
"Hail, thuri," he greeted.
"Hail, Sahrotaar. We have matters unfolding back in Skyrim, matters where we would krahl hin freyend.(2)"
"How do we get him to Skyrim?" Tommy asked.
"Same way as we got him back to Tamriel from Apocrypha," Harry answered, "We'll travel by port key."
"For real?"
"We do it all the time back in the Commonwealth. Long as the person or thing is in contact with the person activating the port key," Justin explained.
"It's the same as how we got to the village," said Harry, "Right then—"
Just as he pulled the mobile out, it rang. He pressed a button.
"Harry, I'm going to Whiterun. While I'm taking care of the assignment, take Sahrotaar to Fort Greymoor. It's marked on the map already. I'll join you in an hour or so."
"What's the old crow having you do?"
"There's a competitor meadery in Whiterun she wants put out of business. Don't ask for more details, you probably won't like the answer."
"Oh. Uh... right. Just... be careful."
"I will. Love you, Harry."
"Love always." The connection was closed.
Harry blew out a breath. Part of him wanted to immediately port key back to Mazhe's location so he could help out, but yet, he would then know exactly what Mazhe was being asked to do. Likely something highly illegal.
"Right. A change of plan. Sahrotaar... are you able to help?"
"What is your plan?"
"We plan to capture and interrogate one of Alduin's allies. We need your presence for backup."
"I will be glad to assist you in this quest."
"Let's dismount, then."
The four brooms all descended to the ground, and everyone dismounted, while Sahrotaar momentarily took to the air, only to settle down a short distance from them, making the ground shudder as he landed. After all, several tons of flesh and bone make an impact—they are by no means subtle.
"We will be travelling in an identical manner to the way in which we left Apocrypha," Harry explained, producing his mobile. "Now... I know we have a location somewhere near that fort..."
He flipped through the dozens of entries he already had... most of them within Skyrim.
"Ah. This will do... everyone get close... Uh... Sahrotaar, put your, uh, chin on my shoulder... good." He pressed the button to trigger the port key, and they were gone in a massive blur of appendages.
That blur of appendages reappeared seconds later near the entrance to a cave—a set of doors, to be specific. It was below ground level, and so the sloping path gave them a good cover. A quick visual count found everyone had arrived without difficulty. Brandon and Eric quickly restored their black combat gear, and were already taking a defensive stance.
"Right. Remount. Sahrotaar... Miraak and I will ride on your back, if that's agreeable." Harry thought for a moment. "We kill anything that is a threat."
Tommy snorted. "No shit."
"We'll not want to go near the Western Watchtower. Whiterun's guard has a patrol stationed there. They likely won't take too kindly to a dragon showing up."
By dragon and broom, the flight only took minutes. Unfortunately, the place was crawling with bandits.
"Fo... KRAH DIIN!" Both Miraak and the dragon let out blasts of freezing air. One of the bandits on the ramparts got the full blast of it, and collapsed in a heap.
"Harry!" Justin shouted, but Sahrotaar was already pulling up to block the flurry of arrows.
"Sahrotaar... I would fight from the ground," said Miraak. The dragon acquiesced, his landing once again shaking the ground. Miraak jumped off.
"Mul... QAH DIIV!" The ghostly, glowing silhouette of a dragon once again encompassed him, as he set upon a group of enemies firing at them from a nearby forge.
Sahrotaar and Harry, meanwhile, returned to flight. More bandits were coming from the double doors at the south end of the fort, having heard the noise and likely feeling the ground shake.
"Let's give them a frosty welcome," Harry hissed, cupping his hands together.
KAWHACK! A frosty projectile skewered one bandit through the eye socket. He dropped in his tracks, his still-good eye rolling up into the back of his head.
Sahrotaar, meanwhile, let go another blast of frosty air, which froze three more trying to exit the fort. A blast of fire then set the bodies and the doors themselves alight.
"Well done-" Harry spun and launched a pair of ice spikes at a bandit perched on the opposite wall, aiming his bow toward them. The man ducked, the projectile going wide. Unfortunately, he couldn't duck from a spray of bullets courtesy of Eric. He, Brandon, and Tommy all brandished MP5s at this point. Bows against automatic weapons? No contest.
Finally, the last man fell, and Sahrotaar landed in the courtyard, allowing Harry to climb off.
"Gods... once again I fail to remember how dangerous these places can be," Harry muttered, "An invisible approach would have saved us the trouble."
"It's over and done," said Brandon, "Thing is we're all okay."
"If the plan is to trap one of my fellow dov, it might be better to do it here," Sahrotaar suggested.
"He's right," Brandon agreed, "You won't want to attract a hostile dragon close to a populated area. You would get unwanted help... and the idea is to capture and interrogate it, right?"
"Yeah... exactly. We'll have to wait for Mazhe, but this sounds like a good plan," Harry said, bending down to inspect one of the dead bandits.
He felt carefully for a satchel—there. Death somewhat dispelled the disillusion enchantment, and once he located it, the bag became visible. He removed it, then opened the flap.
"Jackpot."
Inside, was a clutch of jewels, coins, amulets, and rings. And...
"Justin... look at this."
It was an odd-looking jewel. It looked somewhat like a ruby... or maybe a garnet, but the cut was unique.
"Maybe your friend Tonilia might know."
"Yeah. Agreed. I'll be handing most of this over to her in the first place. Another, uh, legal haul for the Guild," Harry grinned.
"Harry. Check out this guy. Strange armour," said Eric, pointing out one of the bandits by the forge.
"Frea wears armour like this."
He crossed the courtyard after tossing the captured satchel to Justin. The armour was a dulled silver colour—perhaps it contained quicksilver. The edges were intricate, carved, and the brown material beneath was lined and quilted. A gesture of the hand had it stripped from its owner. Another gesture of the hand had it cleaned and repaired.
"I'll need to break words with Balimund... he will be able to tell me what it's made of."
One final gesture of the hand instantly replaced his clothes with the new armour.
"I like it. Not even my Guild armour is as comfortable."
It was a half hour before Mazhe joined them. The assignment had taken a little longer than expected, but he was finally finished.
"Gods... looks like you guys met some opposition," said Mazhe, looking around.
"Nothing we could not handle," Harry answered. "Sahrotaar thinks we should summon Odahviing here."
"Hmm... yeah, a wise thought. We're a ways away from Whiterun... last thing we need is for it to attack the city."
"We'll take to the air, if Sahrotaar would not mind being my wings."
"It would be my honour," answered the dragon.
"Tommy and I will use my broom," said Justin.
"Likewise, we'll be in the air as well," said Brandon, "And we should be out of sight. Disillusionment charms."
"On a dragon?" Tommy looked doubtful.
"He doubts my power," Harry exclaimed, feigning injury. "The shame of it!"
Mazhe rolled his eyes. "Seriously. Miraak, I would have you on the ground with me."
"It will be so. The day gets on, we should proceed."
"Agreed. Get into position, guys."
With everyone in position only a minute later, Mazhe climbed up the stairs leading to the top of the fort's walls.
"Od... ahVIING!" The shout once again come out like a clap of thunder, echoing across the land.
Now, it was a waiting game. Considering the dragon could be anywhere. Mazhe remained on the top of the wall, turning slowly, watching the skies. He knew the others were doing the same. If anything, they'd had time to get set up, to prepare, and Sahrotaar was right: the place was an ideal place to spring such a trap.
"Mazhe! Northwest!" came Harry's call. Sure enough, a dark shape was flying from the northwest, perhaps from Labyrinthian.
Unseen by the others, Brandon mentally shivered. Sure, they had met a friendly dragon—neither Mazhe or Harry had explained at this point how they had made it friendly... but this would be a deadly enemy. And this shouting business... Brandon had never heard of such a thing. Or well, he'd heard of the legend, being in Skyrim long enough, but to see it in use? He abandoned the MP5, and went with something with a little more punch. If the dragon could not be controlled...
The dragon let out a terrible screech as it approached, unleashing a blast of fire at an unseen target—a sabre cat, Mazhe realized. None of the circle were that far from the fort.
"Dovahkiin! Here I am!" Odahviing cried, as he circled overhead.
His call was answered by an ice spike, launched from an unseen attacker. The dragon snarled, and unleashed a blast of fire in answer.
"Mazhe... it must be you to trap him," said Miraak, though he readied a shock spell.
"I know. Dragonrend, though... Ready?"
Unseen, Harry was again hit with a wave of jealousy, as the two Dragonborn seemed to easily get into sync, even though they were in different parts of the fort.
"Joor... ZAH FRUUULL!" The shout again thundered across the land, and Odahviing was hit with the full force of it. He let out a terrifying roar, as he was forced to ground in the court yard.
"Now, Mazhe!" Miraak shouted.
"Gol... HAH DOOV!" Odahviing was nailed with the second powerful shout, and he let out another snarl, before being calmed by the spell. Mazhe felt like he was about to collapse—using two dragon shouts back to back had all but drained him. If they got into another fight, he would be of little use.
"Hail, thuri. Saraan uth(3)," said Odahviing.
"We seek answers to some questions, Odahviing," said Miraak, "We have defeated your master. Where does he seek refuge?"
Odahviing practically hissed at the speaker, then turned to Mazhe, who was descending the stairs. "Why are you in the company of this traitor?"
"The reasons are complicated," said Mazhe, "You will follow his orders as you will mine. Now answer his question."
Odahviing did the dragon equivalent of a frown. "Rinik vazah. An apt phrase. Alduin bovul."
"He... fled from us," came Harry's voice. He suddenly became visible, as did Sahrotaar. Moments later, the rest of the circle also became visible, hovering about the courtyard.
"I salute your... cunning, Dovahkiin... in devising such a grahmindol – stratagem. One reason I came to your call was to test your Thu'um for myself. Many of us have begun to question Alduin's lordship, whether his Thu'um was truly the strongest. Among ourselves, of course. Mu ni meyye—we are not fools. None were yet ready to openly defy him."
"You were telling us where we could find Alduin," said Mazhe, trying to get the conversation back on track.
"Unslaad krosis. Innumerable pardons. I digress. He has travelled to Sovngarde to regain his strength, devouring the sillesejoor... the souls of the mortal dead. A privilege he jealously guards..."
Harry couldn't believe it. "He's gone to the land of the dead?"
"How's that even possible?" Tommy, too, was doubtful.
"Do not doubt Alduin's power," said Odahviing.
"GUYS!" Justin shouted, pointing madly due south. Everyone looked up to see another black silhouette making a fast track for them.
"Oh bloody hell..."
"Odahviing... get us aloft. Miraak will join us!" Mazhe commanded.
Like clockwork, the two Dragonborn climbed onto Odahviing's back, and the crimson dragon took off.
"Guys, my magical pool was depleted, I've got no magicka restorative potions."
"We'll cover you," said Harry. The two dragons were side-by-side at this point.
"No sense in disappearing, he's already seen us," said Brandon, "You guys have fought him recently, right?"
"Dragonrend is out of the question... we just used it," said Mazhe.
"I can try, but it would then put me in the same position as you are," said Miraak.
"Do it. We will cover you," said Eric, "Strongest weapons we have, guys."
The monster was then upon them, and he let out a blast of fire that set a swath of ground on fire.
"Tahrodiis, Odahviing! My teeth to your neck!" Alduin snarled. "And you, nivahriin joore, you will die here, as I grow tired of your insolence!"
"Then see your words met with action!" Harry snarled back, flinging a pair of ice spikes toward the black dragon.
"Joor... ZAH FRUUUL!" Came Miraak's shout, but this time Alduin was ready. The shout missed, simply to roll off into the atmosphere.
"Nice try, traitor. Hi nid hask wah zey(4). Die now, and join your fellow joore in Sovngarde."
Odahviing answered with an enormous plume of fire, which the world-eater easily avoided, and Brandon was forced to take evasive action, as Alduin sent a plume of fire of his own toward the S.O.U. Member.
BOOM. A forty-millimetre grenade exploded just under Alduin's chest, causing him to roar out in anger.
"What twisted tools do you use? Foolish mortals! Yol... TOOR SHUUL!"
This time it was Justin and Tommy forced to take evasive action, as the blast of fire narrowly missed, setting the ground on fire.
"Strun... BAH QOOOO!(5)" Alduin's voice echoed like thunder, and the skies began to take on a red hue.
"Oh... gods... what is that? What's he done?!" Harry shouted.
"I... I don't know!" Mazhe shouted back, as the air seemed to crackle with energy.
"Oh fuck..." Tommy was the first to see it, what looked like a meteor falling out of the sky. It slammed into the ground, exploding on contact. Now, Harry and Justin were forced to watch the skies, and blast away the deadly projectiles before they could pummel anyone.
"Should've done this elsewhere," Harry muttered. Tommy, Eric, and Brandon, meanwhile, were letting fly deadly projectiles of their own, forty-millimetre grenades certainly had a way of getting someone's attention.
"Fo... KRAH DIIIN!" Sahrotaar let fly a blast of frost, and this hit home, making Alduin roar in anger. That was quickly joined by another blast of fire from Odahviing.
THWACK. An arrow pierced Sahrotaar's wing, and only then did Harry realize, they had flown east, and now passed over the Western Watchtower.
"Shit. Turn around!"
"Like how, Harry! Not as if Alduin will let us!" Mazhe shot back, as they were then forced to avoid more arrows from the town guard. Alduin was then in pursuit, forcing them to also duck a blast of fire.
"Sonorus. The black dragon is the enemy, not us! Quietus."
"Gaan... LAH HAAAAASS!" Alduin roared, as he swooped down on one of the guards. The man instantly collapsed, barely alive.
BOOM. Alduin snarled again, as this time an explosive projectile nailed him in the tail, causing the end to fall limp. Score one for Tommy.
"Mul... QAH DIIV!" Miraak shouted, once again bringing the Dragon Aspect to life.
"You've recovered enough?"
"Enough. We must draw him away, we near Whiterun," Miraak warned.
"We know that! We turn south, guys!"
Unfortunately, it seemed Alduin picked up on that, as he circled south and cut them off. Worse, still, he once again appeared uninjured.
"Great. There's Honningbrew Meadery. Odahviing... turn left slightly."
"As you command."
"LOOK OUT!" Came Harry's frightened shout, but there was no time to react. The world-eater had flown up, and literally dive-bombed the crimson dragon and its riders. The two dragons and both Dragonborn quite literally fell out of the sky to crash into the side of the meadery in an explosion of timber, limbs, and fire.
"MAZHE!" Harry screamed, terrified at what he'd just witnessed. Now, only a black tail could be seen in the wreckage, as the fire rapidly spread, fuelled by the dry timber.
"Put me down!"
"At once, Harry."
Sahrotaar set down heavily, and Harry jumped down, producing his wand.
"Help me put out the fire!"
"NO shit!" Justin and Tommy were already on the ground, as was Eric, while Brandon remained aloft, though he also drew his wand. Harry was already throwing a powerful stream of water into the hole, though he also kept a shock spell at the ready—not that it would do a whole lot against the black dragon who still lay stunned in the wreckage.
"H-harry... help..."
"Thank the Gods..." Not giving it a second thought, Harry simply gestured with a hand, dragging his mate out of the wreckage.
"Where... where's Miraak?"
"Don't know. Guys! More water!"
"Uh... Harry... watch out," Eric warned, noticing the black tail was starting to stir.
"Fo... KRAH DIIN!" Came Miraak's shout, and an angry roar immediately followed. It was more than unsettling, considering the building was now fully engulfed.
"BOMBARDA MAXIMA!" Eric shouted, sending a blast of magic at the exposed black tail. This garnered another terrible roar from Alduin, still trapped in the wreckage.
Then, an explosion of wreckage sent everyone scrambling, as the angry dragon burst from the flaming building looking furious.
"Gaan... LAH HAAS!" Eric attempted to get clear, but was still partially caught in the path of it, and collapsed.
"Eric! Gods..." Harry shouted.
"NO! Stay there, I'll see to him!" Brandon shouted back.
"Your twisted words will not save you in the end, mortal. We will meet again, and your soul will only feed my power," Alduin hissed, before once again simply vanishing.
Everyone remained frozen to the spot for a moment, before they exploded into action.
"Eric?!"
"Gods... he's not breathing." Mazhe was the first at the man's side.
"I'll deal with him. Find... find your friends," said Brandon, dismounting his broom.
"Miraak! Are you well?" Harry called, sill casting a concerned eye toward Eric.
"Help put this fire out. Odahviing is mortally wounded!" came the man's reply.
Harry and Justin quickly did so, pouring as much water as they could conjure on the blaze. The building at this point was a complete write-off, the roof having collapsed onto the second floor. The conflagration was drawing a crowd by now, as town folk gathered to watch—though many kept a weary eye on the serpentine dragon amongst the circle.
"Harry... I'm taking Eric back to the College so he can be seen by healer Ferris," said Brandon, "If you guys go anywhere, let me know."
"Yeah... fine," said Harry, not keeping his eyes off the fire. Even with the amount of water they were using, the fire was slow to die. Sahrotaar also used his frost breath, but had to be careful, considering both Miraak and Odahviing were still inside.
It took an hour before the fire was beaten into submission, leaving smouldering wreckage behind. Then, and only then, did they find out what had become of Odahviing. He had shielded Miraak from most of the heat, and in the end suffered terrible burns. Far worse, the dragon's left wing had been all but sheared off—terrible teeth marks gave them all they needed to know on how it came to be injured.
"Krosis..." said Odahviing, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Gratitude for saving a friend," said Harry, "Though you may see him as a traitor." He felt a hand on his shoulder, and didn't have to look to know it was Mazhe.
"He works against Alduin. Rok vax, nuz zu'u los ahk. Tiid naram maltiid fah zey. Seek Skuldafn in the east. Krif... voth... ahkrin.(7)"
Odahviing let out one final sigh, before collapsing. The corpse lay still for a moment, before beginning to burn, just as the others, and for the first time, Mazhe felt saddened by the absorption of the dragon's soul.
Far worse, the activity was easily witnessed through the shattered walls of the building by the crowd gathered outside. Mazhe wanted to find a hole somewhere, hearing the muttering and whispering.
"It's like the ancient legends... Dragonborn..."
"It can't be... you... you took its very soul..."
"Leave him be," said Harry, nastily, "You lot offered no aid, and it is the responsibility of all to defeat the dark dragon and his allies! Set minds and hands to purpose, or next time, it could be your homes, your lives it takes! Nivahriin muz(8)..."
"Harry... it does no good, you know this from your own experience."
"Fucking sheeple..." Harry muttered, putting his arm around his mate. They both looked a mess, completely covered in soot from the event. "Let us return to Riften, and figure out where this... Skuldafn is."
"Climb aboard, and I will tell you what I know," said Sahrotaar.
"None of you will be going anywhere," said a scowling guard, "Explain to me exactly what has happened here."
"Commander Caius," said Mazhe, deciding to be polite, "We didn't plan on this ending up on the outskirts of the city. We trapped that dragon—" he pointed to the burned corpse in the wreckage of the building, "—with the intention of interrogating him about the location of Alduin. Unfortunately, Alduin decided to show up, and chased us from Fort Greymoor. We prevented the fight from spilling into the city itself. If it had, a destroyed meadery would have been the least of Whiterun's problems."
"So you should be saying 'thank you', instead of blustering about damaged property and other bullshit," said Tommy, nastily.
Harry also scowled at the guard. "Have to agree with Tommy here. This could've ended up a lot worse. Gods... we were lucky."
"And the dead dragon. It was also an enemy?" the commander questioned.
"No. A friend in the end, as is Sahrotaar, here. I would expect word to be spread to the rest of the city guard that Sahrotaar is an ally. Attacking him will not only garner his wrath, but ours as well," said Mazhe. "A dragon ally in the fight against Alduin... is something we cannot afford to lose."
Commander Caius frowned, not liking being talked to in such a manner, but relented. This was the Dragonborn, after all—never mind him being the Thane of Whiterun. He did have a fair bit of latitude.
"Very well. I will see it done."
While Tommy joined Justin on his broom, Mazhe and Miraak once again climbed on Sahrotaar's back. Once on his own broom, Harry pulled out his mobile as they left the ground.
"Brandon?"
"Harry. What's going on?"
"We're flying to Riften."
"You guys are all okay?"
"We're fine. When healer Ferris is done looking after Eric, I would have words with her. We have seen some terrible things today."
"We'll meet in Remus' apartment."
"I'll see you there." Harry disconnected the call.
"Sahrotaar... what do you know about Skuldafn?" Harry rode on his broom alongside them.
"It is one of his ancient fanes high in the eastern mountains. Mindoraan, pah ok middovahhe lahvraan til. I surely do not need to warn you that all his remaining strength is marshaled there."
"After today's fight, that does not surprise me. We will not be doing this today. Gods... why do I feel so exhausted?"
"Do you know exactly where Skuldafn is?" Miraak questioned.
"Zu'u lost zaak veyn nii uld kos—I have an idea of where it might be."
"That case, it will likely be easy to spot from the air. Are you okay with taking us?"
"If that is what you wish, then that is what we will do, Dovahkiin."
Harry cast a weary eye toward his mate. He did look haggard, wore out. No, it was unlikely they would be doing much once they arrived in Riften.
"Let us land, and take a port key the rest of the way."
"Agreed. I still have business to complete with Maven... though she'll be very unhappy with this afternoon's events."
"Why is that?" Harry asked.
"Well... the meadery was... uh, supposed to be taken over by Maven."
"Oh."
"Yeah. She's gonna be VERY unhappy when I tell her."
"It was not something we planned," said Miraak, "Surely your contact will understand."
Mazhe sighed. "The woman's a witch... I mean that in the worst way. She wants you carted off to jail, it's done. She wants you dead, it's done. Gods, the connections she has... I mean, she's the reason the Guild has remained afloat for as long as it has."
"We'll eventually deal with her. There are other connections out there that will be much more useful," said Harry.
"Agreed. Though not just yet."
They landed where the road forked heading toward Riverwood. Then, with everyone linking up in some way, it was Justin who activated his mobile, causing them to vanish in another massive blur of limbs.
"I could grow used to that," said Sahrotaar, as they got themselves sorted from the trip. They had landed in the shadow of a small cliff, just southwest of the city.
"Rather convenient to get from one place to another in a hurry, yes," said Justin.
"Do you have a place to remain out of sight?"
"I recall small overlook a short way from here," the dragon answered, "Call me in the morning, and I will find you."
"Call... oh." Mazhe gave a sheepish grin, as the words formed in his head. Dragon... words of power. He gave a wave, as the dragon took flight, heading to the southwest.
About fifteen minutes later, the five of them were more than glad as they stepped into the large outer cistern that contained the Ragged Flagon.
"Gods... you lot look terrible," said Dierge, looking them over.
"We battled Alduin today," said Mazhe, bluntly. That got a raised eyebrow but nothing further from the bouncer. They took seats at their usual table, and Vekel approached with appropriate beverages.
"The usual fare?" he asked.
"Uh, yeah. And send word up to Maven that the, uh, assignment has been completed but there are complications."
Vekel gave a nod, and returned to the bar.
"So. What sort of adventure did you get yourselves into this time?" Delvin dared ask, from his usual spot.
"Alduin. Damn near killed Eric... he killed a dragon ally... Gods... made the heavens open up and throw fiery chunks of rock at us... and I feel like I've been dragged behind a carriage all afternoon. Though... I do feel slightly better," said Mazhe, before taking a long drink from the mug of mead in front of him.
"Thing is. Mazhe, there is an end in sight," said Harry, "Tomorrow, we take the fight to him. We finish the path destiny set out for you."
"I may die."
"And I will be right beside you. It terrifies me, but... I will not stand idly by. And neither will the rest of us."
"And know that I will also stand by you," said Miraak, "Your path is more noble than mine was."
"And there are still some things I need you to teach me," said Mazhe, "You know all the words to the Fire-breath shout, correct?"
"I do. And you will know them as well."
"Later. We need some time to reconcile dark thoughts," said Harry, "Gods..."
"Realize, today's battle was only a precursor. You know Sahrotaar speaks the truth... Skuldafn will be alive with his supporters—not all of them dovah," Miraak warned them.
Harry let out a snort. "Draugr. They are nothing compared to a dragon."
"Yet, one of my brothers... Nahkriin... we will likely find him at Skuldafn."
"Nahkriin—vengeance," Harry translated.
"A... dragon priest," Mazhe realized.
"Yeah... well, we took on one of those monsters already," said Tommy, scowling. "We know what they can do too."
"Well. Either way. We escaped relatively unscathed and still breathing. That's a battle won in my books," said Justin, raising his glass. "A battle won by numbers."
"I'll drink to that," said Mazhe. Bottles and mugs clinked together.
UP NEXT: The circle help Mazhe to meet his destiny... and Mazhe has a very important question for Harry...
AUTHOR NOTES: Once again, I don't plan on Harry being able to use the thu'um nearly as well as Mazhe or Miraak—it's quite clear in the game, that learning how to shout takes a lot of time, and a lot of practice. Even then, one might only learn and truly be able to use a few shouts, and master even less. The Greybeards are an exception, given that's all they do—and considering who their leader is. Ulfric Stormcloak studied with the Greybeards for a time, and even so, has only mastered two shouts—unrelenting force (which can be quite painful if you piss him off, as I've found out more than a few times in-game), and the Disarm shout (which can be a nuisance, since it sends that valuable weapon you've crafted clattering off into a corner somewhere—or worse, clipped out through the walls, gone forever).
I'm again having to offer apologies for the number of footnotes here, but again, they're all related to dragon speech.
(1) "Pogaan nahlaas, vokrii wah jun" many alive, restored to (the) light.
(2) "krahl hin freyend" - desire your assistance.
(3) "Hail, thuri. Saraan uth" - Hail, my overlord. I await your command
(4) "hi nid hask wah zey" - You (are) no threat to me
(5) "STRUN BAH QO" - Storm call shout. This is a shout the player can learn, but Alduin's version is something akin to an Armageddon meteor shower. He used this to destroy Helgen (the town in the opening sequence of the game), and again in Sovngarde.
(6) "GAAN LAH HAAS" - Drain vitality shout. Also available to the player, added by the Dawnguard expansion. It drains both health and magicka from the target.
(7) " Rok vax, nuz zu'u los ahk. Tiid naram maltiid fah zey. (...) Krif... voth... ahkrin" - he (is a) traitor, but i am also. Time grows short for me. (...) Fight with courage.
(8) "nivahriin muz" - cowardly men